Roots & Rock n' Roll Tour : Hanson in New Orleans ,Day 1

       I want to mention a couple of things before I start this blog. This concert not only puts 35 Hanson shows under my belt, but the third week of October marks 12 years as a Hanson fan.

·         This concert was my first birthday show (Happy 30th Zac) and the farthest I had ever traveled to see Hanson.

·                    I got to the venue about 2pm and was surprised at how short the line was and that the line didn't start until 9:30pm the day before. But as I was talking to fans in line, it seemed like they were fans that hadn't seen Hanson in like 10 years. So it wasn't the normal die-hard fans I was use to.

The Show

Opener: Paul McDonald.  I love Paul McDonald. I remember back when I first heard him on the Anthem Tour, I was unsure about him and by the end of a few shows, I was in love. I have seen Paul a few times outside of Hanson and once in a friend's living room. He's  always entertaining and engaging  and his  lyrics are moving and deep, especially after his breakup from Nikki.  Hanson and Carrick joined Paul on staged for the last song "Renegade".

            Night 1 was a 27 song setlist, (Setlist ) that began and ended with Happy Birthday. Hanson started the show off acapella singing "Teach Your Children" . Beautiful.

Other (Hanson) Highlights Included:          

            Besides the usual mix of 50's and 60's rock and roll with Billy Joel thrown in the mix , there are always a few songs at every show that surprise me.

Shake a Tail Feather: I hadn't heard this live before and it was great to see how it had changed from the 98 version from the Live from Albertane cd.

Chain of Fools: I love Aretha Franklin. Zac's vocal range is off the charts and downright spine tingling. The bass beat lone was enough to keep me rocking all night!

Delta Lady: Tay's solo. The surprise of the night. This was the one song I didn't really know and after hearing this and "Song for You" on the stream from Chicago, I really need to check out Leon  Russell's  catalog.

In A little While/Desire: U2 & Hanson. Enough said. Taylor knows how to use a tambourine.

The show ended with bang, Zac belting out " I Believe in a Thing Called Love" and climbing over the barrier,to touch fans.

AfterParty:

            I don't know where Taylor gets all his energy. If was me, I'd push play and walk off stage. But not Taylor Hanson, no he dances, jumps, and tries to be engaging. These after parties are weird, but in the best way possible. I don't understand the fans that cram themselves up against the barrier to just stare at Taylor. But to each their own. I use the time to dance, drink, and act foolish with friends I've met through this band. Moments like these won't last forever, so take it all in.
    The party picked up when Paul joined Taylor on stage for Twist and Shout. Taylor at one point pointed to his shoulders and Paul gave Taylor a little shoulder rub.

I hope this wasn't too long winded. Up next: Hanson in Nola part two & Hanson in Los Angeles tomorrow.