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I want to be a rock star singing in the pouring rain! I guess that’s the best way to describe this date of the Area 2tour. Imagine the setting: Pouring rain, thunder, lightning and the music of David Bowie and Moby. How much better does it get than that? Seriously, even without Mother Nature’s help, this is the one concert tour to see this summer.
The Area 2tour kicks off early, at 3:30 in the afternoon. So, here’s my advice: Don’t be late! Why? If you are, you’ll miss the first act "Ash". London’s "Time Out" magazine voted their album, "Free All Angels" the best of 2001. Well, after their performance, I can see why. Songs like "Walking Barefoot" and "Shining Light" rock live. But, this band doesn’t only have one album they have three. "Kung Fu" and Girl From Mars" off 97’s "1977" are really the two crowd pleasers of their set. Hey, if a band can make me go purchase their disc, then they must be pretty good, right? Don’t miss Ash!
The second act on Area 2is the Blue Man Group. I was very curious to see them. I wondered: Can they recreate their act for the concert stage? Well, I don’t think this is the setting for them. When I think of Blue Men, I think of flying paint. You’re not going to see that on Area 2. What you get is a drum show, with some guitars and singing along the way. If you really want to see the Blue Men, go to their own show. I have a feeling each venue puts restrictions on what they can do
Should Busta Rhymes be on Area 2? A good question and the answer is no. It’s very difficult for a hardcore Rapper to win over a techno crowd. Let’s be honest, that’s who’s going to see Area 2, right? Sure, Busta’s performance is "off the hook" and laden with hits, but he’d be better served on the "Anger Management" tour. I’d rather see Busta with Eminem and Ludacris than with Bowie and Moby.
That takes me to the real star of Area 2, Bowie! David Jones has never looked nor sounded better! Does this guy ever age? Bowie’s set varied from new to old material and he performed it all in the pouring rain. Maybe Bowie and Mother Nature could put on a joint tour? I can see the marquee now… Songs by Bowie, Light Show by Mother Nature . Bowie performed "Changes", "China Girl" and "Heroes" while Mother Nature unleashed the thunder and lightning. It was awesome! In a way, I think the elements added to Bowie’s set. He was having so much fun on stage and it showed. Some artists would have stormed off the stage, but not Bowie. He was out there to entertain and that’s just what he did.
Surprisingly, Moby is the headliner of Area 2. Bowie is a hard act to follow for anyone, especially Moby. But, the Grammy nominee held up his end of the bargain. Now you’re not just getting a turntable when you see Moby. The techno wizard tours with a full band complete with a string section. Moby surrounds himself with great musicians. The gospel tracks "One of These Mornings" and "Natural Blues" soared over the thunder and lightning. While, Moby’s take on the James Bond theme rocked like it was coming from an industrial band.
I credit Moby for putting together such a great lineup for Area 2. And I just want to thank Mother Nature for making this show one that I will never forget. Bring on Area 3!
Bret J. Callahan
 
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