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We arrived about lunchtime yesterday and met up with bigdog, her majesty, H-C and Ian at Madigans for a few beers. Dublin city centre was heaving as, unbeknown to us beforehand, Ireland were playing Wales at footie. Bigdog led me astray again as usual and forced me to have four pints of black stuff before we went for a very nice meal in Flanagans.
Drifted up to the hotel in time for a shower and sadly another pint before we got a cab to the very impressive Point arena.
Unfortunately it didn't appear to be a sell out (apparently some bloke called Waters is there in a couple of weeks and some of the locals think he may be better than the Aussies!!!!) but only about 20% down on full capacity I reckon.
Ok, on to the gig..............
There was a completely new stage format....from left to right:-
Colin, Mike, Steve Mac, Damian, Ian and happily, Jason, front of stage right. Behind Ian where Jason used be were the FOUR girls, because of course Amy has returned. So all in all there's now eleven band members on stage.
Behind Colin on a substantial podium (Ivory Tower???!!!!!!  ) was Bonney but you could still only just see his eyes over the cymbals!!!! He now has a glazed screen in front of his drums for the full width of 'his' stage area. The glass stands about 2 metres high. I don't know what it is for - but someone will tell me I'm sure!! There was a row of what I would call 'spot lights' along the front of the stage for the full width and pointing out towards the audience and angled slightly upwards. These gave good effect. There is also a huge semi-circular 'screen' with lights all round as a backdrop. The familiar circular screen stands in front of this. The set list was quite different from last year and a particular highlight was Set the controls......especially Mike giving it what for on a soprano sax - you couldn't miss him......he was the one wearing a 2 foot high green leprechaun hat with Guinness splashed across the front!!!!!!! He was absolutely brilliant on that song - thanks Mike.
Mike actually had a very colourful evening, closing in SOYCD with a PINK alto sax!!!!!!
Another mention needs to go to Ian, who whilst he didn't play his bass, he sung on a good number of songs and was outstanding.
Great gig was performed by Ola and then Amy - beautifully sung as usual and nice to see it performed as a duo.
For me, On the turning away was a close second to Set the controls as my favourite song.
Having said that, there wasn't much to choose between any of the songs as the whole gig was fabulous and the WHOLE band gave, as usual, an outstanding and professional performance.
Two other new features were that Jason introduces the band (before Comfy i think! Hic!!!!) and then after the encore they all come together for a bow, which was really nice to see.
It remains to be seen whether the set list will vary in the coming months, but it's hard to see how it could necessarily be improved!!!!! 
Regards to all and looking forward to seeing some of you at later gigs.
Mike
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