Wendesday gave way to major afternoon storms in the Queen City with plenty of thunder and lightning. A well needed change of pace from the heat wave drought ridden summer that so far has beaten down on the Midwest over the past few weeks. As a result of these unexpected storms, my power went out. Sitting at home in a dark, hot house I quickly decided to head out to the local bar and decide what I should do for the evening just in case the power isn't restored in the next couple hours.
So here comes The Blind Pilots. For a mear $15 I can go see a live show; have an ice cold beer and get out of my powerless home. Now I want to preface this review by saying that I am 46 years old and from what I saw I definately am able to be a parent to most all the attendees of the show. I would say there was quite easily a good 800 to 900 people in the audience. The 20th century has a front standing room area up by the stage then it has an area with tables towards the rear. All were full with collegiate (or maybe even high school) kids.
The band sounded great, They definately have a huge following for a reason. All six members were in unison with each other jamming away to their tunes. Here is my perplexity to the whole evening. The lighting was just plain horrible! So wait -- lets get this straight. I'm bitching about the lighting huh. Who the hell cares! Well here is why you should care. This band is so damn talented. They can sing. They can play. They sound great when mixed through the sound board, But you can't see them well up there on stage. And from what I gather, that is how the band wants it. The key board player, drummer and xylophone players are pretty much in the dark. Hell - you might as well put them outside in the parking lot and just plug them into the sound board.
What this band needs is some one to design for them a stage. Raise up your drummer on a stand. Put appropriate lighting on ALL SIX members. (look- I get that maybe the band wishes to be back lighted. I talked to the lighting guy who told me this.But maybe they would like some front lighting it it was readily available). Program a nice lighting show that goes along with each songs. I guarentee that the audience of 800 would then not stand there like zombies but be more into the show.
So here is a potentially big hit wonder band ready for the prime time. They have just about everything needed to go far. Cept they lack a nice light show. I do hope some one close to the band pays attention to this review and runs with my advise. Next time I get to see The Blind Pilot I hope I dont have to be blind but can actually see them up there on the stage