I'll post more about the show itself (it was GREAT) in a bit, but I did want to make a special post about the lateness issue.

When I first started hearing reports of the shows starting late I figured it was mainly coming from folks that hadn't gone to a lot of concerts; after letting everyone in, the opening act, and set-up it's not unusual at all for the proper show to start an hour or so after the listed time.

But the TWO HOUR wait was excessive and painful. I feel bad for Mike Rizzo who was kind of thrown to the wolves here: when he announced Utada was starting at 9 to an audience that had already been waiting for over an hour, he basically lost all goodwill with the crowd and his whole set felt like a struggle against their disgruntledment (also people probably weren't expecting to dance and this crowd probably didn't quite understand DJing enough to really appreciate some of his impressive mixing). Fortunately the closer we got to 9 o'clock the more excited the audience became.

I suppose this wouldn't have been as much of an annoyance (I mean, things happen right?) but knowing that this has happened at mutliple shows concerns me. Especially since these are standing-room only shows (this was one of the only venues with some actually seated sections, but I was still in the pit), we're crammed in like sardines where body heat escalates and, yes, I did start smelling some B.O. , it doesn't surprise me that some people actually fainted. My legs felt like they were going to fall off!

I really do wish that there was at least some acknowledgement for the delays ("Thank you so much for waiting" or something) and maybe a thank you to Mike Rizzo who had to take all the heat. I don't mean to sound ungrateful for what was a fantastic show (MORE ON THAT IN A BIT ), but I think it had to be said.

I think I ought to post this on her website haha....