Wow. I had a rough week last week, to be followed by a relaxing weekend in Vegas for 2 Dave Matthews Band shows. It was a nice ending to the week to pull me out of the sadness that I expereinced at home. However, I never expected this… The first night was a pretty good show. I heard “I’ll Back You Up” for the first time, one of the first songs Dave ever wrote and the band ever played together. SUCH a pretty song and an amazing experience hearing it live. I also got to hear their cover of “Time of the Season,” which I missed during the Summer 2006 tour. Other than those songs though, the show was just pretty good. The band was really excited to be in Vegas (evidenced by Dave jumping across the stage when they came on) and the venue allowed you to hear everyone singing along. Generally, a good time was had by all. Here is the setlist from Friday night:

Dave Matthews Band
March 23, 2007
Grand Garden Arena - MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

Pantala Naga Pampa …
Rapunzel
Satellite
When the World Ends
Time Of The Season
Hunger for the Great Light
Dreamgirl
Say Goodbye
The Idea Of You
Louisiana Bayou
I’ll Back You Up +
Down By the River
Crush
The Maker
Jimi Thing
Stay

Encore:
Sister *
Everyday
What You Are

Notes:
* Dave solo
+ Dave, Carter, Stefan, Rashawn only.

First time Time of the Season has been played since 9.9.05.
First time I’ll Back You Up has been played full band since 8.7.04.
First time The Maker has been played full band since 9.6.03.
First full band show to feature 3 full cover songs since 10.6.04.
This show features 3 cover songs, first time in a non-special event concert since 6/26/99.

“I’ll Back You Up”

Then comes the Saturday night show. Blown Away. Such a great set, and then…. “Halloween.” You may remember that I had made it part of my life’s mission to hear this song live before the band retires (evidenced here and here and here). Never ever thought I actually would. Carter starts the drum intro and me and Chris look at each other in disbelief, both crossing our fingers. They break into the song and I start screaming and jumping up and down, which continues for the songs entireity. I proceeded to shake for at least 5 minutes after the encore and had to sit down before I could walk out of the venue. That’s true fandom right there. I’ll let the set speak for itself:

Dave Matthews Band
March 24, 2007
Grand Garden Arena - MGM Grand Hotel, Las Vegas, NV

Crash Into Me
You Might Die Trying
Grey Street
Sweet Caroline
What Would You Say
The Idea Of You
Seek Up
Still Water …>
Don’t Drink the Water
Dancing Nancies
Where Are You Going
The Maker
Louisiana Bayou
Stolen Away on 55th and 3rd
Down By the River
Too Much
Tripping Billies

Encore:
Gravedigger +
American Baby Intro
Halloween

Notes:
+ Dave Solo

First time Still Water played full band.
First time Gravedigger played at a full band show (though still solo) since 7.27.03. It is also the first song released on Some Devil played at a full band show since its release.
First time Halloween has been played since 12.10.05.
First full band show known to feature four full cover songs since 2.13.92.

I took a video of “Halloween” on my camera, but it is pretty much a blur of light bouncing up and down since our seats were kinda far away and I was jumping up and down like crazy. Here is a video someone posted on YouTube:

Still doesn’t even come close to the actual experience…

“Sweet Caroline” (only the 2nd time it’s ever been played!)

Dave Matthews Band - Halloween, Live 3/24/07 (mp3)

Until August boys