The Waiting Room, Omaha, NE 10/10/10

[land it74]

Just when I think my fandom for this band has cooled down a bit, I get sparked by such a tight live act by Helmet!

The openers were Goes Cube and Intronaut. Two acts that I think need more development and versatility if they ever wish to have status like Helmet. The former was hardcore-ish trio and the latter a metal-ish prog-rock type group...a lot of splashy drumming, jazz-rock bass and ambient audio while they re-tuned. Can't say either impressed, but I guess you got to start somewhere in the rock music biz.

I have to say that it must be humbling to be an opening band for Helmet because once they go on, the crowd swarms the stage and the anticipation and thrill is much more palpable during sound check than any opening acts can muster up during their performance. You know the drill if you've been a fan. They go on and they TURN IN UP BEYOND 11, stage diving and all.

At one point, an overly enthusiastic guy with a pair of his own drumsticks got an irritated lecture from Page for pounding on his monitor. He tempered it with something like "I don't mind if you drum but don't hit my monitor...you entertain me."

I was able (among dozens and dozens of others) to shake hands with Page, get an autograph on my Betty copy and very briefly tell him that I would love to do a poster for the band...I handed him some copies of my designs...which I have no expectations that the opportunity will arise to do such a thing by mere recommendation from Mr. Hamilton. Ah well. Just thought it'd a be a nice gesture and some scraps for the band. My biggest regret was not asking to get a picture taken with him as I felt I was taking too many seconds of his time to chit chat with others trying to get his attention. He definitely show gratitude and generosity to fans after the show!

I don't have the proper order of the set list but here's my recollection by album. I may be missing a few numbers...

Meantime
You Borrowed
Unsung
Turned Out
FBLA II
Ironhead
You Borrowed

Tic
Wilma's Rainbow
Milquetoast
Speechless

Like I Care (Page called this the "slow jam")
Easy To Get Bored
High Visibility
Pure
Birth Defect

Smart

Welcome To Algiers
In Person
So Long

Blah blah blah...was happy to take the road trip to see them!

[JSPHOTOS]

The Waiting Room, Omaha,Ne
10/10/10





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[JSPHOTOS]

Omaha Set List:

Pure
So Long
FBLA II

Algiers
Distracted
Ironhead

Like I care
In Person
Smart
Birth Defect

Speechless
Wilma
Unsung

Milque
Meantime
Brand New