So night 2 of The Cure saw Erik and I leave Charlotte around 11 am to drive down to Atlanta. This is the first time I've done this drive (this way), and I gotta say - not sure how I kept awake the whole trip. It is dull! We checked into the Midtown Hilton and had a rest before the nights activities. After a quick dinner at the Trader Vic's in the hotel, we drove the 8 miles down to Lakewood Amphitheater without the hassle of the traffic we encountered coming into Atlanta. Not knowing the area we took a spot in a parking lot when Google Maps said we had arrived at the destination. We were taken for $20 but later on tonight that will seem like a bargain.
Once inside we tried to see if we could get upgraded seats (which they were offering in Charlotte last night) but the show was sold out, so we went for our spot on the general admission lawn. I didn't know that the tickets had gone on sale and this was all that was left by the time I got tickets.
We picked our spot about 3/4 of the way back, dead center, and made ourselves comfortable for the last half of the Twilight Sad. Again I've heard nothing from this band that I particularly like, but it was good to hear how humble they were playing in a venue of this size, opening for the Cure.
The Cure came on as the sun was still out, which felt a little weird, protecting your eyes and trying to see them as they played. We were in the same spot and had plenty of room to move and Erik and I didn't draw in our usual freaky crowd. Tonight's set is a lot darker (a stack more from Disintegration) and not as poppy/fun as last night's. But it's The Cure, so you know it's all good. It wasn't until Lovesong that it was actually dark and felt like a Cure show. Being directly in front (as compared to the side last night) gave a whole new perspective to the entire light and visual show. Just Like Heaven got the whole crowd dancing for the first time and sounded just great.
For me, it all kicked off from the first encore. Shake Dog Shake was one I wanted to hear desperately and it didn't disappoint. With the flute tied to the Robert Smith's mike stand you knew when he picked it up, Burn was next. An underrated song from the Crow soundtrack, I'm glad I got to hear it both nights. Then my all time favorite, A Forest, finished it off. Not the spine tingling moment I had last night, but such a great song.
A quick break, and the still heavily clothed Smith (it's not as hot as last night but we aren't under the aluminum roof like last night) spoke of feeling like he was playing an "out of tune radiator" each time he changed guitars, before launching into Lullaby, which got the loudest reception for the night. Fascination Street and Wrong Number were splendid follow ups.
The 3rd encore started with The Walk, which was as good as last night. And then the lively Doing The Unstuck, before the crowd went apeshit for Friday I'm In Love. The mood of the crowd and the band was on the up all night and you'd think after 9 songs in 3 encores that would be a great way to end it, but no, there was more to come.
The Perfect Girl was the start of the end. This Kiss Me song is not one I was familiar with, but there was no denying the beginning of Hot Hot Hot!!! Man, it sounded so good! Straight into Close To Me. It was just one iconic song after another. Why Can't I Be You was another smashing rendition, all to be closed out with Boys Don't Cry. Last night's show was out of this world fantastic and was always going to be hard to top, but tonight's show was great for many different reasons. 13 songs out of the 31 weren't played last night. The cooler-ish weather made it more comfortable. And just seeing a great band in a new venue/state was exciting. If I didn't have a family, I would have seen a ton more shows on this tour. I will have to settle for the next time around. I can't wait!
This is my 406th concert.
Lakewood Amphitheater is the 114th venue I've seen a concert in
Atlanta is the 49th city I've seen a concert in.
Georgia is the 13th state I've seen a concert in.
This is my 214th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Twilight Sad concert.
This is my 5th Cure concert.
Lakewood Amphitheater is the 114th venue I've seen a concert in
Atlanta is the 49th city I've seen a concert in.
Georgia is the 13th state I've seen a concert in.
This is my 214th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Twilight Sad concert.
This is my 5th Cure concert.
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