Two days have passed but I took a few notes at this show and thought I might report on them. The show was supposed to start at 8 but according to the guy who tore my ticket, Ben got stuck in Nashville traffic and the show was delayed a half hour. Eef began playing at 8:30 and instead of his usual 9 song set he played 13, in order to kill time while Ben was still in route. After Eef's set a guy came up on stage and explained that Ben still had not arrived but they were going to give stuff away. Suddenly the atmosphere became chaotic as people were hustling to catch free t-shirts and others were getting on the microphone singing Ben's songs for prizes. Eventually things calmed down and Ben finally started playing around 10. The setlist was:
1. Errant Dog - feat. Tambo-man
2. Gone
3. Landed - feat. Tambo-man
4. Hiroshima
5. RTB - Pretty extended and featured the lyrics, "Murray State, Sorry I was late, Now masturbate!"
6. Losing Lisa
7. Free Coffee
8. Annie Waits
9. Still Fighting It
10. All U Can Eat
11. Effington - feat. Tambo-man.
12. Kate
13. Brink
14. Lullaby - Solo
15. The Luckiest - Solo
16. Kylie From Connecticut
17. Bitches Ain't Shit
18. Army
19. Rockin' The Suburbs
20. Zak and Sara
21. Underground
22. Philosophy - Encore
23. Not The Same - Encore
Ben explained that he was late because he had to visit a doctor in Nashville who stuck a two foot tube through his nose. However he said he was alright.
There was probably eight feet from the front row to the front of the stage and when Ben played “Bitch Ain't Shit” a few people came right up in front and started dancing. I would have guessed that security would have asked them to go back to their seat but they didn't and as a result more people came up front. By the end of the show it was more standing room only than people at their assigned seats.
At the end of the show I was able to quickly escape out of the side hatch. I saw Ben get into a van surrounded by security. The van then drove about 50 yards with security running alongside of it toward the tour bus. Ben got on the bus and stayed in there for a while. A women from the venue told those who were hoping to meet him to go home and that he’s not coming out. However about ten minutes later he did! He first tried to autograph anything that anyone wanted, then I was able to get a picture taken with him. Ashley, Ben's manager was actually the person who took the picture.
Overall it was another great show. However on a personal level I have a concern. For a while now I have been buying tickets through the fan club which hooks us up with good seats toward the front. However, when Ben comes out I would like to stand during the show but most people around me are not. People usually end up asking me to sit down which I am inclined to do because I am 6'6" and I don't want to ruin everyone else's experience. While sitting down I feel like I am disrespecting the band and I end up wishing my seats were further back wherever other people are standing. I suppose there is no real solution to this problem, I guess I'm just venting. Anyone else ever felt this way? I've been asked to sit down at Luther College, Chattanooga, Savannah, and now Murray State. Don't get me wrong though, I really appreciate the fan club hook up.