------------------------------------------------------- JUNE 24, 2004 ------------------------------------------------------- Source: The Prague Post http://www.praguepost.com/P03/2004/Art/0624/featu2.php Facility problems mar great shows By Raymond Johnston (Contributed to YitP by Donna Hayes) Some visiting musicians make a little stab at a few Czech phrases, usually getting as far as "dekuju or dobrou noc" and maybe even praising the "pivo." Paul McCartney went for complete sentences, although he did have to read from notes for the June 6 show at T-Mobile Park, his first in Prague. When McCartney spoke English, he had two women backstage typing live Czech subtitles for the giant video monitors. Both McCartney's Czech and the subtitles caused a good chuckle. Even if he wasn't your favorite Beatle, Sir Paul puts on a fine show. He started off with "Jet," a fairly rocking number, and sprinkled the two-and-half hour show with several Beatles songs he had never performed live before this tour. "Back in the U.S.S.R." went over fairly well, and "Live and Let Die" played to flames and fireworks. Fortunately, the set list included none of his sappy clunkers like "Ebony and Ivory." The stage setup was quite elaborate, with monitors several stories tall showing live shots of the musicians and historical footage of McCartney's earlier bands. (The setup belongs to McCartney and won't be there for future shows.) This was the first concert at T-Mobile Park, which is still little more than a muddy industrial field. There were very few good places to sit or stand. Many of the seats, which were not cheap, were quite far from the stage with poor views. Sound and lighting sheds blocked the best views from the center. The organizers have promised in a statement on their Web site to iron out the problems for future shows. Yes, another aging rock act with a big back catalog, stopped at Sazka Arena June 8 on their 35th anniversary tour. They also had an elaborate show, featuring an inflatable set by Roger Dean, who designed most of their fantasy album covers back in the 1970s. The set looked a bit like a giant seafood salad. The band seemed to be in a good mood, with keyboardist Rick Wakeman back in the lineup. Singer Jon Anderson went down into the audience at one point to sing and dance. Fans who caught other recent tours were no doubt happy to hear some of the longer album tracks, like "Ritual" from Tales of Topographic Oceans, mixed with hits like "Going for the One." An acoustic set with "Wonderous Stories" and "Roundabout" also added something new. This show marked another inauspicious debut for a concert facility. The main problem at Sazka was too much security. Concertgoers were both frisked and then scanned by metal detectors. For seating on the main floor, you had to run tickets through turnstiles twice and then show them to additional guards. Security during the performance was even more intense, with muscular guards pouncing on fans who tried to get out of their seats and rock to the music. When Jon Anderson signaled to the audience near the end of the second set that it was OK to dance, the guards were noticeably disturbed, glowering angrily at anyone who took up the offer. Despite all the infrastructure problems, both acts get high marks for appearing in peak form. As for the facilities, T-Mobile Park rates a D, while Sazka gets a demerit for bad conduct. Close Window YesInThePress.com For site comments, inquiries, corrections, or additions, contact yitp@yesservices.com