There was rain, there was a difficult loadin, there was a very late soundcheck… but it ended up a magical and memorable show here in Verona.
and that’s not surprising because the Verona Arena is a pretty unique venue, that stands on it’s own, even among the many we’ve played.
Yes, I’m sitting down here… having hiked up to the top seats a couple of time (higher than they look) I thought I should save a Little energy for the show!
Over the top wall, the city
and I’m told that the small higher section, which you’ll see on other photos, used to encircle the whole arena
Not an easy loadin for the crew… this is the city center, and our 12 trucks can only approach the venue one at a time. Not to mention the rain.
I suppose the set is no secret now
The backstage is as memorable as the outside. This building is about 2,000 years old, and it feels that way in the stone corridors.
A lot of this reminds me of previous photos I’ve taken - I played here a few years ago with King Crimson, and back in 1987 with Peter. It’s an understatement to say it hasn’t changed a bit!
Some interesting things outside too. We’re all wondering what kind of crane was big enough to lift up this huge crane.
And why!
Large opera scenery next to the old walls
Not sure why the earliest audience to come in all sit in the same section
A shame that it’s raining… kind of lightly but still, it’d be a lot more fun for the audience if it would stop.
Odysseus, Johnathan and Jason found a minute to relax
and, for us, it’s about time to go on
Soon enough it was intermission time… Vi takes care of some stage gear…
and, briefly backstage, a glance at the ‘runner bags’, because we’re heading off to Milan right after we leave stage.
Then darkness fell, the rain stopped, and things got quite magical
It was as amazing as it looks.
Coming back on for the encore:
then, heading out the back, a glimpse of some of the crew who’ll be hard at work for hours dissembling the stage.
I will treasure the show, and remember it for a long time - but the tour moves on quickly - tomorrow is a show in Milan.
So, though I’d like to bask in this one for awhile, I’ll say the usual: More Soon!