[samhunt]

I was there last night too …down on the floor just back from the barrier that blocked off the orchestra/mosh pit.

I know bugger all about Dinosaur Jr, really. They are one of many great bands I seem to have missed during the 80’s/90’s due to a general lack of diversity/broad-ranging interest that was characteristic of my youthful musical taste. So when this opportunity came up to see the original trio, I intuitively jumped at it. It was funny to be there and not really know any of their songs, but that didn’t really matter. I thought they were really excellent, and I enjoyed every sternum vibrating, eardrum assaulting, intestine rumbling note, as did the rest of the audience. What an absolutely incredible sound from a trio !!!

And I didn’t personally find the crowd annoying at all…I thought they were just having a really good time, and I think the band did too. I don’t know what it was like at the Aussie gigs, but I love the fact that security is so low-key here in NZL that the keen youthful types could be crowd surfed up onto the stage, and then stand up there for a bit dancing enthusiastically before falling back into the pit, and not really be hassled by anyone for doing it. These stage invaders didn’t seem to bother the band, and in fact I got the impression that they actually enjoyed it, in a bemused kind of way…especially the girl who got up there and lifted her t-shirt to display its contents. Very nice they were, as well. She then proceeded to heap much worship upon J, Lou and Murph, which they fully deserved !! I think New Zealand audiences are really good ones generally, probably because we are so grateful when bands actually turn up in our lovely yet secluded neck of the woods. So, thank you lads for making the effort to come to Auckland and play for us.

When they were about to leave the stage before the first encore, Lou said "Thanks for making this the best night of our whole trip." I don’t know if it was genuine – maybe he says that every night, everywhere – but somehow I think he might have actually meant it.

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