Northern Lights Casino - Walker, Minnesota - 8.14.10

The Black Crowes
August 14, 2010 

Northern Lights Casino 

Walker, Minnesota

Goodbye Daughters of the Revolution
Jealous Again
Another Roadside Tragedy                     
Wiser Time
Poor Elijah - Tribute to Johnson (Medley)
Sometimes Salvation
High Head Blues
Oh Sweet Nuthin’
Thorn In My Pride
Twice As Hard
- encore -
Remedy

Casinos.  Besides the Hard Rock in Vegas and the Borgata in Atlantic City, casino gigs aren't usually at the top of the list when a Crowes fan is mapping out shows to hit during the tour.  They end early, you tend to get an extra dose of vanilla and the room is usually filled with gamblers who got comp tickets for going on a run at the craps table.  In Vegas and Atlantic City you tend to get nights like this and this and this...in Walker, Minnesota you get nights like this.  If you were expecting the evening to be like this or even this, we have a seat reserved for you.  So don't get all bent out of shape over the first and likely last Crowes gig ever at the Northern Lights Casino.  By the way, have you checked the Calendar of Events there lately?  Kenny Rogers played a two night stand this past January with four hungry children and a crop in the field.  Two nights.  They also have zydeco dance lessons at the NLC if you need to brush up on your Cajun hoedown skills.  

Attendance was reportedly around 1000 400 people.  Most diehards probably steered clear.  Running time was clocked around 90 minutes.  Lots of complaining on the messageboards from people who weren't there.  Not many reviews and comments to be found on this one from folks who were in the building...

Fan #1...

I ended up making the drive to Walker for last night's gig and I'm so glad I did! Thanks for the ticket Matt! They simply rocked the 400 or so that were there. (if that many) Made it back home and recharging for the MN Zoo show tonight - and the weather is spectacular! This will be the real test of how they are treating the electric shows. They have a 3 hour window to do whatever. Will they maximize the opportunity and evening for all of us? Bring some of that spirit from the Walker gig to The Zoo guys and gals, and add another 75 minutes!

Fan #2... 

It was short but a very solid show. I have to imagine tonight will be even better!

And a band sighting by another... 

...saw the boys get on the bus yesterday in downtown Minny, was one of the coolest moments ever. Had no idea they were staying at same hotel as I. Talked to Luther, said hello to Chris, Rich cruised by me. Wanted a picture but was too shocked as my favorite band walked by.

Wouldn't be complete without sharing a few thoughts from the peanut gallery... 

10 tunes for $51.... that's $5.10 per tune and tunes they play all the time. Highly disappointing. If you traveled to see this show, I'd want a refund $51 for the show. $20 for gas. $15 for food. $15 beer. $25 left handed cigarettes. $125 for 10 tunes and a long ride home. Nice!

And another...

WEAK!

There were quizzical inquiries made...

Is there a reason why this show was so short...?

And answers given...

Casino show...usually shorter than most other shows....relax. 

As well as an interesting bit about the soundcheck...

 I should add that as we headed out across the road for dinner, we came upon a very late (1 1/2 hrs before showtime?) soundcheck in the tent; needless to say we went no further as we watched them test out (sans CR of course) several zep tunes: Nobody's fault But Mine, Hots On For Nowhere, Custard Pie & even a taste of In My Time of Dying; in our altered state, we mused that perhaps they had lured Jimmy Page to Walker, MN??? - also heard Better When You're Not Alone & Cypress Tree-

So with Walker, Minnesota and the Northern Lights Casino in the rearview mirror, the bus rolls south through Brainerd and heads for the polar bears and spider monkeys at the Zoo Amphitheater in Apple Valley, Minnesota.

Goodbye Northern Lights -

*There were no official reports provided as to the beer selection at the NLC, so we will presume, at the very least, Budweiser was available.