FictionPlane/The Police: As I noted, shitty-ass opening act fronted by Sting Jr. Everyone applauded fervently every time a song was over, for the sheer fact that it was OVER. When the Police triumvirate hit the stage, it was pretty exciting. It was only the 3 of them the entire time - no backup singers, no backup musicians. Which meant some things we're used to from studio albums fell by the wayside (e.g. "That's my soul up there ...") but I appreciate their integrity. Stewart Copeland and Andy Summers are far better musicians than they get credit for, though Copeland needs a serious haircut. They sang my favorite, "Synchronicity II," but my favorite performances of the evening were "King of Pain" and "Wrapped Around Your Finger." I will turn your face to alabaster ... when you find your servant is your master ... who writes lyrics like that anymore? Definitely not Hinder. They all looked like they were truly having a great time, as well, all of 'em. Did a very moving "Every Breath You Take" second-to-last then came out for a final encore of "Next to You," which seems oddly misguided, but who am I to judge.

Lifehouse/Goo Goo Dolls: Down at the Arch grounds with, I kid you not, 200,000 other people. But we finagled our way between the Arch steps and the stage, in a mosh pit of sorts mere feet from the stage. I saw Lifehouse in the fall of 2001, when they were fresh from their "Hanging By a Moment" high and were just pups - like 19, 20 years old. They were good then, good now. Strong set of 7-8 songs. Great view. As we waited for the Goo Goo Dolls, the pit in which we were standing grew much bigger and infinitely more annoying. Smelly teens up in our grill, dummies with mustard-laced corn dogs trying to scurry past. After 5 GGD songs, we bailed out. They did practically the same set as when I saw them last summer, with the welcome addition of "Long Way Down." Seems like they keyed down a song or two - wonder if Rzeznik was under the weather. Speaking of weather, though, it was perfect. Fireworks followed the show.

Styx/Def Leppard: All I can say is that the 4 of us went for Def Leppard and left as Styx fans. Who knew arena rock was so powerfully entertaining (I should have known). "Lorelei" was great, "Come Sail Away" was sublime, "Blue Collar Man" was kick-ass. Tommy Shaw's pipes are still incredible. All of the guys were totally still in the 80s, with feathered hair and leather pants and bolo ties. It was really endearing in a way. Then ... getting the Lepp out. The musicianship was fine, and Rick Allen never stopped smiling. But Joe Elliott's voice is not what it used to be, assuming it was ever capable live. Brother shrieks and struggles. Additionally, the set list was missing the Adrenalize, much to my disappointment. But it was still a tremendous time.

Chuck Klosterman: It's hard to see your idols fall. 3 years ago, when I went to a Klosterman signing, he was super personable and charming and I was surprised at how much better he looked in real life compared to his jacket photo. This time around, while his two hours' of commentary were funny and smart (disturbed only by a terribly dense emcee), he just seemed as though he couldn't be bothered during the signing portion. He was friendly enough, I guess, and sort of answered my questions, but he signed with just his name, for example (last time he addressed my book with the opening strains of "Beth" by Kiss). Plus? He looks like he's spent the last 3 years sleeping under various bridges. The guy is odd looking, for sure, but the unkempt hair, shaggy beard, and musty odor certainly don't help matters. Then again, grooming is so unhip, yo!

Police concert .... Lifehouse concert ... Goo Goo Dolls concert ... Def Leppard/STYX! concert ... Chuck Klosterman reading and signing ... so much to share, so little time.

Must do a proper update this weekend.

Sufficient to say, Joe Elliott is strugglin', mosh pits are not meant for my passive ass, 'Come Sail Away' is my favorite song ever, and I misrepresent myself as a low-IQ'd Spin groupie who doesn't know shit about shit.