7.16.19 Phoenix, AZ

LOL  I think Adam will put up with a lot of discomfort for the sake of his fashion!

LOL I'm also in the hotel. Sightseeing or shopping in Phoenix.... NOPE.  And you wait outside for the doors to open at 6:30. Haven't yet decided when to bite the bullet and leave. And to think that I used to live in Saudi Arabia.

It's been a long time since I've seen Adam - and a long time since I've posted a review - but, here goes, from a non-techie who has been fortunate enough to see many QAL performances . . .
San Jose was a lush spectacle. The curved screen, in front, was of gold and appeared almost three-dimensional in its detail. When it rose, as the show began, Brian was the one who first appeared between two red screen curtains. He was lit from behind - just his silhouette - and then Adam appeared 'Now I'm Here' - and we were on our way!
As others have said - the catwalk 'thrust' is narrower this time, and the end of each floor row of the first 10 or so comes almost right to the barrier. This was kind of a problem during the show because there were a few patrons who left frequently for the bathroom or the bar - and the space was so narrow people had to stand aside and jostle around to allow them to pass. Only a few people - I think security allowed seat #1 in each row - were at the barrier. In my area (row 7, seat 3 on stage right - house left) everyone stood, sang and danced the entire show. The big viewing screens were placed very high up - above the curve - so, for me it was much easier to watch the catwalk and Adam, Brian, and Roger at the end of the catwalk rather than look up at the screens. Must say, the 'rear view' of Adam didn't disappoint.
"Killer Queen' on the piano was cute - but lacked the opulence of the 'chaise lounge'. Adam did take a drink and squirt it, but it was done during a later song (I can't remember which one) when he was hydrating and dancing in front of Roger, while the focus was on Brian at the end of the thrust.
The visual camera work for the set was stunning. During 'SMGO', in the background, the camera takes us down a long, gilded, castle-like corridor, and as Adam finished the song, the corridors crumbled; the castle walls crumbled; and even the Queen logo crumbled as the song ended. It provided a visual 'sorrow' to the sad resolve of the music.
Brian's solo, atop a meteor, was visually and artistically stunning. It went by so quickly (as compared to previous shows . . . but, let me say, I LOVE 'Lost Horizon')! At one point, a little ball - resembling Earth, I think - came down and spun around Brian; and then, it was accompanied by all the planets of our solar system, dancing and spinning in chaotic order to the music he made.
Personally, I only experienced one 'lull' in the show. It was during 'Radio Gaga' when Adam didn't come into the audience. Instead, he faced Roger; the lasers shone all around; but NOTHING HAPPENED. I realized that it was about 90 seconds of no action, as compared with the minute or more when the audience had been enraptured with Adam's move around the thrust in previous shows. I hope they think of something to do during this musical interlude in the future. It really took the momentum out of the song, in my opinion.
I don't recall ever hearing 'Machines' before . . . well, let me tell you . . . Adam kills this song!!! His voice just sustained and soared within and around the notes and the phrasing . . . and I still don't really know what he was singing! His voice rang through the venue with a clarity that nearly lifted me out of my shoes.
The entire performing ensemble performs a give and take that is like a poetic dance. On stage, they celebrate each other; regularly gesturing to acknowledge the performance taking place. Technically, the show was flawless to my eyes and ears. I rarely saw Adam lift a hand to adjust his earpiece or the monitor on the back of his pants.
Risque me thinks AFL could do more on that motorcycle.
I spent a small fortune on two t-shirts and a coffee mug at the merchandise counter, but, of course, it's worth it! Our VIP 'goodie bag' included a (faux) silk bathrobe!!
I'm saving that for the night we move back into our new home . . .
I'll be attending the LA shows over the weekend. We'll see what my fortunate future holds!!