I had been looking forward to this concert for a long time since Mark had his motorcycle accident and all. I was all juiced up and had 3rd row seats almost dead center. I had never heard of the opening act before and that song about being 70% water is still sticking in my head. Anyway, it's not that the opening act stunk, but I think that we were all eagerly waiting for Knopfler to come out and I was focused. Anyway, the concert has almost been two weeks ago as I write this now because I have to say that overall the concert was great. However, it seems that the audio was messed up and I could hardly hear a lot of the lyrics. The acoustics on Romeo and Juliet were almost a faint noise in the distance compared to other versions of the song I have heard live and in recordings. In general it seemed that Mark was a bit on overdrive and just coasting through the concert compared to when I saw him last in Chicago in 2001. Almost as if he was sedated. Not like near lethal doses of thorazine sedated, but maybe a touch of xanax or something. He seemed to strugle with his solos on Telegraph Road and it looked like he decided "screw this and let me end this solo with a bunch of typical power cords and be done with this." I realize the man is 55 and maybe his age is catching up to him or it could have been that he was tired from playing 4 gigs before. I still believe he is one of the best guitar players in the world. Just next time on tour take some more naps or something. And for the love of Pete, play Going Home when you leave. You kicked us to the curb a second time in Chicago without playing it. Screw the curfew regulations and pay the fine or whatever. My wife was waiting for that song because you know it's the best way to end a show :) Anthony

Having seen Mark on the last tour, I was very disappointed in the recent Chicago show. Is his voice "gone", hasn't recovered from the cycle accident, or has the tour taken its toll? The lyrics were unintelligible and his guitar playing was sloppy (or he was just playing whatever notes he felt like playing). I have since listened to his Nashville show. I got the same impression- sounded like he has no voice and is bored playing some of the older songs. I hate to express this opinion as I'm a long-time fan and was really looking forward to the show. We had good seats, but got the impression that Mark would've rather been doing something else.

Arrived late but saw enough of opening act Bap Kennedy to say that they were good - humorous and will explore their music. As far the main man, MK he was fantastic and put on a great show!!! One major complaint: Vocals were legible for Bap Kennedy and not for Mark (different sound crew or just pumping too much volume into a room that doesn't need it to sound good) I know the words but those who are new to Shangri-La did not learn anything new. All in all, an awesome band and performance. P.S. I still like hearing the old hits (saw Robert Plant at the same venue just a week earlier - another fantastic performance - he added new dimensions to the old "Classics" by transforming them into "new" songs by altering their rhythms and phrasing) Final Word - "Don't miss this show if comes to your town!"

What a fantastic evening 2nd row off the stage screaming my head off after every rendition of every song! Why Aye Man, Speedway at Nazareth,Telegraph Road,So Far Away,Rudiger, so on and so on Mark seemed to feed off the crowd the whole band did Danny,Glenn,Matt,Richard,Guy and Mark were fantastic. Wish Mark had played some more of his newer stuff trawlermans song,sucker row,5;15 am but as a buddy of mine Craig said if that was the case we wouldn't have gotten out till 1 am! Very satisfied with how the whole evening went- Thank you see ya next time around since it isn't the adios tour!

It was one of those summer nights in Chicago where the swelter (at least outside the theater) does not encourage a lot of exertion. But, despite being deep into what must be a grueling tour, MK and company delivered a powerful show for a very, very enthusiastic crowd. The setting was the Auditorium Theater, a national landmark theater designed by architects Sullivan and Adler in the 1890‘s, it has recently undergone an extensive restoration. It was a very classy setting but still well suited to rock. I took the splurge and went for 2nd row pit seats, great view and really a treat to see the band up close. I believe that from the opening applause for Why Aye Man the group was taken aback by the strength of the reception. Who can tell what they’re thinking, but it looked like Richard and Mark were a little amused by a security guard, who looked like he could be Mike Ditka’s father, trying to keep a couple of dancing fans out of the aisle. The set list was the same as recent shows, a couple of small details that I found notable; at the start of Sonny Liston it sounded like Mark ran off a couple of blues licks, maybe a homage to the locale? Maybe my imagination? The vocal for Romeo and Juliet, weather it’s just professionalism or simply MK being into the song and really feeling it, after all these years of performing it I’m impressed with the passion he brings to this song’s delivery. Speedway At Nazareth was, as mentioned in previous reviews, a “wow” moment, one that really sneaks up on you, even though you know it’s coming. TR offers so much, from the beautiful piano parts (Matt), the impassioned vocals and the unbelievable solo work, was another show stopper. Sultans was the song that kicked things into gear, the solo work was fresh with great interaction between Mark and Glen. All That Matters was, for such a sweet, gentle number, greeted with thunderous applause, again I think the reaction surprised the group. MFN and So Far Away were just a lot of fun, BIA, intense and impassioned with great work by Guy and his “organ”. Danny’s drumming was a powerhouse throughout the show, really cool when he was on the small kit, especially on Rudiger. Richard and Mark again had great interplay throughout, I especially enjoyed the diversity of Richards work, from the jazz like groove on Rudiger to the gleeful look on his face while laying out some power chords. Indulge my personal notes here, So Far Away has special significance for me, it was my wife’s “theme song” over 20 years ago when she left Thailand to come to Chicago to study at the Art Institute, so it was a special moment for us. Also it was my 11 year old daughter’s first rock concert, a few month’s ago she and I performed All That Matters, she on violin, with piano accompanying, so to hear it tonight was also a cool moment for us. And my wife thought Guy’s pink shirt was way cool. Thanks to Mark and everyone involved in the tour for giving so much to their fans, here’s to the next album and tour! Spence Vidulich

I normaly do not write reviews. But after reading the last review, I couldn't let this pass. The opening act of Bap Kennedy was very good. What was disappointing is how rude people were while he was playing. I'm sure MK has his say on who opens for him. You would think that if you never heard of him, you would at least have an open ear. Do you have to know more them 3 chords to be a good singer-songwriter.Tell Neil Young that. Bap's CD's of Lonley Street and Domestic Blues are excellent. Whenever I play them people ask who it is and have me write them down so they can purchase the CD. When I found out that Bap Kennedy was opening for MK, I was thrilled. Now For MK - The show was great, excellent any word you want to put there. His guitar playing and tone are rare. I too wish there were a few different songs(In the gallery, Golden Heart that he would've played but that's life. I've had enough of Walk of life and Money for nothing. He sounded great, looked great and played great. Brothers in arms was worth the trip. I would go see MK anytime. Also a great place to see him, one of those old time theaters built with sound in mind.

Incredible. Fantastic. Memorable. Exciting. What a night. Concent started prompltly at 8:00 with two performers I had never heard of...and hope I never hear or seee again. Played basically five songs and three cords.....musically they were as boreing as it gets. Songs were melodically bad, poorly sung and if it wasn't for the redeeming value of the second accompanying guitarist, I would have booed. What was even more amazing to me is that there were people in the audience who actually knew who these guys were and cheered for them. So this is the state of music today..when people with no talent at all get put on the stage to open for one of the finest song writers and guitarist in the world. As for Mark and the guys, they were at the top of their game. Sound was incredible as Mark played about six different guitars - interestingly he did not play an acoustic guitar all night, that was left for Richard. by the way, Richard Bennett is an amazing guitarist. He adds so much to every song and really seems to enjoy himself on stage. He is a pleasure to listen two. Song selection could have been better, as there were a few of the "country like" songs that Mark seems to like...I can't take them. Mark has really aged, but haven't we all. He did manage to crack a few English jokes, and I think I even saw him smile once. All in all, it was one of the best concerts I have ever been to. Thanks to Mark and the entire crew for an amazing night.