Well, I went - of course, being my first concert I don’t have much to compare it to, but I have watched my share of Petra concert footage, so I think I had some idea of what to expect, and all I can say is, “Wow”.
It was a
fantastic show. The mix was excellent (a bit loud for my personal tastes but I was seated directly across from one of the speaker stacks
), the arrangements were tight and the balance of vocals with John S., John L. and Greg were spot on, and John’s voice was
soaring. I was quite honestly taken aback by the energy and enthusiasm the band (and audience) showed. It was a solid crowd of probably close to 300 I’d estimate. I overheard that John L. was feeling under the whether, which I never would have guessed from either his playing or singing (his background vocals on Fired Up and Fool’s Gold -
yes they played those - were top notch), but he didn’t join the rest of the band at the signing table afterwards. Probably around a 100 folks stuck around for autographs and to just visit with the band and fellow Petheads - I saw a couple of friends and made some new acquaintances while in line. I got a few pieces autographed (including my treasured "More Power To Ya" devotional by Bob), although I must have gotten distracted and somehow came away with my "War & Remembrance" boxed set signed by
only Bob Hartman and Greg Bailey, which is a very peculiar combination! I'll just tell myself I had it signed by the two band members who play instruments that I also play.
John opened the concert with a time of prayer, which really enriched the experience to come. The band then introduced the first number with a soaring shout of “Fired up!” and we were off!
As expected, the majority of the set list was the familiar Farewell songs, medleys and solos, but as John explained later in the show, the band wanted to go back and resurrect a few of their less played songs to make this a special event, and I have to say they made the evening a truly unique and unforgettable one. Full set list to follow, but aside from the opening with All Fired Up, the band added Counsel of the Holy, Fool’s Gold, and Somebody’s Gonna Praise His Name (including the audience response) to their repertoire, and I can’t overstate the excitement in the room each time the first more of one of these beloved songs rang out. You could hear the shrieks of the happy Pethead/s in the room whose all-time favorite had just begun to play.
Thanks folks for the encouragement, and thank you to Petra for a truly inspiring and God-honoring performance. “I’d rather be a fool in the eyes of men, than a fool in the eyes of God!”
Fired Up
Dance
Counsel of the Holy
Fool’s Gold
Rock Medley
Just Reach Out
Acoustic Medley
John’s Solo (Jesus Loves You)
Creed
Judas’ Kiss
Beyond Belief (1991 intro!)
Bob’s Solo
Lord I Lift Your Name on High
Encore:
Somebody’s Gonna Praise His Name
Jekyll & Hyde
The concert sounded wonderful! I bet that was more fun than you could really say. I can't help it- I'm jealous!!