The Petra Zone

Hi all. We did make it to the Bolingbrook show, and it was really good. Maybe ~40% Grafting, with other John, Petra and II Guys stuff mixed in. John was in great spirits, and sounded great I think the dry air inside may have gotten to him after awhile, but he dd a great job, and is a tremendous showman. You could hear in his voice, and see on his face how much the material on The Graftiing means to him on a very personal level. Most of the material John does, of course, has strong meaning, but this just felt rather different in the vibe that he gave me, and, I suspect, the rest of the crowd. John is tackling a bit of different approach to this material, and should be (and certainly seems to be) justifiably proud of what he has created. This was my first expposure to the Grafting (I picked the CD up at the show), and I really liked it, but in a different way than his other solo work. It doesn't rock quite as hard, but the sense of this is what is in John's heart is so strong that you cannot help but be enthralled by it. An excellent piece of work, and, I think, a sign of his progression as an artist post-Petra. Nice work, John!!!

Tom

Also, it was really great to have something of a reuinion of the Petheads. It's been a little while since I've had the opportunity to spend some time with the gang that made it down. Alot of the usual names, plus I got to meet a few new friends, which is half the fun. I had a great time, and look forward to the next opportunity.

Tom

Yep, the show in Bolingbrook was great - I agree that you can definently tell that the material from the Grafting is very close to John's heart and that he is very proud of it. I like it a lot as well - all the songs cover very serious and important issues. Great performance and like Tom said it WAS like a reunion of the Petheads!!!

It was great seeing you again Tom - until the next time Keep Rockin'

-Stephen

I agree on all counts. The show was most excellent, the staff at the church very nice, the company fun as usual. Nice to meet you Carol D.

"Hi, my name is Sue and I'm messed up."

I HAD to do it.

What songs were played and how did you think of them live? And who all is the band traveling with John?

calicoBABE, you are such a snot! You gonna make a comment like that and not explain??!!

Yes, it was wonderful meeting up with all the Pethead friends again... it HAS been awhile. Well, this is just the beginning, folks! As soon as this music hits, there will be PLENTY more oppotunities for meeting at concerts - because there's going to be lots of them!

This show was a track date, no band.

And yes, John did an excellent job. These new songs are very different and a real departure from what John's used to singing in public. He has to perform these in a whole different way; it's not easy to learn a new method of singing after all these years. But he did a great job, and I'm so proud of him!

Hehehe

John was giving a talk to the praise and worship folks of the church, and he was talking about not having to be perfect and said that you don't need to come to the worship leader and say something like, "Hi, my name is Sue and I'm messed up."

We all thought it interesting that John equated "messed up" and "Sue" in his mind.

yeeeeaaahhhh..... Ah hem.

My name popped into his head ONLY because I was sitting right next to the lady who brought up the subject in the first place. And since John didn't know HER name, mine just acted as a substitute.

It was in no way, shape, or form a commentary on the state of my mind at the present moment... I think...

Oh gee... let me try to power up my brain and remember!

The new ones were (not necessarily in this order):

The Grafting
Only Men
Your Eyes
Keep Your Light On
Gravity

I don't remember what the others were... maybe someone else who was there has a better memory than this "messed-up gal?"

sue d. wrote:Oh gee... let me try to power up my brain and remember!

The new ones were (not necessarily in this order):

The Grafting
Only Men
Your Eyes
Keep Your Light On
Gravity

I don't remember what the others were... maybe someone else who was there has a better memory than this "messed-up gal?"

Of the new songs, you forgot "Face of God."

Now, I don't know the exact order either, but he did start with "Show Me the Way". Others include:

"God is Too Big"
"Just Reach Out"
"Beyond Belief"
"Wake the Dead"
"Blessed Be"

At the church service on Sunday, John led the praise and worship with songs from II Guys:

"We Fall Down"
"Lord Reign in Me"
"Here I Am to Worship"
"Trading My Sorrows"

I guess I AM "messed up!"

My wife was sick so I could not go. I am hoping for more opportunity to see John.

Here's the set list, courtesy of the promoter:

1. Show Me The Way
2. God Is Too Big
3. Gravity
4. Face of God
5. Just Reach Out
6. Beyond Belief
7. Wake The Dead
8. The Grafting
9. Your Eyes
10. Only Men
11. Keep Your Light On
12. Blessed Be Your Name

A little late on sharing, but we loved the show in Bolingbrook too! Even though I can't imagine not enjoying a show by John, this seemed especially intimate and special. I had not spent much time listening to The Grafting prior to the show and loved hearing the songs live for basically the first time.

It was great to see Sue, Sam and some of the other Petheads again. I also enjoyed meeting Brother Tom and Bridgett for the first time in-person. Hope to see everyone again soon...especially John!