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| Josh Ritter Fansite > Features > June 2005 Shows |
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| August 2005. After touring relentlessly for almost the last two years, since the release of "Hello Starling," Josh Ritter and his band took a break to start 2005. But they didn't rest. Josh wrote. They signed with V2 Records. And they went into the studio to record a new album. In June 2005, they emerged for a short string of shows. However, ranging from festivals, supporting slots, and headline shows, this was not the typical run. Excuse the melodrama here on the Fansite, but this was not exactly the same audience or the same Josh Ritter that was last seen on a stage in 2004. No, things were different... |
| When Josh Ritter and the band stepped onto the stage at "Southpaw" in Brooklyn, NY on June 2nd 2005, gone was the trademark jacket, tie, and converse chucks. On the stage sat an electric guitar poised for use (Josh had never strapped on an electric guitar before onstage). And there were new songs - amazing songs - that sounded different from anything we've heard from Josh before. It seemed to be the start of.....something. |
| On the road from June 2nd to the 13th, Josh and the band would perform shows in NYC (headlining), Philadelphia (supporting Keane), Boston (supporting Keane), NYC again (headlining and broadcasting over the radio), Pittsburgh (headlining), Knoxville TN (supporting My Morning Jacket), and end with a bang at the Bonnaroo Music Festival in Manchester TN - the world's largest music festival. It was a short little run, but they would play to a bigger, and mostly new, audience. Thousands and thousands here in the States would likely hear or see Josh Ritter for the first time. |
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| And once in awhile, your's truly gets out of the home office of Josh Ritter Fan Headquarters, and goes on the road with Josh and the band to help out with things. Lucky for me, this string of shows was one of those times. So Josh, Sam, Zack, Dave, Doug, and Myk (our great tour manager) hopped into the tour van and hit the highway. It was working hard and playing hard - but I was priveleged to witness these momentous shows firsthand and from the best seat in the house. I will try to document some of those shows here - for posterity's sake, with photos and comments, for my fellow die-hard Josh Ritter fans. I think years and years from now, with a little perspective, fans will point to the "June 2005 shows" as something special. Even pivotal. Maybe even.....the start of it all? |
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| Thursday - June 2 - 2005 |
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| Friday - June 3 - 2005 |
| Saturday - June 4 - 2005 |
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| Monday - June 6 - 2005 |
| Tuesday - June 7 - 2005 |
| Thursday - June 9 - 2005 |
| Friday - June 10 - 2005 |
| Brooklyn, New York |
| Philadelphia, PA |
| Boston, MA |
| New York, NY |
| Pittsburgh, PA |
| Knoxville, TN |
| Manchester, TN |
| Headline Show. A night of firsts, including Josh strapping on an electric guitar, and the performances of several new songs. For pics and a review of this night, see my Review of the Southpaw show. |
| Supporting Keane. The first of two nights supporting this great British Band and playing for their big, loyal audience. But this particular show did NOT go as planned.... See pics and comments. |
| Supporting Keane. Now THIS show went a lot more smoothly than the Philly one. However, I was not onboard for this one show of the tour run (!). So if you were there and would like to donate some pics and/or a review of this show, let me know! For now, see here... |
| Private Show/Radio Broadcast. A concert for the members of NPR public radio station WFUV. The show is broadcast live over the airwaves in New York City. Check out some pics - and SOUNDS - from this show. |
| Headline Show. A great little show to play some favorites and a couple new ones - including a premiere - to a loyal Pittsburgh fanbase. I was unable to take photos this night, but a fan in attendance has sent a few over. See and read more... |
| Supporting My Morning Jacket. A unique Josh Ritter set, played in Knoxville's town square, with thousands in attendance, and done in support for one of the best rock bands in the world right now. Check out many pics and a sound clip of one of the new songs being played. |
| The Festival of all Festivals. Music lovers from across the planet (approx. 90,000 a day) come to this four day festival, held on a 700 acre farm. Among others, they came to see Dave Matthews Band, The Black Crowes, Allman Brothers, Trey Anastasio.....and Josh Ritter. |
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| In Knoxville, TN (photo by Doug Rice) |
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| at "Bonnaroo" (photo by Doug Rice) |
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