The Setlist 2011

[CatraDhtem]

On another note, I thought from the beginning Al would take out "Skipper Dan" to make more room for the new parodies. The setlist is already overcrowded by originals, and even though it was a nice performance it just seems like it would be better lost than say, "Dare To Be Stupid."

Yeah, but "Skipper Dan" will still be a part of a new release that he will be promoting with the next year-plus of touring.

DTBS was certainly a welcome addition, no question there as it's always a crowd-pleaser (a friend I took to the Cleveland show, who had never seen Al live before, literally grabbed my arm in anticipation when she saw the Devo suits), but it can easily be rotated out and saved for a later tour. It's very likely that it was added to this latest setlist because Al wanted some big-number "golden oldies" present to coincide with the "Essential" CD.

And also looking at it from a logistics point of view: "Skipper Dan" requires one costume, while DTBS requires five. Depending on who else will be parodied on the album (and if one rumor is true, one can only imagine the get-up) this may be a very costume-heavy tour with "Perform This Way," "Craigslist," and most likely "CNR." It might be a matter of simply not enough transportation room to have too many songs that require costumes, props, etc.

[OneWAY]

And also looking at it from a logistics point of view: "Skipper Dan" requires one costume, while DTBS requires five. Depending on who else will be parodied on the album (and if one rumor is true, one can only imagine the get-up) this may be a very costume-heavy tour with "Perform This Way," "Craigslist," and most likely "CNR." It might be a matter of simply not enough transportation room to have too many songs that require costumes, props, etc.

Although I agree that it would be "easier" (take away the fact that Skipper Dan actually uses two layers of costuming), I think one thing Al likes to say about the shows is that every time they go out, the show becomes bigger and better. Obviously "Dare To Be Stupid" is the bigger production. I'll admit that while "Skipper Dan" is part of album 13/Internet Leaks, it isn't exactly necessary.

By keeping every song new to the setlist from album 13, he is also making the show more oriented to the new album than anything else. I know that would typically be a good move, but and anyone that knew last year's set would be disappointed if so much of the new set consisted of album 13 material, especially if it took place of a measurable amount of older classic material.

One of the great things about Al concerts (which wasn't that present on the SOL tour) is that he doesn't just play the new album live. He has staples and brings back other classics from the past on occasion. Since Al established those classics (You Don't Love Me Anymore, DTBS, etc...) last year, he doesn't have to think much about what he wants to "bring back" anymore. At least, not for a tour called "The 2011 Tour."

[Alinite27]

Ah, I would have to disagree on the Skipper facet. I think Skipper Dan is very necessary to the concert, even more so than Dare To Be Stupid anymore. It was extraordinary to get to see Dare To Be Stupid last tour, especially after they brought in the suits used in the video, but it isn't exactly beneficial to a tour for a new album. Skipper Dan is way more beneficial. And this is coming from someone who absolutely loves the classic Al songs. The classic Al songs are what made the 2010 Tour my favorite tour I've seen.

[Yankomaniac]

No,come on, Dare To Be Stupid is the best song of his career. Dont throw all these stupid numbers at me about #1 singles and blah blah, blah. Dare To Be Stupid sums up his career amazingly and deserves a solid spot in the set. It requires no effort switching in or out of a costume when people are paying as much as they are to hear that song. OneWay knows exactly what hes talking about, I agree with him. My buddies are totally waiting to hear it too, it needs to be there now just for the old fans who aren't as huge on the new stuff. Speaking of new stuff Skipper Dan rocks, and Im looking forward to seeing that one live. (not everybody saw the last tour! including me) I dont see what the huge problem is with tacking it on the set on top of everything they have now, it won't take too much longer. Actually they could do it first and then go into Polka Face! right after.

[minnick27]

But remember, they are wearing the original naugahyde suits from the video, Im sure they are hot as hell. I can only assume they will want to get out of them as soon as possible

[OneWAY]

Well, now that they have the time to prepare and won't be surprised by some old deteriorated suits, I'm sure if they decide to keep it they will have tour-ready suits made.

[Yankomaniac]

Yeah, which were they using on the DVD from Touring With Scissors? Who cares if they are the actual suits from the video or not? Its about the awesome way the song moves, and genius lyrics, its such a work of art and it should be displayed proudly every show! Frank's 2000" TV is also something that can be enjoyed by everybody and should stay in the set, I would rather hear that than Bedrock Anthem at least. If they took out Bedrock Anthem and I'm In Luv Wit Da Skipper out of the medley and played all of Frank's 2000" TV, it would be cool.

[JCM]

But remember, they are wearing the original naugahyde suits from the video, Im sure they are hot as hell. I can only assume they will want to get out of them as soon as possible

I wouldn't say that. There's probably fans onstage or something to keep them cool, plus they mostly play at night IIRC.

[FredHuggins]

Will it even be called the 2011 Tour anymore? Will they start calling it The Alpocalypse Tour?

[OneWAY]

I doubt it. The album will be released after the spring leg is over. It seems a little ridiculous for Al to rename the tour for an album that will be released after one leg of the tour. I mean, he will obviously have to change the setlist during this tour, but this tour cannot just retroactively be an Alpocalypse tour if the first part of the tour is done in its absence.

Al should tour next year on a full scale (like 2007 SOL Tour scale) for the album. It would be a much better way to do it, even though it would end up being months later. It would be easy (and more timely) to go back and call the 2011 tour "The Alpocalypse Tour," but since he's only going to be touring during the Spring/Fall, he can't do as many shows and promote it in as many places as he would want to.

If Al really wants to rename this in favor of Alpocalypse, he better plan on touring more.