Great, detailed review Michele! In fact, I'm going to print it out to put in my scrapbook.
I was there. This time, my seats were not on the floor - I was about midway up, Christine's side. Definitely different experience from being down front on the floor, but it was still a great time. My additions:
The revamped Forum is a really nice venue. The seats are comfy, roomy and so are the aisles. Nice staff, from what I encountered. I noticed that the security down front seemed pretty tight. Does not surprise me that they were strict down there with who goes up front. I kind of get that for this tour though, because some people paid A LOT of money for their seats down there.
When Stevie mentioned the pretty lights after Landslide she was talking about the starry lighting effect the Forum had on their entire ceiling during the song. It was really cool. (Michele, you may not have looked back to see it, because it was behind and above where you were.)
Christine's addition was noticeable immediately. I had never seen FM with her before, so it was a treat. They all seemed in good spirits. The highlight for me was YMLF, GDW (AWESOME), and SHN. I have to say though, I do not like how Lindsey's doing NGBA. I don't mind the slowed down version, but this year it seems even slower, and the whispery voice he does is silly, IMO.
My next show is San Diego (my hometown) on Tuesday. My seats are a little better - not on floor but side stage closer to the stage. It's the same venue I proposed to my wife at on stage last year at Mick's Meet and Greet. So, it'll be an anniversary of sorts.
~ Jamie