This was my first time seeing Steven Wilson and apparently his first time ever in Vancouver. I took my g/f who is, er, open to liking him, but not very familiar with his material. For me, I had never heard of him a year ago, am reasonably familiar with his latest release and less of Raven. I also know FOABP and IA from Porcupine Tree. Steven Himself presented as warm, engaging and interested in his audience.
Although this was not perfect for me, I felt he put on a great show, with lots of use of video to enhance the performed tracks. He played everything from Hand. Cannot. Erase. along with selections from earlier releases and a couple of older PT tracks. Routine was probably the first high point for me, really dynamic despite Ninet Tayeb being dubbed in (he was very open about this) . The video for this song is extremely sad and I found myself moved to tears for the first time ever at a concert. Both Home Invasion/Regret#9 and Ancestral were used for extended jams; not too long and gave the band members a chance to show their chops. I really missed the flutes in Ancestral but the band continued to increase the intensity by reworking the post 8 minute mark with different instruments/keys dominating. Overall, his music seemed a lot heavier in concert.
In the last third or so of the show, a gigantic, sheer curtain dropped in front of the stage, obscuring the band for several songs, only to drop for The Raven Who Refused to Sing. I thought this was a cool effect (shades of The Wall?) but my girlfriend hated it and felt disconnected. Another surprising high point for me was PT's Sleep Together, not normally a favorite of mine. This was far more dynamic in concert and I was better able to appreciate the synth sounds. Some people behind me felt that the concert was 'a little too metal.' overall, though, I felt I found 'my people,' if the Opeth, Jethro Tull, Anathema, King Crimson, etc shirts were any indicator. The crowd seemed evenly mixed with a range of about ages 20-60ish.
Overall, a great show that increased my respect and appreciation for Mr. Wilson.