Rage in San Antonio, TX, Dec. 14, 1999

Being a Mexican, RATM presents an interesting side that no other global - American rock band has to offer. So it wasn't difficult for me to call in sick to work to be able to take off to San Antonio (I live in Monterrey, Mexico - 290 mi.) to be able to see for the first time one of my favorite bands of all time.

What can I say ... nothing. I was left speechless by a band that had such a high expectation in my mind that was not supposed to be topped. The show was great, I will omit any comments on the opening acts, because I just got in the Dome after Gangstarr left the stage. They played for 80 hard, loud and energetic minutes where I couldn't believe that Zack would be able to speak after each song. Tom was just awesome, he has to be one of the top guitars in the world.

They went through the set very quick, playing the songs with no additional jams or crowd fills. Aside from the great music, there is nothing much to say, since Zack, to my surprise, didn't say voice out any opinions during or in between songs, not even a "Hello or Good Evening San Antonio" or something similar. I guess his silence in that respect gives his lyrics much more value and impact.

Highlights of the show, Calm was excellent, Freedom blew my mind, Enemy killed. And they did a great war within a breath (EZLN). On Killing, they lit the whole arena on the last chorus.

Lowlights, I guess the dome isn't very favorable to music events, there was kind of an echo in the building. Or maybe the music was too loud, (I don't think so, but that was a comment I heard on the way out).

Additional notes, a couple of black guys rocking to Rage was great, and on Bulls, tim had a bass problem to overcome at the beginning of the song.

Overall, worth the 550 + mile trip, I just wish it could happen again soon.

Setlist, the beginning and end are OK, the middle is not (I might 
have even missed one).

TESTIFY
GUERRILLA
PEOPLE OF THE SUN
CALM
BULLETS
VIETNOW
SLEEP NOW
KNOW YOUR ENEMY 
TOM JOAD
NO SHELTER
BROKEN MAN
WAR WITHIN

encore
BULLS
FREEDOM
KILLING

jaime.u