Dave Matthews Band Makes Most of Hour Set

October 2nd, 2006

By Leonard Martinez / El Paso Times

You could forgive the Dave Matthews Band if they wanted to phone in their performance opening for the Rolling Stones tonight at the Sun Bowl. After all, DMB has been a huge headlining act of its own for the past 12 years or so.

DMB didn't phone it in though and gave an outstanding performance.

The last time DMB performed in these parts was 10 years ago as part of the HORDE Festival in Las Cruces.

The band took the stage at 6:45 p.m. for a 10-song set that lasted an hour and 10 minutes.

The band showed no rust having performed for only the second time this month after taking a break from its own tour.

DMB started off its set with a 10-minute version of the classic "Don t Drink the Water."

Next, the group got its fans into the groove with "Everyday." The violin intro allowed the fans to sing the lyrics "Honey, honey, come and dance with me" to show the love for the band and the feel-good song.

The beautiful yet heartbreaking "Grey Street" was next.

The band didn't let things get too down in the dumps and played

its jam-filled "Jimi Thing" that segued nicely into Buffalo Springfield s "For What It's Worth." Matthews was in good spirits as evidence with his ever-present, funny dance he often does during a show.

Two of the last three songs were big hits for the band, including "Crash Into Me" and "Ants Marching."

Fans weren't just at the Sun Bowl for the Stones and plenty were on their feet dancing during DMB's set -- and it wasn t just to keep warm.

Perhaps Matthews will take the hint and come back with his band and headline its own concert in town.

Fans will be lining up to dance to the band's songs again.