Matchbox 20
Date: 2003-05-06
Location: Cleveland, OH, Gund Arena
Source: Audience
Format: FLAC – 24 Bit only
Location: Section 1, Row N, Seat 12
Lineage: SP-CMC-7 Cardioid mics>Sony TCD-7 DAT>Tascam DA-40>SPDIF>PC>CDWav>TLH>FLAC 8
Taper: Saltshaker
Release: Cleveland ’03 – CSP23/24 – C.S. Productions
Sound Quality: EX
Setlist:
Total Time – 01:50:41
01) Cold – 4:01
02) Real World – 4:40
03) All I Need – 4:13
04) Soul – 4:59
05) Disease – 4:24
06) Could I Be You – 4:08
07) 3 AM – 4:34
08) Mad Season – 6:08
09) Feel – 4:13
10) Hand Me Down – 6:07
11) If You’re Gone – 6:54
12) Bright Lights – 5:02
13) Bent – 5:55
14) Jet – 4:30
15) Busted – 5:21
16) Unwell – 4:30
17) Back 2 Good – 6:13
18) Downfall – 5:49
19) You’re So Real – 6:10
20) So Sad, So Lonely – 4:04
21) Long Day – 4:40
22) Push – 4:06
Comments:
It really is hard to believe it’s been nearly 20 years but it was finally time to revisit this recording with a fresh transfer. This was recorded from the 13th row on the left side of the stage, close to center and as a result it turned out to be one of the best recordings from the ’03 tour. I really wasn’t a big fan back then, I’m still not actually :), but my girlfriend at the time really was so I ended up surprising her with some really good floor seats.
As I recall, she wanted me to tape the show so I brought the gear into the venue back when the Gund Arena, now the Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse, had minimal security which certainly made it easier to sneak in the old DAT recorder. Little did I know this was going to turn out pretty good in the end.
Once the show was over, I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised and overall I remember having a great time. The crowd around us was fairly polite. There were no crazy screamers, just one annoying whistler in front of me that thankfully did not get too bad and was mostly between songs.
This show was originally released shortly after I recorded it and was shared among the masses. This version however is a fresh 2023 transfer and is in 24-bit, 48kHz high res format. Since technology and storage has improved over the years, this is not being offered in 16 bit format. If you really need it that way for CD or whatever, you will have to down sample it yourself. But honestly you should be able to listen to this, as is, on any media device these days.
There was original artwork that has been updated and provided here. Normally I do not create artwork anymore but for sake of posterity I decided to keep it to pass along. Its nothing special but something.
The sound on this recording turned out really great and is probably one of my top 10 best sounding tapes that I have made over these past 25 years or so. Not much was done with this recording other than needing a small boost in levels and a small 2 second channel edit during the start of “Bright Lights”. By the time you get to the end of the song you really get a feel of how strong this show was. It really was something to remember. Rob Thomas was also in good form this night and seemed to enjoy the crowd while being silly with his “Lionel Richie night” rift between songs.
No material is lost and this recording comes complete. Sugar Ray was recorded as well but is not included in this set but available upon request. Maroon 5 also played this night but it was not recorded. Sorry folks, I never thought to bother nor realize they would be headlining shows like this someday.
Overall, this updated release is right up there with Denver, Albany, Peoria, to name a few, and should be in anyone’s collection. I encourage you to turn the volume up and hope you enjoy this show! I know one particular person who was with me will, so this one goes out to you. Enjoy.
IMPORTANT CSP DISCLAIMER:
Please do not sell or use for profit. Trade freely and enjoy. Please do not alter or change any of the files. Leave it in its current format.
DO NOT ENCODE to any lossy format unless for personal use or you may bring the worst voodoo curse upon yourself that will leave you crying and shitting in your pants for years until you die!
This was done as part of the MB20 live database preservation project. It has been the goal to preserve and archive any unofficial live recordings of the band primarily from 1996-2003 in lossless format from the best known sources. Please help keep it that way. You may find more info at my site csprod.net (formally csprodinc.com)
Saltshaker @ C.S. Productions – 3/2023