Release as a Set Closer?

PJWGIII

Considering I made a thread on Inside Job being an opener, I thought I would make a related thread to mirror it.

Just like being a legendary studio album closer, Release is a FANTASTIC and timeless concert opener. It seems that we all love it in that spot and the band has really given that song a home as #1 on setlists, but wouldn't it be cool if they completely blew our minds and pulled it out to end a main set, or maybe to even end a concert? This was discussed on an episode of Single Podcast Theory a while back, but I'd love to see a more widespread discussion. What do you guys think?

drakeheuer14

Can’t stand slow endings. I would vote against this one even though I love the song

youngster

They played it during one of the encores at Bonarroo 08. It was dedicated to Tim Russerts son as Tim had passed away near that time. 

facepollution

I think the reason they play it at the start is because it's so vocally demanding, better to start with a fresh voice.  When I saw them in Amsterdam in 2012 they opened the first encore with Release.  I was pretty much floored, because I had only known them to open with it (from what I understand, a fan had won a competition to go to the show and help write the setlist).  Obviously it was amazing, but Ed's voice was definitely showing signs of fatigue.

rummy

facepollution said:

I think the reason they play it at the start is because it's so vocally demanding, better to start with a fresh voice.  When I saw them in Amsterdam in 2012 they opened the first encore with Release.  I was pretty much floored, because I had only known them to open with it (from what I understand, a fan had won a competition to go to the show and help write the setlist).  Obviously it was amazing, but Ed's voice was definitely showing signs of fatigue.

I've listened to that version quite frequently and you are indeed correct: EV's voice can't quite make it through those final "RELEASE ME's."

buck502000

That would work....