Firstly I'd really like to apologize for causing the one bad parenting moment of the night and for threatening to ruin greatness. But more on that later.

What was always going to be a veritable road trip for the wife and I , being between Orlando and Atlanta on the map, we chose the former due to it's weekendness.

We arrived in Downtown Disney around 2pm , which allowed us plenty of time to sample the delights of Planet Hollywood {we recommend the Spinach Dip :} and to add to an ever growing Split Enz CD collection, thanks to Virgin.

So having killed those four hours quite admirably, we stood with the masses in line for the concert, a strange beast, as it started at 7:00 p.m. and had to be over by 10:00 p.m. to make way for a Latin American ensemble... Hmmmm.

Upon doors opening, we made our way down to the front {as you do :} to already find ourselves behind the usual Tongue in the Mail crew... Man, they get EVERYWHERE! :} It's always fun to see and hear these hardened fans talk and prepare what are virtualy religious rituals: the writing of the request slips, the song definition banter {so funny to hear two guys trying to decipher Pineapple Head), and the Tongue in the Mail smoke machine {do ALL TiTM subscribers smoke apart from me? Sorry you tend to notice these things when you wife is almost six months pregnant :}.

Ebba Forsberg came across as what she is: a european Sarah McLachlan, very enjoyable and the crowd warmed to her and her band , and like all good support acts, she did not out-stay her welcome, keeping her set down to 35 minutes and leaving you ready for the reason you came here.

And on came Neil.... A blistering start to the set with "Last One Standing" and "King Tide" with barely a break for breath, it pretty much set a tone for the night -- this man knew he had a time limit and wanted to pack as much in as he could.

The crowd was fantastic, singing and dancing and responding to any verbal offerings Neil pushed out to them. His vocal range was probably the best I've heard since the first Woodface tour, and the crowd visibly swooned and went all mushy when he trio'd "Fall at your Feet," "Distant Sun," and "Message to my Girl" solo apart from a couple of hundred voices hanging on to every word.

The banter was it's usual humourous self at any concert where you find a Finn , and it was great to see a young Liam even getting in on the fun and games {He seems to have really found a friend in the Keyboard player from Cork}. I have to say that at such a tender age, Liam has a great talent already let alone promise for the future. One can only hope that his blossoming will keep the fire in Neil's belly alive for a few more years to go yet. Neil recognised his backing bands talent and used it well. The instrument switches were plentiful and seamless and added to the all-around effect of the music. You kept having to check who was playing what in each song :}

And then I went and spoiled it! He was warming up his bass for "Twisty Bass" when a TiTM'er in front asked for his favorite bassline. Well Neil offered up his number-one pick , then whilst those behind readied themselves he began to offer up his number-two choice. I insisted that he "indulge himself further" and he lost his concentration at my suggestion, and with a cursory "F*** it , I lost my concentration now!" he looked down at me, smiled. I felt bad :}, I'd made him curse in front of his two sons {Elroy was sitting in the wings}, and I'd wasted moments as he reorganized himself and then treated us to his second-favorite bassline.

We were treated to two encores: one which included a guitar frenzied "I Got You," and another which offered an a cappella "Don't Dream It's Over." He pushed us as close to the 10:00 p.m. curfew as he dared.

We left sated, and then saturated as we spilled out into Downtown Disney the heavens had opened. This man brought rain to Florida, he put out those fires. Is there any end to this guy's talent? :}

One last note: Why no T-Shirts? surely a lost opportunity there. But one small issue in a night full of love and splendor and passionate music, hey i can live with that :}