I saw them tonight and agree with you on all counts. Especially the little jams in between songs. It was so obnoxious and kill the energy. I wouldn't think anything of it if they did it once, but they probably did it six times. They could fit two more songs in place of time spent fucking around. They looked bored, and I was often bored. The whole thing has taken on an almost Vegas style production. All very calculated, very pre-produced. Lacking the spontaneity and maniacal nature of them in their prime. And I agree that part of it is their age, I don't expect Scott to move like he did 15 years ago, but they're so clearly just going through the motions. I will say that the band was spot on tonight, and Scott's voice was probably the best I've heard it in over ten years. I was really surprised by that.
Snubbed again at the tour bus for an autograph too. I know this will cue a lot of "They don't owe you anything, man" type posts, and while yeah, technically, that's true. I just think it's really shitty. And I would totally understand if there was a swarm of 200 people outside waiting. But I counted, and including myself, there were 9 of us standing next to a rope just trying to get some liner notes signed. The rope was maybe 15 feet from the exit. They run from the door to the bus and pretend not to see everyone, again. It would literally take less than two minutes of their time to do something for the die hards. That always pisses me off, I don't care who it is.