I found your comments very interesting, Fleeter! Usually I am the one complaining about the sound being too loud! I was pleasantly surprised by the third show at Peterborough, as I was in front of the amps, and the sound was comfortable to the ears. I had taken ear-plugs, just in case, but found they weren't required. I even stopped to tell the sound guys that they did a great job that night! Apparently they were still smarting from the previous noise complaint mentioned in the press not long ago, because they asked if I was with the local paper!
Now that you mention it though, I also noticed that Jim's voice sounded different while he was using the mic at the piano. It was louder, and somewhat sharp sounding, though not as piercing as I have heard it in the past. However, that was the only sound problem that night, to my great relief! Don't know what's up with their sound techs, or why they can't get it right from one venue to the next (or one mic to the next!). Anyway, I'm sorry to read that you didn't get to enjoy the show the way you would have liked. Perhaps you might try another venue next time, if you are able to.
I carry with me the memory of a field I once knew, of a night so full of stars that I was left humbled by it's endless beauty. I know that whatever the cost, life is worth living. So bring it on...I can take it.