ChrisW said that it takes a few weeks for a live band to really get cooking and this makes sense
Hmm, I didn't exactly say that. I said you couldn't play every night for a few weeks and not gel further and not discover new bits that took a sing to another level.
No band at this level exists rehearsals uncooked, as in not cooking. You are at the top of your game and you can't imagine how things can be even better, but after a few months you realise that the songs have developed even more.
I don't need to get involved in this debate because I've never toured one of Mark's solo shows. however, there are a lot of things at play here.
As a performing musician you feed off the crowd. It is difficult to play in Japan for example as the audiences are more subdued, conservative.
British audiences tend to be a little cool, critical. Like prove to me you are a great band.
European and American audiences tend to be more looking for a good time, therefore screaming their approval from the first song inwards.
All of this impacts the performance.
American music is very important to Mark, so it may be he feels more tension, wanting to impress his American fans. On the other hand he may feel more at home and therefore relaxed. I don't know which it is.