Thanks to Lithium Sunset for the Ticket Stub
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Thanks to Lithium Sunset for the Ticket Stub |
Here I am with your 2nd annual Rainforest Concert Review! It was a fantastic show and I even got to go backstage and go to the party! and yes, I met his Stingness again (it was very anticlimactic as always, but I will tell you about the show first).
The first half was all the stars singing their signature pieces. Sting opened with an acoustinc version of Roxanne. Quite lovely. Sting himself looked beautiful but (again) I question his fashion sense. He was wearing black pants, a white button down shirt and a black jacket buttoned high up, it looked a little stiff.
Then Elton came out and sang I guess that's why they call it the blues (just him at the piano); then James Taylor came out and did a solo version of Sweet Baby James; then Billy Joel came out and said, "I wanted to do a different song at this time in the show, but Trudie asked me to do this one, and I figured tonight I had to do what she wanted" (or something to that effect) and he sang New York state of mind. Each of the stars stayed on stage after their songs and just sat by the piano on stools.
Then Elton introduced Emmylou Harris, and she sang a song called "Boulder to Birmingham." I never heard it and I didn't find it too interesting (I don't like Country music.) Then Elton and Emmylou sang "stand by your man" - it was really funny, during the instrumental part Elton slow danced with Sting! and he kissed him and Sting looked really embarrassed! After the song Sting bowed, Elton curtseyed and Sting kissed his hand. Too funny! Next Emmylou (with everyone singing backup) sang C'est La Vie You Never Can Tell, which was the song that Uma Thurman and John Travolta danced to in the contest in Pulp Fiction. That was really great fun, I liked it better than the movie version!
Next Sting introduced Roberta Flack, and she sang the First time ever I saw your face and Killing me softly, very beautiful. Next JT came out and sang a very cute song called "Valentine's Day." He introduced it by saying here is a very serious song (or somber or something like that). But it was really tounge-in-cheek.
Next came Trudie's speech. She cut her hair short and looked really beautiful, but she is in the same boat with Sting IMO regarding the fashion statement. She wore a periwinkle blue gown, a beautiful color on her, but strange off-the-shoulder poofy sleeves that I did not find becoming. She spoke of course about how we must save the Rainforest, and how there are fires raging right now in the Amazon; then she said what a sad year it had been due to losing some good friends, and she mentioned Tammy Wynette (whose husband was in the audience), Linda McCartney, and Gianni Versace (among others whom I can't remember), and then as a tribute to them, Sting sang Fragile. I thought of this list at that point b/c I know that has been dicussed here. It really moved me, he did a beautiful job, I thought I would really miss Vinnie on guitar, but Sting played great, accompanied by a bass and a percussionist playing very subtle chimes.
Next Sting introduced Sidney Poitier and he made a very short speech and then introduced the cast of the "Lion King" and they did a wonderul number from the play called One by One. They wore wonderful bright costumes and had these great paper birds on long wires that flew over the audience's heads.
That was the end of the first half.
The second half opened with the "Surprise Guest" who had her back turned to the audience and there was a large orchestra set up on stage. The mystery guest was Madonna who sang her new song, Frozen. The orchestra was a local high school orchestra I think. It sounded very good and she looked beautiful, she was wearing a Versace black (velvet?) gown -- after her song Sting came and hugged and kissed her and told her she looked great, and said something about not wanting to say too much and Madonna said "Trudie said we could flirt." and Sting asked how far they could take flirting, and it looked like Madonna tried to plant a big kiss on Sting but he sort of avoided that and they hugged. She thanked Donatella (Versace) for her gown when Sting complimented it.
Next came another surprise, Rosie O'Donnell, to do some comedy while they changed the stage. You guys would have died, as Sting and Madonna walked off the stage, she said, "Ladies and Gentlemen, Courtney Love and Phil Collins!" She told everyone how she told him she liked him in Buster on her show, saying, "I fucked up." Then she said, since then, she has to appear at "every god damned thing" they ask -- she acted like she had no idea what the cause was, it was kinda funny. Then she sang a song that included more about her mixing Sting up with Phil Collins. Then she told a really lewd joke that she said David Bowie told her, I would write it but it was kind of long and pretty dirty.
Next thing that happened made me really happy, Rosie introduced "Sergeant Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band" and the house band came out all in Sgt. Pepper's costumes! with hats! Then what happened was really special to me. THE ENTIRE SECOND HALF WAS BEATLES TUNES! First they (meaning Sting, Billy, JT, and Elton) sang I wanna hold your hand - marvelous! Then Billy did a set of Lady Madonna (ha!), got to get you into my life (awesome) and In My Life, which he prefaced by saying it had a lot of meaning for him, that after he heard John Lennon died, he just got on his motorcycle and rode, not knowing where, and ended up in this bar playing Lennon tunes with everyone gathering around, and this one stuck with him the most. It is also one of my favorite Lennon songs so it was a SPECIAL treat pour moi! (I just want to say that I have loved Billy Joel since I was 7 years old, much longer than I have been into Sting, and growing up close to where he did makes me feel something different and special for him.) During all these songs, the other stars sat on their stools and banged their tambourines or clapped their hands, generally looked like they were having fun.
Then Sting and JT (with everyone on backup) did Day Tripper and I Saw Her Standing There, then Billy and Sting on Drive my Car, then Sting said, "This is my favorite Beatles song" and did Penny Lane, I was in heaven! Next came JT with I will, then Sting doing And I Love Her, then Roberta Flack came back and did Imagine, it was ok. Next JT introduced Herbie Hancock, and the whole group did Come Together, with Herbie on piano and Elton on the other one (there were 2 grand pianos and Billy and Elton were playing together a lot!) -- that was a really great one. The Elton did Across the Universe, We can work it out, and Elton and Billy did Lucy in the sky with diamonds. All totally amazing. and NOT medleys, the complete songs!
Next came another treat. Billy Joel says he is pleased to introduce this next guy coz he used to "do him" for years - Joe Cocker! He sang She came in through the bathroom window, it was really great and the whole house was going nuts for him.
Then everyone came out on stage for the finale, including Trudie and Madonna, and they sang I get by with a little help from my friends, said goodnight, and then ended with Twist and Shout. The show was about 3 hours and 15 minutes for anyone who cares.
After the show, I got to go backstage and hang out in JT's dressing room while my friend Steve took pictures of him and his mother (at JT's request). JT did not even acknowledge me at all, but his girlfriend Kim was very nice to me! While I was there, Ted Danson and Mary Steenbergen came in to talk to James and Kim, they also didn't notice me at all, but they were 2 inches from me and Mary did smile at me and say goodbye on her way out. Pathetic aren't I? (Don't answer that.)
Before I went into JT's dressing room, Billy Joel walked by, he had been complaining during the show about his neck bothering him, so when he walked by I asked him how his neck was feeling, he said not too good, so I offered him a massage, but he said he just wanted to go home and go to bed, he shook my hand and said thanks. That was actually the highlight for me, getting to meet him after 20 years of loving him!
Then I wound up getting in to the party at Tavern on the Green, it was very boring, I am really glad I did NOT pay $1200 to go, there was a country western band, they auctioned off really expensive prizes, and everybody ate and drank and did bad line dancing. Dick Clark, Penny Marshall, and Michael Douglas were among the celebs I noticed. I met a guy there, and we went to take a walk outside, and walked right past his Stingness! I said I want to talk to him, so we turned around, this guy introduced himself, then introduced me, I said we've actually met before, he seemed to have no glint of recognition, barely made eye contact, he said "I'm very pleased.. " then this guy asked him how much money he hoped to make tonight, Sting said "between one and a half and two." and then he asked him how much of the Rainforest we were really saving and he said it's an uphill battle, I just said, "I really loved the show!" And "it's so sad what's happening.... " really intelligent conversation I made once again! (He probably recognizes me and is totally tired of my inane comments!) Oh well, maybe Sting just is not good with people.... The party was over by 1 am.
Well, that was my night, I hope you all enjoyed reading about it. The only thing that would have made the evening better would have been to meet Lithium Sunset, but we did not get in touch with each other, it was very disappointing to me. Next year!
Rainforest Report
The Ninth Annual Rainforest Benefit was a truly wonderful show. They broke with tradition this year and rather than opening with "It's A Lovely Day," Sting alone came out and played a beautiful acoustic version of "Roxanne" accompanied only by his guitar and a guy with a trumpet. The arrangement of the two instruments was actually very subtle. Elton came out next in a fabulous purple suit (much like the current touring clothes) and played "I Guess That's Why They Call It The Blues" - solo piano. Unfortunately, he was still suffering from his cold and while his voice lacked its usual strength, the passion was still there. This acoustic set continued with James Taylor singing "Sweet Baby James" and then Billy Joel came out and did "New York State of Mind". EmmyLou Harris came next and sang. I'm not familiar with the song, so I don't recall the title.
Next came one of the true highlights of the evening. EmmyLou remarked on the recent passing of Tammy Wynette, and as a loving tribute to her, Elton sang "Stand By Your Man". It was actually very funny, but still respectful. During the instrumental break of the song Elton and Sting did a lovely slow dance.
EmmyLou and James Taylor sang a duet next - again I'm afraid I don't recall the title. Next, Roberta Flack came out and did her two big hits "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face and Killing Me Softly." James Taylor followed her with a reasonably recent song called "Valentines Day" -- a dark love song.
Trudie Styler came out next and gave a brief speech on the Rainforest Foundation, and also to pay her respects to Tammy Wynette, Linda McCartney, and Gianni Versace. In a tribute to them, Sting sang a stirring acoustic version of "Fragile". This was followed by a short speech by actor, Sidney Poitier also concerning the rainforest situation. The first half was topped off by a performance by the cast of The Lion King singing an ensemble number called "One By One" written by Lebo M.
The second half held a couple interesting surprises. During the intermission about 30 violinists set up on stage. When the second half began, the lights went down, and when the music started - it was Madonna. I gave a very understated performance of her current hit "Frozen". She looked really good in a drop-dead gorgeous Versace gown.
The second surprise came when they needed some filler while the crew reset the stage. To keep us entertained they brought out Rosie O'Donnell. She did a short monologue, a cute song she wrote about saving rainforests, and she told a great dirty joke about a pianist who writes beautiful songs with really obscene titles.
Next the house band played "Sgt. Pepper" which was our introduction to a second half filled with great Beatles covers. Sting sang "I Wanna Hold Your Hand" followed by Billy Joel and "Lady Madonna." Billy continued with Got To Get You Into My Life", and "In My Life. Sting sang the next few songs with some help from James, Billy and Elton on "Day Tripper", "I Saw Her Standing There", "Drive My Car", and "Penny Lane."
One of the best songs of the night came next when James Taylor soloed on "I Will" - I thought the arrangement was quite beautiful. Next Roberta Flack sang "Imagine" and James returned and sang "Come Together" accompanied by Herbie Hancock on piano.
To wind up the evening, Joe Cocker came out and sang "She Came In Through The Bathroom Window". "Something" and then the ensemble sang "With A Little Help From My Friends" and "Twist and Shout". Billy supplied a couple of funny moments when for a couple lines we could hear Joe Cocker's voice but it was coming out of Billy's mouth. And there was another instance where Billy was standing behind Elton, rubbing his hands up and down his body. Billy must be really comfortable with his heterosexuality.
THIS REVIEW MIGHT CONTAIN INDECENT AND OFFENSIVE LANGUAGE, SO IF ANYBODY WHO DOESN'T WANT TO READ A DIRTY JOKE, DON'T READ ANYMORE OF THIS REVIEW.
I just returned from my wonderful trip to New York City. Though there is little to Allison's excellent review, but I'd like to "shine my light" on the Rainforest Benefit Concert as well.
We were really lucky to have Carnegie Hall 25 meters from our hotel. So on Monday at noon we were posted at the stage door of the venue. All kind of artists etc. passed by; Miles Copeland was the first, followed by Mino Cinelu, Emmylou Harris, James Taylor, Sidney Poitier, Janice Pendarvis, Billy Joel etc. About 2 hours later our patience was rewarded, when a black car with Trudie and Sting inside stopped at the door. The security had made a small obstacle for us, but nevertheless I managed to get Sting's autograph (a collegue insisted on it) and had the chance to exchange a few words with Sting. Unfortunately Trudie went in, straight ahead (wise J). I stayed just a while longer to help a Elton John fan to a photo, but when he arrived, he (dressed in a very tight blue jogging suite) jumped out of the car and went straight in. No chances of taking any picture.
Coming to the show. We were one of the first to enter to hall. The plans were the show starting at 19 hrs, but before everyone was seated it was 19.45hours. Which gave us time having a chat with Danny Q, who was still checking the sound.
The track listing of the show is the following. I wrote it down during the concert, but without help of Allison I surely wouldn't got it complete, since the most songs of the American singers, didn't say anything to me.
Track listing:
First part:
TRUDIE'S SPEECH
SIDNEY PORTIER'S SPEECH
Second part:
ROSIE O'DONNELL (stand up comedian)
STG. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND PRESENTS:
Sting's opening was excellent and powerful. He was sitting in the middle of the stage and from the dark into the light he kicked off with Roxanne. The All Star Band of the night was composed by Sting, Elton John, James Taylor and Billy Joel, who all sang one of their hits as opening songs. To be honest I have been yawning sometimes during the first half of the show. Maybe it had to do with my jet lag, or maybe I'm not a huge fan of James Taylor and Emmylou Harris, but JT's lullabies almost send me into dreamland.
Luckily it didn't happen, cause I didn't want to miss Trudie's speech. When announced I was on the tip of my chair again. In the contrary to Alli, I thought she looked quite charming in her blue dress. It looked very simple, but was very nice with naked shoulders and to fill it up a necklace with a cross.
Sting's clothes looked very casual no problems with that. Why wear what everyone expects you to wear ? Seeing many people walking in jeans was bigger shocker to me, but then again "why not?" The cause is the main thing on this evening and not who has the neatest dress!
Sting's second song "Fragile", he really screwed up. I'm sure he got some spanking for that, since it was dedicated to all the deceased of the past year, who supported with Rainforest Foundation with their whole harts.
He also found the wrong audience for the song, cause they didn't let him finish it properly. He's forgiven though.
Depite the the critism, I still have to rate it as an excellent show with some of the best performers on this planet.
The second part of the show really was the best. We already heard Madonna sound checking just before the show, so it didn't really come as a surprise to me. I didn't recognize at first though, but when the song "Frozen" started there were no doubts.
I guess you're all wondering which joke Rosie O'Donnell told during the break ? Since no one had the courage before, I'm going to recall it as good as possible and it's surely funnier if you'd seen it live - according to Rosie O'Donnell (with English accent) this is the dirty joke David Bowie told her:
A guy is opening up a new club in the centre of London. He auditioning hundreds of people, cause he wants the best for his opening evening. This one bloke is coming in who's fabulous and much better than all the others. He plays an original composition.
The guy says: "I love it! What do you call it?"
"I call it: you've got big tits and I want to suck them." He said "WHAT?!"
"Yeah, that's the name." "Do you have another?"
He plays another song which is even more better than the first. The club owner can't believe his fortune and almost starts to cry. "What do you call that? It rips my soul out. What do you call it?"
"You've got a big fat hairy arse and I like to do you". He said, "Jesus, I'd like to hire you for my club opening, but you can't say the names of your compositions, because I get high class clientele and it would be really awful."
"And he says: "Well, I don't think I can take the job, cause I'd be so frustrated that I will not be able to perform."
He says: "Please try it! I'll give you 1.000 Pounds a night."
The bloke says: "Alright!"
The opening night, black tie, sold out!
The bloke starts his an original composition. The people are standing, cheering, screaming: Author, author !!!
He's about to say the name of the song, when he looks and sees the owner and decides not to. So frustrated he plays the next song. They are sreaming, throwing money and crying and he can't take it any longer. He storms off into the bathroom and in this unbelievable tension he jerks off.
He comes out of the bathroom and there's a gentleman on the phone. He looks all surprised. He says: "Do you know your cock hangs out and you've got 'trouble' over your pants?"
He said: "DO I KNOW IT? I WROTE IT !!!!!!"
Okay, so far the joke. I'd like to renuncate from it, by saying "I warned you, it is dirty".
The second part of the evening to entirely in the light of the Beatles. You never can do anything wrong with playing Beatle songs (at least not these performers) and they all did really well. It was very spectacular with the STG. PEPPER'S LONELY HEARTS CLUB BAND and they artist singing their favourite songs. The highlight of the evening surely was the grande finale with Joe Cocker and everyone else on "With a little Help from my Friends" and "Twist and Shout" having Sting on main vocals.
After the show we went straight to the hotel, putting on our walking shoes. The Tavern on the Green was the location of the party. We were only just in time to see a glimpse of Trudie and Sting arriving. All the other guests/celebrity seemed to be gone in already. From what I could see it looked pretty boring indeed and sneaking in wouldn't have been a big problem, but I guess I'm too civilized. It would have been a great experience though.
Make sure you'll be there next year at the 10th Annual Benefit Concert!!!!
More reports and photos of the Rainforest Foundation Benefit Concert might follow in the next days. Check out: Rainforest Info, Save The Rest or any other media.
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