Ross here to give a brief review of last night's show. The three of us (Ross, Bill, & Jeremy) originally had separate seats from each other. But then a very kind soul called us to announce new tickets had been released for the show, and they were premium, but only at the box office. So we went to the box office to check it out, only to discover they had all sold. BUT!!!!!!, reserved seats that Sting had on hold, had been released as the guests weren't going to use them. SO we bought them. The seats weren't bad actually. FRONT ROW CENTRE!!!!!!! I kid you not. No finer seats were there!!!!!!!
Another highlight for me was talking to Trudie who remembered me from my brush with fame, and when I asked for a picture, she was very enthusiastic, and asked me to come over and put her arm around me with big grins on both of us. Very kind vibes from this woman, and looked much better in person. I love her:) In my excitement to be beside her I stumbled and nearly tripped over some seats to which she smiled and said, "Don't do it. I'm not worth it." (geeeeeeez I'm smooth). Well she is, and was. That's all for me, and now on to Jer!!!!!!
Hey Folks, Show was nice again, nothing new to the set that hasn't been played before, he did add message in a bottle to the set, but it was played a few days earlier. He also extended the Rap in Perfect Love, They have added the rap again to Englishman, and Sting also sang the Word to Twist and Shout in the middle of Lithium Sunset. No major mistakes tonight, a couple of fluffed lines at worst, but this is commonplace these days. There were no special guests tonight, only Cheb for Desert Rose. Rumors abound of various appearances to come but as of yet it hasn't happened. Sound was nice, I think the major disappointment for me was that I was told that Universal Amphitheater was an outdoor venue, and it wasn't, other than that a nice time was had by all. The setlist misses All this time and Brought to my Senses, and it half misses Big Lie, it is getting close to becoming the Mercury Falling tour all over again, with only the new album songs being switched.
Setlist was not in this order, but it is early in the morning, and I can't be bothered to put it in order.
Bill here. The experience last night was the most amazing highlight of this fledgling tour. Front row, center! I kept looking around to see which stars had worse seats than us, but only managed to see Ted Danson before the show, in the foyer. Jeremy noted that my wife was coming down the aisle. I looked up and saw Trudie and 3 kids entering their row, 3 rows behind us. They still aren't talking to me. I really don't know what I did. She did have the courtesy to say that the kids are fine, that they miss me. This was a reference to the picture that was taken of her and I and Coco 3 years ago in New York, where we appeared to be the perfect family. Later in the show I turned around and asked their daughter is she was Sting's daughter (it's all I could think of to say, alright!). She said she was, and I shook her hand and Jake's. I told him that the last time I had seen him he was being born in Bring on the Night. Both kids are very handsome, and it was fun to watch them dance to daddy's music. Trudie was absent much of the show, because the youngest child looked to be ill. She returned about two-thirds through, and was there for Ross when he needed her.
I must say that there are a few drawbacks to sitting in the front row, center. Sting's spit constantly was landing on me. Everybody in the entire joint was constantly jealous of MY seat. It is a huge responsibility to stand up at the proper time, as when I stood up everybody had to stand up because it set off a chain reaction. My hands got tired of signing so many autographs for folks that I thought I was somebody important.
Here are a couple tips for the Universal Amphitheater, don't try to sell tickets out front, they take that seriously as breaking the law. Bring a camera didn't seem to be a problem.
Truly a special experience to be with good friends in the very front row in a great city.
I went to see Sting last night at the Universal Ampitheatre in LA and he was great! He did sing 'Moon Over Burbon Street'. He sang many tunes from the new CD and of course everyone was up on their feet when he did Roxanne, I'm Mad About You, They Danced, Englishman in New York, so many great songs I can't think of them all right now...His voice was very strong last night...I have seen him before when he was sick, but last night he was in top form. He did mention that he was no longer a 'virgin' since he experienced his first LA earthquake last week...The set design was also great...they made many set changes according to the mood of the particular song...that was pretty cool too. The band and back up singers were excellent as well...The crowd was up and dancing a lot of the time...a fun time was had by all....
Cheb opened for Sting last night in LA. Set-list was pretty much the same as posted before... Closing was Message in a Bottle (lets hope he adds this to every show from now on) and Fragile.
Trudie and a young boy and girl (Stings children??) were in the 4th row of the PIT last night... as well as Ted Danson...Trudie looked really beautiful last night...
Miles introduced Cheb...
Well, after two nights in a row of Sting, I am so very, very tired. Thank goodness he's taking Thursday night off! (I gotta get some sleep). I might try for tickets on Friday, as this is rumored to be the taping night (which possibly translates into guest artists' appearances--James? Stevie? Branford?). And as Ross says, you gotta go just to say you were there.
It would be easy to dissect each evening, compare/contrast them, rip them apart, whatever, but I believe it comes down to this: We are all big-time Sting fans (apparently--we like spending our free time communicating with other hard-core fans) and when we are there, no matter what kind of seats we have, no matter how much money we can afford to spend on our tickets, while we are there it is one of the greatest experiences that life can offer.
Hearing the live musical offerings that my favorite singer/songwriter/composer/etc. and his band gives any night is a thrill for me! Besides all of that, I am not much of a music critic because I am so willingly entertained by this man that I admire and "love" so much. Translation: the concerts were great!
I enjoyed immensely both nights' performances, found the mistakes in "Seven Days" charming and human-esque, secretly wished I could be one of the girls singing back-up vocals, getting a kick out of wiggling my butt in front of Bob Saget's face while I was on a champagne buzz (BTW, he was a bit of a "fuddy-duddy" not standing up for anything except "Roxanne", "Every Little Thing...", and the second encore, even when the entire section was up dancing around him.), making new friends in the midst of it all who have a common bond.
Speaking of which: it was a pleasure to meet Jeanne, Ross, Jeremy and Bill. And I really do need to thank the boys for setting the right mood during the entire show the first night: being front and center (lucky them, eh?) they got the crowd to stand up and dance for a great deal of the concert, a practice that is for some mysterious reason being tossed aside. I realize The Great Debate rages on re: sitting vs. standing, but it comes down to this: don't you want to show the performers on stage how much the music moves you right then and there? Anyway, the folks up front last night were possibly not as thrilled as they to have those seats...or, like Bob, maybe it wasn't their "thing". At any rate, thanks to the guys for whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Or was that Sting???
So, I feel like I've been walking on clouds since the opener in 'Vegas. I think the "Soul Cages" tour was the last time I saw him three times in one year.
I may try for a new personal record this Friday. After all, both Sting and I aren't getting any younger! And life is what you make it. So my un-asked for advice is this: even if it's in the cheap seats, go and enjoy as many performances you can. It's being there that takes your breath away.
As I used to always sign-off, Peace, Love, and Sting.
I'm a bit of a late bloomer when it comes to Sting's music, having been converted into a die-hard fan after seeing him late on the Mercury Falling Tour, at the beautiful Greek Theater here in Los Angeles. The band was exceptionally tight during those shows, and I wondered how good Stings new group would sound so early in a tour (in other words, I was spoiled last time out, so I thought anyway). I have since worn out my tape of his radio performance in Houston, so I had certain expectations and concerns about the band Sting had assembled this time around. As I expected, they didn't disappoint either night, though I felt there was a distinct difference in the two performances I saw (Tuesday and Friday nights). Perhaps they should announce they are taping and recording every night as they did on Friday (and they also told us that we will get a free CD of the performance for putting up with the video cameramen). The crowd was on better behavior Friday and the band seemed especially focused and put on a memorable show that I can't wait to hear and see!
The Friday night show was definitely taped and recorded for a purpose that was not announced (perhaps a cable special?). Few in the crowd seemed to know the new songs, which is amazing to me. If you are going to pay $100 for a ticket you'd think they would pick up the CD to feel a little more comfortable? Anyhow, a few thoughts on the set list (same both nights) and then some other comments about the staging, merchandise and Cheb Mami.
A Thousand Years - Too slow of an opener. I don't understand why he doesn't open with Brand New Day??? But performed beautifully nonetheless and the heavy synthesizer vibrating the venue is a cool way to start. Lighting doesn't reveal Sting until well into the song, which is odd.
If You Love Someone Set Them Free - Nice version, similar to Mercury Falling Tour, gets the crowd on their feet.
After The Rain Has Fallen - wonderful live, and some different lines used by Sting in singing it that really takes it up a notch. Surprising it is already different from the album version, but great. Segways from end of song to band introductions to:
We'll Be Together - a funky version that is different but fun.
Perfect Love Gone Wrong - The rap is just as offensive live as it is on the album, though thankfully we only have to suffer through one loud rap session. Manu Katche ends the song with a softer rendition of the rap chorus that is better, but still annoying. The majority of the crowd did not seem to be too taken by it either. Easily the least enjoyable song of the evening.
Mad About You - nice rendition. No one in the crowd seems to know this song (i.e. thus a license to talk). I would loved to have heard All This Time one night or Fortress, but I sensed they were trying to nail this for their taping and recording on Friday night. Sting told his earthquake story both nights prior to this. He stays in the Four Seasons in Las Vegas, which he was not shy to reveal!
Seven Days - Tuesday night Sting told the story of how he was forgetting the words, thankfully he put it to rest for the taping version on Friday night. Not as fun of a version as the Mercury Falling Tour, perhaps lacking just a little in the drum department. Cool "umbrella's" appear hear as part of the set background.
Fill Her Up - A favorite of mine from the album that didn't disappoint live. I thought the jazz ending would be more prominent, but they actually ended on more of a quiet jazz part then a country jam. This song, more than any other stands to improve and grow as the tour goes on (in my view anyway). Sting introduced the song and explained the lyric, though only parts of James Taylor's vocals from the album were sung live, and it was by Sting, which is a bit odd based on the lyric. I guess no one in the band can do what Kenny Kirkland would have done in the past (in more ways than one), and that is sing the parts of the rich guy in the car.
Fields Of Gold - nice rendition again. Wish Dominique's guitar solo was longer so he could do something a little different here. Nice lighting here on the whole crowd. Actually, all of the lighting was excellent and appropriate for each song.
Every little thing she does is magic - a fan favorite and nicely inserted to get the crowd going. Not as much of a rock and roll number as on MF tour, but still fun. Weird ending - Sting really slows it down.
Ghost Story - a stunning song live. I hope it remains throughout the tour for everyone to hear. Stings voice is very prominent thanks to wonderful sound mixing that emphasizes his voice all night (a first at a rock show?).
Moon Over Bourbon Street - interesting take on this, with Sting doing it in a Louis Armstrong voice (Tom Waits at times). Great trumpet playing by Chris Botti who comes out front, and cool set work with a moon in the back.
Englishman In New York Brand New Day - Fun rendition with a very brief rap light show that is fine because of its brevity. Crowd sing-along is fun, though both nights Sting had to remind us it was okay to sing that "positive affirmation."
Brand New Day - Slightly shorter version than the album, but with part of the nice intro. Stevie Wonder appeared 2/3's of the way through on Friday night's show and the place went nuts. I couldn't even hear his harmonica playing because the crowd was so loud. But thankfully, we'll have it on our free CD (hopefully!). Should be opening the show with this as the crowd seems to know it from radio play. Just a great song and a perfect opener for the tour and album. Oh well.
Tomorrow We'll See - I wish Sting had introduced this lyric to the crowd. This song is very different (and more upbeat) live thanks to a more obvious presence from Dominque Miller. Excellent version, though I would love to have seen it segway straight into Roxanne. But there is a brief pause so they can switch over to the red lights.
Roxanne - same version as last tour and a crowd favorite. Band really took it up a notch during Friday show. Sting's crowd-sing-along is fun and the back up singers get to show off here (they were disappointing night one, but very easy to hear Friday. Could have been the mix, or perhaps just where we were sitting the first night).
Desert Rose (with Cheb Mami) - The stage includes these great little pop up fire balls that really liven things up during the song. The crowd has no interest in Cheb Mami or appreciation for Stings remarks about his singing. But the song is excellent live and Kipper, who is appearing to be having a lot of fun playing, incorporates many of the techno sounds here that are on the album. Cheb Mami seemed to miss some words both nights on this, but his opening sets were very strong and it was neat to get to see them do this song together. Mami's band is incredibly tight and though he's not the greatest performer, his voice, melodies and band make up for his awkward dancing! I felt very fortunate that we got to see him open these shows.
Bring On The Night / When The World Is Running Down You Make The Best Of What's Still Around - a good set closer even though I wasn't sure how well it would work. It's the same format as the MF Tour, just different keyboard solo from Jason Rebello. He's very good though.
Encore 1
If I Ever Lose My Faith In You - kind of a flat rendition both nights. Misses the MF band on this more than any song in my view.
Every Breath You Take - fine version. Band introduction is at the end of this song instead of the next.
Lithium Sunset - a totally different take on this song, and it's wonderful. Incorporates "Twist and Shout" into it and really takes this song up a notch tempo wise. Great ending, even though crowd didn't know it at all. Can't wait to hear a recording of this updated version.
Encore 2
Message in a Bottle - fun to sing along. I hope he keeps this in the set.
Fragile - A perfect song. I rolled my eyes when I saw he was closing with it again, but hearing it reminds you that it's probably as perfect a song as Sting or anyone can create.
I sense overall that the set list will change (for those concerned it won't). Sting mentioned that they had been performing to that point for "these shows" at the Universal. I'm assuming this was because it was their first big city/venue and because of the taping situation at Friday's show. Although like the MF Tour, it's a good set list and nicely balanced, throwing in a treat for everyone. I would like to see a few more hits put together and a few more new songs together, because the mixing of new song/old song seems to prevent any real strong momentum from occurring until the very end of the show. Or maybe it just keeps a nice steady pace going and it works? Either way, you are in for a great time as Sting's voice sounds excellent and his energy is high. The man is an amazing performer even if he wears faded black cargo pants!
The merchandise is nice, but expensive. Black and white t-shirts, a lime green long sleeve and various hats, key chains and bags. No program unfortunately. And of course, no web site up and running yet either, which is so strange. But their free CD offer for us Friday night attendees will quiet my complaining in many ways! What a cool thing to do.
All in all, it was well worth the price of admission (as high as that was) and we'll miss not having Sting to town for a few years now. The Universal is a somewhat sterile place, but a wonderful venue because the acoustics are so good and there aren't really any bad seats in the house. Hopefully I'll get to see him when he returns to the States next year to see the progress of a great Sting band and show.
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