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Pat Benatar Fan Club 2009 Concert Reviews |
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October 16-17 Agoura Hills, CA Canyon Club Fan Review by Luca Ansaldo At the edge of the madness. I was thinking for months about my decision to leave Italy just for the two concerts at the Canyon Club. More than 24 hours of flight to go and to come back in 5 days. And often I said to myself: but you are crazy! In fact when I reached Los Angeles and I explained my plan, some Americans told me: but you are crazy! My answer was: yes, I really am, but I'm happy. And the happiness justifies everything. The reason that pushed me to select the shows at Agoura Hills was that I was looking for a very cosy atmosphere in a little venue. My intuition didn't mistake. The Canyon Club was on the top level with a very kind and helpful crew. The shows also were extraordinary with the powerful voice of Pat, the electrifying passion of Neil, the sympathy of Mick Mahan and the crazy energy of Myron Grombacher in the back. Here is the list of songs of the first show:
Second the comment of Pat about the song "Somebody's Baby" that belongs to a group of material released by Pat and Neil not only nice but also rich in social messages. Not by chance Pat Benatar is cited at the Grammy Museum at Los Angeles in the section dedicated to the power of music to change conventional attitudes and behaviours. Third the moltitude of girls at the tables in front of the stage with some really shy boys here and there. They got excited and become crazy above all during "Hit me with Your Best Shot". And it's curious to know that many of them were infants when the song was released. It's crazy but this is the power of Pat Benatar music. A special thanks to the manager John Malta for his singular kindness.
Luca Ansaldo
It was a sold out crowd for the last show of the tour and Pat and the band were in top form. This was her second night in a row at the Canyon Club and they played a terrific 90 minute set. The show was longer by about 5 songs from when I saw her at the O.C. Fair with Blondie last July and it was also better. What made this special was that Pat spoke a lot in between songs, more than I have ever heard her. She mentioned the Grammy concert that she gave in NYC last week and how it was like a storytellers evening so I think she incorporated a lot of that into last night's show. She spoke about a lot of the songs and also how she would have been happy with this lasting 5 years but after 30 she is amazed and very grateful. Neil described how the band was formed and how fast the first album was made. All Fired Up was the first song and then (I don't remember the exact set list) I think it went into Shadows and an acoustic You Better Run - which surprised me because I have never heard her sing it that way before. Pat described the video for Somebody's Baby and then sang it with such emotion that she blew everyone away. This was about my 25th time seeing her live and even I was amazed that she was hitting such high notes. At this point Neil was at the piano and Pat began We Live for Love acoustically and it was so good that I really hope she records this version so that everyone can hear it. I usually prefer the rocking versions of her songs but I was stunned at how good this sounded. It was excellent.
She sang Invincible (dedicated to the troops), We Belong (with cell phones swaying), Hell, Best Shot, a rocking Battlefield and spoke about Gravity's Rainbow and how it was not a big seller but that it was a needed step for the band and then sang a very energetic Everybody Lay Down. The last song was Heartbreaker and that ended the 30th anniversary tour. Neil did say that at some point they would be back with a completely different show so let's all pray it is soon. It was, in my opinion, one of her best shows ever.
My husband, Shane and I went with a co-worker we didn’t know well and another couple we are just starting to get to know. The co-worker was a huge Pat fan in the '80s and is now a mother of 4 who had really lost touch with Pat. She was so excited to be going and the last tour she saw was Get Nervous in Wichita in 1982. The other couple had heard of Pat and knew some songs but not much more than that. They are in their mid '20s. We arrived in Council Bluffs early. Ate dinner at Famous Dave’s, which shares a parking lot with the MAC (Mid America Center.) We were first in line to get in and heard part of the opening acts sound check. The MAC seats probably around ten thousand and Pat drew around three thousand, roughly guessing. I had the best seats ever for any concert. Not on the floor, but above the stage perfect dead center. Only a row separated us from the floor seats. My husband and the other couple we were with are all blind so Lori, our co-worker was describing the simple stage and the impressive array of guitars and drums, keyboard and Grande piano set up there. Interesting to note, but maybe not for the rest of you that the light was purple before the show started. A little after 7:00 a really tired sounding guy came on and introduced the opening act, Coles Whalen. I was disappointed at first as we weren’t expecting an opening act. However, she turned out to be pretty good. She has impressive pipes and a more acoustic rock/country sound than straight ahead rock, but very good none the less. She hails from Colorado originally. Clad in the trademark long jacket and boots, Pat came on at 8:00 and the place went wild. I’ll try and get the set list in order:
They seemed to be having fun on stage, but also seemed tired; often mentioning “four more shows; where are we . . .”. My friend Lori, co-worker who hadn’t seen them since 1982 was going crazy with each new song. Really sweet to watch her. Our other friends were turned into new fans, I think. As a die-hard, I was disappointed there was nothing from True Love, Innamorata, or Go. Not really representative of 30 years if you don’t cover it all. But the monsters were mostly there. Security was tight. Those with cameras were tossed or stuff confiscated. Lots of drunk idiots getting kicked out too. Merch was the same as described. I was glad to have a hoodie ‘cuz I’m always cold. Her merch people are really nice too. They let me and my friend Bridgit, who is also blind, feel the shirts and gave really good descriptions of all the merch.
As we were leaving, her bus was there and I wanted to run over and see if they were there, but I didn’t and we headed home. Still on the Benatar Buzz. For those on the west coast, go see a show if you can.
Prepare to hear about the most amazing day of my life! This concert was AMAZING!!! An experience I shall never, ever forget. It was the most amazing experience ever! Pat and Neil are definitely the kindest, most amazing, most talented people on earth! I was able to purchase the VIP passes for the Verona show and it was amazing! Pat and Neil were so kind and welcoming I felt like I was talking to a couple of my best friends, and perhaps in my mind that's what they are! It was amazing! I got my picture taken with my idols, in the first photo I had not cracked a full smile as I was a little awe struck that I was there! Right next to my idols!!!! The other two photos I was a little over my surprise and was cracking a huge smiles but blinking (I'm Notorious for blinking in photos.). It was amazing even though I was awe struck and not quite prepared for the first photo. I was THERE!!! And I LOVED every second of that day!!! I still have butterflies in my stomach from all the excitement! I also was able to take part in the award presentation and I am so grateful that I could be a part of that. For those of you who weren't there, Pat and Neil loved the award, entitled quite appropriately, Wildfire! It was wonderful to be there to experience that! I felt like royalty! The concert itself was amazing, Pat sounded amazing, she was definitely really into it! It was interesting seeing it from the point of view of side stage. Tt was really cool! I got many waves from Pat through out the concert and I sang along the whole time!! It was also great to see Myron back. He's really great to watch. He really gets enthused when playing the drums! I could probably go on and on forever about my amazing experience on August 12th 2009! That is definitely a date I shall never forget!! It was also great to meet some of you guys! I can't wait to see Pat & Neil again! If you have ever been on any networking sites you may realize that many quizzes and things ask you a question like "You're happiest when?" My answer to that question is ALWAYS: "When I'm at a Pat Benatar concert!" Like I said I could probably go on forever about this incredible day but I will curb my urge to type and shall end off the way I often start my reviews: Pat and Neil are absolutely awesome!!!
Peace and Love to all who rock, After a three-hour drive from Tacoma, my wife and I arrived in Toppenish in the middle of the afternoon and after checking in to our hotel, we decided to take a quick drive to the Legends Casino, where Pat would be performing a concert in the evening. I was taken aback when I discovered the concert venue was outside, especially because the temperature was in the mid-eighties. After returning to the hotel, showering and changing in preparation for our audience with Pat and Neil (we had purchased VIP tickets through benatarstore.com). we went back to the arena only to find the whole crew were eating supper. Rande Volpert, the tee-shirt vendor, held us in conversation until John (Pat and Neil's manager) waved us over to the VIP area, which as it turned out, was at the side of the tour bus in the open air. John apologized for the lack a proper VIP facility, but we assured him it wasn't a problem and had a brief conversation about his recent knee surgery before he had to excuse himself to attend a Meet and Greet with several members of the local First Nation Tribe. While he was busy with the Meet and Greet, Neil appeared from the doorway of the tour bus. He picked up a golf club and started to practice his swing. When he saw us, he immediately came over and asked how we were. We talked about the final round of the British Open golf tournament held earlier that day until it was time for the photos. When Neil had finished the Meet and Greet photo session, John led us over to have our picture taken with him. While we were posing with Neil, Pat exited the tour bus and walked over to have her photo taken with each of the First Nation members, after which, we also had our pictures taken with her. Pat, Neil and John soon joined us at the side of the bus and offered to sign our paraphernalia (two gold CDs, a photo and a card). We had a wonderful chat with them both and would have loved to talk all night with them, but unfortunately it had to end. We thanked them for their time and hospitality as John led us to our seats at the back of the stage. We sat back while watching the crowd drift in and take their seats, while we fully absorbed the atmosphere. It occurred to me that Pat and Neil might feel the heat, as she was wearing a black skirt with a black top and black boots, and Neil wore a black sleeveless shirt whereas the rest of the band members were dressed in white shirts. We talked to several members of the road crew, who made us quite welcome before it was time for the concert to begin. Mick (the bassist) and Myron (the drummer) took the stage first, but remained out of view of the crowd. Mick came over to say hello while the sound crew were checking their ear-microphones were functional. When everything was ready, Pat and Neil took the stage to a huge roar of approval from the crowd. Pat was wearing sunglasses as the sun was directly in her face. Their set was similar to that of the previous two nights in Tacoma, and Pat showed her sensitivity and compassion when before singing "Somebody's Baby", she announced that the song was "Dedicated to honour the memory of Christopher" - a young man she knew of, who had recently lost his life in a road accident. It was fascinating to watch the concert from the back of the stage - while observing the crowd with their arms in the air, all swaying together as they played "We Belong", and watching everyone dancing to "Battlefield, I thought that Pat and Neil must get quite a rush from seeing that. At one time while I moved forward to take a picture of the crowd, I looked back and saw that Myron had left his drum kit and was sat next to my wife with his arm around her !!!! I told him he could take her with him if he would let me play the drums for him, to which he replied, "Go ahead". I took the drumsticks from him and feigned going over to the drum kit. He laughed when I didn't go out on the stage and took the drumsticks from me and went back to his seat behind his drum kit. All too soon the concert was over and I recall a twinge of sadness as I watched the band leave the stage for the final time. The show was shortened to 12 songs, but I can't complain - even though the sun was going down, it was still very warm on stage and I'm sure the band must have been feeling the heat. We remained in our seats for a while, watching the road crew diligently dismantle the equipment and take it away. As we descended the stairs from the stage, Mick happened to be walking by and asked us if we enjoyed the show. He was kind enough to chat with us for a couple of minutes before having to leave. As we made our way towards the exit, I took one last look back to reminisce about the evening and what a terrific experience it had been. Our sincere gratitude to everyone for their kindness and warmth in making the evening an occasion to remember. Set List
July 17, 18 Tacoma, WA Emerald Queen Fan review by Steve McKay My wife and I have just returned from our west coast trip and were lucky to have caught several concerts celebrating Pat and Neil's 30th year in the music industry on our travels. Our first stop was on 17th July at the Emerald Queen Casino in Tacoma. A packed house eagerly anticipated their entrance at 8:30pm but Pat and Neil kept everyone waiting. They finally hit the stage at 8:45 and opened up with the same two songs from last years tours - All Fired Up and Shadows of The Night. Pat then took a minute to talk to the audience explaining that if they played every song they had recorded over the last 30 years, they would be on stage for hours, but said that they would try to play at least one song from each of their albums. She introduced "I Need A Lover" as being the first song from the first album they recorded, which produced a stirring roar of approval from the crowd. Pat then regaled the audience with the story about being on tour in Oklahoma when they first heard their 1981 video for "You Better Run" was to be featured on a new music station called MTV. Pat also mentioned that the video was the second song played and that Neil was the first guitarist to play on the new station. Before the next song, Pat made an unusual gaffe when she went on to introduce "Invincible". Neil quickly corrected her and after checking her song list, she told us about how she was motivated to write the song "Somebody's Baby" after she was on the streets of LA, talking to several homeless people. She reminded the listeners that everyone's life is important, no matter how they may seem to appear. During the song, she hit several high notes, showing that the winter layoff had not affected her superb vocal talents. Next up was "Invincible and Pat made her usual reference to it being from "One of the worst movies ever made" and dedicated it to the soldiers around the world who are protecting the peace. Subsequent to "Invincible", Pat and Neil slowed down the pace a little and sat on stools while talking to the audience. Neil introduced the band and gave us the condensed story of being introduced to Pat, in New York, flying to Los Angeles with her and recording the album "In The Heat of The Night" within 3 weeks. He then played a piano solo as the introduction for the acoustic version of "We Live For Love". This was the first time I have heard Neil play the piano and this addition to his numerous musical talents was notable. Once again, Pat's vocal prowess was highly evident. Neil also played a lengthy piano solo at the beginning of the next song - the crowd roared with approval when the familiar sounds of "We Belong" were piped through the sound system. Following this, they played a lesser-known song from the Innamorata album called "At This Time". Although I wasn't too familiar with this recording, I was again impressed with Neil's guitar riffs - they reminded me a lot of Ray Davies' (from the Kinks) style in the late sixties. During "Hit Me With Your Best Shot", Pat got the audience involved with singing some of the lyrics. Despite her repeated protest of wanting to drop the song from their set, she seemed to enjoy having the audience participate. She seemed to sing "Hell Is for Children" with renewed passion and appeared breathless after belting out the lyrics. Neil proved to be prophetic when he announced that the next song should have everyone dancing. I looked around and saw no-one in their seats - everyone was moving around and some were even dancing in the aisles !!!!! The band left to a thunderous ovation. For their encore, Pat again indulged the crowd by having them sing along to "Promises In The Dark" and "Heartbreaker", the latter of which ended with an exciting and stimulating guitar solo by Neil. Feeling exhausted after such a terrific show, I wondered how Pat and Neil can keep performing at such high intensity night after night. Last year they promised a great show for their 30th Anniversary Tour and they certainly didn't disappoint as they seemed to raise their intensity level a few notches over previous years. Set List
Well show three was even more amazing the first. Pat, Neil, Mick and of course Myron were on top of their game. Speaking of Myron let me just say that it is so amazing to see and hear him play again. Nothing against any of the previous drummers that have toured with the band over the years, but nothing beats the original. Myron plays so effortlessly, and so true. I wish I was going to more shows just to hear him work that kit. The set was nothing drastically different from the past two show, but I still feel that there are some big surprises for later in the tour. I'll leave the rest of the review to the other fan club memebers that were there. A fresh perspective. It was great seeing some familar faces and meeting new ones. Set list:
June 26 Daytona Beach, FL Peabody Auditorium Fan review by George Gakoumis, Jr. A bit of a trek from Orlando, but well worth the drive. The first show of the Going on 30 Tour. The last show that I saw was at Universal Mardi Gras back in February. At that show Pat and Neil promised some surprises for the summer tour, and they didn't disappoint. The first thing I noticed when I walked in the venue was the size of the drum kit. Much larger than I had seen at past shows. Didn't give it much thought at the time. When the band took the stage I noticed the drummer and thought that's not Chris Ralles, yet he looks very familiar. The one thing that did stand out was his style, and that animalistic attack of the drum kit. It wasn't until Neil said his name that I realized holy crap that's Myron Grombacher. This was especially exciting for me. Way back when I played the drums, Myron was my idol. I would study his every move, and try to emulate him. Back in the day I actually met him twice. Once during 7THW tour and WAID. Very cool guy. Joe said Myron was one of the big surprises, I'm curious what else they have up their sleeves. The show was nothing less than awesome. Pat's hair is quite long. Much like it was during the 1999 tour. She FINALLY shed the long coat, and traded it in for a black jacket and skirt. She looked great. Neil was looking good as well, much more like the Neil I remember. Hair slicked back, black sleeveless shirt that allowed him to display his arms full of tattoos. The set was a bit more mixed up, but still had the usual crowed pleasers. I'm guessing that the set will alter during the tour as they mix it up. There really didn't seem to be any camera restrictions. Pat even went as far to say, "it's my name up on the marquee, go ahead and take pictures". Unfortunately the camera Gods went with me. Almost every picture came out blurred. I sent Joe the best of the worst. That's about all I have for now. It's late and I have to work in the morning, but didn't want to leave you hanging. Looking forward to Sunday night at The House Of Blues. :D Till then. Set List
February 28 Orlando, FL Universal Studios Mardi Gras Fan review by George Gakoumis, Jr. It's been 10 years since Pat and Co. performed at Universal's Mardi Gras. Quite a few changes in that time. Not just Pat, Neil and the band, but the venue. They actually have one now. Bands used to perform on a stage erected in front of the lagoon (if you've been there you know what I'm talking about). Universal has built an amphitheater like stage on the other side of the park in front of the sound stages. I only have one thing to say, It's about time. The stage is comparable to any venue, like Hard Rock Live. My plan was to get there for the sound check, but a sick cat put me behind schedule. So I'll cut to the chase. No opening act. Pat, Neil and the band promptly went on stage right after the Mardi Gras Parade. While Neil starts his guitar intro for All Fired Up, Mick, Chris and a new but familiar face took the stage. Lindsay Rush who opened for Pat last year, supplied backup vocals. Something new, and it didn't quite stop there. The set seemed to follow their usual list of songs, but what gave this show it's energy was the crowd. Everyone was there to see Pat, and they were pumped. I've been to many Mardi Gras concerts in the past, and most of the people are more interested in catching beads than who's performing on the stage. For Pat, the entire field in front of the stage was jam packed long before the Parade even started. For the most part the show was business as usual. Pat still dawning her long coat, but shed the scarf. Her voice was a bit raspy at times, but she carried herself well. During the introduction of We Live For Love they mentioned that they have been doing this for a very long time, and that this marks their thirty year anniversary in the music biz. When I got there I noticed something that is typical of Universal during these performances. Signs everywhere saying "No photography of any kind..." During the intro for We Belong, Pat and Neil have everyone take out their cell phones (the lighter for the new millennium) and hold them in the air . Suddenly Pat said, "You can take pictures. Go head and take pictures." So everyone did, and since Pat gave her permission to do so security couldn't do a damned thing about it. Which worked great for me. I just bought a new digital camera, but didn't have alot of time to play with the settings. So most of my pictures didn't really come out, and considering I was right up to the stage it really pissed me off. Since Pat gave her blessing, I pulled out my video camera. I managed to tape 5 songs before security decided I was over stepping my bounds. The unfortunate part is the audio is blown out because I was standing right in front of the center stage speaker. Still I was able to pull some images from the video, and those are a few of the picture posted on the photo gallery. Later, when Pat introduced Hell is For Children, her speech hit a bit closer to home. She dedicated this performance to Caylee Anthony and Haleigh Cummings. Caylee who's body was recently found not to terribly far from where I live, and who's mother is accused of her murder. Haleigh who went missing from her home several weeks ago. It doesn't matter where you live, if you watch the national news you've heard the names of these two little Florida girls. It was an awkward moment for the audience who wasn't sure how to react. What started as a somber cheer turned into applause. A very touching moment. When it came time for the encore there seemed to be a bit of confusion after Promises In the Dark. The audience was yelling Heartbreaker. Neil called Pat over as they looked over the set list. Now I'm not quite sure if this was planed, but looking surprised Pat said ok this should be fun. Then they broke into You Better Run. The crowd went nuts. This might be something they work into every show this summer. Inserting a new song into the set list here and there to break things up. At first I wasn't as thrilled about going to this show as I usually am. Especially after the Super Bowl party performance. In the end I'm glad I went. I think the upside is we may be in for some surprises this summer.
George Gakoumis, Jr.
Just a quick note on last night's show at Universal Studios Mardi Gras. It was, as always, a really good time for all. The crowd stood the whole time, and nobody left until Pat left the stage the first time. Pat wore a black pants suit with a long coat. Neil had on faded jeans, a long-sleeve athletic T-shirt, a baseball cap, and his glasses. Lindsay Rush did back up vocals (no instrument) and wore jeans and a 70s-style pink top with thin straps at the top and the back. Set list:
That's it, really. Definitely a huge crowd, both at the stage and that hung around the park watching the video screens. If Pat's not their biggest draw this year, I can't imagine who will be. Peace,
DM
First of all I'd like to say Pat and Neil are absolutely awesome!!!! I arrived at the theatre in universal quite early so that I could insure a good spot. The concert started at nine. I arrived there a little before five and was able to get second row! I was so excited! I was very lucky to be where I was because the people in front of me were very kind and assured that I could see as well as possible. Those behind were also very kind and helped make sure no one pushed in front of me. I didn't see any of the Mardi Gras parade, and that was fine by me. I was there to see Pat and Neil!!! The concert started at nine. There was no opening act - just right to the chase. I was ecstatic as usual when I go to Pat's concerts!!! They started with Fired Up as usual, and I loved it! Pat and Neil were pumped, and the audience was right into it through the whole concert! Pat sounded awesome and so did Neil! They are incredibly wonderful people! They also mentioned the awesome fact that this was the marking of 30 years!!!! I got a t-shirt saying so! I was honored to be a part of that great night! I had an awesome time! At one point Neil spotted me and thew me a pick which landed directly in my lap! Unfortunately there was a sign posted saying no photography, but I was able to get some pictures during "We belong" with the cell phone with Pats permission ; ) They're not the best quality but they will definitely be becoming a part of my Pat scrapbook!. At one point in the encore Neil actually brought out their list of songs. They hummed and hawed and picked a new one to perform. It was You Better Run, and it was great to hear it live! It was another night I will never forget just like all other Pat concert's I have attended and all that I will attend in the future! It sound like this summer tour's going to be exciting and may have a few surprises in store for us!!! This will be said in many reviews but I must say it now Pat and Neil truly ROCK!!
Peace and Love to all who rock, |
