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Pat Benatar Fan Club 2010 Concert Reviews |
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October 26-27 Melbourne, Australia Palais Theatre Luca Ansaldo Here I am in Australia for the two concerts in Melbourne. An austere building is waiting for me just in front of the S. Kilda beach: the Palais Theatre, a cold grey cement block outside, but with old and elegant furniture inside. After a fifty minutes concert of the Bangles that the time seems to have frozen in the eighties and a pause of half an hour, it's the turn of our band. Only the first night was sold out but only in the second one a really warm standing ovation received Pat and Neil. A one hour and a half gig quickly runs with the performance of songs from each era of Pat Benatar's body work, with the exception of "GO" (but why not ?) In particular it was funny the Neil's presentation of the song "I don't want to be your friend" in front of the audience with the presence of Hana Giraldo too. He told about his obsession (and maybe fortune) to live between only girls, Pat, Haley and Hana, the mother in law and also three female dogs. It was an incomprehensible and brutal "I hate you" he received in an ordinary day, that suggested immediatly that song. That's why he said to pay attention at the lyric. Pat's voice was powerful as usual and her energy on the stage was great. It was really a pity not to have her in our European countries in the last years: many singers at this moment could turn pale compared to her voice. The elegant way to play of Mick Mahan on bass was well opposed by the relentless Myron Grombacher with a pirate bandage on his head. In my opinion the only thing that I didn't like much is to be in a theatre, strictly forced at the seat, with no chance to stand up and dance. I don't think that we are too old to rise to our feet for more than an hour, enjoying as much as possible songs as "Love ia a battlefield", "Invincible" or "All fired up". Anyway the shows were great and the Australians seemed to appreciate a lot the performances. So, after a great meal in the Stokehouse Restaurant close to the Palais Theatre, with seasonal sweet oysters and a western australian white wine, now I'm ready to come back to Italy.
Luca
Pat, Spyder, Myron and Mick lit up the Adelaide Entertainment Centre with one of the most memorable shows my wife, Natasha, and I have ever seen. We arrived at the AEC early, eager to enjoy the atmosphere and make the most of the night. We bought a couple of ‘Crimes of Passion’ t-shirts, drank some pretty average wine in tiny plastic cups, took some happy snaps then made our way to the Theatre Room. The crowd slowly filed in with most aged between 35 and 50, but there was also a good sprinkling of fans in their 20s. The Bangles hit the stage first and played an impressive, tight set featuring all their best known tunes before leaving to loud applause. With the crowd warmed up the anticipation in the air was palpable, then a after a few minutes the house lights dimmed. The moment we had all been waiting for arrived as the crowd cheered the arrival of two of classic rock’s most iconic figures, Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo. This was the first time Pat had played Adelaide and the crowd packing the venue showed their appreciation from the moment the band walked on stage. The band opened up with a blistering version of All Fired Up then quickly followed with another crowd favourite, Shadows of the Night. Next came one of my all time favourites, If You Knew How To Love Me, then Invincible and Promises In The Dark. At one point early in the show the band paused for breath between songs and a slight hush came over the crowd. Then in her excitement, a female fan near the front of the stage let out a piercing scream. This prompted Pat to turn around and ask, “Are you okay?” The crowd cracked up laughing! The band had captured the crowd with a rocking start but what followed was probably the highlight of the night. Pat and Neil grabbed a couple of stools, sat at the front of the stage and spent about 30 minutes talking with the fans and playing acoustic versions of some of their best known songs. Some of their stories and banter brought much laughter and you could sense a genuine close bond had been established between Pat and Neil and the crowd as they played You Better Run, I Don’t Want To Be Your Friend and We Belong. Throughout the show, Spyder demonstrated his mastery and versatility on guitar and the fans loved the onstage chemistry, humour and teasing between Neil and Pat. Pat then announced Hell Is For Children and talked about the significant place the song has in the band’s history. It was a powerful version befitting the song’s important message and it brought the crowd to its feet. For the first few songs everyone was seated, but then many got out of their seats and made their way to the front of the stage. During the last couple of songs, almost the whole crowd had abandoned their seats and moved as close to the stage as possible, a true indication of a great gig. With the end approaching, Hit Me With Your Best Shot and Love Is A Battlefield had the crowd singing along before a rousing encore of So Sincere, Let’s Stay Together and Heartbreaker. Then suddenly it was over. Pat, Neil, Myron and Mick had left the stage to thunderous applause, the house lights were on and a very satisfied audience slowly made their way to the exits. We all wanted more. It was one of those shows you never wanted to end. The only disappointing aspect of the night was the venue. The show was originally scheduled for the much larger and tiered Arena at the AEC, but was then downsized to the venue’s adjoining Theatre Room. The Theatre is a bland, corporate looking venue with no elevated seating. It’s more suited to seminars than rock shows. It could be a great venue with a little imagination and effort. In closing, on the afternoon of the show, Natasha and I had the honour and privilege of meeting Pat as she was leaving her hotel for the gig. We had no idea the band were staying at the hotel. It was just an educated guess as I had met other great bands there over the years.
About an hour had passed when Pat appeared in the lobby. She was so cool and gracious as she signed her book, Between a Heart and a Rock Place, had photos with us and then met with some other fans before climbing into a waiting van and heading off for sound check. We still can’t believe we met one of our all time heroes, a true legend of rock music. Those photos are now proudly displayed on our fridge!
Friday nights show at The Canyon was again, another awesome show. Pat and Spyder's 90 minute set was filled with high energy from both of them and equally from the crowd too. Usually the venue is filled to capacity, but Friday nights crowd was much smaller than normal. I was planning to go to Saturdays show too, but my husband and I wanted to savor the awesome experience we had on Friday. We met up with friends we met at last years show at The Canyon. They thought they were going to beat me there but I got there first again. The staff at the club really spoiled us. They recognize me by now and hooked us up with seats up against the stage, just slightly off center on Spyders side. I took several videos, and Spyder was just eating it up. He was right there in front of me and on some of my video footage all you can see is his hands on the guitar strings. Totally AWESOME!!!! But the highlight of our evening was as they were getting ready to sing "We Belong", Pat was telling everyone to get out there phones when Spyder came up to me and took my phone, waving it up in the air, and then started playing with my phone. As he's looking at it Pat turns to him and says "You took her phone, give her back her phone" and proceeded to hit him but missed. He said "she has Hello Kitty on her Phone." He still was playing with it again waving it up in the air. Then he took a picture of me with my phone and finally gave it back. That is something I'll always remember. Thank you Pat and Spyder for yet again another great and memorable night. SET LIST:
August 25 Manhattan, NY Nokia Theater Justin McManus A great show by Pat and Neil at Nokia Theater. It's always great to see them play a high-profile venue that's filled to capacity. The show was a quick, energetic 80 min set hitting all the favorites and a few album cuts that didn't get much attention back in the day. (My personal favorites). Pat, Spyder, Myron and Mick seemed full of energy and the performace was great, Pat really seems to have ramped up the audience interaction and movement on stage for this tour. Got to experience the meet and greet as well, Pat and Spyder along with their manager John could not have been more gracious even though it has to be mind-numbing to sign 50 million autographs and take pictures before you have to perform...a big thank you to all three! Set List:
August 24 Verona, NY Turning Stone Rachel Phillips Rachel's Rockin' Review First of all: I would like to thank Joe!! (I can't thank you enough Joe!!!!!!!) I had an amazing time at the concert at Turning Stone! Pat & Neil never fail to blow me away!! Pat always sounds awesome!!!! I was much closer to the stage for this show than I was at the DTE and I LOVED it!!!!!!!!! And I was SO glad to attend a solo show of Pat & Spyders!!!!!! The set list was pretty much the same as previous shows. I LOVED IT, that's for sure!!!! Like I said in my previous review: Pat could sing the phone book and it would be AWESOME!!!! Pat and Neil are most certainly the BEST rockers on this planet!!! They are the most talented, sweet, loving, welcoming and kind people I have ever met and I am always and forever a "bena-head" and Pat & Neil will forever and always be my idols!!!!! The show ROCKED!!!!!!!!!!
Peace and Love to all who rock,
Rachel (The Big "R")
Rachel's Rockin' Review Pat & Neil are such incredible people!!!! The show was AWESOME!!!!! Pat sounded and looked great!!!! Pat's voice blows me away each and every time I hear her sing!!!! And Neil was really rockin' the guitar as only Spyder can!!!! I was at the back of the theatre, but that didn't make the show any less awesome! I was ecstatic just to be there belting out along with Pat!!!! I had the VIP gold passes and getting to meet my idols again was yet another dream come true. Each and every time I remember these times I've spent with my idols it makes me realize how lucky and grateful I am for these opportunities! I will always be grateful to Pat, Spyder and Joe for being so kind, sweet and making me to feel so special. They played some songs I was VERY happy to hear live!!!!!!! I LOVED hearing "I don't want to be your friend". That was incredible to hear live!!!! Each concert of Pat & Spyder's that I attend just makes me feel that much more lucky to be a fan of such wonderful, talented people, and that much more grateful to Pat & Neil for being so welcoming, friendly, & sweet. They are such incredibly talented people and I loved hearing some of the songs acoustically!!! Pat could sing the phone book and it would be awesome!!! PAT & SPYDER RULE!!!!!!! I am always and forever a fan of the greatest rockers on the planet!!! Pat is and will always be the queen of rock!!! They are always and forever my idols!!!!!
Peace and Love to all who rock, The evening started outside on a swelltering hot Houston afternoon. One of our group went to pick up the tickets so we wouldn't have to wait in lines later that night. We were quite a bit early, so we decided to hang around in in the area and check out the sights. As we were waiting, I noticed the bass player and drummer for Pat's band walking around outside. Being a true fan, I knew their names so it had to be a surprise when i ran up to them hollering out their names. I guess their first reaction would of been, "Who the hell knows us in Houston?". Anyway, a few photos and we were all off! An hour later, we were in line waiting to enter the arena, and I found myself in the center of many conversations involving past concert experiences. At that point, I realized I was among many true fans, or what we call ourselves "benartarians". Haha! As we shared stories and checked out our old concert shirts from previous shows, the time finally arrived. They opened the doors, and we rushed the stage. My brother, his wife, my sister, my best friends and myself found ourselves front and center! It seemed forever, but the concert began as it had many times with "All Fired Up". I had seen Pat many, many times, but it was like she felt the energy from the crowd. She had to have known that the show was sold out and her best and most devoted fans were there. Then the hits just kept coming! Spyder had made a few changes that i enjoyed. They swapped out "We Live for Love" with "You Better Run" and did it acoustically (pretty impressive). Other than that, the show went on as it has done so in the past.
She did throw in a fav of mine, "If You Think You Know how to Love Me", but the real treat was when Spyder (Neil Giraldo) walked up to me and handed me his guitar pick. It was almost as if he knew that I was he and Pat's biggest fan! Pat continues to be successful because she is devoted to her practice, her family , and her fans! There is no doubt she is and always will be the reining" queen of rock and roll"!!!!!!!!!!!
With Pat's book in my hand, Melissa and I boarded the plane to Albuquerque, New Mexico--our home away from home. The flight attendant noticed I was reading Between a Heart and a Rock Place and asked with a smile, "Are you an eighties girl?" I replied, "Oh, yea!" and told him with much enthusiasm that we were on our way for a meet and greet with Pat and Neil and have VIP seats on the stage during the concert. He was happy for us and told us to have fun! That we did! While cruising in our rental car, we tuned in the radio to XM Satellite Radio- the 80's- and what did we hear?... the DJ promoting Pat's new book. How cool is that! As die-hard fans, I know how we all love those little Pat/Neil moments that just seem to happen at the right moment. We arrived at our destination and were greeted by Melissa's aunt waving a newspaper article that was neatly clipped out from the Albuquerque Journal dated August 6, 2010. The article titled, "Benatar, a True Pioneer for Women in Rock" was written by Adrian Gomez and contains an interview with Pat about her memoir and gives information regarding her concert at the Rio Grande Zoo. Check it out! On the day of the concert, we arrived at the zoo at 5:00 p.m. to find long lines forming to get the General Admission seating. We picked up our Platinum VIP Passes from the ticket office and proudly hung them around our necks. While waiting anxiously for the gates to open at 6:00 p.m, I finished reading the book and strained to hear the Benatar Band during their sound check. As soon as the gates opened, fans armed with lawn chairs and coolers power walked their way to the stage. It was such a calming feeling knowing we wouldn't have to make that same rush. As instructed, we arrived at the Cottonwood Cafe located next to the stage between 6:00 and 6:15 p.m. About five minutes passed when I saw Myron stroll in to order dinner. Soon after, in came Mick. He greeted me with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. I excitedly told him I was going to be on stage with him. He smiled back and proceeded to follow Myron to the food line. I decided I better get some water before it got too late, so I grabbed a bottle and proceeded to the check-out line. There were two lines and no one was standing behind Myron and Mick, so I thought here's my chance to say hello to Myron. I kidded Myron by asking, "Are you going to climb on your jungle gym tonight?" and he smiled back and said, "Yea, a little bit." (Boy, was that an understatement! He was so exciting to watch during the show, especially from the side view.) I headed back to the meeting spot to find seven Gold VIP fans waiting to meet Pat and Spyder. This was one of my favorite moments. Everyone was friendly and shared their memories of past concerts, Pat Fests, songs, etc. In addition to our group, there was a group of radio contest winners waiting in a separate area. We were told things were behind schedule and as such the meet and greet was brief. Pat greeted me with a hug and said, "I see you all the time." I smiled and replied back, "Yea, this is number 43." Neil was quick to respond and said, "That's how old I am." which made Pat chuckle. As Pat was signing a photograph for me, I reached into my backpack and pulled out the book and a small tin can of mints that was decorated to look like a New Mexico license plate with the word "Heartbreaker" on it. I gave it to her as a souvenir. (I suppose it may end up in "the vault"). I thanked her for her support of the online fan club, and she offered to sign my book. Spyder, looking extremely handsome, signed both items as well. He was very relaxed and friendly. Then John took a photo of the four of us. As he was showing me the picture, I saw Pat and Spyder share a quick smooch. How sweet! Then Jodi escorted us to our seats on the side of the stage. The mayor of Albuquerque introduced Pat and Neil and the show began. As we looked over to the crowd, we felt very lucky to have the best seats in the house. The front row felt like a mile away because there was a small pond and sidewalk between the front row and the stage. Pat said something like, "I think it's too loud for the fish....naaa...I think they like it." The crowd was enthusiastic and many of the gold VIP members waved to us. It sure felt special, especially with all the eye contact we received from Pat, Spyder, Mick, and Myron. Pat even blew us a kiss after "We Belong."
It's always nice when Pat and Neil mix it up a little each summer, like the acoustic version of "You Better Run." As you know, Spyder loves to throw those guitar picks and is so accurate! Well, during the show he came strolling clear across the stage passed us and was on the edge of the stage jamming away and flicking guitar picks. All of a sudden, he was right in front of me reaching above my head to grab some more guitar picks from a stand behind me. He made his usual adorable facial expressions and said, "Hi, there!" and rubbed my head affectionately. Too cute! Melissa and I had the time of our lives. Many thanks to Pat, NEIL!!!, Mick, Myron, John, and Jody. Thanks for the memories and souvenirs (autographs, photos, guitar picks, drum sticks, and set list which are all proudly displayed in my "Benatar Room"). Yes...I feelin' gooood on my BENATAR BUZZ!
I went to see Pat Benatar and Reo Speedwagon at Treasure Island Resort and Casino. They had an opening act before Pat and REO - an up and coming artist, Keaton Simons. He played for a half hour. He thanked both Pat and REO for getting the opportunity to perform on the tour with them since it was the second to last show that he would be performing. Then Pat came out looking and sounding great. Being at alot of Pats concerts, the one thing that was different is that she walked back and forth more than usual during the concert. The other thing was that majority of the set list of songs I usually know. She brought out a song from the Innamorata Album, "I Don't Want to be Your Friend (I Just want to be Your Lover)". They explained how it was written during the acoustic part of the show. When they came out during the Encore, Pat came out and said this would be the last song. Neil did a guitar intro to the song "Lets Stay Together", which she laughed about and went on. They finished with "Heartbreaker" as the last song.
Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo Center Fan Review by Bill D. Went to Santa rosa last night. had 4th row center. It was almost sold out, but I think some of the back was empty, but a pretty good turnout. The crowd was really into it and had lots of energy which Pat and Neil appreciated. They said they thought they would just come up to the Bay area for the weekend to visit us and put on a little show. Set list was pretty standard to what they have been doing. She did chat a bit between songs and about the songs which was nice. She mentioned the book and said the tour with REO would be a different show to be sure to come back and check it out. She did You Better Run and WLFL acoustic which was nice. She talked about the Somebody's Baby video, LST was a nice surprise. They looked like they were having a lot of fun. They had some great new 2010 shirts. all the dates from Riverside all the way thru the summer were on the shirt. the guy selling the stuff said it had all confirmed dates to now, but more may be coming. They had a ladies tank top and a red shirt with the Promise chorus on the the front. also a black hoodie and then a magnet and key chain from the '09 tour. Thanks! Bill |
