Concert Reviews
Harrah's, St. Louis, MO
May 3, 2001
By: Barbara
Well, here we go again...I never thought I would be typing all this stuff about David's concerts...so much happens at them!!
I picked up Gail (Hi Gail!!!) first at the airport..she was frantically looking for me the second she got up the runway...after hugs and kisses...we headed for a bite to eat, all the while discussing the AC concerts and we were pinching ourselves that we were lucky enough to see David again! Then it was on to the train station to pick up Leigh, Leslie, and Judi (Hi girls!!) Then it was back to my house to get ready for the concert.
We arrived at Incahoots, a country & western bar (more on that later), around 4:30 PM. The concert didn't start until 7:30, so we had some time to wait. We had reserved seats with actual seat assignments. This was not good, as it made it very difficult to get down front, but we were pretty determined, and we were successful!!!
When we arrived, there was one gal that had been there since noon. Of course, we started chatting, and she told us she had seen David and Patrick arrive around noon. They stopped and talked to her, which was really cool! The line began to get long around 5:00 PM, and the doors finally opened about 6:10. Since we had reserved seats, they showed us in pretty quickly. We had 3 seats together and 2 seats together. My Mom's friend is a high roller and she got the 3 seats. You had to be a diamond card holder to get those seats...which is sooo stupid!!!! I had called Harrah's and talked to an executive host. He was very nice and I explained to him that there were 5 people in my party, and could I possibly get two more high roller tickets. He met us at the back of Incahoots at 5:30 (after buzzing him on an intercom) and gave me 2 more tickets...thanks to Bob Thomas!!! Most of David's fans were in the general admission section and you could tell that the High roller section people really didn't know much about David at all. Some did, some didn't. I hated the way they sold the tickets, the high roller seats were all free, and GA seats were $20.
Gail and I were in the 11th row, while Judi, Leigh, and Leslie were in the 7th row, but way off to one side. They were really worried, but I knew they would move up somehow! I spoke with one of the Harrah's employees, and she assured me that once the concert started, we would be able to move up into the empty high roller seats. Which is exactly what happened. Judi, Leigh, and Leslie got moved up to the third row on the other end, but they were a lot closer than before!! Then somehow, Leigh, Leslie and Judi moved up to the first row, don't ask me how, but they managed it, I think it is a trade secret!!! And then right before the concert started, about 5 minutes, this man came and stood right before me and Gail, (we were in the last row of high roller seats) and told us we could move up. You could have knocked us over with a feather, but not for long. We quickly grabbed our stuff and up we went to the third row, just to the left of the microphone. We had a spectacular view and could see the band and the whole stage. I like to sit back a little bit, so I can see what is going on, but not too far back.
On with the show!!! David came out, and you could tell he was overwhelmed by the response he got, I don't think he knew what kind of crowd to expect because he was playing in a country and western bar! Of course, we were all giving him the support and respect he deserves! He started with Heartbeat and this time I got the order of the songs right because I got half the song list from the stage and Judi grabbed the other half! These were great collector's items, some of the girls got them from the AC concerts. I digress!! Sorry....
He started with Heartbeat and the crowd went crazy, well, I should say his fans went crazy...the high rollers in the front were just staring at him and were not clapping, singing, or even moving. Just sitting there with their arms folded! And don't think David didn't notice! He went right into Summer Days with his usual enthusiasm. Most of the his fans were in General Admission, but there were the few of us up in the high roller seats who were letting David know we were there! He looked right at me and pointed, as if to say, Hey I just saw you last weekend. I know he recognized us, how could he not? We were cheering and clapping and making all kinds of noise and he had just seen us at Atlantic City!!! One woman in front of us blew him a kiss, and he laughed! As in AC, the more we screamed, the more he smiled and the better he sang and played. David's voice sounded topnotch! Amazing!
David then said Hello to the crowd in St. Louis. He said when he first got here this afternoon, and saw the building, he said he was puzzled. I'm sure he didn't know what to expect. He said, "I have played a lot of strange venues in my time, but this is the most unique place I have ever played!" And we all laughed, thank goodness he made a joke out of it. I was going to bring him a cowboy hat to wear on stage as a joke...I wish I would have...hind sight is always 20/20!!! He said hello to the fans way in the back and they all screamed! He did welcome everyone though and said something about the high rollers in the front, but I can't remember what!! Something about he takes what he can get. David is so tongue in cheek like that. I love his sense of humor.
He then strapped on his guitar, and the strap didn't quite go where it should have. He made a joke about it, saying something like I seem to have forgotten how to put this on and laughed. It is so great that David can laugh at himself. Then he began to play I'll Meet You Halfway, which is such a beautiful PF song. I really listened to the words and David seemed to be reaching out to all of us and trying to meet those fans way in the back halfway!!! He then did No Bridge, and I have never heard him sound so on! It seemed longer than AC, at least it seemed to be. Maybe because I was in the third row and I could see him move all over the stage and see everything he did! He didn't do the Hendrix bit before No Bridge this time, though. Then he needed a rest, and sat on the edge of the stage, pretending to play footsies with a woman in the front row (who of course could have cared less!) He talked about St. Louis a little bit then, how he was glad to be back as it had been 6 or 7 years. He had done Blood Brothers here at the Fox Theatre in 93, I think. He said it was great the way that St. Louis had put so much back into it's community. I do live here, so I know David is right. The city has been refurbishing itself for quite a number of years now. David said he had been to see Patrick in Aida on Wednesday night. For anyone interested, that is a Broadway Play, it was at the Fox Theatre all week. I digress again!!!
David talked about a valley somewhere in our past, and then starting singing Echo Valley. He closed his eyes (as there was no fan in the front) and sang it so clear and beautiful. I just sat there mesmerized. Nothing like a live performance to give a song special meaning!!! After thunderous applause from the fans and yes, even some of the high rollers were clapping, he stood up and talked about The Copa a minute and asked since some of us could not come to Vegas, would we mind if he did a few songs from The Copa? Of course not, David!! So he did Tenderness in that unique way of his, and then we really went crazy! I love that song and the way David does it, is just the best! Then he introduced Candace and they did River Deep, Mountain High! I think every time they do that song, the snake wiggle dance at the end gets longer! I love to hear them sing that song, their voices are so strong and they can really hold those notes! I gives me goose bumps just thinking about it.
I should mention that during all the previously mentioned songs, David was having some trouble with the keyboards or something to the left of him. He kept giving a thumbs down as if something was too loud, and he couldn't seem to get it fixed. But David, being the professional he is, kept right on with the show. He would give an OK sign with his hand when whatever it was fixed. At one point, the microphone squealed and you could tell David was getting really frustrated. Eventually, though, the problem seemed to get fixed. Thank goodness!!!
Candace then did Rescue Me while David went backstage to change shirts. She has a voice, that girl. Everyone was singing along and bopping. We were all expecting David to come back out then, but Lon Bronson came out instead in a pair of sunglasses. He introduced himself as David's younger brother, Lonnie Cassidy!!! He sang Rawhide, which I thought was a riot. Of course, they were poking fun at the fact that Harrah's had put them in a Country & Western Nightclub. He finished, and we all clapped. Then David did come back out on stage, and he said, "That had to be the most embarrassing moment of his career!" After asking permission to do one more song from The Copa, he went over to Jacooba and said those now famous words, "Jacooba, give me a little something like this...." And Jacooba starts with that infectious beat of Mack the Knife, and we all start snapping our fingers without being told to. And David starts talking about those 60's coffeehouses and asks if anyone remembers them, saying he is the only one old enough in the room to remember...not with that crowd, David!!! Anyway, he asks for audience participation, and those high rollers still just SAT THERE!!! I knew it wouldn't be long before David said SOMETHING to them! He told them if they didn't start snapping their fingers, that he would shine a spotlight on them and embarrass them. At least they laughed, showing signs of life! David then started singing Mack the Knife. The energy that man puts into that song is unbelievable!! David is such a fabulous dancer and performer, I hope he knows how much we appreciate it.
Then David sat down and talked about Tony Romeo and how he wrote this song just for David. He talked about how he didn't want to sing it because it wasn't cool, and if he sang it, then he wouldn't be cool! But Tony convinced him that one day he would understand. And he began to sing I Am A Clown. Again, he closed his eyes and gave it a true clear sound. So beautiful, it brought tears to my eyes! Then he stood up and did Sing Me, another song written just for David by Tony Romeo, and the crowd was clapping along. A lot of them didn't know that song. But Judi did, and David sang it right to her, that lucky girl!!!! I love the Dreams LP, so many meaningful songs on that one!
David then looked off to the side of the crowd, and said, "Are you boys really gonna ride that bull?" More laughter. (There really is a mechanical bull there!) David then strapped on his guitar (this time he got it right), and played a little Hendrix, and then right into Lyin' To Myself, which has never sounded better! Then came Rock Me Baby and I got out of my seat and began to dance. Sorry, couldn't help it!!! The fans were really enjoying themselves and getting ansy. By this time, I think David was wanting some adulation from the fans, so he said, "Let's get this party rockin'!" He didn't have to ask us twice, and we were all out of our chairs and down front so fast, those people in the front row never knew what happened! David said to them, "See, that's what happens when you don't participate!" or something similar, I can't remember his exact wording.
Now, here is where the story gets really interesting!!!! This woman that was sitting in front of Gail and I had never seen David live. (Who am I to talk, this was only my 5th time in my life, with 4 in the same week!) Anyway, she was right at his feet to the left of him. Gail was next to her and I was next to Gail. So David started telling the fans that this is how he feels about us... and the first notes from Cherish ring out. David is bending over, giving hand holds, not just slaps. It was amazing, the reaction from the crowd. David must feel so much love during that song. He was doing the hand holding thing and when he got to me, he squeezed my hand, and he opened his eyes really big at me and smiled, as if to say thanks for being here and supporting me. That was my special David Moment!!! Then he moved on to Gail, and she had on her 'David shirt' that she made herself. It has a British Flag in sequins, a picture of David under the flag (from Old Trick New Dog). Right above the flag are the words that David bent way down to read!!! With the cutest little boy concentrated look on his face, he read, "David Cassidy Rocks My World". The crowd really cheered!!! David was holding Gail's hand and she said to him, "Come To England!", to which he replied, "Late Next Year", and moved on down the stage!
During one of the songs, another woman jumped up on the stage and raised her hands above her head, as if to say, "Look at me, I'm an idiot!!!" Security grabbed her before she even made a move for David!
He went along the stage, bending over (no wonder he has a bad back), continuing to hold hands. Cherish ended with all of us reaching our hands out to him. It was the best!! Then he put his guitar back on and did I Woke Up In Love This Morning. By now, the crowd was really into the concert, everyone was clapping and singing. David is standing not 2 feet from me. Remember the gal who had never seen David live? She was so bold!!! She kept reaching up David's leg with her hand farther and farther, as he was right at the end of the stage. I kept telling her that she was terrible and to stop it!!! David kept glaring at her, but I don't think she noticed! Finally, he said to her, "Watch it, baby, you're getting near the 'X-Zone!'" That slowed her down enough that David moved the microphone back. He looked at the band and said, "We're having a love-fest up here." I'm so glad he joked about it. Now, the horn section members were looking at this woman who was running her hands up David's leg and laughing. I just shook my head at them (they were only 10 feet away) and mouthed, "She's awful". They nodded their heads in agreement. All the while this is going on, poor David is trying to sing I Woke Up....he did manage to finish. Then he started C'mon Get Happy. I love this number, as he introduces the band and tells a story in a sing song/percussion-driven Jazz style. And he improvises as he goes along, and when he introduces the band member, they play for a minute or two and David really gets into whatever they are doing. It is fun to watch him do that, and the audience gets a big kick out of David and whatever member he is introducing. When he finally gets to C'mon Get Happy, we are so ready for him to sing it!!! Everyone is clapping and having a good time (I don't know about the high rollers, they are long forgotten by now and behind me!). He ends the song and says, "Are you Ready?" We are at fever pitch now and scream, "YEAH!!!!" I Think I Love You begins and David is once again grabbing hands and moving along the stage.
He must have held my hand 5 or 6 times that night. Now, he is standing in the middle near the end of the stage and that crazy woman now has her hand around the back of his leg, and she almost tripped him!!! He stumbled backwards trying to get away from her. By now, I am really upset with her!! I said to her, "you almost tripped him," but she didn't see it and she couldn't hear me. Anyway, he kept away from her after that! He went to the right side of the stage and gave the lucky girls in the front some special moments. I know he recognized Judi, Leigh, and Leslie. He grabbed Judi's shoulder and squeezed it! He caressed the back of Leigh's head and told her, "you have to clap and sing along"! These are the moments that make a David Cassidy concert so hard to forget!!! Thank you David for all those moments. And for the life time of beautiful songs we consider treasured gifts!!! David ended the song in the middle of the stage with his arms outstretched! He thanked the audience, said "Goodnight" and went offstage. Of course, we all wanted an encore, and he did not disappoint us. He came back out and stood center stage (a hand's length away from the crazy lady) and began to croon Cry. I just put my head on my hands on the stage and looked up amazed at the concentration on his still gorgeous face while he was belting out the beautiful song. I think I was trying to burn the memory into my brain, and I think I succeeded. David left the stage and we all were chanting, David, David, David...but I knew he wouldn't be back. The house lights came on telling us the concert had indeed ended! It was the perfect ending to a wonderful night...or so I thought.....
We hung out talking to people and security guards and employees from Harrah's. One man told us that Harrah's lost money every concert. I told him that maybe if they sold those High Roller tickets, that wouldn't happen!! He also said that David flatly refused to do the meet and greets in St. Louis. We told him that David hated those things and we didn't care, we knew they were forced and phony. He said it was part of David's job though. We told him that his brother was in town and that is most likely the reason he refused in St. Louis. I think this guy was amazed at our loyalty to David. A different man who was a security guard was much nicer. He informed us Harrah's never loses money on anything...we knew that!!! He told us he had lunched with David and Patrick and it was interesting to listen to them talk about their show business experiences and similar problems. Of course, we all wanted to know what David had for lunch...did I mention we had turned into 13 year olds during the concert? He told us David had a turkey sub with Honey Dijon mustard and water.. and that David had ordered Merlot for dinner the night before.
Then we went to Harrah's to get a bite to eat. And eat we did and talk about the concert. One man of about 30 overheard us and asked if we had just come from the concert. Of course, we said! He asked what it was about David that made the women go so crazy. We all just smiled and said 'We have been fans for 30 years!!!" We took some pictures with David's poster, and then the girls wanted to gamble, so we all had to get gold cards just to go into the Casino. I am not a gambler at all, so I watched the girls and the people in the casino. We milled around there for a while, taking in the sights and we got separated. We found each other for the most part and we were standing at the entrance to the Casino, when Gail says really nonchalantly, "Here comes David and Patrick". We were all like, "Yeah, right, Gail..." and we turned around and sure enough, they were coming through the turnstiles with Robyn and Candace. David had on a white shirt and black jeans... I wish he could wear that during the concert!!! I am such a chicken, I turned around and stood behind some short slots with Leigh and watched as David walked right up to Gail, Leslie and Judi. Gail said, "Hello David" and she chatted with him for a few seconds, asking him again about England. I can't believe I didn't even say Hello to David!!! I was so surprised that he was there. Plus, I think it was the whole stalking thing... it seemed to me we were stalking him by going to Harrah's. So when he actually did show up, I felt like OMG, I don't want to bother him. He was with Patrick and Candace and Robyn. I just turned around and went to where Leigh already was. Then I thought, you idiot!!!! Go say Hi!!! When he started talking to Gail, I did go back over to the group... but by then, he was swaggering away... and I do mean swaggering!!! I waved at him! Waved, what an imbecile!! I should have told him..."welcome to St. Louis, Hicktown USA", and he would have laughed, I know!! I can't believe I froze... in my own town!!! The Man just does that to me!!! I just didn't want to bug him with Patrick there. I didn't want to invade his space, I guess... I could also have told him how mortified I was when I found out that Harrah's had arranged for him to play at INCAHOOTS... David had no idea when he got there that it was a C & W bar! I should have brought that damn cowboy hat... that would have made him laugh... and I could just see him onstage with the stupid hat on his head, making a joke about it. One day I will meet him and keep my head on straight.
Well, by this time, I am exhausted and ready to go home... Long day, up at 5 AM, getting everyone from the train station and the airport... We have seen David, can we please go now!!! The girls wanted to look for him in the casino... new energy flowing through their veins!!! They spotted him in the High Limits Room at a table, and since we couldn't go in, got a drink at the bar near there. So I excuse myself and go to the ladies room. Finally, they are ready to leave and we head towards the entrance of the casino. Out we go and we are almost all together, but wait... where are Leigh and Judi? I turn around to look for them and what do I see? David and Patrick walking about 10 yards behind us. With Leigh and Judi right behind them. (Leigh had seen them and told Judi to look at the ceiling which was painted like a sky... I know you fooled them with that one Leigh, LMAO!!!) We are waiting for Leigh and Judi to catch up with us, feigning interest in some car giveaway. I turn around to see where they are and David and Patrick are saying good-bye with a Blood Brother handshake and then a hug that is so sweet! David disappears down into the parking garage... hopefully to a waiting limo to take him to the airport and away from all these crazed fans!!!
At this point, I am so tired, I think I must be dreaming! Now Patrick is walking right towards us... this is too much... I am thinking to myself!!! Gail (the brave one) begins to talk to him. Patrick is very friendly and open, he has not been through what David has been through with his fans! (Yet!) Anyway, he is telling us about Aida, the Broadway Play he is in. He tells us that it is a much bigger production than David's show... a little friendly competition going on there!!! And for us to come and see it. Gail tells him we have tickets for Friday night! He says, "Come backstage and say hello after the show." Just like that!!! Patrick is very tall and good looking. He tells us he has been working out for the show. Or maybe it was the security guard, I can't remember, my brain is turning to mush at this point!! We finally say goodnight to him and come home. Of course, we tried to stay up all night talking. Most of us slept, but I didn't. Too much excitement!!!
After taking Leigh and Leslie to the airport at 5, Gail at 9, and Judi to the train station at 1, I was exhausted. I came home and slept until I had to get ready to go to Aida. We really did have tickets!! Julie (my 17 year old daughter) went with me as Judi had to get home. We arrived a little late, but we hadn't missed more than 2 minutes. It was an awesome show!!! If you have a chance to see it, don't miss it! The music is written by Elton John and Tim Rice and it was brilliant. The dancing was superb. The singing was first rate and so was the acting. Patrick was fabulous in it... looking very handsome and when he had to take off his shirt... you could tell indeed that he had been working out!!! At one point he had on a white shirt (top) that tied in the front with strings... sound familiar???? What a weekend!! Julie had her prom the next day, so I didn't want to go backstage... I really don't know if we could have... but it was really nice of Patrick to invite us!!!
Hope you all are still awake and you enjoyed this story!!!
Thank you to Barbara and Erik from David Cassidy Fan Site of Norway.
