Tonight was a little wilder than last night, but that was to be expected since this was the first full night of the
BMIFC convention. I'm sure Saturday night will be even wilder. Yes, everyone was on their feet throughout much of
the show - I was standing right along with them this time. It was nice that there didn't seem to be any civilians
in my vicinity. I take that back - I believe the couple directly behind me were civilians, but I overheard her as
the show started state that she intended to stand because she knew everyone else would. And I never heard a complaint
from them.
I was in row H center - too far back to get the "eye contact affect", but it provided a different view and perspective
on the show, so I kind of enjoyed it. I think you can better appreciate how beautiful the stage and lighting really is.
I personally didn't notice any difference in the sound although I've had people tell me there is one.
I'm not sure if this is a good or bad thing, but again I was struck by the fact that I lose some of the excitement of
being at the show when I'm sitting further back (I think I've mentioned that before). I don't lose the enjoyment, I
lose the excitement. There really is a difference there, as strange as it sounds. I loved the show - wasn't the least
bit disappointed in my seat - but still didn't have that same feeling that I normally do when I'm sitting closer. I've
been trying to figure it out - I just keep coming back to the thought that when you're closer you must somehow be able
to feel Barry's energy. I have no other explanation. Row H isn't a bad seat at all - I had a great view. Heck, I've
had a great view in the balcony! So, it has nothing to do with how well you can see or hear - there were no problems
there. I think it's going to drive me crazy until I can figure out what the difference is, though - one of those
puzzles that I've just got to figure out. Whatever it is, that must be the element that keeps so many of us coming
back over and over and over again. Oh, well - so much for deep thoughts - on to gushing...
The crowd roared when Barry took the stage. I wonder what it sounds like to Barry and the rest of the crew? Is it
even louder to them? Oops, there I go thinking again...
He opened with the standard songs - actually, I hope he doesn't change that - I think it's a great opening. And he had
a new jacket - gray with stripes - kind of an interesting look. I liked it.
The highlight of the evening for me was Why Don't We Live Together. I love that song - it's one of my favorites. I'll
admit I prefer it with the original lyrics, but I'll take it any way I can get it. I remember Barry performing that song
on the 2004 tour - he had added a groove to it that wasn't there on the original recording. I think he added even more
of a groove tonight. It kind of rocked.
When it was time for his mid-show ballad, he asked what he should do. There were many, many suggestions from the audience.
It seemed to me that I heard Weekend in New England more than anything else - perhaps wishful thinking on my part, since
I adore that song and he always seems to do it the night after I leave. But he chose to do Even Now. A great performance,
but not one of the tops I've seen. Geez, that sounded terrible - okay, let me qualify that statement. It was an awesome
performance - it was flawless. It just didn't generate the passion in me that it has in the past - maybe we can blame
that on the seat location.
Instead of Yesterday, Barry did The Best of Me. The first comment that I want to make is that I loved it - WE ALL loved it.
Yes, he forgot the words. As he started in with the first verse, I just had this gut feeling that he was going to forget
the words. Sure enough, he hesitantly sang, "I can't believe...I forgot the words." So, yes, he messed up - but who cares?
For one thing, instead of getting all flustered, he continued on like the professional that he is. For another thing,
I believe most of his fans really enjoy seeing those human moments - that's what makes him seem so real and endearing
to us. He goofed a couple of other times in the song, always got the chorus right. But let's face it, there are certain
songs (and this is one) that are so loved by the fans and that generate so much emotion from the fans, it doesn't really
matter if they're letter perfect. In fact, with this particular song as long as he got through the opening line ("No one
can ever touch me more..."), I don't think it would really matter if he sat there and babbled incoherently as long as he
stayed in tune with the music - we were already goners long before he made his first mistake. I also remember that when
he performed that song last year while I was in the audience, he forgot the lyrics. So, Barry - feel free to blame me -
it must be my fault! After he had flubbed the lines a couple of times, he got a look on his face that was half
exasperation and half amusement, then reached over and picked up the cigarette as if he were about to take a drag. But
then he put it back down. It got a big laugh out of the audience.
We got a portion of the Mayflower medley - They Dance, Hot Stuff, and Signed, Sealed, Delivered. He wore one of his
black leather jackets! Oooh! As Kye brought the leather jacket out, Barry started taking off the one he was wearing.
There were squeals from the audience - and Barry said to Kye "They like it when I take my clothes off." Kye started
laughing, as did the audience.
The rest of the show was standard. It was interesting seeing Copa from row H. I got a few photos of them all up on
the platform. Nothing spectacular, but different.
Tomorrow night I'm sitting a little further back and farther to the side. Should be interesting.
