| Radio
City Music Hall
SueC was excited about being in NYC. She had been disappointed that we couldn’t work out visiting Ground Zero last tour, and was determined to make it there today – a woman on a mission.  I was almost recovered
from our “interesting” trip back to the city from Newark. The four
of us had decided to return by train, masquerading as tough city dwellers.
Our trip required two trains and while we didn’t get lost or confused,
we were uneasy about the company we found ourselves in on the subway.
Still, no knives appeared and we retained our purses. In that way,
it was much safer than the casino for me, where hundred dollar bills seem
to fly out of my purse and in to the slots. I sometimes think “I”
am the sole reason that casinos court the Moody Blues, knowing that their
coffers will be significantly fattened during my stay! I declined
the polite offers to accompany the girls on their patriotic journey, and
sent my solemn prayers to join theirs. It was my job to spend the
day relaxing at my laptop, gazing alternately for relief and inspiration
at my view of Central Park and at the room tv where the RAH dvd played
one of the most glorious concerts I’ve ever attended.
We didn’t have front row for RCMH. I had been offered it by various brokers, but had decided that $500 a pop for pit seats on the sides (some brokers had advertised the same seats for $735 each – gasp!) was probably more than my understanding and indulgent husband’s Visa could bear. I had settled on nice seats in the third row of the pit, which turned out to be on the aisle in front of RT. We decided to go early and see if any bargains turned up, and they didn’t. LOL The mass of brokers present at the Beacon in 1999 was absent, and no better tickets were to be found. I worried a bit that SueC hadn’t turned up; I had left her washing her hair, tired but happy that she had finally found Ground Zero and had been able to pay her respects. Her feet were less than content. The entrance to RCMH was on the side street, and we were told to have our purses open and ready to be rifled.  Radio
City Music Hall was a delight, like no venue I’ve ever seen. I always
appreciate “space” in NYC, it’s a precious luxury in a town where people
live in closets and sidewalks are jammed with tourists. RCMH
has a wide lobby that must be appreciated in that context. I scouted
a bit, and decided that a visit to the ladies room might be a good thing
(it’s ALWAYS a good thing!) I descended the sweeping stairway to
the lower level, and was met by dear NYC friends whose acquaintance I had
made in Liverpool. It was a sweet reunion with two delightful people:
Moody fans at their best. We exchanged news, and it was my pleasure
to tell them about the latest FABULOUS cover of Nights as a duet with Mario
Frangoulis. I went to my seat with the glow of reconnection with
my NYC friends.
THE VENUE  What
can be said about Radio City Music Hall? It’s an internationally
known venue, and part of the Christmas fantasy of every little girl in
America. I was awestruck, bathed in salmon pink and felt a special
joy in seeing it well filled, if not sold out. The only drawback
was that the audience was rather sedate; perhaps its regal atmosphere quashes
a bit the rock ‘n roll spirit. The stage was at normal height, the
speakers were overhead. I was impressed with the great sound; it
was almost perfect. Though I was in the third row from the stage,
no earplugs were needed. The pit was walled off from the rest of
the venue, providing a ledge for my water bottle behind me. Quite
convenient! RCMH posted burley men in uniforms at the pit entrance
that guarded the pit with their lives. I approached one of them with
trepidation and inquired about their camera policy. It was the usual
– no cameras, but if you have a small one, and they don’t SEE it, then
it shouldn’t be a problem. Talking with Tony the RCMH guard turned out to be very interesting! He loved the Moody Blues and had requested to work their concert. He went on to tell us that he was a singer himself (reminding me of the guard in LA who informed me he did stand-up and was “waiting” to be discovered) and that he sang three songs on a new cd for Christmas called “Voices of New York”. This cd has both Christmas songs and the songs of New York City and the singers are non-professionals who represent the various landmarks of the city. Tony is RCMH, and quite proud of being chosen. He told me that the cd is available at Barnes and Nobles right now, and think of Tony the Moody Blues fan when you listen to New York, New York and the two other songs he sings on it. Tony was great, and took good care of me and SueC, making sure we had nice spots at the stage for SeeSaw. I have found that a nice (and big) security guard can be a Moody Blues fan BEST friend! THE FASHION REPORT RT- Long slvd white shirt, black slacks, white long slvd shirt second GE- Jimi Hendrix shirt, black slacks, Flag shirt second JL- Black on black, black long slvd shirt, black SLACKS, shoes JH- Long slvd white shirt, black jeans, shoes I was amused by the uniform front man apparel at the start of the second half. They looked like a trio of handsome waiters, and I wondered which one I would trust to take my order. I finally decided on Ray, convinced that I could trust him to efficiently take my order, then slip me a wink while my husband wasn’t watching. I would worry that the other two might smurf off in the back and flirt with the cook, finally bringing me a pork tenderloin when I had ordered a BLT. JL wore an Oxford shirt, and JH was in the ruffled shirt, cuffs rolled up a bit, the shirt, which frequently manages to become unbuttoned a bit at the end. I never see when that happens, perhaps it does it itself: a magic trick involving sleight of hand. GE has his finger on the pulse of America. There could not have been a more appropriate time or place for waving the American flag and honoring the people who have suffered for freedom. THE CONCERT GREAT CONCERT! The audience was a little too subdued for us to cross the line to fabulous. ; ) The permanent setlist was performed with an intermission. Gemini Dream saw Justin dancing which tells everything about his mood for a concert. The Actor included the extended introduction about bringing their album to America. I really enjoyed GE’s drum part in The Actor which is both subtle and intricate. Ray’s sustained notes on that song were exquisite, as they always are. The Olson sounded wonderful on The Actor in that distinguished hall, providing the urgency and movement to the piece. Slide Zone was “spot on” and JL rang out a nice sustained high note – WOW! - -We’ll now have a 20 minute intermission. While you’re thinking about that, I’ll wickedly tell you that my companion and I just took our break for tea. I’m now stuffed with fruit tarts, scones with lemon curd, chocolate cake, fruit bread, unbelievable salmon rolls (with cream cheese and cucumber), tuna salad on cream puffs, and finished off with chocolate dipped strawberries. Sigh - - Your Wildest Dreams was slightly marred by a scuffle in the pit. A pair of empty seats in the third row of the center section, on the aisle across from me, had sung their siren song to a watchful pair of seatjumpers in the general audience with a preference for the pit. (And how well do I understand that feeling! lol) They picked their moment and slid into them while the pit guard was distracted. Their victory was fleeting, though, and another guard quickly asked to see their tickets. They were escorted out of the pit to the accompaniment of YWD. The perfect irony!  The
biggest event of the evening, and the only change in the usual course of
the concert was Nothing Changes. Like most of the fans in the audience,
I immediately picked up on the changed line. I had the chance to
talk with our Mr Edge after the show, and asked him exactly what he had
changed. The new stanza:
01
911 has finally come,
and come and gone. Everything Changes. What a lovely tribute to New York City! Nights saw an extended ovation for JH and Ray. The flute solo in LOAM saw problems again, but Justin cued Ray and he was able to pull it out. One would have to be very intimate with the piece to tell that anything at all had been wrong. Other notes...the pit at RCMH was dead. I would have welcomed the seatjumpers if they promised to stand for Singer. Still, the fans in Row A behind us stood up, so I felt comfortable standing too. The Moodies were listed on the cover of the program along with the Rolling Stones (the photo was Cher) and it included a picture and a new interview with JL. No revelations, but a nice interview. Great show, Great venue, Great city...but for me: I’m running away from the city lights, Got to get out of the smog, Rockin’ and rollin’ thru the country lanes, I might even get me a job! J. Hayward “Country Girl” But first, off to Boston! The bitching continues from the sole member of our foursome who was stuck in row RR. And to THAT, all I have to say is: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA MaggieMay |
