Sunday, July 17th 2016 The Hollywood Bowl [Below is the text I wrote mostly during the concert with the accompanying song list. I may have slightly different perceptions of the overall concert now, but I though I would preserve the in-the-moment feel. Hope you enjoy it - it was an amazing concert - RH] A 7pm start time in perfect southern California weather, the Bowl was packed with the expected 30-50 year old demographic, and the stage was set. So 15 minutes later, Peter Gabriel came out, then Sting, and the crowd roared as the familiar repeating 'buh-bohm' rhythm part of the first song of the evening began: Rhythm of the Heat, from the Security album. I had never seen this performed live (though I do own a few early PG concert videos) and the energy and excitement built as Peter's voice sailed over the deep drumming the propels the song. He sounded amazing and I knew this a concert I was going to love. Even my sweetie was entranced and caught up in the excitement, though she was not as familiar with this song as I was. Security was the second album that formed the theme to my high school years ('Melt' or PG 3, was the first.) And when the drumming's pace increased, and the music began to crescendo to its climax, I was taken away to my high school years and the drama that life seemed to hold back them. It was exhilarating. As the song ended, and the last beat was still reverberating throughout the Bowl, Sting came on and launched in to his upbeat song from the Ten Summoner's Tales album (probably my second favorite of his, track for track), "If I Ever Lose My Faith". This is a track where I actually learned the bass part to, so I was strumming along and just enjoying the feel of the music. Sting was in great form: great voice and solid playing. Both artists were in top form this evening, which only bade well for the rest of the evening. As each song changed hands and the music continued to flow, I recalled when I purchased each of their albums (vinyl back in the day) and listened to them, taped them so I could listen when walking to and from school, then eventually on CD so I could carry the tunes with me in my car. These were the artists and songs that I grew up with and I am certain I was not the only one in the audience. To say that attending this concert was a treat is a dramatic understatement. It was also special because I was there with my sweetie who also grew up with these songs and it was a special moment to share. Below, I have listed the rest of the songs, some with comments, others with photos that I recorded while the concert was going on. This was almost the ultimate dream concert. Since I also attended the Police reunion concert, the only band I need to see now is Genesis. One can only hope. Intro w PG and Sting United by milk…(Sting's father delivered milk, PG drank milk) Very impromptu, fun, yoga reference: the Tantric Twins Next Songs: PG+Sting: No Self Control Sting: Invisible Sun PG+Sting: Games Without Frontiers Sting: Shock the Monkey Rocked it up PG only: Secret World Sting: Driven to Tears, Opened with ripping guitar riff by Dominic Miller Solo by violinist Peter Tikal (sp) Sting, referenced recent violence, implored for empathy & solidarity…musical intro to Fragile w PG Lyric: "Nothing comes from violence and nothing ever could" Solo phrase continued by cello PG only: Red Rain Nice to see Tony Levin with his funky fingers rocking it! Sting: spoke about his feelings on Brexit ….it was perplexing…comments were appropriate and oddly prescient … violin into to Selling England by the Pound, then segue to Message in a Bottle. Got people on their feet. PG: Don't Give Up. Featuring Debbie Robson (sp) Next Sting: Song intro by drummer Vinnie Caleuta….into drum roll….then into Mercury Falling Background singer nailed howling PG: Big Time with cacophony of red and green flashing lights…like 3d colors, transitioning to contrasting primary colors. Sting on Bass Next was PG+Sting: Englishman in NY… Next: PG + Sting: Solsbury Hill Right into … Sting: Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic. Everyone stood up, chorus of eeyooo PG: If You Love Someone, Set Them Free Reworked, bluesy groove, creepily sung by Peter. Sting: Roxanne …into jazz style with David Sancious solo … segue into Ain't No Sunshine When She's Gone … back into last chorus. PG spoke about about strange invitations, one about leadership group, met mother and a child, asked about entering politics, re: MP Jo Cox. Intro to new song: Give In To Love (Love Can Heal) Sting followed with Desert Rose PG: In Your Eyes Sting with Backup Singers, in choreography After a very brief wait, the band members came back on stage and went right into ...Sting: Every Breath You Take Then followed with Peter's Sledgehammer, with Sting getting in to the act. ...and just like that, it was over. This was an amazing concert by two of my all-time favorite musicians and signers. Both bands were on top form and it was a joy being there with others who shared my love of these songs and performers.
The only sadness is that I could not capture all of the little moments that occurred on stage between these two. it was truly a once in a lifetime experience. Bravos to them both, and thank you!
4 Comments
3/20/2017 12:44:02 am
This was a heart-stopping concert of the year! People mobbed the Hollywood Bowl for the great line up singers. I must say that the bands that performed in the stadium are ageless. They were obviously old, but their voices are heaven like. I wasn't supposed to attend this concert, but my friend was a fan of this band. And he had a spare ticket. So I accompanied him and I totally didn't regret it. Thank you for that night! I hope to see you soon again guys in a bigger stadium.
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6/20/2017 11:07:24 am
I am a worship leader in our church in Colorado. I lead people to give back the honor and glory to God. I believe that worship should be a lifestyle. We need to make it as a habit because it is the food and water of our soul. We should not be shy in praising God because He deserve all of our praises. He listens to every beat of our hearts and He loves it dearly.
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4/13/2017 06:47:18 am
It was an amazing tour. Sting is my favorite singer. Do you like his songs?
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5/16/2017 07:46:15 am
I love live concerts! It is definitely better than sitting on a couch watching television. I know someone will tell you that it will costs you more than what you will expect, but for me, it will take you to a lifetime experience. An experience that someday, you can tell everyone that you have watched your favorite band or singer in that stage live. And that will forever remain in your mind and soul.
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