On July 5, 2006 I was at a concert, sitting in the fifth row, having endured poptarts, tinfoil stages, and eight young musicians, some more talented than others, all excited at their debut on a major national tour...
The tension is mounting, and suddenly attention is diverted to the back of the house, we see bright lights and hear a strong clear voice..
"The warden threw a party in the county jail.
The prison band was there and they began to wail."
Security moves him quickly down the aisles and on to the stage, and Taylor confidently takes charge of the night. Hollywood Nights, What's Going On, Sweet Soul Music, Living For the City.. and then he straps on a red guitar, says "I'll try this old Beatles song", and the first-ever funk-strewn chords, what is it, what is it?
"Nobody every done me like she done me.. yeah she done me good". Oh my god, THAT ONE! then the searing plaintive cry "Don't Let Me Down".
The stakes were high, we had a lot of expectations for this young man. Was he the dyynamic exciting performer we thought he might be?
The 365 days that have followed have been amazing. Who thought that we'd end up here, the traveling circus, Taylor with his band on his tour, singing his original music and hand-picked covers..
Taylor has never let us down.
I posted the above note at the Boogie this morning --
to which I add:
Who thought that we'd be seeing him again and again in New England?
A year ago I assumed that there would be a tour in the spring or summer of 2007, Taylor would be opening for Kelly Clarkson or co-headlining with someone else, we'd have one or two shows in the area, watch him on a jumbo tron, it would be slick and packaged and that would be it until next summer.
I'm so glad I was wrong.
Yes, it has been quite a year and quite a ride for Taylor and all of us, his fans. I wasn't priviledged enough to be at that first show (my chance came later in the summer in Portland), but when I saw him that first time he blew me away - and let's not forget the famous guitar-licking! And now, even though I've seen him several more times, he still continues to blow me away. Here's to hoping it never ends!
I was at that first show also. That was the day where I became his!!! Yes, "Don't Let Me Down" was the song that did it, and I have been dying to hear it again!! I have been on an amazing ride since then, and have met the most wonderful people
As I so often say when talking about my life over the past year, "It's all Taylor's fault." And I'm happy and grateful for that!!!
Well, I wasn't at the FIRST show as it didn't meet my schedule. I was at the FOURTH show in Worcester, MA. I got the see the Full Woo, before he trimmed his songs. Of course I had already read online to expect the entrance from the audience so I was prepared for that. I was looking for him well beforehand with others in the crowd wondering what the heck I was looking for. Finally I said "THERE HE IS" and my sister was shushing me and telling me to calm down. Apparently I was going a little ballistic...but it was Taylor F'ing Hicks in the same building as me!!! It was absolutely amazing. I had one other mini explosion when he tagged Soul Thing into What's Going On...just a minor thing but I was so excited to recognize the song.
I must say that I thoroughly enjoy the AI show. I would go this year too if I had any money left. Taylor's left me poor...and wanting more.
ETA: I have my lengthy recap that I wrote for the Boogie Board if anyone wants to relive the moments with me. I can post it if you like in this thread.
Amy -- you should post your Worcester recap on the anniversary date of that show!
sort of a rolling "On This Day in Taylor History", working up to our Birthday party in September...
Margaux - glad you got to be a part of that moment in Taylor's career -
like catching his audition, going to the Portland AI show was simple fate, had not been planning to go - am now so glad I did
wonder what went through his mind that first night while he was waiting to take the stage
this is mj's DLMD video from the next night - remember she lost a fight with the bass amps for the July 5th show -
http://www.gofish.com/player.gfp?gfid=30-1040527
and of course Portland's famous Hollywood Nights
http://youtube.com/watch?v=-VnRdS-ll5I
Famous = the guitar lick
Good times...good memories.
And I will post the recaps a little later...just a couple of days...will give me time to pull them together.
Amy
yes - the guitar lick
sorry to post "teasers" - - so wish you could get a better internet provider where you are
someone I know that was on dial-up until recently used to just let it stutter it's way through once and then it would play - - does that work for you ? ?
Thanks for starting this Margaux!
I was at the second show in Manchester, had my Soul Patrol shirt on, only went for one man, and waited patiently for him to come out last. I bought the big poster of Taylor during intermission.
When I heard the first notes of Hollywood Nights I FREAKED....ask my husband! I also loved Don't Let Me Down...how could anyone not admire Taylor after that one?
Sweet memories!