01-18-2011, 06:22 AM
In the past five years, I've been fortunate enough to see Queen with Paul Rogers, Paul McCartney, Tina Turner, Barry Manilow (it's a long story....), Bette Midler, Tony Bennett, Joan Baez and Judy Collins -- all were old enough to be grandparents, and all put on absolutely incredible shows. Paul sang for 3 hours straight, no break. Tina sang and danced (in 5" heels) down a moving catwalk suspended 30 feet above the audience, and actually out-danced her 20-something backup dancers. Queen literally had the Verizon Center rocking with their performance. Tony just sat on a stool and mesmerized the crowd into silence. All started on time with no drama, and no one lip synched....
I've also been to see some more current acts (Coldplay, John Mayer, Lil Wayne) and they were just OK in terms of performance and showmanship (showpersonship???), and in some cases, it was clear the "performers" weren't actually singing.
I saw Mick interviewed somewhere and he was asked how he can still do such a great show at his age. He said something to the effect of "We've been doing it for almost 50 years, so after a while you figure out what works and what doesn't..."
I've also been to see some more current acts (Coldplay, John Mayer, Lil Wayne) and they were just OK in terms of performance and showmanship (showpersonship???), and in some cases, it was clear the "performers" weren't actually singing.
I saw Mick interviewed somewhere and he was asked how he can still do such a great show at his age. He said something to the effect of "We've been doing it for almost 50 years, so after a while you figure out what works and what doesn't..."