July 4th 2009Casino Rama, ON, Canada
Picture & Review by Pam Geiger
I am a product of the parochial school system. Thirteen years of beginning the day with prayers and ending it in the confessional box has lasting effects and leaves you in a state of constantly wondering what you are doing wrong. When friends suggested going to this show, I instinctively felt something was wrong. I couldn't go to this show. Isn't it a sacrilege to leave your country on its day of Independence? After much coaxing I was assured the concept of church and state is still very much alive and nothing would strike me upon my departure.
I must admit, I had hesitations until I actually crossed the border and the sun gods shone - see all roads lead to some sort of god – sun god, rain god, earth god, rock god, etc. I was finally excited to see my rock god and looking forward to that something extra he has after a break from the road.
Casino Rama is very nice casino resort in Ontario, Canada that contradicts itself in size and scale. It hosts a 300+ room hotel, with a very small casino floor, small shopping area, and a 5000 seat arena. Great musical artists entertain there on a regular basis and of course our very own Rick Springfield was no exception.
The Entertainment Center is a basic, arena type of venue with a very long, wide, high, sparse stage. With the house lights off, the large screens on each side of the stage started the show perfectly by showcasing the video montage highlighting Rick’s career.
As the stage lights went on, the audience was welcomed by a very relaxed looking Rick and the always awesome Mr. PC. Right from the start I knew this was going to be a very musically clean, methodical, energy (and possibly Canadian?) injected show as Rick would later use the old “injection” joke to claim his stake on Canada.
After AOTH Rick humbly addressed his Canadian audience by reminiscing about his last Toronto show 26 years ago - training bras and all. He advised us it is a good thing to grow old and asked, “Don’t we all look great?” Appreciating his warm welcome, Rick wished everyone a Happy Canada Day and then asked for a show of American hands while offering a “Happy 4th”. He then quickly retracted the happy tidings, because referring to his British stock, “We lost.” On to Jet and “was your father as bold as the sergeant major” – I love this song, the band and Rick sound great on it, and while I am one of the many who would prefer a no cover show, I have to admit he picks some very cool tunes to pay homage to.
Venus in Overdrive brought Rick directing accolades for himself. As we all know, the man is obsessed with his nekkid butt, but now he is brainwashing us to remind him of his sexiness all under the guise of “teaching “the “Yeah, Yeah” part of VIO – repeat after Rick, “Hey Rick you’re so sexy!” Good thing some young, beautiful ladies, who he referred to as his nieces, joined him on stage to neutralize his ego and continue on with the music of the show.
Earlier in the show Rick debuted a new guitar, which I assume is representative of his upcoming Signature Edition. It was obvious Rick did not waste any time decorating it. Inspired, he stamped in his own handwriting, “I’d like to apologize in advance for my behavior tonite.” Without even knowing where the night would bring him, Rick knew he would have to apologize for something eventually especially with both his mother and George B.’s mother in attendance. He did a really awesome job of being lewd during DTTS as he spoke about his complex with his “whatsie” which really was his “dinky” while all his friends had “biggies”! In a less rude but still funny moment, a DTTS victim failed her cue and said, “It’s my birthday.” Rick replied, “I don’t think there is anyone in here that doesn’t have a birthday.” And then sang her a few bars of “Happy Birthday”.
The night continued with a shirtless “Love Somebody”, the seated audience rising for the “Human Touch” occasion, and numerous jumps and kicks. I think what best summed up the energy of the night would be the five full jumps in the show’s closer, Kristina.
When the house lights went up I realized I made it through my adventure with nothing more than my rock god striking me where he always does and realizing it’s fun, and indulgent, and somehow innocently, confessional box worthy, and there’s absolutely nothing wrong with it. I just wonder, how can I make all roads lead to that place?
Set List
-Mr. PC – What’s Victoria’s Secret? – Affair of the Heart – Jet – I’ve Done Everything for You – Allyson – Venus in Overdrive – I’ll Miss that Someday – Love is Alright Tonite – Crossroad Blues – DTTS – Medley – Love Somebody – Human Touch – Jessie’s Girl – Encore: Wasted/Kristina
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