Date: Mon, 2 Apr 2001 14:02:20 -0500 (CDT) From: Jan Barnes Reply-To: Monkees-list@yahoogroups.com To: Monkees Support group Subject: [Monkees-list] Monkee high redux (part one) There's too much to put into a single post. I'm still a-twitter, so you'll have to forgive me if I ramble a bit. Day 1: Laura & I arrived in Vegas (after having finally gotten to sleep somewhere around 4am) to be greeting by one TODJ. We correctly guessed each others' identities right off the bat. Once we found his car (He's even more scatterbrained than I imagined), we headed straight to the MGM Grand to pick up our show tickets, as it was too early to check into the hotel. Found a bar. The first thing I saaw in Vegas was an Elvis impersonator. Go figure... At any rate, we settled into the hotel, and headed back to the theatre, where we saw another Elvis impersonater and a Jim Morrison impersonator. We then ran into Annie from Australia--the only other person odd enough to stand at the doors 3 hours before show time The 4 of us had dinner and then went back to the hotel to change for the show. The venue was great in that the way it was laid out, I don't think there was an obstructed view in the place. We were farther back than I'd've liked, but I had a great view, and I think I actually made eye contact through my binoculars--strange as that may sound. I didn't *really* need them, but I got great close-up views of the guys (guess which one I was trained on most of the show?) [That may be where the eye contact came from: who is that wierdo with the binoculars in such a small place?] The show itself: a bit different, I believe from some of the others due to time constraints put on them by the casino. Natural came out first, and did 3 songs. I have newfound respect for boy bands. These guys were *great*! (by the last show, I was singing along with them) I won't go into every little detail, cause each show is pretty much like the next: They come in doing the Monkee walk. Launched into (after 5 times, you'd think I'd remember where they started) I think Last train..., then little bit me, and, oh, a whole bunch of others Once I have a chance to digest it all, I may actually remember the set list.... Highlights for me: eye contact with Peter through binoculars (ok--let me have my little fantasy!) Higher & Higher--god I love that song! I finally got to see the AuntieGrizelda dance. All I can say is--Yowza! RSG--every time Micky (didn't) end the song, and asked for prozac, I was so tempted to jump up and shout: I have some! but I didn't, much to the relief of my companions, I believe. ;-) And of course, the 2 'unplugged' songs: Papa Gene's Blues & Take a Giat step--Peter's version, which, since hearing it on his solo cd, has been my fave--I like that they did that one over the Monkees recorded version. Helped to cement the fact that this was really happening, and not just a rehashed hasbeen tour. The energy was unbelievable. All I did was watch, and I was exhausted! All three looked great and sounded even better. I loved Micky's Hendrix bit--I just wish he'd've done the whole song.... I recognized a few of Davy's jokes from his solo shows. The stage banter, while staged, was still funny five shows later. They ended by having Natural come back out and join them in the Daydream Beleiver singalong. As it ended the old guys are thanking and hugging the new guys, new guys exit stage left, Peter following. the others dragged bhim back for the Porpoise song/Listen to the band finale. After which they left the stage to a standing ovation and much cheering. Came back and did Stepping stone (again: yowza!) and finished with I'm a believer. Did the hand shake thing with the front row, and exited doing the MonkeeWalk. Thaat would have been enough for me. i'd seen the Monkees, live, in person! But the best was yet to come! I'm overamping a bit now, just reliving it. Therefore, days 2 & 3 will have to wait til tomorrow. I still haven't digested it all. 8-) Can you say 'happy camper'? Peace! Jan