Greetings,

 

Just wanted to write a short little review of Sting's "last" (?) show, before he goes off and watches his grass grow.

 

It was great meeting up with all of the usual suspects again, (Jebs, Steve, Paul,  James,  Sophia, Wanda, Doreen, Jenn, Sue, Angie,....oh, and some guy named Fred, whom NOBODY seemed to know! ;)  ).... and getting to meet some new faces. (Maggie, Greg, Rocky, Bruce, Bill, Shelly, etc...).  Having arrived too late to see the open sound check, we met up at the Aladdin and pretty much loitered around the casino the entire day.   (I won $40 bucks!)  After enjoying $1 Cardiffs...er, um....Smirnoff Ice's, while simultaneously grooving to the super sounds of an eclectic cover/karaoke band (Sting's Nothing 'Bout Me and Shaggy's Angel were highlights!), we made our way into the theater.

 

After securing our spots in the fifth row...(way too far if you ask me!),  I decided to play musical chairs a little and wound up sitting in the front for Rufus.  Now while I disagree with the review that Michelle posted, I do agree with his assessment of Rufus. I thought he was great, but then again, it could have just been the pants! No, but seriously, I definately think he's a gifted artist.

 

Then Sting's turn arrived and it was another fabulous show, even after I was booted from the front after Set Them Free. I thought Hounds rocked (Abe is amazing!) and I couldn't stop bouncing the entire time. My feet still hurt a little.  Sting was spontaneous (relatively speaking) and was playful with Kipper during the whole keyboard breakdown.  And, there was of course, the blatant absence of Roxanne, until he realized that he had skipped it. I was happy to hear Message...it's been a while.

 

For Fragile, a few of us managed to make our way to the front and Sting plucked the last note right in front of us, which I thought was a fitting finale, considering that's how it all started for me at the Beacon two years ago. (wow...has it been that long?).

 

During the final bow, the band made their way towards us, one by one, and we received a very loving, personal response from them. Kipper wished us a Merry Christmas, and Dom handed me his guitar pick.  And, as I was shaking Abe's hand, I told him how much I thought he rocks and how awesome a presence he is on stage. He was so happy to hear that! He's great!  Of course, it wasn't the same without Chris...but it still managed to be a great show.

 

Afterwards, we found ourselves down Mexico way....oh sorry, I mean, MGM Grand. There we chatted about January Stars and quickie hypnotics and various other ramblings until it was time to say goodbye. 

 

Saturday came and went in a blur, but I do recall something about big plates of turkey, cheddar, and canteloupe, the Eiffel Tour, moons (so I hear), the 'shaft',  and Fruity Frenchmen!

 

Another city, another show, another great adventure.

 

I will miss seeing the gang for awhile....but I'll handle it if it means another album is forthcoming!

 

Cheers all...it's been a great run.

 

Andrea