I JUST LOVED IT!
I knew Phil was going to do the 'Going Back' show, and he had made it clear before these shows that he would not be playing his hits. As I love Motown (and Phil), this was just the perfect combination! Especially the Friday night show was full of vibes and energy! Great band as well, playing perfectly together. And great to see the legendary FUNK BROTHERS!
and to meet so many Phil and Genesis fans :-))
Was surprised to see that the Roseland Ballroom is such a small venue!! (and a bit old-fashoned darkish place I thought as well). But that also meant everybody was really close to Phil and the band! Great!
Wednesday night 23/06, went to back of the Ballroom & overheard some of the soundcheck. Anticipation! When doors opened, walking inside went pretty quick. As it was such a small venue, I think everybody got a good spot, only a couple of meters (or less!) away from Phil and the band. There was also a balcony, with a couple of dozains up there (special pass).
At the end of the show, Phil said they were not going to leave the stage and then do the usual comeback for the encores, as the band has too many members and it would take them too long to do that. I also think this has to do with one of the funk brothers being in a wheelchair. So they just played some more songs and then all left stage.
Band consisted of 6 backing vocals (mainly the same from Phil's previous tours), three of the Funk brothers (legendary!!), Daryl sitting next to them, horn section, Brad Cole on keyboards, and Chester on drums and another percussionist.
Great show, although I heard some calling for Phil to play his hits (Sussudio, Paradise, etc.). Apparently, at least some people had no clue that he would be playing Motown covers. Some people clearly don't know what they buy tickets for... Although, I also feel Phil could have said something in the beginning of the show about that (it was only after several songs that he explained in few words that these were all the songs that inspired him while growing up). At the Thursday & Friday show, he made that announcement earlier in the show.
At the end of the Wednesday show, musicians had left, a guy threw his cup with beer (water?) on stage, in dismay. I think it nearly hit Munchie who came up stage to start dismantle the geer.... BLEH!!!
Thursday night (24th), same scenario, went for the tickets, went to listen at the back of the hall. Overheard some of the soundcheck. A film crew had also showed up, and they were test-filming in advance of the show. Could see some of the footage on their TV's in the van at the back of the venue! While queuing, saw Brad Cole coming up to the back of the Ballroom, he just passed everybody in the line. Nobody seemed to notice!! Said a quick: 'hello Brad, nice show yesterday!!' Replied 'oh thank you', and then entered the venue. :-)
During the Thursday show, only first five minutes or so were filmed with a camera at the back. Probably just testing. Had a good spot again, about 3-4 row, dead center. More vibes in this show.
The Friday night (25/06) the show was much more alive, vibrant, dynamic than the Wednesday & Thursday shows!! I was center again, 3-4th row. Audience was very participating. I think this was also because the show was being filmed and people wanting to make a good impression? Cameras hovering over the audience and all. The band, vocals were also much more into it, I feel. Songs follwoing ecah other much more quickly. GREAT VIBES!
I do hope Phil does some more shows in autumn in Europe (close to Belgium please!)!! And I am very much looking forward to the new releases :-)