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IN THIS ISSUE:
Xmas Shows NOLA Sights Trivia Etc. A Gift for Our Readers Fan Profile Page 17 Page 18 Page 19 Archives
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THE CHRISTMAS EXTRAVAGANZA KICKS OFF INTO HIGH GEAR (Cont'd from Page 2)... "King of New Orleans" was up next. This is a song that seems to take an on extra special significance when it’s played in the Crescent City. At one point, KG added his best "old skool Prince" shuffling walk move, followed by his patented "slow motion walk," and a new move in honor of New Orleans Saint’s receiver Joe Horn. While moving along the front of the stage, Mr. Griffin grabbed an unsuspecting fans cell phone and pretended to make a post-touchdown phone call.
The song also featured the usual "Debra" Beck cover. Only this time he pointed out he was doing it for Ezralite Michelle (AmEmpbdy). He then proceeded to get up close to serenade another fan (Dana) who blushed a beautiful shade of red as he tenderly sang to her. When asked about this after the show, she gleefully said: "Hey, no one ever serenaded me before!" As the song finally concluded, the guys segued into "Rosealia" by a short medley of class rock guitar riffs and drum beats. The medley included, among others, such classics as "Over the Hills and Far Away" (Led Zeppelin), "Limelight" (Rush) and "Highway to Hell" by AC/DC.
The Christmas theme of the evening’s performance shone through very brightly during the next song, "Rosealia." Instead of the traditional or "Laid" endings to the song, the guys substituted a slightly off-kilter version of "Feliz Navidad" which seemed to amble along on its merry way.
It was about this time that the guys remembered their Christmas decorations. KG announced that the band had spent over $30,000 on the "Xenon/Argon gas" Christmas lights on the stage, although they looked suspiciously like the $4.99 set on special at Walmart. "If we’ve spent $30,000 on these lights someone had better well turn the things on!" As the lights began to sparkle, KG called for more snow to be unleashed on both the stage and the crowd. What a scene. It looked great. Kevin next commented on his recent illness that led to the unfortunate "BTE Karaoke" in Florida. He said he tried so hard to shake his cold/laryngitis and finally called on "Dr. Larry" who gave him all sorts of wonderful drugs that made him feel very much better. He also said that any "bad stuff" he did that night was going to be Dr. Larry's fault as he "...got me high on these drugs." On this medicinal note, KG began to play the new fan favorite "In a little While." |
The guys never seem to tire of playing "A Lifetime." The song is a wonderful backdrop for the drumming prowess of Travis Aaron McNabb. The song is always a highlight and this night, it was no exception. Next came the unexpected "This Time of Year." KG said the song was about driving from LSU (Baton Rouge, LA.) to Ole Miss (Oxford, MS.) for football games in the Fall. As he said this, the largely college age crowd began to chant (with obvious pride) "Geaux Tigers!" Ezralite Courtney was kind enough to pass up an LSU t-shirt she was carrying and the chant got even louder. The shirt was to stay up there on Travis’ drum kit for the rest of the night. After this excitement, the song concluded at a fast clip, punctuated only by an impromptu cover of Outkast’s hit song "Hey Ya."
The original setlist was cast ever further to the wind as the guys
launched into "R3wind." They were enjoying themselves up on the stage
and they were showing it. "Desperately Wanting" was to follow. The song
included the now familiar "Bruce Springsteen Throwdown" and an
unexpected shout out to "Newman High School" (wherever the heck that
is). The guys exited the stage only to return moments later to the
thunderous crowd applause.
"At the Stars" came next. As the song began, Mr. Griffin dedicated the song to "Tom's mother-in-law who looks like she’s only 28." Before finishing up with "Daylight," the guys invited everyone to the Saturday acoustic after show. KG said that they had a few surprises in store for the vent and that they’d be spinning music. Tom remarked that Travis is also known as "DJ Quicksand" when he’s "spinning" in Berlin and Ibiza. After this BTE "Love Parade" could Saturday night get any better? Absolutely. Read on... (Story continued on page 4). |
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