Camp
Verde, Arizona
September 20, 2003
Review by Marci
We decided to go see Paul perform in Arizona one more
time before this tour ended, as we're not sure how long it will be
before he will be out performing again.
We flew into Phoenix where the weather was so incredibly
hot it was like stepping into a sauna. Thank goodness the air
conditioner in the rental car worked well! After picking up the rental
car, we headed out toward Camp Verde. What originally should have been a
1 ½ hour drive very rapidly turned into a complete disaster of six
hours. Did you know there is only one two-land road that goes from
Phoenix to Camp Verde and that they are doing major construction on it?
Well, neither did we until getting stuck in a traffic back up for a good
two hours. After finally getting through that mess, the pace picked up
for about half an hour and then came to a complete stop again. It turns
out that there was (sadly) a very large traffic accident that completely
closed down the highway. People were stuck out on this road in the
middle of the desert with no way to get off, no restroom facilities to
be found and no food or water unless they were lucky enough to have
brought something with them. It was actually quite a surreal experience.
Everyone got to know their neighbors in the cars around them, and a
gentleman two cars in front of us actually got out of his truck and
proceeded to wax it during the wait. After sitting in that heat for
approximately three hours we decided to try turning around and going
back to Phoenix. We were pretty sure we were going to miss the show
entirely, so we headed for a strip in the median where it would have
been possible to drive through. Just as we got to the space in the
median, brake lights came on and the traffic started to move so we got
right back into line. It was almost a sign from the heavens that we were
going to make it! Rumor had it that Paul was actually stuck in this
endless traffic too and was being flown into the concert by helicopter.
How "rock star" can you get?
We drove very quickly the rest of the way to the venue
and practically ran in. Night Ranger was just getting into their encore
as we made our way to the front of the stage so we got to hear a few of
their songs. We did notice a helicopter flying overhead at one point in
time during Night Ranger's set, which gave us a bit of a giggle. Then we
had to sit and wait for Paul to hit the stage. When he did, it made the
whole horrible journey worthwhile. As usual, he looked and sounded
amazing. He was wearing a small sling to support his left arm but that
really didn't seem to hold him back at all. He and his amazing band
played so many songs it is impossible to remember them all. He did do
Saving Grace, Feel Like Makin' Love, Radioactive, Rock 'n Roll Fantasy
and many, many more. Paul is always incredible. Joe, Jeff, Howard and
Lynn are all fantastic players and genuinely nice people.
All too soon the show was over and we had to head back
to Phoenix for our return flight. The trip was much too short (except
for the drive!), but Paul was amazing as always and it is an experience
we will never forget.
Rock
Jam, Grand Junction CO
September 12-13, 2003
Review and photos by Eric
A crowd of geographically challenged fans or his arm in
a mini sling to protect his collarbone from a previous accident, didn’t
affect Paul’s performance at Colorado’s RockJam in September. In
fact it was one of the best performances I’ve seen or heard him do.
Sure I’m partial to Paul’s vocal style and natural vocal gift, but
in my opinion he’s the best singer to grace the world of rock and roll
and he hasn’t lost the ability to connect with fans young or old.
RockJam was a first annual celebration for the music
fans of Western Colorado and beyond. Hosting
Paul was a great way to show off the icons of rock and how much they
still mean to fans of all ages. Paul’s performance set a standard for
the RockJam concerts for years to come and certainly left me feeling
like I was treated to something special. I
was on a photo assignment that weekend but the main reason I went to
RockJam was to see Paul.
My experience was great being stage front snapping shots
of Paul however Lucy and I met shortly after. We began talking about her
website allrightnow.com and different things about Paul’s career. I
untimely ran out of film at the critical moment of going backstage. Film
or no film, being able to witness the show from a different perspective
and with another true fan of Paul gave me even more insight to his
legend and how he moves a crowd. Performing classic songs from his days
in Free, Bad Company, The Firm and more Paul Rodgers impressed me once
again as a consummate vocalist and entertainer who has made a huge
impression on the world of music. Enjoy the photos. Please reach me if
you’d like me to send any. – Eric
Review and photos by Lucy
This was a five day vacation that Rob and I will never
forget.
The Scenery was just spectacular, this was our very
first visit to the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. We were both delighted
to have incredible weather the whole time, with the sun just beaming
down on the Rock
Jam festival all of the time. Our first venture was to attend
the sound check for Paul's band. The
stage was huge and had many VIP seats with the area also for general
admission. It was such fun to watch the guys prepare for the night
ahead. The staff were already rocking before the show had even started.
On the Friday, the line up was BTO, Foghat & Paul
Rodgers. Paul and his band came on about 9.30pm. Paul looking his
fantastic self with the guys all with beaming faces. It was sheer magic
under the stars. I would imagine about 4-5 thousand people attended this
evening show.
Then
on the Saturday, the line up was Gregg Rolie Band, Night Ranger, Kansas,
Mark Farner of Grand Funk and lastly Sammy Hagar. Crowd for Saturday
went up to maybe 7-8 thousand. We missed the first two bands, and
arrived for the beginning of Kansas. They played a great show (as
usual). Before Mark Farner came on, I was fortunate enough to go back
stage and meet him, and what a delight he was.
I had met up with a young man named Eric from Colorado,
he was taking photos for
a magazine he was working for. He had told me although he was on
assignment, he thought Paul Rodgers was the no 1 vocalist of all time.
It was so cool to watch a photographer enjoying a show as much as us
fans. To add to this the security guys who were at the stage, also
enjoyed the show so much they were singing with the audience and even
dancing around with the fans. And I don't mean one or two, I mean all of
them. I took a video clip of them all singing and dancing - it looked so
cool.
Mark Farner was just amazing. I am now a fan of his for
definite. He really won my heart. Such a quality rock and roll artist he
is. Lastly was Sammy Hagar. He sure is a crazy guy but also gives a show
of a lifetime. I had seen this show before in Atlanta. But to see it in
an outside venue and on such a huge stage made it into a real
spectacular.
This was the very first Rock Jam for Grand Junction. The
organizers did a fantastic job and the security and staff were
delightful. Well done, Rock Jam. Looking forward to next year's ROCK JAM
in Colorado.
Grove
Theatre, Anaheim
August 10, 2003
Review by Sandra
Last Spring , my eight year old daughter announced that
she would sing Shooting Star by Bad Company at her school's Spring Fair.
Her little voice sounded so dear, it had a style that only she owns!
Lucy at Allrightnow.com loved it and put a sound clip on the website.
My friend Cindy and I bought tickets for Taylor and ourselves to see
Paul Rodgers and Kansas at The Grove Theatre in Anaheim, Ca. After a two
month delay because of rescheduling (Paul's accident), we were on our
way! We made a weekend event out of the concert, hotel, dining, fun
times.
We arrived at the show and went to the merchandise area
where Taylor met one of Lucy's friends Gordon from Scotland Taylor was
sparkling with makeup and pretty outfit. We listened to the music of
Kansas which brought back so many great memories with the soulful
singing and violin.
We sat and chatted in the stylish Terra Rosa Lounge,
then went to our seats in the front section. The music started with Rock
Steady. Everyone in the front section and behind stood up and cheered.
After anticipation, we were happy to stand up, dance and scream. The
songs that followed were: Can't Get Enough, Rock Steady, Feel Like
Making Love, Radioactive, Satisfaction Guaranteed, Fire and Water, Ready
For Love, Ride On Pony, Shooting Star (Taylor really felt like Paul was
singing to her), Deep Blue, Saving Grace, Allright Now, Joe Fabulous,
and Rock and Roll Fantasy.
The music boomed and the energy level of all was high. I
glanced at Cindy and Taylor and saw they were as thrilled as I. My eyes
were fixed on Paul Rodgers and noticed he was having a lot of fun with
the crowd, laughing easily as the crowd cheered. His singing was amazing
as his voice was clear, intense and soulful. The audience was
electrified as Paul moved around the stage, he definitely gets the
respect he deserves, The crowd remained on their feet. The music was
powerful, all the members of the band pulled together a tight
performance. Howard Leese on guitar, Lynn Sorenson on bass, Jeff Kathan
on drums. Howard Leese was directly in front of us and his confidence as
a musician so apparent with his style and booming guitar. Wow! Song
after song we stood and sang along in awe. There was a special guest: J.
DeLuca on guitar that helped captivate the crowd.
After the show back at the Terra Rosa lounge, the
musicians were kind enough to chat with the guests. Taylor sat with her
Shirley Temple drink. We asked for a few photos with the band members
and Taylor was invited to meet Paul Rodgers backstage. Paul was very
welcoming and gave Taylor an autographed photo. He answered some of
Taylor's questions about music and singing as she studies piano and
dance. Paul is a great role model as singer, writer and producer. I got
up the nerve to kiss Paul on the cheek, making a dream come true. After
a week, I am still reeling from the the whole experience. Paul's
charismatic stage presence, strong voice, and rockin' band delivered an
unforgettable performance!
We Love You Paul!
Sandra, Taylor and Cindy
Minnedosa,
Canada
August 2, 2003
Review by Marci
There I am driving along a two lane highway surrounded
by endless fields, on my way to Minnedosa, Manitoba to see Rock Legend
Paul Rodgers and his band play the Little River Rockfest. It was a two
hour drive from Winnipeg airport, but it seemed much longer than that as
the anticipation was almost unbearable. Once I finally arrived I could
feel the air heavy with the talents of Lou Gramm, BTO, America, Glass
Tiger, Peter Frampton….and of course our very own Paul Rodgers. The
stage was massive. with huge amounts of equipment lined up for each
performing act. Paul Rodgers was slated to go on at 9pm, so I moved my
way quickly to the front row and made my self comfortable and ready for
the undoubtedly amazing show I was soon going to experience.
It was finally 9pm, and like clock work the band took
the stage with high and exciting energy. This show was incredible. The
band was so into the music and Paul had a completely captivated audience
as he treated the audience to some of his very best songs! The light
show was awesome….bright lights moving to every lasting beat of
classics like Rock and Roll Fantasy, Satisfaction Guaranteed, Deep Blue,
Feel Like Makin Love….and so many more. It was unforgettable!
After the show, I had the opportunity to go backstage
meet Paul and the Band. How could the night get any better? Paul was
very sweet and so was the rest of the band….these guys never seem to
let the fans down! Paul signed a jacket of mine and took some photos. It
was so nice of everyone to take the time to meet with me. It made my
trip so very special and one I will never forget! A very special thank
you to Paul, Brad, Lucy, Joe and Lynn for your generosity and kindness.
You are all amazing people. Until the next show……
A very loyal fan,
Marci
Mountain
View, California
July 31, 2003
Review by Judy
Photos Shoreline
Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California.
Our local radio station here in the Bay Area, KFOX (Greg
Kihn, DJ) held their 2nd annual “Kihncert’” on 7/31 at the
Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, California. On the bill was the
Greg Kihn Band, our favorite Paul Rodgers, and Boston. I have to say, I
went to last year’s Kihncert with GKB, Jefferson Airplane and Lynyrd
Skynyrd….and this year blew that away!!
The Stanford Marching Band was invited as the pre-show
entertainment and played on Stage 2 at 5:30pm. They kicked butt with
their rendition of All Right Now! Very cool and everyone enjoyed
watching them…they had been talking about having Paul come out to sing
with them but no such luck. I’m sure Paul was busy getting ready for
his set which was starting in less than 2 hours!!
Greg Kihn opened the show playing along side of his son
Ry, who is very talented guitarist in his own right. They played all of
the hits including Jeopardy, The Break-Up Song, Madison Avenue Man and a
great rendition of The Beatles’ Strawberry Fields! I know that the
band had just as much fun as we did because they couldn’t stop talking
about it the next day on the radio. Greg keeps thanking the audience for
having such a great vibe and reflecting it back on the band….great job
guys!
Then of course the act that I had been waiting for: Paul
Rodgers! I had planned to see him in Reno a few months ago but
unfortunately due to Paul’s injury I had to wait until July!! It was
well worth the wait. I met up with my friend Lin and her friend Jane who
sported a very cool ‘Bad Co’ shirt she had made with sparkly
trim…everyone commented on how cool it was!! I had made little Paul
Rodgers pictures and frame for them to save as souvenirs of the show. We
took a look around at the merchandise and noticed they didn’t have any
of the Paul Rodgers shirts or goodies on display so we asked the girl
who worked there “okay so where is all the Paul Rodgers stuff?” She
pointed to a few boxes and we told her to start getting it out for
customers. They had the new Paul shirts in all shapes and sizes with the
red flame which are very cool. Much to our surprise she took out just a
few Paul shirts I had never seen before, black with beige lettering on
the front “Paul Rodgers of Bad Company” and his tour dates and
locations on the back…she said “but I only have 3 of them!” So of
course we snatched them up! I quickly changed and wore mine the rest of
the night.
Paul and the band sounded great. You could tell Paul and
the guys were having a good time and the audience was really into it! He
opened with Rock Steady and of course we were already on our feet!
Can’t Get Enough was next followed by Feel Like Makin’ Love. Then
they changed gears a bit to The Firm days and played an awesome
Radioactive, then Satisfaction! Okay then it was time for a Free song:
Fire and Water. Ready for Love was next followed by his Soul of Love! Of
course Shooting Star was on the list. Then Deep Blue! All Right Now
rocked the place and closed the set. Already at the end…oh no! That
went by way too fast!! They took off the stage then returned with the
place on fire…Rock and Roll Fantasy was the encore! I managed to work
my way up to the front and a bunch of us had to shake the man’s hand!
He’s so great to his audience and fans. After the show I passed along
a card to wish him a full recovery from his recent injury and a Paul
Kossoff cd (Blue Blue Soul)…I thought even if he had it he could use
it as a copy for the road. I hope he got it okay!
Then it was Boston’s turn. I remembered seeing them
many years ago but had no idea how they would sound today. They were
amazing. Tom Scholtz is just a genius on the organ and guitar. The organ
pipes were almost as tall as the concert stage!! Brad Delp and Fran
Cosmo just belted out the songs!! Kim Dahme is just an awesome bass
player. They were completely tight and hit every note They played the
audience favorites including Rock and Roll Band, Don’t Look Back, More
than a Feeling, Amanda, Foreplay/Longtime…and to close a perfect
evening of rockin’ roll: Party…and of course: Smokin!
Pheww. What a night! KFOX is going to have a hard time
toppin’ this for next year’s Kihncert. That’s unless they could
get Bad Co to headline!
Oswego
Harborfest, New York
July 24, 2003
Review by Shelley and Tom
Harborfest is Blessed with the King
Lovely Oswego New York will surely never be the same
after Paul and Co. showed all in attendance what Rock and Roll is all
about. My husband and I have seen Paul a total of 6 times......mostly
with Bad Company, this was the first time with his solo band. My husband
managed to get us into the reserved seating area....with the kind help
from a local official..and we were lucky enough to have had unbelievable
front row seats. It was hard to contain ourselves and stay seated as the
band slowly built up to Paul's arrival onstage. It is truly impossible
to not get totally carried away in Paul's music and his amazing vocal
talents.....never did a performer have such charisma as Paul
does.......always such a wild ride!
Both being big Free fans, we were much excited to hear a
number of them included in the set. The band was right on and every tune
was played as it should be.......to totally rock the house! I saw all
ages of fans in attendance......everyone on their feet. Paul was very
gracious and came down to shake hands with people by the fence..much to
our delight.
We could have listened to Paul and Co. all
night..........he carries you to another place.............lifts your
spirits so.. and is such a remarkable performer.....LOVE the Beatle
medley in Rock and Roll Fantasy.......it is a true pleasure to go to see
Paul, be it with Bad Company or solo..........he never
disappoints.....when he is on tour..we always try to make at least a
couple of shows.
We and all New York State residents have been THRILLED
to see him visit our great state regularly the last few
years.........may he continue to bless us and everyone lucky enough to
see him live...with his beautiful music, talent, totally consuming stage
presence, and to share the joy he has in doing something he truly loves
to do. LONG LIVE THE KING OF ROCK AND ROLL!
Shelley and Tom
Review by Lauren and Beth
Your Mama's Calling, but You're Having Fun...
We rolled into Oswego early Thursday evening to attend Paul
Rodger's show at the Harborfest. When we got there, the sound check was
in progress (without Paul). It was exciting to hear 'Radioactive',
although it was not on the set list that night.
There was a huge crowd, lots of families, friends, and
of course, die-hard Paul Rodgers fans (US!!!) We took our seats, front
row, center, and anxiously awaited the start of the show. The band
opened with "Rock Steady" which immediately got the crowd
rocking. They went right into 'Can't Get Enough", "Feel Like
Makin' Love", and then onto a favorite Free song, "Wishing
Well". After that, Paul took us on a magic carpet ride, with
'Satisfaction Guaranteed'. Hard to explain how one song can take you to
another place. Paul was so into it. If you were there, you know what I'm
talking about!
Next, "Fire and Water', "Ready for Love",
"Ride on a Pony". Then, as if Paul could read our minds, he
got the crowd on their feet and asked us to get closer to the stage. He
went into "Soul of Love', which totally ROCKED. There's no way
anyone could sit still through that song. We never did sit back down.
Paul even got down off the stage and shook hands with as many people as
he could.
The band went on to play a crowd favorite,
"Shooting Star", "Deep Blue" (if you don't have the
'Electric" CD - get it now!), and "Saving Grace":
Finally, we heard and sang "All Right Now".
Encore! Encore! The band came back and did "Muddy
Water Blues". Shame on the person behind me who didn't know this
song. They finished up with "Rock and Roll Fantasy" with a
very cool Beatles medley in the middle of it. Paul thanked us for being
his rock and roll fantasy.
We've been fortunate enough to see Paul several times
and it's always a great show. Paul Rodgers is a true performer, whether
he's playing for a crowd of 30,000 or 30.
This show was the best yet. The band sounded good and
seemed to really enjoy playing together. Paul has such an inner peace
about him. He looked very relaxed and I think he was having as much as
we were. We've got great memories from this great show and can't wait to
see Paul Rodgers in our area again.
Lauren and Beth, (Rochester, NY)
Second
Review - By Steve
BB
King's Blues Club, New York City
June 30, 2003
Review by Bill and Barbara
It was a hot night in New York and the city was alive.
Our night started when a white limo pulled up on 42nd St. and Paul
Rodgers stepped out and made his way to the club known as BB King's. BB
King - one of Paul's favorite musicians! It must have been a pleasure
for Paul to play BB King's Blues Club.
It sure was a pleasure to all who attended the show!
After an injury to Paul's collarbone and a postponed date, Paul was on
fire when he took the stage and belted out a major rendition of rock
steady! Next, Paul stole the crowd with Can't Get Enough. The double
leads during the solo were great with Howard Leese and Joe Shikany in
front of the stage and Rodgers running from one side of the stage to the
other. The whole place was up, dancing and totally into it.
Plenty of songs followed as Paul pleased the fans
covering all grounds with Free, Bad Company, the Firm and his solo
efforts. We would like to add that Paul's solo work is excellent and
stands up to just about anything he's ever done in his career. A few
highlights (can't mention them all) was Ready For Love. One of the best
versions we have ever heard, especially at the end during the improv
section when Rodgers let himself go and brings the song to an all time
high. Can only be heard live! Soul of Love was great! Last time we heard
this live it was done acoustically on the Bad Co. reunion tour in
'99.
We must say that version was fantastic but to hear this
done electric was incredible and came to us a complete surprise. Well
done! Saving Grace is always great to hear and Rodgers just smokes on
this one. It's a great song. The band sounded fantastic with Howard
Leese and Joe Shikany wailing on the gits, Lyn Sorenson grinding out the
base and Jeff Kathen pounding at the drums.
And Paul Rodgers, as always, was electrifying! It was so
cool to see Paul in New York, especially at BB King's. The venue was
perfect to see such a legendary artist
.
Set list
Rock Steady - Bad co.
Can't get enough - Bad co.
Ready for love - Bad co.
Wishing well - Free
Satisfaction guaranteed - The Firm
Fire and water - free
Feel like making love - Bad co.
Ride on pony - Free
Soul of love - Paul Rodgers
Deep blue - Paul Rodgers
Saving grace - Saving Grace
Shooting star - Bad co.
All right now - Free
Encore
Muddy water blues - Paul Rodgers
Rock n roll fantasy (w/Beatles medley) - Bad co.
Hampton
Beach Casino, New Hampshire
June 28, 2003
Review by Marci - photograph by Lucy
June 28th, a warm....very warm Saturday night. What
better way to spend it, then on the ocean with some wonderful fans and a
rockin' Paul Rodger's concert. I always leave Paul's shows saying there
is no way he can out do himself this time....but he always proves me
wrong at the next show! This show truly sent tingles up my spine!!!!!
The stage was not very big, but
from the front row you almost felt as if you were part of the
band...which is a great feeling I might add!!!
Paul was in fine form with a band of extraordinary
musicians backing him up. With smooth and saultry ease, he made his way
through hit after hit....Feel like makin love, Wishing Well, Shooting
Star and Rock and Roll Fantasy! There were a few amazing
surprises....the highlight to my evening was Satisfaction Guaranteed....just
Paul with a soft blue spotlight, what a treat!
The audience was extremely receptive....chanting the
words to every song. It was almost spiritual, everyone seem to lose
themselves in the music. Paul gave 110% the entire evening. There was no
way anyone could leave without feeling like every dime and minute was
worth it all. I would make the 10 hour drive again anytime...and plan on
it very soon.
Thank you Paul for never letting your fans down and
always proving that you are TRULY a Rock Legend in every sense of the
word.
Marci
Clio Amphitheater, Michigan
June 2003
Review and photographs by Vanessa
When we arrived at the Clio Amphitheater, the skies were
dark and the threat of rain seemed imminent. Before we went back stage
for the meet and greet for Kansas, At 7:30 p.m., we were escorted back
stage to meet and greet with the members of Kansas, before they took the
stage at 8:00 p.m. The Kansas members were very friendly, signed
autographs and were pumped up for the show. It was great to see so many
die hard Kansas fans in attendance with original albums, tee shirts and
other Kansas memorabilia for the band to sign. When Kansas took the
stage, we could tell it was going to be an electrifying performance.
They did not disappoint! They played approx. 1 hour and 20 minutes, with
such classics as "Point of No Return","Fight Fire with
Fire", "Carry On Wayward Son" and of course "Dust in
the Wind". The band members totally enjoyed performing and were
very appreciative to all of the fans. The musicianship and vocals were
still right on after all these years... Kansas was a great way to start
the evening rockin!!
About 10:00 p.m., after a 30 minute tear down, the
lights came down and Paul was just about to take the stage and a light
mist of rain started. Off in the distance, there were flashes of
lightning and the distant sound of peels of thunder. Paul opened up with
"Can't Get Enough" and the fans were on their feet! He came
out wearing a sling on his left arm, which he removed after the first
song.
After the first song, Paul welcomed all of us and
apologized for the rain but made the comment, " God's heavenly
showers...without it we would have no flowers, no grass, no
trees..." Paul introduced the band after they performed "Rock
Steady" After the first two songs, the mist of rain turned into
larger drops of rain and steadily picked up throughout the evening, but
Paul kept on rockin!
Every now and then he would ask the fans how they were
holding up in the downpour. He was answered back with cheers of approval
and so he rocked on!
The tunes that were performed are as follows: Can't Get
Enough, Rock Steady, Wishing Well, Run with the Pack, Ready for Love,
Satisfaction Guaranteed, Saving Grace, Fire and Water, Feel Like Making
Love, Shooting Star, Rock and Roll Fantasy, All Right Now.
The sound techs. and stage hands were running around
trying to keep the stage and equipment dry. They had their work cut out
for them, as the stage was getting slippery from all the rain. Toward
the end of the show, the rain let up some, but we were all
soaked...Paul, the band, the fans, the techs...everybody was soaked!
Paul and the band really came through for all of us fans that night.
Even with his injury and the weather the way it was, he still gave 110%,
and all for us!!
After the show, we went back stage for the meet and
greet. It was a nice relaxing atmosphere. Cynthia was there and I got a
chance to speak with her for a moment about Paul, his recovery and the
tour. She is a very caring person.
Paul and the band were sitting at a table ready for
autographs and even photos! I brought flowers, from Lucy and I, to give
to Paul, which he appreciated and thanked me for. Then the conversation
turned toward Lucy and her up and coming birthday party as well as how
hard she works for the fans and how much we all think of her. The
evening ended on a great note, with a hug from Paul and then a 3 hour
ride home with the sounds of Paul Rodgers...now that is what I call MY
Rock and Roll Fantasy!!
God Bless You All!
Vanessa and George
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