This concert was very different, in that the tickets were provided to me as a result of my being a veteran and by someone other than the act being reviewed. Therefore, I will explain a little bit about
Vet Tix before I talk about the concert itself.
There are too many details as to how all this works to get into here, but if you are a veteran, I would recommend you
check it out and sign up. Short version: They go out and seek donations (and ask that you help), they have a fair way to make sure every Veteran gets a chance at what tickets are available and the manage the administration of the distribution of the tickets very well. This was only my second event for which
Vet Tix supplied admission, but they have recently started offering a lot more shows and events in my area.
As a Cold War Veteran, it is nice to be included in this recognition, especially since (even though we won) we got no parades, medals, or veteran’s hiring preference.
Neal Diamond
I used to consider myself a Neal Diamond fan – his music was big during the time I was most into music in my life. But, after attending his 50th Anniversary concert, I am questioning that label. I have decided that I like his hits, but not much else.
Someone at some point decided to maximize profitability by using all the seats in the arena and telling Neal he needed to walk around the provided walkway from time to time –to make those behind the stage feel like they were attending the show too. It does not work.
Sitting behind the stage is very disconnected. During the opening, the show used a large diamond shaped screen that completely blocked out the view of the stage. I considered walking out, but then they moved the lower portion of that screen out of the way, but with the top of the screen still in place – we in the back were left with a slit to watch the show through. A better idea would have been to not sell the seats behind the stage at all. Neal used the walkway at the back of stage a total of 6 times, not for a whole song but just walking through – except for Sweet Caroline when he sang a full chorus from there.
The start of the show was kind of low key,
In My Lifetime, Cherry, Cherry, Desiree, Love on the Rocks, and
Play Me were mellow tunes – I think too soft for the start of the show. His voice was excellent though, still had the same tonal quality and he did not rely on tricks to hit the notes.
He moved on to several songs I did not know but did include favorites of mine like S
ong Sung Blue If You Know What I Mean and
Forever in Blue Jeans. I looked it up later and was surprised to find both Red Red Wine, and I'm a Believer were his lyrics. I never knew, and he did a great job with both.
Neal next performed more soft stuff, and songs from
Jonathan Living Seagull -- sorry did not like the movie and do not like the music. This whole section of the concert bored me.
He finished up his standard set with an excellent performance of
I Am ... I Said.
The three encore songs (
Sweet Caroline, Cracklin' Rosie, and
America) were likewise excellent and had great energy – but where was
Brother Love?
The Venue
My first show at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Great crowd handling, fast in and out. Excellent staff. Sound balance was a little off for instruments over vocals. The venue felt much more intimate than its 24,000-seat capacity – this is the largest site I have been to in Michigan but did not feel like it. The food was mediocre. Accidentally arrived too early and opted to eat dinner there – selections were many but overpriced (expected) and just average (not expected for the price).
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