Show Reviews

A WILD WEEKEND WITH TWO BLONDES
Reviewed By Denise & Michele

The First Blonde : Denise

When I heard about the Vegas concert, I started asking people if they would like to go with me. With barely any arm-twisting, my friend Michele said she would go - she was a fan of John's and she had always wanted to see Vegas. So, off we went.

We had front row seats for both shows. They were so close to the stage you could barely cross your legs, I should have such problems all the time, right? :) I had my drink sitting on the stage behind a speaker (we are talking CLOSE to the action!). EB kept asking if I was trying to electrocute the band. Not my intention at all, I just needed a place for my drink. At one point, I accidentally hit Ricky's guitar with my hand.

I notice that Michele is screaming her head off every time John comes near us. I turn to her and say "Uh, excuse me ... I brought you to this concert, remember? What's up with this 'screaming' thing?" She said she couldn't help it. That's when JW made the mistake of reaching out to us and we each grabbed one of his arms - almost pulling him into the front row :)! The show was fantastic and that's all I can say, I was specifically told not to get too graphic (wicked smile)!

After the show I was standing in Club Madrid when EB grabs my hand and drags me over to JW and introduces us. You know how sometimes when you dream you can't see people very well? It's almost as though you need to open your eyes really wide or put on glasses? Well, I am so nervous that when I look at him, I can't really see him. And what do I say at my first chance ever to meet THE MAN? "Nice to meet you." Oh my God!!! AAAARRRRGGGGHHHH! How about "I love your music" or "You have a great voice" or maybe even "You are so talented", no, I had to say something mundane like "nice to meet you." I'm sure I made an everlasting impression, you can bet he was asking all my friends for my number .

When John discovers we are from Cleveland (he used to live here), we begin talking about the area. Michele pipes up with this beauty: "Next time you're in town, you can stay with me." To which I reply with this witty comeback: "What? You've got kids, Michele. Where are you going to put him - in your basement?" :o I am now living in a nightmare and I can't wake up!!

I can barely remember anything else. I'm sure that's because I am trying to block it from my memory (laugh)! I remember discussing Austin Powers (to which John replied "Shag-a-delic, bay-bee") :) and telling him it was high time he was inducted into the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame. Did I ask for a picture? No. Did I ask if I could kiss him? No. But Michele and I said some profound things like "great show" and "you sang my favorite song, 'Valentine' - you must have read my e-mail." I can only imagine the impression I gave him :o ... and it frightens me!

Michele and I discuss our ridiculous remarks daily! We've also started to debate which of us JW likes more. Since MY autographed shirt says "lots of love John Waite" (big sigh) and Michele's only says "love John Waite" I think it must me :) !!

The weekend in Vegas was BIG FUN! We're ready to go back! We made some lifelong friends, the seats were phenomenal [no band member was even mildly shocked, let alone electrocuted:)] and John's voice was better than ever. Most importantly, I got to meet John Waite - I just hope he doesn't remember it well ... :)!

WEEKEND IN VEGAS PART II

The Second Blonde : Michele

It all started for me when my lovely friend Denise asked me to go with her to Las Vegas to see John Waite perform live. At first, I admit, I hesitated because of my two young children and because it was the middle of the semester at school but then finally I said, "I need a weekend of pure hedonism and unadulterated idol worship" so away we went. Now, not being as well educated about John Waite as my friend Denise, who probably knows his favorite color and his first words, I thought I would be a little out of place. Boy, was I wrong! I had always known about John Waite from his early days with the Babys through his latest material and I was curious to see him perform. (Okay, not to mention the fact that his appearance alone sent me to the other side of the continent in a hurry!)

So there we were. Two excited, carefree blondes from Cleveland just waiting with eager anticipation in the front row of the Club Madrid for Mr. Waite to make his appearance. The first show was truly an experience. First, he looked even better than the pictures. Truly in top form and ready to go. The second show was even better! Like a horse straight out of the gate JW was clearly confident and set to rock the audience! Denise and Michele sitting in the front row. Denise and Michele staring foolishly at John Waite. Denise and Michele certain to make fools of ourselves in the not so distant future.

After the show we each got an opportunity to meet him and let me say our impression was perhaps a little lackluster. Did we spurt forth with charming little gems like "Wow, what a show!" or "That second show just really floored me!" No. Michele saying dumb things like, "Gee, maybe if you come to Cleveland you can stay at my house". (the kiss of death for any fan!) Denise retorting with, "Oh no, she's got kids! Where are you going to put him, Michele, in the basement?" A few other little exchanges that were equally embarrassing and off we were! A few moments to talk with one of the most charming men I have ever met and what do we do? We humiliate ourselves. Denise runs off crying and I just stand around looking dumb. Well, isn't that just the way things go? You may spend hours thinking about what you might say to someone as special as him, going over it again and again in your head, only to screw it up when the time comes!

I will say that weekend I spent in Vegas away from the responsibilities and static of daily life was probably the best time I have had in a long time. Cheers to my friend Denise who really can make me laugh at any time in my life, even when I am feeling the dumbest! Thank you to John Waite for not laughing out loud at two crazy blondes having a wild weekend in Vegas!

Denise & Michele