Show Reviews

Reviewed By Marc Stallings

It was a brisk Friday evening in Southern California; not unlike any other we've experienced in mid-November. However, this night was different and we could sense the temperature rise as we pulled into the "Galaxy Theater" parking lot. A "thaw" was definitely upon us when we were admitted into the theater foyer.

At first glance, I was intrigued by the intimate seating setup and proximity of the center stage; we estimated a "sell-out" crowd of no more than three or four hundred at most. Imagining being able to listen & watch John Waite and his band at this unfathomable distance was in itself an exciting thought. We subsequently ordered our dinner & drinks and sat back in anticpation... quietly at first listening to the other guests converse about John Waite and "The Baby's" and "Bad English"... and where they were and what they were doing when they first heard "Midnight Rendezvous" on FM radio.

At last, movement on the stage... John Waite looked much younger and taller than I had expected and his voice was painfully incoherent... ahh, it was a cruel ruse as we quickly came to the realization that our junior John Waite imposter was in actuality the opening act! Finally, the house lights were turned up and... and... the "roadies" proceeded to finalize for John Waite and company.

The moment had arrived... as the band filed on stage, you could feel the energy of the "maximum capacity" audience rise with each appearance; it exploded as John Waite made his long awaited entrance. Breaking into a sizzling rendition of "The Gittering Prize", John and the Band were in no mood to hold back. With a genuine smile of happiness, John spoke out to his ardent listeners in between songs; it was like spending an evening with a long lost friend. Having been over six years since his last live performance, he was going to make up for it tonight.

To no one's astonishment, there were numerous dancing bodies in the aisles by the time "Saturday Night" was performed. A new rendition of "Missing You" should have melted away any misconceptions one may have had of this prolific songwriter and performer... we were watching a true artist... one of the greats! And the music played on to our mass enjoyment. Eventually and to our dismay, the evening had run its course and the band departed... only to return with an encore reminicent of a California earthquake. The heavy hitting bass echoed in our ears as "Head First" belted thoughout the theater confines. Sensing an opportunity, I ambled to stage side with my mint 1984 "No Brakes" LP. Holding it up and in view, I was pleasantly surprised when during a vocal break in the music, Mr. Waite came over and autographed it (along with another fan's article)... and then finished off the song with the ease of a professional.

If you've never seen John Waite and his entourage (or even if you have) don't miss this chance. The small club style settings are dynamic and an experience worth remembering. To see this band live and in person is... well... "In Dreams" (Temple Bar). So long until next time...

Marc Stallings
Lake Forest , CA
nova@ix.netcom.com