I thought about it and said, "Yeah, I can," thinking it would be something different from what I had planned and what I was used to. So, I ordered the tickets for the three of us(my mom decided she would go too) and scrapped by original reasoning for taking the vacation day.
After getting there well in advance of the 7:30 start time, which my parents love to do, we made our way to our seats up in the rafters. There were floor seats open when I bought them, but the old man decided the cheap seats would be good enough. $30 seemed a tad high for me for these nosebleeds, for an act like this. And as my dad correctly predicted they'd be lucky to get the place half full. We ended up moving to the next section over due to speakers that were partially blocking the view of the stage.
The show didn't start until about quarter til Eight, when Robbie Dupree, who acted as the master of ceremonies, introduced the tour, and the first singer, John Ford Coley, with Orleans serving as the house band for every act on the bill. Coley was pretty good coming out playing three songs, with I'd Really Love to See You Tonight, being the most recognizable one for me. He even gave a shout out to having been in Eureka playing at Six Flags at some point early in his career. And he talked about a time he lived in that divided our country, you were either for it or against it, seeming to be something about the Vietnam War era, before saying, " I'm talking about the Disco era, which I was always against," which got a chuckle from everyone.
The next act was Robbie Dupree, for two songs, which were so so for me and then Player, or two members of the group more precisely. They played two songs as well, with their hit Baby Come Back being another one I had heard before. Dupree did give a shout out about having supposed to have played a gig with some of these guys in Hannibal, at some point, but the gig got canceled because of a tornado warning.
Next up was Orleans for five songs. They were probably the act I was most familiar with. One of the biggest surprises was their cover of Dancing in the Moonlight, which their original drummers brother wrote and they recorded early on, which is a song I've always really liked. I had to give both parents crap about paying money to see a Liberal rock star and one that was actually a Democratic Congressman, in John Hall. The only rock band that has a former Congressman in it according to Dupree. After their big hit, You're Still the One, they left for a twenty minute intermission.
After they returned, Gary Wright took the stage, who was another strong point with his two songs, Love is Alive and Dream Weaver, which always makes me think of Wayne's World. He talked about his friendship with George Harrison, and how the latter song was inspired by some Eastern literature and poetry that Harrison gave him.
Next up was the dullest act of the night for me in Firefall, for three songs. I don't think I'd ever heard of them before or any of their songs. The last one, featured one of the side musicians playing the flute and featured a five minute solo, with him running round the stage. Yes, seriously, a flute solo. There's only so much of it you can take before it becomes ad nausem. It got a good ovation, but seriously how do you know if it was actually good and he didn't fuck up the whole time?
Finally the big draw for most in attendance, was Christopher Cross for five songs. He played one new songs mixed in with his expected smashes, Sailing and Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do). He seemed very shy even though he talked in between songs, mentioning how St. Louis native Michael McDonald sang back-up on Ride Like the Wind. Cross still has the high voice from thirty years ago.
For the finale, everyone sans Cross and Wright I believe, came out and the jammed on Take It Easy, which fit into the '70s laid back soft rock vibe.
Overall it was pretty enjoyable. I probably would have had more fun seeing Shooter Jennings again (and getting the new issue of Astro City, which has to wait another day), but this was something different like I said. The concept was interesting too, which began as a joke with the derogatory term Yacht Rock. Not to mention the fact, as it was "Nothing But the Hits." And as my dad said, "Look at how many number one songs you're seeing being played tonight, by the original artists."
Set List
We'll Never Have to Say Goodbye Again (John Ford Coley)
I'd Really Love to See You Tonight (John Ford Coley)
Love is the Answer (John Ford Coley)
Steal Away (Robbie Dupree)Hot Rod Hearts (Robbie Dupree)
This Time I'm In it for Love (Player)
Baby Come Back (Player)
Let There Be Music (Orleans)
Dance With Me (Orleans)
Dancing in the Moonlight (Orleans)
Love Takes Time (Orleans)
You're Still the One (Orleans)
----Intermission-------
My Love is Alive (Gary Wright)
Dream Weaver (Gary Wright)
Just Remember I Love You (Firefall)
You Are the Woman (Firefall)
Strange Way (Firefall)
Never Be the Same (Christopher Cross)
Arthur's Theme (Best That You Can Do) (Christopher Cross)
Sailing (Christopher Cross)
Dreamers (Christopher Cross)
Ride Like the Wind (Christopher Cross)
Take It Easy (Everybody)
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