Just What I Needed

As previously mentioned, it’s old band concert season around these parts. So, to continue with that thought the next band on my agenda was The Cars.

Or should I say The New Cars? They have a new lead singer, drummer, and bass player, but the guitarist and keyboardist are original members. And to me they were the backbone of that band anyway.

The new singer, however, is Todd Rundgren, who is a very established musician on his own. The drummer came from The Tubes and the bass player played with Todd in Utopia.

So they have a decent group of guys to start that engine up once again. And can I tell you? The New Cars purred like a kitten…with the growl of a tiger.

They rocked and sounded fantastic! I was a little worried about them having a new singer, but Todd did a great job singing Ric’s songs and didn’t change anything about the old music at all.

They played at a casino, so it wasn’t a gigantic group of people, but it was a good-sized crowd. My sister and I went and we had tickets on the second row. But a lot of seats were empty so as soon as the lights went down, we moved to the front.

They came out with Hello Again, which I thought was a very appropriate choice to open with. And then went screaming into Let’s Go.

The cool thing about seeing an older band is that you know every song. Although they do have a new CD out and their new songs are in the similar style as the others. They also did a few from Todd’s catalog as well. It was a win-win situation.

They had nothing to prove and obviously were in it for the fun, which made things run very smoothly. They really seemed to be relaxed and enjoying themselves. And that's what it's all about, right?

But the weird thing was that in this casino pavilion there were several security guards standing by to make sure the crowd was kept in order, which meant everyone had to stay in their seats…do not rush the stage…do not get up and dance...do not collect $200. What the hell??

It was like a lost scene from Footloose with everyone tapping their feet and bobbing their heads, but not allowed to express any emotion at all. Well, that, and the fact that Kevin Bacon slid down the aisle on his knees and got carted off by the cops. (Okay, that was a lie.)

I thought for sure I was going to get hauled off when I flew out of my chair as soon as Candy-O started up. I love that song. But when I caught the sit-the-hell-down looks of everyone around me, I complied and looked around waiting for someone to swoop down on me and slap on the cuffs.

Being a former military cop, I understand the concept of good order and discipline, but that was ridiculous.

About halfway through the show I went out for a drink and by the time I got back there was a small group of people standing in front of the stage. My sister told me it was finally allowed for whatever reason. Maybe somebody bitched. Either way, once the crowd gathered Todd told everyone, “it’s about frickin’ time!!”

So, now it was okay to get out of your chair….didn’t have to tell me twice. We were in front of that stage in 2 seconds.

I couldn't believe I was 2 feet away from Elliot Easton while he played songs like Just What I Needed and Good Times Roll. I was amazed and in the 12th grade all over again.

I loved The Cars all through High School and beyond, so I completely enjoyed their show and the ride they gave me sent me right back to 1984.

Next on the agenda of older bands: A Led Zeppelin Tribute band called Zoso at the end of this month - time to swing the fake hammer of the gods. The middle of next month will be The Steve Miller Band. I'm preparing to fly like an eagle even as I type. And also at the end of next month will be the The Police. Looking forward to all of them and will be sure to tell you all about it.