Review of DDY in Rockford 1/10/04

[classicstyxfan]

Well, I finally got off my but and made the drive to see Dennis & Orchestra.....The Coronado theatre was a 90 minute drive from where I live.

My 1st visit to Rockford left me unimpressed with the city, but the Coronado is a great little theatre ! I was able to walk up and buy tickets 20 minutes prior to the show ( the Panthers / Rams game held me hostsage at a nearby resturant/bar called the Olympic ) There appeared to be about 150 or so seats unused in the balconies, I never went down to the floor. The Demographic of the audience was almost completely in the 35-55 age group, a couple of grandma's and a couple of youngsters....and 100 percent caucasian...not that surprising, but notable.

It appeared to be about a 25 piece Orchestra, and no childrens choir.

If you have the CD, you also have the set list.....with the exception of 2 of the new songs. He did play Hello God, and threw in a 3rd Hunchback song Esmerelda. Mike Eldred is apparently not doing the tour with him, he had some other guy form California singing those parts, and he did a fine job. The hunchback tunes received a warm reception from the crowd, and gave me an opportunity to take a bathroom break.

I had wondered how Dennis would sound after doing a show the night before in Wisconsin ( he included some Wisconsin and Packers banter poking a little good natured fun at both, but in a non-offensive manner ) That appeared to be less of a problem than the cold and sore throat he
has been fighting....he had a few minor intonation problems on the 1st few notes of 1 or 2 songs, but all things considered he sounded great ! On Grand Illusion, the opening song, his mike wasn't prominent enough in the mix, but they got that corrected. Other than those few things, which I doubt were noticed by most, the band / orchestra / and vocalists were on the same page, and sounded great !

By the way, They did have the soundstage DVD for sale at the show, so no more whining from me about when I can buy it.....( $25.00 ) I'd expect the website will have it real soon for those who want it.

If you enjoy the DDY penned Music of Styx, and arent wholeheartedly opposed to mixing orchestral arrangements with rock music, this is a show you should see when it is in your area !

Questions ????

[SuiteMadameBlue]

Classic, I'm glad to hear that you were able to see Dennis with the orchestra. What did you think of "Castle Walls"? Like in my post, I'd have to say that song and "Suite Madame Blue" were my favorites live.

I know after the concert (in Appleton) a lot of people were asking about "Hello God" and they really liked it. I didn't hear anything bad or negative about the concert

[classicstyxfan]

Madame,

I enjoyed Castle Walls.....nice to hear it with the orchestra a bit more prominent vs on the CD. I'm in the minority ( those who had the CD before the concert ) but I was hoping Dennis might play a song or 2 that
wasn't on the CD, or at least tinker a little more off of the arrangements of the songs. Esmerelda doesnt count......... sorry, I'm just not into Hunchback, at least not yet.

I enjoyed Black Wall, but missed the Chicago childrens choir's contribution.

I also enjoyed Dawn Marie's leather outfit

[DeeJaySTYX]

I also attended this show and found it to be a great show..Castle Walls sounded great..The setlist was good overall and the surprise song to me was Hello God..I also enjoyed Black Wall..

I too noticed the intonation problems Dennis was having on the first couple of songs due to his cold, but Dennis performed well and he was well recieved by the audience..

Dennis seemed to have good energy and was having fun with the crowd and his performers...I laughed when he told Dawn Marie that if he had known what kind of clothes she was going to wear that he would have charged more for admission..Five dollars more for the first couple of rows...

I bought my C.D. at the concert..There were three songs on the C.D. he did not do at the concert( Show Me The Way, My God( Can Beat Up Your God), And Good Night My Love)...

Over all, a GREAT show..If you have the chance to see Dennis, I suggest you do..



DeeJay...

[classicstyxfan]

Dee Jay,

You are correct re: Show Me The Way...no way they would attempt this acapella with Dennis having a cold.