Dennis' Opening Act

by **SuiteMadameBlue** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 4:33 am

Classic, this is for you :wink:

I just received permission to post the opening group for Dennis (and I'm not bragging, I just wanted to wait for it to be official).

It's Air Supply

by **SuiteMadameBlue** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 4:37 am

Oops, I forgot to add, all the ticket information will be added to his website soon.

Air Supply will be opening for the 2 Ohio dates and maybe a few more. There will be other artists/groups that will be added on for different cities. Dennis will also be performing solo at the others.

Just to let you know, Air Supply has a HUGE following. Their devoted fans are called "AirHeads" - LOL I have a few friends that are very excited with this double bill.

by **sadie65** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 4:39 am

Now I'm sincerely asking here. What is your opinion of this bill? Is it a good one? Does it help his/their market-ability? Is it one ou would go see?

I genuinely asking here.

Thanks,

Sadie

by **yogi** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 4:47 am

Didnt one of their singers( Air Supply) take a header off of the stage at the Minnesota State Fair a few years back? He?or is it she broke numerous bones didnt he?, or is it she???( the voice throws me). Because of this, the first five rows are waayyy back from the stage. The Air Supply stage is now surrounded by water. Will this stage concept affect DDY's peformance?? I have also heard Hank Horton cant swim??? This looks like a scary twin bill to me!!!!

by **wiseguy** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 6:02 am

You just received permission. What, are you the official spokesperson now?
You didn't post this to give others info. Most here could care less about Air Supply. You posted this so that you could show what you know.

SuiteMadameBlue wrote:Classic, this is for you

I just received permission to post the opening group for Dennis (and I'm not bragging, I just wanted to wait for it to be official).

It's Air Supply

by **sadie65** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 6:08 am

I think she posted it because people were guessing as to who the other act(s) would be. Whether or not anybody cares about Air Supply is another matter.

Peace,

Sadie

by **yogi** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 6:20 am

Rumor has it when the Air Supply singer took that header at the Minnesota State Fair a few years back it allowed one of his sacs to drop. He now sounds like Freddy Pendergrass. 'All Out Of Love' is going to sound a WHOLE lot different now!!!!

by **SuiteMadameBlue** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 6:35 am

You just received permission. What, are you the official spokesperson now?
You didn't post this to give others info. Most here could care less about Air Supply. You posted this so that you could show what you know.

What?

What's your problem with me, sheesh. Yes, you're right most people could care less about Air Supply.

This is what Pieces wrote with the first post on this thread:

I am also aware who the opening act will be, but cannot say just yet. I feel that most people here will be happy with who it is.If you guys want to guess who you think it will be, whoever guesses correctly, can pick from some things I have.

People on here started guessing. Some of us were having fun guessing.

No, I'm not the "official spokesperson", but thank you for the title, I appreciate it. :wink:

Since I knew about the information I asked permission to post on a few groups before it was posted on Dennis' site and Ticketmaster. I have a feeling no matter what I post on this site, you're going to come after me and act like a "Wiseguy"!

So what if I "know" things, who cares. Pieces has written that she knows things too and she enjoys posting on here.

Even Bourgeois Pig met and had dinner with John Payne & Geoff Downes and interviewed Steve Howe. I thought that was very interesting and I enjoyed reading that information and others.

by **bugsymalone** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 6:49 am

OK, just for me here, I am not excited about Air Supply opening for Dennis. I was never a fan and would avoid going to a show with them as opening act.

Does this help or hurt Dennis? In some quarters, it helps and in others it most certainly hurts. Depends on the type of fan.

I would be much more interested in a concert he shares with Alan Parsons.
But, to be perfectly honest, I am personally a fan of Dennis ALONE. But I understand the economics of having others on the bill with you.

And before too many stones are cast, we must not forget...Nelson. Air Supply/Nelson? That scale looks perfectly balanced to me.

Bugsy

by **Ash** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:07 am

Air Supply?

Please tell me this is a bad joke. If it's not... I am truly horrified. That would give the anti-dennis crowd so much freaking ammo.

Air Supply makes Nelson look like Marilyn Manson.

If it is true... then I can understand why they'd want to keep it secret... I'm pretty crushed. Sorry

by **Ash** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:18 am

I can't just complain without putting in my suggestion as to who "should" be with DDY.

Perhaps he could have done some gigs with Steve Walsh of Kansas as a solo artist. Steve has a semi-new record out. Or how about:

Hall & Oates.... that would be a GREAT show .. their last album was really good

Howard Jones

Joe Jackson

Tony Carey

Roger Daltry (solo - sans The Who)

Barry Goudreau

Steve Miller

Hell, I'd even settle for a Thomas Dolby... but AIR SUPPLY?

by **SuiteMadameBlue** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 9:27 am

Ash, you answered one of the questions that I was going to ask. I was going to ask who would be a good choice to open or co-headline with Dennis.

I don't know too much about Steve Walsh, but does he tour solo (I'll check his website again later). How is his voice?

What about Lou Gramm? Has anybody seen him lately? I heard it's a "hit or miss" with him do to his health, is that true?

What about Peter Cetera, Richard Marx or Toto? Would any of their music work good with an orchestra. Someone on another group suggested Survivor.

Any other thoughts?

For the current Styx side, I know a great line-up would be, Night Ranger, Ted Nugent, Damn Yankees and then Styx.

by **ek88** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 10:15 am

Ash,

I like the Hall and Oates suggestion.

Does this help or hurt Dennis? In some quarters, it helps and in others it most certainly hurts. Depends on the type of fan.

Such is the dilemna Dennis DeYoung and his "don't put limits on creativity" philosophy creates. Who do you pair with someone that wrote songs like The Grand Illusion, Babe, and Mr. Roboto? Depending on which song type you look at, he could potentially be a good fit with Kansas, Air Supply, or even Devo (they had corny Roboto-type songs, didn't they?)

OK, just for me here, I am not excited about Air Supply opening for Dennis. I was never a fan and would avoid going to a show with them as opening act.

I'm not the least bit excited either. I'm already kind of lukewarm about the DDY show, simply because certain songs in the setlist don't thrill me all that much, nor have I been overly impressed with what little I've heard of the classic rock with orchestra combination. I'd probably catch a show if it was close enough simply because the fact is that Dennis is a founding member of a band I love to death, and because certain songs in the setlist DO thrill me---a lot!!!! The addition of Air Supply to the bill does nothing to make the show more alluring to me (I would probably just arrive late and hope to miss the Air Supply set).

To put my own twist on Tommy's BTM quote: Babe was one thing, but to have to sit through an Air Supply set . . . .

by **Abitaman** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 10:18 am

Hey Suites, any chance of Dennis coming to Biloxi MS, New Orleans, even Moblie AL?-ERIC

by **classicstyxfan** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 11:22 am

.......

by **classicstyxfan** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 11:24 am

Air Supply ? What, Barry Manilow was busy ? Of course, John Denver and the Carpenters eliminated themselves from consideration some time ago.... I wonder if David Gates and Bread are still out there working ?

We can all get ourselves psyched up for the show bu asking the building manager to crank the MUSAK at work the day of the show......!

Good God, if Dennis brings them to my town, I will be able to have a leisurely dinner the night of the show.......

by **Monker** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 12:24 pm

SuiteMadameBlue wrote:Oops, I forgot to add, all the ticket information will be added to his website soon.

Air Supply will be opening for the 2 Ohio dates and maybe a few more. There will be other artists/groups that will be added on for different cities. Dennis will also be performing solo at the others.

Just to let you know, Air Supply has a HUGE following. Their devoted fans are called "AirHeads" - LOL I have a few friends that are very excited with this double bill.

If Air Supply had a full set of songs, I'd go see it for them and then maybe thinking about leaving early. I saw them in Feb. of last year. Russel Hitchcock has an amazing that hasn't lost anything with age. He can definitely stand right up there with Dennis or anybody else from that era and hold his own, and then some.

Their "following" isn't that huge though...They performed to MAYBE 500 people here last year at a local casino. It's a good choice of an opening act for Dennis, and a good choice for Air Supply too.

If anybody cares, here is my full review of the Air Supply concert from last year:

[center]Air Supply[/center]

I saw Air Supply this past Wednesday. A have couple notes about that experience...

First of all...They played at the local casino. So many people seem to critique Journey and Styx for being a "casino and county fair" band. After seeing Air Supply, I know what a "casino and county fair" concert is like...I can't imagine either Journey or Styx playing to such a small crowd.

Not that it was a bad experience. In fact, I enjoyed it so much that I stayed for the second concert...and I am glad I did since it was even better then the early show. Des Moines was the first stop on their 2003 tour so I think they were still working some kinks out of their set and their little talks. The first concert had a set of songs in the middle that were either new or not very popular...and a lot of talk. The second removed most of the talk and moved the newest song to be the closer for the second encore. The change worked VERY well and the way it closed the show was just awesome.

I was also slightly worried about how well their voices had held over the years. I mean, when was the last time anybody heard anything NEW from Air Supply? Well, when Russell Hitchcock got up and started the first lines of the first song, you KNEW he still had the voice. It really makes me wonder how good this guy was 20yrs ago...and if his voice had changed AT ALL over the years.

Graham Russell, the 'other singer' seemed to struggle a bit...his mic seemed to not be loud enough and maybe that is why I got the impression that he was struggling...He was also the one who seemed prone to talking too much. Some of his crowd interaction was good, but some needs some work...During the first show he went into this long speech about 'losing yourself' as an intro to a new song on their upcoming album and he ends up saying, "...and you don't know where you are! And, you want to scream 'where am 1!'" A few people shouted "IOWA"! So, Graham says, "But, nobody answers..." It was a bit overboard and needs some work and that bit was cut during the second show.

One thing I was a bit curious about was how many GUYS would show up for an Air Supply show. It was VERY funny to see this huge 6ft tall guy screaming "Go Russell!" and belting (not really singing) the words to the songs, and hooting after every vocal acrobatic. I heard somebody tell him, "You know, some people think those two are gay don't you?" His reply was, "So what...That guy can sing! GO RUSSEL! YOU'RE AWESOME!" It cracked me up. You would think he was cheering for the quarterback of his favorite football team.

Another highlight was when they left the stage during a song and went into the crowd. Both walked right by me, within just a few feet. They both gave hugs to the lady's were giving 'fives' to the guys. Guess that is one advantage of being in such a small venue.

During "Every Woman in the World", Russell pointed to someone out in the crowd and started motioning her to come to the stage. He serenaded her and danced with her a bit. I'm sure that is an experience that lady will never forget.

"Making Love Out of Nothing At All" just rocks in concert. But, saying Air Supply 'rocks' is almost a contradiction! Jim Stienman wrote this song...and you can almost imagine Meatloaf singing it...But, Russell does an awesome job with it!

It was a good time and I'm glad I went. It wasn't up to what Journey or Styx do...But, what is? Also, for the week of Valentines, what is better then the music of Air Supply? Not even Journey can top them in the "love songs" category (not that I think that is a BAD thing...). They also have a new album coming in March..

by **Ash** » Sat Aug 28, 2004 2:20 pm

Good review Monker. I don't want to come off like a guy who is just bashing Air Supply... I mean... I have a few of their older, classic tracks in my iTunes... it's just hardly what I was expecting.

Should Dennis and A.S. be coming to Nashville, I certainly would be first in line to have a ticket. I mean... I have seen A.S. one time prior at Hershey Park arena back in the 80's with my *cough*momanddad*cough*... but I've suffered through far more undersireable opening acts.

As long as they play Making Love Out Of Nothing At All (great Steinman song), All Out Of Love and The One That You Love, I'd be happy. Of course... all those songs have love in them... and I just looked... 6 of the 18 songs on Air Supply's greatest hits album have the word "love" in them and all of these songs are about the same thing. I bet these guys got a lot of "action" back in the day.

What was the worst opening act you ever suffered through? That award for me goes to "Warrior Soul" who opened up for Queensryche on their "Building Empires" tour back in early 90's.... the guy went on the most radical, screwball political diatribe I've ever heard. Even the people I was with who agreed with his point of view were booing him because he (the singer - Korey Clark) was such an ass.

by **styxfanNH** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 12:16 am

I was hoping for something that might have a little kick behind them. I think this might actually hurt Dennis as a pairing. Not exactly a rock n roll bill. It perpetuates the belief of some that Dennis isn't about the rock side of Styx and instead would have brought the band further into their softer side.

The entire bill of the show sets up a feel as to the type of music you are to expect at a show. While I haven't seen DDY yet, when I do, I want to see him rock the place into oblivion. And I don't think Air Supply even projects that what the audience will see. I don't think their styles compliment each other that well or expand Dennis' base.

If Dennis really wants to bring it, maybe he could find someone to do a face to face tour like Billy Joel and Elton did. That was a great set up and a great show.

As far as someone that might compliment Dennis ane expand the base and has a potential to utilize an orchestra and rock....

Hall and Oates would do great,
maybe even Michael Bolton could work,
James Taylor would be interesting and even
Carly Simon.
Actually, Elton John has done some work with a symphony as has
Yes (but I don't think DDY and YES compliment each other)
Deborah Gibson would compliment him - especially with her leanings toward the stage,
Cyndi Lauper has shown some diversity with her last album and
Kenny Loggins might give an interesting take on the rock/orchestra hybrid show.
Peter Cetera intrigues me, although I do have to ask - does he still tour; i'm just not sure,
Richard Marx would work on a rock show, but not sure if it would with the orchestra.

I'm sure i could come up with others but I am also thinking howthe artist might be able to work with an orchestra as well as bands that actually tour. I think if you remove the orchestra, the groups that share the bill would change a lot.

by **classicstyxfan** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:27 am

Actually, I wish he'd convince Parsons and his group to do a tour.....that would be a great pairing. I just dont like the Air Supply bill, but if he's gonna do it, he might just as well add:

"First Time",
"Trying to get the Feeling Again"
"Sing" ( sing a song, la la lalalala.....la la lalalala.......)
"Make it with You"

and

"You light up my life"

to the set list, to bring some continuity to the show....hell, he can cover "Theme from Titanic" as an Encore ! ( Yuuuuuuuck ! )

by **Ash** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 2:31 am

Well, lets not carried away. A.S isn't an ideal opening act... but it *could* be worse. Bread would be a disaster. I mean... yeah Air Supply may be the music equivelant of a chick flick, but it could be worse.

The Hall & Oates thing would JUST own. That would be such an incredible bill.

Side note: If Darrel Hall doesn't get into the R&R hall of fame for being one of the best soul vocalists (white or black) in history, then there is no justice.

by **classicstyxfan** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 4:04 am

Hey ! maybe at the end of the show, Air Supply can join Dennis on stage for a medley of DISNEY tunes !

- It's a Small World After All

- Can You feel the Love tonight ?

The Air Supply guy can sing
- "Over the Rainbow"

( not a Disney tune, I know.......but fits well in to our evening of lovely songs.....)

you get the idea. Is Annette Funichello still available for a Cameo ?

by **Monker** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 6:05 am

Most of you guys are in some kinda dreamland. People like Hall & Oats or Allan Parson, and especialy Elton John are NOT going to tour with Dennis, especialy as an opening act. They don't need to.

Air Supply NEEDS to tour with somebody because their fanbase isn't big enough to fill good sized venues any longer. They are a good choice for Dennis because they are a band that will not over shadow him, as many of those suggested probably would. And, as much as you guys hate me saying it, Dennis doesn't put on much of a rock show. Air Supply "rocks" more and gets the crowd much more involved then Dennis. It's a good choice for Air Supply becuase they COULD actualy put on a better show then Dennis...if they are allowed a full set.

The fact that you guys eem more worried about the 'image' this project, instead of the music and the performance, speaks volumes. Why is it so hard to understand that a guy who can't even fill a 5,000 theater isn't attracting big names to tour with? Get your heads out of the sand!

by **LordofDaRing** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 6:33 am

Monker:
I thought I actually read somewhere (reputable) that Parson and his band were opening for Dennis at one event. Besides that, even though I don't mind Air Supply (in small doses), what song(s) did they do that ever came close to rocking like Loreli, Grand Illusion, Light Up, or Rocking the Paradise which Dennis does on stage today, not to mention several he doesn't but should do (Borrowed time, Born for Adventure, Queen of Spades). I mean everyone has had their fun with Babe and First time, but these guys really were the invaders of the Barry Manilow territory: Even the nights are better, Lost in Love, Evrery woman in the world to me, Here I am the one that you love....ugh...well maybe even smaller doses than I originally thought. I can't imagine the best live act picking up that tempo. He could have done worse though, I am sure the Nelson twins are looking for a new gig.

by **LordofDaRing** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 6:38 am

I am a big fan of the Alan Parson Project. He had some clever albums during the 80s, and much like Carlos Santana, picked some incredible vocalists on some of his songs. For the casual fan, pick up one of his greatest hits and give a listen to some good stuff: Turn of a Friendly Card, You don't believe, Games People Play, The Raven, Don't let it show, and an incredible song called Old and Wise....I play that song any time I go to a funeral or think of a friend/loved one who has gone on to a better place. If any of you have ever heard it, you would probably agree. I would love to catch that show.

by **LordofDaRing** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 6:45 am

One more follow up, the Alan Parsons home page confirms a Sept 30th date in Detroit, where Alan will "Open" for Dennis.

by **sadie65** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 8:49 am

While this pairing is not my ideal, I do think there is some marketing behind it. Certainly there will be those that use this as argument that Dennis doesn't or won't "rock" anymore.

I think this brings in the female fans, who in turn bring in their boyfriends/spouses/significant others. It expands the fan base for each, and allows Dennis to be the one to "rock the house" with his material. Both fair well with an orchestra.

I'm sure Air Supply has a larger following than Monker realizes. Not trying to detract from his statements at all, just that I suspect he doesn't follow them all that much.

As I said, this isn't my optimal pairing, but it does make some sense from a marketing point of view.

Peace,

Sadie

by **styxfanNH** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 9:16 am

Monker, when I was referring to other bands, I wasn't necessarily talking about bands that would open for DDY, instead bands that may both compliment his body of work as well as the orchestra. I don't believe that Dennis necessarily ghas to be the headlining act for some of the groups but may be part of a co-headlining bill or even an opening act for others.

by **classicstyxfan** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 10:33 am

Back in the day, we used to drink to get "warmed up" for a show.....

for the Air Supply + Dennis show, I fear I may have to check out some Tom Hanks / Meg Ryan flicks for my warm up.......Any other suggestions out there to bring out my "sensitive" side ? ( I know.....by now you're thinking its a lost cause......)

by **Monker** » Sun Aug 29, 2004 1:49 pm

sadie65 wrote:I'm sure Air Supply has a larger following than Monker realizes. Not trying to detract from his statements at all, just that I suspect he doesn't follow them all that much.

Sorry, but when I see Air Supply performing a free concert inside a casino to maybe 500 people and then see Styx (on thier own) at the same venue performing to a couple thousand people outside, and maybe a thousand more inside...that tells me what I need to know. Air Supply has a following, sure, but it is not even what Styx has.

MR

Dennis' Opening Act

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