Review:
What’s better then getting the chance to see INXS play at Radio City Music Hall? Seeing the RCMH gig, and the next day getting to go to Rockefeller Plaza to see INXS perform on the Today Show weekend edition.
I got there just after 6 a.m., and watched DrumTech, setting up. He hadn’t been to bed yet, but had a wave and a smile, and a great big “hello”for me as I passed by. He even apologized for not having the time to talk. Polite and cute! RockPhoto has a keeper there.
While we were anxiously waiting to be let in, they brought the band in through a covered walkway on a construction site across the street. It was very early but we squeed, and they acknowledged us with waves. Especially Andrew who had the biggest smile and waved fervently at us. On a jaunt to use the bathroom at Dean and Deluca, DrumTech had been given the go ahead to soundcheck the drum kit, and I got to watch him play for a bit. A few people in the line up thought it was Jon drumming. After the drums levels were checked, they let us into the pen for the taping.
They did a soundcheck with JD, running through ‘Need You Tonight,’ ‘Afterglow,’ and ‘Pretty Vegas.’ Between songs JD covered up his throat from the cold morning breeze. From where I was along the left side of the stage I could see everyone pretty clearly, except Garry who was a little bit too far to the right. I was near Reckon from Switchboard, and I finally got to meet Armed and Dangerous from Rockband.
A little while later they came back out without JD and did ‘Pretty Vegas’ and ‘Afterglow.’ Partway through ‘Pretty Vegas’ Andrew came up to the centre microphone and sang. During ‘Afterglow’ he sang at the keyboards. We helped out, and Tim in particular acknowledged our on key efforts. A few minutes later they ran through ‘Need You Tonight.’ Tim was pointing to his heart during the line “how do you feel?”, and to his head during “whatya think?” At one point, while they were waiting for the count in, someone started playing Bob Marley’s ‘Could You Be Loved.’ I think it was Andrew. Tim started riffing, and Garry got going on the bass. It was cool to see them jam. I imagine they spontaneously do stuff like that in rehearsals and soundchecks.
Then they disappear for a bit, and came back with JD to record live for the show. JD introduced them with “Hi everyone. Today’s band is brought to you by hangover,” which got a lot of laughs. Then he said that NYC had the strongest coffee he’s had anywhere. Andrew and Garry had very fluffy hair, and both Jon and Garry were sporting some guyliner.
The Today Show hosts did a quick interview with JD and Tim. They asked the same questions every reporter tends to ask including how the fans old and new were taking to JD. We squeed loudly, and Tim motioned to the crowd for his response.
They did all three songs they rehearsed, first ‘Need You Tonight,’ then ‘Afterglow,’ and finally ‘Pretty Vegas,’ although they only aired the first two. The band played ‘Pretty Vegas’ for the audience gathered in Rockefeller Plaza. The camera caught me one or twice singing along to the songs. When they launched into ‘Pretty Vegas’ the crowd roared. And for the first time ever, in broad daylight, JD was singing directly to me, less than two feet away. I let out the loudest internal squee never heard. My goodness he is beautiful. Stunningly so.
When it wrapped up one of the Today Show crew said “THAT was cool.” He had seen numerous performances in the Plaza, but said this was extra special. It was. Unfortunately the same can not be said for the SOB that pinched the $50 from my bag during the taping.
Set List:
Need You Tonight
Afterglow
Pretty Vegas (didn't air)
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