2022

 A year where all I can do is thank my beautiful wife and beautiful daughter for all they do for me.

Assassins Pre show

Andre De Shields final performance

In Memoriam - Pele

                                                                          Rest in Peace

 

Morrissey - NJPAC, Newark, NJ 12/1/2022

 From the epic opener How Soon is Now? to the majestic Everyday is Like Sunday to the "hug him if you can" closing song Sweet and Tender Hooligan, this was an amazing concert by an amazing performer. Morrissey is that grumpy guy you can't help but love. There was not a moment that felt disingenuous. I wanted more, but did not feel cheated at any point. 

 I can only hope he returns soon so I can see him again. 

  The setlist was made up mostly of solo songs, including a couple new songs which were really good, and a few songs from his time with The Smiths.

 Here is the setlist: 

 

How Soon is Now? (The Smiths song)

 First of the Gang to Die

 We Hate it When Our Friends Become Successful

Our Frank

Rebels Without Applause

I Am Veronica

The Bullfighter Dies

Jim Jim Falls

Girlfriend in a Coma (The Smiths song)

The Loop

Stop Me If You Think You've Heard This One Before (The Smiths song)

Sure Enough, the Telephone Rings

Irish Blood, English Heart

Half a Person (The Smiths song)

Everyday is Like Sunday

Knockabout World

Saint in a Stained Glass Window

Please, Please, Please Let Me Get What I Want (The Smiths song)

Jack the Ripper

  *Encore*

Sweet and Tender Hooligan (The Smiths song)

  

 

In Memoriam - Christine McVie

                                                               Rest in Peace

 

Richard Marx - Count Basie Theatre, Red Bank, NJ 11/1/2022

 Richard Marx's The Songwriters Tour made its way to The Count Basie Theatre in Red Bank New Jersey this week.

 The tour has Mr. Marx performing many(all) of his hits alongside a couple new songs and songs he has written for other artists. Many of the songs benefitted from the stripped down arrangements. There were 3 songs where a backing track was added, the most notable being When You Loved Me, which included a prerecorded video of his 3 sons performing along with him.

Vocally, I think he sounds as good now as he did 35 years ago. He switched between guitar and piano effortlessly while telling stories prior to each song.

Audience requests were encouraged, but it always amazes me that people will yell out for the songs he is most likely to do; Satisfied, Endless Summer Nights or one of the other numerous hits he is known for. 

 Here is the setlist: 

Believe In Me

Front Row Seat

Too Late To Say Goodbye

Keep Coming Back

The Way She Loves Me

Same Heartbreak, Different Day

Hazard

When You Loved Me

Fly Me To The Moon(Kaye Ballard cover)

Always

Endless Summer Nights

Satisfied

Hold On To The Night

Now & Forever

Don't Mean Nothing

**Encore**

Angelia

Should've Known Better

Right Here Waiting