Even the rain could not keep the crowd away. I was privileged enough to attend the concert of a lifetime
Set amongst the beautiful botanic park, there were many great food trucks to keep everyone satisfied before the atcs hit the stage. Large screens were set up in general admission and the stage was magnificent.
Sheppard got the party started late afternoon and had the early birds in attendance dancing away and a great warm up act to get everyone ready for a huge Sunday night.
As we sat in our seats wearing our raincoats while the rain pelted down we were excitedly waiting for Cheap Trick. Cheap Trick did not disappoint, they were energetic and full of enthusiasm. They seem to not have aged as they proved age is only a number when you are doing what you love. They sang some of the classics including my favourite “The Flame”. Their voices were as strong as many decades ago and they are a great live act. The crowd was dancing, singing and having a great time.
Even though the rain continued throughout their performance, the atmosphere was electric and no one seemed bothered. Cheap Trick did not disappoint and it was nice to hear their songs that I listened to when I was young.
The rain finally stopped when Foreigner appeared on stage at 8.15pm. They had an amazing orchestra on stage which was also used in Switzerland. The orchestra added vibrancy to the performance and this iconic band also had amazing voices. The songs kept the crowd pumping which also posed to be a problem. People in front of us were standing therefore blocking our view and others from seeing the stage and the screen. Perhaps Kelly Hansen was being harsh to security telling them to relax while they were trying to eliminate this problem of people standing.
I thought they were very selfish as people paid good money for their seats just to see the back of this group. I guess they were too intoxicated to care.
Some people left early due to being wet and cold. We wished the weather was better but overall the rain did not dampen our high spirit and we wouldn’t miss this concert for the world. And as the encore began, the heavens opened again but it gave it a woodstock feel to it (without the mud). Kelly even got all preachy to the crowd as the encore started a and before he sang””I want to know what love is
I give this concert a 8/10, deductions for the weather and for the inconsiderate people who would not sit down..
The bands were brilliant and I miss some of the bands of years gone by as they amplify the stage with their powerful voices.
Thank you for the invitation to a well presented and organised concert.
Words by Pat Bibbo
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