This past Monday night the Future Mrs. Meanie and I travelled two and a half hours to Casino Rama in Orillia to see David Cook - the man, the myth, the legend! Ok, so maybe he's not a legend yet. Or a myth. As for the man part, well, he does like the Kansas City Royals so feel free to draw your own conclusions.Anyway, I digress......
The two of us are both huge fans of David Cook and have been ever since his improbable run on Season 7 of American Idol - although we seem to like him for two different reasons.
In contrast to Daughtry two weeks ago, David Cook put on an awesome show!! I did have a couple of wee complaints so let's get that out of the way before the shameless gushing begins.First of all, the show was way too short. He hit the stage at 8:00pm, and was finished by 9:15pm. No opening act (not that I'm complaining), and start to finish the whole concert was 75 minutes long! Arghhhh!!!
From what I understand, the length of the concert is due to a restriction of the Casino and not an issue with Mr. Cook's, ahem, stamina (The Future Mrs. Meanie just breathed a huge sigh of relief).
My second and last complaint was his set list. He didn't play Declaration. Or A Daily AntheM. Or Permanent. These are 3 of the best songs on his debut record and he didn't play them! Instead he chose to cover Van Halen's Hot For Teacher, play a song from his pre-Idol Analog Heart record, and the bonus (or hidden) track Kiss on the Neck. Look, it's not that I don't like these songs, but how can you have a "Declaration Tour" and not play Declaration?!?? It was more than a little disappointing.
Ok....enough of that. Time for what he did right - and believe me when I say that he did plenty very right!
The band was incredibly tight and sounded fantastic! It's fairly evident that almost a year on the road has really brought these guys together. However I was a little surprised to see Survivor's Evil Russ playing bass!!
Kidding of course, but check out the picture, he really does kind of look like Russell Hantz!
What can I say about David Cook's voice?? This cat can flat out sing! He never has any trouble hitting the high notes, and his voice is just as strong at the end of the show as it is at the beginning. And I like that Mr. Cook sounds like a man when he sings - could be a macho thing.
Unlike Chris Daughtry, David Cook is incredibly charismatic. He was bantering back and forth with his band, and with the audience. He really made us all feel like we were a part of the show and expressed genuine appreciation for being able to perform for us. Whether it was convincing everyone to get on their feet, or offering up an early Christmas present in the form of a new song he's written for his sophomore record, David Cook knows how to work a crowd.
By the way, that new song he played - Make Believe - is freakin' AWESOME! But don't just take my word for it (although my word really should be considered gospel), click here to hear it for yourself!
By the way, that new song he played - Make Believe - is freakin' AWESOME! But don't just take my word for it (although my word really should be considered gospel), click here to hear it for yourself!
One of the lighter moments (and my personal favourite from the show) was when the band spontaneously broke into Celine Dion's My Heart Will Go On. I know, you're probably thinking it's lame - but believe me, it was very very funny! Even David Cook was crackin' up.
Our seats were incredible! After purchasing tickets on the floor (12th row), The Future Mrs. Meanie took it upon herself to surprise me with upgraded tickets - 2nd row! Of course, she kept this most excellent surprise to herself right to the bitter end. I actually thought the usher put us in the wrong seats!
However, she still had the 12th row tickets in her purse. So, this called for a Random Act of Kindness! I took our no longer required 12th row seats, marched to the back row of the theater and gave them to a young couple who were thrilled to be moving much closer to the stage!!During the last song of the evening, David worked his way into the crowd and played the tail end of the song out amongst his fans. Very cool.
Speaking of the crowd. There seemed to be three very distinct groups of fans. There were the women (most of which seemed to be 40-something cougars), the geriatrics (who were comped tickets by the casino), and then there was me - the lone man who was there because he wanted to be there and not because he was dragged against his will by his girlfriend.
That's right, I'm a man, I'm a fan, and I'm not gay!
The Future Mrs. Meanie and I had a good laugh actually watching all the geriatrics coming in. We figured they were either comped the tickets, or they were there to see that "nice young man on Idol who sings The Beatles, Mariah Carey and Neil Diamond". I'm guessing that they've never listened to his album and realized he is a rocker!
And yes, David Cook is a rocker - and a damn good one! He put on a helluva rock show, and this Meanie can't wait to see him again! Besides, I really like the mood that the Future Mrs. Meanie is in after seeing him live - makes it a good night for me!! Heh heh. Thanks Mr. Cook - I owe you one brother! 
9 comments:
Great review, hitting the not so good and then the overwhelmingly good. I have read that the (short) concert lengths are dictated by contract, so who really knows! I agree with you that David Cook has astounding vocal skills and amazing stamina. After over 140 shows in 10 months he sounds even better than at the start of the tour. With the exception of the drummer, they have played together for a number of years but this tour has allowed them to achieve the tightness of a veteran band.
Your review was right on! Loved reading it and glad to find out you're a male fan. Your job now is to "cookify" all the men you know. They will be grateful in more ways than one ;)
Everything you said about David Cook in concert is correct for all his concerts. He and the band put on an amazing show, his vocals are out of this world but what really sets this show apart from other rock shows is David's charm & charisma. His connection with the audience just takes a great show and makes it unbelievably awesome.
My husband, not initially a huge fan, went to several shows before he actually stood still (you never sit at a DC show) in the 2nd row with me and listened. He came away that night amazed. If all men were as open to actually watching & listening to David instead of being jealous, the would become huge fans. And yes, there are post show benefits for the men. LOL.
Great review & glad you enjoyed it.
A great review of a great talent. You are hilarious.
I think you hit the nail on the head -- when you are at a David Cook concert, you feel like you are a participant, not just a spectator. My daughters and I (yes, I'm in the 'older' category) have been to several concerts and each one has been amazing. And yes, David has major charisma.
Great review.
Just one comment. David's charisma definitely embraces all ages. While some of his casino audience may be there on comps from the casino, I imagine a good portion of those older women with good seats had bought them the minute they went onsale online and were there at the concert standing and clapping and singing along with the rest of the audience every bit as loud and as intense as the younger fans.
And congratulations to you and Future Mrs. Meanie for enjoying (ahem) the concert aftereffects together.
May David continue singing and may you and Future Mrs. Meanie continue enjoying for many years to come.
Thanks for your great review. There were a lot more men and male teens at the last concert that I went to. The band is amazing and the addition of Monty as the bass player has sealed the deal. My husband joins you in the Thank David Cook Club.
Thanks for your insightful review. If only you could have traveled a little further and come to Wednesday's show in Hammond with us lucky ducks, you would have gotten the ENTIRE ALBUM! It was the 1st anniversary of his wonderful record, and he played it from start to finish (incl. hidden KOTN, but not bonus songs), then added Shattered Dream, Make Believe and Straight Ahead. Perfect vocals start to finish. Don't know how he keeps it up. He's going on show #149 & counting, & his voice is still amazing, his energy & charm as though it's his first show every time.
I have NO IDEA who David Cook is. I don't think I listen to anything recorded after 1997, save for Finger Eleven. ;)
But now you've made me have to check this guy out because of your review. LOL!
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