Originally posted on MySpace on May 20, 2007.Well, I just got done reading John's blog, his wrap up and thoughts about the conclusion of the Five For Fighting spring tour. It's kind of sad it had to come to an end. John is such a terrific entertainer and during the course of the tour, he had entertained thousands of us. But, now that it IS over, I can reveal some of the stuff that went on during the concerts, things I had refrained from mentioning before because I didn't want to ruin the experience for others, or due to time constraints on my part.
I'll start with Bakersfield, the first show on the tour, and the starting point for my groupie road trip. The Fox Theater proved to be a test run for the songs John planned to perform through the duration of the tour. The setlist was long, and those who attended that concert were treated to 19 songs...new, old, and a few surprises. John started things out with Freedom Never Cries, immediately followed by World, then California Justice, where John just rocked out! Next, came The Garden, off his first album, A Message To Albert. John had never performed this song live before, so it was extra special. And, he didn't disappoint...it was just amazing! After that, his current hit, The Riddle, which has appeared to connect with people once again with its poignant family theme.
John then took a break, switching to guitar to tell the story of his beloved '65 Mustang, followed by the namesake tune. He continued on guitar with fan favorite NYC Weather Report. Back to the piano, John held the audience mesmerized as he recounted the inspiration for his song Two Lights. He also delivered the good news that the young lieutenant he spoke of made it back to the U.S. safely, along with the rest of his unit.
As the band took a breather, John did solo duty on I Just Love You and If God Made You. John performed the latter on guitar, and to witness him test the limits of his vocal range so beautifully...nirvana. The band once again took the stage, and John delighted us with the "oldie" Easy Tonight. His story for that song took him back to a family night at a Lake Tahoe restaurant. The lounge singer surprised John by performing Easy Tonight on his guitar. John described going up to the guy and telling him he wrote the song, while slipping $20 in the tip jar. The lounge guy's response? Yeah, I recognized you when you came in, and I learned that song...when I was a kid. John wasn't amused...and took back the $20! Who knows how much of the story was embellished, but it was funny nonetheless!
Next, my thrill of the night...John covered Elton John's Rocket Man! Now, I had read he had done that song in past shows years ago, but I never expected to hear it myself. It was indeed an exciting moment. John followed with Superman...need I say more? Then, he lightened things up by pulling out the harmonica and rocking out with Angels And Girlfriends. Such a fun song! John jumped off the stage into the pit seating section...talk about getting into the action, as I was right there in the 2nd row! He then proceeded to pick up a little boy, and carried him in his arm as he sang. At the song's conclusion, John gave the boy his harmonica...how sweet!
As if things weren't amazing enough up to this point, John surprised all with yet another cover song. In an obvious staged moment, a gal from the audience handed a slip of paper to John as he stood onstage. He announced that it was a "Dear John" letter, and after feigning disbelief, went into Paul Simon's 50 Ways To Leave Your Lover. John's rendition of the song was so cool...but then, John is a cool guy. After he finished, John wadded the paper into a ball, and threw it into the audience. John returned to his piano, and a cheer went through the theater as he performed his masterpiece, 100 Years. John followed that with Johnny America...he had told me when I met him before the show that he would be doing that song, which thrilled me, as it's one of my favorites from the album.
And, then, it was over. John and the band waved their goodbyes and exited the stage. But, it never IS really over, is it? There's...the encore. The stage crew brought out John's digital piano, and he came back out to do Road To Heaven. The last song of the night was Nobody, from The Battle For Everything. That has always been a favorite of mine because of its incredible lyrics. It was a fitting ending to a fantastic night of music, and it's no wonder John chose the best lines from that song to end his blog. It truly is the happy moments along the way, that in the end, make it OK.
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