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Boz in Auckland and Napier
Auckland - Vector Arena - March 5, 2010The Auckland show on March 5th took place at the Vector Arena in the City, a huge 12,000 + capacity stadium. Only half the arena was used for the concert but it still made for a huge venue which was about two thirds full. It was a very long night with doors opening at 5:30 pm and the show not finished till after 11 pm. A totally unforgettable experience with the Mick Fleetwood Blues Band kicking off at 6:30 pm. Mick is an act all on his own, I could have watched him all night. His enthusiasm is contagious, his rapport with the crowd and his banter unforgettable. Second on the agenda was Michael McDonald and his 7 piece band who were a huge hit playing many of his well known songs that had people on their feet dancing in the aisles. I was in awe of Michael's drummer Yvette Preyer who he describes as their "secret weapon", an incredible talent both as a drummer and vocalist. Michael has a genuinely lovely warm personality, his singing voice is rich and unique. He opens every show he has done since 9/11 with "Peace". At around 10 pm the moment I and probably many others had been waiting for for decades occurred.... Boz and his band came on stage to a great round of applause. It was a "one of those moments" moment for me, realising that here was Boz... standing on a stage in my home town ! I may be biased but I do believe Boz's set was the slickest ! Setlist (Not necessarily in this order) Jojo (opener at the Vector Arena) While Boz is not known locally by the masses for much more than his hugely successful "Silk Degrees" and "Down Two Then Left" albums, the show was a great success. Everyone loved him. As always his band members stand out in their own right with Boz allowing them their share of the limelight, particularly Monet who was absolutely sizzling on Friday night receiving a standing ovation for her solo "Until You Come Back To Me". Very well deserved and I complemented her on her performance after the show. Her entire stage presence (as well as her vocal performance) is entertainment all on its own. The "Miss Sun" duet with Boz (and his guitar) was another major crowd pleaser, as was Lowdown, Lido, Breakdown, Harbour Lights and Georgia. Boz gave a few brief introductions to his songs in his usual manner and I do believe I heard a few different lyrics in the mix here and there ! He also talked about how pleased he was to be playing in Auckland. After the closing tune, thunderous applause and calls for MORE, Boz returned to the stage for "Loan Me A Dime". A woman sitting somewhere up in the rafters had a great time entertaining everyone responding to Boz's lines one after the other. As always it all ended far too soon ! It was a very long but fantastic night and I'm 100% certain everyone went home knowing they had witnessed something very special that night !
Taradale Napier - Pettigrew Arena - March 6, 2010Show Number Two on Saturday March 06 was in Taradale, Napier, at the Pettigrew Arena (photo above). This arena is a much smaller affair primarily used for local sport and community events. Not the ideal set-up for this type of concert, but it worked on the night !!! The concert followed the same pattern as the night before in Auckland but with a slightly later start, Mick and his Blues Band came on stage around 7 pm followed by Michael McDonald around 8 - 8:30ish. Boz and Band came on stage shortly after 10 pm opening with "It All Went Down The Drain", the rest of the setlist following a similar pattern to the previous night in Auckland. The crowd at the Pettigrew arena were in mild terms 'over excited'. There was a 10 - 12 foot gap between the front row and the stage where people danced for most of Michael and Boz's sets. Security repeatedly attempted to clear the area to no avail so in the end they gave up. At one point one of the security men was dancing with a woman ! We were in for a great treat though... Boz was called back for an encore and he didn't disappoint ! We were treated to half an hour or more of jamming - Eric Crystal on keyboard and saxaphone, Mick Fleetwood on drums, Michael McDonald on his keyboard and Boz on guitar. Even though I was in the front row and standing by this stage - my views were obstructed by the dozens of taller people gyrating in front of the stage while others tried to get a glimpse of musical history in the making. (I wasn't clearly able to see all the players on stage so won't attempt to name them in case I'm wrong). They jammed on "Loan Me A Dime" and "Runnin Blues". Needless to say it was totally awesome and the musicians were all clearly "high" on the experience after the show. This was the last night having Mick Fleetwood along so they all made the most of it. The people of Napier witnessed a grand event. Three great musical legends on stage together, this finale was organised by Boz. In my humble opinion Boz downunder was a huge success and he told me he would love to be able to come here every year ! Boz, we would love to see you back here again and soooon !!! Thank you for coming out. It was a wonderful, exciting and unforgettable weekend. A fan from down under ;)
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