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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 I lost count of the number of concerts I have attended since the 1980\u2019s but the number is much higher than my feeble intelligence quotient (\u201cIQ\u201d).\u00a0 Even with my troglodytic disposition I can spot a polished professional band before the first verse of the set opener.\u00a0 Foreigner is undeniably such a band.\u00a0 Foreigner is more like champagne than malt liquor, more like the opera than open mike night at a dive bar, more like steak than Spam, more\u00a0like\u00a0\u2026 well you get the point.\u00a0 On May 25,\u00a02010 Foreigner played the Concord Pavilion.\u00a0 Foreigner played a 12\u2011song, 80\u2011minute set from 9:37 to 10:57.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1. Double Vision (Double Vision record, 1978) is a mid tempo song that began with Mick Jones\u2019s (\u201cMJ\u2019s,\u201d lead guitarist) catchy guitar chord progression and run.\u00a0 MJ wore black Converse sneakers, black jean pants, long\u2011sleeve white cotton shirt with vertical satin stripes, black scarf with an intermittent white pattern, and black vest with very fine white polka dots minimally spaced from one another that gave the vest a grey appearance from afar.\u00a0 [As I stood in the photo pit three feet from MJ I was impressed by his dapper state.\u00a0 MJ had a golden tan George Hamilton (American film and television actor) would envy.\u00a0 MJ\u2019s fingernails were finely manicured as if he was about to attend a knighting ceremony by Queen Elizabeth II, and his moustache and goatee were so neatly trimmed his stylist must have used a diamond measuring magnifier.]\u00a0 Immediately before Kelly Hansen (\u201cKH,\u201d lead vocalist) sang the first verse, at approximately the 0:15 mark (approximations presumed throughout), Brian Sutter (\u201cBS,\u201d drummer) played a series of drum fills.\u00a0 The first and second verses featured MJ and Thom Gimbel\u2019s (\u201cTG\u2019s,\u201d rhythm guitarist, saxophonist) chugging guitar chord progressions and Jeff Pilson\u2019s (\u201cJP\u2019s,\u201d bassist) trudging bass lines.\u00a0 During the first and second choruses the tempo slightly slowed down and prominently featured Michael Bluestein\u2019s (\u201cMB\u2019s,\u201d keyboardist) keyboard notes.\u00a0 The tempo escalated and resumed a mid tempo pace when KH sang the last line of the choruses, \u201cMy double vision gets the best of me.\u201d\u00a0 During the last 60\u00a0seconds of the song the band sang the third chorus.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 2. Head Games (Head Games, 1979) is a mid tempo ballad that began with MJ\u2019s guitar chord progression augmented by JP\u2019s solid bass lines and MB\u2019s high keyboard notes.\u00a0 In addition to KH\u2019s powerful voice the first and second verses prominently displayed MB\u2019s keyboard chord progression and JP\u2019s punchy bass lines.\u00a0 JP wore grey sneakers with hot pink trim, black jean pants, and long\u2011sleeve black cotton shirt.\u00a0 JP mainly played a natural wood Fender Precision bass with a pearl\u2011colored pick guard.\u00a0 [JP is the rocker in the band.\u00a0 JP did not look much different than the first time I saw him perform as Dokken\u2019s bass player opening the show for the mighty Judas Priest in Oakland, California on May 15, 1986, just less hairspray and makeup, somewhat like a girl who goes from being on a first date to becoming a housewife.\u00a0 JP headbanged through most of the set, even during power ballads.\u00a0 Foreigner could have performed the nursery rhyme Mary Had A Little Lamb and JP would still have headbanged as if his head contains a metronome compelling him to do so.]\u00a0 During the first chorus the tempo slightly escalated for 15\u00a0seconds, and MJ\u2019s guitar chord progression came to the forefront as KH sang, \u201cHead games\u00a0\u2026 it\u2019s you and me baby.\u00a0 Head games\u00a0\u2026 and I can\u2019t take it anymore.\u00a0 Head games\u00a0\u2026 I don\u2019t wanna play\u00a0\u2026 the head games.\u201d\u00a0 KH then sang the second chorus after which the band engaged in a 30\u2011second jam during which MJ played a memorable guitar solo and KH a tambourine center stage atop the metal ramp next to MB.\u00a0 KH then sang the third verse and chorus.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 3. Cold As Ice\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 (Foreigner, 1977) began with MJ playing a very recognizable keyboard chord progression atop a keyboard riser positioned stage right.\u00a0 Ten\u00a0seconds into the song MJ\u2019s keyboard notes were augmented by BS\u2019s snare and tom\u2011tom drums and continued into the first verse as KH sang, \u201cYou\u2019re as cold as ice.\u00a0 You\u2019re willing to sacrifice our love.\u00a0 You never take advice.\u00a0 Someday you\u2019ll pay the price\u00a0\u2026 I know.\u201d\u00a0 KH then sang the first chorus that included a 15\u2011second segment during which the tempo slightly slowed down and the tone became more commercial as KH sang, \u201cI\u2019ve seen it before, it happens all the time (ooh-ooh).\u00a0 You\u2019re closing the door, you leave the world behind.\u00a0 You\u2019re digging for gold, you\u2019re throwing away (aah-aah). \u00a0A fortune in feelings, but someday you\u2019ll pay.\u201d\u00a0 The commercial tone was largely attributed to MB\u2019s \u201cooh-ooh\u201d and \u201caah-aah\u201d contributions.\u00a0 KH then sang the second verse that contained slightly varied lyrics from the first verse and was followed by TG\u2019s 10\u2011second guitar solo.\u00a0 The band then exchanged a melodic series of vocal lines, \u201cCold as ice.\u00a0 You know that you are.\u00a0 Cold as ice.\u00a0 As cold as ice to me.\u00a0 Cold as ice.\u201d\u00a0 MB, TG, and JP sang the phrase, \u201cCold as ice\u201d while KH sang the remainder.\u00a0 The tempo slightly escalated as the band repeated the phrase, \u201cCold as ice.\u00a0 You\u2019re as cold as ice, cold as ice, I know.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 4. Can\u2019t Slow Down (Can\u2019t Slow Down, 2009) is the up tempo first single from the band\u2019s most recent record that featured MJ\u2019s groovy guitar chord progression during the first verse.\u00a0 MJ\u2019s catchy guitar riff introduced the first chorus that featured a memorable melody augmented by MB\u2019s keyboard notes and back\u00a0up vocals.\u00a0 KH then sang the second chorus after which the tempo slightly slowed down, and JP provided a solid foundation for MJ to play a guitar solo on his black Gibson Les Paul.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 5. Dirty White Boy (Head Games, 1979).\u00a0 Before Dirty White Boy KH said, \u201cHow many naughty girls do we have out there?\u00a0 (screams from female audience members)\u00a0 That\u2019s perfect because I am a Dirty White Boy.\u201d\u00a0 KH wore white sneakers, tight navy blue jean pants, navy blue t\u2011shirt with Union Jack logo, black scarf with brown and black vertical stripes on its ends, and powder blue leather jacket.\u00a0 [KH comes from the Mick Jagger school of rock, not only in terms of some stage moves, but also his lanky frame and prominent mouth.]\u00a0 Dirty White Boy is an up tempo song that began with a catchy, bluesy MJ guitar riff reminiscent of B.B.\u00a0King (black American blues guitarist, singer) that he continued to play into the first verse.\u00a0 When KH transitioned from the first verse to the first chorus the tempo slightly escalated.\u00a0 The first chorus began and ended with BS\u2019s rapid drum fills and also featured JP\u2019s punchy bass lines as KH sang, \u201c\u2019Cause I\u2019m a dirty white boy.\u00a0 Yeah a dirty white boy.\u00a0 A dirty white boy.\u201d\u00a0 The phrase \u201cDirty White Boy\u201d repeatedly flashed in white letters against a black background on the video screen that stretched to the ends of the large stage.\u00a0 The video screen was comprised of 44\u00a0rectangular\u2011shaped panels mounted in two rows, each containing 22\u00a0panels.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 During the second verse the tempo slightly slowed down and prominently featured MB\u2019s keyboard chords.\u00a0 MJ then played a fiery, fluid 20\u2011second guitar solo on his black Gibson Les Paul that concluded with harmonic notes.\u00a0 The band then sang the third chorus followed by the third verse that featured two memorable MJ guitar runs.\u00a0 During the last 60 seconds of the song the band thrice repeated the chorus.\u00a0 Dirty White Boy and another song to be performed received the strongest audience reaction.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 6. In Pieces (Can\u2019t Slow Down, 2009).\u00a0 Before In Pieces KH said, \u201cThank you.\u00a0 I don\u2019t know about you, but I\u2019m having a good time.\u00a0 We would like to do our current [second] single off our new CD, In Pieces.\u201d\u00a0 In Pieces is a slow tempo ballad.\u00a0 BS\u2019s solid mid tempo drumming and MB\u2019s keyboard melodies were the focal points of the first and second verses during which the melodic guitar notes MJ played on his white Gibson Les Paul were barely audible.\u00a0 [MJ\u2019s Les Paul is beautiful.\u00a0 I was mesmerized by its virgin beauty augmented by bright gold hardware.\u00a0 MJ\u2019s guitar looked as if it had been meticulously buffed by a master craftsman going so far as to use Q\u2011tips for the saddle bridge.\u00a0 MJ\u2019s guitar shined in the spotlight like a forbidden jewel, leaving my mouth slightly ajar and salivating.\u00a0 I felt like Indiana Jones when he stood before the golden fertility idol statute based on the Aztec goddess Tlazolteotl inside the ancient Mesoamerican cave in the opening scene of Steven Spielberg\u2019s action adventure film, \u201cRaiders of the Lost Ark\u201d (1981).]\u00a0 Positioned adjacent to the interior portion of BS and MB\u2019s risers were two metal ramps sloped upward at 30\u2011degee angles and slightly angling away from one another.\u00a0 [MJ rarely walked on the ramps, negating the need for them to feature a moving walkway like those found in airports to prevent the onset of fatigue.\u00a0 (Just kidding Mr.\u00a0Jones with a little age\u2011based humor with no offense intended.)]\u00a0 The outer edge of each ramp was bracketed with a fluorescent light positioned directly in front of a pair of 15\u2011feet high fluorescent lights vertically positioned behind the interior portion of MJ and BS\u2019s risers.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 During the first verse TG stood on the ramp next to BS\u2019s drum riser while JP stood on the ramp next to MB\u2019s keyboard riser.\u00a0 The video screen featured multi\u2011colored images similar to those one sees when looking into a kaleidoscope (i.e.,\u00a0optical instrument in which bits of glass held loosely at the end of a rotating tube are shown in symmetrical forms by reflection in mirrors set at angles to one another).\u00a0 KH then sang the first chorus.\u00a0 In contrast to the first verse that he sang at a low octave, KH screamed the first chorus, \u201cIn pieces\u00a0… I see our love, scattered all around.\u00a0 In pieces\u00a0… our broken hearts, shattered on the ground.\u00a0 And all the dreams we could have shared.\u00a0 Are torn up like we never cared.\u00a0 In pieces\u00a0… ohhhhhhhh\u00a0… in pieces.\u201d\u00a0 [As KH repeated the phrase, \u201cin pieces\u201d I could not help but have flashbacks to how my brain felt amidst the torrent of flailing limbs in mosh pits at Slayer and Exodus concerts back in the day.]\u00a0 The pre\u2011chorus that preceded the third chorus was the highlight during which MJ, JP, BS, and MB provided solid music accompaniment as KH screamed, \u201cThe bridges that are burned.\u00a0 Ohhhhhhhh\u00a0… the lessons that we learned.\u00a0 You\u2019re everything to me.\u00a0 Baby we\u2019re not meant to be.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 7. Starrider (Foreigner, 1977).\u00a0 Before Starrider KH said, \u201cThank you Concord for letting us play some new stuff.\u00a0 I am going to turn it over to Mr. Mick Jones.\u201d \u00a0The spotlight shifted to MJ as he said, \u201cNorthern California feels like home.\u00a0 We play here often back to the days of Day on the Green [name of a concert series presented by Bill Graham and held at the Oakland Coliseum Stadium in Oakland, California from 1973 to 1991] and Bill Graham [rock concert promoter from the 1960\u2019s until his death on October 25, 1991], may he never be forgotten.\u00a0 Now let\u2019s go back to the first album.\u00a0 I have to try and remember the words (laughter).\u00a0 It\u2019s a favorite of a lot of our fans.\u00a0 Starrider.\u201d\u00a0 Starrider is a slow tempo ballad that began with TG\u2019s atmospheric flute playing, BS\u2019s subtle cascading cymbal crashes, and MJ\u2019s acoustic guitar chords on his black Gibson Les Paul. \u00a0MJ sang the first verse with emotion supported by JP\u2019s prominent bass lines, TG\u2019s flute notes, and KH\u2019s tambourine beats.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 During the first chorus, with the introduction of BS\u2019s thundering tom\u2011tom drums, the tempo momentarily escalated to a mid tempo pace, but resumed its original slower pace during the second verse.\u00a0 BS\u2019s powerful drumming came to the forefront during the pre\u2011chorus that followed the second verse as MJ sang, \u201cSpeed increasing\u00a0\u2026 all control is in the hands of those who know. \u00a0Will they help us grow\u00a0\u2026 to one day be starriders?\u201d\u00a0 BS played a silver\u2011colored Ludwig drum set featuring silver speckles, single bass drum, Paiste cymbals, and the drum head featured the red and black Foreigner logo on the Can\u2019t Slow Down record cover.\u00a0 [BS presumably wore clothes to prevent arrest for indecent exposure and chafing of his buttocks on the drum stool.\u00a0 However, since BS\u2019s drum set obstructed my view of him, I do not know what he was wearing.]\u00a0 Shortly before the second chorus MJ switched guitars to a tobacco sunburst Gibson Les Paul electric and played a memorable extended guitar solo twice as long as the 30\u2011second solo featured on record.\u00a0 During MJ\u2019s guitar solo KH played a tambourine while standing on the ramp next to BS while JP stood on the ramp next to MB.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 At Starrider\u2019s conclusion KH said, \u201cLadies and gentlemen make some noise for the leader and founder of the band.\u201d\u00a0 [MJ\u2019s musical accomplishments are praiseworthy dating back to shows he performed as a teenage guitarist for French singer Sylvie Vartan who was the opening act for The Beatles at Paris\u2019s Olympia Theater from January\u00a016 through February\u00a04,\u00a01964.\u00a0 As the sole founding member of Foreigner, MJ has kept the band\u2019s legacy alive for a second generation of fans.\u00a0 As such, following KH\u2019s introduction, it would have been fitting for MJ to casually sit cross\u2011legged in a royal chair with plush red velvet armrests and seat cushion and have the other band members individually approach, kneel, and kiss the ring on his hand while uttering, \u201cDon Corleone.\u201d\u00a0 But MJ\u2019s stage mannerisms and commentary reveal a humble gracious man deeply grateful for a successful, fulfilling musical career now in its sixth decade.]\u00a0 MJ individually introduced the band members making a point when introducing KH to say Foreigner would not be where it is today \u201chad it not been for his [KH\u2019s] contributions during the past five years.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 8. Feels Like the First Time (Foreigner, 1977).\u00a0 Before Feels Like the First Time MJ said, \u201cWe are going to go back to the beginning.\u201d\u00a0 \u00a0Feels Like the First Time began with MJ\u2019s loose guitar chord progression that was soon accompanied by JP\u2019s bass lines and BS\u2019s cow bell.\u00a0 During the next 20\u00a0seconds MJ played a recurring high guitar note while the audience clapped along.\u00a0 The first half of the first verse featured a fairly slow tempo while the second half, introduced by MJ\u2019s solid guitar chord progression, featured a mid tempo pace.\u00a0 The band then sang a 20\u2011second catchy chorus during which the fluorescent lights vertically positioned behind BS and MB\u2019s risers and bracketed on the ramps turned various colors (e.g.,\u00a0red, blue, pink, violet).\u00a0 [For those that had popped acid the lighting spectacle must have made the show akin to Disneyland\u2019s Alice in Wonderland ride.]\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 KH then sang the second verse halfway through which the tempo increased from slow to mid tempo.\u00a0 The band then sang the second chorus during which the tempo momentarily slowed down but escalated back to a mid tempo pace as KH sang the last line, \u201cLike it never will again, never again.\u201d\u00a0 The mid tempo pace continued through the third chorus after which MJ played a guitar solo on his tobacco sunburst Gibson Les Paul while KH sang the pre\u2011chorus, \u201cOpen up the door, won\u2019t you.\u00a0 Open up the door\u00a0\u2026 yeah.\u201d\u00a0 The audience clapped along to JP and BS\u2019s solid bass lines and drum beats.\u00a0 The band twice repeated the chorus.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 9. Urgent (4, 1981).\u00a0 Urgent was preceded by a two\u2011minute jam session featuring MJ, MB, and BS.\u00a0 KH then appeared center stage and said, \u201cAll right!\u00a0 On your feet!\u00a0 You know why?\u00a0 Because it\u2019s Urgent!\u201d\u00a0 [I knew why it was urgent to get on my feet.\u00a0 I had to use the restroom to \u201cpowder my nose\u201d but refrained until after the set.]\u00a0 Urgent began with MJ\u2019s loose guitar notes, JP\u2019s punchy bass lines, and BS\u2019s steady drum beats augmented by a dizzying array of flashing colors on the video screen.\u00a0 The audience responded with loud cheers and most of those seated stood up.\u00a0 [I felt as if I was amidst a Sunday church sermon in the deep South presided by James Brown (American singer, entertainer dubbed \u201cThe Godfather of Soul\u201d).]\u00a0 KH sang the first three verses at a mid tempo pace.\u00a0 KH then sang the first chorus while the word \u201cUrgent\u201d repeatedly flashed on the video screen.\u00a0 [Not a good thing for my exploding bladder.]\u00a0 While KH sang the final line of the first chorus TG played a five\u2011second saxophone (\u201csax\u201d) melody standing on the ramp next to BS.\u00a0 TG wore black leather shoes, black jean pants, and long\u2011sleeve black cotton shirt.\u00a0 TG primarily played a maple Gibson Les Paul and donned sunglasses for his sax solo.\u00a0 KH then sang the fourth and fifth verses that prominently featured MB\u2019s keyboards.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 After the second chorus TG stood center stage and played an entertaining 50\u2011second sax solo augmented by JP\u2019s punchy bass lines and MB\u2019s keyboards.\u00a0 During TG\u2019s sax solo MJ stood on the ramp next to BS while KH stood on the ramp next to MB and played a cow bell.\u00a0 Midway through TG\u2019s solo KH and JP switched places on the ramp.\u00a0 TG played the high sax notes on his knees.\u00a0 During the last 60\u00a0seconds of the song KH sang the third chorus. \u00a0When Urgent concluded KH said, \u201cLet\u2019s hear it for Thom Gimbel on the sax.\u201d\u00a0 [TG is a talented musician but has an amusing habit.\u00a0 When playing the guitar, particularly when hitting a high note during a solo or striking a heavy chord, TG often exhibits a blend of a smirk and a grimace.\u00a0 It\u2019s as if he cannot make up his mind between being mischievous or macho, confusing my walnut\u2011sized brain.]<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 10. Juke Box Hero (4, 1981).\u00a0 Before Juke Box Hero the stage was immersed in darkness except for a few dark green stage lights that served as the cue for MB to play a series of keyboard notes.\u00a0 MB wore black sneakers, black jean pants, and a black t\u2011shirt.\u00a0 MB played three keyboards, two Roland and one Korg.\u00a0 MB and BS jammed for 30\u00a0seconds.\u00a0 MB\u2019s keyboards and BS\u2019s drum set were each positioned atop two\u2011feet high metal grill risers.\u00a0 Two pairs of eight\u2011foot high fluorescent lights were mounted on the outer part of each riser, and a third pair 15\u00a0feet in height was positioned on the interior rear portion of each riser.\u00a0 The lights turned various colors during the show.\u00a0 Juke Box Hero began with JP\u2019s trademark trudging bass lines.\u00a0 KH appeared at the rear of the stage on the ramps that had been coupled together.\u00a0 Within 10\u00a0seconds KH sang the first verse while atop the ramps, \u201cStanding in the rain\u00a0\u2026 with his head hung low.\u00a0 Couldn\u2019t get a ticket\u00a0\u2026 it was a sold out show. \u00a0Heard the roar of the crowd\u00a0\u2026 he could picture the scene.\u00a0 Put his ear to the wall\u00a0\u2026 then like a distant scream.\u00a0\u00a0 He heard one guitar\u00a0\u2026 just blew him away.\u201d\u00a0 The first verse featured a fairly slow tempo until the final line when, with the introduction of MJ\u2019s power chords and KH\u2019s dash down the ramps, the tempo escalated to an up tempo pace that continued halfway through the second verse.\u00a0 When KH sang the final line of the second verse MJ abruptly stopped playing power chords and the tempo slowed down.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The third verse featured a fairly slow tempo until KH sang the phrase, \u201cthat one guitar\u201d when, with the return of MJ\u2019s power chords, the tempo escalated to an up tempo pace that continued through the fourth verse, pre\u2011chorus, and first chorus.\u00a0 After KH sang the final line of the first chorus the tempo momentarily slowed down only to resume an up tempo pace during the fourth verse that continued through the fifth verse and second chorus.\u00a0 Shortly before his guitar solo MJ played a chugging guitar riff that marked the start of a loose jam.\u00a0 MJ then played a 25\u2011second guitar solo.\u00a0 MJ demonstrated his dexterity by beginning his solo with left\u2011hand vibrato and finger tapping on the fretboard of his tobacco sunburst Gibson Les Paul.\u00a0 The band then jammed center stage during which KH played a tambourine.\u00a0 Juke Box Hero was performed as an entertaining 9\u2011minute song and, along with Dirty White Boy, received the strongest audience reaction.\u00a0 When Juke Box Hero concluded KH said, \u201cThank you Concord!\u00a0 Thank you so much!\u201d\u00a0 The band left the stage at 10:43 and returned in less than one minute to play two additional songs.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 11. I Want to Know What Love Is (Agent Provocateur, 1984).\u00a0 Before I Want to Know What Love Is KH said, \u201cYou want to hear more music?\u00a0 Then I want you to make some noise.\u00a0 I need your help.\u00a0 Put your arm around the person next to you.\u201d\u00a0 [This was not a problem for me because my 78\u2011year old mother was my date for the show.]\u00a0 I Want to Know What Love Is was the second song that featured MJ on keyboards and began with MJ and MB\u2019s atmospheric balladesque keyboards and BS\u2019s gentle drum beats.\u00a0 Within 20\u00a0seconds KH sang the first verse, \u201cGotta take a little time.\u00a0 A little time to think things over.\u00a0 I better read between the lines.\u00a0 In case I need it when I\u2019m older.\u201d\u00a0 A 15\u2011second interlude that prominently featured MJ and MB\u2019s keyboards separated the first and second verse.\u00a0 KH then sang the third verse and first chorus.\u00a0 During the first chorus the tempo slightly escalated as KH sang accompanied by plenty of audience participation, \u201cI want to know what love is.\u00a0 I want you to show me.\u00a0 I want to feel what love is.\u00a0 I know you can show me.\u201d\u00a0 While KH sang the fourth and fifth verses the tempo slowed down to its initial pace.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 The tempo slightly escalated during the second chorus when a group of 20\u00a0teenagers from a local high school who wore black t\u2011shirts came center stage.\u00a0 TG stood in front of the teenagers with his back to the crowd and served as conductor directing them to sing.\u00a0 TG then played a well\u2011executed guitar solo in front of the teenagers on his blue Fender Stratocaster.\u00a0 After TG\u2019s guitar solo yellow stage lights shined on the audience whom KH encouraged to sing the third chorus.\u00a0 When I Want to Know What Love Is concluded KH said, \u201cGive it up for Clayton Valley High School.\u00a0 You sound fantastic.\u00a0 Good job guys.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 12. Hot Blooded (Double Vision, 1978).\u00a0 Before Hot Blooded KH said, \u201cThank you for letting us in your home.\u00a0 We are jazzed to entertain you.\u00a0 We had a great time.\u201d\u00a0 Hot Blooded began with MJ\u2019s chugging mid tempo guitar chord progression on his tobacco sunburst Gibson Les Paul. \u00a0Interestingly, the song began with a catchy chorus as KH sang, \u201cWell, I\u2019m hot blooded, check it and see.\u00a0 I got a fever of a hundred and three.\u00a0 Come on baby, do you do more than dance?\u00a0 I\u2019m hot blooded, I\u2019m hot blooded.\u201d\u00a0 KH then sang the first verse augmented by MJ\u2019s solid mid tempo guitar chord progression.\u00a0 The tempo slightly slowed down while KH sang the first pre\u2011chorus augmented by MB\u2019s keyboards, \u201cNow it\u2019s up to you, we can make a secret rendezvous.\u00a0 Just me and you, I\u2019ll show you lovin\u2019 like you never knew.\u201d \u00a0The tempo slightly escalated while KH sang the second chorus and verse with the latter featuring a series of searing MJ guitar runs.\u00a0 KH then sang the second pre\u2011chorus and third chorus followed by MJ\u2019s guitar solo.\u00a0 The song ended with the fourth chorus.\u00a0 The band took a bow and left the stage.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Two flashback memories are worth mentioning.\u00a0 First, I recall sneaking into my sister\u2019s bedroom in 1977 while she, who I will call She-Fro, stood 15\u00a0feet away in her bathroom combing her afro using a brush the size of a waffle iron.\u00a0 I wanted to shut off her stereo because I was too young to appreciate Feels Like the First Time blasting on her stereo and her off key humming of the melody.\u00a0 Steadfastly clutching my Darth Vader Star Wars action figure in one hand I used the other to hit the stereo tuner\u2019s \u201cOff\u201d button, and then I bolted.\u00a0 Having witnessed this covert act on prior occasions, She-Fro was on guard even though she had a look of intensity in her eyes as she stroked her afro as if meticulously adjusting the thick frosting on a wedding cake for the British royal family.\u00a0 She-Fro chased me brandishing the waffle iron as a weapon and struck my thigh, eventually creating a bruise.\u00a0 Using crude forensics I meticulously rummaged through my multi\u2011colored marker collection and found a taupe\u2011colored marker that replicated the bruise\u2019s hue.\u00a0 A week or so after the bruise subsided I used the marker to create a fake bruise mark on my thigh.\u00a0 I sheepishly showed the bruise to my mom when she got home.\u00a0 With an angry tone my mom asked how I acquired the bruise. \u00a0When I apprised my mom of the assailant she stormed into She-Fro\u2019s room and slammed the door shut as if closing the lid on the soon\u2011to\u2011be reprimanded She\u2011Fro\u2019s coffin.\u00a0 I got the last laugh.<\/p>\n
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\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Second, as I previously mentioned I took my mom, who I will call Mama Kin, to the concert.\u00a0 Mama Kin had a wonderful time throwing the devil horns backstage with the band and enjoying the show.\u00a0 During the set I sneaked a look at Mama Kin and observed her gently bobbing her head and intently watching the raucous blistering show.\u00a0 I now realize the origin of the metal torch I valiantly carry close to my heart. \u00a0Mama Kin bore the same look of intensity I possessed when I attended my first concert more than 25 years ago.\u00a0 Rock on mom, rock on!<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Venue: Concord Pavilion (\u201cCP\u201d) is an outdoor ampitheater built in 1975 and designed by Pritzker Prize-winning architect Frank Gehry and landscape architect Peter Walker.\u00a0 Gehry also designed the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain and the Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los\u00a0Angeles, California.\u00a0 CP was built in response to the East Bay community\u2019s desire to have a venue for the annual Concord Summer Festival.\u00a0 CP is set in a natural bowl below Mt.\u00a0Diablo.\u00a0 CP was remodeled in 1996 to increase seating and make additional improvements.\u00a0 CP has a 12,500\u2011seat capacity comprised of (1)\u00a0three\u2011tiered seated sections and (2)\u00a0perimeter lawn section.\u00a0 For a period of time Concord Pavilion was called the Chronicle Pavilion, and it is currently called the Sleep Train Pavilion, both corporate entities who purchased naming rights.<\/p>\n
\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Additional Bands (first to last): Kansas and Styx (co\u2011headliner)<\/p>\n
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Arash Moussavian, Entertainment Law Attorney<\/p>\n