Post by Susan on Mar 6, 2007 16:38:39 GMT -5
Hey ya'all!!! I know that you are expecting to hear right off the bat all about Donnie. Well, surprise, your're not. Only because first, I want to thank you all here at DSJ for the opportunity to even be able to attend this concert. From the bottom of my heart, I am thankful to call each and everyone of you my family. I know that you all care and have concern for my condition. Truly, this is a wonderful place to be a member of and to have so many that care for me.
Now, for the concert. I will start out by saying that the first person I ran into was Mojo. Now, you all may not know who this is, but he is one of the road crew from 38 Special. Mojo is the Monitor Engineer. He also plays Bass with the Van Zants. While walking thru the casino I saw him and called out to him. He immediately turned around and gave me a hug and shook Randy's hand. I introduced myself and told him how good it was to see him in Van Zant. He was so pleasant and treated Randy & I like family. He truly has a great appreciation for fans and was glad that we met.
Then at 7:00 pm sharp, you all know my butt was at the door, ready to go in and get seated. I had already used the ladies room and refused to drink anything else so I had NO reason to leave during the show. At this time we ran into John, who is the Sound Engineer and has been with .38 Special for years. He was so nice and gave me a hug. John, let me say, is a very kind person and was very nice to us in Reno in 2005 when at the concert. Donnie was not there and had gone home sick as you all remember. He talked to us before and after the show, not long after talking to John. I was sitting in my seat and John came up and personally brought Randy & I back to the room where the band was and there is where the story of the Susan’s Wild Eyed Southern Boys begins.
Ok, ya'all ready??!! Picture this. Being greeted by Don Barnes, with a smile and hand held out like he was happy to be meeting you. Me, just an everyday person that just loves the music. We chatted and Don was so pleasant and made me feel he was the one happy to meet me. I was greeted next by none other than Bobby Capps. Now this is a man that sings Second Chance in a way that it doesn’t matter what he did wrong, I could forgive him for anything. And I do mean anything. Bobby plays keyboard and sings backup vocals. He is a bit shy and quiet, doesn't say much, but has a great smile.
Next, none other than Donnie Van Zant, who sat there with his smile and hand held out like a man with nothing but love for his fans. I thought, ok this is it. Don’t do or say anything stupid or to embarrass DSJ (as I wore the t-shirt proudly). He signed my ticket like Don and Bobby had done. I remembered what Aunt Jane told me to say when I met him. “Aunt Jane said to say hi”. Donnie just laughed and looked up right at me. At that moment I could have died. But I kept my act together and laughed with him. Earlier this year I sent him and Johnny an Indian Head Dress made out of beads that I had made. Donnie calmly and in a very pleasant southern voice said, “You must be the one who made me that Indian Head Dress?" I said yes. He told me it was beautiful and he loved it. At that point I was over taken by the thought that Donnie knew who I was. We chatted a couple minutes, although our time was brief. The fact that I was standing there, face to face with Donnie Van Zant, was a memory that will forever be imbedded in my mind. His smile and that Southern Gentleman way and a voice that would knock you off your feet. I will forever be indebted to you all for it. Thank you so much. I have no way of ever paying you back for that and will not even attempt too. PRICELESS!!!
Next came Gary Moffatt, who was just as kind and caring as all the ones before him. Signed my ticket, chatted and his personality was that of a great human being. We didn’t talk much, but was just excited to meet a fan as the rest of the band. As a drummer, he is nothing but a professional. And words can not describe Gary. His smile is heart warming and he is a kind man. He has my up most respect and gratitude.
Next came Danny and L.J. Who both just kept looking at my shirt and looking at each other. I heard them discussing what is Down South Jukin. You heard of it. And telling each other NO. I said hello, right here, ask me. They both smiled and asked me about the site and I happily told them about it. Good thing they were pressed for time because I could have gone on and on. I told them I had a forum called. “Susan’s Wild Eyed Southern Boys." They took down the link and shook my hand and said they were going to check it out. Wouldn’t that be awesome to have the band pop in there every once in a while? I truly hope they do. Ok, that’s what I have so far on meeting the band. Now on to the show...........
Mojo did the introduction and got the crowd on their feet and going. To say the least, Mojo has a talent and enthusiasm to get anyone up and moving. His ability to just come out and start talking to the audience is one you have to witness for yourself to appreciate. Next Up, .38 Special and do them boys know how to make an entrance. I wish I could remember the song list but I can’t. Sorry. I just know that the entire room came to their feet upon hearing, Rockin Into The Night. Don Barnes with his usual and always pleasant, “How is everyone doing tonight”? Donnie flying onto the stage like a man on a mission. He never stops either. Donnie Van Zant is in motion during the entire concert, along with Don Barnes who struts the stage from one side to the other being sure the entire audience gets to see him. Danny Chauncey also moves from side to side, but his best is when he stands center stage and play his heart out. Looking at every single person he can get eye contact with. And when Danny catches your eye, it’s like he is playing just for you. L.J. and Gary seem to be content with playing on stage and not doing vocals. Please don’t take that wrong, They are both very excellent at what they do. They don’t sing vocals but they play the hell out of the music. The hardest ones to get pics of are Gary and Bobby. Of Gary due to the fact that he is behind the drums and Bobby is in the far right corner but raised on a platform. Close ups are hard to get of him. But he does come up to the front of the stage and get the audience clapping their hands. But he was too quick for my camera talent ability.
They slow it down a bit when Donnie pays tribute to his brother Ronnie. And at that moment everyone is on their feet to hear Donnie talk, but when he starts singing, Rebel to Rebel, everyone is silent and tears appear in some folk's eyes still today. I am one of those fans. Donnie and the band put their heart and soul into the song and leave you smiling with a picture of Ronnie in your mind. They also do a medley of hits. One is Second Chance done by Bobby Capps. As I said before, I could forgive him for anything when he sings that song. He looks so sincere and pitiful when he sings it. Like he really means it. I for one would like one day to see Bobby sing the entire song. Now hold on, there is more. I hope you all don’t get bored with this.
To my surprise, Donnie announces that they are going to sing a release from the Van Zant CD. OMG. None other than, “Help Somebody”. At this point you find the Van Zant fan. Not all but quite a few jump to their feet in start screaming. Of course we would love it if Johnny had been there to sing with him, but we got to hear one of the songs and that was all that mattered. Now if you have ever paid attention to what I talk about on that CD. You know my favorite part is when Donnie sings, “Whoop, Whoop....Come On Now....Hey, heyyyyy, heyyyyyy." I was for sure gonna get to see him do it live. When the time came, I just melted in my seat. I couldn’t even move. I can only imagine seeing it done with Johnny. One day I will. Are you all bored yet??
How about some humor? I guess I’m getting old cuz I didn’t realize this kind of thing still happened at concerts. Two girls managed to make their way onto the stage with a dead run for Donnie. Did I get pics. NO. Why? Security was way faster than my ability to get my camera back out. This left Donnie alert for the rest of the concert, I am sure. Then comes our other young lady. Right at the front of the stage and there she is flashing. Poor Danny was just laughing and looking over at Donnie. No gentlemen, I didn’t get pics of that either. Security finally came and got he shirt down and gave her the final warning. No more flashing was seen after that. But I do applaud the guys for not missing a beat or note while all this went on. Just kept laughing like they didn’t know what to do. But to my amazement, at the end of the show a man in his 50's jump onto the stage and started grabbing picks and things off the stage. Thankfully the band was already off or someone may have gotten hurt. He was quite drunk and security was not as gentle with him as they were the ladies.
Now the show continued on with all the magic you could want from a band that has been around for 30 years, this year. To our amazement again. 38 Special still had a surprise up their sleeve. Now please feel free to correct me when you see the pictures. But I believe we were joined on stage by none other than Jeff Carlisi. You all gotta remember, it’s been yrs since I’ve seen Jeff. But he bolted onto the stage and played like he has never been gone. At first Jeff stayed to the side with Danny, but was soon ushered Center Stage by Donnie. Giving Jeff all the attention. When it was all said and done and the band left the stage. Everyone was cheering for more. Not being a surprise to anyone. We wanted them back on stage and wanted to hear more. You can never get enough of .38 Special. I know I can’t.
They returned to stage and sang two more songs. Happy to be living in the USA and Traveling Band. Just an awesome show everyone. I can not wait to be able to see them again. I hope this wasn’t too long and got you bored. I just wanted to be sure to tell you everything I experienced. And once again, it is all thanks to you folks. This review writing is tough, but enjoyable. I could do this for a living. So you all know, I took 104 pictures. I guess I will have to go through and pick out what ones to post. I’m sure I will need Bobby’s help. So hold on till Monday. I don’t know how to do it myself. Love ya'all, thanks for your attention, please post and let me know what you think.
Now, for the concert. I will start out by saying that the first person I ran into was Mojo. Now, you all may not know who this is, but he is one of the road crew from 38 Special. Mojo is the Monitor Engineer. He also plays Bass with the Van Zants. While walking thru the casino I saw him and called out to him. He immediately turned around and gave me a hug and shook Randy's hand. I introduced myself and told him how good it was to see him in Van Zant. He was so pleasant and treated Randy & I like family. He truly has a great appreciation for fans and was glad that we met.
Then at 7:00 pm sharp, you all know my butt was at the door, ready to go in and get seated. I had already used the ladies room and refused to drink anything else so I had NO reason to leave during the show. At this time we ran into John, who is the Sound Engineer and has been with .38 Special for years. He was so nice and gave me a hug. John, let me say, is a very kind person and was very nice to us in Reno in 2005 when at the concert. Donnie was not there and had gone home sick as you all remember. He talked to us before and after the show, not long after talking to John. I was sitting in my seat and John came up and personally brought Randy & I back to the room where the band was and there is where the story of the Susan’s Wild Eyed Southern Boys begins.
Ok, ya'all ready??!! Picture this. Being greeted by Don Barnes, with a smile and hand held out like he was happy to be meeting you. Me, just an everyday person that just loves the music. We chatted and Don was so pleasant and made me feel he was the one happy to meet me. I was greeted next by none other than Bobby Capps. Now this is a man that sings Second Chance in a way that it doesn’t matter what he did wrong, I could forgive him for anything. And I do mean anything. Bobby plays keyboard and sings backup vocals. He is a bit shy and quiet, doesn't say much, but has a great smile.
Next, none other than Donnie Van Zant, who sat there with his smile and hand held out like a man with nothing but love for his fans. I thought, ok this is it. Don’t do or say anything stupid or to embarrass DSJ (as I wore the t-shirt proudly). He signed my ticket like Don and Bobby had done. I remembered what Aunt Jane told me to say when I met him. “Aunt Jane said to say hi”. Donnie just laughed and looked up right at me. At that moment I could have died. But I kept my act together and laughed with him. Earlier this year I sent him and Johnny an Indian Head Dress made out of beads that I had made. Donnie calmly and in a very pleasant southern voice said, “You must be the one who made me that Indian Head Dress?" I said yes. He told me it was beautiful and he loved it. At that point I was over taken by the thought that Donnie knew who I was. We chatted a couple minutes, although our time was brief. The fact that I was standing there, face to face with Donnie Van Zant, was a memory that will forever be imbedded in my mind. His smile and that Southern Gentleman way and a voice that would knock you off your feet. I will forever be indebted to you all for it. Thank you so much. I have no way of ever paying you back for that and will not even attempt too. PRICELESS!!!
Next came Gary Moffatt, who was just as kind and caring as all the ones before him. Signed my ticket, chatted and his personality was that of a great human being. We didn’t talk much, but was just excited to meet a fan as the rest of the band. As a drummer, he is nothing but a professional. And words can not describe Gary. His smile is heart warming and he is a kind man. He has my up most respect and gratitude.
Next came Danny and L.J. Who both just kept looking at my shirt and looking at each other. I heard them discussing what is Down South Jukin. You heard of it. And telling each other NO. I said hello, right here, ask me. They both smiled and asked me about the site and I happily told them about it. Good thing they were pressed for time because I could have gone on and on. I told them I had a forum called. “Susan’s Wild Eyed Southern Boys." They took down the link and shook my hand and said they were going to check it out. Wouldn’t that be awesome to have the band pop in there every once in a while? I truly hope they do. Ok, that’s what I have so far on meeting the band. Now on to the show...........
Mojo did the introduction and got the crowd on their feet and going. To say the least, Mojo has a talent and enthusiasm to get anyone up and moving. His ability to just come out and start talking to the audience is one you have to witness for yourself to appreciate. Next Up, .38 Special and do them boys know how to make an entrance. I wish I could remember the song list but I can’t. Sorry. I just know that the entire room came to their feet upon hearing, Rockin Into The Night. Don Barnes with his usual and always pleasant, “How is everyone doing tonight”? Donnie flying onto the stage like a man on a mission. He never stops either. Donnie Van Zant is in motion during the entire concert, along with Don Barnes who struts the stage from one side to the other being sure the entire audience gets to see him. Danny Chauncey also moves from side to side, but his best is when he stands center stage and play his heart out. Looking at every single person he can get eye contact with. And when Danny catches your eye, it’s like he is playing just for you. L.J. and Gary seem to be content with playing on stage and not doing vocals. Please don’t take that wrong, They are both very excellent at what they do. They don’t sing vocals but they play the hell out of the music. The hardest ones to get pics of are Gary and Bobby. Of Gary due to the fact that he is behind the drums and Bobby is in the far right corner but raised on a platform. Close ups are hard to get of him. But he does come up to the front of the stage and get the audience clapping their hands. But he was too quick for my camera talent ability.
They slow it down a bit when Donnie pays tribute to his brother Ronnie. And at that moment everyone is on their feet to hear Donnie talk, but when he starts singing, Rebel to Rebel, everyone is silent and tears appear in some folk's eyes still today. I am one of those fans. Donnie and the band put their heart and soul into the song and leave you smiling with a picture of Ronnie in your mind. They also do a medley of hits. One is Second Chance done by Bobby Capps. As I said before, I could forgive him for anything when he sings that song. He looks so sincere and pitiful when he sings it. Like he really means it. I for one would like one day to see Bobby sing the entire song. Now hold on, there is more. I hope you all don’t get bored with this.
To my surprise, Donnie announces that they are going to sing a release from the Van Zant CD. OMG. None other than, “Help Somebody”. At this point you find the Van Zant fan. Not all but quite a few jump to their feet in start screaming. Of course we would love it if Johnny had been there to sing with him, but we got to hear one of the songs and that was all that mattered. Now if you have ever paid attention to what I talk about on that CD. You know my favorite part is when Donnie sings, “Whoop, Whoop....Come On Now....Hey, heyyyyy, heyyyyyy." I was for sure gonna get to see him do it live. When the time came, I just melted in my seat. I couldn’t even move. I can only imagine seeing it done with Johnny. One day I will. Are you all bored yet??
How about some humor? I guess I’m getting old cuz I didn’t realize this kind of thing still happened at concerts. Two girls managed to make their way onto the stage with a dead run for Donnie. Did I get pics. NO. Why? Security was way faster than my ability to get my camera back out. This left Donnie alert for the rest of the concert, I am sure. Then comes our other young lady. Right at the front of the stage and there she is flashing. Poor Danny was just laughing and looking over at Donnie. No gentlemen, I didn’t get pics of that either. Security finally came and got he shirt down and gave her the final warning. No more flashing was seen after that. But I do applaud the guys for not missing a beat or note while all this went on. Just kept laughing like they didn’t know what to do. But to my amazement, at the end of the show a man in his 50's jump onto the stage and started grabbing picks and things off the stage. Thankfully the band was already off or someone may have gotten hurt. He was quite drunk and security was not as gentle with him as they were the ladies.
Now the show continued on with all the magic you could want from a band that has been around for 30 years, this year. To our amazement again. 38 Special still had a surprise up their sleeve. Now please feel free to correct me when you see the pictures. But I believe we were joined on stage by none other than Jeff Carlisi. You all gotta remember, it’s been yrs since I’ve seen Jeff. But he bolted onto the stage and played like he has never been gone. At first Jeff stayed to the side with Danny, but was soon ushered Center Stage by Donnie. Giving Jeff all the attention. When it was all said and done and the band left the stage. Everyone was cheering for more. Not being a surprise to anyone. We wanted them back on stage and wanted to hear more. You can never get enough of .38 Special. I know I can’t.
They returned to stage and sang two more songs. Happy to be living in the USA and Traveling Band. Just an awesome show everyone. I can not wait to be able to see them again. I hope this wasn’t too long and got you bored. I just wanted to be sure to tell you everything I experienced. And once again, it is all thanks to you folks. This review writing is tough, but enjoyable. I could do this for a living. So you all know, I took 104 pictures. I guess I will have to go through and pick out what ones to post. I’m sure I will need Bobby’s help. So hold on till Monday. I don’t know how to do it myself. Love ya'all, thanks for your attention, please post and let me know what you think.