Downtown Raleigh Live Show 2008
"man, you should've been there" - Unknown Connells
fan after the show who traveled from Virginia
"man, you should've been there" - Unknown Connells
fan after the show who traveled from Virginia
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The Connells played the Downtown Raleigh Live show on July 26,
2008 in their hometown of Raleigh, NC! And believe me true believers, it
was a great show. The band was extremely energetic throughout and
dug in hard to play some classic Connells' songs. Doug sounded great
and did some of his trademark dance moves throughout the night. Doug
was happy to be playing and singing with the band after some time off.
He interacted with the crowd often including catching a tambourine which
was thrown to him. He then played two tambourines before throwing one
back. Doug made several comments about being 'wireless' and how good
it is to be 'wireless' because he had a wireless microphone for the show
(and apparently for the first time given his frequent jokes about being
wireless).
Doug sang a few lines of the Chicago song "Saturday in the Park" with
some piano from Steve. The crowd loved it even though Doug was
uncertain of some of the words. Mike was all smiles during the show and
sounded in strong voice during his lead vocals. Doug even asked the
crowd to "give it up for Mike's vox!" At one point during the show Doug
coaxed David to the front of the stage for some rock star posing with him
and Mike. And in several moments of wild abandon Doug threw his
microphone stand around the stage, especially during a rocking and
extended Carry my Picture. But not satisfied with throwing the mike
stand once or twice, he did it a few more times during Stone Cold
Yesterday. Doug was so enthusiastic jumping around that he unplugged
poor Mike Ayers' guitar. Mike A. was in his usual good humor and
concentrated in the guitar focus throughout the show.
David played a solid and exuberant bass during the hour plus set
anchoring the strong show from the band. David bobbed his head and
had many ready smiles and "thanks" for the crowd. Chris was sounding
solid behind the drum kit and sang along to many of the songs while
bashing the skins. Steve, not to be confused with Johnny Cash for his
entire black outfit down to the penny loafers, played many of the songs
standing up and jumping.
The crowd -- a great mix of older and younger fans -- was very
appreciative of the entire set and was very excited for an extremely
energetic performance of Running Mary by the band. And, as always,
someone yelled "Sal." And well, that did not happen. There were many
kids in attendance who knew the words to all of the song - way to go
young Connells Fans!
While there were attempts by Doug to get "skip" Connell on stage to do
his unusual modern dance interpretation, Skip was happy to simply be a
civilian during this show.
We took several pictures which will be added to the website soon.
Partial Set List - in no particular order:
Fun and Games
Choose a Side
Maybe
'74-'75
Adjective Song
Get a Gun
Over There
Back in Blighty -- Changed a line to "and the boys were all undressed." Ha!
Running Mary
Burden
Carry My Picture
Stone Cold Yesterday
From Chad Hutchinson:
From your setlist, the only other 2 additional songs that I know they
played were "Something to Say" and "Slackjawed".
Also, there was one hilarious moment. During one of the last 2 songs,
Mike Ayers was rocking out on guitar and stepped back and totally tripped
and fell a little bit. Doug totally saw it and came over and pretended to
fall too--presumably to take the 'pressure' off of Mike A. That was
awesome.
Doug was funny with the wireless mic. I could tell he was missing the
usually spinning/twirling that he usually get to do with the mic.
A little Business
We were able to talk at length with Tim Harper, who of course ran the
sound for the show and did his usual great work. We also spoke at length
with Ed Morgan, the band's manager about the possibility of some new
records, buying music online, and new T-shirts. According to them, Tim
has six or seven live songs for a live record and many DAT files to go
through for possible inclusion on a live record. Mike has several songs to
add to the five or six that the band has already worked up. The band is
working on taking the songs that they control - outside of the TVT
catalog which is now owned by Prudential - and making those available
online.
We should have some more band details soon!
Mike & Doug during '74-'75 (we
loved the Oversxposure photo)
loved the Oversxposure photo)
More photos to follow...