Jump to content

Review of The Monkees at Ruth Eckerd Hall


MJ

Recommended Posts

Just got back from the show - it was sold out at Ruth Eckerd Hall - my co-worker and I were in the 16th row around center stage. I was surprised at the age groups at the show - I thought there would be mainly people who were at least my age (in their early to mid 50's) but there were people older than that attending - I saw a few who were maybe around 30-ish but not many. The Monkees Red Logo was lit up on the screen - I was so excited. Here they come - walking down the street.... they played for over 2 hours (there was a 15 minute intermission) - For Hollies - they played Saturday's Child and Cuddly Toy, for me Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow, they played 3 or 4 songs from Head, and of course all the hits. The backup band was exceptional - the lead guitarist was really shining out there. The mix was an issue though - the slower songs you could hear them singing clearly - mostly Peter (who had the strongest voice of the 3) Mickey seemed to scream more and hit some pretty high notes. Davy sounded good as well but he always sang mostly "broadway" type songs. I particuarly enjoyed Only Shades of Grey - Peter played the french horn for that song. Of course they did a few shenanigans during the show and told some jokes. Peter sang What am I Doing Hanging Round - they did quite a few "Mike" tunes. Overall I give the show about an 8.5 - everyone was on their feet by the last 3 songs. Of course being my annoying self I would scream out the name of the song after only hearing 3 notes lol. The backround screen constantly was showing old photos of the band and video from the shows so that was fun to watch. Diane and John - you are going to enjoy yourselves. It was most enjoyable to relive those songs and sing them with a giant crowd of people. P.S. My friend took a bunch of photos with her zoom camera so maybe I'll be able to post a few once she downloads them. Now if only hell would unfreeze and we could see another favorite band ..... hmmmm lol.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Here is the set list - this is pretty close to what was sung in order of what I saw:

I’m A Believer

Mary Mary

The Girl I Knew Somewhere

Randy Scouse Git/Alternate Title

Your Auntie Grizelda

It’s Nice To Be With You

I Don’t Think You Know Me At All

Look Out Here Comes Tomorrow

Words

Papa Gene’s Blues

Listen To The Band

That Was Then, This Is Now

All Of Your Toys

Hard To Believe

What Am I Doin’ Hangin’ Round

Sometime In The Morning

Valleri

No Time

...Circle Sky

Can You Dig It

As We Go Along

Long Title: Do I Have To Do This All Over Again?

Porpoise Song

Daddy’s Song

Cuddly Toy

For Pete’s Sake

When Love Comes Knocking At Your Door

She

A Little Bit Me, A Little Bit You

She Hangs Out

Shades of Gray

Last Train To Clarksville

Goin’ Down

I Wanna Be Free

Saturday’s Child

Someday Man

I’m Not Your Steppin’ Stone

Let's Dance On ** Almost forgot that one.

Daydream Believer

Pleasant Valley Sunday

The only song they didn't do was Peter Percival's Pet Pig Porky from the original set list from the UK shows.

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wonder MJ! I really want to go. They are playing 3 places here. I think I want to go to the Casino---Morongo.

I am trying to make a decision as I had only seen them with my sister, Maria and I know without a doubt we'd be going if she were still here with me. I just don't know if I can do this without her. The Monkees were such a BIG part of our lives.

However, after reading your viewing, my heart is pushing me towards going to a show. I know my bro's ex wife and my forever friend might go with me. I know Maria would want me to go. I just don’t want to cry through the whole show. Mixed emotions I suppose.

Thanks MJ for taking the time to do a detailed review. I'd LOVE to see the photos!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Wendy you should go. You may just find yourself not sobbing throughout the whole thing.... your sister's spirit will be with you right beside you during it! I thought I was going to cry when Davy sang Look Out - but I didn't - although Pleasant Valley Sunday brought back such good memories for me I shed a little tear then. Oh and I called my friend Mel from TX during intermission - she was at the Houston show in 1967 and cried throughout the entire show back then! Oh to have seen them back then - sigh.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Thanks MJ and Shelley.

I just spoke to my (ex) sis in law who is 61 years young. Her eyes lit up when I asked her if she wanted to go with me to see, The Monkees. And of course I started to cry about Maria and Susan said, "Let's do it for her!" Susan is sooooooo excited!

So I am looking into everything right now and hopefully I can make this work.

Thanks for the encouragement...I don't think I would have thought more about it if I hadn't read MJ's post 10 times!

:thanx:heartpump

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • 2 weeks later...

MJ was soooo right about this show !! I just saw The Monkees last night at Westbury Music Fair with Giro, JohnP and one of John’s buddies. The show was A-MAAAAY-ZING !! spin Two hours of non-stop music, videos and memories. At certain points during the show, the Monkees were hamming it up on the stage just like they did on their TV show. What fun !! Great showmanship and audience involvement. The band was absolutely incredible !! And that drummer ! Oh…that drummer !! wink

Do NOT pass up the opportunity to see them if they’re playing in your town. It’s a night of pure fun !!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Restore formatting

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...