It's days like today that make being a music lover, concert aficionado, and supporter of Detroit that makes me get goose bumps with anticipation. The lovely BLT, Scott & Jamie, and me are off to party at 4:15. Supposed to meet various groups of friends around 5:00 at any bar we can get into near Ford Field. Cell phones are ringing non-stop, text messages are flying, and the consensus is: there is no restaurant or bar that does not have a 2 hour wait minimum in the area. Our final decision is to boogie to the Elwood and party in the garage.
What a great scene it was. My best guess is 2,000 people in the bar, tents and the garage. A DJ was playing awesome sets with a strong sound in the garage. It was sweet that they had numerous heaters to warm the place up. Beer was only $4.00 per can, so we drank copious amounts. At 6:45 it is off to Ford Field.
When we crossed the street, we found a crowd of approx 10,000 lined up and not moving well. We had no idea why the hold up, but after 45 minutes in the cold, we saw they were frisking everyone completely. Woman were to be in 2 cattle chutes and men in the other two. Of course, no one payed attention and it back us all up. Note to Ford Field: Make the signs 10' tall and larger so people can see them when in line. I had the privilege of being behind a mid-40's woman projectile vomiting while in line. What a pig! By 7:15 we are in our seats, approx. 4 area codes away from the stage.
Faces we spot in the crowd: Jim Schwartz, some of the cast of Detroit 187, Ryan Raburn, Chris Chelios, and numerous other Detroit celebs. As they say, "There ain't no party like a Detroit party"!
Ty Stone takes the stage to a respectful but somewhat distracted crowd. After all, we aren't here to see some relative unknown, but to party with the Kid. Ty actually rocks out and I'll look forward to seeing him in a more intimate environment. The big screens were blank when he played, so it was very difficult to see him from our area code in Club Level 215. All in all, not a bad opening act. however, a party such as this really needed a "big name" opener like 2009 Comerica shows.
At 9:00 the Twisted Brown Trucker Band takes the stage. Huge LED video screens 30x70feet flank both sides of the stage, with two smaller 30x30' screens were directly above it. While the band starts jamming, a montage of Bob Ritchie photos from his early childhood through his early rock years were played to the crowds appreciation. Conan O'Brien gives his birthday wishes. The band then unfurls the Beatles "Birthday" to get the night started.
Throughout the night, clips of birthday wishes are played from Conan, Jimmy Fallon, Jay Leno, David Letterman. Mid way through the show, NASCAR's Jimmy Johnson comes on the screen to wish our Kid a happy birthday. As a birthday gift to the Kid, a 2011 Camaro Z28 rises above the crowd as his gift. You could tell this moved bob significantly.
"All Summer Long" almost made us forget about the freezing weather outside and warm us all with thoughts of our beloved Michigan summers, short that they are. Uncle Kracker comes out as the nights first guest and Kid and him perform their duet "Good to be Me". This is starting to get real memorable already and its only about 9:30!
In a few minutes the next guest, Pete Wolf comes out to the sounds of "Centerfold" and the two quickly segue into "Detroit Breakdown". The place is really rocking now. A couple more songs then its time for Martina McBride to come out for their duet "Care". Performed flawlessly and the crowd is really digging the scene. Kid Rock announces a $100,000.00 gift to 4 local charities at the conclusion of the song. Kid, your generosity is much appreciated and you are a true gift to us all.
Next up Rev. Run and the Kid jam to "Walk This Way" and the place is hopping like never before. They then move into "Kings of Rock" by Run DMC and the crowd is at a near frenzy pitch. What a phucking show!!!!
After 4-5 more songs, played well, but just not all my cup of tea (mostly off Born Free and a little too country for my taste), start to bring the high I was on down a level or two. No worries, a couple of Rock Rap classics re infuse my party spirit. At this point I realize my mistake of being the DD tonight. I am pretty wasted!
Sometime around 10:50, my boy Matt's #1 fantasy girl, Sheryl Crow is onstage and looking fit and gorgeous. The obligatory foray in "Picture" was a highlight for most. They then played Free's "Alright Now" and kicked some serious ass. I think Christopher Reeves would have been up and dancing for this. Way too cool! Matt, I'll send you some pictures.
Now its time for a shot of 5 hour energy in the form of "Rock and Roll Jesus and "Bawitaba". Phuck yeah baby! Come on Kid, give up the country and stick to your roots.
At around 11:30, Cindy Crawford is on stage to lead the crowd in a 60,000 strong "Happy Birthday to You". The crowd is still going strong and few are seen leaving for the exits.
In a strange closing act, Anita Baker comes onstage and sings "the Star Spangled Banner". Detroiter yes! Someone who should be onstage with the previous talent, I don't think so.
The final song "Born Free" sends us all off to the frigid tundra outside around 11:50.
Great spectacle, strong line up, unique format, and a fired up crowd made this one hell of a night. Home by 1:00 AM, but still wanting more. BLT and I both felt this summers Pine Knob shows were better, primarily due to being summer and outdoors.
Kid, we love ya and wish you a very Happy Birthday on 1/17/11. As always, YOU DA MAN!
Atmosphere A
Weather C
Crowd A
Pre-party A
Warm Up act B
Set List B
Lighting A
Staging A
Effects A
Video A
Sound C+
Fun A++
Overall, a great time by all "A". That is based on the overall event. My rating compared to say last summers Pine Knob shows is a B. This was kinda like the Superbowl of concerts. The hype and pre-game stuff often exceeds the actual game.
