06-Oct-96
Hello friends, Notes from the road? No, not exactly, although I am still dialing 9 to get out of my own house, and keep wanting to call the front desk and ask for a wake-up call, we are all at home now, except for JY who went to New York to sit in on an on-line edit with video director Larry Jordan. I have been here in Los Angeles finally moving into my house. We moved, sort of, 2 days before rehearsals started, but the place was more like a construction site. Now the dust has cleared and I don't see a single cardboard box. I think I even know where my socks are! Yesterday JY FedExed me a rough cut of the video from the last show in Chicago. Jeanne, Eddie and I were up until 2:00 am this morning watching. I am happy to report that even in its raw form, it is the greatest existing recording of a live STYX concert in the history of the band. It was cool getting to see so many of you in the audience. You done good...
It has been beautiful as usual here in LA. We went to see Cirq du Soleil on opening night. Our friend Ron Burkle had tickets to attend the opening performance following an AIDS benefit sponsored by The Majic Johnson Foundation. Jay Leno was the host. On hand were Kevin Costner, Billy Crystal, Paula Abdul, Corbin Bernsen, David Keith, Jasmin Guy, Lindsey Wagner, and of course, US! Eddie Wohlford was his usual self, going around introducing himself to every celebrity and insisting they come by OUR table. It was a very casual affair, much like our meet and greets, but with a buffet. You would have loved it! After we all ate and Jay (the host) spoke for a few minutes, Majic got up and said a few words, then we all had to walk down the boardwalk toward the Santa Monica Pier and take our seats for the performance. Jeanne, Eddie and I wound up with Majic and his family just behind us in our trek to the Cirq tent. That was a pretty funny sight?you think JY looks tall next to me--and I wish there had been more light, so the digital camera would have worked. Take my word, it was cool. And if you EVER have the opportunity to see Cirq du Soleil, do not pass it up. What an enjoyable evening of sights, sounds, and displays of talent. From the exquisite live band, the wonderfully moving compositions (WOW!), quadraphonic sound and spectacular staging and lighting effects to the incredibly talented circus performers, we were all sitting there with our mouths hanging open and looking at each other in amazement all through the show. I am surprised no one drooled!
There are many new things being discussed this week and as soon as there is a date set, I will let you know, right here...
Wait until you see this Chicago concert on video! YES!!!