Just got home from the show! Stevie kicked it off with a comment about Michael Jackson, and urged everyone to ignore the media B.S. and focus on the incredible talent he embodied. He said, "God blessed us with a talented man who brought joy with his music, songwriting, dancing, videos—all of that!" Hard to argue with that! MJ was a running thread throughout the show: Stevie & his band performed "Billie Jean", and the crowd went wild. (Especially the crazy woman seated behind Madeline.) Stevie also wrote a song for MJ to address the people who would cut him down, singing, "God has already given him the victory". In addition to the MJ tributes, they covered the near-obligatory "(I'm Going to) Kansas City". Stevie took a brief "Tea break" in which he played his favorite song of '09, "Blame it" (Jamie Foxx featuring T-Pain. Get it?) And after a full two hours of incredible performance (including my favorites: "Signed Sealed Delivered," a mini version of "I Just Called to Say I Love You," "Superstition," & "Higher Ground"...no "Part-time Lover." Boo!), the show ended with everyone on stage coming together & dancing to a montage of MJ's hits.
The caliber of the performance easily outshined the hang-ups (extreme heat, late start, video & lighting problems). Despite the emotion of the evening, Stevie put on a very strong show—his vocals & his band sounded amazing live!!!
Hi Madeline!
