E.L.O. Part 2 : Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.A. - 4th September 1999
The Light Shined In Kansas City It was a stormy summer day in Kansas City, Missouri complete with high winds and lightning.A much-anticipated outdoor performance by ELO Part II was in jeopardy of being cancelled. Not only was the weather a handicap but the Flamingo Casino sponsoring the show had limited the band to two, one hour sets. I was stressing over the possible cancellation since I had flown in earlier in the day from St. Louis, nearly 400 miles away, to see the shows. I hadn’t seen an ELO concert since the early 80’s and had been waiting for ELO Part II to cross my path.
Showtime approached with the crew preparing the stage in the rain and a crowd of fans began to grow. The rain continued and the sky was gray. Rain could be seen falling into the Missouri River which served as the background for the stage. Despite the rain, at 7:15 PM, the band entered while the theme to Psycho played, and then immediately opened the show with Daybreaker. The crowd responded as Mik stepped forward with his blue violin. I’ve got to tell you, the anticipation, the rain, the gray sky and then a rousing energetic opening really peaked the opening of the show.
The next numbers were Evil Woman and Livin’ Thing followed by I’m Alive and Xanadu. The vocals were exceptional. Being an ELO fan for years I was disappointed when Jeff Lynne decided to do other things and I automatically followed, respected and enjoyed ORKESTRA and then ELO Part II, but I was concerned about how the band would sound without Jeff. Well, HATS OFF to the boys ! Kelly, Eric and Parthenon really sounded great.
With the rain continuing to fall and the stage hands working diligently to keep things dry, Bev emerged from the drums and jokingly called everyone idiots for sitting out in the rain. Vowing the band would continue as long as possible, he introduced Eric to sing Can’t Get It Out Of My Head. Then Hux broke into Showdown.
Eric sang Honest Men, one of only three ELO Part II originals performed, and it was right on. After a rocking Rock n Roll Is King, Hux sang a new Part II song Over London Skies. Kelly joined in and the harmonies and melody were pure.(Let’s get on with the new release. We’re all anxiously waiting !)
Everyone began to shed their rain gear as the rain began to lighten. The band rattled off Twilight, Last Train to London and Ma-Ma-Ma Belle. All were “music” to the ears.
Mr. Blue Sky followed and I was taken as the rain stopped and the sky turned blue over the Missouri River. The set was coming to an end with Hux rocking to Do Ya and Kelly to Turn To Stone. Kelly then miraculously got the KC crowd to sing along to Don’t Bring Me Down. I’ve been to a few concerts in KC and the crowds don’t usually participate but everyone was on their feet as the first show closed.
Kelly encouraged everyone saying the second show would be somewhat different and to come back. Many would return.
With a 45 minute break there was time to stretch and grab a few brews. Then everyone found their seats. At 9:00 sharp the lights went out and Fire On High began. ELO concert beginnings have always been special to me. They have so many ideal opening numbers.
All Over The World and Sweet Talkin’ Woman followed as did the rain, then to my surprise (and delight) Nightrider and Poker. Kelly nailed these two songs. Then things softened for Midnight Blue and Strange Magic. Eric and Hux were great on Strange Magic.
And then they rocked. Whisky Girls and Hold On Tight followed. Telephone Line was next featuring Eric. The crowd really responded. Then standing in the rain we were treated to Standin’ In The Rain and Mr. Blue Sky.
Next was the highlight of the show for me, Kelly’s operatic opening to Rockaria. Kelly is a great showman and this song suits him. He energized and surprised the crowd. Turn To Stone followed and then the signature Roll Over Beethoven closed the show. Mik and Sir Louis Clark are always in the mix but there are certain songs where their presence and influence is really felt.
The concert was overwhelmingly enjoyable. Including the second helpings of Mr. Blue Sky and Turn To Stone, the boys rocked out 32 songs in two hours. They reached my lofty expectations. I could stand to here more Part II material but with only two hours, I was very satisfied.
The respect the band has for the music is evident. My take is that ELO Part II has successfully stepped back toward the roots of the band that captured the original energy and sound we grew up with. It was good to see the lights shine again.
Eldon Warfield - September 1999
The Light Shined In Kansas City It was a stormy summer day in Kansas City, Missouri complete with high winds and lightning.A much-anticipated outdoor performance by ELO Part II was in jeopardy of being cancelled. Not only was the weather a handicap but the Flamingo Casino sponsoring the show had limited the band to two, one hour sets. I was stressing over the possible cancellation since I had flown in earlier in the day from St. Louis, nearly 400 miles away, to see the shows. I hadn’t seen an ELO concert since the early 80’s and had been waiting for ELO Part II to cross my path.
Showtime approached with the crew preparing the stage in the rain and a crowd of fans began to grow. The rain continued and the sky was gray. Rain could be seen falling into the Missouri River which served as the background for the stage. Despite the rain, at 7:15 PM, the band entered while the theme to Psycho played, and then immediately opened the show with Daybreaker. The crowd responded as Mik stepped forward with his blue violin. I’ve got to tell you, the anticipation, the rain, the gray sky and then a rousing energetic opening really peaked the opening of the show.
The next numbers were Evil Woman and Livin’ Thing followed by I’m Alive and Xanadu. The vocals were exceptional. Being an ELO fan for years I was disappointed when Jeff Lynne decided to do other things and I automatically followed, respected and enjoyed ORKESTRA and then ELO Part II, but I was concerned about how the band would sound without Jeff. Well, HATS OFF to the boys ! Kelly, Eric and Parthenon really sounded great.
With the rain continuing to fall and the stage hands working diligently to keep things dry, Bev emerged from the drums and jokingly called everyone idiots for sitting out in the rain. Vowing the band would continue as long as possible, he introduced Eric to sing Can’t Get It Out Of My Head. Then Hux broke into Showdown.
Eric sang Honest Men, one of only three ELO Part II originals performed, and it was right on. After a rocking Rock n Roll Is King, Hux sang a new Part II song Over London Skies. Kelly joined in and the harmonies and melody were pure.(Let’s get on with the new release. We’re all anxiously waiting !)
Everyone began to shed their rain gear as the rain began to lighten. The band rattled off Twilight, Last Train to London and Ma-Ma-Ma Belle. All were “music” to the ears.
Mr. Blue Sky followed and I was taken as the rain stopped and the sky turned blue over the Missouri River. The set was coming to an end with Hux rocking to Do Ya and Kelly to Turn To Stone. Kelly then miraculously got the KC crowd to sing along to Don’t Bring Me Down. I’ve been to a few concerts in KC and the crowds don’t usually participate but everyone was on their feet as the first show closed.
Kelly encouraged everyone saying the second show would be somewhat different and to come back. Many would return.
With a 45 minute break there was time to stretch and grab a few brews. Then everyone found their seats. At 9:00 sharp the lights went out and Fire On High began. ELO concert beginnings have always been special to me. They have so many ideal opening numbers.
All Over The World and Sweet Talkin’ Woman followed as did the rain, then to my surprise (and delight) Nightrider and Poker. Kelly nailed these two songs. Then things softened for Midnight Blue and Strange Magic. Eric and Hux were great on Strange Magic.
And then they rocked. Whisky Girls and Hold On Tight followed. Telephone Line was next featuring Eric. The crowd really responded. Then standing in the rain we were treated to Standin’ In The Rain and Mr. Blue Sky.
Next was the highlight of the show for me, Kelly’s operatic opening to Rockaria. Kelly is a great showman and this song suits him. He energized and surprised the crowd. Turn To Stone followed and then the signature Roll Over Beethoven closed the show. Mik and Sir Louis Clark are always in the mix but there are certain songs where their presence and influence is really felt.
The concert was overwhelmingly enjoyable. Including the second helpings of Mr. Blue Sky and Turn To Stone, the boys rocked out 32 songs in two hours. They reached my lofty expectations. I could stand to here more Part II material but with only two hours, I was very satisfied.
The respect the band has for the music is evident. My take is that ELO Part II has successfully stepped back toward the roots of the band that captured the original energy and sound we grew up with. It was good to see the lights shine again.
Eldon Warfield - September 1999