Wham bam thank you m’am!

How terrific was the David Bowie concert here in Chicago last night?

Wow.

Really really good. I don’t think I could have asked for a better show. The sound was tremendous, my sightline was great, the Rosemont Theatre is certainly a cozy place to see a rock show and both Bowie and his band were simultaneously well oiled and extremely laid back. As Photogal said, “He just looks so…natural…up there. Like we’re in his house or something.”

The only glitch in the whole evening is when some overstuffed fifty-somethings started screaming at the kids next to us to sit down. Apparently they were unaware that at a concert it is common practice for those members of the audience that entertain a more participatory nature to stand and “shake it” during the musical selections. Even more galling was the fact that these adults chose to scream like little brats rather than simply and politely asking the kids next to us to sit down. No one wants their view blocked and I can tell you from years of going to shows that most folks will gladly move out of your way if at all possible once they discover they are causing any kind of discomfort.

Also, it is tremendously funny to see a crowd largely in the forty years and older range twitter and cheer every time David Bowie says, “fuck.”

Some other notable Photgal quotes from the show:
- He’s got the body of a teenage boy!
- I love his hair.
- Is this a new song? (The song was “Hang On To Yourself" from Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars released in 1972.)
- Oh my god! Look at the guy with the cell phone hanging from his belt play the air guitar!

(Overall I think she had a pretty swell time!)

My personal highlight? Watching a stage hand that was making it appear as if a plush puppy stuffed animal dancing on some steps to the side of the stage. I think I’m the only person who saw it…

And for the incredibly geeky types out there…

Setlist from David Bowie
Live at The Rosemont Theatre
in Chicago January 13, 2004

Rebel Rebel
New Killer Star
Reality
Hang On To Yourself
Fame
Cactus
All The Young Dudes
China Girl
Fall Dog Bombs The Moon
The Loneliest Guy
The Man Who Sold The World
Hallo Spaceboy
Sunday
Under Pressure
Life On Mars
Battle For Britain (The Letter)
Ashes To Ashes
Changes
White Light/White Heat
I’m Afraid Of Americans
“Heroes”

---encore---

Pablo Picasso
Five Years
Suffragette City
Ziggy Stardust

Tell me that isn’t a killer show…just try!