Fantastic show by the CRA last night in Bensenville, IL. There was a severe weather system in the area and by some miracle, it stopped by showtime and the show went on without a hitch.
I've seen the guys so many times already and yet I was still amazed by the show. Let me tell you something. I'm not saying this because I am a huge Pete fan, but his voice has lost absolutly NOTHING in the past 35-40 years. He still sings with the power and clarity of a 25 year old. Mike and Jerry were also great and the new base player Larry (sorry, I forgot the last name) really kicks butt!! He was very friendly. Had a nice conversation with him before the show. He and Pete go back a long way. He even filled in for Mike Urso for some live performaces back in the day.
As usual, Pete was his gregarious self. I brought my friends son to the show who is a drummer and was influenced by Pete and Pete was nice enough, as usual, to invite us on stage before the show and talk for a while and gave my friends two sons drumsticks after the show. Thanks Pete.
Thanks for report Stewart! I had same expirience on Detroit riverfront.......amazing show!!!!!!!! Did You you watch You tube videos from CRAS Detroit show?
By the way.....bass player is Larry Prentis from Novi,Michigan. He did amazing solo on Ina-gada-da-vida...
Stuart, sorry I did not get to meet you at the venue, I much agree with your review. I was there too, however my right hand was stitched up and I was trying my best to keep it clean and dry until those threads come on out. For some of the show, I sat in my car, turns out that due to the doppler effect, I was the only one who drove their muscle car to the cruise night. For the vast majority of the folks reading this, Bensenville, Illinois hosts the event known as "Park On Park." Weather permitting people are encouraged to drive their hot rods, rat rods, muscle cars, and what-have-yous, and the village awards a small cash prize for their top three favs. The mayor had announced that the awards were put aside, I thought I should have won, by default - of the weather. The car thing also coincides with their summer concerts in, you guessed it, the park.
Now, as for the CRA show, as the mayor put it, "Lets hear it for the die-hard fans for showing up." Thanks Mr. Mayor, now let me say, "Lets hear it for the Classic Rock All Stars!" Peter's voice never ceases to amaze and impress me. Strong as ever and more soul then a cargo size "Soul Train." Larry kicked butt on the "Ina-Gada-da-vida" solo in Bensenville (read Chicago) also. Thankfully the tornado didn't quite hit that area, but was quite destructive southwest of there. Heck for a while there I thought Peter would be the singing "King Of Rain Country." The wind blew the rain away, and the CRAs blew the crowd away.
