Diana Ross live in Denver - a force to be reckoned with

[Roberta75]

http://www.heyreverb.com/2011/09/21/diana-ross-denver/#name%20here

[RossHolloway]

Another really nice reviw. THanks for posting.

[BayouMotownMan]

She's put on some weight, but otherwise is still Diana Ross. Glad to see her getting such great reviews. I doubt La Ross will be performing much longer. She made the insinuation on her last Oprah show

[captainjames]

A nice review and yes its amazing that she is touring so many dates - I believe your right BayouMotownMan, this coulbe be Ross giving us one last Hooray !!!!

[Roberta75]

A nice review and yes its amazing that she is touring so many dates - I believe your right BayouMotownMan, this coulbe be Ross giving us one last Hooray !!!!

Diana said on Oprah Winfrey that when her voice can no longer deliver for her fans, or words to that effect, that she'd retire. The lady has more money than she'll ever need and seems to only work because she loves it and like most performers, because her ego needs the adulation. The woman has been a music superstar for almost 50 years and has nothing left to prove IMO.

[jobeterob]

..Live review: Diana Ross @ Wells Fargo Theatre
By Cassandra Schoon | September 21st, 2011 | No Comments »
It should be easy to be cynical about a Diana Ross show. You should be able to roll your eyes at the videos of her as a young chanteuse, chuckle at the costume changes [[each one more sparkly than the last), snipe at the brass section’s choreography. But when you’re there, in the glare of the sequins, surrounded by the still-crystalline presence of her unmistakable voice, the snark just doesn’t work.

From the beginning of her show at the Wells Fargo Theatre on Tuesday, Ross made it clear that her half-century in show business has made her a force to be reckoned with. She hustles through a set with an admirable professionalism, rarely speaking between songs, keeping introductions of her [[pretty amazing) band members kind but brief, and pulling selections from her catalog with the broadest possible appeal. Whether belting out “Ain’t No Mountain High Enough” in the puffiest, pinkest dress, rocking a cover of “I Will Survive” in gold sequins and sky-high platforms, or grinning her way through Motown favorites, Ross’ devotion to her craft is self-evident.


. 1 of 16 Diana Ross played her variety of Motown hits at the Wells Fargo Theatre on Tuesday. Photos by Michael McGrath, heyreverb.com..







12››.
But it was during “It’s Hard For Me To Say,” when the video shifted from a Supremes-era Ross to a picture of Michael Jackson, the Jackson 5 years, when it became clear that cynicism was not an option at this show. Not because of MJ’s passing or the poignancy of the photograph, but the realization that the picture may have been taken by Ross herself. It was the understanding that she has been there since the beginning. She was there when Motown was born, there when disco died. She sang “I’m Coming Out” when serving openly in the military would have been unthinkable, and was here, decades later, singing it the day Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell was resigned to the history books. For someone my age [[over 25, under 50), it seems like Diana Ross has just always been there, like the Parthenon or the moon. And after the hit-laden, pitch-perfect, ridiculously fun show last night, I can’t help but hope she always will be.

[honest man]

what a sadder world it will be when Diana and the likes stop performing-recording, she is one of the last legends still around, god bless her, back to listening to Etta ,cheers folks.

[smark21]

Here's a clip from last night's show.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AD6LWIgJ5zs

[dianesfan_1965]

She's put on some weight, but otherwise is still Diana Ross. Glad to see her getting such great reviews. I doubt La Ross will be performing much longer. She made the insinuation on her last Oprah show

She really doesn't need the money that for sure. She probably tours because she love to sing for her fans. I hope Mary can one day hang up her shoes and enjoy life.

[marv2]

She really doesn't need the money that for sure. She probably tours because she love to sing for her fans. I hope Mary can one day hang up her shoes and enjoy life.

Nah, now don't you worry about Mary Wilson. She is and has been enjoying life since forever.

[dianesfan_1965]

Nah, now don't you worry about Mary Wilson. She is and has been enjoying life since forever.

Well yes that's true. But it would be nice if Mary could stop all this touring and chill out someday.

[marv2]

Well yes that's true. But it would be nice if Mary could stop all this touring and chill out someday.

She likes touring and traveling and performing onstage live in front of an audience. She loves that. Why should she stop doing something that she loves? She's getting paid and I know she likes the cash! LOL!

[BayouMotownMan]

I love it when she interacts with the audience. Berry Gordy is right, when Ross is real she is truly endearing.

Vocally, her voice seems lower, gruffer. She is approaching 70 so, judging from the last Oprah show, she is realizing that it's getting close to retirement time. Hopefully if she gets to a point where she can no longer sing, she will hopefully do more acting. She is truly an amazing dramatic talent and never tapped into that as much as she could have.

[1382hitsville]

Smark, what a fantastic clip. She seems to have so much fun!

[smark21]

Smark, what a fantastic clip. She seems to have so much fun!

Kudos to whoever recorded it and uploaded to youtube.

[jobeterob]

CNN producer note

iReport — CNN iReport was invited to be part of the media that shared in the touring / reviewing of 'A Star'.

Ms. Diana Ross, singer / film star brought her star-studded show to the Oklahoma prairie on a Thursday evening to a sold-out crowd at the Lucky Star Casino in Concho.

The air was filled with lightheartedness, smiles and anticipation of Ms. Ross' [[Diva Extraordinaire) appearance. The crowd clapped and chanted as the lights and music kept circling the room in salute to her 'Coming Out'---and that she did. She opened up in a beautiful red gown of glitter with the song -- 'I'm coming out'. The crowd stood to their feet and was mesmerized by her elegance and beauty. Here in Concho, Oklahoma---on a Thursday evening, the dynamic songstress brought warmth and happiness to the hearts of hundreds.

Ms. Ross took all of us down memory lane with many of our all-time favorites. The medley of songs included: Theme from the movie that she debuted in: Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You Going To), Baby, Where Did Our Love Go, Endless Love, Ain’t No Mountain High Enough; and many, many more. She closed out our two-hour musical treat with a serenade to a standing ovation of ‘endless’ fans that shared their ‘Endless Love’.

Diana left the stage to return to a continuous ‘standing ovation’ encore. Dozens of flowers, kisses and lots of love were genuinely demonstrated by the fans. She stood on the edge of the stage and blew kisses to her fans---signed autographs on pieces of paper…as well on her 33 rpm vintage collectable vinyl albums from her earlier years that were still in mint condition.

Ms. Ross’ performance, which included her entourage---- full band, piano player and back-up singers lived up to all of our expectations and even surpassed them.

Thank you so much Ms. Ross----We love you! You honored our city / state by gracing our heart s and spirits in song.

Please come again! Your music has warmed our hearts and souls over the many years.

[Bokiluis]

I guess we should prepare ourselves for her slowly, strategically winding down. No major retirement announcement, because that would be desingenuous [[or you listening Cher and Striesand). I have seen Diana literally over a 100 times. Her 30th Anniversary was celebrated internationally [[re: 30th Anniversary concert from Holland). So there is little reason to expect we'll have much notice. It has been 50 years of a beautiful thing that she has guided my life. From the moment I heard "Where Did Our Love Go", that faithful summer in San Francisco of '64, to the night that "T.C.B." aired, through my first time hearing a newly born FM radio station playing the full version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", fast forward to the Coronet Theater in San Francisco in 1972 when I sat marveling at her "Lady Sings the Blues" performance, through the tears of losing the Oscar to drunk ole Liza, to my first time looking at the Black Album cover and then hearing "Love Hangover" to the "Mahogany" montage to the stupdefying Tony Award winning "An Evening with..." to the resilience of "The Boss" followed by the massive global popularity of "Chic diana" while standing 800,000 strong in Central Park to the international smash of "The Force Behind the Power", celebrating "Return to Love" in Detroit all the way up to the awakening that was "More Today than Yesterday" and most recently "Now" her return to a San Francisco stage ............it has been an endless love hangover that I never wanted to end. Will her final appearances be spectacular or will I wake one morning to find she is no longer touring anymore? I fear it will be a quiet departure with little warning. So though I have seen 3 significant dates on her current tour, the really wise ones are those that have seen multiple dates on the "Now" tour. She seems to be so happy on this tour like the old 70s love-in shows of yesteryear. It's like she knows an inside secret for those astute enough to catch it. At 67, she may not want to be on the road as much anymore. Tina said farewell honestly but returned. Diana will do nothing of the sort. One morning we'll wake up and realize she gave the best of the best.

[jobeterob]

Diana Ross performed some of her greatest hits at the Ohio Theatre last night, sparkling through six costume changes.

By Gary Budzak
For The Columbus Dispatch Wednesday September 28, 2011 12:16 AM

Comments: 0 ShareThis
It was short, sweet and snappy — Diana Ross showed an ecstatic crowd in the Ohio Theatre who was The Boss last night.

Ross whipped through her 22 songs in 80 minutes like nobody’s business, without an opening act or intermission, and managed to wear a rainbow of six glittery outfits. Those quick costume changes must have constituted an aerobic workout.

Ross didn’t waste a lot of time introducing the songs that everyone knew by heart, or reminisce about her storied career. There were no props, dancers or special effects. And right when you started thinking about her longevity as an entertainer, a giant video screen behind the band would show pictures of Ross with the Supremes, pictures of her Motown friends or her looking coy behind a massive shock of hair.

“Did you see how many hairstyles I’ve had?” Ross said during Reach Out and Touch [[Somebody’s Hand), accepting a teddy bear and photos from fans. “I’ve got big hair,” she noted, saying aloud what everybody thought.

After opening with the 1979 hit The Boss, a smiling and waving Ross belted out the Spiral Starecase oldie More Today than Yesterday in true showbiz fashion. Her band featured one male and two female vocalists, a four-man horn section, percussionist, drummer, pianist, guitarist and bassist. Those musicians also covered for Ross as she made her costume changes — soloing, repeating a chorus, playing a Latin vamp or having the horns step out.

The Supremes segment of Ross’ career was covered with strong renditions of their smashes My World is Empty Without You, Where Did Our Love Go, Baby Love, Stop! In the Name of Love [[yes, everyone stuck out their hand when she sang “Stop!”), You Can’t Hurry Love and Love Child.

Many of Ross’ best solo hits followed, and people got out of their seats again. After the show, a codger was overheard complaining about not being able to sit much. How could you, with the band grooving away as she sang I’m Coming Out, Upside Down, Touch Me in the Morning, It’s My House, Love Hangover and Take Me Higher?

After tackling Ease on Down the Road and The Look of Love, Ross earned a standing ovation for her version of Don’t Explain from Lady Sings the Blues. She didn’t sound like Billie Holiday, but channeled her soul.

Ross’ voice sounded good but could have used a bit more volume amid her powerful band, and the sound could have been crisper. There could have been some other hits sung at the expense of a couple of the covers, but those are minor complaints.

The show stayed on a high note even at the end, with Ross delighting on Why Do Fools Fall in Love, Theme from Mahogany [[Do You Know Where You’re Going To), Ain’t No Mountain High Enough and an impressive version of a song that suddenly suits her: I Will Survive.

[atcsm]

I guess we should prepare ourselves for her slowly, strategically winding down. No major retirement announcement, because that would be desingenuous [[or you listening Cher and Striesand). I have seen Diana literally over a 100 times. Her 30th Anniversary was celebrated internationally [[re: 30th Anniversary concert from Holland). So there is little reason to expect we'll have much notice. It has been 50 years of a beautiful thing that she has guided my life. From the moment I heard "Where Did Our Love Go", that faithful summer in San Francisco of '64, to the night that "T.C.B." aired, through my first time hearing a newly born FM radio station playing the full version of "Ain't No Mountain High Enough", fast forward to the Coronet Theater in San Francisco in 1972 when I sat marveling at her "Lady Sings the Blues" performance, through the tears of losing the Oscar to drunk ole Liza, to my first time looking at the Black Album cover and then hearing "Love Hangover" to the "Mahogany" montage to the stupdefying Tony Award winning "An Evening with..." to the resilience of "The Boss" followed by the massive global popularity of "Chic diana" while standing 800,000 strong in Central Park to the international smash of "The Force Behind the Power", celebrating "Return to Love" in Detroit all the way up to the awakening that was "More Today than Yesterday" and most recently "Now" her return to a San Francisco stage ............it has been an endless love hangover that I never wanted to end. Will her final appearances be spectacular or will I wake one morning to find she is no longer touring anymore? I fear it will be a quiet departure with little warning. So though I have seen 3 significant dates on her current tour, the really wise ones are those that have seen multiple dates on the "Now" tour. She seems to be so happy on this tour like the old 70s love-in shows of yesteryear. It's like she knows an inside secret for those astute enough to catch it. At 67, she may not want to be on the road as much anymore. Tina said farewell honestly but returned. Diana will do nothing of the sort. One morning we'll wake up and realize she gave the best of the best.

Beautifully said.............

[TMSG]

I hope Diana continues this tour here in the UK before she does decide to "retire". She has always sold-out in the UK and I think there is a special affinity between DR and her UK audiences. I was always upset she never brought he "Return to Love" tour here. I think a "reunion" tour with the Supremes would have sold better than it did in the US.

[Bokiluis]

Yet another fantastic review in Columbus, Oh. By sheer coincidence, I just happened to visit Columbus for the first time last year. We took a photo in front of the Ohio Theatre because it was one of those classic theaters that has been refurbished. If she isn't reading the reviews, I hope someone is letting her know how positive the press had been about her since she returned to touring in 2005. After being the target of some really nasty, uncalled for comments, the press seems to be falling all over itself to celebrate her vibrancy and relevancy on stage. I guess better late than never.

[Bokiluis]

The Supremes on Ed Sullivan DVD debuted at #8, Motown Gold debuted at #5.....that is proof that people would have easily paid $18.99 for a double disc on The Supremes with all the Ed Sullivan clips. The Temptations are doing well too. In fact, The Supremes had pent up demand on debut week and now is in the teens but the Temps started in the 30s and now is in its teens so it is growing. I wonder if there is an active Temptations fan club. They have changed personell so often, how do you commit your loyalty. It is interesting that they put David Ruffin on the cover of the 50th Anniversary and not Dennis Edwards. Because it could be argued that Dennis Edwards era had more hits......in fact, I am going to check that out just for my edification.

[jobeterob]

Thanks Boiklius; so you mean the Supremes are charting higher than the Temptations? A bit different; in recent years, it's been more the reverse because the Temptations remain a continuing act still out there touring.

[smark21]

Here's a review of the Rochester show: http://www.democratandchronicle.com/article/20110929/LIVING/109290335

[Bokiluis]

The Supremes have a more dedicated fan base so they started out with stronger preorders than The Temptations insuring their #8 debut. But The Temptations hang in there for the long haul. While the pent up demand meant The Supremes had a more sensational debut, the second week their sales were down while The Temptations are going up. No matter, both groups end up about the same as both of their "Definitive Performances" DVDs have been certified Double Platinum [[100,000 sales). What is interesting to me is that The Temptations have such a revolving door of members, it is difficult to build a fan base. So I think The Supremes sell on both fan base and quality while The Temptations rely solely on quality. Not to cause controversy, but, besides Otis Williams, you would be hard pressed to know just who is in or was in which line-up of The Temptations. It is interesting on the Temps 50th Anniversary Cd, they chose David Ruffin rather than Dennis Edwards on the cover. They both were responsible for about the same number of #1 albums/singles. But I think Dennis Edwards was responsible for more "hits" in general. But I guess including David Ruffin would be more accurate if you are celebrating the 50th Anniversary. Dennis Edwards did not come on board until 1968/69 so his 50th with the group is still a few years off.

[Bokiluis]

Funny, I remember years ago when I went to purchase Diana's "Live from Caesar's Palace" album in the early 70s, the owner of The Gramophone Record store in San Francisco also a fan of Diana's felt that she talked too much on that album. Now in a few markets, she's been less communicative and it is being noticed. But that is just not the case on all the dates. On the west coast dates, she was very talkative. In many cities, she signed autographs from the stage, conversed with the audience about what a great audience they were and did the "Reach Out and Touch" routine from the stage, if not out in the audience. So while there could be a happy balance, San Francisco, San Rafael, San Diego, Palm Springs and Denver audiences all experienced a very communicative Diana filled with alacrity. She was even given a Proclamation by the City of San Francisco deeming 16 September as Diana Ross Day in that fair city!

[jobeterob]

Diana Ross Fans Take A Whirlwind Tour

Maybe it was the giant mirror ball on the video screen as Diana Ross claimed Gloria Gaynor's "I Will Survive" as her own — she seems to have adopted it as an anthem. Or maybe it was "Stop in the Name of Love," with Ross holding up her hand like a traffic cop, just like she and The Supremes once did. Or maybe it was the set, great swaths of light and a dozen band members arranged on a series of risers, echoing Vegas-style schlock in the best of ways.

You probably don't need a history lesson on Ross, unless you weren't around a radio starting at about 1963. And then, you probably could have turned off that radio in 1984 and still had the whole story.
But that two-decade period? Whew!


Ross' show blew past Wednesday's virtually sold-out Auditorium Theater audience like a semi-truck ignoring a hitchhiker on the Thruway. This was the Cliffs Notes version of her history, 22 songs, 80 minutes, and the video screen reminding the crowd of how many marvelous friends, and hairstyles, Ross has enjoyed over the years.
And with six costume changes, who knew sequins came in so many flavors? No. 5 nearly brought down the house, a shimmering cosmic display, like two galaxies colliding. You'll have to take my word on that, as cameras were banned from the concert, which was not the case at some other venues on this tour. It's probably something to do with you.
Motown had better female singers on its roster, particularly Gladys Knight and Martha Reeves. There were even Motown execs who felt that, early in The Supremes' career, Florence Ballard was the superior vocalist. But Ross had a sound that was particularly tuned to pop. And whether we're talking Diana Ross & The Supremes or simply Miss Ross, we're talking equal parts R&B and pop.
In case you've forgotten: "My World is Empty Without You," "Touch Me in the Morning," "You Can't Hurry Love," "Why Do Fools Fall in Love," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough..."
She brought along a band of one male and two female vocalists, four horns, a percussionist, a drummer, a pianist, a guitarist and a bassist, and everyone was earning their paycheck. In fact, there wasn't enough room in many of those arrangements for the 67-year-old Ross to do anything but shout over the band. The crowd adored getting lashed by this unrelenting sameness, but songs like "Love Child" needed a little room to breathe.
Less would have been better. And that was never better illustrated than when Ross stepped offstage for a moment for a costume change, covered by a jazzy sax solo, before she returned for a smoky "The Look of Love," then "Don't Explain," from her role as Billie Holiday in Lady Sings the Blues. That was the standout moment of the night.
This week is probably pretty tough on Ross, considering the news is full of reports on the trial of the doctor charged with the involuntary death of her friend Michael Jackson. But she was in such a hurry, we hardly got to know her. Perhaps Ross should have stepped off the carnival of hits for a few moments, been a little more lady sings the blues, and told a few stories from her interesting life.

[Roberta75]

Another Rochester review.

http://www.rochestercitynewspaper.com/music/blog/2011/09/CONCERT-REVIEW-Diana-Ross-at-Auditorium-Theatre/

[smark21]

However another reviewer in Columbus did not like Ross' show and especially her adoring fans: http://www.theotherpaper.com/entertainment/music/article_121d88ce-eaac-11e0-9ea7-001cc4c002e0.html

Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2011 11:01 am | Updated: 11:07 am, Thu Sep 29, 2011.
Ross show: more ego than soul [[http://www.theotherpaper.com/content/tncms/live/theotherpaper.com/entertainment/music/article_121d88ce-eaac-11e0-9ea7-001cc4c002e0.html) 3 comments [[http://www.theotherpaper.com/entertainment/music/article_121d88ce-eaac-11e0-9ea7-001cc4c002e0.html#user-comment-area)


Posted on September 29, 2011

· [[http://www.theotherpaper.com/users/profile/John%20Petric)

by John Petric [[http://www.theotherpaper.com/users/profile/John%20Petric)
Fresh as formaldehyde, Diana Ross came to town Tuesday for a theater-of-the-grotesque show of nonstop oldies and non-start personality. It was as bizarre and empty as the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.
Ross is old now, having clawed her way to one of the most successful careers in pop history, thanks to her megalomania and Motown's prodigious songwriting factory. Once stunningly charismatic, she now wears a diva mask with toothsome wattage and her trademark arcing eyebrows.
The mask never changes expression. Like a neon sign, it says forcefully: I am the star; you are not.
But that doesn't mean she can perform. Her 90-minute show was like the blaring tape loops you hear traveling carnivals use to add festivity to the dull grind of the rides. One after another, the hits poured out from the Ohio Theatre's stage: "Baby Love," "Stop! In the Name of Love," "My World Is Empty Without You," etc., etc.
She stood there, dressed in a series of gaudy, shiny gowns and moving little, her huge Afro bouncing more than her booty. And the crowd of adoring goldfish didn't just nibble at her feet-they ate themselves to death on her presence.
I was grossed out and fascinated at the same time. In a show where the songs are the real stars, watching what may indeed be the most gargantuan ego in the history of pop effortlessly absorb her fans' enormous slavishness, one wondered: Who was eating whom?
Ross's voice seems to be in fine shape. But while I don't think she lip-synced, I do believe she soul-synced, as the whole performance was mechanical.
The one exception was the slow song from her Billie Holiday movie, Lady Sings the Blues, which had Ross peeling her own soul off one layer at a time. It was outstanding, proving she can really emote, like an artist with much to share and reveal. It was something else.
But then again, Sammy Davis Jr. [[who never reminded me of Axl Rose, another ego-maniac, as Ross does) would peel off his soul for an entire hour, not just one song. Miss you, Mr. Bojangles.
Then it was back to the hit parade, and I found myself wishing she was Billy Joel or, hell, even Phil Collins. Ross's kabuki-like diva mask once again maintained the same expression no matter what the song: "You Can't Hurry Love," "Love Child," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," even "Touch Me in the Morning."
Ego. Ego shining like a giant super nova in a galaxy all her own, but with the properties of an enormous black hole, sucking every bit of energy and particle matter into her core. Two questions popped up in my mind mid-show: Did Kennedy bang her, and what do a pair of her panties go for on eBay?
Her frequent costume changes thrilled the crowd, especially toward the end, when she came out in a layered, blimp-like chiffon number that made her look like a little girl, à la Shirley Temple. Why do women and gay men thrill to such silliness?
OK, so she's pop personified. I get it. But as she sprinkled her Diana dust on fans dancing and worshipping their one-dimensional star, the guilty-pleasure defense just didn't work for me.
I don't like hospitals and I don't like mausoleums, and her show Tuesday night was definitely of the latter persuasion.

[JohnnyB]

I chuckled while reading this review. Why bother? Each line reads, I AM NOT A DIANA ROSS FAN, but says little more. A wasted review...

[marv2]

However another reviewer in Columbus did not like Ross' show and especially her adoring fans: http://www.theotherpaper.com/entertainment/music/article_121d88ce-eaac-11e0-9ea7-001cc4c002e0.html

Posted: Thursday, September 29, 2011 11:01 am | Updated: 11:07 am, Thu Sep 29, 2011.
Ross show: more ego than soul [[http://www.theotherpaper.com/content/tncms/live/theotherpaper.com/entertainment/music/article_121d88ce-eaac-11e0-9ea7-001cc4c002e0.html) 3 comments [[http://www.theotherpaper.com/entertainment/music/article_121d88ce-eaac-11e0-9ea7-001cc4c002e0.html#user-comment-area)


Posted on September 29, 2011
· [[http://www.theotherpaper.com/users/profile/John%20Petric)
by John Petric [[http://www.theotherpaper.com/users/profile/John%20Petric)
Fresh as formaldehyde, Diana Ross came to town Tuesday for a theater-of-the-grotesque show of nonstop oldies and non-start personality. It was as bizarre and empty as the Overlook Hotel in Stanley Kubrick's The Shining.
Ross is old now, having clawed her way to one of the most successful careers in pop history, thanks to her megalomania and Motown's prodigious songwriting factory. Once stunningly charismatic, she now wears a diva mask with toothsome wattage and her trademark arcing eyebrows.
The mask never changes expression. Like a neon sign, it says forcefully: I am the star; you are not.
But that doesn't mean she can perform. Her 90-minute show was like the blaring tape loops you hear traveling carnivals use to add festivity to the dull grind of the rides. One after another, the hits poured out from the Ohio Theatre's stage: "Baby Love," "Stop! In the Name of Love," "My World Is Empty Without You," etc., etc.
She stood there, dressed in a series of gaudy, shiny gowns and moving little, her huge Afro bouncing more than her booty. And the crowd of adoring goldfish didn't just nibble at her feet-they ate themselves to death on her presence.
I was grossed out and fascinated at the same time. In a show where the songs are the real stars, watching what may indeed be the most gargantuan ego in the history of pop effortlessly absorb her fans' enormous slavishness, one wondered: Who was eating whom?
Ross's voice seems to be in fine shape. But while I don't think she lip-synced, I do believe she soul-synced, as the whole performance was mechanical.
The one exception was the slow song from her Billie Holiday movie, Lady Sings the Blues, which had Ross peeling her own soul off one layer at a time. It was outstanding, proving she can really emote, like an artist with much to share and reveal. It was something else.
But then again, Sammy Davis Jr. [[who never reminded me of Axl Rose, another ego-maniac, as Ross does) would peel off his soul for an entire hour, not just one song. Miss you, Mr. Bojangles.
Then it was back to the hit parade, and I found myself wishing she was Billy Joel or, hell, even Phil Collins. Ross's kabuki-like diva mask once again maintained the same expression no matter what the song: "You Can't Hurry Love," "Love Child," "Ain't No Mountain High Enough," even "Touch Me in the Morning."
Ego. Ego shining like a giant super nova in a galaxy all her own, but with the properties of an enormous black hole, sucking every bit of energy and particle matter into her core. Two questions popped up in my mind mid-show: Did Kennedy bang her, and what do a pair of her panties go for on eBay?
Her frequent costume changes thrilled the crowd, especially toward the end, when she came out in a layered, blimp-like chiffon number that made her look like a little girl, à la Shirley Temple. Why do women and gay men thrill to such silliness?
OK, so she's pop personified. I get it. But as she sprinkled her Diana dust on fans dancing and worshipping their one-dimensional star, the guilty-pleasure defense just didn't work for me.
I don't like hospitals and I don't like mausoleums, and her show Tuesday night was definitely of the latter persuasion.

Interesting review. I take it the writer was also not apart of the only 3,000 Columbus residents that attended her "Return to Love" show back in 2000.

[carlo]

I just got back from the concert last night in Rochester. I traveled there with a few local fans from my area, who have become really good friends of mine over the last couple of years. We were partying and dancing the night away in the front pit row [[she watched us and copied some of our dance moves)! I have never had the opportunity to see Diana up close and center and she is even more beautiful in person. There was this electric energy that you could feel. Just amazing. Hands-down the best concert I've been to. This was my fifth time seeing Diana since 2000 and I can honestly say it was the best I've seen to date. Many of us were discussing after the show how Diana's voice is different [[of course), but she still sounds great and just seeing her is an experience on its own. There is just so much more to Diana Ross.

The auditorium was a really old building and their A/C seemed almost non-functional. Diana did address it quite a few times throughout the evening, in a very kind, non-diva sort of way. She made a lot of jokes about it. She was really, really hot...and so were we. She started to blow air on us [[like she did in Central Park), jokingly trying to cool us off. She said, "I'm going to cool you off! How does that feel?!" :) Towards the end of "Touch Me In the Morning", she was singing the final line..."Touch me in the morning....THEENNNN...the air conditioning is finally on!!" Everybody starts to cheer and applause. She made 6 costume changes in 80 minutes.

I had the opportunity to meet a lot of fans and made some new friends. Everyone had a great time. I even bought a T-shirt, which required me to pledge my future first-born child in order to get it. :D

[atcsm]

I just got back from the concert last night in Rochester. I traveled there with a few local fans from my area, who have become really good friends of mine over the last couple of years. We were partying and dancing the night away in the front pit row [[she watched us and copied some of our dance moves)! I have never had the opportunity to see Diana up close and center and she is even more beautiful in person. There was this electric energy that you could feel. Just amazing. Hands-down the best concert I've been to. This was my fifth time seeing Diana since 2000 and I can honestly say it was the best I've seen to date. Many of us were discussing after the show how Diana's voice is different [[of course), but she still sounds great and just seeing her is an experience on its own. There is just so much more to Diana Ross.

The auditorium was a really old building and their A/C seemed almost non-functional. Diana did address it quite a few times throughout the evening, in a very kind, non-diva sort of way. She made a lot of jokes about it. She was really, really hot...and so were we. She started to blow air on us [[like she did in Central Park), jokingly trying to cool us off. She said, "I'm going to cool you off! How does that feel?!" :) Towards the end of "Touch Me In the Morning", she was singing the final line..."Touch me in the morning....THEENNNN...the air conditioning is finally on!!" Everybody starts to cheer and applause. She made 6 costume changes in 80 minutes.

I had the opportunity to meet a lot of fans and made some new friends. Everyone had a great time. I even bought a T-shirt, which required me to pledge my future first-born child in order to get it. :D

Carlo - what a great review! I am so glad that you were able to see this show - I saw it in St. Louis in June of 2010 and it was fabulous. I only wish that a certain bitter poster on this site would follow your positive attitude toward this living legend.
Thank you

[carlo]

Here is one of my photos. My friends took a lot of photos as well...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302612_10150316112460875_515860874_8239567_1814770 927_n.jpg

[atcsm]

Here is one of my photos. My friends took a lot of photos as well...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302612_10150316112460875_515860874_8239567_1814770 927_n.jpg
Wow - that is how it's done

[carlo]

Carlo - what a great review! I am so glad that you were able to see this show - I saw it in St. Louis in June of 2010 and it was fabulous.

Thank you atcsm! I also saw this show in May 2010 in Toronto [[although my seats this time around were so much better), but when it comes to Diana, once is just never enough! :) It's impossible to get tired of her.

[carlo]

It's funny because one of the reviews for the Rochester show mentions that cameras were banned...but people were constantly flashing away all around me. I did take a few photos, but only did so during the most appropriate times [[ie. the end of a song). Knowing that my friends were all taking photos, I focused more on just enjoying the show and taking everything in. I was telling other fans last night that future generations of fans will unfortunately not get the opportunity to experience Diana in a live setting, which is why I am thankful for every opportunity I get to see her.

[atcsm]

Thank you atcsm! I also saw this show in May 2010 in Toronto [[although my seats this time around were so much better), but when it comes to Diana, once is just never enough! :) It's impossible to get tired of her.
I'm much older than you but have seen her 5 times as well. The first time was the show from the Ceasar's Palace show [[the dramatic staircase entrance). When we saw her in St. Louis in 2010 we took a couple of 20 somethings who didn't know anything about her, but were blown away after the show. This may be her last tour and I'm so glad she's doing so well - selling out Radio City????????? But I'm curious - how can you defend a certain poster who is so negative towards her[[you know who) and is going on and on about her skin bleaching? Aren't we above that?

[ladonna]

if you don't know me by now..you will never, never..


i am so reluctant to post since my last lambasting in this forum, and from so many things i have witnessed since i've held back

[carlo]

But I'm curious - how can you defend a certain poster who is so negative towards her[[you know who) and is going on and on about her skin bleaching? Aren't we above that?

I will never condone hate. I only say the things I do to try to maintain the peace on this forum and not to defend someone. I am a person who forgives and loves everyone.

However, I really would like to keep this discussion focused on Diana Ross and her latest tour. Let's take the high road folks and focus on positivity, please and thank you.

[atcsm]

I will never condone hate. I only say the things I do to try to maintain the peace on this forum and not to defend someone. I am a person who forgives and loves everyone.

However, I really would like to keep this discussion focused on Diana Ross and her latest tour. Let's take the high road folks and focus on positivity, please and thank you.
I totally agree with you - but still ask how can you condone the "skin" posting by you know who?

[ladonna]

i am interested in hearing carlos response to this as well.

[carlo]

I totally agree with you - but still ask how can you condone the "skin" posting by you know who?

First of all, I am sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about. Second, I have not condoned anything. I was away for two days, so I have not been keeping up with the discussions on here. I'm not sure how I can condone something without my own knowledge of doing so??

I do not condone hate, end of story. If you guys have an issue, I suggest you go to the admin/moderator. There is nothing I can do.

I find it sad that you guys are still on this witch hunt. Why not take the high road and simply ignore? I am a fan who comes here to talk about the artists and their music...NOT their fans. Period. If this is the way things are headed on this forum, then I am sorry to say you won't be seeing much of me around here any more. It's ridiculous. I don't need to be wasting my time responding to drama.

[atcsm]

First of all, I am sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about. Second, I have not condoned anything. I was away for two days, so I have not been keeping up with the discussions on here. I'm not sure how I can condone something without my own knowledge of doing so??

I do not condone hate, end of story. If you guys have an issue, I suggest you go to the admin/moderator. There is nothing I can do.

I find it sad that you guys are still on this witch hunt. Why not take the high road and simply ignore? I am a fan who comes here to talk about the artists and their music...NOT their fans. Period. If this is the way things are headed on this forum, then I am sorry to say you won't be seeing much of me around here any more. It's ridiculous.
or me - it was ridiculous and he won

[Roberta75]

Here is one of my photos. My friends took a lot of photos as well...

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/302612_10150316112460875_515860874_8239567_1814770 927_n.jpg

WOW!!! Miss Ross looks really great.

[ladonna]

First of all, I am sorry, but I have no idea what you are talking about. Second, I have not condoned anything. I was away for two days, so I have not been keeping up with the discussions on here. I'm not sure how I can condone something without my own knowledge of doing so??

I do not condone hate, end of story. If you guys have an issue, I suggest you go to the admin/moderator. There is nothing I can do.

I find it sad that you guys are still on this witch hunt. Why not take the high road and simply ignore? I am a fan who comes here to talk about the artists and their music...NOT their fans. Period. If this is the way things are headed on this forum, then I am sorry to say you won't be seeing much of me around here any more. It's ridiculous. I don't need to be wasting my time responding to drama.




witch hunt? *sigh*

[smark21]

I will never condone hate. I only say the things I do to try to maintain the peace on this forum and not to defend someone. I am a person who forgives and loves everyone.

However, I really would like to keep this discussion focused on Diana Ross and her latest tour. Let's take the high road folks and focus on positivity, please and thank you.

Did Miss Ross sing your favorite song "La La La....I can't hear you"?