David Wright Gala Review
Joined: Sep 2008
Northern New Jersey, NJ
Wednesday, November 12, 2008 - 22:38
David Wright Gala Review
I've never been to a "gala" before and it was everything that I hoped it would be! The crowd filled the room but I was lucky enough to get right up to the velvet rope sepedrating us common folk from the VIP section. I was five feet away from the stage!
David was cute, funny, relaxed and the band sounded like they have been together for years! They played SEVEN new songs and rocked the house! Not an easy feat when you are playing all new material. The songs (not in order) were Lie, Heroes, Light On, Mr. Sensitive, Life on the Moon, Declaration and an encore of Bar ba sol. David's voice soared and we were honored with many awesome power notes. He did the concert for free, donated $25,000. of his own money to the foundation and the show raised $200,000. AI/David items auctioned off for another $25,000 plus.
Highlights:
1. A DJ from Z100 was the emcee. She seemed to like David and we should hear the song on that station.
2. David's jokes: "You said I'm doing this show for free? I'll be waiting for my season tickets."
He had the make-up girl apply some guy-liner to David Wright because he wanted instructions on how to be a rock star. Later in the show, David hinted that a good response from the crowd could lead to an encore. He said, "Rock Star lesson number 2. Guyliner good. Begging for an encore bad."
He told David Wright not to look at him because it creeps him out-"You know, that chiseled chin and piercing eyes..."
The Z100 DJ pretended she was going to auction off the two David's and DC strutted on the stage like a model from Zoolander and struck a very GQ pose at the piano.
3. David's dad was there in the crowd.
4. Timmy the guitar tech from AI Tour has a new gig as David's guitar tech.
5. The band is so good and young! Neal has a baby face and seems quite shy despite the gruff exterior. Andy Skib is quiet and I laughed when he was dutifully attending to his piano responsibilites when you know he loves to rock on the guitar. He sang a lot of background, etc with David and their voices are wonderful together. Kyle did an outstanding drum solo as lead-in to Bar ba sol and David joined him on the drums. David introduced the whole band and said a little something about each member and than he got to the bass player. "Oh yeah, that's Joey." The whole band cracked-up-they must love to tease him. Neal did some great guitar solos-especially he and David jammed together on Bar ba sol. Who ever doubted David's guitar skills? He is good. The band's first taste of the DC loving? They seemed to really love it and I saw a couple smirks from David toward Dr. and Andy that said, "see, I told you."
6. The songs were awesome. You will all love them when they are available, tonight? I really loved Bar ba sol and my friend and fellow DC lover now loves Heroes and Life on the Moon. David is really getting a handle on singing Lights On and does not seem out of breath. He loved when his fans took out glow sticks during this song and stopped the song to turn down the house lights. He let the crowd sing a verse of "Light On" and we were loud and he said, "nice!"
Lastly, a night to definately file in the memory bank. Based on this performance, I feel that in twenty years I will be saying, "I remember seeing David at the Hard Rock when he was just starting out." He is destined to be a major star!
Comments for this Forum Topic
Wow - what a great night that was. We all had an awesome time.
I know this is extremely late but I met david wright yesterday (I'm obsessed with him ) and he reminds me soooio much like D. Cook
I loved using the glowsticks during "Light On" and then throwing them onstage at the end!!! It felt so great to be part of that experience with the rest of you!
Wow, sounds like this was a great night!!
I'm so glad my TWO favorite Davids are working together for great charity causes!!! David Cook & David Wright - two stand up great guys and they share the same birthday - EXACTLY - same age....how cool!
Can't wait for the CD less than a week away!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This was so what I was waiting for and why I did not go to the AI concert. He sure is right about this being "Life on the Moon" - he is on his way and it was so great to be there at take-off. I was standing on the steps at stage left and just so enjoyed the perfect sight lines and the sense of closeness. Once I figure out how to upload my photos I'll post some; my husband videoed the entire performance and we got great audio and alot of great footage. I have to get this converted to dvd before I can do anything with it - but first I have to watch it a thousand times; I'll be afraid to entrust it to any lab.
Once he gets out on the road to do the college tour, it will be even more fantastic to be able to sing the whole songs with him. We were singing what we knew, and just jumping and dancing. A wonderful experience.
His boys are just the most adorable band I've seen in a while. They rocked so hard. The drummer did a wild and crazy solo before the finale, and just brought the house down. They will get even better and stronger and more together as the months roll along.
David is now for real a rock star.
I just wanted to say that I'm thrilled for everyone that was there last night. From what I've read, seen, and heard... it was a completely amazing night!
--
~30Somethin~
Thanks so much for the awesome recap!!!!!!! Lovely to get these snippets ..... definitely an experience for you to remember for years to come!
--
Kaz
Thank you for this amazing recap not at lest jealous LOL
--
DLC
--"When you cried i´d wipe away all of your tears, when you´d scream i´d fight away all of your fears."-- One of David’s misunderstood girls
Thank you so much for this awesome recap of what was surely an unforgettable night. Sounds like you all had an incredible time.
And I can't believe Timmy is with DC! That is just way too cool.
I LOVED this!!! I listened to the cellcast and watched the videos!! David and his band are HOT!!! I can't wait to see them live. They are amazing!!
I am so happy for all of you that got to see this live!
Thanks everyone for sharing. It's good to know that we can live vicariously through those that were able to go.
It was great meeting you last night Fools April!! I know what you mean, I definitely have not processed it all yet.....David's performance was beyond words - i was front and center, with maybe one person between me and the stage. It will be a night I never forget. I must have looked at the pictures in my camera a zillion times and can't wait to get home from work tonight to upload them. And all the Cook fans I met last night - all of you are incredible!
--
Jersey Girl Amigas Love Cookie!
twinsmom and justforme2 and everyone who has already shared recaps/reviews ... thank you for putting some words to last night's experience. I haven't had a moment yet to really process it all beyond the unintelligible.
To be there last night, literally at the stage front ... there are no words.
ETA: It was wonderful having a chance to greet those of you I've had the pleasure of meeting before and others for the first time last night. David Cook fans ROCK! ::smiles::
P.S. I still have no voice *lmao*
P.P.S. I was up until 2:30 a.m. listening to tracks from the new album (how could I not) and will echo justforme2's thoughts ... seeing/hearing David perform seven of these tracks live with the EEB (fantastic musicians and really terrific, down-to-earth guys) ... it was remarkable, intense, exhiliarating ...
--
FoolsApril64 - Site Moderator
Thanks SO MUCH to everyone for posting pictures, videos, and your experiences at the gala! This site is awesome with sharing and caring! Love, Allie
Others have already done a great job posting the details of the Gala. So I'll just post my impressions from the night.
I'm barely alive this morning lol. Between my really tired and sore feet and music that was beyond amazing I feel totally wiped out this morning. As good as the album is, the live versions were even more incredible. David live and right in front of me in a tiny venue kicked some serious ass. To say he was in his element last night would be the understatement of the year. He was more comfortable and having more fun up on that stage than I have ever seen him. Although I imagine that the people who knew him and saw him perform pre idol had the pleasure of seeing "this" Dave many times before.
He owned that stage last night. He had the entire audience in the palm of his hand. During the AI show and tour he was confident, charming and sexy on stage. Last night he was all that magnified a dozen times and throw in some he's a total ham moments. Dave and Neal dueling guitars....ummm yeah I have no words, at least not anything I'd type on a public message board. When he told us to get ready because this was unlike anything we had seen on AI he wasn't kidding. If Dave or his record label were unsure before last night if his AI audience wanted something that different or not, I guarantee you that this morning they KNOW that rock God Dave is exactly what we want.
I left the Hard Rock last night so full of emotions. I felt proud to be a part of a group that donated $5,350 to a great cause. I was happy for Dave because he has so obviously been able to disconnect from AI and make the transition back to his musical roots while still showing growth in his song writing, singing and performance capabilities. I felt excited that I got to spend the day with some great friends and to share this experience with them. I had happy tears in my eyes from watching him hold that mic out to us during Light On so we could sing to him. The expression on his face was priceless at that moment. Oh and last but not least I felt like a giggly 15 year old after wrapping myself up in Dave's tour jacket that we won in the auction.
One more impression that I came away from the Hard Rock with last night...
Most bands/singers that I have loved and listened to over the years sound either similar or not quite as good live as they do on their albums. There have been a few exceptions over the years, Dave is one of them. I listened to the album stream and as impressed as I was, he was even better doing those songs live last night. He has a voice that does not in any way need the enhancements that a studio offers. His voice coupled with his obvious love for performing live will make his solo tour a DO NOT MISS event.
--
Here's my video of Barbasol. I apologize that the audio is not more clear but I was in front of some giant speakers. It was an amazing night. David and all the guys were on fire. The Hard Rock was rocking!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Td8MoII4JU
Was right next to Rickey at the gala - sorry if I was screaming too loud - but David and his band are outrageous live. It was an aural, visual, emotional, musical 'ploding time.
Those of you thinking about trying to get into the "intimate" concert - do it. The concert stage at Hard Rock is perfect - fantastic sightlines from everywhere and really close.
I went with a friend who used to be a record exec - she said they reminded her of when Bon Jovi first started (she assisted with production of Slippery When Wet.) Her opinion - Lie should be the next single. I thought Heroes was total ear candy, and of course, the crowd was so pumped for Bar-Ba-Sol - you'd think it had been a hit for years and years.
The entire band is all kinds of gorgeousness. Joey and Kyle are so alive on stage and Andy and Neal were like consummate professionals. Of course, David sang his face off, was so confident and looked yummy. This was no AI concert, people. Run, don't walk to the next time you can see them live.
Now out to learn how to upload photos.
I"m so proud of David. I'm a fan for life.
--
WordNerd # 3429
Keeper of the pink BAD t-shirt
Boricua WordNerd
"If you want to know the truth,
You make or break my day"
Thanks for the recap! I was actually wondering if that wasTimmy from the tour that was helping David with his guitars? Thanks for confirming it. So cool that he has that gig now!
--
Some mics have all the luck...
*suffering from mic envy*
Such a wonderful review. Made me feel as though I was there
--
I think David Cook is the best American Idol ever. He has a captivating voice and is an intelligent and well grounded individual.
Uploaded photobucket album from this/last night
http://s526.photobucket.com/albums/cc347/shaunayork0904/DC%20Hard%20Rock...
S
--
“When a man feels throbbing within him the power to do what he undertakes as well as it can possibly be done, this is happiness, this is success.” Orison Swett Marden
THANKS FOR THE LIE VIDEO. ILOVE IT.
--
***singrosal***
OMG OMG I CAN'T BELIEVE I GOT TO EXPERIENCE THAT. I WOULD HAVE PAID 2X THE AMOUNT. HIS FIRST PUBLIC APPEARANCE IS JUST PRICELESS. OMG OMG AND I WON THE JACKET FROM THE WORD NERD HOME COLLECTION. I LOVE MY WORD NERDS AND ESPECIALLY MY LOVE STACY. I LOVE YOU, STAC. CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY JACKET.
--
<3 AMANDA
WORD NERD #1985
The gala tonight was amazing. These guys are awesome live! I only filmed one complete song and finally got it uploaded from youtube (I'm still on a cookie high I guess). It was so much fun meeting everyone from the boards, you made this cancuck girl feel at home!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UWL7K-LIrBc
--
“When a man feels throbbing within him the power to do what he undertakes as well as it can possibly be done, this is happiness, this is success.” Orison Swett Marden
Hi everyone, I and Annette were also there. We agree with Twinsmom on everything and then some! Hopefully you will all get a chance to experience David Cook and company in concert---it was a sight to behold! Check out the videos--they are extremely worth it.
This is awesome. Thanks for taking the time to type it all up. I loved reading it. The only thing better would have been being there myself.
here are the videos from Rickey
http://www.blogtv.com/Shows/190746/ZeNHbuXEae7HZe_tbH&pos=ancr
http://www.blogtv.com/Shows/190746/ZeNHbuXEae7HZe_Fb_&pos=ancr
http://www.blogtv.com/Shows/190746/ZeNHbuXEae7HZe_tbH&pos=ancr
Visit www.cougarslovecook.com the magazine style David Cook fansite for news, loads of videos, pages of photos, forum and store with the Star/Handcuff necklace David wore & the TOML necklace KLC wears.
Thank you SO MUCH for posting this!!! I have been anxiously watching the clock all night, wondering what you all were doing, was David playing now, etc. I felt so bad that I didn't go but thanks to your recap, I now feel like I was there!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! This was a wonderful review!!!! So glad to know David ad the boys rocked the crowd! ( I wouldn't expect any less! LOL)
Thank you SO MUCH for posting this!!! I have been anxiously watching the clock all night, wondering what you all were doing, was David playing now, etc. I felt so bad that I didn't go but thanks to your recap, I now feel like I was there!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!! This was a wonderful review!!!! So glad to know David ad the boys rocked the crowd! ( I wouldn't expect any less! LOL)
twinsmom said:
Based on this performance, I feel that in twenty years I will be saying, "I remember seeing David at the Hard Rock when he was just starting out."
That is my hope! It's a cool thought, isn't it? I can't wait to see/hear more of them.
Thanks so much for sharing your review - well done.
I just got home and wanted to echo what was said above. They were INCREDIBLE. I have to get to bed, but just wanted to post that.
Loved the reaction to the "Light On" glowsticks!
--
Very cool! I saw pictures from the event and David looked stunning.
--
:: JESS ::
Awesome writeup!! You didn't miss a thing...What an amazing night!
Thank you so much for sharing!! I bet that was absolutely amazing to see! Good Lord I can't wait!
-Val
--
Rocked out with Cookie in STL!!! I can't wait for more!!
www.myspace.com/valariegibbs
Thank you for sharing this. A night of history in the making and from what I could see of videos he was really in his element tonight and did an amazing performance. You're one lucky lady!
--
"WHAT?!?!? What are you guys doing here.."
~David Cook May 9, 2008 to 7,000 screaming fans in Kansas City's Power and Light District
thanks for your awesome review..sounds like DC was a hit..but we all new he would be right?The man is amazing!
--
Thank you so much for this! And I'm so glad you had a great time
how awesome!
--
Cristen ~ AKA cshaney ~ AKA streetcake
Thanks for the wonderful and FAST review from the Hard Rock ! You lucky dogs! SQUEEE!!! I gotta go check out the Songs! GAH! Bye!
--
Glad you had such a great time!!
Jeannine
--
I was there too!!! I remember all of this!! Oh what a fantastic night!! One I will never ever forget!!