When I checked my inbox to find a promotion for Van Morrison performing at The Fox Theatre in Detroit, I couldn't resist. Moondance is one of my favourite CDs and the Fox is such a gorgeous venue to see a concert. I had to act fast as the tickets went on sale the next day, but I was able to book it off and Jason traded a shift and we were all set.
My curiousity was peaked when I received an email the day before the concert with a few guidelines. The concert would start at 7:30pm SHARP. There would be NO late admittance. Cell phones, cameras and recording devices were not allowed and if used, would be reason for the individual to be removed from the concert. Alcohol would not be served and smoking was not allowed, even in designated areas. Re-entry would not be permitted. Basically if you showed up smelling like smoke, you would not be allowed in. Oh well...a few rules.
After getting a little lost in Detroit (there was a lot of construction) we parked and walked to the Fox. We arrived around 7:15, which was very unusual for us. We were ushered to our seats by some rather strict attendants (absolutely no line jumping) and the show started promptly at 7:30pm. Although I wasn't familiar with a lot of the songs, I really enjoyed the show. Good songs, great musicians. Although, as the show progressed, I started to wonder: where was Moondance, Caravan, Into the Mystic...hello? Brown Eyed Girl???
At precisely 9pm he walked offstage and was soon followed by his band. I thought we were breaking for an intermission, but the house lights came up, and the crew started striking the stage! WHAT??? Are you kidding? Don't get me wrong, I enjoyed the show, but frankly, I felt a little ripped off. We spent 2 hours getting there and 2 hours home, parking, walking to the show, the price of the ticket and he performed for precisely 1.5 hours (without the songs I wanted to hear)
I will still enjoy Moondance but will always remember that night at The Fox.
