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Post by Peach on Jun 13, 2004 9:51:59 GMT -5
 Watch this space for the Review! Honestly, either I'm jaded because this is my second show, or?  I'm not as excited to see The Temptations as I was the first time. What is wrong with me? Is it because I'm taking not only Anna (who was there last time with me and loved it), but also a very good friend (who is a "new convert," thanks to me.) ;D I just don't want her to spoil my crazed enthusiasm maybe... Not to start any BS, but I think I'd be more excited about seeing the Review. And I really think it has to do with the fact that their members have not changed yet again. I have yet *another* new member to get used to. Yes, I have read all the great reviews about Joe, so it's not that I think he won't be good. To be truthful, I'm tired of the revolving door.... it doesn't make one want to be excited about *any* current member, for fear they won't be long in the group anyway. Back in the day with the Classic 5....or even when Dennis joined.... the revolving door wasn't officially happening (at least it wasn't apparent to US), so when you would see them it was a naive feeling that they would be there forever. In which case, you *could* get excited about seeing the same line-up. Am I making sense? It's possible that the casual fan doesn't care....they have no idea who is who, how long they have been there, etc. But to the BIG FAN.....well, to me......it DOES matter. On that note, I AM excited about seeing the Four Tops, yet also a little wary. I saw the original four, right before Lawrence Payton got really sick......and they BLEW ME AWAY. It was one of the best shows I had ever seen. (Front row for that one, too..... and I remember having the time of my life.) So......watch this space! ;D ;D Peach
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Post by ZeldaFScott on Jun 13, 2004 10:41:48 GMT -5
Peach, I see your point quite clearly. To be honest, afer seeing the clips from the Motown 45 show, I would not want to take a fresh "convert" to a Temptation show ... I thought it was embarrassing. If it hadn't been for G.C. the Tempts would have looked like an amateur group compared to the Tops. I am sorry to appear negative again, but that's my opinion. If Otis is smart, he will do everything to keep G.C. in the group. He has the voice and the style the Tempts need. Also, I can't help to think that the Four Tops enjoyed what they were doing, while the Tempts appeared to go through their routine rather listlessly. Nevertheless, I hope you and Anna and your friend will prove me totally wrong on this .... Have a great time, Peach!  |
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Post by janebse on Jun 13, 2004 10:44:43 GMT -5
I am so hoping that they will sing one or more of their new songs from LEGACY. Let us know if they do.
Harry was so good looking and had such a nice voice that I too wondered how I would accept Joe, but Joe has his own personality and is very nice, an excellent bass voice, and I found I liked him too. I prefer it when each person does not try to be someone else, just himself. You won't have any trouble accepting Joe. He's good. I first saw G.C. at his second concert. And he too doesn't try to be anyone else. He's confident of himself, and that's good.
So many people who have known the Temptations from the very beginning have told me that "Otis has done a fantastic job at getting replacements. They are all good." I think what they're saying is that The Temptations are a group, and the sum is more than the parts.
If you've heard LEGACY, you've heard that fantastic Temptation sound. They are a group.
I've never gone to a Temptations concert with anyone else. I think it's the same way you feel and tdallas too. I enjoy The Temptations so much that I don't want someone going just because they like me or hate to think of me going by myself or whatever. I want to savor the experience within myself. And I treasure each second.
I'm not really fond of country music, but I have relatives and friends who are. So far I've begged out of going with them to a concert. Fortunately I've had good reasons each time. The truth is that if I went with them just because I didn't want to offend them or wanted to show I appreciated their wanting to share their enjoyment with me, I would spoil their fun.
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Post by janebse on Jun 13, 2004 10:50:21 GMT -5
To clarify a point. When I said GC has confidence of himself, I did not mean in an arrogant way. He simply accepts himself as he is.
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Post by Peach on Jun 13, 2004 15:01:48 GMT -5
I may be hesitant because I don't want my friend to stifle me, as well.  I can get pretty nuts. But Anna is used to me. I'm thinking about giving my friend lots to drink so she makes a fool out of herself, too. ;D ;D :laughing She does wonder if they'll be good, I think, "because they're so old." So I think she doesn't know what to expect. It's that fine line between fan (that's her) and fanatic (that's us) ;D Peach |
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Post by Peach on Jun 13, 2004 15:06:51 GMT -5
Harry was so good looking and had such a nice voice that I too wondered how I would accept Joe, but Joe has his own personality and is very nice, an excellent bass voice, and I found I liked him too. I prefer it when each person does not try to be someone else, just himself. You won't have any trouble accepting Joe. He's good. I first saw G.C. at his second concert. And he too doesn't try to be anyone else. He's confident of himself, and that's good. So many people who have known the Temptations from the very beginning have told me that "Otis has done a fantastic job at getting replacements. They are all good." I think what they're saying is that The Temptations are a group, and the sum is more than the parts. I knew exactly what you meant by confident....he definitely is. I know the Temptations are a group....but shouldn't the group have a warmth.....a familiarity.....camaraderie? How can they have any of that when no one is around long enough to develop that? Those aren't "old friends" up there (to each other OR to us).....they are merely co-workers. That's what I object to. It's not important to some people.....after all, as we discussed after the last show I saw...they are a well-oiled machine. Professionals. Well  is all I say to that. I have no doubt that Joe will be good........ Otis IS good at picking out good singers. But that isn't the whole story to me. (Call me crazy.) Peach |
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Post by janebse on Jun 13, 2004 16:23:04 GMT -5
You've raised some interesting questions.
1. I think most of these top singers know each other quite well, running into each other every frequently on the tours through the years.
2. Theo who was a Tempt is often performing as a Top now on the same stage with the Temptations, and people will see him talking to Otis and the others in a very friendly way. In one sense their fans may be their worst enemies, creating rivalries where none exist. (The old "My Dad is stronger than your Dad" routine.)
3. Two of the Tops didn't speak to each other, even dress in the same room before a performance, for 20 years before one died. It didn't seem to affect their performances.
But in another sense being a Temptation is what most singers (those interested in being in a group) long for. That's the top. Some people aren't suited for group singing, but that's another factor.
Each year top band students in America's high schools audition to be in the McDonald's All-American Band and march in the Rose Bowl and the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. One of these students told me about the experience. None of the kids knew each other beforehand. They met a week before each event and practiced, being led by one of the nation's top band conductors. Unfortunately, he is a very well-known name, but I cannot think of it now. Anyway, this boy told me this man demanded professionalism from these kids. Here they were in NY City and LA, and he demanded all of their waking hours practicing seriously. No foolishness. But this boy loved and felt honored to be treated so. That was many years ago, and he is a serious professional musician today.
There is a certain sense of honor and pride at being one of the best and most respected. I'm not certain I can explain the feeling. But friendship is not what you demand. It's the joy of working with someone as excited and interested in your field as you are. And you'll work 24 hours a day with such a group, but you don't necessarily want to play golf with them or goof off with them. And you challenge each other, in a way.
When you're with a group like that, you want to work all the time.
Now sometimes you can get jealousy within a group. I'll use the Lakers with Shaq and Kobe as an example. Each wants to be the team's savior. Each thinks he is the team's savior.
Jealousy is a human characteristic, and I don't know how to eliminate it. It exists within families. If you have more than one child, you'd certainly see jealousy crop its evil head. Parents work at correcting the problem, but believe me, it can cause serious problems. I think the person who is jealous has to recognize the fact and work to correct it himself. Certainly telling someone they're jealous doesn't work.
Group interaction is an interesting field. The Beatles could only last 10 years. Perhaps studies and outlines have been done of group interactions, and someone may have written a thesis which states: Groups can exist at a successful level for 10 years maximum. ANd then we'd see a chart with all the rises and falls and read of the various stages in relationships within a group.
And perhaps the size of the group is a factor here. We've all read of the deep love of Ronald and Nancy Reagan. We've also read of how the children felt left out. Nancy herself said, "I always wanted to be a good wife and a good mother. I succeeded at the first. I failed at the latter." As the children got older, they understood more and the relationships improved, and they now understand that what their father and mother had was rare. I've seen marriages like that, and in each case the children were left out.
The friendship of Melvin and Otis was legendary. I think so many factors are involved that any easy answer would be far too simplistic. The more people who are involved, the more difficult the relationship.
But I think in the relationship we're talking about, professionalism is a big factor. Last year I went to several concerts where people kept asking me, "Are they professional?" A rather strange question I thought, but they had never seen The Temptations before; they had seen some of the groups with former Tampts in them. They had not found these other groups very professional. Afterwards I asked them, "Did you think The Temptations were professional?" "Oh, yes," they said with a smile.
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Post by Temptress on Jun 13, 2004 18:26:59 GMT -5
I plan to see the Tempts and Tops in Atlanta Ga July 7. Couldn't get a good seat though  . Iam EXCITED. I am really looking forward to seeing Theo  As for as changes in the line up...........I don't like it . I know sometimes they have to for different reasons. I don't like it. How long will this line up last? I think it is a pretty good lineup.  |
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Post by Aba21 on Jun 13, 2004 21:37:41 GMT -5
I knew exactly what you meant by confident....he definitely is. I know the Temptations are a group....but shouldn't the group have a warmth.....a familiarity.....camaraderie? How can they have any of that when no one is around long enough to develop that? Those aren't "old friends" up there (to each other OR to us).....they are merely co-workers. That's what I object to. It's not important to some people.....after all, as we discussed after the last show I saw...they are a well-oiled machine. Professionals. Well is all I say to that. I have no doubt that Joe will be good........ Otis IS good at picking out good singers. But that isn't the whole story to me. (Call me crazy.) Peach first Anna, you are right in your assessment of what you saw of the Temps on Motown 45...However the Tops performed before the audience and the Temps did a tape in front of some people working around the set and doing other busy work. There was no enthusiasm in the crowd and it showedin the way they performed. on that note, Peach I have played with a few guys in my day I was not fond of and had no use for off the court. But when the ball went up at night for the game I never did not intentionally not pass a guy the ball just because I didn't like him. It would be nice if they liked each other.......but they don't have to. They may look at it like I did at the end of my career as a job....a way to make ends meet......nobody is getting rich off this deal except maybe Otis.....so I wouldn't be surprised if there wasn't some animosity when it came to who does all the work and who makes the most money. I belive that as far back as Dennis you can find that when one man is asked to carry you, he will at some point expect to be paid for doing so............and it seems that that becomes a problem around the Temptations. |
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Post by Peach on Jun 14, 2004 10:03:05 GMT -5
I plan to see the Tempts and Tops in Atlanta Ga July 7. Couldn't get a good seat though . Iam EXCITED. I am really looking forward to seeing Theo As for as changes in the line up...........I don't like it . I know sometimes they have to for different reasons. I don't like it. How long will this line up last? I think it is a pretty good lineup. I had to laugh last night...... the Temptations concert shirt was, interestingly, PROFILES/SILHOUETTES of the group. I think there was a good reason for that. Peach |
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Post by ZeldaFScott on Jun 14, 2004 10:47:48 GMT -5
What do you mean? I am afraid I don't understand. |
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Post by Peach on Jun 14, 2004 10:54:41 GMT -5
Okay, so I started to write my review when I get the big red X....had to reboot and can't remember what I was saying. (This, when I wasn't really wanting to write a review in the first place.) ;D I had a harder time remembering this one, mainly because the Temps show was pretty identical to the one in September, save for a new bass singer (he's a sweetheart and very personable. Nice addition....sounds good, too.) and G.C. is definitely coming into his own. He sounded great last night........ It was a Temptations crowd, but the Four Tops were great. Wore what they wore on the Motown special--the magenta sequined tops (pink?) and matching pants, black shirts. Theo blew me away with "Always and Forever." It was also good to hear "Shake Me, Wake Me," "Still Waters," and "It's All in the Game." They were having some trouble with our high altitude so there was an oxygen tank backstage... then, at one point, Obie had to go off-stage....seems the altitude, heat was getting to him. (But I must say he was having a great time! He cracked me up.) The Temptations wore all blue........ like a royal blue, very casual. Blue shirts, blue pants....... kind of surprised me. Initially, I thought they were walking on in JEANS. :shocked Or work clothes.....that's what it reminded me of, at first. But it grew on me.  I had a different perspective, being on stage right...in front of Terry. That man can MOVE. Loved watching him all night. But, unfortunately, their positioning was lop-sided. They seemed to be more on the left of the stage, which means the people to the right of me got all the love. ;D At one point, Joe motioned for Anna to come right up to the stage and he held her hand and sang "The Girl's Alright With Me" to her. She was embarrassed, but pleased. She was kind of a stick in the mud all night, but my friend had a great time. She gave the big ![]() temptsinfo.com/smilies/wtg.gif![]() to both groups, amazed at their stamina with dancing and singing in this altitude. I think she was prepared to see the "Old Folks' Tour" but was pleasantly surprised. She had a great time. Big disappointment......there WAS a meet and greet afterwards, but it was for *VIPs* in the VIP section, and you obviously needed some kind of pass.  I brought my "Legacy" CD for no reason..... even waved it high when Otis announced their new CD. Joe and Ron saw it and smiled and acknowledge it but..... Don't think I will probably go see them again the next time around, although my friend wants to take her mom to the next show. (She's a big fan, I guess.) I'll save my $$ for the Review. ;D Peach |
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Post by Peach on Jun 14, 2004 10:59:24 GMT -5
What do you mean? I am afraid I don't understand. Meaning with a silhouette shirt, it doesn't matter *who* is in the group.....there are no faces on it! Less money spent that way. ;D Peach |
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Post by curet30 on Jun 14, 2004 11:39:01 GMT -5
Big disappointment......there WAS a meet and greet afterwards, but it was for *VIPs* in the VIP section, and you obviously needed some kind of pass. Peach Next time be sure to have Aba21 with you as your VIP pass ;D And if he's not available - count me in ABA21 - U 'da man!!! |
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Post by Aba21 on Jun 14, 2004 11:54:51 GMT -5
Thanks Curet30 but we da men!!!
I wanted to say to Peach that I respect your opinion of the show you saw and the way you thought out your comments before writing them. There are many who like the Review better than the Temptations and I see nothing wrong with that. I thought it was said the way it should be said, you prefer the Review and you didn't have to diss the Tempts to say so.
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I had a different perspective, being on stage right...in front of Terry. That man can MOVE. Loved watching him all night. But, unfortunately, their positioning was lop-sided. They seemed to be more on the left of the stage, which means the people to the right of me got all the love. ;D At one point, Joe motioned for Anna to come right up to the stage and he held her hand and sang "The Girl's Alright With Me" to her. She was embarrassed, but pleased. 
I brought my "Legacy" CD for no reason..... even waved it high when Otis announced their new CD. Joe and Ron saw it and smiled and acknowledge it but..... 