Concert Review
The Rascals
Shea’s Performing Arts Center
Buffalo, NY
Friday November 23, 2013
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
One of the most underrated bands of all-time, The Rascals with their original lineup intact made a stop in Buffalo Friday evening to Shea’s Performing Arts Center. Felix Cavaliere, Gene Cornish, Eddie Brigati and Dino Danelli are playing for the public on the same stage together for the first time in forty years. Dubbed as the “Once Upon A Dream” tour, the show is unique in that it features interviews with the band as well as reenactments of the groups history spliced together by the band playing several of their classics.
The band has had several offers over the years to play together again but turned down each one. It wasn’t until Steven Van Zandt who produced, wrote and directed this concert/theatrical event sold the band on the concept of what he wanted to do. Van Zandt himself was the one who inducted them into the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame in 1997 and has been on a one man mission to see them get together again.
The band performed several Rascal’s standards. Highlights included “Groovin,” “A Girl Like You” and “People Got To Be Free.” No, Rascal’s show would be complete without perhaps their biggest hit “Good Lovin,” which topped the charts back in 1966. “Good Lovin” always makes it on several lists when talking about one of the greatest songs of all-time.
There were probably only a handful of patrons in the crowd that had previously seen the band play back in its heyday. Once Upon A Dream is an uplifting, invigorating experience that helps show who the Rascals were and of their importance to helping shape the musical landscape of the sixties. The band will appear back on Broadway for three weeks in December, check them out if you can.
Set List
It’s Wonderful
I’ve Been Lonely Too Long
What Is the Reason
You Better Run
Carry Me Back
Slow Down
Mickey’s Monkey @Cover[Smokey Robinson & The Miracles]
Turn On Your Love Light
Mickey’s Monkey (reprise)
Come on Up
Baby Let’s Wait
Too Many Fish in the Sea
If I Knew You
Hold On
I Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore
Good Lovin’
Intermission
Love Is a Beautiful Thing
Groovin’
Do You Feel It
Away Away
It’s A Beautiful Morning
Sueno
Find Somebody
A Girl Like You
It’s Love
How Can I Be Sure
People Got to Be Free
Heaven
A Ray of Hope
Banter re Once Upon a Dream
People Got To Be Free (reprise)
