Concert Review
David Cassidy
Bear’s Den Inside
Seneca Niagara Casino
Niagara Falls, NY
Friday June 21, 2013
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
Seventies teen idol and heartthrob, David Cassidy made a stop to The Bear’s Den Friday evening. Cassidy rose to fame as Keith Partridge in the television sitcom The Partridge Family. Besides his acting, he also enjoyed a successful music career in which has earned numerous awards and distinctions. One such distinction saw his fan club membership exceed Elvis Presley and The Beatles at one point.
Cassidy at a youthful 63, still has what it takes physically to perform as he worked the stage. He has what he called a rough go lately citing several injuries most notably a cut above his eye that requires eight stitches and a fractured finger which of course happened to be the most important finger needed to play guitar which he mentioned a few times which may be the reason for the light set list.
Cassidy was backed by a wonderful group of musicians that included drummer Teri Coté, guitarist Dave Robicheau, bassist Frank Fabio and keyboardist, producer and arranger Craig J. Cassidy called them the best band he has ever played with a few times during the ninety minute set.
Opening with the theme song from The Partridge Family, “Come On Get Happy” Cassidy soldiered on telling several stories throughout the show. A heartfelt moment occurred when introducing “Daydream Believer”, a song he dedicated to the late Davy Jones from The Monkees. Jones passed away in 2012 and Cassidy mentioned how he had only got to know Jones over the last five years. He was to have done a show with Jones that was scheduled but Jones passed away beforehand. It should also be noted Robicheau was Jones guitar player and manager moreover played on a Monkees tour at one point.
Overall the vocal mix seemed a tad high mostly during songs, a little out of character for usually great sounding Bear’s Den. Cassidy more than made up for that glitch telling stories and with his playful banter with the crowd which by the time of “I Think I Love You” had brought out the teenage girl in all the women in the audience. Seeing David took them back to a time in their lives they will cherish forever, you know the one where they had David’s picture on their wall or on their lunchbox. Nostalgia plays a big important part in life and is one of the reasons why artists even after their time in the sun are still in demand. Perhaps next time David can bring his half brother Shaun, who also was a teen idol, what a double bill that would be.
Set List
Come On, Get Happy
Crossroads
Point Me In The Direction Of Albuquerque
Gloria (Them Cover()
Wild Night (Van Morrison Cover)
Hush (Joe South Cover)
I’m A Believer (Neil Diamond Cover)
Daydream Believer (The Monkees Cover)
I’ll Meet You Halfway
Feelin’ Alright (Traffic Cover)
Cherish
I Woke Up In Love This Morning
I Think I Love You
Special thanks to Tony Astran for setting us up to review the show
