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#4375354 - 08/19/17 03:38 PM Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: MarkG]  
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I'll give a more detailed review later (with a few more pics), just wanted to say that The Fixx puts on such a fantastic show! They played for just under two hours after an excellent starting act (who closed their set covering Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust").

Worst moment...
Wife's new iPhone 7 gave me fits all evening (mainly unintentionally touching screen and buttons, finger in frame, needs protective cover for easier grip and to keep side buttons recessed). Every time the guitarist would walk over and stand directly in front of us (which would be only for a quick moment, his area was other side of stage), I couldn't ready the phone in time to take a pic (also trying to do so discreetly). Agrrrrrh! I could have also gotten a couple a great shots of the singer standing right there, looking directly at us, but I was practically mesmerized. I quickly gave up fighting with the phone and just enjoyed the show, although I did get a couple of good shots (no close-ups of the guitarist playing, though).

Best moment...
Last song of the regular set, the keyboardist starts this little number while the singer starts talking about a space (like the video above). I put my hands up and curled my fingers (thumb touching fingers) in the shape of a zero, and the singer gives me a little smiling nod, probably seeing the big ass grin on my face because I knew what was coming! biggrin

Man, these guys are so good (even the 3 or 4 songs we didn't know were enjoyable), we're fans of The Fixx now and can't wait to see them again. I'll post a little more later.

Woke up this morning and it was 2017. Damn. frown

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

Attached Files Fixx_BR.jpgFixx_00.jpgFixx_01.jpgFixx_02.jpg


The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4375481 - 08/20/17 03:00 PM Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: MarkG]  
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Originally Posted by LB4LB
I always loved West-Orams guitar work. The guitar solo in "Outside" is short but awesome. Always turned to 11. My Fixx flashback is driving in my 1985 Toyota Celica GT with the sunroof down and Reach the Beach just jamming.


Before I complete my "An Evening with The Fixx" (including setlist and a few more pics), I'm going to go off on a little tangent... smile

1987, wife and I were 19 and engaged...

[Linked Image]

My ride was a brand new barebones 1987 Dodge Colt E (purchased fall of '86, "Imported for Dodge", twin to the Mitsubishi Mirage), replacing a highly abused 4-banger 1978 Mustang II hatchback (really a Ford Pinto with horsey badges) I bought from a neighbor after HS in '85. My Colt was a 4-speed manual, no power anything, no radio, not even A/C in hot and humid Louisiana (we added A/C [~$750.00] after we married in Jan. '88). The salesman's name was Rick Arnett at Salsbury's Dodge, and mom gave him hell haggling for me over a ~$6,000 car (the things you remember, I couldn't tell you that for any other car purchases).

My car was stripped but I immediately added sound, mostly Kenwood (decent cassette head unit, amp, and speakers). What I would love is to be able to see my cassette briefcases (remember those?) in my car to see what tapes I had, mostly recorded albums with some mix tapes.

The original plan was to trade in the Mustang II (Pinto) for a Fiero GT in late '88 or early '89, once wife finished college and we both had good jobs. But it was becoming too unreliable and leaving me stranded, so the Colt was to be a temporary solution. In '87 I was working for the Dept. of Public Safety Data Processing, and sometimes my soon-to-be wife would bring me lunch, and then afterward we'd drive half a mile or so to Wolfensmith Pontiac (no longer) and sit in the new Fiero GTs in the showroom. Man, I remember how low you'd sit in that car, loved it (they should have put the tilt wheel down for pics)!...

[Linked Image]


A couple of years or so before that we'd go sit in the first gen. CRXs at the Honda dealership because she really liked them (she wanted a silver one)...meh. When we finally were ready to buy the Fiero in late-'89, they were no more, so we bought an '89 CRX Si instead. The one that got away...stupid GM! cuss

Anyway, I became impressed with imports after driving my wife's brother's '81 Celica GT 5-speed hatchback, wasn't fast but the shift/clutch action was soooo smooth and the car handled well.

Pics showing car, wife's Omni behind it (sold for ~$2,000 to pay for wedding/reception)...

Attached Files First_new_car.jpgDSCF4323.JPG237604.jpg1988_pontiac_fiero_gt.jpg100_8204.jpg


The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4375586 - 08/21/17 09:09 AM Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: MarkG]  
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Is it just me, or does Cy Kernan resemble a younger Roger Waters?


Phil

“The biggest problem people have is they don’t think they’re supposed to have problems.” - Hayes Barnard
#4375591 - 08/21/17 10:25 AM Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: NH2112]  
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Originally Posted by NH2112
Is it just me, or does Cy Kernan resemble a younger Roger Waters?


Yeah, he sure does. smile

Is it just me, or does the live extended version of "Save By Zero" resemble the main chords to the end of "Comfortably Numb", starting at 4:15?



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ObArkniQT6k

I think David Gilmour's ending solo would fit right in.

Up early this morning to finish going through and cleaning up my pics (reducing to 1024x768) for a final review post. Also, I believe I was wrong about cool bass guy, it's the same person (Dan K. Brown) in the "Red Skies" video which was remade for the React live album...



Attached Files Fixx_Bass.jpg


The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4375686 - 08/21/17 04:11 PM Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: MarkG]  
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A review of the evening, but first a few itemized thoughts...

1. As I mentioned on the "Cover/Tribute Band Thread", our regular musical date night restaurant closed down, we'll try it when it reopens as "The Fajita Factory". I wish now that I would have taken at least one pic of our regular shrimp fajitas and favorite waiter at the old place. I hope this one is as good, should be as their name infers that they specialize in fajitas. I was sick last weekend, had a relapse on Tuesday and feeling lucky that it had all but passed by Friday evening. Being sick, we haven't had dinner with my parents for a few days so my wife brought home sushi for four.

2. As I mentioned earlier, I was fighting with my wife's new iPhone7 (from a 4S) all evening. I had to go through hoops just to get my laptop to recognize the phone in Windows Explorer, then I had problems with the transfer. I thought it might be the selfie I took of us outside at the LSU clock tower (background was of a beautiful sunset). It was weird because the picture wasn't a still shot as intended, but had slight movement in it. confused I don't know what the hell I'm doing with this phone yet, but I ended up permanently deleting the selfie (which wasn't the problem). I should have let her figure out the phone part instead of getting careless and impatient. Also, some pics have the correct ratio for a 1024x768 reduction, but some are square and reduced to 768x768. I don't know yet what I did to get square pics, but whatever...I'll figure the phone out later.

3. I've noticed that when the lighting gets bright in the audience for a couple of seconds (it's usually dark with lighted stage), it's possibly someone in the stage area taking a candid pic of the audience. I haven't found an audience pic for this show yet but on that note, I wanted to show on this thread our relative position to the musicians..

[Linked Image]

That was the Aerosmith tribute band last month, the guy behind me, also with his arms up, was hilarious. biggrin

4. I would have thought the 'Prince' show (minus the simulated stage orgy) last Friday would have been the better date night performance (didn't help that I was sick), especially since The Fixx has no 'love songs' (that I know of). Nope, doesn’t always work out that way. Well, sometimes it does but not always (Rush being the same way).

++++++++++

Now for the show...it was awesome! thumbsup

I don't know who chose the pre-show music (usually the headliner) but I couldn't have done better for the moment (relaxing buzz with pleasant chit-chat). Seals & Crofts, Eagles, Ambrosia, Boz Scaggs, lots of good mellow stuff, we enjoyed it, especially since the show started an hour later than we thought. In the past, the starter band came on right at door opening (8PM) and the headliner at showtime (9PM), but this time the starter came on at 9PM and the headliner at 10PM.

I have to give props to the starter band, a local trio named “The Mythicals”, they played well and as noted earlier, closed with an excellent cover of Bowie's "Ziggy Stardust"...

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


The Fixx came on in a cool way, one musician at a time walked up on stage and started playing, beginning with the keyboardist, then bassist, drummer, guitarist and then singer. But damn if I can remember the song (one I've heard but don't know well enough to remember).

They played a similar set-list to the one last year that I posted earlier, except the encore was different (but still ending with “Secret Separation”) and not starting with “Red Skies” (that song was second or third).

My favorites were...

Red Skies
How Much Is Enough?
Are We Ourselves?
Beautiful Friction
One Thing Leads to Another
Built for the Future
Stand or Fall
Deeper and Deeper
Secret Separation
Saved by Zero

...but really, they were all good, the singer's charismatic nature made every song enjoyable, even the couple or so that we didn't know. I plan to go deep into their discography and next time I bet I'll know every song they play!

A few pics of the performance, including the singer playing guitar (he played an acoustic as well) and of course, the Zero hand sign!...

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]

[Linked Image]


You know, it would be difficult forking out money for another arena concert which can never sound as good as a small venue nor be such an intimate performance. This is one night we'll never forget!

BTW, even though the show is history, we still workout to the Fixx (or is it "The Fixx") and will probably continue to do so as I keep building my Fixx collection.

If I think of anything else, I'll post an edit.

Attached Files Mysticals_01.jpgMysticals_02.jpgFixx_03.jpgFixx_04.jpgFixx_05.jpgFixx_06.jpgFixx_07.jpgFixx_08.jpgVarsity_stage.jpg


The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4375700 - 08/21/17 05:22 PM Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: MarkG]  
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Thanks for the report Mark. That looked like a great night.

This is one my favorites by them. A great song, made out of 3 guitar chords (or less), plus great lyrics.



Built for the Future is a jam to.



They do have one "love song'.



You got me on a big Fixx kick again now. ]

Last edited by LB4LB; 08/21/17 05:30 PM.
#4375708 - 08/21/17 06:17 PM Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: MarkG]  
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Oh yeah, they played "Driven Out", even with the same "tree huggers" quote. smile

And you're right about "Secret Separation". I thought it was a good song to end the concert on, no wonder the rest of my evening went so well. wink

++++++++++

I should have mentioned, other than the drunk middle-aged woman who climbed on stage to kiss the bass player on the cheek (he didn't miss a beat and she was escorted off stage), Baton Rouge represented pretty well, IMO. There was a good crowd (not a packed house, but close) and they (we) threw plenty of energy back at the band. The house was rocking all evening, especially after the well-known songs and for the encore.

It's usually not so crowded at the Varsity Theater that one of you (assuming you're with someone) can't go to the restroom and easily make it back to the stage. In fact, I think people like us who try to get there a little early, are actually wanting to sit at a table in the back, not stand on the floor in front of the stage the entire concert. I've read plenty of Varsity Facebook complaints that there aren't enough chairs/tables, although I think they pick even those up sometimes if it's *really* crowded, usually the Molly Ringwalds (doesn't happen often, though).

The Casino event center added what looked to me like portable bleachers (several rows) which I thought was pretty cool if you want to take a break. At some shows people walk around or dance (I don't drink enough anymore to even fake any type of dancing but the slowest kind) but for the most part just stand and headbang or chill.

As I type this...weird lighting outside, no rain in forecast, lunar eclipse is upon me.

Last edited by MarkG; 08/21/17 06:36 PM.


The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4428829 - 07/04/18 05:18 AM 2018 Update! Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: MarkG]  
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Coming back to Baton Rouge!

[Linked Image]

Manship Theater, Monday August 20th (exactly one week before Journey/Def Leppard).

It's seats for this one, I got us near center, row F in the orchestra (first floor section).

==========
the FIXX Beach Tour

Alternative rock and MTV pioneers The FIXX embark on their summer-long “Beach Tour” which celebrates the 35th Anniversary of the release their multi-platinum “Reach The Beach” album. The FIXX will play the entire “Reach The Beach” album live from front to back in addition to other hits and fan favorites from their long, storied career.

Released in 1983, “Reach The Beach” spawned three Top 40 singles; “One Thing Leads To Another”, “Saved By Zero” and “The Sign Of Fire” and reached the top ten on Billboard’s Album Chart, Top 100 Singles Chart, Mainstream Rock Chart and received heavy airplay on both MTV and radio throughout the world. Even today, songs from “Reach The Beach” continue to receive substantial radio airplay as well as streams and video views numbering in the millions.

Long anticipated by fans, the tour marks the first time The FIXX has endeavored to perform any of their albums in its entirety in a live setting. Lead singer Cy Curnin reflects “So, here we are heading back to the beach that brought us to this brave new world way back when. I wonder how many grains of sand have turned into pearls of wisdom since then. We’re excited to find out.” Drummer Adam Woods thinks the time may be right to revisit the album, “It'll be good to get to play these songs while the beaches are still where you'd expect them to be...”.
==========

Aw man, we won't be standing at front of stage like last time in the Varsity (my favorite way to enjoy a concert), and these seated tickets are a little pricier at $35.00, but we'll still have a good time. Just not *quite* as good a time as last year.

Attached Files Fixx_returns.jpg


The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4435202 - 08/21/18 04:02 PM Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: MarkG]  
Joined: Dec 2003
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'The Fixx was outstanding last night. They started the concert with "Outside" and played all of "Reach the Beach" backwards, ending the first set with track 1 "One Thing Leads To Another"...



https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wtuVjGEEOVQ

Nice stage screen this time as well, but sitting a few rows back just isn't the same as standing at front of stage like last time.

The second set after an intermission was the rest of their hits and familiar songs ("Red Skies", "Stand Or Fall", "Built For The Future", "Less Cities, More Moving People", "Are We Ourselves", "Deeper and Deeper", etc.).

I have a couple of pics to post once I get motivated enough to get wife's iPhone connected to Linux Mint. But they really don't compare to the pics on this thread from last year.

I love this band and will see them any time they come to Baton Rouge.

EDIT: The encore was the same as last year, ending the show with "Secret Separation".

Last edited by MarkG; 08/21/18 04:10 PM.


The rusty wire that holds the cork that keeps the anger in
Gives way and suddenly it’s day again
The sun is in the east
Even though the day is done
Two suns in the sunset, hmph
Could be the human race is run
#4435378 - 08/22/18 10:02 PM Re: The Fixx, Fri. Aug. 18 8PM, Varsity Theatre [Re: MarkG]  
Joined: Dec 2000
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A highly underrated band. "Red Skies" is still my fave. biggrin


The issue is not p*ssy. The issue is monkey.
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