Alan asked me some time ago if I would write down what I remembered form the '86 Greek shows. I'm not a writer and have never done a review, but I sent him a few of my thoughts:
It wasn't Hot! In fact, it gets very cool up on the mountain. It's a long drive up the mountain to the theater and even further up to the observatory at the top of the mountain. There weren't any tree people. The parking is on gravel areas down the mountain from the theatre. So depending on when you get there, you could have a long walk to your seat.
The theatre itself is beautiful. There are big pine trees all around it. They have added wings on the sides and benches at the back since the 1972 concerts for additional seating. We were in the new wings for at least two of the shows and on the benches in the back for one. We sat right behind Rose one night (on the side) and watched everyone come in and talk to her.
The shows were about the same every night until the second week (after we left) and he added Back In L.A. and I believe he did The American Popular Song medley. King wore Neil's shirt from the Liberty Special for several of the shows.
I remember that Linda used to sing Flowers standing in her own little corner of the stage. It was at the Greek that she started moving toward Neil and that became part of the song thereafter.
I'm Alive and Stand Up For Love were memorable songs in the show as of course The Story Of My Life. Most of the dialog on the album sounds like he went into the studio and shouted into the microphone to dub it in. I don't recall hearing anything that sounded like that at all. He was still changing shirts for the encores then (white shirt and vest for Brother Love) and of course leaving the stage with the walkoff after I Am...I Said.
The stage was closed off by a curtain that said "Thank You L.A. for 14 Sold Out Shows." I don't remember if it came down at the end after Neil left or not, I just remember it before the show started.
The orchestra was under the stage and Neil always introduced Asa (the conductor) and they had a nice little chat during the band intros. Neil sometimes offered to send them bread and water. The orchestra added a lot to the overall sound.
It was definitely a memorable experience and I'd go back again if he ever decided to play the Greek.
Posted on Aug 10, 2000, 1:31 PM from IP address 24.4.253.96
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