If you're gonna do it, do it right... right ;)

On 7/23, my gal pal Miss Jen and I got to cross something off our life list… that something was seeing George Michael in concert. It was something we’d talked about doing for 8 years. And during those 8 years, considering the state ol’ Georgie boy had gotten himself into, we were pretty sure that seeing him was a near impossibility. But the planets aligned, the heavens parted, and there we were – realizing our big, gay dream. So, join us in a blow-by-blow (mind the cheeky pun) of what was a right good show, indeed.

Joan: Well, Jenny – I can hardly believe it’s finally come to pass. Pinch me, am I dreaming?

Jen: Pinch! Our big, gay, wonderful dream finally came true. Even if we were on THE VERY top row of Madison Square Garden. Like, we couldn't BE further from the stage. There was nobody behind us! So we could stand up and dance if we wanted to... although if we did, a part of the ceiling blocked a bit of the view. That's right folks: the CEILING of MSG. :-)

Joan: That guy, with the long white beard and flowing cloak... I think he was God. But I digress. Georgie boy was in top form -- he looked great, sounded great, and the set direction was better than any Broadway show I've seen... The focal point of the stage was a giant screen that rolled up over the floor and up to the top of his set like a giant roll of film. Images from his videos would play in the background then entire show, while a smattering of colorful graphics were interlaced throughout. Whoever his set designer was is a genius. What amazed Jen and I was that his band was set up in a 3-story format at the back of the stage... leaving him to occupy the bulk of the space himself. And if ever a man could fill that space -- it was George.

Jen: It was a real testament to George's talent: the stage was just fabulous lighting, video and graphics, and HIM. No backup dancers, the band (which was solid, and kickin'!) pretty much out of sight -- just a man who, at 45, can still shake it and sing his ASS off and carry a 2-hour plus show all by himself. You tell me how many of today's "artists" can pull that off. The set designers were indeed genius, and so was whoever put together this show. They know what the audience wanted to see: just George. And the man delivered, in spades. I don't think he hit even one wrong note. What a gift from God that voice is. His salvation, and ours too!

Joan: Can't agree more... He was just brilliant. And he pulled out a few surprises... well for us, anyway. We were delighted he chose some of the better Wham numbers -- there was not a "Wake Me Up Before You Go Go" in sight. (Thank God.) He chose instead: A Different Corner, Everything She Wants, I'm Your Man, and of course, Careless Whisper -- which he didn't have to sing... the mostly female audience did it for him -- and not a note off key. He played a nice mix of his solo career -- digging back to Kissing a Fool and Faith to Amazing and Absolutely Flawless (when the stadium went pink, baby -- and fabulously gay). I did miss Praying for Time and Waiting for that Day... But, aside from that -- I'd relive that set list again and again and...

Jen: ...and Amen to that, sista! He really picked songs that played to his longtime loyal fan base. Obscure songs that we love and know, like Kissing A Fool (O..M..G) and Star People and Everything She Wants (the 3 I wanted to hear most, and he did them). He. Was. Awesome. Absolutely flawless!!!

Joan: All and all... a fantastic show. I wish we didn't have to wait 17 years to see it, but I sure am glad we got the chance to get funky ;)