OT: Wrigley Field Concert Thread: Post all your Elton, Billy & Rascal reviews, requests and ruminations here

by ballhawk on Jul 16, 2009 1:50 PM CDT

Finally - we have baseball again. Might even be good baseball. But while the Cubs are on this road trip, there is a 3 concert homestand at Wrigley Field. Sir Elton John and Billy Joel kick it off tonight (July 16), Rascal Flatts slips in on Saturday (July 18) and EJ/BJ come back for an encore on Tuesday (July 21). After which, the Roger Baird Experience takes over with a little 'bluegrass' makeover, but that's a whole 'nother topic...

Anyway, I'm guessing there'll be a few BCBers in attendance at one or more of these shows - rather than a bunch of scattered posts and shots over the next week, I thought it'd be better if we try to keep everything in one place. Makes it easier for those interested in such stuff to share their thoughts, and keeps the pure-bloods happy that all this non-baseball concert crap isn't messing up the rest of BCB...

I don't have tickets to any of the shows, but I might wander by just to see what's happening outside of Wrigley. So if you see some guy with a glove standing on the corner of Waveland & Kenmore, waiting for a broken drumstick to come flying over the fence... ...well, just quickly move along and don't tell your date you know me. ;-)

I did walk by a couple days ago - here are some pictures of the pre-concert setup activities. I'll post more over the next few days if I snap any that are TMZ-worthy.

Obviously Billy Joel and Elton John have been around a long time, musically speaking, so it's anyone's guess as to what their set list will look like. I'm also guessing neither of them are Cub fans, but I'd like to think they'll pay some sort of homage to Wrigley Field and/or the Cubs. Now, I'm not so much of an Elton John fan so I'll leave that to whoever is. But here are some song dedications I'd like Billy Joel to make:

"Pressure" - Milton Bradley
"We Didn't Start the Fire" - Starting rotation
"You May Be Right (I May Be Crazy)" - Carlos Zambrano
"An Innocent Man" - Sammy Sosa
"Just the Way You Are" - Ron Santo
"Piano Man" - Wayne Messmer & Gary Pressey
"I Go To Extremes" - Alfonso Soriano
"Don't Ask Me Why" - Lou Piniella
"The Longest Time" - Cub fans everywhere

Ok, that's it for now. And remember, it doesn't matter if your name is Daniel, Levon or you're just an Angry Young Man - don't be a Stranger; come back later and tell us if they played Your Song. And after you drank one Big Shot after another, let us know if you're Still Standing or you decided that Saturday Night's Alright For Fighting. Or maybe you decided to chase after some Island Girl. In which case when you get home to your significant other, you might not want to Tell Her About It or she'll be Moving Out on you...

This is a FanPost and does not necessarily reflect the views of SB Nation or Al Yellon, managing editor (unless it's a FanPost posted by Al). FanPost opinions are valued expressions of opinion by passionate and knowledgeable baseball fans.

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Billy Joel dedication

The River of Dreams – The Cubs trying for the world series.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."

by jkobus on Jul 16, 2009 2:18 PM CDT reply actions

The topiary outside the wall looks really strange.

"You can observe a lot just by watching." ~ Yogi Berra

by Al Yellon on Jul 16, 2009 2:26 PM CDT reply actions

Why is that there?

Is that the backstage area or somethin’?

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living." ~Alvin Dark

by DamonBerryhillsMitt on Jul 16, 2009 2:34 PM CDT up reply actions

aren't there onfield seats?

could that be an entrance for VIP types?

Forget all that other stuff. I gotta believe.

by drewishdrewid on Jul 16, 2009 2:45 PM CDT up reply actions

Its a backstage area. Trailers for dressing rooms, some production headquarters stuff...

"Political correctness is a doctrine, fostered by a delusional, illogical minority, and rabidly promoted by an unscrupulous mainstream media, which holds forth the proposition that it is entirely possible to pick up a turd by the clean end"

by AndrewJStone on Jul 17, 2009 9:02 AM CDT up reply actions

that's the outfield wall along Sheffield

My hope is those plants are part of the stage decor and this is just a temporary location. But my fear is that someone is actually trying to create some ambiance for the performers/crew before/during the shows.

Yep, nothing says ambiance like manicured shrubbage on dirty bricks with the smell of stale beer wafting thru the air…

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 16, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions

oh and +100 BCB points for using "topiary" in a sentence...

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 16, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Here Comes Goodbye - Aaron Miles

What Hurts the Most – Alfonso Soriano
Unstopable – Randy Wells
Me and My Gang – Lou Piniella
Take Me There – The whole team

by jerry morales rules on Jul 16, 2009 2:43 PM CDT reply actions

BTW

I think the Rascal Flatts guys are Reds fans.

by jerry morales rules on Jul 16, 2009 2:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Watch the Wrigleyville residents get their panties in a bunch over the sure to be raucous scene this weekend

Which I personally shall find high comedy. I am so sick and tired of the Wrigleyville neighbors legislating how Wrigley Field needs to operate. Screw em and they collect $40 a pop to let cars park in their alleyways.

$136 million payroll for a .500 style ballclub. Good work Jim.

by BLou on Jul 16, 2009 3:17 PM CDT reply actions

Honestly

do you enjoy any part of life at all? I’m a Wrigleyville resident and all be sitting at Waveland and Kenmore listening from the street. I’ll also be at the show Tuesday

Life is too short to hate everything. Sheesh. Whenever you get angry jut relive your All American college years

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jul 16, 2009 3:37 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

I figured you'd show up sooner or later.

Well, thanks for your usual words of wisdom. After all, can’t grow a good FanPost without a little fertilizer… ;-)

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 16, 2009 4:08 PM CDT up reply actions

You stay classy BLow

I’d rather use the line from later in the movie when Christina Applegate messed with the teleprompter, but this is a family site.

-Wes Mantooth

by Kooter on Jul 16, 2009 5:34 PM CDT up reply actions

Didn't mean to write BLow

Sorry….though the typo worked out kind of nice

by Kooter on Jul 16, 2009 5:39 PM CDT up reply actions

Winners at a losing game-Whole Team

Summer Nights-Wrigley
Holdin On-Gregg

"That pitch wasn’t down and in, that pitch was down and up." Tim McCarver

by wrigleyrocker12 on Jul 16, 2009 3:42 PM CDT reply actions

You're always a woman to me =

Mark Prior

(btw I absolutely love that song. IMO it’s one of the best)

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jul 16, 2009 3:42 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

But she doesn't take care of herself, she can't do what she wants, and she's not ahead of her time...

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jul 16, 2009 3:47 PM CDT up reply actions

but man does she

kill with a smile and wound with her eyes

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jul 16, 2009 3:55 PM CDT via mobile up reply actions

she will carelessly cut you and laugh while you're bleedin'

by JCD on Jul 16, 2009 4:35 PM CDT up reply actions

That, she will

And she did… Oh, the painful memories are back. Thanks a lot, JCD.

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jul 16, 2009 4:48 PM CDT up reply actions

Philadelphia Freedom

Brad Lidge’s strikeout to win the World Series

"Hey.....Cubs win!!!" ---Harry
"Swung on belted!!!"---Chip

by Hammer on Jul 16, 2009 4:01 PM CDT via mobile reply actions

Candle in the Wind for Prior’s Career

How about for the park “I’m still Standing”

A song Sox fans who are dating a hot Cub fan above their level, “aren’t all Cub fans above a Sox fans level” “Uptown Girl”

For broadcasters who fill important moments with idiocy “Leave a Tender Moment Alone”.’

For all Cub fans “Keeping the Faith”

I am going tonight. I admit it I love Billy and Elton. Been counting the days for awhile.

I had to delete my twitter account. But you can still find me at fanfiction.net under puckish prosecutor.

by puckishcubsfan on Jul 16, 2009 4:21 PM CDT reply actions

Tickets, anyone ? I've got two !

I’ve got two tickets for the Tuesday Elton & Billy show. Sadly, I cannot go.

$ 175 face, Field Level J, Row 17. I’d love to get face value but willing to consider anything close. Contact me at s.nawrocki@comcast.net if interested, I can deliver within a reasonable distance. Thanks !

by Southside Steve on Jul 16, 2009 5:23 PM CDT reply actions

I should clarify

The tickets are $ 175 face value each.

by Southside Steve on Jul 16, 2009 5:26 PM CDT up reply actions

Not really a country guy myself...

But I went to a Rascall Flatts concert a couple years ago. Let me tell ya they put on one heck of a show. If you get the chance go see em, they are worth it. I would definitely go again and that’s saying something as I don’t really care for country.

Go Cubs Go!!!!

by cubsluver22 on Jul 16, 2009 8:57 PM CDT reply actions

it's damn loud

i’m not complaining, but i live near addison and lake shore and i can hear it fairly well

by John T. Unger on Jul 16, 2009 9:07 PM CDT reply actions

Just back from the show SPOILER ALERT FOR TUESDAY SHOW

Do not read if you plan on attending the Tuesday show:

Seriously, last chance.

I’ll write it in strikethrough so you don’t accidentally read it if you don’t want to.

~~Really entertaining. Played most of the “hits”. Only big ones left out were “Pressure” and “Captain Jack” by BJ and “Can you Feel the Love Tonight” by EJ.~~

Goofy highlights: Elton did Take Me Out to the Ballgame. Billy’s saxophonist sported a Cubs hat during a solo which got a rousing ovation, someone threw a pink wig on stage and Billy put it on the piano and pretended to stab it.

~~1 Encore included Benny and the Jets, Uptown Girl, Canle in the Wind, and finally Piano Man of course.~~

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08 (http://www.wearecubsfans.com)

by Fukudometer on Jul 16, 2009 11:41 PM CDT reply actions

It wasn't a pink wig...

… i was a feather boa some obnoxious cougar was waving around all night. At one point she tried to jump on stage to give it to Billy and when we stopped her, she yanked out my earpiece.

At least BJ made the best of the whole thing i guess.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 17, 2009 9:01 AM CDT up reply actions

Other missing big ones...........

Grey Seal, Mona Lisas, Honky Cat, Lucy in the Sky, Island Girl and Take Me to the Pilot by Elton, plus Honesty, The Stranger, Modern Woman and Baby Grand by Billy, just to name a few.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra

by tville on Jul 17, 2009 2:54 PM CDT up reply actions

Baby Grand

Would have been perfect for those two. I was praying for The Stranger and Captain Jack would have been fun too.

churchofbaseball.com

by MJMars on Jul 22, 2009 1:43 PM CDT up reply actions

Did Billy Joel do the whole throat spray bit?

The whole, “Hi. I’m Billy’s dad.” Dying to know…

by socalicubsfan on Jul 17, 2009 12:08 AM CDT reply actions

It was a blast

It was a blast.

Who would have thought just a few years ago one could see hockey and concerts as well as baseball at the old ballyard?

I had to delete my twitter account. But you can still find me at fanfiction.net under puckish prosecutor.

by puckishcubsfan on Jul 17, 2009 5:36 AM CDT reply actions

Still Standing ...

… dedicated to the 2009 Cubs, who after all the crap are “Still Standing.” Enjoy the festive video here.

"People shouldn’t bust your chops just because you’re a Sox fan on a Cub board — but I know it happens. FWIW, I think sites like this are more interesting when fans of other teams join in the conversation." by Shanghai Badger on Mar 13, 2009

by DrCrawdad on Jul 17, 2009 6:31 AM CDT reply actions

Great show...........

………..by both performers. Ran for 3.5 hours; no intermission; just some very brief set changes.

Joel played “Zanzibar”, a somewhat obscure tune from “52nd Street”, and the rendition was outstanding. It was obvious his pipes were in better shape than John’s as Elton would defer to his backing vocalists when the high notes were required. They started they show together on stage, playing each others songs. John then soloed for about an hour, then Joel for an hour, then both back on stage for the last set. Since they are both piano men, you can likely guess their final number.

Tickets were all over the street, readily available for below face. Suspect the same will be true on Tuesday. We sat in the upper deck, 3B side, 2nd row above the scoreboard. Great view and excellent sound. Having seen Buffet and the Police at Wrigley, I’d say this show had the best sound quailty of any to date.

"I feel sorry for people who don't drink. When they wake up in the morning, that's as good as they're going to feel all day." ~ Frank Sinatra

by tville on Jul 17, 2009 8:15 AM CDT reply actions

Tuesday's show isn't sold out...

… so i’d expect tickets to be even further below face.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 17, 2009 8:55 AM CDT up reply actions

I've seen this tour a few times now...

… and i can tell you that this was the best. Wrigley was the perfect environment, and I’m not particularly a fan of either of the guys, but they put on a good show and don’t try to do anything but knock out the hits for their fans.

Billy Joel alluding to his third divorce before singing “Uptown Girl” – hilarious.

Elton’s increasing resemblance to an alien – creepy.

Some pics from the pit…

by AndrewJStone on Jul 17, 2009 8:58 AM CDT reply actions

Cougar pics! Where are the cougar pics?

With pink boas, no less. You sure it wasn’t Jesse “The Body” Ventura in drag?

Lou Brown: "My kinda team, Charlie, my kinda team..."

by ballhawk on Jul 17, 2009 9:24 AM CDT up reply actions

Whatever it was, it was MEAN.

Honestly, the crowd at a weeknight Billy Joel / Elton John concert is pleasant. I’m more concerned about the wasted contryfolk at Rascal Flatts on a Saturday night.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 17, 2009 11:09 AM CDT up reply actions

That crowd should be interesting

Have fun with that.

"Every player should be accorded the privilege of at least one season with the Chicago Cubs. That's baseball as it should be played - in God's own sunshine. And that's really living."

by jkobus on Jul 17, 2009 12:35 PM CDT up reply actions

Nothing could be as bad as the all day Kenny Chesney concert at Soldier Field last summer...

… there were like 5 openers, it started early afternoon, people tailgated 2 hours before that… it was a mess by 11PM. Just absolutely blacked out people killing themselves on the stairs, people passed out in their seats that had to be poked and told to leave 30 minutes after the show had ended…

by AndrewJStone on Jul 17, 2009 4:18 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks for sharing!

One day I hope to come up with something worthy of this space.

by chilango2 on Jul 17, 2009 10:52 AM CDT up reply actions

HUGE Billy fan here...

I definitely couldn’t afford these tickets right now, but I’m interested in poking around the stadium on Tuesday and seeing what the scalpers will dump them for. What was the cheapest ticket anyone saw?

by NorthSideFan on Jul 17, 2009 3:11 PM CDT reply actions

About five songs in...

… i was heading through gate D at Addison and Sheffield and a guy was negotiating for some upper deck tickets for between $30 and $50 apiece. I walked by too quickly to find out what they finally rested upon, but i suspect Tuesday will be cheaper as its not yet sold out.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 17, 2009 4:16 PM CDT up reply actions

Some scalper helper was looking for tickets...."Who has extras?"

Some guy and his wife said “We have one”. The Scalper-Helper says, “Will you take 10 bucks for it?”. We laughed and walked off as did the guy and his wife. This was 30 mins before the concert.

After buying 16 tickets total to both shows for friends and family, etc. my thought for the next concert is scalp them 30 mins before the show.

Fukudometer: Created 3/31/08 Wrigley Debut 4/5/08 WGN and Japan TV Debut 4/6/08 Sun Times Debut: 4/20/08 Coffee Table Debut: 7/17/08 (http://www.wearecubsfans.com)

by Fukudometer on Jul 19, 2009 12:17 PM CDT up reply actions

I love the place but get me hip boots!

I mean come one…how about cleaning up the mens rooms. Third world….no Fourth world.

by oldcubbiefan on Jul 18, 2009 1:45 PM CDT reply actions

The dudes from Rascal Flatts all put on Cubs jersies for the encore...

… and “Go Cubs Go” played during the set change.

Not as cool as Elton John playing “Take Me Out to the Ballgame” and announcing the cubs score (as well as the mets score, to take a swipe at Billy Joel’s teams loss), but fun none the less.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 19, 2009 1:09 AM CDT reply actions

Woah... sorry for the huge pic.

Wasn’t trying to do that.

The not good music made me dumb i think.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 19, 2009 1:09 AM CDT up reply actions

Ok, one more try.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 20, 2009 8:42 AM CDT up reply actions

Cameras

I realize I am posting this under a photo, so this may be stupid.

Are they allowing cameras into the park for the concert? I’d like to bring my dSLR tonight.

Thanks.

by trefrog66 on Jul 21, 2009 12:40 PM CDT reply actions

Anything without a detachable lense...

… so your DSLR won’t be allowed in.

Also, this shouldn’t be as much of an issue as last thursday… but no umbrellas. And if you want to check something, i guess Cubbie Bear will do it for a nominal fee.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 12:55 PM CDT up reply actions

Thanks

Good to know.

by trefrog66 on Jul 21, 2009 1:40 PM CDT up reply actions

No prob.

Enjoy the concert!

by AndrewJStone on Jul 21, 2009 2:44 PM CDT up reply actions

Great Concert!

Billy and Elton, AWESOME.

Lincoln Park Trixie 2 rows down doing an interpretive dance to “In the Middle of the Night” not so awesome.

by trefrog66 on Jul 22, 2009 12:15 AM CDT reply actions

Last night was a far better show than last Thursday.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 22, 2009 11:25 AM CDT up reply actions

It was amazing

Billy Joel is my favorite artist and seeing him and Elton together at the greatest place on earth was a blast. I really liked how Joel interacted with the audience. Also, Joel had some road crew guy come out to sing Highway to Hell, while he played guitar. It was random, but awesome. Did they do that thursday?

churchofbaseball.com

by MJMars on Jul 22, 2009 1:39 PM CDT reply actions

Nope, wasn't done thursday.

As i understood it, he was their guitar tech (the dude that travels with them and focuses ONLY on keeping the guitars in good shape, tuned, clean, in the right hands) and has been for about 30 years. He’s a Chicago native as well, hence the performance. I honestly didn’t like the whole thing, as those that bough tickets paid to see Billy and Elton, not their guitar tech in fantasy karaoke hour, but it all turned out fine.

by AndrewJStone on Jul 22, 2009 4:02 PM CDT up reply actions