The Burt Bacharach Discussion Forum

Will post some details later this eve.
Tom

What a night with Burt at the Soaring Eagle Casino in Michigan.
Looked to be a sold crowd of about 3000 people.
Show started promplty at 8:00pm, BJ Thomas took the stage with his band, sang one song and then talked to the audience. He said it was a honor to be on the same stage with the greatest composer ever, Burt Bacharach. BJ went on to sing for about 45 minutes minus one song Raindrops, a gal in the audience yelled out sing Raindrops, BJ said we will let the master call that one, and said if it wasn't for that song I wouldn't be around today.

Burt appeared on stage 15 minutes after BJ closed his set, looking fit and happy to be on stage, his smile making everyone smile back. If you have seen his show in the past few years, it was the same format with the three excellent singers. This was my fourth Burt Concert, two with Dionne and second solo. Burt went on to perform hit after hit and midway
through the show went into the Motion Picutre playlist, this would be
time for BJ to come on stage and sing you know what. Well to my surprise Burt sings the song himeself. Hmm, I think to myself whats going on here, BJ in the house and he isn't singing the song. The show ended
another standing ovation and Burt said we can play a couple more songs and thats it, maybe a little surprise after that. The last song played was
What World Needs Now.... Then Burt got up called out BJ Thomas on
stage for a great reunion. Burt talked about how this is the first time since the Oscars about 32 years that they have perfromed this song(Raindrops) together. Well, we got what we wanted a nice performance with BJ and Burt. What a great moment. If you haven't seen Burt in concert go, something you will remember for a long time. Class act,
beautiful music that will live on and on.
Tom

Thanks so much for this wonderful post, for sharing with us.
We're lucky people to have somehow come to understand (to some extent) and appreciate this undescribable talent.

Tom;

Thanks for your post!

I felt like I was at the concert with you.

Tom. were you able to meet Burt or B. J. Thomas after the show?

No didn't get the chance to meet him. Had great seats though about 20 feet from the stage. Burt did mention he chatted with some people in the hotel lobby during the day. Even said a few asked him how is wife Angie was.
I guess they haven't kept up with his marriages .

How his wife Angie was!! That is so funny
They were THE couple

Great post, Tom! God I wish I had been there in the front row!! And it's soooo nice to read what B.J. said about Burt -- which contradicts something I must have misunderstood about what B.J. thought about Burt (being too demanding). Anyway, that had to be a night to remember!

Did B.J. sing "Everybody's Out of Town" and "Long Ago, Tomorrow"? I would have been very unhappy if he hadn't sung those two great Bacharach/David songs!

And I KNOW he must have sung "I Just Can't Help Believin'"!

I was also there with my family. You've described the evening beautifully.
This was my first time seeing Burt in concert, and it was excellent!!!! We
were lucky that after the concert we went to our rooms and came back
to the casino and ran into him on our way back. Fortunately for us we
had a camera with us and I got a couple of pictures of him with my wife
and I , and another with my mother and I. Boy, what a way to top off the
evening.

Rock'n Roll Lullaby is a favorite of mine. It almost seems totally forgotten by most though.
I voted for him, Chuck Jackson and Jackie DeShannon on best interpreter (except Dionne).

I really can't recall BJ singing Everybody's out of Town.

Phil thats great you were able to get a picture with Burt.
How long after the concert ended did you run into him?
Tom

No, BJ did not sing Everybody's out of Town, much to my dismay. I really
love that song. I think it was about 45 minutes after the concert had ended
when we ran into him as he was trying to get to the elevator. He had come in from an outdoor exit at the rear of hotel. He was very gracious
in allowing us to take pictures.