Bad Company - Atlantic City

[bigzepfan]

Last night I got lucky. I should say really really lucky. I was in Atlantic City, NJ to get away and to gamble abit. I was going to leave town on Saturday Morning but my friend convinced me to stay another night as it was hopping.

I looked in the Atlantic City Weekender magazine and saw that Bad Company was playing at the International Resorts Casino. We went to the venue to get tix but they only had the back half of the arena for $125. After losing alot gambling I decided to scalp instead. We asked alot of people for tix, but noone wanted to give them up and then met a casino VIP who generously only charged us $100 each instead of face of $185. They were the first section dead center!

We went in early and since we were first at the table we got Front Row. One more time! We met another couple who were there for their anniversary. Their wedding song was Feel Like Making Love and they were so excited to see the band. They also saw the rehearsal as well.

We also met an awesome fan of theirs Wendy from NYC. This is one rock and roll chick. Her first show was Buddy Holly, saw many many shows over the years. Travelled with some of the greatest bands ever including Jeff Beck and many others.

The show was amazing. they sounded incredible, looked incredible and put on one hell of a final show of the tour. They had Paul Rodgers on vocals, Mick Ralphs on lead, Howard Leese(from Heart) on guitar a new bass player who was just incredible and the one and only Simon Kirke on drums.

the show was amazing starting with Can't Get Enough, Rock Steady, also Youngblood, Seagull-with just paul and Mick on guitars. Also played Rock and Roll Fantasy, Electricland, Feel Like Making Love, shooting Star, Moving on then came out for an encore and did Ready For Love and, of course, Bad Company. I cannot even tell you how incredible it was to hear so many great songs that I have not heard in a long time. Just amazing on all accounts.

After the show we stood in the line to do the meet and greet even though we didn't have passes. during the show my friend and I let the anniversay couple get in the front row when their song came on. Paul autographed a setlist for them, announced their anniversay to the audience and kissed the hand of the beautiful couple. How incredibly personable Paul Rodgers is. A true gentleman.

After the show the couple gave my friend and I wristbands to go to their private suite in the hotel since we let them in the front row for their song. They hooked us up like I couldn't believe! We couldn't get to do the "official meet and greet", but while in line I managed to go to the back of the stage, grabbed a setlist off the curtain and on the way back to the VIP line saw the dressing room for the band. I walked in like I belonged their and was just in awe. I had everyone except Paul sign the back of the setlist. Paul left directly after the meet and greet - to be with his wife we were told.

I was able to hang out there for a good hour after the show, chatted and rubbed elbows with celebrities and an awesome time. Also there was Chris Slade of - Tom Jones in the sixties, Manfred Mann in the seventies, The Firm in the eighties and AC/DC in the nineties. I was in heaven. I'm still floating on cloud nine as I type this almost 24 hours later.

After all of that my friend Bill called his cellphone and told me he is in their suite and to come up since I had a wristband also. I went up and partied with the whole band until 3AM. I met Micks daughter who was just incredibly beautiful and I met Nancy who was the PR manager for Swan Song. What an outstanding person ( I hope your Mom won!).

We chatted with Chris Slade, talked about the Firm and, of course, I told everyone about my Zeppelin Reunion Front Row experience with the BBC Interviews and all. Chris is working now with two original members of UFO. something should be coming out soon. I asked him if a Firm reunion was in the cards and he politely said to ask the tour manager and that anything's possible. I will be posting pix of my friend and I and Chris and his wife - and our new friends Terry and Donna who we hooked up by bringing them up to the suite with us.

I was truly as high as a kite from all of the experiences of the night - without any kind of alcohol or drugs. Wasn't really needed when you have this kind of excitement and many many fans joining together to help each other make the experience the best it could be. I will be high for weeks just like I was for Zeppelin. Actually I think I'll never get over the Zeppelin reunion experience. both nights will go to my grave with me as the greatest nights of my life.

I truly do love Rock and Roll.

P.S. Jeff, wish you were there with my bro. You were definitely in my thoughts and if I had your number wouldve called in a heartbeat.

And the bass player said that they are working on future dates together, but nothing is in stone. Let's hope!

[Levee]

Good story.

[Wolfman]

Awesome. I saw them last week at Jone's Beach and they were fantastic. I think you had a better time though. Peace!

[Stargroves Tangie]

Wow, bigzepfan- what an amazing night you had!! Thanks for sharing!

[PlanetPage]

Last night I got lucky. I should say really really lucky.

I was able to hang out there for a good hour after the show, chatted and rubbed elbows with celebrities and an awesome time. Also there was Chris Slade of - Tom Jones in the sixties, Manfred Mann in the seventies, The Firm in the eighties and AC/DC in the nineties. I was in heaven. I'm still floating on cloud nine as I type this almost 24 hours later.

...So happy for you...truly an experience to remember...Manfred Mann made me very nostalgic...I clearly remember where I was when I first heard Blinded By the Light...tks...it was a great flashback...Hope he is doing all right...(it's one of my most fav. song ever...) :D

anyway, tks for sharing...