Location:
Golden Gate Park - San Francisco, CA
Data: Sep, 25th 2005
Reporter: Ana
After weeks of anticipation on September 25, 2005 I was attending
my first Now & Zen concert in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco,
California, I was looking forward to seeing what John and Simon
had in store for us in joining Maroon 5 for their set.
I was really excited because the boys were in my hometown and had
been rumored to be working on their next album here in the Bay Area.
You can’t imagine how beyond pleased I was when I received
an email the day before the show from the local radio station sponsoring
the concert that John, Simon and Andy were performing a special
acoustic set!!!
So, instead of just singing along with Maroon 5, we would be getting
Duran Duran songs and at least a partial show. This was a special
treat because the tour was over and I would not be seeing them perform
again for a while (except for the Andre Agassi Las Vegas charity
event the next weekend).
They were replacing Billy Idol who had to cancel due to a family
emergency.
The day was very sunny and warm, unusual for typically cold, foggy
Golden Gate Park and San Francisco. There were over 10,000 people
sprawled out on the lush green lawn enjoying the food, sunshine
and great music. Booths from wineries, health and wellness companies,
and gourmet California food shops were everywhere, a true festival
atmosphere. First up was Natasha Bedingfield, next Josh Kelley,
who were both wonderful. We made our way to the first few rows of
The stage knowing that Duran Duran would be up next, positioning
ourselves for the prime spot.
When they finally took the stage, they were really relaxed, but
also seemed excited to be playing the special show. No make-up,
no special lights, it was the first time I had seen them perform
in daylight. The crowd was getting the most excited for Duran Duran!
They started off with Hungry Like The Wolf, but since it was acoustic
it was a completely new way of hearing the song. Andy’s guitar
playing was clear and strong, inspired as always. John seemed to
be enjoying playing to the crowd and so was Simon. Everyone was
loving it, we were all dancing and singing along with Simon. They
waved and smiled to the kids in the crowd, seeing lots of Astronaut
and 1978 t-shirts. Next was Chains, always beautiful but with the
acoustic it was especially powerful. Simon introduced it as being
about a man battling depression. Finally, Save a Prayer, had everyone
signing along and screaming for more. We all wanted more Duran Duran
and thought that they should have played more songs. But, we were
pleased to get the surprise special acoustic set. Something I had
never heard before from them and will always remember.
The perfect primer for the next weekend at the Andre Agassi charity
concert in Las Vegas!!! Next installment, Las Vegas…
Ana Portillo
Thans a Lot to Ana from the Staff of Astronaut.it for this report
and for her pictures. |
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