Stef Wins MVP in Vegas
By George P. Burdell
HLN Today reporter
Las Vegas Hilton, 5-7 June 2003 - Stef Burns (pictured here by Todd Austin) flew to Vegas from Italy just in time to make Thursday evening's show. Filling in for Stef at previous shows was Tal Morris, described as "the quintessential Bay Area guitar prodigy."
An enthusiastic crowd greeted the band at the Las Vegas Hilton. The shows were all at 10pm, to accommodate early evening shows by Sheena Easton in the same theater. Special appreciation should be given to the crew, because each day they had to reset the stage after Ms. Easton's show.
During his introductions of the band the first night, Huey noted Stef earned the MVP award for making the trip. On the second night Huey noted that Bill made 1-under par that day in their golf tournament, Bill's best score ever. The set lists on the first two nights were similar to the set list on the third night (see below). Two notable exceptions are: "Thank you #19" was played instead of "Trouble in paradise" the first two nights and "Hip to be square" was in Friday night's set instead of "Jacobs Ladder."
The third night seemed to have the most energy and the largest crowd. Additional seating was brought in and set up to the far right and far left of the stage. Huey received a rose from a bride who was just married that day.
The "new" song "Pretty Girls" was in the set each night. One night Huey explained they were told many years back they "have to" do the song and just a few weeks ago Johnny arranged this version. It is mostly a cappella, similar to how their version of "Under the boardwalk" is a cappella. Bill plays drums and John Pierce plays bass while Huey, Stef, Johnny, and Sean do vocals. Rob Sudduth makes an impression with the saxophone for a few bars.
And what was next for Mr. Burns? One day at home to do chores, then back to Italy for performances there.
The full setlist for the third show was:
- Some kind of wonderful
- Heart of rock and roll
- Trouble in paradise
- Power of love
- Plan B
- If this is it
- Perfect world
- 60 minute man
- Pretty girls
- Jacobs ladder
- Heart and soul
- But it's alright
- I want a new drug
- Back in time
- Do you believe in love
- Doing it all for my baby
- Workin for a Livin'
