STEPH DEROSA: SWEATIN’ TO THE OLDIES, AND A FEW NEW ONES, TOO >>>
Collectively The KAke, Bandito Betty, Gayle Selden and I lost a total of 87 pounds in body water last night. We sweated our asses off in the bleachers of the 186-degree UPS Field House in order to witness one of my all-time favorite artists: Ben Folds.
I’ve seen Ben Folds perform a few times, and it’s always such a treat. I would go see him every week if I could. That’s how much I love his music. Folds is a pure gem to see live. His talents are displayed to perfection every time he takes the stage. And if you remember: In my opinion a live performance is the tell-all of an artist.
The packed gymnasium was treated to the theatrical and humble stories that Ben Folds is known for. We were teased with new songs from the upcoming album due sometime in September 2008. “Hiroshima” has a humorous, but true, story behind its conception: Apparently a few years ago while taking the stage in Japan, Folds misjudged the distance between the stage and piano and took a head dive into the audience. With blood all over the place and a slight concussion, he finished the show but was rushed to the hospital for treatment immediately afterward. “Hiroshima” is that story put to music.
Folds states (in so many words) that his songs are all true stories because making stuff up takes too much effort.
Folds stole my heart when he pounded out some of my old favorites that are better appreciated when seen live, such as: “Army,” “Zak and Sara,” and “Not The Same”
Other classics from the Ben Folds’ Five days like “Brick,” “Battle of Who Could Care Less,” and “Kate” brought down the house.
But of course, one of the highlights (and my favorite) was a cover of Snoop Dogg’s “Bitches Ain’t Shit” rhapsody.
Surprise guest Moby took the stage during a brilliant performance of “Narcolepsy.”
Although Bandito didn’t get her wish of hearing “The Luckiest,” I felt as though I was the luckiest person last night, just being able to share a great night and a great show with some of my best friends.
