The Sunday Evening “frickin’ unreliable hotel internet” “Nobody-Asked-Me-To, But-Here-I-Go-Anyway” Concert Review – Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

(or, Why I Will Never Be A Professional Concert Reviewer…)

NOTE: Charlie Chicken may be back as early as Monday morning – we’ll see…

OK, so the second reason we came back to Vegas so soon after the last time we were here was the chance to see the legendary leader of The Four Seasons, Frankie Valli. Sweetening the pot was that he was appearing along with the aforementioned Four Seasons. However, when you view that short video clip above(video unavailable - thank you, turderrific hotel internet connection!), it becomes pretty obvious that the four gentlemen singing background are anything but seasoned. They’re barely even ripe, for Pete’s sake. However, after realizing he’s grooming a new generation of seasoning, Valli’s backup gang turned out to be a pretty talented foursome. Just not the original gang.

That didn’t prevent last night’s show from being a killer – there were people around us that had driven in from California, Arizona, and Texas to see this show last night. Not that California and Arizona are all that far, but Texas – those guys deserved a door prize for their efforts.

Mr. Valli was in exceptional from last night, chewing through his extensive Four Seasons and solo hits (of which there are just too many to perform). His voice was right on the money, and with about 40 years of experience under his belt, he knew how to keep the crowd in the palm of his hands. Come on, the guy oozes charisma – he was a recurring guest star on The Sopranos! I don’t know if he got whacked in the last season of that show or not, but there was more whacking going on then than in a Black & Decker test lab – who could keep track??

This was one terrific show, and a highlight was a few samples from his brand- new album – which I will have to track down in my travels.

Speaking of travels, this concert was NOT in Vegas proper – we had to get out to Laughlin Nevada to catch this in the lush outdoor Rio Vista Amphitheater – an amazing venue to see a show like this under the stars.

By the way, here’s a handy travel tip:

RIPOFF ALERT: Do NOT rent a car from a hotel rental agency on The Vegas Strip. Pirates have more class…

We thought (from prior research) that there were shuttle services to Laughlin from Vegas, but it turned out they only ran Monday to Friday. So we had to end up renting a car. By the way, here’s a handy travel trip on that subject:

RIPOFF ALERT: Do NOT rent a car from a hotel rental agency on The Vegas Strip! The Vikings were more pleasant while they were pillaging.

The drive is about 90 minutes out of Vegas, through what is essentially a buffet of desert, not desserts. If you’re into mesas, buttes, and cactus, you’ll love the drive. Keep your eyes peeled, there may even be a wily old coyote chasing a roadrunner…

Hey, if you do decide to make the trip, here’s a small piece of advice for you:

RIPOFF ALERT: Do NOT rent a car from a hotel rental agency on The Vegas Strip. Uninsured elective surgery in the U.S. is considerably more cost effective.

The best part – having to return to the strip hotel where we had rented the car from (not the one we’re staying in), and ending up driving on the Vegas strip – which I cannot recommend highly enough- avoiding!! What a circus act, and not de Soleil…

However, we made it back, and now after we auction one of my spleens we can pay for the rental car.

All in all, yet another Such Is Life household adventure!!

Chow for now!!

(Look for Charlie, coming back soon)