International Tina Turner Fanclub

2010-08-31T20:36:00.002+02:00

2010-08-31T20:25:00.002+02:00

2010-01-27T19:55:00.000+01:00

2009-12-03T13:57:00.001+01:00

"Thursday, Dolder Grand Hotel - 7.36 pm Birthday girl Tina Turner flits through the hotel lobby on the arm of her partner Erwin Bach.
Tina Turner - also with 70, she looks fabulous. She wears a subtle olive-dress, black suede high heels, and her famous ray like smile. The pair, shielded by securities goes into the basement. There, in the "Garden" room, the birthday party with many friends takes place ....
Glitz and glamour! The hall is adorned with lush bouquets of orchids. Tina's friends perform a dance. A film shows all the highlights from the turbulent life of the soul singer. Of course, Tina's biggest hits - "Nut bush City Limits," "Proud Mary" booming - from the speakers. Again and again, the guests applaud enthusiastically.
The majority of guests come from the world of music and business. These include the German singer Herbert Grönemeyer, boutiques Queen Trudie Goetz, Concert King André Béchir, entrepreneurs Sami Bollag and celebrity photographer Alberto Venzago.
Tina now takes the microphone this time not to sing. In a short speech she thanked them for the support and friendship she got from all those people present. and thanks also for all the birthday greetings.
The birthday wishes come from the heart. Publishers couple Ellen and Michael Ringier wish Tina, "to continue the joy of life and health, which she has." Film producer and Oscar winner Arthur Cohn wished her "that she always remains faithful in dignity." And Nestlé Administrator Carolina Muller-Mohl and her partner, Roger Lehmann wish Tina simply "more of the same!"
The Banquet - four soups, steak, dessert, appetizers - lasts until after midnight. Now, the guests begin to dance. You can see the joy of this party in Tina’s face.
A truly happy Birthday!"

Translated by Anja Offerman

2009-11-25T15:56:00.000+01:00

2009-11-25T15:55:00.000+01:00

Last Friday we released a special edition of the Beyond album (the Gold Edition) which includes three brand new titles with Tina.
In order to celebrate Tina’s great anniversary we included a special interactive wallpaper on the beyond website:
www.beyondsinging.com

Fans can directly send a birthday greeting to Tina (in the wallpaper) which will be later posted on the website and can also participate in a special contest to win a copy of the Gold Editon, signed by Tina.

2009-09-28T20:29:00.002+02:00

Tina's birthday is coming up very soon, November 26. Do you want to participate in her wishing a HAPPY BIRTHDAY?
To see all the details, please visit: http://tinaturnerfanclub.eu for all the info!
We are counting on you!

love
elle

2009-09-12T12:15:00.000+02:00

2009-08-19T19:34:00.006+02:00

August 18, 2009
Gelredome TINA TURNER "Tina Live' DVD/CD 2 DISC SET

Released 28th September

2008 saw the Queen of Rock "n" Roll, Tina Turner return to the live circuit and announce the ‘Tina Turner's 50th Anniversary Concert Tour’ much to the delight of her fans. The tour kicked off in Kansas in October 2008 and continued for six months visiting over ten countries in two continents.
Tina performed an astounding ninety shows, repeatedly selling out, with nightly standing ovations. Millions of fans and critics alike were blown away by Tina’s age defying high-octane performances showing that the star has no sign of slowing down at nearly 70 years young. The megastar delivered an energetic, powerful, uncompromised two hour set performing classic hits with incredible musicians, vocalists, dancers and ninjas, supported by stunning production, innovative choreography, spectacular lighting, pyrotechnics and much more.
As Tina finished the final show in Sheffield in May 2009 she said, “I have been overwhelmed, astounded and taken to new heights by the reaction of the thousands of fans who came to see me every night. This has been a tour to remember, to hold dear in my heart and what a way to celebrate my 50 years in the business…to sum up…it’s been super!”
To commemorate this record breaking world tour Parlophone will release the Tina Live DVD on 28th September. The DVD was filmed at GelreDome, Arnhem in Holland in March 2009 where Tina played to an enormous crowd of 70,000 people.
Directed by David Mallet for Serpent Productions, he says, ‘Tina is modest. The credits for her stage career should always have read "staged by Tina Turner". As such it has been a positive pleasure over the years to translate her intentions onto film.”
This breathtaking footage is filmed in HD and mixed in 5.1 surround sound. At over two hours long it features all of her much loved songs including, ‘The Best', 'Private Dancer' and the powerful 'We Don't Need Another Hero'.

Tracklisting as follows:

01. Steamy Windows

02. Typical Male

03. River Deep, Mountain High

04. What You Get Is What You See

05. Better Be Good To Me

06. Acid Queen

07. What's Love Got To Do With It

08. Private Dancer

09. We Don't Need Another Hero

10. Help

11. Let's Stay Together

12. Undercover Agent For The Blues

13. I Can't Stand The Rain

14. Jumping Jack Flash/It's Only Rock N Roll

15. Golden Eye

16. Addicted To Love

17. The Best

18. Proud Mary

19. Nutbush City Limits

20. Be Tender With Me Baby

A Tina Live CD serves as an accompaniment to this visual spectacular. Tracklisting as follows;

01. Steamy Windows

02. River Deep, Mountain High

03. What You Get Is What You Seev

04. Better Be Good To Me

05. What's Love Got To Do With It

06. Private Dancer

07. We Don't Need Another Hero

08. Lets Stay Together

09. Jumpin' Jack Flash

10. It's Only Rock And Roll (But I Like It)

11. Goldeneye

12. Addicted To Love

13. The Best

14. Proud Maryv

15. Nutbush City Limits

What the critics said about the Tina Live tour;

“A perfect arena show that delivers both spectacle and triumph... This show offers nothing but her hits, and is all the better for it... Tina has energy and a raw power...and a presence that has always moved audiences.” - SUNDAY TIMES CULTURE

“Tina still has the professionalism, enthusiasm and looks for the task...this show was a culmination of every scrap of stagecraft accumulated in a musical lifetime....still every bit the glamorous but down-to-earth soul mama... The show was a visual banquet full of infectious energy” - FINANCIAL TIMES

"Bursting at the seams with booty-shaking..the climatic finale saw Tina emerge on a contraption lifting her into the bosom of the roaring crowd... Lady T, We salute you! " - DAILY STAR

"Tina proved beyond doubt that she is still simply the best, showing off a great set of pins as she writhed with dancers.." - DAILY MIRROR

"Tina stood like a ship's captain on the prow of a long gantry that swung into the audience as she cheer-led them through Nutbush City Limits" - DAILY EXPRESS

"Costume changes galore, hot dance routines and blistering musicianship.. the tour visits the UK next March and April. Spring chickens Madonna and Kylie take note. This is how to do it." - THE SUN

2009-07-24T14:11:00.002+02:00

2009-07-24T13:41:00.004+02:00

2009-05-29T16:00:00.001+02:00

This photo is the winner for the month April. Please send us your address so we can mail your price.

2009-05-21T13:42:00.001+02:00

2009-05-21T13:39:00.000+02:00

2009-05-21T13:33:00.001+02:00

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2009-05-08T00:36:00.000+02:00

2009-05-08T00:34:00.000+02:00

2009-05-07T23:59:00.001+02:00

LIVING THE DREAM, SEEING TINA IN LONDON

After watching Tina perform in Toronto last December, I did not think life could get much better! Then my wife suggested we go to Europe for the first time so that we could see Tina in concert again. ITTF president Elle was instrumental in assuring me that we could get fan club tickets, so we made plans to go to London for the March concerts. When we arrived, I realized I was not the only one who had the same great idea. We met Eren, who had journeyed from San Diego, California. There were also girls from Scotland and Plymouth England, Anja from Germany and long time fan Lucas. Of course Elle was there, and many other fans. The shows were amazing: Tina looked, sang and danced superbly, the lavish set changes were incredible, the band rocked on nonstop, the backup singers had great vocals, and the dancers were perfection in their movements and the way they complimented Tina's performance. Several fans, including myself, got to meet Philip, one of the Ninjas; they really have great martial arts moves. The fans were extremely enthusiastic, and you could tell Tina appreciated it. She said "the audience gave her a special gift by singing 'Lets Stay Together' along with her.' At Tina's coaching, myself and other fans screamed "What's Love Got to Do With It,..., until we were hoarse. Anja, aka "Tueffelberta," brought signs such as "Queen of Rock" to hold up as Tina passed over the audience on the crane during "Nutbush." At least 100 fans in the front rows held up signs saying "THANK YOU" as Tina sang her finale; the sea of signs swayed to the music of "Be Tender With Me Baby." On the night of the March 8th show,Tina apologized that she had a bit of a cold, but she could not disappoint; She gave 200%, belting out each and every song without missing a beat or dance step, and only an occassional small cough in between songs let on that she was really getting sick and would have to cancel the next 2 shows. For the concert on my final night in London, I made my own sign with pictures enlarged from the Toronto concert. It read "Thank You Tina, For an Amazing Show." I held it up as Tina passed directly overhead during "Nutbush." She saw the sign, pointed down at it and smiled at me. And that is a moment I will always remember. Tina once said, "I Always Seem To Get the Best Out of London," and that certainly sums up my experience seeing her there!
Mark from Erie, Pennsylvania USA

2009-05-07T23:55:00.001+02:00

2009-05-07T23:46:00.000+02:00

2009-05-07T23:40:00.001+02:00

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2009-04-30T10:33:00.000+02:00

2009-04-23T23:53:00.001+02:00

2009-04-23T23:44:00.002+02:00

Our March winner for the photo contest. Please send us an e-mail with your address so we can mail your price.

2009-04-16T13:33:00.000+02:00

2009-04-16T13:28:00.000+02:00

2009-03-27T00:46:00.000+01:00

2009-03-25T15:13:00.000+01:00

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2009-03-20T12:07:00.000+01:00

2009-03-18T12:58:00.000+01:00

2009-03-18T10:43:00.003+01:00

Our winner for February is Hendrik Rehrer with this picture.

Hendrik, congratulations and please contact us for your address.

2009-03-18T10:40:00.001+01:00

2009-03-18T10:38:00.000+01:00

2009-03-10T20:51:00.000+01:00

Sick Tina postpones UK concerts
Those unable to attend can get refunds from the point of purchase from Monday, March 16, through to Monday, April 6. For all the information on the rescheduled dates please go to www.marshall-arts.com.

All other dates on Tina's European Tour will be not be affected.
Refunds are available for anyone who cannot make the rescheduled dates.
Tina Turner has rescheduled shows in London and Sheffield (The London O2 Arena date will now be on Sunday, May 3, and the Sheffield Arena concert is now on Tuesday, May 5.) because she is suffering from respiratory flu.
Doctors have advised the 69-year-old, performing in the UK for the first time since 2000, to rest for six days.
She had been due at the capital's O2 arena on Wednesday and the following night at the Sheffield Arena, but now both shows will take place in May.
A statement issued on behalf of Turner said she "regrets" the decision and the "inconvenience" to all her fans.
"Tina always wants to give one hundred percent and has been overwhelmed by the reaction from her UK fans at the gigs last week.
"She regrets this decision to postpone and the inconvenience to all those fans with tickets, but wants to make sure each concert she does is memorable for everyone"
Fans have been advised to keep their tickets, as they will be valid for the rescheduled dates. Refunds are available for those who are unable to attend the new dates.
The veteran singer, whose hits include Simply The Best and Steamy Windows, performed in the UK for two dates at Wembley Stadium during her "retirement" tour of 2000.
She performed her first UK show last week, as part of a comeback tour billed as a celebration of 50 years in the business.

2009-02-18T12:23:00.000+01:00

2009-02-18T12:19:00.001+01:00

2009-02-17T16:57:00.002+01:00

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2009-02-11T10:01:00.001+01:00

2009-02-10T18:28:00.005+01:00

2009-02-10T17:45:00.002+01:00

I was very excited when I arrived in Vienna to see Tina on 8. February. I have read so many reports about the concerts and all of them were great. I had been so impatient, but at last I was there and it was unforgettable.
This woman is wonderful, marvelous, amazing. I cannot find the words to write what I truly felt. Tina was dancing and singing without any strain during the two-hour show. She has still her special emission that makes everybody crazy.
She was sparkling as the evening star and for me she will be in the sky forever. I had goose bumps as I was listening to her and singing with her and went crazy.
I think everyone went home with an unforgettable experience. I was sitting “only” in the 12th row, but I did not mind because I was happy to be there. I was standing (of course with many others) almost the whole time, but during intermission an angry man came up and told me not to stand up, because he hadn’t paid 200 EUR for looking at my back. I told him to stand up as well, but he was very upset and cried, but I was very calm and promised to sit (maybe he was Hungarian – hihi).
I must tell you that during the second part everybody was standing, so I did not care any more about this crazy man. Just enjoy our admirable QUEEN, who is still simply the best!Unfortunately, my pictures are not so good. My camera went crazy as well, because there is a wrong date in the pictures.All the best and LOVE

Krisztina

2009-02-10T17:42:00.001+01:00

2009-02-10T17:38:00.001+01:00

2009-02-10T17:32:00.004+01:00

2009-02-08T21:41:00.000+01:00

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2009-02-06T23:34:00.003+01:00

2009-01-29T12:28:00.001+01:00

Tina Is...Simply The Best!!!

By Keith Richmond January 28, 2009

Upon the eve of Tina Turner's 50th Anniversary Tour in Berlin, a German newspaper article stated that the reason behind Ms. Turner's return to the stage at the age of 70 was a result of a conservation she had with one of her best friends Sophia Loren. Ms. Loren suggested to Tina that if she still enjoys it, then go ahead and do it. Whether this is true, thank you Sophia Loren and thank you Tina! After an 8 year stage break, a performing legend continues to shine! Yes, the night of January 27, 2009 I (an African-American living in Berlin) and my partner (a relocated German from New York) were lucky enough to be a part of Tina's 20,000 person sold-out audience (40 including both nights).
We floated with excitement into the stadium and found our way to our seats on the main floor, in the middle section, 18 rows from the a Diva! All the "whys" of the bestowed Diva title were answered - the signature shakable hair, a smile so bright and welcoming you have to shout "Wherever you want to take me Girl!", legs that have walked one of the most well-known storied paths less traveled, and the swagger and moves that are now less frantic but no where near their Nut-Bush city limits! Shock - "we're watching Tina Turner!", Shock - "look where we're sitting!", Shock - "she's turning it out at the age of 70!", Super Shock - "her voice - still fantastic!" The appeal of Tina Turner is so broad that the median audience age range was 30 to 80, but there were also concert goers dipping into the low 20's. Picture it - we in our 40's (gorgeous), a guy in the row in front of us in his 20's / 30's, and it front of him was a married couple pushing 80. Now for a few of the many highlights.
Tina travels with her own complete stage setup including the signature ramp which separates from the main stage to extend into and hover over the audience. The production sets were over the top, including one for Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome (yes, she was white-wigged and costumed with the cast), and a tribute to 007 Goldeneye which included background screen images, dancing Bond girls, a 007, two gigantic gold metallic ying-yang pieces that slowly rose from the stage high into the sky, closed together to form a circular golden-eye, then lit up like a Spielberg/Lucas spaceship, opened, and Tina came through the bright light wearing (I believe) a Bob Mackie black gown singing Golden Eye! [This is the part where you scream at the top of your lungs - we did!].
Everyone has their moment-in-waiting; that moment when it all comes together and NO ONE can tell you that you are not on stage in the midst of one of the most famous musical introductions "You know, I think you'd like to hear something from us niccce and eeeeasy....." A feeling came over me...I was about to loose my mind...as it reflected on the countless times I have performed this song, my favorite karaoke song...a warm feeling that slowing moves into an out-of-body experience as my hips begin to swagger from side to side in conjunction with shoulders, while one arm starts to pendulum swing from the elbow down...."and then, and then, and then, we're going to take the end of this song and do it nice and rough because that's the way we do Proud Mary". Well that's all it took for me to explode into a million pieces of happy-joy-joy!
We jumped, shouted, screamed, and "shook a tail feather" as an entire stadium erupted to their dancing feet! We had been transported and was there for the ride all the way to the blissful end of what makes a legend most...to be simply Tina, to be Simply The Best!

2009-01-20T18:12:00.007+01:00

Cologne, Saturday, 17 January 2009

Tina Turner: Simply the best!!!

As rock'n'roll's male dinosaurs stage one comeback after another, it's down to Tina Turner to show them how it should be done

Tina Turner uses a hydraulic lift to make a dramatic entry on stage in Cologne this week.
The 20,000-seat Lanxess Arena in Cologne, where Tina Turner opens the European leg of her 50th anniversary tour, is one of those typical journeyman arenas which are now virtually the only places where fans can get to see artists of a certain stature. Designed to host sports and music events, it's far from perfect acoustically – but then, acoustics are not the main priority at shows like this, a crowd-pleasing career retrospective spanning "River Deep - Mountain High" to "Goldeneye", in which the music is but one element of a multimedia spectacle.
So you don't just get her singing "Goldeneye", you get a chap dressed in a white tuxedo doing a kick-boxing ballet with two assailants on a giant staircase, whilst a massive circular device behind them slowly opens to reveal Turner on a platform which thrusts forward, allowing her to step on to the balcony at the top of the staircase, descending while svelte ladies in gold catsuits writhe around wantonly and explosions pepper the stage.

And you don't just get her singing "We Don't Need Another Hero", you get some more martial-arts shenanigans upon a climbing-frame, around which curtains are drawn, like some Las Vegas illusionist stunt, then parted to reveal Turner in full Thunderdome costume, complete with massive blond wig.
The show, which the final credits reveal was "Conceived and Directed" by Tuner herself, is stuffed with special effects, from the frequent pyrotechnic bursts and huge flamethrowers that will surely test the mettle of our health and safety killjoys when the show reaches the UK, to the extraordinary stage which constantly sprouts pedestals, balconies, cranes and cherry-pickers, like some outsize Transformers toy. She even opens the concert perilously poised upon a tiny pedestal, 20 feet above the stage, which slowly lowers into the floor as the band kick into "Steamy Windows".
Not the kind of thing you'd let your 69-year-old granny attempt, but then Tina Turner is no average 69-year-old. Even when hoofing alongside her dancers, she never stumbles or struggles to keep up with the younger girls – whom she has obviously drilled in the classic Ikettes moves – and isn't too upstaged by them in terms of looks, either. While most of her contemporaries have become bloated or developed the complexion of a prune, she remains as fit as a Premiership footballer – this show is the best part of three hours long, and she's in constant action throughout – and fitter-looking than their WAGs. And most crucial of all, she's still blessed with the most powerful pipes in pop.
The quintessential "rock chick", Tina Turner remains unique among black women singers in her unbending devotion to rock'n'roll: in an era marked by legions of indistinguishable R&B "divas", there's something almost feral about Tina Turner's voice, nowhere better demonstrated than in the "unplugged" section which opens the show's second half with an achingly soulful, bluesy reinterpretation of "Help", where she effects a transformation almost as definitive as Hendrix's "All Along the Watchtower".
Similarly proprietorial cuffs are snapped on to "Addicted to Love" and "Proud Mary", while elsewhere, she blasts through "Jumping Jack Flash" and "It's Only Rock'n'Roll" to a backdrop of period shots of her larking about with the painfully thin, painfully young Stones; taps into Tony Joe White's swamp-blues motherlode with an uptempo "Steamy Windows" and emotive "Undercover Agent for the Blues"; affirms her Memphis funk sensibilities with punchy versions of "Let's Stay Together" and "I Can't Stand the Rain"; and at the close of the first set, wields the core Turner classics "What's Love Got To Do with It", "Private Dancer" and "We Don't Need Another Hero" like Sugar Ray Leonard putting together a bruising combination of punches. By the time she reaches "Simply The Best" and the encore of "Nutbush City Limits", the crowd is up on its feet and out for the count, if you see what I mean.
Turner is only the latest of a string of 1960s and 70s stars who've recently chosen to tread the comeback boards, though few have carried it off with her panache – nor her determination to give the crowd its money's worth. The Cream reunion concert at the Royal Albert Hall had a certain intrigue, akin to witnessing hell actually freezing over, but the show itself was nothing more than three old geezers taking a stroll down musical memory lane – albeit, thankfully, three virtuosi old geezers.

Wolfgang Rattay

2009-01-05T09:58:00.002+01:00

Still Rolling on the River—& Rocking

Written by Matt Kalkhoff

The Tina Turner concert I just saw was absolutely spectacular. What an incredible performer this woman is, even at 69. Not only did she sing every last note live (sans any hint of a backing track), but did so in pitch-perfect, studio-ready vocal quality as well. How nice to see a healthy-looking woman performing on stage who isn’t afraid to eat a good meal once in a while.
Yet she looked absolutely stunning from beginning to end. I know black don’t crack (as my friend Chris Davis always tells me). The Buddhist lifestyle literally stops the aging process(?).

Unlike another slightly younger, recently-divorced diva making her way across the country on tour right now, Tina’s costumes were all exquisite, totally flattering and just flashy enough, as they should be. She didn’t once cross the stage in anything short of a 3, maybe 4” heel. And while dancing almost non-stop during most of the show, she managed to belt out just about every one of her greatest hits in grand style.

She specifically told us at the beginning that she’d be performing all classics; I guess no new album or singles are in the works. But who cares when they’re all standards. I can’t think of a single song I missed or any that I could have done without.
She also mercifully left the instruments to the band, as any iconic stage-commanding pop diva of her caliber and performance reputation should. Instead, she concentrated on working the stage and the crowd with equal precision and enthusiasm. Tina is a rare old-school, world-class entertainer whom I’m incredibly thankful to have finally had the chance to experience live in concert.

Among several surprises during the show was the pyrotechnics that closed out “Better Be Good To Me"—just after I leaned over to my friend Kevin and half-jokingly suggested, “All this song needs now is some fierce pyrotechnics and it will be perfect.” Then there was the surreal, sultry and subtly introduced James Bond homage for “Golden Eye,” also a pleasant surprise. So was the decidedly more glamorous reprisal of her Thunderdome costume, complete with well-armored, hunky warriors, metal risers and a shockingly bleached-blonde mane she sported during “We Don’t Need Another Hero.” Seems to be a trend this season: see Madonna, Sticky & Sweet Tour, Act 4—both of which were more detracting than flattering, IMHO.

The last song of the night was “Nutbush City Limits,” which I admittedly was initially apprehensive as to how well it would work as a grand finale, especially following the legendary “Proud Mary.” We were all hoping, in vain, her signature song would feature an impromptu reunion duet with Beyonce, in light of Ms Turner’s earlier announcement that both Beyonce and Jay Z had stopped by backstage during the intermission. (Yes, there was a full-fledged intermission, which was actually kind of a cool idea, believe it or not—to wish her a happy birthday). But she pulled it off in grand climactic finale fashion that actually tied the whole show together.

The relatively boring stage (for most of the first part of the show, anyway) finally started to do neat Transformer-like things during the second act, including an amazing transformation that brilliantly mimicked the time-honored James Bond film opening credits sequence before she (unexpectedly) sang “Golden Eye.” Then there was this little basket-looking thing sitting on our side of the stage all night of which I commented to Kevin at one point, “Something big’s gonna happen with that at some point!”

Sure enough, a few minutes later during the finale, Tina stepped into the fire-engine-like railed basket, it lifted off the stage and then swung around way out into the audience, hovering maybe 15-20 feet or so above the crowd. Needless to say, it brought the mo’fo house down! And on top of that, at one point she fearlessly left the safety of the railed area and commenced to do full-on runway—in those high heels!—down what was at most a 2-foot wide “catwalk"/arm towards the stage and then back out to the basket. Not her first time at the rodeo, that’s for sure!

Another fun (albeit curious) oddity was the fact that she used a corded microphone throughout most of the show, only relying on a wireless mic a very few times when traversing the outer reaches of the stage. I’d be curious to hear the reason behind this, but even more curious to learn about/meet/seduce the super cute young fella who was stationed mid-stage on the main floor, leaned up against the stage, whose sole responsibility during the entire concert appeared to be only to keep the mic cord appropriately taut and, most importantly, out from underneath Tina’s stunning Christian Louboutin-designed spike-heeled shimmies and struts. No easy task, for sure, but one at which he looked exceptionally competent and sexy handling.
Sure, there were a few things I would have changed had she asked my opinion, but they were minor. Overall, it was a truly remarkable and fun show—even worth the drama of traveling from NY’s Penn Station to Newark during rush-hour on the busiest pre-holiday travel day of the year while alleged terrorist threats delayed NJ Transit and Amtrak trains by 45-60 minutes (or longer). Thankfully we had a back-up plan w/the Path Train.

Check out some of the videos on YouTube if you have a chance. In the meantime, I just hope I look half as good and have half her energy when I’m 39, let alone 69. Maybe I should look into Buddhism.

2008-12-29T16:31:00.000+01:00

Hi all,

Happy Thanksgiving! Last night's show was very unusual. TINA was fierce as usual, but here are a few observations that distinguished last night from the others.

I think everyone expected some kind of acknowledgement that it was TINA's birthday, but the band did not sing Happy Birthday or anything. The only comment was after intermission when TINA said she had a birthday present of Beyonce and Jayzee (?) coming back stage.

The audience tried to sing Happy Birthday and it was loud enough TINA could hear it (after Nutbush). What seemed like her taking extra bows in response to the birthday song, turned into the final bows. She did not sing Tender With Me Baby. Three stage guys came out on stage and spoke something to TINA, then she waved good bye and walked off stage. The audiences wasn't sure what happened.

Several people in the audience said there is a local law relating to union labor, and that shows are not allowed to continue past 11:00 pm....there were about 8 minutes left until then. Several people thought they had cut TINA's microphone off, but I find that very hard to believe!

After the show, around 12:15 am, I was going up to my hotel room. I was already in the elevator but the elevator didn't work and the doors keep opening on the lobby level. When the doors opened, Malcolm (the stage manager) was standing there with two other crew members. I saw him and asked "Are you Malcolm?" He kind of laughed and said something like "Yes, who wants to know?". He got into the elevator with us and we chatted for a quick minute. I asked him what happened at the end of the show. He said they weren't really sure themselves, but it was some kind of power outage. Who knows what really happened?

Other observations:

The "eye" for Golden Eye never closed all the way, so when TINA appeared behind the eye, you could see her the whole time.

And last, the audience last night was probably the worst audience of all of the 40 shows I have seen of TINA. I was very saddened that her birthday audience would be so quiet for most of the show. I was in the 6th row, and virtually everyone in the first five rows sat down for most of the show. At one point, when the audience finally got loud and stood up, TINA actually said something like, "Are you awake out there?"

So, that's the wrap for now. I'm thankful to see TINA again tonight!

Ciao,
Lee

2008-12-29T15:13:00.003+01:00

The Canadian Press.

Tina Turner breaks into top 20 list of concert tours at No. 3
The Top 20 Concert Tours ranks artists by average box office gross per city and includes the average ticket price for shows in North America. The previous week's ranking is in parentheses. The list is based on data provided to the trade publication Pollstar by concert promoters and venue managers. All figures in U.S. dollars.
3: (New) Tina Turner; $1,813,997; $103.27.

2008-12-29T15:11:00.000+01:00

I was at the Monday night show at the Bell Centre which was sold out and the whole evening everyone was on their feet dancing and singing with Tina.
When she sang Simply the Best everyone went wild standing and singing and after she finished the song she had a great responds and had even tears in her eyes and kept on bowing and said after that she remembered working Montreal many times over the years, but never recalled a response like that. It was not only Wednesday night.

Sandy

2008-12-29T15:09:00.000+01:00

Hi everyone,

I'm so happy I was able to witness the last week of the tour. Montreal was absolutely FREEZING but the shows were wonderful as always. The Monday night crowd was ok, but Wednesday rocked out. TINA said that she remembered working Montreal many times over the years, but never recalled a response like that (Wednesday night).

Friday in Toronto, when she and Stacy Campbell started their "dance off" during Be Good, TINA actually danced out of her shoe! It was so cute. The shoe came off, and she looked down, and was like, hmmm....so, she just kept dancing! The stage hand grabbed the shoe and held it out for TINA to step into. She was trying to tell him to leave it alone, but he didn't look up. Stacy kept holding onto TINA, and after a few seconds, TINA stepped back into the shoe. I'm sure that most of the audience didn't even know what was happening.

Both Toronto shows were wonderful with great audiences. The last night, I was crying like a school girl as that was probably my last time seeing The Goddess. It has been a wonderful journey, and here's hoping to a second US leg of the tour!!

Take care all.

Lee

2008-12-15T21:24:00.001+01:00

Hey guys!!

Toronto tonight was AMAZING! Tina was at her best tonight. With it being closing night in North America, she was having a good time along with everyone else in the audience and the band. One of the best shows that I have seen so far on the tour. I had front row center seats tonight, and Tina was pointing and smiling at me all night long. But the best part of it all was when she was doing her last goodbyes, she walked right over to me and said "

Goodbye Donovan!" I was almost in tears!!! Also, at the very end when she says her goodbye, she usually walks to the backstage area and before she is actually out of sight, she turns and does a last wave as she is walking.

This time, she turned around and looked at the audience for about a good 5 to 10 seconds, and she was about to start crying. It was a moment I will never forget. All I can do is hope that after Europe she will come back to the US. I really hope so!!

Luv, Donovan

2008-12-15T17:16:00.003+01:00

Tina Turner was awesome last night! We all wind up in the 9th row dead center besides a bunch of other Tina fanclub members. Shout out to Brandon, Ena, Lee (probably now my best friend after moving over a seat for my friend Linda. Kisses to Elle and Debbie (loved the shots on your camera Deb of you, Elle and Tina, that has to be incredible to have) plus a few others also Sonya from the list who I haven't see in EIGHT years. (WOW)

Lee glad to hear this was your 42 show and 5 more to go! Enjoy tonight and anyone else there!
I loved the entire show and tonite was probably even better than Monday but of course we were closer, LOL.

Loved Nutbush how she hovered right above us in the 9th row. Fun to be that close and dead center. Hugs and kisses Elle for those seats back in 2000 at the same venue, and I know my brother Al came over to give his thanks also. And for all you do for the fanclub. Enjoy the rest of the tour! I know you have a lot ahead of you. Safe trip back to Europe also.Tina rocked the Coliseum like she wasn't sick at all. She was totally outrageous. My brother and his partner loved the show and had a blast and without a doubt my friend from New Orleans had a great time. Long overdue. Linda joined us for the show b/c my partner was ill and took some amazing photos.
Check them out right here
http://tinyurl.com/5s7qnu

My brother tried to take some video with his phone but honestly the sound wasn't great and we've seen some great stuff out there so I will spare you with those. One incredible night on Long Island.

Mention to Pete. Those clips you have, why don't you just toss them up on youtube and try to merge a bunch together. Later once the tour is done and a lot more videos are up there I plan on making a compilation collection of the best stuff! More also in the works of some material past and present fans haven't seen so stay tuned!

Enjoy the tour everyone! Loved seeing the 2 shows I saw and sad that's it for me but will continue to live it through all of you!

Hugs Lea

2008-12-15T15:04:00.001+01:00

2008-12-06T02:51:00.005+01:00

2008-12-01T20:29:00.002+01:00

Photo Contest.

The winner for November is Paulo Fonseca.

Congratulations Paulo.! Please e-mail your address so we can mail your TINA! CD.

2008-12-01T20:22:00.000+01:00

2008-11-29T14:55:00.001+01:00

2008-11-29T14:18:00.005+01:00

I doubt either of these will end up being chosen as the "best" pictures from Tina's concert in Newark, NJ on Wed, Nov 26, but the fact that they were taken from mid-way up in the second tier with my no-frills cell phone is somewhat impressive, no? Plus we had to travel from NYC to Newark on the busiest holiday travel day of the year -- during rush hour -- after a terrorist threat completely shut down NJ Transit and Amtrak (luckily we were able to take the Path train and made it just in time).

Maybe that will earn us an extra mercy point or two? And if the contest is graded on any sort of curve, well, I feel luckier already. :)But seriously, this was my very first time seeing Tina perform live, and the concert was every bit as spectacular as I had imagined -- perhaps even more so! So please go ahead and check out the attached pics -- the first of which was taken during "Proud Mary," and the second during the amazing finale of "Nutbush City Limits" -- and see what you think.

In related news, my friend and I were quite curious as to why Tina performs with a corded mic during most of the concert. Is there a story behind that, or is she just an old-fashioned kinda gal who feels more comfortable having that rope to swing around? We also got a kick out of watching the "cord boy" (as we dubbed him) carefully manage the tautness and placement of the wire (quite successfully, I must say) during almost the entire show. I wonder, does he have an official title? What's his story? (Sorry for all the questions -- just the reporter's curiousity in me, I guess.) At any rate, thanks so much for your consideration, and I hope you'll be able to shed some light on my slightly odd inquiries.

Best regards, Matt Kalkhoff, New York, NY

2008-11-23T17:22:00.003+01:00

Detroit, November 20, 2008

First off, this show was much better than LA and I think it had everything to do with the crowd's energy and Tina responding to it. We sat next to Yolanda from the list on one side and a lady that lives about ten minutes from me in Columbus on the other. In front of us was a fun guy from LA who flew in for the night to surprise his mom with tickets. Ok, so the story.........

Well, first it's important to say that this is the first time I've ever been at a concert where the singer could actually hear me cheer. So knowing that Tina always puts on a better show when she knows the audience is into her and enjoying the show I was really happy to see that the crowd was responding to her. Well, this was the crowd to do it in. Ok, so the traffic was a nightmare and we actually got there about ten minutes before Tina went on! So far it seems Tina consistently goes on from 8-9, takes a half hour break, and then 9:30-11ish. So the music started pumping, the curtain opened and there was the queen high up on that platform where she belongs. She stuck out her hand, the guitars started jamming, and the crowd went wild!

There were groups of people on the floor that stood up the whole time. The people behind us on the floor did yell at us to sit down once but I'm sorry.....we paid $168 for each of these floor tickets and we were going to give Tina our all. My feeling is that if you want to sit down for a concert you probably shouldn't buy tickets on the floor. So the curtain began to open and She broke out into Steamy Windows and everybody was just cheering her on like crazy. There were times (unfortunately I can't remember which song) that she actually had to wait a while before going on to the next number because the crowd just kept cheering and cheering. You could tell she looked a little surprised. Ok, so onto the crack up part. I don't know why this never occurred to me before but when Tina was singing Private Dancer she got to the line, "Do you want to see me do the shimmy again?" and I screamed "YES!" Oh my gosh the people around me started dying laughing and Tina actually turned away from the audience for a second because she was cracking up. At that point I realized "Oh my god, she can actually hear me!"

Later on during "What's Love" when it was time for the men to sing she asked if there were any men out there and I guess she wasn't very pleased with the initial response. I wasn't sure exactly what she said but then she said, "I'm wondering about the men....." and the guy in front of me did some of those dog bark sounds that Arsenio Hall used to do back in the day and Tina started cracking up again! You could tell she was really enjoying it. During Simply The Best everyone was up cheering and singing and directly behind me were these two beautiful elderly black women dressed to the nine's and at the end of the song I turned around and gave both of them a high 5. You could tell they were really surprised but they were also smiling and got a big kick out of it.

Then during Proud Mary I would echo some of the things she was saying. She asked "Do you know why?" and I screamed, "TELL US WHY, TINA!" and she started laughing again. Then I did the Elton thing with her and the guy in front of me joined in. "We're going to take the beginning of this song and do it....easy. And then.....(and then)....And then...(and then).....AND THEN.....(and then....) and Tina turned around again because she was laughing. I was glad that she enjoyed it so much because for a minute I was worried that she might think it was kind of annoying. As soon as she started singing the slow part THE WHOLE ARENA started singing with her. That was amazing to hear that many people singing at the same time.

A few other interesting parts of the show.....first off - she wore the black outfit for the sitdown songs. Don't know where the silver was. Secondly, when she was introducing the ninjas each one of them just did a tiny bow and she said, "Ok, that's nice, very nice now." and was smiling like there was an inside joke. I think she didn't know they were going to be so subtle and I remember during the LA show that when she introduced each one of them they did a bunch of flips and stuff across the stage and she said, "ok, ok, fellas, this is only the fifth show, you'd better save some of it...." The next interesting thing happened during Nutbush. She was on the arm and it was the part where she sort of dances down the arm and then back to the end again. Well, she was down by the stage and started dancing her way back to the end and some guy threw a single long stem rose and it landed on the arm and then she danced right over the stem.

My wife and I both kind of gasped because it really looked like she could trip over it. (I have this on video!) She didn't trip over it but when the arm finally lowered back down and set itself back into the stage she walked over and picked it up after the song ended. She smelled it and looked out to the audience lovingly. She said, "I want you to know that I've played Detroit many many times over the years but when I leave tonight I am going to remember that you all were absolutely fantastic!" And she lovingly looked down at the rose for a second, looked back at us, and blew us a kiss. It was so awesome and really kind of theatrical, too. Then she started into Be Tender and my wife noticed first that she was teary eyed again. This definitely didn't happen during the LA show.

After the show we visited for just a few minutes with the people around us and I thanked them for being so much fun during the show. I can't believe what a difference that makes.
Other tidbits - Stacey Campbell was there with Lisa Fisher and they were a much better combo than the other back up singer. The guy in front of me said that Cher's show is on hiatus for a few months which is why Stacey was able to get back with Tina. Stacey did the last part of Better Be Good and Lisa Fisher tore it up at the end of It's only Rock N Roll. She sang out to the audience, "If you like it say yeah, if you like it say, yeah." The only problem was I'm not sure if the crowd could really what she was singing enough to really respond. But she looks fantastic (lost a little weight) and sounded awesome.

Oh my gosh what a fantastic memory! I traded emails with the people around me so we can share pics etc. As we left I called my mom (who was watching our kids) and my dad (by himself in Texas since Mom was in Ohio) to tell them about cracking Tina up. I don't know why it never occurred to me to scream YES after the "shimmy" line but it's perfect - it's a quiet moment and OF COURSE WE WANT TO SEE TINA DO THE SHIMMY! HA!

As far as the video goes - I was able to bring in the camera. There were no metal detectors but they were checking women's purses only. So I walked right in no problem and I didn't see them give anyone with a camera an issue. However, unfortunately my camera will only record 1 minute of video and then stops and you have to hit start again. I didn't find this out until she'd been singing Steamy Windows for a full minute. So I did get about 40 minutes of video and while I haven't seen it on TV yet (we're staying in Michigan a couple of days before coming back to Ohio) - my wife and I did watch a lot of it on the little digital camera and it looks pretty good. So it's a wonderful souvenir but definitely not an actual bootleg or anything. Oh well. In some ways I was kind of glad because although I really wanted a video of the show I also couldn't dance and scream if I was trying to record.

So when I get home and get it on the computer of course I'll be very happy to share with everyone. Well, thanks for reading this super long post and I hope you enjoyed it as much as I enjoyed reliving it. LONG LIVE THE QUEEN!!!!!!!

Pete from Columbus, Ohio

2008-11-23T17:20:00.004+01:00

Tina in Toronto 11-13-08

Thank You, Tina, for an absolutely amazing concert in Toronto. Your voice was as clear and powerful as your recordings. You looked fabulous! Toned and svelte, your dance moves really excited the crowd. I especially liked the silvery outfit from "Jumpin Jack Flash" Your hair style was my favorite of all; many times it seemed as though this was the 1984 Private Dancer Tour, only better. Your band was right on with great music, without overpowerring your vocals. The lavish sets and pyrotechnics made this a once in a lifetime performance! Your dancers looked great with their precision, synchronization, and the way they complimented you. There were only three that night (Solange, Claire, and I think, Djeneba), but actually I think three looked great!

It was so exciting each time you danced. I really enjoyed your edgy dance moves with your guitarists in "Better Be Good To Me, as well as when you danced with your backup singer, shimmied across the floor with your dancers in "The Best, " and of course all the dancing in "Proud Mary" and "Nutbush" You really reach out to the audience; they feel the connection and genuineness in your comments between songs. The Ninjas had some entertaining moves, and I enjoyed the intermission.

The guy next to me was 22 years old and had flown from Brazil to Canada just to see you in concert! Tina, you sang more songs than most performers , but you just have so many great songs to choose from. I'd love to hear "Paradise Is Here," "Silent Wings," "Back Where You Started," "Hold On ,I'm Coming," "Foreign Affair," "Show some Respect," and many more. And You Know Why? Because ,Tina, you are simply the greatest entertainer; this concert is undispured proof that you are the queen.

Mark

2008-11-21T15:47:00.000+01:00

Just got back from my hometown show here in Michigan at the Palace. Tina was the best I've seen her all tour, not one error that I could tell happened at this show, no words forgotten, no curtain issues, etc. I sat 2nd row almost center and managed to work my way to front row after the folks in front of me left early for Nutbush.

I was really disappointed in that she smiled at me to grab the rose I had bought her and the venue's old security man just about pounced on me preventing me to give it to her (bunch of jerks). Other than that, the show was a night to remember and the last one of my travels after 4 shows in the U.S. so everyone enjoy yourselves and keep me posted. Thank you Elle my mom enjoyed the fanclub tickets in 5th row center. It was great.
Omar

2008-11-19T12:09:00.001+01:00

2008-11-19T12:05:00.000+01:00

2008-11-17T23:46:00.000+01:00

2008-11-17T23:36:00.001+01:00

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2008-11-12T16:41:00.000+01:00

2008-11-12T16:20:00.003+01:00

2008-11-12T16:15:00.001+01:00

What a wonderful night!!! Tina was again, on all cylinders and Iwas able to get pictures plus the entire video of "Be Tender". I'm in the airport, on my way home, but will send the link as soon as I can after I get home. The crowd pretty much stayed on their feet and it was easy to tell that Tina loved the love that was being given to her. The only 'mishap' that I caught was when Claire stepped on Tina's foot when they were doing Nutush (I'm pretty sure that was the song - it was towards the end). Tina gave her the same look she gave Beyonce when she stepped on Tina's foot at the Grammy's. Claire just grinned (not much she could do - sure couldn't stop dancing and say 'are you alright?? LOL) and Tina forged on as usual. I'll send the pictures later on - or at least a link to them. I was on the 3rd row and even though security said "no pictures", as soon as Tina started singing I think they got so involved w/ the show they didn't care!!

2008-11-12T00:41:00.004+01:00

Our winner for the photo contest for the month October is Deb Collette. Her photo was posted 10/04/2008 - 07.44:00 pm.
Kansas City October 1, 2008. Congratulations Deb. Please e-mail us with your address so we can mail you the latest CD called, TINA!

2008-10-29T16:33:00.001+01:00

2008-10-29T16:31:00.001+01:00

2008-10-29T03:28:00.000+01:00

2008-10-29T03:26:00.000+01:00

Dallas last night Tina was HOT!!!!!!!!!! The sold out crowd was on their feet the whole concert, it was AWESOME. Tina was in PRIME form. She came out, give it to me mmaawwhh, mmaawwhh, mmaawwhh. She played and interacted with the crowd off and on the whole show. Tina was so happy and you could tell that she was having the time of her life and enjoying every minute of it.
She was and is just undescribable, just unbelievable. Her voice is so strong and powerful. She "ROCKED" the house with Addicted To Love, Simple The Best, Proud Mary. Help and Let's Stay Together was off the chain. During Nutbush she said "everybody over here, everybody up there and everybody DOWN HERE, say it, say Nutbush say it one mo time". I am still on a" Tina "high from this show. I don't know how she does it but she just gets better and better. She is "Simply The Best" THE QUEEN OF ROCK'N ROLL.
Great to see all the other fans there.
All The Best
Karen

Dallas was off the chain. The packed house never set down...The whole concert was a standing ovation. People were just AMAZED at Tina. She has never rocked the house like this. I am just blown away again. It was fun to see her play with the audience on What's Love again. And stood in the middle of that 'arm' and joked with the audience, while everyone was gasping. Guy's I am telling you her voice was beyond fabulous. She danced like nobody was watching. At one point during Typical Male she tossed that lion mane head of hers around in a whirl of circles while shaking that body and the crowd flipped out. Man, Help was better than I had ever heard it in 20 years, really. I can't imagine this tour not ending up on DVD, it is just to amazing. Long live the Queen.

Michael Anthamatten

2008-10-24T21:23:00.000+02:00

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2008-10-24T19:52:00.004+02:00

2008-10-17T00:21:00.001+02:00

LOS ANGELES CONCERT 10/13/2008

Pete’s (from Columbus) review is very accurate. I had floor seats for the first of 2 LA shows and have seen her many, many times. For me and all the fans, every Tina performance is INCREDIBLE and TRULY an AMAZING EXPERIENCE. This concert is no exception. Highlights for me were “Goldeneye” (the set piece is awesome!), the blues set that opens the 2nd act…my favorite rendition of “I Can’t Stand the Rain”, “Proud Mary” of course and “Nutbush”—No one knows how to reach out to the fans like Tina!!!!

Having said all that, I do have to agree with Pete on a lot of the points he raised. Keep in mind as you read this that I VERY MUCH REALIZE that this was only the 7th performance and that it does take time to find a rhythm and work out the kinks. First off, I would have to say that I’m not really sure what to make of the Ninjas except for the fact that they offer a distraction while she changes costumes. However, in past shows she has never had to use this particular distraction and I would hope that the Ninjas play better and translate better in the larger European arenas than in the small U.S. venues. But, to be fair, I think Tina’s team wants to stay current and keep up with the trends on the road and using acrobatic/dance crew troupes has become something of the norm in a lot of the large-scale productions/tours.

Secondly, having a technical production background in live events myself, there is one rule: You only get to make the mistake once. I am certain that the curtain not closing will never happen again. I was surprised that there was no Plan B (stage managers and production managers are trained to always plan for the worst.) There could have been an “emergency black drop” that flew in or a set of escape stairs off of the back of the platform so that she could have at least gotten down without doing it in front of the entire crowd with the house lights up. Although she is a PRO and did it with grace, I am sure it was a little embarrassing.

Both Los Angeles reviews and Pete’s review touched on the “Thunder Dome” wig. It really is odd looking and I would be VERY surprised if this wig is not cut from subsequent shows. In fact, I hope it is. I would imagine if you were really far away…say in a large Arena, it might play OK but if you are close, it looks strange and unnecessary.

To end on an up note, Tina is 68 going on 45!!!!! She looks amazing!!!!!! Her energy was right where it should be. Her powerful and raw vocals are at 100%. Although Ann Powers from the LA Times said that she went off-key a few times in one song (I believe it was “What’s Love…”)…..my response to Ann will be: “Did it ever occur to you that sound mixing problems can cause a performer to not hear what they need to in order to be on pitch? There is A LOT happening on stage at a rock concert….having pitch problems in one song is hardly something to be noted. You might want to pay more attention to the technical mishaps instead of blaming a performer.”

Sorry, but Los Angeles critics bug me especially when they don’t list all the facts.

Turns out I was lucky enough to get tickets to tonight’s last Los Angeles show. I think I am even more excited the second time around!!!! And this time, I’m going to try and get my camera in.

Tina is awe-inspiring and is THE QUEEN OF ROCK AND ROLL and A TRUE ICONIC LEGEND now and always!!!!!!

Have fun everyone and keep rockin’ on!!!!! I look forward to reading everyone’s blogs about the tour!

Sheree – Los Angeles, CA

2008-10-16T10:39:00.000+02:00

2008-10-16T10:33:00.002+02:00

Los Angeles
First off - some highlights. It was wonderful to finally meet Lars, Sid, and Marco who were all sitting together and also Donovan. There was another lady there who was in the fan club but not on our list that was VERY GROUCHY. She was livid that she was on row 10 instead of row 2. I felt bad for her because she was so angry I thought there was a good chance she wasn't going to enjoy the show (if you can even imagine that.....)
I also saw Toni Basil. She walked right past me as I was on the aisle in Floor 3. You can tell it's her because she looks similar to the pics in the program but she'll also be wearing some kind of crazy hat.
Now about the show: First off..........let me say that while I loved it and sang aloud to all the songs you should know this is not the 24/7 tour. That tour truly was a retrospective of an entire career that had ascended into the heavens. This is alot more like "The best of Tina live." She does her hits but nothing extra and the show has a different feel to it. First off there are many songs that the dancers aren't really around Tina very much but just doing their own thing. There are no extended versions of songs (Be Good To Me and Private Dancer are basically the album version) and Tina seems to run through them fairly quickly without a lot of visiting with the crowd etc.
NOT THAT I'M COMPLAINING, though........The highlights: Steamy Windows was fantastic although the sound was lousy during part of the show. Tina looks absolutely beautiful in all of her costumes.
Typical Male and WYGIWYS were fun and I had forgotten how much I liked them until she sang them live. Acid Queen was great and she wore a stunning long red cover up that looked like its own dress until she took it off and had that sexy little glittery red number on underneath it. Now let's talk about We Don't Need Another Hero: First off - the costume. The people that were a little critical of the wig are right. It looks ridiculous. The dress is fantastic and looks just like the movie. When people were talking about the wig I assumed that she ducked back stage, took off her regular wig and put the Mad Max one on. Nope - this is actually a wig ON TOP OF a wig. And it is very obvious. It's also platinum blond and sort of looks like a Halloween costume from the drug store. Nevertheless, however, she sang the hell out of that song and everyone loved it. Now the ending that you've heard about..........

The band was wrapping up the song and Tina was up on a high lift with the Mad Max guy. All of the sudden you see the curtains start to circle closed and then stop. You could tell there were people on the inside of the curtains pulling and yanking for all they were worth trying to get those things to close! It was hilarious. The band ended the song. The stage went dark and all the lights in the arena went up! And there was Tina just standing there with the Mad Max guy waiting to see what would happen. They finally just lowered her down in front of everyone (the crowd was going wild) and when she finally got down (since everyone was watching anyway) - she did a little bow and people cheered. Then she walked off the stage. I wonder if someone in the back heard about it!
For Goldeneye they pulled out the old "Golden Eye" from the WD tour. It was weird to see it up close. Everyone seemed to really enjoy I can't stand the rain.Probably the highlight for me was the Rolling Stones Medley of Jumpin' Jack Flash and It's Only Rock N Roll. Oh my god she just sang the hell out of those songs and the lights were going crazy, the dancers were jumping around and the crowd just erupted! There were videos of her singing with Mick at Live Aid and of course the whole ripping off the dress thing.
I tell you - I didn't want it to end. I was singing at the top of my lungs. She wrapped the show up with the usual: The Best, Addicted To Love, Proud Mary, and Nutbush with Be Tended as the finale. I think she's finally starting to slow down just a tiny bit (So she's now acting like she's about 45!) She kind of ran through these songs pretty quickly without talking to the audience and it's the regular choreography. People started leaving early which I totally couldn't believe. One couple that was sitting directly in front of me on the floor left AFTER INTERMISSION! And they seemed to be having a good time, too. I can't imagine that. There was an older lady next to them that could tell how much I was loving the show and a few times she offered me her binoculars.
Other tidbits: CAMERAS - they were totally allowed at the Staples Center.
My brother and I both brought our digital cameras and as we were walking in there were signs about what types of cameras WEREN'T allowed (lenses more than 3", tripod, etc.) As we walked through the metal detector I took my cellphone out and put it in the box and walked through. Of course the thing went off and they weren't paying a lick of attention. My brother put his digital camera in the plastic container and walked through and they gave it back to him without a problem. During the show the ushers were pacing back and forth from the stage to the back of the floor and then back again. It was really annoying and distracting but they never said a word about pictures.
My feeling is that if you had a small video camera that sort of looked like a regular camera and you weren't right there on the edge you could have brought it in no problem! Donovan was on the screen for about 3-4 seconds all by himself during the first part. I didn't see any celebs there that night but I did hear that opening night Oprah, Whoopi Goldberg and Michelle Obama all showed up.Programs are $30 and shirts are $35-40. There are a limited number of "commemorative posters" that are wrapped in light plastic with a cardboard backing that are $75. I agreed with some of the others that they were a total rip off.
However - people were buying them and very pleased with their purchase. She did the singalong to What's Love although it was brief. My feeling is that probably as the tour continues and she gets more comfortable with it that she'll maybe talk a little more and extend it a little bit.The Ninjas were just a little bit violent. I wasn't in any way offended or anything like that but it was kind of strange and awkward. She introduced the dancers as her "flowers" and Claire is now called "Dance Captain." Ivona wasn't there but there are two new dancers along with Claire and Solange.
Tina does alot less dancing this tour than in past tours.I kind of doubt there will be a DVD of this show. It really just does feel like "An evening with Tina Turner" where she just pulled together the best pieces of her previous tours as a gift to the fans.Finally: There is absolutely nothing that comes close to TINA LIVE. I know there were a few slightly negative things in here but let me reiterate - I had a wonderful time and Tina's voice is absolutely at 100% and she looks amazing in those beautiful costumes. I think the costumes are probably better than any other tour (with the possible exception of that sexy thing she opened the 24/7 tour in before she changed the top to a higher cut one!) I absolutely cannot wait until Detroit. I'm curious to hear other people's thoughts that were there........
Pete in Columbus, Ohio

2008-10-15T21:38:00.001+02:00

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2008-10-13T20:31:00.000+02:00