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JULIAN AT PARK WEST, CHICAGO, July 15, 1999 Reviewed by Jerry Gomez Julian played at the Park West in Chicago from about 8:45 pm to about 10:45. The show was very energetic but admittedly he was a little rusty. As Julian remarked early on, "Welcome to the Rehearsal." On one number he forgot the lyrics and told the band to keep playing as he caught up. He apologized after the song, saying we were all family, so it was ok. Other times the band played really tight together and Julian's stage presence was much improved since his last tour. He talked to the crowd after every song, apologizing for being long-winded and noting that he had been criticized in the past for the same thing. He noted before singing "Crucified," that he and a friend had started many songs together but never finished any, and unfortunately, the friend has died since. He said he finished this song and dedicated it to him. The most lively song and the one that got the biggest reaction from the crowd was "I Don't Wanna Know". He explained how he was so tired of being told how he sounds and looks so much like his father - reporters are always mentioning it. This song, he noted, was a last-minute addition to the album "Photograph Smile." It was his attempt to sound as close to his father as possible and also have a Beatlesque like sound. The crowd cheered rather loud after the song and it was the clear favorite of the evening. The next biggest highlight of the night was his final song. He told the fans that he has always appreciated their suppport and love over the years and always sings this song as a thank you. It was quit eerie, because when he sang it, one couldn't help but think of John Lennon. The song he ended with was "Stand By Me." There wasn't much for sale at the show: a t-shirt, a poster of "Photograph Smile" and that was it. There was no program or other items. A bootleg T-shirt vendor was selling shirts with Julian's last tour image, which was a much younger-looking Julian. We waited after the show to try to get an autograph or picture, but after waiting an hour or so, he left with his collaborater and two young females. Security was very tight and everyone was pushed back as he was whisked by the waiting fans. He thanked everyone as he jumped into the limo and then they drove off. All in all it was a very good show, and as I said earlier it was very much improved over his last time out. Its worth the price..... |