Clancey's, Clearwater, FL
April 30, 2004
By Amy

Hello! Here's the show report for Clancey's in Clearwater, FL. Or at least what I remember of the show. It all became a little foggy the next day!

This was the first show ever for Clancey's. I talked to the head guy there and he said he's been trying to get them booked for a while. He had most of the tickets sold before the show was even announced to the general public. By playing their CD's in the bar he converted many regulars to Red Elvises fans. The show was announced for public sale on Saturday and by Monday night there were only 30 tix left. By the night of the show it was totally sold out!

The first set started off with "Boogie on the Beach." There were some sound problems and you couldn't even hear Roman's mike but by the second song it was all worked out. It took a few songs for the energy of the crowd to get going. I guess it was to be expected because for much of the crowd it was their first Elvises experience. They played 3 sets total and I don't really remember what song was played in each set. They played most the new album - "Night Butterfly," "Love Rocket," "Tchaikovski," "Party Like a Rock Star," and "The Music is Wasted...." with older fan favorites dispursed throughout. Of course they played "Bellydance" but the stage was quite small so only about 10 or so of us brave females (my sister and I included) made it onstage. "Closet Disco Dancer" was another highlight for me...although I do believe I pulled something in my shoulder with my vigorous "up..up...up"ing of my index finger.

The most unexpected moment of the night came during their encore. "Rocket Man" was the chosen song and Igor was doing the usual crowd participation/build-up to the beginning of the song when all of a sudden a very drunk/happy woman got onstage and decided to kiss everyone in the band. She started with Roman, then Igor - who she also groped a bit. When she got to Oleg he kinda played along while trying to escort her off the stage. She was quite slick though and got away from him. She headed back to Sasha on keys while Igor kept calling for "Security". She finally made her way to Craig while Igor was pleading with her to leave the drummer alone. I'm pretty sure she was in her own little world and unaware that she was holding up the show. After nailing her final target she smacked a cymbal and made her way back off the stage. It was quite entertaining and Igor had a good laugh while annoucing something to the effect of "Okay, NOW we start the song." Once the song kicked in, the drunk woman was forgotten and we all be-bopped the rest of the night away.

After the show the guys were extremely accomodating to all fans who wanted autographs, pictures, and to chat. Even the fans who have to announce how many times and exactly where they have seen the band play before (I was behind that guy!).

There were only two disappointments of the night. First, the crowd dwindled after each intermission. First set - packed house....second - 3/4 full....third - as they said "more room to dance." I know that sometimes people don't like to be out late and have other priorities but I hate when crowds leave early. Just a pet peeve.

The second disappointment is that they didn't play "Juliet." Many in the crowd were calling for it to be played. BUT we all know that they can't play every song we want to hear. Overall it was a great night.

On a side note - I wanted to let you know that through CONSTANT playing of "Lunatics & Poets" I have converted many of my co-workers. The running joke is that there will not be anyone to work the evening shift when the Elvises come back to town. And, I'm also a rabid hockey fan. One of the sportscasters on NHL2Night on ESPN, John Buccigross*, is a huge music fan and likes for people to write in to let him know of acts he should check out. He also is known for making analogies between band members and hockey players on air. SO - I emailed him about checking out a Red Elvises show and he e'd me back that he will try to. Ya never know, one day he might say "What Igor is to the Red Elvises....Martin St. Louis is to the Tampa Bay Lightning" on the show!

Take care, -Amy

*write to: John Buccigross, ESPN, ESPN Plaza, Bristol, CT 06010