Janet Jackson - Rock Witchu Tour, Vancouver, 9/10 - my experience

Ok so I'm finally home in Toronto and have a chance to sit down and collect my thoughts.

This was a really special show for me, as it was my first Janet show ever as a longtime fan. I was also there with my boyfriend, who I met because of our mutual love for Janet. I'm always going to have amazing memories of this trip as I actually met Janet, who was sweet enough to speak with five fans at 2 a.m., despite having rehearsed for the whole day.

The show was incredible. Above and beyond anything I had anticipated. She really listened to the fans and delivered a stellar performance. Notably:

1. No whimsical medley of any sort
2. Pre-Control medley
3. Took it to the next level with respect to staging, lighting and video.

The concert was 2.5 hours long and non-stop. Janet was offstage for at most 1 minute during costume changes. It was so damn high-energy.

I arrived in Vancouver on Saturday in anticipation of the Rock Witchu Tour, and immediately started hanging out outside General Motors Place a LOT.

Monday: 10am-3am

We arrived to the venue at 10 a.m., and met up with a few other fans. We scouted the locations, counted 14 tour trucks (red cab with white trailer) and watched several of the trucks unload. We noted some cool plush red and purple couches which were similar to the couch from the MTV VMA ad in '99. We were told that Janet arrived very early to the venue, probably to oversee stage setup. We met Kelly Konno, who was dropping off flowers for Janet. She looks fantastic and spoke with us outside the venue. The first rehearsal did not start until 11:15 p.m. We were able to hear muffled sound through the venue's doors, and we noted the full setlist. At 2:00 a.m., rehearsal concluded. They ran through the whole show with no breaks. We met Lil' John outside the venue, and said hi to a few dancers. Janet left the venue at around 2:50 a.m.

Tuesday: 11:30am-2:00am

We met up at the venue and Janet waved to us when she arrived. We started to make the heart symbol and Janet made it back to us. Throughout the day, we met up with various fans.

Janet's rehearsal started in the afternoon. The band rehearsed the second half of the setlist. Janet then did two complete runthroughs of the setlist. The setlist did not change whatsoever from the previous day. Jermaine arrived at the venue later in the day. At 10:00 p.m., we had left for dinner but returned as we heard some music coming from the venue. Shortly after 1:00 a.m., rehearsal concluded and Janet left. We had two dozen red roses and a card for her. She waved at us through the car window and made the heart symbol against the glass to make sure that we saw it. Her car drove off and we started to walk away from the venue. A few minutes later, as we were about to get into our cars, Janet's vehicle pulled up next to us with Janet's window rolled down. She called us over, and said "Hey guys - I've been looking for you." She was in full tour makeup with a red Adidas jacket. She looked AMAZING! We gave her the roses and card. My boyfriend and I thanked her for bringing us together as a couple, and we all thanked her for her music and wished her luck on the tour. We told her that we knew it would be amazing. She told us to "get some rest, you guys!" (so sweet!). The whole encounter was videotaped by Jermaine. She had to drive all the way around BC Place and GM Place to where she found - by Costco about to get in our cars! The beginning part JD cut out or wasn't filming. She said, "I was looking for you guys!" You can see video here (it’s at the end):

http://www.youtube.com/wa...PTHWXkC-hc

Wednesday – Concert Day

We said hello to Janet as she entered the venue around 2:00 p.m.

The Backstage Tour

Ten fanclub members won a backstage tour, guided by Jaime Mendoza who works for JDJ Entertainment. This started at 6:00 p.m. As we toured the complex, we were met by various staff members, each of whom described in detail their role. These included Stephanie (Gil Duldulao’s collaborator and assistant), the video, lighting and sound technicians, several people from Janet’s security, all the production and tour managers, one of Janet’s personal assistants, and two of the musicians (including Lil’ John, the drummer). We then saw the stage and Jaime explained how everything was set up. Very cool stuff.

The Dancers

Dancers I know on this tour are:
-Gillian (my favourite; this redhead is super-sweet to fans and spent a lot of time talking to us and signing things after the concert)
-Cassidy
-Ed Moore (Emo!)
-Laurel
-Teddy Forance
-Victor
-Whyley
-Nick Bass

In total there are 8 guys and 2 girls. Gil is Creative Director but does not dance.

The Stage

The stage is massive. The first 14 rows on the floor were enclosed by a rectangular catwalk, which was lit up. This catwalk ensures that pretty much everyone in the house had a nice view of Janet at some point during the show. She made excellent use of it.

There are things going on all over the stage and catwalk. A drummer was at one corner of the catwalk to introduce a few tracks, and Janet’s dancers were doing amazing routines on the catwalk at several points, while Janet remained on the main stage (and vice versa).

There were two video screens (widescreen) on either side of the stage, plus a large central screen. There were many fog machines, layers of lighting, a lot of pyrotechnics, etc. Two mobile sets of stairs with a bridge allowed flexibility of stage design/setup across the setlist. There were many trap doors through which the dancers and Janet entered/exited the stage.

The Video Projections

Tons of neat stuff here - she's never really done anything like it.

The Costumes

At least 5 designers were involved per Jaime Mendoza – the primary one was Versace.

The Concert

Intro – watch it for yourself here: http://www.youtube.com/wa..._IgYXo5uCg

Pleasure Principle
This was a solo performance. Really captivating opener.

Control - http://www.youtube.com/wa...htiKm_-21I

What Have You Done For Me Lately

Feedback – http://www.youtube.com/wa...Ci59KwD8Gc
Janet’s all over the main stage and catwalk here. Really intense choreography.

You Want This
Alright - http://www.youtube.com/wa...YO_eoEJpXI
Miss You Much – http://www.youtube.com/wa...VPg24y55wk
Fucking hot! Janet does the full chair routine. “Is this the end? NO!” All of the chairs rise up onto the stage through trap doors.

The Ballad Section

Janet dons a gorgeous red evening gown and uses a handheld mic.

Never Letchu Go – Janet’s performance gave me a new appreciation for this song.
Come Back To Me
Let's Wait Awhile - http://www.youtube.com/wa...Qdn3y3AvwI
Again – I cried, but Janet didn’t! While Janet sings on the catwalk, Gillian & Cassidy act out a beautiful ballet-style dance on the main stage.

Costume change, and right into….

So Excited – this song is pretty epic live, and got a fantastic response from the audience.
So Much Betta – http://www.youtube.com/wa...X3i-8ZH6Cw
This was choreographed by Nick Bass. REALLY fun stuff! Janet funked it up with her dancers during Kyoko’s pre-recorded bits.
Nasty
All Nite (Don't Stop)
Rock With U – Fantastic choreography for this.
Together Again – the biggest crowd-pleaser of the night. Everyone was singing along. Janet concluded the song at the end of the catwalk and everyone gave her a long, long, long ovation.

Pre-Control Medley - http://www.youtube.com/wa...6AsdVThjXY (watch in HQ)

Young Love (“1982!”)
Say You Do
Don't Stand Another Chance (“I was fifteen, oh my gawwwwd!” )

“This is for the true true die hard fans,” she told us. The first time she’s performed these since the early 1980’s. Janet was clearly enjoying herself and really got into it, perhaps because she knew who was a big fan and who wasn’t from the reactions she was getting. Took me back to the American Bandstand days. I NEVER thought I would see these live. Janet goes up and down the catwalk touching people’s hands. She looks like she’s having a tremendous amount of fun.

Doesn't Really Matter
Escapade
Love Will Never Do (Without You)
When I Think Of You
All For You – This is a mixture of the original choreography and the choreography that was used for the SuperBowl. The music stops and starts as in the 2004 performance. The breakdown which samples The Pleasure Principle is in there. Fantastic!
Got 'Til It's Gone – Q-Tip is on a video screen singing his parts. “Dust….” Hopefully he will be at the NYC show.
Call On Me – This was really great live, surprisingly enough. Very soft and tender, and it’s a nice segue into the next track. Nelly and JD are on the video screen. Nelly will play this live with Janet in Oakland on Sept. 13th.
That's The Way Love Goes – the couches from the video are back!
I Get Lonely – the crowd went wild for this. It means so much to so many fans.
Funny How Time Flies (When You're Having Fun) - yes, Janet sings in French!
Any Time, Any Place
Discipline – Janet pulls a guy up on stage for this. VERY elaborate.
Black Cat – kicks off with a load of pyrotechnics. Dave Navarro appears on the video screen and plays the guitar. This is pretty much a solo performance, and Janet is all over the catwalk and stage.
If – this is the version from the 1993 VMA’s with the slow intro. Her signature performance.
Rhythm Nation – EPIC! At the end, Janet is attacked by two of her dancers who symbolize good and evil. They sink into the stage.
Luv
Band/Dancer Introductions
Runaway

After The Concert

I spoke with Gil, and they will be taking it to Europe and Hawaii next year. Also Australia, Russia, and South America. Janet films every show and reviews it after for fine-tuning purposes (he had the DVD's in his hand).

Program

Not printed yet, but already available to order online. Photographs by Matthew Rolston, shot at the LA Forum (rehearsal venue).


[Edited 9/11/08 23:36pm]

first!

Thanks for finding all those links.

Cinnie said:

Thanks for finding all those links.

VoicesCarry said:

Cinnie said:

Thanks for finding all those links.

If you watch only one thing, make it the pre-Control medley

Timmy84 said:

Awesome review!!! I'm so, so happy for you! It's great to hear that she's bringing it to Australia- I'll be there for sure!

Once upon a time, in a deep dark forest, an old woman, tappin' her toes...

Here are some pics (I did not take these):



















MYM!



(I love the teeny sailor cap she wears LOL)









A few of the video interludes and screens:





(A guy spraypaints "Rockwitchu" in neon)


[Edited 9/12/08 1:22am]

I cant freaking wait for the 17th!!!! ( L.A. Show)

"When want 2 hear new music, make it" Prince

She better put this tour on DVD

The tour looks funky, futuristic (and at the same time) retro cool.

It better broadcast on HBO too.

Timmy84 said:

The tour looks funky, futuristic (and at the same time) retro cool.

It better broadcast on HBO too.

I almost cried when I watched her performances from pre control! LOVEEEEED EVERYTHING ABOUT IT.
I want to go so bad

I'm glad you had a great time. Loved the Pre-Control medley!

I wish I could go.

Looks good, but is it true that most of it is lip synched ? I saw a review somewhere else that said it was.

Not another HIStory tour tyep miming fiasco from a member of the Jackson family, surely ?
[Edited 9/12/08 6:06am]

pjh1972 said:

the outfits are so cute!

pjh1972 said:

Looks good, but is it true that most of it is lip synched ? I saw a review somewhere else that said it was.

Not another HIStory tour tyep miming fiasco from a member of the Jackson family, surely ?
[Edited 9/12/08 6:06am]

VoicesCarry said:

pjh1972 said:

Looks good, but is it true that most of it is lip synched ? I saw a review somewhere else that said it was.

Not another HIStory tour tyep miming fiasco from a member of the Jackson family, surely ?
[Edited 9/12/08 6:06am]

Some was completely live, some was live with backing track, and some was a mix of both (ex. a strenuous dance number like Feedback - the rap breakdown was live while the chorus was live with backing track).

Awesome review. I'm heavily considering trying to make one of her Southern U.S. dates now!

JackieBlue said:

VoicesCarry said:

Some was completely live, some was live with backing track, and some was a mix of both (ex. a strenuous dance number like Feedback - the rap breakdown was live while the chorus was live with backing track).

VC is she singing on the 80s medley? I hope she's not playing the original track from 198X.

Again live:

http://www.youtube.com/wa...oCAXMA1DYQ

oh, Josh! that sounds awesome!! the way you describe it really makes me want to go. that set list is hot

I love Janets shows! They gotta be mad expensive though with all the pyro stage props lighting dancers etc. 2 1/2 hours thats perfect! I gotta go see her this time. Last tour I saw was velevet rope.

Lady with long career and still doing it. Props Janet!

Thank you for the pics and vids...Totally HYPE now....Thank you again. True janet at her BEST on stage.