Just got back from the Flamingo, with my 15 year old son, and we are still in 'awe'. A few weeks ago I purchased the VIP tickets, just so we could be close to the stage. Upon our arrival, we were told to stay in our seats after the concert for a 'meet & greet' with the fellas. Our seats were right next to the stage, slightly left-of-center. We were so close, Morris was practically sweating on us, and many times it seemed like he was right in our faces.

The show started about 20 minutes late (after a brief tuning by the band), but when they came on it was like a long overdue explosion. (There were no ticking clocks and bells tolling). The set list, as far as I can remember was:

Get It Up
Cool
Girl
Wild & Loose
777-9311
The Stick
Blondie
My Drawers
Fishnet
Oak Tree
Jerk Out
Skillet

(Jesse sang the next three tunes !!! )
Be Your Man
Can You Help Me
Free World

(Monte sang this)
If You Were Here Tonight

(The next two were sung by a young lady named Heidi. She had amazing abs.)
What Have You Done For Me Lately
Black Cat

Jesse solos

(This next song, per Morris, is new. I don't know if I have the correct title, but it was very good)
See Through

If The Kid Can't Make You Come (The band brought several women on stage, and there was a bald M'Chelle Ndegeochello look-alike who was acting a fool and Morris and Jerome had fun with her.)
Ice Cream Castles
Gigolos Get Lonely Too
The Walk
The Bird
Jungle Love

The band was very tight and seemed to gel like they used to. Jesse's guitar was incredible !! As a side note, my son had tired of hearing me rave about Jesse, and was questioning if he was really any different/better than Tori. NOW HE UNDERSTANDS ! Jesse was so fluid and made it look easy.

There were a few celebs in attendance, who were brought on stage during The Bird. Johnny Gil, Barry Bonds, and Kevin Smith (of Jay and Silent Bob Strikes Back fame).

At the 'meet & greet', the band was very appreciative and friendly. Got pictures with everyone, and I was able to get one with Jesse who was very cool. My son was able to talk to Morris and Terry, and he was impressed by their modesty.

This was long overdue, and turned out better than expected. I hope the momentum keeps up. A great start !!

- JD
[Edited 7/3/08 20:37pm]

Damn Jesse did those songs, now I'm thinking about making a trip out there, lol, did he perform the full songs or was it like a medley?? Oh and how long was the full set? Thanx 4 the report!!
[Edited 6/25/08 1:45am]

Nice set list! I think I'm officially envious that we're not getting this incarnation of The Time here in Minneapolis.

jwashin4 said:

Clearly Prince was nowhere in sight.

Great review! Sounds awesome!!!!!

NPG2045 said:

Jesse did shortened versions of those songs. Strangely, he only played with Terry, Jellybean, and Jerome -- no keys. But he was singing for about 10 minutes. The entire set was about an hour and 45 minutes long.

- JD

BlaqueKnight said:

Tori and the other 'replacements' were not there. Jesse did all the guitar work and he was sounding great. Other than his excellent soloing, the thing that struck me about Jesse was how good his rhythm work was. He would mix it up alittle, even while in the background.

The lineup was:

Morris Day
Jerome Benton
Jesse Johnson
Jellybean Johnson
Monte Moir
Terry Lewis
Jimmy Jam

One other note, while we were meeting the band, I had thanked Jesse, Terry, and Jimmy (individually) for coming back and making this happen (Needless to say, i was more than thrilled). Interestingly, they each thanked my son and I (and I assume they felt this way about their fans in general) for supporting them. What got me though, was the sincerity and seriousness of their responses. I very much got the sense that this reunion could have some longevity. Perhaps it's just wishful thinking on my part --- but hope not.

- JD
[Edited 7/3/08 20:43pm]

RipHer2Shreds said:

No, no Prince sitings.

jwashin4 said:

Very nice. Terry is very "normal" isn't he?
[Edited 6/25/08 7:57am]

Any word on the new record????

Graycap23 said:

Terry is very modest, and a regular guy. He would come to my barber shop sometimes.

I wish I got to see that!

Especially Jesse singin Can U Help Me


MAN!!!

paisleypark4 said:

When we were talking to Terry (and I assume he too is a father), he seemed pleased that a younger generation was in tune to the Time. He made a comment that my son was following in my footsteps, and I responded that I expected more from him (my son). To which Terry responded, "That's the way it's supposed to be. Our kids should lead better lives." My son was really impressed with Terry's outlook (as well as his bass playing, which is what my son plays too).

As for Jesse's performance, after Skillet everything kinda stopped and everyone but Jesse, Terry, and Jellybean left the stage. Jesse played a riff which turned into Be Your Man. Needless to say, the crowd went wild when he started playing Free World.

- JD

jwashin4 said:

With the Linn and all!?!?!?!?!? AAAH AAAAAHHH

Thanks for the review. Great to hear they threw Jesse a bone. Hopefully he'll stay for awhile.

I was there last night as well. The VIP seats at the Flamingo were very close to the stage; my seat was up front and slightly to the right, under Jesse. The show was truly phenomenal. I was able to meet all of the members after the show, and they were extremely gracious and down-to-earth. This was certainly a night to remember, and I can't wait to go back and see them again!



Some of the other celebrities in attendance last night included Cherrelle, Sherri Shepherd from The View, and George Wallace.
[Edited 6/25/08 16:27pm]

Thanks a million for the review. I hope they take this lineup on the road!

I'm glad to hear that everyone was nice and gracious.
When I met Morris Day way back in the 80's just after he started his solo career, he was a real asshole.

Thanks for sharing with us, sounds like you had a great time. I would love to see this show especially Jesse doing Free World.

AWSOME!!!! sonds lyk u guys had fun!!!

jwashin4 said:

Thanks for the concert report!
What is the policy about cameras/photography?
When purchasing my ticket, I was told that I wouldn't
be able to bring my camera into the venue.
GGD

THANKS for letting us know about the show!!
What an awesome time you had!
They played SKILLET!!! Maaaann, seein Skillet live?!
In the skiiilllleeeet!

C O O L! Some more from pandemonium would probably have been good, but at least u got Skillet! (and Jerk Out)
[Edited 6/25/08 23:35pm]

I'VE GOTTA GO.....
I'VE GOTTA GO.....
I'VE GOTTA GO!!!!!

GGDeVille said:

The Flamingo's 'official' policy is no cameras or recording equipment (They play a recording of some corny policy over the sound system before the show). HOWEVER, cameras were all over the place and it seemed like they were not enforcing anything. One woman they brought up onstage during "If the Kid ..." was carrying hers and taking pictures on stage. I think the use of a flash is prohibited though.

At the meet & greet, the band was very accommodating with allowing (and posing for) pictures.

- JD

Sounds like you both had a great time. I must see this lineup before I die.

I was thinking about going but wasn't sure if The Time was worth another trek to Vegas. However, to my surprise, last night I got a call from a girlfriend in NJ who read an article about their reunion and actually suggested we make the trip. So now, my plan is to go to the show on the last night. But damn air fare is higher than a mug.

Graycap23 said:

Terry is very down 2 earth.

Thank you for that excellent report. I'm glad you and your son had a great time. I'm so glad to hear that Jesse is back and playing some of his stuff. I love the Time and I think Jesse is fantastic. I was hoping he would clean his life up a little and get back to the music. That's what made those guys happy.

Hope to hear a new cd soon.


AWESOME !!!

Wow. My dad used to deal Blackjack out in Vegas, maybe we need to roll out there and see some old friends, and The Time too. Ain't no party like when the Original 7 are in the place. Right on.