The Vegas Finale: The Time August 2, 2008 Review

I went and saw the Time at the Flamingo Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas, NV on August 2, 2008. This was my 8th show in the Vegas run, my 12th show of the year and my 48th over all.

I didn't crash out from the night before until 7:15 a.m. What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. I slept like crap and finally got up for good around 1 p.m. Made my daily trek for a light breakfast and made some phone calls. While doing the wander, I ran into Plaid and Jennifer so I chatted with them for a while. Then I spent the afternoon wandering around the strip. Grabbed a little lunch around 4 something p.m. and then went back to the room to get ready for the show.

I went down early because I anticipated problems with my ticket. The show was stone cold sold out and the guest list was full. Tickets were rumored to be going for a 1000 bucks a pop. I did have a guest ticket even if my last name got changed to Evans somehow. Unfortunately, I had a general admission ticket due to the high ticket demand which means I was going to get stuck where ever after all the reserved tickets filled. good thing I got there early, there was a huge stack at the will call and I was told that if all the seats were filled, even if you had a general ticket and were on the list you would be shit out of luck.

I went to the usher and he told me to hold tight. Another usher wanted me to get out of the aisle and I did this back and forth until one of them finally seated me. He was a real dick. I was in the first section of aisle seats to the extreme right. Close, but at the angle I was at I couldn't see Bean and Monte at all and had to stand to see Jesse. If it wasn't the last show, I probably would have bitched, but between the screens and standing I still had a good view. It turns out I wasn't the only one having a problem with their seats. Judge Mathis was in the row in front of me and they fucked with him about three times before they finally left him alone. Tonight I was sporting the leopard shirt, a fresh pair of baggies and the Stacy Adams. On to the show

Here is the Line-up
Morris Day- Vocals and Cool
Jerome Benton-Valet, Dancer, background vocals and general mischief maker
Jimmy Jam-Keyboards and MC
Monte Moir-Keyboards and lead vocals
Terry Lewis- Bass
Jellybean Johnson- Drums
Jesse Johnson-Guitar God and lead vocals


Here is the set list with my comments to follow
1. Intro
2. Get it up
3. Cool
4. Wild and Loose
5. 777-9311
6. The Stick
7. Blondie
8. My Drawers
9. Fishnet
10. The Oak Tree
11. Jerk Out
12. The Skillet!!!!!
13. Red House- Instrumental
14. Be Your Man
15. Can You Help Me
16. Free World
17. If you were here tonight
18. What have you done for me lately?
19. Black Cat
20. See Thru
21. If the Kid can't make you come
22. Ice Cream Castles
23. The Walk
24. The Bird
Encore
25. Jungle Love

This was the same set list as the night before, but the fellas were throwing in different little things here and there. Jesse is always playing that shit different. My man had the flying V out again for the whole show tonight. Jam introduced the band which flowed into Get it up. The band was definitely loose tonight. The fellas really jammed on Cool and that groove was the longest song of the night. WHAT TIME IS IT? time to get Wild and loose. back to the first album for the Stick and then Jesse did his thing for Blondie and My Drawers. Jerome got the crowd hyped for Fishnet and everybody had their hands in the air for The Oak Tree.

Jesse started his bit by tearing that shit up on Jerk Out. My favorite Time song was next as the groove was cookin' in the Skillet. Jesse did his best Jimi as the power trio launched into Red House. Jesse spotlighted his solo career with the funky medley of Be your man/Can you Help me and Free world.

Monte had the crowd singing for If you were here tonight. Heidi Marie came out to handle the vocals on What have you done for me lately and Black cat. Let's do this then. What color do I like? I like the color I can See Thru. That's the kind of Draws that can turn a Brutha on. The Time brought down the house with their newest tune. Jerome actually gave Jesse something to work with tonight for If the kid can't make you come. Line um up, Line um up for Ice Cream Castles. Pimp Daddy Morris had the crowd waving in unison for Gigolos get Lonely too. Jesse pointed out that the previously mentioned Judge Mathis was also in the house. He then proceeded to play the rhythm guitar for licking stick as the band launched into the Walk. the stage filled up for the Bird and the show closed with the traditional encore of Jungle Love.

I went back stage and it was just a zoo. I talked to the fellas and got my after show plans confirmed. I talked to my man Freeze who made it to the last show. Good to see him. The fellas went down to the meet and greet and I went down as well. I hung out in line and talked to alot of the other fans I had met, took pictures, etc. The lovely Jill Monroe interviewed me while I was hanging out. The line was huge tonight and after the pictures the fellas hung around forever signing autographs, taking individual pictures and just talking with their friends, family and fans. I made sure to thank Jerome for getting me to come out there and hook me up. I said my good byes to the fellas and went to my after show plans which was another unprintable experience that had me up till 5 a.m. The Time of my Life? Your damn skippy.

I'd like to give a shout out to all the great fans I met at the shows. I'm absolutely horrible with names so if I don't list you, I have a swiss cheese memory and that's why. Some of these people I have talked to on the net for years and others I just met at the shows, but it was a pleasure to meet all of you. Props to Jennifer, JD and Robin, Mr Bill and Charlene, JD and David, Matt and Adam, Mike, Jill, Plaid, Monika, Ronny Ron and Esp who came all the way from Australia, Rob, Jeff and everybody else. All of you made this trip something I will never forget. Props also to Jamie for taking care of me on the nights I was left off the guest list. She certainly didn't have to do that and I really appreciate it. Thanks to Jaybee for just being the cool dude he is and taking me back stage every night

I would also like to thank the band themselves. Little did I know what I was getting into 24 years ago when I Bought that cassette copy of Ice Cream castle. WOW, who would have thought I would be seeing 8 shows in Vegas and being on a first name basis with the fellas. Props to Jam and Lewis. I was apprehensive to meet them, those guys are the biggest producers of all time,but they were just so down to earth. It was a pleasure to meet you. Monte and Jellybean. The backbone of the group. Monte, Mr Smooth on stage and the nicest guy you ever want to meet off stage. Jellybean. My hang out buddy after the show. Thanks for all the great memories, on and off stage since I first started seeing you guys live back in 96. Morris. The Master of Cool. The ultimate show man on stage and equally Cool off stage. What can I say about Jesse Johnson? The man,the myth, the Legend. I was actually scared to meet him, but that quickly went away. Dude is the funniest guy ever and I will never forget the hospitality you showed me the last two night. Oh and did I mention he's the baddest guitar player on the planet. Finally, I would like to thank my "Cousin" Mr. Jerome Benton. The very first show I went to at Tipatina's in New Orleans he pulled me on stage for The Bird. After that, he has always gone out of his way for me when I go to the shows. Without his persistence and hook up, I wouldn't have made the trip to Vegas. Thanks my man.

The greatest band of all Time? Certainly, but also some of the greatest individuals I've ever had the pleasure to know. Thanks for the fun and memories fellas. And that's what time it is.
[Edited 8/13/08 20:01pm]

Great review. It was certainly a terrific end to a wonderful run of shows. I'm happy that we were able to be present for it. My thanks to The Time for their infinite kindness.

I caught the first 4 shows and LOVED every moment of it. Best live band I have ever seen - the ultimate party band.