George Michael Amazing

I saw George Michael Friday night at the Bell Center in Montreal. Fuckin' amazing. I think I can finally retire from seeing concerts. Well it's not like Kylie will ever tour North America.

OK maybe I won't retire ;-)

No opening act George Michael graced the stage at 8:15 singing "Waiting (Reprise)" behind the screens, as he said "Here I Am" the doors opened to a crowd that was already standing and cheering 10 minutes before the show even started. He sang for over 2 hours 23 songs with a 20 minute break in between. The screen projections which reached almost up to the ceiling were breathtaking.

He banged out "Fastlove" and "I'm Your Man". His voice sounded incredible especially on songs like "One More Try" and one of my favorite songs "A Different Corner". The crowd went wild for "Everything She Wants" and "Kissing A Fool". The highlight had to be "Outside". Preceding the song were visuals and audio of helicopters that felt like they were coming right at you. George then blasted on the stage in full cop uniform, the crowd went wild. You could tell this was a show for his fans he included many lesser know hits like "Star People" and "Spinning The Wheel", which halfway through the song he did the remix version. On "Flawless (Go To The City)" he turned the Bell Center into one big dance club.

This has to be one of the best concerts I have seen in my long career of concert going, with the exception of a few ballads the crowd stood on their feet the whole time. My preferred set list would have had less cover songs but with so many songs who can complain. My only complaint is that he didn't sing "Praying For Time", it's one of my all time favorite song. He sang it on American Idol this year and was on the set list for the show a few dates back.

The seats I had were probably the best I've ever had at the Bell Center. 29 rows back on the floor right in the middle. For the encore "Freedom 90" I walked right up to second row and saw him up close, I almost died.

If you can get tickets to this show go!

Bell Centre, 07/18/2008
SET LIST:

First Half

Waiting (Reprise)
Fast Love
I'm Your Man
Father Figure
Hard Day
Everything She Wants
One More Try
First Time Ever I Saw Your Face
Easier Affair
Too Funky
Star People

Interval
John & Elvis video

Second Half

Faith
Spinning The Wheel
Feeling Good
Roxanne
Kissing A Fool
Amazing
Flawless
Outside
Different Corner
Careless Whisper
Fantasy

Freedom 90
Freedom Reprise
Link