Rock it! Don't Stop It!
runwitme's MUSIC VAULT
Friday, May 02, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
The Night Celine Dion Rocked Kuala Lumpur
What: Celine Dion Taking Chances World Tour 2008
Where : Stadium Merdeka, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia.
When: 8:00pm 13 April 2008 (Originally 8 April 2008)
I made my way to Stadium Merdeka at 5:00pm on a rainy Sunday evening even though the gate only opened at 7:00pm. Was hoping to get the best seat in RM288 free seating ticket category. Couldn’t afford the RM1000 numbered seat ticket. LOL!
I couldn’t believe my ears when I arrived to the stadium. I heard Celine singing! The Show Must Go On! A Queen hit! I pinched myself. Yup! That was Celine. I was not dreaming! LOL!
She was doing her sound check. So, peeped through the stadium fence and there she was in all her glory – Celine Dion, pretty in a floral blouse. Her reddish hair glistened so beautifully in the glow of Malaysian evening sun. She was singing and occasionally stopped to talk to her sound technicians in French! Sounded so romantic. LOL! Je t’aime, Celine!
I was standing in queue, the first few people of course. We got very excited when we hear the intro of Celine remake of Heart’s Alone. Wow! We get a little teaser of what was in store for us later that night! (Insert squeals of delight here). CLICK PLAY to see “Alone”.
Celine left the stage after belting out Alone. We were all hyped up for the concert. While we stood in line, a Celine Dion hardcore fan started to blast Celine hits from his speaker phone. So, waiting in line was not that boring after all. Hahah! It was fun talking and with some die hard Celine fans out there.
At about 7:00pm. The gates were open. A brief security check. Big camera with zoom lens were not allowed. Small camera like mine is allowed. Hahah! Click like crazy I would! I rushed into stadium and plonked myself seat near the railing. I need to railing to support my mini gorilla-pod (tripod with flexible arms).
We spotted local artistes - Cheryl Samad (Malaysian Idol Host) and Nur Fazura (Gol & Gincu Actress) sitting not far from us. I am sure they can afford the RM1000 tickets but I guess they were just being thrifty! :)
Watched the sun set. The sky was glorious after the heavy rain in the afternoon. I was so worried about the rain that I brought my raincoat, just in case. Thank God I didn’t have to use the raincoat. We were all blessed with a beautiful evening!
CLICK PLAY! To fend of boredom while waiting for the show to start, the whole stadium (except those filthy rich flers who can afford RM1000 per ticket in the middle of the field..LOL!) created the Mexican Waves. It was so much fun!
All Eyes On Celine...
At about 8:50pm, the stadium light were switched off after the arrival of the King and Queen of Malaysia. We screamed and screamed Celine’s name. Then….Boom! The screen played Celine's I Drove All Night video clip. Wow! I was transported into the musical world of Celine Dion! It was surreal watching the diva on stage.
She sounded great. Without wasting any time, she slipped into Power of Love. Wow! I was totally blown away by her sheer power!
She greeted the King and Queen graciously and later apologized for reschedule the concert as she got sick during her OZ leg. It’s OK, Celine! As long as you don’t cancel it, I am fine. She even noticed the beautiful Malaysian moon, high up in the sky. CLICK PLAY to watch Celine greeting her “extraordinary” Malaysian fans. I love you Celine!
Celine sang and sang like there was no tomorrow in perfect pitch too! Hit after Hit! Song after Song! (See song list at the end of the post). Truly a diva!
CLICK PLAY to hear she belt out ALL BY MYSELF. Awesome! Awesome! Still give me goose bumps every time I listened to this! Awesome!
I was quite surprised when Celine went in and out the stage without a costume change. Was she doing a Mariah Carey – no costume change in her Malaysian Charmbracelet tour? Hmmm....
Celine's sequinned dress with leather sleeves and pants. She didn't make any costume change until the last song unlike her shows in other cities where she had a few.
CLICK PLAY! Celine will rock you! A QUEEN tribute. She rocked the stadium, indeed!
The Show Must Go On! The Show Must Go On! Celine, we glad that the show in Malaysia went on despite having to reschedule. Thanks for singing for us. Love ya!
Celine did change her costume after all. Into a sweet yellow evening gown...and then the haunting flute of My Heart Will Go On played....The crowd screamed with delight! She saved the best for last!
CLICK PLAY. You can hear yours truly warbling along with Celine Dion too in the video too. LOL! Well....everyone in the stadium sang! It was a true mother of all goosebumps moment!
After the final song, Celine bowed and said Terima Kasih (Thank You in Malay with very good diction) to the crowd!
Flying kisses...Muah! Muah! Muah!
Wow! What a show! She Came. She Sang. She Conquered My Heart (along with other 10,000 hearts too!). I LOVE YOU, CELINE!
I was transported back to Stadium Merdeka as I was writing this blog. I am really awestruck by Celine's grace, beauty and sheer powerful voice. It is one of the best concerts so far in MY LIFE! Awesome!
The Complete Kuala Lumpur Set List
First part (Black leather and silver sequinned dress)
1. Video introduction: "I Drove All Night" (remix)
2. "I Drove All Night"
3. "The Power of Love"
4. "Taking Chances"
5. "It's All Coming Back to Me Now"
6. "Because You Loved Me"
7. "To Love You More"
Second part
8. New Mego's Flamenco (instrumental)
9. "Eyes on Me"
10. "All by Myself"
Third part
11. Interval video: "My Heart Will Go On" (remix)
12. "I'm Alive" (remix)
13. "Shadow of Love"
14. "I'm Your Angel" (with Barnev Valsaint)
15. "Alone"
16. "Pour que tu m'aimes encore"
17. "Think Twice"
18. "My Love"
Fourth part (Queen Tribute)
19. "We Will Rock You"
20. "The Show Must Go On"
Fifth part
21. "Soul Man" / "Lady Marmalade" / "Respect" (by band and background vocalists)
22. "It's a Man's Man's Man's World"
23. "That's Just the Woman in Me"
24. "Love Can Move Mountains"
25. "River Deep, Mountain High"
Sixth Part (Long yellow outfit)
26. "My Heart Will Go On"
OTHER REVIEWS
Here are some blogs with Celine Dion Taking Chances reviews. Linked without permission. LOL! Found them in the Net. If you are the owners of the blogs and in any circumstances you want me to remove the links, do drop me a mail. I hope not, we Celine fan love to share, right?? :)
Judd - He hobnobbed with the local celebrities - Datuk Siti & husband Datuk Khalid, Datuk Mukhriz, Datin Norjuma & husband - Datuk Nazim, Sarimah Ibrahim & husband (who were seated next to him), fashion designer - Rizalman Ibrahim, Ezlynn, Ziana Zain, Jaclyn Victor, Daniel Lee, Harith Iskandar, Hannah Tan, Fara Fauzana, Amy Search, Rossa from Indonesia, Sasha Basir & Malaysian astronaut - Sheikh Muszaphar.
http://golden-judd.blogspot.com/search/label/celine%20dion
Juliansi – Great pictures. The difference from a RM1000 seat from RM288 is so striking. LOL!
http://juliansi.blogspot.com/search?q=celine+dion
Sasha Bashir - Local celeb.
http://sashabashir.blogspot.com/2008/04/celine-dion.html
Kevin Meets The Star.
http://kevinmeetstars.blogspot.com/2008/04/celine-dion-taking-chances-tour-in.html
Some other reviews/ blogs:
http://phuntort.blogspot.com/2008/04/taking-chances-celine-dions-concert-in.html
http://www.razlan.name/blog/2008/04/celine-dions-taking-chances-concert-in-kuala-lumpur/
http://wonderfulcharm.blogspot.com/2008/04/celine-dion.html
Thursday, April 03, 2008
Heartache - Pepsi & Shirley
Guess loving you was a waste of time. Never mind what I've been through....
Wednesday, April 02, 2008
Monday, March 31, 2008
Silence Speaks A Thousand Words - Debbie Gibson
VERSE 1:
When I asked you
you said nothing was wrong
But I listened to your magical song
All its notes were gone
You sang it, I heard
Silence speaks a thousand words
VERSE 2:
You keep telling me
I'll pay the price
for asking you once
and telling you twice
But I paid the day your emotions turned cold
Silence speaks a thousand words
CHORUS:
Where do I turn when you turn away
it's never just the things you say
You never ever put me down
But when I speak you turn around
and saying not much is saying a lot
VERSE 3:
If you spoke truth
there would be no doubt
but the only words are
"we'll work it out"
Well that's not saying much
You just don't take the time
And that is where I draw the line
CHORUS
BRIDGE:
You're sending signals
first of hope then insecurity
signals of doubt are everywhere
and subconsciously
You know you wanna break the ties
But you use silence
You use lies
Don't worry
I'll return your song of silence
Silence speaks a thousand words
Silence speaks a thousand words
Silence Speaks A Thousand Words (Acoustic Mix)
Friday, March 28, 2008
Thursday, March 27, 2008
I'm So Into You - SWV
Boy, you got me so confused. I don't know what I'm gonna do...
I'm So Into You (Radio Remix with Rap) Note: Re-up for Marvin.
Wednesday, March 26, 2008
Step Back to The 80's
What? Here and Now. The Best of 80's Concert
Where? Arena of The Stars, Genting Highland.
When? 21 March 2008. 8pm onwards.
Who? Limahl, Johnny Hates Jazz, Paul Young, Howard Jones & Bananarama.
Initially I was very excited to go for this concert when I see the line-up included my famous diva warbler (yes..she warbles LOL!) Belinda Carlisle. Then later, my excitement died when they replaced Belinda with Howard Jones. I always wanted to see Belinda Carlisle in action. I grew up listening to her songs like Heaven Is A Place On Earth, I Get Weak, Leave A Light On etc.
However, thanks to my good friend, Marianne, I get to go for the concert for free. (Insert Hugs for Marianne!). It was one of the fun concerts I have attended in my life, the other being Boney M concert last year.
I rushed to Pekeliling Bus Station to catch a bus to Genting Highlands after work on Friday evening. And my journey to the past has begun.....
Never Ending Story
Limalh stated the show about 8:30pm with "Too Shy", his hit from the group Kajagoogoo. Wowow! For a 50 years-old-guy, he looked damn good! LOL! His hair was still spiky even though it was not as big as in the 80's.
Limalh continued to entertain with "Ooh To Be Ahh", "Hang On Now", "Rio" (a tribute to Nick Rhodes for helping Kajagoogoo get signed on under the EMI label) and "Only For Love"
Limahl was energetic on the stage but he didn't make use of the stage like Paul Young did and just contained himself at the centre of the stage. I was hoping that he get closer to the sides so that I can get a good shot of him.
Limahl ended his show with "Never Ending Story". Of course the crowd sang along with him in unison. I got goosebumps! Suddenly I felt like a kid again! Hahah!
Click play: Limalh giving away free CDs and photos to the P1 audience. Me in P3 was blocked by the barricades and could only watch in envy.(Insert cry here!)
This lucky blogger managed to grab a Limalh CD. Could you rip it for me please???? Pretty please? Heheh!
I Wish That I Could Turn Back The Clock
The second act was Johnny Hates Jazz (from now on will be known as JHJ). They didn't age well I noticed. LOL!
Danny Saxon, the new lead vocalist of JHJ sang I Don't Wanna Be A Hero, Turn Back The Clock, Different Seasons, Heart Of Gold, Shattered Dreams. He was pitchy and out of breath at times (suddenly everyone's an Idol critic! LOL!.
I missed the original lead vocalist, Clark Datchler.
Anyway, I was standing right in front of the speakers on the left side of the stage, was half deaf to even notice the "pitchiness" of his notes. Had a great time singing along to the tunes, especially this one.
Turn Back The Clock
Another day is ended
And I still cant sleep
Remembering my yesterdays
I begin to weep
If I could have it over
Live my life again
I wouldnt change a single day
(chorus)
I wish that I could turn back the clock
Bring the wheels of time to stop
Back to the days when life was so much better
Lying here in silence
Picture in my hand
Of a boy I still resemble
But I no longer understand
And as the tears run freely
How I realise they were the best years of my life
(chorus)
You might say its just
A case of giving up
No
But without these memories where is the love
Where is the love
Click Play: Shattered Eardrums LOL!
Everytime You Go Away
My friend Marianne's favourite. Paul Young! He looked kinda dashing. Very different from the boyish Limahl earlier. Unlike Limahl, I was running, jumping and sliding around the stage. Pretty energetic for a 52 years old. LOL!
Paul Young sang some of his hits like Come Back & Stay, Love Of The Common People, Senza Una Donna, Tear Your Playhouse Down.
His vocal was not as smooth as I heard in the 80's. Gone were the sliky smooth blue eyed soul, replaced by an edgier rockier sound. He tried to act like a rocker too. See...? Heheh!
Everytime You Go Away.....Now she's gone and she took most of the glow out of me. Now I'm in a gutter all alone. And I wont even let my friend be near me. Woe is me. Woe is me....
I enjoyed Paul Young performance. If you like the pictures, you will love the coming video clips.
Forever Young
"Omigod! Omigod! Paul grabbed my hand", screamed Marianne! Ol' Paul still got the stuff to make them girls scream. LOL!
Two lucky women (re: b*tches! LOL!) get to slow dance with Paul Young!
Sing Scream Sing Scream session. My left ear was half deaf from the screaming emitted from the girl standing next to me. You can hear her loud and clear in this video. You can hear yours truly sing too. LOL! Everytime you go....Away...
It was so much FUN!!!!!
Things Can Only Get Better
Howard Jones came out after Paul Young. He was the only artist who attempted to say "Terima Kasih" (Thank You in Malay) for coming to the concert. OK, he did it with the help of a piece of paper, but still melt lots of Malaysians' hearts out there.
In my opinion, the best vocals of the night belonged to Howard Jones. Powerful yet vunerable at times.
He performed "What Is Love", "Like To Get To Know Well", "No One Is To Blame", "New Song", "Things Can Only Get Better" and "Pearl In The Shell".
I only managed to get a short clip of "What is Love". The security was breathing down my neck. Damn!
My favourite slow song of the night. Heart-breakingly rendered to perfection by the great Mr. Howard Jones. (Insert teardrops here! LOL)
No One Is To Blame
You can look at the menu but you just cant eat
You can feel the cushions but you cant have a seat
You can dip your foot in the pool but you cant have a swim
You can feel the punishment but you cant commit the sin
And you want her and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
You can build a mansion but you just cant live in it
Youre the fastest runner but youre not allowed to win
Some break the rules
And live to count the cost
The insecurity is the thing that wont get lost
And you want her and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
You can see the summit but you cant reach it
Its the last piece of the puzzle but you just cant make it fit
Doctor says youre cured but you still feel the pain
Aspirations in the clouds but your hopes go down the drain
And you want her and she wants you
We want everyone
And you want her and she wants you
No one, no one, no one ever is to blame
No one ever is to blame
No one ever is to blame
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Goddesses On The Mountain Top!
WTF! How did Bananarama became two hot young men? LOL! Nah....They were just the dancers!
"Last night I was dreaming, I was locked in a prison cell!!!"....Bananarama began the show with a very familiar tune. I, of course knew all the words to the song and sang along shamelessly!
The hot mamas getting hotter with the dancers. Wouldn't you want to be one of the Nana dancers? LOL!
I have a headache! Opps! No...It supposed to be "I heard a rumour"...
Wow! Is that bulge on him for real or what? LOL!
The Bananarama bringing sexy back. Grrrr....
Bananarama are Keren Woodward aka Mrs Andrew Ridgeley of WHAM and Sara Dallin.
They performed Venus, Love In The First Degree, I Heard A Rumour, Nathan Jones, Cruel Summer, Robert De Niro's Waiting and ended with a very apt, Na Na Hey Hey (Kiss Him Goodbye).
Monday, March 24, 2008
Only You Can Set Me Free!
Look at the dancers go....Gunter (dark hair) and the Down Under dirty dingo, Jason.
Confession - We did all the hands movements to perfection for "I Heard The Rumour"! LOL!
Yeah! The Bananarama sure got it! They're on fire!
Time to Say Goodbye Already? Boo! Hoo!
Saturday, March 22, 2008
Na Na Hey Hey Goodbye? No..Let's Dance!
It was FUN FUN FUN all they way! Thank you for Genting Resorts for bringing the 80's back! I enjoyed the show very much and hope they will bring back more retro acts to Malaysia.
The 80's where life was carefree and the hairs are big! I miss those days! SOB!
The show ended but the party had just begun! The DJ amazingly brought back all those familiar tunes. Tunes that I grow up with. All retro hits back to back! I thought I died and gone to retro heaven. LOL!
Everybody was dancing..OK at least tapped their feet to the beat.
The hit list included Looking for A New Love, Coldhearted, Conga, How Will I Know, Together Forever, She Drives Me Crazy..etc. Party lasted till late!
A Little Present from The Past
I managed to get Mike Nocito (of JHJ)'s autograph. Caught him wondering off stage after the show. Got a nice picture together with him too.
Too bad, we didn't get to mingle with the rest of the stars. The Bananarama has splitted befofe we could say "Love at first degree!). LOL!
Who is coming to Malaysia next? The Vegas Diva herself - Celine Dion! I can't wait for April 8! (Insert bated breath here!)
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Party With All-4-One
What? ING Grand Prix VIP Party
Where? Pulse Ultra Club, Grand Millennium Hotel, KL.
When? 9pm onwards on 19 March 2008
What a party! What a night! I won two passes from a local daily, The Sun to attend the ING Grand Prix VIP Party which was held at The Pulse, an Ultra hip club in the heart of Kuala Lumpur. My friend Kevin also won himself two passes. So, it was really a party time for us....Oh yeah! It was Kevin's Birthday on that day as well.
Guest were entertained by local dance Diva - Camelia, Reshmonu and All-4-One, the highlight of the night.
All-4-One have piled on weights. Their harmonious vocals are still there I guess. Can't really judge with bad sound system.
They started with I Can Love You Like That, followed by a couple of new songs, a Stevie Wonder medley (see video), acapella rendition of So Much In Love, She Got Skillz and ended with everyone sing-a-long tune - I Swear! The new songs they performed were possible tracks from their new studio album. The songs are "Green Light" (No! It's not a cover of Beyonce's song ) and "The Most Beautiful Girl" (No! it's not a cover of Prince's song). How imaginative! LOL!
I don't think those new songs gonna make it as big as "I Swear" or "I Can Love You Like That". I Just Called To Say...I Love You....(Please click play)
The crowd just love sing-a-long and turned this joint into a huge karaoke! LOL! Yours truly's voice can also be heard in this recording. (Insert blush here!)
I was quite disappointed when the Renault team drivers - Fernando Alonso, and Nelson Piquet Jr didn't turn up for the event. However, the third driver, Lucas Di Grassi came. (He's the one holding the mike..Not sure who the other bloke was)
The guys were very friendly when I approched them for photo and autograph. I managed to have a short chat with Delious. According to him, they are working on their 7th album aptly called 7 (wow! seventh already? Where have I been all these time? Heheh!!).
With the free flow of alcohols and great music, it was indeed a night to remember, I swear!!!!
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