Concert Feedback ~ Peoria 2002

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Peoria's Son, Dan Fogelberg, came home to a sold out crowd and a standing ovation, the first of many that night, as soon as he took the stage.

Starting off with a roof raising "Magic Every Moment" he pleased the audience over and over with song after song, alternating between center stage playing the guitar and sitting behind the piano, showing that he is a Master at both instruments.

After playing for 45 minutes, Dan and his band took a quick break, promising that the good time would continue shortly. A couple of moments later, Dan returned to his signature wooden chair and cup of tea, all set to give us an acoustic set. Before starting, he sat and told us how great it was to be home again. Then he smiled to the crowd and said, "I'm from here. This is the only place I can say that and it means something." Then he spoke of spending the day with his Mother, Margaret, who was in attendance. He then recalled some memories of when he attended High School in the area. After telling his story of an evening on the banks of the Illinois River, he said, "You know, I don't think my Mother ever knew about that stunt I pulled, and now that she does I'll probably be grounded for a week." After getting a laugh from the audience he then started playing a medley of songs including the one he wrote about his father, Lawrence Fogelberg, "Leader Of The Band", where he received another standing ovation.

When he completed his acoustic session, he took another quick break, saying that he and the boys would return and then it was time for some Rock `n' Roll. He took the time to introduce each of his band members, telling who they were, how they had met, and what other bands or musicians they had played with. He started with Mark Andes, who played with Canned Heat, Heart, and Firefall, and then had him play and sing a song from when he was with Firefall. Robert McEntee came next with Dan telling the story of Robert playing in a band back in Colorado and Dan taking Joni Mitchell to hear them. He told of how he had plans to hire Robert and going back the next day, he found that Joni had beat him to it and hired him first. McEntee played a blues song, showing his prowlness on the guitar. Dan then introduced Michael Hanna, who was on keyboards, and mentioned that he had done a lot of work with Donna Summer. Dan also brought to light that Hanna had worked with him on many of his albums, including extensive work on "The Innocent Age" album. He then introduced Joe Vitale and spoke of the many artists, The Eagles, Ted Nugent, Peter Frampton, and many others, that Vitale had played with. They then played a song, letting both Hanna and Vitale share the spotlight, with Vitale playing an outstanding flute solo. Then then went into a couple of Blues songs, one by Robert Johnson and the other by Muddy Waters, with Dan showing his love for the Blues and his talent at playing the Blues.

Dan sang and performed songs from every era of his 30 year career, starting with "To The Morning" from his first release, Home Free, to a bluesy entrance to "Changing Horses" from the Souvenirs release in 1974.

Closing his show with the song that got him started, "Part Of The Plan", he received yet another standing ovation as he waved to the crowd and said Goodnight. The audience remained standing, clapping and stomping, wanting more from their Local Son, to which he complied. Grabbing his guitar, he told the audience that they get to help with this one and proceeded to play "There's A Place In The World For A Gambler". When it came time to sing the chorus, Dan told everyone the words and had them sing along. When he got to the last chorus he told everyone, "You're on your own, let me hear you sing" and we did. He smiled to the audience and said, "I'm liking this, but you need to sing louder" and we all did. He had us sing the last chorus 4 times before stepping back up to the microphone and finishing the song. After he did, he told the crowd Goodnight again and exited the stage once more.

Still not satisfied, the audience beckoned him back one more time, where he said it would be the last. He paid tribute to the late George Harrison, saying what we all feel in how greatly he will be missed.

Dan gave the Hometown crowd a 2-1/2 hour show that no one will ever forget anytime soon or came away complaining. Myself, if he would have played all night, I would have been thrilled and would have enjoyed every moment.

Thank you, Dan, for 30 years of wonderful music that has touched so many in so many ways, myself included. Your words and music helped me through some trying times, one song especially, "Don't Lose Heart". Hopefully there will be many more years of your music to come.Dan, his music, and his God given talent are like fine wine - it gets better with time and age, and Dan, you look and sound GREAT at 50.

LET IT SHINE...OH, LET IT SHINE!!!! ~ Patty Reiter (Peoria, IL - Proud Dan Fogelberg fan from the beginning)

Oh my goodness, what a night! Fourth row seats.....(two rows in front of Dan's mom).....I have been to Heaven! I only had to drive a couple of hours to see Dan in his hometown. Of course my friend and I got lost and made it to our seats while he was singing "Magic Every Moment". I apologize to those people that I stepped on. Dan was so relaxed and seemed genuinely happy to be "home". Of course the music was fabulous, bringing back memories of other concerts, taking me back to the times in my life when those songs were released. The set list was nearly identical to the other concerts. We all were hoping that he would sing "Illinois" since that is where we were but, alas, it was not meant to be. We were entertained for 2 hours and 20 minutes!

There were two standing ovations during the concert, besides the ones at the end.....first one was after he played "To the Morning" and the second one was after he sang "Leader of the Band". Remember, this was his home crowd...many in the audience had probably been taught by Mr. Fogelberg in HS. It was very moving, to say the least.

Dan told a story about something he did when he was in high school. Something about he and some friends meeting at the river one night (the Illinois River) and drinking some beers (Pabst Blue Ribbon). Anyway, he got silly (his words) and decided to swim across the river. Of course, he hadn't thought about needing to swim back across (must have been those beers!). When he got back to the side he started on, his friends were gone and the cops were waiting for him. He smiled and then said, "I never told my mom that story. I'm probably going to be grounded for a week!"

The time listening to him sing and share his music is never long enough...... But I was grateful for the experience and the music. Dan's songs always bring a sense of joy and peace to my life. The concert was incredible! Thank you Dan!! ~pj

Well, Dan did it again, and real special this night. I flew in from Miami and was honored to be in the presence of Dan, his friends, new wife and even his mother at this wonderful, hometown concert. The music was terrific (as usual) with some new blues tunes and I believe, more of a variation because of the instruments of the band. I wanted to get up, move and dance, but the crowd was abit "quiet" so I contained myself until Part of the Plan. I am very happy to have explored Dan's hometown, the river and felt the positive energy at the show. Thanks Dan, stay well & happy. ~ Debbie

My son and I attended the concert together, and I have to say, each concert is much different than the next, I haven't seen Dan since 1997 in Springfield, Illinois, so it was an emotional experience for me, it was great to see him perform again. I always admired the way Dan does not turn around until he is introduced! He and his Band were full of energy, and they all looked great. Dan's voice was as strong and beautiful as ever. My son, Ryan was impressed with Dan playing the Blues, of course, some bug flew in my eye about that time, and I had to run the the restroom to get the bug out, I missed part of the Blues section! There are still songs I wish Dan and his Band had played, but I enjoyed the setlist that he did play. And it seems that Dan does not age, he looks the same as he did in 1997, in fact, he looks better. One particular band member kept capturing my eye, it was Michael Hanna, the way he moved on stage kept me watching, he moved very flowingly, if that makes sense. Anyway, the concert was wonderful. I would like to add the songs I think Dan should add to his setlist in future concerts, "Ghosts", it builds and has alot of power, "Tullamore Dew", a haunting song that leaves you wanting more, "Lazy Susan", young early Dan, fresh and innocent, "Wysteria", that song moves my soul to depths that are unbelievable, and, "Since You've Asked". I would truly love to hear these songs in his future concerts! ~ Susan K.