I just wanted to check in and say that tonight's Meat Loaf show was splendid, thoroughly enjoyed by a captive audience (that man knows how to work a crowd!) and there was a good response to both Patty and Kasim's solo sets as well.

It was mostly an older crowd-- um, let's just say they were all Meat Loaf fans from the beginning days ; ) but we met up with some kids after the show as well (they'd seen the Green Bay show too!).

Kaz played DON'T HOLD ME BACK, THE ONE SURE THING and the new one that'll be this first song on the CD - I don't know the name [Sacrifice - SW]. Kaz looked smart in his suit and a pink shirt. I befriended some loud folks standing next to me and managed to coax them into paying close attention to Kasim's set - they were impressed! I think I recruited them for the Abbey Pub show in November.

I first have to say I had a great time. Haven't had a night out in a while-haven't been downtown in a long while. We started out with dinner at the HOB. (Had Kasim shirt on like planned). Waitress asked if we were seeing show tonight-of course I said thus my shirt. Saw drummer -sorry I can't recall his name [John Miceli - SW] - sit down to eat with his family. Steve ordered cajun meatloaf (to honor the headliner of course). Guy trying to sell meatloaf shirt to me got a "I've got the best shirt on already". He didn't try to argue with me. So we get in line inside the venue-I'm chatting with anyone who is willing-telling them to pay special attention to the opening guy. The shirt got the attention of a very nice couple from Indianapolis who drove in for the show and she had seen Kasim at Abbey Pub. Great people I'm sure I'll run into again. We were front and center about 3 people back. Kasim how did you like the view from the stage? Anyone standing in my vicinity will know what I'm refering to. Anyway I could tell Kasim was a little more nervous than at his solo shows but he nailed all three songs. And I was so so happy that we were the first to hear Sacrifice. THANK YOU KASIM! He told us it will be the opener for the CD and if we buy his CD he will personally come to our houses to sign it. (I'm cleaning my house now for the arrival!) The people around us loved Kasim and I'd say he'll have more new fans at his shows. I have said that his smile lights up a room and it doesn't change when the room is huge. His heart and soul shine through when he's playing his own music.

Patti did rock! That was a surprise for me - she has great facial expression and enthusiam on stage. During her songs Kasim spotted me and mouthed "hi pebbles". Made my day again! I could see how he really is the "musical director". He and the drummer set the back bone for the whole show.

Meat Loaf (this was my first show) did seem crazed, possessed whatever. By third or fourth song was looking for puffer (inhaler in my line of work) and a fan through one up to him. He had everyone yelling and screaming and if you didn't he'd point you out. It was wild. Had me dancing for sure - but all I need is a beat (provided by Kasim's bass and the drummer) and I start moving. Then I realized I had been on my feet all day (worked 8-4) then 4 hours at the concert and all that dancing I was tired. Just in time because they all pulled up chairs and slowed it down a little. Sang Mony, Mony (the naughty way) and Pearl did an excellent job on her song. She's a pretty girl - very nice stage presence.

So I got to blow a kiss and receive one back and that was my farewell till next show. And I have to tell ya I am so itching to go to Sheboygan. I have to know how many songs tho cuz it's a long and I mean long drive. (I feel an alien obduction coming on).

The Meat Loaf fans (around me) were great and felt the musical connection getting larger.

Truly becoming........ One World..we got something between us and it feels alright!......

either way Sheboygan or not I will probably hit another show - it's that good!

We stayed at the HOB hotel across from the venue, great hotel and nice people. Rolled into Chicago around 2:30 pm and because of the hotel's great service, got the car parked and checked into our room in about 10 minutes. The bellman was very nice, even told us how his friend checked Meat in the day before.

After settling in, we wandered around "The Loop", Chicago is a great town to check out! Did some shopping and wandered back to the hotel. Got to the elevator and who gets off but Kasim. My wife saw him but was too shy to say anything. Me, I'm looking for the elevator button! I would have said something but missed my brush w/ greatness.

Had a bite to eat and then got in line for the show. Everyone in line was pumped and excited and very friendly. Had a great time just waiting to get in.

Security was tight, everyone was wanded. Got in and headed for the stage to find the closest spot. Ended up 2 people back from the stage, great view! We took turns wandering around to check the place out, a small intimate venue, holds around 500.

After a wait of about 45 minutes, Kasim takes the stage! The crowd was expecting Meat and it took a little bit for them to settle into Kasim's set, but they eventually did. Some moron in front of Kasim asked who he was. He kindly explained he'd been w/ Meat since Bat I, about 25 years, LOL.

Kasim was very entertaining, dressed in a black suit with a bright pink shirt, started with Don't Hold Me Back. Kasim played an acoustic guitar for the first two songs. The crowd was still not completely attentive after the first song, but by the time he finished The One Sure Thing, he had their complete attention. The next song was from his new CD, Quid Pro Quo and it rocked! Kasim mentioned this was the first song on the CD and he would personally come to your house and sign it! Anyway, the name of the song is Sacrifice and it has a really cool guitar solo in it! You will have to check this out.

While his intial reception wasn't that warm, after just 3 songs he had won the crowd over completely. Even the obnoxious bunch in front of us finally shut up and listened intently.

I think Kasim made a lot of new fans that night. Throughout the rest of the show he did his usual superb job.

Back to Kasim Sulton's Meat Loaf Summer 2002 Tour