Kasim's solo set with Meat's drummer John Miceli and guitarist Damon La Scott watching

It was a hot and sunny day - the bank thermometer read 103 degrees when I left Lincoln at 3:55 pm. The first class meeting of my grad school program had just wrapped up… well, okay, I left early, but the prof said I could!! I had to get back to Omaha to see Kasim (and Meat Loaf) that night. Understanding instructor, huh?

The construction zones and “regular” slow downs cooperated beautifully and I met my friend Terry’s son (Don) at his house. We loaded the lawn chairs and ourselves into his car and were on our way. Terry had given us direction to Westfair, and they worked like a charm. We paid our $5 and parked relatively close to the venue.

Walking across the parking lot, we could see that a pretty good-sized crowd had started to gather. The “doors” opened at 5, and we pulled into our parking spot at 5:43. Pretty good time, if I do say so myself… We picked up our tickets at the will call window, left a couple for my friend Elaine who was meeting us there, and headed in.

The security folks were searching bags for outside food and drink - a no-no. I had two Snapples for Kasim and managed to keep them by explaining that I had no intention of drinking them, pointing to my t-shirt and saying “They’re a present for Kasim, the musical director!” They gave in and we headed to the concession stands. Don and I both picked up a t-shirt. He’s such a good kid - he got it for his Mom, who could not be with us, and we really hoped that we could get Meat to sign it for her.

We headed down the slope to the backstage entrance. There, I asked the security guard… well, it’s really an amusing conversation so I’ll recreate it below…
Laura: “Hi, is there any way you can let Kasim know that Laura is here?
Security: “Who?”
L: “Kasim Sulton. He’s the musical director.”
S: “For who?”
L: “For Meat Loaf.”
S: “Oh. And who are you?”
L: “Laura England. Kasim is expecting me.”
S: “What does he look like?”
L: “Umm, he’s about my height, brown hair, umm…”
S: “Oh, is he the Italian looking guy?”
L: “Yes!”
S: “Oh. Well, maybe that’s him. Do you want to take a look and see?”
L: “Sure… HI, KASIM!!”
Kasim: “Laura!! Where ya been?”

Anyway, we got our hugs out of the way and Don came back with us as well. Kasim escorted us to the catering area, as we didn’t have laminates/passes (they’d even charged Kasim for his!!). We sat around and talked for a while and I gave him some grief about playing “Sacrifice” in Chicago but not here. Evil child, aren’t I? Kasim was so great, asking Don all kinds of questions and really listening to the answers - just like he always does when he meets people. It’s part of why we love him! Kas loved his Snapples and the other present I’d brought him. Elaine got there a few minutes later, and Kasim came out to meet her and the three friends who’d accompanied her. Eventually, we left him alone to get ready for the show and walked out to find our “seats.” It’s an amphitheatre so we had our lawn chairs… We ran into a co-worker of mine (Mary) who had room down close on Kasim’s side of the stage, so we got settled and waited for the opening acts (Kasim and Patti).

Kasim took the stage at about 7:15 and started out by saying “Man, I’m freezing up here!!” The crowd took a moment and looked at him. He said, “Nah, I’m only kidding, it’s really HOT, man!!” He started with “Don’t Hold Me Back,” which is always a good starter. Kasim hits that first note so beautifully and it grabs people and keeps them with him. Or I could just be biased. That would be a surprise.

Next up, Mark Alexander joined him on keyboards for “Before She Was Gone.” What an amazing pairing they made. I love the song anyway, but it was great to hear the layers that Mark’s playing added. By this time, I was getting stares from people who realized I was singing along with every line. Then Kasim was saying, “I’ve only ever played this song live once before. It’s the first song off my new CD, Quid Pro Quo, which is due out in August. But a very good friend of mine asked me to play it tonight, so not only am I gonna play it for you but I’m gonna dedicate it to Laura since she got 2 A’s on her exams today. Right, Laura?” Every eye turned to where he was looking and I’m sure I was beet red. But I shouted back, “That’s right, Kasim!” I got to hear “Sacrifice”!! The evening could have ended right there and I’d have felt like I got my money’s worth. But there was still more to come.

Patti came on and sang a blistering set - she really had the crowd going. I will have to admit I don’t know what songs she played - I had to make a trip up the hill at that point - from drinking too much water. (Hopefully I managed that without revealing too much information!) But I could hear her and the crowd and they were totally into it. She also made the comment that “S**t, it’s really hot here!” The band was really having a good time with the crowd at that point too.

Then it was time for the main event. They started out with “Life is a Lemon (and I want my money back).” From there I have to admit it’s all a blur, Meat was all over the stage and working the crowd as only he can. I’d been up since 6:00 and was running on very little sleep for the past few days. But I’ll see if I can piece together some of the flashes that stuck with me.

Lawyers, Guns and Money - what a great song. I heard a lot of people singing along and one man explaining to his companions that it’s a Warren Zevon song...
I Would Do Anything for Love (but I won’t do that) - I swear I could hear Kasim’s vocals clear as a bell!! And the crowd really loved that song, everyone sang along to the “Sooner or later you’ll be screwing around!”
Paradise By the Dashboard Light - As always, the interplay between Patti and Meat was mesmerizing. And they seemed to really enjoy it, even in the overwhelming heat! We even got our Light loud enough for Meat the first time…
Two Out of Three Ain’t Bad - I know I saw Mary and her husband Craig singing along to a slow song and smiling at each other, I’m 90% sure that was it… In any case, Kasim’s observations are right on. The songs that Meat performs really do touch people and have obviously meant a lot to them over the years.
The “Storytellers” section -
Took the Words Right Out of My Mouth - had the whole crowd singing along
Mony Mony - John Golden, the “new Ray Andersen” took lead vocals for that one. Fun was had by all.
Honky Tonk Woman - Kasim and Patti shared lead vocals. Kasim sang the first verse, and made it “Met a gin-soaked barroom queen in Council Buffs,” which got a big cheer.
Pearl sang a solo - I’m afraid I don’t remember the name. But Meat said “My daughter is gonna sing the blues for you now,” and she brought the entire place to their feet when she was done.
Bat Out of Hell - always one of my favorites. I just love the chorus. It always reminds me of the Storytellers video where Kasim has this Cheshire Cat grin on his face as he sings the third “Like a Bat Out Of Hell!” and he looks like he’d rather play music that do almost anything else on earth.

The show was over much too soon - but it was a full two hours of music and fun and sweating and dancing and rocking and rolling. We headed over to the gate to meet Kasim and collect our souvenirs - he’d managed to ask Meat to sign our t-shirts and an album cover. I got a VERY VERY small taste of what fame must be like for Meat. Kasim poked his head over the fence and shouted “Where are you, Laura?” Suddenly everyone who had gathered hoping to get a meet ‘n’ greet shouted, “Here I am!” and “I’m with Laura!” and “I’m Laura, I’m Laura!” It was scary for a few minutes, as everyone wanted to touch me and be my friend. How hard it must be to be a “real” famous person!!!!

Luckily, Kasim spotted me and was able to get the security folks to let me in. I got the rest of my “peeps” past the frenzied crowd and we spent some time chatting and taking pictures with Kasim. He was such a kind and patient person, as always, and the friends who had never heard him play before are new fans. All of them commented on how real and genuine Kasim was, which was very gratifying. You know, sometimes you think you’re biased about how great someone is and it’s nice to hear your opinion verified by totally objective strangers…

Thank you, Kasim, for an evening I’ll never forget!! Can’t wait to do it again some time!

Kasim Sulton with Laura England

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