JennaZ

I enjoyed the interview. Nothing surprising, but it was interesting to hear that he knew a concert of ballads alone may not be that interesting. He thought that hearing the orchestra play songs that don't typically work with an orchestra was the funniest thing.

Oh, I think it's still possible. It may just be Jesse accompanying him on piano, but I can imagine him trying out a new song, even if it's not in the first few shows. I understand some people feeling disappointed in what they saw. It's a little harder for me to accept the anger that a few seem to have, as if his set was some kind of personal insult to them. But I guess passion shows itself in different ways. I really believe that Frisco was an anomalous situation in many ways. I feel bad for those who couldn't enjoy it, and especially for those who won't have another opportunity to see him. However, I do think things will only get better.

Thank you for your honesty, muski and Claygasm. It is interesting to see how different perceptions can be. Anyone see the spoilers for Houston at the CB: Houston Spoilers Who knows if this is definitive, but what do you think?

Playbiller, thanks for sharing your review. I'm glad you had such a wonderful experience. My heart goes out to those who were disappointed. Hopefully, the next few performances will be more satisfying. I do think it's hard to judge the success of the tour (or his career) based on this first Frisco show. It's the first show. It's a truncated show. It's in a venue that was not built with acoustics in mind. It was before an audience that, for the most part, did not buy tickets to see him. I suspect that the TV and Classic medley's were done to bring a pop element to these orchestral concerts. I'll admit, when I first heard he was touring with an orchestra, my first thought was that it would be like his Christmas tours -- elegant, beautiful, but perhaps slightly restrained. I almost think he picked these medleys to say, "This is NOT going to be a stuffy concert." It will be interesting to see what, if any changes, he makes.

It's a very honest interview, though some comments may be the subject of some discussion. A few thoughts: - The grandma quotes, while probably said very tongue-in-cheek, in a joking manner, probably won't go over well. I wish he hadn't said that. I hope it doesn't make younger fans think he is too unhip to follow. - He seems to make it rather clear why he did a covers album, and that he didn't think it was a great idea. However, he also seems quite proud of the product. - The discussion regarding the direction of the new CD seems very promising -- with an actual effort to "make him hip without trying too hard." I like where that's going. Maybe along the direction of LAL's sound? - On the whole, I thought he came across as funny, honest and unpretentious. I think he wants to show people that he doesn't take himself too seriously, which I suspect may explain his medley choices.

Notacanuck at CH just posted this very interesting interview from the Houston Chronicle: Clay Aiken embraces his inner dork

Thanks for your report, Muski. I guess perceptions on the concert differ. For the most part, the cellcerters seemed enthusiastic. I hope you enjoy the Houston concert more.

Me too. I think it's abundantly clear that this album is not something he's trying desperately to forget. I was surprised that there weren't any songs from MoaM, particularly Invisible, but I suppose it's possible that we'll see them in the longer shows. Music from MoaM is known, for the most part, by his die hard fans. In these venues, many of which may include new audiences, familiar covers from ATDW may be more accessible. I think we'll see a few more MoaM songs in the longer concerts. However, I thought this was a brilliant way to introduce new audiences to his music and sense of humor: 1. ATDW songs to promote (yes, I said PROMOTE) his latest album 2. Fun medleys to showcase his personality and lack of pretension 3. "Lover All Alone," for his die-hard fans, and for any who may wonder if he really is an artist. For a relatively brief concert, I thought his choices were fantastic.

I'll be waiting. Yes, sometimes there is an advantage to living on the west coast. It's only 9:15 here. I do hope the audience response at Frisco provides him with the positive feedback he needs to know he made the right decision. Bottom line -- he sounded great and was absolutely entertaining. I hope he doesn't let the worriers and nags cause him any distress. Any word from those in attendance as to the reactions of the soccer fans? I mean, specific comments as opposed to general applause?

Sounds like a fun set list. And I guess he disproved the theory that he wouldn't sing anything off ATDW. I can't wait to hear him sing these songs!

Sounds like a fun concert, with some great comic opportunities for him. I think he knows his audience. This won't be a boring evening!

Wow! Someone suggested a TV medley, but I had thought it unlikely. However, I think it could be a lot of fun. I kind of hope it's true. And Lover All Alone. That would be something to hear...

From CV: I think this is why we have a reputation for intensity. However, as others have noted, we're not the only ones. I think we just notice and feel the Claymate remarks more acutely because we look for them. HAPPY 4th of JULY! Can you believe the first concert starts today! I'm thrilled, not just because we'll hear Clay again, but because the fandom always seems a lot more fun during tours. The early reports from the venues. The excitement of the cellcerts as hear his voice through a tinny, distant connection. Following on the boards as we EEEE!!! over ever tidbit that gets passed on to us. Hearing about what happens at the bus. Reading those thrilling four words, "There will be clack!" The rush to download. The afterglow as we examine every move and note of every song. And then we get to experience it the next day (or very soon after). I first got really hooked into the internet community during the Idol tour. Every day there was a fresh new infusion of Clack. Every day, we'd hear about how Clay got the biggest cheers, how it was definitely a "Clay crowd." It was an intoxicating time. We called it "The Summer of Clay," and I remember thinking, "Will it ever be like this again?" And amazingly enough, it has been. He's given us six more tours, and they've all been immensely satisfying in their own way. Not too long ago, I had dinner with a Clay friend, and we both kind of bemoaned the state of the fandom. The negativity. The personal attacks. The cliques and politics of various boards. How it seemed like being a fan wasn't as much fun anymore. But then she said with confidence, "It'll be better when the tour starts." And I hope, no, I believe it will be, because the fandom needs this. We need to celebrate Clay. We need to enjoy being a fan again.

True. Much of what goes on in this fandom goes on in other fandoms. The overanalysis and wild speculation. The obsession with associated objects (game winning balls, costumes, signatures, etc.) The desire to congregate. "This American Life" is an NPR radio series that basically features people telling personal stories related to a weekly theme. In an episode entitled, "Conventions," a man talked about his experience attending a "Dark Shadows" convention. ("Dark Shadows" is an old Sci-Fi television series.) He mentioned how he was excited to get together with other fans, how he saved money for months and bought clothes just to wear there. He wanted to talk "Dark Shadows" with people who liked "Dark Shadows." These were people who noticed things like how many times characters would knock on the door from one episode to the next. He discusses how fans made their own "Dark Shadows" episodes, building sets, wearing costumes, and filming them. How one fan got up and told the audience how "Dark Shadows" taught her "how to forgive, the joy of friendship, how you need to go on from bad situations." (She then screamed, "Dark Shadows lives!") The narrator talked about the sense of community, how people bonded and formed packs over bottles of merlot. The host of the show, Ira Glass, talked to the narrator with a tone of amused incredulity. The narrator admitted he felt a little like a crackpot. However, though they were talking about a television fandom, certain aspects of the experience seemed rather familiar to me, some of which you might guess. There are times when I've felt a little like a freak for spending so much time online, for buying multiples of the same album, for sitting in a line for seven hours at Kimmel, for buying multiple sets of concert tickets to upgrade a few rows closer. Is it insane to see a shirt in a department store and think, "That would look good on Clay," to look at a dish with nuts on it and think, "Clay couldn't eat that," or to see a concert (any concert) and think, "Clay does this better" or "Clay should do that"? I sometimes think I think way too much about him. In all passionate fandoms, what is extreme to an outsider can seem perfectly normal to a fan. I can see why much of what we do may be perceived as "crazy." And that's OK. To me, the danger comes when we lose perspective. It can be a fine line between what is rational and irrational fan mentality, one that not everyone can agree upon. However, I think that the more we recognize that there is a line, the more likely we are to be on the right side. Sorry for sounding so preachy... I'm in a weird mood. Happy Birthday Muskifest! Good luck to all you travellers!

My interpretation of "crazy Claymates" is not, so much, that it's crazy to like Clay, but that the intensity of devotion is crazy. And it can be. The slightest whiff of disrespect toward Clay by a blogger, DJ, reporter, or media personality can trigger a torrent of angry feedback. Any rumor or speculation that Clay may be involved in something can cause a rush of demanding inquiries. The fandom may have a little more restraint now than they have in the past, but I would not be surprised if some in the media have this image of Clay fans as being, well, a little single-minded sometimes. It's unfortunate that the fandom may be characterized by the extremes, but that always seems to be the way things work. However, for the most part, I think the usage is often not meant to be mean-spirited. As for the M&G's going to locals, I don't think there's any proof of that. It is more likely that a higher percentage of in-state fans will attend local concerts, and thus be more likely to win. And we're talking about a very limited number of meet and greets. I really think that a completely random draw could still result in all M&G's going to fans who live in the venue's state, though some will never believe it.

I believe he just started this spring. Personally, I've never understood his appeal, but whatever.

FWIW: Given that it's a sports program, I do think it's a diss. But not worth an ounce of angst, honestly. Good luck to all those travelling. I hope the weather cooperates, both during the journey and at your destination. Packing advice for Texas -- for the outdoor venue, something very cool and breathable, because even the evenings can be rather warm. For the indoor venue, something layered, like a sweater, because the air-conditioning is often quite cool.

I don't know, but that's what I'd assume, as well. It seems to me that musicians at that level (national orchestras) are paid well. I'm not sure if Clay's concerts would fall under those contracts, or not. However, in browsing a few of them, it does seem as though some have limitations on the length of a performance. It's possible that he may have strict time restrictions in some venues. And yeah, a 10 day UNICEF trip does make some sense.

Playbiller, glad to hear your tests were negative for cancer. I hope you get more good news, soon.

Orchestra rates: I haven't had the chance to go through this thoroughly, but I did find this website from the International Conference of Symphony and Opera Musicans that lists the agreements signed by major orchestras. Not sure how it may apply to situations like Clay's, but it does give some hourly rates and other employment conditions. Orchestra agreements Media Agreement He may or may not be using these particular orchestras, but it may be a useful guide.

Thanks, Luckiest, for mentioning the duplicate songs on my list. I've revised it to add a new song. The thing is, I think almost any song can be arranged for an orchestra, which means that almost any song can show up. I suspect we'll see a lot of new (to us) material. I envy all of you going to Houston, because it's my hometown and I can't be there. (My parents are visiting me here in California.) I know House of Pies. I remember Jones Hall. I could have helped show people around. But alas, it was not to be. (Sigh!)

OK - I'll play! 1. Solitaire (Opening) 2. Without You 3. Everything I Do 4. Because You Loved Me 5. Right Here Waiting 6. Broken Wings 7. Here You Come Again 8. Invisible 9. A Thousand Days 10. I Want To Know What Love Is 11. Run To Me 12. Moon River 13. Lover All Alone 14. A medley of some kind 15. Bridge Over Troubled Water (Closing) Actually -- I think he's going to have more songs in there that we haven't heard. I don't expect a lot of the same covers he did in past concerts, because I think he'll want to sing fresh material. However, I do expect covers. And at most -- one or two new songs for consideration on the new album. And I think that medley may have some unusual choices. Personally, I believe he's going to surprise most of us.

Had to laugh at the iBlog! Guy sure loves his new toy. Maybe he'll blog even more often, now that he has web access at his fingertips! Great news about the possible San Diego stream. If they do stream his concert, maybe it'll introduce a whole new audience to his music. The podcast should be fun. Can't wait to hear it. Happy Birthday FearofH2O! And congratulations on your new home improvements, Muski!

Welcome MyZiggy and Goldarngirl. Don't feel shy about jumping into the conversation!

Yeah, for me, his blogs alone are worth the cost of membership, no matter how often he writes them. I am glad that he's feeling comfortable blogging more often, even about inconsequential matters like iPhones or Jericho. I do agree that it's a good way to feed the voracious and insatiable fandom. Though everything he says gets picked apart, and though someone always finds something to whine about, on the whole, his words do a lot to raise morale and stimulate interest.