July 21, 1998
Tuesday, July 21 was a day like any other summer day in Colorado, mid ninety degree weather under partly cloudy skies. Yet there was something in the air (a cold front? No…), a feeling of anticipation, warmth and joy. The arrival of Stevie brought with it all these things and more, with it came the thunder and rain. How cool is that? While Boz’s set was wrapping up it began to sprinkle…lightly.My husband and I had never been to a concert outside of California before, so this was an experience all in itself. Fiddler’s Green was a lot smaller than we expected (7,000-8,000) and we thought that even people on the green have decent seats, not great seats but we’re used to green seating at least 1/4 mile from the stage or farther. We were in the 7th section a little less than half way up, 7 & 8 seats over from the aisle closest to center. I really envy all the people who had 3rd and 4th row tickets!
Anyway, after the stage hands began removing Boz’s equipment I wondered how long it take for them to get ready for Stevie’s set. I was amazed it took less than 15 minutes, they just wheeled everything off, up went the black curtain and Stevie’s stage was all set. She came out at exactly 8:30 that evening, as the rain came down steadily.
Of course, the two opening songs were more than appropriate. During Dreams as she sang, “thunder only happens when it’s raining…” the crowd went nuts. She then expressed her sympathy by saying, “I wish I could make the rain stop, see I don’t have those magical powers like they say I do.” We continued getting soaked but we didn’t care.
I think one of the worst parts of the evening was having to put up with people who decided to open their umbrellas right in front of you, making it impossible to see Stevie! We moved several times, a row closer each, and of course we were on our feet the entire time. How can anyone sit down anyway?
Stevie began talking about how special this tour is and how the songs were taken from her boxed set which includes some of her favorites, “and if you haven’t heard them before you were sleeping or something and missed out.” While she sung Gold Dust Woman this amazing feedback poured into our ears as the power went out, luckily it was toward the end of the song…unfortunately we didn’t get to hear that cool ending all the way through like she normally does on stage. We were soaking wet by this point as the rain just did not want to let up.
She came back after several minutes to sing Gold and Braid one of my favorites, however, I did not hear Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around, if anyone else did please let me know. She then went into the acoustic trilogy set talking in between each song and how they came about. Stevie is so personable on stage and so sincere, she really does love her fans.
The rest of the show was more than awesome, from Sleeping Angel to her signature song Rhiannon and her encores. The rain eventually stopped (I think) during Whole Lotta Trouble, which was awesome! I was really amazed at the lack of flowers and gifts given to Stevie during Edge of Seventeen and how people on the right side of the stage were grabbing her instead of just holding her hand like people in the center and left of the stage had done.
Towards the close of her set I noticed a lot of inebriated idiots, sorry they kinda got me upset. During Landslide instead of singing along with Stevie they were yelling and screaming making it hard to hear her and basically ruining the song. It was also amazing to see so many people out of their seats wandering around to the stands to get alcohol, you could definitely see the change in people’s demeanor as the evening progressed. It’s like, don’t they understand…this is an important night and Stevie really gives her entire heart and soul to the audience. I think we should at least do the same in return, by giving her our undivided attention. It just saddens me to see how people behave sometimes.
Upon closing (near 10:20), Has Anyone Ever Written Anything For You brought tears to my eyes as I stood mesmerized by this incredible woman, who for so many years has spoken to me through her music.
No, Stevie we will not forget…you are far too important and mean so much. Truly an incredible evening and one we will always remember.
And next time Stevie comes to town we will have better seats down front!