Three of the hottest tours this year were the Lilith Fair Tour, Janet Jackson’s Velvet Rope Tour, and The Culture Club’s Reunion Tour. This year I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the women of Lilith Fair at the Joan's Beach show, July 15. The day before my birthday, what a treat! And what a beautiful day for a concert! With blue Skies and a sold-out venue of smiling faces who could go wrong?
Lilith Fair
Sarah McLachlan’s tour rolled through town after town again this year with a sold-out show in virtually every arena. This year performers included Missy Elliott, Indigo Girls, Bonnie Raitt, Erykah Badu, Liz Phair, Sheryl Crow, Shawn Colvin, Me’Shell Ndegeochello, Emmylou Harris, Sinead O’Connor, Paula Cole, Queen Latifah, and Natalie Merchant, among many others… Originally McLachlan’s vision was to create an event that would celebrate women in music. Despite what critics said, Lilith plowed ahead, and quickly became the top-grossing festival tour of 1997, and now 1998. According to McLachlan, when asked how this year’s tour has changed or evolved she said that generally the spirit is the same. "I think we are a little more organized. We’re certainly doing a larger show, in the sense that we are doing 57 shows as opposed to 37." This year Lilith had a much larger village. There were all sorts of merchants including tour sponsors, Biore, Excite, Levi’s, who conducted local talent searches across the country for unsigned bands to perform on stage at Lilith, Borders Books and Music, Starbucks Coffee, and Volkswagen of America, as well as B-Girl Aromatherapy, jewelry tables, Henna tattoo artists, and many others. One of the main things that McLachlan felt, "sort of fell through the cracks last year," was trying to develop some younger artists. This year there were local bands represented in every venue on the tour. Non-profit organizations also played a big part in Lilith. This year Lilith donated $1 from every ticket sale in every city to a local charity. Even national organizations like LIFEbeat, the Music Industry Organization to Fight AIDS, were presented with checks. For Emily Saliers and Amy Ray of the Indigo girls, the best part about Lilith are the charities that Lilith supports. "I think what is great is when they give the checks away to the local groups," said Sailers. All in all, Lilith has proved it’s staying power. Although there are rumors that McLachlan will not be touring with Lilith next year, she assures us that she won’t give it up so easily… After all, "It’s my baby," said McLachlan.
Janet Jackson
Fearlessness, courage, strength. In her album, and concert tour with the same name, the "Velvet Rope," Janet Jackson not only explores her own fears and prejudices, but she overcomes them and learns that it’s ok to be who you are and to love, no matter what anyone else may say. Both the tour and album take you on a journey through one’s search for personal fulfillment, spirituality, and joy. It delves into Jackson’s past and looks to the future. According to Jackson "The Velvet Rope" means different things to different people, "To me, it became the concept that allowed me to put into words and music so much of what I’ve been going through." Seeing the concert for yourself is amazing. It doesn’t matter if you are at the show or sitting home watching Jackson’s HBO concert, you can still feel all the energy of the show. Janet is the ultimate Pop Diva. The choreography alone proves that Jackson is on fire. Her dancers lit up the floor. And she never stopped moving!!! This tour was truly one of the best tours in years. It’s great to have pop and dance music make a comeback.
Culture Club
That famous 80’s group best known for their song, "Do you Really Want to Hurt Me?," "Karma Chameleon," and long haired glamour style make-up wearing androgynous lead singer, Boy George took the stage on tour this summer for the best reunion since Sonny’s Bono’s funeral.
It was almost like the 80’s never ended when the pop group took the stage. Surprisingly, the tour included all four original members, and even George’s ex-lover, and former drummer. Although the tour only lasted a couple of weeks it proved that the Culture Club surely has withstood the test of time. The tour was so much fun that no matter how many problems you may have had at the time, you could go to the show, forget about everything, and just enjoy the night. It was almost like the 80’s never ended when the pop group took the stage. Surprisingly, the tour included all four original members, and even George’s ex-lover, and former drummer. Although the tour only lasted a couple of weeks it proved that the Culture Club surely has withstood the test of time. The tour was so much fun that no matter how many problems you may have had at the time, you could go to the show, forget about everything, and just enjoy the night.
