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Behind the Scenes in Los Angeles, CA July 17 - Los Angeles - The Rose Bowl 8am This is a big day for everyone, especially the stage crew. they've been working since 5am, setting up for what will be our biggest audience of the tour (28 000). In fact, most everyone would like this day to be over before it's begun. there will be 6 artists instead of 5 on the mainstage, and the first act starts the day off at 2pm today, instead of the usual 3:30p m -- there's also an early curfew so sarah will be finishing her set half an hour early at 10:30. 2:30pm The sun is beating down and the grounds are filling up with people. The Village and B-stages are set up along the narrow concourse, and it's already a little difficult snaking through the crowds to get from one to the other. By the time Cibo Matto hit the B-stage, it's nearly impossible to make it through the exeedingly dense crowd that has gathered to watch them. Nonetheless, it looks like Cibo Matto have them crowd under their spell, and they must enjoy playing to such a large amount of people. 3:30 Sadly, this is Beth Orton's last day on Lilith Fair. She takes to the stage and plays in front of the packed and vocal audience, with quite a few people even watching from an overpass high above her, to whom she makes sure to say hello and wave to. It's been a huge treat to see Beth play on the B-stage every day since the start of the tour - she's always wonderful to see, and many of the crew and other artists would make a point of catching her set whenever they could. Her deeply touching lyrics and sweet sounding sounding voice are irresistable. Beth is one of those artists whose talent is immense, yet she maintains such a humble demeanor towards any praise an audience may bestow upon her. She and her crew will be greatly missed. 5pm Sixpence None the Richer have started their set on the B-stage. It also happens to be their last day on the tour, and the crowd is so dense around the stage, that it's impossible to get through to shoot their performance. As per usual, the audience is quite familiar with their music, and especially show their affinity for "Kiss Me" by cheering anytime Leigh begins the familiar chorus. 7:15pm The Pretenders are in the midst of their set before this L.A. audience. Chrissie makes the crowd laugh and cheer at her jokes, who then become especially vocal when just before the start of a song, she yells out "scream if you're lesbian!". The band carries on in true rock and roll fashion, while Drew Barrymore can be seen at the side of the stage, enjoying the Pretenders set. 8pm Backstage, things are bit insane. There are a lot of press people in addition to friends and a few celebrities who have made it out to the show today. There are rumours flying as to who may show up tonight, and we try to figure out who would be the best crew person to get the proper information from. 8:30 In the middle of Sheryl Crow's set, she invites Beth Orton to help her finish singing "If it makes you happy". Beth then stays onstage for a collaboration with Sheryl on The Clash's "Train in Vain". Although it's a far from polished rendition, it's wonderful to see these two women singing such a well-chosen song together. Beth seems giddy over being onstage with Sheryl - who wouldn't be? 9pm The big surprise of the night happens -- Sheryl Crow introduces none other than Stevie Nicks to sing "Strong Enough" with her. I'm backstage when I see what's happening, and rush to the front of the stage with my cameras, while the deafening cheers from the audience is louder than I've ever heard. This performance is a rare one, between two such great female artists, and the audience just rejoices in the opportunity to see and hear this happen before them. It's certainly a very memorable moment in the history of Lilith, and I feel so very fortunate to be able to capture this happening on tape. |
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