She's so unusual. Doing Media for Cyndi Lauper's Toronto Pride show at Queen's Park tonight was an experience in itself. At first we were told that Lauper didn't want to be photographed and that all Media were barred from the Photographer's Pit. Then we were told she was okay with Media. And after being sent off on our way disappointed, we were all ushered back in again and were given very strict rules to not photograph her with a Flash or we would be asked to leave. We were told to sit. Then we were told we could stand while she performed. We were told we could stay for three full songs and then after two songs we were all ushered out by her Manager.
Good God. I love Cyndi Lauper, but what's going on here? Needless to say, many of us who were invited to cover the event were left upset. And this is not even including the fans who lined-up today at Indigo only to see Lauper late 30 minutes for her own Autograph Signing to which she refused to pose for photos with Fans.
With that being said, I will say that Lauper is a Legend. Although there were many complaints whispered among the many, many thousands of spectators tonight about her Bluesy material on latest Universal Music/Fontana North effort Memphis Blues
, one cannot deny her sheer talent. While many female artists from the era Lauper first became a star have disappeared completely or no longer possess the same vocal range they did in their prime, she has still got it. Undisputedly. She is a Firecracker on stage and commands attention with her presence and unconventional choices of Hair Colour (Bright Red tonight) and Porcelain skin.
, one cannot deny her sheer talent. While many female artists from the era Lauper first became a star have disappeared completely or no longer possess the same vocal range they did in their prime, she has still got it. Undisputedly. She is a Firecracker on stage and commands attention with her presence and unconventional choices of Hair Colour (Bright Red tonight) and Porcelain skin.Lauper's 90 minute show was a vast majority Blues, before finally rewarding her patient fans with classics Girls Just Wanna Have Fun, Time After Time and True Colours. As a treat, she also delivered Who Let In the Rain beautifully, from her 1993 Hat Full of Stars album. The fans became ecstatic and burst into an uncontrollable fit of sing-a-long. And it felt like Pride again. The spirit of unity - a common bond shared by everybody in the Park. I must say that I now can die happy having seen her perform a seven minute-long live rendition of Girls Just Wanna Have Fun. *sigh* An honour.
What's that? You want to see it too? Okay, fine. Here you go (audio content owned by Sony Music):
(Photo credit: Mr. Will-W.)
I was at Indigo and met Cyndi who was most pleasant. I had three photos taken with her. She chatted comfortably with lots of folks and clearly demonstrated a lot of class in her interactions with the public. I won't forget my chat with Cindy...she made my day!!!
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