From: Mike Dalenger
Sent: Thursday, November 23, 2000 5:44 PM
To: Ken & AnnMarie
Subject: Re: Vegas show
Ken,
I know you won't read this for a few days. Hope you enjoyed your
vacation.
I am also very tired...I never made it onto US time until I got back to
the UK. Just as well I have a few more days before I go back to work.
I really enjoyed meeting you and AnnMarie. You are both really nice
people. Lets hope that we do meet again. I think I will be pushing my luck
with my wife (Debbie) if I plan another trip to the states for a DIO
show. However, as Casey gets older then we will resume taking our
holidays in the states. I am sure that we will be able to meet up again in the
future. Perhaps our kids will be able to play together (good luck with
your plans on starting a family).
I would really appreciate copies of the photos and a CD of the show.
This I am sure puts me in your debt. You will have to let me know what I
can do to repay you.
I will definetly stay in touch.
Below I have summarised my weekend in Vegas. Please feel free to
include in your mag if any use to you. I haven't gone into lenght for the
actual concert as I am sure that you will produce a much more detailed
concert review.
Regards Mike
************* A Weekend in Vegas ***************************
On the 16 Novemebr I left the UK via Gatwick airport. I arrived at the
airport quite late due to the train problems in the UK which caused a
lot more traffic on the roads. Arrived in Las Vegas early in the
afternoon thanks to the time difference between the UK and US. Checked in at
my hotel, phoned home to let them know that I had arrive safely and then
hit the slots in the Casino. Must have been beginners luck, a bucket of
money quickly fell out of the machine. Together with my free Bud and
Southern Comfort a really good welcome to the states.
17 November and the reason for my trip to the states, Dio at the House
of Blues at the Mandalay Bay. First woke at 3am (still on UK time). I
continued to doze until about 4am when I decided to get up and find
breakfast. Breakfast wasn't served until 6am therefore I had a quick walk
outside, and yes it was cold. I appreciate the temperature swings that
are possible in Desert locations.
I had arranged to meet Ken and AnnMarie at the Rio at 12 noon. I had
stacks of time therefore I decided to explore LV Blvd. I had holidayed in
Vegas with my wife 5 years previous, I was therefore intersted to see
how much had changed, practically all of it. If the hotels weren't new
then they had been significantly remodelled. Around 11am I decided to
set off for the Rio. It was just behind Ceasers Palace. I thought a
little walk before lunch would be just what my appetite needed. Big mistake,
the Rio being a Vegas hotel is naturally a very large building which
gave the inpression that it was a lot closer than it really was.
Eventually I arrived at the Rio and met up with Ken, AnnMarie and another Dio
fan Joe. We spent the afternoon enjopying the buffet and discussing Dio.
It was then time to make our way to the venue. Ken and I were both
expecting after show passes. Unfortunately only my name was on the guest
list. However, I had 2 passes ie 1 for me and an additional guest. No
problem, I thought Ken can come to the after show meet and greet with me.
Ken declined this opportunity and very graciously gave the additonal
pass to Joe. Nice gesture and a very unselfish act on his part. We then
waited in line which gave me an opportunity to meet some more Dio fans.
One in particular is memorable, Joey from San Diego, nice guy.
Showtime. The concert begins with Doro Pesch. Not seen Doro before but
I enjoyed the short set. Next up Yngwie Malmsteen. This guy continues
to be awesome, excellent showman and exceptional guitarist. For this
concert Yngwie had no vocalist however, this did not detract from the
bands performance. Yngwie was on really good form.
Time for the main event. Dio hit the stage. We were treated to what I
would call a "best of". Tons of early Dio a good slab of Magica together
with highlights from Rainbow and Sabbath. I don't normally enjoy solos
however I enjoyed Simon and Graigs spots. Joe had made a Magica banner
which he and Ken were waving like Men possessed. Twice Ronnie noticed
the banner, smiled and pointed. Highlights of the concert for me were
Heaven and Hell and Challis.
Joe and I then went to the bar area which was reserved for the after
show meet and greet. Joe had his banner and was hoping to get each member
of the band to sign it. Joe achieved this and each member of Dio were
appreciative of the effort that had gone into making it. Joe and I also
had chats with each member of the band. This is the third time that I
have met the band (previously I have met them in Germany and the UK).
Craig, Simon and Ronnie remembered me from London. Both Simon and Ronnie
were very appreciative that I had travelled from the UK for this
concert. Ronnie explained that next year they will be doing a tour of the UK,
not just 1 date in London but several dates across the country. Ronnie
then mentioned a couple of towns near my hometown. I suggested to
Ronnie that I wouldn't share that with my wife for a week or two, he
laughed. Both Ronnie and Simon gave me extra recognition as they left the meet
and greet.
Joe and I then went outside to catch up with Ken and AnnMarie who had
been waiting by the tour bus. Kodak moment, there was Yngwie talking to
a small group of fans. I asked Yngwie for a photo and realising that I
was English he said in a very English accent "the next time that he is
in the UK we will have a pint of lager together." I'll probably never
realise this but I will try.
Joe was staying at the Mandalay Bay therefore Ken, AnnMarie and myself
said our farewells. Ken dropped me off at my hotel. This was at 2.30 in
the morning which meant that it was 10.30am in the UK so I phoned my
wife and gave her a brief summary of my day.
The following day I explored Vegas some more. I also enjoyed some more
gambling (and winning).
19 November and time to go home. Just a 10 hour flight plus an 8 hour
time shift to look forward to. I arrived home absolutely exhausted but
really pleased that I went to the Vegas concert. For me this had been
the farthest that I had travelled for a concert and it was worth all the
effort and expense. Now how do I tell my wife that next year I can see
Dio 6 miles from my home.
