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Rocky Journey Down Memory Lane
March 8, 2006
Evening Star
by Susan Hawkes

Submitted by Janey Gee

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Osmond Fans Bite Back

Thirty years ago I would have given my right arm to be at an Osmonds' concert. Posters of Donny and his brothers adorned my bedroom wall and my Puppy Love single was almost completely worn out from constant playing. So it was a mixture of excitement and trepidation that I joined the packed audience at the Regent to experience the latest Osmond line-up. In the 70's there were six of them – now there are four. And yes, they have aged and got thicker around their middles. Jay, Merrill, Wayne and Jimmy are in this year's tour.

Although clearly there to enjoy themselves, the fans had a little trouble finding their way down memory lane. Opening with Down by the Lazy River and Back on the Road, the songs became more obscure as thy group concentrated on rock and roll instead of the ballads for which they were always well known. The uneven balance in the sound system made it difficult to hear some lyrics and for me the nostalgia only started to kick in halfway through with Love Me for a Reason. There is no doubt they miss Donny's presence. Jimmy's solo spot and Crazy Horses got the crowd going but we could have done with more. They've always worn well and give energy, but after all is said and done, the fans had come to hear the old hits and, like me, they may have been a little disappointed. Maybe I'm being churlish, but I think I should have stuck to my memories. Now where did I put those old LP's?