David Cassidy confidently strutted out onstage in the intimate setting of the Bear’s Den Friday night, to a capacity crowd. The former Partridge Family star and teen idol now bears a striking resemblance to his father, the late Jack Cassidy.
In the early 1970s Cassidy sold out six performances at London’s Wembley Stadium and two at the Houston Astrodome. It was clear that the intimate setting of the Bear’s Den was both a blessing and a curse as Cassidy remarked that it was “a great room,” but then had to tell two women in the front row to “stop talking.”
Cassidy was able to connect to the audience in a way that must have been impossible at larger venues, sharing his frustrations over having a cut on the tip of his ring finger on his fretting hand. One audience member told him to “stop whining and play,” to which Cassidy said “shut up and play slots.”
When the yahoos weren’t yelling out moronic sayings, Cassidy spoke fondly of his friend, the late Davey Jones. In tribute to his friend he played two Monkees songs, “Daydream Believer,” and “I’m a Believer.” Both were fitting tributes.
Cassidy was also able to rock out to some classic songs like “Hush,” a Billy Joe Royal song made famous by Deep Purple, and a blazing version of “Feelin’ Alright,” a classic song from Traffic (Cassidy stated it was the first time the band performed the song).
What struck me most about the show was the relationship Cassidy still has with his real fans. The screams come from middle-aged ladies, but they still have the girlish enthusiasm, and during the classic Partridge Family songs there was an overwhelming sense of joy and appreciation on many faces in the room.
Cassidy may have been a little off of his game due to the finger injury, but it made for a special evening that was off the cuff and unscripted. My favorite moment was when Cassidy discovered the Playbill from his first Broadway appearance in 1969. A fan had placed it on the stage and Cassidy’s appreciation was deeply emotional and sincere.
He may not be a teen idol or television star anymore, but Cassidy remains a solid performer and he clearly still loves playing music. He opened his show asking the crowd to “Come on Get Happy,” and many of them left feeling overjoyed.
Set List:
Come on Get Happy (Partridge Family song)
Crossroads (Robert Johnson song)
Point Me In The Direction Of Albuquerque
Gloria (excerpt Van Morrison song)
Wild Night (Van Morrison song)
Hush (Billy Joe Royal song)
I’m a Believer (Monkees song)
Daydream Believer (Monkees song)
I’ll Meet You Halfway
Feelin’ Alright (Traffic cover)
Cherish
I Woke Up In Love This Morning (Partridge Family)
I Think I Love You (Partridge Family)
We would like to thank Tony Astran for his assistance in helping BackstageAxxess review the show.
