Frankie Valli’s Future Garden Gig?
November 29th, 2006In today’s New York Post, gossip columnist Cindy Adams has a tidbit about Frankie Valli:
FRANKIE Valli’s four recent Lincoln Center shots included an onstage drop-in from the Jersey Boys. The engagement was SRO. Before this hotshot show about his life hit Broadway, Frankie – whom everyone loved but nobody was booking – might’ve had trouble filling his own bedroom. I am here to tell you Ken Roberts, the guy’s old-time longtime manager, is now looking to put Frankie in Madison Square Garden.
Wait a minute, Cindy! Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Valli has had no trouble filling venues across the country in recent years–even before he was rediscovered thanks to the phenomenal success of Jersey Boys!
Ken Roberts produced about 8 or 10 or so “Evening(s) of Solid Gold,” as they were called then, at Madison Square Garden during the ’70s with Frankie & The Four Seasons (Joe Long was still in the group with Frankie at the time) and other “mega” acts like the original 4 Tops and Jay Black and the (non original) Americans and alternating between Martha Reeves or Tommy James as the opening act. These “Evenings” were different than the Richard Nader “oldies” shows which had a dozen or more acts singing one or two or three hit songs each, depending on the senority or stature of each act. Each of the four acts in the old “An Evening of Solid Gold” had many, many hit songs and did 40+ minutes each, including non-hit songs as well from their full stage acts. Each “Evening” sold out as I recall, 20,000+ people. I remember Frankie singing “My Eyes Adored You” at one of these “Evening(s)” before it was even released as a single. By the last “Evening” Frankie was re-established as a solo artist when he sang not only the now No. 1 “My Eyes Adored You” but also the climbing the chart follow-up “Swearin’ To God.” It will be interesting to see what develops here.
Comment by David Cace — November 29, 2006 @ 3:00 pm
I was fortunate to attend many of those Solid Gold Events at the Garden in the 70′s , and they were fabulous. Frankie always put on a great show, and played to the audience. Just as thrilling was his recent concert at NJPAC. His charisma and talent remain intact. Hope to see him again at the Garden!
Comment by Pamela — November 29, 2006 @ 3:51 pm
Let’s remember that Jersey Boys was a Gaudio/Valli idea. They pushed it. No less credit obviously to all the very talented writers, actors, musicians and support people who are making this show happen. But the principals came through with another comeback,of sorts, in the form of this fabulous play.
I believe Cindy thinks that this show fell into Frankie’s lap and he’s suddenly becoming more popular because of it. Not entirely true. Like in the play as they were shopping “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” ….they MADE it happen.
Frankie wasn’t performing to SRO crowds in 1974…then look what happened. They tried new things….just like now.
Let’s have that Garden party!!
Comment by Ray Ricci — November 29, 2006 @ 6:59 pm
Frankie never had any problems packing the house. I’ve been following the band since the early 1980′s and every concert was a full house–or close to it. I had trouble getting tickets for a few of them. I even had front row seats to two of them.
Every concert ended up giving Frankie numerous standing ovations. That’s Frankie’s style–and he most certainly deserves it! Frankie’s concerts are the most enjoyable and professional concerts I’ve ever attended. When I saw “Jersey Boys” last summer, I was just as comfortable at being there as seeing another Frankie Valli concert. “Jersey Boys” gets standing ovations, too. It’s that good!! The play and the actors really deserved the Tony. Being the Four Seasons fan that I am, I’m so happy that the original group is getting the recognition from a new generation of fans it truly deserves through the play “Jersey Boys”. My goal is to meet Frankie some day. Thanks!
Comment by Tom — December 2, 2006 @ 10:20 pm
I have just got back from holiday in New York where my wife and I saw the Jersey Boys. What a fantastic show from start to finish.
I first had the honour of seeing the Four Seasons in Liverpool UK where they played to a packed house.
I have since seen Frankie Valli twice at the Orleans in Vegas. Both shows a sellout. At the last concert Frinkie did a dedication to 9/11 and sang Harmony truly magnificent.What I would give to have that on Frankies nex Album. The four seasons have thousands of fans in the UK and he would still sellout every venue here. We can only hope that Frankie wold come back and see us again.
Comment by John Winter — September 17, 2007 @ 5:16 pm