I’m glad you got your tickets, Michael! I’m of mixed mind on the opening act, though ... have seen some good bands with them – Eric Johnson, Mr. Big, and Primus (even though they do, indeed, suck live) being the ones I remember best. But going it alone gives Rush way more time for their music, and with a history like theirs, they need it. Got a link for Elitsa Todarova?

I don’t remember, but I may have seen the Bee Gees live once. I’ll see about buying that album ... but I really do want those old studio releases I used to enjoy, to hear the songs I like in addition to their singles.

Last, on Barry Manilow ... my older sister was a huge fan, which meant that I had to hate him on principle. My mom liked him too, so I got to hear him fairly often ... just made sure not to hum or show other signs of enjoyment when Sis was in the room. Don’t think I’ve heard a song by him in years, though.