Tony Bennett is one of the last performers of his generation. The American superstar is a contemporary of Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Jr. He has been performing for more than 60 years and now at age 85 still has the voice.
Tony Bennett. photo by Ros O'Gorman
At one point at the show Tony explained why he and Rosemary Clooney were the first American Idols. They started on a talent show at the end of the Vaudeville era. Rosemary won. He came second.
A Tony Bennett show is a trip through musical history. He talked about working with Pearl Bailey when Bob Hope came down to check him out. Bob asked him his name. He said “my name is Anthony Dominick Benedetto’ and Bob said “We’ll call you Tony Bennett”.
He recorded Hank Williams ‘Cold Cold Heart’. He said Hank rang him and told him he hated his version.
As if Bennett wasn’t legendary enough his drummer on this tour is Harold Jones, Count Basie’s old drummer. His sound guy was Sinatra’s sound guy.
Tony’s daughter Antonia is opening for him on the tour and joins him for duet during his set.
The setlist for Melbourne, April 2, 2012 was:
Antonia set:
Too Marvelous
Taking A Chance
Embraceable You
Lucky Guy
Sail Away
S’Wonderful
Tony set:
Watch What Happens
They All Laughed
Maybe This Time
I Got Rhythm
Cold Cold Heart
Sing You Sinners
Steppin’ Out With My Baby
But Beautiful
Just The Way You Look Tonight
Because of You/Just In Time
The Good Life
Once Upon A Time
Shadow Of Your Smile
One For My Baby
I Wanna Be Around
For Once In My Life
The Best Is Yet To Come
I Left My Heart In San Francisco
I’m Old Fashioned
How Do You Keep The Music Playing
Who Cares
Smile
When You’re Smiling
Fly Me To The Moon
Remaining dates:
April 4, Melbourne, Regent Theatre
April 7, Brisbane, Convention Centre
April 9, 11, 12, Sydney, Opera House
April 16, Gold Coast, Jupiters Hotel and Casino
