10/03/2014

Eddie and Dez Money bring history, family to Pennsylvania performance

1978. Just let that sink in for a moment. That was the year classic rock icon Eddie Money first caught the attention of a public longing to find an alternative to the weary worn disco music scene.

To the average post-Watergate, Vietnam War era person, Money’s music gave us all a spiritual freedom as well as a friendly reminder that whatever will be will be.

Under the shadow of steel blast furnaces that once forged materials used in building everything from warships to the Golden Gate Bridge, Money’s visit to ArtsQuest Musikfest Café in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 28 was one of musical reflection as well as a glimpse of the future.

Whereas some artists choose to save their best material for the later part of their set, Money wasted no time in recalling those glory years - launching into his trademark song “Baby Hold On” from the moment he took the stage.

Money then took an audience of several generations on a walk through the late '70s and '80s music scene. Performing songs from his first four albums as well as throwing in some jokes for good measure. Money’s voice; though perhaps weary in spots, still had the same gusto and flair that helped him sell more than 29 million albums.

In a near two-hour performance that recalled the days when Money’s music was the soundtrack of our lives, perhaps the most surreal moment came when Money’s daughter, Jessica joined him onstage.

After performing two songs on her own with Money’s band, Jessica and her dad teamed-up for a trifecta of classic rock goodness, beginning with Jessica taking on the role Ronnie Spector made famous for Money’s hit, “Take Me Home Tonight”. This was followed up by “Think I’m In Love” and Money’s magnum opus, “Two Tickets to Paradise”.

Making it a full Money family affair was the night’s opening act. Dez Money & The Faze (which consists of Money’s children, Dez, Jessica and Julian) opened the show with an insanely good set of original material from their soon to be released album.

With a show highlighting the past, present and future, Eddie Money’s Bethlehem performance proves that music still counts for something. And with the help of Dez Money and The Faze & Jessica Money, I’m happy to report that the second generation of Money looks equally as impressive.

Read the article here.