Opening Act for Davy Jones

Around 2003, I formed an acoustic trio called “Newspaper Taxi” which performed classic acoustic rock at private venues and at the local bar-restaurants in Delaware and Maryland.

An exceptional opportunity came our way to perform as the opening act for Davy Jones, formerly of the 1960s group, “The Monkees.” The concert took place at the Colonial Downs Racetrack (horse racing) in Virginia on July 4, 2004.

The rain was very heavy that day and, at times, our performance looked doubtful. Even though the outdoor stage was covered, the wind was blowing the rain onto it. Additionally, it was also doubtful that a crowd would stand in a downpour to see an unknown opening act. Luckily, the rain stopped less than an hour before show-time and a huge crowd arrived.

Prophetically, our planned set included the song, “Who’ll Stop The Rain” by Creedence Clearwater Revival. When we sang the line in that song that says, “I went down Virginia, seekin’ shelter from the storm”, the crowd cheered and roared with approval. They knew the words.

I never heard what the attendance figure was, but suffice it to say it was very large and it was a milestone to be the opening band for an international act.