I’ve probably seen Cher in concert, more than any other performer (with the possible exception of Sir Elton John); and she never disappoints.  But when I found-out that one of my best friends, Theremin virtuoso Armen Ra (subject of the documentary film When My Sorrow Died: The Legend of Armen Ra and the Theremin), who is a HUGE Cher fan, had never seen her live, I about fell-out.

“What???  You’ve never seen Cher?!?” I declared, over the phone.  “How is that possible?”

So, long story short, we made plans for Armen to come to Las Vegas, to see the Memorial Day Weekend performance of Cher’s Dressed to Kill Tour, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena, with me and my friend Audra Baldwin.

Sho’ 'nuff, Cher killed.  And was funny.  And looked amazing.  And performed (almost) every song I’d hoped she would.  And to give you an idea of just how good our seats were – Chaz Bono was sitting in the seat behind Armen’s.  Which, now that I reflect upon it, probably means that all those times I assumed Cher was smiling/winking at me; she was probably doing so to her child. 

It’s just kind of amazing to think that this woman is the same age as my dad, and a year older than my mom.  Crazier still, is imagining my mom, on stage, in any of those costumes (other than the black Chrome Hearts pants/blouse, with the Stephen Webster bracelet).  Ironically, my stepmom would totally throw-on any of those get-ups, in a heartbeat!  (Of course, so would I – just not on stage…)  Long story longer; that is what a grandmother should look like!  Go Cher!

Then, after the concert, we were escorted backstage, to get our photo taken with Cher.  Now, it’s a good thing I always make nice with the photographers and crew, because when the photographer kindly showed me our photo, it became apparent that while Armen (in Thierry Mugler and Gucci) and Cher (in her finale costume, dressed like a Russian Orthodox version of the Virgin Mary) looked fantastic; Audra and I were a couple feet away.  So, I went to Jenn (Cher’s aide-de-camp, who was running the meet-and-greet), and said “Hey Jenn!  Sorry to be that guy, but it looks like two of us were in a different zip code.  Is there any way we could please shoot again?”  Happy to have someone say please, instead of just getting back in line, Jenn chuckled, and said “Ok!  Stand here!” (Which we did.)

So, Cher came around, and looked at us, looked at Jenn, heard our situation and declared “A reshoot?!?!  Well, let’s get on with it!” 

Thanks, Cher!

Cher | Dressed to Kill Tour
MGM Grand Garden Arena 
May 25, 2014

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