Taylor Hicks – Whomp At the Warfield DVD Will Finally Be Released
Taylor Hicks’ Whomp at the Warfield DVD was recorded during his post-Idol tour, and has had several release dates come and go. But finally, the DVD, a recording of his show at the Warfield theater in San Francisco in 2007, will be released on January 5.
Taylor has become sort of a joke in the press these days, kinda the poster child for Idol’s failures, or the failure of “the public” to always choose the “correct winner”. Taylor’s run as the “Teen Angel” with the cheesy Broadway musical, Grease hasn’t helped his image much either (though it’s certainly helped his pocketbook).
Bah, I say.
Taylor’s post Idol debut was a lukewarm mish-mash of 2nd rate songs. But live? Taylor puts on a show, peeps. I’ve seen him several times, and I’d go back to see him again. His second album, The Distance
Unabashedly retro, he’s never going to have a hit record, but his live performances are what won him the title. Deservedly.
Pre-order Whomp at The Warfield
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To Soul Patrol and all interested parties….
Taylor Hicks has a surprise free concert for all his fans. Click here to download :
http://taylorhicks.com/
Taylor has become sort of a joke in the press these days, kinda the poster child for Idol’s failures, or the failure of ‘the public’ to always choose the ‘correct winner’ .
American Idol is tailor-made ( pardon the pun ), not necessarily for the modern type of singers but for retro singers/performers like Taylor.
If the theme were always modern 21st century top 100 songs, Taylor Hicks will probably not win.
But heck, we have themes for the 50’s, 70’s, Beatles, Elvis, Motown, etc. These themes are the perfect to showcase for guys like Taylor Hicks.
*THAT* is the reason he won in Season 5. He does retro better than most modern singers out there.
Taylor is best experienced live, that I agree with. He’s become a better performer because of his time in Grease and his tours and shadow gigs.
Thanks for pointing out that Taylor’s CD is a good representation of who he is as an artist. Taylor has said that, too. Love his CD, or hate his CD, the man’s love of performing cannot be denied and that is why he will always have my support and the support of many others who have been going to see him since 2006.
Looking forward to the dvd. Taylor live is fantastic!
I have always thought Taylor would be AWESOME on the big screen. I’d love to see him land a serious acting job in a MOVIE that he could really sink his teeth into. No joke. I’m possibly overrating him, but I think he could become an A-list actor (like Clooney, George). He seems to me to have the facial features and expressiveness for a story line of depth.
That cover is damn sexy! I too will always be a Taylor Hicks fan. He is the Boogie, lol!
I wasn’t happy with his “Taylor Hicks” cd just after idol but wasn’t expecting much. But then I was not impressed with his second one either – listened to the songs and never bought it.
I didn’t think that it represented him well – it fell flat for me.
And Grease ? a cameo in a cheese-fest musical ? No way am I interested in that.
BUT saw him on the AI tour and 2 of his tour shows and thought he was great…his voice was terrific, he had great energy and was fun.
Hopefully the dvd will translate some of that – or live may be the only way to go.
If I could quote you all I would. Taylor was my first and greatest idol love. What mj and the rest of you said. He’s something unique and oh so special.
Very nice pic!!!
Great to see Taylor Hicks on MJ’s blog again. I agree that he puts on a helluva live sho, doing things his own way. I’ve seen him 5 times on his own tour as well as the AI tour and have enjoyed every single performance. He’s the reason I tuned into this cheesy reality show in the first place because I caught his audition. I’m glad to see these DVDs are finally coming out.
I still am a proud member of the soul patrol. I love Taylor…and even if he somehow became persona non grata with Simon and his band of followers (talk about a promotion blackout! …did anyone besides me notice how small his picture is on the AI ‘winners banner’ used during AI audition rounds?), to me, there’s no denying his performance dynamic. As a pure recording artist, yes there are any number of singers who are ‘better’…but it’s his total energy/passion for his music that moves me. And, comparisons between entertainers are dull anyway. I’d love to see him more frequently on TV…short of seeing him live, that is the next best way to enjoy him. (I, too, saw him live at Staples…he was fabulous.) Bring it on, Taylor…I’m ready.!
I always thought Taylor should have put out a live album- that is truly where he shines!
I’ve been a fan of Taylor since I saw him on AI. Nov. 1,2 I saw him At Epcot. 6 shows for 2 day. I’m still under the woo. I also got to see Grease in Nov. and Taylor is wonderful. His voice is so rich. I would see it again if it comes back here. I’ve seen WATW and it is fantastic. So many good songs. I like all of Taylors cds. On Taylor Hicks: The Right Place is so sexy. Early Works: The Fall and Somehow. To die for. The Distance: Maybe You Should, I Live on a Battlefield and all the other songs. I love Taylors voice and seeing him live is worth all the tea in China.
Great picture on the cover! I can’t wait to see this DVD in my mailbox. I watched it on HDnet and Taylor put on a phenominal show that night.
Oh, and by the way, I still love the TH CD.
I don’t think of it as second-rate at all. Radio play would have sold more CDs.
OMG, I’d totally forgotten about this! I had no idea it was never released. I think I knew people who were there.
Too true, Taylor is great live. I’m saddened that he’s decided money over art with that ridiculous Broadway gig, but I’m not a fan of anything he’s released post-Idol anyway. He could do “retro” a lot better. See: Guy Forsythe, Black Joe Lewis, et al
But like you, I’d still go see him live again. As long as the price was right, and he was in my neck of the woods.
I still listen to Taylor’s self-titled post-AI debut CD frequently. I thoroughly enjoyed it then, and I still thoroughly enjoy it now.
I cannot wait until I can purchase this at Barnes & Noble, and watch it that night…
I’m bettin this DVD is awesome. The dude is totally amazing live!
I can attest that Taylor’s strengths do not, for me, translate to the CDs as well as they could. There are songs I like from both post-Idol releases, and songs I don’t care for, but I’ve noticed that when he performs the songs I don’t like LIVE, they are really something. The way he changes things up, makes them fuller – live is definately his strong suit and that is how he won the show. What’s unfortunate is that he was so popular when he won, Idol expanded the tour to many more dates that year, he made them a lot of money, and then they didn’t bother with a video for him, no single release with his CD. I mean, how the heck do you promote an album w/ no single?
Looking forward to Whomp. I saw it on cable once and it’s a great show. You never know – he might have a hit song – many singers put out a lot of CDs before landing that radio-friendly hit. But I think he’s happy making money, making music, even if it’s at smaller venues.
I was a big fan of Taylor’s at the beginning and was expecting great music from him. I only ended up liking a few of his songs. His performing skills and his gig in a cheesey Broadway play, are not enough to hold my interest. If Taylor turns things around and decides to make great music a priority, I’ll be back. Nonetheless, I wish him good luck in his career and hope he finds his niche in life.
I agree Taylor is a terrific live performer and a trouper too. The one time I saw him live, he had strep but was so thrilled to be at the historic Ryman. The house was rockin’!
I haven’t seen Grease but don’t think his run has hurt him in the least. Nothing wrong with steadily gaining fans. Plus, he’s got bills to pay, lol.
I happened to hear his audition on a random playlist the other day, and I was again struck by his raw blues power, followed by his bluegrass roots burning through on Swanee River Rock.
I got used to the Idol big-band style Taylor but know a band like this costs big $$. His 2nd album is much better though. I like Seven Mile Breakdown and I am really pleased to know he’s got Nashville connections. I think he fits right into that scene. Plus, I’m not too far from the capital city. Heh.
Glad Whomp is finally getting out there and for the ones who’ve been waiting. I am not crazy about the Whomp moniker but whatevs:)
Hear, hear! :]
I would encourage every person who has the chance to go and see Taylor live, if possible. He really is a unique experience. I’ve always appreciated how Taylor weaves a combination of various songs together bringing in old favorites in the middle of a newer song, and I have NEVER seen anyone on stage get into the music the way that Taylor does. I still believe that Taylor is the most unique talent to come through Idol and he IS the anti Idol.
Grease, cheesy? It’s a theater classic. Cheesy it’s not. I saw it in London in 1979 and have seen it with Taylor three times. Grease was a very smart move if you ask me. I’ve seen the huge crowds that gather to meet Taylor and buy his CD after the show.
And MJ, to say with such certainty that Taylor will never have a hit record is remarkable. With that gift of foresight, let’s talk! Last I checked Powerball is up to $122 million. Now what are those winning numbers?
Too bad Taylor has become a joke to the press, because they are missing the key element. He is an awesome entertainer. When he is done being on the road, I can see him with a Las Vegas act. Love the idea of an acting career.
That is a gorgeous picture for the cover!
I think Taylor might have to tour with someone “current” to get new fans to listen to his music and to appreciate how talented he is. The bashing in the press has resulted in a lot of potential fans not even willing to give him a chance which is unfortunate. The ironic thing is he is appreciated by a lot of highly regarded musicians and performers.