Ecuador

Ponte Vedra Beach, FL Feb 21, 2001 -- The Voices of Classic Rock have returned to North America from a two date continuation of their "Rockin' The Americas" Winter Tour. The South American concerts took place Wednesday and Friday in the Republic of Ecuador, a resumption of the Tour begun in December in Mexico and Columbia. Additional performances are scheduled for Guatemala and Panama, with negotiations presently underway for Venezuela and Peru, during the Tour wrap-up in mid-March.

     Ecuador's concerts included shows in the coastal city of Guayaquil and it capital in Quito. Voices Bobby Kimball, Jimi Jamison, Mike Reno, Mickey Thomas, and Joe Lynn Turner made the trip to South America. "It was almost like a 'spinal tap' moment," commented Mike Reno on the frenzied reaction of the crowds to the appearances.

     Preceded by jammed signings at two Quito area record stores and a mid-day live appearance on Ecuador's national version of the "Today Show," Friday evening's concert before more than 5,000 (standing room only) hard-ticket buying fans featured electricity in more ways than one. "I was just finishing the last note of 'Working for the Weekend' and we literally blew-out the electrical system," recalled Loverboy's Reno. "We had them going, but it didn't take long to fix the power and get them right back." The electrical system blew a fuse from the stress of the sound system and lights.

     "The crowd in Quito was standing from the very first song," noted Voices Manager Charlie Schmitt. "The show included a few enthusiastic attendees rushing the stage, kids rave dancing during the encore set, fans surrounding our transportation in and out of the building, and even some innovative followers finding their way to our hotel. Everywhere the guys went they were enthusiastically embraced - sometimes so much so that our security had to step in! But there is no question that Ecuador has some of the most appreciative fans in the world. We loved it."

     In addition to being the Capital of Ecuador, Quito is a city of nearly 5,000,000 people. A modern city, with an interesting mix of European and Indian heritage, the city sits at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level with an active volcano in its midst. "It was beautiful flying over the Andes to this high plains city," noted Schmitt, "but we felt the altitude as soon as we stepped off the plane. Apparently, it's the second-highest capital city in the world. We have to hand it to our hosts, though. They took very good care of us; everything was first class."

     The Quito show was taped by Ecuadorian national television for replay as a two-hour concert special.

     In addition to their time on stage, the Voices enjoyed a day-off in Quito, which included a trip to the "Middle of the Earth." As one might gather from its name, the Equator passes through the center of Ecuador. Tourists can literally stand on the Equator with one foot in the Northern Hemisphere and one in the Southern Hemisphere. "It's cool to stand on the center of the earth," said Jimi Jamison. "It's wild because you would expect it to be really hot, but Quito (and the middle of the earth) are at nearly 10,000 feet above sea level. So, even though you are closer to the sun than anywhere on earth, the altitude keeps it temperate. Of course, it took us a while to figure out that the sun set at the same time every day regardless of the season or time of year!"