JEFF PIKE - MANIA - FALL 2022 TOUR BLOG - DAY 23

​MANIA - The ABBA Tribute (Formerly ABBA MANIA)
November 12, 2022
The Cox Business Convention Center
Legacy Hall
Tulsa, Oklahoma

Have you ever seen the 1982 movie Spinal Tap? If you love music, comedy, and movies, then you should. It is a legendary spoof on what it is like to be in a rock and roll band, and it is a classic. There is a hilarious scene in the movie where the band gets completely lost going from the dressing room to the stage. Believe me when I say everything in this movie is based on reality, and that scene has happened to me more than once. I laugh every time it does, but trying to find my way from the bus to the dressing rooms at Legacy Hall at The Cox Business Convention Center became irritating and frustrating. When I say this place is huge, I mean this place is HUGE. It is so big that it belongs in Texas. It must have taken me 30 minutes to locate the dressing rooms and the stage. The oddest thing is that the place is so enormous that it seemed empty on every level! 

I finally found a young girl to help me, and even she got lost for a few minutes! They must have anticipated our frustration, for when I got to the dressing room, they had a very nice care package for each front four members of the band. They had gone to great pains to find out where each member was from and filled our package with lovely items from our home state to remind us of home. It was very thoughtful and impressive, so I was willing to forget the unwanted workout I had just received in traveling from the bus to the dressing room. 

I was late arriving, and the rest of the band was nowhere in sight. They had gone off to find food and did not return until it was time for sound check, so I got my keyboard ready and rested in the dressing room until everyone returned. I was tired and did not feel like going out, so I had veggies, fruit, and a couple of power bars for dinner. I know, I know. No lectures, please. 

The show was a big success, and the crowd was fantastic. At first, we were concerned. A large dance floor was in front of the stage, and then seats were positioned all the way to the back of the room. Everyone stayed seated until Alison and Kirbi told everyone they were welcome to come down to the front of the stage and party with us. When she did that, the floodgates opened, and it was on. 

After the show, I made it a point to pack up as quickly as possible and make my way to the bus in case I got lost again! Thankfully, Alison and Keith went with me. There must have been strength in numbers, for we made it back to the bus in under 30 minutes. By the time I got settled in, it was time to hit the sack and get on to the next town. Livin' on Tulsa Time, baby!