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Ryan Gosling Live!

by Rachel Grimm

Wednesday, February 23, 2000

The Cat Club

[Webgal's note: Rachel is a very dear friend of mine and I can attest to the fact that she is *very* shy.  Well, not with her friends, but in certain situations.  <G>  So I was very happy that even though I was unable to accompany her, Rachel ventured out on her own.  Not only did she get to see Ryan perform, but she wrote up this rather splendid report.  And I have to just say, yet again, I AM SO PROUD OF YOU RACHEL!  ~Valerie]

I’ve been a huge Young Hercules fan from the beginning, so I’m very familiar with Ryan Gosling’s amazing acting ability and range. I had heard that he also sang and played the guitar, and had recently signed a record deal with a production company. When I found out that he would be performing at a club in West Hollywood, I was thrilled that I'd be able to see and hear him live! Unfortunately, my friend, Valerie, was unable to go with me, but I was so curious, that I went anyway…

After standing in line for a little over an hour, they started letting people in for the show. The first thing I saw after entering the club was Ryan hopping off the stage. I believe he had been rehearsing. Being as shy as I am, I didn’t go up to Ryan or say "hi" or anything, though he was talking to other people. I passed him, heading for the bar, and saw various members of N’Sync. I can only barely identify them individually, but there is one I can identify without a doubt – JC – and another I am also positive I am not mistaken on, Joey. I think I saw two of the other guys, but am not completely positive. I proceeded toward the back of the club (so I could hide), to the bar, ordered a drink, then found a spot. From there I could see everything, but couldn’t hear clearly at times.

Tony Lucca with Matt Morris and Buzzfly both put in excellent performances then there was a short break. During the break, I had another close encounter, this time I saw Jennifer Sky from Cleopatra 2525. Again, I didn’t say or do anything. The break ended when Ryan walked up to the stage and picked up his guitar. He greeted the crowd with his usual charm. At the start of the first number, I think he said the title, but I didn’t hear it. All I know is suddenly during a break in the song, Ryan suddenly sang a line from N’Sync’s latest hit, "Bye Bye Bye" – which got quite a reaction from the crowd! (Incidentally, if I were an N’Sync member, I’d be really worried!) If he hadn’t won the crowd over by this point, and I’m pretty sure that he had – since, like, the instant he picked up his guitar and opened his mouth – he certainly did it then! I was quite impressed, and I know I was not alone. Seriously, I remember thinking, ‘People with that much talent should be banished forever from the rest of society.’

His opening number was followed with what I think were several of his own songs, a Bob Dylan cover, and a cover of a Blues tune. [correction 03.24.00- All songs performed written by Ryan Gosling. No covers!] I think I caught the titles for most of the original material and the Blues song, but I could definitely be wrong, as I said, there were times when I couldn’t hear all that clearly. His musical "style" seems to transcend several genres from rock, to pop, to blues. Even the owners were impressed with him – especially on the Bob Dylan song – Ryan actually enunciated the lyrics! The crowd really responded to him. I’m not being biased when I say that he managed the loudest reception. I should also point out that I think his friends comprised most of the Guest List – which made up at least half of the crowd. His set was much longer than the others’ were and the audience truly loved him. No surprise there.

Overall, I give his musical performance two enthusiastic thumbs up. I was stunned. Not only can he pick a guitar with the best of them, but he also has an incredible voice. He’s a consummate entertainer that excels at every aspect of performing – singing, playing the guitar, and ‘working’ the crowd. He ensnares the attention of his audience without even trying. Ryan is a talented guitar player with an amazing voice that has tremendous range and ability. He seamlessly slipped through almost every musical genre except rap and classical. Ryan’s entire performance was utterly electrifying. Combine that with his acting talent, charisma, and magnetism, and there is no doubt that he will go far and achieve even more well-deserved success. Fear not, Ryan fans. We will all be seeing more of him. Whether it be on television, in films, or on your favorite music video channel and radio station…perhaps all of the above-- we will definitely be hearing from him for many years to come.

P.S. I was just informed, as I probably didn't hear it at the Cat Club, that all of the songs Ryan performed were written by him. WOW! That's amazing -- all of the songs he did (REALLY sorry about the "cover" confusion) were fantastic. So, it appears that not only can he sing, act, and play the guitar more adeptly than about 80% of his peers, he can also write. Truly one amazing talent.

Did I mention that he's utterly phenomenal? Definitely should be outlawed!

[added 25 March 2000 by Rachel]

Ryan’s Set: I think…;-)

"Ryan Gosling Live!" copyright © 2000 Rachel Grimm
published with permission

Thank you to Donna Gosling for the correction on fact that the songs are Ryan originals.  :)


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