2021 Offers Smoother 'Sailing' for Christopher Cross [PHOTOS]
2020 should had been a year of celebration for Christopher Cross. It marked the 40th anniversary of his self-titled debut album that netted him 5 Grammy Awards including Album of the Year, Record of the Year, New Artist of the Year and Song of the Year. A tour was set, tickets were sold and everyone was excited to see the Texas native hit the stage and perform the songs that have spanned over four decades. Instead, 2020 threw everyone a curve especially Cross. Early during the pandemic, Christopher contracted COVID-19 and later become paralyzed in his hands, face and legs due to Guillain-Barre Syndrome which was linked to COVID-19. After nearly a month in ICU and five months in a wheelchair Cross regained the use of his hands and facial movements but still has lingering issues in his legs.
With all that 2020 handed Christopher Cross you wouldn’t blame him if he canceled the tour and did limited engagements from now on. But not Cross. In reviewing his tour list, it appears he is going to hit just about every stop he originally planned for in 2020 including Treasure Island. Those who waited nearly a year to see him play were treated to an 18 song hit list with most coming from the 1980 self-titled album.
Throughout the night Cross would pause every three or four songs to tell stories that acted as teasers to the next hit. The one that seemed to grab everyone’s attention was the night that he and Dudley Moore went to Liza Minnelli’s for a house party. He said she was so kind she left her party to walk him out. Minutes later he found out she wanted to make sure he didn’t steal the famous shoes her mother wore in The Wizzard of Oz that were prominently displayed at the entrance of her home (Cross is a huge Oz fan). This of course led in to a beautiful and nearly flawless version of “Arthur’s Theme”.
For what appeared to be the final song of the night Cross performed “Ride Like the Wind”. The song is famously known for having Michael McDonald on backing vocals so most of those who attended wondered who would dare attempt to match Michael’s sound. Surprisingly, the three female background singers took on the task and the TI crowd wasn’t disappointed.
After the song, Cross and the entire band came out, took a bow, grabbed their instruments and walked off the stage. 30 seconds later, Christopher came out and treated the crowd with one last song; “Think of Laura”, a song that Cross wrote to mourn the loss of Laura Carter; the roommate of Cross’ girlfriend who was struck and killed by a stray bullet. A beautiful and celebratory way to celebrate a life and to conclude a beautiful night at Treasure Island.
-Kendal Schmidt
