The Fleetwoods" Mr. Blue" Live in Las Vegas!

[AdmiralAckbar9]

to the fleetwoods

I have been singing since i was 12 years old

i wil come to sing withyou free of all expenses

i can do justice to the fleetwoods if you give me a chance

thanks

Joe LaRosa

larosaj7@aol.com

[RicTester]

Being a musician myself, I can understand that sometimes things don't always go according to plan. I would guess that this guy was a last minute pickup and the whole thing is under rehearsed. The tempo slows through the performance and there is a lack of cofidence and cohesion in the group. Nevertheless I have always been a fan of Gretchen.

[BlackMonk66]

@RicTester Expanding on what you said about them being underrehearsed, Unless that's what your voice naturally does, singing in a whisper like the lead vocal requires strains your voice. I'd guess he wasn't used to singing like that so it sounds like he's killing his voice.

[TC6759]

this stinks!............

[doowop50s]

not just the lead , the harmonies are totally out of tune

[jimbamboozled]

I agree, I couldn't listen after ten seconds.

[WillyVictor]

Wow, what CRAP......Gary Troxel WAS the Fleetwoods. This guy sucks!

[OldieJammer]

What a bunch of crap. They can't carry a tune. What a disservice to professional singers. I thought what "happens in Vegas stays in Vegas". Wish that had applied to this garbage.

[artiefun]

I was a professional singer for over 25 years, and as you get older you find that what you did with you voice when you were younger you can't do now. Even my idol Johnny Mathis, has lost a lot of quality in his voice because of his age. So we have to take that into consideration. At least he's given it his best try with Mr Blue,

[mrconcertman]

OH MY GOD !! THIS IS SO BAD !!!

[kenslevin35]

Horrible !!! Love the original Fleetwoods, but that clown is terrible !!!

[Chuckv57]

Oh god this is so bad! If I were Gretchen I take this off of here. He is terrible...

[TheLuckyman1999]

they just don't makem like that any more the fleetwoods mr. blue what memories!

[thelazycomic]

God girls, get Gary Troxel back. To my knowledge, he's still alive and performing. He's still great.  If you had a falling out, make up and do it right again. Yech !!!

[doggie1218]

I THINK I WISH COULD HAVE A LIKEABLE SINGING VOICE LIKE THIS GROUPNAT B59+NYEARS. THANK YOU GUYS A HUNDRED FOLD.

[FERRARIDOUG355]

NEEDED MUSIC FROM THE FIRST NOTE

[tinytalent]

I think this just shows how good Gary Troxel really is.

[thedriverguy]

Hmmm? I wonder what happened to the tempo? Still, a very pretty ode to a love's lament. Even as it plods along behind a lackluster performance.

Just remember, everyone, if we were to perform this, we critics would have a time with our try at it!

[TheRayray482]

Gretchen, what's with you ?

Why don't you just hire a fish monger from the Pike Street Market ?

[aanko1]

I'm surprised that Gretchen's "Fleetwoods group" is still being booked, when most people surely know that Gary Troxel is actually still providing the real thing. Her nameless lead singer in this video sings flat, and Gretchen also sings flat and much too loud. It's also clear that Gretchen is struggling with mental illness, from the interviews and articles I've read through the years, as Gary was clearly the lead singer of that group (rather than background dressing for Gretchen's "lead").

[SYNTHMAN61]

CALL HIM MR. OFF KEY!!!

[Bayboy11235]

Where is Piers when you need him???

[smokeyvelvet42]

By all due respect this is the worst version I have ever experienced they should kill it before it multiplies !!!

[davo67]

...ha ha!! From the moment that this imposter decided his mic wasn't on until the last painful note this video really DOES draw water through a straw. Take a look at the REAL deal by clicking on a few of these links.

[Msgenhosp]

YIKES>>>>my ears are bleeding!!

[brucer12]

No Gary---no Fleetwoods--sorry but this sucks!

[bobrich1QEDJ5]

Sorry Gretchen, I know you're an original member,but withouy gary, it just doesn't work.

[OldieJammer]

If this sounds bad, try listening to this crap with headphones. The CIA should have terrorists listen to this crap with headphones on instead of waterboarding them. You will see how those terrorists will start talking then. But even the CIA would agree that that would be inhuman treatment.

[FoxRunMan]

If I had paid good money for this quality of entertainment, I would really be pissed off.

[Pattikaks]

I just seen the Fleetwood's perform in CA on May 14 2010 and Gary still sounds wonderful. This guy could never replace him.

[SteveH1947]

I saw the original group perform many years ago. It really is not so bad. Standing in for Gary Troxel is difficult. Gretchen Christopher and the other performer do a good job in this performance. Gary Troxel's smoothness of voice was unique. Few groups of the 50s and 60s sound as good as they originally did.

[arizonaghost1]

God!!!!help us do away with these type od people trying to make a buck off a truly great group as the REAL FLEETWOODS....this is just an insult to anyone who bought a ticket to listen to this crap.

[kpls72]

Wow, you rude folks out there! Hey, time changes everything. We all get old. Those are song titles...and the TRUTH. Gary Troxel isn't performing, according to my sources. He hung up his mic. So I guess by this board's general opinions, it's now a FELONY or worse to recreate an act. You folks might want to get your pitchforks and torches and go in search of The Coasters, The Drifters, and any number of other sixties acts that have few if any original members. Hey, remember Canned Heat?

[Promoagent]

I dont think he does a bad job considering he released this in the 50s he'll be knocking on a bit now lol those girls still look tasty ever after 50 odd years and sound brilliant

[jtbbgon]

This is shockingly pathetic! Imagine going to this concert expecting to see the Fleetwoods and having to endure this absolute crap....

[KDAVIS5069]

A real pro would have made sure his mike was hot before he started butchering! Definitely not the real Fleetwoods, but read the sign behind them....more like an off-key convention!

[MeThinksThus]

This is unbelievable bullshit!!!

[tinytalent]

This certainly isn't Gary Troxel. I imagine Gary is aware of this but he seems to have taken a "live-and-let-live" attitude toward Gretchen and her antics. He seems like a very gracious man.

[nightrockxxx]

Ahhhhh...another wannabe group trying to past themselves off as the real thang!!!

It's ashame ..... they really destroyed it!!

[ourvic]

Live in Las Vagas..Dead in Las Vagas...So sorry ..

[305barclay]

nooo

[estelle715]

Pretty bad! They should not use the name "The Fleetwoods"!za

[OldieJammer]

For the Love of The Lord, how can anyone have the audacity to get up on stage and screw up a memorable song like this?

This is terrible.

[roanoke703]

This is the WORST!! I wonder if gary has seen this? Ugh!

[keith490783]

surely this isn't Gary Troxel, is it?????

[aeroaero]

LOL. It's not.

Gretchen as The Fleetwoods, without Gary Troxel, would be like McCartney claiming to be the Beatles without Lennon (or the rest of them) present.

Too bad.

[000amp]

This man sounds awful. And, I have NEVER made a bad comment about anyone, ever, on you tube!! Where did they get him from?

[omslivie]

Oh...the DEEP-DARK-PAIN to hear this crap. They need to go to bed.

[LucilleBallFan]

This is terrible.. i admire Gretchen and the other ORIGINAL Fleetwoods members but she must know that her lead singer is terrible..no one could hold a candle to Gary

[TC6759]

I totally agree with you!.....

[crusher1944]

@LucilleBallFan This guy should be hung

[TennesseeShine]

GAD! This is BAD!!! Gary was THE voice of the Fleetwoods..not Gretchen! Shoot this bunch of imposters.

[sivledtwo]

I will be the first one to say that Gretchens Fleetwooda suck big time and her ego is very inlated . Gary (who is 70 now ) would tell you that he has his own two girls and they do sound a lot like the old Fleetwoods. Oh by the way for you true Fleetwood fans try to find the c.d. The Fleetwoods sing the Goodie but oldies. They do fantastic covers to several oldies and sound great.

[sivledtwo]

Gary and Gretchen DID have a major following out back in the 90's . It seems Gretchen told Gary that her contributions to the group was more than his so she should get top billing.

[TC6759]

How could she say something so stupid!....I mean its not HER voice doing the leads on there hits!....I mean what a ham!

[sivledtwo]

Hey Everyone

I am also a Fletwoods fan. I have been in touch with both Gary and Gretchen. Gary still DOES perform ever so often with two new women. The video you are watching is the original Gretchen and the group is called Gretchen of The Fleetwoods. Both Gary and Gretchen are nearing seventy so their voices have changed but both groups are sounding really good.

[TC6759]

Why arent Gary and Gretchen performing together?.......did they have a falling out?.....cause this group Gretchens has really stinks!.......I would rather pay to see Gary's Fleetwoods than this group anyday!

[bobnjoanne]

This is a joke, right??? I just saw Gary performing in Omaha last year. This guy should be ashamed of himself. Please tell me it's a joke, please, please.

[musicalcliff]

Oh My Lord...

How sad... Gary Troxell is turning over on his grave (Oh wait a minute, he's not dead, he's just not singing)

Sorry... whoever these people are, they should not be pretending to be The Fleetwoods.

[bonzo874]

what a godawful rendition

[NiceDocter]

Fleetwoods? Sounded more like someone getting a Fleets Enema!!!!

That had to be the sourest singing Ive heard but it did help the wax to drain out of my ears.  Thanks

[KissTribute]

They're amazing in any time!

[brutusdog]

What a joke! They are not even good, as well as being phony.

[anderda7]

These people are not the Fleetwoods! I don't care if they bought the rights to use the name. This is a travesty!

[wadeharris65]

@anderda7

Actually Gretchen (on the far left) was one of the original founders of the Fleetwoods. But I agree; as much as I love their music, this is not done well at all.

[chicoval45]

They are excruciatingly BAD.

Gretchen should be ASHAMED of this hot steamer...

[gcdcjccc]

this is painful ........i'm wincing

[TC6759]

This is terrible!. Either they needed to speed up the tempo or they all were slightly intoxicated! : ( Where's Gary?

[peteykkk]

Something is just not right!

[tinytalent]

Gretchen has formed her own version of The Fleetwoods - without Gary Troxel. The big problem this guy has is that he will always be compared to Gary - and nobody is as good as Gary.

[hah13]

where is the original? people with no knowledge will pay mon ey for anything  D-

[ansokagi]

There's a way to enjoy this performance.

Turn off the monitor. Turn off the speakers. Now walk away from the computer.

Not so annoying now, right?

[maxjwinters007]

This isn't the Fleetwoods!!!!!!!!!!!

[TC6759]

Have Mercy!!!!!!...................­..

[cajunhornet60]

Great song....give the singers a break they are in their 70's for Christsakes...GREAT Post loved it!!!

[benoni45]

It's like amateurs night!

[javajax0987]

el stinkorama

[rwells47]

This hurts - after hearing this performance you can call me Mr. Black and Blue! Why is Jerry Springer singing this song- where is Gary?

[PsyDragonZ]

Sang it off key, and way too fast -_-

[vaman77788]

This should be called "Mr. BAD"...this guy can't even sing on key..and the ladies..wow...they are soooo wobbly and flat...this is an embarrasment!!

[mikeaustin1]

Who knew that Gretchen teamed up with Bill Gates for this version of the Fleetwoods?

Sad...

[baesparza]

Hey, perhaps she wanted or needed to sing again and the others weren't available.

[ninjabluewings]

Hmmmmmmmmmmm? This Is Very Interesting....NOT! Why Don't Gretchen Re-Join Gary? I Can't Understand Why These Clssic Acts Go Out With A Band Full Of Newcomers That Are A MILLION MILES! From The Original Members. I Believe If The Original Members Of A Band Can't Re-Form Then They Should Just FORGET IT! And Stay At Home Wearing A Gag On Their Gob.

[TC6759]

And what throws me is that people actually pay money to hear this!!.....The Fleetwoods with Gary Troxl are the ones I would pay to see!!....What is this Christopher woman trying to do??

[ansokagi]

They reminded more of Fleetwood Mac than The Fleetwoods.

Total rip off!

[bouclans]

He is so bad. Where did they find him? Did he audition?

[trevycoley83]

Gary needs to kick this guys ass.

[flogsausage]

This doesn't cut it!

[peteykkk]

These people need to find another way to make a living! They disrespect doowop!

[stanich054]

Get this group to try a different vocation

[vincedis2000]

What can you say to that

but i believe my cover is much better

you will have to check it out yourselves

[spot603]

LOL this is shit

[coyclown]

This is what Sha-na-na's so angry about; People performing/billing themselves under real groups name without any of them being an actual original member. Sha-na-na was ALWAYS sha-na-na, they never billed themselves as The Platters, or The Penguins, or even The Fleetwoods. They just sang covers of other groups songs, MAJOR-MAJOR difference.

[geoabe302]

Gretchen Christopher is an original Fleetwood but couldn't she find a better male singer for Gary? Geez, I can sing better than that. If I paid to see this show I would be ticked off.

[haltmusic]

FAKE FLEETS? SAY IT AIN'T SO!

[starcruze328]

This performance (along with Gretchen's attitude) is pathetic!

[TC6759]

This is terible!....If this Christopher woman wants to still flaunt herself as a "Fleetwood" then why hasnt she reunited with Gary?....and make it authenitic!....This lead singer is terrible!....I would rather see the "Fleetwoods" with Gary in it!....

[Djarnes]

I was at this show in Las Vegas. This guy is no Gary Troxl. Gretchen Christopher showed herself to be fuill of herself. In the Friday meet and greet before the Saturday concert, a lady from Minnesota brought original Fleetwood 45's for Gretchen to sign but she refused to do so unless the lady bought some stuff from her. Fortunately all the artists of the era are not like this. I met Harvey Fuqua there and he could not have been more gracious.He also has lost very little off his fastball.

[TC6759]

Wow!...I hope that woman didnt buy anything?...If that were me I would have said thank-you but no thank-you and I would have left!....and your right this guy IS no Gary Troxl and he sings like he's drunk....and they call themselves the "Fleetwoods?"....

[Djarnes]

No the woman did not buy anything. She was surprised by the crassness of Gretchin. Fortunately thanks to the efforts of Bowzer and Joe Terry off Danny's Juniors,acts purporting themselves to be originals and are just knockoffs are not allowed to call themselves by the original names in many states. The Drifters and Coasters are the names most frequently offended, althought echnicly in this case Gretchin Christopher as one of the real Fleetwoods would qualify as such.

[TC6759]

Thanks for your response!....and for the info....I would consider that an unprofessional act of a performer and I'm glad that woman didnt buy anything!.....

[Djarnes]

Fortunately most of these original performers are among the nicest people you would want to meet in any setting. For the msot part these perfromers are truly thankful for being liked and appreciated. Norman Fox of the Rob Roys comes to mind.Because disputes between record labels much of his work in the 50's never got released until the 1990's. Finally he is getting some accolades. His recent performance for the New england Doo-Wop Society was well received.

[TC6759]

Oh yes I understand that!...I happen to work with a member of the "Originals" singing group from Motown!...and they sometimes perform and he tells me how he feels about when he performs and what the fans mean to them he is so greatful too!... and he's the nicest person!......

[Djarnes]

Thank you for the info.

[fwad23]

another wannabe

[nialllewis]

not the original male vocalist..

[skunkus]

It seems there's a note off somewhere in there, kind of tough to hear.

[Chudyk1986]

This is not the original Fleetwoods. I saw them in concert today. This is not them, they are way better than this and still got it.

[deniseiltg]

whats the deal this guys is terrible with a capitol t too old and doesn't have voice range that garyt had don't give up your day job

[222ferrett222]

they not bad come on!!

[Covellos1]

I'm the Fleetwoods #1 fan. No Gary bhere. This is horrible!!

[flasher795]

yeah your right ...the girls r good but he sucks

[rogerb385]

I knew right away that wasn't the Fleetwoods lead singer. I love the Fleetwoods, But, This guy was really off key. Not that real Tenor Voice, If it was'nt for the gals backing him up, He would've really sounded more awful.

[engelhart1959j]

I toured with the Fleetwoods in 1959. This is sad. There's a time to quit.

[hardsly]

THESE ARE NOT "THE" Fleetwoods....they are imposters....bet your life on it

[DannyDeanRocks]

I was there so glad I got to see them to great show!

[MBFLA45]

I liked the Fleetwoods... but this is just painful.

[geo31]

What the hell? WHere's Gary?

[mrblue2008]

please read my post sent to dianne a little while ago geo. Barbara Troxel is not in the video either. The originals (except for Barbara Ellis who retired continue to play but not as the original members, Sad but true