When I checked the Upcoming Concerts listings and saw that Eddie Money would be touring with Foreigner, and the two would be appearing at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater, I thought, “Well, why not? Now there’s a show that will be hilariously amazing.”

And it was, but in a completely different sense than I’d imagined. [All photos by Jeff O'Kelley.]

Ruth Eckerd was filling with fans of varying ages this past Friday, January 15, but mostly they were 40-something women with their husbands, boyfriends or single girlfriends, all dressed to impress. The place was packed a half-hour before showtime.

My husband and I took our seats and I scanned the room, my first time there. I did a double take as I realized just how big it was. The stage was set up for Eddie Money and we watched people stumble to their seats with drinks in hand as the lights went down for his set.

Eddie Money and band took the stage, opening with "Two Tickets to Paradise," the song I knew best. Money spun in feverish circles, threw a tambourine behind him, and kicked his heels as though having a tantrum every few beats. I couldn’t help but laugh. Then I looked down and saw the "Ladies of the 80’s" (as Money referred to them) dancing, singing along and screaming to his lyrics.

Eddie Money’s band was great. The guitar player was constantly posed in an uncomfortable-looking split stance that reeked of 80’s cool, the drummer was talented and animated, and the bass player had quintessential 80’s hair to keep the vibe alive. Money himself hasn't aged gracefully, but I gotta give the man props for his solid performance and all the energy he put into making the audience happy. The highlight of the evening was when Eddie Money brought out his daughter to join him.

This article appears in Jan 13-19, 2010.