Melbourne, Australia, 1972
puppy
15 Aug 2005
This performance has arrived in my DVD player. 
It's unbelievable, really!!
This performance seems to be the link between the early performances of the young and reserved (albeit comfortable) Carpenters and the vibrant, animated Carpenters that appeared on stage in Budokan in 1974.
One thing that I really love about this performance is that it contains some unique material, since it took place prior to their mid-70's hits. Karen does an incredible performance of "Ticket To Ride" behind the drums, which I've never seen her do anywhere else. Also they perform "Cinderella Rockafella" which is piles of fun to watch. Karen has plenty of time behind the drums in this performance. Her personality seems to really begin to shine. Richard is also stellar, both in his musical performance and his character... he seems to be having a great time.
Unfortunately I don't have the technology to share this footage with all of you, but it really is GREAT STUFF! Definately neck-in-neck with the Budokan concert!!
Maybe someone out there knows... who's the guy who is conducting in the background?
Yeah, if you haven't seen this one, what are you waiting for????
Linda
It's unbelievable, really!!
This performance seems to be the link between the early performances of the young and reserved (albeit comfortable) Carpenters and the vibrant, animated Carpenters that appeared on stage in Budokan in 1974. One thing that I really love about this performance is that it contains some unique material, since it took place prior to their mid-70's hits. Karen does an incredible performance of "Ticket To Ride" behind the drums, which I've never seen her do anywhere else. Also they perform "Cinderella Rockafella" which is piles of fun to watch. Karen has plenty of time behind the drums in this performance. Her personality seems to really begin to shine. Richard is also stellar, both in his musical performance and his character... he seems to be having a great time.
Unfortunately I don't have the technology to share this footage with all of you, but it really is GREAT STUFF! Definately neck-in-neck with the Budokan concert!!
Maybe someone out there knows... who's the guy who is conducting in the background?
Yeah, if you haven't seen this one, what are you waiting for????
Linda
Chris-An Ordinary Fool
15 Aug 2005
Oh man, your lucky Linda. Has any of these ever been released? I don't think I have seen any of this. Unless there are some clips that have surfaced. Can you take any video clips with a cam & upload it? 
CarpentersToYou
15 Aug 2005
It is a good one! I like it as well!
I am seeing about transfering my stuff to DVD and VCD (I'll be able to share more).
I just watched the alternate THOSE GOOD OLD DREAMS video today! I love it! it's so corny!
I am seeing about transfering my stuff to DVD and VCD (I'll be able to share more).
I just watched the alternate THOSE GOOD OLD DREAMS video today! I love it! it's so corny!
Bruce
15 Aug 2005
I am soooooooooo jealous! It sounds like I planned my visit to Canada too early, it woulda been great to see this instead of stupid ol' Jack Nicholson. 
Hmm, maybe next time I am in the area.
Hmm, maybe next time I am in the area.
DR Drummer
15 Aug 2005
It's one of my favorites too. It's very cool, special and fun and the Bob Messenger- Karen duet is very unique as well. And, as said, KC, RC and everyone were really enjoying themselves through out. Also, short term drummer Jim Squeglia plays back up drums and hand percussion in this performance.
Early 1972 young, dynamic, talented Carpenters, you just can't beat it.
Edited by DR Drummer, 15 August 2005 - 11:03 PM.
Early 1972 young, dynamic, talented Carpenters, you just can't beat it.
Edited by DR Drummer, 15 August 2005 - 11:03 PM.
Boo
15 Aug 2005
linda76, on Aug 15 2005, 09:34 PM, said:
ummm
Wednesday lol 
John in Phoenix
15 Aug 2005
Hi folks !
John in Phoenix weighing in here on the C's concert in Australia. I love reading all of your amazing responses because you all voice what I think and feel about the Carpenters too.
I have a great copy of the Carpenters in Australia *TV station copy* and I agree - Karen looked like she was having a blast, but you could also see her exasperation at the end of singing/playing the David/Bacharach medley where she says "WOW !" I finally got to hear the entire medley without omission of any songs. I love it.
Karen was tired Yet exuberant and still she just keeps on getting better as the concert continues. Richard was in great form all the way around.
Oh - the conductor is Frank Poole from USC university. He rocked too.
What a wonderful concert even if it is in black and white. Australia at the time was not yet broadcasting in color. That in itself is amazing isn't it? Black and white film.....
Good to be here again !
John in Phoenix
John in Phoenix weighing in here on the C's concert in Australia. I love reading all of your amazing responses because you all voice what I think and feel about the Carpenters too.
I have a great copy of the Carpenters in Australia *TV station copy* and I agree - Karen looked like she was having a blast, but you could also see her exasperation at the end of singing/playing the David/Bacharach medley where she says "WOW !" I finally got to hear the entire medley without omission of any songs. I love it.
Karen was tired Yet exuberant and still she just keeps on getting better as the concert continues. Richard was in great form all the way around.
Oh - the conductor is Frank Poole from USC university. He rocked too.
What a wonderful concert even if it is in black and white. Australia at the time was not yet broadcasting in color. That in itself is amazing isn't it? Black and white film.....
Good to be here again !
John in Phoenix
Sakura
16 Aug 2005
I wish I had watched it. I only watched Bacharach/David Medley on Ran's site. Did Richard explain how Carpenters harmony was created?
Dave, did Bob sing with Karen? Not Doug Strawn?
Sakura
Dave, did Bob sing with Karen? Not Doug Strawn?
Sakura
DR Drummer
16 Aug 2005
Sakura, I think you're right and it was probably Doug. And Richard does a great and entertaining job explaining and demonstrating the Carpenter Harmony Effect. Neat stuff 
Edited by DR Drummer, 16 August 2005 - 09:30 AM.
Edited by DR Drummer, 16 August 2005 - 09:30 AM.
Sakura
16 Aug 2005
Thank you, Dave. On what song was Richard 'explaining and demonstrating the Carpenter Harmony Effect'?
Sakura
On what song was Richard 'explaining and demonstrating the Carpenter Harmony Effect'?Sakura
Janice Brodowsky
16 Aug 2005
Looks like I'm gonna have to make another visit to the bootlegger!
Janice
Janice
DR Drummer
16 Aug 2005
Sakura, on Aug 16 2005, 09:34 AM, said:
Thank you, Dave. On what song was Richard 'explaining and demonstrating the Carpenter Harmony Effect'?
Sakura
On what song was Richard 'explaining and demonstrating the Carpenter Harmony Effect'?Sakura
Rich explained over-dubbing and harmony with the whole band demonstrating harmony on the Wo-Wo-Wowo parts of "Do You Know The Way To San Jose". It was pretty cool stuff.
Edited by DR Drummer, 16 August 2005 - 11:57 AM.
JayLumbee
16 Aug 2005
Australia - MAY - 1972 (*14 hr flight from L.A.)
Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #16 - August, 1972
Hi Fans!
As promised - news about the Australian tour. During Aussie customs inspection, one of the consoles in the group's equipment baggage was totally destroyed when the customs officers searched every item on their never ending search for drugs. But in spite of this, the Carpenters enjoyed a "standing room only" business throughout the entire tour. Tickets and program books were sold outeverywhere.
Australian sight-seeing took them to a Kuala Bear farm where they were allowed to hold the cuddly bears. Karen wanted to bring one home, but Richard and the Australian government nixed that idea, so she settled for a stuffed one three feet tall to add to her collection. She named him "Sir Bear of Sydney". A friend took them yachting in the beautiful bay of Sydney, and they also had ample time for shopping. Australia they say, still has a long way to go. Besides bad roads, there is no F.M. radio, and no color TV.
Someone posing as Karen
caused a slight turmoil by calling the T.V. stations and giving misinformation concerning show taping. The "Today" show was scheduled to be taped from their hotel suite. The impostor told the station that Karen and Richard had changed their minds and would tape at the T.V. station, then sent a cab to the hotel to take them there. It took a bit to iron out this wrinkle, but iron they did, and the show went on as scheduled at the hotel.
In Adelaide, just two weeks away from winter, the hotel had no heat. Electric heaters were finally located to keep them warm. They drank bottled water there to avoid illness which the drastic change in tap water would have caused.
The lucky people of Melbourne will view a Carpenter Special T.V. show which was taped there. From Melbourne to Brisbane for another concert, then back to Sydney where gift-laden fans greeted the group's arrival at the airport.
Saying good-bye to Australia, they headed for Hong Kong, refueling on the way in Manila. They landed on the main island of China and were ferried to Hong Kong, where promoter Andrew Eu held a dinner partyin their honor in one of his castles. (He owns three). Dinner was served Chinese style - chopsticks and all! Karen manipulated the sticks through everything but the fish. Wise Richard used his fork! Another sell-out concert there, then more shopping. They especially enjoyed the HK jewelry stores with their brilliant displays of diamonds and many colored jade.
At the Tokyo airport they were mobbed by fans, and two body guards were sent in to protect them. They did another Carpenter Special for Tokyo T.V. and were then "bulleted" to Osaka on the bullet train for concerts there. During the three hour ride they battled their lunch which insisted on tipping into their laps due to the extreme speed of the train.
In Kyoto at the Misako Hotel
they found themselves in somewhat of a maze which ended at rooms that were much too small. An elevator took them to the sixth floor where they had to get off, wind their way to another wing, and take a second elevator to the eleventh floor. They checked out of there in a hurry and found more convenient quarters at Hotel Fujita.
The group played three concerts in Osaka and once again encountered shower problems. Their last concert there was followed by a concert by the group Chicago who sent a huge bouquet of flowers for Karen and Richard.
Mom and Dad met Karen and Richard in Tokyo, and enjoyed two wonderful weeks in that very impressive city. Dad especially enjoyed the fantastic Japanese gardens. Among the huge pile of gifts bestowed upon them, was a gorgeous Japanese doll (for Karen), three feet high, encased in glass. Richard was the recipient of a very rare Suzuki harp. This was King Records way of saying "Thank-You for the beautiful music."
The Carpenter entourage returned to L.A. airport filled with happy memories of a very successful tour.
More news later.
EV
Carpenters Fan Club Newsletter #16 - August, 1972
Hi Fans!
As promised - news about the Australian tour. During Aussie customs inspection, one of the consoles in the group's equipment baggage was totally destroyed when the customs officers searched every item on their never ending search for drugs. But in spite of this, the Carpenters enjoyed a "standing room only" business throughout the entire tour. Tickets and program books were sold outeverywhere.
Australian sight-seeing took them to a Kuala Bear farm where they were allowed to hold the cuddly bears. Karen wanted to bring one home, but Richard and the Australian government nixed that idea, so she settled for a stuffed one three feet tall to add to her collection. She named him "Sir Bear of Sydney". A friend took them yachting in the beautiful bay of Sydney, and they also had ample time for shopping. Australia they say, still has a long way to go. Besides bad roads, there is no F.M. radio, and no color TV.
Someone posing as Karen
caused a slight turmoil by calling the T.V. stations and giving misinformation concerning show taping. The "Today" show was scheduled to be taped from their hotel suite. The impostor told the station that Karen and Richard had changed their minds and would tape at the T.V. station, then sent a cab to the hotel to take them there. It took a bit to iron out this wrinkle, but iron they did, and the show went on as scheduled at the hotel. In Adelaide, just two weeks away from winter, the hotel had no heat. Electric heaters were finally located to keep them warm. They drank bottled water there to avoid illness which the drastic change in tap water would have caused.
The lucky people of Melbourne will view a Carpenter Special T.V. show which was taped there. From Melbourne to Brisbane for another concert, then back to Sydney where gift-laden fans greeted the group's arrival at the airport.
Saying good-bye to Australia, they headed for Hong Kong, refueling on the way in Manila. They landed on the main island of China and were ferried to Hong Kong, where promoter Andrew Eu held a dinner partyin their honor in one of his castles. (He owns three). Dinner was served Chinese style - chopsticks and all! Karen manipulated the sticks through everything but the fish. Wise Richard used his fork! Another sell-out concert there, then more shopping. They especially enjoyed the HK jewelry stores with their brilliant displays of diamonds and many colored jade.
At the Tokyo airport they were mobbed by fans, and two body guards were sent in to protect them. They did another Carpenter Special for Tokyo T.V. and were then "bulleted" to Osaka on the bullet train for concerts there. During the three hour ride they battled their lunch which insisted on tipping into their laps due to the extreme speed of the train.
In Kyoto at the Misako Hotel
they found themselves in somewhat of a maze which ended at rooms that were much too small. An elevator took them to the sixth floor where they had to get off, wind their way to another wing, and take a second elevator to the eleventh floor. They checked out of there in a hurry and found more convenient quarters at Hotel Fujita. The group played three concerts in Osaka and once again encountered shower problems. Their last concert there was followed by a concert by the group Chicago who sent a huge bouquet of flowers for Karen and Richard. Mom and Dad met Karen and Richard in Tokyo, and enjoyed two wonderful weeks in that very impressive city. Dad especially enjoyed the fantastic Japanese gardens. Among the huge pile of gifts bestowed upon them, was a gorgeous Japanese doll (for Karen), three feet high, encased in glass. Richard was the recipient of a very rare Suzuki harp. This was King Records way of saying "Thank-You for the beautiful music."
The Carpenter entourage returned to L.A. airport filled with happy memories of a very successful tour.
More news later.
EV
DR Drummer
16 Aug 2005
Simply Incredible stardome, fame, fortune and all that goes with it. These were certainly great times for the Carpenters and among my most favorite years. 
