This is an official review for the Rob Van Winkle, aka Vanilla Ice, concert that took place two Fridays ago outside of Cans in Bucktown. Unfortunately, I left before Ice took the stage, so I will be reviewing a concert that I did not see. I know I've made light of Matt's occasional ability to review movies that he's never seen. But he was apparently 100% right about "The Love Guru", as it failed miserably. A friend filled me in on the happenings at the Ice show, so I'll give it a go.
Vanilla Ice still has the magic. On a stage decorated with demons and other evil images(I'm told that he was born on Halloween, so he feels devilish themes invoke his spirit), he proceeded to entice the crowd by peppering his stage banter with gems like "Who here likes porno?!!!" Stage presence can't be taught. Some lucky ones, like Van Winkle, are just born with it. Clean and sober, yet heavily tattooed, Ice kept the crowd waiting only 70+ minutes to hear his many hits; such as "Ice, Ice, Baby" and "Ice, Ice,Baby(hard rock version)". Van Winkle's personal touches, such as begging audience members to lift their shirts, throwing half-full water bottles into the crowd and a full command and usage of the entire catalog of existent swear words are the reasons that he commands a $5 cover charge.
Godspeed, Mr. Van Winkle, wherever life's journey takes you next.