McGraw leaves ‘em standing, yelling for more

Joe Delaney

Friday, March 21, 1997 | 11:59 a.m.

Tim McGraw and the Dance Hall Doctors are the entire show this weekend in Caesars Palace's Circus Maximus. Judging by the crowd reaction, from start to "Don't Go" finish at the 90-minute mark, McGraw & Co. deserve to become Caesars Palace regulars. Suggestion: See them this weekend, we doubt they will still be at a $50 minimum tab the second time around.

In four short years, McGraw has amassed a number of industry awards. Two of his three albums to date have been certified quintuple platinum and double platinum, respectively. "Renegade" got things rolling in high gear, "Down on the Farm" was more of the same, then he had the females screaming when he crooned "She Never Let It Go to Her Heart." "All I Want Is a Life" hit a different chord, setting up a weeper, "She Can't Be Really Gone," when he's the most effective.

"Refried Dreams" took us south of the border. "Wrong Man" was back in a Nashville groove as was "Countrier Than This." "Sleep on It," "Not a Moment Too Soon" and "For a Little While" set up a new tune, "Everywhere," which could be the "title cut of the next album." "It's Your Love" was for the ladies, albeit dedicated to his wife, Faith Hill, in the audience.

"Memory Lane" was strong, a buildup to "Don't Take the Girl," a show-stopper. A rousing "I Like It, I Love It" preceded first bows. McGraw had to come back for an equally up "Joker" and "Indian Outlaw," which had the audience standing and yelling for more.

The Dance Hall Doctors, seven strong, are as good a backup band as we have heard in some time.

JOE DELANEY is a SUN entertainment critic.