By the end of 1976, Tina re-arranged herself and showed the world on the New Years Eve that she could do it on her own with a performance at the Donny & Marie Show. Rhonda Graam, Tina’s assistant and road manager, booked her in 1977 for various TV- Shows, like the Sonny & Cher Show and Hollywood Squares. In the meantime, Tina made an agreement with Mike Stewart from United Artists to go back on the road with a Las Vegas style cabaret show. She started in America at Caesars Palace in July, following her first solo Australian Tour after she was already twice on tour Down Under with Ike and continued with concerts at the Casa Manana theatre in Forth Worth, Texas.
Caesars Palace: July 21 - August 03
Australia: August 31: Festival Hall, Brisbane / September 01: Civic Theatre, Newcastle / September 02 + 03: Hordern Pavilion, Sydney / September 04: Festival Hall, Melbourne / September 07: Apollo Stadium, Adelaide / September 01: Entertainment Centre, Perth / September 12: Town Hall, Auckland / September 14: Opera House, Wellington
Casa Manana: September 27 - October 03
The Band: Ronald Selico: Drums / William Haynes: Bass / Kenny Moore: Piano / Jeffrey 'Dino' Deane: Trombone / Dennis Farias: Trumpet / Lenny Macaluso: Guitar / Richard Merritt Smith: Guitar / Billy Hayes: Bass / D.M. Ricardo: Percussion
Dancer: Marcia Thacker / Michael Stephenson / Denise Echols / Anthony Walthers / Dee Dee Mack
Costumes: Bob Mackie
Musical Conductor: Rick Kellis
Stage Manager: Pete Gray
Australia
The American soul singer Tina Turner arrived in Australia yesterday, minus her former husband Ike, but with the rest of her assets well intact. Ike and Tina Turner’s 20-year marriage and musical partnership was dissolved officially last year when they were divorced. But the split had not affected her suggestive energetic stage act, Tina said yesterday: „The sound of Ike's guitar is missing now, but I couldn't say the break is for the worst. I've been doing fine and I think I'll continue to do fine.“ Tina is on her third Australian concert tour. She will perform at Sydneys Hordern Pavilion tomorrow and on Saturday night. Over the years, Tina's brief dresses and constant gyrating on stage have gained her a reputation as much for her appearance as for her singing.
„My dresses are because of my actions. I couldn't very well do those steps in a gown or pants. It has gotten through now that I am a sex symbol and I think that's what people want to come and see. It helps me make a living, so I keep my thighs throbbing, or whatever.“ — The Sydney Morning Herald - September 1, 1977
Casa Manana
TINA, back on the scene after a hiatus that saw her take stock of where she was going and where she wanted to go, and going through lots of changes because of it, is currently touring with her own band, a rock band, doing tunes like „Ain't It Funny How Time Slips Away" and „Watch Closely Now,“ tempering her image so that her sexuality is touched with an element of elegance, a sense of knowing who she is. It's a whole new beginning for Tina Turner and welcome to Casa Manana's world! — Souvenir Program
Caesars Palace
A fiery, sexy performer with enough candlepower to light up the entire Las Vegas Strip - that's the inimitable Tina Turner. A frantic, tireless dancer and a compelling singer, Ms. Turner is famous for non-stop, high-energy shows that leave her audience breathless. An established star on the rock and pop scene, she is making her mark as a cabaret headliner of national stature. We are proud to welcome her into our galaxy of stellar attractions. — Program Book