“There are certain words in the English language that require an immediate response. One of such words in the word no,” Simon explained. “Does anyone know what the response to this word is?” Notorious, roared the crowd. “So let’s have a little competition here,” Simon continued. “I’m going to split the audience right down the middle. When I point to the right side, you people say no, no. Then I will point to the left, and you folks respond notorious.” Simon’s pointing game began and both sides of the crowd began responding. Occasionally he’d try to rev one side up by claiming the other side was louder, and while everyone could see right through the blatant lie, it would however have the desired effect of increasing the overall noise. Finally he instructed, “Now both sides together” at which point the entire audience yelled at the top of their lungs “No, no, notorious!” prompting Simon to punch the air and the loudspeakers to blast “No, no, notorious, notorious” as the band started the song.
August 6, 2000 – Oakdale Theater, Wallingford, CT