We're Not Gonna Take It

Roger Daltrey decided to take the Tommy album on the road and perform its entirety.  Like most people, I know the hits but have not heard the whole rock opera.  I also had no interest in the Broadway musical.  So this was a first for me.

My first time seeing The Who was the reunion tour in 2006.  That was a great show and very enjoyable.  I even bought the live CD afterwards.  I know it wasn't the original band but still was well done.

The Tommy show was even better for the mostly middle age crowd.  Using a large video screen behind the band to enhance the story of the deaf, dumb and blind kid.  Images flew across the screen moving in time to the music and morphing as the songs progressed.  Roger's voice was strong and exactly how I wanted to hear him.  What a powerful way to hear Tommy for the first time.

The venue is open air so smoking was allowed.  At one point Roger asked the folks up front to stop smoking.  He said it was affecting his voice and he wanted to give everyone a great show.  He thanked them a little later.  Chalk up a point for having a mature crowd.

It Was The Longest Night Of My Life

There's not much which will get me to Camden.  As I've said before, sometimes you have to go where the music is playing.  I went there to see Incubus.  They made it well worth the trip.  Their newest release is great and I was looking forward to this.  Tofu girl was along as well.

We didn't make it for the opener.  Stopping instead for dinner before making our way there.  We grabbed a beer and made it to our seats as the show began.  Actually we never made it to the seats but stood at the end of our row.  We had a great view and weren't jammed in with a bunch of people.  Later we looked down the row towards our seats and saw a couple humping each other.  Yes, standing at the end of the row was the right thing to do.

Because there was no car to go back to, I didn't try to get my camera in.  So you'll have to deal with these crappy shots.

It was there, with their eyes like glowing embers,
the man you see was made.

Somebody Save Me

Many years ago, I went to see David Lee Roth on his solo tour.  He had Philly's own Cinderella as an opening act.  They put on such a great show that it left an impression on the Greek Geek and myself.  It has stuck with me to this day.

Of course I had to get tickets when I saw Cinderella was playing locally.  What would they be like 20 years later?

I can say they still rock.  No fancy stage show or lots of talk.  Song after song and of course a long drum solo.

Handy girl went with me even though her knee was still recovering from an operation.  Someone was kind enough to give up their chair for her and it made the Night Songs better.

I need a shot of gasoline

I'm hittin' one sixteen

I get so hot I see steam

Forget the day cuz we're gonna scream!

What You Don't Have You Don't Need It Now

Last year, U2 had to cancel their Philly tour dates due to Bono's back surgery.  Tofu Girl had tickets for the show.  Her tickets were honored at the new 360 degree tour this year and I had the honor to go with her.

We were on the floor in a packed stadium of almost 70,000 people.  It was truly an amazing sight.  The crowd was putting off an energy you could feel.  They had waited awhile to see this show and the band didn't disappoint.  They had truckloads of gear on stage to create a huge spectacle.  There were plenty of lights, moving bridges which connected the two rings of the stage and finally a circular video screen which hovered over the band.  The video screen also stretched itself open to create an amazing light show.

One of my favorite songs is Beautiful Day and they did a tribute to Rep. Giffords who had been shot in the head by some idiot.  The tribute was broadcast by her husband on the big wrap around screen - from the space station!  He said hello to Philadelphia and held up a few words that floated in zero gravity.  Then he finished with a Bowie quote "tell my wife I love her very much... she knows."

Absolutely amazing.  It was a beautiful day.

Love's Like Suicide

'Nothing to worry about, just a black cloud over my head' is what I'm texting as Soundgarden takes the stage for a sold out show.  The sun is setting over the city and a slight breeze is blowing the clouds our way.  Chris is singing "look to the sky" from Searching With My Good Eye Closed and I'm doing that very thing.  It's not that I mind getting wet, I'd prefer to have a pleasant evening.

The Festival Pier is a terrible venue - there I said it.  The parking is inadequate, standing on macadam is uncomfortable, the sound is lacking and its narrowness makes moving around difficult.  Sometimes you have to go to where the music is playing.  Tonight it is at this place.  I know all this going into it.  It's not the first show I've attended there.

I found a spot to the right of the stage next to one of the 'VIP' stands.  I'd be pissed if I had paid extra for those bleachers.  I guess they get to sit down at least and stand on wood.  Maybe I'm getting too old for this?  At least I'm still good with loud music.

Once they sorted out the sound, Chris's voice came shining through.  I'm happy to finally see them as a band.  From what was said, it seems they are back together and will have new music next year.  I remember Chris saying not too long ago that he didn't want to be in a band again.  Never say never.  I look forward to anything new they may decide to release.

Does this seem to be a poor choice of name to anyone else?

This Animal I Have Become

Of course I went to another concert.  You know by now of my beastly ways.  Three Days Grace is a group I've been wanting to see for many years but it hasn't happened.  Until now!

They are described as hard rock, alt metal or nu metal for those that need labels.  Any way you slice it, these guys rock.  I'm glad they are still around and I got to see them.  I used their music for my workouts.  Nothing gets you pumped like "I Hate Everything About You."  Maybe I have anger issues?

3DG isn't for everyone but then this is all about me.

"No one will ever change this animal I have become!"

Silence Is Golden

What's even more valuable is The Voice doing an accoustic session at the Keswick.  No, I'm not refering to the silly karaoke TV show.  The Voice is Chris Cornell.  He's worked with some amazing folks in the industry.  He has no problem standing on his own.

I wasn't into the grunge scene when it was popular.  Many of the groups held little interest for me.  Soundgarden, with Chris on vocals, was lumped into that scene but proved themselves as so much more.  I was late to the enjoyment but better than never.

He decided to do this accoustic tour and I was not going to miss it.  I have a bootleg from a show in Sweden and it's amazing.  He didn't disappoint.  He played a song titled "When I'm Down" according to his original vision.  It was done with a piano as a more bluesy tune and was wonderful.  Changed the whole song for me.  He also covered Floyd's "Comfortably Numb" and The Beetles "A Day In The Life".  I look forward to his next solo stuff.

I'm One of a Kind, I'm Designer!

Queens of the Stone Age are a band I've enjoyed for quite some time and had not seen live.  I was hooked the first time I heard "No One Knows" in 2002.  Their music is loud, riff heavy and has a driving rhythm.

The security guard found my camera so I was not able to get any good shots.  Which is fine.  I'm there for the music any way.  My readers aren't going to suffer for it.  Although it might be suffering for some of you to listen to the music.  If I hear your wails and gnashing of teeth, I'll just turn it up louder.  I even gave you a link above.

Lemmy IS God

I remember seeing Motorhead t-shirts at school.  Mostly worn by people I didn't speak to.  Sometime later I had my metal awakening and enjoyed MTV's Headbanger's Ball.  It was there that I first heard Lemmy's gravelly voice.

We are Motorhead. We play rock n roll!

I don't pretend to be the band's biggest fan but I do enjoy them very much.  I almost lost my hearing at the show.  The sound was perfect but cranked up l-o-u-d.  Lemmy's 65 now and I wonder if he can still hear.

It was everything you'd expect.  Loud, packed tight, leather everywhere, slutty women, mosh pit, crowd surfing and smoking drum solo.  It wasn't really smoke but looked cool.

To make the night even better, Clutch was the opener.  I love these guys.  They are a great complement to Motorhead.  Heavy, loud and a bit of humor thrown in.  The ringing in my ears and waking up late for work was all worth it.

You may have noticed the pictures are better.  I was able to sneak in with my new camera.  No more crappy cell phone shots.  Like this one...

Now who's ready to Rock Out With Your Cock Out?

Rocky Horrorfest

Let's do the time warp again.  It's just a jump to the left...

One night some friends in a band decided to play a couple songs from the Rocky Horror Picture Show.  They enjoyed themselves so much, an idea was born.  What if we got a bunch of people together, showed the movie and then played the songs?

You get the First Annual Rocky Horrorfest.

It was held on the second level of the Copacabana on South Street.  Who knew a 35 year old movie would have such a draw?  There were plenty of people who showed up.  Some in costume which was great.  Unfortunately it was difficult to hear the movie and thus interact by shouting out comeback lines.  It's funny how much of it came back to me considering the years it's been since I last saw the movie.

The evening was still fun.  Had a few drinks and couple laughs.  The band afterwords was great too.  I can't wait for next year.  Maybe I'll be able to fit into my corset by then.

Alter Bridge

My final concert of 2010 was a welcome surprise.  I thought Alter Bridge was gone from the music scene.  The singer has been opening for and joined Slash on his current tour.  The rest of the band are members of Creed which reunited together this year.

Imagine my surprise to find they released a new album.  Don't bother imaging - it really happened.  And then I found they had a few tour dates.  One of which landed in Jersey!  The real tour doesn't start until Spring but I wasn't going to miss the chance.

The crappy cell phone camera strikes again.

Yes, I get excited about my music.  The singer has an amazing voice.  The band is tight and really put on a great show.  Dueling guitars solos make me drool so it's good I had an empty cup from my Captain and Coke.  The crowd was great and even recognized the new stuff which was only a week old.

Standing room only so this old beast had an aching back by the show's end.  But a smile was firmly planted on my face.  Tip o' the hat to one of the openers - Taddy Porter.

Flying Through Wormholes

It's a year of 20th anniversaries.  My first Joe Satriani concert was in 1990 at the Tower Theater.  He released a new album titled Black Swans and Wormhole Wizards this year.  The CD didn't leave my player for a week.  There are so many enjoyable songs and I would just let it loop through to the start.

I preordered the album to get the CD, his autograph and a chance to buy presale show tickets.  You may think this is silly but I've had a relationship with his music for the same amount of time as my best friends.  He is also the only person I've ever waited for to get an autograph.  Now I have it.

As I sat in the Tower, I remembered back 20 years ago.  A college student took the L to 69th street.  His seat was on the opposite side from where I sat.  When the concert began, everyone stood and then sat down.  He couldn't contain himself to sit through the show so he moved to stand against the wall.  The music moved him.  No cares of the world were present.  He decided to wait outside afterwords to get an autograph.  Joe was never sighted but his Mom came out and waved as she got on the bus.  She told the small crowd not to do drugs. (She passed away a year ago)

In the present, I was very happy to sit through the show.  No cares of the world interfering.  The music still moves me and I was happy to hear Flying In A Blue Dream just as that kid did so long ago.  I finally had my autograph.  I wondered what I might tell that kid if I saw him at the Tower.  Nothing!  Let him figure out all this crap on his own.  Why should he have it any easier?

Black Friday 2010

No, this post is not about fighting through crowds to get some crappy bargain.

Five years ago, I was introduced to a Pink Floyd tribute band named The Machine.  Every Black Friday they do a show at the Keswick theater.  It's become a sort of tradition.

I missed seeing them earlier this year so I got tickets for this show right as they went on sale.  The seats were only a short distance from the stage.  You read correctly, I said seats.  I did buy two.  At the time, I did not have anyone particular in mind but I left the option open.

The band plays all different eras of Floyd.  I've come to appreciate much more of the music after seeing The Machine over the years.  I've never seen Floyd in any incarnation so I'm glad this band is around.

My friend Handygirl was gracious enough to attend with me.  I owed her for giving me a place to hideout when I didn't want to be in my house.  This was her chance to get away from being a single mom for a night.  We both enjoyed the show but not as much as the crazy woman at the end of our row.  She REALLY enjoyed it.  I think she had some outside assistance.  I look forward to next year's show.

Et Tu, Honda?

Another commercial caught my eye.  Actually it caught my ear because I was in another room at the time.

Honda is the latest to commit sacrilege with their use of  Judas Priest to sell a minivan. (see similar previous post)  They purchased the rights to "The Hellion" to promote their yuppie minivan.  Yes it did the job of capturing my attention and then my ire.  Damn you Honda!  [gnashing of teeth]

For those who do not know the wonder of Priest, mainly Crabby, they were part of my teenage rebellion.  You cannot mention Heavymetal without saying their name.  We're talking long hair, leather, dual guitar solos, explosions and motorcycles.  Now take a look at this crap....

This putz wouldn't know metal if he had braces with attached headgear, matching leg supports and pins holding his spine together.  The Marshall stack and flames don't do much to appease the Metal Gods either.  It's a minivan dude!  You will still be a putz driving it.

I can understand why they didn't use something more appropriate like "Turbo Lover".  The poor thing doesn't have turbo.  But why not "Free Wheel Burning"?  Ok, again it's a minivan so you are not likely to be blown away by driving it.

So Hellion was the choice but wait... it's an instrumental intro to "Electric Eye".  That song is about an evil satellite force spying on everyone to make sure we do the right thing. Did you notice the minivan has a GPS?  And cameras?  I see where this is going.  You should do the right thing and buy one or else.

Yes you were a rebel but now it's time to play nice... OR ELSE!

All Hail Honda!

"I'm made of metal, my circuits gleam.  I am perpetual I keep the country clean."

Sho' Nuff XX

My concert week continued with The Black Crowes playing two nights close to me. I was so excited I would get this big grin on my face whenever I thought about it. I even took Friday off to really enjoy my time.

The first show was in Upper Darby at the Tower Theater. I've been to the venue many times in the last 20 years. Coincidentally, this tour celebrates 20 years of the Crowes music but it was not the first place I saw them.

My preference is to attend these shows alone because of previous bad experiences. I took a chance this time and agreed to go with my friend Tofu Girl. She's a fan but hadn't seen the band live in 15 years. Thankfully we both had a good time. She had to leave before the end to get home but I texted her the last songs in the set. Ain't technology great?

I also knew a couple other people there and was able to chat with a former coworker. He's doing well although the job market blows. We were able to commiserate and I enjoyed catching up with him.

Back to the show! They began with an acoustic set. No opening band meant it was 3 hours of pure enjoyment for me. The set list was great because they played songs I haven't heard in long time. The sound was not as good unfortunately. We were also a bit far away. I left quite satisfied and happy to see them the next night.

The next show was in Atlantic City at the Borgata. Because I had two tickets for the first show, I bought a second for the next show. I knew I was pressing my luck but I'm a glutton for punishment sometimes. I offered the ticket to a few folks but no one was able to make the show. Yay!  I even sold the ticket just before showtime and get most of my money for it.  Double yay!

The Borgata holds less people so the space is more intimate. I was eight rows back with a great view. The sound was amazing. I was directly in front of the stack which meant Rich's guitar was coming right at me. (remember, guitar whore here) This set had no acoustic and was only 2 hours. They ended exactly and almost hurriedly at 11pm. The focus was on just playing the hits. Again a good night but made better by seeing both shows.

I look forward to seeing them again whenever they get back around. Too much is never enough!

I should mention that although I did see the show alone, I did not make the trip alone. Crabby joined me for the ride so she could gamble. The Borgata is her favorite place in AC and she was quite excited to be going. I picked her up in the afternoon to be sure we had time to make a few wagers. Unfortunately neither one of us came out ahead. I don't know what she lost but I was out $100. I should have quit while I was ahead. Craps was good to me... until it wasn't.

Heavymetal poisoning

This is a fun week of entertainment for me.  Three concerts in four days.  Third concert wasn't planned but was a fortunate reading of an email.  Devin Townsend was booked just a short drive away at The Note in West Chester, Bam Margera's club.  In case you don't know, Bam is part of the Jackass crew and Devin is... well... just Devin.

I had not been to The Note before last night.  It's a decent place but small.  The crowd was good and full of characters.  I know I got more than a few looks for not only my age but conservative dress.  The drinks and ticket were cheap so I only spent $21 on the evening.  Yes, I went alone.  It occurred to me at the show, I don't mind being alone because I listen to the music by myself.  It would be almost weird to have someone there other than strangers because I don't know many who have my taste.  I doubt this post will create any new fans.

Periphery was the second of two openers.  I missed TesseracT.  Now I am a self professed guitar whore but even I was a little concerned seeing three guitarists on stage.  This is not chamber music people, it's heavy.  Then one of the guys said it would be an instrumental night because the singer was sick.  Let the trashing begin.  And it did.  A mini mosh pit appeared up front on more than a few tunes.  The kids weren't bad and they played really well together.  The bass was totally lacking but I didn't know if that was the mix or the acoustics.  Their music was good but was missing the lyrics.  Not a bad start.

After the set change, the man of the evening came out.  Devin is quite tall with a shaved head and dressed in a shiny, purple suit.  He called out and pointed to his 'nerds' in the crowd.  He said you know they're nerds if they have jobs.  Then during a pause in his first song, he said 'let's go play Dungeons and Dragons."

My phone camera doesn't do so well in low light but you get the idea.  Devin is famous for creating a wall of sound.  It's what my mother would call noise.  Within that cacophony is a passion and playfulness you don't often find.  He was playful on stage and interacted with the crowd.  He also gets this look on his face at times that's down right scary.  There was no holding back and he played songs from his entire collection.  I'm so glad I went and I'd happily see him again.

For those not familiar (probably the majority), here's the lyrics to a song he played titled "Life".

My life is all that I've known
And it's all that keeps me here
My time is all that I own
So I won't let it slip away...

How long can this life go on
Who we are, what we are...
I'll see you on the other side

Wouldn't you rather live it on your own
Even when it bends you over
So when it comes time to go home
You don't let them fade away...

How long can this all go on?
How long till it's over?
And how long till it all comes down?

[spoken]

In death, not only are the mightiest and the most humble brought down to the same level, but we're no different from any other organism.

Soothing the Beast

I enjoy seeing the bands I like live.  It gives a good perspective on their talents and how well the songs translate from CD to stage.  No one does stage shows anymore so it really becomes all about the music more than visual entertainment.  Which means the band had better be good.  You don't get to fix anything in the mix.

A couple months ago, I picked up tickets for Flyleaf.  A friend had introduced me to the first CD and I really liked it.  Yes, they are a Christian band but they seem to be on a more secular path through the music business.  No, this is not the first Christian band I've enjoyed.  I list Mortal, Grammatrain, and Rain Children as favorites but haven't really been into that scene in recent years.  Flyleaf impressed me enough to buy tickets and go by myself.  Of course, I don't mind attending events alone.

I really wanted to see the lead singer scream.  She has a beautiful voice and I enjoy her singing but I really like when she just lets loose.  It puts a big stupid grin on my face.  I've made women scream before, for good and bad reasons, but that's not what I'm talking about here.  It adds something primal to the song.  But I don't have to explain why I like it.  Let's just go with that.

The crowd was quite young so I retreated the bar upstairs.  At least everyone up there was over 21.  A very nice couple sat down next to me and we started a conversation.  They are both just getting out of the military and taking time to travel the country they've served.  Meet Billy and Sara.  They are very cool and I wish them a safe journey.  My advice to them - instead of figuring out what you want to be when you grow up, don't bother growing up.

Edit:  I'm paraphrasing Lacey (the singer) - We are all going to die.  This shouldn't be a surprise to you.  What should surprise you is that you are alive.