-
Rest In Peace Steve Riley
I found out today that Steve Riley passed away at 67.
He was the long time drummer of L.A. Guns, Riley’s L.A. Guns, and was the drummer of W.A.S.P. and Keel, and Roadmaster, The Lawyers, and The B’zz.
According to a statement from his family, Steve passed away Tuesday, October 24, from a severe case of pneumonia, which he had suffered from for several weeks.
This is very sad.
I was lucky enough to meet him this year, and believe me it was luck (see my story here) but I’m grateful I got to meet him and see him play.
He was unbelievably kind to me and I’ll never forget that.
He was a great player all the way to the end.
This especially hits home for me because I had a very bad case of pneumonia earlier this year too and have had it quite a few times in the past few years.
I eventually got the pneumonia vaccine awhile back because I was so concerned about getting pneumonia again.
All the greats keep going away and I hate it. But unfortunately, it’s how life goes.
And this is another reason why I’ve gone to sooooo many shows in the last decade. Yes the shows are always fun and I want that fun, but also any day could be it for anyone and I don’t want to not see them do what they do best.
I wish all the best to his family, friends, bandmates in Riley’s L.A. Guns and everyone else he has played with, and his fans.
And selfishly as a fan, I hope that the second Riley’s L.A. Guns album will be released. They released 3 great singles this year and was playing another one live (again see my story link above), but if not, I understand.
I’ll be cranking his music in his memory.
Thanks Steve for the music and for the kindness you showed me.
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
My Scarefest Experience
- Date of Event: October 21, 2023
- Location of Event: Central Bank Center in Lexington, KY
For the 3rd time, I went to Scarefest.
I’m going to try to tell my experience in sequence as to how the day went.
Of course I won’t say everything because I can never remember every minute detail, but I’ll do my best to describe this great day I had.
Scarefest may now be the biggest horror convention in the U.S.
I went on the most busiest day, Saturday.
I initially thought it was going to literally be a nightmare because the line was outside of the building and at that point across the street at a hotel next door.
And I was worried because I had a photo op at 11:15 AM, and it was almost 11 when I got in line, so I was very worried.
Luckily, some staff members came outside and told people that if they had an early photo op that they could go on inside.
So, I did go inside, got my bracelet for the day (some had badges, I had a bracelet), and went in when doors opened at 11.
I went right to the photo op line to get my picture taken with actress Adrienne Barbeau, who has starred in Maude, Someone’s Watching Me, The Fog, Escape From New York, Swamp Thing, and so many other movies and shows. She’s even an author too.
Anyway, I got my picture taken with Adrienne. She’s a very sweet person and I thank her.
I then went to get my picture taken with a Terminator cyborg!!
I’m a HUGE Terminator fan (I love all the movies.) so this was a geek moment for me. I had to do it.
I was going to go get either a picture or autograph from Kane Hodder, maybe the most famous Jason Voorhees of them all, but I ultimately didn’t because I wanted to walk around awhile before I went to the Q&As I was going to attend, which were many and frankly, I didn’t think I could afford it this time.
Before I go on, though, for anyone who reads this, I want to say that Kane Hodder is loved by soooooo many people and I have nothing but respect for him as a talent.
However, something happened last year when I did meet him that still stings.
I met him at Scarefest last year and mostly, he was great. I got a great picture with him, which I still love, and I was able to ask him a question at a Q&A. He answered great, but then he said to the audience in reference to me “Ron Jeremy ladies and gentlemen!”. The audience laughed, albeit nervously or should I say an ooooooh moment happened amongst the audience.
Now, I know it was a joke and I took it that way and went on with my day.
And I’ve seen enough videos of Kane that I can tell he has a very sarcastic sense of humor, which is fine.
However, it ultimately stung because I was reminded of this joke later when I was paying for gas one night on the way home from work, and this cashier had the gall to say to me as I was walking out of the gas station and I quote “have a nice evening Mr. Jeremy” and snickered.
WTF?!?!?!?!?!
Again, I know Kane was joking and screw the gas station guy (also a Facebook person even called me Ron Jeremy Jr. even earlier on than all of this when all I did was post a picture of myself and Lou Ferrigno together when I met him a few years ago).
Trust me, I did nothing to deserve this.
I don’t think I look like Ron Jeremy, nor do I want to.
Jeremy is in prison for the rest of his life, one of the charges of which is rape.
That is not a laughing matter.
And that is not anything I want to be associated with.
Again, I know Kane was joking and please don’t think I’m knocking him, but I’m also saying that the joke stung me and I did not ask for it nor deserved it.
I’m sorry but this has bothered me for a year and I don’t think about it often, but when I do, it hurts.
OK rant over. Back to this great day because it was great.
I walked around a little while and checked out a lot of the great vendors and tried to see all the celebrities signing stuff/taking seflies at their tables. I did not see all of them, but I saw many and it was great seeing all the ones I saw (Richard Dreyfuss, Tom Savini, Greg Nicotero, Dylan McDermott, R.A. Mihailoff, Adrienne King, Amy Steel, I may have seen Kimberly Beck, Lar Park Lincoln, Jack Osbourne, Danielle Harris, Scout Taylor-Compton, and several others).
Now, I usually don’t go up to these people unless I’m paying for something (autograph/selfie) and unfortunately I couldn’t because I was broke. I know you’re supposed to have a lot of money at these events but in this case, I was on a budget and it was a tight one. So I did what I could, which was still a lot I think. Hopefully I can plan better in the future.
Having said that, I did go say hi to Melanie Kinnaman, the star of Friday The 13th Part V because she told me on Facebook to come and say hi to her. So I did. Very nice person. And I truly do enjoy Part V. Many don’t but I do. I appreciate her kindness.
And I’m sure most of these people are kind but again I don’t want to get in line and just say hi because I know they don’t want that. They want you to buy something and I understand that.
And trust me, if I was rich, I would get every autograph on everything and pictures with everyone.
But I’m not rich and I’ve been to many of these and some I’ve spent more at than others.
I really wanted to spend a lot at this one but again, I couldn’t.
And I’m sorry about that.
Anyway, once I walked around for awhile, I went to the first Q&A I was going to attend that day, and it was a Day Of The Dead panel.
The panel included Tom Savini, Lori Cardille, Terry Alexander, Jarlath Conroy, John Amplas, Mark Tierno, and Debra Gordon.
They talked about their experiences making Dawn Of The Dead, working with director/writer George Romero (R.I.P.), and it was a great time had by all.
Right after them was a Friday The 13th Panel of some of the actresses whose characters survived the movies they were in.
The panel included Adrienne King (star of Part 1 and briefly in Part 2 and did a fan film called Jason Rising), Amy Steel (Part 2), Melanie Kinnaman (Part V as I mentioned above), Lar Park Lincoln (Part 7), and Jensen Daggett (Part 8: Jason Takes Manhattan). Kimberly Beck (Part 4) was scheduled to appear but didn’t.
This was another great time where all the actresses talked about their experiences making their respective movies of the Jason franchise.
Adrienne told a story of how her scene in Part 2 was basically the last thing done on the movie and that she had to ad-lib the whole thing, and that the weapon used to kill her character was actually not retractable, so that was dangerous.
Lar said this gave her the indication later on after she did Part 7 that she probably better not return for Part 8 and she didn’t.
That was just one story. Loved seeing these great actresses and it was a very fun time.
After this, I went to eat at the food court they had, which was a pretty big room and had some good food.
However, I will say that even though it was a big room, it could’ve been bigger because I ended up eating on the floor.
But oh well minor complaint.
I then went back to the same room I was at for the previous two Q&As for more of them.
Next Q&A was a Jaws Reunion panel.
This included Richard Dreyfuss (Hooper in Jaws), Susan Backlinie (the first person to be killed in Jaws), Jeffrey Voorhees (Alex Kintner in Jaws), and Jeffrey Kramer (Deputy Hendricks in Jaws and Jaws 2).
I had met Richard Dreyfuss in 2018 at another convention and he’s great.
Not only a great actor, but has lots of stories to tell, is funny, and just awesome I think.
Everyone told their stories, but Richard did a lot of the talking and was asked the most questions from the fans.
He was asked about the play that is currently on Broadway about the making of Jaws and he said it is not accurate at all, saying that Robert Shaw is a hero of his and that they got along great.
He said that nothing worked on Jaws, but that the movie became great due to the editing and music, which many have sand and agreed with.
He said that he, Robert Shaw, Roy Scheider, Steven Spielberg, and editor Verna Fields wrote the movie.
He said that Robert Shaw’s famous speech in the movie was written by a lot of people (Spielberg and Shaw themselves, John Milius, Francis Ford Coppola, and George Lucas).
Dreyfuss said that Shaw and Spielberg ultimately took parts of each person’s attempts and made it into what it is.
He then said that Shaw attempted to do the speech drunk, and this ended up being what Dreyfuss called the longest day of his life up to that point.
He said that Shaw called Spielberg late in the night and asked him “how badly did I embarrass myself?” And Spielberg said “not fatally”.
So the next day Shaw came in, sober, and did it in one take, and that’s what’s in the movie.
Awesome awesome stuff.
I can’t thank Richard Dreyfuss and the Jaws cast enough for that great Q&A session.
Next up was “The Directors Cut” Q&A with Tom Savini, Greg Nicotero, and Damien Leone.
They talked about some of their respective works, which is a lot, especially Savini and Nicotero.
Very smart and innovative people.
After this was “Killer Conversation” Q&A, which featured Nick Castle, James Jude Courtney, Doug Bradley, David Thornton, and Felissa Rose.
Nick and James talked about their times playing Michael Myers (Nick in the original and the 3 newer ones in cameos) and James playing Michael in the 3 newer ones, doing most of the work.
Doug, a super nice guy by the way, talked about the Hellraiser franchise, how he met Clive Barker (Hellraiser creator), how he became an actor and his process (he’s never had one acting lesson), and about how a Michael Myers vs. Pinhead movie idea was bandied about, but unfortunately has never happened.
David talked about how he became an actor, his process, and about working in the Terrifier movies.
Felissa also talked about how she became an actress and her process.
Again, awesome stuff.
After this, I walked around a little more and came pretty close to buying a Jason mask because I wanted Kane Hodder to sign it.
Again, I passed earlier because I didn’t think I had enough money, but it looked like I could afford the mask after all. But I misunderstood and I was told it was more than I thought it would be if it was signed so I again unfortunately passed. Maybe next year because Kane comes to all of these.
But I’ll say this. I know I said what I said earlier, but Kane is definitely great to his fans and I could tell he was really into interacting with everyone.
He was originally scheduled to be part of two Q&As that day, but he didn’t, and I’m guessing that’s because he wanted to sign/take selfies and pictures/interact with as many fans as he could.
I’ve seen another hero of mine do this very same thing this much, and that was Chuck Norris.
So I’m sorry I took slight to his sarcastic joke last year, but I can tell he really does care about his fans and I’ve read many stories of how kind he’s been to fans, and especially kids.
When I was in line, I heard that Kane’s time at his table was nearly up and he said he felt bad about it because he didn’t want to disappoint anyone.
So good on you Kane.
OK this was definitely a great, full day, but the best was saved for last.
I attended a live podcast event called Talk Scary To Me.
This was episode 98 of this podcast, hosted by Danielle Harris (Halloween 4 and 5, the two Rob Zombie Halloween movies, and so much more) and Scout Taylor-Compton (also starred in the Rob Zombie Halloween movies and more). This episode will be available for download/streaming either Tuesday, October 24, or Halloween day (Tuesday October 31).
Their guest was Jack Osbourne, who is the son of Ozzy and Sharon Osbourne.
I got to say hi to him as I walked into the room.
Very smart guy.
The podcast started and Jack ultimately came on stage a little later on and I’m telling you this was so much fun.
Lots of stories and laughs, games were played, questions were asked and answered. You just had to be there and I’m glad I was.
I really enjoyed this very much.
Before the podcast, I and all the other fans received a bag of goodies (a nice tote bag with a signed picture of Danielle and Scout, a keychain, a pin with their faces on it, and some candy. Hey it’s Halloween time.). They also had a lot of merch too (shirts, sweatshirts, hats, etc.).
And after the podcast, Danielle and Scout took pictures with everyone.
Danielle said fans didn’t have to do it but this was part of the experience if they wanted it. And of course most stayed to have their pictures taken.
I got to tell them both I had so much fun and they appreciated that.
I told Danielle that Halloween 4 is one of my favorites and she thanked me and I told both Danielle and Scout that I loved seeing them together in the Rob Zombie Halloween movies.
They were both very appreciative and kind.
I can’t thank Danielle and Scout enough for the great time had by me and by all of us in the audience.
An AWESOME way to end this long but fun and rewarding day.
I hope to go again next year, although considering it almost took me hours to get inside, I may pay a little more and get the VIP or Weekend Ticket Pass so I can get in an hour earlier than most of the people attending.
Thank you to the staff members that told me I could go in sooner if I had an early photo op. They really saved my day!!
And Thank you everyone at Scarefest for such a great time.
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
Finally!! I Saw Mike Tramp
- Date of Concert: October 14, 2023
- Location of Concert: The King Of Clubs in Columbus, OH
- Openers: Karma 10 and Pettibone (Two Local Bands)
I FINALLY saw Mike Tramp in concert.
He is the singer/songwriter/founder of White Lion, has had other bands before and after White Lion, and has been a solo artist since the late 90s.
This year is the first time he has toured America extensively in many years so I did not want to miss this.
I was supposed to see him earlier this year, but I had pneumonia and could not go.
I’m sorry I missed him that time, but wow, he was worth the wait.
He and his great band played a bunch of White Lion songs (he’s supporting his Songs Of White Lion album which are re-arranged versions of White Lion songs), as well as one solo song.
All great songs, in my opinion.
Mike told tons of stories (He should write a book!!) and he and the band were definitely having fun on stage.
Mike said this tour was a test run and that more is to come, so that’s great news.
This was definitely another one of my favorite shows.
Even the local bands, Pettibone and Karma 10, were good too.
White Lion is definitely a favorite band of mine and Mike has always been a great singer/songwriter.
Some of his lyrics are still very topical (When The Children Cry, Cry For Freedom, Love Don’t Come Easy, and on and on)
Please seek out his music (I’ve included his discography below).
And SURPRISE: Mike announced near the end of the show that he was going to come out and have a beer with everyone, free of charge. Meaning he was coming out and hanging with everyone, signing stuff, and taking pictures.
Now, I know he’s been doing paid meet and greets, and maybe this was one of those, but I was able to meet him, get him to sign my concert ticket (sorry I had nothing else) and got pictures taken with him for free.
I told him how much of a fan I am and about being sick earlier this year so I had to miss him. He said “I know what you mean brother”. He thanked me and I left
See, that’s really going the extra mile for your fans.
Most bands/artists don’t do this.
He clearly cares about his fans and I appreciate that very much.
Not everyone stuck around, and I understand that because they have things to do, like getting home for one.
But many did stick around, as did I, because I was not going to miss this opportunity to meet and thank one of my favorite singers and songwriters.
I’m glad I did it and if Mike ever reads this, I again want to thank him for all the great music, the great show, and for taking the time to meet his fans.
Thank you so much sir and please keep on rocking!!
P.S. Since posting this, Mike did read my review, thanked me, and even shared it on his Facebook page too!! Thank you sir. I added his comment and share to the picture gallery.
Discography
Mabel
- Another Fine Mess!
- Message From The Heart
- Mabel 4-Ever
- We Are The 80s
- Extranos
Studs
- Studs
White Lion
- Fight To Survive
- Pride
- Big Game
- Mane Attraction
- Remembering White Lion (Re-records of White Lion songs. Also known as Last Roar.)
- Rocking The USA (Double Live Album under the name Tramp’s White Lion)
- The Definitive Rock Collection (Best of double album that also includes a live show from The Ritz in the 80s)
- Return Of The Pride
Freak Of Nature
- Freak Of Nature
- Gathering Of Freaks
- Outcasts
Solo
- Capricorn
- Recovering The Wasted Years
- More To Life Than This
- Rock ‘N’ Roll Alive (Double Live Album)
- Songs I Left Behind
- The Rock ‘N’ Roll Circuz
- Stand Your Ground
- Cobblestone Street
- Museum
- Nomad
- Maybe Tomorrow
- Stray From The Flock
- Second Time Around
- Trampthology (Compilation w/1 New Song)
- For Forste Gang
- Songs Of White Lion
Band Members:
- Mike Tramp (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
- Marcus Nand (Guitar/Vocals)
- Jerry Best (Bass/Vocals)
- Brentt Arcement (Drums/Keyboards/Vocals)
Set List:
- Hungry
- Lonely Nights
- Tell Me
- Living On The Edge
- Cry For Freedom
- Love Don’t Come Easy
- Till Death Do Us Part
- Have You Ever (solo song)
- Little Fighter
- Broken Heart
- Wait
- When The Children Cry
- Lady Of The Valley
- Farewell To You
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
-
Bands/Artists I Still Want To See And Haven’t
I have seen many bands/artists since my first concert in 1998.
However, I have not seen everyone, and unfortunately, many I’ll never see because they’re dead, they don’t come anywhere near me, or they just don’t do it at all anymore.
However, there are still some that I’m going to see and hopefully will someday see.
I wanted to show you my list of bands/artists I’m going to see soon or hope to someday see.
Here they are:
John Paul Jones-I’m seeing him twice at a festival in Knoxville, Tennessee in March of 2024. This was supposed to happen in March of 2020, but unfortunately, COVID 19 happened and shut down the world. I HOPE nothing bad happens this time.
Jimmy Page-I’m including him on this list as a hopeful, but it won’t happen because he’s unofficially retired. He’s said for years that he will go back on the road and do shows, but he’s yet to do it. But hey, I can keep hoping. Especially since he recently performed at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony, playing the Link Wray classic instrumental Rumble. Come on Jimmy!!
Led Zeppelin-It will NEVER happen, but I can dream. However, I’ve seen Robert Plant twice with Alison Krauss. I have Jimmy Page’s autograph and dream I’ll see him somehow someday. I’m seeing John Paul Jones twice in March of 2024. And I’ve seen the son of John Bonham, Jason, 4 times with his Zeppelin tribute band Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (was Experience) and twice with Sammy Hagar & The Circle.
David Gilmour-He’s the last member of Pink Floyd still around I have yet to see. I keep hoping.
Ritchie Blackmore (Blackmore’s Night)-I keep hoping but I doubt it because he and his wife’s band do not play anywhere near me.
Madonna-I’m seeing her in January of 2024. I was supposed to see her this year, but the tour was postponed.
Mr. Big-My girlfriend Mariah and I are seeing them on her birthday (February 20) in 2024.
John 5-Phenomenal guitarist. I’ve seen him 4 times when he was in Rob Zombie’s band. However, I’ve never seen him solo and Mariah REALLY wants to see him solo, so we are in February of 2024. Ten days before her birthday.
Danko Jones-They seem to never play in America, but I keep hoping.
Iggy Pop-Mariah and I would love to see Iggy, but again, I don’t know because he only does so many shows now and most are nowhere near.
Jake E. Lee-Great guitar player who had not been active for many years, but became active again a few years ago. Since COVID, though, he’s been mostly quiet. So, I don’t know.
Uriah Heep-I sooo want to see them. They still make great albums and tour a lot (they last played America in 2019, but unfortunately, I didn’t go). I keep hoping.
Mike + The Mechanics-I love this band and hope they play America again. If not, I’ve seen the main man of the band, Mike Rutherford, with Genesis.
Chris Holmes-Former guitarist of W.A.S.P., who is now a solo artist. He still makes albums and plays, but he has not played America in quite awhile. I keep hoping.
The Cult-They still make albums and tour, but I always miss them, somehow.
Britny Fox-One member still does shows with a new lineup, but I keep hoping the classic lineup will reunite eventually.
Extreme-They just put out a great new album this year, but unfortunately, I missed them in concert. Hopefully someday I will see them. If not, I’ve seen singer Gary Cherone sing for The Joe Perry Project.
Black Oak Arkansas-Singer Jim Dandy is still going strong with a great lineup of people. They just put out a great new covers album called The Devils Jukebox, which I highly recommend checking out. They’re only doing a few shows for now, but I hope more will happen.
Starz-They mostly play in New Jersey or near there it seems, but I hope they’ll play near me someday. If not, I’m good.
Biohazard-They reunited this year and are playing a lot and appears to be making a new album, so I think I’m likely to see them.
Bryan Adams-I was supposed to see him this year, but unfortunately, I got pneumonia, and could not go. So hopefully someday, Mariah and I can go see him. If not, I’m good.
Fleetwood Mac-Probably not at this point, but maybe someday, I’ll see Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham separately.
Vandenberg-I will be seeing guitarist Adrian Vandenberg and his band Vandenberg in March on a co-headline show with Geoff Tate (original singer of Queensryche, who I have seen twice). First time seeing Vandenberg. Still making great albums.
Steve Perry-It will never happen, but hey, I can hope. He’s at least making albums again.
Mike Tramp-The singer of White Lion and a solo artist. I’m finally seeing him this week (October 14, 2023). I was supposed to see him earlier this year, but unfortunately, I got pneumonia, so I could not. I’m rectifying that Saturday.
Metal Church-Maybe someday.
Bulletboys-Hopefully someday.
Creed-They’re touring in summer of 2024, but tickets have sold so fast I can’t go see them in Cincinnati. And I’m not traveling further. Maybe some other time. If not, I’m good.
Nickelback-I would not mind seeing them, but if I don’t, I’m good.
Limp Bizkit-I would not mind seeing them, but if I don’t, I’m good.
Pantera-I hope to see the lineup of Pantera members Philip H. Anselmo (Vocals) and Rex Brown (Bass) with Zakk Wylde (Guitar) and Charlie Benante (Drums) in concert. If not, I’m good.
Loudness-I was supposed to see them earlier this year, but they canceled. If I don’t ever see them, I’m good.
Joe Satriani-I would not mind seeing him, but if not, I’m good.
Trans Siberian Orchestra-I’ve wanted to see them for years, but I just never have. They come around all the time, but somehow, I always miss them. Maybe someday.
CTA (California Transit Authority)-Drummer Danny Seraphine, founding member of the band Chicago, has a great band that have put out a few albums and do shows, but if I went, I’d have to travel far, so he is doubtful. But if not, I have a signed 8×10 of the band, he signed a CD and DVD for me, and signed his book for me.
Peter Cetera-Another founding member of Chicago. He’s been very quiet since COVID happened, so he may be doubtful. Either way, I’m good.
The Godz-They are back together and I hope to see them someday.
Original Misfits-I’ve seen everyone in this band separately, but not together. They’ve only done a handful of big shows in the last few years, so we’ll see.
The Sweet-There are two versions of this band. I’ve seen one of them. The other seems to tour exclusively overseas, but hey, I can hope I’ll see that version someday. Either way, I’m good.
Dirty Honey-A great newer band.
Jefferson Starship-Maybe someday. If not, I’m good.
AC/DC-I’ve seen them, but Mariah has not. So if they tour I intend to take her.
Toto-I intend to see them in April of 2024 on a tour with Journey. If not, I’m good.
Phish-Maybe someday, but if not, I’m good.
Phil Lesh-The only member of The Grateful Dead still around I’ve not seen. He only plays occasionally now, but if I can see him, great. If not, I’m good.
Martin Barre-Former guitarist of Jethro Tull. I was supposed to see him this year, but he canceled for some reason. Maybe someday. If not, I’m good.
Manowar-They don’t tour America now, but hopefully they will eventually.
KK’s Priest-I’m seeing them March 16 of 2024.
That’s all I can think of.
Yes that’s a lot, and hopefully, I’ll see most of them someday, but if not, I’m good.
I keep saying I’m near the end of my concert treks because as much as I love the shows, I hate everything that goes with them. Buying the tickets, the waiting for the day to come, will the show happen?, traveling to and from, gas, parking, getting in and out, etc.
And I’ve seen almost everyone I want to see in this life.
Yes that’s a big list still, but nowhere as big as it used to be.
So who knows when I’ll stop, or if I’ll stop. But I’m HOPING that starting in 2024, I will finally start slowing down at least.
We’ll see.
Either way, I love concerts and always will. And I cannot live without music in my life.
So stay tuned to this page for more reviews and blogs.
Rock on!
Lucas Hannon
-
Another Surprise Show: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 11, 2023
- Location of Concert: Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY
Well, this was another surprise for me.
While I was at the Ringo Starr show Monday night of October 9, a friend of mine, Mary Honaker, told me that she and her husband Garrett could not go to the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band concert two nights later and asked me if I wanted their tickets.
Of course, I said yes.
Again, this was not planned, but I was not going to refuse.
I’m sorry Mary and Garrett could not go, but I thank them very much for allowing me to use the tickets.
A friend of mine, John Robinette, and I went.
As it turned out, we were in the 5th row!!
There were no openers. Just Kenny and his phenomenal band.
Lots of newer songs, older songs, some covers. Awesome musicianship all around, and great singing.
I really needed this one because I’ve been very melancholy lately and am still contemplating how many more of these shows I can go to. But this show really lifted me up.
Thanks to Kenny and his band for a great night, and again, thanks to my friend John for agreeing to come with me to the show, and most especially, thanks to my friends Mary and Garrett for giving me the tickets.
I have a few more shows to go to this year, so stay tuned for those reviews.
Then, I start up almost immediately next year, and will be busy until at least April.
I truly do want to slow down, BUT, I’m not done yet.
Band Members:
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Lead Guitar/Lead Vocals)
- Noah Hunt (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar)
- Chris Layton (Drums)
- Kevin McCormick (Bass)
- Joe Krown (Organ/Keyboards)
Set List:
- Woman Like You
- Mr. Soul (Buffalo Springfield cover)
- Long Time Running
- I Want You
- Diamonds & Gold
- Deja Voodoo
- Shame, Shame, Shame
- Born With A Broken Heart
- While We Cry
- Down For Love
- Turn To Stone (Joe Walsh cover)
- Encore: Blue On Black
- I’m A King Bee (Slim Harpo cover)
- Voodoo Child (Slight Return (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
Surprise to Me: Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 9, 2023
- Location of Concert: Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in Charleston, WV
This was not planned and I did not intend to go, but I got a ticket through work to go to a very special show.
So because of getting this ticket, which I greatly appreciate, I saw Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band just down the street from where I work!!
I had seen Ringo and his band in 2016, which was a blast, and considering how busy I have been this year with shows (still not done yet, but who knows, I may be slowing down next year) I was not intending to go.
But hey, I’m not going to argue with a free ticket.
Anyway, on with the show.
There were no openers. The band started on time at 7:30 PM, playing a little more than two hours of hits.
With this band, it’s never just about Ringo and the band doing his songs only. They do that (Ringo’s songs he sang in The Beatles and solo hits) but since it is an All Star band, songs from most of the band members are played too.
So since Edgar Winter is in the band, they play some of his songs. Steve Lukather of Toto (and has played with soooooooooooooooooo many others) plays guitar/bass in the band so they play some Toto songs. Colin Hay of Men At Work, who also plays guitar in the band, does some of his songs, Hamish Stuart of Average White Band songs are played, etc.
They have a great time and give the fans everything they have.
Ringo is 83 years old (looks like he’s 50) and has more energy than anyone in the room.
When he’s not out front, he’s behind his drum kit playing, along with main drummer Gregg Bissonette, who is a monster player, having played with David Lee Roth and many others.
I enjoyed all the songs. Everyone sang and played great. It’s everything you would want in a concert and more.
Again, I was not intending to go to this this time, but I’m grateful to my work place who gave me a ticket. Thank you very much.
Band Members:
- Ringo Starr (Lead Vocals/Drums)
- Edgar Winter (Keyboards/Keytar/Saxophone/Percussion/Lead Vocals)
- Steve Lukather (Guitar/Bass/Vocals)
- Colin Hay (Guitar/Vocals)
- Hamish Stuart (Bass/Guitar/Vocals)
- Warren Ham (Saxophone/Percussion/Vocals)
- Gregg Bissonette (Drums/Trumpet briefly during Yellow Submarine)
Set List:
- Matchbox (Carl Perkins cover Ringo sings)
- It Don’t Come Easy (Ringo)
- What Goes On (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- Free Ride (Edgar Winter song he sings)
- Rosanna (Toto song Steve Lukather sings)
- Pick Up The Pieces (Hamish Stuart-Average White Band song)
- Down Under (Colin Hay-Men At Work song)
- Boys (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- I’m The Greatest (Ringo)
- Yellow Submarine (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- Cut The Cake (Hamish Stuart-Average White Band song)
- Frankenstein (Edgar Winter song)
- Octopus’s Garden (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- Back Off Boogaloo (Ringo)
- Overkill (Colin Hay-Men At Work song)
- Africa (Toto song Steve Lukather sings)
- Work To Do (The Isley Brothers cover Hamish Stuart sings)
- I Wanna Be Your Man (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry cover Edgar Winter sings)
- Who Can It Be Now? (Colin Hay-Men At Work song)
- Hold The Line (Toto song Steve Lukather sings)
- Photograph (Ringo)
- Act Naturally (Johnny Russell cover The Beatles covered which Ringo sings)
- With A Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles song Ringo sings)/Give Peace A Chance (John Lennon cover everyone sings-This show was on John’s birthday)
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
-
Happy Anniversary Mariah!!
Happy Anniversary to the love of my life.
Mariah Startzman.
We first met on Twitter (now X) of all places during the heart of the pandemic in May of 2020.
We communicated almost every day (eventually every day) and on October 5 of 2020, we decided to make it official that we were in a relationship.
She is my best friend. My confidante. My lady and my sweetheart. She is my everything.
I never thought I could or would find true love. I thought that was for everyone else. Well I found it in her.
I love you Mariah with every fabric of my being.
And I cannot wait for all the things we will do and experience together in the future.
I love you so much and thank you for loving me.
And I love dancing with you too.
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
-
Everything is Here. More to Come.
Since my birthday of July 30th of this year (2023), I have been archiving all of my show reviews to this web site.
I still cannot find all the pictures I want to post to some of the stories.
However, the stories are here.
All of them.
All of the shows I’ve been to up to this point are here.
Some are more detailed than others, but they are all here.
Please feel free to look at them on the “Reviews” drop down menu.
There will be more in the future.
I hope you enjoy all of these.
Lucas Hannon
