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I Saw Another Legend: Sir Elton John Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 23, 2018
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
I saw another legend.Sir Elton JohnKFC Yum Center in Louisville, KentuckyWhat a show.2.5 hours of Elton and his band delivering the goods.I’m glad I finally saw him.My list is getting shorter.I’m letting the pictures and set list do most of the talking here.Set List:
- Bennie And The Jets
- All The Girls Love Alice
- I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
- Border Song
- Tiny Dancer
- Philadelphia Freedom
- Indian Sunset
- Rocket Man (I Think It’s Gonna Be A Long Long Time)
- Take Me To The Pilot
- Someone Saved My Life Tonight
- Levon/Elton and band Jam/Levon reprise
- Candle In The Wind
- Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
- Burn Down The Mission
- Believe
- Daniel
- Sad Songs Say So Much
- band introductions
- Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
- The Bitch Is Back
- I’m Still Standing
- Crocodile Rock
- Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting
- Encore: Your Song
- Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
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Dream Come True: Phil Collins Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 19, 2018
- Location of Concert: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
Dream come true: I saw Phil Collins in concert.He played a sold out or nearly sold out show at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.My cousin Zachary and I went and we had sooooo much fun.Before Phil came out, there were many pics of him on the screens.When he did come out, he was walking with a cane, and told everyone he would have to sit for a lot of the show.This is because he had hip and knee surgery, his right foot is numb, and that’s just the way it is.But you know what? Everyone, myself and my cousin, were just happy to see him.He sang great, his band is phenomenal, and the songs are just classics.He did sing three Genesis songs (his other band), and a lot of solo hits and a few somewhat deeper tracks.Even if he is not totally physically perfect, he’s still going for it and he’s having fun.He’s still got a great sense of humor and again, he’s having fun.One of the first things he said to us, and all the other shows he does, he starts off by saying that he didn’t think he would be doing this anymore.He actually did stop for a few years because of just life.But he said he missed the fans and missed doing this.So, for anyone who complains that he sits, shut up!! He’s giving all he has and I think it’s more than good enough. In fact, it’s amazing.Seeing him was HUGE for me.It was worth every penny, and trust me, it was not cheap.But TOTALLY worth it.I’ll never forget this one.I took many pictures.What a great concert.I’m glad I finally saw him.My list is getting shorter. When it is complete, so am I.Love and Peace always.Set List:
- Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)
- Another Day In Paradise
- I Missed Again
- Hang In Long Enough
- Throwing It All Away
- Follow You Follow Me
- Can’t Turn Back The Years
- Who Said I Would
- Separate Lives
- You’ll Be In My Heart
- Drum Trio (Phil did play block percussion!! His son Nicholas is the main drummer)
- Something Happened On The Way To Heaven
- You Know What I Mean
- In The Air Tonight
- You Can’t Hurry Love
- Dance Into The Light
- Invisible Touch
- Easy Lover
- Sussudio
- Encore: Take Me Home
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I Saw Captain Kirk: William Shatner Q&A After Star Trek 2 Screening
- Date of Event: September 22, 2018
- Location of Event: Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, OH
Another great night in my life happened!I saw William Shatner in person in Cincinnati at The Taft Theatre.He is doing a series of shows where Star Trek 2: The Wrath Of Khan (one of my favorite movies ever) plays and then he comes out afterwards and talks for an hour, tells stories, and answers questions submitted to him by fans at the venue.He had so many stories to tell.He talked about how he once played a trick on Deforest Kelley (Dr. McCoy), in which Deforest was heating bagels in a toaster, and he got Leonard Nimoy (Mr. Spock) to distract him so that he (Shatner) could remove the bagels from the toaster so that when Deforest came back, the bagels would be gone.He did this twice in a row. He did this because Deforest told him that he was afraid his memory was not too good.You had to be there to laugh.He told a story about a cop pulling him over one night/morning while he was driving to location on the Star Trek 2 movie in uniform.The cop asked him where he was going so fast to. Shatner told the cop “I have to get to my spaceship”.He even brought a fan on stage to try to explain to him Time and Space, which was fun.Again, you had to be there.One fan submitted question was “Boxers or Briefs?” He paused for several seconds and said “Depends”, and went on a funny Depends rant.Such a great night.My life sucks most of the time (always broke and working, don’t sleep well), but nights like this make me glad I’m here.Another one of the greatest events I’ll ever attend.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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The Voice of Rock: Glenn Hughes Concert Review
- Date of Concert: September 16, 2018
- Location of Concert: House Of Blues Cleveland in Cleveland, OH
A HUGE bucket list concert for me happened Sunday night in Cleveland at House Of Blues.The Voice Of Rock Mr. Glenn Hughes!!!I’ve been a fan of this man and his work for 19 or 20 years now.Unfortunately, he has not toured the US much within that time frame.But now he’s coming around more which is wonderful.On this tour, he is playing Deep Purple songs that he was involved with (he was a member from 73-76 and co-sings/plays bass on 3 incredible DP albums Burn, Stormbringer, and Come Taste The Band), has sang on so many other albums of his own, as well as albums with Trapeze, Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Gary Moore, Hughes/Thrall (Pat Thrall of Pat Travers), even Motley Crue and Quiet Riot, and more recently California Breed and Black Country Communion, and many more.This man is one of the best singers you will ever hear in your life.He can sing anything and has. Rock, Metal, Blues, Funk, Soul, Christmas Music, you name it.Look up his discography.And he’s still as great or better now than he’s ever been.A phenomenal bassist too, but his voice is off the charts.And most importantly, he’s just a great person and very fan friendly.He emailed me back one time and has liked several tweets I’ve sent him and has replied to me on some of them (yes it is him).I never thought I would see this man in concert but I FINALLY did.I’m glad it happened.I’ll always be a fan of this guy.Two more concerts to go this year, as well as two other non concert events.As Glenn says all the time “Music Is The Healer”.It certainly is to me.Set List:
- Stormbringer
- Might Just Take Your Life
- Sail Away
- Keyboard/Drum Solo
- You Fool No One
- Guitar Solo/Blues Jam/High Ball Shooter/You Fool No One (Reprise)
- You Keep On Moving
- Gettin’ Tighter
- Mistreated
- Smoke On The Water/Georgia On My Mind
- Encore: Highway Star
- Burn
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I Met Chewy: My Cincinnati Comic Expo 2018 Experience
- Date of Event: September 15, 2018
- Location of Event: Duke Energy Convention Center in Cincinnati, OH
I went to the Cincinnati Comic Expo today.A lot of fun.I met Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca of the Star Wars movies-Awesome!!), saw some other celebrities and cool items, and had some cool Star Wars pictures taken of me.There was a lot going on there and I didn’t experience everything by any means, but it was a very fun day.I’m a geek and proud of it.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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National Treasure: Buddy Guy Concert Review
- Date of Concert: September 9, 2018
- Location of Concert: The Clay Center in Charleston, WV
I saw a national treasure tonight: Buddy Guy!!!One of THE Blues icons.82 years old and still going strong.He played music and told stories for almost 2 hours.His new album, The Blues Is Alive And Well, is AWESOME!!!!He even went into the audience for several minutes and played.He played guitar with his butt, a towel, a drumstick, and the typical way.This man is a Master.I’m glad I finally saw him.Next Sunday, I’m off to Cleveland to see another master: Glenn Hughes!!!Love and Peace always.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Not a Great Night: Dee Snider (Missed His Set)/Dokken/Warrant Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 25, 2018
- Location of Concert: The Rose Music Center at The Heights in Huber Heights, OH
I was sooooo looking forward to this show.
Dee Snider of Twisted Sister recently released a PHENOMENAL solo album called For The Love Of Metal, which may be my album of the year, and I found out he, Dokken and Warrant (two bands I had yet to see) were playing a show together.
Well I had to go.
My best friend went with me and we met another friend of ours there.
The show started out fine.
Warrant played first, and I must say, even without singer Jani Lane (R.I.P.), they are still awesome.
Singer Robert Mason sings these songs very well and the rest of the band (all original members, guitarists Erik Turner and Joey Allen, bassist Jerry Dixon and drummer Steven Sweet) is tight and rocking.
They’re still putting out great new albums too.
Great set.
Then Dokken took the stage and they were really good too.
They are one of my favorites, and being able to see classic members, singer Don Dokken and drummer “Wild” Mick Brown, was quite a treat.
Their guitarist Jon Levin plays George Lynch’s guitar parts perfectly, and bassist Chris McCarvill is solid as a rock.
Now, after Dokken’s set, this is when the night basically ends for us.
My best friend unfortunately had a health crisis (I’m not going into detail) and so we had to take him to the hospital.
All ended up being OK thank goodness (again I’m not giving any details because it’s not my place to say it), but we ended up missing Dee’s set.
I’ll just say this: If you’re going to drink, drink responsibly. And if you can’t, DON’T!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dokken Set List:
- Kiss Of Death
- The Hunter
- Into The Fire
- Dream Warriors
- Breaking The Chains
- Alone Again
- In My Dreams
- Tooth And Nail
Warrant Set List:
- Sure Feels Good To Me
- Down Boys
- D.R.F.S.R.
- Louder Harder Faster
- Heaven
- Uncle Tom’s Cabin
- Cherry Pie
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Hard Rock and Metal Legends: Deep Purple/Judas Priest Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 21, 2018
- Location of Concert: Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
I saw the first night of the Deep Purple/Judas Priest American tour.I’ve seen both of these bands before but never on the same night.As usual, both were great.The crowd was more into Priest and actually many left after they finished, but many still stayed for Purple.I certainly stayed for all and had a blast.Priest came on and just crushed it like always.Sadly, classic guitarist/leader Glenn Tipton was not there, but they had him up on the screens during their classic song Painkiller.The reason he is not always with them now is because he has Parkinson’s.But having said that, he is still in the band, is on their new album Firepower, which they played three songs from, and plays with them when he can.But the show must go on and it certainly is.Rob Halford, one of my biggest heroes and people in life, is still The Metal God and always will be.He’ll be 67 Saturday and his voice is still phenomenal.The band, guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap (also one of the best music producers ever), bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis is beyond solid and the songs are classic.They did play a few deep tracks, too, including Sinner and Bloodstone.I can’t say enough about Judas Priest. One of my favorite bands.This was my 6th time seeing them and I don’t think my last.Now to Deep Purple. Again, I get why some may think “man Priest need to close the show”.I don’t disagree, but I’m okay with it.Why? Because Purple are one of my favorite bands as well.Also, because Purple have been around longer. They already had several albums and were big before Priest had one album.So even though at this show the crowd was pro Priest, there were still a lot of people who stayed forPurple and had a great time.They’re both classic, but both very different.But I love the lineup. Two of my favorite bands in one night?! I can’t resist.Purple played several classics.The band are still just so proficient and it’s always great for me seeing them.Their drummer, Ian Paice, who has been there since day one, is a beast.Singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover, who have been there forever, are just awesome.Their guitarist for almost 25 years, Steve Morse, is quite the shredder.And keyboardist Don Airey?! Genius. Look at his discography. Enough said.Ok another fun concert.I have more to come.If my life could just be one continuous concert, I would have it made.Love and Peace always.Deep Purple Set List:
- Highway Star
- Pictures Of Home
- Bloodsucker
- Strange Kind Of Woman
- Lazy
- Uncommon Man
- Knocking At Your Back Door
- Keyboard Solo
- Perfect Strangers
- Space Truckin’
- Smoke On The Water
- Encore: Hush
Judas Priest Set List:
- Firepower
- Grinder
- Sinner
- Lightning Strike
- Bloodstone
- Turbo Lover
- Rising From Ruins
- Freewheel Burning
- You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
- Hell Bent For Leather
- Painkiller
- Encore: Metal Gods
- Breaking The Law
- Living After Midnight
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Classic Rock w/a Capital C: Paul Rodgers/Jeff Beck/Ann Wilson/Deborah Bonham Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 8, 2018
- Location of Concert: Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
I saw Paul Rodgers, Jeff Beck, Ann Wilson, and Deborah Bonham (John’s sister) in Cincinnati yesterday.Great show!!!!Deborah started off with a couple of songs, which was cool, then Ann (still flawless singer) came out and did one Heart song, a new song, and a bunch of cool covers. Most of these songs will be on her new album, Immortal, out next month.Jeff Beck, one of the greatest guitarists ever, then came out with his PHENOMENAL band and tore it up!!!His band is as great as he is, and that’s saying something. Holy cow!!!!!!And then one of the best singers ever, Paul Rodgers, came out and did a set of half Free, and half Bad Company songs. Two of his bands.Great show all around.Paul Rodgers Set List:
- Little Bit Of Love
- Can’t Get Enough
- Wishing Well
- My Brother Jake
- Feel Like Makin’ Love
- Ready For Love
- Movin’ On
- Mr. Big
- Woman
- Fire And Water
- Shooting Star
- Rock ‘N’ Roll Fantasy
- Encore: Walk In My Shadow
- All Right Now
Jeff Beck Set List:
- Pull It
- Stratus
- You Know, You Know
- Morning Dew
- I Have To Laugh
- Lonnie On The Move
- Mn’a na hE’ireann
- Just For Fun
- Little Wing
- Big Block
- Cause We’ve Ended As Lovers
- Brush With The Blues
- Superstition
- A Day In The Life
- Encore: Corpus Christi Carol
- Going Down
Ann Wilson Set List:
- The Real Me
- Barracuda
- Fool No More
- Back To Black
- I Am The Highway
- You Don’t Own Me
- Life In The Fast Lane
- Won’t Get Fooled Again
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Sir Rod & Cyndi: Rod Stewart/Cyndi Lauper Concert Review
- Date of Concert: July 29, 2018
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
I spent the night before my birthday in Louisville, Kentucky for a concert.I saw for the first time Sir Rod Stewart and Cyndi Lauper.Now, if you would’ve asked me a few years ago if I would’ve been interested in this, I probably would’ve said no.It’s not that I’ve ever hated them, but my head was in a different space, concert wise. Mostly metal shows.The last few years I’ve been expanding my concert adventures on more classic artists.People I’ve been fans of, but I was so busy going to metal shows that I just didn’t get around to them.Well, to make a long story short, I finally saw these two legends.Cyndi Lauper opened the show.She still sings and looks great. I got chills a few times. Her band is solid, as was her set (listed below).Also, she’s quite fan friendly, too, because she went out into the audience 3 times during 3 different songs.Pretty awesome.A lot of highlights in the show, but just a few was when she sang All Through The Night, Shine, and The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough (footage from the video with wrestlers unfortunately gone like Rowdy Roddy Piper, Classy Freddie Blassie, Nikolai Volkoff, and Captain Lou Albano. Two wrestlers in the video, Wendi Richter and The Iron Sheik, are still alive).She mentioned all of them with kind words.Really the whole set was great.She sang for about an hour.Anyway, she is awesome.15 minutes later, Sir Rod Stewart came on!!First his band started, then he started.He sang a lot of hits, but nowhere near all of them.Like Cyndi, his voice is still strong and still looks like a rock star.He jokingly asked at one point if there is a good hair stylist in town because he wanted to get a hair cut this week.He also had a funny story about the Tom Waits song Downtrain Train, which Rod covers.He said Tom called him at the time Rod’s version was a hit and thanked him because it paid for a new roof over Tom’s house, as well as a swimming pool for his kids. Rod said “that’s the power of music”. Great stuff.During Stay With Me, Rod kicked/handed several soccer balls into the crowd.So, several fans went home with soccer balls kicked/handed to them by Sir Rod Stewart.Awesome!!!Early in the set, Rod invited Cyndi back on stage to do a duet (set listed below). Pretty cool.His band is awesome, especially his saxophone player.He has two drummers, a percussionist, a phenomenal bassist, and several beautiful female singers/classical musicians.My only complaint was his mic volume was low a couple of times and I just wanted to hear more songs.But he did play for 95-100 minutes, so it was a full set.But those complaints are minor.He was/is great, as is Cyndi.Another fun concert in Lucas Hannon’s concert history book.Seven more concerts to see this year, and a comic convention.Love and Peace always.Cyndi Lauper Set List:
- I Drove All Night
- She Bop
- All Through The Night
- Hope
- The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough
- Money Changes Everything
- Shine
- Time After Time
- Girls Just Want To Have Fun
- True Colors
Rod Stewart Set List:
- Soul Finger (band only)
- Infatuation
- Having A Party
- Young Turks
- Tonight’s The Night (Gonna Be Alright)
- Rollin’ And Tumblin’ (w/Cyndi Lauper)
- Forever Young (with Drum Solo)
- Rhythm Of My Heart
- Maggie May
- Hole In My Heart
- Downtown Train
- Acoustic: 1. The First Cut Is The Deepest, 2. You’re In My Heart (The Final Acclaim), 3. Grace, 4. Have I Told You Lately
- Nutbush City Limits (band only)
- Stay With Me
- Do Ya Think I’m Sexy?
- Encore: Sailing
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