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Thrash and Death Metal: Slayer/Lamb Of God/Behemoth Concert Review
- Date of Concert: July 18, 2017
- Location of Concert: Express Live in Columbus, OH
Slayer, with openers Lamb Of God and Behemoth, at Express Live in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday, July 18th.This was my 6th time seeing Slayer, 2nd seeing Lamb Of God, and first seeing Behemoth.I’m not extremely familiar with Behemoth, other than they’re extremely heavy.They put on a good show and sounded really good.I may look into some of their albums.I really like Lamb Of God, both as musicians and as people.They’re from Richmond, Virginia, as their singer Randy Blythe always loves to say.They have been around since the 90s, and have been through a lot to say the least, but have overcome it all, and really are a very popular band in the Metal genre.And deservedly so.I will always respect them.Again, both as musicians, but more so, as people.Slayer are always great.They have never had a bad show, in my opinion.Still as loud and as heavy as ever.Their newest album Repentless, which came out in 2014, is one of my many favorite Slayer albums.They’re the heavy version of AC/DC, in terms of you know exactly what you’re going to get with them.And I would not want it any other way with them.I’ve always thought that Metallica were my favorite of the “Big 4” thrash metal bands (Metallica, Megadeth, Slayer, and Anthrax).I love all four, but I may love Slayer more because I’ve seen them more (Again six times. I’ve seen Metallica once, and Megadeth and Anthrax three times each).And again, Slayer have pretty much stayed the same, musically.I don’t mind musical change, and the other three bands have over the years and I’m fine with that.However, I would never want Slayer to change.They have never compromised and are just as heavy or more so now than when they started in the early 80s.Their lyrics are very explicit and controversial, but again, I would not want it any other way.That’s Slayer.They’re great people, but just write about controversial subjects.So in short, I had fun at another concert.My next one is Friday, July 21, when I see Queen + Adam Lambert.Rock on!Slayer Set List:
- Repentless
- The Antischrist
- Disciple
- Postmortem
- Hate Worldwide
- War Ensemble
- Mandatory Suicide
- You Against You
- Hallowed Point
- When The Stillness Comes
- Dead Skin Mask
- Cast The First Stone
- Born Of Fire
- Captor Of Sin
- Bloodline
- Seasons In The Abyss
- Hell Awaits
- Encore: South Of Heaven
- Raining Blood
- Chemical Warfare
- Angel Of Death
Lamb Of God Set List:
- Laid To Rest
- Now You’ve Got Something To Die For
- 512
- Engage The Fear Machine
- Descending
- Ruin
- Blacken The Cursed Sun
- Still Echoes
- Walk With Me In Hell
- Redneck
Behemoth Set List:
- Ora Pro Nobis Lucifer
- Conquer All
- Messe Noir
- Alas, Lord Is Upon Me
- Decade of Therion
- Ov Fire and the Void
- Chant for Eschaton 2000
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The Joshua Tree Live: U2 Concert Review
- Date of Concert: July 1, 2017
- Location of Concert: FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, OH
- Opener: One Republic
I went to another fantastic concert Saturday night.I and my brother Christopher saw U2 for the first time at FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland.One Republic opened.They were solid, but we were there to see U2.They came out on a B stage and played some of their earlier hits, and then, went back to the big stage to play all of their classic album The Joshua Tree, which is now 30 years old.And they still were not done.They played a long encore, which was amazing, as well.Bono is an amazing singer and showman.The Edge is an amazing guitarist.Adam Clayton is an amazing bassist.Larry Mullen Jr. is an amazing drummer.So, in a word, U2 are AMAZING.We both had a great time, as did the band and the sold out crowd.We were on the field, general admission.It was cheaper and better than the seats.We were able to get pretty close.One lucky woman got up on stage and danced during their song Mysterious Ways.Bono encouraged her to dance to the camera, in which some of her dancing was recorded and was freeze framed onto the big screen.Pretty cool stuff.And speaking of the big screen, the visuals were incredible.I can’t say enough about this show and this band.I had wanted to see this band for almost 20 years, but for various reasons, it just never happened.Well it finally did, and I’m grateful that I saw them when I did.So, that’s another classic band I can mark off my concert list.The list is getting shorter.I’m hoping to have it complete by next year.But until then, onwards.Love and Peace.Set List:
- Sunday Bloody Sunday
- New Year’s Day
- Bad
- Pride (In The Name Of Love)
- The Joshua Tree Album: Where The Streets Have No Name
- I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For
- With Or Without You
- Bullet The Blue Sky
- Running To Stand Still
- Red Hill Mining Town
- In God’s Country
- Trip Through Your Wires
- One Tree Hill
- Exit
- Mothers Of The Disappeared
- Encore: Miss Sarajevo (Passengers cover)
- Beautiful Day
- Elevation
- Vertigo
- Mysterious Ways
- Happy Birthday
- Ultraviolet (Light My Way)
- One
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Continuing the Long Strange Trip: Dead And Company Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 28, 2017
- Location of Concert: Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, OH
I saw Dead and Company Wednesday night of June 28th at the Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.This band includes Grateful Dead singer/guitarist Bob Weir, Grateful Dead drummers Bill Kreutzmann and Mickey Hart, singer/guitarist John Mayer, bassist Oteil Burbridge, and keyboardist Jeff Chimenti.They play a lot of Grateful Dead songs.John sings/plays the parts sung and played by Grateful Dead member Jerry Garcia (RIP), and does a fine job.The whole band sounds very good and gives their HUGE audience of Deadheads what they want.Even though I’m glad I saw them, I don’t intend to return to that venue again.Even though it is nice, it takes too long to get out.My opinion. As all of this is.My next concert is Saturday, July 1, when I will FINALLY see U2.Love and Peace.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Classic Songs and Musicianship: Journey/ASIA Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 27, 2017
- Location of Concert: Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, WV
I saw another classic rock show last night.I saw Journey and ASIA in Huntington, WV.This was another sold out show at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, or the Huntington Civic Center, as I still call it.ASIA played a solid 45 minute set, playing their hits, such as Sole Survivor and Heat Of The Moment, and even fit in a drum and keyboard solo.They are all very good musicians.Although I think they were solid, once Journey came on, I almost forgot about ASIA.Journey just completely rocked the place.Their drummer, Steve Smith, was/is worth the price of admission alone.I’m not extremely wild about drum solos anymore, but I could watch him forever.All of them are such great musicians, and seem to be having fun, which I always love seeing.Guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain both follow me on Twitter!Neal likes almost every tweet I send him.Jonathan even replied to me after I sent him some pics I took of the show.They played several of their hits, but also played solos and jammed a little, which was great.Neal Schon is definitely one of the best guitarists ever. Smiling a lot, but also, playing his heart out.Ross Valory is a solid bassist.Jonathan Cain is a great keyboardist and singer as well. He also plays rhythm guitar.And then there is singer Arnel Pineda.He sounds very much like former Journey singer Steve Perry, which is quite uncanny.No, he is not lip syncing.He especially has a great time onstage.If you’re a fan of Journey, there is nothing about this show you would not like.So, in short, another great concert.My next one is tonight, when I see most of The Grateful Dead members under their banner Dead and Company, with John Mayer doing Jerry Garcia’s parts.Have a great day everyone.Journey Band Members:
- Arnel Pineda (Lead Vocals)
- Neal Schon (Lead Guitar)
- Ross Valory (Bass/Backing Vocals)
- Jonathan Cain (Keyboards/Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals)
- Steve Smith (Drums)
ASIA Band Members:
- Billy Sherwood (Lead Vocals/Bass)
- Carl Palmer (Drums/Percussion)
- Geoff Downes (Keyboards)
- Sam Coulson (Guitar)
Journey Set List:
- Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
- Be Good To Yourself
- Only The Young
- Neal Guitar Solo
- Stone In Love
- Anyway You Want It
- Neal Guitar Jam
- Lights
- Jonathan Keyboard Solo
- Open Arms
- Who’s Crying Now
- Escape
- La Do Da
- Steve Drum Solo
- Neal Guitar Solo 2
- Wheel In The Sky
- Faithfully
- Don’t Stop Believin’
- Encore: Dead or Alive
- Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
ASIA Set List:
- Wildest Dreams
- Sole Survivor
- Time Again
- Don’t Cry
- Drum Solo
- Keyboard Solo
- The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
- Only Time Will Tell
- Heat Of The Moment
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A Refugee and an Eagle: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers/Joe Walsh Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 12, 2017
- Location of Concert: U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH
I saw Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers and Joe Walsh at US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio on June 12, 2017.Two more I can mark off my list.Both were fun.Both Joe and Tom were quite appreciative of the crowd.Both their bands are very good, especially Tom’s.I’m glad I finally saw both.Next show is June 27, when I see Journey and Asia.Stay tuned.Lucas HannonP.S. Below are some pics I took, as well as the setlists.However, before I show you those, I also want to say that I found out before I went to this show that one of my favorite people in the world passed away.Mr. Norman J. Beebe.For those that knew him, they know what I know, and that is that he was a Saint.He always had time for people, would always listen, was very smart, had great stories, and was a mentor to many. Including myself.I still have a lot to learn and a lot to do in this life, but if I could just be even a tenth as great of a person as he was, then that would be a great thing.Rest In Peace Norm!You earned it.My condolences to all of his family, friends, and everyone that loved him.Love ya Norm!Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Set List:
- Rockin’ Around With You
- Mary Jane’s Last Dance
- You Don’t Know How It Feels
- Forgotten Man
- You Got Lucky
- I Won’t Back Down
- Free Fallin’
- Walls
- Don’t Come Around Here No More
- It’s Good To Be King
- Crawling Back To You
- Wildflowers
- Learning To Fly
- Yer So Bad
- I Should Have Known It
- Refugee
- Runnin’ Down A Dream
- Encore: You Wreck Me
- American Girl
Joe Walsh Set List:
- Meadows
- Ordinary Average Guy
- Mother Says
- The Bomber: Closet Queen/Bolero/Cast Your Fate To The Wind
- Take It To The Limit (Dedicated to Glenn Frey)
- Turn To Stone
- In The City
- Funk #49
- Life’s Been Good
- Rocky Mountain Way
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Red Rocker: Sammy Hagar & The Circle Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 5, 2017
- Location of Concert: The Rose Music Center at The Heights in Huber Heights, OH
- Opener: Aaron Hagar
Sammy Hagar’s band, The Circle, rocked a sold out crowd in Huber Heights, Ohio, Monday of June 5th.Sammy’s band includes his solo band guitarist of 20 years Vic Johnson, Van Halen bassist/backing vocalist/occasional lead vocalist and Sammy’s musical partner in crime Michael Anthony, and drummer extraordinaire Jason Bonham, who has played with his Dad’s band, Led Zeppelin!!!!!They played a great selection of Sammy’s stuff from throughout his career, from Montrose, solo, VH, and Chickenfoot, as well as some Zeppelin classics.Throughout the set, people were throwing stuff on stage for Sammy to sign, and he signed almost all of it. Very cool! He was even signing stuff just to hand out to fans. Again, very cool!This is a great band that I hope someday will make new music.If not, I’m still glad I got to see them as a unit.I had only not seen Michael before.All in all, a fun night of great music.Oh and Sammy’s son Aaron opened the show with a brief acoustic set.Next show for me: Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers/Joe Walsh on Monday, June 12, in Cincinnati.Love and Peace.Set List:
- There’s Only One Way To Rock
- Poundcake
- Good Times, Bad Times
- Rock Candy
- I Can’t Drive 55
- Big Foot
- Right Now
- Why Can’t This Be Love
- Little White Lie
- When The Levee Breaks
- Top Of The World
- Heavy Metal
- Mas Tequila
- Encore: Dreams (Sammy and Vic only)
- Rock And Roll
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Us And Them: Roger Waters Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 28, 2017
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
Roger Waters!!! The man. The myth. The legend. The genius.One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.And I’ve seen many.You had to be there.Luckily, I and my brother Christopher were.This was the second show of Roger’s Us And Them tour, where he played most of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon album, along with songs from their albums Animals, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall and other classics, along with a few songs from his new album Is This The Life We Really Want?He actually did two sets with an intermission.Pink Floyd may be no more, but if you are a fan, Roger puts on the Pink Floyd show.It’s absolutely PHENOMENAL!!!!Set Lists:
Set 1:
- Speak To Me/Breathe
- One Of These Days
- Time
- Breathe (Reprise)
- The Great Gig In The Sky
- Welcome To The Machine
- When We Were Young
- Deja Vu
- The Last Refugee
- Picture That
- Wish You Were Here
- The Happiest Days Of Our Lives
- Another Brick In The Wall Part 2
- Another Brick In The Wall Part 3
Set 2:
- Battersea Rises SFX Intro
- Dogs
- Pigs (Three Different Ones)
- Money
- Us And Them
- Smell The Roses
- Brain Damage
- Eclipse
- Vera
- Bring The Boys Back Home
- Comfortably Numb
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Classics: Hall & Oates/Tears For Fears Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 22, 2017
- Location of Concert: Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH
- Opener: Allen Stone
I saw a phenomenal concert last night in Columbus, Ohio at the Schottenstein Center.I saw for the first time Daryl Hall and John Oates, or better known as Hall & Oates, and Tears For Fears.I never thought I would ever see either one of these, but I’m glad I did.Singer/guitarist Allen Stone opened the show with a 3 song set, with no band. He sang and played well.Tears For Fears then came on shortly afterward, and just blew me away!!The main guys in Tears For Fears, singer/guitarist Roland Orzabal and singer/guitarist Curt Smith, are still amazing and they have a great group of people in their band.Their keyboard player is even an Ohio State University alumni.I love the fact that they opened with arguably their biggest song ever, Everybody Wants To Rule The World.Some would think that’s weird, but I love it, because it sets the tone for the evening.To me, it says “Hey, here is our biggest hit, and now, here is the rest of the show and enjoy.”And boy, did I enjoy.They totally blew me away, so much so, that I finally bought their 6 albums last night when I got home.They have a new album coming, and I can’t wait to buy it, as well.Roland was quite funny, saying he had never seen so many Exit signs in his life at this venue (there were many).He also told a story about being in Columbus in the 80s and had some “French Onion Soup” to combat some laryngitis he had at the time.I can’t say enough about how great they are.Seek them out.They have other phenomenal songs, besides Everybody Wants To Rule The World.And to add to the night, I saw Hall & Oates!!I’ve been a fan of theirs for many years, but I just never got around to seeing them.I’m glad I finally did.Daryl Hall and John Oates, to me, are a musical institution.They have hit songs and albums for weeks.Both are still great. And their band is off the charts.Their band is essentially the band Daryl uses for his Live At Daryl’s House TV show. If you’ve never seen it, look it up. Daryl and the band play with many different musical artists.They basically played most of their hits as well as a few deep cuts.So all in all, I had another great night at another great concert.On a side note: I was unaware last night of the terrorist attack that occurred at the Ariana Grande concert.I’m saddened beyond belief at what happened and for the people who lost their lives and were hurt at something that was/is supposed to be fun.I don’t get on a soapbox a lot, but here I go: as you probably know, I go to many concerts.And at past shows, including last night at the Ariana Grande show, terrible things have happened.Luckily, I have never been to a show where I got hurt or saw anyone die. And I hope I never do.After Dimebag Darrell’s murder on stage in Columbus at another venue on December 8, 2004, I have always been aware that something bad could happen at a show.But honestly, anything bad could happen if you’re at home. Or anywhere.So what I will say is this: live your life the best way you can and have fun when you can.Don’t let things like this scare you to the point where you isolate yourself and do nothing.If you want to go a concert or some event, go.I do.And I’m going to continue to do it until I decide otherwise.I’m not going to let terror rule my life.Nor should you.Okay, off my soapbox.But again, my sincere condolences to the people who lost their lives.And to end this on a positive note, I had a great time seeing two bands that I admire very much.And I have more shows to go to.At least until 2018. Then maybe I’ll stop. Or maybe not. We’ll see.Love and Peace to all in the world.Hall & Oates Set List:
- Family Man (Mike Oldfield cover)
- Maneater
- Out of Touch
- Say It Isn’t So
- Did It In A Minute
- You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling (The Righteous Brothers cover)
- One On One
- She’s Gone
- Sara Smile
- Wait For Me
- Is It A Star
- I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)
- Encore: Rich Girl
- Kiss On My List
- Private Eyes
- You Make My Dreams Come True
Tears For Fears Set List:
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Secret World
- Sowing The Seeds Of Love
- Advice For The Young At Heart
- Everybody Loves A Happy Ending
- Change
- Mad World
- Memories Fade
- Creep (Radiohead cover)
- Break It Down Again
- Head Over Heels
- Encore: Shout
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Give It Away! Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 16, 2017
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
- Openers: Jack Irons, Irontom
I’m late writing this, but I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the first time last week in Louisville, Kentucky at the KFC Yum Center.Their original drummer, Jack Irons, opened the show (RHCP bassist Flea introduced him) playing drums to a lot of different kinds of music with no band (he had a singer for one song).Another band, Irontom, played after him.Jack’s son Zach plays guitar.Then, the Chili Peppers came on and jammed out like only they can, playing many songs from throughout their career.I wish I would have seen them many years ago, but better late than never.They’re still very good and have a lot of energy.Their drummer, Chad Smith, was worth the price of admission alone.He is a beast on the drums.Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is very good.Bassist Flea is amazing.And Anthony Kiedis is the perfect singer/rapper for this band.Another good show.Many more to come.Set List:
- Intro Jam
- Around The World
- Dani California
- Scar Tissue
- Dark Necessities
- Mommy Where’s Daddy?
- I Wanna Be Your Dog (The Stooges cover)
- Right On Time
- Ethiopia
- Go Robot
- Californication
- This Ticonderoga
- Parallel Universe
- Higher Ground (Stevie Wonder cover)
- Soul To Squeeze
- By The Way
- Encore-Goodbye Angels
- Give It Away
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Sweet Caroline!! Neil Diamond Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 30,2017
- Location of Concert: Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH
My friend Chris Perkins and I saw one of my childhood musical heroes in Cleveland Tuesday.Mr. Neil Diamond.After 19 years of going to concerts,I FINALLY saw this man.He still sings and looks great at 76.He is a class act and a true professional.Not much more needs to be said.I love Neil Diamond!He’s the best.Next concert for me is Monday, June 5th, where my best friend Jamie McClintic and I will see Sammy Hagar’s The Circle.More to come.Set List:
- In My Lifetime (Neil’s band played this to introduce him.)
- Cherry Cherry
- Desiree
- Love On The Rocks
- Song Sung Blue
- Beautiful Noise
- Jungletime
- Dry Your Eyes
- If You Know What I Mean
- Forever In Blue Jeans
- You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
- Red Red Wine
- I’m A Believer
- Brooklyn Roads
- Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon
- Be
- Lonely Looking Sky
- Skybird
- Jazz Time (Neil’s band played this while Neil sat down and watched.)
- Soolaimon
- Done Too Soon
- Holly Holy
- I Am…I Said
- Encore: Sweet Caroline
- Cracklin’ Rosie
- America
- Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show
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