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I Met a Hero: My Lexington Comic & Toy Convention 2017 Experience
- Date of Convention: March 13, 2017
- Location of Convention: Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
Well I met another hero of mine Sunday.Mr. Lee Majors, star of The Six Million Dollar Man, The Fall Guy, The Big Valley, Raven, several movies and TV guest spots, and most recently, Ash vs Evil Dead.Lee was appearing at the Lexington ComicCon in Kentucky.He was taking pictures with fans, signing autographs, and doing a Q&A with fans.I first got my picture taken with him, in which he called me boss (Wow!), and I thanked him for everything that he’s done. And he said thank you back to me.I then went to his Q&A shortly thereafter, where I was able to go fanboy on him, telling him that two of his shows, The Six Million Dollar Man and The Fall Guy, were on in reruns in the mid to late 90s, 5 days a week, and that I watched and recorded them.I told him both of these shows were two positive things in my life when I was in my early teens.He told me “Thank you” and then jokingly said “So you were the one watching?”The emcee jokingly said that I helped pay for Lee’s mortgage back then, and I said I was happy to do it, too.I asked Lee about working with wrestler Andre The Giant on a two part episode of Six Mil, and he had a lot of good, funny stories about him.Lee also talked about Kentucky a lot, saying “Go Wildcats” at the start of his Q&A.He’s not from Kentucky, but he grew up in Middlesboro, and graduated from Eastern Kentucky University.He said that when he went back to Eastern a few years ago to speak at a graduation, that he had a better turnout than Mitch McConnell did there that same day at Eastern.All in all, he had a lot of great stories.He later was doing a signing, which I also attended, because I wanted him to sign the picture that was taken of me and him.When I got to him, he said hi and then said “Oh I remember you”. Then he signed the picture, and while he was doing this, I told him that I meant what I said at his Q&A.He also told me that he had not noticed my Six Mil shirt when the pic was taken, but he liked it.Before I left, I told him I loved him, and he said “Thanks Lucas”.For me, as a fan of his since I was 13 or 14, this was a perfect day.I was so happy.And he could not have been more nice and professional.Lee Majors is a class act.I also saw several other great people there I’m a fan of, including several wrestlers and a few other actors, but Lee was the reason I was there.Perfect day.I will include pics from the event, including the one of me and Lee.Love and PeacePhoto Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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3rd Time Around: Arnold Sports Festival 2017
Well I didn’t get a picture or autograph, but I still saw one of my biggest heroes ever for the third time.Arnold Schwarzenegger!!I went to his annual seminar on March 5, which always happens on the last day of his 4-day Arnold Sports Festival in Columbus, Ohio.This festival was started by Arnold and a local Ohio businessman, Jim Lorimer, in the 1970s.It encompasses bodybuilding, wrestling, MMA, archery, and basically any sport you can think of.Hundreds of thousands of people come to this each year.It has expanded to several other parts of the world, but its main hub is always Columbus, Ohio.Arnold’s seminar is the best way to actually see him.He appears at several events throughout the week, but with this, he sits down and tells stories about his life, career, and talks motivation.One of his longtime friends and former bodybuilder himself and actor, Franco Columbo, was there, too.He actually walked by me to get to his seat in the audience, which was cool.He eventually got on stage with Arnold and talked some as well, which was great.Arnold did say that the sequel to his movie Twins is being written. This has been in the works for sometime, so to hear him say this in a public forum was cool.He has a drama coming out on video next month called Aftermath, which was actually shot in Columbus. Check it out when it’s released. It looks really good.Arnold said all is good with his life.If I could be as successful and as happy as he is, even in the smallest way, then I can say I’ve done well.I’ve been a fan of this man since I was 8 or 9 years old (I’ll be 35 this year. The same day he turns 70. July 30th.)He’s still getting new fans, too.A boy, 9-years-old I believe, told Arnold that he is his biggest fan and asked him who would win in a fight of Terminator vs. Robocop? Arnold asked the boy “Who do you think?” The boy said “Terminator?” And Arnold said “Alright”.Very nice man.I’ll always be a fan.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Sharp Dressed Men: ZZ Top Concert Review
- Date of Concert: November 9, 2016
- Location of Concert: The Clay Center in Charleston, WV
I went to my last concert for a few months Wednesday night.For the first time, I saw the legendary ZZ Top perform at The Clay Center in Charleston, WV.I’ve been a fan of the band for several years, and I know they have played in this area several times over the years, but I just never went.I’m glad I finally did.They put on a fun show, playing a lot of their hits, including “Got Me Under Pressure”, “Legs”, “Give Me All Your Lovin'”, “Tush”, “Sharp Dressed Man”, “Cheap Sunglasses”, “Pincushion” (my favorite of the night), “Foxy Lady”, and “La Grange”, and more, including “Jailhouse Rock”, some blues songs, one song from their last album in 2012, La Futura, and basically just rocked and rolled for 90 minutes.After 4 decades of being together, ZZ Top remains the same 3 guys: Billy Gibbons on lead vocals and guitar, Dusty Hill on bass/keyboards and vocals, and the one member who does not have a beard, drummer Frank Beard.Pretty cool.Like I said at the beginning of this review, this is my last concert for a few months (March).I have a few lined up for next year, but I’m pretty sure this was the last year where I go to sooo many concerts.It’s been fun, but the pressure is on me to cut down and/or stop doing this and grow up and finally have a real bank account and be an adult.Again, I’m not done, and there will be more reviews, trust me.But maybe not as many.But until then, I hope you enjoy reading this review just as much as I did writing it and living it.God bless all of us and I hope that we make it as a society.Set List:
- Got Me Under Pressure
- Waitin’ For The Bus
- Jesus Just Left Chicago
- Gimme All Your Lovin’
- Pincushion
- I’m Bad, I’m Nationwide
- I Gotsta Get Paid
- Foxy Lady (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
- Catfish Blues (Robert Petway cover)
- Sixteen Tons (Merle Travis cover)
- Cheap Sunglasses
- Chartreuse
- Sharp Dressed Man
- Legs
- Encore: La Grange (w/Sloppy Drunk jam)
- Tush
- Encore 2: Jailhouse Rock (Elvis Presley cover)
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Pulitzer Prize Winner: Bob Dylan Concert Review
- Date of Concert: November 2, 2016
- Location of Concert: The Clay Center in Charleston, WV
I saw a Nobel Prize winner last night!!Mr. Bob Dylan!!!He and his band played a solid one hour and 45 minute set.I have been a fan of his since high school, but just never saw him until last night.I was not disappointed.Many people can’t stand his voice, but it’s never bothered me.His discography is amazing.He’s incredible at what he does.He actually didn’t play guitar at all, and only played harmonica once.He held his mic stand a lot, stood in the middle of the band, got into the music, and played a lot of piano (he’s a great piano player).My only complaint is that I wish he could have played more songs.But he played 20 songs, so his set was solid.One more show, and then I’m done until March.I won’t see too many more legends like this man again.Go see him if you get a chance.Bob Dylan Set List:
- Things Have Changed
- Don’t Think Twice, It’s All Right
- Highway 61 Revisited
- It’s All Over Now, Baby Blue
- High Water (For Charley Patton)
- I Could Have Told You (Frank Sinatra cover)
- Early Roman Kings
- Love Sick
- Tangled Up In Blue
- Lonesome Day Blues
- Make You Feel My Love
- Pay In Blood
- Melancholy Mood (Frank Sinatra cover)
- Desolation Row
- Soon After Midnight
- All Or Nothing At All (Frank Sinatra cover)
- Long And Wasted Years
- Autumn Leaves (Yves Montand cover)
- Encore: Blowin’ In The Wind
- Why Try To Change Me Now (Cy Coleman cover)
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7th KISS: KISS/The Dead Daisies Concert Review
- Date of Concert: September 10, 2016
- Location of Concert: Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, WV
Well I went to see my favorite band for the 7th time Saturday night!I took my cousin Zachary and a friend to see KISS in Huntington, WV on their final date of this tour.According to reports, this was the best attended concert of their tour, and was the most sold show, ticket wise, this venue, the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, has ever had.That’s wonderful news.Plus, they gave a veteran a new home.Say what you want, but KISS are a people’s band.This was the first time that KISS had played there since 1988.As usual, they put on a great show and to me, their songs are timeless.And for those that disagree, you’re missing out.Honestly, for the past few years, I’ve been weirded out by drummer Eric Singer and lead guitarist Tommy Thayer having to dress up as ex members Peter Criss and Ace Frehley, but after watching them play so great again and kicking butt Saturday night, I’m fine with it again.The whole band kicked butt, as usual.KISS founders Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are still there, and have always been there.They are the Lennon/McCartney of KISS.I have been a fan of this band since 1998, which is when I saw KISS for the first time, on December 8th in Charleston, WV.A place I hope they will play again, also, because they have not been there since May 2nd of 2000.I know because I was there for that show, too.I love all their albums, all lineups, and hope they will make another album.Paul says they probably will, so I think that’s money in the bank that it will happen.I am forever biased towards this band and I hope I always will be.People can think whatever they want about me, but no matter what I am, I am a KISS fan.Through and through.In fact, when I die, hopefully no time soon, I want to be buried with something KISS related in my collection.I love them that much.I will never apologize for my love for KISS or for anything that I love and will not/would not change any of it.The same goes for all these concerts that I go to.Again, should I be not spending my money so much and get a life as they say? Yeah, but again, I’ve had fun. And I will not apologize for it.I hope someday I’ll get my life in order more and be okay, but again, I’ve had so much fun these past 18 years of going to concerts, and discovering all this great music that I love.Music, and most especially KISS, have never let me down.And they never will.Believe it or not, I have two more concerts to go to this year.But they’re not until November.And I have one more night of work until I’m on staycation for a few days.Well, it’s been fun as always and I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I did living it.Lucas HannonP.S. The opening band of this concert, The Dead Daisies, are pretty good, too.I met them after their set and got them to autograph their new CD Make Some Noise for me.The band is made up of singer John Corabi, guitarists Doug Aldrich and David Lowy, bassist Marco Mendoza, and drummer Brian Tichy.Great players.Check them out.I also got a pic with Corabi.KISS Set List:
- Detroit Rock City
- Deuce
- Shout It Out Loud
- Do You Love Me
- I Love It Loud
- Flaming Youth
- Gene Simmons Bass Solo
- God Of Thunder
- Psycho Circus
- Shock Me
- Tommy Thayer Guitar Solo
- Cold Gin
- Lick It Up
- War Machine
- Love Gun
- Black Diamond
- Encore: Beth
- The Star Spangled Banner
- Rock And Roll All Nite
The Dead Daisies Set List:
- Midnight Moses (The Sensational Alex Harvey Band cover)
- Mexico
- Make Some Noise
- Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
- Lock ‘N’ Load
- Long Way To Go
- Join Together (The Who cover)
- Last Time I Saw The Sun
- Devil Out Of Time
- Helter Skelter (The Beatles cover)
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Axl/DC: AC/DC Concert Review
- Date of Concert: September 4, 2016
- Location of Concert: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
- Opener: Tyler Bryant And The Shakedown
Axl Rose is amazing!!This year he has been doing double duty with his band Guns N Roses, who I saw in July, and AC/DC, who I saw last night.I almost did not go to this show because I was sick as a dog the night before and all yesterday morning.But I was able to get enough of a nap that made the difference.And I am sooooo glad I made it because I would have regretted it forever it I had missed this show.I swear this was another one of my favorite shows ever.I saw AC/DC in 2010, and I swear I liked them even more last night.When I first read that Axl was going to do this, I knew he could pull it off, vocally, but I just didn’t think it would happen, because he has a nasty reputation for starting shows ultra late and leaving the stage during shows, which would never fly with AC/DC.But I swear that stuff appears to be long since over.For both GNR and AC/DC, he’s showing up on time, being cool and even humble, and of course, being the great singer/frontman that he has always been.The band were just incredible, of course, but Axl truly stole the show for me.Seeing him rocking out and dancing and grooving to songs by his favorite band made me smile.And they have let him pick songs to play that they haven’t done in decades.AC/DC played a 2.5 hour set.It was everything I wanted and more.Again, I am so glad I went to this show.For any doubters out there, quit doubting.If AC/DC do continue after this tour, I truly hope their singer for 36 years, Brian Johnson, is able to come back (edit: he did rejoin), but I swear Axl/DC works.I don’t see Axl staying just because GNR are going to be so busy, but Axl has said he wants to stay and will as long as guitarist Angus Young wants him to stay.We’ll see.But either way, this was another phenomenal show for my record books.Oh and Tyler Bryant And The Shakedown opened.I had seen them a few months before opening for GNR.Very good, solid hard rock band.My next show will be my favorite band KISS this Saturday in Huntington.Wow what a year!!Rock On!!AC/DC Band Members:
- Angus Young (Lead Guitar)
- Cliff Williams (Bass)
- Stevie Young (Rhythm Guitar)
- Chris Slade (Drums)
- W. Axl Rose (Lead Vocals-for 20 shows)
AC/DC Set List:
- Rock Or Bust
- Shoot To Thrill
- Hell Ain’t A Bad Place To Be
- Back In Black
- Got Some Rock & Roll Thunder
- Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap
- Rock ‘N’ Roll Damnation
- Thunderstruck
- High Voltage
- Rock ‘N’ Roll Train
- Hells Bells
- Given The Dog A Bone
- If You Want Blood (You’ve Got It)
- Live Wire
- Sin City
- You Shook Me All Night Long
- Shot Down In Flames
- Have A Drink On Me
- T.N.T.
- Whole Lotta Rosie
- Let There Be Rock
- Encore: Highway To Hell
- Riff Raff
- For Those About To Rock (We Salute You)
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I Saw an Eagle: Don Henley Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 23,2016
- Location of Concert: PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati, OH
“This is for Glenn”.As spoken by Mr. Don Henley, at his concert in Cincinnati, which I attended Tuesday night of August 23, 2016.This was Mr. Henley’s tribute introduction to Glenn Frey, his fallen Eagles bandmate and collaborator who passed away earlier this year.And this was his introduction to The Eagles song Desperado, the final song of the night.This was a great concert for sure.Mr. Henley sang and played basically everything I wanted to hear.He sang many Eagles songs, solo hits, and several songs from his latest album, Cass County.As much as I loved seeing my favorite Eagle in concert, though, seeing him solo makes me wish forevermore that I had seen him with all his bandmates of The Eagles while I could.I will forever regret not going to see them.But I did see Mr. Henley.And that will do for me.Love and Peace everyone.Don Henley Set List:
- Seven Bridges Road
- Dirty Laundry
- That Old Flame (new song)
- Sunset Grill
- Witchy Woman
- Words Can Break Your Heart (new song)
- One Of These Nights
- When I Stop Dreaming (new song)
- New York Minute
- Shangri-La
- Bramble Rose (new song)
- It Don’t Matter To The Sun (Garth Brooks cover)
- I Don’t Want To Hear Anymore
- The End Of The Innocence
- The Last Resort
- Train In The Distance (new song)
- The Heart Of The Matter
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World (Tears For Fears cover-Amazing, spot on version)
- The Boys Of Summer
- Encore: Life In The Fast Lane
- Hotel California
- Desperado
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Yacht Rock? Great Music I Think: Michael McDonald/Boz Scaggs Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 21, 2016
- Location of Concert: PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati, OH
I had another fun night at a concert.I saw Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald, two amazing singer/songwriter/musicians, in Cincinnati.This was the second time I saw Boz and the first time seeing Michael.Both are just exceptional talents and seem to be cool, professional people.And they both have great bands backing them.And of course, both have great songs.Boz played many of his solo songs, where Michael played Doobie Brothers songs he originally sang, wrote, and played on, solo hits, and some cool covers.Both were great, but Boz just takes the cake for me.Oh my gosh he is so amazing.His voice and songs are just magical to me.If anyone out there are not familiar with either one of these gentlemen, do yourself a favor and look up their songs.Well, my next concert is Tuesday, in which I’ll be seeing an Eagle, Mr. Don Henley, for the first time.My concert tour continues on, with no end in sight.Love and Peace everyone.Michael McDonald Set List:
- Freedom Highway (The Staple Singers cover)
- Sweet Freedom (from Running Scared Soundtrack)
- It Keeps You Runnin’ (The Doobie Brothers song)
- I Keep Forgettin’
- I Heard It Through The Grapevine (Gladys Knight & The Pips cover)
- If You Wanted To Hurt Me
- Obsession Blues
- What The World Needs Now Is Love (Burt Bacharach cover)
- Here To Love You (The Doobie Brothers song)
- No Love To Be Found
- Minute By Minute (The Doobie Brothers song)
- This Is It (Kenny Loggins cover)
- What A Fool Believes (The Doobie Brothers song)
- Encore: What’s Going On (Marvin Gaye cover)
- On My Own
- Yah Mo Be There
- Takin’ It To The Streets (The Doobie Brothers song)
Boz Scaggs Set List:
- Runnin’ Blue
- Jojo
- Some Change
- Georgia
- Harbor Lights
- Miss Sun
- Until You Come Back to Me (That’s What I’m Gonna Do) (Stevie Wonder cover-Miss Monet Solo)
- Look What You’ve Done To Me
- Lowdown
- Lido Shuffle
- Encore: What Can I Say
- Somebody (Loan Me A Dime-Fenton Robinson cover)
- Sick And Tired (Chris Kenner cover)
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Born To Be Wild and Slow Ride: John Kay & Steppenwolf/Foghat Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 3, 2016
- Location of Concert: Ohio State Fair Celeste Center in Columbus, OH
I went to another concert Wednesday.I saw John Kay And Steppenwolf, with Foghat opening, in Columbus, Ohio.Foghat played for about 45 minutes to an hour playing many classic songs, including their famous song “Slow Ride”, and a few new ones from their Under The Influence album.They sounded really good and tight.I’m glad I saw them and want to buy some of their albums.I had wanted to see John Kay And Steppenwolf for years, but just never got around to it.Well, I finally did see them, and am glad I did.John’s voice is still very strong, and his band are solid.They played many of their classic songs, as well as a few later songs.My favorite song of their set was “Monster”, which is still quite current, lyrically, to this day.It’s about the world we live in.Again, I had another fun night at a concert.My next concert is August 21, when I see Boz Scaggs and Michael McDonald.Then two days later, Don Henley.And a few more after that.Stay tuned.John Kay And Steppenwolf Band Members:
- John Kay (Lead Vocals/Guitar/Harmonica)
- Michael Wilk (Keyboards/Baking Vocals)
- Gary Link (Bass/Backing Vocals)
- Ron Hurst (Drums)
- Danny Johnson (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals)
Foghat Band Members:
- Roger Earl (Drums/Percussion)
- Bryan Bassett (Lead Guitar/Backing Vocals)
- Charlie Huhn (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar)
- Rodney O'Quinn (Bass/Backing Vocals)
John Kay And Steppenwolf Set List:
- Sookie Sookie
- Rock & Roll Rebels
- Rock Me
- I’m Movin’ On
- Who Needs Ya
- Hey Lawdy Mama
- Hold On (Never Give Up, Never Give In)
- Ride With Me, Baby
- Screaming Night Hog
- Hoochie Coochie Man
- Snowblind Friend
- Monster
- Magic Carpet Ride
- Born To Be Wild
- Encore: The Pusher
Foghat Set List:
- Fool For The City
- Eight Days on the Road (Howard Tate cover)
- Under The Influence
- Drivin’ Wheel
- Stone Blue
- unknown song
- I Just Want To Make Love To You (Willie Dixon cover)
- Slow Ride
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I Met Space Ace!!: Ace Frehley Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 30, 2016
- Location of Concert: Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, KY
A dream came true for me last night.I met my favorite guitar player ever.Mr. Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist and founding member of my favorite band KISS.I went with my best friend Jamie and my cousin Zachary to Louisville, Kentucky to see Space Ace with his solo band play at The Mercury Ballroom.Ace and his band played a very rocking set, featuring several of Ace’s KISS songs, a couple KISS songs originally sung by Paul Stanley, but in Ace’s band, they’re sung by his drummer Scott Coogan.Ace played several solo songs, too, and a very cool cover of Thin Lizzy’s Emerald.This song is on Ace’s new album Origins Volume 1.Ace also did his smoking guitar solo, like he always did in KISS.But that’s just part of what was a fun night out with friends and seeing one of my heroes, who I had not seen in 16 years, when he was still in KISS.I paid for Ace’s VIP, which enabled me to go onto to Ace’s tour bus, talk to him, get several things signed, and get my picture taken with the man.Now, I was definitely star struck, but I played it as cool as possible, and tried not to get too gushy on him.We actually talked about Edwin Lionel Meadows , AKA Punky Meadows, whose a Facebook friend of mine and plays guitar for a band called Angel, who were on KISS’ record label in the 70s.Punky has a great new solo album out.I told Punky I was going to meet Ace, and he told me to say hey to him.Well Punky, I kept my word.Ace asked me if I heard Punky’s new album.I said I did and really like it (called Fallen Angel), and that it’s one of my favorite albums of the year.Ace told me he needed to check it out.Ace asked me where I was from.I told him I was from Ashland, Kentucky, and I told him I had not seen him since 2000, when he played with KISS in Charleston, WV.When our pic was taken, Ace said “Get ready for the big picture”.I told him thank you for doing this.He said “it’s my pleasure” and “to get home safe”.These are moments I live for.I can actually say that I met one of my biggest heroes and that he was nice to me.That means the world to me.Just seeing him rock out is enough reward for me, but to have actually met him and talked to him is simply the best feeling I may ever have.And I mean that.Wow! What a year this has been.And believe it or not, I’m not quite done yet.But this was/is a true happy life moment for me.I hope you enjoyed reading this almost as much as I did living it.Love and Peace, and as KISS say, “Rock And Roll All Night, and Party Every Day”.Ace Frehley Set List:
- Rip It Out
- Toys
- Rocket Ride
- Love Gun (sung by Ace’s drummer Scott Coogan, who also played in a band with Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and Tracii Guns of LA Guns called Brides Of Destruction.)
- Snowblind
- Sister
- Emerald (Thin Lizzy cover)
- Bring It On Home (Willie Dixon cover, most famously done by Led Zeppelin.)
- Rock Soldiers
- Chris Wyse Bass Solo
- Strange Ways (sung by Chris Wyse)
- New York Groove
- 2 Young To Die (sung by Ace’s other guitarist Richie Scarlet, who has played with Ace on and off for over 25 years.)
- Shock Me
- Ace’s Smoking Guitar Solo!
- Cold Gin
- Encore: Detroit Rock City (sung by Scott Coogan)
- Deuce
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