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    R40: RUSH Concert Review

    I went to my second RUSH concert Monday night in Columbus.
     
    They are currently on their 40th Anniversary Tour, calling it R40.
     
    Although, they’ve actually been a band for 47 years, but have been making albums for 40 years.
     
    Either way, who’s counting?
     
    They are still an amazing band, and for anyone who has yet to see them and wants to, I highly recommend checking them out (Edit:  this ended up being their last tour.).
     
    As usual, since the late 90s, they did an “Evening With” concert, with no opening act, and two sets.
     
    They started off with their newer music, and throughout the rest of the concert, they played songs on earlier albums, going all the way back to their first album.
     
    Geddy Lee, their singer/bassist/keyboardist is amazing, as always.
     
    His voice is still great, he’s my favorite bass player of all time, and it’s amazing that he can play keyboards with his feet while playing bass.
     
    However, there are songs that he plays keyboards with his fingers, too, but still, I love the multitasking of playing different instruments at once.
     
    Alex Lifeson, the guitarist, is one of the most underrated guitarists out there.
     
    His tone is amazing.
     
    Neil Peart, the drummer/lyricist, is one of the greatest drummers in history.
     
    Period.
     
    Watching and listening to him play is a thing of beauty.
     
    In fact, watching all three of these guys (yes there are only three guys in the band) play is a thing of beauty.
     
    They also have a great sense of humor.
     
    Throughout the show, they showed funny videos of themselves, along with some famous actors.
     
    One example of this is at the end of the show, where there’s a video on the screens where the band is walking back to the dressing room talking about the show, and once they get to their dressing room, it’s locked.
     
    When they bang on the door, a guy answers and all you see are people and animals from their album covers having a party, and the guy at the door will not let the band in because they are not on the guest list.
     
    If you can find it on YouTube, I recommend checking it out.
     
    Anyway, I can’t say enough good things about RUSH.
     
    One of my favorite bands ever.
     
    I have to thank my brother Christopher for turning me on to them several years ago.
     
    I’m glad he made me listen to them one day after school.
     
    I’ve been a die hard fan ever since.
     
    Edit:  RIP Neil Peart.  He passed away in 2020.  Forever missed.

    RUSH Set Lists:

    Set 1:

    1. Intro Video (The World Is…The World Is)
    2. The Anarchist
    3. Clockwork Angels
    4. Headlong Flight (w/Drum Solo)
    5. Far Cry
    6. The Main Monkey Business
    7. One Little Victory
    8. Animate
    9. Roll The Bones
    10. Distant Early Warning
    11. Subdivisions

    Set 2:

    1. Intro Video (No Country For Old Hens)
    2. Tom Sawyer
    3. Red Barchetta
    4. The Spirit Of Radio
    5. Jacob’s Ladder
    6. Cygnus X-1 Book II:  Hemispheres Part 1:  Prelude
    7. Cygnus X-1 The Voyage Parts 1 and 3 (with Drum Solo)
    8. Closer To The Heart
    9. Xanadu
    10. 2112 Part 1: Overture, Part II: The Temples Of Syrinx, Part IV: Presentation, Part VII: Grand Finale
    11. Encore Break Video
    12. Lakeside Park
    13. Anthem
    14. What You’re Doing
    15. Working Man

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Hellbent for Denim and Leather: Judas Priest/Saxon Concert Review

    My best friend Jamie McClintic and I went to another amazing concert.
     
    This time, it was the legendary metal band Judas Priest, along with another legendary metal band Saxon.
     
    Saxon went on first and were just superb.
     
    This was the first time I ever saw them live, and they did not disappoint.
     
    They are on their 35th anniversary tour right now.
     
    To me, Biff Byford, Saxon’s lead singer, is one of the best singers out there, and the band are just phenomenal.
     
    They have so many great songs and albums, and consistently put out great new music every year or two.
     
    If anyone has not heard them, I recommend you give them a listen.
     
    Now, on to the main event: Judas Priest!!
     
    This was my 5th time seeing them, and they always amaze me.
     
    Especially their lead singer Rob Halford.
     
    I’ve said it many times but I’ll say it again and keep saying it:  he is truly one of my favorite singers and a hero to me.
     
    I was able to speak to him in 2002 on a radio call in show, and he was very nice.
     
    After more than 40 years as a band, Judas Priest are still one of the best metal bands in the world, and like Saxon, are still putting out great new music.
     
    In my opinion, their new album Redeemer Of Souls, in which they played 4 songs from tonight in Cincinnati, is an amazing album.
     
    If anyone has not seen either Judas Priest or Saxon, please do so.
     
    They are both amazing bands.

    Judas Priest Band Members:

    Saxon Band Members:

    Judas Priest Set List:

    1. Dragonaut
    2. Metal Gods
    3. Devils Child
    4. Victim Of Changes
    5. Halls Of Valhalla
    6. Love Bites
    7. March Of The Damned
    8. Turbo Lover
    9. Redeemer Of Souls
    10. Beyond The Realms Of Death
    11. Jawbreaker
    12. Breaking The Law
    13. Hell Bent For Leather
    14. Encore:  The Hellion/Electric Eye
    15. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
    16. Painkiller
    17. Living After Midnight

    Saxon Set List:

    1. Motorcycle Man
    2. Sacrifice
    3. Power And The Glory
    4. I’ve Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)
    5. The Eagle Has Landed
    6. To Hell And Back Again
    7. This Town Rocks
    8. Princess Of The Night
    9. Crusader
    10. Heavy Metal Thunder

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    The Who/Joan Jett Concert Experience

    Well, I’m back home after seeing one of the best concerts I have ever seen.
     
    My best friend Jamie McClintic and I went to see The Who, with Joan Jett And The Blackhearts opening, in Columbus at Nationwide Arena.
     
    Our seats were supposed to be up in the nosebleeds, however, we got upgraded to a lower level, and it could not have been much better than this.
     
    Joan Jett And The Blackhearts started the show, and wow, did they rock.
     
    Joan Jett is an amazing singer/songwriter/musician, and has a great band.
     
    She played many favorites, and one song from her latest album, Unvarnished.
     
    This was a great way to start the show.
     
    Now for the main event: The Who!!!!
     
    Even though original bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon are no longer with us, Who singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist/songwriter/singer Pete Townshend are still rocking out better than most people ever can/could.
     
    They played so many great songs.
     
    Roger brings Pete’s songs to life like no one else can, and Pete is the ultimate rocker and songwriting genius.

    Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Set List:

    1. Bad Reputation
    2. Cherry Bomb
    3. Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)
    4. You Drive Me Wild
    5. Light Of Day
    6. Love Is Pain
    7. The French Song
    8. Fragile
    9. I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll
    10. Crimson & Clover
    11. I Hate Myself For Loving You

    The Who Set List:

    1. I Can’t Explain
    2. The Seeker
    3. Who Are You
    4. The Kids Are Alright
    5. I Can See For Miles
    6. My Generation
    7. Behind Blue Eyes
    8. Bargain
    9. Join Together
    10. You Better You Bet
    11. I’m One
    12. Love Reign O’er Me
    13. Eminence Front
    14. A Quick One (While He’s Away)
    15. Amazing Journey_Sparks
    16. Pinball Wizard_See Me, Feel Me
    17. Baba O’ Riley
    18. Won’t Get Fooled Again

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Best Night of My Life: The Rolling Stones w/Kid Rock Opening Concert Review

    Happy Sunday everyone!!
     
    Well, a dream finally came true for me last night.
     
    What you might ask?
     
    I saw “The Greatest Rock And Roll Band In The World” The Rolling Stones in concert!!!!
     
    They played at Ohio Stadium in Columbus for more than 2 hours, and I swear it was the best night of my life.
     
    They played so many hits and the show just got better and better all night.
     
    For anyone who wants to make fun of them and say they’re too old, think again and go see them live.
     
    They are better than everyone.
     
    Trust me, I have seen nearly everyone I want to see in concert, and no one holds a candle to The Rolling Stones.
     
    I actually cried a little when they played their song “Gimme Shelter”.
     
    Maybe some of you think that’s weird, but I don’t care.
     
    That is how special this night was for me.
     
    It truly was a dream come true, and I honestly do not expect this concert to ever be topped.
     
    Oh and Kid Rock opened and he was fine (not a big fan), but I was there to see The Stones.
     
    Truly the best night of my life.

    The Rolling Stones Band Members:

    The Rolling Stones Set List:

    1. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
    2. It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll ( But I Like It)
    3. Let’s Spend The Night Together
    4. Tumbling Dice
    5. Doom And Gloom
    6.  Bitch
    7. Wild Horses
    8. Hang On Sloopy
    9. Paint It Black
    10. Honky Tonk Women
    11. Before They Make Me Run
    12. Happy
    13. Midnight Rambler
    14. Miss You
    15. Gimme Shelter
    16. Start Me Up
    17. Sympathy For  The Devil
    18. Brown Sugar
    19. Encore:  You Can’t Always Get What You Want
    20. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

    Kid Rock Set List:

    1. Bawitdaba
    2. Good Times, Cheap Wine
    3. You Never Met A Motherfucker Quite Like Me
    4. American Bad Ass
    5. The Star-Spangled Banner
    6. Midnight Rider/Cowboy
    7. 3 Sheets To The Wind (What’s My Name)
    8. Cat Scratch Fever
    9. All Summer Long
    10. Forty
    11. Born Free

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  • Blog,  Conventions

    I Saw a Hero of Mine in Person: Arnold Sports Festival Arnold Sunday Showcase Review

    Arnold Schwarzenegger is one of my biggest heroes.

    I’ve been a fan since was a little kid.

    I’ve always loved his movies and basically everything about him.

    I never thought I would ever be able to see him in person.

    Well, that finally happened.

    He and a local Columbus businessman, Jim Lorimer, started the Arnold Sports Festival in the 1970s, to showcase all kinds of sports and athletes, particularly bodybuilding, which Arnold first made his name doing.

    It has gotten bigger each year (it’s a 4 day event and it encompasses A LOT), and Arnold is always there to give out awards and to speak.

    Well, I decided to finally go to his seminar that he does on the last day of the festival.

    He speaks for roughly 45 minutes to an hour, or more depending on what he’s talking about, which is usually about how the event has gone, the main bodybuilding tournament from the previous night (The Arnold Classic), and current or upcoming projects, if any.

    He takes questions from the audience sometimes too.

    I was not able to ask him a question, but just seeing him was a huge honor for me.

    I’m very glad I went and I will go again.

    I love you Arnold!!

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  • Blog,  Conventions

    I Met Mr. Eric Braeden (Victor Newman)

    I met a very gracious guy last night at work.

    Actor Eric Braeden, star of Young & The Restless, visited WOWK-TV’s studio to be interviewed on 13 News at 7. He was there to promote his meet and greet at the Charleston Town Center, which is today from 2:30-4:30.

    Before he was interviewed, I was able to meet and talk with him briefly.

    He autographed a Y&R DVD for me and I had my picture taken with him.

    For anyone who does not know, Eric Braeden has been on Young & The Restless since 1980, playing the role of businessman Victor Newman.

    He has appeared in several other TV shows, including The Rat Patrol, The Six Million Dollar Man, the original Hawaii Five-O, and Gunsmoke.

    He has also starred in several movies, including Colussus: The Forbin Project, Escape From The Planet Of The Apes, and Titanic.

    Mr. Braeden is also active on Twitter. His hashtag is @EBraeden. He actually tweeted me last week, which was cool.

    It was an honor meeting him.

    Update in 2023:  Mr. Braeden I can say has been very gracious to me since this meeting, occasionally giving me life advice.  Great man.

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  • Blog,  Conventions

    I Met Jake “The Snake” Roberts

    Moments like this do not suck.

    I met one of my biggest heroes, wrestling legend and WWE Hall Of Famer Jake “The Snake” Roberts, Saturday at an autograph signing in Ashland, KY.

    I have been a fan of his for 25 years and will continue to be a fan for life.

    Jake has gone through a lot, especially in the past few years, and I am happy for him, and proud of him for coming out the other side.

    It was a pleasure to meet you Jake.

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Finally!! I saw Pearl Jam. My Concert Review

    It took me long enough, but I finally saw Pearl Jam.

    My best friend Jamie and I went to Cincinnati to see them.

    It was great, long show.

    Lots and lots of songs.

    They more than give you your money’s worth.

    I don’t think he was drunk, but singer Eddie Vedder was walking around stage throughout the night with a HUGE bottle of wine or something.

    He even shared it with the crowd at one point.

    He even dove out into the audience at one point and he was standing on top of some of them.  They held him up.

    If you’re a Pearl Jam fan and have not seen them, you SHOULD.

    And if you see them multiple times, you will get a different show each time because they always change up the set list.

    Great time.

    Pearl Jam Band Members:

    Pearl Jam Set List:

    1. Pendulum
    2. Nothingman
    3. Of The Girl
    4. Mind Your Manners
    5. Lightning Bolt
    6. Corduroy
    7. Spin The Black Circle
    8. Got Some
    9. Even Flow
    10. Sirens
    11. Love Boat Captain (w/Jumpin’ Jack Flash guitar tease)
    12. Present Time
    13. Daughter
    14. State Of Love And Trust
    15. Waiting On A Friend (The Rolling Stones Cover)
    16. Jeremy
    17. Comatose
    18. Setting Forth (Eddie Vedder Song)
    19. Porch
    20. Encore:  Sleeping By Myself (Eddie Vedder Song)
    21. Man Of The Hour
    22. Parachutes
    23. All Those Yesterdays
    24. Elderly Woman Behind The Counter in a Small Town
    25. Given To Fly
    26. Unthought Known
    27. Do The Evolution
    28. Better Man
    29. Encore 2:  Black 
    30. The Real Me (The Who Cover)
    31. Alive
    32. Rockin’ In The Free World (Neil Young Cover)
    33. Yellow Ledbetter (w/The Star-Spangled Banner)

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    You Go Chris: Chris Robinson Brotherhood Concert Review

    My best friend Jamie and I went to see Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

    I had seen Chris’ band The Black Crowes once but never this band.

    He formed this after The Crowes stopped for awhile.

    It’s very much a jam band.

    Lots of songs and jamming.

    Chris even plays rhythm guitar, which he doesn’t do in The Crowes.

    Really good band.  Small, but cool place.

    We were right at the front all night.

    Good stuff.

    Chris Robinson Brotherhood Band Members:

    Chris Robinson Brotherhood Set Lists:

    Set 1:

    1. Hello L.A., Bye Bye Birmingham (Delaney Bramlett Cover)
    2. Tomorrow Blues
    3. Shore Power
    4. It Serves You Right To Suffer (John Lee Hooker Cover)
    5. Meanwhile In The Gods…
    6. Badlands Here We Come
    7. Reflections On A Broken Mirror
    8. Poor Elijah/Tribute To Johnson (Delaney & Bonnie Cover)

    Set 2:

    1. Try Rock And Roll (Bobby Mitchell Cover)
    2. Tornado (The Black Crowes song)
    3. A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall (Bob Dylan Cover)
    4. About A Stranger
    5. Beggar’s Moon
    6. Clear Blue Sky & The Good Doctor
    7. Vibration & Light Suite
    8. Rosalee
    9. Encore:  Betty & Dupree (Chuck Willis Cover)

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Part 2: KISS/Def Leppard Concert Review

    My cousin (more like little brother) Zachary and my best friend Jamie went to see KISS and Def Leppard at a venue we had not been to before.

    The venue itself was nice, but the parking was atrocious.

    It took us at least 2 or more hours to get out of there after the show.

    OH MY GOSH!!!!

    The show itself was great, EXCEPT, that there was also rain.

    If we were under the roof (it was an outdoor amphitheater), it would have been fine, but we were on the lawn.

    Now we thought there was not supposed to be any rain until after the show, but of course, the rain started IMMEDIATELY once Def Leppard took the stage and rained throughout their entire set.

    They were awesome, but we were soaked.

    I told Jamie and Zachary that if it’s still raining during KISS’ set, that we will leave after a few songs.  Of course, the rain ended IMMEDIATELY once Def Leppard were done.

    Again, we were soaked and never quite dried off for some time.

    I was not going to buy any shirts at this show, but since we were so wet, I felt like I needed to, and I did.

    OK negatives aside, the show itself was great.

    The Dead Daisies, who I had never heard of at that point, opened. 

    They were a solid rock band.

    I recognized their bassist, Marco Mendoza, who is a great talent. 

    Otherwise, I knew nothing about them (edit:  I later knew a lot about them and saw them a few more times after that.  Even met them once but that’s in another review.  Read on.)

    Then Def Leppard took the stage, playing an amazing set as always.

    Like I said in a previous review, you really have to be great to go on after them.

    But KISS is the band to do it.

    And as always, they delivered another great set.

    They always make me happy and feel like I’m 16.

    I love these bands.  So much so that this was the second time Jamie and I saw this tour (see previous 2014 review).

    I hope I don’t get rained on like that again and the parking stunk, but otherwise, a fun time was had by all.

    Def Leppard Band Members:

    KISS Band Members:

    Def Leppard Set List:

    1. Let It Go
    2. Animal
    3. Foolin’
    4. Love Bites
    5. Let’s Get Rocked
    6. Two Steps Behind (Acoustic)
    7. Bringin’ On Heartbreak (Acoustic/Electric)
    8. Switch 625
    9. Hysteria
    10. Rocket
    11. Armageddon It
    12. Pour Some Sugar On Me
    13. Encore:  Rock Of Ages
    14. Photograph

    KISS Setlist:

    1. Psycho Circus
    2. Deuce
    3. Shout It Out Loud
    4. War Machine
    5. Hotter Than Hell
    6. I Love It Loud
    7. Lick It Up
    8. Bass Solo
    9. God Of Thunder
    10. Hide Your Heart
    11. Calling Dr. Love
    12. Cold Gin
    13. Love Gun
    14. Black Diamond
    15. Detroit Rock City
    16. Rock And Roll All Nite

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