• Blog,  Concerts

    My Girlfriend and I Enjoyed Seeing Molly Hatchet in Concert

    June 23 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: June 22, 2024
    • Location of Concert: Niswonger Performing Arts Center in Van Wert, OH

    My girlfriend Mariah and I went to see Molly Hatchet Saturday night of June 22 of 2024.

    I had seen them a few years ago, but she had been wanting to see them so I was happy to take her to see them.

    Plus, I had not seen them since their singer, Parker Lee, joined the band, so I wanted see him sing these great songs.

    Molly Hatchet is one of my favorite bands.  Actually my favorite of the “Southern Rock Bands”.  Yes I love the others too but I really love Molly Hatchet.  I bought and love all their albums.

    Unfortunately, many of the band members have passed away over the years, but the band has carried on with guitarist Bobby Ingram (who joined the band in the 80s and knew and played with original singer Danny Joe Brown on and off years before.)  

    He has carried the band on very well, I think.  He is a phenomenal guitarist, songwriter, and producer.

    The band, along with Ingram, now includes Parker Lee on vocals, John Galvin (also been in the band since the 80s) on keyboards, Tim Lindsey on bass, and Shawn Beamer on drums.

    The band is really rocking and still play the songs very well.

    Parker sings the songs well.

    What more can you ask?

    I can’t wait to buy their new album too!

    After the show, the band came out to the lobby and spoke to fans and signed stuff. I had them sign my ticket.

    Really cool.

    Another fun show.

    Keep on rocking guys.

    Mariah, what did you think of the show?

    Hi all! Lucas decided to bring me in on this post since I was there too. Overall, I had a pretty good time. The venue, the Niswonger Performing Arts Center was absolutely beautiful and was the perfect size for Molly Hatchet. The audience was a bit lackluster, which lead to a more subdued show, but the lead singer Parker Lee did everything in his power to breathe life into the people and create a rocking show. The one con of the night though was the sound mix was not quite right. The bass tones were distorted and the guitar was too quiet. If the mix had been right, I think it might have helped with the atmosphere, but all the playing was expertly done. Molly Hatchet is worth seeing at least once.

    And there you have it.

    OK maybe a few sound mix issues we had where we were sitting, but aside from that, a fun rocking show.

    We both love Molly Hatchet and I’m glad I could bring my girlfriend Mariah to this show.

    Again, keep on rocking guys and I will buy your new album when it comes out.

    Set List:

    1. Whisky Man
    2. Bounty Hunter
    3. Gator Country
    4. One Man’s Pleasure
    5. Devil’s Canyon
    6. Beatin’ The Odds
    7. I’m Gonna Live ‘Til I Die
    8. Son Of The South
    9. Firing Line
    10. Fall Of The Peacemakers
    11. Jukin’ City
    12. Layla (ending of it-Derek And The Dominoes Cover)
    13. Dreams I’ll Never See
    14. Encore:  It’s All Over Now
    15. Flirtin’ With Disaster

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Warrant/Firehouse/Bulletboys Concert Review

    June 15 2024 / No Comments

    Last night, Friay June 14 of 2024, I went to the Rose Music Center in Huber Heights, OH to see Warrant, Firehouse, and Bulletboys.

    Bulletboys started the night with a 30 minute set of songs, all of which are from their self-titled first album.

    Original Singer/Guitarist Marq Torien is a great frontman.  He still has the same vocal range he always has, is a great guitarist, and has some cool stage moves.

    His band now also includes Ira Black on Guitar, Brad Lang on Bass, and Fred Aching on Drums.

    I wish their set would have been longer, but still, they rocked.

    Thank you guys so much for the brief but rocking show.  All your albums rock and I can’t wait to buy the next Bulletboys album.

    Firehouse was the second band that played and WOW!! 

    This was the second time I saw Firehouse and they are such a great, great band.  

    They played many songs from their early albums, most especially their first self-titled album.

    Sadly, their singer, C.J. Snare, passed away on April 5 of this year, and he will be forever missed.  I’m glad I got to see him in 2023.  Such a phenomenal singer.

    With C.J.’s blessing, the band had been playing shows without him for a number of months with singer Nate Peck, who I had seen sing with Jack Russell of Jack Russell’s Great White on one song last year and became a friend of C.J.’s.

    Nate was also the American Idol golden ticket recipient in 2021.

    I went into this show knowing they would rock but without C.J., I wasn’t sure how I would feel about it.

    Well, I can say that even though C.J. will be forever missed and I wish he was still here, Nate does a phenomenal job singing these songs and pumping up the crowd.  Good job sir!!

    And the band are phenomenal.  Guitarist Bill Leverty, Bassist Allen McKenzie, and Drummer Michael Foster kick butt!!!!

    All of Firehouse’s albums are very good.  I can’t say enough about their songs.

    I’m glad I got to see them again, but again, rest in peace C.J. Snare.  They actually showed a tribute photo collage and video of him during one of their songs, which was really nice.  Again, forever missed.

    Warrant closed the show and really put on the big rock show.

    Classic members Erik Turner (Guitar), Joey Allen (Guitar), and Steven Sweet (Drums), along with Robert Mason (Vocals, who took over from original singer/songwriter Jani Lane, rest in peace, in the late 2000s) and Robbie Crane (Bass, filling in for original bassist Jerry Dixon) rocked the place.

    They played lots of songs from their first two albums, one song from their third album, and one song from their most recent album from 2017 (the title track Louder Harder Faster).

    All three of these bands are still kicking butt and still have lots of loyal fans.  The show wasn’t sold out, but it was pretty packed and that was great to see.

    I’m a big fan of a lot of rock bands from the 1980’s, and am glad to see that many people still come to see these great bands.  I still go see them and will forever support them and all my other favorites.

    Thanks to everyone for rocking the house!!

    Keep on rocking and please keep making new music too.

    I know not as many people buy music, but I do still and will continue to until the day I die.

    I love you all.

    Bulleboys Set List:

    1. What Cha Don’t
    2. Hard As A Rock
    3. Hell On My Heels
    4. For The Love Of Money (The O’Jays Cover)
    5. Smooth Up In Ya

    Firehouse Set List:

    1. Rock You Tonight
    2. All She Wrote
    3. Shake ‘N’ Tumble
    4. Oughta Be A Law
    5. Home Is Where The Heart Is (included a photo collage/video tribute to original singer C.J. Snare)
    6. Instrumental
    7. Overnight Sensation
    8. Love Of A Lifetime
    9. Reach For The Sky
    10. Don’t Treat Me Bad

    Warrant Set List:

    1. Sure Feels Good To Me
    2. Love In Stereo
    3. Bed Of Roses
    4. You’re The Only Hell Your Mama Ever Raised
    5. I Saw Red
    6. Big Talk
    7. 32 Pennies
    8. Blind Faith
    9. Joey Allen Guitar Solo
    10. The Hole In My Wall
    11. Down Boys
    12. D.R.F.S.R.
    13. Sometimes She Cries
    14. Louder Harder Faster
    15. Heaven
    16. Uncle Tom’s Cabin
    17. We Will Rock You Intro (Queen Cover)/Cherry Pie

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Rita Moreno Visited My Alma Mater!!

    May 26 2024 / No Comments

    First off, actress Rita Moreno is a National Treasure.

    She is still going strong at 92 years of age.

    She has won an Oscar, a Tony, two Emmy awards, a Grammy, the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the National Medal of Arts, and was the first Latina woman to win the Kennedy Center Honors.  That’s just some of her awards.

    And of course the body of work she has done over the years:  movies such as Singin’ In The Rain, The King And I, West Side Story (original and remake), Television shows such as The Electric Company, Oz, One Day at A Time, and tons of others, and in stage plays of Guys And Dolls, The Odd Couple, and so much more.

    Trust me, you should go look at her list of credits.  It’s amazing.

    Now why am I saying all of this besides just being a fan?  She came to my Alma Mater, which is Ohio University Southern Campus in Ironton, OH (which Rita called “My little “Puerto Rico”!) to speak and to raise some money for camp kids.

    Her manager, who is also a member of the Rotary Club of Ironton who was one of the sponsors of this event, emceed this once in a lifetime opportunity to see and hear who I am once again calling a National Treasure.

    Miss Moreno talked about growing up in Puerto Rico, then moving to New York as a very young child, getting into dancing, being discovered by a talent agent at MGM, meeting Louis B. Mayer (the founder and head of MGM), and getting a contract with them.

    She talked about some of her many projects she has done, including West Side Story, The Electric Company, and even Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood, in which she took her family with her to be on that show.  Great stories there.

    She talked about working with Mr. Norman Lear on his remake of the series One Day at a Time for four seasons and how the two of them once played a joke about her having Mr. Lear’s “love child” (Mr. Lear’s idea).  Very funny story.

    She talked about being present in Washington, D.C. to see Dr. Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech and how she said that was not initially going to be his speech.  Great story there too.

    She talked about her great mother, and about how she had some very funny ways of saying things (calling beaches “bitches”, sheets “shits” are just two examples).  Very funny. 

    She also talked about some of her bad times in life, and how you just need to hang on and hang in there when times are bad.  She also said Psychotherapy helped her a lot too.

    Those are just some of the things she talked about.

    And she also sang a little bit too.  She sang about dreaming and it was very heartfelt and meaningful.

    Rita Moreno may be a huge star, and she definitely is, but after seeing and hearing her in person, I can say she is definitely human and a great one at that.

    Thank you so much Miss Moreno for gracing us in Ironton, OH with your presence, humor, and realness.

    And as I’m typing this, it’s the day before the oldest Memorial Day Parade anywhere, and I heard you say you were going to be there too.  I hope that even if it rains (it almost always rains during this parade) that you still have a great time and enjoy it.

    And please feel free to visit Ironton, OH again someday.  You are always welcome.

    All the best to you always.

    Thank you.

    Oh and since you said you love to play Scrabble, I welcome you to come and play Scrabble with my family anytime because they play it for hours on certain occasions.

    Again, thank you Miss Moreno.


  • Blog,  Concerts

    The Best of British Hard Rock and Metal: Uriah Heep and Saxon Live in Cincinnati!!

    May 18 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: Friday, May 17 of 2024
    • Location of Concert: Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH

    Wow what a show!!!!

    Uriah Heep and Saxon in concert!!!!!!

    Two legendary bands that are both still making great albums.

    Both bands are on a co-headline tour and have been flip-flopping each night, in terms of opening and closing the shows.

    This night, Uriah Heep started the show.

    Guitarist Mick Box, the last surviving original member of the band, has carried this band on since the late 1960’s and they are still going strong.

    Rounding out the band is singer Bernie Shaw, who has been in the band since 1986.  Amazing vocalist.  On bass is Dave Rimmer, who has been there over 10 years.  The drummer is Russell Gilbrook, who has been in the band since 2007.  His birthday was celebrated at this show!  And for this tour, the keyboardist is Adam Wakeman, who is filling in for Phil Lanzon (keyboardist since 1986).

    This band is AMAZING!!!!!

    Still putting out great albums (their latest two Chaos & Colour and Living The Dream are incredible) and are great live.

    I’ve been wanting to see Uriah Heep for some time, but just did not have the chance or missed them.  Not this time.  I’m so glad I finally saw them.

    Uriah Heep are just as important a British band as Black Sabbath, Led Zeppelin, Deep Purple, etc.  They came out about the same time and even though they’ve had several lineup changes (sadly all the classic original members except Mick Box are dead) but this lineup is amazing.  And their discography is amazing.  

    And like I said before, guitarist Mick Box is the last original member and has never left the band.  He is a phenomenal guitarist and should be spoken in the same breath as Jimmy Page, Tony Iommi, Ritchie Blackmore, Eric Clapton, Jeff Beck, etc. 

    Please check out Uriah Heep!!!!  You will not be disappointed.

    Saxon closed the show this night and this was my 3rd time seeing them.

    They are always amazing.

    Like Uriah Heep, they are still making amazing albums and like Uriah Heep, have a lot of albums.

    Singer Biff Byford is one of my favorite singers and he has always been great.

    And along with Biff, guitarists Doug Scarrett and Brian Tatler (Brian recently replacing Paul Quinn because he did not want to tour anymore), bassist Nibbs Carter, and drummer Nigel Glockler make up one of the best Metal bands around.

    They’ve been a band since the mid 1970’s and like Uriah Heep have had lineup changes (Biff is the only one that has been there from the start), but even with those changes, Saxon have remained consistently great.

    And they’re nice people too.  Biff noticed a little girl in the front row with her Dad and asked how old she was, and she said 9.  She had a sign too that said that this was her first Saxon concert and to please sign the sign otherwise Hell, Fire, and Damnation (the title track to their new album) would reign on them.  Biff said they would sign it at the end of the show and they did.  Very kind of them.

    I can’t say enough about both of these bands.  It’s after 3 AM as I type this, so I’m a little tired, so I’ll end this by saying that I love both of these bands and I appreciate them both for still making great music and doing great shows.

    Thank you guys.  Keep on rocking!!!!!!  And as Mick Box says “Appy Days”.

    Uriah Heep Set List:

    1. Save Me Tonight
    2. Grazed By Heaven
    3. Rainbow Demon
    4. Stealin’
    5. Hurricane
    6. Sweet Lorraine
    7. Hail The Sunrise
    8. Free ‘N’ Easy
    9. Gypsy
    10. Look At Yourself
    11. July Morning
    12. Encore:  Sunrise
    13. Easy Livin’

    Saxon Set List:

    1. Hell, Fire & Damnation
    2. Motorcycle Man
    3. Sacrifice
    4. This Town Rocks
    5. Power and the Glory
    6. There’s Something In Roswell
    7. Heavy Metal Thunder
    8. Madame Guillotine
    9. Dallas 1 PM
    10. Strong Arm of the Law
    11. 1066
    12. Crusader
    13. Ride Like The Wind (Christopher Cross cover)
    14. 747 (Strangers In The Night)
    15. Denim and Leather
    16. Wheels of Steel
    17. Princess of the Night

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Angel Live in Columbus (Thanks for Your Kindness and Your Music)

    May 13 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: Sunday, May 12, 2024
    • Location of Concert: The King Of Clubs in Columbus, OH
    • Openers: In Theory, Alecia Houston & The Firmm

    I first became a fan of Angel in 2006 when I heard an interview Angel singer Frank Dimino did on Eddie Trunk’s radio show.

    Frank went into detail about the history of the band and it was just a really good interview.

    I also heard on Eddie’s show the Angel song The Tower and really liked it.

    Sometime after I heard the interview, I bought Angel’s Live Without A Net double live album and loved it.

    And eventually, I bought all of the band’s albums and enjoyed them all.

    However, at the time I got into the band, they were no longer a band.  Everyone was either retired, doing solo stuff and just doing other things.

    Then the great Angel guitarist Punky Meadows put out a solo album called Fallen Angel.  Masterpiece of an album.  This album also features Angel bassist Felix Robinson and Punky’s collaborator/rhythm guitarist/singer Danny Farrow Anniello.  Punky decided to do some shows for this album and to do them as a co-headline tour with Angel singer Frank Dimino (Frank sang on one song on Punky’s album and Punky played on one of Frank’s songs for his great solo album Old Habits Die Hard under the banner of Dimino).

    The shows went so well that Frank and Punky decided they wanted to reform Angel.  So with Danny with them, they reformed the band with new people.

    As of this writing, Angel consists of Frank on vocals, Punky on guitar, Danny on guitar, Tommy Caradonna on bass (Felix Robinson did a few shows in between on bass before Tommy came in, replacing Steve E. Ojaine.), Charlie Calv on keyboards, and Billy Orrico on drums.

    The band has released two great albums since returning.  Risen, released in 2019, and Once Upon A Time, released in 2023.

    It wasn’t until 2023 that I was able to finally see the band.

    I saw them twice in 2023 (first show here and second show here) and both shows were phenomenal.

    I got to meet them at the second show and all of the guys were very kind and signed all of my Angel CDs.  Could not have been nicer.

    When I saw they were playing again this year, I did not hesitate to buy another ticket to see them. 

    I also decided I wanted to meet them again and get my Angel records signed (Sorry guys I need to buy a few more for you to sign.  Next time I see you, I’ll bring those.).  

    So, I went to the show and met them before the show (This is a paid meet and greet, but it’s not too expensive.).

    Like before, all the guys were super friendly and signed everything.  These guys really love their fans and really take the time to talk to them.  And trust me it’s greatly appreciated by us fans.  Also at the merch stand, I bought a shirt, Punky’s album on vinyl (I’ll bring that to sign next time.) and a signed Felix picture that he signed when he was doing the few shows he did with the band.  I hope to meet him someday too but if not, I at least have his autograph and like Frank, Punky and Danny, is friendly to me and other fans on Facebook too.

    Anyway, this show was phenomenal too.  This band really rocks.  

    I still don’t know why they did not become a bigger band because they had/have it all.  But the fanbase they do have is very loyal and passionate.

    I’m glad I became a fan when I did and I’m glad they got back together and are still making great music and playing great shows.

    So thank you guys so much for all the great music (hopefully more in the future) and for all your kindness.  I love you all.

    Opening bands were In Theory, who are a very good newer rock band, and a good fun cover band called Alecia Houston & The Firmm.  Their rhythm section especially is very good.

    But the night was really about Angel, and like the other two times I saw them, they did not disappoint.

    Great songs, old and new, and everyone is phenomenal at what they do.

    Again, thank you Angel for giving us fans a great time, for the amazing music, and again, your kindness and grace.

    Angel Rocks!!!!!

    Angel Set List:

    1. On The Rocks
    2. Can You Feel It
    3. Mirrors
    4. Wild And Hot
    5. Bad Time
    6. Cast The First Stone
    7. The Fortune
    8. We Were The Wild
    9. Got Love If You Want It
    10. Don’t Leave Me Lonely
    11. It’s Alright
    12. Pressure Point
    13. Ain’t Gonna Eat Out My Heart Anymore
    14. Feelin’ Right
    15. Rock And Rollers
    16. Encore:  The Tower

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Nolan Taylor/Clarke Sexton/Justin Wells Concert Review

    May 13 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: Friday, May 10, 2024
    • Location of Concert: Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY

    My friend Jamie McClintic and I went to a concert on May 10 near where I live:  the Paramount Arts Center.

    We saw singer/songwriter Nolan Taylor, singer/guitarist Clarke Sexton and his band (who all also was Nolan’s band on this night) and singer/songwriter Justin Wells.

    Justin Wells started the show with just himself and an acoustic guitar.  No band backing him, although he does have a band.

    His songs and storytelling are very heartfelt, funny, and very good.  He sounded great and the crowd really enjoyed hearing him.

    Next up was Clarke Sexton and his great band.  They were a little more upbeat, but also still quite melodic and musically very diverse.  Clarke Sexton is a great singer and guitarist, and his band is phenomenal. 

    Then Nolan Taylor came on, again backed by Clarke Sexton and his band.

    Nolan is also a very good singer/songwriter and has a lot of stories to tell in his songs.

    I’ll be honest, all of these people were unknown to me before seeing them, and even though I thought there were way too many ballads played for my taste (and I love ballads but not 3 hours of them), everyone did a great job and the crowd loved them.

    I hope all of these guys have great success.  

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Donnie Iris & The Cruisers/The Vindys Concert Review

    April 8 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: April 6, 2024
    • Location of Concert: The Bluestone in Columbus, OH

    My girlfriend Mariah and I went to see Donnie Iris & The Cruisers, at The Bluestone in Columbus, OH Saturday of April 6.

    Opening the show was a band called The Vindys, from Youngstown, OH.

    Such a great band.  Everyone kicked serious butt.

    The singer, Jackie Popovec, is PHENOMENAL.  She can sing anything and it will sound great.

    The band, along with Popevec, includes guitarists John Anthony and Rick Deak, bassist Brendan Burke, drummer Owen Davis, keyboardist Nathan Anthony, trumpet player Kyle O’Donnell, saxophone player Garrett Kuchmaner, and trombone player Brian Mayle.

    They have been around for 10 years and I must say I am very impressed with this band.  

    They played a mix of originals and covers, including a great version of the Black Sabbath classic “War Pigs”.  

    Great stuff.

    OK to the headliner:  Donnie Iris & The Cruisers.

    Admittedly, I was initially going to this show because my girlfriend really likes this band and wanted me to go too.  I was fine with going, but I was not super familiar with their music, I’m sad to say.  But I did my homework and listened to some of their albums and now I love them.  So then I was more excited and now I’m glad I went.

    Donnie Iris is 81 years old, just got over cancer (on stage he called this the “Fuck cancer tour”), and he has more energy than I may ever have. 

    He really gets into it.  Occasionally he sat on a stool, but I don’t blame him because the energy he was giving was a lot. 

    And vocally, he is as great as he was over 40 years ago.  He gives it his all on stage.

    Before The Cruisers, he was in Wild Cherry, who had the big hit “Play That Funky Music”.  He was also in a band called The Jaggerz, who had a hit with the song “The Rapper”.

    The Cruisers played both of these songs at this show, but mostly, it was their songs they played.  Such a great set of songs, including their hits “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like A Rock”.

    The band, with Donnie on vocals and some guitar, includes multi-instrumentalist Mark Avsec (who was also in Wild Cherry with Donnie), lead guitarist Marty Lee Hoenes, bassist Paul Goll, and drummer Kevin Valentine.

    Being the KISS fan I am, I know of Kevin’s drumming on their album Psycho Circus (he played drums on all songs but 1 on the album) and Revenge (he played drums on one song on that album).

    Great great band fronted by an amazing singer/frontman.

    Stay cancer free Donnie!!!!!  And keep on rocking!!!!!!!

    Donnie Iris & The Cruisers Set List:

    1. Agnes
    2. That’s The Way Love Ought To Be
    3. Do You Compute?
    4. Tough World
    5. Sweet Merilee
    6. Pretender
    7. This Time It Must Be Love/Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)/Another One Bites The Dust (Queen cover)
    8. Play That Funky Music (Wild Cherry cover)
    9. Minnie The Moocher (The Ho De Ho Song)-Cab Calloway cover
    10. Ridin’ Thunder
    11. Ei Ei Ei O Polka (Frankie Yankovic cover)
    12. Love Is Like A Rock
    13. Ah! Leah!
    14. The Rapper (The Jaggerz cover)/Hush (Joe South cover, although they covered Deep Purple’s version of it)
    15. With A Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles cover, although they covered Joe Cocker’s version of it)

    The Vindys Set List:

    1. Intro/Bugs
    2. Don’t Tell Me Just Love Me
    3. Save Me
    4. Misery
    5. Morning Light
    6. Bang
    7. Chasin/War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover)
    8. If I Want

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    A Dream I Never Thought Would Come True Finally Did: My Big Ears Festival Experience Seeing John Paul Jones 3 Times and Herbie Hancock!!!!

    March 25 2024 / 2 Comments

    In late 2019, I bought a wristband (you wear a wristband instead of having a ticket) for a festival in March of 2020, which is called Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee.

    It has been going strong for 15 years, and it encompasses a lot of artists of various types of music, as well as other arts.  It also occurs at many different venues throughout Knoxville.

    I bought a wristband for this because one of my favorite musicians, John Paul Jones, was scheduled to play.

    As of this writing, he does not tour anymore, but he still does play live from time to time with various different musicians.

    He was booked to play twice at this event.  One as a solo act, the other with his duo group Sons of Chipotle (w/Anssi Karttunen).

    I was sooooo excited.

    However, about two weeks before the festival was to happen, this thing called COVID reared it’s ugly head and shut down the world.

    So, Big Ears Festival did not happen in 2020 and  I did not get to see John Paul Jones.

    I was heartbroken.  I don’t blame anyone for canceling everything because that needed to happen to try to protect people.  But still, I was heartbroken.

    Fast forward to September 2023, I find out that Big Ears Festival has once again announced John Paul Jones as a solo act and as part of Sons Of Chipotle (also later announced to play with Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth too) in March of 2024.

    I was so happy I was getting another chance to see who I think is one of the greatest musicians ever.

    And if that wasn’t enough, Jazz legend Herbie Hancock was announced to play at Big Ears Festival too!!

    I bought a wristband very quickly, booked a hotel room in Knoxville near the venues I was going to, and then waited for March to get here.

    Well, it finally did.

    I went to Knoxville and saw John Paul Jones 3 times!!!  Once on Friday, March 22.  Once on Saturday, March 23.  And once on Sunday, March 24.  All 3 shows completely different too.  And I saw Herbie Hancock a few hours after the second John  Paul Jones show!!

    I’ll start with the first John Paul Jones show.

    Oh for those of you who don’t know who John Paul Jones is, let me give you a little history.  Born John Baldwin, he became a sought after session musician in the 1960s, as well as becoming a music arranger.

    Through his session work, he met Jimmy Page, and when John found out that Jimmy was forming a new group, he called Jimmy and asked if he could be the bass player.  This group ultimately became Led Zeppelin.  One of the biggest bands ever.

    After Zeppelin, John went back to arranging and producing different artists and playing with many different musicians.

    He even made a few albums of his own, including the Scream For Help movie soundtrack, and the solo albums Zooma and The Thunderthief.

    He also was in a band called Them Crooked Vultures, with Josh Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age and Eagles Of Death Metal, and Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters.

    And he reunited with Zeppelin a few times for some one off shows.  The best one being what is now a live album/DVD/Blu-ray called Celebration Day.  Phenomenal show from 2007.

    If you dig into his discography, John is soooooo diverse, musically.  He’s worked with everyone from The Rolling Stones, Donovan, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Madeline Bell, Jeff Beck, Paul McCartney, Ben E. King, The Mission, Cinderella, R.E.M., Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Diamonda Galas, Heart, just to name a few.  Go to johnpauljones.com and check out his discography.

    OK on to the shows.

    The first John Paul Jones show was just him.  No band or any other musicians at all.

    He told the crowd he had never done a show like this.

    He started the show by coming up from inside the floor playing a big organ.  He was playing the Led Zeppelin song “Your Time Is Gonna Come”.

    Throughout this first show, John mostly played instrumental versions of Zeppelin songs as a well as a few other things.  Including an awesome instrumental of “Down To The River To Pray”, which he covers on his album The Thunderthief.

    And he did all of this on many different instruments.  Organ, Bass, 3-String Acoustic/Mandolin/Bass, Collapsible Lap Steel Guitar, and Piano with various electronics on pads.

    If you are a Zeppelin fan, this was DEFINITELY the show to see.

    As legendary as Zeppelin are, John always seems to be the least talked about of all the band members.  It’s so odd because trust me, he is one of the best musicians of all time.

    And I saw it in spades. Monster player.

    Throughout the show, John also spoke to the audience.  He has a very good sense of humor.  Even when he had a few brief technical difficulties with some of his technology, he even joked about that too. 

    When introducing the Zeppelin song “Ramble On”, he talked about how people put “Isolated Bass” tracks out for people to listen to on the Internet.  He said that at least when you listen to his “Isolated Bass” tracks that you know he didn’t suck as a player.  

    I can’t say enough about this show.  He played for roughly an hour and it was sooooo much fun.

    And me and a few fans almost got to meet him when he was leaving the theatre after the show, but his security rushed him out.  But that’s OK.  I at least have his autograph, via online, and a few fellow fans told me it is legit, and I believe them.  All good.

    The second John Paul Jones show was the next day, and it was his group with Anssii Karttunen called Sons Of Chipotle.

    It has nothing to do with the food chain, according to John.

    In this group, which this was their US debut (they had only played overseas a few times), John played piano, electronics, and mandolin while Anssii played Cello and electronics.

    The best way I can describe their music is to say it is avant-garde electronic Jazz music.

    Very dark and moody.

    It reminds me of the theme music for Rod Serling’s Night Gallery, or music from a horror movie from the 1960s or 70s.

    Which is not a bad thing, but a lot of people I think probably thought it was too weird for them.  Their loss because I enjoyed it. 

    It’s very different, but that’s what’s so great about Big Ears Festival is that it’s so musically and artistically diverse.

    So having Sons Of Chipotle play at this festival was perfect.

    Thank you guys!!

    Oh and both of these shows were at the Tennessee Theatre, which is a great venue.

    And actually, it was a perfect lead-in to my next concert later in the evening:  Jazz legend Herbie Hancock!!!

    Having played with Miles Davis, Herbie then went on his own, making a lot of albums over the decades.  Even a few soundtracks, like the one to the first Death Wish movie, which I love.

    Herbie and his band, which includes himself on Piano/Keyboards/Vocoder/Keytar, Terence Blanchard on Trumpet, Devin Daniels on Saxophone, James Genus on Bass, Trevor Lawrence Jr. on Drums, and Lionel Loueke on Guitar, played a PHENOMENAL almost 2 hour set of tunes that just blew me away.

    All of these guys are MASTERS at their craft. 

    Just go see them.  You will not be disappointed.

    Then the next day, I saw the third John Paul Jones show.  This time he played Bass/Electronics/Piano with Thurston Moore, Guitarist of the band Sonic Youth.

    They had played before a few years ago.

    Like Sons Of Chipotle, this show was pretty avant garde.  At least the first half was.  The second part may have been more musical for some people’s ears, but still very adventurous.

    This was definitely the loudest show I had seen during this festival, which was fine with me.  

    The two of them played like they were mad scientists, which I mean in a good way.

    John is phenomenal on the Bass, but he is also out of this world on Piano.  His playing was a sight to behold.  And Thurston made a lot of sound with his Guitar.  Really cool stuff.

    This show was at a club called The Mill And Mine.  A very nice club.

    I am sooooooooo glad I got to go to Big Ears Festival in 2024.  Thank you for being such a great organization with great staff, and for booking all of these great talents.

    I only saw these shows, but trust me, there were a TON of great artists there giving fans more than their money’s worth.

    And thank you to Anssii Karttunen, Herbie Hancock and his amazing band, and Thurston Moore for all of the awesome shows I saw during this festival.

    But most thanks I’m giving to John Paul Jones, just because I have been wanting to see him in concert for years, but sadly, just missed him before or didn’t get the chance.  Until this festival.  Thank you for everything.  One of my favorite musicians ever and always.

    Dream come true for me.  I’m glad it did come true.

    I’m only putting two of the set lists here because the other two were really more improv stuff.  Still great of course.

    And one more thing:  I was able to stay at a very nice hotel, eat at some good restaurants, went to some cool music stores, and even went to see a movie.

    Great weekend.

    John Paul Jones Set List:

    1. Your Time Is Gonna Come (on Wurlitzer Pipe Organ)
    2. No Quarter (on Piano)
    3. Down To The River To Pray (on 3-String Acoustic/Mandolin/Bass)
    4. Ramble On (on Bass)
    5. When The Levee Breaks (on Collapsible Lap Steel Guitar)
    6. Since I’ve Been Loving You (on Piano)
    7. Piano Solo
    8. Going To California (on Mandolin)
    9. Bass/Piano Improv.  Actually on this and Down To The River To Pray, he did multi track parts, which means he plays one part, records it, then plays another part while the recording is playing too.  He did that a lot during the shows he played.  He also played a little more of No Quarter at the end of this show.

    Herbie Hancock Set List;

    1. Overture (included Dark Ligtning and parts of Rockit by Herbie’s Guitarist Lionel Loueke) and then Band Introductions
    2. Footprints (Wayne Shorter cover, arranged by Herbie’s Trumpet player Terence Blanchard)
    3. Actual Proof
    4. Come Running To Me (in which Herbie used a Vocoder.  He said he may have been the first to use the Vocoder.  Really cool stuff.)
    5. Secret Sauce
    6. Chamelion (featuring Herbie on the Keytar and Trumpet player Terence Blanchard playing Keyboards)

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    KK’s Priest/L.A. Guns/Burning Witches Concert Review

    March 17 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: March 16, 2024
    • Location of Concert: The King of Clubs in Columbus, OH

    For the first time in 15 years, I saw K.K. Downing in concert!!

    K.K. is the former co-guitarist/co-songwriter/classic member of the super influential Heavy Metal band and now Rock And Roll Hall of Famers Judas Priest.

    K.K. left Priest in 2011 and aside from playing some guitar on Queensryche’s Frequency Unknown album in 2013, produced a few bands, started a metal news website and eventually a club called KK’s Steel Mill, and got into the golf course business and other things, he quit music until roughly 2020 when he formed KK’s Priest.

    Along with former Judas Priest singer Tim “Ripper” Owens (who replaced classic singer Rob Halford from 1996-2003), co-guitarist A.J. Mills, bassist Tony Newton, and drummer Sean Elg, KK’s Priest have made two solid classic sounding Heavy Metal albums, Sermons of The Sinner in 2021 and The Sinner Rides Again in 2023 (mostly written by K.K.), and are now as of this writing, finally touring the United States.

    I got to see them at The King of Clubs in Columbus, OH.

    Like I said, this was the first time I saw K.K. in 15 years.  I had last seen him in Judas Priest in 2009 in Cincinnati, OH.  See review here.

    And actually, this is the first time I saw Tim since 2002 when I saw him with K.K. and the rest of Judas Priest for the first time, also in Columbus, OH.  See review here.

    I have complained a lot about what K.K. has said about leaving Judas Priest and about some things he said in his book, but at the end of the day, I love him, he’s still a great player, and I’m super glad he’s playing again and making albums.  And I’m really glad he’s working with Tim again and has a very good band.

    They played great, playing a set of half their own material and half Judas Priest classics, and both they and the fans, including myself, had a great time.

    Thank you guys for such a great time.  I really needed it because this has been a terrible year for me, health wise.  But enough about me.

    L.A. Guns also played!!

    This was the third time I saw this version of the band, featuring classic singer Phil Lewis and founding member/part namesake guitarist Tracii Guns.

    Their lineup is filled out with guitarist Ace Von Johnson (who I actually met briefly later on, great guy!), bassist Johnny Martin, and drummer Shawn Duncan.

    They are always amazing and have really been on a roll since 2017, releasing 4 great albums (The Missing Peace, The Devil You Know, Checkered Past, and Black Diamonds), and have another one coming later this year.  I cannot wait to buy it!!

    I love this band.  Phil is one of the best singers.  He said he was having voice issues during this show, but I could not tell because he sounded amazing as always.

    Tracii is one of the great guitar players and needs to be more known than he is.  I consider him a guitar genius.

    The whole band is solid as a rock and I can’t say enough great things about them.

    Check them out!!

    And opening the show was an all female Swiss Metal band called Burning Witches.

    It consists of singer Laura Guldemond, guitarist Larissa Ernst, guitarist Romana Kalkuhl, bassist Jeanine Grob, and drummer Lala Frischknecht.

    I was semi aware of them, but this was definitely the first time I ever saw and heard them.

    They’re very heavy and very good.

    Great singing and musicianship.

    This was a great show, all around.

    Again, I really needed this one.

    Thanks to all the bands for such a great time.

    Rock on!!

    KK's Priest Set List:

    1. Intro/Hellfire Thunderbolt
    2. One More Shot At Glory
    3. The Ripper (Judas Priest song)
    4. Reap The Whirlwind
    5. Night Crawler (Judas Priest song)
    6. Burn In Hell (Judas Priest song)
    7. Beyond The Realms of Death (Judas Priest song)
    8. Hell Patrol (Judas Priest song)
    9. Brothers of the Road
    10. The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Prong Crown-Fleetwood Mac song covered by Judas Priest)
    11. Breaking The Law (Judas Priest song)
    12. Victim of Changes (Judas Priest song)
    13. Encore:  Strike of the Viper
    14. Raise Your Fists

    L.A. Guns Set List:

    1. Intro-Tracii playing guitar along to Ozzy Osbourne’s Diary of a Madman song
    2. Cannonball
    3. Electric Gypsy
    4. Over The Edge
    5. Like A Drug
    6. Sex Action
    7. Speed
    8. Hell’s Bells (AC/DC song) Intro/Never Enough
    9. The Ballad of Jayne
    10. Rip and Tear

    Burning Witches Set List:

    1. Unleash The Beast
    2. Wings of Steel
    3. Hexenhammer
    4. Lucid Nightmare
    5. The Dark Tower
    6. Burning Witches

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Mammoth WVH/Nita Strauss Concert Review

    March 4 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: March 1, 2024
    • Location of Concert: Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH

    My girlfriend Mariah Startzman and I went to see Mammoth WVH (Wolfgang Van Halen) and Nita Strauss in concert.

    I had seen Mammoth before and Nita playing guitar for Alice Cooper many times, but Mariah had not seen either, and I had not seen Nita solo.

    Nita and her band opened the show with a tight, heavy set.

    Half of the set was instrumental and the other half featured vocals by the singer of Deadlands Kasey Karlsen.

    Nita is a great guitar player, lots of stage presence, and has a great solo band.  While not doing this, she plays guitar for Alice Cooper.

    Check out her music and go see her live.  She rocks!!

    Then Mammoth WVH took the stage.

    This is Wolfgang Van Halen’s band.  In the studio, he has done everything on the first two albums, but live, he needs a band.

    I first saw them when Wolfgang started doing headline shows in 2021.  It was his third ever headline show.

    It was a very special show, but after seeing him and the band this time, I can tell he is a lot more confident on stage and has a lot more seasoning.

    Like in 2021, though, the band rocked.

    Wolfgang is a very talented, special singer/songwriter/musician.

    He has it all and is great at all.

    As great a musician as he is, I’m most impressed with his singing and songwriting capabilities.

    He has a great future in music I think.

    Only two albums so far, but I’m sure there will be many more to come.  I certainly hope so.

    Check out Mammoth WVH.

    He/they are awesome.

    Great show.  Mariah and I had a great time.

    Mammoth WVH Set List:

    1. I’m Alright
    2. Right?
    3. Epiphany
    4. Miles Above Me
    5. Like A Pastime
    6. Horribly Right
    7. Optimist
    8. Stone
    9. Distance (Acoustic-Wolfgang does this by himself.)
    10. Think It Over (His Dad Edward Van Halen’s favorite song)
    11. Mammoth
    12. You’re To Blame
    13. Take A Bow
    14. Encore:  Another Celebration At The End Of The World
    15. Don’t Back Down

    Nita Strauss Set List:

    1. Summer Storm
    2. Our Most Desperate Hour
    3. Mariana Trench
    4. Alegria
    5. The Quest/Drum Solo
    6. The Wolf You Feed
    7. Through The Noise
    8. Dead Inside
    9. Victorious

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