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I Never Thought This Would Happen: Triumph/April Wine Concert Review
- Date Of Concert: Saturday, May 30th, 2026
- Location of Concert: Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre At Freedom Hill in Sterling Heights, MI
Like I said in the title, I never thought this would happen.
What do I mean? The idea that the band Triumph would ever reunite and tour again.
Even last year, it was not happening and never going to.
They had their great run in the 70s and 80s, and aside from a few things since then (an album and brief tour in the early 90s, two shows in 08, one small show for hardcore fans for the band’s documentary, and one song for one of co-singer/guitarist Rik Emmett’s solo albums) Triumph were over.
Whenever asked, Rik, co-singer/drummer Gil Moore and bassist Mike Levine would always say it was never going to happen.
Well, in late 2025, it was announced that Triumph was reuniting for a tour with fellow Canadian band April Wine opening.
Although Triumph was reuniting, it would only be Rik and Gil (Mike as of this writing has not appeared at any of the shows due to health reasons. Take care!!), and they added some members to help fill out the sound and to help the guys enhance the show.
They brought in Phil X (guitar/vocals, who also was in Triumph during their brief 90s run, playing on their great and underrated Edge Of Excess album, and now plays in Bon Jovi, and works with various others, including his own music too) to play second guitar with Rik and to sing too, some lead (Allied Forces and Rocky Mountain Way) and on harmony/backing vocals too. Great singer and player.
Via Phil’s recommendation, the band brought in Todd Kerns (bass/vocals, who works with various people, including Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, Blackbird Angels, Bruce Kulick, and so much more) and Brent Fitz (drums/vocals, also of Slash Featuring Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators, Bruce Kulick, Union, Lita Ford, Alice Cooper, Vince Neil, The Guess Who, Theory Of A Dead Man, and so much more). Todd sings lead on Spellbound and Follow Your Heart and not only is a great player, but a great singer.
I know Rik and Gil had their doubts and fears as to whether or not they could pull this off again after so many years, but trust me, they more than pull it off.
They definitely tuned down so Rik would not have to sing as many high notes, but he still has a great voice and range. And his guitar playing is still out of this world.
Gil’s voice is as great as ever and he still plays drums great.
But having Phil, Todd, and Brent has enhanced the show experience.
They now have more vocal harmonies, lead and rhythm guitars, and two drummers. Gil even sometimes steps out front and sings while Brent plays drums on his own. Other songs Gil plays drums and Brent plays keyboards.
The show has great visuals, which Triumph has always been about. Visuals on the screens and some pyro too.
The band, especially, Rik, seem very happy and are having the time of their life on this tour.
Rik even said during this show that before this tour that he was content being home sitting on the coach with his five cats and enjoying retirement. But he is now really glad this is happening and is feeling beyond blessed to be rocking again.
Their show is incredible!!!
The songs are great!!!
The singing/musicianship are phenomenal!!!!
This tour has been doing really well. This show was sold out!!
The amphitheater was nice with really good sound.
Oh and let’s not forget about April Wine, who opened the show with a really good set of songs.
April Wine includes classic member Brian Greenway (guitar/lead vocals), as well as Marc Parent (lead vocals/guitar), Richard Lanthier (bass/backing vocals), and Roy Nichol (drums/percussion/backing vocals). They sounded really good too.
I could go on and on about this, but I’ll just end by saying never say never about anything.
I NEVER thought Triumph would reunite.
Triumph did not know that Triumph was going to reunite until they did.
Gil said during the initial press for this reunion that after saying no so many times that this one time they finally decided to say yes.
And they are really rocking again, which is a beautiful thing.
I’m glad they are back!! Thank you guys for everything.
Another huge bucket list show for me.
Now I hope they make more music.
Love you all and rock on!!
Triumph Set List:
- When The Lights Go Down
- Somebody’s Out There
- Spellbound
- Hold On
- Allied Forces
- Blinding Light Show
- Rock & Roll Machine
- Rocky Mountain Way (Joe Walsh cover)
- Never Surrender
- Lay It On The Line
- 24 Hours A Day (Intro)/Follow Your Heart
- Magic Power
- Encore: I Live For The Weekend
- Fight The Good Fight
April Wine Set List:
- I Like To Rock
- Anything You Want, You Got It
- All Over Town
- Say Hello
- Enough Is Enough
- Before The Dawn
- You Could’ve Been A Lady (Hot Chocolate Cover)
- Just Between You And Me
- Sign Of The Gypsy Queen (Lorence Hud cover)
- Roller
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Thank You Angel and Starz for the Music and Your Kindness!!
- Date of concert: Friday, May 29th, 2026
- Location of Concert: The Winchester in Lakewood, OH
I went to see two of my favorite bands, Angel and Starz, at a club/bar in Lakewood, Ohio called The Winchester.
This was the 4th time I had seen Angel, but the first time I saw Starz.
Starz usually do not play anywhere near me, so going to this show was a must for me. To see both bands in one night is a dream bill for me.
Before the show, however, I met Angel for the 3rd time at a paid meet and greet. They signed a few more of my records (they signed more things the last two times I met them so I have a lot of CDs and records signed by them now) and I got my picture taken with them again.
They are all very nice people, and guitarists Punky Meadows and Danny Farrow Anniello called me by name (I’m friends with them on Facebook, along with singer Frank Dimino and classic bassist Felix Robinson.).
I am forever an Angel fan. I love all of their albums and are a great live band. They are currently on a “Farewell Tour”, but they still have a new album coming, as well as a documentary.
I hope this was not the last time I meet Angel (I’d like to get more of my collection signed. Please?!), but if it was, I just want to thank them again for the music and for their kindness. I love you guys. Punky said they love me too, and I’m forever grateful that they care about their fans.
After this, I went to meet original Starz members Richie Ranno (guitar) and Joe X. Dube (drums) at their table. They just meet fans for free!! Both were extremely nice and personable. I brought all the Starz CD booklets and a DVD sleeve, (I bought all of these from Richie on their website.) and when I told them they didn’t have to sign everything if they didn’t want to, Richie said in a very cool and calm way “what else am I gonna do?”
Again, both were extremely kind and signed everything I had and I had my picture taken with both of them.
Like with Angel, I love Starz also and am glad I got this opportunity to meet them too.
Now to the actual concert.
Starz started the night with a really good set of various tunes from their earlier albums.
When they came onstage, Joe gave me another handshake and I told him to have a great show!! And he and the band did.
Like I said, Richie (guitar) and Joe (drums) are the original members.
The rest of the band includes Doug Palmer (vocals, thanks for the fist bump on stage!!), Jason Draven (guitar), and Chris Tristrum on bass.
Richie also told some stories. He talked about how he got a call from KISS’ management Rock Steady about doing an audition for what would become Starz (Fallen Angel at the time). He talked about how one time he and Joe, through another mutual KISS connection Sean Delaney, met Elton John!! Richie said Elton told them he liked their band and had bought their album himself!! Great stuff.
Like Angel, I think Starz should be a HUGE band, but for some reason, they only were ever a cult favorite.
They were signed to KISS’ management, had Aerosmith’s producer Jack Douglas (RIP) produce their first two albums, had great songs, great singing and playing, they had it all.
But regardless, Starz made their mark and luckily still are around.
I hope they will make more music someday because this band still rocks with the best of them.
Richie told me before the show that they were going to make the night feel like a 70s rock show. And they did!!
Starz rules!!
Angel headlined, and as always, they really rocked.
Singer Frank Dimino is as great as ever, Punky Meadows (one of my favorite guitarists ever and such a cool guy) and Danny Farrow Anniello make an awesome guitar team, fill-in bassist Johnny Leigh (Bassist Tommy Caradonna has been sitting out some dates for some personal reasons. All the best.), drummer Billy Orrico is a beast, and keyboardist Charlie Calv is a great talent also.
I hope this was not the last time I saw Angel, but if it was, it was another phenomenal show from one of my favorite bands.
And like I said about Starz, I wish Angel were HUGE. They are to me.
Such a great show all around
And it was sold out too, which was great.
Thank you all for everything.
P.S. I know some of these pictures look pixelated, but trust me, they are not that way. For some reason, they recently started showing up this way on the website. I’m trying to figure out why. Either way, for anyone who sees these posts, I hope this does not take away the fact I love doing this and love documenting these great happenings in my otherwise normally boring and frankly not very exciting life. I make no money doing this and it’s really a passion project for me. But for anyone who sees this post or any of my others and likes it, I thank you.
Starz Set List:
- Detroit Girls
- Tear It Down
- Live Wire
- (She’s Just A) Fallen Angel
- Monkey Business
- Night Crawler
- Last Night I Wrote A Letter
- Cherry Baby
- Pull The Plug
- Coliseum Rock/It’s A Riot/Boys In Action
Angel Set List:
- On The Rocks
- Can You Feel It
- Mirrors
- Wild And Hot
- Bad Time
- The Fortune
- We Were The Wild
- Got Love If You Want It
- Don’t Leave Me Lonely
- Telephone Exchange
- Pressure Point
- Feelin’ Right
- Rock N Rollers
- Tower
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Pentagram Concert Review
- Date of Concert: Wednesday, May 27th, 2026
- Location of Concert: Live At The Shop in Dunbar, WV
- Openers: Executionist, Fuzzfiend, Ghost In Me, Today Is The Day
I saw a show last night a friend of mine told me about.
Metal band Pentagram played at a small club in Dunbar, WV, not too far from where I work.
If he would not have told me about it, I would not have known, so thanks Brandon.
Most of the opening acts (Executionist, Fuzzfiend, Ghost In Me) were local bands, although they were quite good and I recommend checking them out, but Today Is The Day was the main opener for this show. They were good too.
But the main reason I was there was to see Pentagram.
Fronted by original singer Bobby Liebling (who in recent years has somehow become a popular MEME with his facial expressions), Pentagram has been around since the early 1970s, mostly known in the underground scene.
However, they have maintained a loyal following and still put out albums (Bobby said at the show they were going to make another album this July.) and seem to do alright.
And judging by the performance they had and reaction they got at this show, I would definitely say Pentagram is doing alright.
The current lineup includes Bobby on vocals, Tony Reed on guitar, John “Scooter” Haslip on bass, and Henry Vasquez on drums.
Bobby still has a very good voice, his band is great, and the songs are really good.
Even though the venue was a very small club, it was a good venue, and it had people of various ages, but mostly younger people.
I think that’s great because music of all genres needs to have younger fans to continue the fandom onward.
The show was very LOUD, but good and rocking.
I’m glad I went and I thank my friend Brandon for telling me about it.
Pentagram Set List:
- Live Again
- Starlady
- The Ghoul
- I Spoke To Death
- Sinister
- When The Screams Come
- Sign Of The Wolf (Pentagram)
- Dull Pain
- Review Your Choices
- Thundercrest
- Walk The Sociopath
- Encore: Forever My Queen
- 20 Buck Spin
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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George Thorogood & The Destroyers/The Marshall Tucker Band (Happy Birthday Doug Gray!!) Concert Review
- Date of Concert: Friday, May 22, 2026
- Location of Concert: The Rose Music Center At The Heights in Huber Heights, Ohio
When I initially found out about this concert, I was interested, but was not going to go because the lead singer of most of the songs by The Marshall Tucker Band, Doug Gray, had been sitting out on the live shows for several months, due to health reasons.
Now, the band still rocks, but I wanted to see Doug.
And as awesome as George Thorogood & The Destroyers are, I had already seen them, so I was content.
Nevertheless, I was interested in the concert bill, especially for The Marshall Tucker Band, because they are one of my remaining bucket list bands to see.
Well, once I found out Doug Gray was back on the road with The Marshall Tucker Band, then I immediately bought a ticket.
When I told a fellow fan I was going to this show, they told me that the day of the show is Doug’s birthday.
So, even more reason to go!!
It was a fun show, which I knew it would be.
The Marshall Tucker Band started and played roughly an hour set.
Some fans have complained about Doug’s vocal ability for the past few years, but I think he’s fine. He has been a fantastic for decades, and if he’s lost some range? So what?
He turned 78 on this day, he’s a Vietnam veteran (Army sergeant), he’s been in the band for 56 years (the sole original member still in the band), he had triple bypass surgery last year (that’s why he was off the road), and he’s out on the road again doing several shows giving everything he has. Give him a break people. I dare you to do better.
Anyway, I thought Doug and the guys rocked.
One of the things I love about The Marshall Tucker Band is the variety in sound they have. They play rock, country, blues, gospel, jazz, funk, you name it, and it’s all done at a high level.
All the musicians in the band are great.
Along with Doug, they include guitarists Chris Hicks (who also sings lead on some of the songs and has been in the band over 30 years) and Chris Anderson, bassist/vocalist Ryan Ware, drummer Leroy Wilson (Air Force veteran), and keyboardist/saxophonist/flautist/vocalist Marcus James Henderson.
Even though it was only roughly an hour, I’m so glad I got to see The Marshall Tucker Band. Happy Birthday Doug for this day and many more birthdays to come!! Thank you for the music and for your service.
Next up was George Thorogood & The Destroyers.
Vocalist/guitarist George Thorogood and his band (guitarist Jim Suhler, bassist Bill Blough, saxophonist Buddy Leach, and drummer Jeff Simon) have been rocking for decades, consistently delivering on their brand of rock and roll, blues, and boogie woogie.
I doubt they have ever had a bad show.
Their show is beyond tight and again consistent.
In short: They Rock!!
This was another great show and if this was the last time I saw either act, then it was a great one.
I say this because after August of 2026, I do not intend to go to as many concerts anymore.
I am beyond broke and costs (tickets, gas, travel) are becoming way too high.
Never say never (I’ve been saying I’m going to slow down or stop for 11 or 12 years as of this typing), but I intend to slow down after of August of 2026. We’ll see.
Until then, I have more shows to see and hopefully people to meet.
Rock on everyone.
P.S. Along with the many pictures and videos I took, I also took some screen grabs of four posts from The Marshall Tucker Band and George Thorogood & The Destroyers respective Facebook pages, showing when Doug was back, announcing his birthday, a message from Doug after the show, and a message from George after the show. Hopefully, that’s OK. If not, I’ll take them off. I wanted to post them here because they are related to this show.
Anyway, I loved this show and I hope for anyone who reads this enjoys my thoughts on it. And if you were there too, I hope you also had as much fun as I did.
Thank you.
The Marshall Tucker Band Set List:
- Running Like The Wind
- Heard It In A Love Song
- This Ol’ Cowboy
- Searching For A Rainbow
- Cattle Drive
- Fire On The Mountain
- AB’s Song
- 24 Hours At A Time
- Can’t You See
George Thorogood & The Destroyers Set List:
- Rock Party
- Who Do You Love? (Bo Diddley cover)
- Mama Talk To Your Daughter (J.B. Lenoir cover)
- I Drink Alone
- One Bourbon, One Scotch, One Beer (Amos Milburn cover)
- Cocaine Blues (traditional cover, dedicated to Johnny Cash, who also did this song)
- Peter Gunn Theme
- Gear Jammer
- Get A Hair-Cut (Don’t Panic cover)
- Madison Blues (Elmore James cover)
- Bad To The Bone
- Gloria (Them cover)
- Move It On Over (Hank Williams With His Drifting Cowboys cover)
- Encore: Born To Be Bad
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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The Metal Tour Of The Year: Sepultura/Exodus/Biohazard/Tribal Gaze Concert Review
- Date Of Concert: Tuesday, May 5, 2026
- Location Of Concert: Old Forester's Paristown Hall in Louisville, KY
I had been looking forward to this show for some time because most of these bands I had never before seen.
It is definitely the Metal tour of the year for sure.
Headliners Sepultura (on their Farewell Tour), Exodus (I had seen them once, but with their previous singer), Biohazard, and newer band Tribal Gaze.
Tribal Gaze opened the show. Super heavy with the cookie monster vocal style. Not usually my thing, but they were a good start to what was going to be a very Metal night.
Biohazard was up next. I have been wanting to see Biohazard for many years, and even though the set was short, they were worth the wait. The classic lineup. A new album called Divided We Fall, which is amazing. Lots of energy. They kick butt!! I’m glad I finally got to see them.
As I said, I had seen Exodus once before, but not with their now returned singer Rob Dukes. Like Biohazard, Exodus have an amazing new album out called Goliath, which is definitely a favorite of mine already. Exodus are one of the kings of Thrash Metal and still wear the crown well. And as much as I love their singer Steve “Zetro” Souza (he apparently did not want to tour anymore and fair enough), I’ll now say welcome back to Rob Dukes!!
The headliner, Sepultura, were next and really kicked butt too. Like I said, they are on a Farewell Tour, although we’ll see if they stick to that because almost no one does. And nor should they because again, they kick butt, they have a new EP out called The Cloud Of Unknowing, and seem to still be having fun, like all of the bands I’ve just talked about.
This show was another bucket list one for sure, although they all are really. Especially at this point, because I’m on my Farewell Tour too now. I say this because at some point, maybe within the next year or two or less, I do not intend to go to as many shows anymore. Financially, it is beyond tough now and physically, I am tired of the travel. I love the shows, but everything else that goes with them I do not love. But we’ll see.
Either way, more shows to come this year, 2026. I cannot wait for them. Rock on everyone.
Sepultura Band Members
- Derrick Green (Lead Vocals)
- Andreas Kisser (Guitar/Vocals)
- Paulo Jr. (Bass/Vocals)
- Greyson Nekrutman (Drums/Percussion)
Exodus Band Members
- Rob Dukes (Lead Vocals)
- Gary Holt (Guitar)
- Lee Altus (Guitar)
- Jack Gibson (Bass)
- Tom Hunting (Drums)
Biohazard Band Members
- Evan Seinfeld (Lead Vocals/Bass)
- Billy Graziadei (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
- Bobby Hambel (Lead Guitar)
- Danny Schuler (Drums)
Tribal Gaze Band Members
- McKenna Holland (Lead Vocals)
- Quintin Stauts (Guitar)
- Ian Kilmer (Guitar)
- Zachary Denton (Bass)
- Cesar De Los Santos (Drums)
Sepultura Set List
- Beneath The Remains
- Inner Self
- Desperate Cry
- Kairos
- Means To An End
- Attitude
- The Vatican
- Choke
- The Place (New Song)
- Escape To The Void
- Kaiwas
- Dead Embryonic Cells
- Beyond The Dream (New Song and Live Debut of this Song)
- Orgasmatron (Motorhead cover, in tribute to Motorhead guitarist Phil Campbell)
- Territory
- Refuse/Resist
- Arise
- Ratamahatta
- Roots Bloody Roots
Exodus Set List
- 3111 (New Song)
- Bonded By Blood
- Deathamphetamine
- Blacklist
- Goliath (New Song)
- A Lesson In Violence
- The Toxic Waltz
- Strike Of The Beast
Biohazard Set List
- Urban Discipline
- Shades Of Grey
- Wrong Side Of The Tracks
- Fuck The System (New Song)
- Black And White And Red All Over
- Eyes On Six (New Song)
Tribal Gaze Set List
- Emptying The Nest
- Smiling From The Chariots
- To The Spoils Of Faith
- The Irreversible Sequence
- Twitching On The Cross
- Guarding The Illusion
- Beyond Recognition
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Uli Jon Roth Concert Review
I finally saw another member of the band Scorpions.
Former lead guitarist/singer on a few songs Uli Jon Roth.
I saw him at The King Of Clubs in Columbus, OH on Friday, May 1st, of 2026.
There were no opening acts.
Uli did two sets. One on his own, in which he played a bunch of instrumentals he has written and covered over the decades. He also told stories about the songs, talked about his history as an oil painter (some of his artwork was on stage and on the screens), talked about being a professor, talked about his book (showed some of it on the screens also), and overall, I can say this set was very interactive.
The second set included his band (Niklas Turmann on Vocals/Guitar, David Klosinski on Guitar, Barry Sparks on Bass, Jamie Little on Drums, and Gwen Antti-Adams on Vocals), in which they played the entire Scorpions album Virgin Killer, my favorite of the Uli era, although they’re all great, and some other Uli era Scorps songs.
If you are an Uli or early Scorps fan, this was the show for you.
Uli is a phenomenal artist, literally, and his band is very good. I was especially glad to see Barry Sparks too because he played bass on a lot of later Dokken albums and some Michael Schenker albums too, just to name a few.
This was the last show of the tour, and thanks to my friend Kevin Montavon and a friend of his, I was able to see this show for free. Thanks guys!!!
Another great show in the books.
More to come.
Rock on everyone.
Set Lists:
Set 1:
- Amadeus
- Rondo Alla Turca (Mozart cover)
- Queen Of The Night (Mozart cover)
- The Cry
- Sky Overture
- Uli Discussing his Paintings and his Book “In Search of the Alpha Law”
- Spirit Of The Heart
- The Sails Of Charon (Scorpions song-He did it in this set too because he said the song got expanded on the more he played it over the years, including with orchestras)
Set 2:
- Scorpions Virgin Killer Album (Tracks 1-9)-Pictured Life
- Catch Your Train
- In Your Park
- Backstage Queen
- Virgin Killer
- Hell-Cat
- Crying Days
- Polar Nights
- Yellow Raven
- Sun In My Hand
- We’ll Burn The Sky
- In Trance
- The Sails Of Charon
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Mariah And I Visited The Toledo Zoo
Mariah and I visited her favorite place, The Toledo Zoo, in Toledo, OH on Saturday, April 25th.
I personally had not been to a zoo since the late 80s when my family went to a zoo in Cincinnati, OH.
We had a good time. Saw lots of different types of animals. I took lots of pictures. I would have taken more pictures, but my phone battery was running out of power.
Regardless, it was a good day and it was great seeing all the different animals.
Favorites of mine include The Bald Eagle, Snowy Owl, Tiger (although it was asleep), Flamingos, Giraffes, Hippos. All were great, though.
I’ll let the pictures do most of the talking.
Enjoy and I recommend checking out The Toledo Zoo if you are ever in that area.
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I Finally Met Peter Criss of KISS!!
A few months ago, it was announced that Peter Criss (original drummer/co-singer of my favorite band KISS, as well as a solo artist) was going to do a few signings/photo op appearances to promote his latest solo album “Peter Criss”.
One of the appearances was going to be in the Detroit, MI area. Livonia, MI to be exact.
Originally, I was going to pass on it because I didn’t think I could afford it, but after Mariah mentioned it to me again, I then decided to do it, and it wasn’t extremely expensive. Thank you babe for mentioning it to me again.
Anyway, I went to the first day of it (Peter did two days of this appearance) at The Rock City Music Company, a very nice music/musical instrument store.
While waiting in line, I was able to speak to some fellow KISS fans and hear and tell some stories, which are always fun. Two of them first saw KISS on the Destroyer tour in 1976. One of which told me he and his friends went to their hotel, asked for Peter’s room number, got on the phone with Peter, and Peter invited them up to his room. One fan had come from Australia for this event and for the KISS Indy Expo in Indiana. Another fan caught Eric Carr (KISS drummer from 1980-1991, RIP) drum sticks once on a tour. I love all of these stories.
Peter did the appearances in a series of roughly hour increments (5 PM signing, 6 PM signing, 7 PM photo ops, 8 PM signing).
I met Peter in the 5 PM signing. His wife Gigi was with him. Both were very nice.
I had Peter sign my copy of his latest CD. When I told him I thought it is my favorite of his solo albums, he told me he thought so too and laughed.
I showed Peter my original KISS concert tickets from 1998 and 2000. He asked me how much the tickets cost and when I told him, he told me he wished that tickets were not so expensive now (they were cheaper then) and that bands should be grateful that their fans are still showing up to see them.
Peter said he was grateful for his fans and was grateful I was there.
I told him I loved him and thanked him for everything, that KISS is my favorite band, and he said “I love you too”, said God Bless You, and wished me good health.
Later on, when I was waiting in line to get my picture taken with him, I could hear him playing his drum kit (he sits behind a drum kit while the fans stand in front of it for the picture), and as I already knew, he still plays great.
Very cool experience for me. As I said, KISS is my favorite band (all albums, all lineups) and Peter was the last original member I had not met.
I had met Ace Frehley (lead guitar/vocals, RIP) in 2016, Gene Simmons (bass/vocals) and Paul Stanley (guitar/vocals) in 2019, and now Peter Criss (drums/vocals) on April 24th of 2026.
Thank you Peter and Gigi. Thank you to The Rock City Music Company. Thank you to the cool fans who I spoke with. Thank you KISS!!!! And thank you Mariah once again for mentioning this event to me again. If you would not have mentioned it to me, I would not have gone. I love you babe.
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Fun Triple Bill: GWAR/Soulfly/King Parrot
- Date of Concert: Sunday, March 29, 2026
- Location of Concert: Newport Music Hall in Columbus, OH
I never thought I would be a fan of GWAR.
I used to think they were just a goofy gimmick.
I’m sorry I felt that way.
Luckily, I came around to them and found that they’re basically a Thrash Metal/Punk Rock band with yes some fun and goofy outfits and characters.
Very unfiltered, nothing is off limits, but it’s all in good fun.
And they’ve been doing this for a long time now. About 40 years.
They really rock and they put on a fun, entertaining show.
I’m glad I and my cousin Zachary (a HUGE GWAR fan) were able to see them.
And it was great seeing Soulfly (Max Cavalera of Sepultura and Cavalera Conspiracy/Cavalera), who have been around almost 30 years now.
And the main opener King Parrot, an Australian band, were pretty good too.
Rock on everyone!!
GWAR Band Members:
- Michael Bishop (Blothar The Berserker, used to be Beefcake The Mighty)-Lead Vocals (used to be the Bassist and sometimes Lead Vocalist)
- Tommy Meehan (Grodius Maximus)-Lead Guitarist, Backing Vocals
- Mike Derks (Balsac The Jaws Of Death)-Rhythm Guitarist
- Casey Orr (Beefcake The Almighty)-Bass, Backing Vocals
- Brad Roberts (Jizmak Da Gusha)-Drums
- Bob Gorman (Bonesnapper)-Additional Vocals, Bodyguard
- Matt Maguire (Sawborg Destructo)-Additional Vocals, Nemesis
Soulfly Band Members:
- Max Cavalera-Vocals, Guitar
- Mike De Leon-Lead Guitar, Backing Vocals
- Zion Cavalera (Max's Son)-Drums/Percussion
- Chase Bryant-Bass
King Parrot Band Members:
- Matthew "Youngy" Young-Lead Vocals
- Ari "Mr. White" White-Lead Guitar
- Andrew "Squiz" Livingstone-Squires-Rhythm Guitar (Not at the show.)
- Wayne "Auntie Slats" Slattery-Bass, Backing Vocals
- Max Dangerfield-Drums
GWAR Set List:
- Fuck This Place
- Crack In The Egg
- Eighth Lock
- Have You Seen Me?
- Tormentor
- Hate Love Songs
- Lot Lizard
- Saddam A Go-Go
- I’m In Love (With A Dead) Dog
- Metal Metal Land
- El Presidente
- Tyrant King
- Hail, Genocide!
- Gor-Gor
- Encore: Mother Fucking Liar
- Pink Pony Club (Chappell Roan Cover)
- Sick Of You
Soulfly Set List:
- No Hope=No Fear
- Seek ‘N’ Strike
- Favela/Dystopia
- Prophecy
- Tribe
- Fire
- Execution Style
- L.O.T.M.
- Back To The Primitive
- Jumpdafuckup
- Eye For An Eye
King Parrot Set List:
- Bozo
- Disgrace Yourself
- It’s A Rort
- Target Pig Elite
- Psychotherapy And Valium
- Shit On The Liver
- Hell Comes Your Way
- Home Is Where The Gutter Is
- Fuck You And The Horse You Rode In On
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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My First Concert of 2026: Brother Cane
- Date of Concert: Thursday, March 12, 2026
- Location of Concert: The King Of Clubs in Columbus, OH
- Openers: Nova Buzz, Dressed In Electric, Charlie Bonnett III & The Folkin' Gasholes
Thanks to my friend Kevin, I was able to see my first concert of 2026.
It was the band Brother Cane, featuring the lead singer, co-lead guitarist, co-main songwriter and leader of the band Damon Johnson (also in Lynyrd Skynyrd, played in Black Star Riders, Alice Cooper’s band, and Damn Yankees, as well as a solo artist).
Along with Johnson, Brother Cane also includes original bassist Glenn Maxey, as well as guitarist Tony Higbee, drummer Jarred Pope, and keyboardist Buck Johnson, although Buck was not playing at this show.
I had never seen Brother Cane before, so this was a treat.
They are a very solid, rocking band, all great musicians, and Damon sings very well also.
They played songs from their whole catalog, including songs from their new album which will be released in April of this year.
Thanks Kevin for the free ticket!!
Thanks to all the local openers who started the night off well.
Thanks to The King Of Clubs, who celebrated their 5th anniversary this night since opening their doors (here is to many more years!!). And thanks to Brother Cane, for starting my concert year off in a rocking way.
Rock on everyone. And thanks also to Damon for responding to me on Facebook in regards to a question I asked him.
Brother Cane Set List:
- Breadmaker
- That Don’t Satisfy Me
- If This Means War (New Song)
- 20/20 Faith
- Blinded By The Sun (New Song)
- Lie In The Bed I Make
- Take A Chance (New Song)
- Hard Act To Follow
- Make Your Play
- Nothing To Lose (New Song)
- Hung On A Rope
- And Fools Shine On
- Machete
- Got No Shame
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Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
