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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
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Eddie Trunk Rocks!!
I got to see my favorite radio DJ in the world, Eddie Trunk, at a speaking engagement at a club called Tuck N Reds in Yellow Springs, Ohio on Saturday, May 7th, of 2026.
Several local bands opened the show, and they were all good, but I was there to see Eddie.
I’ve been a fan of his since 1999.
I don’t always agree with him and he sometimes annoys me, but I also think he is cool, knows a lot, and I consider him to be the luckiest music fan in the world.
He has interviewed and/or knows many of my musical heroes.
At this event, Eddie talked about his history (43 years in radio, executive at Megaforce Records, worked at VH1 Classic as a VJ and co-host of That Metal Show, emcees many events, and an author) and told many different stories, including about my favorite guitarist Ace Frehley (Rest in Peace).
He told a story of how he and Ace went bowling and when Eddie went to get bowling shoes, Ace, who had never bowled, was throwing bowling balls like you would a soccer ball or most balls.
He was also drunk. Cops were going to be called, but when Eddie told the guy that that was Ace, the guy said if Ace signed a bowling pin, he would not call the cops.
Eddie said he was thinking about writing a book of just his Ace stories. For those that don’t know, Eddie was not only a fan of Ace’s, but he also helped get Ace signed to his first solo record deal. And they remained friends until Ace’s passing in 2025.
Eddie has written two books about some of his favorite bands and is working on what I believe is his autobiography now, as well as a documentary about his life and career.
Eddie also took questions from the audience, and I asked him about one of our mutual favorites Overkill. You can check out his answer in one of the videos below.
I even got to “Stump The Trunk” (if you know his former TV Show That Metal Show, you know what I’m talking about). As a prize, he signed my books, took a picture with me, and gave me a bottle of water.
He actually met everyone that wanted to meet him for free once the show was over.
He was super cool with everyone and it was just a fun time.
I’m glad I was able to properly meet him.
Thank you Eddie for everything you do. You rock!!
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Hits Galore!! Bryan Adams/Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Concert Review
- Date of Concert: Saturday, November 1, 2025
- Location of Concert: Rocket Arena in Cleveland, OH
I finally got to see Bryan Adams!!
I was supposed to see him in 2023, but I was ill at the time and could not attend.
Well, I made up for it this time.
What a show!!
As I said in the heading of this post, hits galore.
Opener Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo really brought the punch with their song selections from throughout their 4 decades long discography.
I had seen them a few months prior to this as a headliner (review here) so I knew what to expect.
Pat’s voice is still as powerful as ever and Neil (her husband) is a great guitarist and pianist too.
And their band is solid as a rock.
It was cool seeing them again.
But now to the main event.
Bryan Adams has been a very successful singer/songwriter/musician also for 4 decades and is still going strong.
This tour is in support of his latest album Roll With The Punches.
He played some from that album, plus lots of songs from throughout his career.
If you’re a fan, you had to be satisfied.
He even takes a few requests, via online choices.
And even though he has a big stage to perform on, he did the first two songs and the last song on a smaller platform in the back of the arena. Really cool!!
And his band (Bryan plays guitar and bass) which includes long time guitarist Keith Scott, long time drummer Pat Steward, and keyboardist Gary Breit, are rock solid too.
Again, another great show for the books.
What’s next? Who knows.
Rock on everyone.
Bryan Adams Set List:
- Can’t Stop This Thing We Started (B-Stage)
- Straight From The Heart (B-Stage)
- Kick Ass
- Run To You
- Somebody
- Roll With The Punches
- 18 Til I Die
- Please Forgive Me
- Take Me Back
- It’s Only Love
- Shine A Light
- Heaven
- Never Ever Let You Go
- This Time
- Make Up Your Mind
- You Belong To Me
- One Night Love Affair
- Lonely Nights (Audience Request)
- Have You Ever Really Loved A Woman? (Audience Request)
- Here I Am
- When You’re Gone
- The Only Thing That Looks Good On Me Is You
- (Everything I Do) I Do It For You
- Back To You
- So Happy It Hurts
- Summer Of ’69
- Cuts Like A Knife
- All For Love (B-Stage)
Pat Benatar & Neil Giraldo Set List:
- All Fired Up
- Invincible
- Ties That Bind
- Promises In The Dark
- Shadows Of The Night
- Together (New Song)
- We Belong
- Hell Is For Children
- You Better Run
- Love Is A Battlefield
- Heartbreaker (also features some of Ring Of Fire)
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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My Favorite Guitarist Is Gone: Ace Frehley (1951-2025)
I’m tired of typing posts like this, but sadly, my heroes keep dying.
My favorite guitarist ever is now gone.
Ace Frehley (April 27, 1951-October 16, 2025).
I became a fan of his and his band KISS when I was 15 going on 16.
I actually saw KISS that year.
The original lineup!!
December 8, 1998 (review here).
What a night it was.
I could have died happy that night.
I’ve always said that KISS is my favorite band ever. All lineups. All albums. All eras.
And that’s true.
However, the original lineup of Ace (lead guitar and sometimes vocals and songwriting), Gene Simmons (vocals/bass/songwriting), Paul Stanley (vocals/guitar/songwriting) and Peter Criss (drums/vocals/songwriting) are the most important lineup and my favorite band ever.
I’m glad I got to see them twice (other review here).
I also got to see Ace solo twice, once in 2016 (review here) and once in 2021 (review here).
The 2016 show I also got to meet Ace afterwards.
I’m so glad I got that chance.
I haven’t cried yet, but I’m sure I will.
I’ll be playing the music (KISS and Ace solo. He made a lot of great solo albums too.), watching the concerts and interviews, and reading stories about he and KISS for awhile after I type this. I’m actually listening as I type this and before I started.
I could say so much, but I’ll just say no other band will have the same impact on me as KISS has.
And they/he have inspired sooooooooooooooooooooo many people all over the world.
And Ace was/is/always will be a HUGE part of KISSTORY.
I love you sooooooooooo much Ace and will miss you forever.
Rock on in Heaven and/or in Jendell!!
The one and only Space Ace/Spaceman has left us, but the music/videos/memories live forever.
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Jackyl Rocks!!
- Date of Concert: Thursday, October 9, 2025
- Location of Concert: Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY
- Opener: Guns For Hire
The headline really says it all so I’ll say it again: Jackyl rocks!!
I saw the band Jackyl for the second time, although this time with my friend Brandon Lange at the Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY.
Opening band Guns For Hire got things started with some good rock music.
But as always, everyone was there to see the headliner. In this case, Jackyl.
The band, led by Jesse James Dupree (vocals, guitar, and yes a chainsaw), ripped through a bunch of songs from their rocking discography.
I would say if you mixed AC/DC and any southern rock band or really rocking country band and put them in a blender, you would have Jackyl.
I can’t say it enough: Jackyl rocks!!
The band also includes Jeff Worley on guitar, Roman Glick on bass, and Chris Worley on drums.
If you want to listen to a loud rock band, seek out Jackyl.
Yes you know what I’m going to say: Jackyl rocks!!
And this was a first. Near the end of the show, Jesse threw out his hat that he wore all night into the crowd, and I saw it going to the center of the crowd where I was. I leaned to my right and I actually caught it. There was a little bit of grabbing by other people trying to get it, but I won.
Pretty awesome!!
Thanks Jesse.
Again, Jackyl rocks!!
And thank you Brandon for the invite and ticket!!!
Jackyl Set List:
- Blast Off
- Cut The Crap
- My Moonshine Kicks Your Cocaine’s Ass
- Encore
- Screwdriver
- Down On Me
- Just Like A Devil
- Push Comes To Shove
- A Country Boy Can Survive (Hank Williams Jr. cover)
- Just Because I’m Drunk
- I Stand Alone
- When Will It Rain
- Dirty Little Mind/Better Than Children (w/Delta Dawn bit)/Dirty Little Mind cont.
- Redneck Punk
- Suspicious Minds (Mark James cover and Elvis Presley’s version is especially known)
- The Lumberjack
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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I Got To See and Meet Another Member of Blackfoot!!
- Date of Concert: Saturday, August 16, 2025
- Location of Concert: The Gallia County Fairgrounds in Gallipolis, OH
- Opener: Southern Mules
I knew that Blackfoot/early Lynyrd Skynyrd bassist Greg T. Walker had a band called Two Wolf for the last several years, but I recently discovered they finally released a new album.
Called Two Wolf, it is a really good hard rock/southern rock album.
The whole band, consisting of Greg on bass and vocals, Lance Lopez on guitar and vocals, Chris Bell on guitar and vocals, and Rusty Valentine on drums and backing vocals, are a very tight and rocking band.
The album has lots of original songs, but also has Blackfoot songs too, which are all great re-records of the band Greg co-founded and was in for many years.
I found out Two Wolf were going to play at a charity concert (called Southern Rock Woodstock) a little more than an hour from my house.
I could not resist.
I’m not big on being outside for a festival type of show, which this was, for 12 hours, so I went much later in the day.
In fact, I didn’t get there until after 7 PM, although it was perfect timing because the sun was trying to go down, temperature wasn’t as hot, and the band that played before Two Wolf, a cover band called Southern Mules, was playing.
They did a great job playing many covers, including songs by Molly Hatchet, Styx, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and others. Even a Blackfoot classic, which Greg played with them on.
The song was Highway Song, which I consider Blackfoot’s Free Bird.
I saw Greg was walking towards a beer stand, so I followed him over, but another fan was talking to him. Soon afterwards, I was able to ask him if he would sign my Two Wolf CD, and he said he would, but to just give him a minute. I waited and then he motioned me towards the band’s merchandise tent.
I told him how much I loved the Two Wolf album and that I bought a band shirt at the show and he said “Good!”. I then asked him if he could sign the CD and he did with my sharpie.
I then asked if I could take some pictures with him, and he said yes.
I got some nice pictures of us, I must say.
I then got a fist bump from him and let him be after that.
Thank you sir for allowing me that moment of meeting you!!!!
Later, Greg and his band Two Wolf played and they really rocked.
They’re just as good live as they are on album.
They played most of the album, and some other Blackfoot songs.
Really good set and they were really loud and rocked!!
Thank you guys for the great album and show.
Keep on rocking!!
Two Wolf Set List:
- Highway Song (Southern Mules played this with Greg earlier in the night so I’m including it here.)
- Keep On Movin’
- Too Hard To Handle
- Wishing Well
- Wild Country
- Wrong Road
- Tell The Truth
- Diary Of A Working Man
- Fox Chase
- Left Turn On A Red Light
- Will I Believe
- Great Spirit
- El Paso Sugar
- Romeo
- The Blessed And The Cursed
- Train Train
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
