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Keep On Rocking!!: Y&T Concert Review
- Date of Concert: February 27, 2020
- Location of Concert: Ludlow's Garage in Cincinnati, OH
My first concert of 2020 was a first time for me.I FINALLY saw the rock band Y&T (formerly called Yesterday And Today in the 70s).I was supposed to see them two years ago but sadly I couldn’t make it at the last minute.I made up for it this time.Y&T played a very small room underneath a restaurant called Ludlow’s Garage in Cincinnati, Ohio.Band leader/lead singer/lead guitarist Dave Meniketti (the last surviving original member) was in SUPER fine form, as was the band, made up of co guitarist John Nymann, drummer Mike Vanderhule, and bassist Aaron Leigh.What an amazing rock concert.They played at about 2 hours and 10 minutes or 2 hours and 15 minutes.Great sounding room. It was near capacity.Dave said Y&T had not been to Cincinnati in about 30 years.He jokingly said don’t blame him.Hopefully it won’t be another 30.This band, outside of their diehard fan base, is mostly known for the song Summertime Girls, but trust me, there is more to them than that song.Look at their setlist, listed below, and pick any of those songs to listen to.They have many albums.Check them out.This is a talented band, and Dave Meniketti is a phenomenal singer/guitarist.I put him up against anyone.P.S. a lady named Lizza who was in the audience happened to be someone who was a prominent character in two of Y&T’s videos in the 80s (Mean Streak and Don’t Stop Running).She lives in Cincinnati now and visited the band before the show and was there for the whole show.Dave gave her a shout out and I happened to see her in a row near me.Pretty cool.And, they have a 2 disc DVD documentary called On With The Show.No it’s not streaming, but it’s available on their website yandtrocks and at their shows.Even if you’re not a fan, it’s fun to watch.Y&T Band Members:
- Dave Meniketti (Vocals/Guitar)
- John Nymann (Guitar)
- Aaron Leigh (Bass)
- Mike Vanderhule (Drums)
Y&T Set List:
- Hurricane
- Hard Times
- Lucy
- Lipstick And Leather
- Don’t Stop Running
- How Long
- Mean Streak
- Midnight In Tokyo
- Dirty Girl
- Earthshaker
- I Want Your Money
- Winds Of Change
- Blind Patriot
- Summertime Girls
- Contagious
- Black Tiger
- Rescue Me
- Forever
- Encore: I Believe In You
- I’m Coming Home
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Last Slayer Show I See? Slayer/Primus/Ministry/Philip H. Anselmo And The Illegals Concert Review
- Date of Concert: November 11, 2019
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
I saw another fun concert.Most of the bands I had not seen before.And the headliner I saw for the 7th and final time because in 3 weeks, they are done. Apparently.First up was Philip H. Anselmo And The Illegals.Phil is most famous for being the singer of Pantera.Lately, he and his band have been doing nothing but Pantera songs, which for me, is phenomenal.Because sadly, I never saw Pantera and sadly never will. That is my biggest concert regret.But having said that, hearing Phil singing those songs made me feel good, and took me back to the time when Pantera were one of the most important bands in my life.And his band does a good job playing them.He was in great spirits and dedicated the set to all the veterans.Next up was Ministry. Very loud, heavy, but also electronic band.Main man Al Jourgenson has been doing this a long time and it was great to finally see him and his band.After that was Primus. Musically, they really stick out like a soar thumb on this tour. But, the crowd loved them and they were fantastic.Lead singer/bassist Les Claypool is one of the best bassists in history.The entire band are phenomenal.But again, musically, extremely different than say the headliner.And speaking of the headliner, for the 7th and final time, I saw one of my favorites Slayer!!!They’ve always been great live and this time was no different.I love that they have never compromised, unapologetic on the music they’ve made, and have always been great.They hung around longer than I’ve seen them do at the end, so I think that’s their way of saying goodbye.Tom Araya, singer/bassist of Slayer, ended by saying “Thanks for hanging out. Thanks for coming. Thank you for being an important part of my life. Goodnight. Adios”.Throughout it felt like another regular Slayer show, but seeing that brought some finality to the situation.If they are done in 3 weeks, they’ve had a great career.If they change their mind like everyone else does, then that’s fine too.Slayer!!!!!Slayer Set List:
- Intro (Delusions Of Savior)
- Repentless
- Mandatory Suicide
- World Painted Blood
- Postmortem
- Hate Worldwide
- War Ensemble
- Stain Of Mind
- Disciple
- When The Stillness Comes
- Born Of Fire
- Payback
- Seasons In The Abyss
- Jesus Saves
- Chemical Warfare
- Hell Awaits
- South Of Heaven
- Show No Mercy
- Raining Blood
- Dead Skin Mask
- Angel Of Death
Primus Set List:
- Intro (Clown Dream)
- Those Damned Blue Collar Tweekers
- Too Many Puppies
- Sgt. Baker (with Too Many Puppies Reprise)
- Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver
- The Seven
- Cygnus X-1 (Rush cover)
- Mr. Knowitall
- Mr. Krinkle
- Welcome To This World
- Professor Nutbutter’s House Of Treats
- My Name Is Mud
- Jerry Was A Race Car Driver
Ministry Set List:
- The Missing
- Deity
- Stigmata
- Supernaut (Black Sabbath cover)
- Just One Fix
- N.W.O.
- Thieves
- Jesus Built My Hotrod
Philip H. Anselmo And The Illegals Set List:
- A New Level
- Becoming
- Yesterday Don’t Mean Shit
- Strength Beyond Strength/Goddamn Electric (part of it)
- This Love
- Fucking Hostile
- Walk
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I Saw Wolverine In Person: Hugh Jackman Show Review
- Date of Event: October 10, 2019
- Location of Event: Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH
What can I say?I saw a super person in concert.His name is Hugh Jackman.Not only is he a famous movie star. He’s also a talented singer, dancer, storyteller, and just an all around great person.I saw him perform at the Schottenstein Center in Columbus, Ohio.He told a lot of stories about his upbringing, his influences (he spent a whole section of the show paying tribute/acting like fellow Australian singer Peter Allen), got the audience involved (he brought an audience member on stage and interacted with him in a funny way and continuously mentioned the person on and off for the rest of the show), gave drum sticks to little kids, hugged people, sang, danced, tap danced, acted, told jokes, and in a word entertained.It was a very fun show.The act is very good. Great production and sound/visuals. Cool song selections (songs from various movies of his and classic musicals/broadway show tunes).He even had a AC/DC and Van Halen sample going on at one point.I learned something too: the word Leon means “spirit”. He said Columbus really brought the Leon out.He truly is a showman, to say the least.I wish I and really the world for that matter could be as kind and as positive as he is.This was a very fun event and I’m glad I went.Two more events and that will probably be it for me in 2019.Hopefully some cool events await me next year.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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I Finally Saw Willie Nelson: Outlaw Music Festival Concert Review
- Date of Concert: September 22, 2019
- Location of Concert; Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
Disclaimer: I HATE country music.I always have and I always will.Having said that, I wanted to finally see Willie Nelson.So I did.I went to his Outlaw Music Festival in Cincinnati.There were five bands and I went for two of them: Willie and Bonnie Raitt.The first act, Derek Allan Band, was meh to me.The second act, Jamestown Revival, was actually good. I can’t say I’ll ever buy any of their music, but they were good.Bonnie Raitt was great!! She still sings and plays well, and her band is fantastic. I’m glad I saw her.The next act, Luke Combs, I could care less about.He’s considered hot stuff by a lot of people and that’s good for them, but I hated having to sit through his set.It was terrible to my ears. And you know what’s sad? He probably had the best reaction of the night.Not that Willie didn’t have a great reaction, but I swear many people were leaving during his set.Seeing Willie Nelson was good. He is still great at what he does, and his band, which is his family, are fantastic. Especially his sister, Bobbie, who plays piano.This concert was a mixed bag for me but I’m glad I saw Willie and Bonnie. They were great.I hope they keep going for a long time to come.Again, I HATE Country music and I always will. But I respect Willie and Bonnie and am glad I saw them.Willie Nelson Set List:
- Whiskey River/Still Is Still Movin’/Beer For My Horses
- Down Yonder
- If You Got The Money
- Don’t Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys
- Georgia On My Mind
- La La La Song
- My Favorite Picture
- Hard To Be Humble
- It’s All Going To Pot
- Roll Me Up And Smoke Me When I Die
- Good Hearted Woman
- Nuages
- On The Road Again
- Always On My Mind
- Jambalaya/Hey Good Lookin’/Move It On Over
- Circle Be Unbroken/I’ll Fly Away/I Saw The Light
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Such a Fun Night!! The B-52s/OMD/Berlin Concert Review
- Date of Concert: September 8, 2019
- Location of Concert: The Rose Music Center at The Heights in Huber Heights, OH
I had a fun weekend.First I saw L.A. Guns Saturday night (see other post) and Sunday night I saw Berlin, OMD, and B-52s. All in one night.First up, though, I actually met the lead singer of Berlin, Terri Nunn.She was very nice. I wish that her bandmates, bassist/founder/main songwriter John Crawford and guitarist David Diamond, participated in the photo op too, but that’s ok.I saw all of them rocking out together in concert. But yes, a happy moment.Berlin started the show. They’re on their 40th anniversary, and they have a new album out called Transcendence.They played the title track and another new one (I Want You) at this show (both of which are very good and the crowd reacted well to them), as well as Berlin classics No More Words, The Metro, Masquerade, Take My Breath Away (the song everyone knows), Sex (I’m A) which was phenomenal, and a cover of AC/DC’s Highway To Hell.Terri said that is her favorite religious song. Funny.Not a long enough set for me, but also good enough. Loved seeing her, John, and David together.Love this band and these people.Also, after I got home, Terri replied to a tweet I sent her (see pics).Very nice woman and PHENOMENAL singer.I’m glad I finally saw them.Next up was OMD (Orchestral Manouvers In The Dark).I was not familiar with a lot of their music, but they were very good and the frontman, singer/bassist Andy McClusky, definitely knows how to work an audience.The crowd was super hyped up and loved every second of their set.The rest of the band is rounded out by singer/keyboardist Paul Humphreys, Martin Cooper (keyboards and saxophone), and drummer Stuart Kershaw.Very fun set and I need to check out more of their music.Last was the B-52s. Like Berlin, they’re celebrating 40 years as a band.Classic members Fred Schneider, Kate Pierson, and Cindy Wilson and their rocking band sure do put on a show.All their voices have held up, the songs and musicianship are strong, and the visuals, as Berlin and OMD’s visuals as well, are very cool.This was such a fun concert from start to finish.Again, this is what I live for people.More to come.Below are the setlists for each band. I’ve also posted pictures.Berlin Set List:
- No More Words
- The Metro
- Masquerade
- I Want You (New Song)
- Take My Breath Away
- Transcendence (New Song)
- Sex (I’m A)
- Highway To Hell
OMD Set List:
- Enola Gay
- Secret
- Tesla Girls
- History Of Modern (Part 1)
- (Forever) Live And Die
- If You Leave
- Joan Of Arc
- Talking Loud And Clear
- So In Love
- Dreaming
- Locomotion
- Electricity
The B-52s Set List:
- Private Idaho
- Mesopotamia
- Give Me Back My Man
- Channel Z
- Funplex
- Deadbeat Club
- Juliet Of The Spirits
- Roam
- Party Out Of Bounds
- Cosmic Thing
- Dance This Mess Around
- Love Shack
- Encore: Planet Claire
- Rock Lobster
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Rocking Show!! L.A. Guns Concert Review
- Date of Concert: September 7, 2019
- Location of Concert: The Bluenote Harrison in Harrison, OH
I finally saw L.A. Guns.I saw them at Blue Note Harrison in Harrison, Ohio.They played to a packed crowd and played many old songs and a few new ones.They did not disappoint.Singer Phil Lewis is still incredible and lead guitarist Tracii Guns is phenomenal!The rest of the band, guitarist Ace Von Johnson, bassist Johnny Martin, and drummer Scott Coogan are solid.Very loud and fun show.More to come.In a few years I won’t do this anymore, but until then, onwards.L.A. Guns Set List
- Over The Edge
- No Mercy
- Sex Action
- The Devil You Know
- Electric Gypsy
- Some Lie 4 Love
- Kiss My Love Goodbye
- Gone Honey
- I Wanna Be Your Man (not The Beatles song of the same name)
- Never Enough (with Hells Bells intro)
- Crystal Eyes (partial
- The Ballad Of Jayne
- Speed
- Hellraisers Ball
- Rip And Tear
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Don’t Fear The Reaper: Blue Oyster Cult Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 31, 2019
- Location of Concert: Portsmouth River Days in Portsmouth, OH
I saw another great band in concert: Blue Oyster Cult!!This time near where I live.Blue Oyster Cult played a free show in Portsmouth, Ohio.I was there with my cousin/little brother I never had Zachary, my best friend Jamie McClintic and my other best friend Kevin Montavon.BOC were very loud, but clear.Classic members Buck Dharma and Eric Bloom and their band really rocked the hits everyone knows (Don’t Fear The Reaper, Godzilla, Burning For You) as well as many other great songs.I’m glad I finally saw them, and for free no less.Such a great time.I’m glad I was able to do this before having to go back and be a slave to the system Monday.But even so, I have many events coming this month.Stay tuned.Blue Oyster Cult Band Members:
- Buck Dharma (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
- Eric Bloom (Lead Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards)
- Richie Castellano (Guitar)
- Danny Miranda (Bass)
- Jules Radino (Drums)
Set List:
- Transmaniacon MC
- Golden Age Of Leather
- Burnin’ For You
- Secret Road
- The Vigil
- E.T.I. (Extra Terrestrial Intelligence)
- Buck’s Boogie
- Then Came The Last Days Of May
- Dancin’ In The Ruins
- Godzilla
- Buck Dharma Guitar Solo
- (Don’t Fear) The Reaper
- Encore: Cities On Flame With Rock And Roll
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The Voice of Yes: Jon Anderson Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 16, 2019
- Location of Concert: People's Bank Theatre in Marietta, OH
Well I really got my Yes fix on this summer.I saw current Yes in July, and Friday night of August 16, I saw the original singer of Yes, Jon Anderson!!!!He and his fantastic band played a number of Yes songs, as well as some of Jon’s solo songs.I was able to buy his new CD, which is only available at shows and his website (CDs currently sold out), and I got to hear a few of them at the show. Sound great!!!Jon Anderson is another singer who has been doing this a long time and falls in the category of singers who have lost nothing in their vocal abilities.He’s 75 and still Sounds the way he did in the 70s. Perfect!!!I’m glad I saw him.This was perfect timing because seeing current Yes really finally made me a fan. And seeing him a month later really took the cake.I live for this stuff!!Set List:
- Intro (Ocean Song)
- Owner Of A Lonely Heart
- Yours Is No Disgrace
- Ramalama
- State Of Independence
- Makes Me Happy
- I’ve Seen All Good People
- America
- WDMCF
- Chicken Soup (Jon walks off while band plays, then a 15 minute intermission)
- Flight Of The Moorglade
- Sweet Dreams
- To The Runner
- Long Distance Runaround
- Wonderous Stories
- First Born Leaders
- 1,000 Hands (Come Up)
- Starship Trooper/Solid Space
- Encore: Roundabout
- Soon
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Pet Sounds & More: Brian Wilson Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 13, 2019
- Location of Concert: The Rose Music Center at The Heights in Huber Heights, OH
Well, I saw The Beach Boy, Brian Wilson, Tuesday night, in Huber Heights, Ohio.He and his fantastic band, which included fellow Beach Boy Al Jardine, and long time Rolling Stones sideman Blondie Chaplin, played a lot of Beach Boys hits, deep cuts, and The Beach Boys album Pet Sounds.I’m glad I finally saw Brian, as well as Al.This show had been postponed since June because Brian had an issue.I’m trying to see the legends while I can because someday, they will be gone.And when they are, I’m done with attending concerts.But until then, I’m soldiering on.My next one is Friday.This is what I live for people.Music, movies, concerts, and ComicCons. That’s it.Set List:
- California Girls
- I Get Around
- Surfer Girl
- Don’t Worry Baby
- Wake The World
- Add Some Music To Your Day
- Friends
- Free Flows
- Wild Honey
- Sail On Sailor
- Pet Sounds Album-Wouldn’t It Be Nice
- You Still Believe In Me
- That’s Not Me
- Don’t Talk (Put Your Head On My Shoulder)
- I’m Waiting For The Day
- Let’s Go Away For Awhile
- Sloop John B
- God Only Knows
- I Know There’s An Answer
- Here Today
- I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times
- Caroline No
- Encore-Good Vibrations
- Help Me Rhonda
- Barbara Ann
- Surfin’ USA
- Fun, Fun, Fun
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Great Guitar Playing and Songs: Santana/The Doobie Brothers Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 10, 2019
- Location of Concert: Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
Another phenomenal concert.Santana and The Doobie Brothers!!I had not seen The Doobie Brothers in years, but they are still fantastic.Lots of hits, great singing and playing, and just rocking!I had not seen Santana before, and I’m glad I finally did.Lots of hits, old and somewhat old now (20th Anniversary of his Monster hit album Supernatural), covers (even a song which most of The Doobie Brothers joined him on), jamming, you name it.Another great night had my me.I’m seeing Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys Tuesday and Jon Anderson of Yes Friday.And more to come after that.Santana Set List:
- Soul Sacrifice
- Jin-Go-Lo-Ba
- Evil Ways/A Love Supreme
- (Da Le) Yaleo
- Put Your Lights On
- Shes Not There (featuring The Doobie Brothers!!! )
- Black Magic Woman
- Oye Como Va
- Breaking Down The Door
- Hope You’re Feeling Better
- Imagine
- Instrumental
- Corazon Espinado
- Maria Maria
- Foo Foo
- Encore: Are You Ready
- Smooth
- September
- Love, Peace, And Happiness
The Doobie Brothers Set List:
- Rockin’ Down The Highway
- Take Me In Your Arms (Rock Me A Little While)
- Spirit
- Ukiah
- Clear As The Driven Snow
- Cotton Mouth
- Takin’ It To The Streets
- Sweet Maxine
- Jesus Is Just Alright
- Without You
- Long Train Runnin’
- China Grove
- Encore: Black Water
- Listen To The Music
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