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I Met KISS: My 8th KISS Show
- Date of Concert: March 16, 2019
- Location of Concert: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
Aside from seeing the original KISS lineup in 1998 and 2000 and seeing The Rolling Stones in 2015, I saw my favorite concert ever last night in Columbus Ohio.My 8th time seeing my favorite band KISS.But for the first time, I got my picture taken with them!As usual with photo ops, it was fairly quick, but I got fist bumps from the band, and Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer spoke to me and were nice. I think Eric Singer said hi and if Gene Simmons said anything, I don’t remember because my head was on cloud 9.I met my favorite band!!!Worth waiting for!I actually even met their legendary manager Doc McGhee. He was nice too.The show was out of this world. Spectacular visuals, probably the best stage set they’ve ever had. Sam The Serpent is back.The band played a lot of songs, and contrary to what ANYONE says, they ARE NOT lip syncing.I was watching/listening very closely and I did not see any lip syncing going on, except maybe when Eric is playing piano to Beth.And yes Paul has occasional echo effects, but he IS singing.So please enough with the lip syncing accusations and crappy YouTube video. Do not try to convince me otherwise. I was there. You were not!!!!And even if Paul was, I actually don’t care because I still had fun!Anyway, back to the show.Great setlist. The band was very playful, to the point at the end of I believe Let Me Go Rock ‘N’ Roll, they played a little of La Bamba. Very cool!!The band was having fun, playing great as usual, and I know it makes you haters and purists so sick, but the packed crowd at Nationwide Arena was having the time of their life.I spoke to a guy 20 years younger than me and he said this was his first time seeing the band.What a great first time. I also spoke to another guy and he said he and a friend of his were following the band around for some of the dates of this tour.Why not? I applaud them.All of these people and again everyone else, including myself, in the arena had a great Saturday night.It’s nights like this that I live for.Most of life I find to be annoying and stressful in a bad way.This is one of my outlets to have fun with.I don’t know if I’ll ever see them again, hence why I finally met them, and because financially everything is getting tougher, but if this is the last time, it was as great as the first time I saw them in 1998.Yes the original lineup but again, no matter what the haters/purists say, this lineup and all lineups of KISS RULE!!!!!I’m a fan of every album and every lineup.Have I had problems with Eric and Tommy wearing Peter Criss and Ace Frehley’s makeup and costumes? Yes. Is it weird? Yes. But you know what? They’re great and the two main singer/songwriters who have ALWAYS been there, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley, are still there.Also Paul’s vocals are not flawless anymore, but he is doing the best he can (no not lip syncing but even if he is I don’t care) and you know what? He sounded pretty good to my ears. No not perfect but more than good enough.Haters continue to hate but don’t try to change my mind because you won’t.I won. I always win with KISS.Anyway, yes I got a bit defensive but I’m very passionate about this band and all my other favorite bands, wrestlers, and movie/TV stars.This is how I have fun.No regrets.Set List:
- Detroit Rock City
- Shout It Out Loud
- Deuce
- Say Yeah
- I Love It Loud
- Heaven’s On Fire
- War Machine
- Lick It Up
- Calling Dr. Love
- 100,000 Years (with Eric drum solo)
- Cold Gin (with Tommy Thayer guitar solo)
- Bass Solo/God Of Thunder
- Psycho Circus
- Let Me Go Rock N Roll
- Love Gun (Paul On B-Stage)
- I Was Made For Loving You (Paul On B-Stage)
- Black Diamond
- Encore: Beth
- Do You Love Me
- Rock And Roll All Nite
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I Saw Two Comedians!! Steve Martin/Martin Short Show Review
- Date of Concert: March 9, 2019
- Location of Concert: Keith Albee Performing Arts Center in Huntington, WV
I saw Steve Martin and Martin Short at the Keith Albee Theatre in Huntington, WV tonight.Lots of jokes, lots of laughs, stories, audience participation, music, you name it. They had it.My pictures are not the best, but trust me, it was a fun/funny night.Steve sang and played the banjo, Martin sang and dressed very uniquely at times, and both told some hilarious jokes.They even brought up three guys to give them the Three Amigos salute while Steve and Martin sang the song from said movie.If you get a chance, go see them and/or watch their Netflix special.Look it up.I feel I could say more, but I’ll leave it at that.More shows to come and more celebrities to meet.Stay tuned.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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What a Show!! Cher/Chic Concert Experience
- Date of Concert: February 10, 2019
- Location of Concert: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
Well, for the first time, I saw Cher and Chic in concert.I saw them in Columbus Ohio at Nationwide Arena.It was a different kind of show for me but I enjoyed it.Chic played about 55 minutes featuring many songs written by leader Nile Rodgers.Look up his body of work.Then about 30 minutes later, the one and only Cher took the stage in very grand fashion.Throughout the show, she had many costume changes, different backdrops, dancers, you name it.It was quite the show.My favorite parts were when she duetted with her ex husband Sonny Bono (RIP). Technology is quite amazing sometimes.Also, it was nice to see her guitarist, Joel Hoekstra, who also plays for Whitesnake, rock out a little bit.At 72, she looks AMAZING. Plastic surgery or not, I don’t care. AMAZING.She performed many songs from throughout her career.Fun show.I have posted pics below, as well as the setlist,courtesy of my friend Kevin Montavon, who was also at the show.* are musical/dancing bits where Cher isn’t onstage…when she’s changing outfits, taking 5, etc.)Cher Set List:
- Woman’s World
- Strong Enough
- *Gayatri Mantra
- All Or Nothing
- *Little Man/All I Need Is You
- The Beat Goes On
- I Got You Babe (Sonny “singing” with her from a magic mirror)
- *You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me
- Welcome To Burlesque
- *Lie To Me
- Waterloo (Abba Cover)
- SOS (Abba Cover)
- Fernando (Abba Cover)
- *Cher Movie Montage
- After All
- *Heartbreak Hotel (Cher onscreen as “Chelvis”)
- Walking In Memphis
- The Shoop Shoop Song
- *Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down)-Featured Joel Hoekstra rocking out
- I Found Someone
- If I Could Turn Back Time
- Believe
Chic Set List:
- Everybody Dance
- Dance, Dance, Dance (Yowsah, Yowsah, Yowsah)
- I Want Your Love
- I’m Coming Out/Upside Down
- He’s The Greatest Dancer/We Are Family
- Get Lucky
- Let’s Dance
- Le Freak
- Good Times
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Mr. Scary: Lynch Mob (George Lynch) Concert Review
- Date of Concert: December 15, 2018
- Location of Event: The Venue Cincinnati in Cincinnati, OH
I FINALLY saw one of my favorite guitarists, George Lynch, in concert.His band, Lynch Mob, played in the Cincinnati area at a place called The Venue Cincinnati.Two cover bands opened, then Lynch Mob came out and played for two hours.Two hours of Lynch Mob and Dokken songs.George has in the band Nathan Utz on lead vocals, Sean McNabb on bass, and Scott Coogan on drums (he sang lead on one song while Nathan played drums).They had fun, as did the crowd.I’m glad I finally saw George. He’s the last of the Dokken guys I needed to see.I’m just sorry it took almost 20 years for me to see him.Better late than never.That’s my last event until March.I live for these things.You know what makes me happy?Music, concerts, meeting famous people, and seeing movies. That’s about it. And that’s ok. Don’t ever expect me to change.Love and PeacePhoto Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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I Saw Another Legend: Sir Elton John Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 23, 2018
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
I saw another legend.Sir Elton JohnKFC Yum Center in Louisville, KentuckyWhat a show.2.5 hours of Elton and his band delivering the goods.I’m glad I finally saw him.My list is getting shorter.I’m letting the pictures and set list do most of the talking here.Set List:
- Bennie And The Jets
- All The Girls Love Alice
- I Guess That’s Why They Call It The Blues
- Border Song
- Tiny Dancer
- Philadelphia Freedom
- Indian Sunset
- Rocket Man (I Think It’s Gonna Be A Long Long Time)
- Take Me To The Pilot
- Someone Saved My Life Tonight
- Levon/Elton and band Jam/Levon reprise
- Candle In The Wind
- Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding
- Burn Down The Mission
- Believe
- Daniel
- Sad Songs Say So Much
- band introductions
- Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me
- The Bitch Is Back
- I’m Still Standing
- Crocodile Rock
- Saturday Night’s Alright For Fighting
- Encore: Your Song
- Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
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Dream Come True: Phil Collins Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 19, 2018
- Location of Concert: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
Dream come true: I saw Phil Collins in concert.He played a sold out or nearly sold out show at Nationwide Arena in Columbus.My cousin Zachary and I went and we had sooooo much fun.Before Phil came out, there were many pics of him on the screens.When he did come out, he was walking with a cane, and told everyone he would have to sit for a lot of the show.This is because he had hip and knee surgery, his right foot is numb, and that’s just the way it is.But you know what? Everyone, myself and my cousin, were just happy to see him.He sang great, his band is phenomenal, and the songs are just classics.He did sing three Genesis songs (his other band), and a lot of solo hits and a few somewhat deeper tracks.Even if he is not totally physically perfect, he’s still going for it and he’s having fun.He’s still got a great sense of humor and again, he’s having fun.One of the first things he said to us, and all the other shows he does, he starts off by saying that he didn’t think he would be doing this anymore.He actually did stop for a few years because of just life.But he said he missed the fans and missed doing this.So, for anyone who complains that he sits, shut up!! He’s giving all he has and I think it’s more than good enough. In fact, it’s amazing.Seeing him was HUGE for me.It was worth every penny, and trust me, it was not cheap.But TOTALLY worth it.I’ll never forget this one.I took many pictures.What a great concert.I’m glad I finally saw him.My list is getting shorter. When it is complete, so am I.Love and Peace always.Set List:
- Against All Odds (Take A Look At Me Now)
- Another Day In Paradise
- I Missed Again
- Hang In Long Enough
- Throwing It All Away
- Follow You Follow Me
- Can’t Turn Back The Years
- Who Said I Would
- Separate Lives
- You’ll Be In My Heart
- Drum Trio (Phil did play block percussion!! His son Nicholas is the main drummer)
- Something Happened On The Way To Heaven
- You Know What I Mean
- In The Air Tonight
- You Can’t Hurry Love
- Dance Into The Light
- Invisible Touch
- Easy Lover
- Sussudio
- Encore: Take Me Home
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The Voice of Rock: Glenn Hughes Concert Review
- Date of Concert: September 16, 2018
- Location of Concert: House Of Blues Cleveland in Cleveland, OH
A HUGE bucket list concert for me happened Sunday night in Cleveland at House Of Blues.The Voice Of Rock Mr. Glenn Hughes!!!I’ve been a fan of this man and his work for 19 or 20 years now.Unfortunately, he has not toured the US much within that time frame.But now he’s coming around more which is wonderful.On this tour, he is playing Deep Purple songs that he was involved with (he was a member from 73-76 and co-sings/plays bass on 3 incredible DP albums Burn, Stormbringer, and Come Taste The Band), has sang on so many other albums of his own, as well as albums with Trapeze, Tony Iommi (Black Sabbath), Gary Moore, Hughes/Thrall (Pat Thrall of Pat Travers), even Motley Crue and Quiet Riot, and more recently California Breed and Black Country Communion, and many more.This man is one of the best singers you will ever hear in your life.He can sing anything and has. Rock, Metal, Blues, Funk, Soul, Christmas Music, you name it.Look up his discography.And he’s still as great or better now than he’s ever been.A phenomenal bassist too, but his voice is off the charts.And most importantly, he’s just a great person and very fan friendly.He emailed me back one time and has liked several tweets I’ve sent him and has replied to me on some of them (yes it is him).I never thought I would see this man in concert but I FINALLY did.I’m glad it happened.I’ll always be a fan of this guy.Two more concerts to go this year, as well as two other non concert events.As Glenn says all the time “Music Is The Healer”.It certainly is to me.Set List:
- Stormbringer
- Might Just Take Your Life
- Sail Away
- Keyboard/Drum Solo
- You Fool No One
- Guitar Solo/Blues Jam/High Ball Shooter/You Fool No One (Reprise)
- You Keep On Moving
- Gettin’ Tighter
- Mistreated
- Smoke On The Water/Georgia On My Mind
- Encore: Highway Star
- Burn
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National Treasure: Buddy Guy Concert Review
- Date of Concert: September 9, 2018
- Location of Concert: The Clay Center in Charleston, WV
I saw a national treasure tonight: Buddy Guy!!!One of THE Blues icons.82 years old and still going strong.He played music and told stories for almost 2 hours.His new album, The Blues Is Alive And Well, is AWESOME!!!!He even went into the audience for several minutes and played.He played guitar with his butt, a towel, a drumstick, and the typical way.This man is a Master.I’m glad I finally saw him.Next Sunday, I’m off to Cleveland to see another master: Glenn Hughes!!!Love and Peace always.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Not a Great Night: Dee Snider (Missed His Set)/Dokken/Warrant Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 25, 2018
- Location of Concert: The Rose Music Center at The Heights in Huber Heights, OH
I was sooooo looking forward to this show.
Dee Snider of Twisted Sister recently released a PHENOMENAL solo album called For The Love Of Metal, which may be my album of the year, and I found out he, Dokken and Warrant (two bands I had yet to see) were playing a show together.
Well I had to go.
My best friend went with me and we met another friend of ours there.
The show started out fine.
Warrant played first, and I must say, even without singer Jani Lane (R.I.P.), they are still awesome.
Singer Robert Mason sings these songs very well and the rest of the band (all original members, guitarists Erik Turner and Joey Allen, bassist Jerry Dixon and drummer Steven Sweet) is tight and rocking.
They’re still putting out great new albums too.
Great set.
Then Dokken took the stage and they were really good too.
They are one of my favorites, and being able to see classic members, singer Don Dokken and drummer “Wild” Mick Brown, was quite a treat.
Their guitarist Jon Levin plays George Lynch’s guitar parts perfectly, and bassist Chris McCarvill is solid as a rock.
Now, after Dokken’s set, this is when the night basically ends for us.
My best friend unfortunately had a health crisis (I’m not going into detail) and so we had to take him to the hospital.
All ended up being OK thank goodness (again I’m not giving any details because it’s not my place to say it), but we ended up missing Dee’s set.
I’ll just say this: If you’re going to drink, drink responsibly. And if you can’t, DON’T!!!!!!!!!!!!
Dokken Set List:
- Kiss Of Death
- The Hunter
- Into The Fire
- Dream Warriors
- Breaking The Chains
- Alone Again
- In My Dreams
- Tooth And Nail
Warrant Set List:
- Sure Feels Good To Me
- Down Boys
- D.R.F.S.R.
- Louder Harder Faster
- Heaven
- Uncle Tom’s Cabin
- Cherry Pie
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Hard Rock and Metal Legends: Deep Purple/Judas Priest Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 21, 2018
- Location of Concert: Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
I saw the first night of the Deep Purple/Judas Priest American tour.I’ve seen both of these bands before but never on the same night.As usual, both were great.The crowd was more into Priest and actually many left after they finished, but many still stayed for Purple.I certainly stayed for all and had a blast.Priest came on and just crushed it like always.Sadly, classic guitarist/leader Glenn Tipton was not there, but they had him up on the screens during their classic song Painkiller.The reason he is not always with them now is because he has Parkinson’s.But having said that, he is still in the band, is on their new album Firepower, which they played three songs from, and plays with them when he can.But the show must go on and it certainly is.Rob Halford, one of my biggest heroes and people in life, is still The Metal God and always will be.He’ll be 67 Saturday and his voice is still phenomenal.The band, guitarists Richie Faulkner and Andy Sneap (also one of the best music producers ever), bassist Ian Hill, and drummer Scott Travis is beyond solid and the songs are classic.They did play a few deep tracks, too, including Sinner and Bloodstone.I can’t say enough about Judas Priest. One of my favorite bands.This was my 6th time seeing them and I don’t think my last.Now to Deep Purple. Again, I get why some may think “man Priest need to close the show”.I don’t disagree, but I’m okay with it.Why? Because Purple are one of my favorite bands as well.Also, because Purple have been around longer. They already had several albums and were big before Priest had one album.So even though at this show the crowd was pro Priest, there were still a lot of people who stayed forPurple and had a great time.They’re both classic, but both very different.But I love the lineup. Two of my favorite bands in one night?! I can’t resist.Purple played several classics.The band are still just so proficient and it’s always great for me seeing them.Their drummer, Ian Paice, who has been there since day one, is a beast.Singer Ian Gillan and bassist Roger Glover, who have been there forever, are just awesome.Their guitarist for almost 25 years, Steve Morse, is quite the shredder.And keyboardist Don Airey?! Genius. Look at his discography. Enough said.Ok another fun concert.I have more to come.If my life could just be one continuous concert, I would have it made.Love and Peace always.Deep Purple Set List:
- Highway Star
- Pictures Of Home
- Bloodsucker
- Strange Kind Of Woman
- Lazy
- Uncommon Man
- Knocking At Your Back Door
- Keyboard Solo
- Perfect Strangers
- Space Truckin’
- Smoke On The Water
- Encore: Hush
Judas Priest Set List:
- Firepower
- Grinder
- Sinner
- Lightning Strike
- Bloodstone
- Turbo Lover
- Rising From Ruins
- Freewheel Burning
- You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
- Hell Bent For Leather
- Painkiller
- Encore: Metal Gods
- Breaking The Law
- Living After Midnight
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