• Blog,  Concerts

    Here I Go Again: Whitesnake Concert Review

    Well, I went to another concert again last night.
     
    I, along with my best friend Jamie McClintic went to see the rock band Whitesnake in Huber Heights, Ohio.
     
    This was the 2nd time I saw Whitesnake singer David Coverdale and his great band in concert.
     
    And other than a brief sound problem in the middle of the opening song, it was another fun show.
     
    And a fun way to spend an evening.
     
    Whitesnake are on tour to support their great new CD/DVD called The Purple Album, which are re-records of songs from David Coverdale’s era of the legendary rock band Deep Purple, from the 70s.
     
    They played 5 of these great songs last night (I’ll list the setlist at the end of this review.)
     
    Plus, they played many of their most popular songs, as well as some guitar and drum solos, too.
     
    David Coverdale, to be in his early to mid 60s, still has a strong voice, and he gives it everything he has.
     
    He is one of my favorite singers.
     
    His band, which over the years has had many members in and out, now includes Reb Beach on guitar.
     
    Reb also plays in a band from the 80s called Winger, who I know have been given much flack over the years.
     
    But in my opinion, I think Winger are great.
     
    Especially their more recent albums.
     
    Also in Whitesnake now is Joel Hoekstra on guitar, Michael Devin on bass, Michelle Lupi on keyboards, and one of the greatest drummers of all time, and who has been in and out of Whitesnake over the years, the one and only Tommy Aldridge.
     
    Again, fun show, great songs, great band, and in my opinion, one of the best singers ever, David Coverdale, still rocking out and entertaining people better than most people ever could.
     
    If anyone has not yet seen Whitesnake in concert, or by some chance has never heard much or any of their music, which I’m sure many have, then I strongly recommend checking them out.
     
    As well as anything/everything David Coverdale has done throughout the years.
     
    From Deep Purple, Whitesnake, Coverdale/Page, solo albums, everything. David Coverdale is the man!!
     
    I hope you enjoyed this review.

    Whitesnake Set List:

    1. Burn
    2. Slide It In
    3. Love Ain’t No Stranger
    4. The Gypsy
    5. Give Me All Your Love Tonight
    6. You Keep On Moving
    7. Forevermore
    8. Reb Beach/Joel Hoekstra Guitar Solos
    9. Mistreated
    10. You Fool No One (w/Tommy Aldridge Drum Solo)
    11. Is This Love
    12. Bad Boys
    13. Here I Go Again
    14. Encore:  Still Of The Night

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    R40: RUSH Concert Review

    I went to my second RUSH concert Monday night in Columbus.
     
    They are currently on their 40th Anniversary Tour, calling it R40.
     
    Although, they’ve actually been a band for 47 years, but have been making albums for 40 years.
     
    Either way, who’s counting?
     
    They are still an amazing band, and for anyone who has yet to see them and wants to, I highly recommend checking them out (Edit:  this ended up being their last tour.).
     
    As usual, since the late 90s, they did an “Evening With” concert, with no opening act, and two sets.
     
    They started off with their newer music, and throughout the rest of the concert, they played songs on earlier albums, going all the way back to their first album.
     
    Geddy Lee, their singer/bassist/keyboardist is amazing, as always.
     
    His voice is still great, he’s my favorite bass player of all time, and it’s amazing that he can play keyboards with his feet while playing bass.
     
    However, there are songs that he plays keyboards with his fingers, too, but still, I love the multitasking of playing different instruments at once.
     
    Alex Lifeson, the guitarist, is one of the most underrated guitarists out there.
     
    His tone is amazing.
     
    Neil Peart, the drummer/lyricist, is one of the greatest drummers in history.
     
    Period.
     
    Watching and listening to him play is a thing of beauty.
     
    In fact, watching all three of these guys (yes there are only three guys in the band) play is a thing of beauty.
     
    They also have a great sense of humor.
     
    Throughout the show, they showed funny videos of themselves, along with some famous actors.
     
    One example of this is at the end of the show, where there’s a video on the screens where the band is walking back to the dressing room talking about the show, and once they get to their dressing room, it’s locked.
     
    When they bang on the door, a guy answers and all you see are people and animals from their album covers having a party, and the guy at the door will not let the band in because they are not on the guest list.
     
    If you can find it on YouTube, I recommend checking it out.
     
    Anyway, I can’t say enough good things about RUSH.
     
    One of my favorite bands ever.
     
    I have to thank my brother Christopher for turning me on to them several years ago.
     
    I’m glad he made me listen to them one day after school.
     
    I’ve been a die hard fan ever since.
     
    Edit:  RIP Neil Peart.  He passed away in 2020.  Forever missed.

    RUSH Set Lists:

    Set 1:

    1. Intro Video (The World Is…The World Is)
    2. The Anarchist
    3. Clockwork Angels
    4. Headlong Flight (w/Drum Solo)
    5. Far Cry
    6. The Main Monkey Business
    7. One Little Victory
    8. Animate
    9. Roll The Bones
    10. Distant Early Warning
    11. Subdivisions

    Set 2:

    1. Intro Video (No Country For Old Hens)
    2. Tom Sawyer
    3. Red Barchetta
    4. The Spirit Of Radio
    5. Jacob’s Ladder
    6. Cygnus X-1 Book II:  Hemispheres Part 1:  Prelude
    7. Cygnus X-1 The Voyage Parts 1 and 3 (with Drum Solo)
    8. Closer To The Heart
    9. Xanadu
    10. 2112 Part 1: Overture, Part II: The Temples Of Syrinx, Part IV: Presentation, Part VII: Grand Finale
    11. Encore Break Video
    12. Lakeside Park
    13. Anthem
    14. What You’re Doing
    15. Working Man

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Hellbent for Denim and Leather: Judas Priest/Saxon Concert Review

    My best friend Jamie McClintic and I went to another amazing concert.
     
    This time, it was the legendary metal band Judas Priest, along with another legendary metal band Saxon.
     
    Saxon went on first and were just superb.
     
    This was the first time I ever saw them live, and they did not disappoint.
     
    They are on their 35th anniversary tour right now.
     
    To me, Biff Byford, Saxon’s lead singer, is one of the best singers out there, and the band are just phenomenal.
     
    They have so many great songs and albums, and consistently put out great new music every year or two.
     
    If anyone has not heard them, I recommend you give them a listen.
     
    Now, on to the main event: Judas Priest!!
     
    This was my 5th time seeing them, and they always amaze me.
     
    Especially their lead singer Rob Halford.
     
    I’ve said it many times but I’ll say it again and keep saying it:  he is truly one of my favorite singers and a hero to me.
     
    I was able to speak to him in 2002 on a radio call in show, and he was very nice.
     
    After more than 40 years as a band, Judas Priest are still one of the best metal bands in the world, and like Saxon, are still putting out great new music.
     
    In my opinion, their new album Redeemer Of Souls, in which they played 4 songs from tonight in Cincinnati, is an amazing album.
     
    If anyone has not seen either Judas Priest or Saxon, please do so.
     
    They are both amazing bands.

    Judas Priest Band Members:

    Saxon Band Members:

    Judas Priest Set List:

    1. Dragonaut
    2. Metal Gods
    3. Devils Child
    4. Victim Of Changes
    5. Halls Of Valhalla
    6. Love Bites
    7. March Of The Damned
    8. Turbo Lover
    9. Redeemer Of Souls
    10. Beyond The Realms Of Death
    11. Jawbreaker
    12. Breaking The Law
    13. Hell Bent For Leather
    14. Encore:  The Hellion/Electric Eye
    15. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
    16. Painkiller
    17. Living After Midnight

    Saxon Set List:

    1. Motorcycle Man
    2. Sacrifice
    3. Power And The Glory
    4. I’ve Got To Rock (To Stay Alive)
    5. The Eagle Has Landed
    6. To Hell And Back Again
    7. This Town Rocks
    8. Princess Of The Night
    9. Crusader
    10. Heavy Metal Thunder

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    The Who/Joan Jett Concert Experience

    Well, I’m back home after seeing one of the best concerts I have ever seen.
     
    My best friend Jamie McClintic and I went to see The Who, with Joan Jett And The Blackhearts opening, in Columbus at Nationwide Arena.
     
    Our seats were supposed to be up in the nosebleeds, however, we got upgraded to a lower level, and it could not have been much better than this.
     
    Joan Jett And The Blackhearts started the show, and wow, did they rock.
     
    Joan Jett is an amazing singer/songwriter/musician, and has a great band.
     
    She played many favorites, and one song from her latest album, Unvarnished.
     
    This was a great way to start the show.
     
    Now for the main event: The Who!!!!
     
    Even though original bassist John Entwistle and drummer Keith Moon are no longer with us, Who singer Roger Daltrey and guitarist/songwriter/singer Pete Townshend are still rocking out better than most people ever can/could.
     
    They played so many great songs.
     
    Roger brings Pete’s songs to life like no one else can, and Pete is the ultimate rocker and songwriting genius.

    Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Set List:

    1. Bad Reputation
    2. Cherry Bomb
    3. Do You Wanna Touch Me (Oh Yeah)
    4. You Drive Me Wild
    5. Light Of Day
    6. Love Is Pain
    7. The French Song
    8. Fragile
    9. I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll
    10. Crimson & Clover
    11. I Hate Myself For Loving You

    The Who Set List:

    1. I Can’t Explain
    2. The Seeker
    3. Who Are You
    4. The Kids Are Alright
    5. I Can See For Miles
    6. My Generation
    7. Behind Blue Eyes
    8. Bargain
    9. Join Together
    10. You Better You Bet
    11. I’m One
    12. Love Reign O’er Me
    13. Eminence Front
    14. A Quick One (While He’s Away)
    15. Amazing Journey_Sparks
    16. Pinball Wizard_See Me, Feel Me
    17. Baba O’ Riley
    18. Won’t Get Fooled Again

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Best Night of My Life: The Rolling Stones w/Kid Rock Opening Concert Review

    Happy Sunday everyone!!
     
    Well, a dream finally came true for me last night.
     
    What you might ask?
     
    I saw “The Greatest Rock And Roll Band In The World” The Rolling Stones in concert!!!!
     
    They played at Ohio Stadium in Columbus for more than 2 hours, and I swear it was the best night of my life.
     
    They played so many hits and the show just got better and better all night.
     
    For anyone who wants to make fun of them and say they’re too old, think again and go see them live.
     
    They are better than everyone.
     
    Trust me, I have seen nearly everyone I want to see in concert, and no one holds a candle to The Rolling Stones.
     
    I actually cried a little when they played their song “Gimme Shelter”.
     
    Maybe some of you think that’s weird, but I don’t care.
     
    That is how special this night was for me.
     
    It truly was a dream come true, and I honestly do not expect this concert to ever be topped.
     
    Oh and Kid Rock opened and he was fine (not a big fan), but I was there to see The Stones.
     
    Truly the best night of my life.

    The Rolling Stones Band Members:

    The Rolling Stones Set List:

    1. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
    2. It’s Only Rock ‘N’ Roll ( But I Like It)
    3. Let’s Spend The Night Together
    4. Tumbling Dice
    5. Doom And Gloom
    6.  Bitch
    7. Wild Horses
    8. Hang On Sloopy
    9. Paint It Black
    10. Honky Tonk Women
    11. Before They Make Me Run
    12. Happy
    13. Midnight Rambler
    14. Miss You
    15. Gimme Shelter
    16. Start Me Up
    17. Sympathy For  The Devil
    18. Brown Sugar
    19. Encore:  You Can’t Always Get What You Want
    20. (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction

    Kid Rock Set List:

    1. Bawitdaba
    2. Good Times, Cheap Wine
    3. You Never Met A Motherfucker Quite Like Me
    4. American Bad Ass
    5. The Star-Spangled Banner
    6. Midnight Rider/Cowboy
    7. 3 Sheets To The Wind (What’s My Name)
    8. Cat Scratch Fever
    9. All Summer Long
    10. Forty
    11. Born Free

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Finally!! I saw Pearl Jam. My Concert Review

    It took me long enough, but I finally saw Pearl Jam.

    My best friend Jamie and I went to Cincinnati to see them.

    It was great, long show.

    Lots and lots of songs.

    They more than give you your money’s worth.

    I don’t think he was drunk, but singer Eddie Vedder was walking around stage throughout the night with a HUGE bottle of wine or something.

    He even shared it with the crowd at one point.

    He even dove out into the audience at one point and he was standing on top of some of them.  They held him up.

    If you’re a Pearl Jam fan and have not seen them, you SHOULD.

    And if you see them multiple times, you will get a different show each time because they always change up the set list.

    Great time.

    Pearl Jam Band Members:

    Pearl Jam Set List:

    1. Pendulum
    2. Nothingman
    3. Of The Girl
    4. Mind Your Manners
    5. Lightning Bolt
    6. Corduroy
    7. Spin The Black Circle
    8. Got Some
    9. Even Flow
    10. Sirens
    11. Love Boat Captain (w/Jumpin’ Jack Flash guitar tease)
    12. Present Time
    13. Daughter
    14. State Of Love And Trust
    15. Waiting On A Friend (The Rolling Stones Cover)
    16. Jeremy
    17. Comatose
    18. Setting Forth (Eddie Vedder Song)
    19. Porch
    20. Encore:  Sleeping By Myself (Eddie Vedder Song)
    21. Man Of The Hour
    22. Parachutes
    23. All Those Yesterdays
    24. Elderly Woman Behind The Counter in a Small Town
    25. Given To Fly
    26. Unthought Known
    27. Do The Evolution
    28. Better Man
    29. Encore 2:  Black 
    30. The Real Me (The Who Cover)
    31. Alive
    32. Rockin’ In The Free World (Neil Young Cover)
    33. Yellow Ledbetter (w/The Star-Spangled Banner)

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    You Go Chris: Chris Robinson Brotherhood Concert Review

    My best friend Jamie and I went to see Chris Robinson Brotherhood.

    I had seen Chris’ band The Black Crowes once but never this band.

    He formed this after The Crowes stopped for awhile.

    It’s very much a jam band.

    Lots of songs and jamming.

    Chris even plays rhythm guitar, which he doesn’t do in The Crowes.

    Really good band.  Small, but cool place.

    We were right at the front all night.

    Good stuff.

    Chris Robinson Brotherhood Band Members:

    Chris Robinson Brotherhood Set Lists:

    Set 1:

    1. Hello L.A., Bye Bye Birmingham (Delaney Bramlett Cover)
    2. Tomorrow Blues
    3. Shore Power
    4. It Serves You Right To Suffer (John Lee Hooker Cover)
    5. Meanwhile In The Gods…
    6. Badlands Here We Come
    7. Reflections On A Broken Mirror
    8. Poor Elijah/Tribute To Johnson (Delaney & Bonnie Cover)

    Set 2:

    1. Try Rock And Roll (Bobby Mitchell Cover)
    2. Tornado (The Black Crowes song)
    3. A Hard Rain’s A-Gonna Fall (Bob Dylan Cover)
    4. About A Stranger
    5. Beggar’s Moon
    6. Clear Blue Sky & The Good Doctor
    7. Vibration & Light Suite
    8. Rosalee
    9. Encore:  Betty & Dupree (Chuck Willis Cover)

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Part 2: KISS/Def Leppard Concert Review

    My cousin (more like little brother) Zachary and my best friend Jamie went to see KISS and Def Leppard at a venue we had not been to before.

    The venue itself was nice, but the parking was atrocious.

    It took us at least 2 or more hours to get out of there after the show.

    OH MY GOSH!!!!

    The show itself was great, EXCEPT, that there was also rain.

    If we were under the roof (it was an outdoor amphitheater), it would have been fine, but we were on the lawn.

    Now we thought there was not supposed to be any rain until after the show, but of course, the rain started IMMEDIATELY once Def Leppard took the stage and rained throughout their entire set.

    They were awesome, but we were soaked.

    I told Jamie and Zachary that if it’s still raining during KISS’ set, that we will leave after a few songs.  Of course, the rain ended IMMEDIATELY once Def Leppard were done.

    Again, we were soaked and never quite dried off for some time.

    I was not going to buy any shirts at this show, but since we were so wet, I felt like I needed to, and I did.

    OK negatives aside, the show itself was great.

    The Dead Daisies, who I had never heard of at that point, opened. 

    They were a solid rock band.

    I recognized their bassist, Marco Mendoza, who is a great talent. 

    Otherwise, I knew nothing about them (edit:  I later knew a lot about them and saw them a few more times after that.  Even met them once but that’s in another review.  Read on.)

    Then Def Leppard took the stage, playing an amazing set as always.

    Like I said in a previous review, you really have to be great to go on after them.

    But KISS is the band to do it.

    And as always, they delivered another great set.

    They always make me happy and feel like I’m 16.

    I love these bands.  So much so that this was the second time Jamie and I saw this tour (see previous 2014 review).

    I hope I don’t get rained on like that again and the parking stunk, but otherwise, a fun time was had by all.

    Def Leppard Band Members:

    KISS Band Members:

    Def Leppard Set List:

    1. Let It Go
    2. Animal
    3. Foolin’
    4. Love Bites
    5. Let’s Get Rocked
    6. Two Steps Behind (Acoustic)
    7. Bringin’ On Heartbreak (Acoustic/Electric)
    8. Switch 625
    9. Hysteria
    10. Rocket
    11. Armageddon It
    12. Pour Some Sugar On Me
    13. Encore:  Rock Of Ages
    14. Photograph

    KISS Setlist:

    1. Psycho Circus
    2. Deuce
    3. Shout It Out Loud
    4. War Machine
    5. Hotter Than Hell
    6. I Love It Loud
    7. Lick It Up
    8. Bass Solo
    9. God Of Thunder
    10. Hide Your Heart
    11. Calling Dr. Love
    12. Cold Gin
    13. Love Gun
    14. Black Diamond
    15. Detroit Rock City
    16. Rock And Roll All Nite

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Awesome Rock and Roll: Aerosmith/Slash w/Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators Concert Review

    My best friend Jamie and I went to see Aerosmith and Slash Feat. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators.

    This my 3rd time seeing Aerosmith but my first time seeing Slash/Myles and the Conspirators.

    Slash/Myles/The Conspirators opened the show with roughly 45-50 minutes of awesome rock and roll.

    I love this group.  This is the best band Slash has had since he was in Guns N Roses (edit:  two years later, he would rejoin GNR but also continue this band too).

    Myles Kennedy is one of the best singers of all time.  Yes I said of all time.  Trust me he’s that great.  Seek him out.  And he’s a phenomenal guitarist too.

    The band itself is solid as a rock but Slash and Myles to me are the new Steven Tyler and Joe Perry of Aerosmith.  They have such chemistry together.  It’s magic.

    In fact, I’ll say that they blew Aerosmith off the stage.

    Yes they did!!

    However, Aerosmith were good too of course.

    They’re one of my favorite bands ever.

    Steven Tyler still is an amazing singer.

    Joe Perry and Brad Whitford are phenomenal guitarists.

    Tom Hamilton is a great bassist.

    And Joey Kramer is one of my favorite drummers ever.

    You cannot go wrong with Aerosmith.

    Again honest opinion:  I (and Jamie too) think that Slash/Myles blew Aerosmith off the stage.  We both said to each other we could go home after them because we were happy.  

    But of course, we stayed for Aerosmith and I’m glad we did.

    Great great show.

    Slash Feat. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators Band Members:

    Aerosmith Band Members:

    Slash Feat. Myles Kennedy And The Conspirators Set List:

    1. You’re A Lie
    2. Nightrain
    3. Back From Cali
    4. World On Fire
    5. You Could Be Mine
    6. Anastasia
    7. By The Sword
    8. Mr. Brownstone
    9. Sweet Child O’ Mine
    10. Slither
    11. Paradise City

    Aerosmith Set List:

    1. Back In The Saddle
    2. Eat The Rich
    3. Love In An Elevator
    4. Cryin’
    5. Livin’ On The Edge
    6. Monkey On My Back
    7. Kings And Queens
    8. Toys In The Attic
    9. Rag Doll
    10. Freedom Fighter
    11. Big Ten Inch Record
    12. Rats In The Cellar
    13. I Don’t Want To Miss A Thing
    14. No More No More
    15. Dude (Looks Like A Lady)
    16. Walk This Way
    17. Encore:  Dream On
    18. Sweet Emotion

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Two Favorites Together: KISS/Def Leppard Concert Review

    My best friend Jamie and I went to see two phenomenal bands:  KISS (our favorite) and Def Leppard (a favorite) in Cincinnati.

    They had never toured together before so this was a great opportunity to see these band together.

    It was a co-headline (meaning each band gets the same amount of set time) but Def Leppard would always go on first and KISS would close.

    Def Leppard are always phenomenal live and put most bands to shame in concert.

    You HAVE to be on your game to go on after them, otherwise, you will be crushed, because they’re that great.

    Great discography, tons of hits, everyone sings great, awesome stage set, BIG!

    This was my 2nd time seeing Def Leppard.  Love them.

    KISS closed the show, as I said.

    This was my 5th time seeing them and even though I have many favorites, they are my number one favorite band.

    They always make me happy and feel like I’m 16 again every time I see them (they were my first concert in 1998 when I was 16).

    The current lineup of Gene Simmons, Paul Stanley, Eric Singer, and Tommy Thayer always deliver the goods.

    They dug deep a little bit into their catalog here and played a song they had not played in many years (Hide Your Heart from their 1989 Hot In The Shade album), along with Hotter Than Hell from the album of the same name, which they have played a lot, but I had not seen them play it before.

    Great show from both bands.

    However, this night was emotional for me in another sense that my Pawpaw 4 days before this show.

    We had just had his wake and funeral service the previous few days, so I was going into this show with that grief still fresh.

    And I did cry a little at this show because I was still feeling it.

    I’m very sad that Pawpaw died, but what breaks my heart the most is seeing my Granny cry.

    I had NEVER seen her cry in my life until he died.

    They were together 67 years.  Forever joined at the hip.  From beginning to end.

    (Edit:  My Granny died 5 years later, in 2019.  Beyond heartbreaking to me and I’ll never get over it.)

    Life will never be the same in my family.

    But having said that, he lived a long and great, full life.

    Can’t ask for anything more.

    I love and miss you Pawpaw (and Granny)!!!!

    Def Leppard Band Members:

    KISS Band Members:

    Def Leppard Set List:

    1. Let It Go
    2. Animal
    3. Foolin’
    4. Love Bites
    5. Let’s Get Rocked
    6. Two Steps Behind (Acoustic)
    7. Bringin’ On The Heartbreak (Acoustic/Electric)
    8. Switch 625
    9. Hysteria (w/Beth by KISS tag)
    10. Rocket
    11. Armageddon It
    12. Pour Some Sugar On Me
    13. Encore:  Rock Of Ages
    14. Photograph

    KISS Setlist:

    1. Psycho Circus
    2. Deuce
    3. Shout It Out Loud
    4. War Machine 
    5. Hotter Than Hell
    6. I Love It Loud
    7. Lick It Up
    8. Bass Solo
    9. God Of Thunder
    10. Hide Your Heart
    11. Calling Dr. Love
    12. Cold Gin
    13. Love Gun
    14. Black Diamond
    15. Detroit Rock City
    16. Rock And Roll All Nite

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)