• Blog,  Concerts

    Donnie Iris & The Cruisers/The Vindys Concert Review

    April 8 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: April 6, 2024
    • Location of Concert: The Bluestone in Columbus, OH

    My girlfriend Mariah and I went to see Donnie Iris & The Cruisers, at The Bluestone in Columbus, OH Saturday of April 6.

    Opening the show was a band called The Vindys, from Youngstown, OH.

    Such a great band.  Everyone kicked serious butt.

    The singer, Jackie Popovec, is PHENOMENAL.  She can sing anything and it will sound great.

    The band, along with Popevec, includes guitarists John Anthony and Rick Deak, bassist Brendan Burke, drummer Owen Davis, keyboardist Nathan Anthony, trumpet player Kyle O’Donnell, saxophone player Garrett Kuchmaner, and trombone player Brian Mayle.

    They have been around for 10 years and I must say I am very impressed with this band.  

    They played a mix of originals and covers, including a great version of the Black Sabbath classic “War Pigs”.  

    Great stuff.

    OK to the headliner:  Donnie Iris & The Cruisers.

    Admittedly, I was initially going to this show because my girlfriend really likes this band and wanted me to go too.  I was fine with going, but I was not super familiar with their music, I’m sad to say.  But I did my homework and listened to some of their albums and now I love them.  So then I was more excited and now I’m glad I went.

    Donnie Iris is 81 years old, just got over cancer (on stage he called this the “Fuck cancer tour”), and he has more energy than I may ever have. 

    He really gets into it.  Occasionally he sat on a stool, but I don’t blame him because the energy he was giving was a lot. 

    And vocally, he is as great as he was over 40 years ago.  He gives it his all on stage.

    Before The Cruisers, he was in Wild Cherry, who had the big hit “Play That Funky Music”.  He was also in a band called The Jaggerz, who had a hit with the song “The Rapper”.

    The Cruisers played both of these songs at this show, but mostly, it was their songs they played.  Such a great set of songs, including their hits “Ah! Leah!” and “Love Is Like A Rock”.

    The band, with Donnie on vocals and some guitar, includes multi-instrumentalist Mark Avsec (who was also in Wild Cherry with Donnie), lead guitarist Marty Lee Hoenes, bassist Paul Goll, and drummer Kevin Valentine.

    Being the KISS fan I am, I know of Kevin’s drumming on their album Psycho Circus (he played drums on all songs but 1 on the album) and Revenge (he played drums on one song on that album).

    Great great band fronted by an amazing singer/frontman.

    Stay cancer free Donnie!!!!!  And keep on rocking!!!!!!!

    Donnie Iris & The Cruisers Set List:

    1. Agnes
    2. That’s The Way Love Ought To Be
    3. Do You Compute?
    4. Tough World
    5. Sweet Merilee
    6. Pretender
    7. This Time It Must Be Love/Thank You (Falettinme Be Mice Elf Agin)/Another One Bites The Dust (Queen cover)
    8. Play That Funky Music (Wild Cherry cover)
    9. Minnie The Moocher (The Ho De Ho Song)-Cab Calloway cover
    10. Ridin’ Thunder
    11. Ei Ei Ei O Polka (Frankie Yankovic cover)
    12. Love Is Like A Rock
    13. Ah! Leah!
    14. The Rapper (The Jaggerz cover)/Hush (Joe South cover, although they covered Deep Purple’s version of it)
    15. With A Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles cover, although they covered Joe Cocker’s version of it)

    The Vindys Set List:

    1. Intro/Bugs
    2. Don’t Tell Me Just Love Me
    3. Save Me
    4. Misery
    5. Morning Light
    6. Bang
    7. Chasin/War Pigs (Black Sabbath cover)
    8. If I Want

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)

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    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Concerts

    A Dream I Never Thought Would Come True Finally Did: My Big Ears Festival Experience Seeing John Paul Jones 3 Times and Herbie Hancock!!!!

    March 25 2024 / 2 Comments

    In late 2019, I bought a wristband (you wear a wristband instead of having a ticket) for a festival in March of 2020, which is called Big Ears Festival in Knoxville, Tennessee.

    It has been going strong for 15 years, and it encompasses a lot of artists of various types of music, as well as other arts.  It also occurs at many different venues throughout Knoxville.

    I bought a wristband for this because one of my favorite musicians, John Paul Jones, was scheduled to play.

    As of this writing, he does not tour anymore, but he still does play live from time to time with various different musicians.

    He was booked to play twice at this event.  One as a solo act, the other with his duo group Sons of Chipotle (w/Anssi Karttunen).

    I was sooooo excited.

    However, about two weeks before the festival was to happen, this thing called COVID reared it’s ugly head and shut down the world.

    So, Big Ears Festival did not happen in 2020 and  I did not get to see John Paul Jones.

    I was heartbroken.  I don’t blame anyone for canceling everything because that needed to happen to try to protect people.  But still, I was heartbroken.

    Fast forward to September 2023, I find out that Big Ears Festival has once again announced John Paul Jones as a solo act and as part of Sons Of Chipotle (also later announced to play with Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth too) in March of 2024.

    I was so happy I was getting another chance to see who I think is one of the greatest musicians ever.

    And if that wasn’t enough, Jazz legend Herbie Hancock was announced to play at Big Ears Festival too!!

    I bought a wristband very quickly, booked a hotel room in Knoxville near the venues I was going to, and then waited for March to get here.

    Well, it finally did.

    I went to Knoxville and saw John Paul Jones 3 times!!!  Once on Friday, March 22.  Once on Saturday, March 23.  And once on Sunday, March 24.  All 3 shows completely different too.  And I saw Herbie Hancock a few hours after the second John  Paul Jones show!!

    I’ll start with the first John Paul Jones show.

    Oh for those of you who don’t know who John Paul Jones is, let me give you a little history.  Born John Baldwin, he became a sought after session musician in the 1960s, as well as becoming a music arranger.

    Through his session work, he met Jimmy Page, and when John found out that Jimmy was forming a new group, he called Jimmy and asked if he could be the bass player.  This group ultimately became Led Zeppelin.  One of the biggest bands ever.

    After Zeppelin, John went back to arranging and producing different artists and playing with many different musicians.

    He even made a few albums of his own, including the Scream For Help movie soundtrack, and the solo albums Zooma and The Thunderthief.

    He also was in a band called Them Crooked Vultures, with Josh Homme of Queens Of The Stone Age and Eagles Of Death Metal, and Dave Grohl of Nirvana and Foo Fighters.

    And he reunited with Zeppelin a few times for some one off shows.  The best one being what is now a live album/DVD/Blu-ray called Celebration Day.  Phenomenal show from 2007.

    If you dig into his discography, John is soooooo diverse, musically.  He’s worked with everyone from The Rolling Stones, Donovan, Dusty Springfield, Lulu, Madeline Bell, Jeff Beck, Paul McCartney, Ben E. King, The Mission, Cinderella, R.E.M., Brian Eno, Peter Gabriel, Diamonda Galas, Heart, just to name a few.  Go to johnpauljones.com and check out his discography.

    OK on to the shows.

    The first John Paul Jones show was just him.  No band or any other musicians at all.

    He told the crowd he had never done a show like this.

    He started the show by coming up from inside the floor playing a big organ.  He was playing the Led Zeppelin song “Your Time Is Gonna Come”.

    Throughout this first show, John mostly played instrumental versions of Zeppelin songs as a well as a few other things.  Including an awesome instrumental of “Down To The River To Pray”, which he covers on his album The Thunderthief.

    And he did all of this on many different instruments.  Organ, Bass, 3-String Acoustic/Mandolin/Bass, Collapsible Lap Steel Guitar, and Piano with various electronics on pads.

    If you are a Zeppelin fan, this was DEFINITELY the show to see.

    As legendary as Zeppelin are, John always seems to be the least talked about of all the band members.  It’s so odd because trust me, he is one of the best musicians of all time.

    And I saw it in spades. Monster player.

    Throughout the show, John also spoke to the audience.  He has a very good sense of humor.  Even when he had a few brief technical difficulties with some of his technology, he even joked about that too. 

    When introducing the Zeppelin song “Ramble On”, he talked about how people put “Isolated Bass” tracks out for people to listen to on the Internet.  He said that at least when you listen to his “Isolated Bass” tracks that you know he didn’t suck as a player.  

    I can’t say enough about this show.  He played for roughly an hour and it was sooooo much fun.

    And me and a few fans almost got to meet him when he was leaving the theatre after the show, but his security rushed him out.  But that’s OK.  I at least have his autograph, via online, and a few fellow fans told me it is legit, and I believe them.  All good.

    The second John Paul Jones show was the next day, and it was his group with Anssii Karttunen called Sons Of Chipotle.

    It has nothing to do with the food chain, according to John.

    In this group, which this was their US debut (they had only played overseas a few times), John played piano, electronics, and mandolin while Anssii played Cello and electronics.

    The best way I can describe their music is to say it is avant-garde electronic Jazz music.

    Very dark and moody.

    It reminds me of the theme music for Rod Serling’s Night Gallery, or music from a horror movie from the 1960s or 70s.

    Which is not a bad thing, but a lot of people I think probably thought it was too weird for them.  Their loss because I enjoyed it. 

    It’s very different, but that’s what’s so great about Big Ears Festival is that it’s so musically and artistically diverse.

    So having Sons Of Chipotle play at this festival was perfect.

    Thank you guys!!

    Oh and both of these shows were at the Tennessee Theatre, which is a great venue.

    And actually, it was a perfect lead-in to my next concert later in the evening:  Jazz legend Herbie Hancock!!!

    Having played with Miles Davis, Herbie then went on his own, making a lot of albums over the decades.  Even a few soundtracks, like the one to the first Death Wish movie, which I love.

    Herbie and his band, which includes himself on Piano/Keyboards/Vocoder/Keytar, Terence Blanchard on Trumpet, Devin Daniels on Saxophone, James Genus on Bass, Trevor Lawrence Jr. on Drums, and Lionel Loueke on Guitar, played a PHENOMENAL almost 2 hour set of tunes that just blew me away.

    All of these guys are MASTERS at their craft. 

    Just go see them.  You will not be disappointed.

    Then the next day, I saw the third John Paul Jones show.  This time he played Bass/Electronics/Piano with Thurston Moore, Guitarist of the band Sonic Youth.

    They had played before a few years ago.

    Like Sons Of Chipotle, this show was pretty avant garde.  At least the first half was.  The second part may have been more musical for some people’s ears, but still very adventurous.

    This was definitely the loudest show I had seen during this festival, which was fine with me.  

    The two of them played like they were mad scientists, which I mean in a good way.

    John is phenomenal on the Bass, but he is also out of this world on Piano.  His playing was a sight to behold.  And Thurston made a lot of sound with his Guitar.  Really cool stuff.

    This show was at a club called The Mill And Mine.  A very nice club.

    I am sooooooooo glad I got to go to Big Ears Festival in 2024.  Thank you for being such a great organization with great staff, and for booking all of these great talents.

    I only saw these shows, but trust me, there were a TON of great artists there giving fans more than their money’s worth.

    And thank you to Anssii Karttunen, Herbie Hancock and his amazing band, and Thurston Moore for all of the awesome shows I saw during this festival.

    But most thanks I’m giving to John Paul Jones, just because I have been wanting to see him in concert for years, but sadly, just missed him before or didn’t get the chance.  Until this festival.  Thank you for everything.  One of my favorite musicians ever and always.

    Dream come true for me.  I’m glad it did come true.

    I’m only putting two of the set lists here because the other two were really more improv stuff.  Still great of course.

    And one more thing:  I was able to stay at a very nice hotel, eat at some good restaurants, went to some cool music stores, and even went to see a movie.

    Great weekend.

    John Paul Jones Set List:

    1. Your Time Is Gonna Come (on Wurlitzer Pipe Organ)
    2. No Quarter (on Piano)
    3. Down To The River To Pray (on 3-String Acoustic/Mandolin/Bass)
    4. Ramble On (on Bass)
    5. When The Levee Breaks (on Collapsible Lap Steel Guitar)
    6. Since I’ve Been Loving You (on Piano)
    7. Piano Solo
    8. Going To California (on Mandolin)
    9. Bass/Piano Improv.  Actually on this and Down To The River To Pray, he did multi track parts, which means he plays one part, records it, then plays another part while the recording is playing too.  He did that a lot during the shows he played.  He also played a little more of No Quarter at the end of this show.

    Herbie Hancock Set List;

    1. Overture (included Dark Ligtning and parts of Rockit by Herbie’s Guitarist Lionel Loueke) and then Band Introductions
    2. Footprints (Wayne Shorter cover, arranged by Herbie’s Trumpet player Terence Blanchard)
    3. Actual Proof
    4. Come Running To Me (in which Herbie used a Vocoder.  He said he may have been the first to use the Vocoder.  Really cool stuff.)
    5. Secret Sauce
    6. Chamelion (featuring Herbie on the Keytar and Trumpet player Terence Blanchard playing Keyboards)

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)

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    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Concerts

    KK’s Priest/L.A. Guns/Burning Witches Concert Review

    March 17 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: March 16, 2024
    • Location of Concert: The King of Clubs in Columbus, OH

    For the first time in 15 years, I saw K.K. Downing in concert!!

    K.K. is the former co-guitarist/co-songwriter/classic member of the super influential Heavy Metal band and now Rock And Roll Hall of Famers Judas Priest.

    K.K. left Priest in 2011 and aside from playing some guitar on Queensryche’s Frequency Unknown album in 2013, produced a few bands, started a metal news website and eventually a club called KK’s Steel Mill, and got into the golf course business and other things, he quit music until roughly 2020 when he formed KK’s Priest.

    Along with former Judas Priest singer Tim “Ripper” Owens (who replaced classic singer Rob Halford from 1996-2003), co-guitarist A.J. Mills, bassist Tony Newton, and drummer Sean Elg, KK’s Priest have made two solid classic sounding Heavy Metal albums, Sermons of The Sinner in 2021 and The Sinner Rides Again in 2023 (mostly written by K.K.), and are now as of this writing, finally touring the United States.

    I got to see them at The King of Clubs in Columbus, OH.

    Like I said, this was the first time I saw K.K. in 15 years.  I had last seen him in Judas Priest in 2009 in Cincinnati, OH.  See review here.

    And actually, this is the first time I saw Tim since 2002 when I saw him with K.K. and the rest of Judas Priest for the first time, also in Columbus, OH.  See review here.

    I have complained a lot about what K.K. has said about leaving Judas Priest and about some things he said in his book, but at the end of the day, I love him, he’s still a great player, and I’m super glad he’s playing again and making albums.  And I’m really glad he’s working with Tim again and has a very good band.

    They played great, playing a set of half their own material and half Judas Priest classics, and both they and the fans, including myself, had a great time.

    Thank you guys for such a great time.  I really needed it because this has been a terrible year for me, health wise.  But enough about me.

    L.A. Guns also played!!

    This was the third time I saw this version of the band, featuring classic singer Phil Lewis and founding member/part namesake guitarist Tracii Guns.

    Their lineup is filled out with guitarist Ace Von Johnson (who I actually met briefly later on, great guy!), bassist Johnny Martin, and drummer Shawn Duncan.

    They are always amazing and have really been on a roll since 2017, releasing 4 great albums (The Missing Peace, The Devil You Know, Checkered Past, and Black Diamonds), and have another one coming later this year.  I cannot wait to buy it!!

    I love this band.  Phil is one of the best singers.  He said he was having voice issues during this show, but I could not tell because he sounded amazing as always.

    Tracii is one of the great guitar players and needs to be more known than he is.  I consider him a guitar genius.

    The whole band is solid as a rock and I can’t say enough great things about them.

    Check them out!!

    And opening the show was an all female Swiss Metal band called Burning Witches.

    It consists of singer Laura Guldemond, guitarist Larissa Ernst, guitarist Romana Kalkuhl, bassist Jeanine Grob, and drummer Lala Frischknecht.

    I was semi aware of them, but this was definitely the first time I ever saw and heard them.

    They’re very heavy and very good.

    Great singing and musicianship.

    This was a great show, all around.

    Again, I really needed this one.

    Thanks to all the bands for such a great time.

    Rock on!!

    KK's Priest Set List:

    1. Intro/Hellfire Thunderbolt
    2. One More Shot At Glory
    3. The Ripper (Judas Priest song)
    4. Reap The Whirlwind
    5. Night Crawler (Judas Priest song)
    6. Burn In Hell (Judas Priest song)
    7. Beyond The Realms of Death (Judas Priest song)
    8. Hell Patrol (Judas Priest song)
    9. Brothers of the Road
    10. The Green Manalishi (With the Two-Prong Crown-Fleetwood Mac song covered by Judas Priest)
    11. Breaking The Law (Judas Priest song)
    12. Victim of Changes (Judas Priest song)
    13. Encore:  Strike of the Viper
    14. Raise Your Fists

    L.A. Guns Set List:

    1. Intro-Tracii playing guitar along to Ozzy Osbourne’s Diary of a Madman song
    2. Cannonball
    3. Electric Gypsy
    4. Over The Edge
    5. Like A Drug
    6. Sex Action
    7. Speed
    8. Hell’s Bells (AC/DC song) Intro/Never Enough
    9. The Ballad of Jayne
    10. Rip and Tear

    Burning Witches Set List:

    1. Unleash The Beast
    2. Wings of Steel
    3. Hexenhammer
    4. Lucid Nightmare
    5. The Dark Tower
    6. Burning Witches

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Mammoth WVH/Nita Strauss Concert Review

    March 4 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: March 1, 2024
    • Location of Concert: Bogart's in Cincinnati, OH

    My girlfriend Mariah Startzman and I went to see Mammoth WVH (Wolfgang Van Halen) and Nita Strauss in concert.

    I had seen Mammoth before and Nita playing guitar for Alice Cooper many times, but Mariah had not seen either, and I had not seen Nita solo.

    Nita and her band opened the show with a tight, heavy set.

    Half of the set was instrumental and the other half featured vocals by the singer of Deadlands Kasey Karlsen.

    Nita is a great guitar player, lots of stage presence, and has a great solo band.  While not doing this, she plays guitar for Alice Cooper.

    Check out her music and go see her live.  She rocks!!

    Then Mammoth WVH took the stage.

    This is Wolfgang Van Halen’s band.  In the studio, he has done everything on the first two albums, but live, he needs a band.

    I first saw them when Wolfgang started doing headline shows in 2021.  It was his third ever headline show.

    It was a very special show, but after seeing him and the band this time, I can tell he is a lot more confident on stage and has a lot more seasoning.

    Like in 2021, though, the band rocked.

    Wolfgang is a very talented, special singer/songwriter/musician.

    He has it all and is great at all.

    As great a musician as he is, I’m most impressed with his singing and songwriting capabilities.

    He has a great future in music I think.

    Only two albums so far, but I’m sure there will be many more to come.  I certainly hope so.

    Check out Mammoth WVH.

    He/they are awesome.

    Great show.  Mariah and I had a great time.

    Mammoth WVH Set List:

    1. I’m Alright
    2. Right?
    3. Epiphany
    4. Miles Above Me
    5. Like A Pastime
    6. Horribly Right
    7. Optimist
    8. Stone
    9. Distance (Acoustic-Wolfgang does this by himself.)
    10. Think It Over (His Dad Edward Van Halen’s favorite song)
    11. Mammoth
    12. You’re To Blame
    13. Take A Bow
    14. Encore:  Another Celebration At The End Of The World
    15. Don’t Back Down

    Nita Strauss Set List:

    1. Summer Storm
    2. Our Most Desperate Hour
    3. Mariana Trench
    4. Alegria
    5. The Quest/Drum Solo
    6. The Wolf You Feed
    7. Through The Noise
    8. Dead Inside
    9. Victorious

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)

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    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Concerts

    Mr. Big Concert Review

    February 21 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: February 20, 2024 (My Girlfriend Mariah Startzman's birthday!!)
    • Location of Concert: The Royal Oak Music Theatre in Royal Oak, Michigan

    My girlfriend Mariah Startzman wanted to see the band Mr. Big on her birthday (February 20).

    So we did.

    We’ve both been wanting to see the band since we saw Mr. Big singer Eric Martin do a solo set a few years ago.

    And it just so happened that Mr. Big reunited last year for a “farewell tour” and are making a new album.

    So this was our chance to finally see the band.

    It includes not only original member Eric Martin on vocals, but also original members Paul Gilbert on Guitar/Additional Vocals and Billy Sheehan on Bass/Additional Vocals.

    The band is filled out by Drummer Nick D’Virgilio (original Drummer Pat Torpey sadly passed away in 2018).

    No one but The Ramones has truly done a farewell tour, but IF this is Mr. Big’s farewell tour, then they are going out on top.

    They still kick butt.

    Great singing.  Phenomenal musicianship.  And great songs.

    On this tour, they are playing their entire second album “Lean Into It”, as well as other songs from their career, and some cover songs.

    They even switch instruments during one of the cover songs (Good Lovin’).

    Really fun and rocking show.

    Mariah and I had a lot of fun.

    Thank you Eric, Paul, Billy, Nick, and Pat in passing for the great music and shows.

    You guys always rock and always will.

    Thank you!!

    Set List:

    1. Addicted To That Rush
    2. Take Cover
    3. Price You Gotta Pay
    4. Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (The Electric Drill Song)
    5. Alive And Kickin’
    6. Green-Tinted Sixties Mind
    7. CDFF-Lucky This Time (Jeff Paris Cover)
    8. Voodoo Kiss
    9. Never Say Never
    10. Just Take My Heart
    11. My Kinda Woman
    12. A Little Too Loose
    13. Road To Ruin
    14. To Be With You
    15. Wild World (Cat Stevens Cover)
    16. Guitar Solo
    17. Colorado Bulldog
    18. Bass Solo
    19. Shy Boy (Talas Cover.  Talas is also a band Billy Sheehan is in and he sings this one.)
    20. 30 Days In The Hole (Humble Pie Cover)
    21. Good Lovin’ (The Olympics Cover)
    22. Baba O’ Riley (The Who Cover)

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)

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    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Concerts

    John 5 Concert Review

    February 11 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: February 10, 2024
    • Location of Concert: The King of Clubs in Columbus, OH
    • Openers: 8lb Pressure, Sticks N Stones

    My girlfriend Mariah and I went to see one of our favorite guitarists, John 5 (real name John Lowry) in concert.

    I had seen him play in Rob Zombie’s band 4 times (he left Zombie’s band to join Motley Crue) but I had yet to see him solo.  And Mariah had not seen him yet and really wanted to.  So we went.

    Opening bands 8lb Pressure and Sticks N Stones were pretty good, but we were there to see John 5.

    He can and does play every style of music imaginable.

    His solo music is instrumental and wow it’s incredible.

    Look him up.  He has worked with everyone as a musician and songwriter (Rob Halford, David Lee Roth, Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Paul Stanley, Ace Frehley, Steve Perry, the list goes on).

    The guy is a musical genius.

    Go see him if you can and check out his music.

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)

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    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Concerts

    I FINALLY Saw My First Celebrity Crush in Concert!! Madonna Concert Review

    January 16 2024 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert:  Monday, January 15, 2024
    • Location of Concert:  Little Caesars Arena, Detroit, Michigan

    I have been a fan of Madonna since I was 7 years old, when I saw her in the movie Dick Tracy in the theater in 1990.

    She was my first celebrity crush and I have never stopped being a fan.

    I really like most of her albums and videos, (she still sings great) but I never saw her in concert.

    Until now!!

    I saw her in her hometown of Detroit.

    She puts on quite a show, with tons of songs from throughout her career, lots of costume changes, dance routines with other dancers, and she had a lot to say.

    She told stories about her parents.  Her Dad was with her at the show and she said that he taught her hard work and said that “if you think I’m a warrior, you can thank my Dad”.  And she said she hopes he is proud of her. 

    She talked about her Mom (she was pictured during part of the show) and how she’s with her all the time.  She also said she is proud to be a Mom (two of her daughters were part of the show, one playing piano, the other doing a fashion show walk) and thanked all the hard working Moms out there. 

    She talked about how she persevered when she had nothing and ultimately made it because of hard work.

    And she thanked all of the fans for sticking by her all of these years.  I’m happy to be one of those supporters.

    This tour literally is a celebration of her over 40 year career, spanning most of it in various songs, dance/show routines, videos, stage clothes, the works.

    She has always been great, in my opinion.  A couple of albums I don’t love, but I love most of them and even the ones I don’t love have good songs on them too.

    As you’ll see by the pictures and videos I took below are not great because my seat was not the best.  There was a piece of stage in the way of my view, but I still enjoyed the show and am very glad I FINALLY saw “The Queen of Pop”.

    A DJ opened the show and Special Guest Bob The Drag Queen (a.k.a. Caldwell Tidicue) appeared several times throughout the show as well.

    She puts everything she has into the show and in her career.  Always has and always will.

    I know she is considered controversial at times, but I’ve always been a fan.  I know I keep saying that but I mean it.

    I think her music is great.  I’ve always thought she was and is beautiful.  She’s made some good movies too like Dick Tracy, A League Of Their Own, Evita, just to name a few.

    This was a big bucket list concert for me.  

    Thank you Madonna for everything.

    You are loved by me and the world over.

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)

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    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Concerts

    Rest In Peace Steve Riley

    October 27 2023 / No Comments

    I found out today that Steve Riley passed away at 67.

    He was the long time drummer of L.A. Guns, Riley’s L.A. Guns, and was the drummer of W.A.S.P. and Keel, and Roadmaster, The Lawyers, and The B’zz.

    According to a statement from his family, Steve passed away Tuesday, October 24, from a severe case of pneumonia, which he had suffered from for several weeks.

    This is very sad.

    I was lucky enough to meet him this year, and believe me it was luck (see my story here) but I’m grateful I got to meet him and see him play. 

    He was unbelievably kind to me and I’ll never forget that.

    He was a great player all the way to the end.

    This especially hits home for me because I had a very bad case of pneumonia earlier this year too and have had it quite a few times in the past few years.

    I eventually got the pneumonia vaccine awhile back because I was so concerned about getting pneumonia again.

    All the greats keep going away and I hate it.  But unfortunately, it’s how life goes.

    And this is another reason why I’ve gone to sooooo many shows in the last decade.  Yes the shows are always fun and I want that fun, but also any day could be it for anyone and I don’t want to not see them do what they do best.

    I wish all the best to his family, friends, bandmates in Riley’s L.A. Guns and everyone else he has played with, and his fans.

    And selfishly as a fan, I hope that the second Riley’s L.A. Guns album will be released.  They released 3 great singles this year and was playing another one live (again see my story link above), but if not, I understand.

    I’ll be cranking his music in his memory.

    Thanks Steve for the music and for the kindness you showed me.

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Finally!! I Saw Mike Tramp

    October 15 2023 / 8 Comments
    • Date of Concert: October 14, 2023
    • Location of Concert: The King Of Clubs in Columbus, OH
    • Openers: Karma 10 and Pettibone (Two Local Bands)

    I FINALLY saw Mike Tramp in concert.

    He is the singer/songwriter/founder of White Lion, has had other bands before and after White Lion, and has been a solo artist since the late 90s.

    This year is the first time he has toured America extensively in many years so I did not want to miss this.

    I was supposed to see him earlier this year, but I had pneumonia and could not go.

    I’m sorry I missed him that time, but wow, he was worth the wait.

    He and his great band played a bunch of White Lion songs (he’s supporting his Songs Of White Lion album which are re-arranged versions of White Lion songs), as well as one solo song.

    All great songs, in my opinion.

    Mike told tons of stories (He should write a book!!) and he and the band were definitely having fun on stage.

    Mike said this tour was a test run and that more is to come, so that’s great news.

    This was definitely another one of my favorite shows.

    Even the local bands, Pettibone and Karma 10, were good too.

    White Lion is definitely a favorite band of mine and Mike has always been a great singer/songwriter.

    Some of his lyrics are still very topical (When The Children Cry, Cry For Freedom, Love Don’t Come Easy, and on and on)

    Please seek out his music (I’ve included his discography below).

    And SURPRISE:  Mike announced near the end of the show that he was going to come out and have a beer with everyone, free of charge.  Meaning he was coming out and hanging with everyone, signing stuff, and taking pictures.

    Now, I know he’s been doing paid meet and greets, and maybe this was one of those, but I was able to meet him, get him to sign my concert ticket (sorry I had nothing else) and got pictures taken with him for free.

    I told him how much of a fan I am and about being sick earlier this year so I had to miss him.  He said “I know what you mean brother”.  He thanked me and I left

    See, that’s really going the extra mile for your fans.

    Most bands/artists don’t do this.

    He clearly cares about his fans and I appreciate that very much.

    Not everyone stuck around, and I understand that because they have things to do, like getting home for one.

    But many did stick around, as did I, because I was not going to miss this opportunity to meet and thank one of my favorite singers and songwriters.

    I’m glad I did it and if Mike ever reads this, I again want to thank him for all the great music, the great show, and for taking the time to meet his fans.  

    Thank you so much sir and please keep on rocking!!

    P.S.  Since posting this, Mike did read my review, thanked me, and even shared it on his Facebook page too!!  Thank you sir.  I added his comment and share to the picture gallery.

    Discography

    Mabel

    1. Another Fine Mess!
    2. Message From The Heart
    3. Mabel 4-Ever
    4. We Are The 80s
    5. Extranos

    Studs

    1. Studs

    White Lion

    1. Fight To Survive
    2. Pride
    3. Big Game
    4. Mane Attraction
    5. Remembering White Lion (Re-records of White Lion songs.  Also known as Last Roar.)
    6. Rocking The USA (Double Live Album under the name Tramp’s White Lion)
    7. The Definitive Rock Collection (Best of double album that also includes a live show from The Ritz in the 80s)
    8. Return Of The Pride

    Freak Of Nature

    1. Freak Of Nature
    2. Gathering Of Freaks
    3. Outcasts

    Solo

    1. Capricorn
    2. Recovering The Wasted Years
    3. More To Life Than This
    4. Rock ‘N’ Roll Alive (Double Live Album)
    5. Songs I Left Behind
    6. The Rock ‘N’ Roll Circuz
    7. Stand Your Ground
    8. Cobblestone Street
    9. Museum
    10. Nomad
    11. Maybe Tomorrow
    12. Stray From The Flock
    13. Second Time Around
    14. Trampthology (Compilation w/1 New Song)
    15. For Forste Gang
    16. Songs Of White Lion

    Band Members:

    • Mike Tramp (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
    • Marcus Nand (Guitar/Vocals)
    • Jerry Best (Bass/Vocals)
    • Brentt Arcement (Drums/Keyboards/Vocals)

    Set List:

    1. Hungry
    2. Lonely Nights
    3. Tell Me
    4. Living On The Edge
    5. Cry For Freedom
    6. Love Don’t Come Easy
    7. Till Death Do Us Part
    8. Have You Ever (solo song)
    9. Little Fighter
    10. Broken Heart
    11. Wait
    12. When The Children Cry
    13. Lady Of The Valley
    14. Farewell To You

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)

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    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Concerts

    Bands/Artists I Still Want To See And Haven’t

    October 12 2023 / No Comments

    I have seen many bands/artists since my first concert in 1998.

    However, I have not seen everyone, and unfortunately, many I’ll never see because they’re dead, they don’t come anywhere near me, or they just don’t do it at all anymore.

    However, there are still some that I’m going to see and hopefully will someday see.

    I wanted to show you my list of bands/artists I’m going to see soon or hope to someday see.

    Here they are:

    John Paul Jones-I’m seeing him twice at a festival in Knoxville, Tennessee in March of 2024.  This was supposed to happen in March of 2020, but unfortunately, COVID 19 happened and shut down the world.  I HOPE nothing bad happens this time.

    Jimmy Page-I’m including him on this list as a hopeful, but it won’t happen because he’s unofficially retired.  He’s said for years that he will go back on the road and do shows, but he’s yet to do it.  But hey, I can keep hoping.  Especially since he recently performed at the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Induction Ceremony, playing the Link Wray classic instrumental Rumble.  Come on Jimmy!!

    Led Zeppelin-It will NEVER happen, but I can dream.  However, I’ve seen Robert Plant twice with Alison Krauss.  I have Jimmy Page’s autograph and dream I’ll see him somehow someday.  I’m seeing John Paul Jones twice in March of 2024.  And I’ve seen the son of John Bonham, Jason, 4 times with his Zeppelin tribute band Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening (was Experience) and twice with Sammy Hagar & The Circle.

    David Gilmour-He’s the last member of Pink Floyd still around I have yet to see.  I keep hoping.

    Ritchie Blackmore (Blackmore’s Night)-I keep hoping but I doubt it because he and his wife’s band do not play anywhere near me.

    Madonna-I’m seeing her in January of 2024.  I was supposed to see her this year, but the tour was postponed.

    Mr. Big-My girlfriend Mariah and I are seeing them on her birthday (February 20) in 2024.

    John 5-Phenomenal guitarist.  I’ve seen him 4 times when he was in Rob Zombie’s band.  However, I’ve never seen him solo and Mariah REALLY wants to see him solo, so we are in February of 2024.  Ten days before her birthday.

    Danko Jones-They seem to never play in America, but I keep hoping.

    Iggy Pop-Mariah and I would love to see Iggy, but again, I don’t know because he only does so many shows now and most are nowhere near.

    Jake E. Lee-Great guitar player who had not been active for many years, but became active again a few years ago.  Since COVID, though, he’s been mostly quiet.  So, I don’t know.

    Uriah Heep-I sooo want to see them. They still make great albums and tour a lot (they last played America in 2019, but unfortunately, I didn’t go).  I keep hoping.

    Mike + The Mechanics-I love this band and hope they play America again.  If not, I’ve seen the main man of the band, Mike Rutherford, with Genesis.

    Chris Holmes-Former guitarist of W.A.S.P., who is now a solo artist.  He still makes albums and plays, but he has not played America in quite awhile.  I keep hoping.

    The Cult-They still make albums and tour, but I always miss them, somehow.  

    Britny Fox-One member still does shows with a new lineup, but I keep hoping the classic lineup will reunite eventually.

    Extreme-They just put out a great new album this year, but unfortunately, I missed them in concert.  Hopefully someday I will see them.  If not, I’ve seen singer Gary Cherone sing for The Joe Perry Project.

    Black Oak Arkansas-Singer Jim Dandy is still going strong with a great lineup of people.  They just put out a great new covers album called The Devils Jukebox, which I highly recommend checking out.  They’re only doing a few shows for now, but I hope more will happen.

    Starz-They mostly play in New Jersey or near there it seems, but I hope they’ll play near me someday.  If not, I’m good.

    Biohazard-They reunited this year and are playing a lot and appears to be making a new album, so I think I’m likely to see them.

    Bryan Adams-I was supposed to see him this year, but unfortunately, I got pneumonia, and could not go.  So hopefully someday, Mariah and I can go see him.  If not, I’m good.

    Fleetwood Mac-Probably not at this point, but maybe someday, I’ll see Stevie Nicks and Lindsey Buckingham separately.

    Vandenberg-I will be seeing guitarist Adrian Vandenberg and his band Vandenberg in March on a co-headline show with Geoff Tate (original singer of Queensryche, who I have seen twice).  First time seeing Vandenberg.  Still making great albums.

    Steve Perry-It will never happen, but hey, I can hope.  He’s at least making albums again.

    Mike Tramp-The singer of White Lion and a solo artist.  I’m finally seeing him this week (October 14, 2023).  I was supposed to see him earlier this year, but unfortunately, I got pneumonia, so I could not.  I’m rectifying that Saturday.

    Metal Church-Maybe someday.

    Bulletboys-Hopefully someday.

    Creed-They’re touring in summer of 2024, but tickets have sold so fast I can’t go see them in Cincinnati.  And I’m not traveling further.  Maybe some other time.  If not, I’m good.

    Nickelback-I would not mind seeing them, but if I don’t, I’m good.

    Limp Bizkit-I would not mind seeing them, but if I don’t, I’m good.

    Pantera-I hope to see the lineup of Pantera members Philip H. Anselmo (Vocals) and Rex Brown (Bass) with Zakk Wylde (Guitar) and Charlie Benante (Drums) in concert.  If not, I’m good.

    Loudness-I was supposed to see them earlier this year, but they canceled.  If I don’t ever see them, I’m good.

    Joe Satriani-I would not mind seeing him, but if not, I’m good.

    Trans Siberian Orchestra-I’ve wanted to see them for years, but I just never have.  They come around all the time, but somehow, I always miss them.  Maybe someday.

    CTA (California Transit Authority)-Drummer Danny Seraphine, founding member of the band Chicago, has a great band that have put out a few albums and do shows, but if I went, I’d have to travel far, so he is doubtful.  But if not, I have a signed 8×10 of the band, he signed a CD and DVD for me, and signed his book for me.

    Peter Cetera-Another founding member of Chicago.  He’s been very quiet since COVID happened, so he may be doubtful.  Either way, I’m good.

    The Godz-They are back together and I hope to see them someday.

    Original Misfits-I’ve seen everyone in this band separately, but not together.  They’ve only done a handful of big shows in the last few years, so we’ll see.

    The Sweet-There are two versions of this band.  I’ve seen one of them.  The other seems to tour exclusively overseas, but hey, I can hope I’ll see that version someday.  Either way, I’m good.

    Dirty Honey-A great newer band.  

    Jefferson Starship-Maybe someday.  If not, I’m good.

    AC/DC-I’ve seen them, but Mariah has not.  So if they tour I intend to take her.

    Toto-I intend to see them in April of 2024 on a tour with Journey.  If not, I’m good.

    Phish-Maybe someday, but if not, I’m good.

    Phil Lesh-The only member of The Grateful Dead still around I’ve not seen.  He only plays occasionally now, but if I can see him, great.  If not, I’m good.

    Martin Barre-Former guitarist of Jethro Tull.  I was supposed to see him this year, but he canceled for some reason.  Maybe someday.  If not, I’m good.

    Manowar-They don’t tour America now, but hopefully they will eventually.

    KK’s Priest-I’m seeing them March 16 of 2024.

    That’s all I can think of.

    Yes that’s a lot, and hopefully, I’ll see most of them someday, but if not, I’m good. 

    I keep saying I’m near the end of my concert treks because as much as I love the shows, I hate everything that goes with them.  Buying the tickets, the waiting for the day to come, will the show happen?, traveling to and from, gas, parking, getting in and out, etc.

    And I’ve seen almost everyone I want to see in this life.

    Yes that’s a big list still, but nowhere as big as it used to be.

    So who knows when I’ll stop, or if I’ll stop.  But I’m HOPING that starting in 2024, I will finally start slowing down at least.

    We’ll see.

    Either way, I love concerts and always will.  And I cannot live without music in my life.

    So stay tuned to this page for more reviews and blogs.

    Rock on!

    Lucas Hannon