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Mammoth WVH/Nita Strauss Concert Review
- 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:
- I’m Alright
- Right?
- Epiphany
- Miles Above Me
- Like A Pastime
- Horribly Right
- Optimist
- Stone
- Distance (Acoustic-Wolfgang does this by himself.)
- Think It Over (His Dad Edward Van Halen’s favorite song)
- Mammoth
- You’re To Blame
- Take A Bow
- Encore: Another Celebration At The End Of The World
- Don’t Back Down
Nita Strauss Set List:
- Summer Storm
- Our Most Desperate Hour
- Mariana Trench
- Alegria
- The Quest/Drum Solo
- The Wolf You Feed
- Through The Noise
- Dead Inside
- Victorious
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Mr. Big Concert Review
- 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:
- Addicted To That Rush
- Take Cover
- Price You Gotta Pay
- Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy (The Electric Drill Song)
- Alive And Kickin’
- Green-Tinted Sixties Mind
- CDFF-Lucky This Time (Jeff Paris Cover)
- Voodoo Kiss
- Never Say Never
- Just Take My Heart
- My Kinda Woman
- A Little Too Loose
- Road To Ruin
- To Be With You
- Wild World (Cat Stevens Cover)
- Guitar Solo
- Colorado Bulldog
- Bass Solo
- Shy Boy (Talas Cover. Talas is also a band Billy Sheehan is in and he sings this one.)
- 30 Days In The Hole (Humble Pie Cover)
- Good Lovin’ (The Olympics Cover)
- Baba O’ Riley (The Who Cover)
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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John 5 Concert Review
- 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)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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I FINALLY Saw My First Celebrity Crush in Concert!! Madonna Concert Review
- 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)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Rest In Peace Steve Riley
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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Finally!! I Saw Mike Tramp
- 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
- Another Fine Mess!
- Message From The Heart
- Mabel 4-Ever
- We Are The 80s
- Extranos
Studs
- Studs
White Lion
- Fight To Survive
- Pride
- Big Game
- Mane Attraction
- Remembering White Lion (Re-records of White Lion songs. Also known as Last Roar.)
- Rocking The USA (Double Live Album under the name Tramp’s White Lion)
- The Definitive Rock Collection (Best of double album that also includes a live show from The Ritz in the 80s)
- Return Of The Pride
Freak Of Nature
- Freak Of Nature
- Gathering Of Freaks
- Outcasts
Solo
- Capricorn
- Recovering The Wasted Years
- More To Life Than This
- Rock ‘N’ Roll Alive (Double Live Album)
- Songs I Left Behind
- The Rock ‘N’ Roll Circuz
- Stand Your Ground
- Cobblestone Street
- Museum
- Nomad
- Maybe Tomorrow
- Stray From The Flock
- Second Time Around
- Trampthology (Compilation w/1 New Song)
- For Forste Gang
- 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:
- Hungry
- Lonely Nights
- Tell Me
- Living On The Edge
- Cry For Freedom
- Love Don’t Come Easy
- Till Death Do Us Part
- Have You Ever (solo song)
- Little Fighter
- Broken Heart
- Wait
- When The Children Cry
- Lady Of The Valley
- Farewell To You
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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Bands/Artists I Still Want To See And Haven’t
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
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Another Surprise Show: Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 11, 2023
- Location of Concert: Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY
Well, this was another surprise for me.
While I was at the Ringo Starr show Monday night of October 9, a friend of mine, Mary Honaker, told me that she and her husband Garrett could not go to the Kenny Wayne Shepherd Band concert two nights later and asked me if I wanted their tickets.
Of course, I said yes.
Again, this was not planned, but I was not going to refuse.
I’m sorry Mary and Garrett could not go, but I thank them very much for allowing me to use the tickets.
A friend of mine, John Robinette, and I went.
As it turned out, we were in the 5th row!!
There were no openers. Just Kenny and his phenomenal band.
Lots of newer songs, older songs, some covers. Awesome musicianship all around, and great singing.
I really needed this one because I’ve been very melancholy lately and am still contemplating how many more of these shows I can go to. But this show really lifted me up.
Thanks to Kenny and his band for a great night, and again, thanks to my friend John for agreeing to come with me to the show, and most especially, thanks to my friends Mary and Garrett for giving me the tickets.
I have a few more shows to go to this year, so stay tuned for those reviews.
Then, I start up almost immediately next year, and will be busy until at least April.
I truly do want to slow down, BUT, I’m not done yet.
Band Members:
- Kenny Wayne Shepherd (Lead Guitar/Lead Vocals)
- Noah Hunt (Lead Vocals/Rhythm Guitar)
- Chris Layton (Drums)
- Kevin McCormick (Bass)
- Joe Krown (Organ/Keyboards)
Set List:
- Woman Like You
- Mr. Soul (Buffalo Springfield cover)
- Long Time Running
- I Want You
- Diamonds & Gold
- Deja Voodoo
- Shame, Shame, Shame
- Born With A Broken Heart
- While We Cry
- Down For Love
- Turn To Stone (Joe Walsh cover)
- Encore: Blue On Black
- I’m A King Bee (Slim Harpo cover)
- Voodoo Child (Slight Return (The Jimi Hendrix Experience cover)
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Surprise to Me: Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 9, 2023
- Location of Concert: Charleston Coliseum and Convention Center in Charleston, WV
This was not planned and I did not intend to go, but I got a ticket through work to go to a very special show.
So because of getting this ticket, which I greatly appreciate, I saw Ringo Starr And His All Starr Band just down the street from where I work!!
I had seen Ringo and his band in 2016, which was a blast, and considering how busy I have been this year with shows (still not done yet, but who knows, I may be slowing down next year) I was not intending to go.
But hey, I’m not going to argue with a free ticket.
Anyway, on with the show.
There were no openers. The band started on time at 7:30 PM, playing a little more than two hours of hits.
With this band, it’s never just about Ringo and the band doing his songs only. They do that (Ringo’s songs he sang in The Beatles and solo hits) but since it is an All Star band, songs from most of the band members are played too.
So since Edgar Winter is in the band, they play some of his songs. Steve Lukather of Toto (and has played with soooooooooooooooooo many others) plays guitar/bass in the band so they play some Toto songs. Colin Hay of Men At Work, who also plays guitar in the band, does some of his songs, Hamish Stuart of Average White Band songs are played, etc.
They have a great time and give the fans everything they have.
Ringo is 83 years old (looks like he’s 50) and has more energy than anyone in the room.
When he’s not out front, he’s behind his drum kit playing, along with main drummer Gregg Bissonette, who is a monster player, having played with David Lee Roth and many others.
I enjoyed all the songs. Everyone sang and played great. It’s everything you would want in a concert and more.
Again, I was not intending to go to this this time, but I’m grateful to my work place who gave me a ticket. Thank you very much.
Band Members:
- Ringo Starr (Lead Vocals/Drums)
- Edgar Winter (Keyboards/Keytar/Saxophone/Percussion/Lead Vocals)
- Steve Lukather (Guitar/Bass/Vocals)
- Colin Hay (Guitar/Vocals)
- Hamish Stuart (Bass/Guitar/Vocals)
- Warren Ham (Saxophone/Percussion/Vocals)
- Gregg Bissonette (Drums/Trumpet briefly during Yellow Submarine)
Set List:
- Matchbox (Carl Perkins cover Ringo sings)
- It Don’t Come Easy (Ringo)
- What Goes On (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- Free Ride (Edgar Winter song he sings)
- Rosanna (Toto song Steve Lukather sings)
- Pick Up The Pieces (Hamish Stuart-Average White Band song)
- Down Under (Colin Hay-Men At Work song)
- Boys (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- I’m The Greatest (Ringo)
- Yellow Submarine (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- Cut The Cake (Hamish Stuart-Average White Band song)
- Frankenstein (Edgar Winter song)
- Octopus’s Garden (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- Back Off Boogaloo (Ringo)
- Overkill (Colin Hay-Men At Work song)
- Africa (Toto song Steve Lukather sings)
- Work To Do (The Isley Brothers cover Hamish Stuart sings)
- I Wanna Be Your Man (The Beatles song Ringo sings)
- Johnny B. Goode (Chuck Berry cover Edgar Winter sings)
- Who Can It Be Now? (Colin Hay-Men At Work song)
- Hold The Line (Toto song Steve Lukather sings)
- Photograph (Ringo)
- Act Naturally (Johnny Russell cover The Beatles covered which Ringo sings)
- With A Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles song Ringo sings)/Give Peace A Chance (John Lennon cover everyone sings-This show was on John’s birthday)
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)
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My 1st KISS: My 1st Concert
- Date of Concert: December 8, 1998
- Location of Concert: Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, WV
- Opener: Econoline Crush
Almost 25 years ago, I went to my 1st concert.
I may have seen someone play before this at a Summer Motion/4th of July event, but I don’t remember them.
So, this was my 1st concert.
And it just happened to be my favorite band ever: KISS!!!!
December 8, 1998 at the then Charleston Civic Center (Charleston Coliseum & Convention Center in 2023 as I type this).
I was 16 years old (I’m 41 as I type this in 2023.).
I still was not quite driving yet (actually I was very late getting my license but that’s another story), and this was before I ever owned a personal computer.
So, I had to get tickets the old fashioned way: go to a ticket outlet.
And this case, it was our local Kroger.
My Dad took me to Kroger on a Saturday morning earlier that year to buy tickets.
I remember it being cold and we waited in line with many others to buy tickets.
It took about 2-3 hours before we got them (3 tickets) but no regrets.
I, my Dad, and my brother Christopher went to the show.
A band I had never heard of before or since, Econoline Crush, opened.
They were fine and actually very loud (this was my 1st time hearing music played that loud).
After they were done, I put ear plugs into my ears, and from that point on, I’ve used ear plugs at almost every show I’ve seen for safety.
I sadly do not have any pictures to show, other than my ticket stub, but I will give you my memories of this show (It also helps I have the audio and video of it and no I did not record them. I got them from fans.)
KISS were on their Psycho Circus tour (new album at the time has the same name) at the time.
It was still the original lineup of Gene Simmons (Vocals/Bass), Paul Stanley (Vocals/Guitar), Ace Frehley (Vocals/Lead Guitar), and Peter Criss (Vocals/Drums).
To give some backstory, I actually had just become a fan of theirs earlier that year (at that point, I knew of Gene in the movie Runaway and knew of the band but was not aware of much of their music) when I saw them featured on a VH1 show called The 100 Greatest Artists of Rock & Roll (They were listed at 67.).
I bought a best of album called Greatest KISS first and I fell instantly in love.
I soon started buying their albums (they have many), although I still did not have all of them by the time I saw them.
But I was very aware of a lot of it by show time.
They had a big curtain up, as they always do, before the show.
I’ll always remember the moment the curtain came down and there they were (we had great seats by the way, right by Paul’s b-stage he flew out onto later on).
You could not have taken the smile off my face with anything.
I could have died that night and been happy. It meant everything to me and still does.
They played 3 songs from Psycho Circus and a lot of classics from the 70s.
Peter’s drum kit went up into the air and flew out over the audience.
Ace’s guitar smoked and flew through the air.
As I said, Paul flew through the air onto the b-stage later on for a few songs.
And Gene spit fire and blood as he does, and flew up into the air on a small platform for his signature song God Of Thunder.
Also, some of the show involved using 3-D glasses.
They did not work for everyone. It depended on where you were, but they worked for me.
What it was was that during certain points in the show, you would be instructed to put on your glasses and you would see some cool imagery.
The imagery included Ace and Peter pointing their guitar and drum sticks right at you, Gene’s face flying around, and maybe Paul’s guitar stuck out at you too, and some other stuff I don’t remember.
I thought it was pretty cool, but again, it did not work for everyone there.
I still have the glasses too, as well as some of the paper confetti that came down from the ceiling at the end of the show.
25 years later, I still love KISS so much.
I love every album and every lineup.
I had no idea that 25 years later, I would still be seeing bands/artists I love (I’ve seen KISS 11 times alone as of 2023.).
This was the start of something that for many years was just something fun to do every once in awhile. But eventually, it became a passion/positive obsession.
There have been MANY shows I did not see and I regret that.
But overall, I’ve done pretty good.
And I’m not done yet.
I’ve been saying for years I’m going to stop or slow down, but I’ve yet to do it.
Maybe I’ll slow down in 2024? We’ll see.
I hope you enjoyed reading this as much as I loved living it.
Onwards.
Set List:
- Psycho Circus
- Shout It Out Loud
- Deuce
- Do You Love Me
- Firehouse
- Shock Me
- Let Me Go, Rock ‘N’ Roll
- Calling Dr. Love
- Into The Void
- Ace Guitar Solo
- King Of The Night Time World
- Bass Solo
- God Of Thunder
- Within
- Peter Drum Solo
- Cold Gin
- Love Gun
- 100,000 Years
- Rock And Roll All Nite
- Encore: Beth
- Detroit Rock City
- Black Diamond
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
