• Blog,  Concerts

    An Evening with Vanilla Fudge Concert Review

    July 25 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: July 22, 2023
    • Location of Concert: The Kent Stage in Kent, OH
           Vanilla Fudge were great!!! Great singing and great playing. Sadly, Carmine Appice was not there. He had some kind of a medical issue.
     
           Carmine – Take care and I hope I’ll see you someday.
     
           Keep on rocking!!

    Set List:

    1. She’s Not There
    2. Take Me For a Little While
    3. People Get Ready
    4. Gimme Some Lovin’
    5. Let’s Pray For Peace (Dedicated to Ukraine)
    6. Shotgun
    7. Season of the Witch (Dedicated to Alison Steele)
    8. Dazed and Confused/ Babe I’m Gonna Leave You
    9. You Keep Me Hangin’ On
    10. Encore: I’m a Believer

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


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  • Blog,  Concerts

    “Soldiers, soldiers, Fighting the Lord’s Battle Plan” Stryper Concert Review

    July 17 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: July 15, 2023
    • Location of Concert: Paramount Arts Center in Ashland, KY
    • Opener: The Fifth
           Fourth time is the charm: I FINALLY saw Stryper!!! (I’ve tried to see them 3 other times over the past year, but ended up not being able to go due to work, illness, and Stryper cancelling a show). Nothing stopped me this time.

          They have been a band since 1983 and they’re still as great as ever. Awesome singing and phenomenal musicians. Still making great albums (they have many), and what can I say? They rock!!!!
     
           Thank you guys so much for sharing your gift of music to us fans. Keep on rocking!
     
           The opener, The Fifth, was also a very good, solid rock band. I really enjoyed them as well.

    Stryper Band Members:

    • Michael Sweet (Lead vocals/guitar)
    • Robert Sweet (Drums)
    • Oz Fox (Guitar/ Backing Vocals)
    • Perry Richardson (Bass/ Backing Vocals)

    Set List:

    1. Sing-Along Song
    2. More Than a Man
    3. Surrender
    4. Calling on You
    5. Free
    6. In God We Trust
    7. Revelation
    8. Sorry
    9. Transgressor
    10. All for One
    11. Always There for You
    12. Divider
    13. No Rest for the Wicked
    14. No More Hell to Pay
    15. The Valley
    16. Yahweh
    17. Soldiers Under Command
    18. To Hell With the Devil

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)

  • Blog,  Concerts

    “Burn with me, heaven’s on fire!” Kuarantine Concert Review

    July 2 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: July 1, 2023
    • Location of Concert: JD Legends in Franklin, OH
    • Opener: Blackwater
           Thank you Chris Jericho and all of Kuarantine for such a great, fun show in Franklin, Ohio. For those that don’t know, this is a non makeup era KISS tribute band. I love all KISS albums but especially the 80s/90s period. And this band gives those songs the love and respect they deserve. Thank you guys.
     
           Plus, this was my first show since having a biopsy. It felt great being back in the saddle.
     
           I’ll be busy this month with more shows. 

    Kuarantine Band Members:

    • Chris Jericho (Lead Singer)
    • Joe McGinness (Lead Guitar)
    • P.J. Farley (Bass)
    • Kent Slucher (Drums)

    Set List (including original KISS album):

    1.  I Just Wanna (“Revenge”)
    2. Heaven’s On Fire (“Animalize”)
    3. Heart of Chrome (“Revenge”)
    4. Thou Shalt Not (“Revenge”)
    5. Charlie Parra guitar solo
    6. Love’s A Deadly Weapon (“Asylum”)
    7. Cold Gin (“Kiss”)
    8. Joe McGinness guitar solo
    9. No No No (“Crazy Nights”)
    10. Silver Spoon (“Hot in the Shade”)
    11. Who Wants to Be Lonely (“Asylum”)
    12. Love Gun (“Love Gun”)
    13. Uh! All Night (“Asylum”)
    14.  Lick It Up (“Lick It Up”)

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


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  • Blog

    Welcome to the Diary of an Ardent Fan!

    June 30 2023 / No Comments

    Hello everyone! Lucas Hannon here, the owner and writer for this rockin’ blog “Diary of an Ardent Fan”! After years of family and friends telling me to officially write down my music based experiences, such as concerts and album/ book reviews, I finally sat down and created this portal to my world. Music is the love of my life, so this blog will contain my heart and soul. Hopefully you all out there will enjoy reading the “Diary” as much as I will enjoy writing about my adventures.

    Feel free to introduce yourself in the comments! Music brings people together and I would like to create a community here on my site where we can share in each others ideas.

  • Blog,  Concerts

    What a Great Day: Jack Russell’s Great White Concert Review

    June 10 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: June 10, 2023
    • Location of Concert: Blue Note Harrison in Harrison, OH
    First off, thank you Robby Lochner!!
     
    I owe you a lot.
     
    Thanks to him (he’s one of the guitarists of Jack Russell’s Great White), I had an even more fun time seeing the band for the second time.
     
    I got to hang out at sound check, got to sit on stage on the drum riser and watch the band go through their sound check, and later on, I had a great time seeing the show (I’d seen them last year too at this same venue actually, Blue Note Harrison), and I got to meet the man himself Jack Russell after the show. I got my picture taken with him and Robby and he signed 3 of my favorite Great White CDs. Two of which are his favorites too and he told me that (Can’t Get There From Here, which is my favorite, and He Saw It Comin’). I also got Hooked signed, which I really love too. I had a lot more CD booklets with me, which he was impressed by (I have all but four live albums) but I said I didn’t expect him to sign everything because I was blessed to meet him and to have this special day and I didn’t want to take up too much of his time.
     
    But ultimately I got what I wanted signed.
     
    He’s a very kind man, loves his fans, and loves what he does, which is being in my opinion one of the greatest singers there is. He was very kind to me and thanked me for being a fan.
     
    He and his band are fantastic. I truly can’t wait for more new music from them and to see them again sometime.
     
    I would’ve seen the show and had a great time regardless, but thanks to Robby (phenomenal guitar player and even more phenomenal person), I got to have a very special day.
     
    Anyone who has seen my posts knows that music and going to concerts makes me more happy than anything.
     
    However, occasions like this are even more special. None of this had to happen, but it did and I’m forever grateful.
     
    Thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you, thank you Robby. If you ever play anywhere else near me, feel free to allow me to buy you and all the guys lunch or dinner.
     
    And thank you Jack for all the music, and for being such a great person.
     
    Love you all. You all rock!!!
     
    Keep on doing it.
     
    Setlist-Desert Moon, Heart The Hunter, Wooden Jesus, Mista Bone (with Come Together), Save Your Love (with Nathaniel Peck), Gone With the Wind, Old Rose Motel, Lady Redlight, Can’t Shake It, All Over Now, Face The Day, Call It Rock ‘N’ Roll, Rock Me, Once Bitten Twice Shy

    Jack Russell's Great White Band Members:

    • Jack Russell (Lead Vocals)
    • Robby Lochner (Lead Guitar)
    • Tony Montana (Guitar/Keyboards)
    • Dan McNay (Bass)
    • Ken Mary (Drums)

    Set List:

    1. Desert Moon
    2. Heart The Hunter
    3. Wooden Jesus
    4. Mista Bone (w/Come Together)
    5. Save Your Love (w/Nathaniel Peck on guest vocals singing with Jack)
    6. Gone With The Wind
    7. Old Rose Motel
    8. Lady Redlight
    9. Can’t Shake It
    10. All Over Now
    11. Face The Day
    12. Call It Rock ‘N’ Roll
    13. Rock Me
    14. Once Bitten Twice Shy

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Last KISS?: Sonic Temple Festival (KISS, Rob Zombie, & Others) Concert Review

    May 28 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: May 27, 2023
    • Location of Concert: Historic Crew Stadium in Columbus, OH
    I went to some of the Saturday portion of Sonic Temple Art & Music Festival 2023 in Columbus, Ohio.
     
    I only saw Trivium super briefly, which I’m disappointed about because I really wanted to see them.
     
    I saw some of From Ashes To New and most of Falling In Reverse.
     
    I only saw video of Puscifer, Maynard James Keenan of Tool/A Perfect Circle other band because I had a decent spot waiting for my favorite band which I will get to shortly.
     
    Rob Zombie was the co-headliner.
     
    This was my 4th time seeing him.
     
    He’s always great and fun.
     
    But the main event was what made me the most happy. My favorite band KISS!!
     
    I’ve seen them 11 times in the past 25 years, and I love every album and every lineup this band has had.
     
    They never let me down.
     
    I always feel 16 again when I listen to them and see them.
     
    I love many bands but they make me the most happy.
     
    Thank you so much to them for everything they have done and made.
     
    And if this was my last time seeing them (I’ve said that before), then it was a great last time.

    KISS Band Members:

    • Paul Stanley (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
    • Gene Simmons (Lead Vocals/Bass)
    • Eric Singer (Drums/Vocals)
    • Tommy Thayer (Guitar/Vocals)

    Rob Zombie Band Members:

    • Rob Zombie (Lead Vocals)
    • Riggs (Guitar)
    • Piggy D (Bass)
    • Ginger Fish (Drums)

    KISS Set List:

    1. Detroit Rock City
    2. Shout It Out Loud
    3. War Machine
    4. Heaven’s On Fire
    5. I Love It Loud
    6. Cold Gin
    7. Guitar Solo
    8. Lick It Up
    9. Calling Dr. Love
    10. Psycho Circus
    11. Drum Solo
    12. 100,000 Years
    13. God Of Thunder
    14. Love Gun
    15. I Was Made For Loving You
    16. Black Diamond
    17. Encore:  Beth
    18. Rock And Roll All Nite

    Rob Zombie Set List:

    1. The Triumph of King Freak (A Crypt of Preservation and Superstition)
    2. Superbeast
    3. Meet The Creeper
    4. Shake Your Ass-Smoke Your Grass
    5. Living Dead Girl
    6. More Human Than Human
    7. Dead City Radio and The New Gods of Supertown
    8. Scum of the Earth
    9. Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy)
    10. Well, Everybody’s Fucking In a U.F.O.
    11. House of 1000 Corpses
    12. Thunder Kiss ’65
    13. Dragula

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Kiss From a Rose and Video Killed The Radio Star: Seal and Trevor Horn of The Buggles Concert Review

    May 7 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: May 7, 2023
    • Location of Concert: Louisville Palace Theatre in Louisville, KY
    Such a great way to end my weekend.
     
    Seal and The Buggles.
     
    The Buggles were the first band to have a video on MTV.
     
    Singer/multi instrumentalist/producer Trevor Horn is still doing it (keyboardist Geoff Downes is very busy in Yes now).
     
    Great little set.
     
    Seal used all of The Buggles band for his show. The drummer and keyboardist have been with him from the very beginning. Trevor Horn is also his producer and friend.
     
    His set mostly focused on his first two albums.
     
    Seal is one of my favorite singers and his songs have been there for me through good and bad times.
     
    His second album (self titled or Seal 2) and Human Being are two of my favorite albums of all time.
     
    Sooooo phenomenal.

    Seal Set List:

    1. Crazy
    2. The Beginning
    3. Deep Water
    4. Whirlpool
    5. Future Love Paradise
    6. Violet
    7. Bring It On
    8. Prayer For The Dying
    9. Don’t Cry
    10. Fast Changes
    11. Killer (Seal sang this song walking around in the crowd)
    12. Kiss From A Rose
    13. Encore:  Get It Together
    14. Love’s Divine

    The Buggles Set List:

    1. Two Tribes
    2. Living In The Plastic Age
    3. Elstree
    4. I Am A Camera
    5. Owner Of A Lonely Heart
    6. Video Killed The Radio Star

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Rock Me!! Great White/Riley’s LA Guns/Lost Hearts Concert Review

    May 6 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: May 5, 2023
    • Location of Concert: Smuggler's Run in Wyandotte, MI
    Wow what a fun time I had in Michigan.
     
     
    Very cool place.
     
    I was fortunate enough to be part of Riley’s LA Guns’ meet and greet, brought on a local radio show, before the concert.
     
    I got to speak to all of the band, they signed my CD insert, and I got my picture taken with them.
     
    They were all very kind and appreciative.
     
    I told them how much I love the music they’re doing and I look forward to their new album.
     
    The singer/co-guitarist Kurt Frohlich told me I will love it, which I have no doubt. He also gave me a guitar pick, which glows in the dark.
     
    Lead guitarist Scott Griffin was very cool too.
     
    Bassist Kelly Nickels was not here for some reason but the bassist they had was great and nice too.
     
    Drummer Steve Riley (LA Guns, W.A.S.P., The B’ZZ, Keel, Steppenwolf) was super cool. I told him how much I love his drumming, especially on the W.A.S.P. album The Last Command. He was super appreciative.
     
    All the guys were great and yes I know they are one of two LA Guns bands out there.
     
    Classic singer Phil Lewis and guitarist/founder Tracii Guns do that one and are still making phenomenal albums.
     
    Usually, I can’t stand when two bands are out there but in this case, I’m ok with it. Both are great and I’m allowed to like both.
     
    Anyway, I’m being long winded here but again, I appreciate all the guys, the radio station 94.7 WCSX, and Smugglers for putting this on. You made my year.
     
    Now to the actual concert.
     
    Starting off was an up and coming band called Lost Hearts.
     
    They are a very good four piece rock and roll band. They have a few singles out and are playing as many dates as they can, and I must say I’m impressed.
     
    They played mostly originals but also played a cool KISS cover (Come On and Love Me).
     
    I want albums from these guys and I wish them all the best in the future. Rock on guys!!
     
    Then, Riley’s LA Guns took the stage and rocked the house, playing many of the band’s classics, some great songs from their last album Renegades, which I love, plus a song from their upcoming album.
     
    Thank you guys for everything and for rocking and rolling like you do.
     
    Then Great White ended the night with a great set of classic GW songs.
     
    New singer Brett Carlisle (thanks for the friend request and for the fist bumps) is a great fit for this band.
     
    Yes I still am a huge Jack Russell fan too and I support his band too (Jack Russell’s Great White who are phenomenal and great people too), but again, I love both bands and that should be ok. I also got a guitar pick from the great Mark Kendall!!
     
    Thank you sir.
     
    Nights like this is what I live for.

    Great White Band Members:

    • Brett Carlisle (Lead Vocals)
    • Mark Kendall (Lead Guitar)
    • Michael Lardie (Guitar/Keyboards/Harmonica)
    • Scott Snyder (Bass)
    • Audi Desbrow (Drums)

    Riley's LA Guns Band Members:

    • Steve Riley (Drums)
    • Kurt Frolich (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
    • Scott Griffin (Lead Guitar)
    • Kelly Nickels (Bass-Did Not Play this Show. They had a fill-in bassist))

    Lost Hearts Band Members:

    • Max Frye (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
    • JT Shea (Guitar/Bass)
    • Victor Adriel (Guitar/Bass)
    • Mitch Arnholt (Drums)

    Great White Set List:

    1. Desert Moon
    2. Lady Redlight
    3. Stick It
    4. Face The Day
    5. House Of Broken Love
    6. Rollin’ Stoned
    7. Angel
    8. Big Time
    9. Blues Jam
    10. Mista Bone
    11. The Big Goodbye
    12. Save Your Love
    13. Rock Me
    14. Once Bitten Twice Shy

    Riley's LA Guns Set List:

    1. Over The Edge
    2. Never Enough
    3. Sex Action
    4. Crawl
    5. Wild Obession
    6. Lost Boys
    7. Kiss My Love Goodbye
    8. Somebody Save Me (New Song)
    9. The Ballad Of Jayne
    10. Electric Gypsy

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Thank You David Crosby (RIP): Snarky Puppy Concert Review

    April 25 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: April 24, 2023
    • Location of Concert: Ritter Park Amphitheater in Huntington, WV
    • Opener: Nate Wood
    I finally saw the band Snarky Puppy today.
     
    The show was at The Ritter in Huntington, WV.
     
    I went with my brother and his girlfriend. We had a great time.
     
    Nate Wood opened with a very cool set of music in which he sings and/or plays everything. Super talent.
     
    Then the Puppy took the stage.
     
    Led by bassist and really multi instrumentalist Michael League, who celebrated his birthday today (Happy Birthday!!), he and his huge band played a bunch of music from their latest album Empire Central, along with some older songs.
     
    They are a very sophisticated instrumental jazz/pop band (think Steely Dan but no vocals and even more sophisticated).
     
    I highly recommend checking them out.
     
    Thanks David Crosby (RIP, I miss you) for turning me onto their music.
     
    Also, Michael League is an excellent singer and has recorded some amazing albums with David (Lighthouse, Here If You Listen, and Live From The Capital Theatre).
     
    Awesome show.

    Snarky Puppy Band Members (Not all of them were at this show)

    • Michael League (Bass/Composer/Bandleader)
    • Bill Laurance (Keyboards)
    • Bobby Sparks II (Keyboards)
    • Justin Stanton (Trumpet/Keyboards)
    • Shaun Martin (Keyboards)
    • Bob Lanzetti (Guitar)
    • Mark Lettieri (Guitar)
    • Chris McQueen (Guitar)
    • Mike "Maz" Maher (Trumpet)
    • Jay Jennings (Trumpet)
    • Chris Bullock (Tenor Saxophone/Flute/Clarinet)
    • Bob Reynolds (Saxophone)
    • Zach Brock (Violin)
    • Nate Werth (Percussion)
    • Marcelo Woloski (Percussion/Drums)
    • Keita Ogawa (Percussion/Drums)
    • Jamison Ross (Drums)
    • Larnell Lewis (Drums)
    • Jason "JT" Thomas (Drums)

    Set List:

    1. Cliroy
    2. Coney Bear
    3. Broken Arrow
    4. East Bay
    5. Pineapple
    6. Mean Green
    7. Trinity
    8. Take It!
    9. Sleeper (Everyone sang Happy Birthday to Michael League)
    10. Encore:  What About Me?

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Can’t Get Enough!: Kip Winger Concert Review

    April 24 2023 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: April 23, 2023
    • The Belle and the Bear in Cincinnati, OH
    Thanks Kip Winger for the fantastic acoustic show in Cincinnati.
     
    I bought a shirt and your Classical CD, which was the only solo album of yours that I did not have.
     
    All your solo albums and albums with the band Winger are phenomenal.
     
    My favorites are Winger IV and Better Days Comin’ (which is my favorite album of 2014). I can’t wait to buy Winger 7 May 5.
     
    Keep on rocking sir.

    Band Members:

    • Kip Winger (Vocals/Guitar/Keyboards)
    • Ben Hans (Percussion)

    Set List:

    1. Cross
    2. Easy Come Easy Go
    3. Who’s The One
    4. Cant’ Get Enough
    5. Hungry
    6. Ever Wonder
    7. Rainbow In The Rose
    8. Miles Away (Kip picked a woman out of the audience to the sing the song with him)
    9. Free
    10. Steam
    11. Pages and Pages
    12. Where Will You Go
    13. Headed For a Heartbreak
    14. Down Incognito
    15. Just What I Needed (some of it)
    16. Madalaine
    17. Seventeen

    Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)


    Video Gallery (click on thumbnail to play video)