• Blog,  Concerts

    The Maestro: Yngwie Malmsteen Concert Review

    December 4 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: December 3, 2021
    • Location of Concert: The King Of Clubs in Columbus, OH

    My girlfriend Mariah and I saw Yngwie J. Malmsteen in concert.

    I’ve been trying to see people I’ve never seen and this was one of them.

    Lots of guitar playing.

    Lots of volume. 

    Lots of rocking.

    I’m glad I finally saw him.

     

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    I Saw Bob Dylan Again!!: Bob Dylan Concert Review

    November 14 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: November 13, 2021
    • Location of Concert: Charleston Municipal Auditorium in Charleston, WV
    I saw Bob Dylan in Charleston, WV Saturday night.
     
    I only took 4 pictures because security was strict about that.
     
    That’s ok though.
     
    It was a very good show. About 90 minutes.
     
    Bob mostly played songs from his great latest album called Rough And Rowdy Ways.
     
    And he played a few older songs too.
     
    He mostly played the piano while he sang.
     
    He’s a great pianist.
     
    His band is great and everyone seemed to be having fun.
     
    Bob even was clowning around with one of his guys when he was introducing the band.
     
    What can I say? He’s a national treasure and I’m glad he’s still here making music and making people happy with his music.
     
    This was the second time I saw Bob.
     
    Many people don’t like his voice but it’s never bothered me.
     
    I’ve been a fan since high school.
     
    I have two more concerts to see this year (Official Yngwie Malmsteen December 3 and Genesis December 8th!!)
     
    Let’s do this!!

    Bob Dylan Set List:

    1. Watching The River Flow
    2. Most Likely You Go Your Way (And I’ll Go Mine)
    3. I Contain Multitudes
    4. False Prophet
    5. When I Paint My Masterpiece
    6. Black Rider
    7. I’ll Be Your Baby Tonight
    8. My Own Version Of You
    9. Early Roman Kings
    10. To Be Alone With You
    11. Key West (Philosopher Pirate)
    12. Gotta Serve Somebody
    13. I’ve Made Up My Mind To Give Myself To You
    14. Melancholy Mood
    15. Mother Of Muses
    16. Goodbye Jimmy Reed
    17. Every Grain Of Sand

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Great Music & Storytelling: Kevin Costner & Modern West Concert Review

    October 31 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: October 30, 2021
    • Location of Concert: The Corbin Arena in Corbin, KY
    I saw Kevin Costner & Modern West in concert Saturday night in Corbin, Kentucky.
     
    Very good show.
     
    I’ve been a fan of Kevin as an actor since at least 1991, but until somewhat recently, I was not aware of his music.
     
    I’m glad I discovered it.
     
    He has 5 albums (and I hope a 6th one is coming because many new songs were played at this show).
     
    All the albums are very good. My favorite one is called From Where I Stand.
     
    The show starts off with a montage of many of his movies throughout the years.
     
    Then the band comes on and plays for roughly 90 minutes, maybe a little more.
     
    Such a great time.
     
    I’m glad I can say I got to see another person I’ve admired for many years.
     
    And he is a very good singer and his band is great.
     
    And he’s just a cool guy. He tells a lot of stories.
     
    For example, when he told his Dad he was going to be an actor, his Dad’s head hit the kitchen table and asked him a bunch of questions.
     
    Later on in his career, when Kevin told his Dad that he was going to direct, he said his Dad’s head hit the kitchen table even harder and said Kevin this acting thing is going so well so why screw it up by directing. Great story.
     
    Ultimately, Kevin said regardless of what you do in life, go for it at 90 miles an hour.
     
    Check them out.

    Kevin Costner & Modern West Set List:

    1. Red River
    2. Long Hot Night
    3. Night We Let Go (New Song)
    4. 90 Miles An Hour
    5. Down In Nogales
    6. Chasing The Wind (New Song)
    7. Give A Little Love (New Song)
    8. I Can’t Do This Without You
    9. I Won’t Stop Loving You
    10. Rollin’ (New Song)
    11. Alive In The City
    12. Long Way From Home
    13. Hey Man What About You
    14. When The Angels Came Down
    15. Mr. Tambourine Man

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Southern Hard Rock and Metal Health: Molly Hatchet/Quiet Riot Concert Review

    October 3 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: October 2, 2021
    • Location of Concert: Express Live in Columbus, OH
    I saw another pretty fun concert.
     
    Molly Hatchet and Quiet Riot at Express Live in Columbus, Ohio.
     
    Quiet Riot technically only has one classic member: bassist Chuck Wright, who is actually leaving the band soon in which another classic Quiet Riot bassist Rudy Sarzo will be returning.
     
    And unfortunately classic singer Kevin Dubrow has been dead since 2007 and drummer Frankie Banali passed away last year.
     
    Having said that, the band still sounds great.
     
    Rounding out the band are singer Jizzy Pearl, who also sang for Love/Hate, LA Guns and RATT, and has sung for Quiet Riot a few times since Kevin’s passing.
     
    Also, guitarist Alex Grossi has been in the band since the early 2000s and drummer Johnny Kelly, who has played with Type O Negative and Danzig, and who was chosen by Frankie to fill in for him when he couldn’t play due to his cancer treatments.
     
    It was Frankie’s wish that Quiet Riot carry on and they are.
     
    For what it’s worth, even with all the lineup changes, they sound great. Truly.
     
    Even though he is leaving soon, Chuck is a beast on the bass and can play circles around most bassists.
     
    Jizzy can sing these songs very well.
     
    Alex is a very good guitarist and Johnny is a great drummer.
     
    I’ll certainly go see them again once Rudy returns.
     
    Later, Molly Hatchet came on and rocked.
     
    They’re another band like Quiet Riot who have had MANY lineup changes over the decades.
     
    Aside from the singer, most of this lineup has been there quite awhile though.
     
    Unfortunately all the original members are dead.
     
    The guitarist, Bobby Ingram, who has been in the band since 1987, bought the name many years ago and continues to carry it on.
     
    Rounding out the band is singer Jimmy Elkins, who joined two years ago (Edit:  Jimmy exited in 2023 and Parker Lee became the new singer), keyboardist John Galvin, who has been in the band from 1984-1990 and then from 1995-now, bassist Tim Lindsey who has been there since 2003, and drummer Shawn Beamer, who has been there since 2001.
     
    Again for what it is, it’s a very good band and they sing and play great.
     
    One fan who was able to get onstage and hold the American Flag with the singer has seen Molly Hatchet 392 times.
     
    Normally I would knock stuff like this because of all the changes, but in this instance, I’m ok with it.
     
    And frankly, this is probably the future for music.
     
    The band name and the songs will sell the tickets, not the members.
     
    That sounds disrespectful and I don’t mean it that way.
     
    But I think it’s true.
     
    But again, this was a fun show.
     
    I enjoyed both bands thoroughly and I would go again.
     
    So if you want to have a good time, go see both of these bands.

    Molly Hatchet Band Members:

    • Bobby Ingram (Guitar)
    • Jimmy Elkins (Vocals)
    • John Galvin (Keyboards)
    • Tim Lindsey (Bass)
    • Shawn Beamer (Drums)

    Quiet Riot Band Members:

    • Chuck Wright (Bass)
    • Jizzy Pearl (Vocals)
    • Alex Grossi (Guitar)
    • Johnny Kelly (Drums)

    Molly Hatchet Set List:

    1. Whiskey Man
    2. Bounty Hunter
    3. Gator Country
    4. It’s All Over Now
    5. One Mans Pleasure
    6. Devils Canyon
    7. Drum Solo
    8. Beatin’ The Odds
    9. I’m Gonna Live ‘Til I Die
    10. In The Darkness Of The Night
    11. Fall Of The Peacemakers
    12. Jukin’ City
    13. Layla (Ending)
    14. Dreams I’ll Never See
    15. Encore:  Flirtin’ With Disaster

    Quiet Riot Set List:

    1. Run For Cover
    2. Slick Black Cadillac
    3. Sign Of The Times
    4. Love’s A Bitch
    5. Condition Critical
    6. Thunderbird
    7. Blackout In The Red Room (Love/Hate cover, Jizzy’s band)
    8. The Wild And The Young
    9. Let’s Get Crazy (includes Alex Guitar Solo)
    10. Cum On Feel The Noize
    11. Bang Your Head (Metal Health)

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Alice & Space Ace: Alice Cooper/Ace Frehley Concert Review

    September 29 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: September 28, 2021
    • Location of Concert: The Rose Music Center at The Heights in Huber Heights, OH
    Dream concert bill: Alice Cooper and Ace Frehley
     
    Two of my heroes.
     
    I went with my girlfriend Mariah Startzman to see these two legends at The Rose The Rose Music Center At The Heights in Huber Heights, Ohio.
     
    Ace started off with a short but rocking set.
     
    My only complaint is that his set is not long enough but it was great to see him again.
     
    His band kicks butt and Ace is still amazing.
     
    He’s still making great albums too.
     
    Then Alice and his band came on roughly 30 minutes after Ace and did another classic performance.
     
    There is no such thing as a bad Alice show.
     
    Lots of different songs added to the set, and a awesome stage set too.
     
    I’m glad I saw Alice again. He’s forever awesome.
     
    Still making great albums also.
     
    And I’m glad I was able to show my girlfriend this amazing concert.
     
    I’ve converted her into being a big Alice and Ace fan.

    Alice Cooper Band Members:

    • Alice Cooper (Vocals)
    • Tommy Henriksen (Guitar)
    • Ryan Roxie (Guitar)
    • Nita Strauss (Guitar)
    • Chuck Garric (Bass)
    • Glen Sobel (Drums)

    Ace Frehley Band Members:

    • Ace Frehley (Vocals/Guitar)
    • Ryan Cook (Guitar)
    • Jeremy Asbrock (Guitar)
    • Philip Shouse (Bass)
    • Matt Starr (Drums)

    Alice Cooper Set List:

    1. Feed My Frankenstein
    2. No More Mr. Nice Guy
    3. Bed Of Nails
    4. Rock And Roll (The Velvet Underground cover)
    5. Fallen In Love
    6. Go Man Go
    7. Under My Wheels
    8. He’s Back (The Man Behind The Mask)
    9. Social Debris
    10. I’m Eighteen
    11. Poison
    12. Nita Strauss Guitar Solo
    13. Billion Dollar Babies
    14. Roses On White Lace
    15. My Stars
    16. Devils Food
    17. Black Widow (Band Jam/Drum Solo)
    18. Steven
    19. Dead Babies
    20. I Love The Dead
    21. Escape
    22. Teenage Frankenstein
    23. School’s Out

    Ace Frehley Set List:

    1. Rocket Ride
    2. Parasite
    3. Strutter
    4. Rip It Out
    5. Never In My Life (Mountain cover-some of it)
    6. Good Times Bad Times (Led Zeppelin cover)
    7. Detroit Rock City
    8. New York Groove
    9. Shock Me
    10. Ace Guitar Solo (included bits of the James Bond Theme, The Beatles’ Day Tripper, ZZ Top’s La Grange)
    11. Deuce

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Slowhand & a Thunderbird: Eric Clapton/Jimmie Vaughan Concert Review

    September 22 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: September 21, 2021
    • Location of Concert: Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN
    I never thought I could say this but I FINALLY saw Eric Clapton in concert.
     
    He played at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee.
     
    Jimmie Vaughan (Stevie Ray Vaughan’s older brother and also a member of The Fabulous Thunderbirds) opened the show with a very rocking set of songs.
     
    He and his band really cook.  Fun set.
     
    Then came Slowhand himself.
     
    Regardless of the controversy of his opinion of vaccines these days, which I highly disagree with him on, I still think he is a phenomenal talent and he lets the music do the talking.
     
    His band is great (Paul Carrack, ex singer of Mike And The Mechanics, Squeeze, and Ace as well as a solo artist) is one of his keyboard players and sings lead on the last song of the set.) and he lets everyone in the band shine.
     
    He played hits, blues songs, an acoustic set, and jammed a lot.
     
    He still kicks butt.
     
    I’m glad I finally saw him.
     
    Jimmie Vaughan and even Marcus King (a young star on the rise) jammed with Eric and his band at the end.
     
    Again, I never thought I would ever see Eric because he hasn’t really toured, aside from doing a handful of shows, in the last several years.  So I figured I better make the drive to Nashville (roughly 6 hours from my house).  Well worth it.
     
    My next concert is Alice Cooper and Ace Frehley next Tuesday.
     
    More to come.

    Eric Clapton Band Members:

    • Eric Clapton (Vocals/Guitar)
    • Paul Carrack (Keyboards/Vocals)
    • Doyle Bramhall II (Guitar)
    • Nathan East (Bass)
    • Sonny Emory (Drums/Percussion)
    • Steve Gadd (Drums)
    • Chris Stainton (Keyboards)
    • Sharon White (Backing Vocals)
    • Katie Kissoon (Backing Vocals)
    • Jimmie Vaughan (Guitar on Last song of show)
    • Marcus King (Guitar on last song of show)

    Eric Clapton Set List:

    1. Pretending
    2. Key To The Highway
    3. Hoochie Koochie Man
    4. I Shot The Sheriff
    5. Driftin’ (Acoustic)
    6. Man Of The World (Acoustic)
    7. Nobody Knows You When You’re Down And Out (Acoustic)
    8. Tears In Heaven (Acoustic)
    9. Layla (Acoustic)
    10. Got To Get Better In A Little While
    11. Wonderful Tonight
    12. Little Queen Of Spades
    13. Cocaine
    14. Encore:  High Time We Went (sung by Paul Carrack and Jimmie Vaughan returned to play guitar and Marcus King played guitar too)

    Jimmie Vaughan Set List:

    1. D/FW
    2. The Pleasure’s All Mine
    3. Roll Roll Roll
    4. Texas Flood
    5. I Ain’t Never
    6. Baby Scratch My Back
    7. Baby Please Come Home
    8. You Can’t Sit Down
    9. Boom Bapa Boom

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Rage & Empire: Geoff Tate Concert Review

    September 18 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: September 17, 2021
    • Location of Concert: Blue Note Harrison in Harrison, OH
    For the first time since 2003, I saw original Queensryche singer Geoff Tate
     
    He is performing all the songs from the classic Queensryche albums Rage For Order and Empire.
     
    Contrary to what some people say, he still sings phenomenal and his band play the songs great.
     
    Geoff is one of my favorite singers and always will be.
     
    He is the main reason why I became a Queensryche fan and I’m a fan of the work he still does and will continue to do.
     
    If you read this Geoff, thank you for the albums.
     
    Just the song Hard Times alone from Dedicated To Chaos has really helped me in times of struggle.
     
    Thank you!

    Geoff Tate Set Lists:

    Set 1:  Rage For Order Album

    1. Walk In The Shadows
    2. I Dream In Infrared
    3. The Whisper
    4. Gonna Get Close To You
    5. The Killing Words
    6. Surgical Strike
    7. Neue Regel
    8. Chemical Youth (We Are Rebellion)
    9. London
    10. Screaming In Digital
    11. I Will Remember

    Set 2:  Empire Album

    1. Best I Can
    2. The Thin Line
    3. Jet City Woman
    4. Della Brown
    5. Another Rainy Night
    6. Empire
    7. Resistance
    8. Silent Lucidity
    9. Hand On Heart
    10. One And Only
    11. Anybody Listening?
    12. Encore:  Last Time In Paris
    13. Take Hold Of The Flame

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  • Blog,  Conventions

    My Lexington Comic & Toy Convention 2021 Experience

    September 12 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Convention: September 12, 2021
    • Location of Convention: Central Bank Center in Lexington, KY
    I had a great time today at Lexington Comic & Toy Con with my girlfriend Mariah Startzman
     
    We saw lots of cool people, lots of awesome vendors, and just had a great day.
     
    I met some of my favorite wrestlers. The Steiner Brothers (Ric and Scott) and Lex Luger.
     
    I also met actor Bruce Boxleitner at his Q&A.
     
    I asked him a question and he gave me a very awesome answer.
     
    Great day.

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    It’s My Life: Billy Joel Concert Review

    September 11 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: September 10, 2021
    • Location of Concert: Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati, OH
    I finally saw Billy Joel in concert!!
     
    He played at the Great American Ballpark in Cincinnati.
     
    He played many songs, told funny stories, and basically just put on one heck of a show.
     
    This was a HUGE concert for me, having grown up on his music.
     
    He still sings and plays amazing.
     
    His band is great.
     
    And of course his songs are timeless.

    Billy Joel Set List:

    1. Movin’ Out
    2. Pressure
    3. The Entertainer
    4. Vienna (audience choice between that and Just The Way You Are)
    5. Zanzibar
    6. Don’t Ask Me Why
    7. A Whiter Shade Of Pale bit (he told a funny story about opening for Procul Haram at the Cincinnati Gardens in the early 70s)
    8. The Downeaster Alexa (audience choice between that and The Ballad Of Billy The Kid)
    9. NY State Of Mind (9/11 dedication)
    10. Allentown
    11. Say Goodbye To Hollywood (audience choice between it and I Go To Extremes)
    12. Always A Woman To Me
    13. My Life
    14. Only The Good Die Young
    15. Sometimes A Fantasy
    16. River Of Dreams (included Honky Tonk Women)
    17. Nessun Dorma (sung by one of his band, Billy plays piano only)
    18. Italian Restaurant
    19. Piano Man
    20. We Didn’t Start The Fire
    21. Uptown Girl
    22. It’s Still Rock N Roll To Me
    23. Brown Sugar (Charlie Watts Tribute)
    24. Big Shot
    25. You May Be Right

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  • Blog,  Concerts

    Shining On!!-Grand Funk Railroad Concert Review

    September 4 2021 / No Comments
    • Date of Concert: September 4, 2021
    • Location of Concert: Portsmouth, OH
    • Opener: Moving In Stereo (The Cars tribute band)
    For the first time since 2005, I saw Grand Funk Railroad. I last saw them when I worked Summer Motion in Ashland, Kentucky and this time I saw them at Portsmouth River Days in Portsmouth, Ohio.
     
    Founding member/singer/songwriter/guitarist Mark Farner is not in the band anymore (solo artist), but founding drummer/singer/songwriter Don Brewer and founding bassist Mel Schacher are still in the band.
     
    The band also includes singer/guitarist Max Carl, keyboardist Tim Cashion, and last but not least, lead guitarist Bruce Kulick formerly of KISS Blackjack, Union, Meat Loaf, solo artist, and more.
     
    They played a rocking 75-80 minute set, playing all their hits like We’re An American Band, Some Kind Of Wonderful, their version of The Loco-Motion, I’m Your Captain/Closer To Home, and more.
     
    They even had a drum solo and guitar solo (Bruce played The Star Spangled Banner!!!!!).
     
    This band was one of the most popular bands of the 70s. They even sold out Shea Stadium in NYC faster than The Beatles did.
     
    Hopefully someday the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame will finally induct them.
     
    I miss Mark but they still kick butt and they’re all awesome!
     
    And being a big KISS fan, I love that Bruce is in the band.
     
    He did spot me (I was wearing a KISS Hot In The Shade album shirt, which is from his era of the band), and he threw me a guitar pick. Thank you Bruce!!!!!
     
    What a fun show.
     
    Opening the show was Moving In Stereo, a The Cars tribute band.
     
    They were very good too.
     
    It’s concerts like this and concerts in general that truly make me happy and feel alive.
     
    I hate my life most of the time but when I’m at a concert, I’m free.
     
    Hopefully more shows to come soon.
     
    I love Grand Funk and I love you Bruce!!!
     
    My girlfriend Mariah Startzman is seeing you guys tomorrow.

    Grand Funk Railroad Band Members:

    • Don Brewer (Drums/Vocals)
    • Mel Schacher (Bass)
    • Max Carl (Vocals/Guitar/Percussion)
    • Bruce Kulick (Guitar)
    • Tim Cashion (Keyboards)

    Grand Funk Railroad Set List:

    1. Rock And Roll Soul
    2. Footstompin’ Music
    3. Shinin’ On
    4. The Loco-Motion
    5. Walk Like A Man
    6. Second Chance
    7. Drum Solo
    8. Star Spangled Banner (Bruce Guitar Solo)
    9. Inside Looking Out
    10. Some Kind Of Wonderful
    11. I’m Your Captain/Closer To Home
    12. We’re An American Band

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