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Chicago 2 in Full & More: Chicago Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 22, 2018
- Location of Concert: Charleston Municipal Auditorium in Charleston, WV
Chicago at Charleston Municipal Auditorium Tuesday May 22, 2018.My first time seeing this band.I’ve been a fan for 20 years.Original members, Singer/keyboardist Robert Lamm, Trombone player Jimmy Pankow, and Trumpet player Lee Loughnane are still there (original Saxophonist Walt Parazaider is out due to health issues. I wish him well.), along with other members who are new to the band, as well as others who have been there for some time.The show was fantastic.Great lighting, use of screens, and of course, the sound was impeccable.They did two sets. First, they played all of their second album, Chicago 2.They then took a 20 minute break and returned to play a lot of their hits from the late 60s, 70s and 80s.Again, they’re not all original, but there’s still enough foundation for them to be called Chicago.This is their 51st Anniversary as a band.They’re still going strong.My next concert is Jackson Browne June 5 in Cincinnati.But first, I have to have nose surgery later today to clear out my passages.Wish me luck.Love and Peace always.Set List:
- Movin’ In
- The Road
- Poem For The People
- In The Country
- Wake Up Sunshine
- Make Me Smile
- So Much To Say, So Much To Give
- Anxiety’s Moment
- West Virginia Fantasies
- Colour My World
- To Be Free
- Now More Than Ever
- Fancy Colors
- Memories Of Love
- It Better End Soon
- Where Do We Go From Here
- 25 Or 6 To 4
- Beginnings
- Questions 67 & 68
- If You Leave Me Now
- Dialogue (Part 1 & 2)
- Call On Me
- Does Anybody Really Know What Time It Is?
- Hard Habit To Break
- You’re The Inspiration
- I’m A Man
- Street Player
- Just You ‘N’ Me
- Hard To Say I’m Sorry/Get Away
- Saturday In The Park
- Feelin’ Stronger Every Day
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A Long Rocking Night: Foo Fighters/The Struts Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 1, 2018
- Location of Concert: Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
I FINALLY saw Foo Fighters in Lexington last week.They’re not my favorite band, but I do like them, Dave Grohl is a super talent, and the band is very good at what they do.They played a lot of songs and gave the fans their money’s worth.The Struts opened and were very good, also. I was super impressed with them.Go see them both.My next concert is the band Chicago May 22.More after that.Bring on a Them Crooked Vultures reunion!!!!Foo Fighters Set List:
- Run
- All My Life
- Learn To Fly
- The Pretender
- The Sky Is A Neighborhood
- Rope (w/Drum Solo)
- Sunday Rain
- My Hero
- These Days
- Walk
- Breakout
- Under My Wheels (Alice Cooper cover, sung by guitarist Chris Shiflett)
- You’re The One That I Want/Imagine/Jump/Blitzkrieg Bop
- Under Pressure (Queen cover, sung by FF Drummer Taylor Hawkins and The Struts singer Luke Spiller, Dave played drums)
- Monkey Wrench
- Times Like These
- Young Man Blues (Mose Allison cover)
- Best Of You
- Encore: Dirty Water
- This Is A Call
- Let There Be Rock (AC/DC cover)
- Everlong
The Struts Set List:
- Put Your Hands Up
- These Times Are Changing
- The Ol’ Switcheroo
- Pimadonna Like Me
- Kiss This
- Put Your Money On Me
- Where Did She Go
- Could Have Been Me
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Hello Cleveland! Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony 2018 Review
- Date of Concert: April 14, 2018
- Location of Concert: Cleveland Public Auditorium in Cleveland, OH
I also went to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony in Cleveland, OH.I will NEVER agree with the way they vote people in, but I still wanted to see the show.My best friend Jamie went with me.We went to the Rock And Roll Hall of Fame Museum first, which was a lot of fun. I definitely want to go there again.Now to the show.It was really special seeing the original Bon Jovi band together.Jon Bon Jovi gave a great speech.Howard Stern, who inducted them, gave a great, funny speech.Dire Straits did not perform because Mark and David Knopfler did not attend.The tributes to Sister Rosetta Tharpe and Nina Simone were fun.Especially when Lauryn Hill did some Nina Simone songs.She was incredible.Ann Wilson and Jerry Cantrell paid tribute to Chris Cornell and played Black Hole Sun, which was cool. I was not expecting that.I’ll get to The Moody Blues in a second, but the biggest highlight of the night for me was seeing The Cars!!!They reunited specifically for this occasion.They had not done anything in 7 years, but on this night, it was like they never stopped.I’m very glad I saw them.They tore it up!!!!!!The Moody Blues closed the show and were cool.Each artist had 4 songs.The show was 4.5 hours. HBO aired 3 hours of it this past Saturday. Check repeats or on HBOGO for repeats.I’m not being super descriptive here, but again, you get the drift that I’m continuing to live out my dream/obsession.Most people want marriages and kids. God bless all of you, but what I want is the next concert experience.And believe me, I have more coming.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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3 Classic Rock Shows in 1 Night: REO Speedwagon/Styx/Don Felder Concert Review
- Date of Concert: April 6, 2018
- Location of Concert: Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, WV
Here is another show I went to.REO Speedwagon/Styx/Don Felder (guitarist of the Eagles).Don started first with an hour of Eagles classics.He actually sang Henley/Frey songs, and he sang them well.His band was tight, and he even had Tommy Shaw of Styx and Dave Amato of REO come out to play Hotel California with him.Tommy also sang with Don on Take It Easy.Again, his set was great.Then, Styx took the stage and tore it up!!!!!I had seen them before, and knew they were fantastic in concert.They were this night, too.REO I had not seen and unfortunately had to leave 5 songs in because I had to get to work.But I liked what I saw and heard and am glad I saw what I saw.I hope to see them again someday (Edit: I did.).Another fun show in the book.REO Speedwagon Set List:
- Don’t Let Him Go
- In Your Letter
- Keep Pushin’
- Can’t Fight This Feeling
- Tough Guys
- Whipping Boy
- That Ain’t Love
- Take It On The Run
- Time For Me To Fly
- Back On The Road Again
- Ridin’ The Storm Out
- Keep On Loving You
- Roll With The Changes
- Listen To Her Heart (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers cover)
Styx Set List:
- Gone Gone Gone
- Blue Collar Man (Long Nights)
- The Grand Illusion
- Lady
- Light Up
- Radio Silence
- Miss America
- Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man)
- Too Much Time On My Hands
- Khedive
- Lawrence Gowan Solo (did some of Bohemian Rhapsody by Queen)
- Come Sail Away
- Rockin’ The Paradise
- Renegade
Don Felder Set List:
- Already Gone
- One Of These Nights
- Heavy Metal (Takin’ A Ride)
- Seven Bridges Road
- Witchy Woman
- The Long Run
- Take It Easy
- Heartache Tonight
- Life In The Fast Lane
- Hotel California
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Fast As A Shark: U.D.O. Dirkschneider Concert Review
- Date of Concert: April 3, 2018
- Location of Concert: Trixie's Entertainment Complex in Louisville, KY
Here is another show I went to.U.D.O. Dirkschneider, the former singer of the band Accept.I saw him do an all Accept set in Louisville.I was so close that he actually high-fived me!!!Two hours of Metal!!Great show.Don’t have much to say on this one, other than I’m glad I got to see U.D.O. since he doesn’t come to America as much these days.He’s still putting out great albums and can still sing all those Accept songs well.Set List:
- The Beast Inside
- Aiming High
- Bulletproof
- Midnight Mover
- Living For Tonite
- Another Second To Be
- Fight It Back
- Can’t Stand The Night
- Amamos la Vida
- London Leatherboys
- Up To The Limit
- Breaker
- Screaming For A Love-Bite
- Love Child
- Objection Overruled
- Russian Roulette
- Encore: Princess Of The Dawn
- Metal Heart
- Fast As A Shark
- Balls To The Wall
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Schenker Fest: Michael Schenker Concert Review
- Date of Concert: March 16, 2018
- Location of Concert: The Agora Ballroom in Cleveland, OH
My first concert of 2018 is another one for the books.I saw the Michael Schenker Fest in Cleveland.Michael is a super amazing guitarist who has played with Scorpions, UFO, his own group Michael Schenker Group, and others.On this tour, as well as his latest album Resurrection, he has three of his classic singers with him, Gary Barden, Graham Bonnet, and Robin McAuley, as well as current singer Doogie White.Yes four singers!!!!His rhythm section is one he had in the early 80s.They include bassist Chris Glen and Ted McKenna, and second guitarist/keyboardist Steve Mann.Believe it or not, all of these musicians make a fun and loud rock show.Several songs from Michael’s past and present, with each singer having their moments to shine, not only on their own, but together.This was a very fun show.I went with my friend Kevin Montavon and we had a great time.Michael is a true genius on the guitar.If you don’t know who he is, look him up.Rock And Roll!!!!More shows to come.My next one is April 3 in Louisville, KY, in which I will be seeing Accept singer UDO Dirkschneider.Set List:
- Into The Arena
- Let Sleeping Dogs Lie
- Cry For The Nations
- Attack Of The Mad Axeman
- Messin’ Around
- Armed And Ready
- Coast To Coast
- Desert Song
- Dancer
- Night Moods
- Searching For A Reason
- Assault Attack
- Captain Nemo
- Bad Boys
- Save Yourself
- Anytime
- Heart And Soul
- Love Is Not A Game
- Searching For Freedom
- Live and Let Live
- Vigilante Man
- Lord Of The Lost And Lonely
- Take Me To The Church
- Before The Devil Knows You’re Dead
- Warrior
- Rock Bottom
- Encore: Doctor Doctor
- Shoot Shoot
- Natural Thing
- Lights Out
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A Long But Rewarding Day: My Lexington Comic & Toy Convention 2018 Experience
- Date of Convention: March 10, 2018
- Location of Convention: Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY
Well, aside from having to wait in line much too many times and being disorganized, Lexington ComicCon was fun.I wish I could’ve accomplished more, but I accomplished a lot.I met my hero Chuck Norris twice!!! On his birthday, no less.The first time to get his autograph and give him his birthday card I bought for him.And I got my picture taken with him later.Very kind man. All smiles, very appreciative, and when I told him he was the highlight of Expendables 2 for me (one of my favorite movies), he told me it was a lot of fun to do.He did appreciate the card. I wasn’t sure if security would allow it, but I saw someone before me had given him one, also.He definitely had the biggest turnout of fans, and deservedly so, in my opinion.He’s not done many of these types of events, so for him to be there was HUGE.I first met wrestling manager Jim Cornette.I almost missed his photo op.He was walking away, and I came up behind him shouting his name. He turned around and I introduced myself, and he was very gracious and cool.I told him I had already paid for the photo, and he said, oh let’s go back and get it done.He soon invited me over to his merch table to hang out, but I was not able to until near the end of my day. But when I did, again, he was beyond cool.I had some email exchanges with him recently over some DVDs I had bought from his website that were incomplete.He sent me complete ones later. He told me he appreciated me telling him.I bought a couple of other wrestling DVDs from him and he signed them, as well as the picture.Everyone I talked to was cool, but he was the most sociable one.I told him he was one of the last people I was seeing before heading home, and then work.I told him where I came from, and he told me to be careful driving home twice.Again, great guy.I also met Jonathan Frakes, who played Commander Riker on Star Trek: The Next Generation.My encounter with him was very brief, unfortunately, but still, I’m glad I met him.He gave me a fist bump and when I told him it was a pleasure meeting him, he said “likewise”.He did a Q&A later, which someone filmed and I retweeted and shared the link on Facebook, but I wasn’t able to go because I chose to walk around more and get some more stuff.Next up was Wrestler/Actor Kevin Nash.I’ve been a fan of his for some time.Very smart and funny guy. Very tall, too.I first got my picture with him, and later went to his merch table so that he could sign the picture.Again, cool guy.When you see the picture, you’ll notice I’m not smiling. It’s only because I was trying to imitate his friend Scott Hall, who I’m also a fan of.I also met wrestler Booker T. I wasn’t sure if I would meet him, but I figured why not?His line wasn’t huge, and I’m a fan of his, too.I had seen him in person twice before at two different wrestling shows.He was very talkative, not only to me, but to anyone else he met. I got my picture taken with him, as well an autographed picture.Again, great guy.The last person I met was actor Billy Dee Williams.He’s most famous for playing Lando Calrissian in two Star Wars movies.Again, nice guy, soft spoken.I had to ask him if he thought he may star in Star Wars Episode 9. He said “I don’t think so” (Edit: He did star in Episode 9 later on.).I’m glad I was able to meet him because his photo op schedule initially was after I was going to be gone, but luckily, it got moved to right before I was going to leave.So that worked out great.I initially just got an autographed picture from him, but later got my picture taken with him.Again, I wasn’t able to see everyone. But I accomplished a lot and in the end, it was a great day.It’s not everyday you get to meet heroes of yours. And even give one of them a birthday card.Wow!!!Oh and my cousin Zachary went with me and he had fun too.Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Drove Through Rain to See Magic: David Crosby Concert Review
- Date of Concert: November 5, 2017
- Location of Concert: The Kent Stage in Kent, OH
Well, I had to drive through the worst storm I’ve ever driven through to get to my last concert of 2017.But you know what?!It was worth it.Because I went to The Kent Stage in Kent, Ohio to see one of my favorite singer/songwriters ever.Mr. David CrosbyIhave now seen all of Crosby, Stills, and Nash solo.Now, if they’ll just reunite again, maybe even with Neil Young (hopefully seeing him next year).Hey, I can dream.But anyway, all are brilliant solo, too.Especially David.I’ve been a fan for 19 years, but for the past few months, I have really dove in on his albums.He has a great discography.Solo, CPR, CSN, CSNY, The Byrds.All great stuff.He’s promoting his new solo album Sky Trails (my album of the year).At 76, he has put out three masterpiece albums within a 4 year period (Croz in 2014, Lighthouse in 2016, and Sky Trails recently).I’m in awe of this guy.I was in the 4th row Center!His band is incredible.It’s basically CPR (Crosby Pevar Raymond) and some other AWESOME musicians/singers too.He and the band were definitely having a great time, totally in the groove, jamming, and really feeling the music, which is the way it should be.Yeah the drive to this show and the drive home was horrendous, but the show was MAGIC.This was the perfect final show of the year for me.I can’t wait for 2018.My last year of concerts?!We’ll see.Love and Peace everyone.Band Members:
- David Crosby (Lead Vocals/Guitar)
- James Raymond (Keyboards/Vocals)
- Jeff Pevar (Lead Guitar/Vocals)
- Michelle Willis (Vocals/Keyboards)
- Mai Leisz (Bass)
- Steve DiStanislao (Drums)
Set Lists:
Set 1:
- In My Dreams
- Morrison
- Tracks In The Dust
- She’s Got To Be Somewhere
- At The Edge
- Laughing
- Deja Vu
- Long Time Gone
Set 2:
- Map To Buried Treasure
- Homeward Through The Haze
- Sky Trails
- What Are Their Names
- Delta
- Breathless
- America (My Country, ‘Tis Of Thee)
- Low Down Payment
- Wooden Ships
- Encore: Ohio
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Forever Twisted: Dee Snider Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 27, 2017
- Location of Concert: MGM Northfield Park in Northfield, OH
- Opener: Killcode
Another dream come true for me.I FINALLY saw one of my favorite singers/songwriters/performers ever Friday night.And that is Dee Snider of Twisted Sister!He still sings great and I’m glad that after being a fan of 19 years that he FINALLY came close enough for me to go see him.I’ve actually spoken to him on the phone via a call in show and have communicated with him on Twitter many times, but just never had the chance to see him.Nice guy by the way.Huge bucket list for me done.He sang several Twisted Sister songs, and about half of his latest album We Are The Ones, which I really like.He also did a cover of Soundgarden’s Outshined And AC/DC’s Highway To Hell, which sounded great.I wasn’t sure I was going to be able to go to this, but I was able to make it work.Thank goodness I went. My cousin Zachary went with me too and he had a blast too.I’m proud to say that I’m forever an SMF and Dee Snider fan for life.The opening band Killcode put on a solid performance, but of course, I was there for Dee.Love you sir!!Now, one more show to go this year (David Crosby November 5), and then onto 2018.Set List:
- We Are The Ones
- The Kids Are Back
- Close To You
- You Can’t Stop Rock And Roll
- Rule The World
- Head Like A Hole (Nine Inch Nails cover, which he does a great version on his album We Are The Ones.)
- So What
- We’re Not Gonna Take It (mellow version from We Are The Ones and then the rocking version from TS’ Stay Hungry)
- Outshined (Soundgarden cover)
- The Price
- Crazy For Nothing
- Burn In Hell
- I Wanna Rock
- Encore: Highway To Hell (AC/DC cover)
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They’re Still Great: Eagles Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 24, 2017
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
Even without Glenn Frey (RIP and I forever miss him), the Eagles still sound great.Don Henley, Joe Walsh, and Timothy B. Schmidt, along with Vince Gill and Glenn’s son Deacon performed very well at the KFC Yum Center in Louisville Tuesday night of October 24.They played several hits and I, Kim Keffer, and Barry Gillum had a lot of fun.I regret not seeing the Eagles while Glenn was alive, but I’m glad that I went to this concert.Vince sang a number of Glenn’s songs and his son Deacon sang a few of them.They both sound very good.Don (my favorite member) still sounds great, as does Joe and Timothy.Joe seemed to have the most fun, rocking out like he does and his guitar was cranked.They had a horn section for some songs, which was cool.I could go on, but all in all, a great way to spend a Tuesday night.Or any night.My next concert is Friday, October 27, when I see Dee Snider Of Twisted Sister.And then FINALLY on November 5, I’ll be seeing David Crosby.My final show of 2017.Then on to 2018.Love and PeaceSet List:
- Seven Bridges Road
- Take It Easy (Deacon Frey sang lead.)
- One Of These Nights
- Take It To The Limit (Vince Gill sang lead. Don dedicated it to Randy Meisner, wherever he may be.)
- Tequila Sunrise (Vince sang lead.)
- Witchy Woman
- In The City
- I Can’t Tell You Why
- Peaceful Easy Feeling (Deacon sang lead.)
- Best Of My Love
- Lyin’ Eyes (Vince sang lead.)
- Love Will Keep Us Alive
- New Kid In Town (Vince sang lead.)
- Those Shoes (I loved the whole show, but this song sounded AMAZING!)
- Already Gone (Deacon sang lead.)
- Walk Away
- Heartache Tonight (Vince sang lead.)
- Life’s Been Good
- Funk #49
- Life In The Fast Lane
- Encore: Hotel California
- Rocky Mountain Way
- Desperado
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