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Classic Songs and Musicianship: Journey/ASIA Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 27, 2017
- Location of Concert: Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, WV
I saw another classic rock show last night.I saw Journey and ASIA in Huntington, WV.This was another sold out show at the Big Sandy Superstore Arena, or the Huntington Civic Center, as I still call it.ASIA played a solid 45 minute set, playing their hits, such as Sole Survivor and Heat Of The Moment, and even fit in a drum and keyboard solo.They are all very good musicians.Although I think they were solid, once Journey came on, I almost forgot about ASIA.Journey just completely rocked the place.Their drummer, Steve Smith, was/is worth the price of admission alone.I’m not extremely wild about drum solos anymore, but I could watch him forever.All of them are such great musicians, and seem to be having fun, which I always love seeing.Guitarist Neal Schon and keyboardist Jonathan Cain both follow me on Twitter!Neal likes almost every tweet I send him.Jonathan even replied to me after I sent him some pics I took of the show.They played several of their hits, but also played solos and jammed a little, which was great.Neal Schon is definitely one of the best guitarists ever. Smiling a lot, but also, playing his heart out.Ross Valory is a solid bassist.Jonathan Cain is a great keyboardist and singer as well. He also plays rhythm guitar.And then there is singer Arnel Pineda.He sounds very much like former Journey singer Steve Perry, which is quite uncanny.No, he is not lip syncing.He especially has a great time onstage.If you’re a fan of Journey, there is nothing about this show you would not like.So, in short, another great concert.My next one is tonight, when I see most of The Grateful Dead members under their banner Dead and Company, with John Mayer doing Jerry Garcia’s parts.Have a great day everyone.Journey Band Members:
- Arnel Pineda (Lead Vocals)
- Neal Schon (Lead Guitar)
- Ross Valory (Bass/Backing Vocals)
- Jonathan Cain (Keyboards/Rhythm Guitar/Backing Vocals)
- Steve Smith (Drums)
ASIA Band Members:
- Billy Sherwood (Lead Vocals/Bass)
- Carl Palmer (Drums/Percussion)
- Geoff Downes (Keyboards)
- Sam Coulson (Guitar)
Journey Set List:
- Separate Ways (Worlds Apart)
- Be Good To Yourself
- Only The Young
- Neal Guitar Solo
- Stone In Love
- Anyway You Want It
- Neal Guitar Jam
- Lights
- Jonathan Keyboard Solo
- Open Arms
- Who’s Crying Now
- Escape
- La Do Da
- Steve Drum Solo
- Neal Guitar Solo 2
- Wheel In The Sky
- Faithfully
- Don’t Stop Believin’
- Encore: Dead or Alive
- Lovin’, Touchin’, Squeezin’
ASIA Set List:
- Wildest Dreams
- Sole Survivor
- Time Again
- Don’t Cry
- Drum Solo
- Keyboard Solo
- The Smile Has Left Your Eyes
- Only Time Will Tell
- Heat Of The Moment
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A Refugee and an Eagle: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers/Joe Walsh Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 12, 2017
- Location of Concert: U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH
I saw Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers and Joe Walsh at US Bank Arena in Cincinnati, Ohio on June 12, 2017.Two more I can mark off my list.Both were fun.Both Joe and Tom were quite appreciative of the crowd.Both their bands are very good, especially Tom’s.I’m glad I finally saw both.Next show is June 27, when I see Journey and Asia.Stay tuned.Lucas HannonP.S. Below are some pics I took, as well as the setlists.However, before I show you those, I also want to say that I found out before I went to this show that one of my favorite people in the world passed away.Mr. Norman J. Beebe.For those that knew him, they know what I know, and that is that he was a Saint.He always had time for people, would always listen, was very smart, had great stories, and was a mentor to many. Including myself.I still have a lot to learn and a lot to do in this life, but if I could just be even a tenth as great of a person as he was, then that would be a great thing.Rest In Peace Norm!You earned it.My condolences to all of his family, friends, and everyone that loved him.Love ya Norm!Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Set List:
- Rockin’ Around With You
- Mary Jane’s Last Dance
- You Don’t Know How It Feels
- Forgotten Man
- You Got Lucky
- I Won’t Back Down
- Free Fallin’
- Walls
- Don’t Come Around Here No More
- It’s Good To Be King
- Crawling Back To You
- Wildflowers
- Learning To Fly
- Yer So Bad
- I Should Have Known It
- Refugee
- Runnin’ Down A Dream
- Encore: You Wreck Me
- American Girl
Joe Walsh Set List:
- Meadows
- Ordinary Average Guy
- Mother Says
- The Bomber: Closet Queen/Bolero/Cast Your Fate To The Wind
- Take It To The Limit (Dedicated to Glenn Frey)
- Turn To Stone
- In The City
- Funk #49
- Life’s Been Good
- Rocky Mountain Way
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Red Rocker: Sammy Hagar & The Circle Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 5, 2017
- Location of Concert: The Rose Music Center at The Heights in Huber Heights, OH
- Opener: Aaron Hagar
Sammy Hagar’s band, The Circle, rocked a sold out crowd in Huber Heights, Ohio, Monday of June 5th.Sammy’s band includes his solo band guitarist of 20 years Vic Johnson, Van Halen bassist/backing vocalist/occasional lead vocalist and Sammy’s musical partner in crime Michael Anthony, and drummer extraordinaire Jason Bonham, who has played with his Dad’s band, Led Zeppelin!!!!!They played a great selection of Sammy’s stuff from throughout his career, from Montrose, solo, VH, and Chickenfoot, as well as some Zeppelin classics.Throughout the set, people were throwing stuff on stage for Sammy to sign, and he signed almost all of it. Very cool! He was even signing stuff just to hand out to fans. Again, very cool!This is a great band that I hope someday will make new music.If not, I’m still glad I got to see them as a unit.I had only not seen Michael before.All in all, a fun night of great music.Oh and Sammy’s son Aaron opened the show with a brief acoustic set.Next show for me: Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers/Joe Walsh on Monday, June 12, in Cincinnati.Love and Peace.Set List:
- There’s Only One Way To Rock
- Poundcake
- Good Times, Bad Times
- Rock Candy
- I Can’t Drive 55
- Big Foot
- Right Now
- Why Can’t This Be Love
- Little White Lie
- When The Levee Breaks
- Top Of The World
- Heavy Metal
- Mas Tequila
- Encore: Dreams (Sammy and Vic only)
- Rock And Roll
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Us And Them: Roger Waters Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 28, 2017
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
Roger Waters!!! The man. The myth. The legend. The genius.One of the best concerts I’ve ever seen.And I’ve seen many.You had to be there.Luckily, I and my brother Christopher were.This was the second show of Roger’s Us And Them tour, where he played most of Pink Floyd’s Dark Side Of The Moon album, along with songs from their albums Animals, Wish You Were Here, and The Wall and other classics, along with a few songs from his new album Is This The Life We Really Want?He actually did two sets with an intermission.Pink Floyd may be no more, but if you are a fan, Roger puts on the Pink Floyd show.It’s absolutely PHENOMENAL!!!!Set Lists:
Set 1:
- Speak To Me/Breathe
- One Of These Days
- Time
- Breathe (Reprise)
- The Great Gig In The Sky
- Welcome To The Machine
- When We Were Young
- Deja Vu
- The Last Refugee
- Picture That
- Wish You Were Here
- The Happiest Days Of Our Lives
- Another Brick In The Wall Part 2
- Another Brick In The Wall Part 3
Set 2:
- Battersea Rises SFX Intro
- Dogs
- Pigs (Three Different Ones)
- Money
- Us And Them
- Smell The Roses
- Brain Damage
- Eclipse
- Vera
- Bring The Boys Back Home
- Comfortably Numb
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Classics: Hall & Oates/Tears For Fears Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 22, 2017
- Location of Concert: Schottenstein Center in Columbus, OH
- Opener: Allen Stone
I saw a phenomenal concert last night in Columbus, Ohio at the Schottenstein Center.I saw for the first time Daryl Hall and John Oates, or better known as Hall & Oates, and Tears For Fears.I never thought I would ever see either one of these, but I’m glad I did.Singer/guitarist Allen Stone opened the show with a 3 song set, with no band. He sang and played well.Tears For Fears then came on shortly afterward, and just blew me away!!The main guys in Tears For Fears, singer/guitarist Roland Orzabal and singer/guitarist Curt Smith, are still amazing and they have a great group of people in their band.Their keyboard player is even an Ohio State University alumni.I love the fact that they opened with arguably their biggest song ever, Everybody Wants To Rule The World.Some would think that’s weird, but I love it, because it sets the tone for the evening.To me, it says “Hey, here is our biggest hit, and now, here is the rest of the show and enjoy.”And boy, did I enjoy.They totally blew me away, so much so, that I finally bought their 6 albums last night when I got home.They have a new album coming, and I can’t wait to buy it, as well.Roland was quite funny, saying he had never seen so many Exit signs in his life at this venue (there were many).He also told a story about being in Columbus in the 80s and had some “French Onion Soup” to combat some laryngitis he had at the time.I can’t say enough about how great they are.Seek them out.They have other phenomenal songs, besides Everybody Wants To Rule The World.And to add to the night, I saw Hall & Oates!!I’ve been a fan of theirs for many years, but I just never got around to seeing them.I’m glad I finally did.Daryl Hall and John Oates, to me, are a musical institution.They have hit songs and albums for weeks.Both are still great. And their band is off the charts.Their band is essentially the band Daryl uses for his Live At Daryl’s House TV show. If you’ve never seen it, look it up. Daryl and the band play with many different musical artists.They basically played most of their hits as well as a few deep cuts.So all in all, I had another great night at another great concert.On a side note: I was unaware last night of the terrorist attack that occurred at the Ariana Grande concert.I’m saddened beyond belief at what happened and for the people who lost their lives and were hurt at something that was/is supposed to be fun.I don’t get on a soapbox a lot, but here I go: as you probably know, I go to many concerts.And at past shows, including last night at the Ariana Grande show, terrible things have happened.Luckily, I have never been to a show where I got hurt or saw anyone die. And I hope I never do.After Dimebag Darrell’s murder on stage in Columbus at another venue on December 8, 2004, I have always been aware that something bad could happen at a show.But honestly, anything bad could happen if you’re at home. Or anywhere.So what I will say is this: live your life the best way you can and have fun when you can.Don’t let things like this scare you to the point where you isolate yourself and do nothing.If you want to go a concert or some event, go.I do.And I’m going to continue to do it until I decide otherwise.I’m not going to let terror rule my life.Nor should you.Okay, off my soapbox.But again, my sincere condolences to the people who lost their lives.And to end this on a positive note, I had a great time seeing two bands that I admire very much.And I have more shows to go to.At least until 2018. Then maybe I’ll stop. Or maybe not. We’ll see.Love and Peace to all in the world.Hall & Oates Set List:
- Family Man (Mike Oldfield cover)
- Maneater
- Out of Touch
- Say It Isn’t So
- Did It In A Minute
- You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling (The Righteous Brothers cover)
- One On One
- She’s Gone
- Sara Smile
- Wait For Me
- Is It A Star
- I Can’t Go For That (No Can Do)
- Encore: Rich Girl
- Kiss On My List
- Private Eyes
- You Make My Dreams Come True
Tears For Fears Set List:
- Everybody Wants To Rule The World
- Secret World
- Sowing The Seeds Of Love
- Advice For The Young At Heart
- Everybody Loves A Happy Ending
- Change
- Mad World
- Memories Fade
- Creep (Radiohead cover)
- Break It Down Again
- Head Over Heels
- Encore: Shout
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Give It Away! Red Hot Chili Peppers Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 16, 2017
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
- Openers: Jack Irons, Irontom
I’m late writing this, but I saw the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the first time last week in Louisville, Kentucky at the KFC Yum Center.Their original drummer, Jack Irons, opened the show (RHCP bassist Flea introduced him) playing drums to a lot of different kinds of music with no band (he had a singer for one song).Another band, Irontom, played after him.Jack’s son Zach plays guitar.Then, the Chili Peppers came on and jammed out like only they can, playing many songs from throughout their career.I wish I would have seen them many years ago, but better late than never.They’re still very good and have a lot of energy.Their drummer, Chad Smith, was worth the price of admission alone.He is a beast on the drums.Guitarist Josh Klinghoffer is very good.Bassist Flea is amazing.And Anthony Kiedis is the perfect singer/rapper for this band.Another good show.Many more to come.Set List:
- Intro Jam
- Around The World
- Dani California
- Scar Tissue
- Dark Necessities
- Mommy Where’s Daddy?
- I Wanna Be Your Dog (The Stooges cover)
- Right On Time
- Ethiopia
- Go Robot
- Californication
- This Ticonderoga
- Parallel Universe
- Higher Ground (Stevie Wonder cover)
- Soul To Squeeze
- By The Way
- Encore-Goodbye Angels
- Give It Away
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Sweet Caroline!! Neil Diamond Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 30,2017
- Location of Concert: Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH
My friend Chris Perkins and I saw one of my childhood musical heroes in Cleveland Tuesday.Mr. Neil Diamond.After 19 years of going to concerts,I FINALLY saw this man.He still sings and looks great at 76.He is a class act and a true professional.Not much more needs to be said.I love Neil Diamond!He’s the best.Next concert for me is Monday, June 5th, where my best friend Jamie McClintic and I will see Sammy Hagar’s The Circle.More to come.Set List:
- In My Lifetime (Neil’s band played this to introduce him.)
- Cherry Cherry
- Desiree
- Love On The Rocks
- Song Sung Blue
- Beautiful Noise
- Jungletime
- Dry Your Eyes
- If You Know What I Mean
- Forever In Blue Jeans
- You Don’t Bring Me Flowers
- Red Red Wine
- I’m A Believer
- Brooklyn Roads
- Girl, You’ll Be A Woman Soon
- Be
- Lonely Looking Sky
- Skybird
- Jazz Time (Neil’s band played this while Neil sat down and watched.)
- Soolaimon
- Done Too Soon
- Holly Holy
- I Am…I Said
- Encore: Sweet Caroline
- Cracklin’ Rosie
- America
- Brother Love’s Traveling Salvation Show
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80s Classic Rock: Def Leppard/Poison/Tesla Concert Review
- Date of Concert: April 26, 2017
- Location of Concert: KFC Yum Center in Louisville, KY
Another concert of the year experienced!I went with my friend Heather Criswell to Louisville to see Def Leppard, Poison, and Tesla, at the KFC Yum Center.This was my 5th time seeing Def Leppard, 3rd time seeing Poison, and 2nd time seeing Tesla.And all rocked!!!Tesla started the show with a relatively short set, but packed in some great songs.They have always been a consistent band, musically, and have never really made a bad album.All the musicians (Guitarists Frank Hannon and Dave Rude, Bassist Brian Wheat, and Drummer Troy Lucketta) are solid, and singer Jeff Keith’s voice is still strong.Go see this band if you get a chance. They’re actually opening for Poison in Huntington soon.Next up was Poison.This is actually their first tour in 5 or 6 years. Singer Bret Michaels has been quite busy with solo albums and tours, but luckily, got back with the band (Guitarist C.C. Deville, Bassist Bobby Dall, and Drummer Rikki Rockett) for this.I hope they stick around while, and make a new album. It’s been too long.They played basically their greatest hits, but that was good enough for the packed crowd in Louisville.Including me and Heather.Bret is the consummate frontman, interacting a lot with the crowd, Drummer Rikki Rockett, who is a Stage 4 Cancer survivor, was playing his heart out the whole time, bassist Bobby Dall was solid and running all over the place, and guitarist C.C. Deville was rocking out the whole time and having fun.People have bad mouthed Poison a lot over the years, and I personally feel that is unfair.To me, they have always been solid, and are way better musicians than people give them credit for.A famous photographer, who I actually respect, once said that only girls like them and that if any guy liked them, they were sad.Well, I’m a guy and I like Poison.I have no problem saying that.If that makes me sad, then okay.I’ve been a fan since 99 and I’m more than cool with that.If you don’t like me saying that, then screw you.But anyway, Poison rock and I’m glad they’re back.Now to the headliner: Def Leppard!!Like I said earlier, this was my 5th time seeing them, and I swear they just get better each time I see them.Again, like Poison, I’ve been a fan since 99 and I first saw them on my 18th birthday in 2000, and as solid as I think they are on album, I think they are sooo much better live.They’re rawer and more in your face, which I love.They played three songs off their latest album, the great self titled album, but the rest of the set relied heavily on their HUGE albums Pyromania and Hysteria, as well as a few other classics.Singer Joe Elliott is still singing amazingly well and for the people who don’t agree, they’re wrong.Guitarists Phil Collen and Vivian Campbell (another Cancer survivor) are both out of this world as players.Bassist Rick Savage is great. I’ve always loved his style.And drummer Rick Allen is an inspiration.After losing his left arm over 30 years ago in a car crash, he had to teach himself to play all over again, and the band let him take the time to do it, and stayed loyal to him.That’s friendship.And it paid off.And I’m so tired of hearing the jokes about him. Enough already!!He’s amazing and I dare anyone to try to play drums with just one arm.But anyway, they are amazing and for anyone who have never seen them, please go and see them.I’ve been going to concerts for almost 20 years and have seen most of my favorite bands.And I swear they are one of the best live bands I’ve ever seen.They blow most bands away, in my opinion.But again, all of this is my opinion, and I stand by all of it.Thank you Heather for buying the tickets to this show, for being a great driving companion, and I hope you had as much fun as I did.My next concert is May 16, when I go back to this same venue to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers for the first time.Rock on everyone!!Def Leppard Set List:
- Let’s Go
- Animal
- Let It Go
- Dangerous
- Foolin’
- Love Bites
- Armageddon It
- Rock On
- Man Enough
- Rocket
- Bringin’ On The Heartbreak
- Switch 625
- Hysteria
- Let’s Get Rocked
- Pour Some Sugar On Me
- Encore: Rock Of Ages
- Photograph
Poison Set List:
- Look What The Cat Dragged In
- Ride The Wind
- Talk Dirty To Me
- Something To Believe In
- Your Mama Don’t Dance
- C.C. Guitar Solo
- Fallen Angel
- Unskinny Bop
- Rikki Drum Solo
- Every Rose Has It’s Thorn
- Nothin’ But A Good Time
Tesla Set List:
- Into The Now
- Edison’s Medicine (Man Out Of Time)
- The Way It Is
- Signs
- Love Song
- Little Suzi
- Modern Day Cowboy
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An Evening With Alice: Alice Cooper Concert Review
- Date of Concert: April 25, 2017
- Location of Concert: Charleston Municipal Auditorium in Charleston, WV
I saw Alice Cooper for the 5th time Tuesday in Charleston, WV.He played at the Charleston Municipal Auditorium, right across the street from where I work.As usual, his show was a lot of fun.He played a lot of his hits, but also played a lot of deep album tracks, which was great.I’ll be seeing him again opening for Deep Purple in Cincinnati in September.I can’t wait for his next album, which should be out this year or next.His songs, albums, and concerts are classics and his band is phenomenal.His wife even plays a part in the show, and has on and off for years.In fact, that’s how they met.Another great concert.Next up: Def Leppard/Poison/Tesla in Louisville today with my friend Heather Criswell.And I have even more to come next month, June, July, August, and September.Fun times.Set List:
- Brutal Planet
- No More Mr. Nice Guy
- Under My Wheels
- Lost In America
- Pain
- Welcome To My Nightmare
- Billion Dollar Babies
- The World Needs Guts
- Woman Of Mass Destruction
- Nita Strauss Guitar Solo
- Poison
- Killer
- Bass and Drum Jam/Band Jam
- Feed My Frankenstein
- Cold Ethyl
- Only Women Bleed
- Escape
- Ballad Of Dwight Fry
- I Love The Dead
- School’s Out (w/Another Brick In The Wall)
- Encore: I’m Eighteen
- Elected
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Phenomenal: UFO/Saxon/Jared James Nichols Concert Review
- Date of Concert: March 28, 2017
- Location of Concert: House Of Blues Cleveland in Cleveland, OH
Well I saw another PHENOMENAL rock show last night in Cleveland!I saw the British rock band UFO for the first time and British metal band Saxon for the second time.They played at the House Of Blues, which I had never been to.I went with my best friend Jamie McClintic and my friend Kevin Montavon.Newer artist Jared James Nichols opened with his 3 piece rock band and they were solid.They sound like very late 60s/early 70s rock, which I’m all about.Then Saxon came on and just tore the house down.One reason why I wanted to go to this show is because Saxon and UFO do not tour in the States a lot, although they have come here more in recent years, which is a great thing.I first saw Saxon in 2015 opening for Judas Priest.Saxon is a band that have stayed consistent since starting in the mid 70s.They still put out albums every two or three years (next one coming in 2018).And they still play very loud!Everyone in the band is amazing.Singer Peter “Biff” Byford, guitarists Paul Quinn and Doug Scarratt, bassist Nibbs Carter, and drummer Nigel Glockler.If you can ever go see Saxon, I highly recommend it. And check out some of their discography.Now, on to the headliner, UFO!!!!I’ve been a fan of this band for many years, but never completely understood the love that some people have for this band. Until last night, that is.This band was formed by their singer Phil Mogg in the late 60s, and since then, for the most part, they have stayed the course, never achieving Led Zeppelin level of popularity, but their fan base is definitely hardcore.And even at this point in their careers, this band is still having fun, still putting out good new albums, and like Saxon, are still playing very loud!!After seeing them, I have achieved a greater appreciation.Singer Phil Mogg is amazing. He’s in his early 70s now and is still singing great.Guitarist Vinnie Moore, who has been in the band since 2004, replacing the unbelievable Michael Schenker, is an absolute shredder on guitar.Keyboardist/rhythm guitarist Paul Raymond is solid, and I must say, still has some pretty amazing hair.Bassist Rob De Luca, who has been in the band for about 8 years, replacing classic bassist Pete Way, is solid, as well.And classic drummer Andy Parker is a BEAST!! Again, guys like him who can do what he does at his age are an inspiration.Radio DJ/ That Metal Show host/UFO fanboy Eddie Trunk would be proud when I say I’m a bigger fan of UFO now.Again, I’ve been a fan for years, and have most of their albums now, but I still didn’t completely get it.I always thought of them as a solid band with a few great albums, but that’s it.But now that I finally saw them, I understand now.Anyway, another fun night with some amazing bands and amazing friends.Now I’m done until the end of next month, where I’ll have two concerts to go to in two back to back days.Love and Peace.UFO Set List:
- Mother Mary
- Run Boy Run
- Lights Out
- Baby Blue
- Let It Roll
- Only You Can Rock Me
- Burn Your House Down
- Too Hot To Handle
- Messiah Of Love
- Love To Love
- Rock Bottom
- Encore: Cherry
- Doctor Doctor
- Shoot Shoot
Saxon Set List:
- Battering Ram
- This Town Rocks
- Sacrifice
- Power And The Glory
- Solid Ball Of Rock
- The Eagle Has Landed
- Dallas 1 PM
- 20, 000 Feet (Venue Choice)
- Crusader
- Wheels Of Steel
- Strong Arm Of The Law (Venue Choice)
- Denim And Leather
- Princess Of The Night
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