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I Met Space Ace!!: Ace Frehley Concert Review
- Date of Concert: August 30, 2016
- Location of Concert: Mercury Ballroom in Louisville, KY
A dream came true for me last night.I met my favorite guitar player ever.Mr. Ace Frehley, original lead guitarist and founding member of my favorite band KISS.I went with my best friend Jamie and my cousin Zachary to Louisville, Kentucky to see Space Ace with his solo band play at The Mercury Ballroom.Ace and his band played a very rocking set, featuring several of Ace’s KISS songs, a couple KISS songs originally sung by Paul Stanley, but in Ace’s band, they’re sung by his drummer Scott Coogan.Ace played several solo songs, too, and a very cool cover of Thin Lizzy’s Emerald.This song is on Ace’s new album Origins Volume 1.Ace also did his smoking guitar solo, like he always did in KISS.But that’s just part of what was a fun night out with friends and seeing one of my heroes, who I had not seen in 16 years, when he was still in KISS.I paid for Ace’s VIP, which enabled me to go onto to Ace’s tour bus, talk to him, get several things signed, and get my picture taken with the man.Now, I was definitely star struck, but I played it as cool as possible, and tried not to get too gushy on him.We actually talked about Edwin Lionel Meadows , AKA Punky Meadows, whose a Facebook friend of mine and plays guitar for a band called Angel, who were on KISS’ record label in the 70s.Punky has a great new solo album out.I told Punky I was going to meet Ace, and he told me to say hey to him.Well Punky, I kept my word.Ace asked me if I heard Punky’s new album.I said I did and really like it (called Fallen Angel), and that it’s one of my favorite albums of the year.Ace told me he needed to check it out.Ace asked me where I was from.I told him I was from Ashland, Kentucky, and I told him I had not seen him since 2000, when he played with KISS in Charleston, WV.When our pic was taken, Ace said “Get ready for the big picture”.I told him thank you for doing this.He said “it’s my pleasure” and “to get home safe”.These are moments I live for.I can actually say that I met one of my biggest heroes and that he was nice to me.That means the world to me.Just seeing him rock out is enough reward for me, but to have actually met him and talked to him is simply the best feeling I may ever have.And I mean that.Wow! What a year this has been.And believe it or not, I’m not quite done yet.But this was/is a true happy life moment for me.I hope you enjoyed reading this almost as much as I did living it.Love and Peace, and as KISS say, “Rock And Roll All Night, and Party Every Day”.Ace Frehley Set List:
- Rip It Out
- Toys
- Rocket Ride
- Love Gun (sung by Ace’s drummer Scott Coogan, who also played in a band with Nikki Sixx of Motley Crue and Tracii Guns of LA Guns called Brides Of Destruction.)
- Snowblind
- Sister
- Emerald (Thin Lizzy cover)
- Bring It On Home (Willie Dixon cover, most famously done by Led Zeppelin.)
- Rock Soldiers
- Chris Wyse Bass Solo
- Strange Ways (sung by Chris Wyse)
- New York Groove
- 2 Young To Die (sung by Ace’s other guitarist Richie Scarlet, who has played with Ace on and off for over 25 years.)
- Shock Me
- Ace’s Smoking Guitar Solo!
- Cold Gin
- Encore: Detroit Rock City (sung by Scott Coogan)
- Deuce
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Two Singer/Songwriters: John Moreland/Tyler Childers Concert Review
- Date of Concert: July 26, 2016
- Location of Concert: The V Club in Huntington, WV
My best friend Jamie and I went to see two singer/songwriters in Huntington.
John Moreland and Tyler Childers.
I’ll be honest: I was not aware of either of these (Jamie convinced me to go), but both were very good.
Great acoustic music and both sang very well.
Edit: Tyler Childers later became a huge star, so it was cool seeing him before he got huge.
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Three Awesome Bands: Heart/Joan Jett & The Blackhearts/Cheap Trick Concert Review
- Date of Concert: July 22, 2016
- Location of Concert: Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
I saw another fun concert in Cincinnati Friday night.I saw Heart, Joan Jett And The Blackhearts, and Cheap Trick.Cheap Trick started the night with a rocking set of songs from their cool career.This was actually the first time I had ever seen them, and until recently, I can honestly say I was not a huge fan.I liked them, but never understood why people that I really like, like Slash, Scott Ian, Sebastian Bach, Eddie Trunk, and others sang their praises as one of their favorite bands.Well I now get why a bit more.I have most of their albums now, including their new one, Bang Zoom Crazy Hello, and I definitely am digging them quite a bit more.Their new album, especially, is really good.They played one song from this album, Blood Red Lips, when I saw them, and I swear I was probably the only one singing along.That’s one peeve I have.Music fans: buy the band’s albums, including their new ones. Study them, listen to them, and support them.Yes I guess I’m a minority, but I still buy albums by my favorite bands, and bands I’m still getting into, like Cheap Trick.I hate it when bands play new songs, and no one cares.Again, I know I’m a minority here, but when I go to a show, I don’t mind hearing new stuff.And oh by the way, Cheap Trick’s new album, Bang Zoom Crazy Hello, is really good.I know I already said that, but it was worth saying again.Anyway, rant over.Cheap Trick put on a great show, though.Singer/Guitarist Robin Zander has lost nothing in his voice.Lead Guitarist Rick Nielsen is a solid player, bassist Tom Petersson is great, and their drummer, Rick’s son Dax, is a monster.They rock.Check them out.Especially check out their new album (Bang Zoom Crazy Hello) and let me know what you think.Also, check out their first album, which is self titled, In Color, their live album At Budokan, and their 2006 album Rockford.Joan Jett And The Blackhearts were next.This was the second time I had seen them.They rock, period!I love Joan. She is just incredible.She may actually be my favorite woman in rock.Although I’ll be talking about two other great women in rock shortly.But I can’t say enough about Joan.She is incredible.Great singer/songwriter/rhythm guitarist.Her band is solid.She played songs from throughout her lengthy, legendary, amazing career.She also played four great songs from her most recent album, 2013’s Unvarnished.Get this album, and all her albums.Including the albums she did with her previous band The Runaways.All great stuff.And go see her and her band.You will have fun believe me.I would gladly go see Joan anytime.And now to the headliners Heart!!Again, like Cheap Trick, this was the first time I had seen the sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson and their band in concert. And they did not disappoint.They played many of their hits, two songs from their great new album, Beautiful Broken, and actually closed their show with two Led Zeppelin classics.They have played Zeppelin songs for years, and do awesome versions of them.Lead singer Ann Wilson has the voice of an angel, but can scream with the best of them, too.I love her presence and walk on stage. She’s so confident and I love that.Her sister, guitarist/singer Nancy Wilson, is awesome, too.They truly are a great family team.And their band is solid, too, of course.All of these bands have been around a long time, have made many albums, and are all still at the top of their games.If you get a chance to see any of these bands, please do so.They are all great and fun.My next concert is August 3 in Columbus, in which I’m seeing two oldies, but goodies: John Kay And Steppenwolf, as well as Foghat.Have a great Sunday and week everyone.P.S. Here are the band’s setlists and pictures that I took.Most of the pics don’t do my view justice, but you’ll get the picture. Get it? Got it? Good!Heart Set List:
- Wild Child (Romeo’s Daughter cover song)
- Magic Man
- What About Love
- Bebe Le Strange
- These Dreams
- Two (from their great new album Beautiful Broken)
- Get Offa That Thing Intro (James Brown cover song)/Straight On
- Kick It Out
- Beautiful Broken (from their great new album of the same name)
- Alone
- Crazy On You
- Barracuda
- Encore: Immigrant Song, Stairway To Heaven (Led Zeppelin covers)
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts Set List:
- Bad Reputation
- Cherry Bomb (The Runaways song)
- Do You Want To Touch Me (Oh Yeah)-Gary Glitter cover
- TMI (from her latest album, the great Unvarnished)
- You Drive Me Wild (The Runaways song)
- Fragile (from her latest album Unvarnished)
- Light Of Day (written by Bruce Springsteen for the movie of the same name, starring Joan and Michael J. Fox. Great song.)
- Make It Back (from her latest album Unvarnished)
- Love Is Pain
- Fake Friends
- Any Weather (from her latest album Unvarnished)
- I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll (The Arrows cover)
- Crimson And Clover (Tommy James And The Shondells cover)
- I Hate Myself For Loving You
- Encore: Everyday People (Sly And The Family Stone cover)
Cheap Trick Set List:
- Hello There
- Big Eyes
- Elo Kiddies
- California Man (The Move cover)
- If You Want My Love
- Blood Red Lips (New Song-Live Debut. When guitarist Rick Nielsen introduced this song, he jokingly said to the audience that it sounded like 98% of them had never heard of this. Well, I was one of the 2% that did, sang along to it, and was only too happy to do it. Check out their new album Bang Zoom Crazy Hello.)
- Need Your Love
- I’m Waiting For The Man (The Velvet Underground cover. Bassist Tom Petersson sang this song. They also played a snippet of The Velvet Underground song Heroin.)
- The Flame
- I Want You To Want Me
- Dream Police
- Surrender
- Goodnight
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My Slipknot/Marilyn Manson Concert Review
- Date of Concert: July 12, 2016
- Location of Concert: Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
- Opener: Of Mice And Men
I went with my friend Brandy Matney to see another great concert: Slipknot and Marilyn Manson.We missed most of the opening band Of Mice And Men, but we heard most of their set.Now to Marilyn Manson.Now, I know many people hate him, and I can honestly say I’ve never been the biggest fan in the world of him, but I do respect him and his music is pretty good, in my opinion. And his show is a lot of fun.On this tour, he only plays for about an hour, but he packs it in with a lot of theatrics, effects, throwing microphones down, and rocking out.The crowd was quite receptive to him. A native Ohioan, he was having a good time.At one point in the show, he saw a woman in the audience, pointed to her, and invited her on stage to dance. Pretty cool.Whenever I can afford it, I will be buying some of his albums. I’ve only ever heard one of his albums all the way through, and liked it very much, but just never got around to buying any.I will, though, especially after finally seeing him in concert.I liked all the songs he performed, his band is solid, and regardless of what anyone thinks, I enjoyed seeing him.He puts on a fun show.Now, to the main event: Slipknot!!I had seen them once before in 2012, and have been a fan of theirs for a long time.However, my friend Brandy had never seen them before. And Slipknot is her favorite band. And their singer, Corey Taylor, is her favorite singer ever.So, this was a huge deal for her.As much fun as I had watching Slipknot and Marilyn Manson, I had more fun watching Brandy have fun rocking out to her heroes.Slipknot played many songs from throughout their career, had a great show, and Corey paced around the stage with the audience in the palm of his hand.At one point, close to the end of the show, Corey asked the audience to get down on their knees and stay there until he told them to jump up.Most of the audience, including myself and Brandy, did so.When he told everyone to jump up, we did. Wow, what a sight!Again, another great night.But again, the most fun was seeing my friend Brandy again and seeing her have the time of her life.I’ll be seeing Heart/Joan Jett And The Blackhearts/Cheap Trick next Friday.Until then, have a great week everybody.Slipknot Band Members:
- Corey Taylor (Lead Vocals)
- Mick Thomson (Guitar)
- Jim Root (Guitar)
- Shawn "Clown" Crahan (Percussion/Backing Vocals)
- Craig Jones (Sampling/Keyboards)
- Chris Fehn (Percussion/Backing Vocals)
- Sid Wilson (Turntables)
- Allessandro Venturella (Bass)
- Jay Weinberg (Drums)
Marilyn Manson Band Members:
- Marilyn Manson (Lead Vocals)
- Twiggy Ramirez (Bass/Backing Vocals)
- Tyler Bates (Guitar/Programming)
- Paul Wiley (Guitar/Backing Vocals/Programming)
- Gil Sharone (Drums)
- Daniel Fox (Percussion/Keyboards)
Slipknot Set List:
- Tape Intro (Be Prepared For Hell)
- The Negative One
- Disasterpiece
- Eyeless
- Skeptic
- Before I Forget
- Killpop
- Dead Memories
- The Heretic Anthem
- Psychosocial
- Pulse Of The Maggots
- Left Behind
- The Devil In I
- Wait And Blee
- (sic)
- Encore: Surfacing
- Duality
- Spit It Out
Marilyn Manson Set List:
- Angel With The Scabbed Wings
- Disposable Teens
- No Reflection
- mOBSCENE
- Deep Six
- The Dope Show
- This Is The New Shit
- Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of This)
- Antichrist Superstar
- The Beautiful People
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Once In A Lifetime Reunion: Guns N Roses Concert Review
- Date of Concert: July 6, 2016
- Location of Concert: Paul Brown Stadium in Cincinnati, OH
- Opener: Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown
Wow what a Wednesday night I had!!July 6, 2016 will go down in music history and I was there to see it!But I’ll get to that shortly.First, I’ll just say that I finally saw one of my favorite bands ever, Guns N Roses, at Paul Brown Stadium, where the Cincinnati Bengals play.I was in the 23rd row, behind the pit.Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown opened. Very good hard rock band. Check them out.Guns N Roses now consists of original members W. Axl Rose, Slash, and Duff McKagan.It also includes Dizzy Reed on keyboards, who has been there since 1991.Drummer Frank Ferrer and guitarist Richard Fortus, who have been there for several years.And a new keyboard player Melissa Reese.Again, I’ll get to the history making moment shortly, but first, my thoughts on the show.For me, they played pretty much all the songs I would want to hear in concert, plus more.They played from two hours and 45 minutes to three hours.And for the doubters out there, they showed up on time. Starting just after 9:30.Lead singer W. Axl Rose has a bad reputation for being a jerk and showing up late for many shows, but on this tour and the AC/DC tour he’s been on this year, he’s been a complete professional.And yes his voice is still really strong.Many people say he can’t sing anymore. Well guess what people? You’re all wrong.It was a pleasure seeing him run all over the stage and be the great frontman he really is.Lead Guitarist Slash is of course an amazing guitar player.I had only seen him two years ago with his solo band, which was great, but this was so much more.He’s back where he belongs.Playing all these great classic songs, and playing his great classic guitar parts.Bassist Duff McKagan is solid as a bassist and sang part of a Johnny Thunders song then segued into a Misfits song. Pretty cool.I’ll post the setlist at the end.The rest of the band are solid. Especially drummer Frank Ferrer. He plays all of Steven Adler and Matt Sorum’s parts quite well.Did you see I wrote Steven Adler’s name? There’s another reason why I mentioned him.For the first time since 1990, for two songs, Steven Adler played drums for Guns N Roses again!!!Axl told the audience that they had a surprise and said that he thought the audience would know who this person was.And introduced Steven.The whole crowd, myself included, freaked out in the best way.Steven was all smiles and played great on the GNR songs Out Ta Get Me and My Michelle.The story has blown up all over social media.And I can say that I was there!!!Truly, the whole concert was amazing!!I have been to many concerts over the past 18 years, and I can honestly say that this GNR show is in my top 3 concert experiences, along with my favorite band KISS and The Rolling Stones.They had not even sang or played a note yet at the start of the show, but when I saw Axl walk out, I was just in heaven.GNR have a been a favorite of mine since I was 10, so this show was a big deal.I almost cried when they played their classic November Rain.For those who were there, you saw history and most importantly, a great night of music.For those of you who were not there, you missed a phenomenal concert.This is definitely one for the books.I’ll see Axl sing for AC/DC in Columbus September 4.I can’t wait!As today’s birthday boy Ringo Starr would say, peace and love to everybody.Lucas HannonP.S. Here is the setlist and pics. The extreme close up shots I took from the big screen, but again, I had a pretty good view. I also shot some videos too. These are here too. Enjoy.Set List:
- It’s So Easy
- Mr. Brownstone
- Chinese Democracy
- Welcome To The Jungle
- Double Talkin’ Jive
- Estranged
- Live And Let Die
- Rocket Queen
- You Could Be Mine
- You Can’t Put Your Arms Around A Memory/Attitude (sung by Duff)
- This I Love
- Civil War
- Coma
- Love Theme From The Godfather
- Sweet Child O’ Mine
- Better
- Out Ta Get Me (w/Steven Adler on Drums)
- My Michelle (w/Steven Adler on Drums)
- Slash/Richard Fortus Guitar Duet (Wish You Were Here)
- Layla Outro/November Rain
- Knocking On Heaven’s Door
- Nightrain
- Encore: Jam (Waiting On A Friend by The Rolling Stones)
- Patience
- The Seeker (The Who Cover song)
- Paradise City
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I Saw Another Beatle and his Phenomenal Band: Ringo Starr and His All-Starr Band Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 22, 2016
- Location of Concert: PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati, OH
My concert tour continued Wednesday night in Cincinnati, Ohio.I went to see Ringo Starr And His All-Starr Band!!And wow what a band they are.This is not just a showcase for the great Beatle.This is a showcase for the whole band.This band includes Ringo on vocals/drums/keyboards on one song, but guitarist/vocalist Steve Lukather of Toto and many session works (including Michael Jackson’s Thriller album), guitarist/vocalist/bassist/percussionist Todd Rundgren (who celebrated his birthday at this show), vocalist/keyboardist Greg Rolie (Santana/Journey), bassist/vocalist Richard Page (Mr. Mister), drummer Gregg Bissonette (David Lee Roth’s solo band), and vocalist/saxophonist/keyboardist Warren Ham.Throughout the show, they played songs from each of their respective careers.So many highlights.Really, the whole show was a highlight.I’m honored to say that I finally saw the other surviving member of The Beatles, Ringo Starr (I saw Sir Paul McCartney last year.)He’s still amazing.But again, so is his band.Holy cow!They totally blew me away.Just Steve Lukather, Todd Rundgren, Greg Rolie, Richard Page, and Greg Bissonette alone were worth the price of admission.I kid you not, when the band played Santana songs, Steve Lukather played Carlos Santana’s guitar parts note for note.The guy is just out of this world.And hearing Steve sing and play Toto songs was quite a treat.And birthday boy Todd Rundgren is a favorite of mine.His double album Something Anything is a masterpiece, in my opinion.He played a couple of his songs, and they blew me away.Hearing the band playing Richard Page’s Mr. Mister song Broken Wings was a huge highlight.Greg Rolie’s voice is still quite strong, and hearing him sing Santana songs was a treat.Gregg Bissonette is a monster drummer.Enough said.And again, the man himself, Mr. Peace and Love Ringo.He sang a lot of his Beatles and solo songs.I could tell the band really loves playing and singing together.And why not?Because they’re phenomenal.Anyway, a fun night 2 hours of great music was had by all.I’m so glad I went to this show.In 2 weeks (July 6), I’m finally seeing one of my favorite bands since I was 10, Guns N Roses!!! Woo!!More shows and reviews to come.As Ringo loves to say, “Peace and Love”.P. S. Here is the setlist and pics.Set List:
- Matchbox (Carl Perkins Cover song sung by Ringo)
- It Don’t Come Easy (Ringo)
- What Goes On (The Beatles song sung by Ringo)
- I Saw The Light (Todd Rundgren)
- Evil Ways (Willie Bobo cover, recorded by Santana, sung by Greg Rolie)
- Rosanna (Toto song sung by Steve Lukather)
- Kyrie (Mr. Mister song sung by bassist Richard Page)
- Bang The Drum All Day (Todd Rundgren)
- Boys (The Shirelles cover sung by Ringo)
- Don’t Pass Me By (The Beatles song sung by Ringo)
- Yellow Submarine (The Beatles song sung by Ringo. When introducing this song, Ringo said that this was the magical moment of the show. When he said people were expecting Led Zeppelin, in which Steve Lukather played the main riff to the Zeppelin classic Stairway To Heaven. Ringo even joked about seeing Zeppelin singer Robert Plant in the audience. Then he told Steve to play the right chords, and tore into Yellow Submarine.)
- Black Magic Woman/Gypsy Queen (Fleetwood Mac cover, recorded by Santana, sung by Greg Rolie)
- You’re Sixteen (Johnny Burdette Cover song sung by Ringo)
- I’m The Greatest (Ringo song written by John Lennon)
- You Are Mine (Richard Page)
- Africa (Toto song sung by Steve)
- Oye Como Va (Tito Puente cover, recorded by Santana, sung by Greg)
- I Wanna Be Your Man (The Beatles song sung by Ringo)
- Love Is The Answer (Todd Rundgren’s band Utopia song sung by Todd. Amazing!!)
- Broken Wings (Mr. Mister song sung by Richard Page)
- Hold The Line (Toto song sung by Steve)
- Photograph (Ringo)
- Act Naturally (Buck Owens Cover song, recorded by The Beatles, sung by Ringo)
- With A Little Help From My Friends (The Beatles song sung by Ringo. This concludes with part of John Lennon’s song Give Peace A Chance.)
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Two Singing Superstars Together: Sting/Peter Gabriel Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 21, 2016
- Location of Concert: Nationwide Arena in Columbus, OH
My concert tour continued Tuesday night in Columbus, Ohio.I went to Nationwide Arena to see the opening night of Sting/Peter Gabriel’s Rock Paper Scissors Tour.This tour features both Sting and Peter going back and forth playing their own songs separately as well as together.It’s pretty cool, actually.They share the band, which features many talented people, including Peter’s long time bassist Tony Levin and drummer extraordinaire Vinnie Colaiuta.Look these people up.Peter started the show, then Sting came out, then both were together on and off throughout the show.They were mostly together, though.They mostly let the music do the talking, but near the beginning of the show, Sting said they had been in Columbus rehearsing for two weeks for this show, which he figured made them honorary Columbians.Also, Peter said that he grew up where you milked cows, while Sting grew up where you built ships.So, Peter then joked that by the end of this tour, he wants Sting to know how to milk cows, and for him to know how to build ships.I love their humor.Anyway, both Sting and Peter had fun with the show, and the band was phenomenal.They played for about 2 hours and 45 minutes, playing many songs from both their legendary careers.I highly recommend checking out this tour.I had never seen Sting or Peter before, so I’m glad I got to see them together for their first show of this tour.When they were done, Peter told the audience that “the Rock Paper Scissors tour started here”. Very cool.My next concert is tonight in Cincinnati, where I will see Ringo Starr And His All-Starr Band.More concerts and reviews to come.Lucas HannonP.S. Here is the set list (showing who sang what in parentheses) and pics.I was way up in the bleachers, so some of my pics are not the greatest, and some are from the big screens.But you’ll get the idea.Either way, I could see them fine and it was another great experience.Set List:
- The Rhythm of the Heat (Peter)
- If I Ever Lose My Faith In You (Sting)
- No Self Control (Peter/Sting)
- Invisible Sun (Sting/Peter)
- Games Without Frontiers (Peter/Sting)
- Shock The Monkey (Sting/Peter)
- Secret World (Peter)
- Driven To Tears (Sting)
- Fragile (Sting/Peter-Sting dedicated this song to the victims in Orlando.)
- Red Rain (Peter)
- Dancing With The Moonlit Night Intro (Sting)
- Message In A Bottle (Sting/Peter)
- Walking In Your Footsteps (Sting)
- Darkness (Peter)
- Kiss That Frog (Sting/Peter)
- Don’t Give Up (Peter)
- The Hounds Of Winter (Sting)
- Big Time (Peter/Sting)
- Englishman In New York (Peter/Sting)
- Solsbury Hill (Peter/Sting)
- Every Little Thing She Does Is Magic (Sting)
- If You Love Somebody, Set Me Free (Peter sings this Sting song himself.)
- Roxanne (Sting-During Roxanne, Sting sings part of Ain’t No Sunshine.)
- Love Can Heal (Peter-He dedicated this song to Jo Cox, an MP who was assassinated recently.)
- Desert Rose (Sting)
- In Your Eyes (Peter/Sting)
- Encore: Every Breath You Take (Sting/Peter)
- Sledgehammer (Peter/Sting)
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Two Rocking Bands: Whitesnake and Whitford/St. Holmes Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 14, 2016
- Location of Concert: PNC Pavilion in Cincinnati, OH
My concert summer continued Tuesday.I went to Cincinnati again to see Whitesnake and the opener Whitford/St. Holmes.I’ll get to what happened before the show at the end, but first, I’ll tell you about the show.Whitford/St. Holmes (Aerosmith guitarist Brad Whitford and Ted Nugent band singer/guitarist Derek St. Holmes) started the show with a 30 minute rocking set of songs from their new album Reunion (they put out another album in the early 80s), and also played a medley of a couple Aerosmith/Ted Nugent songs.It was great to see Brad Whitford out front as guitarist, playing great as always, and even talking to the crowd.In Aerosmith, Brad’s forever in the shadow of Joe Perry. But in my opinion, as great as Joe is, Brad is just as good or better of a guitarist.And he really shines in this band.I have seen him 3 times with Aerosmith, and trust me, he shines there, too.But even more so in this band.And Derek is still a really good singer, too.Very soulful.And he is also a really good guitarist in his own right.This was my first time seeing Derek.I’m glad I finally did.Their band includes drummer Brent Fitz, who has played with Billy Idol, and has been part of Slash’s band in recent years.Their band also includes bassist Chopper Anderson and keyboardist Buck Johnson, who sang a medley of the Aerosmith classic Last Child, which Brad wrote.And Johnson really did a great Steven Tyler impersonation, vocally.It just so happens he plays for Aerosmith too.Really cool set, but I just wish they would have had more time to play.Check out their new album Reunion, which as a bonus, comes with their self titled debut album from the 80s, also.More about Whitford/St. Holmes later on this review.Stick around for it.Now, to the headliner, Whitesnake!!This was my 3rd time seeing them.This has always been lead singer David Coverdale’s group, and has had many great players with him throughout the years.Especially right now.His band includes guitarists Reb Beach and Joel Hoekstra, bassist Michael Devin, the drumming machine Tommy Aldridge, and keyboardist Michele Luppi.The band did a very tight, loud, and rocking set of the band’s greatest hits.David Coverdale’s voice is still really strong and I could tell he was having a great time, interacting with the crowd and with the band.I love seeing bands not “phone it in”, and I swear neither of these bands did.Both had fun and gave the crowd everything they had.David Coverdale is a great frontman, very witty and funny, and again, such an amazing voice.When he was 20 or 21 years old (he’s 65 now), the legendary rock band Deep Purple, who along with David were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Of Fame this year, hired him from nowhere and helped him launch his career.If you get a chance, check out the Deep Purple albums that David sings on: Burn, Stormbringer, and Come Taste The Band.In fact, Whitesnake put out a great album last year of some of David’s era of Deep Purple songs, called The Purple Album.Check it out, too.In fact, check out all of David’s catalogue. He’s made a lot of great music.I would go see Whitesnake again anytime.They’re always fun.Check out this tour if you get a chance.Oh and before I forget: I want to tell you about something cool that happened to me before the show.When I was about 10 minutes from the venue, I received a call from Whitford/St. Holmes’ tour manager about meeting them.You see, a few weeks before the show, and several months after I bought my ticket, I also bought a VIP package, in which I would be able to meet Whitford/St. Holmes before the show.Well again, their tour manager called me, and told me where to go, in which he would come and get me and take me to meet them.Well, I showed up at the gate where all the band buses and trucks were located, I called him back saying I was there, and he came out saying they were having dinner, but that when they were ready to meet me, he would come and get me.Well, shortly before I met them, I spotted Brad Whitford coming out of a tour bus, just walking around a little, and smoking a cigarette with the crew.He was looking in my direction, but I figured I’d be respectful and leave him alone until I met him.Well, a few minutes later, the tour manager comes and gets me and takes me to Brad and Derek’s tour bus, and lets me in to meet them.Both Brad and Derek immediately greeted me and were very kind.Brad asked me my name, and I told him my name.And he said “great to meet you Lucas”, and shook my hand.Derek did the same. Both signed their CDs for me that came with the VIP package, as well as a CD bonus track, and an 8×10 pic.I also got guitar picks in the package, and Derek also handed me one of his personal Ted Nugent guitar picks from 2013.He jokingly told me to put it in my pocket real quick before someone else grabbed it.Derek asked me where I was from, and I told him Ashland, Kentucky, and he said “I know where that is.”And, I got 5 pics with them!!!I thanked them for seeing me and I wished them a great show.And they both thanked me and seemed very appreciative, which was great to see.So, if anyone wants to say that they’re jerks, think again.They’re both two genuinely good guys who love what they do and are great at it.Very good experience.In fact, I want to do more VIP visits sometime. Stay tuned!I’ll post pics and setlists from both bands below.My concert tour continues next Tuesday and Wednesday.Stay tuned for more reviews.Rock on!!!!P.S. One more thing: for those of you who have seen the movie This Is Spinal Tap, you will appreciate this.After I met Brad and Derek, and went into the venue, I was going to my seat and saw aside from some venue security, there was no one in the seats.Or on the venue’s lawn. I was wondering what was going on for a second, because there were plenty of people there.But then I remembered that there was another part of the venue where the concert was happening.So yes, I had a Spinal Tap moment. Hahahaha!!! It was great.Ok, here come the setlists and pics:Whitesnake Set List:
- Bad Boys
- Slide It In
- Love Ain’t No Stranger
- The Deeper The Love
- Fool For Your Loving
- Sailing Ships
- Judgment Day
- Guitar Solos
- Slow And Easy
- Bass Solo
- Crying In The Rain (w/Drum Solo)
- Is This Love
- Give Me All Your Love Tonight
- Here I Go Again
- Encore: Still Of The Night
Whitford/St. Holmes Set List:
- Shapes
- Rock All Day
- Hell Is On Fire
- Shake It
- Gotta Keep On Movin’
- Medley: Last Child/Hey Baby/Train Kept A Rollin’/Stranglehold
Photo Gallery (click on thumbnail to view larger image)
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Musicanship Extraordinaire: Steely Dan/Steve Winwood Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 7, 2016
- Location of Concert: Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
My brother Christopher and I went to Cincinnati, Ohio to see the band Steely Dan and the solo artist Steve Winwood.Steve Winwood opened the show with several songs from throughout his career, ranging from his time with The Spencer Davis Group, Blind Faith, Traffic, and his solo career.His voice is still strong.I had never seen Winwood before, and he did not disappoint.Now to the headliner: Steely DanSome of you know may not know who Steely Dan are.They are made up of two men, singer/keyboardist Donald Fagen and guitarist/bassist Walter Becker.They started off in the early 70s as a band, but quickly became Donald and Walter’s project, in which they brought in several session players to bring their music to life.Actually, an interesting factoid: the actor Chevy Chase played drums for Donald and Walter while all of them were still in college in the 60s.It’s hard to describe their music, but I will describe it as highly sophisticated and elegant jazz/rock.My brother was the one who got me into Steely Dan’s music back in 1998.I finally saw them in 2011, and saw them again Tuesday.They were amazing, as usual.I took several pics, but they did not turn out great.But when you see them below, you’ll get the idea.But anyway, it was another fun experience.We both had fun.I will post Set Lists below, as well.Lucas HannonSteely Dan Set List:
- Band Jazz Intro (The band starts the show and Donald and Walter walk on stage near the end of this intro)
- Black Cow
- Aja
- Hey Nineteen
- Black Friday
- Rikki Don’t Lose That Number
- Kid Charlemagne
- Show Biz Kids
- Dirty Work
- Bodhisattva
- Daddy Don’t Live In That New York City No More
- Godwhacker
- I Want To (Do Everything For You)
- Josie
- Peg
- My Old School
- Reelin’ In The Years
- Encore: Pretzel Logic
Steve Winwood Set List:
- I’m A Man (The Spencer Davis Group Song)
- Roll With It
- Them Changes (Buddy Miles Cover)
- Pearly Queen (Traffic Song)
- Can’t Find My Way Home (Blind Faith Song)
- The Low Spark of High Heeled Boys (Traffic Song)
- Higher Love
- Dear Mr. Fantasy (Traffic Song)
- Gimme Some Lovin’ (The Spencer Davis Group Song)
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Phenomenal Tribute: Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience Concert Review
- Date of Concert: May 29, 2016
- Location of Concert: Taft Theatre in Cincinnati, OH
Well better late than never…On Sunday, I went to Cincinnati to see a Led Zeppelin tribute band.But it wasn’t just any Led Zeppelin tribute band.It was Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Experience.For those of you who don’t know, Jason Bonham is the son of Led Zeppelin’s drummer John Bonham, who passed away September 25 of 1980.Jason was only 14.Since that time, Jason, who was taught by his Dad to play drums, has had a pretty interesting and varied musical career, ranging from having his own band Bonham, has played in bands such as Jimmy Page of Led Zeppelin’s solo group, UFO, Black Country Communion, California Breed, Foreigner, and oh, he has played with Led Zeppelin on most of their one off reunion shows.Most famously, their last show in 2007, which was released on Bluray/DVD/CD called Celebration Day.I cannot recommend it enough.He also, on and off for the past 6 years, has gone on the road to do his own tribute show to his Dad’s band.It’s very good.They do faithful versions of Led Zeppelin songs.The show starts with a video tribute to Jason’s Dad John, with a narration from Jason.Then the show begins.Throughout the show, Jason tells stories about his Dad, his family, and of course, about Led Zeppelin.They played many Zeppelin classics, as well as deep album cuts.I was very close to the stage.Believe it or not, I was so close that when the bass player threw a guitar pick at my direction, it hit my forehead.I looked for it on the floor, but I couldn’t find it lol!But anyway, I had a really fun night.See the show if you get a chance.My next stop on my summer concert tour is Cincinnati again on Tuesday, June 7, when my brother Christopher and I will see Steely Dan and Steve Winwood.More reviews to come.Rock On!Jason Bonham's Led Zeppelin Experience Band Members:
- Jason Bonham (Drums)
- James Dylan (Lead Vocals/Acoustic Guitar)
- Tony Catania (Guitar)
- Dorian Heartsong (Bass)
- Stephen LeBlanc (Keyboards/Guitar/Lap Steel Guitar)
Set List:
- Rock And Roll
- Wearing And Tearing
- Over The Hills And Far Away
- Good Times, Bad Times
- The Wanton Song
- What Is And What Should Never Be
- Thank You
- Since I’ve Been Loving You
- Moby Dick (Jason played his Dad’s famous drum solo with his Dad playing with him in sync on a video screen. Pretty cool.)
- Going To California
- The Rain Song
- The Ocean
- When The Levee Breaks
- Fool In The Rain
- Trampled Underfoot
- Kashmir
- Stairway To Heaven
- Encore: Whole Lotta Love
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