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I Saw Shawn Michaels Wrestle!!
- Date of Event: July 12, 2008
- Location of Event: Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, WV
Another WWE house show (non-televised event) I attended.
Don’t remember a lot from this (I’m typing this in 2023.) but I do remember finally seeing someone I grew up watching as a wrestler: Shawn Michaels!!
He wrestled one of his proteges, Lance Cade (RIP). It was great seeing Shawn in person.
I also finally got to see one of my then new favorite wrestlers Batista (now actor Dave Bautista) wrestle CM Punk. I was supposed to see Batista wrestle twice in 2007 but he was not there. I’m glad I got to see him wrestle this time.
I’m sorry but that’s what really stands out to me, but again, it was a fun show.
I found the results of the night and am posting them here. The results I got from thehistoryofwwe.com web site.
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The Undertaker vs Edge
- Date of Event: May 10, 2008
- Location of Event: Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, WV
This was another WWE house show (non-televised event) I went to.
The legendary Howard Finkel was the announcer of the night. I grew up watching Howard as the main WWF (now WWE) announcer so it was great seeing him in person.
The main event was The Undertaker vs. Edge in a falls count anywhere match.
At one point when they were wrestling outside of the ring amongst the audience, I was almost so close to them I could touch them.
It was great seeing these greats so up close do what they do best.
I remember The Big Show wrestling Mark Henry, which was cool to see.
That’s about all I remember of it (I’m typing this in 2023.), but it was fun, as these shows always are.
I have posted all the results below that I found, courtesy of thehistoryofwwe.com web site.
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I Finally Saw a Member of Led Zeppelin: Robert Plant & Alison Krauss with T. Bone Burnett Concert Review
- Date of Concert: April 19, 2008
- Location of Concert: Louisville Palace Theater in Louisville, KY
A close friend of my Aunt Kim’s, Barry Gillum, and I went to see Robert Plant & Alison Krauss w/T. Bone Burnett playing guitar with them in Louisville, KY.
This was actually the first night of their Raising Sand tour.
They released this album in 2007, and it became a huge hit, winning a lot of Grammys.
The show consisted mostly of songs from the album, plus some songs from Robert’s time as the singer of Led Zeppelin and some solo stuff, along with some of Alison’s stuff, and T. Bone sang a few songs too.
The band was a super tight unit.
And hearing Robert and Alison sing together is just magical.
Everyone was having fun, but also very casual and laid back.
It was a great night and start to a tour (We along with my Aunt Kim saw them again later in the year.)
I’m not saying much I know, but this is 15 years after the show, so I’ll just say it was great, and I’m glad I got to see the singer of Led Zeppelin singing with another phenomenal singer in Alison.
Set List:
- Rich Woman
- Leave My Woman Alone
- Black Dog
- Sister Rosetta Goes Before Us
- Through The Morning, Through The Night
- Fortune Teller
- Black Country Woman
- 29 Palms
- The Long Time Now
- Bon Temps Rouler
- Trampled Rose
- Green Pastures
- Down To The River To Pray
- Nothin’
- Killing The Blues
- When The Levee Breaks
- The Battle Of Evermore
- Please Read The Letter
- Gone Gone Gone
- Encore: Stick With Me Baby
- I’m A One-Woman Man
- Your Long Journey
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I Saw Another Wrestling Show Twice in One Year
- Date of Event: November 25, 2007
- Location of Event: Charleston Civic Center in Charleston, WV
I’m typing this in 2023 so it’s been awhile since this wrestling show has happened.
I’m pretty sure I have pictures of this, but I cannot find them.
If I do find them, I’ll add them to this, but until then, here are my memories/thoughts of this.
I went to this show with my cousin Zachary and his Mom, my Aunt Karen.
This was the second wrestling show I had seen in 2007.
We saw John Morrison and The Miz in a tag team match. I liked them as a tag team.
We saw Chavo Guerrerro wrestle. He was great.
The main event was The Brothers of Destruction (The Undertaker and Kane) vs. Edge and MVP.
This was really cool because not only of all the talent involved, but Edge had not officially returned yet (he had been out several months due to an injury and officially returned at the Survivor Series PPV shortly after this house show).
Really fun night.
I’m sorry I don’t have more, but trust me, it was fun.
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The Misfits Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 21, 2007
- Location of Concert: Columbia Music Hall in Portsmouth, OH
My cousin Zachary and I went to see The Misfits about 20-30 minutes from where we live.
The lineup at this point (I’m typing this in 2023.) was Jerry Only on Vocals/Bass, Dez Cadena on Guitar, and Robo on Drums.
They played a TON of classic Misfits songs (I’m sorry but I don’t have a set list).
I don’t remember a lot from this but I know it was a fun show in a very intimate venue.
I’m glad we went.
There was an opening act, but I don’t remember who they were.
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Happy Birthday Dave!!: Van Halen Concert Review
- Date of Concert: October 10, 2007
- Location of Concert; Quicken Loans Arena in Cleveland, OH
I never thought this would happen.
David Lee Roth was singing in Van Halen again!!!!
Aside from two new songs in 1996 and a few failed attempts after that, it finally happened in 2007.
He was back with Guitarist Edward Van Halen, Drummer Alex Van Halen (Eddie’s brother) and Eddie’s son Wolfgang, who had just joined the band at this point, taking Michael Anthony’s place.
Since it took FOREVER for them to reunite with Dave, I was not sure this would last very long. So, my brother Christopher and I went to their Cleveland show, which was early in the tour.
It also happened to be Dave’s birthday too!!
Luckily, it did last until 2015 (although some of the later dates of this tour got pushed back because I think Eddie went into rehab but don’t quote me on that).
The show was AWESOME!!!!
Lots of classic VH songs.
Dave is forever the showman and the band are one of the best bands ever.
Eddie is one of the best guitarists of all time. During his solo, he played “Happy Birthday” on guitar for Dave, which was awesome.
Alex is always a great drummer.
And Wolfgang was getting started, although he was already a child prodigy, basically (as I type this in 2023, he is now a phenomenal solo artist).
Sadly, Eddie passed away in 2020.
There will never be another one like him.
And because of his passing, VH is no more, but thank goodness the music will live forever.
Set List:
- You Really Got Me (The Kinks cover)
- I’m The One
- Runnin’ With The Devil
- Romeo Delight
- Somebody Get Me A Doctor
- Beautiful Girls
- Dance The Night Away
- Atomic Punk
- Everybody Wants Some!
- So This Is Love?
- Mean Street
- Oh, Pretty Woman (Roy Orbison cover)
- Drum Solo
- Unchained
- I’ll Wait
- And The Cradle Will Rock…
- Hot For Teacher
- Little Dreamer
- Little Guitars
- Jamie’s Cryin’
- Ice Cream Man
- Panama
- Guitar Solo
- Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love
- Encore: 1984 (Tape)
- Jump
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An Evening With RUSH!!
- Date of Concert: September 2, 2007
- Location of Concert: Germain Amphitheater in Columbus, OH
My brother Christopher and I went to see one of our mutually favorite bands: RUSH!!
This was my 1st time seeing them. My brother had seen them once before in 1994.
I’m glad we got to see the band together because not only do we both love them, but he was the one that made a fan.
Here is some backstory:
I came home from high school one day (I was 16. I’m 41 as I type this.) and he told me to come into his room because he wanted me to hear something.
So I did and he played some of what was the band’s most recent live album, Different Stages Live.
I was instantly blown away.
I had not heard anything quite like this.
I asked him if I could borrow the CDs (Triple live album) and he said yes.
I dubbed it over to cassettes (I eventually bought it.) and played it to death.
I used to play it with a dark light on air drumming to the great Neil Peart’s (RIP) parts and cranked up the music.
Geddy Lee (Vocals/Bass/Keyboards) is my favorite bassist for all time.
Alex Lifeson (Guitar) is such a special player and was perfect for this band.
Just 3 guys that made a PHENOMENAL sound, made tons of albums, and were around for over 40 years (the band stopped in 2015, Neil passed away in 2020.).
Anyway, we saw them on their Snakes And Arrows album tour.
They played a lot of songs from that great album, along with lots of other songs from their massive career.
They never disappointed.
They were always great.
We will love them forever.
Thank you Geddy, Alex, and Neil for all the great music.
Set Lists:
- Set 1: Limelight
- Digital Man
- Entre Nous
- Mission
- Freewill
- The Main Monkey Business (New Song)
- The Larger Bowl (New Song)
- Secret Touch
- Circumstances
- Between The Wheels
- Dreamline
- Set 2: Far Cry (New Song)
- Workin’ Them Angels (New Song)
- Armor And Sword (New Song)
- Spindrift (New Song)
- The Way The Wind Blows (New Song)
- Subdivisions
- Natural Science
- Witch Hunt
- Malignant Narcissism (New Song)
- Drum Solo
- Hope (New Song)
- Summertime Blues (Eddie Cochran cover)
- The Spirit Of Radio
- Tom Sawyer
- Encore: One Little Victory
- A Passage To Bangkok
- YYZ
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My 1st Wrestling Show in 16 Years
- Date of Event: August 3, 2007
- Location of Event: Big Sandy Superstore Arena in Huntington, WV
I’ve been a wrestling fan since I was 6 or 7 years old, but I did not watch it as much for many years because I was focused on other things.
However, I got back into it more many years later and this was the first wrestling show I went to since 1991 when I was 8. I was 25 at this point.
It was the same venue I saw my first wrestling show at too.
I know I have pictures of this event, but I currently cannot find them. If I do find them, I will add them, but until then, here are my thoughts, and the results of the show, courtesy of thehistoryofwwe.com web site are listed below.
It was great seeing “Hacksaw” Jim Duggan wrestle. I’ve been a fan of his since I was little. I got to see then WWE Champion John Cena wrestle Randy Orton. They had a big feud at the time and have wrestled each other many times. And it was cool to see Jerry “The King” Lawler wrestle King Booker (more known as Booker T).
There were other wrestlers too but those are some of my thoughts.
This was a fun show and it was great seeing wrestling live in person again. I’m sorry I did not see as much of it in person when I was younger.
Here are the complete results below, again courtesy of thehistoryofwwe.com web site:
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Two Classic 80s Bands: Poison/RATT Concert Review
- Date of Concert: June 19, 2007
- Location of Concert: Riverbend Music Center in Cincinnati, OH
My brother and I went to see two of the best and biggest 80s rock bands.
Poison and RATT!!
It was a co-headline tour, but RATT started the show.
Singer Stephen Pearcy had just recently returned after being out of the band for about 7 years.
It was great seeing Stephen back because no offense, you HAVE to have Stephen sing these songs.
Classic members Warren DeMartini (Lead Guitar) and Bobby Blotzer (Drums) were still there, as well as long time Bassist Robbie Crane (who replaced Juan Croucier when RATT reunited in the late 90s) and John Corabi (Motley Crue, Union, The Scream) on Rhythm Guitar.
Corabi is most known for being a great singer, but he was just playing guitar and singing backing vocals.
I LOVE RATT. I think they’re suck a kicking band with soooo many great songs and albums.
They’re most especially known for the song Round And Round, which is great. But trust me, there’s sooooo much more to their catalog.
And they played a lot of deep cuts at this show (Closer To My Heart was dedicated to RATT Guitarist Robbin Crosby, who sadly passed away in 2002), and of course the hits.
I’m so glad I got to see them.
Then Poison closed the show.
Still the original members (Bret Michaels, CC Deville, Bobby Dall, and Rikki Rockett).
They’re arguably the biggest, along with Bon Jovi, Motley Crue, and Def Leppard, of the 80s rock bands.
Lots of hits (they were promoting a cool covers album Poison’d on this tour) and I think they’ve always rocked and been a fun band.
If you’re a fan, they don’t disappoint.
Great night this was.
Poison Set List:
- Look What The Cat Dragged In
- What I Like About You (The Romantics cover)
- I Won’t Forget You
- Suffragette City (David Bowie cover)
- Guitar Solo
- I Hate Every Bone In Your Body But Mine
- Can’t You See (The Marshall Tucker Band cover)
- Something To Believe In
- Just What I Needed (The Cars cover)
- Your Mama Don’t Dance (Loggins & Messina cover)
- Drum Solo
- Unskinny Bop
- Every Rose Has It’s Thorn
- Fallen Angel
- Talk Dirty To Me
- Encore: Nothin’ But A Good Time
RATT Set List:
- Sweet Cheater
- Dangerous But Worth The Risk
- I’m Insane
- City To City
- Wanted Man
- Closer To My Heart (Dedicated to Robbin Crosby)
- Back For More
- Slip Of The Lip
- Way Cool Jr.
- Lay It Down
- Over The Edge
- You’re In Love
- Lack Of Communication
- Body Talk
- Round And Round
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I Saw Black Sabbath w/Dio!!! And Megadeth Opened!!
- Date of Concert: May 8, 2007
- Location of Concert: U.S. Bank Arena in Cincinnati, OH
- Openers: Megadeth and Machine Head
This was quite a treat: My brother and I saw Black Sabbath (or Heaven And Hell as they were calling themselves at this point to distinguish themselves as a different lineup) and Megadeth opened.
Unfortunately, we missed Machine Head but we got there in time for Megadeth.
They’re always great live and most of their albums I love.
They were about to release their great album United Abominations, which they played a couple of songs from, along with Megadeth classics.
The lineup at this point was Dave Mustaine on Vocals and Guitar as always, along with the Drover brothers (Glen on Guitar and Shawn on Drums) and James Lomenzo on Bass.
Regardless of the lineup, Megadeth are always great and I love Megadeth for all time.
Then the main event happened: I saw Ronnie James Dio sing for Black Sabbath!!!!
This was the 3rd time this lineup happened. Ronnie on Vocals, Tony Iommi on Guitar, Geezer Butler on Bass, and Vinny Appice on Drums.
They played nothing but Dio era Sabbath songs (from the phenomenal Heaven And Hell, Mob Rules, and Dehumanizer albums), plus two out of the three great new songs they had just released on a compilation called Black Sabbath The Dio Years.
I love the original lineup sooooo much, as well as all the other lineups, but this is definitely my second favorite Sabbath lineup.
Everything Ronnie sang was just magical, and he being with these guys was always the best, in my opinion, of what he did.
And the band is sooooo tight and played so great together.
Sadly, Ronnie passed away in 2010 (I’m typing this in 2023.), but his music will live forever.
I love all of these guys and my brother and I had a great time.
I miss you Ronnie!!
Black Sabbath (Heaven And Hell) Set List:
- Intro Tape (E5150)
- After All (The Dead)
- The Mob Rules
- Children Of The Sea
- Lady Evil
- I
- The Sign Of The Southern Cross
- Voodoo
- The Devil Cried (New Song)
- Drum Solo
- Computer God
- Falling Off The Edge Of The World
- Shadow Of The Wind (New Song)
- Die Young
- Heaven And Hell
- Encore: Neon Knights
Megadeth Set List:
- Sleepwalker (New Song)
- Take No Prisoners
- Kick The Chair
- Wake Up Dead
- Hangar 18
- Washington Is Next! (New Song)
- She-Wolf
- Symphony Of Destruction
- Tornado Of Souls
- Peace Sells…But Who’s Buying
- Holy Wars…The Punishment Due
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