| Author | Message | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1992 Registered: 9-2003 |
OK, after a conspicuous absence, I'm back to bore and/or annoy the Alembic Collective with yet another edition of my endless series of concert reviews. For brevity's sake, I'll make one blurb covering the three shows I've attended this past week. (all shows were at semi-outdoor PNC Bank Arts Center in centrally-located Holmdel, NJ) CSN&Y: Yes, Neil is back! The boys are looking a little worse for the wear these days, what with their Senior Citizen cards in full effect, LOL! Stills is looking particularly bad, and appears to be more portly in girth than even the mighty David Crosby! Looks aside, they're still in fine voice. I was teased and pleased by Graham's and David's cameo during the David Gilmour show I caught earlier this year, so I just had to catch this show. I wasn't disappointed. It was a nice night (weather wise) and I was able to sneak right in and park up front on the bike. The place was mobbed. Despite the inclusion of (nearly) every new Neil Young protest tune off of his new album (including his CNN-style "LWW: Living With War" vids (same name as th album) chronicling the US deaths and faux-pas of Bush's Iraqi War), which were not bad at all (especially if you're anti-Bush), they pulled out a bunch of chestnuts to satisfy the dinosaurs in the audience (like myself). At least they were mixed in with the old stuff...Rolling Stone's review of the earlier dates stated that the whole first set was NOTHING BUT "LWW"). "Wooden Ships" opened the show, and "Long Time Gone" (both from the debut CSN album) was thrown in as well. "Guinnevere" was stunning. Lots of "Deja Vu" tunes including the title track, "Teach Your Children" (with a decent non-Jerry pedal steel accompanyment), "Our House" and a reworked "Almost Cut My Hair". Neil did "Only Love Can Break Your Heart", Graham threw in "Military Madness" and Neil and Stephen did a number from one of their Stills/Young albums that escapes me at the moment. A few of Crosby/Nash ditty's ("Southbound Train", "Carry Me" and "Immigration Man") rounded-out the show. As I was walking to the bike so I could scoot unmolested from the venue (I made it out in less than 2mins!), they were encoring with a heavily re-worked Buffalo Springfield classic "For What It's Worth" as part of a medley I didn't stick around to finish hearing. All in all, it was a good show. While singing "Find The Cost Of Freedom", they displayed the pix of all the US casualties from Iraq, and tallying the losses telathon-style. It was sickening to learn that, as of last Sunday, 2,604 Americans had lost their lives in Iraq since Mar. '03. Apparently, CSN&Y are as politically active as they were back in the day. Regardless of your political view, it was still a great show. Catch 'em before they dissappear for good. Highly Recommended! The Allman Bros. Band: Gregg and company are still in fine voice and tune. The band line-up hasn't changed for years. My only complaint would be that they are (still) playing a lot of newer material and not solely concentrating on the old Duane-era stuff. Bummer, because both Warren and Derek can wail on slide. I support the Bros. and go see them at least once each year. If you like lot's 'o dual guitar jams, you can't go wrong with the original "Southern Rock" band. Highly Recommended! Steely Dan: What can I say that hasn't been said already about the mighty Dan! No new album (although Donald Fagen released his "Morph The Cat" cd this year and Walter's new solo cd is due imminently) to support this time, so they reverted to old chestnuts. For the first time since '96 there were NO tunes from the "2vN" and "EMG" discs (orig. released 2000 and 2003, respectively). This year's tour, billed as the Steelyard "Sugartooth" Steely McDan Tour includes an opening act for the first time since '93: former SD sideman, Doobie Bros. frontman and current solo artist Michael McDonald. While Im not a huge fan of his solo stuff (nor of his DB-era stuff either), he has a sublime voice that is integral to, and easily discernable from, early Dan studio stuff. He was well received by the crowd, and played for at least an hour and a half. He mixed in alll his stuff and even had a gospel choir for his Motown bit. Despite his Pop-leanings, he's very talented and the show was good. The more he played, the more enthusiastically the crowd responded. Later on in SD's set he came out for a few numbers and the encore. The Dan Band is still the virtually the same since 2000...just substitute Freddie Washington for Tom Barney on bass, Jeff Young for Ted Baker on keys, and Keith Carlock for Ricky Lawson on drums (of course, the late, great Cornelius Bumpus was not in attendance). This is the DF Band I saw earlier this year, plus Walter Becker and minus Wayne Krantz. Thank God that Walter no longer sings (lead) and isn't noodling as incessantly on the guitar as in the past...although he still plays too much and too often. Jon Herrington gets better on guitar each time I see him...he needs to be: Larry Carlton (et al) left big shoes to fill! Regardless, it was still great. They played most of "AJA". I would have prefered all of "The Royal Scam" or "Katy Lied" as I've heard lot's of AJA. If you're a fan, catch 'em while you can before they disappear for good. Highly Recommended! | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 993 Registered: 9-2002 |
The Big K: By any chance, as they were wandering their catalog, did they pull out 'Glamour Profession' (chart the bass line to THAT one sometime!)? I always picture this tune being writ back in Walter's bad days. The smarmy disco-ness of it I always felt was a New Yorker's sarcastic take on LA and the days of rolling up $100s for straws . . . An 'outside' tune, even for them. With MMcD in tow, did they do 'Pretzel Logic'? J o e y | ||
| lidon2001
Advanced Member Username: lidon2001 Post Number: 209 Registered: 4-2005 |
Sounds like great shows. Speaking of concerts... I had the opportunity to see the last performance of this leg of the Adrian Belew Trio. It was in a very intimate club setting, about 150 people at most. The guy is just amazing with his guitar work. Adrian uses a Boomerang phrase sampler often to start the melody then start playing his other guitar work over it. The amazing part is his use of backward guitar effects, where he plays the notes/licks and you then hear them a second or two later while singing in time with the song. I am always amazed at his skills. Speaking of skills, the duo behind him were Juile and Eric Slick from Pennsylvania, USA. Eric, 19, is just a monster on the drums. As Adrian said, "I wasn't that good until I was 24." I have to assume you will hear that name in the future, he's that good. His sister, Julie, 20, did a very good job on the low end with her Fender Jazz bass. Yes, 19 and 20 on tour with Mr. Belew. Their mother was holding down the CD table. Everyone hung out afterwards and were able to share a few moments with the band, pictures, autographs, etc. Just a great night. They start up again on the west coast of FL in November. Check them out if you can. Next on my list is Jeff Beck at the Hard Rock in a couple weeks. (Message edited by lidon2001 on August 28, 2006) (Message edited by lidon2001 on August 28, 2006) | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1993 Registered: 9-2003 |
Joey: No, not this time around. I have seen 'em do both live in the past, though (if memory serves). I was actually kind of disappointed in the song selection. The pre-tour hype insinuated that a lot of old chestnuts would be unearthed for this tour, but I didn't find that to be the case. They always do "AJA" stuff, and this time they went overboard. While "Hey 19" and "Time Out Of Mind" from "Gaucho" were covered, they ignored the rest of the better mat'l, especially my fave "3rd World Man". They had MMD sing lead on a couple of tunes, but my early-morning migraine and early onset "Old Timers" disease has left me with a bit of a brain f*rt. It'll come to me (eventually). | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 285 Registered: 2-2003 |
Sunday night I unexpectedly found myself at the Boston area Steely Dan concert. I was never a "huge" fan but was amazed at just how extensive their catalog is. As the set went on I kept commenting, "Oh yeah, I forgot about that one!". I was disappointed they did not do Pretzel Logic, but it was a good showing by the band nonetheless. I noted to my friend that Harrington was taking more solos than Becker. His response? "Well, he should. He's a better guitarist!" JP | ||
| hydrargyrum
Advanced Member Username: hydrargyrum Post Number: 216 Registered: 3-2004 |
I had my first oppurtunity to see The Flaming Lips live over the weekend, and have to say it was perhaps the best concert I have ever seen. They have an incredible multimedia stage show, and the band was really tight. The Magic Numbers and Sonic Youth opened. The Magic Numbers did a great set, but Sonic Youth was a little disappointing. Some blamed it on a bad mix, (which is somewhat fair), but the band also seemed to lack energy. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1994 Registered: 9-2003 |
Yes, Jon Herrington is an excellent guitartist, much better than Walter. Walter still plays way too much for my taste. His leads are monotonous and predictable. He solos over "Peg" almost in it's entirety and it's, frankly, frustrating and boring. Jon plays something different each time. He was an undergrad music student at Rutgers with my guitar teach (Steven Hayes)...Rutgers guitar profs. must have done a good job at teaching improvisation as they're both excellent players and improvisers. While I've never seen a bad Dan show, they really could have seized more on the opportunity to do oldies, especially ones that feature the vocals of MMD. Regardless, it was still an excellent show. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4345 Registered: 5-2002 |
Kevin; for what it's forth, I enjoy and look forward to your reviews. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1996 Registered: 9-2003 |
Thanks much Dave! That means something coming from you. I think I'm safe speaking for the vast majority of the Alembic collective when I say you are both highly liked and respected. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1997 Registered: 9-2003 |
FWIW, I took my buddy to see the Brothers as the girlfriend had a change of shift since I bought the tix. As was the case last year, I was disappointed by the song selection. Since Gregg has been "on the wagon" he's looking, acting and most importantly, sounding much better. A couple of years ago he did a Q104.3FM (NYC) radio interview (the day of the Jones Beach date, if memory serves), where he "came clean" about his former destructive behaviour, and stated that the Bros. would be playing more "classic" ABB tunes. The last two years, the opposite has been true. I have become increasingly more disappointed with their setlists. Apparently, the DTB and Gov't Mule jam-band influence has taken over the Bros. priorites. While I'm sure it's frustrating to be hemmed-in to playing the same old stuff for decades (i.e., the Beach Boys), unfortunately, that's what the fans wanna hear (this fan included, and I've been regularly attending their shows since the '79 "reunion" tour). My buddy (also a long time guitarist) made the same comment. Warren is, I'm afraid, becoming monotonous (my bud commented about the repetitious lead patterns)in his ABB role, and Derek wants to play anything but the classic Duane licks (he forgot the slide lead in "I Ain't Wastin' Time No More" until about halfway thru). C'mon guys, some "Come And Go Blues" or "Revival" would go a long way! Leave "Soul Shine" in the dressing room and give us the old "It's Not My Cross To Bear" opener that spanned the decades! "Whippin' Post" anyone? | ||
| kilowatt
Member Username: kilowatt Post Number: 65 Registered: 12-2004 |
Kevin, I agree with Dave, as I also like to read your concert reviews. Dave, I also agree with Kevin about your status in our humble community. You have always been very helpful. I also made the ABB show the same night. My keyboard player's brother-in-law is on the Art Centers board of directors and we sat in the 7th row. I had a great time, but the show was on the short side by ABB standards. I also thought that Oteils bass could have been louder in the mix. "Come And Go Blues" is one of my favorite tunes and would definately have been a welcome addition. I think that some changes are coming to the ABB in the not to distant future. Regards, Pete | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1998 Registered: 9-2003 |
Thanks, Pete. I wish I had known you were there (@ ABB)...I would have said hello. You had much better seats than me...all three of those shows saw me in sections 301 or 304 as I was unwilling to get hosed even more than I already had for overpriced tix. I should have talked to you before buying tix @ the PNC, LOL! NEXT SHOW UP: 'ole Rog! Roger Waters "The Creative Genius Behind Pink Floyd" (sic...the official publicity quote, not mine, LOL!) featuring Nick Mason (et al) performing "Dark Side Of The Moon" in it's entirety at the PNC on Wed., Sept. 6. Boy, did I overpay for this one! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 994 Registered: 9-2002 |
It's amazing to me that after Gregg's history of feeding his monkey, he ostensibly parted ways with D Betts over the same thing. Anybody know the real story? J o e y | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4353 Registered: 5-2002 |
Well I finally went out to see a show. Last night I saw Eric Johnson. On bass this tour is Roscoe Beck. Beck is of course a highly regarded bass player, so I was looking forward to seeing both players. I went with the guitar player I play with, and his observations were the same as mine. The sound was .. painful. The PA was overdriven. The bass was incredibly muddy. It was loud and high in the mix, but you couldn't make out what he was playing; it was just low frequency noise, and lots of it. Johnson is of course known for his wonderful tone; but what's the point in having wonderful tone if it's mixed with loud, painful low frequency noise? The drummer was Tommy Taylor. I usually enjoy listening to drummers, but Taylor was pretty much buried under Johnson and Beck, so I really can't say anything about him other than the fact that he was there. At one point Johnson and Taylor left the stage and Beck played a solo. It was the one time you could hear to some degree what Beck was actually playing. It still sounded bad out front, but you could tell that before the PA mangled it, his tone was probably quite nice. His solo was a very nice arrangement of Round Midnight. I would love to have actually heard it out of his rig. The highlight was Johnson's solo. With Taylor and Beck off stage, there was no more painful bass noise and we could finally appreciate Johnson's wonderful tone. My guitar player, a Johnson fan who has seen him many times, did report that the PA mix did not faithfully reproduce Johnson's tone, saying that it sounded like it was being bumped up in the midrange. Still, this was by far the most enjoyable, or perhaps more accurately the only enjoyable, portion of the show. My guitar player has been to many shows at this venue, the Orange Peel in Asheville, and he reports that this is the worst sound he's experienced there. He says that in every other show he's seen there the sound has been good quality. He also says that the other Eric Johnson shows he's seen did not sound like this one. So we have no idea why this one sounded so bad. I enjoyed getting together with my guitar player to go see a show. I guess that was the real highlight of the evening. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1584 Registered: 7-2004 |
Ah yes, another bass player who realizes the benefits of hanging out with guitarists. Keep displaying wisdom like this Dave, and you might just earn your two extra strings someday! (nyuk, nyuk) Seriously though, the only thing that amazes me more than how bad sound can be at some shows is how many people in the audience don't even know the difference. Having cut my teeth on about 200 or so Dead shows, I am completely spoiled when it comes to P.A. It's too bad that many bands don't care or aren't willing to spend the $ to insure good sound. Just let 'em listen to "incredibly muddy ... loud ... low frequency noise, and lots of it", so long as all the red M&Ms are removed from the green room spread! Bill, tgo | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 644 Registered: 2-2006 |
Dave, I caught Eric's show in Dallas with Satriani and they had the same problem here. The sound was very poor. They played the Nokia Center which has a house system. I saw The James Gang this past Tuesday at the same venue and they had a great sound. Joe's guitar sound was superb. Sometimes it's not the system but the engineer that needs replacing. Bill, Bill, Bill, ...what are we gonna' do with ya bro'. I bet you still believe that old adage," a bass player is a just a frustrated guitar player."LOL... | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4356 Registered: 5-2002 |
Bill; the guitar player that I play with in Montford Park, Jon Pearlman, is both an excellent musician and a nice person to spend time with, so hanging out with this particular guitarist is definitely beneficial! In this particular case the sound system belonged to the house and not the band. I have no idea whether the sound guy was Eric's or the house's. It kinda reinforces the idea that playing small venues where you don't need a PA, where the sound of the bass and the sound of the guitar that the audience hears is what's coming out of the rigs on stage, is perhaps my ideal playing situation. Of course, Roscoe Beck makes his living playing bass and I don't. And this particular event may have been an aberration; perhaps sound at the Orange Peel is indeed usually much better and perhaps the Eric Johnson band usually sounds much better as well. But I think I would rather sit at home by myself practicing scales than go out in public and sound like Beck did last night. Of course the band doesn't hear what the audience hears; my guess is it probably sounded very good up on stage. Fellow club member Adam (2400wattman) of Zoso has played the Orange Peel a number of times; and as a touring professional like Roscoe Beck, I'm sure he has a much different perspective. Adam, if you run across this thread, please chime in. | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4357 Registered: 5-2002 |
Olie; thanks for that comparison. Strange that the same venue and system produce such different results. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 645 Registered: 2-2006 |
I saw Robert PLant there too, and he had an OK sound but not as bad as EJ's. I left during Satriani's set because the sound was so bad and I missed Eric Johnson and Andy Timmons coming out and playing with Satch! (My ears could take no more though) | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 1999 Registered: 9-2003 |
Satch has great tone, but he plays WAYYYY too loud. I missed EJ's set earlier this year on JS's "Super Collossal" tour, but the show was much too loud for the venue (Starland Ballroom, Sayreville, NJ). | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 996 Registered: 9-2002 |
Shame, Dave, Roscoe is a fabulous player, and I really admire Eric Johnson as well, but of course they're from Texas! With any luck, I'll NEVER own a Fender bass, but IF I did, I've played several Roscoe Beck five-strings, and they were all EXCELLENT. Fender and Roscoe chased the idea of a five-string equivalent to the classic, passive Jazz for several years, finally turning over the pickup design to Bill Lawrence. Believe me, he got it right! Ultralights, Gotoh bridge, interesting all passive switching system, really nice axe for a Fender . . . And I'm DAMN sure not a 'frustrated guitar player' . . . be somebody, hang with your drummer! J o e y | ||
| davehouck
Moderator Username: davehouck Post Number: 4371 Registered: 5-2002 |
Yea, watching his hands I could tell he was doing some really nice stuff. So I guess I could say that I "saw" a really good bass player. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 652 Registered: 2-2006 |
Joey, I like to give our 6 string slingers another analogy; A guitar player is a bass player with no rhythem. (MAN, I bet I hear it from Bill TGO for that.) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1589 Registered: 7-2004 |
Olie, a guitar player is a bass player with a sense of melody, an affinity for rhythm without being chained to the drummer, and the ability to spell! You asked for it. Bill, tgo (TFPIC- tongue firmly planted in cheek) (Message edited by lbpesq on September 02, 2006) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 657 Registered: 2-2006 |
Bill your tough man, (or is it "you're tuph man"), I knew I could count on you for a good laugh. Actually my spelling is good it's my typink that sux!LOL (oh yea and shhhh don't tell my bass brothers but I actually play both, unt da Bee-whop-sha-bops). | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 363 Registered: 12-2004 |
You know what you call a guitar player who just broke up with his girlfriend? Homeless. What do you throw a drowning guitarist? His amp. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1590 Registered: 7-2004 |
And, or course, what do you call someone who's tone deaf and likes to hang out with musicians? A drummer. rim shot Bill, tgo | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 658 Registered: 2-2006 |
OK, here's one that will allow us all to laugh at/with ourselves. St. Peter is at the pearly gates taking a survey as people pass through the gates. A lady walks up and he asks her how much money she made while on earth. The lady answers 42 thousand per year. Then he asks her what her profession was. She answers, a school teacher. He replies, “that’s great, molding young minds come on in”. A man then walks up and St. Peter ask him the same question and the man replies, 240 thousand per year. St Peter then ask him what he did for a living to which the man replies, “I was a divorce attorney”. St. Peter responds, “That’s terrible, making money off of others despair. I don’t think we can allow you in.” Another man walks up and St Peter asks him how much money he made while on earth. The man says 8 thousand dollars a year. To which St Peter respond, “oh yea what instrument did you play”? | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1591 Registered: 7-2004 |
Olie: I don't do no divorces! LOL Bill, tgo | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 364 Registered: 12-2004 |
I won't make any beer or motorcycle references, but here's a couple bass player jokes just to round things out: Did you hear about the bass player who was so bad that even the lead singer noticed? How many bass players does it take to screw in a lightbulb? NONE! The piano player does it with their left hand (or, the organist does it with their feet!) Bradley | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 659 Registered: 2-2006 |
Father forgive Bradley for he knows not what he says. (I trust no man that play his "organ".) | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2000 Registered: 9-2003 |
WOW! Talk about a thread hijack! Apparently, Bill P. (amongst others) loves to hijack my threads. C'mon Bill, there's not even any biker talk...give me a break! LOL! At any rate, 'ole Rog is up tomorrow night at the PNC. Expect a full report...ad nauseum, of course. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1592 Registered: 7-2004 |
Hey, Olie started it! And I like concerts, heck I just bought tix for Paul Simon, John Prine, and Bob Dylan. Speaking of which, is it my imagination or is there no limit on ticket prices these days? The rich get rich and the not rich (like me) get not richer. Bill, tgo (Message edited by lbpesq on September 05, 2006) | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 668 Registered: 2-2006 |
¿Quién Mí? Hago ni entiendo o hablo inglés. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2002 Registered: 9-2003 |
Bill, No, you are correct. It's a free-for-all as far as concert tix prices go. Instead of trying to do something a la Pearl Jam's earlier attempts at controlling tix sales themselves, most artists are jumping on the "legal scalping" bandwagon by auctioning-off the best seats to the highest bidder. Apparently, the rationale is if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. The artists figure that they should benefit from scalping instaead of the ticket agencies. I think it's despicable myself. Unfortunately, if you wanna see a show, and you have more money than brains, you'll pay the exorbitant prices they're asking (and getting)! I'm not rich (not by a long shot), but a fair portion of my income is disposable, so I treat myself as often as possible to any show I think might be interesting. After many years of saying "well I missed them again, but there's always next year", only to have the artist retire and/or die, I get out to the shows without hesitation. Considering the age of most of my fave acts, the writing's on the wall: see 'em while you still can! Cheers, Kevin | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2005 Registered: 9-2003 |
Ok here's the dope on Roger Waters's DSOTM Tour '06: Good show, good performance, excellent lighting/production. Dave Gilmour's show was all about the music, Rog likes the multi-media thing with some theatre thrown in for good measure. The GF loved the show. The Band: Andy Fairweather Low – Guitar Snowy White – Guitar Dave Kilminster – Guitar and Vocals Graham Broad - Drums Jon Carin – Keyboards Harry Waters – Hammond Ian Ritchie - Saxophone Katie Kissoon, PP Arnold and Carol Kenyon – Background Vocals Nick Mason will play at Magny Cours on the 14th July for the second half of the show That's right: NO Nick Mason! I was disappointed, of course, seing as he was advertised for this tour, but Graham was excellent in his place (see "DG Live in Concert" from Rbt. Wyatt's Meltdown Shows(s) DVD for more of his work). Dave Kilminster was excellent...he copies DG's licks almost note-for-note and his DG vocals weren't bad either. Jon Carin was, as is usual, excellent on vocals/lap steel/keys/guitar, etc. Snowy and AF-L have been around since PF's "Wall" tour(9). The setlist was pretty typical: Opener was "In The Flesh". "Mother", "SOYCD, Part(s) ?", "WYWH", "Have A Cigar", "Sheep", "The Final Cut", "Fletcher Memorial Home", as well as some solo stuff ("Perfect Sense, Parts I & II", "Leaving Lebanon", etc.) preceded DSOTM in it's entirety. The encore was "Another Brick In The Wall, Part ?" and something else I couldn't make out as I ran for the car. Rog got a lot of boo's (and inspired "U-S-A" chants) for his Anti-US/GB (nee' Iraqui War) comments preceding "Leaving Lebanon". That song, and the storyboard cartoon w/lyrics, galvanized the crowd. In it, he praises an French-Arabic family from Beirut that took him in whilst hitchiking thru the Middle East @ age 17...and knocks the US for Imperialist behaviour. Personally, I love my country, but I don't believe this war is right nor is it justified. That innocent Americans (and Arabs) are being wasted (nevermind the economy) is an atrocity. Regardless of your polictics, you have to admire the b*lls on the guy to take a stand against the US on US soil. As an aside, he announced it was his B'day and that he'd rather be nowhere else (!). BTW, I had a major moment when I couldn't find my tix for the show. Kudos to nettix for arranging replacements to be waiting for me at will-call for no additional charge! All in all, HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! Enjoy! Kevin | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2011 Registered: 9-2003 |
Next up: The Who @ PNC (maybe). Let's see if I can score last min. tix. The scalpers want way too much. The promoters and/or venue have been holding back choice seats (for legal scalping) and then they dump 'em last minute at "regular" tix prices, which are rediculous on their own without mark-up. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2014 Registered: 9-2003 |
Ah, the joys of last-minute tix sales from TicketMaster! I scored two section 100 (right in front) at reg. prices ($258/per!!!!). Anybody who wants tix better jump on it! See you there. Full review is forthcoming. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 710 Registered: 2-2006 |
WHOA, $500+ to see a concert, and thats face value too. I've had a promoter explain it to me that the high prices on tickets is to "combat scalping". YEA RiGHT. Save that tale for a Mother Goose book. | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1629 Registered: 7-2004 |
More likely to combat promoter and performer thin wallet syndrome! Bill, tgo | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 711 Registered: 2-2006 |
Knowing the promoter I mentioned before, it's probably to combat his "sinus" problem. (Message edited by olieoliver on September 19, 2006) | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1630 Registered: 7-2004 |
"it's more probably to combat his "sinus" problem" Which usually results in thin wallet syndrome! The late Herb Caen, for something like 50 years a newspaper columnist and San Francisco institution, once said that cocaine is God's way of telling you that you make too much money - then it becomes God's way of telling you that you don't make enough money! Bill, tgo | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2015 Registered: 9-2003 |
The artists and promoters have conspired to "join the club" with scalpers (legal and otherwise) to make a killing. Thank God I have no bills as I couldn't afford to see all these "dinosaur'" acts, LOL! It's totally ou of hand, but if you wanna see the old "greats" before they die, ya gots to pony up the dough, unfortunately. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 712 Registered: 2-2006 |
I am very fortunate in that I have several friends in the entertainment business, (journalist, critics, promoters…) so I get free tickets all the time. | ||
| groovelines
Advanced Member Username: groovelines Post Number: 359 Registered: 4-2003 |
Olie, pal. We should do lunch. I'll have my people call your people, wink wink. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 713 Registered: 2-2006 |
Mike, "Ya Mon, every teen irie" | ||
| bigredbass
Senior Member Username: bigredbass Post Number: 1023 Registered: 9-2002 |
If I had Donald Trump's $$$$, it would be a VERY cold day down below before I'd pay $500 to see anybody. I can buy a lot of CD/DVDs of them, and not fight parking, chowderheads, and poor PA coverage, for WAY less money than that. And watch it in my underwear! J o e y | ||
| dadabass2001
Senior Member Username: dadabass2001 Post Number: 676 Registered: 6-2002 |
Joey, Are you advising us toward caution in your post above?  I know what you mean about the live experience, it's just not the same as it used to be. I'm getting too old for concert hassles. Mike | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 715 Registered: 2-2006 |
Joey, now thats a scary sight, you in your BVD's and your Spoiler in it's "G" string. Or is it the other way around?! | ||
| byoung
Advanced Member Username: byoung Post Number: 372 Registered: 12-2004 |
That was a visual we didn't need. | ||
| olieoliver
Senior Member Username: olieoliver Post Number: 716 Registered: 2-2006 |
Sorry Bradley!  | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2017 Registered: 9-2003 |
Believe you me, $500 is a lot of money for me to blow, given my Civil Service paycheck. While I probably can't help but be dissappointed by the show, especially given the age of the performers and price of admission, I wanna see 'ole Rog and Pete before it's too late. While 1/2 a grand does buy lots of music and vids, there's still nothing like the real deal. All you Jerry, Jimi, SRV, JAE, etc. fans know what I'm talking about. Catch 'em NOW before it's too late. Cheers, Kevin | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 287 Registered: 2-2003 |
I, for one, am looking forward to your first person account on Who's Left.... I saw a review in the paper on the recent Boston show. It said good things. I wish I could have been there for the reasons you mentioned, but my financial situation right now just wouldn't allow it. To me JAE was half the reason to see The Who. I caught the last half dozen shows in the area but the last one, without JAE, just wasn't the same. Still, it would be nice to watch Pete and Rog do their thing as we may never get another chance.... JP | ||
| lbpesq
Senior Member Username: lbpesq Post Number: 1633 Registered: 7-2004 |
For $500, I'd want John and Keith to make surprise appearances! JP: "Who's Left"!!!! GREAT!!, you had me laughing out loud! Bill | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 820 Registered: 10-2002 |
I hope you have a good night out Kevin. Judging by the last few televised appearances, Pino doesn't come anywhere near close to JAEs playing so I hope you're not too disappointed. Graeme | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2018 Registered: 9-2003 |
While I'm sure that it won't be the same without John, I'm really expecting to be dissapointed by Rog and Pete not sounding like, well, Rog and Pete. Pino's an excellent player, and while he isn't JAE and doesn't sound/play like John, he'll still play well. I'm just hoping Rog and Pete do likewise. Regardless, good or bad, at least I can say I saw 'em before they passed on. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2019 Registered: 9-2003 |
H*ll, I forgot to add that it wasn't the same in '79-'80 with Kenney Jones on the kit instead of that "guy on the sloppy drums". Not to take away fron Kenney, an excellent drummer in his own right, it's just that he's not Keith. Keith was as integral to the sound as JAE was. Even John commented that he was never able to play the same as he'd done prior to Moonie's death. John's contribution is equally, if not more, sorely missed. | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2022 Registered: 9-2003 |
OK, saw them last eve. Here's my take: Good show, horrible warm-up act. Didn't catch the name, but I wasn't alone in my opinion...the place was empty when they played. The lead singer stated "If you hated us, blame the Who because they invited us on (this part of) the tour". Pete and Rog are OOOOOOLLLLLDDDD! LOL! Rog still sounds good though. Pete has steadily declined. HE can still windmill and move around a bit, and the power chords are still there, but his lead playing is non-existent. Don't get me wrong...he's never been a virtuoso guitar player...but his improv has devolved into mosty hammer-ons/pull-offs, whammy bar flourishes, and various noise making. His voice is alright though. I still enjoyed the show. Lot's of new stuff, which wasn't bad, but that's not what I wanted to hear. "Can't Explain", "The Seeker", "My Generation", "Anyway, Anyhow, Anywhere", the obligatory "Baba O'Reilly", "Behind Blue Eyes" and "Won't Get Fooled Again", "You Better, You Bet", "Eminence Front", "Pinball Wizard" (encore), were punctuated by the new stuff. It wasn't worth the money, but I knew that going in. I still had a good time. $80 dollar tee shirts are a little out of hand, though. Pete/Rog are definitely padding the retirement coffers with this tour. If you have the disposable income, what the H*ll, support the boys before they're gone for good. At least I can say I saw (half of) them before they died. Cheers, Kevin | ||
| jacko
Senior Member Username: jacko Post Number: 827 Registered: 10-2002 |
So what did you think of Pino and Zak? Graeme | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2024 Registered: 9-2003 |
Zak was good, and looks the part! He looks like a cross between his Dad Ringo and Moonie, and plays like it, too! Pino is always good. As is de rigeur for the Who, he was hard to hear. As long as you don't expect him to dupe JAE's parts, he's fine (his "My Generation" bass parts were nice, though). Simon Townshend and the Keyboard player (name escapes me at the moment) were good in their respective parts. Both sing decently so you don't miss John's vocals so much. | ||
| jet_powers
Advanced Member Username: jet_powers Post Number: 288 Registered: 2-2003 |
Thanks for the review Kevin. BTW, John "Rabbit" Bundrick plays keys.... The new stuff is what I would like to have heard. I am curious how Pino handled it. Was it in JAE's spirit or did he put his own signature on it? That is if he could be at all heard... JP | ||
| kmh364
Senior Member Username: kmh364 Post Number: 2025 Registered: 9-2003 |
Pino plays like Pino. He was a little hard to hear, but I was up front so I don't know what it sounded like to the rest of the house. I imagine that's precisely the way Rog wants it, LOL! The new stuff was OK, but this being my first (and probably only) time I'm seeing them, it wasn't what I came to hear. |
