What it was actually like, from the floor
The reviews
12,253 accounts written by people who bought a ticket and stood there. Some are one line. Some run to a thousand words about a night in 1978.
- Reviews written
- 12,253
- Concerts described
- 9,766
- Artists
- 3,405
- Words
- 432,979
Narrow it down
The index
Were you at a night nobody has written up yet? Find it in the archive and be the first - no account needed.
Write a review568 reviews · over 600 characters · longest first
A guest for Thirty Seconds to Mars at Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View on Wed, 04 Sep 2024
A live concert is an exhilarating experience, and as an avid concertgoer there are specific elements of each show that can elevate the experience. I believe by observing with our eyes and ears we can critically evaluate these elements in order to gain more appreciation for live music performances. Some elements I consider when evaluating a concert are the venue, the choice of opening bands, the sound quality, a musicians' stage presence, and their crowd engagement. Every aspect of these elements contribute to a concert’s success or failure. Over the years, I have attended a variety of live music shows, like the IHeart Music Festival, IHeart Alter Ego concert, When We Were Young Music Festival, and many more. The most recent show I went to was in Mountain View, CA, where I saw my favorite band Thirty Seconds to Mars. This concert was, in my opinion, one of the best shows I have ever attended that encompassed the essence of live music at its finest. With an amazing venue, unique opening bands, exceptional sound quality, and incredible stage performance, Thirty Seconds to Mars is truly an unforgettable band to witness live.
Since the venue was structured like a colosseum, with the open sky above, the last U.S. show of the Thirty Seconds to Mars 2024 Seasons World Tour provided the most epic atmosphere to have held this concert. One of the key aspects to evaluate when attending a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert at an amphitheater is the overall ambiance of the venue. The outdoor setting of the Shoreline Amphitheater created a more relaxed and casual feel compared to indoor concert venues which allowed concertgoers to enjoy the music in a more laid back environment. Additionally, the natural surroundings of the amphitheater added a touch of beauty and serenity to the concert experience, genuinely making for a memorable event. The stage setup and lighting design at the amphitheater played a crucial role in enhancing the visual aspect of the concert, which improved the overall enjoyment of the show. With the combination of the opening band's performances and the open air atmosphere of the Shoreline Amphitheater I witnessed an exceptional Thirty Seconds to Mars concert.
The eclectic opening bands set the energy of the crowd in preparation for the main performance of Thirty Seconds to Mars. One aspect I considered when evaluating the opening bands was their musical talent. Were they skilled musicians who delivered a high quality performance? To begin, Kenny Hoopla started off the concert at with an energized set, as attendees who came to see Thirty Seconds to Mars continued to arrive. This opening artist utilized the whole front stage from side to side, had a great sound, and in my opinion was better than the next band to hit the stage. The second performance to entertain the crowd goes by the name of Poppy. The female lead vocalist was accompanied by a guitarist, bassist, and drummer. I found those who played the instruments showcased an actual set of skills, and performed better than the vocalist. Honestly, the lead singer Poppy was lip singing, never moved from the mic stand centered at the middle of the stage, and the complete performance was far too loud to appreciate the music. AFI was the final band to grace the stage with their presence before Thirty Seconds to Mars. Veterans to the music industry AFI had the most experience performing on stage, considering their band has been together since 1991. Not only did they command the audience, but they brought more energy to their performance than the two previous opening bands combined. The lead vocalist of AFI was very amusing to watch as he danced around the stage, and through the crowd. Overall, the unique musicality and sound quality of these three opening artists engaged the audience, left a lasting impression, and set the stage for the headlining act, Thirty Seconds to Mars.
As for the sound, throughout the concert there were many varying differences in volume between artists, yet Thirty Seconds to Mars displayed the best balance. Why did they have high quality sound and the best balance? To start, the band's ability to seamlessly blend powerful vocals with intricate instrumentals, as well as, the dynamic electronic effects contributed to the creation of a captivating auditory experience for fans. What set this Thirty Seconds to Mars concert apart from other live performances was their attention to detail given to the sound production. The use of technology and skilled sound engineers ensured that every note, beat, and vocal tone was delivered with precision and impact enhancing the entire sound of the performance. The band's commitment to delivering a superior auditory experience was evident in the harmonies performed by lead singer Jared Leto. The powerful crescendos and vocal textures were heard throughout their performance. The quality of sound produced by Thirty Seconds to Mars was a key element that enhanced the concert with a combination of skilled musicianship, new age technology, and meticulous sound engineering. All those elements immensely influenced their stage performance.
Overall, the use of pyrotechnics, CO2, and confetti during specific songs highlighted the intricacy and stage performance of Thirty Seconds to Mars members Jared and Shannon Leto, From start to finish, the talented and creative band enchanted the audience with their electrifying energy, infectious stage presence, and unparalleled musicianship. Lead singer Jared Leto commanded the stage with his powerful vocals that resonated through the crowd. A sense of connection that drew the audience in was emanated by Jared Leto, and kept his fans engaged throughout the entire show. The stunning visual effects, elaborate stage production, and crowd participation elements further elevated the concert experience to new heights. Additionally, the impressive stage setup, mixed with their musical abilities worked together to create a concert experience that was both visually captivating and musically powerful. On the drums was Jared’s brother Shannon who performed with such an intense energy bringing the rhythmic power. The band's dynamic setlist showcased their versatility, incorporating hits like "The Kill" and "Kings and Queens", alongside more intimate tracks like “City of Angels” and “Rescue Me”, as well as their new hit song “Stuck”. To summarize, this Thirty Seconds to Mars concert was not just a show, but an unforgettable journey through music that left me feeling invigorated, and inspired long after the final notes faded away.
Ultimately, I highly recommend that other people witness the band Thirty Seconds to Mars live in concert. Whether you're a longtime fan of the band or a newcomer to their music, a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert is a must see event. Not only will their performance leave you feeling energized and uplifted, but grateful for the opportunity to witness such a talented and passionate group in action. With their ability to blend rock, pop, and electronic influences into their music they have a unique sound that captivates audiences of all ages. My favorite feature of a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert is the band's interaction with the audience. Lead singer Jared Leto engages in heartfelt conversations with fans, brings fans on stage, and urges the crowd to sing along to their biggest hits. Thirty Seconds to Mars goes above and beyond to make sure everyone in attendance feels like they are truly a part of the experience. Their style of music is engaging, their songs are more than words, and they embody a message that inflicts long lasting impressions of incomparable musical abilities, and commendable showmanship. For all these reasons a Thirty Seconds to Mars concert exemplifies a one of a kind musical adventure.
LG Review was there for Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds at Connexin Live, Hull on Wed, 30 Aug 2023
Gigs on a Wednesday night? My thoughts are probably like most…. finish work, quick bite to eat and then rush to the gig…… a tipple or two of the usual extortionate priced ales that comes hand in hand with Arena venues nowadays.
On this night, most of the above was true. However what was indeed a hasty and rushed excursion to the venue, paved the way for a more substantial journey spanning almost 30 years of a Noel Gallagher masterclass, superbly flanked by his High Flying Birds.
Each of them outstandingly enhance the experience beginning with the unassuming drummer, regularly propelling his sticks high into the air and raining them down on his kit through to Gem, a mainstay of Oasis and both Gallagher past and current brothers projects… effortlessly parading his skills as tune after tune, the arena was filled with pure and ecstatic joy….. many relieving their youth in front of what is undoubtedly one of the most iconic Rock and Roll Stars that has ever lived.
The euphoric audience was spattered with young and old, those (like me) who lived through the 90’s and had first-hand experience of what Oasis and Noel embraced on a generation, to the young fresh eyes who were perhaps watching an icon, a legend, a generational talent for the very first time, who will undoubtedly carry the name of Noel Gallagher and this experience with them, and proudly transport the mantle of him and his music safely into the next generation.
Now, I am biased, having had the sheer pleasure of adoring Oasis and also being from Hull, but that aside, Noel et al transported me and bucket hatted, Adidas samba and parka robed gig colleagues through an astounding set of tracks.
Casually wandering onto the superb looking stage, Noel commenced with a selection of tunes off his most recent album, Council Skies….. the crowd soaking up the songs, however noticeable with lyrics still a work in progress for large amounts of the crowd…… to then slowly working seamlessly back in time, leading to the most obvious epiphany of final songs that there ever could be for Noel.
Track after track, Noel rasped through each word impeccably, the crowd delightedly soaking in each carefully crafted lyric as he stood, relaxed, composed with the 90’s Manchester swag that still adorns the man.
A stage draped with talented performers, psychedelic lighting, vibrant flowers and Manchester City memorabilia that set the tone and theme for the evening. Noel’s crowd interactions included generous amounts of ‘’Yorkshire’’ put downs and personal criticisms that are required from a gig of his, nonchalantly winding up the crowd every time, However this was seemingly orchestrating an atmosphere that bordered at times – tribal and football stadium-esqe, but he was simply toying with us all, pushing us away and then dragging us right back in, as he then powered into another track.
Dead in the Water followed shortly after If I had a gun… both exhibiting the repertoire of beautiful and emotional prowess that these songs hold when Noel takes centre stage, acoustic in hand.
With emotions literally spilling out all around the arena, Noel and crew appeared to ramp up more, The Importance of being idle juggernauted its way into the party, then laying the path for the anthem that is Masterplan. Half the World away then brought a playful but meaningful element, to then be roared into Little by Little, smashing the relatively new arena’s building core, vocals that blasted the ears of all in attendance and were due fully returned and directed right back at the stage gave a sense of what was to come. I overhead someone next to me saying…. How are people going to cope when Don’t look back in anger is played….. a point I struggled to process myself.
Teasingly and ever tantalisingly closer to that point, a short but quite frankly needed encore break, Noel played an uplifting cover of Bob Dylan’s Quinn the Eskimo, which delayed the inevitable even further, setting a false sense of calm, a sense of what is to come. But behold, there was one more deposit of pure anthemic joy….. Live Forever. Itself simply a song, but more of a transcribe of what Oasis were all about and what they stood for. With Noel poised, accompanied with his acoustic guitar, a gentle introduction of notes paved it’s way for an emotional, powerful and damn right soul smashing version of one of the greatest Oasis songs that had people relinquishing their already beer fuelled inhibitions and blaring out every word in the most beautiful and comradery way that only this song can create.
It was simply beautiful.
And following this, with all jokes aside, a song that somehow happens to be one of the most overplayed songs and baring Wonderwall, is what the most common outsider would say is the best Oasis song ever….. Don’t look back in anger made its rightful and deserved appearance. The band delivered a finale that will live long in the memory. It would be forgiven if Noel was be bored stiff of playing this song or with his open and up front attitude of even likely to refuse to play it, he delivers a version that felt like it was his very first time of playing and one that he truly adores playing more than ever.
He regularly takes a step back, allowing the crowd to sing, seemingly making way for the bombardment of vocals forcing their way onto the stage…. he has a look in his eye that even after all these years, moments like this are why he does what he does and why people will continue to “flock” and see him and his High Flying Birds.
And with that, they left the stage. Not without waving at the crowd, pointing out individuals, some o which - noticeably those directly above us in the posh seats balcony, who I was amazed they never actually fell over the edge, much like their emotion and passion clearly had.
And that was it. The lights came up. Blue Moon inevitably echoed around the arena, and looking at people post what had just happened, was a sense of wonder, tears, happiness and joy all rolled into one. There was a single moment that appeared to last forever……. but lasted if only a moment. People just stood…… seemingly taking in what they had just witnessed… a twinkle in the eye of how lucky we had been to be there and what we all can take away with us, in our minds and our hearts.
There was an unusual post-gig calmness around as people spilled into the streets of Hull, taking in some East Yorkshire fresh air as they exited amidst the dark night sky. It gave an opportunity for most to reminisce, relive, remember….
It is still a novelty for most folk in Hull post gig, to simply jump on a bus, get a lift or walk home from a show in Hull – as we have always had to travel to Leeds, Sheffield or the land of Noel to see big gigs. However Noel gave Hull a night to remember, on the 5th anniversary of the opening of the ever impressive Connexin Live arena, Noel is more than welcome to come back anytime he wishes…..despite his allegiance to the land on the other side of the Pennines.
On a final note……. I am not sure if a review of Noel Gallagher can ever pass without the mention of his brother, but for most and if not all in awe of what they just witnessed, there was no regret that his younger sibling was not neighbouring him on stage, thus allowing us all to embrace both Gallagher’s gracing us with their individual presence in the unsecure and unflattering world of current Rock and Roll music impeccably, but ultimately separately.LG Review was there for Nine Black Alps at Manchester Academy, Manchester on Sat, 25 Feb 2006
It was a night that two of the most talked about “local” bands effectively joined forces and sold out the impressive Manchester Academy. Nine Black Alps and The Longcut, both formed in Manchester and therefore, now affectionately adopted as one of their own.
The connection with the City, like the bond between them both, was one that had started a little while before this gig. Seeds sown and planted in the City Centre, Akoustik Anarkhy gave the Alps the platform to early life in the music scene and a subsequent amount of furore surrounded the early years… up to the release of their debut album, Everything Is in 2005.
The Longcut followed similar paths…. pally with both Nine Black Alps and Akoustik Anarkhy, the bands often shared line ups with each other and although very different from each other in regards to musical styles, they remained closely associated with one another.
With that said, both bands had an equally growing and passionate local following, with word spreading and the likes of NME also sniffing around, attention was only going to increase for both of them.
This tour was headlined by Nine Black Alps, with the Longcut taking the support slot. The gig was a complete sell out and the build-up felt very much a sense of celebration of the city’s music scene. Two bands who were on the upward trajectory and are now selling out one of the bigger venues in Manchester.
This gig was the final date on the hugely successful Alps tour and was the final opportunity for fans to catch them before they embarked on ventures across the pond in the US.
The year 2006 was a puzzled place to be for music. Emo, Nu-rave and James Blunt were rife. That coupled with the biggest selling singles of the year….Daniel Powter (who), Sean Paul and Nelly Furtado…. It could be appreciated that for anyone to actually figure out where the Longcut or Nine Black Alps could fit in?
But it was the opinion of most that it was the fact they didn’t fit in that made them who they were to us. Nine Black alps and The Longcut are as different to each other, as they were to most of the music at that time – and that was what made them so appealing
The venue, Manchester Academy is a local institution. Forming part of the University Student Union….. Academy 1, 2 and 3 collectively make up the set-up with Academy 1 taking the title of the bigger of the three.
Pre-gig, there aren’t many of bars as special as the one we chose to have a drop, and one any gig reveller should head to….. Big hands…. delicately tucked next near to the academy, a tiny, slim-line gem of a bar, immersed in musical folklore, a place also most likely to catch the performing bands pre or post gig.
A few ales were sipped and we joined the queue for the gig. It was a busy one and having followed both bands for a while and seen them both before, it was a sense of pride, knowing that so many people were going to see the bands and support them and share what we believed was going to be an epic gig.
We arrived a little later than planned, just catching the end of the first support band - Polytechnic, with queues at the bars several people deep. It was a priority of most to ensure the ales flowed in anticipation for the Longcut coming on….a support act pretty much everyone was here to see as much as the headliners.
The venue was pretty inspiring. At the time, there was very little fuss or modern touch about it. It had an ability to feel vast and grand, yet still felt like it was one of those, smaller early shows that both bands played many time preceding this one.
The Longcut, who although are largely instrumental with many tunes sporadically complimented with lyrics are a 3 piece band who abundantly create a mesmeric amount of sound. Riffs and drums dominate the tunes, masterfully creating a high tempo dance like beat, raging into chaotic crescendos. Live they are truly loud and spectacular.
Fully justified to be a headliner in their own right, they give an accomplished and energetic performance. Stuart, Lee and Jon crafting their work and clearly loving every second of it too. The sound they create is stunning. Stuart mixes his piercing vocals and electronic beats with a swift jog to the drums, which in turn hits them with such power, there must be little left of the snare drums once the set is over.
Playing a huge proportion of songs from their at the time, unreleased album – A Call and Response, many of the songs had already been made available or released as singles or on EP’s and gave us all the opportunity to experience them again in their dominant style.
As a support goes, I have seen very few who can top what they did and only made to build up what was to come next even further.
A short and well needed breather was welcomed…. that special gap between support and headliner gave the foundations just enough time to stop shaking. The core of the building and many of most in attendance had been smacked firmly head on, but although a shift in genre was to follow, there was no let-up in the power and noise.
Nine Black Alps, led by front man, Sam Forrest on vocals and guitar… flanked by Dave Jones on guitar, James Galley on drums and Marin Cohen on Bass, they entered the stage to a huge ovation and immediately and with little fuss, blasted into their opening tracks that paved the way for a tirade of imposing guitar led grunge rock that was to follow.
Huge tracks including Cosmopolitan, Shot Down and Just Friends are always a winner at a Nine Black Alps gig and they smashed them out, oozing with attitude and authority. There was barely chance to catch a breath in between songs…. it was loud, it was energetic and they delivered a performance that vindicated their early promise… through to the release of their wonderful debut album and to what felt like a hero’s welcome on this night.
It was hugely evident the work that had gone into their performances. Technically gifted and beautifully created, their album… Everything Is… is only elevated when playing live. It is such a special exhibition of their collective talents and a platform that they deserved and one that us all in attendance could not fault.
I am certain for those who may not have been fans before coming, will have left with a much clearer view of what they were all about and were immediately looking for the next opportunity to have the pleasure to see them once again.
With all that, the set and night had to come to a close and once again, that feeling of celebration was evident as the masses spilled out onto Oxford Road, clutters of those screaming out the tunes and aiming for wherever the night took them.
For us, it was the short wander back to Big Hands, to share the euphoria with fellow fans of the two bands and reminisce on what we had just witnessed.
Writing this in 2023, both bands went onto release further albums and tour extensively. New projects and directions followed and although both bands remain with us….. however perhaps not taking centre stage at present…. my hope is that they are sitting back and waiting for the opportunity to create new music, play some live shows and give us some more of those amazing gigs as Nine Black Alps and The Longcut.
A guest for Barry Gibb at Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood on Wed, 04 Jun 2014
This was a great evening for me and 15, 000 others at the Hollywood Bowl. Barry Gibb, the last of the Bee Gees was performing and the concert was a tribute to his brother and to the whole family. The night was just perfect, the sky was clear, it had been a warm day, the opening act was really quite good and everyone was primed for something special. That is exactly what we got.
Opening the show with two number one hits that started the disco era, “Jive Talkin” and “You Should be Dancing”, he had everyone on their feet before they knew it and the rest was easy. All he needed to do was move from one song to another, and the audience was with him. In the two and a half hours that the show ran, there were only a couple of songs from the catalogue that might have been unfamiliar to a casual fan, but I knew them and so did everyone around me. The rest of the program was packed with hits from the sixties, the seventies and the eighties and, if you lived anywhere else than America, you would recognize a couple of hits from the nineties as well. The evening was fan friendly and familiar and extensive.
Barry’s voice was in wonderful form, and yes he can still reach those high register falsetto notes that were his trademark starting in the mid-seventies. I did not hear a sour note or a vocal crack . He sounded strong and in control, and probably is able to replicate the sound because he manages the vocal time on stage well. Obviously he is without his talented siblings who together provided the greatest harmonies of the rock era. Sometimes he would have to take the lead on a song that his late brother Robin was known for, but usually he was careful to stick to the arrangements that focused on his vocal contributions to the Bee Gees. He was backed up by a fantastic trio of singers who stepped in and provided those harmonies that the band was so well known for. While it could never be as sweet without Robin and Maurice there singing beside him, the back up vocalists managed to make amazing contributions of their own, evoking the sound of the band and allowing Barry to emphasize what he did best.
Two other singers made frequent contributions as well. Maurice’s daughter Samantha performed a couple of songs on her own and then traded vocals with her uncle on several other songs. She is very talented with a country inflected tone that made the songs she performed feel even more warm and inviting. My wife has had a thing for Barry Gibb for forty years or more, last night she fell in love with another of the Gibb family, Barry’s son Stephen. Stephen supports the tour as lead guitarist. His work with the instrument was fantastic but it was his stage persona and singing that made my wife and I fans. He has a gravelly voice suited for metal styles and his deep growling snap was an interesting contrast to his fathers smooth high pitched sound. He sang lead on two songs and took a Maurice penned song, “On Time” and turned it into a smoking hot rock song that shows that the Bee Gees were just as much a Rock act as a pop phenomena. I sure hope there is a live album or video of the concert to come because I want to play this version of the song on my stereo in the car, loud!
Well maybe everyone else at the concert had a great time, but we sat in a box with two fans who had a spectacular time. Coley and his Mother Amy, flew out from Alabama to be at this show. Coley just turned 18 and graduated from high school last week. His Mom told us that the Bee Gees have been his favorite band since he was five and his grandmother would play them on the stereo when she babysat. This was his graduation present from his parents and he almost lost it when the show started. He has been tracking the tour and collecting albums and this was his first time hearing Barry live. He seemed to be in heaven. Both Coley and his Mother were on their feet for the whole show. They knew every word to every song and sometimes quietly sang along, never interfering with the stage performance, but reflecting real appreciation as the show went on. They came in the day before the show and were flying home this morning. I’m not sure that Coley will need a plane to get back to Alabama.
Back up singer Beth Cohen was an amazing stand in for some of the women that have sung songs written by the Brothers Gibb. She and Barry did “Islands in the Stream” and she slung it out there as well as Dolly could have done. The two Streisand tunes were also solid and she did “A Woman in Love” pretty much on her own, and I don’t think anyone in the audience was disappointed that Barbara did not show up, because her vocal stand in was wonderful.
Robin made an appearance via recording when the set came to “I Started a Joke”. Video was used judiciously, and this was the one spot where a previous performance by one of the departed brothers was shown. It was incredibly stirring and a moment that drew an ovation from the audience that reflected both admiration for the song and singer but especially for the crisp vocal that makes this song so winsome. It was a touching moment that did not overdo the sentiment but seemed to strike the perfect chord for the moment.
When Barry cleared his throat, paused and then said “here we go” everyone knew that the disco highs were about to start. “Staying Alive” had actually been early in the set, but now we got “Nights on Broadway”, “More Than a Woman”, “Grease” and of course “Night Fever” all in a concentrated dose. It was musical manna from heaven and got all of the Bowl up on its collective feet to boogie away for the last section of the show. The audience was filled with older folks but they still looked like they had the Travolta moves down. Everyone was having the time of their lives and the band seemed to be into it as well. There were several guitarists as well as Barry and his son, there was a drummer who was exactly right and a percussionist who fit into the grooves in all the right places. Keyboards and synthesizers are a part of the music but you never got the feeling that sometimes accompanies other disco sounds, that the act is really a trick of a computerized beat and a synth lick doing all the work. This band was powerful and polished and I could not help thinking how proud the Father and Son must be of each other. It made the evening extra special, to see how well everyone was working together.
The encore consisted of the most heartfelt love song that I ever heard from the band. “Words” was done as a tribute to Barry’s wife of forty-four years, Linda. The audience sing along throws off the timing of Barry’s final chorus, but everyone knows that it is coming and he finds the spot where he left off and nails the climax of the song. I wanted to lean over and make out with my wife right there in front of 15,000 other people. The final song of the night was one of the three number one hits from the “Spirits Having Flown” album, the disco/rock melange “Tragedy’ which put a powerful cap on the evening and reminded us all that if Barry Gibb does not keep playing, that would be the real tragedy. He finished with the very hopeful words “We’ll see you all again soon”. Lets’ hope so.A guest for Accept at Count's Vamp, Las Vegas on Sat, 13 Sep 2014
Accept played Count’s Vamp’d on Saturday, September 13, 2014.
Accept’s journey through the world of hard rock and heavy metal has been an interesting one, to say the least. The band came of age in the mid 1980s with classic albums like Restless and Wild, Balls to the Wall, and Metal Heart, all of which contained their share of anthems. These German metal icons tore it up back in their heyday, and still command an international following to this day.
Several years back, the group saw the departure of classic vocalist Udo Dirkschneider, filling the void with American vocalist Mark Tornillo, formerly of TT Quick. In a few short years, Accept proved that they were only getting started when it came to rocking the world, putting out a trio of LPs that were there best in well over a decade – Blood of the Nations, Stalingrad, and their latest studio album, Blind Rage. In a few short years, the Tornillo-fronted version of Accept completely changed things and revitalized the band; Tornillo brings his own thing to the table, but can also tackle songs originally sung by Udo Dirkschneider with ease and confidence alike.
Accept launched a tour for the Blind Rage album in September of 2014, announcing that there would be a mere four American dates to kick off said tour, before it reached other international outlets, where the band tends to be revered on a larger scale (it is not uncommon for heavy metal bands to be more popular in Europe than in North America). Still, when I found out that one of those American dates was going to be in my hometown of Las Vegas, you cannot imagine my excitement.
Count’s Vamp’d is owned by Danny “The Count” Koker, famed for his role on the American television series Pawn Stars and Counting Cars, both of which air on the History Channel. The venue has become known to Las Vegas rockers as the ultimate stop for local, national, and international talent alike. The fact that they were able to book a band like Accept for one of only four American shows should say something.
The first thing I noticed when I got to Vamp’d for this show was the crowds. The venue was packed tighter than I believe I have ever seen it – insert random “Balls to the Wall” joke here. The crowds alone should show how much of a following the band still has. Hell, the band even had no merchandise for sale because they sold out of it all in California the previous night! Anyone who says heavy metal is dead clearly is not familiar with the legacy Accept has built, and continues to build upon.
Local favorites Electric Messiah started off the show, and definitely did a great job getting the crowd geared up. I have seen these guys at Vamp'd countless times, and they have continued to win me over, over the course of the past year or so. It is great to see these hometown heroes doing their part to keep rock and roll alive in the City of Sin.
As soon as the quintet took the stage, one thing immediately become apparent – this was going to be a HARD and HEAVY show – and I spelled those words in all caps for a reason! The pounding of the drums, the blistering guitar solos, and Tornillo’s vocals all raged through the speakers with an unrivaled ferocity I have never seen any other band that played Vamp’d even come close to. My eardrums were pounding the whole time. Even now, nearly a whole day later, I still have a ringing in my ears that is not going away. This was one of the hardest, heaviest, and loudest shows I have ever seen. I do not care how loud you think your band is, you have a long way to go if you want to come anywhere near Accept.
When it comes to entertaining a crowd of heavy metal maniacs, there are so many factors that have to be taken into consideration. Can the band still deliver when it comes to a live performance? What should the setlist be comprised of? Fans, crew, and the band are often contemplating these questions, and it is so rare that everything in a show comes together perfectly. This performance from Accept was the rare PERFECT concert. Wolf Hoffmann’s solos, Mark Tornillo’s vocals, every slap of the bass from Peter Baltes, to say that this bad delivers when it comes to live concerts is the understatement of the century. Some bands are up there on stage due to contractual obligations and just to earn a living. Not Accept. These guys have an unrivaled camaraderie and stage presence, and you can tell they love getting up there on stage and doing what they do. As an author/critic, I get to see probably at least 50 rock and roll shows a year out here in Sin City. Accept’s live performance last night is not only the best rock/metal concert I have seen so far in 2014, it is one of the best rock/metal shows I have ever seen, PERIOD.
The setlist is something else that deserves praise. Balancing a setlist between new album cuts and classic hits is not an easy task. But Accept has found that balance. With a setlist that straddles the balance between the three Tornillo albums and the classic material originally sung by Udo Dirkschneider, there is definitely something for all of the fans here. This Accept fan immediately fell in love with the Blind Rage album when it came out; getting to hear said songs live and in person from the band was an unforgettable experience. Tracks like Teutonic Terror and Stalingrad have become instant classics, but the band definitely did not skimp on the classics either, with gems like Balls to the Wall, Metal Heart, London Leatherboys, and Fast as a Shark. The crowd’s reactions are solid proof that the band is still going strong when it comes to delivering on this front.
Seriously, as a long time headbanger, I cannot praise Accept’s Vamp’d show enough. Here is a band that never gave into modern rock trends, staying true to doing things their own way, and always maintaining a strong fanbase as a result. Blind Rage is arguably the band’s strongest studio album in years, and on top of that, the group is still doing what they do best, live and in person. No other band plays this hard and heavy in person, with an unrivaled prowess that other groups cannot even come close too. If you see Accept live and in person on this tour, you will be seeing one of the greatest heavy metal shows of your life. Perfect setlist, perfect performances, this is hard rock and heavy metal at its absolute finest. Do not pass up a chance to see these hard rock legends doing what they do best!
-Taylor T. Carlson, author of STEELcyclopedia – The Titans of Hard RockA guest for George Strait at Raymond James Stadium, Tampa on Sat, 05 Aug 2023
GEORGE STRAIT / CHRIS STAPLETON / LITTLE BIG TOWN
"All-American Road Show"
August 5, 2023
Raymond James Stadium
Tampa, Florida
It was a scorching hot, 97 degree late afternoon in August, in Tampa, Florida, when the country music event of the summer arrived at Raymond James Stadium. George Strait, Chris Stapleton, and Little Big Town were concluding their six-date cross-country tour. In Milwaukee, three weeks earlier, the tour had just set a new mark for attendance at American Family Field (46,641), breaking Paul McCartney’s record set in 2013. In May, at the Buckeye Country SuperFest at Ohio Stadium, they eclipsed the attendance record with 63,891. It was definitely a hot ticket, in more ways than one.
We had seen both Little Big Town and George Strait previously and looked forward to Chris Stapleton with great anticipation.
Little Big Town opened early, at 5:45 pm. With our upper deck still basking in the sun like Archimedes mirror, we hesitantly left the shade of the concession area and took our seat high in section 338. The stadium was barely half-full, with many people tailgating in the parking lot. Still, the foursome performed with great enthusiasm, like a high school pep band before the big game. They knew what their role was, and they did it dutifully. Not many acts have a first-rate opener like Little Big Town.
Then there was a brief soundcheck; unmistakable baritone blasts from an electric guitar, followed by deep thuds from the drum kit. The crowd was building and cheering, knowing that the current ACM Entertainer of the Year was next. The skies were turning gray with high clouds as the sun was finally retreating behind the stadium.
Chris Stapleton brought on the night with a ninety-minute set of smoldering southern blues, reminiscent of early SRV. Often playing in “drop-D tuning” and with 13 gauge guitar strings, Stapleton achieved an intense heavy tone that blended with his raspy voice to create a smoky mood throughout his performance. His band, including world-class slide-player Paul Franklin (from the Time Jumpers), followed his powerful lead. Stapleton’s wife, Morgane, stood by his side as partner and vocalist.
Stapleton honed his singular style over many years in Nashville. He dropped out of Vanderbilt University School of Engineering in 2002 and began writing songs for Kenny Chesney, Josh Turner, Luke Bryan, and George Strait. He played in two other bands over a dozen years, before releasing his breakthrough solo album Traveller in 2015. He has amassed eight Grammys, fourteen CMA awards, and ten ACM awards, including songwriter of the decade. His seventeen-song performance was straight-forward, with no flashy effects, but was rich in tone, deeply emotive, and spanned the gamut between traditional country and southern rock … precisely what his fans hoped for.
I was fascinated by the crowd demographic. There was a significant number of people in attendance who came to see Stapleton, and who knew virtually nothing about George Strait. Our friends were among them.
Here is a guy known as the “King of Country Music,” yet he seems to fly under the radar, unlike so many popular names in the country music business. How do you define George Strait? The dude has 60 number one country singles, more than any other artist. He has 33 platinum albums, more than anybody except Elvis and the Beatles. He has sold nearly 80 million albums. He has won both CMA and ACM Country Entertainer of the Year a record three times. The unindoctrinated hear all this with a shroud of incredulity and disbelief. Tam and I agreed that the best way to sufficiently explain it was to simply say … “he is the real deal.”
At 9:15 pm, George Strait casually strolled out to his usual introduction, wearing his usual starched jeans, flashed his usual affable smile, tipped his hat in his usual manner ... and the crowd went wild. His eleven-member Ace-In-The-Hole Band (looking like an old Dutch masters painting - barely a sole under seventy), played a Texas swing intro as smooth and as crisp as George's white-checked shirt, and they would lay down a virtuosic soundtrack for the rest of the evening. Strait’s setlist was chosen from a long repertoire of hits, a few old deep tracks, and covers of country classics ranging from Haggard to Cash.
It was like enjoying a glass of fine wine.
Having seen Strait twice, I can say that I’ve never seen a performer with more personal magnetism and stage presence. He exuded a charisma and personal grace that literally charmed his audience, even when it filled an entire stadium. The audience response in return was palpable. The only way to experience it was to be there, and I’m glad I was.A guest for King Crimson at Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles (LA) on Wed, 01 Oct 2014
The Crimson Cruiser hurtled down the highway at top speed, deftly weaving and whizzing between slowly moving vehicles which presented but temporary obstacles. Downshift, and put the pedal to the metal. Floor that mofo!
Was it a rendezvous or a reunion with destiny? Who knows? What mattered was the fact that this was, short of less than a fortnight, an anniversary of a life-changing event. That date was 15 October 1973, at the Santa Monica Civic Auditorium. For some, it was an eternity ago. For me and my friends, it was only yesterday. Tonight, it would be a different place altogether.
And why was that date so special? Well, it was the very first encounter, face to face, with a group of individuals who somehow became that good influence that your mothers always wished you had. I'm speaking about King Crimson.
In a nutshell, this band, led by the son of an estate agent from Bournemouth, Dorset, helped show me the way out of the endless miasma of lifeless packaging, of the unrelenting consumer pseudocultural world of modern-day planet Earth. But, how did that happen?
Simply think outside of the box, and don't blindly accept whatever was being shoved down your throat. Be creative, and search elsewhere, in an effort to create a better life, one worth passing on to future generations.
The sleek red sports car screeched to a halt, and the driver leapt from it like a stabbed rat. "Let me in!"
It was the venerable Orpheum Theatre in downtown Los Angeles. The door opened, and this spectral creature dashed in. For what reason did all this happen?
It was to share the space, once again, with those who dared to make a difference. I'm speaking about Robert Fripp, Mel Collins, Jakko Jakszyk, Pat Mastelotto, Tony Levin, Gavin Harrison, & Bill Rieflin, modern-day sonic alchemists. It was the force of such and similar individuals who showed the way out of a boxed-in and limited world.
It was through King Crimson, forty years ago, that I escaped the world of commercial rock music and discovered new and improved spheres of existence. Grooving to Eric Dolphy, Igor Stravinsky, and Derek Bailey became a possibility. Special thanks to Messrs. Fripp, Collins, and Muir.
But I pause and ask myself, wasn't I supposed to be writing about the last 2 nights at the Orpheum Theatre? The two King Crimson concerts? Alas, I've digressed a wee bit too much, for my own sake.
The venue was splendid, a place where young vaudvillians tap-danced through the Roaring Twenties, and in later years, Ornette Coleman bridged the harmolodic gap between post-bop and the future. Lovingly restored, the Orpheum Theatre was a perfect place.
The band was uncharacteristically not punctual, but I believe that this was deliberate. Admonishments were delivered by Fripp & company to the audience. Simply put, it was get those bloody smartphones out of your hands, and enjoy the show. Many spectators shivered subsequently, wishing to grab their iphone like a junkie grabs his bent spoon. But the wise ushers kept our hands off our toys of distraction, and soon it was 'on with the show'.
The sound was great, and it looked like every seat gave the spectator a good view of the proceedings. Soon the percussionists were evoking the legacy of Jamie Muir, as they tapped away on their tiny bells, whistles, toys, and other tools of sonic scintillation. Larks Tongues In Aspic, Part One, roared into place, a full-blown spectacle which brought the crowd to their feet, the first of many ecstatic standing ovations.
Like an intricate Chinese puzzle, the musicians were part of a greater whole, and not all of us could grasp as to how it was put together. But, boy oh boy, was it fun trying to figure that out.
The concert continued with a blend of the old and new, with 'Pictures Of A City', 'The Letters', and 'Sailor's Tale' making an unexpected appearance, in between pieces new to my ears, like 'VROOOM' and many others which will now become more familiar to my worn and aged ears.
Quite a bit of material was performed, but unfortunately some works were omitted. I pine for the sounds of 'Lizard' onstage.
Although it might be easy to pore over every minute detail, there are but a finite number of seconds in the life of a being, and that time must be well spent.
The last 2 nights of King Crimson were such times indeed.
A guest for Ms. Lauryn Hill at Fremantle Arts Centre, Fremantle on Sat, 24 May 2014
Most amazing concert ever! Ms. Lauryn Hill is a true RnB/Hip-Hop/Soul LEGEND! Not only does she have spunk and groove in her incredibly powerful, soulful, and aerobatic voice, she really moves on stage in a way that makes you feel her energy and joy. Many months ago when I first read in The Music that Ms. Lauryn Hill was coming to not only Australia but PERTH I nearly cried with joy - Lauryn Hill is one of my biggest soul/RnB inspirations for me as a singer, even though I'm mainly a jazz,swing,blues singer (www.facebook.com/poetofjazz). Lauryn Hill's courage to speak the truth and be political really appeals to me and shows me what it means to be a powerful human being. At the last minute my gf Maneera de Mel decided to join me for the concert! We rushed to get a last minute ticket but, naturally, they were all sold out. But we managed to get one from a kind lady in Fremantle. Anyway, long story short, when Lauryn Hill walked on stage IT WAS AMAZING!!!! She performed with such INTENSITY and ASSURANCE and a real JOY to be on stage and be singing while her beautiful daughters watched her. She did all our favourites, especially from the Miseducation album: Killing Me Softly, Everything Is Everything, Final Hour, To Zion, Lost Ones, and Ex-Factor. Then she even did songs from Uplugged 2.0! Mr Intentional, Adam Lives in Theory, and O Jerusalem. She then surprised us with a rare song Just Like The Water. Then she did songs made famous with The Fugees including Ru-Gee-La and Ready or Not! The venue managers had already begun trying to get her offstage but Ms Hill wasn't backing down. She treated the already frenetic and adoring crowd with MORE! Bob Marley's Could You Be Loved, then a reprise of Killing Me Softly, and then Doo Wop (That Thing)!!! It was during her final song they began muffling and turning off her mic. The audience kept singing for her! Shame to the person on sound & lighting - through most of the concert Ms Hill was not getting the sound she needed to hear through her foldback and during the intimate part of the show they took minutes to bring the lights back and when they did it wasn't quite right but what a true show woman, she kept going. After her mic was off, Ms Hill finished the song and almost had to go but her AWESOME band kept playing a funky killer outro. Then members of the Hill family came on stage for a special occasion. Out came the birthday cake! Her daughter tried to ask the audience to sing Happy Birthday but the venue refused to turn the mic back on. Regardless, we sang! And then, Ms. Lauryn Hill gave MORE to her fans!!! Maneera and I had been FRONT ROW & CENTRE for the whole show - even getting a smile & wave from the back-up singer we met earlier! But then Ms. Hill did what you can only hope for - SHE CAME TO MEET HER AUDIENCE/FANS!!! She took time as she walked by the front to individually speak with and listen to and HOLD HANDS with her fans!!! Maneera & I BOTH got to hold and thank Ms Hill. She was GENUINE and when I asked her to sign my Ms Education album cover she was OBLIGING!!! However, I'd lost the pen earlier that evening but a kind person lent me one and then her daughter took it to her and returned it to me (someone tried to pretend it was theirs and steal it but I yelled out THAT'S MINE! and the daughter brought it back to me . THEN Maneera said, "Get a song prepared Babe, I'm gonna get her to sing with you. I'm gonna make your dream come true." And, just like she did when I told her many, many years ago about dreams I have, SHE MADE IT COME TRUE! "Sing one sentence with him, please! One sentence!" I launched into "A Change Is Gonna Come" and SHE SANG WITH ME! Ms. Lauryn Hill sang with me!!!!!! She smiled and said "Keep singing, baby." That's how the concert ended for me - with encouragement from Ms Hill to keep singing and with my most wonderful, encouraging, BEAUTIFUL, and supportive girlfriend Maneera de Mel right there to celebrate it with me.
A guest for Breaking Benjamin at The Fairgrounds, Hamburg on Fri, 24 Jul 2015
Personally, I don't like bashing on concert events whatsoever, but this venue - for whatever reason attracted that "special kind of crowd." The area I was standing it there was white trash surrounding us, it was awful to look at and very distracting. To be honest I'm not a big fan of Starset because their slower songs tend to drag on, it felt like prom night induring their slower songs. Anyways, me and my friends felt hella uncomfortable because this mild functioning autist couple was doing some weird romance shit, looked like a couple of ET's trying to phone home through interpretive dance.
FYI: I am a white male, and honestly I've never been so disappointed in my own kind like this ever before.
Then later in during Breaking Benjamin's set there was this one guy I was JUST about to fucking tackle from behind because he kept stepping into my personal space because he couldn't decide where to stand. DECIDE WHERE TO STAND PEOPLE!!! YOU STAND AT CONCERTS, THIS ISN'T FUCKING ROCKET SCIENCE.
Not only that but people were rude about the dumbest shit, they'd yell at you in a condescending tone for waiting for your friends just because you waited by a specific line. (the ID / Drinking line specifically.) Though I kept ignoring the slack-jawed alcoholic sluts because - well obviously it's funny to see the looks on their faces when they're disappointed that no one cares what they have to say.
Not to mention the Breaking Benjamin heckler I had to fucking listen through their entire set, he used my own joke that I even respectfully said to a friend of mine in a loud enough tone that only he was intended to hear saying during one of Breaking Benjamin's slow songs "what is this, prom night?" I'm sorry, but aside from Starset's video songs, the rest weren't even impressive at the least. Maybe impressive to some tween who's just beginning to surf around itunes on their imac. But not to someone who's been around long enough to know what he likes and doesn't like. But just to hammer the point home, if you're going to make a point about not liking an artist. Don't use the same fucking line someone else used minutes ago, it makes you look like a braindead tacky douchebag. Which - honestly by looking at the guy that seemed to ring obvious.
Aside from the utter disgusting freakshow, and the rude 8-mile go-ers I had to deal with. The humidity and heat of that venue was awful. There was no fans; no ventilation, and even with drinking only one beer I was starting to feel like shit.
However Breaking Benjamin played an amazing set either way, i'll give them props regardless of my horrible experience at this venue. I've been to Hamburg Fairgrounds a number of times and I've never seen so much white trash jam packed into one place.
I would never admit to saying to not see Breaking Benjamin live, but in this case they somehow attracted the worst crowd out of all the 20+ concerts I've been to in my 24 years of life. Any time Breaking Benjamin plays at this venue, actively avoid it unless if you like seeing the most disgusting degenerational freakshow of your fucking life. I would do ANYTHING to take back this experience, and my time honestly.
I can't really blame the venue for this, but for fucks sake people you're in public. I've seen some really fucked up shit in my life, but dear god this experience live was not worth my time by any means.
Personal thanks and shoutouts to Breaking Benjamin for making up for this horrible shitty experience with probably the best set I've ever heard from them yet. Thank you guys for not making the night a total and complete loss.
Nobody wrote that down
No review matches. Loosen a filter - or if you were at a night nobody has described yet, you're the one who can.
Same reviews, sorted a few different ways rather than one long scroll
A few ways in
Long enough to have a page of their own
Picked out
- Bob does Bob. That seems to cover it. He has a storied history of doing the opposite of anything someone hopes he’ll do. No exception here. He provides zero point zero fan service, to ensure his self indul… Bob Dylan · The Venue at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, Lincoln 12 Jun 2026
- I've been following Papa Roach since 2003, and I’ve seen them live 5 times over the years — the last one just two years ago. I never expected a stadium-level experience; they’ve always been a band with a loyal… Papa Roach · Circolo Magnolia (Estivo), Segrate 03 Aug 2025
- I just watched the documentary on the Gorge Amphitheater and was thinking about this show. Did a search since I couldn't remember what year it happened. I was surprised to see 1989! My review is much the sam… Stevie Ray Vaughan · Gorge Amphitheatre, George 27 May 1989
- A live concert is an exhilarating experience, and as an avid concertgoer there are specific elements of each show that can elevate the experience. I believe by observing with our eyes and ears we can criticall… Thirty Seconds to Mars · Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View 04 Sep 2024
- Cameron Sanderson may not yet be a name that is nationally known, but such is the qualityof his music and in particular live performances that he should be. He has, with his touringband, Chris Sims and Kera St… Cameron Sanderson · Le Pub, Newport 13 Sep 2023
- It was a night that two of the most talked about “local” bands effectively joined forces and sold out the impressive Manchester Academy. Nine Black Alps and The Longcut, both formed in Manchester and therefore… Nine Black Alps · Manchester Academy, Manchester 25 Feb 2006
- Gigs on a Wednesday night? My thoughts are probably like most…. finish work, quick bite to eat and then rush to the gig…… a tipple or two of the usual extortionate priced ales that comes hand in hand with Aren… Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds · Connexin Live, Hull 30 Aug 2023
- This was late February, 1983, at the 100 Club on Oxford Street in London. I met and talked to Mike Watt when he played at the Windmill in Brixton, maybe 2015, with Mike Watt + The Missingmen, and he agreed wit… Minutemen · 100 Club, London 10 Feb 1983
Rated at the very top of the scale
One of the great ones
- He was awesome. Loved it Brad Paisley · Hilliard Center Arena, Corpus Christi 09 Oct 2026
- Absolutely fantastic concert, we've always been a fans of Roachford. Last night he sang as well as he did on his LPs Brilliant night. Roachford · The Bridgewater Hall, Manchester 09 Oct 2026
- A band I’ve always liked, and was hoping for a good night, but the band turned out to be nothing short of awesome, and blow me away. Band of Horses · O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London 08 Oct 2026
- This was an amazing make-shift show NOFX · Campanelli Stadium, Brockton 19 May 2018
- A fantastic concert! Eleftheria Arvanitaki was outstanding. Her guitarist, Adonis Mitzelos, is a major artistic talent—one of the best to perform at the festival. Eleftheria Arvanitaki · Womad 1998 festival, Reading 24 Jul 1998
- Loved it Imminence · Carlswerk Victoria, Cologne 17 Oct 2024
- A truly memorable night. A great performance from a band who remain at their peak Marillion · Eventim Apollo, London 02 Oct 2026
- Everything was fantastic Joie De Vivre · Outset, Chicago 02 Oct 2026
Not every night works out, and some of them say so
When it went wrong
- I am annoyed that Journey did not give the White Sox a nod (but band members wearing other Chicago team swag). White Sox gave Don't Stop Believing a great deal of publicity in 2005. I am no longer a Journey fa… Journey · United Center, Chicago 05 Oct 2026
- Very stiff and robotic ... like Frank Valli ... time to retire Adam Ant · Masonic Temple, Detroit 27 Sep 2026
- Straight up disappointment. Sound was distorted, could not understand any of the vocals and discerning the music from the overwhelming feedback hum was impossible. Modest Mouse · The Astro, La Vista 25 Sep 2026
- Cutting Crew? I was there with my GF, and four really good friends. They never performed, because they didn't show up. Several bands in the line up did, but not them. Well, you don't deserve some of your fan… Cutting Crew · Chateau Ste Michelle Winery, Woodinville 17 Jul 2014
- He sang 6-8 solos. The 85% of the concert were other unknown people singing solos or duets with Andrea, dancing, and playing the violin. It was like he was too weak to sing a whole concert alone except for a … Andrea Bocelli · Mortgage Matchup Center, Phoenix 18 Sep 2026
- Painfully loud. Feedback and distortion. Couldn't hear words to song. Must not have a sound person. People left early. Sounded good in parking lot. Dwight Yoakam · Santa Fe Opera House, Santa Fe 04 Sep 2026
- Time for the old man to retire. Can't sing any longer. Almost painful to listen to him attempt to sing the old hits. Even said on stage, "We don't lip synch or anything like that, if it sounds like we suck, it… Trace Adkins · Outdoor Amphitheater, Sunset Station, Henderson 06 Aug 2026
- Lights on stage were so low you could’t see faces. I had to ask a staff member which ine was Dylan. He was at a keyboard wearing a hood. He didn’t talk between songs. For all I know, the band could have been p… Bob Dylan · Ascend Amphitheater, Nashville 01 Aug 2026
The ones that ran past a line or two
Long reads
- SO HERE IT IS. CONCERT REVIEW TIME. John Mellencamp June 10th, 2015 Detroit Opera House A Girl's Dream Come True (Warning: This is more bragging than an actual review. Sorry!) Where do I begin!? We… John Mellencamp · Detroit Stadium, Detroit 10 Jun 2015
- A live concert is an exhilarating experience, and as an avid concertgoer there are specific elements of each show that can elevate the experience. I believe by observing with our eyes and ears we can criticall… Thirty Seconds to Mars · Shoreline Amphitheatre, Mountain View 04 Sep 2024
- Gigs on a Wednesday night? My thoughts are probably like most…. finish work, quick bite to eat and then rush to the gig…… a tipple or two of the usual extortionate priced ales that comes hand in hand with Aren… Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds · Connexin Live, Hull 30 Aug 2023
- It was a night that two of the most talked about “local” bands effectively joined forces and sold out the impressive Manchester Academy. Nine Black Alps and The Longcut, both formed in Manchester and therefore… Nine Black Alps · Manchester Academy, Manchester 25 Feb 2006
- This was a great evening for me and 15, 000 others at the Hollywood Bowl. Barry Gibb, the last of the Bee Gees was performing and the concert was a tribute to his brother and to the whole family. The night was… Barry Gibb · Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood 04 Jun 2014
- Accept played Count’s Vamp’d on Saturday, September 13, 2014. Accept’s journey through the world of hard rock and heavy metal has been an interesting one, to say the least. The band came of age in the mid 198… Accept · Count's Vamp, Las Vegas 13 Sep 2014
- GEORGE STRAIT / CHRIS STAPLETON / LITTLE BIG TOWN "All-American Road Show" August 5, 2023 Raymond James Stadium Tampa, Florida It was a scorching hot, 97 degree late afternoon in August, in Tampa, Flori… George Strait · Raymond James Stadium, Tampa 05 Aug 2023
- The Crimson Cruiser hurtled down the highway at top speed, deftly weaving and whizzing between slowly moving vehicles which presented but temporary obstacles. Downshift, and put the pedal to the metal. Floor t… King Crimson · Orpheum Theatre, Los Angeles (LA) 01 Oct 2014
The oldest decade here with enough of them to be worth a shelf
From the seventies
- I ran Entertainments at University of Strathclyde (1971-72). I recall making the booking and remember this gig well! Uriah Heep · University of Strathclyde Student Union, Glasgow 13 May 1972
- great show Kiss · Paramount Theatre, Seattle 12 Jan 1975
- Best concert ever Paul McCartney · Mosaic Stadium, Regina 01 Jan 1970
- I was at this show. I was 19 at the time, and a big Hoople fan (Young Dudes was a big hit at the time). I also like Blue Oyster Cult a lot, and had both their first two albums,although I can't remember for sur… Mott the Hoople · Massey Hall, Toronto 14 Oct 1973
- I was there and enjoyed it. Great The Byrds · Alexanderhal, Emmeloord 20 May 1971
- the concert took place in the Arri-cinema. I left after the break, difficult to understand from today. Would be nice to check if I missed something Cecil Taylor · Unknown Venue, Munich 10 May 1978
- Excellent concert!! First date with Doug Prikryl and first of many concerts we went to. Great band, great boyfriend. We remained friends to the day he passed. Yes · Richfield Coliseum, Cleveland 22 Nov 1974
- Absolutely a top notch superb gig. They had released 'Fear of Music' their 3rd album that year but played a lot from '77' and More Songs about Buildings & Food'. I remember standing up to move/dance along with… Talking Heads · Capitol Theatre, Aberdeen 28 Nov 1979
Someone was at a gig on 12 October and wrote it down - the year varies
On this date
A guest for Switchfoot at Canton Palace Theater, Canton on Sun, 12 Oct 2014
It was great, but some of the security guards were a little, uh, less than cordial. They did a lot of screaming and while in the beginning I tried to convince myself they were just doing their jobs, one of them was just down right mean and he didn't have to be. Dont get me wrong. I know that there are fire codes, and rules and reasons for rules, but the line between up holding those rules, and common courtesy is a wide one, and the fact that one guard crossed all of that was awful.There were several instances where this person's actions would have gotten me fired and I do the same thing. It got to the point where I was being stepped on a piled on top of and wouldn't move because every time I did, just to get out of the way of being squashed, and never meaning to remain where I landed, I would get yelled at to get back to where I was "allowed" to stand. A little girl, returning a sign to the kid who dropped it, was yelled at for moving. Now Im not saying all of them were mean and nasty. There was a woman, who was a security guard, sitting next to me who was very nice and kind, she was doing her job well, and she kept the crowd back like she was told, but when a kid dropped his hat on his way back to his seat because he was told he couldn't stand where he was by the same security guard mentioned above (which by the way was a spot with no one in it) she allowed him to come a get his hat and return to his seat. Before he could even reach it, the same guy was screaming all over again and yelled at her. It was the most unfair thing I have ever seen. The concert was great. The music was great. I love Switchfoot, but this may have been one of my least favorite concerts because of the guy screaming the entire time, and the indecency at which he thought he could treat other people. It became less about being firm in the job, and more about being human. This guy barked at people like dogs and gave commands in just the same way. I wish I could have said something to the girl who was just trying to be nice and return the sign, but the moment I turned around to see what was happening, I was yelled at. I am in no way angry with him. He may have been having a bad day, but he took it out on everyone around him and feelings were hurt. I felt really bad for all of the people who got yelled at, but it was obvious this guy either didnt see it, or didnt care.
I guess at that point all you can do is pray for him.
The music was perfection.
The venue was great, the band was too, so maybe I should look past that. Bravo Switchfoot. Can't wait to see you all again.Simon Kojc was there for MRFY at Cvetličarna VPK Mediapark, Ljubljana on Thu, 12 Oct 2023
MRFY celebration concert!
Or in their words:
1. The only performance of the MRFY band in Ljubljana (Slovenian capital city) in 2023.
2. The biggestttt spectacle of the MRFY band in the history of the 21st century.
3. The loooongest concert of the MRFY band in history so far!
All the hits from the album USE, all the songs from the debut album Story, and all the music that will be released by then or in the future, including Zonzei, Tobogan, and all the Prjatučki together, because you know that everything fits together perfectly.
This will be a visually enhanced and rich evening with surprises, with everything that makes you excited and everything you don't even know makes you excited. And all of this will take place in a completely new venue where nobody has ever experienced such an amazing atmosphere before.
And oh boy, it was a great experience indeed. They play almost 3 hours, divided in 3 different sets:
set 1: first album Story
set 2: songs from upcoming album (?)
set 3: last album USE
Band was amazing, atmosphere was amazing, show was amazing, everything was amazing!
My favorite Slovenian band! Period.
USE JE KULCharlLiam20 was there for One Direction at Utilita Arena Birmingham, Birmingham on Mon, 12 Oct 2015
I am a huge 1D fan, and have been to their concerts before, but I've never laughed so hard in my life. Louis and Liam were so hilarious during their water I am a huge 1D fan, and have been to their concerts before, but I've never laughed so hard in my life. Louis and Liam were so hilarious during their water fight. They had my in tears by the end. All the boys put up a top performance and interacted with the crowd tons. Vocals were OUTSTANDING, and in general I couldn't fault the night at all. I just wish it wasn't over.
A guest for Switchfoot at Canton Palace Theater, Canton on Sun, 12 Oct 2014
I agree the show was beyond great! Switchfoot always delivers a top notch show.
The only complaint I have is a few of the security staff were less than cordial. Barking at people regardless if they were just standing at their seats to take a picture or to let someone by. I guess they don't understand to take a good picture one needs to hold their camera steady. Just because one has their camera or phone up without movement that doesn't mean they are taking a video.A guest for Ryan Adams at Burton Cummings Theatre, Winnipeg on Sun, 12 Oct 2014
it was awesome to see Ryan Adams and the Shining! i've been a huuuuge fan for a long time. It was also great to discover another great artist (Mr.Butch Walker) at the same time. My only beef with the concert was that it was difficult to show the amount of enthusiam i would have like to because of the venue being a "seated" theatre. A Rock show needs to be less-restricted, we need to rock out!!!
A guest for Ryan Adams at Hamer Hall, Melbourne on Sun, 12 Oct 2025
I understand he might be bored of playing these old songs, however the whole audience was not, took time out, travelled, and paid to see them. This was extremely disappointing. Behaving like a spoilt, silly little child, You'd think he'd grown over the last couple of decades. Evidently not.
A guest 100% for John Mellencamp at Detroit Stadium, Detroit on Wed, 10 Jun 2015
SO HERE IT IS. CONCERT REVIEW TIME.
John Mellencamp
June 10th, 2015
Detroit Opera House
A Girl's Dream Come True
(Warning: This is more bragging than an actual review. Sorry!)
Where do I begin!? Well, maybe I should introduce MYSELF then. I'm a 15 year old girl, and I'm turning 16 very soon. My wonderful mom had bought me tickets to see John Mellencamp, but the seats were a birthday surprise...
At last we arrived at the venue and I discovered my seats. There was an isle right there in the middle, and my seats were directly facing the isle. I was literally like 10 feet away from the stage and I had a perfect straight line in front of me and the microphone. Just the best seats in the house... or at least, I THOUGHT so...
I didn't stay much for the opening act because this was my first time seeing John... so I was outside taking mental checks and making sure I was still conscious for this concert. After all, I might only be 16 but John Mellencamp is my love. And damn did it sure feel like it today!
Carlene Carter was great. She had all the rhythm and soul I was looking for in real music. I would totally write more about her, but like I said, I missed most of her act. Face it- we were all here to see John, and when the lights grew dim and the voices stopped... we KNEW it was time. Time to rock and roll!!!!!!!
His band began playing the raw, bluesy rock tune to "Lawless Times"... off his totally radical new album, "Plain Spoken"! The band was nailing every note, just drawing the audience in for so much more. Just when we thought we couldn't get enough, John Mellencamp walked on stage very nicely dressed and a handsome smile on his face!
I erupted into loud, fierce screams. NEVER in my life did I think that I would stand before this man. Especially so close! Normally I would cry at the sight of John Mellencamp so darn close to me, but I was extremely dehydrated so the tears refused to come out. So, I rocked out instead, fist pumping in the air like a random punk rock concert or something! I was having the time of my life until the 3rd song came.
I was determined to get him to notice me. I screamed, shouted, danced... you name it. The lights were even on. Now, I hardly remember which song was playing, but I do remember him making eye contact with me... chills went down my spine and I help my breath, and he totally winked at me!!!!!!!
I collapsed into my chair, unable to catch my breath. "MOM, did you see that!?" I nagged on my mom's arm, nearly sobbing, "HE WINKED. AT ME!!!"
She looked at me funny. "No, I didn't see that." She chuckled, thinking I was seeing things or something. Oh no. I KNEW he was looking at me. I was probably the youngest kid there! Of course he had that special wink, just for me, right!?
After a few more songs, I continued to dance and scream, and he would make more eye contact with me. Each time my heart would melt a little more and a little more!!!! Finally, he looked directly at me and smiled- and I lost all my control. Nearly falling to the floor, I sat in my seat and a few tears managed to come out. I wanted to faint right there. Everybody around me laughed and said, "Aaaawww"... but I was in such a state of shock that- I don't know- even as I'm typing this I'm getting those damn butterflies again!!!!!!!!!
So the concert proceeded, and each time a song would start, I would inch my way closer to the stage. Finally, I was about 4 feet away from the stage. Two men were standing in front of me as well as a woman. But literally, that was it. I was standing in the middle isle, RIGHT in FRONT of the damn microphone!!!
John continued to make eye contact with me, noticing that I was getting closer. I would hold my hands together and just dream of being closer and closer to him... and when I opened my eyes he would be right there, staring at me with those beautiful blue eyes (just like mine!)
He began telling the story of how his grandma lived to be 100. I listened to the story, and all he had to say was just pure wisdom and truth. Ahhh that is why I fell in love with him. How he is just TOO honest and humble and- well let's not get carried away here. Anyway, he told us that his grandma said, "And me and Buddy are ready to come home!" And I cracked up!!! Oh, poor John. Nobody's ready to go home quite yet hahah!!!!!!!!!!! He said, "I have a lot more sinning to do!" I laughed so hard at that that I actually snorted. Out loud. Right in front of John. Oops. I hope his earpiece was tight in his ear.
(Speaking of earpieces, he was having a bit of a problem earlier with one and he was like, "I hope I'm not dying" Haaaahahaha.... he makes me laugh SO MUCH. Where the hell does he get his humor from? First he's talented, then he's so haaaandsome and how he's hilarious? No wonder my knees were getting weaker as I got closer to this man!!!!!!!!!!)
Then he began to play "Longest Days" which was extremely soulful and meaningful. I remember hearing this song for the first time and crying. And now, he was standing right before me, and this beautiful song was tugging on my heart. I had to cry. The emotions were too much to handle. I don't think John planned on making a 16 year old cry today but he sure did. That song is packed with extreme passion, emotion, and plain wisdom. I'm sick and tired of people sitting during these slower songs. This was one of his best songs, right here, without a doubt, and I couldn't just sit. Heck, I remember after I cried, I looked directly into his eyes and we stared for a moment before he looked away and a last tear rolled down my cheek...
I stayed pretty close to the stage until the guards told us we had to go back to our seats. I obeyed reluctantly, and started complaining to my mom, "The guard kicked us out of there! No!" I began to get sad. He wouldn't notice me as much back here. I stayed in the back for some more songs until a few of us decided to return back closer to the stage.
These two men right in front of me were blocking my entire path to see John. All I really wanted was John to touch my hand. That was all. I told everyone around me how angry I was at these total a-holes and how my dream would come true if I just got to be right there by the stage, Finally, some cool guy approached the two jerks and told them that they better let me get up there or else.......
And they agreed. AGREED!
I walked the last few feet until I reached the stage and I was touching it. There I was. Right in front of the microphone with the actual CLOSEST SEAT IN THE HOUSE!!! Front row and everything. My jaw dropped. We were in the middle of "Rain On The Scarecrow". John noticed that I made it up to the front and winked at me, followed by a very sweet smile! That's when I cried again and I buried my face into my arms, just hoping I would get the chance to touch his hand...!
At the end of "Scarecrow", he walked directly in front of me and looked down at me. Now I know John is not very tall, but to a very small 16 year old, YES he was TALL. I looked up at him, and he looked down. I slowly inched my hands out for him. Other woman around me cheered me on. My eyes never left his, and he bent down... and the tips of his fingers gracefully touched mine.
WELL.. I"M SURE YOU KNOW MY REACTION BY NOW! I immediately began to cry, even though I was so dehydrated... and the butterflies in my stomach were literally EATING me. I touched my hand- the hand he touched. I thought this was a dream come true. Ah but no... John had much more in mind!!!
He smiled at me again, and my eyes met his. Y'know what? I think me and John made more eye contact at this single concert alone than I ever did with my mom in my ENTIRE LIFE! But this is only HALF of what was to happen!
Earlier, before I had made it up close to the stage, I had brought my trusty Sharpie along. Venues won't allow you to bring posters? Screw that. I wrote "I love you!" on my hand in hoped that he would see it. And sure enough, in the middle of one of his songs, I held out my hand shyly, hoping he would catch a glimpse of it. Oh, it was more of a glimpse. He read it, walked over to his microphone stand, and winked at me with an actual twinkle in his eye. Woah. Let be backtrack that. A DAMN TWINKLE IN HIS EYEEEEEE!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now please, excuse me, but I have the worst memory in the world. I cannot remember which song was playing. I think it was the ending of "Crumblin' Down".
Yet another unforgettable moment happened! John walked up to the edge of the stage. He stood in front of me again. It was pretty obvious that I was his favorite crowd member as he favorited the middle of the stage and as you know- the non-stop eye contact!!!! My heart skipped a beat. He bent down. Right in front of me with this huge grin on his face. I'm sure my heart stopped beating by now. I looked right into those amazing eyes of his... and he reached out his fist in front of my face!
Now now now, girls are very emotional creatures. I had to gather myself for a moment. I could feel my legs getting weak and I began to tilt backwards. Luckily, some nice girls behind me pushed me forward and gabbed my hands, screaming things like, "TOUCH HIM!" and "HE WANTS YOU!"
I snapped back into reality and looked at his tattoo-covered fist again. At the time, it didn't register to me that he wanted a fist bump. The only thing I could think of was to grab his fist with both of my hands and never, ever let gooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I squeezed his hand for the few seconds we hand. He looked down at me and I felt so small, but I KNEW I was the lucky one that night. I closed my eyes very tightly and embraced the moment as our hands slowly began to let go. I felt like life was a dream. This COULD NOT be real. But it most certainly was.
Let me have a moment to catch my breath. Sorry. You can tell that my love for John really doesn't end. Oops. So... the concert continued with some 80s hits like "Authority Song". The raw guitar sounds and pounding drums... EVERYTHING about his band was stellar in my opinion. (Actually, it's a fact that his band is pure awesome.) In the middle of "Authority Song", he broke it down and began singing, "Land of A Thousand Dances". The crowed took turns "helping" him out! Then, he started talking about girls. Oh damn. All the girls and how they made him feel. Honestly I tried so hard to avoid eye contact at that moment because I was blushing so badly. I held my face to the palm of my hands. "Stop blushing." I told myself. And he would look at me again. I decided to talk to the woman around me for a second to calm the emotions in me out a bit.
And then he finished "Authority Song" and moved on to a couple more 80s hits such as "Pink Houses". I placed my hand on my heart and sang all the lyrics with my eyes close. I knew this song better than the Pledge of Allegiance! As the song progressed, I decided to stop staring at John and look at his other talented band members for once. I looked at some of his band members and they stared back, some even smiling. I smiled back, shaking my head trying to contemplate how LUCKY I was that night. Heck, and there's STILL MORE!
He began to introduce his band after the song was over, and then started to tell us all about old times. He told us how everybody loves to tell about old times, and how his 21 year old son thinks that 2 years is old times. John says, "I take naps that are 2 years long!" I cried with laughter!!! Wow! But he's got a point. I'm 16. 8 years ago I was only half my age. 8 years for John is like a blink of an eye. He told us how life changes as we reach certain ages. I listened to every word he had to say, and not just because I love him and he had me casted under his magic spell that night... but because he is telling the cold, hard, TRUTH. That man, like I said before, if full of honesty and wisdom... and I want to be just like him. He's my inspiration and he has the answer to everything I'm looking for!!!
So I looked into his eyes longingly and deeply while I listened to him talk to us. He glanced at me over and over. He was saying how older folks remember the past and important lessons learned over time. Suddenly, within seconds he had turned around and faced me, and bent down to get nearly eye level with me. OH. OH- GOSH- I never blinked or looked away. I walked up closer to him. And he spoke DIRECTLY. At. ME. "And the younger ones!!!!" His face lit up and he smiled the biggest and dreamiest smile of the night, accompanied by a faint laugh...
He was referring to me. He was saying how younger people like me have so much to learn about old times still. I. Could. Not. Believe. He. SPOKE. To. Me. To be honest, I'm surprised I didn't wet myself. Honestly! You can laugh at me all you want but I am totally in love with John Mellencamp and it will never end. Some may understand it. Others won't. But to have him actually SPEAK to me... okay, I have tons of rights to brag there. Ha ha ha!!! In your face!
So John finished off the night with one last song... "Cherry Bomb". I knew this was the last because I could totally see the setlist in front of him. I was just aching for one more moment with him... but I decided to wait a little bit more before I did anything. He started to smile at other fans and gave them a few winks, and even touched another fan's hand briefly, but he was right back in front of me again soon after. I held my breath and thought to myself... "Would he touch my hand just one more time? Does he like me enough to touch me again???" I looked up to see John standing several inches from my face. I saw his shoes, then I looked up his legs (sorry) until I looked all the way up to see him looking down at me again. I reached my hands out one more time and desperately cried out for one more touch. Immediately, without any hesitation, he reached that same beautiful hand out and he held mine tighter and tighter. I then used both my hands and squeezed his, but I was so freakin' exhausted I began to slip. Fortunately, he wasn't letting me go just yet. He gently took my hands and swayed them back and forth, back and forth, back and forth! My heart officially melted on the floor. When he let go of my hands, I'm sure you know what happened next. He smiled a tremendous smile just for me and stared at me for what seemed like a true eternity. I just don't know how I didn't pass out after that!!? Must be that magic spell he had me under!!! AAHHH!!!
And the show finished shortly after, with John acknowledging the crowd and looking off at every person in the audience. I was small, barely noticeable in this room full of hundreds of people... but he saved the very last look for me before he took his final steps off the stage for good.
Man, was it really over!!!???
Extra Stuff:
Well, I seemed to have left out a lot of what actually happened at the concert. Hey, I warned you that majority of it was just be bragging and screaming! I sincerely apologize. So I will put some details down, as much as I can remember with my horrific memory.
So John was singing a great acoustic version of "Jack and Diane", and people missed one of the verses. John stopped the song. I literally knew this was going to happen. HOW can you forget "Suckin' on chilli dog"? Even with my bad memory I can remember that! John told the crowd that they messed up and he would redo it again. Oh yeah, life goes on, even if you don't know the lyrics to John Mellencamp's biggest hit...... Haha.
John also did a splendid version of "The Full Catastrophe" where just one lonely piano accompanies him. Let me just say one thing. And one thing only. Sexy. Yes. His voice is just the sexiest thing on that song. The rasp, the deepness... and when he pulls out a cigarette and lights it, it completes the whole scene. Why does John have so much class? Why can't more people be as cool as him?
Carlene Carter hit the stage again to do two more songs with John that were done in a play with Steven King a while ago. I have not seen this play or anything, so these songs were new to me. Looks like I have some research to do 'cause those songs were AMAZING! Ugh. He has way to many underrated songs. WAY TOO MANY.
He also talked a lot during this concert. And the crowed talked right back. One drunk screamed, "I Need A Lover!" And John pointed out that he had a beer in his hands... Oh gosh haha!!!
So overall, that was the concert and all that I can remember of it. I know... that was a little too much to handle, wasn't' it? I can't believe I'm almost 16 years old. And this was my very FIRST John Mellencamp concert EVER. I can't wait to get old so I can talk about old times like John.
Anyway, thank you for taking the time to read my long, crazy review.
JOHN MELLENCAMP, YOU ROCKED DETROIT! Detroit Rock City! Motor City!
THANK YOU JOHN MELLENCAMP for all that you have done to me and all the other hardcore fans out there! I will NEVER forget this!
With much, much love,
Brianna Hojnacki
P.S. Next time you come to Detroit I WILL be there so look out! Crazy girls everywhere again!
1