Crowbar concert review
Oakland Metro in Oakland, US
Sun, 07 Jun 2015

The Summer of Doom Tour rolled into Oakland at a great venue, The Oakland Metro Operhouse. Talk about value for your money? How about $18 to attend one of the best concerts I've ever seen, and I've attended close to 200!
Larvae got the evening started with a very good set. This is a very talented band that has the potential for big things!
Lord Dying was up next. I was extremely impressed! This Portland band is tight and has a unique sound, while staying to to metal's roots. No disrespect to the other great bands, but they were my favorite of the opening acts! They left me wanting to hear more.
Battlecross was the final opener. They played a HIGH energy 45 minute set. The entire band has great stage presence and they were well received by the audience. The singer even handed his microphone to fans up front to sing! That's something I haven't seen since growing up in Boston and seeing shows by local Hardcore legends Slapshot! This band's audience is growing and they are on the rise! Check em out.
Finally it was time for the mighty CROWBAR! I've waited 20 years to see what was one of my all-time bands and now, after the show, IS my all-time favorite! It's hard to put it all into the appropriate words. Kirk's words and music have helped me thru some dark times so this was an intense, emotional experience for me. So I came into the show not caring which songs they chose to play and grateful for any song!
Kirk and the boys hit the stage with an insane 1-2-3 punch to the gut of "Burn Your World", "Planets Collide" and "All I Had (I Gave)" and we were off and running!
Some other highlights included a mid-set trilogy of some recent favorites, "The Cemetary Angels" BRING IT DOWN!!, "Walk With Knowledge Wisely" and "Symmetry In White". Wow! I was already blown away but the show continued.
Kirk wisely recognized his drummer Tommy, who is one of the best drummers in rock. He lays down a solid foundation with tremendous feel and always plays for the song. He keeps the band dialed-in!
Another highlight was the rarely performed live classic "Existence Is Punishment", which drove the audience crazy! Singing along to every word. Later, some fans up front near me were chanting for "The Lasting Dose". I could see the setlist called for "Sever The Wicked Hand". Instead, the played "The Lasting Dose"! How many bands would do that?
The show ended with another classic, "Self-Inflicted". Kirk then stated onstage and handed out every last pick he had in his bag to those of us who wanted more and refused to leave! I was fortunate to receive one!
Kirk's connection to his audience is like nothing I've ever seen. Both onstage and off. He walked around during the show signing autographs, taking pics and shaking hands. He even helped at the Merch stand! Who does that?
If you attend this tour, and you'd be crazy to miss it, I highly recommend upgrading to the VIP Meet and Greet package. Kirk's wife and manager Robin is highly professional and runs it so well. For ONLY $25 you get to watch their soundcheck, get one-on-one time with the extremely personable band members and get to take pics. You also get cool swag! A Crowbar sling bag, an autographed poster and a laminate and lanyard.
Kirk, Robin and Crowbar, thank you for an unforgettable experience. One of the best nights of my life! None Heavier! 0