Carnival of Madness Tour LIVE!
August 4, 2010 at Mohegan Sun Arena, Uncasville, CT.
by Deb Rao
Staff Writer
The Carnival of Madness Tour made a special stop at the Mohegan Sun Arena on August 4th performing to a packed house of fans coming from as far as Massachusetts to see the show. Tonight’s performance included Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd, Sevendust, and 10 Years. Chevelle wasn’t on the bill for the Mohegan Sun show.
10 Years opened the show at 6 P.M. with a strong 25-minute set. Having first seen the band before a few years ago before they got signed at The Middle East in Cambridge, it was great to see them progress to the arena setting.
Next up Sevendust hit the stage with a vengeance. Opening with “Splinter” from their latest release Cold Day Memory it didn’t take long for the mosh pits to begin. Singer Lajon Witherspoon took full control of the young audience. Sevendust only slowed things down for a moment with the song “Angels Son” and the frenzy began again with “Unraveling” the first single off of the new album that was very well received. The return of Clint Lowery has made a great impact with the overall sound.
Puddle of Mudd took Chevelle’s spot in this evening lineup. and opened with the song “Control.” The band performed their hits and had fans singing along to songs like “Spaceship,” Psycho,” and “She Hates Me.” Lead singer Wes Scantlin was very entertaining thanking the audience for coming out for the show. Guitarist Paul Phillips shined in an arena setting. Paul has made a great impact with his return showcasing the strength of the band with his songwriting skills on their current release Volume 4: Songs In The Key Of Love And Hate. Bassist Damien Starkey, replacing Doug Ardito, was very energetic onstage. One major highlight of the bands set was the sing along to the song “Blurry.”
The evening went relatively fast and it was time for Florida rock band Shinedown to take the stage at 9 P.M. for an hour and 45 minute set. Singer Brent Smith sporting a Black top hat, cane, and striped shirt played ringleader to a sea of 5000 fans opening with “Sound Of Madness.” Brent’s voice was captivating and the focus of the entire set. His vocal range went from melodic to hard rock adapting to every song in a flawless performance. Brent also dedicated “If You Only Knew” to all the women in the audience. He spoke with much enthusiasm announcing “Diamond Eyes” the song that can be heard in the upcoming Sylvester Stallone movie The Expendables.
Highlight of the set was the compelling, “The Crow and the Butterfly.” Singer Brent Smith proclaimed the Carnival of Madness Tour as the event of the summer. It is always a pleasure to watch a band develop into an arena act and hear their hit songs on radio. Reminiscing about seeing Shinedown for the first time on the Sno-Core Tour a few years back in Worcester at the Palladium, I had a feeling then that Shinedown would be huge musical act.
Shinedown came to play, with their set on the music, the band poured their heart into the evening’s performance.
Every band gave 100 percent. This was the perfect way to spend a summer evening listening to the bands making an impact today.
A Special thank you goes out to Julie Lichtenstein and Amanda Cagan, and Morgan Rose of Sevendust for making this review possible.
Check out our Interview with Morgan Rose of Sevendust right here at Hardrock Haven.
Be sure to catch Carnival Of Madness Tour this summer!
Puddle Of Mudd Set List:
Control
Livin’ on Borrowed Time
Spaceship
Stoned
Blurry
T.N.T.
Psycho
She Hates Me
Sevendust Set List:
Splinter
Praise
Denial
Angel’s Son
Black
Driven
Unraveling
Pieces
Face To Face
Shinedown Set List:
Sound Of Madness
Devour
I Dare You
Cyanide Sweet Tooth Suicide
If You Only Knew
Diamond Eyes
.45
Call Me
Heroes
The Crow and The Butterfly
Her Name is Alice
Save Me
Son of Sam
Left Out
Encore:
Simple Man
Fly From The Inside
Second Chance
Ted Nugent LIVE!
August 14, 2010 by Publisher
July 29, 2010 at Susquehanna Bank Center, Columbus, Ohio
by Chris A.
Staff Writer
Ted Nugent continues to add shows to his incredible 6000+ performance count, bringing his traveling arsenal of democracy to the capital city of Ohio, Columbus. The sold out show was just another for Nugent who hasn’t slowed down since his days as an Amboy Duke. If there is a fountain of youth in the world of rock ‘n’ roll Nugent seems to have found it. Bouncing onto the stage with seemingly boundless energy “The Motor City Madman” broke into his version of America’s national anthem, the Star Spangled Banner. Bright smile on his face, eyes as wild and alive as ever Ted Nugent has never had a problem connecting with his audience and tonight was no different.
Opening the show with “Free For All,” Nugent was wielding his Gibson Custom Shop Les Paul standard bearing the 9/11 U.S. flag paint job. In his now trademark stage stacked with Peavey Amps and military ordnance including grenades, machine guns, M-16s and other assorted ordnance props, Nugent worked the crowd as only he can. The audience was filled with long-time Nugent fans, folks who have seen Ted multiple times and feel like he’s an old friend.
On the “Trample the Weak and Hurdle The Dead” tour, Nugent continues never-ending verbal assault on those he feels are dismembering America from within. Its patriotism gone Gonzo and Nugent is one of the very few conservatives who’ll actually tell people what he really thinks. Nugent doesn’t subscribe to political correctness and for years his live performances have given him a platform for extolling the virtues of America, its armed forces, cops, and the rights afforded by second amendment to the US Constitution. Make no mistake, when it comes to Obama, Clinton and that on the left, Nugent is merciless. From offering “Free Machine Guns” to his anti-Clinton rally cry tune “Kiss My Ass,” Ted Nugent has gone from outrageous rock star of the 1970s to mainstream America.
Ted’s show has evolved over the years but today and as he has done for decades, he gives his fans what they crave; massive doses of bombastic, in-your-face, middle finger swinging, big-grinning rock ‘n’ roll from just a dumb kid from Milford, Mich. Ted’s show is basic, stripped down but lots of fun. He’s also playing some of his best guitar in years. Cutting lose, playing Hendrix licks, and cranking out blues riffs that demonstrated that there’s far more to Nugent the guitarist than “Wango Tango.”
Ted Nugent is currently on tour in the U.S. of A. For more information on Ted Nugent visit www.tednugent.com.
Mayhem Festival LIVE!
July 23, 2010 at Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ
by Steve Trager
Staff Writer
The recent third annual Mayhem Festival certainly outshined previous lineups with a much more diverse metal genre, even if most of these bands could easily headline on their own. It was the best day for a fist full of mayhem and metal hands down. Despite the extreme weather making the day seem to be a “sweat fest “nothing stops music other then some unforeseen disaster. Mayhem seems to become an annual event showcasing some of the best talent around, some garnering measureless popularity on their own as individuals, but for the most part, this festival gives the immediate fan the opportunity to be right up front in the “ pit “ as they say in music terms. The popularity of Mayhem Festival has become a staple in metal and could very well continue to become a new home in a traveling metal festival since Ozzfest is slowly diminishing.
With three stages filled with some of the best bands this year, Mayhem Festival Tour certainly captivates all the spectacles of greatness in music. However, short sets don’t really cut it when each band gets going but, one gets the ideal of such performance as the “meat and potatoes“ of certain key songs that have become a staple in bands like Hatebreed who closed out the ever popular sponsored Jagermeister music stage, cranking out songs like “To the Threshold,” “I Will be Heard” and “This is Now” have truly been the bullet in their sets over the years.
While we all enjoy our dose of metal at Mayhem this year it was nice to also see some bands that have graced headlining slots on other tours like Shadows Fall, Chimaira, and In this Moment rounding out sets on the two outside stages. Even if this seem to be the hottest day weather wise you could just look around and see endless fans with Atreyu shirts spanning generations of metal heads as they waited in the heat for them to finish out the silver star stage at Mayhem festival this year. One thing I would like to see is longer sets by some of these bands but I think it’s all about cramming in as much music in several hours as possible, and that makes it worthwhile no matter how sweaty one can get next to you. If you live for music like most of us, then nothing stops you from having the greatest day while watching your favorite bands tear it up on separate stages.
The Mayhem Festival main stage showcased four great bands this year, including Five Finger Death Punch who graduated from playing a side stage to opening the main stage to a packed house, performing songs from both efforts that included the Bad Company cover of “Bad Company,” a nice twist of a classic rock anthem turned pure metal. A quick set change that brings us to Lamb of God, a notable band with history of a fearless live performances that kill it time and time again. Lamb of God reminds me of a wrecking ball that swings to the hardest degree and can knock everything over in its path as a band.
Perhaps the nicer elements in the Mayhem Festival is that we get a double dose of headlining slots and this year is no exception with Rob Zombie as one and Korn as the second. Rob Zombie well known for his stage antics with pyrotechnics and flame bombs rounding out his stage production. Yet it is still all about the music covering his years with White Zombie and all his amazing solo work as a musician that including “More Human Than Human,“ “Thunderkiss ‘69,” “Living Dead Girl“ and “Dragula.“
Mayhem Festival wouldn’t be complete without a great set by Korn. Although it’s quite sad to see this band with just three original members as a whole, we come to expect greatness when it comes to music and that Korn still does as a live band. Seem to be more then ever out of the public eye for this band has they still can kill it with a sixty minute set covering all their hits that made them quite popular. Even if Korn hasn’t toured in some time, they still bring the energy and the passion as front man Jonathan Davis demonstrates his head banging force during songs like “Here to Stay,“ “Right Now,“ “Falling Away From Me,“ “Freak On a Leash“ and “Got the Life.“
If the last three years of this mayhem festival hasn’t shown that metal still reigns in the blood of fans everywhere, we all hope that this can be a sacred home summer after summer if Ozzfest can’t hold out any longer. Sure bands can headline on their own but what better way to cram more then a dozen bands on three different stages and call it Mayhem Festival, which is basically a nice term that centers around most heavy weighted bands these days. So we once again raise our fists and salute this entire day in metal with “Horns up“ as this years’ Mayhem Festival was the best ever for metal events of the summer. Mayhem has taken over the reigns as the new home of extreme metal.
Mayhem Festival Photo Gallery
Black Bonzo LIVE!
July 23, 2010 at The Luminaire, London, UK
by Alissa Ordabai
Staff Writer
Call the trend retro or retrograde, but nostalgia has been de rigueur on the Swedish rock scene for the past three years. Be it 80s-style hair metal revivalists emulating early Motley Crue, or old-school prog-rock enthusiasts with their vintage Moogs, bands trading in reminiscence is what keeps the Swedish rock scene going these days.
Last week Black Bonzo have proven how seriously – and how far – a band can take its love for a bygone era by delivering their 90-minute set at London’s Luminaire with unsmiling aplomb and plenty of rigour of purpose. From slow-mo borderline psychedelic numbers a la Jefferson Airplane to full-on Zeppelin-esque stompers, Black Bonzo remained right on the money song after song. Not once did they deviate from the 70s cannons and not once did they let a single whiff of the 80s and 90s slip through their tightly woven mesh of retro constructs. After all, style is about saying a constant “no” to things that may throw you off your course. And saying “no” is precisely what this band excels at, delighting their English audience on the night. Black Bonzo’s fellow lovers of old-school prog here in London may have been small in number (about 50 people in the crowd on the night), but certainly big on heartfelt support – cheering and dancing all the way the set, as well as insistently asking for an encore.
It is endearing how much rigour and commitment the band puts into recreating the 70s vibe while having a serious go at making this vintage language be their only means of communication. At times you wonder if their identity is a result of a connoisseur’s passion for the past or a carefully constructed musical experiment. After a while, however, they convince you it’s the former. Their chops may not be virtuosic (one element where they deviate from their protagonists), and their tunes may not be uniquely original, but the sheer flair and honesty of their performance spoke volumes about the passion behind their finely constructed act.
It’s just that somehow Black Bonzo have meticulously taught themselves to recast their feelings and emotions in terms and requisites of some 40 years ago, but toward the end of the show no one was left in doubt about authenticity of the band’s motivations. From the subtlety of keyboard-driven hippie slow-burners to space-rocking fire of Zeppelin-inspired barnburners there is an honest, authentic feeling running through the heart of Black Bonzo’s act. Something that may not turn them into an arena band any time soon, but will guarantee appreciation among a certain kind of crowd.
Dakota Rockfest Weathers the Storm: Bret Michaels and Vince Neil Host Three Day Festival
July 21 – 23, 2010 at Sioux Empire Fairgrounds, Sioux Falls, SD.
by Derric Miller
Staff Writer
The third annual Dakota Rock Fest took place in Sioux Falls, S.D. July 22-24 at the Sioux Empire Fairgrounds. Like Rocklahoma a couple years back, Dakota Rock Fest 2010 unfortunately had to battle with Mother Nature, and it ended up shortening the Friday night event to just two bands—Lita Ford and Bret Michaels. While the weather didn’t turn tornadic, it still put a bit of a damper on the event, considering one of the best new bands on the planet, Mama Kin, traveled from Sweden and didn’t get to show the crowd exactly why you need to be their biggest fan.
On Thursday night (which Hardrock Haven was unable to attend), promoters Leisinger Entertainment opened up the gates free of charge for past and current military personnel and their families. All you had to do have some sort of military ID, and you could have seen bands like Asphalt Valentine, Rock N’ Roll Damnation and one of the most talked about bands at festival, Hairball. The word on the street is that Hairball pulled out all the stops, went through extensive and believable costume changes, featured two lead singers who pulled off covers of Twisted Sister, KISS … and even Prince.
While the anticipation for Friday was sheerly about Lita and Bret, the bands Mama Kin, Attention and Far Cry planned on having their say as well. But the weather reports forced the promoters to put Lita on at 5:45 p.m., and Michaels at 7 p.m. While the promoters and all of the local radio stations made every effort (and then some) to get the word out, the venue was not as full as anyone would have expected when Lita tore things up. While Lita’s new album has taken some head for going in an industrial direction, you cannot deny her musical talent or refute that songs like “Close Your Eyes Forever” and “Kiss Me Deadly” have stood the test of time. Lita, who isn’t used to being the opening act for anyone, made it known she wasn’t thrilled playing so early, but that didn’t stop her from being a true professional. She had the crowd eating out of her hand, and her husband Jim Gillette even sang backing vocals the entire set. Gracious yet still full of snarky fire, Lita lived up to her name.
Bret Michaels, who is a nonstop touring machine and by now could do this in his sleep, unleashed his arsenal of Poison hits and some solo work to a crowd that seemingly can’t get enough of his music. He was the main headliner in 2009 and Dakota Rock Fest was fortunate to get him back considering the health woes Michaels has struggled with over the past year. The ultimate professional, Michaels closed the concert by making a few carpe diem comments—sometimes it’s just good to be alive, especially if you are Bret Michaels.
While the other bands were still holding out hope of playing after Bret Michaels, the minute Michaels left stage the venue announcement lightning, heavy winds and rainstorms are on the way, so everyone got the “you don’t have to go home, but you can’t stay here” send off. You couldn’t help but feel sympathy for Mama Kin, who were living the dream right up until the promoter told them of the lineup time change. Lead singer Ward said it best: “He’s Bret Michaels. I can’t tell him when he can or can’t play.” Far Cry, the talented band with powerhouse vocalist Mark Giovi, found a slot on Saturday so their trip to Sioux Falls was not for naught. Mama Kin had a show in Omaha the next day, though, so maybe next year …
Saturday rolled around, and the promoters switched around playing times again, trying to accommodate as much music as possible. By noon, the music started, and local Sioux Falls favorites Jukebox Zeroes were on by 12:45 p.m. In the past, Jukebox Zeroes offered mainly covers, but every single person in that band has been a staple of the Sioux Falls’ music scene for a couple decades, and they featured mainly originals for their set. Singer/keyboardist Amy Ellsworth is one of the best singers you have yet to hear (unless you have), and covers be damned … their original music rocked. Of course, the band is known for their Heart covers, so they ended it all with “Crazy on You.” Even when you come to expect greatness from them, they exceed expectations anyway.
Hardrock Haven’s own Derric Miller took the stage to announce Paisty Jenny. This was Paisty Jenny’s third time playing Dakota Rock Fest, and first time with new guitarist Stan Liberty, who adds a bit more Metal to the overall sound. Since the band has opened the event the past two years, this was their first chance to play before a larger afternoon crowd (and not hungover morning crowd). Paisty Jenny is now a well-oiled machine, driven by songwriter/singer/guitarist Gregg Lee’s snarling yet fiercely melodic anthems. Along with drummer Tye Lovette and bassist Gabe Matthews, Paisty Jenny once again proved they belong on stage with every single band before AND after them.
Tango Down and Far Cry, both Kivel Records recording acts, had their time in the increasingly blistering sun as well. Far Cry, who fortunately found a slot Saturday after the Friday bounce, opened with “We Rock” from Dio and never let up. If you haven’t seen or heard them yet, you are doing yourself a disservice. Tango Down had 50 percent different people than last year, and the big addition is David Reece (Bangalore Choir). Tango Down’s music becomes more serious and Classic sounding with Reece behind the mic. Former singers Phil Naro and Alex Barbieri both fronted the band at one time, but neither have the weight of Reece’s legacy behind him. In fact, two songs played weren’t even Tango Down songs—they played a Bangalore Choir and an Accept song instead, making Reece the focal point of the band.
Bombay Black, who has a new album out called Love You to Death on Triage Music, are simply one of the best sounding live acts around. What they create in the studio they can recreate perfectly on stage. Their aggression, their sense of humor, their huge vocal melodies and their limitless attitude come to sonic life when you see them live. Each member is an original personality in his own right, and together, Bombay Black just keeps getting better.
Ted Poley of Danger Danger (www.tedpoley.com) was one of the most anticipated musicians of the whole event. He hasn’t played anywhere around the Dakota Territories in far too long, and to finally hear the voice of Danger Danger live was more than worth the wait. To put it bluntly, Poley is the ultimate frontman. He works the crowd, he draws you in, he makes you smile and laugh while you are trying to sing along with hit after hit, and vocally, Poley tied for the best vocals of the entire festival. Unfortunately for Poley, he was so dedicated to giving the crowd everything he had, he forgot that it was now in the high ‘80s, the sun was blasting a black stage, he had holes in his jeans … and he kept sliding to his knees on this searing surface. After the show, once the adrenaline wore off, Poley realized he was the proud owner of some nasty second degree burns; he even pulled off a silver dollar sized fried piece of himself and flung it at one his prior label heads. 
He was even nice enough to send a picture of his fricasseed knees for your viewing pleasure. It was a coup for Dakota Rock Fest to get Poley to play in Sioux Falls. Poley’s band featured Vic Rivera (Adriangale, Poley Rivera) and some players from Far Cry, including guitarist Pete Fry who dexterously nailed his Andy Timmons solos.
Last year, Dakota Rock Fest dipped into the vault and brought April Wine to Sioux Falls. This year, their retrospective look included Axe and Molly Hatchet. Axe fared the better of the two, with their hit “Rock And Roll Party in the Streets.” Molly Hatchet even played a Skynyrd cover, for some reason.
Warrant — who has undergone singer changes from Jani Lane to Jaime St. James back to Jani Lane now to Robert Mason (Lynch Mob, Big C**k) — played right before closer Vince Neil. Warrant finally has a singer who can hit all the notes, recreate the past and help forge the band’s future. If you haven’t heard Mason live before, his immeasurable vocal talent and limitless energy has to be daunting for other singers to follow. You don’t want to be the person to follow Robert Mason, period. From “Cherry Pie” to “I Saw Red” to “Uncle Tom’s Cabin,” they played all their multi-platinum hits and everyone witnessed a rejuvenated and recharged Warrant steal the show.
With the “evolution” of Rocklahoma, who completely sold out to the Corporate Rock Gods, it seemed that Dakota Rock Fest had the opportunity to steal some of their thunder by featuring these still-relevant ‘80s acts. Would it have been a bigger draw for the promoters had Motley Crue, Poison and Danger Danger played? Yes, certainly. Dakota Rock Fest is extremely affordable compared to other festivals, but they may have to bite the bullet and pull in a band like Whitesnake next year if they want to keep making the festival bigger and more relevant (and make bank for their efforts). The promoters have updated and rearranged the festival every year and have proven they can adapt, so it should make next year’s Dakota Rock Fest even more interesting.
Online: www.dakotarockfest.com
Dakota Rock Fest 2010 Photo Gallery
Photos provided by John Kindred
Warrant LIVE!
July 16, 2010 at Wolf Den, Uncasville, CT.
by Deb Rao
Staff Writer
Warrant first burst onto the LA metal scene with Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinkin Rich. The band had a penchant for cranking out the Top 40 ballad hits “Heaven” and “I Saw Red” but also proved they could rock with the best of them with their mega rock hits “Cherry Pie”, and “Uncle Tom’s Cabin.”
During the heyday of MTV, Warrant ruled the video airwaves. I think it was every boys dream to date video vixen Bobby Brown. Over the course of the late 80′s and early 90′s, Warrant were at the top of their game. Selling out arenas, riding high on the Billboard Charts, and then came Grunge. Who could prepare for a whole generation of fans wearing flannel shirts and lyrics and bands like Nirvana singing about the perils of life? From one extreme to another, was metal dead?
During the dark age of metal, Warrant never gave up on their musical style. In 2004, Jani Lane left the band. Replacement singer former Black N’ Blue singer Jaime St. James came to the rescue and the band released Born Again in 2006. Jaime stayed with the band for 3 years until Jani re-joined for a short re-union in 2008. That was then and this is now. In 2008, former Lynch Mob singer Robert Mason joined Warrant and the rest is history! Finally the missing link to the puzzle was found. A band full of quality musicians waiting for the right break to regain their crown in metal.
Warrant featuring singer Robert Mason, Erik Turner, Jerry Dixon, Steven Sweet, and Joey Allen performed to a sold out crowd at the Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den on July 16. The 80′s metal revival is in full gear and Warrant is once again are garnering new fans as well the die-hard fans. I had the opportunity to talk with many fans at the concert in CT. Everyone agreed, new singer Robert Mason sounds amazing.
Opening with “Sure Feels Good”, Warrant took the audience down memory lane performing such hits as “Sometimes She Cries”, “Blind Faith”, and “The Downboys.” Guitarist Erik Turner shined and the rhythm section of bassist Jerry Dixon and Steven Sweet sounded very bluesy. The band has evolved so much since their heyday. They performed with a new found confidence. Singer Robert Mason did an excellent job on the ballads “Heaven”, and “I Saw Red.” For over an hour, Warrant fans were treated to the new version of Warrant. A band that has survived the odds, proving The Downboys still have a lot more music to write and perform with a whole new riveting attitude and vibe.
Guitarist Erik Turner informs us, “The new CD will be just some bad ass, killer no filler, kick ass Warrant rock and roll! We hope our fans will like it. We are working really hard and we all have all our influences in each of the songs. Nine songs have been demoed so far, in September we will be finishing a bunch more songs to be demoed as well, it’s a long process, but hopefully worth the wait.”
Iron Maiden & Dream Theater LIVE!
July 12, 2010 – Madison Square Garden, New York City, NY
by Joe Mis
Staff Writer
The mighty Iron Maiden machine rolled into New York City on its current Final Frontier World Tour and wowed a sold-out Madison Square Garden. The 35-year metal veterans brought Dream Theater (celebrating their 25th anniversary) along as the opening band, making for an awesome one-two punch from the kings of their respective genres. Both bands brought the best of their combined 60 years of experience and put on a show that will be long remembered.
Dream Theater hit the stage at 7:30 and began a solid hour-long, six-song set (yeah, thanks NYC for imposing an 11 p.m. concert curfew). James LaBrie and company were in top form and delivered a rousing and powerful set to an enthusiastic audience. On Maiden’s previous two U.S. tours, the opening acts, Bullet For My Valentine and Lauren Harris respectively, were, for the most part, ignored or had to put up with “Maiden! Maiden! Maiden!” chants during their sets, but NY-based Dream Theater hooked the crowd and kept most fans on their feet for the entire set.
Dream Theater did an abbreviated “best of” set, earning a huge crowd response to their finale, which truly was an awesome roar once the opening notes of “Pull Me Under” rang out. But “A Rite Of Passage” arguably was their best number of the night. James LaBrie’s voice was excellent, and he seemed very into the show. The rest of the band equally was enthusiastic. John Petrucci laid down his usual blazing solos and hooky rhythms, while John Myung’s amazing bass was clear throughout the set. Jordan Rudess did his usual fantastic job on the keys, even getting a chance to solo center stage and took the spotlight. Once again, drummer Mike Portnoy proved that he is the backbone of the band and is one of the finest rock drummers to ever pick up the sticks. He somehow manages to stay quiet and reserved while driving Dream Theater forward.
The only downsides of Dream Theater’s performance were simply the fact that they were limited by city’s curfew to a short set, and they also were playing in front of Maiden’s rather large stage setup, which left little room to move around.
There really is no doubt that Dream Theater deserves to be considered the finest progressive metal out there today – often imitated; but never equaled.
Dream Theater’s Set:
1. As I Am
2. A Rite Of Passage
3. Home
4. Constant Motion
5. Panic Attack
6. Pull Me Under
After a half hour break for the stage change, Maiden’s traditional pre-opening track of UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” hit the PA system, and everyone scurried back to their seats. A few moments later, the house lights went down, and Iron Maiden hit the stage. From start to finish, the Brits were tight and precise, giving the fans exactly what they wanted.
The stage setup was typical Iron Maiden; multiple platforms, fancy changing backdrop curtains and multicolored spots. All the varying levels gave Bruce Dickinson plenty of places to run and jump. Each guitarist also had plenty of space, and Nicko McBrain’s drum kit was buried in the pit in the center of the backdrop, as usual. For a bunch of older musicians, these guys somehow find it in themselves to perform with more energy and enthusiasm than other bands with members half their age. Janick Gers was doing his trademark odd gyrations as he played his rhythm lines. Steve Harris ran all over the stage with his bass and pogo’d through most of the set. Dave Murray and Adrian Smith showed that they still are the best guitar team out there today – you may find better individual guitarists, but there is no pairing out there that works better as a duo. And Nicko was Nicko – playing fabulous drums and injecting just the right amount of insanity and energy to all his work. Iron Maiden remains one of the best live acts in the music industry, no matter the genre.
Maiden’s set list spanned their later works, from Brave New World to their upcoming release The Final Frontier, with a few classics thrown in to please the older fan base. Opening on a high note with “The Wicker Man,” Maiden’s energy level consistently was powerful throughout the 16-song set. The highlights included “The Ghost Of The Navigator,” “These Colours Don’t Run” and a surprisingly lively rendition of “No More Lies.” The only song that didn’t have all fans singing along was “El Dorado” from the soon-to-be released The Final Frontier. But some in attendance knew the words from the free download that was provided by the band. In a very moving moment, the band dedicated “Blood Brothers” to the late Ronnie James Dio. The last five songs brought the house down, as they were all considered “classics” and the entire audience could sing along, with mascot Eddie making his appearance during “Iron Maiden”
Iron Maiden’s performance was flawless and enthusiastic, and the crowd ate it up. As usual for Maiden, the fans were raucous but respectful, lively and enthusiastic without being rowdy, and a good time was had by all.
Iron Maiden’s Set:
1. The Wicker Man
2. The Ghost Of The Navigator
3. Wrathchild
4. El Dorado
5. Dance Of Death
6. The Reincarnation Of Benjamin Breeg
7. These Colours Don’t Run
8. Blood Brothers
9. Wildest Dreams
10. No More Lies
11. Brave New World
12. Fear Of The Dark
13. Iron Maiden
14. The Number Of The Beast
15. Hallowed Be Thy Name
16. Running Free
A Brief Personal Reflection:
I grew up on the music of Iron Maiden.
I was in high school during the early years and in college when Somewhere In Time and Powerslave came out. I loved Iron Maiden’s music not only because it was good music, but also because it creeped out my parents and was a part of how I rebelled. I didn’t find the band until the fourth album, Piece Of Mind – and to this day, I find myself writing it that way in my non-music-related work instead of the proper “peace” of mind. I liked everything about the band, from the music and image to the cool Iron Maiden font to Derek Riggs’ fabulous album covers. I occasionally still find myself staring at all the details buried in the Somewhere In Time cover art, or making a list of the nicknames given to old IM producer Martin Birch. I waited for new albums at the record store and looked for their very cheesy videos on MTV when the “M” still stood for music.
I remember watching Dream Theater’s video for “Pull Me Under” when my daughter was an infant. It was all over MTV and helped us through many a late-night teething session.
Through all of that craziness and enthusiasm of those years, the one thing I never expected to do was to one day take my son to see Iron Maiden play, but now we’ve been to their last three U.S. tours together. My son just turned 18, and when we got the tickets for this tour he said, “Great – these are the Maiden songs that I grew up on.” He loves the classics (although, in his perception, anything recorded before 2000 is eligible to be a classic), but the newer of the albums are the ones he waited for in the store. Not only did I take my son to the show, but I also brought my wife and nephew and inducted them into the Iron Maiden family.
I’m obviously not the only one who feels this way. We saw many other families, and the crowd truly made it an all-ages show. There was a man in his late 40s brining his 10- to 11-year-old son (in a Maiden shirt) through the turnstiles and a few older guys sitting with what had to be there grandkids. What other bands really can pull this off? Scorpions, definitely, and Judas Priest to some extent, but nobody does it like Maiden.
Not only is this a tribute to the band’s longevity and tenacity, but also to their raw talent and love for making music. Dream Theater at 25 and Iron Maiden at 35; the numbers boggle the mind. Not only are the both bands still together – but also they have the same lineups. Unlike many of the other old-guard bands, both Dream Theater and Iron Maiden continue to record new music and are not rehashing the old material that made them famous. They are living, vital bands that are not resting on their laurels – and definitely not “has-beens” just out to make a buck.
So THANK YOU Dream Theater! THANK YOU Iron Maiden! Thank you not only for creating such amazing (and still growing) musical legacies, but also thank you for not selling out to the commercial forces out there and staying true to the musical styles you help create. Most of all though, thanks for the good memories from all those years ago and for giving me a chance create some new ones with my own family.
Up The Irons!
Lilith Fair Has Heart
July 15, 2010 at Sandstone Amphitheater, Bonner Springs, KS.
by Kathy Kindred
Staff Writer
Despite sluggish ticket sales, Lilith Fair 2010 has heart …
The Lilith Fair stop at the Kansas City’s area Capitol Federal Park at Sandstone Amphitheater included an empty lawn and half-filled seats. It has been no secret that the popular ‘90s tour has fizzled out with its 2010 return. Grammy Award-winner singer and songwriter and Lilith Fair co-founder Sarah McLachlan said that the 2010 tour already was in the making in early 2008, before the economy tanked. When lineups and tour dates were set, it was too late to adapt to the economic climate, she said. However, McLachlan confirmed a 2011 return of the Lilith Fair tour and said this year’s tour showed that “adjustments and streamlining” will be necessary for 2011.
At each tour stop, $1 of every ticket sold goes to a local women’s charity. Kansas City’s Hope House, which offers two residential shelters for domestic violence victims, was the area’s chosen charity. McLachlan presented a $4,000 check to Hope House CEO MaryAnne Metheny.
Lilith Fair Kansas City performers included Sarah Swenson, who was the local talent search winner, Julia Othmer, Jennifer Knapp, Kansas City-native group Vedera, Metric, Ingrid Michaelson, Court Yard Hounds, Emmylou Harris, Heart and Sarah McLachlan, who headlines at every tour stop.
For Hardrock Haven fans, Heart, clearly was the day’s highlight. Ann and Nancy Wilson kicked off their set with “Barracuda.” Ann’s voice hasn’t changed a bit since the sisters’ 1976 debut album Dreamboat Annie. If anything, her voice has improved with time, which was kind of surprising to many in attendance. She received a huge applause for belting it out. Nancy rocked on the guitar and was in perfect vocal and instrumental harmony with Ann. They played the hits “Straight On” and “Even It Up” before performing “WTF,” “Hey You” and “Red Velvet Car” from their new CD titled Red Velvet Car. The set concluded with the well-known songs, “Alone,” Magic Man” and “Crazy On You.” Heart’s encore, a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “What Is And What Should Never Be” left fans wanting more Rock and Roll and a standalone Heart tour. Props go to the Wilson sisters, who continue to rock and record.
Under a mystical blue light and sitting at the piano, Sarah McLachlan took the stage and, in a duet with Emmylou Harris, began with, perhaps, her most popular song, “Angel.” Crowd lighters quickly began shimmering. “Building A Mystery” brought fans to their feet, and the audience clearly could be heard singing along. McLachlan performed a new song, “Loving You Is Easy,” which is from her new CD, Laws of Illusion. “World On Fire” had fans swaying and dancing in the aisles, as did “I Will Remember You.” The other new songs from Laws of Illusion included “Forgiveness” and “Out Of Tune,” both of which received a warm and welcoming audience response. McLachlan concluded her set with “Sweet Surrender” and “Possession.” Her encore was the light and up-beat “Ice Cream.” The Lilith Fair finale showcased McLachlan with the day’s previous female artists as they joined in performing the Patti Smith and Bruce Springteen song “Because The Night.”
Lilith Fair 2010 isn’t a sell-out tour, but it provides a day in which women in music is celebrated. Ann Wilson said it best: “We don’t stand on gender, alone. But we’re happy we were able to kick open some doors for other female artists.” Let’s hope the 2011 Lilith returns to bigger crowds and more fans.
Lilith Fair: Heart Photo Gallery
Soilwork LIVE!
July 17, 2010 by Publisher
July 15, 2010 at Trocadero Theatre, London, Philadelphia PA
by Steve Trager
Staff Writer
On the second night of Soilwork’s “Panic Over North America Tour “which touched down in Philadelphia at the Trocadero Theatre, it seemed to be nothing short of greatness. It has been quite a while for this amazing band to hit American soil once again, and their power-packed show leaves you nothing short of breathless as a music fan who, enjoys Swedish Metal fast and extremely furious. Even with a new axe man at hand and Peter back into the fold, Soilwork never sounded better. In fact this was one of the greatest touring packages comprised of three Nuclear Blast Bands along with Mutiny Within, who seem to be the hardest working young band on the road with every major tour in the last several months.
This tour seemed to be nothing short of great with Swashbuckle opening the show with just under twenty minutes to get the fans going. An odd band from the shores of New Jersey, who entertained the fans with their quirky tunes and pirate outfits, makes you think you’re at some Halloween party. However, they still know how to kick it into high gear.
Nothing is greater than short set changes and right back to the fist pumping music with Mutiny Within who, still for only twenty minutes, played a great set with just five songs. This band not only showcases their drive as a young eager six piece outfit, Mutiny’s live show is nothing short of greatness as they performed songs from their debut release chock full of melodic metal.
Sharing the stage at the Trocadero Theatre on this super tour package Canada ‘s own Augury, another great Nuclear Blast band who stepped forward and ripped into some great death metal. Still, with only twenty minutes, it doesn’t give you much time to get into it. However, fans still enjoyed a great set.
Nuclear Blast has some great bands under their wings and this next band certainly needs no plug. It’s been more than 20 years Death Angel has been playing and recording. Not sure if this is the same line up as in the early ‘90s, but rest assured Death Angel never sounded better with their brand of pure Thrash Metal. It often reminds me of the early days when Thrash Metal reigned over the land with some great bands, pure and simple yet unique. Their live show brings back memories when I first seen this band with Forbidden; same place but different era in music. Nothing like sweating it out while watching these guys performs some great songs from their back catalog.
The night got even better with 90 of pure Swedish metal from Soilwork, who never sounded more tighter as a live band than they did on this momentous tour, featuring their new guitarist along with axe man Peter who, certainly give this band a nice blend of backing vocals and blistering solos, complete with Bjorn at the helm rounding out Soilwork’s quest to kick your ass as a live touring band. Seem so long since this band touched down on American soil yet since a short hiatus Soilwork makes a serious comeback in 2010 with Panic Broadcast. A new blend of speed and flawless vocals that we have come to expect only from Soilwork.
Soilwork Set list:
Late For The Kill, Early For The Slaughter
The Chainheart Machine
Night Comes Clean
Rejection Role
Overload
Neurotica Rampage
The Flameout
Natural Born Chaos
Deliverance Is Mine
Follow the Hollow
Nerve
Stabbing the Drama
20 More Miles
As We Speak
The Crestfallen
Two Lives Worth of Reckoning
Let This River Flow
Soilwork Photo Gallery
Uriah Heep LIVE!
June 26, 2010 at Ameristar Casino, Kansas City, MO.
by Mike Allen
Guest Staff Writer
Uriah Heep absolutely rocked the small crowd of Heepsters at Ameristar Casino. Although the crowd was small, probably somewhere in the ballpark of 900 people, it seemed the crowd mostly included “Heepsters,” a term given to only hardcore fans of Uriah Heep.
They put on a very nostalgic show, one that really took this writer by surprise. Having seen Uriah Heep in the ‘80s, when the production was completely different and they didn’t pay much tribute to their roots, the Hammond B3 had been replaced with synth sounds, and it was more based on anthem rock at that time.
Heep wasted no time in defining the show right out of the shoot with the opening track, “Wake The Sleeper,” which was hard rocking, with tons of B3 and a very unmistakable punch. Mick Box, lead-guitarist and the only original member of the band, was working his mystical magic on guitar with hard-driving tones, lots of wah wah and a flat out a very cool Jimi Hendrix-like stage presence. The man plays with such intensity, and he moves as though he and his guitar are one. Keyboardist Phil Lanzon is amazing.
If you’ve followed Uriah Heep over time, Ken Hensley is their original B3 player who really defined the Heep power rock sound with a distorted, Deep Purple-sounding style. Phil Lanzon was all over it during this show; an absolute wizard.
Lead-Vocalist Bernie Shaw, who has been with the band for more than 20 years now, sounds hauntingly like their original vocalist David Byron. He has a unique voice that has a very ‘70s-ish sound with range, vibrato and flare.
This wasn’t a boxed up package of a show. This was full-bore Uriah Heep in every sense of the word. Based off of the crowd’s response, Uriah Heep remains loyal to their fan base, while rocking just hard enough to keep even the unfamiliar fans on their feet and pumping their fists. Two thumbs up for rockin’ a small crowd and remaining true to their roots.
Set List:
Wake The Sleeper
Return To Fantasy
Only Human
Book Of Lies
Bird Of Prey
Corridors of Madness
Stealin
Love In Silence
Rain
Wizard
Sunrise
Fee An’ Easy
Gypsy
Angels Walk Without You
July Morning
Easy Livin
Lady In Black
