Stereophonics Sheraton Hotel Beach Resort Doha, Qatar Nov 10, 2015 .... not a huge fan, but hey - it's a rock concert in Qatar! Beggars can't be choosy.....
Sufjan Stevens 10 November 2015 Alabama Theatre Birmingham, AL Finally got to see Sufjan. He's been on my "to see" list for a decade and I've never been able to make it work before so this was a real thrill for me. Was everything I was hoping for and more. Was really pleased with how much he switched stuff up from the album and how there was a even a bit of improv. I had set a high bar, but he leaped over it with ease.
Fuzz 11 November 2015 The Earl Atlanta, Georgia Fuzz is a side project of Ty Segall, but he plays drums in Fuzz instead of guitar. Way heavier than the Ty Segall solo material (which is awesome.) I probably like Ty's stuff a bit better, but this was a really fun, sold out show.
Mötley Crüe Du Arena, Yas Island Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates So after over a year without a single gig, what's this - two shows in 10 days? After Stereophonics last week, now we get Mötley Crüe in Abu Dhabi with what actually turned out to be their last ever show outside of North America. Wasn't well attended so that was actually kind of cool as we got the full show in an almost intimate club-like atmosphere. Was sweet but short, with the show hardly breaking the 90 minute mark.
The Smithereens February 5, 2016 State Theatre Falls Church, VA They played their first album in its entirety and then went on with a set that lasted three hours. I don't even think I ever saw the Allman Brothers play that long. Nevertheless, it was a really good time. I was curious how Pat DiNizio was going to play guitar considering he really messed up his arm in an accident last year. Well, he's only singing now and they've brought on a keyboard player to fill in the sound. In fact, DiNizio's right arm hung limply by his side the entire show. I'm not even sure he can move the fingers on that hand.
The Who Tal Wilkenfeld March 24, 2016 Verizon Center Washington, DC I bought this ticket 17 months ago. I misread the concert date and thought the show was ten days away when it was really a year and 10 days away. Daltrey then got viral meningitis which postponed the show from November, 2015 to tonight. Wilkenfeld has the looks, instrumental talent, and voice to be a big star. However, her band's material didn't blow me away, although I did like some of the songs she played later in the set. If I sat down with one of her albums I might like it more after a few listens. The last time I saw the Who, John Entwistle was still alive so I was a bit hesitant to see them down to only Roger and Pete. The show started off okay, certainly not as good as some recent McCartney shows I've seen, but then about halfway through it things really started to kick in. Roger sounded great. Pete did not; he had laryngitis, but it didn't really detract from his performance and I think the crowd appreciated that he was trying. Zak Starkey really fills in well for Keith Moon, too. Entwistle was missed, of course, but the only thing lacking to me was the volume of the guitars. I suspect Townshend has little interest in destroying what is left of his hearing just to satisfy me, though.
Chris Isaak May 9, 2016 The Birchmere Alexandria, VA I hadn't seen him in years, but this intimate venue really complements the sound of his ballads.
Can someone here tell be about Buckethead? He's coming to town this weekend; I've heard of him but never seen him. I'll probably be going alone; is he worth a ticket?
He's a technical guitar wizard in a Joe Satriani/Steve Vai vein but wacky like a Bootsy Collins or Frank Zappa without the politics. So expect plenty of shredz with humor. I think at one point he was the replacement guitar player for Slash in some incarnation of Guns N Roses.
I haven't listened to any of his music in about 20 years. I remember him as being very, very skilled back then.
Well, I went to Buckethead; glad I did. Unbelievable. I'd go again. It was a small venue; holds maybe 1000, nearly all standing. I was about two rows from the stage.
Dave Alvin Club Passim Cambridge Mass June 4 The long time Blasters guitarist and sometime X man was in great form.
Wow, Club Passim (if they're still in the same place I used to go to ~16 years ago) is a fantastic venue to see anyone; I have to believe Dave Alvin was great there.
Bear? I used to go to open mics there on occasion; and took guitar lessons upstairs. I have fond memories of the place.
A what a difference one letter can make. The place has been a music venue for more than fifty years, but only in the last five or so did they get a liquor license.
Gordon Lightfoot: Not the best picture, but I had to sneak a few quick shots since we weren't allowed to take pics.
Sooooo, looks like I'm the only one doing concerts (kids today)......cool. Touring together: Rev Horton Heat Unknown Hinson Lincoln Durham Koffin Kats 20160629_210332_00-5.jpg
Nothing / Culture Abuse / Wrong 01 July 2016 The Masquerade Atlanta, Georgia Had never heard either of the two openers before. Wrong was really good even if they did just sound like Strap It On era Helmet. Culture Abuse wasn't anything I'll ever seek out to listen to probably, but they were entertaining enough. Nothing was, due to no fault of their own, a pretty big let down. I'd seen them before and they were truly stellar, but their lead singer/guitarist/songwriter/bandleader Domenic Palermo got horrific food poisoning before the show and the apparently decided to try to plow on as a three piece with the other guitarist handling lead vocal duties, but a different singer and down and instrument the lack of Palermo's presence was super apparent. The other guys made a valiant effort to carry on without him, but it's Palermo's baby and his absence was too much to overcome. They threw in the towel after about 6-7 songs. Normally I'd take this right in stride, but I drove 2.5 hours to see it so it was a bummer. I'm glad I got to see something rather than unnecessarily make a trip over for a cancellation, but it was less than ideal.