Caspian - November 29, 2024 Beverly MA

 

Caspian
The Cabot, Beverly MA
Friday, November 29, 2024

Twenty years.

That is an impressive number. Especially when you are speaking of a band touring, recording, and performing. Adding a bit to this a genre that might not be commonly known. Those that are in the know, know that Caspian are, or should be, on the Mount Rushmore of post rock/instrumental bands.

The band announced they wanted to do a hometown 20 th anniversary show and it was held just this past weekend and for those that were in attendance, we all had many “moments”.

Fire Made Flesh began the evening of music, and we knew it was going to be special. Token “front man” Phil Jamieson welcomed us all and talked about how it was going to be an evening to celebrate and then launched in to “Of Foam and Wave”. A song they seemed to have put on the back burner for a little bit would be a fun trend for the evening. The song also had guitarist Jonny Ashburn and bassist Jani Zubkovs getting (and staying) wildly animated.

With the stage still dark an figure appeared to our right, it was Erin Burke Moran! The guitarist had left the band a few years earlier but was there tonight. They played a great version of RIoseco. It was nice to see Erin back on stage and the yelps from the audience and hugs on the stage resonated. Brombie followed and then we got yet another surprise. Behind the drum kit after 8 years (?!) was Joe Vickers.The band played a real rarity in “Loft”. Jamieson noted it was one of the fist songs they ever recorded and they are sure they played at their first show (in Beverly no less) 20 years prior. Vickers did not disappoint and seemed thrilled to be back behind the kit.

Gone in Bloom and Bough has taken a new approach at local shows since their show with the Orchestra a few years ago. Joe Arruda came out to play tenor saxophone through the last 1/3 of the song. It has grown more on me with each listen and its getting to be a really special moment to see and hear it in this form.

Enough funny business here comes “Arcs of Command”. A banger of bangers. The lights, the chaos, the guitars….its always something to behold.

We had to come down some after that and the band packed a huge gut punch when guitarist Calvin Joss took as seat, grabbed and acoustic guitar and performed CMF. CMF is the initials of former bassist Chris Friedrich. Friedrich passed suddenly back I 2013. In honor of Chris one of his bass guitars had a spotlight shone on it. It may have gotten dusty and after a few minutes the talkers seemed to realize something special was happening. Joss was able to perform the latter part of the song in silence.

The band returned for “Collapser” and then “Ghosts of the Garden City” (always a favorite) and when you hear the glockenspiel you know its about to get awesome. The transition to Flowers of the Light, from the bands most recent studio album “On Circles” was great to hear. Joss plays mandolin on this, but they resorted to a recorded track. Would have been cool to have Erin back to play, but we got him back soon enough as the band ended their main set with a long time closer “Sycamore”. If you’ve ever seen the band live you know when a show ends with this, it means business. The band actually stopped doing this as the closer, but it seems to be “back” and I think many are happy with that. The song ends with what is easiest to describe as a drum circle. Jon McMahon who toured with the band was on guitar behind Joss, Vickers and Burke Moran also came on stage for the “circle” the song builds and all members ditch their instruments to head to the drum kit for a bash session. It ends on the highest of high “THUMPS” and we, the audience exhale all at once. Its never ever not so totally worth it.

The band left the stage but came back for what replaced that “closer” for a number of years, “Castles High, Marble Bright. This for me, is their opus. I adore this song. Its got everything I love about the band and I love how it makes ME feel. It captures everything. I hope they never ever stop playing this live and it’s a perfect closer, even after the chaos of Sycamore.

Lights up, about 4 minutes short of 120 minutes run time. The audience filed out the exit and many, like me, wonder what is next?

One thing is for sure, we hope to be doing this again in 20 years!

Made some stickers to celebrate the event and handed out where I saw fit.  If you need one reach out!

Here is an image that Phil posted to his social that seems to sum it up:

You can see the full set list here
Check out the bands website

Cheap Trick - Saturday August 3, 2024

Cheap Trick
Saturday, August 3, 2024
MGM Fenway, Boston MA    
No opener

I will get up a picture too...

The iconic American rock band Cheap Trick brought their legendary energy and timeless hits to the MGM Fenway in Boston on Saturday night, August 3, 2024. One of the newer venues in the shadows of Fenway Park was pretty darn full considering this band seems to never stop touring. 

From the moment Cheap Trick took the stage, it was clear that the band was ready to deliver an unforgettable show. Rick Nielsen, ever the charismatic showman, dazzled the audience with his trademark guitar riffs and eccentric collection of guitars. His playful banter and infectious enthusiasm set the tone for a night that was both celebratory and electric.

The setlist was a dream come true for longtime fans. The show kicked off with the classic opener "Hello There," immediately launching the crowd into a frenzy. Hits like "Surrender," "I Want You to Want Me," and "Dream Police" were met with roaring applause, and it was evident that every note was being savored by the enthusiastic crowd. Nielsen's guitar solos were as sharp as ever, and the chemistry between him and the rest of the band was palpable.

Zander's vocals were nothing short of stellar. Despite the passage of decades, his voice retains its youthful vigor and clarity, perfectly capturing the spirit of the band's classic hits. The crowd sang along with every word, creating a communal experience that was both nostalgic and exhilarating. Tom Petersson's bass work, especially on tracks like "California Man," provided a solid foundation for the band's dynamic performance, while Daxx Nielsen (son of Rick)drumming kept the energy high and the rhythms tight.

One of the standout moments of the evening was a medley of deeper cuts and fan favorites that showcased the band's extensive catalog. The transitions between songs were seamless, and the energy never waned. The band's ability to balance their well-known hits with lesser-known gems was a testament to their deep connection with their music and their audience.

Visually, the show was a feast for the eyes. The stage setup featured vibrant, retro-inspired visuals that complemented the band's playful aesthetic. From the flashing lights to the bold graphics, the production added an extra layer of excitement to the performance without overshadowing the music.

As the night drew to a close, Cheap Trick treated the audience to an encore that included a rousing rendition of "Surrender," leaving the crowd buzzing and satisfied. It was clear that the band not only embraced their role as rock legends but also understood how to keep their performances fresh and engaging.

Overall, Cheap Trick's concert at MGM Fenway was a triumph. The band's ability to stay relevant while honoring their past made for an unforgettable evening. Fans left with a renewed appreciation for the enduring power of classic rock and a reminder that Cheap Trick remains at the top of their game, delivering joy and excitement to old and new fans alike.

Full Set:

Hello There
Big Eyes
She's Tight
California Man (The Move, cover)
On Top of the World
High Roller
Southern Girls*
Ain't that a Shame (Fats Domino cover)
Boys & Girls & Rock n Roll
He's a Whore
Baby Loves to Rock **
Need Your Love
Bass Solo
I Know What I Want.
It all comes back to you (Snippet)
The Flame
I Want you to Want Me
Dream Police
Encore
Clock Strikes Ten
Surrender
Good Night

* Kirk Hammett of Metallica was in attendance.  Shout out given.  End of show he was seen with Nielsens' guitar.
** Lead vocals by Gary Cherone of Extreme

A Place to Bury Strangers - Alchemy Providence

A Place to Bury Strangers
Alchemy, Providence Rhode Island
May 29, 2024
(pictures by me)

In a whirlwind of sonic intensity and raw emotion, A Place to Bury Strangers delivered a concert experience that was as mesmerizing as it was electrifying. Taking the stage at Alchemy, the Brooklyn-based trio unleashed a torrent of noise that enveloped the audience in a sonic maelstrom from the first chord to the last.

As the lights dimmed and the ominous hum of feedback filled the air, anticipation reached a fever pitch. Then, with explosive force, A Place to Bury Strangers erupted into their set, opening with "Disgust" plunging the crowd into a sonic abyss of shoegaze, post-punk, and noise rock.

Each member of the band brought a relentless energy and passion to their performance. Ackermann's guitar work was nothing short of mesmerizing, as he conjured an array of otherworldly sounds from his instrument, bending and distorting notes with ferocious intensity.

Songs like "Hold on Tight", "Keep Slipping Away" and "Ocean" (with Jay Space on drums) reverberated through the venue with an almost physical force, their pulsating rhythms and swirling layers of noise washing over the audience in waves.

But it wasn't just the music that captivated the crowd; it was the palpable sense of connection and catharsis that permeated the atmosphere. With each deafening crescendo and cathartic release, A Place to Bury Strangers seemed to tap into something primal and transcendent, uniting the audience in a shared experience of sonic immersion.

As the final notes faded into the ether, leaving nothing but ringing ears and racing hearts in their wake, it was clear that A Place to Bury Strangers had delivered a performance for the ages. With their uncompromising vision and boundless creativity, they proved once again why they're one of the most exhilarating live bands in the world today.

Setlist:
Disgust
Hold on Tight
You Are the One
Keep Slipping Away
Dragged in a Hole
Bad Idea
Jam
End of the Night
Ocean (w/Jay Space on drums)
Lived my Life in the Shadow of your Heart
Have you Ever Been in Love?

Some additional images from me....

1. 
   

Tickets..who has tickets?

 Last year I set a personal record for most shows in a single year (28).  Odd # and odd goal, but I did it.  The interesting thing, as of this note I am ahead of where I was last year at this time.  New record? Records are made to be broken right?

September....already booking shows

 I realize bands tour, year round and thankfully I am in an area where most bands do tend to visit.

September in these parts is heating up.  I already have tickets for Peter Hook and the Light at the start of the month and Pearl Jam mid month.  Recently added over the last few days include PJ Harvey as well as a co-bill featuring The National with The War on Drugs

More to come I'll bet....

A very quick rant...

Recently an acquaintance posted on social media that their birthday was coming up.  In order to "make it the best one yet" the person posted their Venmo and other cash app names/links.

Is that tacky or is that me?

"Hey I can't see you....but send me money anyway!"

U2 - Live from Las Vegas Saturday January 27, 2024

U2
The Sphere, Las Vegas, NV
Saturday, January 27, 2024

Note: Show #2 of second wave or residency.

For the full setlist you can check here

There is part of me that wants to write and write, but I don't think even the best writer could do this experience must justice.  You really do need to see something there to "get it".

U2 has been doing a 30th anniversary for Achtung Baby at the venue and yes, they did play the album in full but broke it in to two sections.  The first section ran from "Zoo Station" to "Trying to Throw Your Arms Around the World".

At that point the band went to the "turntable" set.  This seems to run 4-5 songs on average and its really the spot where the setlist can be altered.  There is a lot that is set to the backdrop of the sphere so you get used to it.  On this night we had four songs.  "All I Want is You" still is a great live song, and the crowd singing at the end can bring chills.  A quick run through "Desire" was all fine and good.  Not a song I haven't heard before.  That lead to "Two new to me" songs.  The band played the b-side The Sweetest Thing (its a b-side to Where the Streets Have No Name if you were curious).  I cant recall ever hearing the song live.  Bono was fun and decided to play the keyboards as well. Then we got a cover of Don't Dream It's Over that was originally done by Crowded House  It was a pretty version with just Bono and Edge.

The full band returned for the last four songs on Achtung. 

Then we had the encore of six tunes.  Elevation was great and that went in to the bands newest song Atomic City  If you were not in to the visuals by this point you were thrown in to it full bore.  Feel free to poke around the internet to watch stuff (honestly thanks to the people that recorded but the people singing loudly and off key makes any footage I've seen tough to watch).  Streets and With or With Out You were remarkable.  During WoWoY I had that "moment".  I suddenly got it...all of it.  I wasn't tired, I wasn't scared, or sad...I just "was" and it was so perfect.  One of the most powerful few minutes of my live music journey.

Ended with Beautiful Day and I was really in no hurry to leave.  The venue wasn't pushing us out so we hung a little longer.

A friend wrote "I hope your favorite band plays the Sphere so you can experience this".  100% accurate.