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....

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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.

Post Festivcal 2024

 Let this soak in....

Ho-lee....