Live Shows Part 3 and some other stuff...

Okay, here is part three.  I added some other observations at the bottom.
Here was Part 1
Here was Part 2

Wave 3

Acid Mothers Temple – October 18, 2024  Alchemy (1^st time)
Interesting, 3 of my favorite shows of the year were at this venue.  There are many factors that add to seeing a show there.  Free and easy parking, not being too long of a drive (I did all three of these shows solo) and the ability to get as close as you can to the stage.  Like all other bands at least 2 members seem to be around the merch pre show, and all go there post show.  Acid Mothers Temple is a band that I have been chasing for YEARS.  They delivered such a sonic/psychedelic show.  My goodness, please come back.

Show Highlight(s): Just the fact these guys are such legends (to me) have killer merch and just were everything I hoped for.  I really hope they come back again.
Set list that night: here
Artist Website: bandcamp page
Cool Clip: Pink Lady Lemonade

 

Slift  October 23, 2024  Brighton Music Hall  (1^st time)
Keeping with the loud and psychedelic Slift blew the doors off the place.  What a great show.  The fact these guys really don’t engage the audience is kinda cool.  Odd how sometimes you want that, other times you don’t.

Show Highlight(s): Lions and Tigers and Bears
Set list that night: here
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip: For a few weeks this session kept being fed to me on YouTube.  One day a clicked  So happy I did.

 

Sturgill Simpson November 24, 2024  MGM Music Hall 
Ummm yeah. 3hrs no encore, some crazy good covers.  Sturgill is an amazing guitarist.  Another “yeah this is a top 5 show of the year”.  He continues to grow on me and I am “getting” it more and more with each listen.  Immense talent that really can’t be missed

Show Highlight(s): The fact he played for over 3 hours just about non stop.  The “oddball” covers that seemed to work.
Set list that night: here
Artist Website: here 
Cool Clip: A few songs from the show I was at

 

Caspian November 29, 2024  Cabot Theater Beverly MA

Show Highlight(s): Treat every one of their shows as a gift.  So few bands compare to them live.  I did a review of the show you can check out
Set list that night: here
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip: Someone recorded the whole show

The Jesus Lizard – December 13, 2024  Roadrunner Boston
If you were ever to take someone to a rock show that had never been to one, this would the band to see.  For me it’s what a rock show should be.  Loud, rowdy and just electric.  No frills, just four guys bringing the heat.  David Yow was in the audience from the opening notes and he returned a few times.  The band is tight and you get what you get.  If it was your first rock concert ever, you saw one for the ages.

Show Highlight(s):  David Yow with his quirky “Hello..insert wrong city here..” Also his efforts to continually connect with the audience.
Setlist that night: here
Artist Website: (label) website here
Cool Clip: Long friend BH from Ash Grey Proclamation recorded this

Random notes:
Weirdest show – Pentagram String Band  feel free to ask me about it.  I'd see them again, but it was a total whim for me.
Coolest Venue – A friends home for Honeysuckle

Legends I saw in 2024 – Rolling Stones (my first time) and Iron Maiden and I guess you can add Pearl Jam too.  All three were good, fun and entertaining.

I also need to toss in “Dead Letter Office” an REM tribute band that played at the Met in Pawtucket (8/17/24) 35 song set, no opener a short set break.  Just an absolute blast of a show and I realized how much REM music is and was a part of my musical identity.

There you have it.  Thanks for reading

Live shows Part 2

 Part 2

Fantastic Cat – June 27 The Met Pawtucket RI (1^st time)
I need to admit this is was of the top five shows of the year.  I had read about these guys, poked around a little and fell in love with their cover of Warren Zevon’s “Keep me in your Heart”.  They were so so fun, funny, and great to watch.  I got the cover too (and others).  They played again in MA a few weeks ago and I just couldn’t swing it.  I know I’ll kick myself, but this setting was so very perfect for this show.  Please watch/listen: Keep My In Your Heart and or Band on The Run.  Just the fact their debut album is called "The Very Best of Fantastic Cat" gives you an idea.

Show Highlight(s):The stage banter, their merch booth with a countdown clock to them being eligible for the Rock and Roll Hall of fame and of course that version of “Keep Me In Your Heart”
Set list that night here 
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip:  See the clips above.

 

The Atomic Bitchwax  Alchemy Providence(1^st time)
Three guys. Orange Amps and no frills rock and roll.  Ripping show/set.  Favorite part of this show, with all due respect to the band, was not about what happened on stage.  The venue has a low stage and there was a Dad and his son.  The son was maybe 12?  He stood right front/center and RAGED the whole show.  He knew the words and was getting hi-fives from everyone.  He got a set list and picks.  Talk about memories being made and a fan for life.  They are killer live.  They basically did this set verbatim. It was released on physical media and is/was probably my most played cd when I was out in the convertible this summer.  Great “road rock”.

Show Highlight(s):  I think it will forever be the little kid.
Set list that night: here
Artist Website is here
Cool Clip:  Someone recorded the show!

 

Goose September 2, 2024  MGM Fenway
This band is just going to get bigger.  Mark my words.  Your kid brother/sister are gonna pass you on this one.  Get in while the getting’ is good.  They are a talented group of performers.
This is a clip from Philadelphia in June of 2024.  The track is Tumble  and it rules.  I had hoped they’d play if for us in Boston…and they did.  It too was awesome.  This is a song I’d send to anyone that is wondering what Goose is all about.  If you get a little impatient scroll to about the 16-minute mark, turn it up and sit back.  Seriously…either you are gonna get it, or you are not going to get it.  It’s okay if you don’t get it, but your wrong. (I kid)

Show Highlight(s): The fact they played Tumble and honestly, its about to get huge.
Set list that night: here
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip:  Its above…

 

Peter Hook September 3, 2024  Paradise.
Saw him a few years ago in the same venue.  Knocked my socks off.  I mean who the hell needs New Order?  Performed both Joy Division AND New Order Substance albums IN FULL?  Screw the stand around New Order blokes and stick with this. 

Show Highlight(s): The fact he brings it, every single show.  Marches around the stage, tells stories and just is a pro.  So worth your time and money.
Set list that night: here
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip:  Live version of Love Will Tear Us Apart that is spectacular

 

James/Johnny Marr October 10, 2024  Orpheum Theater.
Johnny Marr is like Peter Hook.  WHO NEEDS THE OTHER FOLKS?  Marr is going to give you a few Smiths tunes to tease you enough but he just seems to enjoy being up there performing.  James is such a crazy underrated band in the US both in studio and live.  It seems like its been ages since they’ve toured the US.  I’d see either of these bands on their own, but put em together and don’t skimp on set length…take my money.

Show Highlight(s): Although they didn't play together it was such as solid night of music.  Tim Booth in the audience, the trumpet player in the balcony.  Marr just dishing out those "riffs".  It was so worth the time.  Marr is fast becoming a "can't miss" show for me and James always has been.
Set list that night:  James and Marr
Artist Websites: James  Johnny Marr 
Cool Clip:  My buddy Steve recorded a few of the tunes from both, check out one clip and you can view others.  Here is How Soon is Now

If you are curious Part 1

A record year of Live Shows. Part 1

I set a new record for myself….at the start of the year I never thought I’d hit FORTY TWO (42) live shows this year.  For some it pales in comparison, for others its 42 more than they saw..i realize that.

I saw a lot of diverse acts but decided to share my favorite shows of the year.  I might at the end disclose the top 2-3 here they are in order only based off the month/date they occurred.  The cool part…EIGHT of them were seeing them for the first time.

1. U2 at (the)Sphere in Las Vegas.  A few months before this show went down, I looked in to it and could have got tickets but then wrestled with the “who will go, who will spend this $$, who will travel etc”.  A few weeks later I got a text from my oldest brother with simply “Pack your bags and figure it out”.  It was spectacular.  What an “experience”.  I was hardly in Vegas (few on a Friday evening, in uber back to airport Sunday at 730am Vegas time).  A friend went a few weeks before I went and wrote the line that I’ve stolen since “I hope your favorite band plays there”.  If you get a chance to go, it really is unlike anything I’ve ever experienced live.  The videos etc. hardly do it justice.  Figure out a way, and go.

Show Highlight(s) – the whole experience really
Set list that night:here
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip:With or Without You Live

2. The English Beat at the Met in Pawtucket April 4, 2024
I went to this show solo and stood at the side of the stage.  Very fun and tight band, Dave wearing loafers on stage just smiling ear to ear.  Hopefully we left an impression for them to come back.  Its always a walk down memory lane with them and its impossible to leave a show without having a smile on your face.
Show Highlight(s): Just the sheer joy of Dave's face really
Set list that night:here
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip: Fan shot live clip

3. The New Mastersounds at Sinclair April 10, 2024 (1^st time)
I’ve been chasing this band for years it seems and finally saw them.  File them under can’t miss/won’t miss.  I knew I wanted to see them, glad I did and hopefully have fixed my missing em again issue.  Incredibly tight band. Fun to watch perform even though its not like they are bounding around the stage.  They find the groove, lock it down and get to it. 

Show Highlight(s): This was a bucket list show for me.  Meeting them in lobby was also a plus.
Set list that night:here
Artist Website:here
Cool Clip: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUlq2zGSWHw&t=1324s

4. Swans at the Paradise May 14, 2024 (1^st time)

It was a packed Paradise, and I was off to the side.  I had read and heard of their live shows.  Michael Gira does sit for the shows but don’t let that fool you with what assault your ears will then be released to/with.  Six songs, but over two hours of music.  Swans can be a challenging listen and at times it was, but I also left feeling I had seen something really special and that doesn’t happen a ton.

Show Highlights: really one of those things you need to experience.  In reading I am not alone with that thought.
Set list that night: here
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip: Full show from the Paradise

5. King Buffalo May 18, 2024 at the Middle East (Downstairs)

Huge huge HUGE fan of these guys.  They were part of a “festival” which kept their set to about 60 minutes, but they continue to be accessible to fans before and after the show.  I decided to brave it and head to about 3^rd person off the stage for most of the show (being tall I always feel bad, I really do).  I moved back.

Show Highlight(s): They were part of a "Festival" and how casual they were just hanging out before, then giving a killer live set.
Set list that night:here
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip: Clip from the show

6. A Place to Bury Strangers -May 29^th Alchemy Providence (1^st time)

Ho-lee smokes.  This was an undersold show.  Terrible for a band to come back perhaps but a huge win for the few that showed up.  They have long been heralded as “New York City’s Loudest band”.  They were freaking loud. The the jam in the center of the room made the evening even more special.  I 100% want to see them again.

Show Highlight(s): The on the floor jam.
Set list that night:here
Artist Website: here
Cool Clip: a live show that is awesome

Part 2 is here

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?