“94.1 The Zone’s Presents: Rover’s Holiday Hangover”
Everlast, New Found Glory, Four Year Strong, Young Bloods, Velvet Elvis, Falling Forward
Date: Saturday, January 21^st 2012
Venue: Main St. Armory, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

January 21^st saw the arrival of Rover’s Holiday Hangover featuring Everlast and New Found Glory. The concert was put on by 94.1 The Zone which is one of Rochester NY’s most listened to stations. Like most radio sponsored events the musical line up was somewhat diverse and at times questionable in my opinion however each band put on solid performances for the near capacity crowd.

The Webster, NY based band Falling Forward kicked off the show playing their own blend of melodic infused metal which received a favorable welcome from those who showed up early for the show. Velvet Elvis followed and performed a drawn out set of what I would describe as sludge rock. The band had a couple moments where I questioned if they were at the level to play on such a bill. Clearly stopping their drummer to restart songs is not a plus in my book. The crowd responded to the band with a somewhat lack luster applaud as the band left the stage almost 40 minutes later. Home town favorites Young Bloods took to the stage next and worked the packed hall back into a frenzy that was complete with dozens of flying glowing sticks which were given out by the band prior to the start of their set.

Next to take the stage was thought to be Four Year Strong however due to an illness in the band only two members were able to perform. Prior to the start of their set it was announced that this would be the first time ever that people were going to hear some of their songs performed acoustically. The crowd seemed very thankful that even though the entire band was not present they still cared enough to come out and put on a stellar performance that sounded amazing.

Pop Punk heavy weights New Found Glory followed after a brief intermission and preceded to ignite the crowd into one mosh pit fueled, crowd surfing hodgepodge that had security working overtime. The band played hit after hit along with treating the crowd to a couple classic covers songs by Green Day and The Ramones. Everlast would close out the show playing his own blend of blues infused hip-hop. A quick survey of the crowd made me question the playing order of the night as I noticed quite a few people myself included heading for the doors after only three songs.

Overall Rover’s Holiday Hangover was a decent show. It would have been nice to have a more cohesive line up as I felt it may have held listeners attention better and not made them want to leave early. For a presale price of $10.00 and a door price of $20.00 you really could not complain especially in this day and age. 94.1 The Zone did a great job giving back to their listeners and I am looking forward to attending more of their shows.

New Found Glory Set List:
1.)    All Downhill From Here
2.)    Something I Call Personality
3.)    Radiosurgery
4.)    Understatement
5.)    Don’t Let Her Pull You Down
6.)    Hot or Miss
7.)    Blitzkrieg Bop (Ramones Cover)
8.)    Memories and Battle Scars
9.)    Failure’s Not Flattering
10.)  Kiss Me (Sixpence Non the Richer Cover)
11.)  Dressed to Kill
12.)  Anthem for the Unwanted
13.)  Truth of my Youth
14.)  Head on Collision
15.)  Basket Case (Green Day Cover)
16.)  It’s Not Your fault
17.)  Intro
18.)  My Friends Over You

“Thursday Farewell Tour”
Thursday, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Zechs Marquise, Such Gold, Endyga
Date: Sunday, December 4^th 2011
Venue: The Montage Music Hall, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

Thursday, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster and Zechs Marquise rolled into the historic Montage Music Hall in Rochester, NY on December 4^th for what has been announced as Thursday’s last tour ever. Along with the New Jersey natives was the Alabama hard rock band Maylene and the Sons of Disaster and Zechs Marquise from El Paso, Texas.

The nights show was kicked off by two Rochester based bands Endyga and Such Gold. Both bands seemed to be crowd favorites as each played a brief but energetic set while fans were still filling the intimate venue. The instrumental group Zechs Marquise would be next playing a unique blend of rock and free jazz. For those who don’t know Zechs Marquis features Marcel Rodriguez-Lopez on drums. Marcel is the older brother and band mate of The Mars Volta guitarist’s Omar Rodriguez-Lopez. Though the band was solely instrumental the crowd really seemed to enjoy what they heard from the 5 piece group.

Next to take the stage was the high energy rock act Maylene and the Sons of Disaster. Vocalist Dallas Taylor worked the stage like a pro as he bounded from the tops of amplifiers to a podium which had been assembled for him. The band seemed to have a take no prisoner’s attitude that took the show to the next level.

Thursday would close out the night for what was most likely the bands last appearance in New York. The band after a 13 year career announced on Nov. 22 that this tour would indeed be their last as a group. Though thoughts of never being able to Thursday perform live again were fresh on all the minds of those who filled the venue there was nothing but positivity in the air. The band played a variety of material pausing momentarily at times to thank the fans for their support over the years. If this is the last Rochester will see of Thursday then the band did not let anyone in attendance down. The band seemed fresh and really played to the crowd. With this date being the last of the tour I was a little worried that we would be receiving an abbreviated show. This was not the case at all. Playing just under 90 minutes the band as well as the crowd gave their all. If you get the chance to catch Thursday on a few of their remaining shows definitely do so.

Thursday Set List:
1.)    Open Quotes
2.)    Workforce
3.)    Understanding
4.)    Magnets
5.)    No Answers
6.)    Sparks
7.)    ATV
8.)    Division
9.)    Signals
10.)  Cross
11.)  Sugar
12.)  Auto
13.)  Counting
14.)  Resuscitation

   Encore:
15.)  Jet Black
16.)  Turnpike

“Epitaph Tour 2011”
Judas Priest, Black Label Society, Thin Lizzy, DJ Lady Starlight
Date: Wednesday, November 16th 2011
Venue: Main St. Armory, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

The Epitaph Tour headlined by Judas priest made its way to upstate New York on Nov. 16th playing to a near capacity crowd. The tour is slated to be the last tour for heavy metal legends Judas Priest who will be retiring from the road after almost 40 years in the music business. The crowd consisted of a variety of ages that ranged from pre-teens on up to what appeared to be grandparents. DJ Lady Starlight kicked off the night spinning a variety of heavy metal classics which she would continue to do in between each of the other acts sets. Thin Lizzy took the stage first playing a variety of hits. Though the crowd’s reception to the band started off luke warm classic tracks such as “Jail Break” and “The Boy’s Are Back In Town” quickly won the audience over.

Black Label Society took the stage next and was surely a crowd favorite. Zakk Wylde and company put on a stellar performance which seemed to work the crowd into a rabid frenzy. Songs such as “Crazy Horse”, “Fire It Up” and “Stillborn” gave the crowd plenty to bang their heads to. Though the band only played an hour each member appeared to give it their all. The assembled masses in return showed their appreciation in a variety of ways.

Judas Priest would take the stage next to close out the night. The stage featured a chain link motif that only added to the fact that after 40 years in the business the band are still the kings of heavy metal. At times throughout the set I found it hard to hear Rob Halfords vocals which seemed to get lost in the mix. That aside the band was extremely tight. Newly added guitarist Richie Faulkner who replaces K.K. Downing did an excellent job and seemed to fit right in with the veteran metalers from Birmingham, England. The set featured a variety of classic songs assembled from the bands vast catalog. Songs such as “Diamonds and Rust” Screaming for Vengeance” and “Hell Bent For Leather” which featured Halfords signature of riding a motorcycle across the stage were definite highlights.

If you are fan of both classic and newer heavy metal you will want to check out the Epitaph Tour. Not to mention this will most likely be one of the last times you will be able to see Judas priest live.

Thin Lizzy Set List:
Are Your Ready
Waiting For An Alibi
Jailbreak
Massacre
Emerald
Killer On the Loose
Rosalie/Cowgirls Song
Black Rose
Cowboy Song
The Boys Are Back In Town

Black Label Society Set list:
Crazy Horse
Funeral Bell
Bleed For Me
Suicide Messiah
Overlord
Parade of the Dead
Fire it Up
Guitar Solo
Godspeed Hell Bound
Concrete Jungle
Stillborn

Judas Priest Set List:
Rapid Fire
Metal Gods
Heading Out To The Highway
Judas Rising
Starbreaker
Victim Of Changes
Never Satisfied
Diamonds and Rust
Prophecy
Night Crawler
Turbo Lover
Beyond the Realms of Death
The Sentinel
Blood Red Skies
The Green Manalishi (With The Two-Pronged Crown)
Breaking The Law
Painkiller
The Hellion/Electric Eye
Hell Bent For Leather
You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
Living After Midnight

Queensryche
“30th Anniversary” Tour
House of Blues, Orlando, FL
November 12, 2011

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

Over the course of their career since forming in 1981, Queensryche have gone from playing large arenas to support huge-selling albums like “Operation: Mindcrime”, “Empire” and “Promised Land” to playing smaller theatres and clubs to promote a roster of spotty and occasionally downright awful releases since the departure of lyricist and guitarist Chris DeGarmo in 1997. Since then, the band has tried various means to attract crowds including a tour in which the set lists were mostly comprised of covers (to support the “Take Cover” album), a massive theatrical stage show that resembled a Broadway musical (the “Operation: Mindcrime II” tour) and even an adults-only cabaret tour that featured go-go dancers, contortionists, drag queens and a dominatrix.  To paraphrase Forrest Gump, “Life is like a Queensryche concert.  You never know what you’re gonna get.”

So, it was with great trepidation that I walked through the doors of the Orlando stop of their “30th Anniversary” tour – one that, in theory, was also embarked upon to support their most recent studio album “Dedicated to Chaos”. Given that “Chaos” is one of their weakest efforts to date, I very much hoped that the show would be retrospective in nature and cover a variety of their finest songs from the past three decades rather than one that would be dominated by the latest misfire. So, as the houselights dimmed, I crossed my fingers and prayed for the best.

From the now darkened room, two video walls on either side of the stage sprang to life and, underscored by a digitized sea of flames, the covers of every studio album the band had released materialized and faded, the hit albums receiving huge amounts of applause; the misses…well…not so much. After the appearance and disappearance of the “Chaos” cover art, Queensryche blasted into action with the appropriately titled “Get Started”, the opening track from that album. While the song caused me to speculate that the concert might indeed be dominated by the new release, “Started” played quite well live and lead vocalist Geoff Tate immediately established a dominating larger-than-life animated stage presence that would keep the audience in his clutches throughout the entire show. But would it remain “Chaotic”?

Luckily, it didn’t.

Only one other song from “Chaos” was played (“At the Edge”) during which Geoff Tate donned a saxophone and added his own instrumentation to mixed results. The rest of the 19-song set featured the classic songs that fans of the band regard as their greatest – and ones that could easily convert newcomers to do the ‘Ryche thing from there on in.

The show was probably the tightest that I’ve seen the band play since the “Hear in the Now Frontier” tour in 1997, the last that DeGarmo would participate in. Tate’s voice is still in peak form and the core rhythm section since the group’s inception, bassist Eddie Jackson and powerhouse drummer Scott Rockenfield, remains one of the best in the heavy metal genre. Guitarist Michael Wilton has also been a constant, but the post-DeGarmo years have seen him trade licks with three other axemen. The most current, Parker Lundgren, is undeniably the best of the batch and the synergy between the two guitarists rivals that of the band’s banner years.

Because of this, this iteration of the group was able to infuse new life into their staple songs. As could be expected, tracks from “Operation: Mindcrime” and the hugely successful “Empire” dominated the set list. Their 9 other studio albums were represented as well and included classics from early in the band’s career such as “NM 156”, “Screaming in Digital” and even “The Lady Wore Black” and “Queen of the Ryche” from their 1982 self-titled debut EP. The band truly seemed to enjoy this trip down memory lane and their assembled legion of followers reacted with huge enthusiasm as the group dished out mutual favorites.

One can only hope that Queensryche can maintain the level of lucidity and intensity they so readily exhibited at the House of Blues. At their peak, the band brought a level of sophistication and intelligence to heavy metal that hadn’t been seen before and, in so doing, raised the bar so high for the genre that the group itself frequently couldn’t clear it. As Queensryche enters into their fourth decade, the future could be a very bright one for them – as long as they continue to remember how it started.

Festival Republic Presents:
Orlando Calling 2011
Citrus Bowl Park, Orlando FL
November 12-13, 2011

Our Score: 2 out of 5 stars

This music festival feels like they were trying to capture the look and feel of Woodstock but unfortunately failed.  This was the first year for this two-day music festival at the Citrus Bowl, it may also be the last.  When arriving the event, I saw that the attendance was very poor but I figured that they were possibly waiting for the night’s main attractions but no such luck.  The venue itself did not seem prepared for sure an event.  The cumulative feelings from the events attendees was that the event was very unorganized.  Besides the main stage, the additional stages were almost hard to find and too far to trek in between each act.

Day one was seemed to aim at a younger audience with bands like The Killers and Kid Cudi.  Our coverage focuses on Sunday’s bands which definitely trumped the acts from Saturday. Kid Rock and Blake Shelton are a big enough draw even without, the recently MIA, Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band.  “The Doobie Brothers proved they definitely can still rock the house and sounded fantastic. Blake Shelton was honestly not a good as I hoped he would be.  I do not think that it was the fact that he was one of the only country acts at the festival but he just didn’t really bring it all to the stage, presence-wise.  Kid Rock easily stole the show with his amazing performance.  His full set was packed with all of his great hits and was super high energy. His songs “Fucking 40” and mash-up of “Picture/Bawitaba” with a little help from “Beavis and Butt-head” where a major highlight.  Unfortunately then he was followed by Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band.  Normally I think that Bob Seger would have been fantastic but his act cannot follow Kid Rock and brought more “Night Snooze” than “Night Moves”.

I think that this event had major potential but was definitely disappointing.  Maybe with a different venue this could have honed-in on its potential.  Maybe it was just the lack of a audience because my section 226 had less than 20 people total, though even the GA area was less than 1/3 full.  I would have loved to post some video for you from these great acts but both Kid Rock and Bob Seger did not allow any video at the event. In fact Seger didn’t even allow photos, which was quite disappointing. Not sure if there will be a next time but if there is I hope they try and improve it.

Kid Rock set list:
1. Devil Without a Cause
2. It Feels Good To Me
3. Tom Sawyer/Forever
4. Cocky
5. So Hott
6. I Got One for Ya’
7. Wasting Time
8. Purple Sky
9. Cowboy
10. Lay it on Me/Cowboy (Reprise)
11. Care
12. Fucking 40
13. What’s My Name?
14. Cat Scratch Fever/God Bless Saturday
15. Picture/Bawitaba
16. All Summer Long
Encore:
17. Rock N Roll Jesus
18. Only God Knows Why
19. Born Free

Bob Seger & The Silver Bullet Band set list:
1.Roll Me Away
2. Tryin’ to Live My Life Without You
3. The Fire Down Below
4. Mainstreet
5. Old Time Rock & Roll
6. Going Back To Birmingham
7. Travelin’ Man
8. Beautiful Loser
9. We’ve Got Tonight
10. Nutbush City Limits
11. Come to Poppa
12. Her Strut
13. Turn the Page
14. Sunspot Baby
15. Real Mean Bottle (w/ Kid Rock) (Vince Gill cover)
16. Against the Wind
Encore:
17. Hollywood Nights
18. Night Moves
19. Rock and Roll Never Forgets

Korn
“The Path of Totality” Tour
Hard Rock Live, Orlando, FL
November 10th, 2011

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

I have been listening to Korn since 1994 and I have always been a big fan.  I have seen them live twice prior to this event back in 1999 and 2003.  They are always known for their intense energy…and of course wild mosh-pits.  This concert followed that same format and wasn’t much different.  Jonathan Davis really seems to loose himself while on stage and totally gets into the music, even though he tended to disappear from stage occasionally.  The playlist was ok even though the ordering of the songs felt out of place and carried an odd pace.

I felt that concert was split into three main parts.  The beginning of the show started with a few old and rare songs, honestly not the best choices.  But I really do love “No Place to Hide” though.  Once things get started and exciting they starting into their new songs, which was a bit of down slope in the energy.  I liked them new songs but I wish they were more spread out and not bunched together.  Halfway through the show is when they really started to rock some major ass nailing all the classic songs we love from Korn.

I honestly think that their cover of “Another Brick in the Wall” is so fantastic and is packed with so much energy.  They turn this great song into one powerful headbanging tribute.  All and all the concert was definitely fun and entertaining even besides a spotty set list.  Will I be seeing Korn again live…OH YEAH! I will be keeping an eye out for their new album, “The Path of Totality” as well which drops on December 6, 2011.

Korn Set list:
1. Predictable
2. Lies
3. No Place to Hide
4. Proud
5. Narcissistic Cannibal
6. Kill Mercy Within
7. My Wall
8. Get Up
9. Way Too Far
10. Here to Stay
11. Freak on a Leash
12. Falling Away From Me
13. Another Brick in the Wall (Pink Floyd cover)
14. Shoots and Ladders / One
15. Got the Life
16. Blind

Location: House of Blues, Orlando FL
Date: October 19, 2011
Bands: Bush, Chevelle and Filter

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Attending this concert was like heading back in time to the mid 90’s.  I was blasted back to my teens listening to Bush and Filter in the early 90’s.  Chevelle though was more around 2002-2004, during their peak years.  Either way this concert is a great combination of hard rock.  The concert was held at one of my favorite venues House of Blues at Downtown Disney in Orlando, FL.  This venue is very intimate and very accessible.  Overall the concert was decent but not up to par as to what I was expecting.  I felt like it was missing that spark. I think I would have changed the lineup and had Chevelle open followed by Filter and then lead into Bush.

We started off with Filter lead by Richard Patrick.  He had some mega energy and was right in the middle of the crowd…I mean literally.  He was crowd surfing while singing.  It was cool finally getting a chance to see them live.  I have been a fan for many many years and still have my “Short Buss” cassette tape…that’s right kids cassette tape.  The set was only eight short songs running about 30 minutes but they really did amp up the audience and kick off the night well.  They even got all the classics in like “Hey Man Nice Shot”, which was their last song and they went off with a bang.  We even got a chance to meet up with Richard Patrick after their set.  Which is another reason why I love this venue, the bands are very accessible.

Chevelle came on stage next and definitely brought the energy.  The crowd was roaring but I felt they where sort of upstaged by Richard Patrick antics prior from Filter.  There set was loud and intense and the audience was cheering, but I wasn’t totally feeling it.  I used this opportunity to set back from the open pit to get some air and re-collect waiting for Bush.  They definitely played all the hits though and got the best responses from “Send the Pain Below” and “The Red”. Good music but band wasn’t very engaging.

When Bush came on things got a little nuts especially since people were all boozed up by that time.  They blasted out on stage and the energy was very high and they jumped right into it with “Machinehead”.  Everyone was singing along and jamming.  I had one major problem though…Gavin Rossdale was very drowned out by the guitars and backgrounds.  I enjoy loud music but his voice was getting major lost. They mixed in quite a few songs from their new album “The Sea of Memories”…and the energy cooled down.  I don’t blame them for playing them since it is the main reason why they are touring.  I actually enjoy the new album.  The concert did end on a high note as they delivered the goods with the encore covering The Beatles “Come Together” and playing their classics “Glycerine” and “Comedown”.

Filter set list:
1. Welcome to the Fold
2. Drug Boy
3. No Love
4. Gimme All Your Lovin’ (ZZ Top cover)
5. (Can’t You) Trip Like I Do
6. Take a Picture
7. The Best Things
8. Hey Man Nice Shot

Chevelle set list
1. Family System
2. Jars
3. Get Some
4. Antisaint
5. Sleep Apnea
6. Face to the Floor
7. The Clincher
8. Letter From a Thief
9. Send the Pain Below
10. The Red
11. Vitamin R (Leading Us Along)
12. I Get It

Bush set list:
1. Machinehead
2. All My Life
3. The Chemicals Between Us
4. The Sound of Winter
5. Everything Zen
6. I Believe In You
7. The People That We Love
8. Greedy Fly
9. The Heart of the Matter
10. All Night Doctors
11. Swallowed
12 .The Afterlife
13. Little Things
Encore:
14. Come Together (The Beatles cover)
15. Glycerine
16. Comedown

Date: 10.14.2011
Location: 1-800-ASK GARY Amphitheater – Tampa, FL
Acts: Toby Keith, Eric Church, J.T. Hodges

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

I have to start with the fact that this was my first official country music concert. I have seen Southern rock bands like Lynyrd Skynyrd dozens of times but never really experienced the official country concert. Well, let me tell you it was quite an amazing experience. It started with us heading backstage to interview the next big country star J.T. Hodges in his trailer. After that we got situated in our seats and got ready for J.T. Hodges to hit the stage. J.T. Hodges is known best for his hit single “Hunt You Down”, which is flooding the radio waves. His album is set to drop early 2012 and it is going to be amazing! J.T. had great stage presence and only had the chance to play five songs but sealed the deal on every one of them. I tell you now give him a few months and he will leading the his headlining his next tour.

Eric Church took the stage next and immediately he had the audience in the palm of him hand. People roared out of their chairs and leaped to their feet. The energy was very intense and everyone was singing…including myself. One thing that I noticed about Eric is that he seemed really excited and passionate about his music. I think that is why his music has the power that it does.  Eric got to perform 13 songs and I am sure I am not the only one wishing he came back one for more. His biggest songs were definitely “Jack Daniels” and “I’m Gettin’ Stoned”.  Stay tuned to Eric Church because his album is only getting more popular and popular.

Honestly after J.T. great performance and Eric’s energy, I was beat and ready to call it a night but then there was….Toby Keith. This guy comes out on stage with fireworks, all the bells and whistles and blows up the audience. The crows was cheering beyond belief and got me all recharged. It was so energetic at the 1-800-ASK GARY Amphitheater as he belted out “American Ride”. From there on it was just one hit after another. I cannot wait for his new album Clancy’s Tavern which comes out Oct.25th and he made sure to play a punch of new songs from the album, which made me even more excited. After eight songs, he had his backup singer belt out “Lady Marmalade”, which gave everyone a chance to sit down and get drinks (definitely a chance for him to also chill   his voice). Of course Toby sang one of my favorite song “I Love This Bar”, which really got the crowd singing along. Throughout the rest of the concert, Toby was like the energizer bunny he just kept belting them out one after another totaling over 20 songs. I will be first in line next time he is our the Florida area for sure.

Eric Church set list
1. Creepin’
2. Hell on the Heart
3. Guys Like Me
4. Drink In My Hand
5. Jack Daniels
6. I’m Gettin’ Stoned
7. Springsteen
8. How Bout You
9. Love Your Love the Most
10. Lotta Boot Left to Fill
11. A Country Boy Can Survive
12. Homeboy
13. Smoke a Little Smoke

Toby Keith set list
1. American Ride
2. God Love Her
3. Made In America
4. I Need to Hear a Country Song
5. Clancy’s Tavern
6. Red Solo Cup
7. Get Drunk and Be Somebody
8. Whiskey Girl
9. Lady Marmalade
10. I Wanna Talk About Me
11. Does That Blue Moon Ever Shine on You
12. Who’s Your Daddy?
13. Ballad of Balad
14. As Good As I Once Was
15. I Love This Bar
16. Should’ve Been a Cowboy
17. Weed With Willie
18. Get Out of My Car
19. Beer For My Horses
20. How Do You Like Me Now!?
21. A Little Less Talk and a Lot More Action
Encore:
22. American Soldier
23. Courtesy Of The Red, White, and Blue

I’M ALIVE TOUR
Featuring: We Came As Romans, Miss May I, Of Mice And Men, Texas In July
and Close To Home
Date: Friday, October 14^th 2011
Venue: Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The I’M ALIVE tour featuring We Came As Romans, Miss May I, Of Mice And Men, Texas In July and Close To Home wrapped up its month long run in Rochester, NY on Oct. 14th. The show was held at the legendary Water Street Music Hall with the bands playing to a near capacity crowd. It was a predominately younger crowd for the metal-core tour package which featured a solid line up of today’s upcoming acts. The Michigan based band We Came As Romans were billed as the headlining act. The band is out touring in support of their newest release titled “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be”. The album was released in Mid-September via Equal Vision Records.

Close To Home kicked off the night with a brief set which in my opinion was the spark that started off the night. The band played a tight set which got the crowd going from the first note. Texas In July took the stage next and provided a solid performance. Though there seemed to be little interaction between the crowd and the band the performance was still on point. Of Mice and Men were next and proved to be the catalyst that stepped the concert up a notch. OMAM vocalist Austin Carlile brought his A game which the crowd recognized by crowd surfing Carlile from the stage to the rear of the venue as the bands set came to a close. The Ohio based Miss May I were up next and continued to throw gasoline on the fire as an attempt was made to crowd surf 100 people over the security barricade. Last to take the stage was We Came As Romans. The band played song a variety of songs of their latest release as well as the bands 2009 release “To Plant A Seed. Despite being the last night of the tour We Came As Romans and all the other bands on the tour put on a great show.

Even though the venue seemed to be unprepared for the amount of fans wanting to get into the show each band put on a solid performance that made standing in the rain for almost 2 hours worth it. Of Mice and Men really put on a stellar performance that not only musically sounded good but seemed to really invoke the crowd into a rabid frenzy. By the time headliners We Came As Romans hit the stage the club was bursting with energy and people. At times throughout the set you could feel the club shake as fans moved from side to side. Water Street Music Hall despite the slowness of the ticket taking process is still a great place to see a show and, if you get a chance to see any of the bands featured on the I’M ALIVE tour definitely check them out as you won’t be disappointed!

Be sure to check out our album review of We Came As Romans “Understanding What We’ve Grown To Be” as well as our interview with lead guitarist Josh Moore.

“Two of a Perfect Trio” featuring King Crimson members Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto
Date: Friday, September 30th, 2011
Venue: FTC’s Stage One in Fairfield, CT

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

As King Crimson’s Adrian Belew, Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto took the stage at FTC’s Stage One, a keen observer of detail in the audience decided to point out “Hey!! You’re missing your Fripp!”  However, from the first note played to the final closing bows, the crowd that gathered for this stop of the “Two of a Perfect Trio” tour were enthralled and mesmerized with all-things Crimson (and many things non-Crimson) even if Robert Fripp, the ever-esteemed founder of one of progressive rock’s most heralded bands, wasn’t the master of ceremonies.

The “Two of a Perfect Trio” tour was conceived of during the “Three of a Perfect Pair” Camp, a week-long music camp that took place in mid-August that allowed its campers – musicians and non-musicians alike – to learn from and hang out with Belew, Levin and Mastelotto.  The resulting show allows two trios Tony Levin’s Stick Men and the Adrian Belew Power Trio to each perform a set, and concludes with a third “Crim-centric” set in which various combinations of each trio’s members perform together.

With bass guru Levin on the polyphonic Chapman Stick (as well as his trusty Music Man 5-string electric complete with his patented “Funk Fingers”), Markus Reuter from Innsbruck, Germany on a custom “Touch Guitar” of his own design and drummer extraordinaire Pat Mastelotto delivering a solid funky beat interlaced with a myriad of electronic percussive sounds, the Stick Men set the tone for the three-hour show with a mighty roar in the form of the instrumental “VROOOM” from King Crimson’s 1995 album “Thrak”.  The trio then dove into a number of Stick Men originals and concluded their set with an improvisational rendition of Stravinsky’s “Firebird Suite”.  Despite Reuter’s stoic stance throughout the band’s entire performance and Levin’s sometimes goofy lyric and semi-spoken lead vocals, all three “Sticks” were clearly enjoying themselves and never failed to deliver virtuoso performances and music that, while progressive and complex, was always accessible and – for one particular audience member – reason enough to put on her buh-buh-buh-buh-buh-boogie shoes.

Adrian Belew and the other two members rounding out the “Power Trio”, longtime bassist Julie Slick and newcomer Tobias Ralph on drums, began their part of the show with a sampling of Belew’s solo work (including “Young Lions”, “Beat Box Guitar” and “Of Bow and Drum”) that had much more of a pop music feel than the thickly-layered and sometimes semi-schizoid songs that King Crimson are well know for – although the trio did manage to sneak in the seldom-heard “Neurotica” from King Crimson’s 1982 album, “Beat” which served to remind the audience that they aren’t just a trio – they’re a POWER trio.  As was the case with the Stick Men, Belew and company closed their set with a long-form instrumental piece, a section from Belew’s “e”, a five-part suite that Belew performed in tandem with a full orchestra in Amsterdam earlier this year.

With her long curly hair and bare feet, the Power Trio’s Julie Slick revealed that she can lay down a serious bass groove that perfectly accompanies the extensivearray of bending, swirly and occasionally aggressive sounds that Belew can deliver via his signature series Parker Fly guitar.  Drummer Tobias Ralph delivered all of the goods and then some.  Taking the place of Julie’s brother, Eric, for this tour, Ralph positioned himself behind a fairly simple drum kit (at least in comparison to Mastelotto’s) and pounded out rhythms and beats that would make former King Crimson and Yes uber-drummer, Bill Bruford, envious.

The much-anticipated “Crim-centric” final portion of the show opened with Crims Levin, Belew and Mastelotto doing spot-on renditions of latter-day King Crimson tunes such as “Three of a Perfect Pair” and “Elephant Talk”.  Other players from each trio joined in to accentuate other powerhouse Crimtunes such as “Frame by Frame” “Thela Hun Ginjeet” and the always-blistering “Red”. Even the ballad-esque “One Time”, featuring a subtle yet powerful solo vocal by Belew, managed to work its way onto the set list.

But the defining moment of the show happened in the improvised back and forth drum duel that prefaced Belew’s lyric in “Indiscipline”.  Instead of the serious and somewhat cold super-precision that was at the core of the battle between Pat Mastelotto and Bill Bruford when this song was performed throughout the 1995 “Thrak” tour, Mastelotto and Ralph brought a whimsical and humorous quality to their bombastic exchange of phrases and licks that would rarely (if ever) be seen at an actual King Crimson show.  As Belew exclaimed at the end of the song with arms outstretched in a Rocky Balboa-esque stance, “I LIKE IT!!!”  As did all who had assembled in the Court of the Crimson King.

The “Two of a Perfect Trio” Tour continues through until October 29^th.  For a list of dates and venues as well as ticket information, visit http://www.adrianbelew.net/ .

“Wasting Light Tour 2011”
Foo Fighters, Rise Against, Mariachi El Bronx
Date: Sunday, September 25^th 2011
Venue: First Niagara Center Buffalo, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Foo Fighters, Rise Against and Mariachi El Bronx played the newly renamed First Niagara Center (formerly HSBC Arena) in downtown Buffalo on September 25^th to a capacity crowd in support of the Foo Fighters latest album release titled ‘”Wasting Light”. Mariachi El Bronx took the stage first and baffled the audience with their full on mariachi performance complete with outfits that appeared to be straight out of a Cinco De Mayo parade. The group played a brief lackluster 30 minute set which was more than enough for the crowd as well as for front man Matt Caughthran who aptly announced that he was extremely drunk.

Next to take the stage was the Chicago area band Rise Against who despite sound issues related to the PA provided a high energy performance. The band played a variety song which included “Re-Education (Through Labor) and the fan favorite Savior which are both from the bands “Appeal to reason” album. Even though problems with the PA caused lead singer Tim Mcllrath’s vocals to sound like he had a mouth full of marbles the band still put on a performance that made you want to jump up and pump your fist to the catchy sing along choruses.

Last to take the stage and entertain the now capacity crowd were the Foo Fighters. As the house lights went out the crowd was instantly on their feet a spot where they would remain for the next two and a half hours. Dave Grohl and the band treated concert goers to hit after hit playing fan favorites such as “Monkey Wrench”, “My Hero” and “Learning to Fly”. The set also feature a variety of songs off the band’s latest album “Wasting Light”. Songs such as “White Limo”, “Walk”, and “Rope” followed suit and fit right in with the classic tracks complied from the bands 16 year career. The big highlights in the set and of the night came when Grohl mentioned the 20^th anniversary of his previous band Nirvana’s landmark album “Nevermind”. As the crowd roared with appreciation Grohl brought out special guest fellow Nirvana band member Krist Novoselic who would go on to play accordion on the track “Skin and Bones”. This truly was a treat for fans as Novoselic has made very few appearances since the suicide of Nirvana front man Kurt Cobain. From there the band took it to a whole new level belting out a stunning rendition of Pink Floyd’s “In The Flesh” complete with lasers which shot out from the stage and only added to the already impressive light show. The band also performed the Tom Petty classic “Break Down” which instantly turned into a singing match between the band and the crowd. To cap of an already stellar evening Grohl performed three acoustic tracks which included “Best of You” before returning to the stage to perform “Everlong” like only the Foo Fighter could.

Despite rough starts by both opening acts the Foo Fighters really brought it to the Buffalo crowd. More and more these days you see less and less bands touring or putting on a quality show that compares to the extremely high ticket prices. Yes the price of tickets were high for this show however Foo Fighters fully made up for that by playing a two and half hour set that was so spot on it was if you were listening to the album. Combine the stellar performance of the band with a state of the art light system which even incorporated the floor of the stage into the production and you have only half of what the Foo Fighters offer. If the group comes even remotely close to your town or city pay the money and drive the distance as shows like this are a very rare occurrence.

Rise Against Set List:
1.)    Re-Education (Through Labor)
2.)    The Good Left Undone
3.)    Satellite
4.)    Audience of One
5.)    Ready to Fall
6.)    Make it Stop (September’s Children)
7.)    Help is on the Way
8.)    Prayer of the Refugee
9.)    Give it All
10.) Savior

Foo Fighters Set List:
1.)    Bridge Burning
2.)    Rope
3.)    The Pretender
4.)    My Hero
5.)    Learn to Fly
6.)    White Limo
7.)    Arlandria
8.)    Breakout
9.)    Cold in the Sun
10.)  Stacked Actors
11.)  Walk
12.)  Monkey Wrench
13.)  Let it Die
14.)  These Days
15.)  Skin and Bones (w/ Krist Novoselic)
16.)  This is a Call
17.)  In The Flesh (Pink Floyd Cover)
18.)  All My Life

Encore:
19.)  Long Road to Ruin (Acoustic)
20.)  Best of You (Acoustic)
21.)  Times Like These (Acoustic)
22.)  Dear Rosemary
23.)  Breakdown (Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers Cover)
24.)  Everlong

9101 International Drive – Suite 2310 – Pointe Orlando
Orlando, FL 32819
Phone: 407-480-5233
Running Time: 90 minutes

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

When you come to an Eddie Griffin show, you can easily expect your ass off. That was exactly the case with this show as well and nothing was safe relationships, politics or religions. What I like most about Eddie Griffin, which you can read in our interview with him, is that he doesn’t prepare much for his show. When he gets out on stage he just goes with the flow and speaks whatever is on him mind. He also says what everyone is thinking and no one is saying.  Some topics are edgy and controversial but he proves he is a smart guy and backs up what he is saying but also throws the funny twist in there. He is very engaging with the audience and pokes a little fun but all in good intentions.

Throughout our show, Eddie was enjoying his French champagne very much, which probably caused him to run about 30 minutes over his allotted time. Either way the audience loved it and he made it clear that this is his last stand-up tour (hopefully not forever), so it was no holds barred. In my eyes, I did feel though that the last 30 minutes dragged a little due to it being more audience based and less content based, but overall the show was very entertaining and packed with non-stops laughs.  If I have another opportunity to catch a show I will be there in the drop of a hat.

The Big 4 Yankee Stadium
Date: Wednesday, September 13^th 2011
Venue: Yankees Stadium, the Bronx, NY

Our Score: 3.5 out of 5 stars

The most anticipated concert on the east coast in quite some time took place Wednesday, September 13^th in the most unlikely of places. The newly built Yankee Stadium located in The Bronx borough of New York City played host to an announced crowd of 41,454 rabid metal fans who turned out to see The Big 4 which consists of Anthrax, Megadeth, Slayer and Metallica. The concert was a one off show put on by the New York Yankees organization and for each band it was the first time the 4 legends of thrash had shared a stage on the east coast and, only the 2^nd time the bands have played together in the United States. The Big 4 had previously played several large shows overseas in the spring of 2010 before rejoining on April 23^rd 2001 for a performance in Indio, California. That concert marked the first time the 4 had ever played together in the U.S. In July of 2011 the 4 bands once again flew overseas to perform 5 shows that included a stop at the famous Knebworth Sonisphere festival in the UK.

Growing up with these 4 bands on my bedroom walls it was only natural that I immediately freak out when it was announced that they were touring together. Even though I would have to wait over a year before they reached a venue that was feasible for me to attend it was worth the wait. Though the concert was held mid week it did not deter fans who like myself had waited so long for something like this. Anticipation was high as the thousands of fans waiting to get into the stadium at 2pm slowly made their way through the gates as security was fairly heightened due to the nature of the event. As fans were still filling the massive stadium Anthrax took the stage at 4pm capping off the bands 3 day world wind sweep of the NY area as the Bronx based band was honored with September 14^th being marked as “Anthrax Day”. The announcement corresponded with the band’s latest studio release “Worship Music”. Clad in pinstriped Anthrax jerseys the band opened with their newest single titled “Fight ‘Em Till you Can’t” which led into classic tracks such as “Madhouse”, Anti-Social” and closing out with “I Am The Law”. The band was tighter than ever and each member was at the top of their game. After speculation and announcements related to Megadeth’s participation or lack thereof in the concert Dave Mustain and the rest of Megadeth took to the stage and unleashed a variety of classic tunes sprinkled with newer tracks. The set also featured the song “Public Enemy #1” a song that will be featured on the bands upcoming November 1^st release titled “13”. Mustain did make a statement to the crowd that despite being advised by Doctors not to play because of a neck injury requiring surgery the band was going to perform at their fullest. As promised the band ripped through songs like “Symphony of Destruction”, “Sweating Bullets” and “Peace Sells”. Slayer would take the stage next featuring Exodus guitarist Gary Holt who is still filling in for Jeff Hanneman who was diagnosed with necrotizing fasciitis back in February. The band delivered their take no prisoner’s attitude and provided very little banter to the almost capacity crowd who was worked into a frenzy by songs such as “South of Heaven”, “Raining Blood” and “Angel of Death” which closed out the bands set. Metallica would take the stage next and delivered the only way Metallica knows how.

The set featured something off almost all of the bands releases. Songs like “Fuel”, Sad but True” and “Cyanide” kicked off the night while setting the stage for songs like “Orion”, “One” and Yankee closer Mariano Rivera’s entrance song “Enter Sandman”. The crowd was a captive audience and upon demand recited every word Metallica front man James Hetfield requested. As with previous Big 4 shows all of the bands who played returned to the stage for a jam session/song. This nights show featured the Motorhead classic “Overkill” and despite a few noted absences by Tom Araya of Slayer and Dave Mustain of Megadeth the jam was phenomenal and was highlighted buy each drummer taking a turn behind Lars Ulrich’s kit to play a verse of the song. Before leaving the stage for the final time Metallica belted out their classic song “Seek and Destroy” which brought a close to a night made in metal history.

Being at the Big 4 will definitely be a highlight of my concert going experiences. The lineup alone is one that probably won’t ever be topped for me. Though I felt that some of the performances were a touch bland and scripted the show was still great. I think the Yankees really made a great move bringing the Big 4 to the NY area and despite fears of riots the organization hung in there and did not pull out of the event. The stadium proved to be a great venue for a concert as it provided a variety of amenities your standard venues just do not have. Surprisingly the sound of the bands playing in a venue not designed for music in my opinion sounded amazing. Though the talks of there ever being another Big 4 event are almost non-existent the event held on September 14^th 2011 would be a great one top of the touring history of the Big 4.

Date: Friday, September 9^th 2011
Venue: Tag’s Summer Stage, Big Flats, NY

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Click here to check out our interview with Alter Bridge’s Mark Tremonti

Click here to check out our interview with Theory of a Deadman’s Dean Back

The 2011 Carnival of Madness tour featuring Emphatic, Adelitas Way, Black Stone Cherry, Alter he small town of Bridge and Theory of a Deadman made its way into Tag’s Summer Stage located in tBig Flat’s, NY on September 9^th. The tour now in its second year has previously featured bands such as Chevelle, Sevendust and Shinedown. This year the tour is co-headlined by hard rock heavy weights Theory of a Deadman who in July of this year released their 4^th studio album titled “The Truth Is” and Alter Bridge a band that features 3 of the 4 members of multi-platinum selling band Creed.

Upon hearing the line up for this year’s Carnival of Madness tour I was pleasantly surprised to hear that Black Stone Cherry would be making the rounds. After seeing them open for Zakk Wyldes Black Label Society a few years back I was anxious to hear them again. Sadly this did not end up being the case. During sound check the tour crew was notified that Black Stone Cherry would not be able to make the show due to portions of their route being still flooded by the devastating storm the NY/PA area was hit by just days before. At the time this still left the other 4 bands to go on as scheduled….so I thought. Upon returning to the venue for the show the gate was posted with signs stating Emphatic would also not being playing the show. Then to add insult to injury it was announced by the promoter that Adelitas Way also was not able to play. Within the course of 2 hrs. a 5 band line-up was reduced to just its co-headliners and needless to say things were looking pretty grim. However I would like to personally say that both Alter Bridge and Theory of a Deadman stepped up to the plate and hit clutch homeruns which quickly won over the ill tempered crowd. After it was announced that both bands would play extended sets to make up for the other bands being stranded Alter Bridge took to the stage and played a relentless hard rocking set which featured killer dueling guitar solos from front man Miles Kennedy and lead guitarist Mark Tremonti. To close out the night Theory of a Deadman played a hit filled set featuring songs such as “I Hate My Life”, “Low Life” and “Bad Girlfriend”.

Even though the nights show was plagued by transportation issues. Theory of a Deadman and Alter Bridge brought their A games. Though some fans were upset over not being able to see the entire tour lineup I feel TOAD and Alter Bridge made up for it and left fans with very little to regret about sticking around for just two bands.

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iMatter Festival 2011
Date: Friday, September 2^nd Saturday, September 3^rd, Sunday, September 4^th 2011
Venue: Eldridge Park, Elmira, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Check out our interviews with Texas In July, Emery and August Burns Red.

iMatter Festival an event held annually for the past 2 years at Eldridge Park in Elmira, NY kicked off on September 2 and ran through September 4^th.  The festival is the brain child of Elmira Pastor Scott Lowmaster and is a 3 day event aimed at eliminating suicide among teens in the Upstate NY area. Though the festival sports a faith based theme there is something for everyone at the festival.

I had never gone to iMatter festival prior to this year as I was a bit skeptical about the faith based themes that were present though out the 3 day event. I don’t think there is anything wrong with those themes however it generally is not my scene. This year’s line-up which featured, Emery, Texas in July and August Burns Red to name just a few was enough to put those worries aside and take in the event. Though it was extremely hot as temperatures reach almost 95 degrees the festival was a great experience. All the staff working the various locations throughout the festival grounds were very courteous and friendly. It seemed as though great lengths were taken to ensure a safe and fun event for all those who attended. Each band that performed on Saturday really brought their A game in my opinion. Some highlight performances of the day were put on by The Great Commission, Texas in July, August Burns Red and Emery who even though being stopped mid performance 3 different times due to lightning still put on a solid performance.

I really can’t say enough good things about iMatter Festival and the people who put it on each year. Everyone involved does a really great job providing a safe environment to watch a concert. Combine that with getting some real top notch bands to perform every year and you have iMatter Festival. I will tell you that if you are uncertain about the festival and its thoughts or ideas I say put those aside and come out to the next iMatter Festival. You will not be disappointed!

I would like to send out a big thank you to Scott and Lauren Lowmaster for allowing MediaMikes.com to cover the event.

Friday Line Up: Benjah, Flame, Trip Lee, Oceans and Vessels, The Ember Days

Saturday Line Up: As Hell Retreats, My Heart To Fear, Gideon, To Speak Of Wolves, The Great Commission, Hundreth,

I, The Breather, Life In Your Way, Texas In July, Impending Doom, A Plea For Purging, Emery, August Burns Red, The Ember Days

Sunday Line Up: The Ember Days

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