To the IORRians — if you go see a non Stones-related gig and want to share your experience with other folks, please use this thread.
[N.B. — please post a show report of the musicians of which own threads already exist, e.g. Dylan, McCartney, The Who, Pink Floyd (Waters/Gilmour), Led Zeppelin (Robert Plant), Clapton, Elton John, Springsteen, The Cure, Nick Cave, U2, AC/DC, Metallica, GNR, RHCP, Pearl Jam etc, on each respective thread not here.]

Last night (1 Feb) I saw Florence + the Machine at the OVO Hydro, first time for me to attend their big arena show, and it was almost full house (over 95% as far as I could see). Before that, my only occasion to catch them live was at the Victoria Theatre in Halifax, May 2018, one of the new album premiere gigs at selected small venues prior to supporting the Stones at the London Stadium. This time, luckily enough I managed a discounted last-minute seat on the raised platform adjacent to the standing floor at a reduced price of £56.35 including fees — best location among the seating areas. So pleased it wasn’t a couple of hundreds!

It was largely the Florence Welch show. Her “Pre-Raphaelite painting beauty meats Stevie Nicks” self-presentation was the focus of the two-hour performance and overtaking everything else. “The Machine” — the other six players were positioned near the stage wings, three each side, dimly lit and seldom got the spotlight on them.

Nonetheless I enjoyed the show despite my lack of knowledge about their music in general (have to confess Dog Days Are Over is their only song that hits me with instant familiarity). Florence is a powerful singer and blessed with charisma that draws and keeps audience’s attention during the entire performance. The overall impression I got of the show, reinforced with the stage set/props and dreamy lightings, was sort of musical substantiation of some fantasy novel. Was also reminded of Evanescence I had long forgotten but it may be just me.

On my way back home, it hit me with an idea of creating a thread for the IORR forum members to post a report/review/firsthand account on miscellaneous gigs they attend that don’t require to start an artist’s own thread. Hope this serves its purpose.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023-05-18 02:41 by RisingStone.

Nice idea, RisingStone. FYI, pretty good info about Bruce last night on his thread. I was able to catch half of it thanks to Topi on Facebook. Sounded great & the setlist was impressive.

Let me add last night I saw Flo in Glasgow.
Actually I first saw her performing live when she duetted Gimme Shelter with Mick at the Stones’ O2 Arena show 2012. She was forcing herself a bit too much, clearly affected that she was on stage and singing by Mick. Almost looked starstruck!

I bought Springsteen tickets for Edinburgh and Birmingham, both cheapest ones. Cost me around 80 quid for nosebleed, among the farthest crowd from the stage in the stadiums…

I saw Larkin Poe last night at the Fonda Theatre. If they want to have a career in 10 years they are going to have to add a DJ and employ auto-tune as it looked like a Doobie Brothers crowd. This is who I predict every tour will open for the Stones as old white geezers love them.

It was my 4th time seeing them, they are always really good but this time they played 100 minute set and brought out Mike Campbell and Steve Ferrone for Runnin' On A Dream.

Show was maybe 2/3 full. They might want to see about employing the Bonamassa strategy of booking theatres even if they can only do okay business in clubs. He found his sales surged and all the fans he was making opening for BB King were more likely to come out if they had a seat.

Parking was $40. Which goes back to what I was saying that even cheap and free shows are now high cost events and that a "working man" (whatever that means) might not be able to afford to see Bruce for example even for free. I took public transportation, which I was an evangelist for pre-pandemic but could not in good conscience recommend to anyone now.

A few weeks ago I went to the Mosrite 70th Anniversary which was headlined by CJ Ramone with Clem Burke on drums and Alex Kane of Life, Sex & Death on guitar. It was just the basic set that someone can show up and plug in and sing with a band that may not have rehearsed. Which means no CJ era songs, CJ / Bad Chopper / Los Gusanos songs. I didn't really expect anything less. Still, Ramones were my favorite band but to be honest I am perfectly fine with letting it die.

There were a few other mishmashes and local legends but really dug Venturesmania with Deke Dickerson.

Not counting hearing the Grateful Dead's High Time at my friend's funeral in early January is pretty much it so far this year. Was supposed to go see Unsane early show followed by The Hickoids at the Redwood but just couldn't drag myself out. The Hickoids last night was a possibility if I didn't get comped for Larkin Poe but my friend was posting "Hey Tenacious D is playing a surprise set and boy is this place crowded" which made me kinda glad I passed on that.

Thought this thread might be sinking deep down in the heaps of slag without trace. Thank you, Dan, for your salvage post.

I caught Larkin Poe live at Chalk in Brighton in May last year. Enjoyed the show, liked them a lot. Two cute-looking young lasses delivering red-hot blues rock — what’s not to like?

That was the day before I saw Clapton at the RAH. Thought they would be a good support act for Clapton. I know daspyknows doesn’t like the idea, though

Saw Larkin Poe at the Fillmore Thus night. They were excellent, place pretty much sold out.

They wouldn't open for Clapton. Their name isn't Jimmy Vaughan, Gary Clark Jr or Andy Fairweather Low. Clapton isn't trying to push limits in anyway, let alone opening acts.

Now is the time to salvage this rather unrecognized thread I started a few months ago.
I am posting gig reviews I procrastinated after my initial posts, somewhat disappointed by a rather sparse reaction to the thread.
Will anyone post your firsthand account of a gig you attend and make this place a bit more interesting? I’d appreciate your contribution no matter what.

I returned to Japan for about six weeks, from mid-March to late-April, the first time in more than three years. Prior to that, various restrictions regarding the safety measures introduced with the rise of Covid had made it quite tricky for me to go back. While I was in my home country, I felt as if I was a stranger in a strange land…
Over there, I saw seven concerts of which three were Bob Dylan and two were Eric Clapton. I posted my short comments on them on each artist’s thread. The following comments are the rest of the gigs I attended in the U.K. and Japan otherwise.

Lizzo (OVO Arena, Glasgow, March 8)
She is one to watch in the public eye for some time. I remember the sensation she caused at Glastonbury 2019, the last pre-pandemic one. Curiosity pushed me on my back to pick one of the last few remaining tickets, a cheap nosebleed seat in the rafters. As I took my seat, it turned out that the lighting rig hanging from the ceiling obstructed some of my view, which was frustrating. Well, you get what you pay.
With my stage sight being as such, I’m not sure I fully enjoyed the show. Perhaps not. While Lizzo was garnering the adulation from the audience that consisted of 80% women with her body positive message (“My Body My Choice” projected on the screen to a rapturous scream from all around), I wondered if there was some sort of freak show nature in this modern showbiz extravaganza. Have to say she is a good rapper/singer and a dab hand at flute, though.
The local press gave glowing reviews.

[www.theguardian.com]

[strathcNlydetelegraph.com]

KT Tunstall (Usher Hall, Edinburgh, March 15)
KT’s show is always fun and uplifting. Her onstage banter reminds me of a stand-up comedian, making people smile and then laugh, even this non-native tongue of English like me. A very likable, unpretentious character she is. Good voice. Spot on guitar play. Tight band performance. Two guitars, bass, drums and no keyboard this time. One of the show highlights was Hold On segued into Whole Lotta Love (yes, that one). I really like her. Left the venue, feeling happy. That was the night before my U.K. departure.

Black Country, New Road (Club Quattro Umeda, Osaka, April 5)
One of the most talked-about outfits from the U.K. contemporary music scene. This is their first proper tour after their Japanese debut at the Fuji Rock Festival, July, last year. I had seen them three times before, two in Edinburgh, 2020 and 2021, another at the Green Man festival in Brecon Beacons, Wales, 2022. Between the first two and the third, there was a drastic change — lead vocalist and guitarist Isaac Wood left the band just a few days prior to the release of the second album, and they made a brave decision to discard all of the repertoire up to that point, presenting an all new material show for the live performance. BCNR Mk I and II are completely different animals. Gone are the idiosyncratic, bizarre tunes tinged with twisted sense of humor a la Captain Beefheart (so to speak), and in came instead a group of melodic, sweet-sounding songs that still retain some abrasiveness here and there. I like both versions of the band. The all-standing, 700-capacity venue was sold out, and this tour is the first occasion they tried out a few more new songs added to the setlist, which resulted in an hour and 15 minute performance, considerably longer than the previous shows. FYI keyboardist and singer May Kershaw’s mother is Japanese and she was born in Japan, speaking fluent Japanese — a fact their home turf crowd doesn’t know of.

The Doobie Brothers (Festival Hall, Osaka, April 24)
Their so-called 50th Anniversary tour (they were formed in 1970 and released the debut album in 1971). The epitome of the great American rock music, 2 hours and 10 minutes of pure rockin’ entertainment and I enjoyed every minute of it. The beaming smiles on the audience members’ faces tell it all — they looked like they didn’t want to leave the venue when the show was over.

The Wedding Present (Liquid Room, Edinburgh, May 16)
The first gig after my return to the U.K. Energy, passion, adrenaline and intelligence. The Weddoes have never disappointed me and this time is no exception. One of the best inheritors of the punk-rock ethos, the spirit of another ‘76, combined with the post-punk introspection — even if they are traditionally classified in and grouped together with the so-called ‘C86’.



Edited 3 time(s). Last edit at 2023-05-18 16:05 by RisingStone.

I haven't updated my list in a month but I still wrote a few reviews and posted them to my blog recently

[ijwthstd.blogspot.com]

Mr Bungle + Melvins @ Hollywood Palladium 2023-05-11


I am a firm believer in allowing event tickets to be traded at full market value or whatever price the purchaser of the ticket asks. My lifestyle is funded on that premise. For this show the market value was established at minus one dollar because for 30 minutes between 7:50 and 8:20 I did my best to inform everyone near the entrance I would pay someone one dollar to take my extra ticket.

Not sure what that says about the concert or even the value of a dollar if I could not give one away in Hollywood, where you can't walk ten feet without someone asking asking you for a dollar.

A few times someone with a defeated look on their face would inform me they also have extra tickets. I sometimes added "it's my last dollar, help a brutha out." A club owner who can possibly use specialized promotional services watched me for ten minutes. I should hit him up.

Right before I was going to give up and go in, someone accepted the ticket, refused the dollar and gave me a blunt which I promptly took to the smoking patio, panhandled a lighter and sparked up. I left the roach on a ledge near the bar and went in. After the Melvins I went back and it was still there so I got a few more hits off it.

Though I usually treat staff with the utmost respect I ordered a Red Bull and can of water. Took a sip of the Red Bull and when informed of the cashless policy I said this changed from a transaction to a debt and according to the US Constitution legal tender cannot be refused for all debts public and private, slapped down a twenty and walked away.

The first Mr Bungle album changed my life. This version blows chunks. At least they played My Ass Is On Fire in the encore because though I say a band is free to play what it wants, in 2020 I thought selling tickets to a show with nothing off the first album constituted fraud.

Thanks to Eric for not only guiding me out the door as I had lost all sense of direction but for giving me a ride home too.


Sisters Of Mercy + Strange Cities @ Hollywood Palladium 2023-05-15



I am so sick with a cold, or something, I should have stayed in bed. But after witnessing my roommate try to sell his toaster to pay back rent while still not filling out a single job application, I just wanted to get out of here whatever the risk to my physical health and anyone else's.

The only decent option was Sisters Of Mercy. Though I don't remember anything but the Gimme Shelter cover I know I enjoyed at least reading the comments from my friend's master tape transfers so I figured it was worth a shot to head over. I grabbed $30, made a sign saying that was all I had because I was too tired to put forth any real effort and had the ticket secured by the 8th person in line. So unchallenging I almost refused it.

I ingested the perfect combination for this show. Tetrahydrocannabinol, Dextromethorphan and caffeine. I found a piece of wall and melted into it. I don't even remember looking at the stage. I was surrounded by people but too embarrassed to ask what was Sisters Of Mercy, what was the opener and what was house music. I was so high I imagined myself talking to someone who plays in Green Day. Eventually a bouncer told me it was over and time to leave. He wouldn't take $6 to let me sleep under the stage until the First Aid Kit show the next day. But from what I understand the employees sleep on the floor between shows because the job doesn't pay enough for housing in Los Angeles. I know even that arrangement is not free and the part everyone complains about is the Ticketmaster fees.

My last gig chosen in desperation was the Burbank High School band last week and that was better.

I don't know what I am infected with but I lost 5 pounds in water weight out my nose while hiking this morning.

I usually never even hint where I am going to be ahead of time but I will make an exception and say I am trying to put together the Hayley Kiyoko caravan for tonight. I lost track of all the women I asked to go with me assuming I will just be stood up but tickets are still cheap and I can cover whoever shows up.

And if any women reading want to take me up on this, you should also know I am an easy lay and will put out but if I am expected to take care of everybody, someone's gotta bring the Viagra. I am not 48 anymore.

I will probably just hand everybody their tickets and go see First Aid Kit.

Enjoy!

I've been to the Wiltern 4 times in a few weeks.

City Morgue April 30. Was still thinking Willie but I was at South Pasadena Eclectic where 80 mostly local bands were playing. A friend posted he was playing with some band at 6:30 and decided to stay and by the time that wrapped up this was the only realistic option.

Crowded House May 8 & 9

I have seen David Bowie at the Wiltern (twice) and the Rolling Stones. Night 2 was better. And even though I am dealing with major catastrophes on all fronts, these shows went along way in shifting my mood and turning the tide where I feel much better about what's going on. Oh the healing power of music.

Hayley Kiyoko, Allison Ponthier and Ill Peaches.

Another reason why I will forever support the secondary market. "Sold out" but the brokers hammer the pop shows and tickets were $6 for weeks. Put out an open invite, I buy the tickets and only got 2 takers.

Once I was sure I was going early that afternoon, I found out the amazing Allison Ponthier was opening. Her song Hollywood Forever Cemetery was my jam last year and already saw her twice including once at Hollywood Forever Cemetery.

[www.youtube.com]

I never buy retail T shirts at major events anymore. She was definitely worth a T shirt tonight.

And how's this for a VIP package? Get buried with Allison at Hollywood Forever!

Hayley Kiyoko - the kids were digging it afraid I don't actually remember much. The goal wasn't to enjoy the show but get away from my roommate and give him space to do what he needs to know and this was just the lowest cost option. I was washing down edibles with cough syrup all night with a Red Bull to keep my head up at least.

If you are in a major metropolis I recommend checking the secondary for crashing events and just pick one. You might be surprised.



Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2023-05-20 19:21 by Dan.

Another sold out show, another show with $10 secondary market tickets and people everywhere outside unable to give theirs away. But I did kindly accept one offer. This is happening so much I am actually afraid the brokers are gonna go bankrupt. And if that happens, it will make Ticketmaster almost a monopoly.

The crowd is almost totally Deadhead but Dead And Company are at the Forum tonight. Why do these idiots keep doing this shit?

It did give me ample opportunity to troll everyone with a Dead shirt.

"Not going to see John Mayer tonight?

"Tomorrow"

"Why?"

Grateful Dead with a bloody vagina. Estrogen overload isn't the suitable replacement for Jerry. Nothing is really, except maybe 3 more hot shots.

A few people tried to talking to me about Phish, who to this day I have yet to hear a single note of and said as much.

This show brought out a rough crowd. I thought someone died a few rows behind but they hit him with Narcan and he bounced right up, standing perfectly erect but staring right at me with Frankenstein eyes. And earlier that night I wanted to go to the lobby and get a straw so many people were smoking what I assumed was just weed.

You can hear the nitrous balloons start wheezing at the 2:48:00 mark sold by what looked like gang members.

I usually don't like the Greek but they have Nitro Cold Brew now. I might have to start coming here more often. No Red Bull though, the bartender told me it was making people get too crazy.

I am just enjoying myself and the show, cutting a bit looser than usual tonight and making friends with my neighbors as I do believe he streams everything anyway. So completists only. And I am sure there are a lot, this show could have doubled as an OCD support group.

For Billy Strings I would recommend nights 1 & 2 in Winston-Salem. Night one was Doc Watson's 100th Birthday and night two was a regular Billy Strings show.

Texting people all night but my phone kept trying to autocomplete to Billy Idol. Did he die?

Enjoy!


[ijwthstd.blogspot.com]

Quote
Dan
Crowded House May 8 & 9

I caught Seattle, Denver, and Chicago on this tour and they were in good form and getting better every night. I think on balance I still prefer the '07-'11 incarnation but some CH is better than none, Neil is as good as ever (and clearly having a great time), and having Mitchell back there on keys definitely adds something new. One of the tracks they've been previewing from the next record ("Life's Imitation") keeps getting stuck in my head at random moments ever since, a good sign indeed.

Quote
tommycharles

Quote
Dan
Crowded House May 8 & 9

I caught Seattle, Denver, and Chicago on this tour and they were in good form and getting better every night. I think on balance I still prefer the '07-'11 incarnation but some CH is better than none, Neil is as good as ever (and clearly having a great time), and having Mitchell back there on keys definitely adds something new. One of the tracks they've been previewing from the next record ("Life's Imitation") keeps getting stuck in my head at random moments ever since, a good sign indeed.

I saw Seattle. It was a very good show. I've seen them better but I go back to the very beginning of the band. I saw them in a bar either before or right when the first record came out. I was already a fan of Neil Finn from Split Enz. I think that maybe the band wasn't quite in the groove as Seattle was the second show of the tour. I enjoyed Liam Finn's opening set also.

Saw Hoodoo Gurus last night in a packed, small theater. 42 years on, still a fantastic band. They came out & did a 25 song, 1 hour 45 minute set with no opener. Took a lot of audience requests. Still very loud! Great underrated band.

Quote
crholmstrom

Quote
tommycharles

Quote
Dan
Crowded House May 8 & 9

I caught Seattle, Denver, and Chicago on this tour and they were in good form and getting better every night. I think on balance I still prefer the '07-'11 incarnation but some CH is better than none, Neil is as good as ever (and clearly having a great time), and having Mitchell back there on keys definitely adds something new. One of the tracks they've been previewing from the next record ("Life's Imitation") keeps getting stuck in my head at random moments ever since, a good sign indeed.

I saw Seattle. It was a very good show. I've seen them better but I go back to the very beginning of the band. I saw them in a bar either before or right when the first record came out. I was already a fan of Neil Finn from Split Enz. I think that maybe the band wasn't quite in the groove as Seattle was the second show of the tour. I enjoyed Liam Finn's opening set also.

Yeah - Seattle was my least favorite of the 3 I saw, but it was show 2, so that stands to reason. They're in fine form now.

Having been at Denver 2010 and thanks to the first show of this tour being in Vancouver, I was pleased by the symmetry in Seattle that I'd been at their last US show 13 years before and was now and their next one.

First Aid Kit which is 2 sisters from Stockholm Sweden that play guitar and bass currently backed by a drummer and guitarist who are brothers and a woman playing keyboards. Took a trip to see 2 shows in Osla and 3 shows in Sweden in Feb/Mar and just saw 3 shows in 5 days in Oakland, LA and Salt Lake City. Amazing voices, great harmonies, high energy shows playing their own material with one or two covers mixed in (Fleetwood Mac's Songbird, Willie Nelson's On the Road Again and CSN's Helplessly Hoping) They even have a song about a song called Wild Horses 2 in reference to the Rolling Stones and Flying Burrito Brothers versions. They are touring around the US through the summer with a couple more European shows.

I also saw the First Aid Kit show in L.A. I highly recommend them.

This thread is closed because of several reasons:

1. Off Topic (I do want less rather than more off topic threads)
2. Generic title (Carte Blanche titles are not wanted)
3. I am too busy to moderate OT treads with generic titles

Bjornulf