This is the last review I thought I would ever be typing out, but here I am ready to post about what I experienced last night when I traveled to Columbus to see a different type of circus, featuring Britney Spears.
Before I even begin telling you of all my adventures last night, I might as well give some history on to how a ticket came into my hands for a show like this. As most of you may know I tend to keep with the punk rock and metal shows but I never will pass up the opportunity for a good time, even if it is an almost sold out show with thousands of screaming tweens. I wrote a short blog about it with more details but in a nutshell an old friend found himself with an extra ticket and invited me. There was no way I was going to pass this up.
The drive to Columbus was fine until I drove past Grandpa’s Cheese Barn in Ashland, OH and then it just started pouring. From there it was limited visibility and a-hole drivers all around me almost causing multiple accidents. I finally made it to downtown Columbus where my pal was staying at a nice hotel and after getting lost in the hotel parking garage decided to venture down High Street and see what record stores were still around before heading to the show. After a nice meal at Skully’s and some success at finding some good records it was time to head to the Value City Arena, also commonly referred to as The Schottenstein Center.
Having never been to the Value City Arena I had no idea where to park and we wasted time stuck in traffic and pulling illegal u-turns all over the premises finally finding a legal place to park. I was pissed that it took so long to find a parking space that I originally drove past the first time but for $3 I was not complaining.
Mass crowds of folk, mostly female, were flocking to the arena so we jumped in the mad dash to get there and found our seats in no time. Sitting in our seats we laughed that we were actually about to see a pop show and laughed even harder at the people who sat near us just stared at us perhaps asking themselves if we were lost.
The stage was located in the center of the arena and people who paid the big bucks got to sit in what looked like giant chairs while others crowded in a general admission area. We were lucky enough to sit in the front row of section 218 where there were no real distractions in front of us.
A large curtain hid the center stage and soon arose featuring pop girl group the Pussycat Dolls who were all situated on a steel staircase of sorts. I lost my hearing for a short second from the welcoming applause and screams. Not familiar with their material at all the only song I picked out was the ever popular “Don’t Cha”. Along their 45 minute set they also played “Jai Ho!”, a song originally written for the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire that later was rerecorded by The Pussycat Dolls with English lyrics. The five beautiful clad women danced all over the stage to an adoring crowd. Their dance moves were suggestive, their outfits were small, and the crowd loved them.
After the Pussycat Dolls finished their set stagehands quickly worked and dismantled the steel stair case of sorts and removed it from the stage. The giant curtain dropped again where a 360 degree monitor soon emerged that would be a focal point for all types of visuals for the evening. The theme for the evening was a circus inspired performance so seeing the three section stage was appropriate for what was about to come.
Before the main event, the Big Apple Circus took the stage with various entertaining performances including a muscleman who twirled what looked like a section of fence around and around and tossed it about like it was metal pizza dough. That same performer then grabbed a giant cube made out of steel bars and balanced it on his palm and spun it to the crowds enjoyment. I was not as thrilled and of course made a joke to my pal about how all the guy ever wanted to do in life was spin a giant cube in front of thousands and how today was his day.
Other performers included a very flexible girl who was more of a human pretzel, clowns, hula hoops, people being thrown in the air, and martial artists who wooed the crown with their shiny weapons. I have to admit it was pretty entertaining.
Once everyone cleared the stage the lights dimmed and a very interesting video played on the 360 degree monitor with a cross dressing queen providing a rather disturbing introduction for the rest of the evening. The crowd erupted in excitement through the intro and not too far after the sexy ringmaster, Britney Spears, was lowered down from the 360 degree monitor as her performers met her on stage. It was at that moment it struck me that I was actually at this show.
At the beginning of their performance I found myself more interested in the stage set up itself over the performance. There were elevator like trap doors that would allow access to the stage without any of the performers leaving the center of the venue. It was a show in itself just watching how everyone worked together to make the stage work.
Again I am not a pop music fan so I did not know a lot of the songs that were being performed but I did know that there was a ton of choreographing going on for the two plus hours that the show went on. There was a lot of hard work going on during the set.
One point during the evening had me scratching my head at was when the 360 degree monitor was lowered and Marilyn Manson‘s version of “Sweet Dreams (Are Made Of These)” started playing as videos of Britney Spears footage was displayed. It was clear that the video was being played so everyone could take a breather. I still could not believe that a Marilyn Manson song, even if it was an Euythmics track, was playing at high levels to the crowd.
The show started to get a little more entertaining, performance wise, after the quick break with darker skits and more daring stunts and dances, but soon ventured back to sexy cop Britney Spears and a whole slew of different types of dancing. At one time gangster looking dudes rode in on low rider bicycles and surrounded the star of the night. Once again I could not help but to comment to my comrade how I felt I was witnessing an Eminem ice capades.
As far as song titles go, I really did not recognize a lot of them. “Womanizer” was one song I recognized towards the end of the night as well as a remixed version of “Baby One More Time”. Other then that if you were to pay me for each song I could tell you that was played that night I would not be earning much money.
It was clear that the night was all about lip-singing, but I did not let that bother me at all, after all I did attend a Britney Spears concert. The 360 degree monitor that showed all of the strange footage over the performance as well as ads for Virgin Mobile and Candies makeup never once showed live shots from the evening. I felt bad for the people who sat all the way in the higher section of the arena seeing how I was in the middle section and had a hard time seeing the show myself. These tickets were not cheap by any means and you would think that they would at least cater to the nose bleed sections.
The dancing was mostly handled by Britney Spears’ entourage of performers and to me it looked like most of the time Britney Spears was either being pushed around on various carts, being picked up by hanging men, or resting on furniture props as she moved her lips to the music. I expected more on her behalf. Still, it was a performance I was looking for when I agreed to go and not a full fetched music showdown. I was not even phased towards the end of the show when two guys pretended to play guitars as women showered them with sparks from what looked like metal sanders. It was a performance, a show, nothing to be taken seriously.
Britney Spears was not much of a crowd participation person except for a quick thank you to the crowd who spent way too much money on tickets to see her and even more money on merchendise. I think she spoke to the crowd once, but that one time was good enough for the packed house of fans.
My ears still ring from the loudness of the show, mostly from the screaming fans. It was clear that the fans who showed up that night were excited to be there and had a great time dancing and singing about. Then there was me…
Honestly, I did have a great time though and I never in my life thought I would say that I went to a Britney Spears concert, and I had fun. Stranger things have happened…
Here are some quality photos taken with my trusty iPhone. You can not see anything…
The finale was a shower of sparks that burned everyone on stage to a crisp. Human s'mores.That red mess above is the 360 degree monitor. Notice the hanging people? Britney is in the right sided circle pointing at a way out.If you look hard enough you might be able to see the metal stairs I was talking about. This was taken right when the Pussycat Dolls broke into a sweet version of "Freebird".
Californian punkers Strung Out have recently released a b-side and rarities CD full of material that spans their 18-year career as a hardworking, independent punk rock band. The CD, titled Prototypes and Painkillers, is full of songs that are unreleased, not found on studio albums, or were previously out of print, making for a nice find for any Strung Out fan. This is actually the band’s second compilation; the first was titled The Skinny Years… Before We Got Fat.
Released by Fat Wreck Chords, the new CD, according to drummer Jordan Burns, is “for the fans.” The cardboard foldout includes short descriptions of each song, and the band shares when they recorded each song and what album, if any, it was left off of. The band also mentions that “over the last 18 years or so” they “recorded over 120 songs, many of which never saw a proper release.” I guess it is safe to say this is now the proper release that these amazing songs belong on; now true fans of Strung Out need not search endlessly on the internet for these gems.
The songs are in no chronological order. “Don’t Look Back” starts off the CD. The song was a limited edition 2001 recording that was included in the first 10,000 copies of An American Paradox, the band’s fourth release. The song is sick, in a good way, with trademark Strung Out technical guitar work.
The original recording of “Novacain” sounds to me better than the version found on the Fat Wreck Chords comp Live Fat, Die Young. Catchy as hell, it is a good track many fans may not have heard before. The song was actually supposed to be on the band’s 2000 EP The Element of Sonic Defiance but was instead contributed to Fat Wreck Chords, as they had asked for an exclusive track for their compilation.
The cover of the Descendants’ “I’m Not A Loser” is a great rendition. I had had no doubts that Strung Out could not hammer this classic punk song out. Previously only available on iTunes, “Novella” was a track that I feel should not have been left off the band’s recent release Blackhawks Over Los Angeles. The song is a little heavier and a whole lot catchier than some other tracks on the CD. The band mentions in the notes that it was a tough call keeping the track off the CD.
“This is definitely the most popular song we’ve never had on an album” they say in the notes for “Lost Motel.” The studio version may never had made it onto An American Paradox but it was released on the members only Fat Club 7”. Having only the live version on the Live In a Dive CD, I can see why so many fans request it at the band’s shows. Without a doubt this track is one of my favorites on the entire CD.
Speaking of favorites, the cover of “Bark At The Moon”, an Ozzy Osbourne classic, blew me away. Strung Out adds their own style and nails the song that appeared on the Punk Goes Metal compilation. I always tell people how I have heard a lot of bad covers, but this in no way will ever fall into that category. If there is one track on this CD you need to listen to first, here it is.
You can tell how long ago “Sinner Or Coward” was recorded from the moment you start listening to it. A bit of trivia about this song is that Rob Ramos played all the original instruments, including drums. Jim Cherry, one-time bassist for Strung Out, also contributed a guitar solo.
Another track that was recorded for a Fat Wreck Chords compilation, “Your Worst Mistake,” appeared on Uncontrollable Fatulance. Full of great guitar licks and solos, this is a killer track, with Jason Cruz singing his heart out. The bonus track “More Than Words,” originally on Blackhawks Over Los Angeles, sounds a lot more punk-poppy than the other tracks. It caught my ear in a good way and has endless singalong possibilities.
Strung Out says in their notes on “Wrong Side Of The Tracks” that Josh Freese (The Vandals, NIN, A Perfect Circle) charged the band a 12-pack of beer to fill in for an injured Jordan Burns on drums. The song was recorded for a Fearless Records 7” and the band had no time to waste, hence they had asked Freese for help. The drumming on this track is a lot more technical throughout, and the notes mention that Freese was actually stumped while trying to learning the opening drum beat. Just by listening to it I can understand why.
The acoustic version of “Velvet Alley” that was re-recorded for Punk Goes Acoustic is another track I really got into. I have heard this version as well as the original found on An American Paradox, and while both versions are amazing, the acoustic take stands out more.
Closing the disc is a demo from 1992, a few of which are included. The first song entirely written by guitarist Jake Kiley, “Forever Is Today” is a track full of young punk rock ambition and sounds. This track was, according to the band, never re-recorded or released until now. As a Strung Out fan, I found it very satisfying to hear this track and see how far this band has come along.
The band, having wanted to create this rarities CD for quite some time, is actually in the process of recording its eighth studio album, following their 2007 release Blackhawks Over Los Angeles. Full of material I had forgotten about or simply not had the opportunity to hear until now, I have no complaints about this CD and think it is the perfect collection. Prototypes and Painkillers should tide over any fan, old or new, until the next studio album. It is filled with exceptional covers, alternative takes on prior hit tracks, and of course the material that never made it to a CD until now.
For the first time ever the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony was opened to the public. The second I had found out about this amazing opportunity I just had to go. Thanks to Matt at Addicted To Vinyl, he helped make that happen. Last night was amazing to say the least.
Before heading to the event, Matt and I met up with Clevelandrockandroll.com‘s Bear and his son. We met up at the Great Lakes Brewing Company for some eats, drinks, and great conversation. Bear is a great guy and had plenty of awesome concert stories from the past to share at the table. It was really cool meeting him and I will be checking his site out frequently for sure.
Towards the seven o’clock hour we all headed to the famed Public Hall for the event. The traffic was lighter than expected and as we rounded the corner on to St. Clair it was obvious that something big was going on. Media vans, limos, mobile satellites…and this was at the rear of the venue.
As luck would have it Bear and his son followed us to the event so we all took a small hike around the building that once hosted memorable concerts such as the Beatles and Janis Joplin and made our way into the sardine cramped hallways of the Public Hall once we bypassed the red carpet. This was the first time the induction ceremony had been in Cleveland since 1997 and this was the first time that people like me could attend without spending outrageous amounts of money.
None of us dressed formally. We dressed rock causal. After all we were going to a concert right?. I sported jeans, my Adidas (Run-DMC love), a CBGB’s shirt, and a Sage Francis hoodie because that is how I roll. You would not believe how many tuxedo wearing people complimented me on that shirt. I was asked if I had even been then and regretfully I said I had not. Luckily others in attendance wore equal amounts of street clothes so that we did not stick out too much.
Now I’m going to break this post down into a couple of sections just for the heck of it. First I will talk about all the positive aspects of the night, mostly the performances, followed by a few things that really made the night not so enjoyable. Nothing can ever be perfect can it? Well the good news is that the bad things that did happen did not ruin my fun too much and all in all I would say this was one of the coolest things I have ever been to in my life.
Matt and I sat in section 19 row H which is on the left side of the hall to the back rear. We sat in the row that butted up against the rails and walkway so the plus was that there were no people behind us. Of course the rest of our night would be spent shifting our bodies to ease the aches on our necks from looking left, but it was a small price to pay for a great evening.
The place seemed to fill up slowly in regards to public seating. The high rollers who spent one of my car payments for a table seat in the VIP area were engaged in dinner already and were finishing up. Looking around I could see cameras and all sorts of lighting and of course the giant crane like camera in the center that towered over the VIPs.
Mayor Frank Jackson, I’m sorry… Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson, had some nice words to say about the ceremony returning to town. I joked with Matt and Said “Cleveland has a mayor?” and got some laughs by the others seated around us. He spoke about the excitement for the induction ceremony as well as hopes to see it return every three years. Next up were some Rock Hall higher ups who had more positive things to say about the night’s event, but seriously I was not there to see high paid people with dream jobs speak, I wanted some music.
Section 19 Row H
At about this time the music was about to begin I took a quick photo (seen right) with my handy iPhone just so I could share it here on the site. Soon the night’s first inductees took the stage, Anthony & The Imperials. The Brooklyn doo-wop turned soul revivalists blew me away with their three song performance including “Tears On My Pillow” and “Shout”. Smokey Robinson soon inducted the act into the Rock Hall once they completed their performance.
I laughed when Little Anthony told the crowd that Little Anthony & The Imperials had never won a Grammy but announced the band did have a new release and hoped that would change.
After a fun collection of Wanda Jackson footage appeared on screen Rosanne Cash took the podium to induct once of the first females to play rock and roll. Rosanne Cash spoke about her father, Johnny Cash, and Elvis and of course the lady in the spotlight Wanda Jackson who soon came out and gave some words of her own. She then waltzed to the main stage grabbed her guitar and proved that age is nothing but a number while playing “Mean Mean Man” and “Let’s Have A Party”.
Paul Schaffer introduced Spooner Oldham and some classic tunes were played like “When A Man Loves A Woman” and “Natural Women”. Sadly the crowd did not seem to be in to this fun little performance.
Classic footage of Bobby Womack from Soul Train appeared on the big screen with some really awesome footage. Once completed The Rolling Stones’ Ron Wood inducted Cleveland’s Bobby Womack (who actually wrote “It’s All Over Now” for the Stones). Ron Wood had a nice touching speech and actually looked like he had some tears in his eyes while introducing Bobby Womack to the stage. It was nice to see a hometown musician make his worthy way into the Rock Hall. Never in my life did I ever think I would see a Bobby Womack performance live but that all changed as he began his set with acoustic guitar in had seated on a stool for everyone to hear. He jammed to “Wait Until Tonight” and then with a full horn section “It’s All Over Now” took down the house with Ron Wood ripping up a guitar solo. Amazing.
Detroit hip hop artist Eminem had the privilege and honor of inducting RUN-DMC into the Rock Hall. His introduction speech was very personal talking about the act that “turned Marchal Mathers into Eminem”. Controversial concerns earlier were omitted as everyone in the house cheered for RUN-DMC as they were accepted into the Rock Hall. They were the first rap band to appear on MTV, to go platinum, to tour the world, to infuse rock into their rap, and now are the first to be inducted.
Each member gave their acceptance speech and Jam Master Jay’s mother spoke on behalf of the fallen DJ. I laughed when she stated that Jam Master Jay broke every turntable of hers. She also stated that she never hesitiated buying a new turntable though. Hearing Rev Run and DMC speak of how they got their start was really interesting. I did find it a little annoying however to see the entire group with multiple family members on stage together. It was a little too MTV Music Awards for me. Sadly the act did not perform at the awards. I was not aware that they were not and was actually kind of bummed. I know it would have been amazing to see them play out live but they chose not to.
Here is Eminem’s speech:
Bass guitarist of the E Street Band Gary Tallent as well as celebrity drummer Max Weinberg collectively inducted drummer D.J. Fontana and the late bassist Bill Black both of who played with Elvis Presley. I am curious to see the FUSE version of the awards as Max Weinberg had a very long speech eventually thanking D.J. Fontana who joined them at the podium.
Legendary Jimmy Page inducted his friend Jeff Beck into the Rock Hall. After some kind words the former Yardbird hit the podium with some choice words and first middle finger of the evening. The two then took the stage and did this:
Seriously that was once of the cooler things I have seen in my time.
It was pretty apparent that most of the public came to see heavy metal rockers Metallica. The rock casual attire seen worn by everyone included a lot of Metallica t-shirts, some brand new, and some from years ago when I feel the band was at their strongest. Some chose to wear sport jackets over the shirts making for an interesting choice in attire.
It was no surprise to hear the loudest cheers of the evening when Metallica’s name appeared on the big screen followed by a brief film of the band. By this time many of the people in the public sections were heavily sauced. I’ll get into that more later.
Who better than to induct Metallica than the Red Hot Chili Pepper’s bassist Flea. Sporting a blue hairdo, Flea gave one of the best speeches of the night. He spoke, and swore, about how much the band influenced him as a troubled youth and how they helped him get to where he is today.
Flea said it best when he stated:
“This music comes on the radio, and I couldn’t believe that it fucking existed. It was like I had been living in this normal world, where I knew what everything was that came on the radio, and all of a sudden my mind was being blown by this beautiful, violent thing that was unlike anything I had ever heard before in my life.”
Metallica, including Jason Newsted and Cliff Burton’s father who rightfully so gave the first acceptance speech, all took a few moments each to speak. As a long time fan of Metallica, especially in my youth, I listened to every word each of them had to say about how it came about that a heavy metal band got where they are today. Cliff Burton’s dad I could tell was so proud of his son’s accomplishments of the late musician and as a fan it meant a lot to me to see someone from his family to be there.
Robert Trujillo, who spoke after Jason Newsted, rightfully gave thanks to Mike Muir of Suicidal Tendencies and the second he did I had a big ol’ smile on my face.
Lars Ulrich did not have a speech written up at all. He huddle over the microphone and gave thanks to family, friends, and fans. While pompous sometimes he actually said something I wanted share:
“I think rock and roll is about possibilities and about dreams. The fact that the six of us can be up on the stage tonight, snot-nosed kids, outcasts, loners who grew up in very different parts of the world, in very different situations and make it here tonight, to this wonderful night in front of all these people down here … Rock and roll truly is about possibilities. Look at us. Metallica’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!”
It was true, the band has been through a lot and seeing them all on stage really proved they fought their battles and proved their way into the Rock Hall. At this moment I really was happy to be a part of that night witnessing only the second metal band to ever be inducted into the Rock Hall.
Seeing Metallica get inducted really got me thinking about future inductees. Will bands like Iron Maiden, Motorhead, or even Social Distortion ever have their day? Only time will tell I guess.
I was not sure what was going to happen next as the band exited the stage. I was hoping for Jason Newsted to at least play one song with them and much to my surprise Metallica and Jason Newsted took the stage and pumped out “Master Of Puppets” with two bassists. Yes…two bassists. It was incredible.
They may have formed in 1981 and show signs of aging but good lord these guys sounded just as awesome as every time I have ever seen them live. I do want to add that the above video does not include the entire public singing along and cheering their hearts out and the sound live was much better than what is heard. The video also omitted the VIP section sitting there motionlessly and looking scared. The band also played the commercially overplayed “Enter Sandman” and even though I really do not care for that track anymore it still caught my ear and I sang along…
I really hope that their performance at the ceremony leads Jason Newsted back to the band some how. Metallica with two bassists would be pretty sick. I know they had their disagreements and fights amongst one another but Jason Newsted looked so happy to be on stage with his former crew. Maybe it was just because of an awesome weekend they all had reconnecting, or maybe it is more. We shall see.
Once Metallica finished up many folk started leaving and that was a huge mistake as they missed out on the two finales.
First up Anthony & The Imperials, Wanda Jackson, D.J. Fontana (who was inducted earlier in the evening), Jeff Beck, Bobby Womank, and Rosanne Cash all took the stage and performed “Jail House Rock”. It was a pretty insane cover of a track that helped pave rock and roll to where it stands now.
After their performance I only knew it was going to get better, and it did. Metallica, Jason Newsted, Jimmy Page, Jeff Beck, Flea and Joe Perry all took stage and played the Yardbird’s “Train Kept A Rolling”. Talk about guitar overload! There was so much going on at once I did not know who to look at.
My night was complete after that.
And so ended the 2009 Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony…and I was a part of it. How sweet is that? Hoping to be invited to an after party or notified of a secret show, which did not happen, Matt and I squeezed out way out of Public Hall and called it a night.
That was the good, now time to me to bring up some of the events that really had me wanting to swing my fists…
First off I have a top 10 of drunks I would like to punch in the throat that were seated around us. Yes it is a concert, and yes it was being filmed for television, but seriously did you really need to drink to the point where you are most likely going to forget the entire evening? There were people around me that had no idea what was going on and would try and leave to take a piss every ten minutes.
With that said during some segments of the night the sweet ushers (more on that in a second) would shut the doors not to allow anyone back to their seats until a commercial break. This made the drunks unhappy and loud. Luckily Matt and I were seated directly in front of a door way into the concession area so all of the jackasses who went to get drinks had to finish them in the halls and created a ton of noise. So much I might add that I was not even able to hear DJ Fontana’s acceptance speech. That was about the time I turned around and screamed “Shut the eff up!”
People were yelling at the ushers when they were denied to be seated such as one princess saying “Do you know how much money I spent to get here?” – Yes lady I do know how much because it is the exact amount I spent to go there too and I sure as hell did not spend that money to hear your tramp ass complain.
Another finely dressed douche bag had no idea where he left his seat due to one too many and when the ushers told him he was a row off he yelled at them for wasting his time. Idiot. Drunk idiot.
Oh I almost forgot about the dad who asked me if “Evil Knievel jumped over the Public Hall in the 60’s”. Do I look that old? He almost ate it a few times down the steps too and I was secretly hoping he would have…
Honestly I could not believe the number of people that were just out of control wasted. If it were a Metallica concert I could understand but this was a serious ceremony of sorts that meant a lot to the artists involved.
Then there was the lady five rows in front of us screaming and wooing while failing to throw the devil horns. Seriously, I am not kidding. This drunk bimbo looked like she was having seizures at times because she was so blasted. She would throw her hand out, make a peace sign followed by what looked like the “shocker” and once even the “Live Long and Prosper” Spock Star Trek sign. She eventually used her other overly tan hand to mold her fingers into the most pathetic devil horns I have ever seen. If I did not love my iPhone so much I would have surly chucked it at her head.
Took this right when Mr. Awesome Security guard tapped me in the back of the head...
Oh yea, my iPhone. I was trying to take a picture of the Jimmy Page / Jeff Beck performance and a security tapped me on the back of the head and yelled I am not allowed to take video making for a blurring picture. I told him I was taking a picture with my phone and he said it was taking me too long as I was holding the phone like a video player. I pointed to the crane sized camera and told him I was waiting for it to move. Ass.
Are you tired of my ramblings yet?
I have a couple more.
The ushers when we got there were friendly and showed us to our seats but as soon as the ceremony started they started talking behind us and their walkie talkies were going off.
I understand having contol at a show and hiring outside help to maintain, but the guys behind us did not respect the paying crowd and kept laighing and talking. I was getting so frustrated and I know I was not the only one.
One usher in particular had that face and smile that just read “punch me” and he pretty much annoyed me all night. During the Jeff Beck performance he danced like a fool mocking the legend. I know he had no idea what was going on and was only there to make his $7 an hour.
The same usher made the comment “Enter Sandman” made Metallica. Instantly I envisioned myself jumping over the rail behind me, grabbing the kid by the head, and knocking him out. It is one thing to be dumb but another thing to be musically dumb.
Finally there were the fans that just had to yell things out during the speeches in hopes that their voices would be heard on national television. A shout out or two can be humorous but some of these people were tying to out shout one another. Someone would scream “I love Metallica” and a moment later “I love Metallica more” could be heard. It was sad really. Any respectful fan would have allowed any of the inductees give their acceptance speech without drunk interuption and saved the shout outs for the live shows.
I am happy to say I kept my cool and did not get myself thrown out of the event. I wanted to so badly, but did not. There is a chance I upset the father sitting next to me when I dropped the F-bomb but I was pissed and it just came out. I think if I would have flipped out and punched people in their throats it would have made for a better read here but I did not want to miss a thing that night.
So there. There were some of my complaints. I am sure Matt could add a few more. Other than the drunks and the ushers it was a swell time for sure.
I really hope that in three years the ceremony comes back to Cleveland and if it does I will be there. There is something about being a part of rock history that is all so appealing. Sure I am not a rock star nor did I walk down the red carpet to the VIP area and eat cake but I did get to witness the same thing high rollers have been doing for years and that felt pretty damn awesome.
Last minute shows are always a good time for me. First I have to see if I can get off work early enough to go home and change from my “business casual” attire so I do not stand out like a sore thumb and then there is the planning of meeting up with friends and trying to grab a quick bite to eat. Sometimes this planning fails immediately as work beckons me to stay, meaning I can not get off that evening. Luckily for me things worked out perfectly this past Tuesday when The Gaslight Anthem came to town.
Matt from Addicted To Vinyl mentioned to me on Monday night that The Gaslight Anthem were playing the Agora Ballroom with special guests Good Old War and local rockers Redwater Rojo the very next night. I honestly did not think I was going to make it to this show and kicked myself for also forgetting about it. I was not 100% sure that I would be able to leave work early enough to head out to Cleveland to see them perform but as luck would have it I was able to.
Matt and I decided to grab a bite to eat before hitting the show and jokingly we discuss eating at My Friends in Lakewood, OH as I was once convinced he lived there because every time I ever picked him up for a show or what have you he insisted on meeting me at My Friends. I give him hell for it all the time but on Tuesday I was shocked when he told me I could pick him up from his dwelling.
Once I arrived Matt asked me if I had ever eaten at The Town Fryer, a local southern cuisine based eatery, and I stated I had not. He reminded me that the restaurant had expanded recently and opened shop in the same building as the Agora. He suggested we eat there since it was literally butted up to the venue and I agreed it was a good idea.
Now normally I do not mix food reviews with concert reviews but something happened while we were eating that involved unknown crew/friends of a band that would play later that night. It was not about the food, that was excellent (the catfish was to die for!), it was about other patrons…
I should take a moment here and clear something up right quick. Originally I thought the people seated behind me were Good Old War with a female friend. I was quick to exchange emails later in the day after writing the blog with my good pal Jonah who informed me that said girl who was associated with Good Old War was the merch girl and she, nor the band, were even able to eat at The Town Fryer as they closed shop shortly after Matt and I finished our meal. So to Good Old War band members/crew, supposed girl, her boss, and anyone else who read this blog originally…oops, my bad. Seriously, I need to stop assuming things…
Anyways…
While seated at The Town Fryer there were some folk seated behind Matt and I who were giving the waitress kind of a rough time. It was apparent the waitress was a little stressed out since she was the only one there and we later learned that she not even 5 minutes before we walked in found out she had to open shop. Apparently The Town Fryer was in the process of moving from one space to another in the building and she had been there since 6:30am.
To make a long story short these cool folk were not too kind and not too cool in my standards. I knew they had something to do with the band because they paid with meal tickets, something that is given to the band and crew only.
There was a female companion who sat along with a few guys who seemed to be making a big stink about “being vegetarian” and gave the waitress kind of a hard time about her order. Granted the restaurant lacked some of the menu items I still found it uncalled for how they were being. They were not exactly a-holes to the waitress but enough to bother me while I was eating.
Regardless of how crappy her day was and how long she had been on her feet busting her ass for a decent paycheck, our waitress gave Matt and I great service and in return we were nice to her as we both understood she was having a rough day. She was a cute girl and just looked ever so tired. I could see the long day she had in her eyes so I decided to be extra friendly and funny to her. I am pretty sure thanks to our conversations with her we put a smile on her face. I will be going there again for sure.
Something that also pissed me off was that later our waitress told us that the tip Ms. I’m A Vegetarian left her was not even $3.00 for a $60.00 bill total (I don’t give a crap if there were coupons/meal tickets/gift cards…your tip should reflect the total bill). Don’t worry friends/crew that hangs out with unknown band, I tipped heavy on account that you suck as patrons and failed to understand how rough of a time that waitress was having. I had been in the food business for many years of my life and this you should know… – respect your servers.
So let’s get back to talking about the show shall we?
The original bill for this show stated that Dayton, OH’s Heartless Bastards were playing as well but for some unknown reason they skipped Cleveland but managed to play Pittsburgh and Columbus just days before. If anyone knows why they skipped out I would love to know especially since I have been wanting to see them live for a while now and am a little bummed they passed up Cleveland. I guess I will see them this summer though as they are playing the 2009 Bonnaroo. Luckily the Agora was able to acquire Redwater Rojo to fill in last minute.
Cleveland’s Redwater Rojo took the stage to a small gathering to start off the night. I have seen their name around and even used to work with the lead singer years ago but I had never seen them live. Their performance was good with a strong mix of southern , smooth , and even at one time some progressive rock. I was shocked to hear how great the lead singer’s voice was as I was not even aware he was the front-man of the band when he told me about it years ago. I liked their music and hope to see them play again. My only complaints really were that the band kind of stood in place their entire set and lacked movement and I was unable to decipher if they were religious or not as some songs seemed to go hand in hand with a bible while others screamed F you to pretentious women.
While hanging out in the lobby of the Agora, Good Old War performed. I had never heard any material by the Langhorne, PA folk fun rockers whose songs really remind me of Paul Simon. They were entertaining and from the medium sized crowd that cheered and sang along with them I would have to say I got a kick out of them and will be checking out their release Only Way To Be Alone sometime soon.
I do need to add though at times during Good Old War’s performance, loud group cheers from the bar area of the Agora overpowered their performance and I knew why. The Cleveland Cavaliers were kicking some serious ass that night and a bunch of the attendees at the show gathered around the television to cheer on LeBron James and others towards another victory. Go Cavs! Only in Cleveland…
The Gaslight Anthem took stage after the Cavs claimed a win so everyone at the venue focused all their attention at the New Jersey quartet. Opening with “Great Expectations” the band sounded just as amazing as they do on their studio releases. All of the members were smiling and playing their hearts out and it was truly enjoyable seeing that. Throughout the show they played some of my favorites like “Old White Lincoln” and “Even Cowgirls Get The Blues” as well as “We Came To Dance” off their first release and “Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts” off the Señor And The Queen EP.
The lead singer Brian Fallon at one time explained to the crowd that they were smiling and laughing so much because of inside jokes the band had with one another. The laughs soon were shared with the fans when Brian Fallon stated that he could not having a hard time understanding what any of the guys were screaming at him but was able to hear the ladies perfectly. I found myself laughing a couple times in between songs when some of the things the guys were screaming translated into “What? Ja Rule was at a Gaslight show?” and “I heard french kissed hot dogs”.
Aside from the great rock and jokes Brian Fallon spoke about a legend of a performer who many compare the band to, Bruce Springsteen. At one time he told the crowd that he met Bruce Springsteen and they talked about New Jersey and their music. It was awesome to hear his short memories of the conversation and his attempt to imitate how the “Boss” speaks.
One statement that Brian Fallon did state earlier in the show about Bruce Springsteen kind of irked me a bit. He mentioned that Bruce Springsteen was being inducted into the Rock Hall later in the week but the truth is that there is a Bruce Springsteen exhibit being opened at the Rock Hall later in the week and that it’s been 10 years since he was inducted into the Rock Hall. I hope for the lead singer’s sake that he was just overcome at the response of the fans and not terribly mistaken.
During the encore Brian Fallon came out with guitar in hand and played a cover of Bruce Springsteen’s “I’m On Fire”. While he performed the classic I thought it would be a good time to head to the merch tables and see what goodies I wanted to pick up. I decided that it was a good idea to pick up Sink Or Swim and The 59 Sound both on vinyl to add them to my collection. I know these will be records I will listen for years to come.
Upon leaving we made a pit stop with the coolest “booking girl” ever and hung out with her for a few moments behind closed doors. I could hear The Gaslight Anthem continue their encore and the very last song they played sounded like “Stand By Me” but was morphed into a song I could not figure out. I thought they played three songs during the encore but I would not be surprised if I am mistaken. If the set list below is not accurate let me know so I can update it. Thanks.
I was really hoping that the boys that night would have played a little more material from Sink Or Swim or Señor And The Queen EP, but this night was mostly all about their latest release The 59 Sound. Regardless of their choice of the songs on the set list it was an awesome performance and I can not wait to see these guys again. I do have the feeling though that next time the show will not be as intimate as this show was. This band is going places.
The Gaslight Anthem Set List:
Great Expectations
High Lonesome
Old White Lincoln
Even Cowgirls Get The Blues
Wooderson
The ‘59 sound
We Came To Dance
Film Noir
Casanova, Baby!
Miles Davis & the Cool
Meet Me By The River’s Edge
Here’s Looking At You Kid
The Backseat
Encore (I could be off on this so if anyone has the correct set list let me know!)
I’m On Fire (Bruce Springsteen cover)
Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts
Stand By Me /I’da Called You Woody, Joe
Here’s a video a fan took of Brian Fallon signing “I’m On FIre” (no I did not take this…)
For the first time ever punk veterans NOFX did something that might be actually considered “going commercial” by creating a show that was broadcast on TV in 2008. Last Spring NOFX teamed up with real music station FUSE TV and put out the hilarious yet eye opening series called NOFX Backstage Passport. The two disc DVD was finally released by the band’s very own Fat Wreck Chords so that now fans can watch this very original show over and over again.
The eight episode documentary that took place from September of 2006 to November 2007 featured NOFX on tour in unfamiliar countries showcasing not only their live performances to their fans but also aired their down time and behind the scene troubles trying to get from one country to another. The result is a show that is like a punk rock No Reservations complete with drunks, drugs, and disaster.
Any fan of punk rock knows who NOFX is; now admitting you are a fan of NOFX is another thing. Formed in 1983 the band achieved their own success doing things their way with no commercial help. Having never signed to a major label, they ignored requests for radio airplay as well as refused to have their music videos aired. They are godfathers of punk to many and have toured the world as well as have been a staple to the punk rock summer camp also known as the Van’s Warped Tour.
I have been a fan of NOFX since I got my first taste of their adaptation of punk rock music when I was in high school. 14 years ago I purchased a VHS movie put out by them called Ten Years Of F*cking Up. I swear I watched that video until the tape wore thin. Their live videos were entertaining in a sense that they just did not care. Not just seeing them on the television, I have caught them numerous times live as well, I guess you can say like these guys a little.
The moment I heard that they would be putting a show on FUSE TV I made sure I set my DVR to record because I knew I was going to enjoy it. From the first episode of NOFX Backstage Passport started I was hooked. With only eight episodes of course I wanted more but thankfully the two disc DVD is now a part of my collection so I can go back and enjoy their tour.
The intro song performed by NOFX pretty much summed up the entire series with:
“We’re NOFX, screwing up since 1983 / These days we’ve got mortgages and families / So we’re going on a sketchy tour / No country is too obscure / We’re going to drink and golf and fight and snort / We’re NOFX this is punk rock passport”
Just alone in the first episode, it is learned that the series would revolve around NOFX playing in countries that punk bands normally would never tour in. While a comedic gesture it also proves to be the band’s biggest challenge ever.
The band, as if no one knows, includes Fat Mike, Smelly, Eric Melvin, and El Hefe. Along side the band, their manager Kent was introduced (who becomes a major part of the show, mostly because of his drinking habits) as were multiple crew members (Rugly, Wilkie, Carlos, Jeff, Ryan, Limo & Jay) who are more like family over employees.
Seeing the band at the beginning of the episode leave their actual families for the tour proved that these careless musicians are people too and I almost felt bad for them. As exciting as a world tour would be, I can only imagine how tough it is to leave your loved ones.
Hanging ten, on a camel...
The reality of their idea soon is shattered at some of the first episodes when the fans actually turn on the band during a couple of shows because of an instrument mishap as well as a failed joke turned insult. It’s wild to think that such a thing could happen to a band like NOFX but it did and fans were pretty pissed off at the band. If that was not bad enough a later venue the band showed up at had no idea that they were even supposed to play and the band was soon forced to leave the country because of death threats their mindless promoter was receiving.
The promoters NOFX worked with to get this tour working were novice if not scam artists. Some of them kept promising Kent money and never delivered while others just continued to dish out lies.
It was actually sad to see the band get screwed out of money from those brainless promoters, yet humorous to see Kent negotiate with them sternly, fueled by anger and sometimes alcohol. Kent alone stole the show at times especially during the one episode where he just kept drinking and eventually was carried away. At the end of the series Ken makes a wise and bold choice that will change his life for the good.
Though the band seemed to have nothing but disappointment during most of their tour in many of the episodes, there were a handful of stops that they made the best of. From hanging out with curious youth who become excited at one of the roadie’s tattoos to cuddling with wild animals and even swimming in the Dead Sea, NOFX and crew seem to ignore the bad and enjoy their surroundings with what they had. They even gave acoustic apologies to fans outside their hotel at one point due to a canceled show that quite possibly even lifted the band member’s hopes more so about the situation they were stuck in.
During one of the episodes NOFX randomly made friends with a local while hanging out at a bar. The local had never heard of NOFX let alone punk rock music and the band was quick to invite him to see their live show for a real taste of punk rock. The smile alone on the local’s face during the show was priceless. The band even went so far in one country to self promote themselves reflecting their younger days as an unheard of punk rock band in California. After all, many of the countries NOFX toured in had no real idea who they were let alone sold their material at local music shops.
From missing band members to strange green powders and some S&M whipping and pain, you clearly are involved in punk rock shenanigans like none other. Throughout the series I was actually wondering to myself if the band would ever make it home alive and had a very hard time waiting in between episodes to see what happened next. Thanks to DVD there was no waiting between episodes. I watched the entire series in one sitting and was ok with my decision to kill an afternoon doing so. I seriously could talk about this show all day but I really do not want to ruin it for you.
The first disc contains all eight episodes with the band touring in such countries as Brazil, Peru, and Russia. The second disc is loaded with over two hours of bonus footage from each episode that soon loses it’s appeal. I really wish the footage would have been included with each episode almost like an uncut version but other then that I have no complaints. There is also a enclosed NOFX passport full of photos, set lists, and other added memories from the tour.
The release on DVD was supposed to be uncensored but somehow the original footage was lost so the broadcasted episodes on disc one is exactly how it was seen on Fuse. The deleted scenes however are full of wholesome cussing and fowl mouthed hilarity. The series were limited on cable thanks to censorship, commercials, and week long waits but I assure you this DVD will make up for all of that. Loaded with hilarious adventures this DVD will not disappoint and if you think all musicians have it easy, think again. Granted NOFX traveled in no man’s land at times and narrowly escaped with their lives, this is visual proof of how badly a world tour can go and how awesome the experience can be by taking chances.
Want to buy a copy? For only $15 it can be yours. Head over to Fat Wreck Chords to buy a copy online.
DVD Specs:
DISC ONE:
1: Episode 1: Brazil, Chile Watch
2: Episode 2: Argentina, Ecuador, Peru
3: Episode 3: Japan, Singapore
4: Episode 4: Malaysia, South Korea, Taiwan, China
5: Episode 5: Indonesia
6: Episode 6: Israel
7: Episode 7: Russia
8: Episode 8: South Africa
