Concerts for 2023

[lonestar]

She was just amazing, and pretty easy on the eyes to boot.


So I caught 3 PPUSA bands this week, and while Kamelot had an entertaining show as always, Swallow the Sun definitely was the strongest for me. That doom stuff just creates such a dark, awesome vibe in the crowd.

[cramx3]

She was just amazing, and pretty easy on the eyes to boot.


So I caught 3 PPUSA bands this week, and while Kamelot had an entertaining show as always, Swallow the Sun definitely was the strongest for me. That doom stuff just creates such a dark, awesome vibe in the crowd.

And the band I won't be seeing... oh well.  I'm sure they are good live, but the doom stuff isn't really my thing.  If only I weren't so damn busy in August and September, doing Day 1 would have been much more likely.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

just wanted to drop a quick note here to let y'all know that i won't be around the forums for a bit. gonna be heading out for a pretty rad long weekend. labor day weekend's coming up, and guess what? i've got tickets to not one, not two, but four phish concerts lined up! yeah, you read that right. i've been a phish fan for years now, and these shows are like a dream come true for me. the band's gonna be playing over the whole weekend at this awesome venue, and i just couldn't pass up the chance to catch all four nights. it's gonna be an absolute blast, and i'm beyond stoked.

so, don't be surprised if you don't see me posting or replying for a little while. i'll be lost in the music, grooving to those jamming tunes, and soaking in the whole experience. if you're into phish, you totally get it, right? i'll be back on here after the weekend, ready to chat and catch up with all the discussions. hope you all have a fantastic labor day weekend, no matter what you're up to. catch you on the flip side!

let me tell you, the first show was something else. i mean, i've seen Phish before, but this one was on a whole different level. the energy in the crowd was palpable, and from the moment they stepped on stage, it was clear we were in for a ride.

now, i gotta talk about Carini. that jam session was out of this world. it clocked in at over 20 minutes, and every second of it was pure magic. the way Trey's guitar work blended with Fishman's drumming, it was like they were communicating on a whole other level. and don't even get me started on Mike's basslines – they were like a heartbeat for the entire crowd.

then came Tweezer, and wow, just wow. it's not often you hear a Tweezer that goes beyond the 20-minute mark, but when Phish does it, they do it right. the way they explored different musical avenues during that jam was mind-blowing. Page's keyboard skills were on full display, and it felt like he was taking us on a journey through a sonic wonderland.

now, here's the thing. i gotta mention that there were some folks around me who were, well, partaking in certain substances. i didn't partake myself, but it was clear that some people were having a different kind of experience at the show. it's all part of the Phish culture, i suppose, but for me, the music itself was enough to elevate me to another plane of existence.

it was an incredible night. i'm sorry for being absent from the forum, but i just had to share this experience with you all. if you ever get the chance to see Phish live, especially at Dick's, don't hesitate. it's an adventure you won't soon forget. 3 more to go!!

back from the second of four phish shows at dicks and i've got to say, it was an absolute blast. i went with some good company, and we were all in agreement - the band's musicianship was on point, and the song selections were top-notch.

first: a big shoutout to the opening song, wolfman's brother. the song kicked things off with a bang, and the energy in the crowd was electric. the band's tight groove and funky jams had everyone dancing from the get-go. it was a killer way to start the night.

no man in no man's land was was also incredible, and it was a real highlight. the transition into llama was incredibly smooth, and it felt like one continuous, epic jam. the way the band seamlessly moved from one song to the other was a testament to their musical prowess. it's moments like these that remind you why phish is such a legendary live act.

as the night went on, the energy in the venue just kept building. the crowd was feeding off the band's energy, and vice versa. it was a symbiotic relationship that made for an unforgettable evening.

now, let's talk about that encore. split open and melt, to close out the show, was absolutely mind-blowing. the intensity of that song live is something else. the way the band stretched it out and took us on a sonic journey was pure magic. it was the perfect way to cap off an already incredible night of music.

looking back, the second night at dicks was a real treat. the band's musicianship, song selection, and the good company i was with made it an unforgettable experience. if you're a phish fan and you missed this show, you missed out big time. can't wait to see what they have in store for the next two nights!

[lonestar]

She was just amazing, and pretty easy on the eyes to boot.


So I caught 3 PPUSA bands this week, and while Kamelot had an entertaining show as always, Swallow the Sun definitely was the strongest for me. That doom stuff just creates such a dark, awesome vibe in the crowd.

And the band I won't be seeing... oh well.  I'm sure they are good live, but the doom stuff isn't really my thing.  If only I weren't so damn busy in August and September, doing Day 1 would have been much more likely.

Oh shit, I forgot you're skipping Day 1, shame, they smoked headliner Batushka for sure.





Unless something comes up I got about a month to rest before the next two shows, Monuments up in Sacramento (very excited for that one, should be a rough evening) and the trip to LA for Hanabie!!!

[lonestar]

So I got a dear friend, used to be my work wife for years. She's a Mexican girl and her music tastes lean towards Banda and stuff, but seeing all my posts and my stories of how awesome my shows are has her interested. I took her to a Thank You Scientists show a while back and she enjoyed it, but it's hardly the epic metal shows I love most. I wanted to drag her to Dragonforce, figured that'd be a good, accessible one to ease her into it, but she had a scheduling conflict. She was insistent I drag her to something...


So I bought an extra ticket for Monuments for her. 

I warned her it's going to be a very brutal show with a huge pit and all, she's a fucking trooper, and I think she'll have a blast. Just gotta make sure she doesn't wear her standard 4 inch heels 

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

3 phish shows down, 1 to go! am i tired? yes. am i insane? yes.

[cramx3]

I return to a concert in a couple hours after a 2 week hiatus, seeing Foreigner and Loverboy at my local amphitheater

[Glasser]

3 phish shows down, 1 to go! am i tired? yes. am i insane? yes.

Wow! Props for the endurance. After 2 hours I'm toast, sitting, standing or both.

[ReaperKK]

3 phish shows down, 1 to go! am i tired? yes. am i insane? yes.

I've been watching the live streams and the shows have looked killer! Glad you're having fun.

[ReaperKK]

3 phish shows down, 1 to go! am i tired? yes. am i insane? yes.

How did the show go last night? I saw there was a long delay before going on stage.

[lonestar]

Forgot to add Dragonforce, also putting a maybe show of Japanese pop group Atarashii Gakko... that one might be a day of decision..


Feb 26- Riverside, Cornerstone in Berkeley-  8/10, good show overall, but set got cut short due to Mariusz being sick.
March 7th - Nemophila, Goldfield Trading Post, Sacramento- 11/10, fucking perfect.
March 8th - Nemophila, Great American Music Hall, San Francisco- 9/10, front and center, but sound was off
April 14 - Spiritbox & Intervals, Ace of Spades, Sacramento-10/10, all bands fucking crushed it
May 4th - The Warning, The Fillmore- 10/10, Flawless performance by the headliners in a historic venue.
May 6th - Bloodywood, Sacramento- 11/10, holy fuck what an evening!!
May 11th - Rolling Quartz, Bottom of the Hill- 10/10, definitely gets the award for biggest surprise of the year
May 21st - Love and Rockets, Fox Theater, Oakland- 7/10, Fun show, not a massive fan of the band, but free tix and good music is always a win.
May 25th - Haken, August Hall, San Francisco- 10/10, Haken always delivers.
June 30 - Tarja UC Theater, Berkeley- 8/10, The girl can definitely sing...
July 9th - Asterism, The Observatory, Santa Ana- 10/10, Arguably one of the best guitar virtuoso displays I've ever seen, and from a 20 year old at that.
August 14 - Band-Maid, Ace of Spades, Sacramento- 11/10, A perfect evening on all fronts po!!!
August 18 - Voice of Baceprot, New Parish, Oakland 9/10, very strong show, definitely exceeded my expectations.
August 28 - Batushka, Swallow the Sun-Cornerstone, Berkeley - 8/10, Solid show, Swallow the Sun definitely were the top of the night.
September 1 - Kamelot, San Francisco- Openers were fun, Kamelot never disappoints, Tommy's status as my main mancrush is still very in place.
September 29 - Monuments - Old Ironsides, Sacramento
October 5- Hanabie- Whisky A Go Go, Hollywood
October 31 - Tesseract, Intervals, Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
November 8 - Atarashii GAKKO! - Regency Ballroom, San Francisco
November 18 - Dragonforce, Amaranthe, UC Theater, Berkeley
November 28 - Katatonia, The Cornerstone, Berkeley

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

3 phish shows down, 1 to go! am i tired? yes. am i insane? yes.

How did the show go last night? I saw there was a long delay before going on stage.

it was pretty crazy!! the rain delay definitely kind of fucked up the vibe i think a bit. the show was probably the weakest of the four. that being said there was some great jamming and a lot of fun moments regardless!

the mood and energy on site was still high tho, even thru the delay! my crew and i had a blast, thank you for asking!

[Evermind]

Soen was incredible yesterday.

I don't have my laptop here in Istanbul so I'll post my thoughts and photos later, but it was fantastic.

[cramx3]

Catching back up.... my review of Kamelot/Battle Beast/Xandria

The night before I left for Germany, my gf and I went into NYC for a night of symphonic power metal.  Awesome line up if you ask me.  I mentioned previously about how when we got near the venue, Tommy Karevik was just chilling outside and I totally missed the opportunity to say hi to him. I was quite bummed with myself because of that as we entered the venue, but quickly got over it once the music started.

Xandria opened the show at 7pm for a quick 30 minute set.  Crowd was pretty receptive for them as an opener.  Much better turn out than when I saw Orbit Culture open the Avatar show at the same venue (approx 1.5k capacity).  Was nice to see the show get some good early support.  I thought they were pretty good. They almost sounded too good though.  They didn't have a bassist touring and with all the symphonic elements and choirs, the reliance on backing tracks was strong here.  I've read people on reddit say they think their entire performance is backing tracks.  I'm not sure.  I got the feeling everyone was live who was on stage, but maybe just not loud enough?  Drums definitely felt live and I thought the vocal performance, while good, wasn't perfect so I do think she was live, but I could be wrong.  I just hate how I am even second guessing this. They only did 5 songs, so it went quick and honestly enjoyed it for what it was. 



Went outside for a smoke after Xandria and met up with a bunch of friends who I know from attending previous power metal shows in NYC.  It's a small community but was nice to see since I haven't ran into some of these guys in awhile.  Also met up with a twitter friend who had sold me his extra ticket.  Nice socializing event for me.

Battle Beast were next and I thought they were incredible.  It was my 4th time seeing them, but I think this was the best of them all.  They just sounded so tight and the live keytar adds so much (last US tour he wasn't on stage, so more backing tracks).  I didn't love their new album, but they played all the new singles which are the better tracks and they came off really well to me.  Noora just has incredible stage presence, and the rest of the band moves around enough to make the stage feel a lot bigger than it really is for them. 

And Kamelot does what Kamelot does. I think it was my 8th time seeing them and their show is pretty solid, but also kind of been the same for awhile now just replaced the new songs from the previous new songs mostly.  I really wish they'd play some different older tracks.  But seeing the new songs for the first time was good enough really.  I don't love their new album, but all of the new songs were solid live.  New Babylon is probably the standout new track for me because of Melissa Bonny's performance.  She also did all the older female parts from the older songs. Thought she killed it.  OTher than the new songs, felt it was the same ole same ole with Kamelot.  Not that it's bad, they just don't seem to change much year after year. Sound was good, Tommy wasn't perfect but good enough, Thomas continues to butcher the guitar solos.  Really this was all about Tommy and melissa to me.



Kamelot Battle Beast Xandria LIVE @ Webster Hall New York City 8/19/2023

[cramx3]

Saw the Foreigner "farewell" tour with Loverboy on Sunday night (this finally catches me up to date).

This was an absolute shit show.  Out of all the shows I've seen this summer at this venue, this had the largest amount of assholes in attendance for whatever reason. 

Show started at 7:30 and we got to the venue at 7pm to try and claim a spot on the lawn. Shocked to see the lawn was basically already filled.  We found a spot close to the front railing of the lawn but with an obstructed view.  Could see the stage well enough though and considering the other options to lay out our lawn chairs, this seemed like a good spot.  I literally had my chair up against the barrier and as the show went on, people kept trying to stand between me and the barrier.  Like how dumb are you to think you can stand there?  Anyway, most people would just leave after a minute of me making them uncomfortable 

Anyway, Loverboy was pretty good.  They definitely showed their age on stage but like seeing Jefferson Starship earlier in the summer, I have no issues with the older musicians stuggling especially when they are clearly putting in the effort and are completely live.  I don't think they were bad by any means, I thoroughly enjoyed them, but listening to the original songs and the live performance is quite a difference.  No biggie, I didn't know most of their songs but the set was very enjoyable.  It was just fun music for my tastes and they showed some chops such as a sax solo that was awesome.  Of course Working for the Weekend got everyone going wild.  I actually thought their set was a lot more fun than Foreigner even if the music wasn't as iconic. 

Between bands was when a Karen came along.  This old and drunk lady once again tried to get in front of me, but realized I wasn't going to be someone to pick on so she verbally attacked the two younger ladies on a towel sitting down in front of me.  It was hard to hear everything, but from what I could hear, she was saying that a towel wasn't a seat and the lawn was open for everyone so she could stand in front of them on their towel.  Being right on the barrier, security was there already and got involved.  The lady was getting into the young girls faces.  Pointing fingers at security.  Just being verbally abusive.  I got a bit of this on video that made it to my youtube video.  Just the nasty look on this ladies face, my god! Eventually I think she realized she was going to be escorted out and walked away (but not before getting into another confrontation with people a bit further away)  The extra security by then had made their way to us and eventually got her and kicked her out.  Funny enough, I went to the concession stand after this and happened to get to see security manhandling her as she was not going out with out a fight    I honestly can't believe how big of an asshole this lady was, I'm still shocked just even thinking about it to write this up.  Definitely something you see on tiktok and social media.

Foreigner went on at 9pm and you'd think people would just enjoy the show.... well, a during the acoustic part of the set, I go to grab a drink as theirs a bar on the lawn right to my right.  I get a bud light seltzer and some drunk lady sees me and just goes off on the bartender for not serving her (clearly she had too much to drink and the bar tender had cut her off, I had no idea of this unitl she started bitching to me and the bartender).  So I just mind my own business but then her drunk guy comes up and starts verbally abusing the bartender!  He called him a "Cunt" so loud  everyone in the area let out a big "ohhhhhh" and shortly after those two were kicked out by security.  Unbelievable behavior from the older people!

Foreigner sounded really good, the current singer does an incredible job.  Sadly, no original members on stage and for the first time in the moment I really felt like this needs to be the last time seeing them.  They were good and all, but for a 90+ minute set, they only did 13 full songs and spent a significant amount of time talking, which was incredibly boring and the one time I was all in with the rowdy old people who were booing and yelling to play a song.  They seriously could have done 3 more songs and cut out the bullshit.  My gf was also annoyed with how much talking was going on, just shut up and play music please.  They mentioned their farewell tour was only just beginning and more dates for next year would be announced soon.  I'm sorry, but I have no interest in going again. 

Really fun show overall, but the shit crowd and not enough music from the headliner makes me think this was definitely my last time.

Foreigner & Loverboy LIVE @ PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel NJ 9/3/2023

Karen is at 22:20 if anyone cares 

heading to Atlanta early in the morning for 3 days of ProgPower, very excited for this weekend 

[lonestar]

I didn't realize today they also had Reticent playing...someone sent them in my roulette and they're very impressive. Between that, Swallow the Sun and Cynic, they're in for a solid show today.

[El Barto]

Saw the Foreigner "farewell" tour with Loverboy on Sunday night (this finally catches me up to date).

This was an absolute shit show.  Out of all the shows I've seen this summer at this venue, this had the largest amount of assholes in attendance for whatever reason. 

Show started at 7:30 and we got to the venue at 7pm to try and claim a spot on the lawn. Shocked to see the lawn was basically already filled.  We found a spot close to the front railing of the lawn but with an obstructed view.  Could see the stage well enough though and considering the other options to lay out our lawn chairs, this seemed like a good spot.  I literally had my chair up against the barrier and as the show went on, people kept trying to stand between me and the barrier.  Like how dumb are you to think you can stand there?  Anyway, most people would just leave after a minute of me making them uncomfortable 

Anyway, Loverboy was pretty good.  They definitely showed their age on stage but like seeing Jefferson Starship earlier in the summer, I have no issues with the older musicians stuggling especially when they are clearly putting in the effort and are completely live.  I don't think they were bad by any means, I thoroughly enjoyed them, but listening to the original songs and the live performance is quite a difference.  No biggie, I didn't know most of their songs but the set was very enjoyable.  It was just fun music for my tastes and they showed some chops such as a sax solo that was awesome.  Of course Working for the Weekend got everyone going wild.  I actually thought their set was a lot more fun than Foreigner even if the music wasn't as iconic. 

Between bands was when a Karen came along.  This old and drunk lady once again tried to get in front of me, but realized I wasn't going to be someone to pick on so she verbally attacked the two younger ladies on a towel sitting down in front of me.  It was hard to hear everything, but from what I could hear, she was saying that a towel wasn't a seat and the lawn was open for everyone so she could stand in front of them on their towel.  Being right on the barrier, security was there already and got involved.  The lady was getting into the young girls faces.  Pointing fingers at security.  Just being verbally abusive.  I got a bit of this on video that made it to my youtube video.  Just the nasty look on this ladies face, my god! Eventually I think she realized she was going to be escorted out and walked away (but not before getting into another confrontation with people a bit further away)  The extra security by then had made their way to us and eventually got her and kicked her out.  Funny enough, I went to the concession stand after this and happened to get to see security manhandling her as she was not going out with out a fight    I honestly can't believe how big of an asshole this lady was, I'm still shocked just even thinking about it to write this up.  Definitely something you see on tiktok and social media.

Foreigner went on at 9pm and you'd think people would just enjoy the show.... well, a during the acoustic part of the set, I go to grab a drink as theirs a bar on the lawn right to my right.  I get a bud light seltzer and some drunk lady sees me and just goes off on the bartender for not serving her (clearly she had too much to drink and the bar tender had cut her off, I had no idea of this unitl she started bitching to me and the bartender).  So I just mind my own business but then her drunk guy comes up and starts verbally abusing the bartender!  He called him a "Cunt" so loud  everyone in the area let out a big "ohhhhhh" and shortly after those two were kicked out by security.  Unbelievable behavior from the older people!

Foreigner sounded really good, the current singer does an incredible job.  Sadly, no original members on stage and for the first time in the moment I really felt like this needs to be the last time seeing them.  They were good and all, but for a 90+ minute set, they only did 13 full songs and spent a significant amount of time talking, which was incredibly boring and the one time I was all in with the rowdy old people who were booing and yelling to play a song.  They seriously could have done 3 more songs and cut out the bullshit.  My gf was also annoyed with how much talking was going on, just shut up and play music please.  They mentioned their farewell tour was only just beginning and more dates for next year would be announced soon.  I'm sorry, but I have no interest in going again. 

Really fun show overall, but the shit crowd and not enough music from the headliner makes me think this was definitely my last time.

Foreigner & Loverboy LIVE @ PNC Bank Arts Center Holmdel NJ 9/3/2023

Karen is at 22:20 if anyone cares 

heading to Atlanta early in the morning for 3 days of ProgPower, very excited for this weekend 

Years ago somebody offered me a free ticket, and pleaded with me to go and see Foreigner, Styx, and, I think, Kansas, and I couldn't do it. The prospect of having to sit through a Foreigner set just killed me inside. And while I dig Styx, the prospect of seeing them nowadays wasn't much more interesting to me. The problem is that all three would be playing greatest hits sets, specifically catering to Karen there (though she didn't have a name back then). It just seemed like it was going to be a miserable experience all the way around. And every time I thought "maybe I should just go to hang out with my friends" I'd hear "juke-box-hero-got stars in his eyes" and the feeling would quickly fade. 

[El Barto]

It had honestly never occurred to me, but there's actually a nice scalper market for classical concerts. It makes sense, in that people buy season tickets to the symphony, unlike proper concerts which are event specific. I snagged a 4th row center seat to see the Fort Worth Symphony Orchestra play Brahms's 1st, his wonderful Academic Festival Overture, and some Chinese kid who won the gold medal at last year's Van Cliburn competition playing Rachmaninoff. I gotta figure he's probably not entirely without talent. It seems I've been missing out on something I rather enjoy.

Not a whole lot of real concerts left for the year, but certainly some interesting events on the classical front. Including the Dallas Bach Society performing the Mass in B Minor at a church not too far away from me.

[cramx3]

My issue was not with the songs and performances though.  I generally really like the Foreigner hits.  Going in knowing that it would be the last time was a draw for me.  It was everything else that was a turn off.  I really can't believe that Snoop Dogg had a much tamer crowd than Foreigner.  The show definitely was catered to the old drunk people I guess.  I'd say, what you really missed out on was Kansas.  I thought they were really good last year when I saw them.  Oh and I lit up during Loverboy and after the set over I could easily hear the person behind me complaining about it  ("i get having drinks at a concert, but smoking marijuana is just so wrong") yeah, a drunk idiot is sooo much better than the stoner enjoying the music. GTFO of here with that attitude.

[El Barto]

My issue was not with the songs and performances though.  I generally really like the Foreigner hits.  Going in knowing that it would be the last time was a draw for me.  It was everything else that was a turn off.  I really can't believe that Snoop Dogg had a much tamer crowd than Foreigner.  The show definitely was catered to the old drunk people I guess.  I'd say, what you really missed out on was Kansas.  I thought they were really good last year when I saw them.  Oh and I lit up during Loverboy and after the set over I could easily hear the person behind me complaining about it  ("i get having drinks at a concert, but smoking marijuana is just so wrong") yeah, a drunk idiot is sooo much better than the stoner enjoying the music. GTFO of here with that attitude.

I'd actually bet money on that, at least inside the venue (the parking lot might have been a different story). As you said, it's the difference between stoners and drunks.

And in the case of Foreigner and Loverboy, I suspect that a whole lot of the girls who were really into them back in the day got married a few times, squatted out a few kids, and turned into real cunts. Shows like this provide them an opportunity to try and relive their glory days, which were only slightly less obnoxious. The cooler chicks back then were seeing Van Halen and Judas Priest, and they're probably not the ones acting like self-entitled twats at concerts nowadays.

Kansas was the real problem for me on that one. I did want to see them (and have since). But then that whole "juke-box-hero-got stars in his eyes" think would happen and I just couldn't do it.

[TAC]

I wouldn't have seen Foreigner in 1985 with all of their original members, never mind in 2023 with NO actual members.

[lonestar]

We appreciate your biased and meaningless input that added absolutely dick to the discussion.. 

[TAC]

 

I held it as long as I could!

[wolfking]

We appreciate your biased and meaningless input that added absolutely dick to the discussion.. 

He's not wrong though.....

[TAC]

We appreciate your biased and meaningless input that added absolutely dick to the discussion.. 

He's not wrong though.....

That's twice today...   

[cramx3]

And in the case of Foreigner and Loverboy, I suspect that a whole lot of the girls who were really into them back in the day got married a few times, squatted out a few kids, and turned into real cunts. Shows like this provide them an opportunity to try and relive their glory days, which were only slightly less obnoxious. The cooler chicks back then were seeing Van Halen and Judas Priest, and they're probably not the ones acting like self-entitled twats at concerts nowadays.

That's an interesting take that does make some sense 

[ReaperKK]

My issue was not with the songs and performances though.  I generally really like the Foreigner hits.  Going in knowing that it would be the last time was a draw for me.  It was everything else that was a turn off.  I really can't believe that Snoop Dogg had a much tamer crowd than Foreigner.  The show definitely was catered to the old drunk people I guess.  I'd say, what you really missed out on was Kansas.  I thought they were really good last year when I saw them.  Oh and I lit up during Loverboy and after the set over I could easily hear the person behind me complaining about it  ("i get having drinks at a concert, but smoking marijuana is just so wrong") yeah, a drunk idiot is sooo much better than the stoner enjoying the music. GTFO of here with that attitude.

I'd actually bet money on that, at least inside the venue (the parking lot might have been a different story). As you said, it's the difference between stoners and drunks.

And in the case of Foreigner and Loverboy, I suspect that a whole lot of the girls who were really into them back in the day got married a few times, squatted out a few kids, and turned into real cunts. Shows like this provide them an opportunity to try and relive their glory days, which were only slightly less obnoxious. The cooler chicks back then were seeing Van Halen and Judas Priest, and they're probably not the ones acting like self-entitled twats at concerts nowadays.

Kansas was the real problem for me on that one. I did want to see them (and have since). But then that whole "juke-box-hero-got stars in his eyes" think would happen and I just couldn't do it.

One of the most obnoxious crowds I've ever been in was a Hootie and the Blowfish show. The sheer sloppiness was a sight to behold.

[lonestar]

I think the last time I saw the Who, I'd say around 2012,was the drunkest crowd I've seen. Bunch of old white guys trying to relive their "glory days".

[Anguyen92]

Honestly, I wasn't feeling it much with Goo Goo Dolls yesterday.  They were good last year and they played all right this year, but I was just not feeling it with this crowd.  They weren't bad, but there were people a few rows in front of me, at times, that was casually standing on the stairs of the bleachers, sometimes dancing, and it got in the way of my view (I was seated next to the stairs) and sometimes they were reluctant to move back to their seats.  Plus, it was a Wednesday so I opted to leave a little early and beat out traffic and I got to hear all of the hits I wanted to hear (sans Better Days and Iris, and that's not much of a deal breaker for me to stay).  O.A.R. was fun though.  Had some chill songs that you would sit back, drink, maybe smoke pot if you want to, and relax.  Had a Saxophone player and their keyboard player had in his station not just a keyboard, but an organ, some percussions, a triangle, etc.  What's surprising about this bill was that there was no opening 3rd band.  O.A.R. played for 75 minutes and Goo Goo Dolls had around 90 or so.

It's starting to make me think after seeing Matchbox 20, 3 Doors Down, Goo Goo Dolls and what their crowds brings (not really bad to be in, but maybe not a great fit for me), I really enjoy the vibe of the crowd of the Breaking Benjamin/Disturbed show the most.  Makes me sorta sad that Mark Tremonti, Brian Marshall, Scott Phillips, after playing, in front of a demographic that would like a Breaking Benjamin or Disturbed kind of band, with Alter Bridge this year, is going to go play in front of a 3 Doors Down, Goo Goo Dolls, etc. crowd demographic with Creed next year (not really a bad thing per se, just something I can't enjoy as much as an Alter Bridge show).  Maybe this is why I have mixed feelings about the Creed reunion.

[TheHoveringSojourn808]

i'm checking out Black Country, New Road tomorrow!! never seen them before 

[cramx3]

Day 2 of ProgPower in Atlanta...

Seven Kingdoms
Zero Hour
The Halo Effect
VOLA
Beast in Black

so excited, Seven Kingdoms hits the stage in 90 minutes  , The Halo Effect is going to be sick and of course Beast in Black is the highlight for me, especially the meet and greet tonight. Got my albums ready to be signed. 

[lonestar]

Day 2 of ProgPower in Atlanta...

Seven Kingdoms
Zero Hour
The Halo Effect
VOLA
Beast in Black

so excited, Seven Kingdoms hits the stage in 90 minutes  , The Halo Effect is going to be sick and of course Beast in Black is the highlight for me, especially the meet and greet tonight. Got my albums ready to be signed. 

Today is the least interesting for me... tomorrow is the killer with Caligula's and Kamelot.

[axeman90210]

Caught the first night of Vola's US tour last night. Overall a good show. I wasn't familiar with the opener, Wheel, but they really impressed me. They sounded like a more concise Tool. Vola was good, I really like their overall sound and the band sounded tight. The singer mentioned he's been battling an illness but I didn't think it was really noticeable. The one thing I will say is that Vola plays a short set for a headliner, they were maybe 90 minutes total including the encore.

[cramx3]

Caught the first night of Vola's US tour last night. Overall a good show. I wasn't familiar with the opener, Wheel, but they really impressed me. They sounded like a more concise Tool. Vola was good, I really like their overall sound and the band sounded tight. The singer mentioned he's been battling an illness but I didn't think it was really noticeable. The one thing I will say is that Vola plays a short set for a headliner, they were maybe 90 minutes total including the encore.

They were pretty good last night at ProgPower.  I only knew a few songs that I enjoyed but didn't totally love going in, but they were impressive.  I know a few other people last night that felt the same way after talking to them later in the night. 

VOLA - Ghosts LIVE @ ProgPower USA Center Stage Atlanta GA 9/7/2023

VOLA - Paper Wolf LIVE @ ProgPower USA Center Stage Atlanta GA 9/7/2023

[ProfessorPeart]

Well, I was a little gun shy about going to another show after Covid kicked my butt after The Warning last month, but I am going to a show next month. Sort of a birthday gift to myself.

District 97 - The Venue - Aurora, IL

It's their album release show and I scored a front row ticket. This place has a table setup and I got the center table so I get to sit which will be nice. I really wanted to see them last month at Martyr's so I could get all my Kickstarter swag, including the new album but I just wasn't feeling the drive to the North side. So glad they booked this show since it's only like a 35 minute drive. They have an instrumental band called Outrun The Sunlight opening. Checked out their Bandcamp and this should be a good show. Hoping I can finally meet the D97 crew. I've emailed with Jonathan and Leslie so it would be nice to speak in person finally. I literally sat next to Tim during the opening act when I saw them last year at Reggie's but couldn't bring myself to say anything.