Posts Tagged ‘texas’
Billy Idol Concert Review, Austin, TX, October 1, 2015
I’m not a huge Billy Idol fan and I don’t think I’ve ever owned any of his albums, but I liked most of the radio hits and what little bit of Generation X stuff I’ve heard over the years. I do like Steve Stevens quite a bit though. His Atomic Playboys album was really good as well as the first Bozzio, Levin, Stevens album.
The setlist was pretty much as expected mixing up the hits, a few Gen X songs and some new stuff. Stevens rocked it. Idol’s voice seemed out of key through much of the set and in some spots it sounded perfect. Too perfect really. I’m pretty sure that some of his vocals were pre-recorded. I’m not the only one who noticed it as others around me were making the same comment.
That being said, I had a good time and he did play Blue Highway, which is one of my faves.
Riot V & Helstar Concert Review, San Antonio, TX, September 26, 2015
I will start out by saying that Riot V is pretty much one of the best live bands out there right now along with Satan. Last time I saw them was last year in Chicago at the Ragnarokkr Metal Apocalypse and was completely blown away. Prior to that I had only seen them one other time at Scout Bar in San Antonio which was Mark Reale’s last USA show before his death.
A couple of friends and I headed down to 210 Kapone’s last in the afternoon, get parked and head in. As always at a show like this one, we ran into a lot of friends from both San Antone and Austin and elsewhere.
There were 5 local openers for this show. FIVE. As seems to be pretty typical in San Antone and I imagine some or all of them paid to play. Helstar was also a later addition to the show. That’s 6 bands before Riot if you’re keeping track here. The schedule was set as follows and was a recipe for disaster:
DOORS 6PM
METALRISER 6:50 – 7:15
SA TERRITORIES 730 – 7:55
JESSIKILL. 8:10 – 8:40
SEANCE. 8:55- 9:25
LOS WICKED WAYS. 9:40 – 10:10
HELSTAR. 10:25 – 11:10
RIOT. 11:30 – END
The show ran late I’m told because Riot’s soundcheck started late. We didn’t get there until right before Jessikill was going on.
Helstar came on about 30 minutes later than their scheduled time and delivered a solid set as usual that I think was cut short, or at least during Run With the Pack their sound got cut and they finished it with just their stage sound. Rivera was spot on with his vocals and I always enjoy watching Larry play guitar. I’m not sure who the bassist is, but he’s good. Unfortunately, they seemed to be getting hit with poor sound as I couldn’t hear the drums that well at all through the PA.
Riot finally hits the stage a few minutes after midnight opening with the instrumental Narita and then Ride Hard Live Free from their latest album. Up next were two songs from Thundersteel and the crowd roared for Fight or Fall and Johnny’s Back, a personal favorite. The rest of the set was mixed up with songs from all eras of of the band but didn’t touch the last Tony Moore album which was really good. I guess they can’t play everything.
Former guitarist, Rick Ventura, who played in the band from 1979 to 1982 sat in for a handful of songs and it was really cool to see one of the almost originals on the stage. He rocked it alongside Mike Flyntz and Nick Lee and looked like he was having a good time. Don Van Stavern is from SA so he’s got an automatic contingent in the house when he plays shows. Frank Gilchriest laid down a powerhouse set of drum work as he always does. And finally, vocalist Todd Michael Hall. Dude looks 25, turned 46 last night and sings like a lark. Pretty much the best singer out there right now in my opinion. The only thing missing last night was Tammy’s backing vocals. She’s in another band with Flyntz and sometimes provides live backing vocals. Look up the Bloodstreets video from this year’s Keep It True festival. They’re perfect.
All in all it was a great show and I can’t wait to see them again…again. RIP Mark Reale. Riot V is keeping your spirit alive.
Because of shitty lighting, I couldn’t get a decent picture of Helstar.
Christopher Cross Concert Review, Austin, TX, September 18, 2015
Two nights in a row of yacht rock? And with the guy who essentially created it? Sure! Probably should hand over my Metalhead Gold Card for a little while, eh? No worries, lots of metal shows coming up!
I’ve been a fan of Christopher Cross since as long as I can remember. Good easy smooth rock. Ride Like the Wind is still such a fantastic song. I took the decision yesterday to see the show and got a seat in the upper balcony of the famed Paramount Theater. I had only seen Cross when he sat in with Michael McDonald a few years ago for Ride Like the Win.
The show opened with Got To Be a Better Way from his new album. Never Be the Same was up next and he spoke a little about TV preachers, which was an intro to another song called Reverend Blowhard from his new album, The Secret Ladder. Is this a 1989 metal show?
He played a mix of old and new songs split between 2 sets. Of course Sailing drew a huge response. I was really stoked to hear Thinking of Laura and Minstrel Gigolo which featured an appearance by Eric Johnson. He mentioned that he and Eric had been best of friends since the 70s and I think it rubbed off on him.
It was a really good show and what I was most amazed by was Cross’ guitar skills. The guy is a bit of a shredder. I was blown away. I’ll really have to go back and revisit his early catalog and give a better listen. And of course his backing band was top notch. His drummer and piano player especially.
Motorhead, Saxon & Crobot Concert Review, Austin, TX, September 1, 2015
“Heart of a lion fight to the end
Run like the wind
Champions of champions, best in the land, you always win
Don’t fade away, don’t fade away
Run with your dream right to the end
Your spirit flies on eagle’s wings
Never coming down”
– Fallen Heroes by A.S.A.P. (Adrian Smith)
Since last night this verse has been running in my head.
We all know the story by now that Motorhead stopped during their 3rd song, Metropolis, and that was it.
I’ve seen them 7 times in the last 12 years and each has been just a little more depressing than the previous. I noticed in 2003 that his hand was shaking when not holding a jack and coke or playing his guitar. It was more than just the shakes. It looked like Parkinson’s disease to me, not that I can diagnose anything on anyone. Lemmy’s health in recent years has been spoken of often…pacemaker, diabetes, altitude sickness, etc. He has looked awful and in the last 5 years has gotten so skinny and more frail than ever.
There was tension in the air before the came on stage. Anticipation of what was coming next based on recent events with the band in Salt Lake and Denver.
The band hits the stage and Lemmy gingerly walks on stage playing a few notes…”Alright?” The crowd is excited…”We are Motorhead…” Roars from the crowd. “…and we play rock and roll!” He sounded so weak…and old. He’s 69 and looks every bit of it and more.
And then they went in to Damage Case. It was slow. So slow. Lem’s voice was quiet. He was barely playing the chords. Stiff. He looked like he was in pain. They played Stay Clean next. Phil and Mikkey more animated than normal, likely trying to draw attention from the elephant in the room. Both songs were about 20% slower than recorded.
Then Lemmy is announcing Metropolis. He mentions that he’s been sick. Before the second verse started, Lemmy stops playing and says, “I can’t do it” and the band quickly exits the stage.
There were cheers for the band but there was also a hush over the crowd. Chants of “Lemmy” and “We love you” were started. A few minutes later, Lemmy comes out and says, “You are one of the best gigs in America, and I would love to play for you, but I can’t… So please accept my apologies. Next time, all right?” Class act all the way.
Until next time is right, Lem. Hopefully Saturday in Houston.
By the way, Crobot and Saxon also played.
Kansas Concert Review, Austin, TX, August 20, 2015,
The last time I saw Kansas was 2000 in Virginia Beach, VA when they were opening for YES. We had lawn seats at the amphitheater and it was started raining cats and dogs during Kansas’ set. It made the show less enjoyable. When YES came on, they moved us in seats at the back of the covered area as the show was lightly attended. I can’t say I enjoyed the show that much getting soaked like we did.
I got home from work yesterday around 5:30 and felt like I needed to get out and do something. I went to the ShowListAustin website to see if there was anything to spark my interest. The last 2 things on their list for yesterday were Weird Al and Kansas. I’m no big fan of Weird Al so I looked up the Kansas show and there were plenty of tickets available. I ended up in a box section all by myself which was just fine.
I’ve never been to the Long Center before and it was an average sized place with good sound. The venue doesn’t allows bottles, cans or food inside, so they pour your drinks in a cup with a lid and a straw. Seemed odd.
The band started promptly at 8PM with People of the South Wind and then when into Point of Know Return. Let’s be clear, Kansas are not young folks. Neither am I and their fan base surely isn’t young. I was certainly in the top percentage of “younger” folks and I’m 45!
The band sounded great albeit slower than the recordings. No surprise and no problem. The new singer, Ronnie Platt, sounded great taking over after Steve Walsh’s 2014 retirement.
The setlist consisted mainly of songs from “The Best of Kansas” compilation with some additions. Being in the box and not blocking any views, I stood up the whole show.
The highlights for me were Play the Game Tonight, Belexes, People of the South Wind and Hold On. I love that song and it has always elicited an emotional response and last night’s version was no different. Great song. Enjoyable show over all and was over before 9:30 so us older folk can get to bed at a decent hour. haha
The Metal Files 
You must be logged in to post a comment.