NICKELBACK w\Trapt\Default
February 06, 2006
February 06, 2006Ft Wayne, IN - Allen County Memorial Coliseum
By: Tim Typinski
The evening started out with the opening band Default, hitting us with some good Canadian rock. These boys set the night off in the right direction with hit songs such as Wasting My Time, Deny, and Taking My Life Away. In addition to that they jammed some great songs from their new album “One Thing Remains”.
Next up was Trapt, singer Chris Brown really knows how to get the crowd moving!
With songs Headstrong, Echo, and Stand up they were definitely a crowd pleaser.
I was not super familiar with this band but after their performance I will definitely be looking for these guys in the future.
Then the moment we were all waiting for, Nickelback took the stage with an obliteration of flames and fireworks that left me tanned with excitement. They opened up with the hard rocking song “Animals” which fired up the crowd to unexplainable levels. This is one band that truly defines the meaning of rock n roll.
Nickelback pulled out all the stops, doing a tribute to the late Dimebag Darrell.
After the legendary guitarist was shot and killed onstage, a devastated Kroeger wrote an aggressive song called “Side of a Bullet,” as a lasting tribute to his friend. This part of the show left me with goose bumps, paying tribute to one of the greatest guitar players to ever grace the stage.
Nickelback’s new drummer Daniel Adair held nothing back either, blazing into an impressive five-minute drum solo that left the crowd in an uproar. Then they put their rookie to the test with some audience participation, which challenged the audience members to a beer chugging contest against their new drummer. It wasn’t even close, not only can that boy handle the sticks but also he can chug a beer faster than any rocker to date.
Chad Kroeger’s vocals were intense and powerfully impressive, along with Ryan Peake, Mike Kroeger, and Daniel Adair this quartet is one force to be reckoned with.
Here is the set list for Nickelback:
Animals
Woke Up
Photograph
Breathe
Someday
Curb Melody
Never Again
T-Shirt Toss/Riff
Savin Me
Side of a Bullet
Drum -solo-
Follow You Home
Remind Me
Too Bad
------------------------------------------
Rock Star
Figured You Out
So check your local listing for tour date. This is one show you do not want to miss.
Reviewer - Tim Typinski
SEVENDUST w\Nonpoint\WickedWisdom - February 02, 2006
Ft Wayne, IN -Piere’s Nightclub
By: Tim Typinski
MASTERS OF HORROR TOUR 2005
MUDVAYNE, SEVENDUST, 10 YEARS and BOBAFLEX
Dec 7th 2005
Columbus, OH -L/C Pavillion Community Center
By: Scott Legato
Anthrax at House Of Blues – Chicago, IL Jan 13th 2006
With special guests: Manntis, Sworn Enemy and God Forbid
By: Scott Legato (LegatoMuzic)
SNOW CORE TOUR
Feb 17th, 2006 - Ft Wayne, IN – Pieres Nightclub
Halestorm
Flyleaf
Shinedown
Seether
By: Scott Legato (LegatoMuzicPhotography)
JAGERMEISTER MUSIC TOUR -
DISTURBED and BLOODSIMPLE
Ft Waytne – Feb 24th 2006– Pieres Nightclub
By: Scott Legato (LegatoMuzicPhotography)
AMERICAN MOTHERLOAD – REVERY
Chicago, IL – Feb 25th 2006 – DOUBLE DOOR
By: Scott Legato
Kid Rock
Louisville, KY – Freedom Hall - March 3rd 2006
By: Scott Legato
Being from Detroit, I have had several encounters with The Kid. I remember him during the lean years. In fact, I used to be a DJ in Detroit at the old Struttin Club (now called TNT 2) just a half mile south of 8 mile on Gratiot Ave. Bob Richie (Kid Rock) had just started out as a "white boy rapper" and would come up to the bar asking me to play his stuff. Vanilla Ice was really big at the time so I would always blow him off. About the third time he asked, I finally broke down and played his song. The bars dance floor went from being packed to empty in about 10 seconds. The owner ran in and gave me a tongue lashing for playing Richie's (at the time) bubble gum rap. Long story short I was forced to cut the song short after about 30 seconds. Bob came into the DJ booth, called me an asshole and I didn't hear from him after that. The next time I saw him was on MTV's Fashionably Loud. Who would of thought? After all those years of paying his dues and busting his ass he'd finally made it. This is one talented musician. He is everything from a DJ to a drummer, guitarsit to a rapper, keybordist to a singer. .
I saw him on his last tour and was a little disappointed. The show was slow. Maybe I was having one of those days, but I remember not really enjoying it.
At this show I wasn’t expecting much. This tour is in support of his new live album called Live Trucker (Out in stores now/Music). The show started out with a musical introduction of the Twisted Brown Trucker band highlighting each musician. Pretty cool actually.
Kid came out from behind the drum riser, rising up from under the stage floor, wearing a black and white mink (hopefully, fake fur) with Bawitdaba. At that point, I knew it was going to be a great show. He played everything from Cowboy, Fist of Rage, to God Only Knows and American Bad Ass. It was one hell of a show. The stage was adorned with a large video screen showcasing Kid Rock and the musicians from Twisted Brown Trucker. During “Devil Without A Cause", they sampled the late Joe C's voice and showed video footage of the pint sized rocker. Bless his soul. They had go-go girls dancing in arched top cages on both ends of the stage in the background.
To sum it up, Kid Rock has made his mark in the music world. Name another artist that is accepted in the Rap, Rock Metal and Country world? That's what I thought. The Kid has it all.
This is a great show for all music lovers.
Check you local listings for concert dates (show dates/tickets).
Goo Goo Dolls
May 1st – The Music Mill – Indianpolis, IN
By: Scott Legato (www.BehindTheBarricade.com)
Well, after returning home from a 4 day/3 nights cruise to the Bahamas at 6:30pm on May 1st. I had to bring my entire luggage to my apartment, jumped in the shower real quick. Grabbed my camera gear, drove 45 minutes, to photograph the most intimate shows I ever had the pleasure of seeing and photographing. Goo Goo Dolls at The Music Mill in Indianapolis, IN, for a mere 300 people. How cool is that? Real F-ing Cool!
Now here is a band I have the up most respect for. Through rough times and good times, this band always amazes me. With most of the song writing done by John Rzeznik. This man is (from a guitarist stand point) a genius. With the open tuning and lyrics, always serves up great tunes. Rob Takac is the theatrical one in the band. Between him and newest member, Mike Malinin on drums (hired in 1995, made official member in 1998) and hire guns, Brad Fernquist (Guitar) and Korel Tunador (Keyboards, Sax and guitar) served up a tight rhythm section.
The show started out with Questions and Answers by 6 lucky radio station winners. If my memory was better, I would include the questions and answers in this review. But years of abuse (LOL) my brain is a little slow to remember. But what I do remember is they played 9 songs. Most of which, was new material from the new album “Let Love In”
I had the set list, but misplaced it. Sorry!
I give this show 4 out of 5 star. If they would have played longer, it would have been a 5 star show.
Goo Goo Dolls hit the road with Counting Crows on June 21st thru the summer. A must see for All Goo Goo Doll fans.
Please check back to www.BehindTheBarricade.com for a review of Goo Goo Dolls newest CD” Let Love In”
Live Review: Pearl Jam in San Francisco, CA
July 17, 2006 11:01 AM
LiveDaily Contributor
Pearl Jam (tickets | music) will probably never again be the biggest band in the world, a title it held for some years during the '90s. It takes two things to achieve that ranking: huge album sales and a monster live show. Eddie Vedder and crew don't have the former. But they certainly have the latter.
Goo Goo Dolls
July 8th – Verizon Wireless Amph – Indianapolis, IN
By: Tim Typinski (www.BehindTheBarricade.com)
Johnny Rzeznik – Guitar, vocals
Robbie Takac – Bass, vocals
Mike Malinin - Drums
What can I say this is one band that never seems to disappointment me?
They hit the stage with a melodic explosive display that makes the girls scream and the guy’s cheer. The Goo Goo Dolls look just like their music sounds: fun and energetic. Robby was sporting a new “George Clinton” funkadelic hairdo!
Their new album “Let Love In” is “in my opinion” better than their blockbuster album “Dizzy Up The Girl”. The Goo Goo Dolls have an uncanny ability to write hit after hit! They write the type of songs that make you want to grab your girl and never let her go.
The guys opened with “Stay With You” from their new album, what a great song!
The guys have done an amazing remake of the classic Supertramp song “Give A Little Bit”. They played all their classic jams too “Slide”, “Black Balloon”, “Iris”, “Name”, and “Broadway”. The reality of it is I could sit and name all their songs because I don’t think the Goo Goo Dolls have written a bad one yet?
The Goo Goo Dolls uplifting melodies resonate wonderfully and are sure to always leave you yearning for more!
The Set List
Stay With You
Slide
Feel The Silence
Black Balloon
Smash
Tucked Away
We'll Be Here
Iris
Listen
Name
Broadway
January Friend
Better Days
Let Love In
Become
Without You Here
See Photos from the Show - CLICK HERE
Nothin But A Good Time!
Poison/Cinderella
July 18th – Verizon Wireless Amph – Indianapolis, IN
By: Timmy “The Wizard” T
(www.BehindTheBarricade.com)
Poison
Bret Michaels - Vocals, Guitar, Harmonica
C.C. DeVille - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Rikki Rockett - Drums, Vocals
Bobby Dall - Bass, Vocals
Cinderella
Tom Keifer - Vocals, Guitar
Jeff Labar - Lead Guitar, Vocals
Fred Coury - Drums, Vocals
Eric Brittingham - Bass, Vocals
Give me some lipstick, eyeliner, and a spiked wristband cause this is one 80’s glam fest you do not want to miss! These dudes might wear lipstick but they will kick your ass! I have not seen a party like this since I seen their “Behind The Music” but I got news for you THEY ARE BACK MOTHER FUCKER and better than ever!
Cinderella took the stage with a “in your face, beat you down” rock–n-roll fury! They are just as good or better then they were back in day. I was highly impressed with Tom Keifier’s vocals; a lot of critics have been slamming his vocal ability these days? I am a singer myself and let me tell you those critics don’t know their ass from a hole in the ground! Tom Keifer is and always will be a rock –n- roll legend! They cranked out all the legendary jams Night Songs, Gypsy Road and Shake Me.
Cinderella is and always will be one of my all time favorites, if you have not seen these guys yet………….well what the hell are you waiting for!
Setlist was as follows:
Falling Apart
Push Push
Save Me
Night Songs
Hot and Bothered
Heartbreak Station
Coming Home
Shelter Me
Nobodys Fool
Gypsy Road
Don’t Know
Shake Me
Poison sent the party into overdrive, what more do I need to say? Poison is one of the best party bands to ever grace the stage! This band creates any energy that makes want to bang your head, your girlfriend, and her friends! Poison cranked out all my favorites Nothing But a Good Time, Look at what the Cat Dragged In and Every Rose Has Its Thorn…..
They even did an unbelievable remake of the classic Grand Funk song “Were An American Band”, nice job guys! You need the Poison experience to be a well-rounded rock-n-roll warrior!
Bret, C.C., Rikki, Bobby, thank god you guys are back to show this new generation of rockers how it’s supposed to done! Don’t ever leave us again!
ROB ZOMBIE: KITSCHY COOL ON A HOT SUMMER DAY
JULY 16, 2006 – FT. WAYNE, INDIANA
By: LINDA GABRIELE
Driving down a vast expanse of highway on my way to Ft. Wayne during a sweltering mid-afternoon heat wave, I figured that nary a thing could possibly make me feel good. Then I cranked up Rob Zombie’s latest CD ‘Educated Horses.’
I felt cool.
Not so much ‘cool’ as in chilly, more like ‘cool’ as in absolutely bad ass.
Because nothing compliments a dirty, sweaty, sunny trip into the unknown like Zombie’s mix of old time southern bluesy licks and heavy rock. While listening to ’The Devil’s Rejects’ track, I felt a lot like Baby, the vixen killer who fears no evil in Zombie’s movie of the same name. Of course, I realize that I look nothing like her. And, I’m afraid of my own shadow. But in my mind, wearing a Jack Daniels do-rag and sportin’ some flop sweat, I was one bitchin’ take-no-prisoners killer. Until my CD changer blared some Justin Timberlake . . .
So, I replayed the Zombie again and again thinking that nothing could top that bad ass summertime feeling. Until later that night, when I saw the man himself. He kicked my ass.
The show was everything I had expected and more.
The band blasted onto the stage as southern hillbilly skeletons. Classic Zombie with an updated flare and an energy that was insane. The entire band ramped up the intensity and played like men possessed throughout the show. Easy to do, I suppose, when the band includes Blasko on bass, Tommy Clufetos beating the skins, and amazing guitar great, John 5. Each band member ripped the crowd into frenzies with solos during the performance. Clearly, Zombie felt no need to dominate the spotlight and celebrated the astonishing talents of his powerhouse band.
Visually, the stage was a carnival of classic Zombie kitsch – including American flags, skulls, clown heads, female nude statues, and a video screen filled with images of Betty Page, the Munsters, and dancing 60s era psychedelic nudes. (When I wrote ’60s boobies’ in my notes, my date referred to them instead as ’vintage boobies.’ I made the cheeky comment that, as the 60s was my mom’s era, she’ll likely be thrilled to know that her breasts are ’vintage.’)
In addition to the vintage boobies and kitschy footage, Zombie’s video montages, included scenes from his movies, House of 1000 Corpses and The Devil’s Rejects. And, I got to tell you that, to me, it didn’t seem like shameless self promotion at all. The quick cuts just worked and matched the moment and the mood. Not a fan of 1000 Corpses, nor that particular genre, I was reminded how I had been surprised to find moments of brutal cinematic brilliance in The Devil’s Rejects.
That’s the thing about Zombie - most folks, especially here in Middle America, have an image of him that’s so completely inaccurate. For example, when I told friends that I was going to see his show, their blank stares exposed their unfamiliarity until another friend piped in with, “You know, that guy who worships the devil.”
Not so. The guy merely has an affinity for B-movies and all things creepy. Big deal. He’s madly prolific and creative. And, that night in Ft. Wayne he poured all of his energy into his performance which, not only included much of his Educated Horses CD, but also included past favorites and some White Zombie classics to give the fans what they came for.
Between the sizzling manic music, Zombie let the not-quite-capacity crowd know how much he appreciated their support. And, most telling about Zombie’s true moral compass - as he finally left the stage after his third encore, he walked away, gently and affectionately rubbing his wife, Sheri Moon Zombie’s back.
Who’d have thought that Rob Zombie would give me both the warm fuzzies and make me feel bad ass cool on a sweltering summer day .
Breakin Benjamin - Blown Away on a Week Day
August 2, 2006 – Ft. Wayne, Ind.
By: Linda Gabriele
“Gabe”
When attending a week night concert out of town, I'm generally plagued by the little voice in my noodle reminding me that I have to drive home and get up early for work in the morning. "Man, this better be worth it," I mentally repeat again and again. Recently, a trip to Piere's for Breaking Benjamin was completely worth it. And, from the moment the first band took the stage, that little voice simply shut up.
The lineup included opener Dropping Daylight, Evans Blue, and headliner Breaking Bejamin. Like most people, I don't often feel compelled to make it to see the first band, and if I do, I'm hard pressed to pay attention or, thereafter, even remember the band’s name. However, in this case, I've very glad to have made the effort to be there. The instant energy and unique musicality of Dropping Daylight made it clear that these boys from Minnesota weren't your average opener.The music described as, "rock with a piano," (see interview with lead vocalist/piano Sebastian Davin), had the rapt attention of the entire crowd who shouted and clapped their appreciation for songs they had never heard. I watched overhead as the crowd was drawn in - there was definitely no milling around and chatting during this set.
Following Dropping Daylight, Evans Blue took over with an equal amount of energy, commitment to the crowd, and musical skill. Impressive, that a band, only together since 2005, has the fortitude and talent to mesh effortlessly. The music, from debut CD 'The Melody and the Energetic Nature of Volume', had interesting and catchy melodies (think Staind with a twist) and sounded great live. Lead vocalist Matisyn can both sing and growl with the best of 'em. The song 'Over', performed with extreme fervor, was especially awesome.
After Evans Blue's set, I realized that this was the first time, particularly on a week night, that I wanted to hear more from the openers.
But, don't get me wrong, Breaking Benjamin definitely did not disappoint. The band, who's latest CD 'Phobia' released on August 8th, capped the already exceptional show. Their great big party vibe was fueled with incredible music and impressive collaboration. During one song, Matisyn of Evans Blue joined Ben Burnley on vocals. As well, Seth Davin of Dropping Daylight joined Breaking Benjamin on stage playing outstanding lead guitar for BB's most recently released chart topper, 'The Diary of Jane.'
I was also especially captivated by the performance of BB bassist, Mark Klepaski. He enthusiastically met the challenge on some bass heavy tunes. His physicality was reminicent of Korn's Fieldy - without the slapping. (So of course, now I have yet another rock star bassist crush . . . which started with Phil Lynott of Thin Lizzy and currently hovers around Tim Skold of Manson)
But, I digress . . .
The band, i.e. Breaking Benjamin, finally brought the party to a close, after their two song encore, with 'Blow Me Away' which had been created for the immensely popular video game Halo 2. Exhausted, and blown away from the crazy revelry of three exceptional bands, I finally headed home, smiling all the way. Ghoulish Fun with Godsmack
ByLinda Gabriele
Of course it was going to be a good time - attending a Breaking Benjamin/Godsmack show Halloween night would clearly be a holiday bonus. But, little did I know that the evening would turn out to be nothing short of AMAZING.
Having seen both alternative metal bands on numerous occasions, I had anticipated a solid show. Unexpectedly however, the concert wasn’t simply a solid performance, it became a once in a lifetime event. Perhaps inspired by the karmic specter of All Hallows Eve, the bands gave the impression that they were exceedingly fired up and their trick was certainly a treat for what appeared to be a near capacity crowd at Hara Arena in Dayton.
The celebration started with promising opener Hour Cast. As a taste of things to come, vocalist Patrick McBride gleefully donned a Batman costume.
The tech crew also got into the holiday spirit - there were various ghouls and goblins setting the stage. As well, Alice Cooper was setting microphone stands. Alice was joined by a crew member dressed as Baby Face Finster, who really just, amusingly, looked like a naked guy in Depends.
Breaking Benjamin took the stage sans costumes, but with plenty of Halloween merriment. The band’s extraordinary, high energy set included past favorites and plenty new, yet already recognizable, material from their recently released CD Phobia.
Following Breaking Benjamin and a very brief set up by the costumed crew, the lights dimmed and the crowd was treated to a glimpse of Godsmack preparing backstage via the jumbo screen. As video recorded the band approaching the stage and the arena momentarily faded to black the crowd roared in anticipation. Out blazed Godsmack in full Halloween attire - Robbie Merrill (bass) a pirate, Tony Rombola (guitar) as Friday the 13th villain Jason, Shannon Larkin (drums) as Randy Moss, and (lead vocalist) Sully Erna, not surprisingly, as a vampire replete with pale white skin, fangs, and blood red eyes.
The staging and performance by the veteran rockers was clearly practiced and polished, yet there was an unmistakably fresh enthusiasm and affection for the crowd.
Performance highlights included an astonishing light and pyrotechnic show, powerful classic rock covers, and an incredible percussion duel between Sully Erna and Shannon Larkin. When two massive drum kits, manned by both Larkin and Erna, glided to the front of the stage, the crowd collectively lost touch with reality. The drum kits then rotated positioning the crowd behind the drummers. From my vantage point, my view of Sully was obscured, but witnessing Larkin blasting some quick-fire stick work will be one particular concert highlight of the year.
Godsmack’s set was well in excess of an hour and included favorites from each of their five CDs. I believe their set ended with a literal fiery bang and confetti. (‘I believe’ because it’s virtually impossible to take contemporaneous notes while being blissfully squashed by the crowd.)
Following Godsmack’s set, the band reappeared for an encore of two or three songs including Shine Down complete with Sully’s introductory harmonica solo.
Happy Halloween indeed!
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
LIFESTYLE COMMUNITIES PAVILION NOV. 13
By Linda Gabriele
The most successful indie rock band to appeal to mainstream audiences, Death Cab for Cutie quite literally permeates pop culture. Undoubtedly, Death Cab has risen in popularity by prolifically and consistently creating amazing emotive music.
Death Cab’s music has been featured on television, in the movies, and in the soundtrack of the XBox 360 racing game Project Gotham Racing 3. As well, their already lengthy list of impressive side projects includes several DVDs and Ben Gibbard’s acclaimed side band The Postal Service.
They’re everywhere. And, fortunately everywhere includes an upcoming stop at Lifestyle Communities Pavilion on November 13th.
Most recently nearby in Cleveland for the Kuyahoga Festival, Death Cab motors through Ohio, during the final six weeks of their current North American tour, as headliner with Ted Leo & Pharmacists as their opener.
According to bassist Nick Harmer, Death Cab’s headliner status means that the band will “have the ability to be playing longer, so there’ll be more material than in a festival setting because you’re regulated to a certain set length. . . . And, we’ll have the Kuyahoga list up, we’ll look at it and see what we’ve played recently and, of course, we’ll play some songs that people want to hear, but we’ll make sure to include older material and some of the stuff that’s new. We’ll change it up specifically for you guys.”
The band certainly has an abundance of material to choose from - thus far they’ve created seven CDs, including Transatlanticism which explores the inevitable distance, both literal and emotional, between two people. Contrast Death Cab’s latest release, Plans which tackles the big picture realization of aging and losing the people we love.
While the message of the new material appears to be somber, the collaboratively written melodies remain bright, warm, and wistful.
When discussing Death Cab’s creative process, Harmer muses, “the level of collaboration really varied song to song. It’s kind of a hard thing to explain. It’s not a very exact science. It’s kind of something that we all just sort of do and move through and kind of step up to the plate when we’re needed and after that . . . I don’t know . . . somehow we end up making records!”
Harmer states, “There’s now an unspoken trust and communication between all four of us, a great flow.” He credits that great flow to Death Cab’s longevity and history. That history includes early years of touring in a van and asking fans if they could sleep on their floors. And, while times have certainly changed for the band, they still, “make a very decided effort to meet people and talk. I think we’re still very connected to our fans in a way that not a lot of bands are. We’re just not sleeping on their floors any longer!”
I Mourn For Those Who Never Knew You!
Killswitch Engage
December 7th – Piere’s – Fort Wayne, IN
By: Timmy “The Wizard” T
(www.BehindTheBarricade.com)
Howard Jones (Vocals)
Joel Stroetzel (Guitar)
Adam Dutkiewicz (Guitar)
Mike D'Antonio (Bass)
Justin Foley (Drums)
Let’s do a little math shall we you heavy metal freaks? Take the technical genius of Dream Theater plus the bone crushing melodic mosh pit riffs of Pantera and it equals KILLSWITCH ENGAGE! This band is a force to be reckoned with, their live performance is so much more powerful than anything I have ever seen it possessed me from the minute they hit the stage! I found myself destroying everything in my path like a pit-bull with rabies when I hit the pit! My dance of destruction was one of the greatest experiences of my life. You HAVE to see this band live, trust me! Just to get a taste of what I’m talking about check out their website and watch the “A Bid Farewell” live video.
www.killswitchengage.com
Killswitch hit the stage causing an explosion of bodies, bra’s, and booze cups. Sending a shockwave ripping through the earths crust straight into the depths of hell. Fort Wayne, Indiana will never be the same again. They cranked out groove oriented mosh pit jam, one after another! “This Is Absolution”, “Rose Of Sharyn”, “Fixation On The Darkness”, “My Last Serenade”, and so on. This band means business and I beg you, “if you have the balls” you have to go this show!
Their new album “As Daylight Dies” is their greatest achievement yet; “This Is Absolution”, “The Arms Of Sorrow”, & “My Curse” are my personal favorites. If you care or know anything about metal this is a must have album! I can’t take this motherfucker out of my CD player it REALLY is that great! I have not been this excited about an album since the release of “Cowboy’s From Hell” from Pantera.
Killswitch Engage is such a well-rounded band from every angle, vocals, guitar, bass, and drums.
It doesn’t matter how you look at it every member of this band is a master of their own domain.
They are the breath of fresh air that long overdue metal fans have been waiting for
They are a monumental apocalypse of everything metal should be!
Thank you guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers
June 23rd, 2006, Indianapolis, IN – Verizon Wireless.
By Scott Legato and Natalie Bienas
Band:
•Tom Petty - lead vocals, rhythm guitar
Tom Petty - lead vocals, rhythm guitar •Mike Campbell - lead guitar
Mike Campbell - lead guitar •Scott Thurston - rhythm guitar, harmonica, piano, backing vocals
Scott Thurston - rhythm guitar, harmonica, piano, backing vocals •Ron Blair - bass guitar
Ron Blair - bass guitar •Benmont Tench - organ, backing vocals
Benmont Tench - organ, backing vocals •Steve Ferrone - drums
Steve Ferrone - drums What a night to remember. Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers; Embarking on there 30th Anniversary Tour. Made a stop in Indianapolis, IN on a beautiful June evening. Yes I was lucky enough to be there with photo pass (click here for photos) in hand.
The band took the stage as being right back in wonderland. The light show and stage presence took Alice through yet another journey this one rock and roll bliss.
WOW!... amazing I’m sure Alice was thinking when the first song "I Won't Back Down" started, the rhythm and acoustics dancing, floating through the spirit of everyone that night in wonderland. Suddenly through out the arena the colors blue, red, yellow, the whole spectrum fell, that is were Free Fallin down on, and throughout wonderland. Yeah! What a light show!!!! Go heartbreakers.
Tom Petty has made his mark in Rock and Roll history, and in wonderland. He proved it this night. Playing all the classics we grew up loving. We where even lucky enough to be graced with some new material, for his new CD, Highway Companion. Great stuff!
Being a guitarist myself, it was great to see Tom and his long time guitarist Mike Cambell playing some real classic beauties. Busting out some of rocks greatest guitar licks on some real classic guitars.
When the classic "Last Dance with Mary Jane" began, wonderland returned a deafening roar. One of their most beloved songs, its funky, southern style was like floating down the Mississippi with a mint julep in hand. Scott Thurston played the harmonica then Tom leaned into the mic and shook his head while singing "I feel summer creeping in and I'm tired of this town again…" Near the end of the song, Tom and Mike kicked out some sweet guitar licks.
.
Tom hadn't even broken a sweat yet. Even playing The Yardbirds' "I'm A Man." The Traveling Wilburys' "Handle With Care" Tom introduced the band: “Benmont (Ray) Tench on the piano. The man who keeps us going: my brother Scott Thurston. It's like standing in front of a freight train ... Steve Ferrone on drums! Blair on bass. Thee, Mike Campbell on lead guitar!"
Tom worked the stage and shook his finger at the crowd during "Too Much Ain't Enough." Wonderland watched in delight and sang along with "Don't Come Around Here No More." Then in red and yellow lights with flames on the background screens they played "Refugee" and the song took its toll, propelling the crazed mob into a frenzy of hands beating the air. The band left the stage. It was absolute pandemonium as the standing, packed arena yelled and screamed demanding more. I had to cover my ears. The band returned and launched into "You Wreck Me." Wonderland was rocking and singing. People were visibly moved.
I could go on for hours about this show. Set list? Why bother. He played them all.
So point being, it was a PLEASURE to party in Wonderland with this music legend.
I hope this is not the end of Toms touring days. It would be a real shame.
Thanks Tom! You made my summer!
