Tagged: review
Steve & Sebastian @ The Iridium, NYC (review)
Back in Sweden. It’s been a hectic and intense weekend in New York City and most of all, I had a blast. I am so glad that I decided to go see this unique gig with Steve Stevens and Sebastian Bach, because it’s just one of those things that you won’t get to see too many times. At least not in Europe. When I did the interview with Steve after the Saturday shows, and he realized that I only came over for this particular gig, he stopped, put his hand on his chest and went: “I’m honored“.
It’s mutual mr Stevens, believe me. There is so so much to tell, there will be a story and an interview, photos and everything else, but I will not have time for all of that today. I’m still trying to shake the jetlag.
For now, let me just tell you about the show. Actually, why not just link the whole thing here for you first (if you can spot the blonde down in the front, that’s yours truly ;) ):
The jazz-club was small, even smaller than I thought. Someone there said it only took about 100 people. Steve said it could hold about 200. Either way – if you wanted an intimate gig, this was definitely it.
Different – to say the least. I was seated right in front of the stage, so close I could probably see the guys’ nosehair if I looked close enough. :-) Cool place though, it was like a mini-jazz version of Hard Rock Cafe.
My friend and photographer Beatrice arrived shortly before the show began, we had barely finished our cheesecakes when the band walked up on stage.
At first glance, you’d probably go “so, who are THOSE dudes?” – you know, the “not-so-rockstar-looking” other guys in the band. But you’d drop your jaw trying to plow through those guys’ discographies and bios.
Anton Fig – drums (Joan Armatrading, Sebastian Bach, Blackmore’s Night, Joe Cocker, Ace Frehley, Peter Frampton, Mick Jagger, Journey, Kiss, B.B King…..) I’m not even half-way through his list!
Neil Jason – bass (John Lennon (!) Kiss, Art Garfunkel, Mike Oldfield, Diana Ross, Cyndi Lauper, Mark Knopfler, Céline Dion…..) And about 4 more pages of legendary names that he’s worked with.
Pete Thorn – guitar (Chris Cornell, Melissa Etheridge, Alicia Keyes, Dread Zeppelin).
Steve Stevens – in case you didn’t know, is the guy who’s been standing next to Billy Idol the past 30 years or so. You’ve heard his solo in Michael Jackson’s “Dirty Diana”, he also played with Robert Palmer, Joni Mitchell and Vince Neil and got a Grammy for the Top Gun-anthem:
Sebastian Bach – the one and only. If you don’t know who he is, you’re in the wrong place. :) Brought Skid Row to super-stardom, performed on Broadway as Jesus in Jesus Christ Superstar and Mr Jekyll/Mr Hyde. Has released solo-albums, done acting and everything/anything under the sun.
When he walked up on stage Saturday night, he spotted me and a guy from Jersey that I’d been talking to while standing in line outside the club for a few hours. He was doing some sort of stage-charades when he with a slightly surprised face tried to figure out what I was doing there.
“What are you doing here? Did you fly over??”
The show was so much more than I even anticipated. I got on a plane to New York City because I was curious. I had no idea what to expect. You could easily say that it felt very exclusive being that close, in such a mini-club hearing these incredibly competent musicians play a selection of their favorite songs.
I’ve seen Sebastian many – MANY times throughout the years, and it was so obvious that he loved being a part of this. His face was the face of a little boy at Christmas Eve, he’s never had much of a poker face. :-)
It was a winning combination. Steve has a sincere respect for Sebastian as a vocalist and frontman, and Sebastian gets that extra kick from performing with these guys – because he’s got some high standards to live up to. It always brings the best out in him when he’s working with people of that caliber.
Steve is amazing. Even after so many years of playing, he still has a sincere love for what he does. It’s interesting how both he and Baz admitted to how scary it was, to be playing for such a small crowd, though. You can look every single person in the eye at that little club. It takes guts, even for people who’re used to playing for screaming masses.
I loved their bold choices of songs for these intimate gigs – most of all I loved the fact that they didn’t play it safe.
They picked songs that they loved but that weren’t necessarily the usual crowd-pleasers. They played AC/DC but not “T.N-T” or “Back In Black”, they played Led Zeppelin but not “Whole Lotta Love” and most certainly not “Stairway To Heaven”. And they played Van Halen but not “You Really Got Me” or “Jump”….
I rarely hear bands play what they ACTUALLY want to play, they usually do what they think people want to hear, so just the fact that they took the tough road, was enough to impress me.
It never got boring because nothing was predictable – the next song could be pretty much anything. Because were playing their personal favorites, they gave their all, in a natural, sincere kind of way. Very unpretentious, and damn cool.
I truly loved seeing the smiles on their faces. It wasn’t just another day at the office – they were enjoying this just as much as we did.That’s what I want to see when I go to a show. I had a blast.
Of course, some songs could not be left out of the set – something by Billy Idol and something by Skid Row. So we got “Rebel Yell“, “I Remember You” and “Youth Gone Wild“. People LOVED it! The energy in the room was on top – as much as it could be when you’re seated at long tables in a jazz-club. ;-).
I can still see and feel that back-to-the-roots vibe when I think back at the Iridium-gig. Apart from the impecable musicianship, we also got some hilarious, spontaneous stand-up from the guys who were cracking jokes between songs.
To sum it all up:
It wasn’t Madison Square Garden (that was taken by Megadeth and Motorhead, this particular night) it wasn’t bright shiny lights and glitter-glitz, bombastic stage production. It was the exact opposite of all that – and probably for that very reason, it was one of the best gigs I’ve ever attended.
Can’t wait to hear more from Steve and Baz – and according to Steve, there will be more. Stick around for the interview in the next few days!
FIND PHOTOS BY PHOTOGRAPHER BEATRICE BRING HERE
More photos on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/InTheRearviewMirror
Steel Panther, Mötley Crüe and Def Leppard review from MEN Arena
Three band bill at the Manchester Evening News Arena (MEN Arena). Those names are GIANTS when it comes to live-performances, definitely among the best in the business. Without a doubt always worth a trip to anywhere!
STEEL PANTHER
When we were standing outside the arena, waiting for the doors to open, I admitted that I had never listened to Steel Panther. The clown-thing works in a movie but I didn’t think I would like it in a “real band”. So my expectations were down to zero. When you’ve got no expectations whatsoever, it’s usually a good thing. You can’t get disappointed.
I’ve heard about these guys a lot from a good friend who really digs them, and he’s sent me plenty of links to their videos on Youtube, even from back when they were Metal Skool.
As I was watching the arena fill up, it was crystal clear that a LOT of people had come to see Steel Panther. One silly bad wig after another and lots of tiger- and leopard-spandex everywhere.
Lights went out, intro voice started, crowd screaming…and out came Steel Panther – looking just as ridiculously 80’s as I imagined they would. But they were freaking great.
Even if the whole point of this band is celebrating, or doing a parody of the 80’s glam and sleaze-scene, they are doing it damn well. Not that it’s surprising that the musicianship is top notch – after all it’s a bunch of former session musicians. They know their business and the songs were surprisingly good.
The band had a fantastic energy on stage that was really contageous. Most of all, I was laughing so hard at their silliness, they were too fuckin’ funny! I swear, my FACE was aching from the constant laughing and smiling – so I give Steel Panther a big, fat 10 out of 10 for entertainment value!
Can’t wait to see them again, and next time not from the seated section, but from the front row!
MÖTLEY CRÛE
I’ve seen Motley Crue many, many times over the years – but I’ve never seen them do such an unexpected entry ever…! First there’s a bunch of roadies preparing the stage for the band, the arena is lit and music is playing, people out there buying merch and beer…. When out of the blue, we’re talking seconds, lights go out and the Crue runs in on stage – BAM!!
There’s Vince Neil! Uhm…. and yeah. That was pretty much the only person you really noticed throughout Motley Crues entire set.
Vince was all over the place. He might not be a Pavarotti and he never was – at times his voice sucked really bad. BUT – I salute him for his showmanship.
He is the only one on the stage, except for Tommy Lee, who genuinely seems to be enjoying himself and gives everything he’s got.
I was always a Nikki Sixx-fan, I guess the whole world is… Or was. But I don’t see him enjoying himself really. If he is, he hides it pretty well. There were times when I had to really look hard to find him on the stage from where I was. Even when I’m reading his posts on Facebook, he sounds more like a management than a musician with a true love for rock’n’roll. It shows on stage too.
Yet he is the star and the icon of the band – probably more because he is cool. And he’s hot. I’ll give him that. :)
The entertainers in Mötley are Vince and Tommy.
The drum-solo was WICKEDDDDDD!! It’s just so over the top insane. It’s what makes Motley Crue a band worth seeing – you can be sure that they will bring something new, something crazy, something wild, something that’s just nuts. If you want a SHOW, this is the band to go see. No expenses are spared.
Super cool lightshow, good sound, the classic songs that we can all sing along to. I can’t say I was bored, but I didn’t get a huge kick either – except for maybe when they played my favorite songs.
I’m impressed Mick Mars can do what he does, against all odds – that’s just amazing.
But basically – the stars of the LIVE-band Mötley Crë were Vince and Tommy, for working their asses off on stage. Can’t wait to see them again at Sweden Rock Festival next year!
DEF LEPPARD
Def Leppard did everything right. Yet it didn’t go all the way. I’ve been trying to figure out why, because I can’t point out any particular reason. It was just that “THAT” was lacking. The magic wasn’t there – although everything else was.
Impressive stage production. Flawless sound. And Joe Elliott. He’s always impressed me, cause he’s a one-of-a-kind frontman who always OWNS his stage.
He still had the same presence, very confident, very intense. But it didn’t do anything for me. It felt like watching a Las Vegas-show. Everything picture perfect, yet it was just another day at the office for Def Leppard.
The only time they felt human and close to the crowd, was when they stripped down and performed an acoustic version of “Two Steps Behind“. Suddenly they made Europe’s largest indoor arena, with a 21,000 capacity, feel like an intimate evening at the local pub. That was impressive.
The songs are there and the Leps have done this shit since they were kids. They sure as hell know what they’re doing. It’s just that there always comes a time in every artist’s and every band’s career when they lose their magic – or when it temporarily disappears.
I’d say that this evening should have been reversed – Def Leppard should have opened, followed by Motley Crue and then wrapped up by the high-energy hungry Steel Panther. If performance ruled those things and not record sales, that would have been a lot more interesting. ;P
We left the show before it was over, had a night-bus to catch. When we walked out, it didn’t feel like I was missing out on a whole lot.
BUT – it was still worth the trip, no doubt about it.
Nothing was BAD it just didn’t quite go all the way up to eleven. :-)
Or maybe I’m just getting picky. :-D
Photos on FB: http://www.facebook.com/InTheRearviewMirror
MEGADETH @ Sonisphere : Review
Megadeth possess an incredible raw power that just hits you over the head like a sledgehammer.
I can’t resist it, I never could. There’s something magical about Mustaines grumpy face and muttery, snarly vocals. It wouldn’t have had the same effect without all that, and most of all, he is the real deal. I like his sarcasm, I like his anger, and I most definitely like the sincerety he puts into the things he does. Basically, he’s got what it takes to keep people coming back year after year.
I remember when I was still a teenager, and a penpal sent me a cassette of “Peace sells…”.
It was something brand new back then. I never got into Metallica and I still haven’t. I’d choose Megadeth over Metallica anytime.
In all honesty, I didn’t get into that album right away. It had to grow on me. But once it did, I was stuck. Here I am, 25 years later (jesus, where did time go?!) still loving this band more than ever.
They can spellbind a crowd of thousands of demanding metalheads, and keep their attention for as long as they want. I love the energy, I love the power they generate, it just fills you – charges you to the maximum. This is what metal is all about.
Dave “Junior” Ellefson looks the same as he did way back, he plays better than ever, in fact, Megadeth has never been this brilliant.
There was a time when they weren’t much to see on a stage. Maybe because there were too many drugs involved or maybe because their minds were all over the place and not necessarily in the live performances. But that has changed- 100%…. I could go and see them play every day for a month and still want more.
In short – Megadeth is the best they have ever been, they DEMAND your attention and they get it. How could they not? It’s brutal, it’s heavy, it’s technically perfect and it’s damn honest. This tour has been a triumphal procession and it ain’t over yet!
Almost time for GRASPOP 2011!
Got my invitation to the Graspop Metal Meeting 2011 (Belgium) today.
I had a wonderful time at that festival last year. It is one of the most well organized festivals I’ve ever attended, everything was like a breeze compared to many other places.
I got lost backstage the first day, had no idea where I was, just a bunch of trucks everywhere and I needed to get to one of the stages to see the band that was playing since I was supposed to write a review. I got help from two guys who were working in one of the backstage bars who escorted me all the way out to the area I was trying to find. Talk about service! :)
The crew knew what they were doing, were well informed, happy to help, the schedule was right on time, even for the signings and other things. The backstage area was nice and clean, easy to find your way around, no MUD (like for instance at Sweden Rock or Sonisphere) because it’s built up like an old western village with wooden floors to walk on.
Well equipped portakabins with air conditioning and cooler filled with cold soda and beer. Fantastic catering food, great selection of foods and drinks, and a nice, positive atmosphere altogether. Even the toilets were fresh, something that I’ve learned never to count on at festivals.
So I’m looking forward to attending it this year.
Last year I was there with Jon Oliva’s Pain. The band was very popular in Belgium, got invited two years in a row, went from festival tent to festival main stage.
Sadly, that was most likely the last time. Guitarist Matt LaPorte died in his sleep only a few days ago, leaving many in shock and grief. Who knows what the future holds for Jon and the band.
This year will host bands such as Whitesnake, Ozzy, Firewind, Judas Priest, Scorpions and more. A great lineup.
JON OLIVA’S PAIN @ Graspop 2010 (started filming from the stage, then realized it wasn’t a good angle…)
SLASH GRASPOP 2010 (view from the side of the stage, a few of us from the JOP-camp went up there to watch Slash do his thing):
Slash @ Graspop 2010 (stage view)
View from the general festival area and merchandise-area:
GRASPOP 2010 – BACKSTAGE AREA:
GRASPOP 2010 – with Jon Oliva’s Pain (also known as JOP):
Welcome
I was sitting here last night, trying to think of a good way to start this music-blog, when the news hit Twitter, Facebook, MySpace…. Gary Moore died in his sleep at the age of 58.
First I couldn’t believe it – it had only been posted on one news-site and then spread by fans and music-sites. But no “real” news-site even mentioned it. I chose to believe that it was just some kind of hoax.
Unfortunately, I couldn’t do that for more than ten minutes, because before I knew it, BBC published the news on their site too.
The shock and the sadness that’s spreading all over the music world now is unbelievable. Another guitar-hero has left us. It feels like it really wasn’t his time to go already.
The first LP (that’s what it was back then – vinyls…) I ever reviewed was Gary Moore’s “Victims of the Future”. The year was 1984 and I was 15. I loved that record. I loved “After the War” too. Actually, I liked most of his rock-albums. I wasn’t a big fan of the blues-era but you can’t escape the fact that he was a very influental musician and guitarist.
It’s a terrible loss to the world of rock. Gary – R.I.P – and say hello to Randy and Jimi from all of us down here….
IN THE REARVIEW MIRROR 