Aerosmith Was Awesome

Shocker and spoiler alert: Aerosmith live was awesome. I saw them Tuesday night at Riverbend in Cincinnati.

I didn't get "Nobody's Fault,""Draw the Line" or "Last Child" (which is criminal) but they did give me "Big 10 Inch Record," which was just rare enough to confuse the soccer moms at the show. [Full setlist] There was no big banner drop at the beginning, no pyro, but definitely a wind machine and massive video screen. I've always preferred bands that just get on stage and play hard versus a lot of extra theatrical nonsense. After all, I paid for rock, so that's what I want! Of course, there was the obligatory wasted four minutes on "I Don't Want to Miss a Thing" which every soccer mom (and dad) drunkenly sang along to, but I sort of glared during it, and that was my right. I was relieved to hear tunes like "Rats In The Cellar" and "No More, No More" to reinforce my love for the band. Other highlights for me included "Kings and Queens" (I swear, more confused looks!) and of course, "Dream On." During "Dream On," Joe Perry climbed on top of Steven Tyler's white grand piano, which was cool. Also, Joe wore a sequined jacket, which I thought would look good on me. My favorite Brad Whitford, always criminally underrated, did not get enough time in the spotlight. Maybe he likes it that way. Tom Hamilton finally looks well and Joey Kramer alternated between smiles and grunts while slamming the drums. It's the most physical job during a live show after all. Miraculously, I wasn't surrounded by morons. By and large, the folks around me seemed to be pretty big fans and were definitely excited to be at the show. But not once did I get beer splashed on me or burned by a wayward cigarette. It was nice not ducking and weaving and worrying about my hair catching fire! Also, the show was crazy packed and it was super hot - I was thankful I had a pavilion seat for the shade during the earlier part of the night.

Slash opened and that was great too! I'm always amazed at how good Myles Kennedy sounds live and you really can't argue with classic Guns n' Roses hits played live in the summer. True to my word, I didn't buy any overpriced merchandise, but I did get some expensive concessions. It was just too hot to go without beverages. Darn you, LiveNation!

Kinda Awkward

Oops. I sort of feel bad for Bret here.

Aerosmith Tonight!

It's finally Aerosmith day! Can you tell I'm excited? I'm seeing the band, plus opener Slash, at Riverbend in Cincinnati. I've got pavilion seats because the lawn sucks at Riverbend. I'd have better pavilion seats but I refuse to be forced into a VIP or premium package to get closer to the stage. I've come to hate large concert venues that are owned or managed by LiveNation, thus forcing the consumer into overpriced seats or crap they don't need. Seriously, I'd never buy a VIP package for Aerosmith - or any band - anyway because that's a colossal waste of cash, and I don't need a photo or handshake with the band and "free" T-shirt thank-you-very-much. What I do want is a nice place in the venue where I can most likely see the stage. So whatever.

I'll go to the show tonight, and enjoy my seat in the back of the pavilion, happy that I wasn't hoodwinked into an overpriced ticket. I'll also be bypassing the merchandise booth, another colossal waste of cash. Let's be honest here, folks. If you're reading this site, you've probably got a literal cache of concert shirts, right? I know I have way too many, all overpriced at time of purchase, so I surely don't need any more. The stuff you own ends up owning you and my closet does not need one more band shirt!

I'll go, rock out with my husband to my favorite band of all time and come home with cash in my pocket. I refuse to give LiveNation any more of my money than absolutely necessary to get in to see the gig.

Oh, and if by a miracle I do get "Nobody's Fault" live, you'll probably hear me screaming all the way at your place!

Stryper Fan Excursion Planned

If you're a Stryper fan, you'll love this. The band is planning another "fan excursion" - and if you act now, you can save some dough before prices rise in early August. Here's info from the band's website:

"Coming off the heels of 2013's successful inaugural Stryper Fan Excursion, Stryper has announced the dates and location for year two. Mark your calendar for October 10-12, 2014 and plan to be in Raleigh, North Carolina. Since Stryper re-united in 2002, Raleigh would spend the next 12 years as the headquarters for the band. Their management team, Deep South Entertainment was (and is) in Raleigh. The STRYPER.COM merchandising company (Port Merchandise) is also based in Raleigh. And the band even had a monumental sold-out reunion show at Raleigh's historic Lincoln Theater on that tour, where part of the 7 Weeks: Live in America album was recorded. Raleigh has been the single longest standing headquarters for Stryper since they first became a band in the '80s. Excursion packages are ON SALE NOW - Register before August 6, 2014 and save!"

You might be asking yourself... what exactly does a Stryper excursion involve? Apparently there's a lot of "hang time" with the band, an acoustic set, tours of the "historic" Stryper headquarters, a BBQ lunch with the band, a full electric show, breakfast with the band and of course, church service with members of Stryper. 

The packages are several hundred bucks, which isn't a surprise. Click for more information and to make your reservations. 

Phil Rudd's Solo Turn

Solo albums are hot right now among the bands and musicians we love. AC/DC drummer Phil Rudd will release a solo album called Head Job. The record is due August 29. "Repo Man" is the first single - here's a lyric video for the track. As you would expect from Phil, it's straight up rock n' roll.

Johnny Depp Jams With Aerosmith

It doesn't get much better than "Train Kept a Rollin'" live... so who could blame actor Johnny Depp for wanting to jam with Aerosmith live on stage? Depp joined my favorite band on stage in Mansfield, MA. Good times for sure. I'm seeing Aerosmith in just a few more days! I can't wait.

...And Now Jeff LaBar's First Solo Video

Earlier this week we discussed a teaser for Jeff LaBar's first solo effort. Now the guitarist has released his very first solo video for the track "No Strings." The track is from the upcoming release One For the Road.