Concert reviews

Astronomer · 08-31-2009, 01:42 AM

Flower Child, it's funny you posted that because just today I was having a conversation with a friend who is a HUGE Foreigner fan. I really don't know them that well, I should check out more of their stuff. Sounds like a great gig. Oh, and by the way I'd just like to add that you are extremely pretty

RonaldSays · 08-31-2009, 05:12 AM

Them Crooked Vultures Feast Big On Great Music

Them Crooked Vultures at the Melkweg Amsterdam, August 19 2009 (Ronald Says 10 out of 10)
It seems to be the year of supergroups. After Chickenfoot here is Them Crooked Vultures with members of some of my favourite bands: Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). I'm not sure if fourth member Alain Johannes is an official band member but he's playing with them live. Maybe not as famous but he played with many big artists and can be considered a top guitarist. So when they announced a suprise gig in Amsterdam I didn't hesitate and joined the huge queue straight after work.

And I had to wait for 2,5 hours to get my personal ticket and wrist band that would give me access to the highly anticipated gig. Later it turned out there were still tickets left minutes before the gig started but who could have expected it? They rocked the house in Chicago a few weeks ago but besides that not much can be found or heard from the band. But with these great musicians surely this could only be good right?

Even better it turned out to be magical. They showed up on stage at 21.00 and the eager crowd gave them a huge welcome. There was this special vibe as if people knew something big was going to happen but no one was sure what. But when the four started to play it was clear right away: a big fat rock show like it is meant to be. Dave Grohl had a huge smile and while chewing gum gave it all. The guys seemed very cheerful and relaxed and were enjoying the hell out of it. And so did we!

While temperatures were rising fast they played some memorable rock tunes. Big grooves, heavy blues, killer riffs, tempo changes, creative bridges, psychedelic repeating riffs together with pumping drums, pounding bass lines, screaming guitars and a sweaty atmosphere. All the ingredients for a rock heavy night never to forget. It leaned most on the Queens of the Stone Age sound and sometimes it reminded me of their album "Songs for the Deaf" on which Dave Grohl was also sitting behind the drum kit. And it was clear that he belongs there more than anywhere else. His relaxed powerful style and sound are great. Big fat grooves and swinging patterns with rolling fills like his example John Bonham.

John Paul Jones is of course a great bass player and perfect for this rytm section. He entered the stage with a futuristic slide guitar but after that continues on bass. His pumping bass lines go perfectly with Grohl's grooves. Alain Johannes is a great addition to complete this brilliant rythm section. Josh Homme is definitely enjoying himself in this dream group. He seems very relaxed and his vocals and guitar solos and riffs combine perfectly with the rest. His unique sound gives it that Queens of the Stone Age feel but that's inevitable. Halfway the set they play a weird kind of jam on which Homme puts away his guitar and uncomfortable is doing a silly dance. I guess he lost some kind of bet. But for the rest the keep knocking out song after song in this 80 minute set that seems similar to the one in Chicago. The Melkweg roars when they walk off the stage leaving us begging for more. And probably I'll get more on the Lowlands festival on Saturday.

A day after my head's still spinning from what I've experienced. Was it all real? And maybe I get to see them again within a few days! I'm some lucky bastard!

~~Flower Child~~ · 08-31-2009, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lateralus

Flower Child, it's funny you posted that because just today I was having a conversation with a friend who is a HUGE Foreigner fan. I really don't know them that well, I should check out more of their stuff. Sounds like a great gig. Oh, and by the way I'd just like to add that you are extremely pretty

Haha well thank you, I hear your quite a looker yourself. Yeah Foreigner was pretty big in the '80s. They are kinda like Journey only better. Make sure you get some albums from your friend and try them out they are great. A few of my favorites are "Head Games" "Waiting For A Girl Like You" and everybody likes "Juke Box Hero".

crash_override · 08-31-2009, 10:28 AM

Juke Box Hero = Win.

Better than Journey? Those are fightin' words.

~~Flower Child~~ · 08-31-2009, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crash_override

Juke Box Hero = Win.

Better than Journey? Those are fightin' words.

Haha yep, I thought I'd stir the pot a bit this morning

adidasss · 09-02-2009, 06:49 AM

Coldplay, Udine, Italy, 31.8. 2009.

Well, it finally happened and it was better than I could have imagined. We came a few hours earlier and just in time to see the first support group which is hardly worth mentioning and I felt played totally inappropriate hard rock (or whatever the hell that was, there was a lot of screaming). Then White Lies came on and played a decent short (35 minutes?) set. I loved their songs but it's not something you wanna experience on a giant stadium. It was a full hour between the While Lies set and the start of the main show. Even though we had tickets for the furthermost bleachers it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, we could sit down and take in 40+ thousand people and all 5 giant screens. Of course, we couldn't actually see the performers, but at a stadium gig it doesn't really matter, as long as the sound is great, which it was, and there's plenty of spectacular imagery, which there was plenty of. Chris Martin is a great entertainer, he has a sense of humor and is super nice so even the mistakes they made turned out to be really charming. It lasted exactly 2 hours. The highlight for me was Glass of water with the spectacular trippy animation which perfectly captures the positive spirit of this tour and the Viva la vida album (with the accompanying Prospekt's march EP), but I loved every minute of it. And it was a really nice surprise when they got down in the center of the crowd and did an acoustic version of Billy Jean with thousands of cell phone lights replacing lighters. I feel very privileged to have been able to see them at the height of their creative power and popularity. Definitely worth every cent and hours spent on the road to see them. Great night from a great band. (:

jackhammer · 09-05-2009, 06:02 PM

I have made no secret of not liking Coldplay but certain gigs always stick in the mind and especially travelling to see your fave band creates great memories. Glad you enjoyed the gig.

adidasss · 09-05-2009, 06:08 PM

Thanks mate, definitely one of the best nights of my life...(:

Mojo · 09-07-2009, 07:57 AM

I don't have quite as much time for Coldplay as I used to but I remember how impressed I was when I got to them see promote Rush of Blood to the Head after listening to it pretty much non stop over a 6 month period or so, so I think I can relate.

NSW · 10-11-2009, 06:38 PM

Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band- Giants Staduim, Meadowlands New Jersey, October 9, 2009

OK...so I went to this concert with no expectations, and only because I'd been given a free ticket. I'm not a huge Springsteen fan at all, and in fact the only songs I know of his are the big ones like Born in the USA, Born to Run, Dancing in the Dark, etc etc.

This concert was a big deal for New Jersey because it is the very last concert to be played in Giants Stadium before they knock it down (they have a new sports arena there now), and because NJ is Springsteen's stompin' grounds. Also, there were rumors that Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney were going to show up for some reason (don't know how that got started). And no, they never showed. But Springsteen played a 3.5 hour set that I have to say was pretty damn amazing.

First off, there was not an empty seat in the place. I've never seen a venue that large, be that full of people. Not only were all the seats filled, but the majority of the floor in front of the stage was covered with people as well. And they were all totally into the show. Everyone knew all the words to all the songs. There was a kid in the row in front of me who couldn't have been more than 7 years old jumping on his chair, playing air guitar, and belting out words to songs I'd never even heard. From kids his age to the 60 year old guys trying to pull off their old ripped jeans and flannel shirts with the sleeves cut off, one thing was apparent...these Jersey folks take their love of Bruce Springsteen very seriously. Almost every song found the stadium quaking with the booming sound of thousands of peoples voices joined in singing. It was amazing and impressive.

I was also impressed with the amount of audience interaction that he pulled off, which you don't see much at concerts that huge. At one point near the end of the show, he ran around the front part of the crowd grabbing different signs people had made and taking them back up to the stage. Most of them were song requests or said stupid things like "It's not over till the BOSS sings". One of them was a marriage proposal from some guy in the crowd to his girlfriend. (She said yes...of course!). He also found the cutest little girl in the audience (couldn't have been more than 4 years old) and had her sing a couple lines from one of this songs (I can't for the life of my remember which one now). And all this before he ran to the back of the audience and crowd-surfed his way back to the stage. And can I just say, he looks damn good for being 60 years old.

Unfortunately I can't remember alot of the song titles (as I said before, I've never been a Springsteen fan), but I have to say I have a new found respect for the man. He sounded fantastic, he had the crowd eating from his hand and made sure everyone knew the Band. It made me a little sad that I wasn't more in tune with what was being played. But despite that, I would still say that it was one of the top five concerts I've ever been to. The energy and vibe from the crowd and the band was enough to put it over the top.

08-31-2009, 01:42 AM	#31 (permalink)
Astronomer we are stardust Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: Australia Posts: 2,894	Flower Child, it's funny you posted that because just today I was having a conversation with a friend who is a HUGE Foreigner fan. I really don't know them that well, I should check out more of their stuff. Sounds like a great gig. Oh, and by the way I'd just like to add that you are extremely pretty __________________

08-31-2009, 05:12 AM	#32 (permalink)
RonaldSays Amateur Drum Kit Wrestler Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: Amsterdam Posts: 155	Them Crooked Vultures Feast Big On Great Music Them Crooked Vultures at the Melkweg Amsterdam, August 19 2009 (Ronald Says 10 out of 10) It seems to be the year of supergroups. After Chickenfoot here is Them Crooked Vultures with members of some of my favourite bands: Dave Grohl (Foo Fighters), Josh Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), John Paul Jones (Led Zeppelin). I'm not sure if fourth member Alain Johannes is an official band member but he's playing with them live. Maybe not as famous but he played with many big artists and can be considered a top guitarist. So when they announced a suprise gig in Amsterdam I didn't hesitate and joined the huge queue straight after work. And I had to wait for 2,5 hours to get my personal ticket and wrist band that would give me access to the highly anticipated gig. Later it turned out there were still tickets left minutes before the gig started but who could have expected it? They rocked the house in Chicago a few weeks ago but besides that not much can be found or heard from the band. But with these great musicians surely this could only be good right? Even better it turned out to be magical. They showed up on stage at 21.00 and the eager crowd gave them a huge welcome. There was this special vibe as if people knew something big was going to happen but no one was sure what. But when the four started to play it was clear right away: a big fat rock show like it is meant to be. Dave Grohl had a huge smile and while chewing gum gave it all. The guys seemed very cheerful and relaxed and were enjoying the hell out of it. And so did we! While temperatures were rising fast they played some memorable rock tunes. Big grooves, heavy blues, killer riffs, tempo changes, creative bridges, psychedelic repeating riffs together with pumping drums, pounding bass lines, screaming guitars and a sweaty atmosphere. All the ingredients for a rock heavy night never to forget. It leaned most on the Queens of the Stone Age sound and sometimes it reminded me of their album "Songs for the Deaf" on which Dave Grohl was also sitting behind the drum kit. And it was clear that he belongs there more than anywhere else. His relaxed powerful style and sound are great. Big fat grooves and swinging patterns with rolling fills like his example John Bonham. John Paul Jones is of course a great bass player and perfect for this rytm section. He entered the stage with a futuristic slide guitar but after that continues on bass. His pumping bass lines go perfectly with Grohl's grooves. Alain Johannes is a great addition to complete this brilliant rythm section. Josh Homme is definitely enjoying himself in this dream group. He seems very relaxed and his vocals and guitar solos and riffs combine perfectly with the rest. His unique sound gives it that Queens of the Stone Age feel but that's inevitable. Halfway the set they play a weird kind of jam on which Homme puts away his guitar and uncomfortable is doing a silly dance. I guess he lost some kind of bet. But for the rest the keep knocking out song after song in this 80 minute set that seems similar to the one in Chicago. The Melkweg roars when they walk off the stage leaving us begging for more. And probably I'll get more on the Lowlands festival on Saturday. A day after my head's still spinning from what I've experienced. Was it all real? And maybe I get to see them again within a few days! I'm some lucky bastard! __________________ Want to know what I have to say? My Blog My Twitter

09-02-2009, 06:49 AM	#36 (permalink)
adidasss Slavic gay sauce Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Abu Dhabi Posts: 7,993	Coldplay, Udine, Italy, 31.8. 2009. Well, it finally happened and it was better than I could have imagined. We came a few hours earlier and just in time to see the first support group which is hardly worth mentioning and I felt played totally inappropriate hard rock (or whatever the hell that was, there was a lot of screaming). Then White Lies came on and played a decent short (35 minutes?) set. I loved their songs but it's not something you wanna experience on a giant stadium. It was a full hour between the While Lies set and the start of the main show. Even though we had tickets for the furthermost bleachers it turned out to be a blessing in disguise, we could sit down and take in 40+ thousand people and all 5 giant screens. Of course, we couldn't actually see the performers, but at a stadium gig it doesn't really matter, as long as the sound is great, which it was, and there's plenty of spectacular imagery, which there was plenty of. Chris Martin is a great entertainer, he has a sense of humor and is super nice so even the mistakes they made turned out to be really charming. It lasted exactly 2 hours. The highlight for me was Glass of water with the spectacular trippy animation which perfectly captures the positive spirit of this tour and the Viva la vida album (with the accompanying Prospekt's march EP), but I loved every minute of it. And it was a really nice surprise when they got down in the center of the crowd and did an acoustic version of Billy Jean with thousands of cell phone lights replacing lighters. I feel very privileged to have been able to see them at the height of their creative power and popularity. Definitely worth every cent and hours spent on the road to see them. Great night from a great band. (: __________________ “Think of what a paradise this world would be if men were kind and wise.” - Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle. Last.fm

09-05-2009, 06:02 PM	#37 (permalink)
jackhammer Ba and Be. Join Date: May 2007 Location: This Is England Posts: 17,331	I have made no secret of not liking Coldplay but certain gigs always stick in the mind and especially travelling to see your fave band creates great memories. Glad you enjoyed the gig. __________________ It be my music and film collection. “A cynic by experience, a romantic by inclination and now a hero by necessity.”

09-05-2009, 06:08 PM	#38 (permalink)
adidasss Slavic gay sauce Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Abu Dhabi Posts: 7,993	Thanks mate, definitely one of the best nights of my life...(: __________________ “Think of what a paradise this world would be if men were kind and wise.” - Kurt Vonnegut, Cat's Cradle. Last.fm

09-07-2009, 07:57 AM	#39 (permalink)
Mojo Melancholia Eternally Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: England Posts: 5,018	I don't have quite as much time for Coldplay as I used to but I remember how impressed I was when I got to them see promote Rush of Blood to the Head after listening to it pretty much non stop over a 6 month period or so, so I think I can relate. __________________ Last.FM \| Echoes and Dust

10-11-2009, 06:38 PM	#40 (permalink)
NSW Bigger and Better Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Texas girl living in the UK Posts: 2,596	Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band- Giants Staduim, Meadowlands New Jersey, October 9, 2009 OK...so I went to this concert with no expectations, and only because I'd been given a free ticket. I'm not a huge Springsteen fan at all, and in fact the only songs I know of his are the big ones like Born in the USA, Born to Run, Dancing in the Dark, etc etc. This concert was a big deal for New Jersey because it is the very last concert to be played in Giants Stadium before they knock it down (they have a new sports arena there now), and because NJ is Springsteen's stompin' grounds. Also, there were rumors that Bon Jovi and Paul McCartney were going to show up for some reason (don't know how that got started). And no, they never showed. But Springsteen played a 3.5 hour set that I have to say was pretty damn amazing. First off, there was not an empty seat in the place. I've never seen a venue that large, be that full of people. Not only were all the seats filled, but the majority of the floor in front of the stage was covered with people as well. And they were all totally into the show. Everyone knew all the words to all the songs. There was a kid in the row in front of me who couldn't have been more than 7 years old jumping on his chair, playing air guitar, and belting out words to songs I'd never even heard. From kids his age to the 60 year old guys trying to pull off their old ripped jeans and flannel shirts with the sleeves cut off, one thing was apparent...these Jersey folks take their love of Bruce Springsteen very seriously. Almost every song found the stadium quaking with the booming sound of thousands of peoples voices joined in singing. It was amazing and impressive. I was also impressed with the amount of audience interaction that he pulled off, which you don't see much at concerts that huge. At one point near the end of the show, he ran around the front part of the crowd grabbing different signs people had made and taking them back up to the stage. Most of them were song requests or said stupid things like "It's not over till the BOSS sings". One of them was a marriage proposal from some guy in the crowd to his girlfriend. (She said yes...of course!). He also found the cutest little girl in the audience (couldn't have been more than 4 years old) and had her sing a couple lines from one of this songs (I can't for the life of my remember which one now). And all this before he ran to the back of the audience and crowd-surfed his way back to the stage. And can I just say, he looks damn good for being 60 years old. Unfortunately I can't remember alot of the song titles (as I said before, I've never been a Springsteen fan), but I have to say I have a new found respect for the man. He sounded fantastic, he had the crowd eating from his hand and made sure everyone knew the Band. It made me a little sad that I wasn't more in tune with what was being played. But despite that, I would still say that it was one of the top five concerts I've ever been to. The energy and vibe from the crowd and the band was enough to put it over the top. __________________ Hi.