Rod Stewart & Cheap Trick @ PNC Pavilion

Tonight we took advantage of $30 lawn tickets to head up to PNC and see Rod Stewart & Cheap Trick.  I even got A to come to a concert.

I've seen Cheap Trick a twice before, so I definitely wanted to be there early and catch them.  After getting stuck in a little traffic coming in, we got to the stairway up to the lawn as they were coming on stage.  The Dream Police early on got people up and moving/reminiscing.  But the band didn't seem as mobile as in the past.  And some of the sound was not mixing well.  The bass player's vocals were really loud.  It was really great to hear If You Want My Love - as I'd not seen them do that live before.  The hour long set finished with The Flame, I Want You To Want Me and Surrender.  Some of the higher notes don't hit as high as they used to, and beside the saxophone shaped guitar, Rick Nielson didn't have the variety you know and love for this set.  During goodbye I wandered off to look at the merch.  Not a lot on offer, and no records that I was hoping for.

Cheap Trick Setlist

How the hell is Rod Stewart 80?  The guy doesn't stop for 2 hours, while I struggle to get off the grass to stand up and dance.  I had a Greatest Hits album of Rod Stewart when I was in 3rd grade (1981? - yikes) and I'm hoping he plays older stuff, as I'm not really into the newer soul/classic cover albums he's been releasing.  Stewart is a legend, and someone I definitely wanted to see live, even though it's not what I usually listen to, he has so many songs you knew tonight would be good.

From the start I was blown away.  I had not remembered that Infatuation was one of his songs.  And this was the beginning of that feeling for the night.  Either not realizing he did these songs, that they were covers or where the songs fit in his timeline.  It's a Heartache is an example.  I'm sure I've heard the Bonnie Tyler Original, but I only associate that song with Stewart.  And same for Cat Steven's First Cut Is The Deepest as well.  A mid-set Forever Young saw a respectful but creepy tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.  An AI slide played in the background showed Ozzy with a number of celebrities that have passed (Bob Marley, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, etc) obviously supposedly in heaven, but what looked like the beach in the Bahamas.  The sentiment was beautiful, the outcome a little weird.  Ooh La La by The Faces was awesome.  I didn't know that was the name of the song, but it is a screamer.  Maggie May easily got the best response from the crowd for the night.  Such a good storied song.  I didn't know Downtown Train was Tom Waits - but another song I hadn't thought of for years.  You're In My Heart is his tribute to his beloved Celtic and I'm wondering if all those people down the front knew to wear Celtic shirts, or were they moved down the front because of their Celtic shirts.  We'll never know.  Do You Think I'm Sexy and Hot Legs were a perfect way to finish a fun set.  Like old people we raced off to the car to get out of the lot before everyone else (in hindsight a great decision) and had to listen to Some Guys Have All The Luck (the song A really wanted) as the encore as we walked out to the car.

A & I had a blast, and I'm really glad we made the effort on a school night to see this show (and the rain held off for us).  Another legend ticked off the list of concerts I've seen.

Rod Stewart Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 527th concert.
This is my 5th concert at PNC Pavilion .
This is my 124th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 148th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 327th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Cheap Trick concert.
Rod Stewart is the 618th band I've seen.

Weird Al Yankovic & Puddles Pity Party @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

This was unexpected.  I got called into work in the afternoon, which is great, because this was the show I wanted to be at.

I was stationed at the top of the stairs, to greet everyone, and people were in early.  The lawn was nearly full only 45 minutes after the gates opened.  With all these people streaming in I couldn't watch Puddles as much as I wanted, but did catch some of his songs.  None were better than the Gilligan's Island Theme, sung to Stairway to Heaven.

Al started his set inside the Fillmore, video playing on the screen as he sung Tacky.  A pie in the face for Puddles outside the VIP entrance before he hit the stage to thunderous applause.  I thought his Polkamania medley was great.  Singing Al lyrics to the likes of Billie Eilish, Bruno Mars, etc as the real videos played in the background.  An extended video from the Weird Al Movie (doing Another One Rides The Bus) lead into a fully changed Al doing Smells Like Nirvana (what I really wanted to see).  Of course a guest crisis happens during this song (broken chair) and I miss most of it.  I get a 15 minute break and miss the big medley, including Party In The CIA, I Love Rocky Road, Eat It and Like A Surgeon, though I could hear it all inside.  I walked out to catch the end of Canadian Idiot.  Fat saw the big suit come out, and then he played a few cartoon songs, which lost the audience for a minute, but White & Nerdy and Amish Paradise was a huge finisher.  For the encore we got a woven in The Saga Begins & Yoda.  By the time he finished, after 2 hours, the crowd were on their feet again.  A great night had by all.

Two stand out things.  It's hotter tonight than last night.  But this is a sit down crowd, so it didn't feel as bad as what last night was.  And 2 - Fun Band = Fun Crowd.  Beside the dressed up Amish, the Hawaiian shirts were in full force, silly socks (even from staff), and the young kids with their parents having a blast.

I hadn't bought tickets and the show sold out, so I rarely say this, but I'm glad I got to work tonight.  Will get the boys going to the show the next time Weird Al comes through town.

Weird Al Yankovic Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 526th concert.
This is my 19th concert at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater.
This is my 123rd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 147th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 326th concert in the USA.
Puddles Pity Party are the 616th band I've seen.
Weird Al Yankovic are the 617th band I've seen.

Goo Goo Dolls & Dashboard Confessional @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

Holy Hell, it's hot!  Again.

A brief report of this concert.  Dashboard Confessional were a backing track to me trying to get people to their seats.  Unfortunately at 7.30, with the sun still blazing, people who might be in their seats, were headed for drinks or whatever shade they could find.  None of their songs were familiar to me, but it seemed like what response they got was good.

The Goo Goo Dolls hit the stage after the sunset and started to a packed house.  This is a band who were in a prime when I was listening to everything, but they never held my attention for more than a song or 2.  Slide was the 2nd song, and a banger to get the crowd really into it.  That one I knew.  

As a regular concert goer there a couple of things I don't understand from a crowd perspective.  One is people leaving during the band to get a drink and or, in the US, food.  No!  Do that shit between bands, or early on.  Not while the main reason you forked over money is on stage.  2nd, is people talking throughout a set (hence I see a lot of shows on my own).  Shut Up or fuck off!  No one paid money to hear you crap on over the music.  While I saw this tonight, I had a lot of people tell me they had to get out of their seats and go to the lawn or plaza because it was too hot for them.  Packed in the crowd close to the stage was too much for a lot of people tonight (it was well over 90 degrees all night).  I'm glad they were self aware enough to get out while they could.  Anyway the band played a lot of stuff I don't know and while I was keeping my eye on the job, you can't help but see how much this crowd was enjoying this show.  All night long.  Despite the uncomfortable heat.  A 3 song encore was finished with the much anticipated Iris, which I also know, and had the crowd buzzing on the way out.  So much so, that they must not have wanted it to end, as even after 45 minute cleanup it still took over an hour to get out of the parking lot.

Goo Goo Dolls Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 525th concert.
This is my 18th concert at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater.
This is my 122nd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 146th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 325th concert in the USA.
Dashboard Confessional are the 614th band I've seen.
Goo Goo Dolls are the 615th band I've seen.

Monterey, CA

Up pretty early this morning only to find my luggage had yet to arrive from American.  After a lengthy wait on the phone, we find out that this has been pushed back to late tonight.  Grrrr!

We had breakfast inside the hotel at Jack's.  Holy hell, there was enough food to do me for a month.  But gooood!

In the car and up the CA1 towards Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park.  Just 9 miles north of Santa Cruz are these most beautiful trees.  A popular park, it took a while for us to get in.  The problem wasn't helped by the guy that didn't want to wait in line and during his u-turn he bottomed out on the edge of the road.  Once in, we had a quick pit stop at the general store before planning out the day  We got a map of the hikes, but went over and got a ticket for the Roaring Camp Railroad.  This is adjacent to the park, and we can get on a train in just over an hour.  Back in the park we decide to take the Redwood Grove Loop Trail.  It's just under a mile along, but our map has points of interest to stop at.  We saw banana slugs, a 277 foot Redwood and generally just took in these majestic trees, like none of had seen before.  The weather was perfect, and being in the shade of these giants just made the whole experience complete.

We made it back to the railway for the 12.15pm train up the mountain.  It is a laborious trip for the narrow gauge steam train, but one that has been done for over a century, for both logging and more recently, recreation.  The view out of the open top carriage is overwhelming.  You can't not see a magnificent tree any which way you look.  The commentary points out the larger trees, points out trees that have survived fires and all the interesting facts - did you know the redwoods drink 500 gallons of water a day and get 40% of their intake from fog.  There's a 10 minute stop at the top, as you wait for the train ahead to complete a switchback.  From there it's downhill cruising.  We all enjoyed this 1.5 hour train ride, and this ticks off our want to see the Redwoods while here.

Once we get back we leave the park in search of lunch.  In hindsight we should have stayed longer.  We drove 20 minutes down to Santa Cruz Beach.  Beaches here in the US still amaze me, with their piers and boardwalks.  Santa Cruz's having a massive amusement park.  We stop at the north end of the beach and sit outside, beside the ocean, and have lunch at Ideal Bar & Grill.  Another good meal.  All enjoyed under the non-intense sun without excess heat (I could get used to this).

After lunch we just cruise the boardwalk and walk though the amusement park.  This place was great.  Every type of person and family in this oversized Luna Park-esque fun park just having the best time.  I know I normally don't go for things like this, but there was such a positive vibe about the place, it was nice to be apart of.  We didn't do any of the rides because of the wait times, but we just liked being at the boardwalk.

We went into downtown Santa Cruz momentarily.  I stopped at the Gap to pick up a couple of essentials, as we still had not heard anything about my bags.  Oh, and there was ice cream and cookies involved.

We took our time getting back to Monterey in the afternoon.  We drove through Capitola, just to see what it looked like.  The beach was packed, but it was a chill little seaside town.  We made it back to the hotel and the boys opted for a rest in the room while A & I wandered through Monterey.  We weren't looking at or for anything but wit was just nice to be somewhere new and see something different.

The late lunch meant A, B & I didn't want to eat anything, but I went back out to find L some Mexican.  I like when I get to spend 1 on 1 time with the boys (not easy to do with twins).  Another great day.  Let's see if we can top it tomorrow.

Monterey, CA

Not doing the huge summer trip like we have for the past 3 years, but still want to get away for a few days so we've decided on the west coast. Out to Monterey, where none of us have been before, and San Francisco, for the boys first trip.

Uneventful flight until we land at San Francisco.  American have lost my bag somehow.  It amazes me that we dropped off 4 bags at the same time, going on 1 flight, and 1 bag doesn't make it.  Of course it's mine.  Anyway they said they'd drop it off at the hotel in Monterey tonight.  With that sorted (?) a quick trip over to Sixt and pick up the rental.  We've been upgraded from a Toyota Camry to a Buick Encore - the luck is changing already.

We leave the airport and head out to Half Moon Bay.  The 45 minute drive is picturesque but when we arrive in town, we can't find access tot he beach, and most importantly a place to eat on the water.  We end up driving up to Miramar Beach and having lunch at Miramar Beach Restaurant.  This 107 year old institution was a great first meal of the trip, as we sat by the oceanside window.  One of the reasons we picked northern California was to escape the heat, so the walk along the beach after lunch was a cool, windy 65 degrees, not the 90+, high humidity we get in Charlotte.  We could see Mavericks on the walk, but it's not the season for the world famous big waves.

Back in the car for the should be 2 hour drive to Monterey, we hit some traffic through Santa Cruz and and the CA1 put us closer to 3 hours before we go to the Portola Hotel just before dinner.  First impressions of the hotel are great.  A real light lobby and a well kept property.  Pretty sure we are going to enjoy our stay here.  We wander up and down Alvarado Street to find dinner for B&L.  A&I still can't eat after lunch, but 2 teenage boys have no end to their stomachs.

We did walk down to Fisherman's Wharf in the "freezing cold" to have our tradition summer vacation daily ice cream.  This area is full of restaurants with people desperately trying to get you to come in and touristy shops.  I think we've done our time here and not sure we need to be back.

Back at the hotel and we all sleep well.  Let's hope we wake up to my luggage.

311, Badflower & Sitting On Saturn @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

Sitting on Saturn Setlist

Badflower Setlist


311 Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 524th concert.
This is my 17th concert at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater.
This is my 121st concert in Charlotte.
This is my 145th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 324th concert in the USA.
Sitting on Saturn are the 612th band I've seen.
Badflower are the 613th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd 311 concert..

Peach Pit, Briston Maroney & Bnny @ Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater

Briston Maroney Setlist

Peach Pit Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 523rd concert.
This is my 16th concert at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater.
This is my 120th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 144th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 323rd concert in the USA.
Bnny are the 609th band I've seen.
Briston Maroney are the 610th band I've seen.
Briston Maroney is the 400th different band I've seen in the US.

Peach Pit are the 611th band I've seen.

Babymetal, Black Veil Brides & Bloodywood @ Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater

Bloodywood Setlist

Black Veil Brides Setlist

Babymetal Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 522nd concert.
This is my 15th concert at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater.
This is my 119th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 143rd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 322nd concert in the USA.
Bloodywood are the 606th band I've seen.
Black Veil Brides are the 607th band I've seen.

Black Veil Brides are the 250th time I've seen a band in North Carolina.

Babymetal are the 608th band I've seen.

Babymetal are the 200th different band I've seen in North Carolina.

Aquabats & Koffin Kats @ The Orange Peel

The boys and I took a drive up to Asheville for the night.  The sole purpose......The Aquabats.  Years ago they played at the Underground and the boys were the perfect age to see this band, but to young to be out late on a school night.  Now, it's summer break and they're older and taller.  A perfect scenario to see a band.

We were gong to wander around town before the show, but as were were checking in to the hotel, the skies opened up.  And not just rain, torrential rain!  So we hung in the room until it finally passed and we wandered down to Farmburger for dinner.  What a great place.  The food and milkshakes were excellent.  It has inspired us see if we can find the best burger in the Carolinas over the summer.

I predicted an early start to the  show but was surprised when we arrived and the Koffin Kats were already on stage.  (We had already missed Mike V & the Rats).  And they were rocking, as you'd expect from a rockabilly band.  I wasn't familiar with any of their songs, but their energy and showmanship was top class.  The standing on the double bass, the swapping of instruments in the middle of songs, and the playing to the crowd made for a great show.  Near the end of the set, a ripping version of Hall & Oates' Maneater had the crowd, well the parents in the crowd at least, in a frenzy.  A great, unexpected cover.  I know they've been through Charlotte a few times (Mostly at the too late starting Milestone) but I hope I get to see them again soon.

Koffin Kats Setlist

Not a 100% certain but I'm pretty sure The Aquabats did their own loading onto the stage.  The matching logo hoodies were a give away, even though that's different to their onstage personas.  A short video preceded the band arriving onstage to rapturous applause.  Straight into Shark Fighter! and the blow up sharks were in the crown, and instantly the crowds' enthusiasm is rewarded and a pit started in the center of the venue, that was to continue all night long.  Cat With 2 Heads was a favorite and when Bat Commander pulled a young girl on stage you knew it was Pizza Day!  He through her onto the blow up pizza and she crowd surfed her way around the whole venue.  A ton o parents in the crowd, as she was handled with the utmost care and returned to her dad ecstatic.  My boys were into it as well, which was great - I love that I am now taking them to shows and hope they get out of it the same enjoyment I do.  My Skateboard! and Chemical Bomb! was a great finish to the main set, but the encore of Fashion Zombies! was amazing.  And what would an Aquabats show be without a kid-filled stage for pool party.  Even though the 3 year old the Bat Commander was holding wasn't really sure what was happening, all the other kids on stage were having a blast.

Family fun at a rockin' ska/punk show.  Who'd've thought this would be where I am, but I wouldn't be anywhere else.  ANother great show done.

Aquabats Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 521st concert.
This is my 5th concert at The Orange Peel.
This is my 16th concert in Asheville.
This is my 142nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 321st concert in the USA.
Koffin Kats are the 605th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Aquabats concert.

Metallica, Pantera & Suicidal Tendencies @ Bank of America Stadium

It's so Dad Rock Central here, I thought I had gone to a Tool concert.  I love it.  Plenty of people my age here, and a lot of them have bought there kids.  It's awesome!

A couple of firsts in this show.  The first time I've seen a show in a stadium.  I've done festivals with a bunch of people there, but this is huge.  Bank of America Stadium holds 70,000 for the football.  Add how many people will be on the floor and this may be the biggest show I've ever seen.  Also this is my first Metallica show.  I remember them playing once in Vegas when I lived there, but they just have never been anywhere nearby for me to see.  I also went through a long phase where I was pissed that Jason Newstead wasn't in the band and all the Napster shit.  But here I am.  And this was the 2nd show I'd been to where I'd seen a sniper patrolling the venue (the other time was Punk Rock Bowling 19 - a year after Fat Mike said something stupid about the Route 91 Harvest shootings).  The sniper and spotter sat on top of the scoreboard at the Mint Street end of the stadium.

I'm deliberately there early to see Suicidal Tendencies.  It had been 26 years since I saw them at a Warped Tour back in Sydney.  That day Mike Muir came into the crowd and ended up next to me watching Pennywise.  He then dragged me into Pennywise's requested giant circle pit.  A great concert moment I'll never forget.  Though the venue was not half full, it didn't stop Suicidal playing like it was their show.  I watched the drummer come out early and greet all the fans close to the stage before doing all his stretches, and they got their deserved dues as they hit the stage.  Muir skipped his way around the arena, both on and off the stage, for the full 40 minutes.  The band also acknowledged the small mosh pit not far from where I was seated.  Yes, this old man sat in the stands (at the back of the lower level).  Great view of stage and crowd.  Institutionalized and Subliminal were highlights

Suicidal Tendencies Setlist

31 years was how long since I'd seen Pantera.  And that still remains one of the top 20 concerts I've seen.  I wasn't quite sure if it really was Pantera without Dime and Vinnie, but that stupid notion was put to rest even before a note was played.  Charlie Benante with his kick drums covered in portraits of the 2 Abbott brothers, and Zakk Wylde in his CFH leather vest that also paid tribute showed a respect that I thought was admirable.  Last time I saw them They didn't play Mouth for War or I'm Broken, so to get both in the first half of the set was amazing.  Again the stage, a huge circle in the middle of the field, was well used by the band, with Benante paying 1/2 the set far from me, and the 2nd half on another kit closer to us, and the other 3 stalking the stage, playing to everyone.  After a recorded version of Cemetery Gates, that showed a video tribute to the Abbott brothers, Pantera just killed an awesome 4 song streak, 5 Minutes Alone, This Love, Fucking Hostile and Walk was just amazing.  I just pity the folks that weren't there early enough to see it.  Not sure I have another 31 years to wait to see Pantera again.  I hope they come through Charlotte again soon.

Pantera, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

Pantera Setlist

Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

I had an hour between Pantera and Metallica, so I raced to the restroom, and as quick as I was, I then had no chance of getting either food or merchandise before Metallica started.  That said, I was hoping to pick up some vinyl but there were only tshirts for sale, and I opted not to add to my black tshirt collection.

With the sun finally set, and the stadium about 95% full (all the seats taken, but a fair bit of space left on the floor), Metallica walked around the stage greeting fans before getting up there to the sounds of AC/DCs A Long Way To The Top.  This began a great set, with the added bonus of the art of distraction.  Being so far back, there was plenty to see, but there wasn't even a drum kit on stage when the band walked out.  But all of a sudden there was a smaller than expected kit ready to go as the rest of the band got there other instruments.  Metallica then put on a well curated set.  Starting off with 3 classics: Creeping Death, For Whom The Bell Tolls and Ride the Lightning would have made a lot of old school fans happy (and there were a lot here).  A few songs I didn't know, including 2 off the new 72 seasons album, and just under half way in Kirk and Rob did an instrumental duo at our end of the stage.  It wasn't till the full band came back on that I finally saw the drums rising out of the stage in a different quadrant.  It still doesn't explain how the drums were rotated on the spot - which I never saw happen.  Fuel saw the flames introduced into the set, and Orion was dedicated to Cliff Burton, before the stadium filled with iPhone lights for Nothing Else Matters - which also saw rain fall for a couple of minutes (who's happy to be back under shelter now).  Fireworks and flames acted as the war field as One began.  This is what I was here for.  To me this is Metallica's best song.  And it did not disappoint!  Hair on the back of my neck and arms stood up as Hetfield angrily belted out "Darkness....imprisoning me...all that I see....absolute horror....".  Seek and Destroy showed how much the band liked performing, with Hetfield telling the crowd how he has the best job in the world.  He, and the rest of the band, certainly looked like it.  Master of Puppets was amazing and hard to believe that it could be topped.  But it was.  Easily!  Metallica's most successful song, I find, is the divider between old school Metallica fans (the ones that loved the thrashier stuff) and the more modern heavy rock fan.  But tonight, swelled by the good mix of both styles during the night, saw everyone go absolutely apeshit to the first notes of Enter Sandman.  Everyone knew every word and it was being belted out at maximum volume.  

Metallica, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

Metallica Setlist

What a performance!  Makes me a little sad that I'd never seen Metallica before, and I likely would not have gone with out he openers being Suicidals and Pantera.  But even as the 2nd most expensive concert I've been too, it was well worth the price of admission.

Side note: Played the boys some Pantera and Metallica in the car the next day.  I got the "hmm...that's good dad...can we listed to anything else?"

The Crap Facts
This is my 520th concert.
Bank of America Stadium is the 141st venue I've seen a concert at.
This is my 118th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 141st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 320th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Suicidal Tendencies concert.

This is my 2nd Pantera concert.

Metallica are the 604th band I've seen.

Metallica are the 200th time I've seen a band in Charlotte.

Marylin Manson @ The Fillmore

Love him or hate him...there is no denying Marylin Manson is a showman.  And at his age (he's marginally older than me), he's still got it.

I rolled in 10 minutes before kick off in a packed and extremely hot Fillmore.  Got my spot, stage left, out of everyone's way, before being sardined in as security cleared a path behind me.  

Lights behind a curtain let us see the shadows as the band walked on stage, and from the get go (Nod If You Understand) Manson was into it, as were the band.  High energy and 5 people really into performing.  It wasn't until Tourniquet that I knew a song, but still, I was so taken by the performance, it didn't matter.  Manson's shout outs to Charlotte between songs always got a rise out of the crowd, and a chance for the band to take a moment's breath.  Mobscene was great, as was The Dope Show.  Before which, Manson confessed to lying.  "Turns out I did like the drugs, and the drugs liked me."  When the first wahhing chords of Sweet Dreams rang out, the crowd went nuts, and then he finished the set with a raucous Beautiful People (my favorite Manson song).  Hot and sweaty, band and crowd needed a moment's break to catch there breath.  I moved to side stage right for the encore (old man needs to bail before the crowd).  2 slower songs calmed the crowd, but the heat was so thick, it looked like it was raining inside.

It wasn't Iggy Pop level energy (because nothing is), but Manson and band were into it.  And the crowd reflected the band.  This is my first time seeing him in a club (the other 2 times were festivals), but hey are performers who can adapt to the venue size and put on a great show regardless.

Marylin Manson setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 519th concert.
This is my 31st concert at The Fillmore.
This is my 117th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 140th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 319th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Marylin Manson concert.

Sturgill Simpson @ Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater

So this is a first for me.  I'm seeing this show at work.  Does that count?  I asked Erik (old Vegas concert mate) and he said yes.  So it must be true.  I've been working in the box office part time at the Fillmore & Underground for a few years, but this is the first summer where we haven't taken a major trip, so I signed on to work the Skyla Amphitheater.  And here I am, ushering people to their seats, perfect view of the stage from 27 rows away.  I was actually here last night as well, but I was working the pit, and while I heard the whole show, I couldn't see the band, so that doesn't count.

I know nothing of Sturgill Simpson, except that he is one of those bands that carry a distinct following in the south.  Like Widespread, Jason Isbell, Dave Matthews - none like the other but they can pull a crowd in the south.

It was an experience to be in the venue as doors opened.  Watching excited people, dedicated fans, race to their spots, whether that be the pit, in the front of the lawn or to the merch stand to guarantee a poster of the night.  The feeling was infectious.  Anyway, in the hour and a half after doors opened, a near full house excitedly greeted Simpson, and they got a 3 hour show that all and sundry seemed to enjoy.

So like I said I don't know any Sturgill Simpson music but what I observed was last night had a rocking bluesy sound.  Tonight was a slower country/blues/twang feel to the music.  He did do a cover of Prince's Purple Rain, which was amazing, but I preferred what I heard last night.  However, his crowd loved it!  And if any fan had come both nights, they got 60 songs over 6 hours, and very few repeats.  And with that, I was impressed by the great vibe around the amphitheater.  People were really positive and having a good time.

While Sturgill Simpson is probably not someone I'd listen to, it was great to hear him, and see a great group of fans really enjoy themselves.

Sturgill Simpson Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 518th concert.
This is my 14th concert at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater.
This is my 116th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 139th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 318th concert in the USA.
Sturgill Simpson is the 603rd band I've seen.

Napalm Death, Melvins & Weedeater @ The Underground

Of course I'm going to see the Melvins if they come to town.  What I don't understand is why doesn't everybody.

Eric and I got to the Underground just in time to catch the last few songs of Weedeater.  The Underground is already crowded, as we're assaulted by the heavy, sludgy sounds of Weedeater.  I'm not sure if the audience reaction had been bad before we arrived, or if sarcasm was ruling, but the lead singer basically told everyone to fuck off before plowing into their last song.

Weedeater Setlist

Not since before the boys were born (actually it was the night before I found out we were having twins) have I seen the Melvins play with 2 drummers, but Cody is back with the band again, and the Melvins are ready to play.  Buzz looked like he was in a good move (I've never seen him use all of the stage so much).  Steve McDonald was his usual effervescent self, making it hard to determine where you should be watching - who was having the best time on stage?  The double drum opening of Billy Fish was spectacular.  It's a shame Dale and Cody weren't on risers because, even at 6"2, I was having trouble seeing them.  That mirrored rhythm is a sight to be seen....and heard.  Honeybucket was the best, as always.  It's a favorite all time song of mine, and I'd have happily come along just to hear that song.  So Fast.  So offbeat.  So Nonsensical.  So Good.  This is my 11th time seeing the Melvins, and while I don't know song names (or keep up with their extended catalogue of work) every show is a good one.  Dare I say this is one of the best I've seen.

Melvins Setlist

I've confessed to being there for the Melvins and was still in an amazement daze when Napalm Death hit the stage.  Their extremely heavy style is not one I've really been into, ever, but am always happy to give a band a listen to.  What I didn't realize was that they are English, and Barney Greenway's Birmingham accented talking voice just doesn't come close to to the sound of his singing voice.  He was into it from the start, lapping around the stage, singing like a man possessed.  Napalm Death aren't for me, and we (2 old guys with kids that need to get up for school in the morning) left after about 5 songs.  Everybody else in there were just getting warmed up, and I feel those die hard fans weren't about to be disappointed.

Napalm Death Setlist

Writing this review happens at the same time the Melvins announce another tour, this time playing with Redd Kross (again) up in Asheville in October.  I feel a road trip coming on.

The Crap Facts

This is my 517th concert.
This is my 12th concert at The Underground.
This is my 115th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 138th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 317th concert in the USA.
Weedeater are the 601st band I've seen.

This is my 11th Melvins concert.

Napalm Death are the 602nd band I've seen.

Savannah, GA

A nice sleep in before heading over to Spread Bagelry to try and relive some Montreal breakfasts.

A late-ish start to the day but it is not long before we are headed over to the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.  The former William Scarborough house is now home to this neat museum and garden showing the vessels used around the area over all periods of time.  Most fascinating is that this has been the sole purpose of this building for the last 30 years.  From 1878 to 1962 it was a school for African American children.  It had to be abandoned after 1962 as the Board of Education let the place go to ruin.  The Historical Society took over in 1972 helped restore the building, which the museum took control of in the mid 1990's.

2 blocks away is the SCAD Museum of Art (attached to the Savannah College of Art and Design).  A lot of modern art goes well over my head, and tis museum was a 50/50 split as to what I liked and what I thought wasn't great.  I really liked the colorful Ken Gun Min embroidery-woven paintings.  That and the black and white photos of Zanele Muholi.  Some really distinct African portraits, but the best being the black Mary sculpture, shrouded in a white cloth.  Really outstanding.

How Deep Is The Ocean by Ken Gun Min, SCAD, Savannah, GA

Umkhuseli (The Protector) by Zanele Muholi, SCAD, Savannah, GA

After a snack lunch we drive the 30 minutes out to Tybee Island.  We park and walk along the beach, and the pier, as well as a few beachside stores.  We probably spent 2 hours here.  Nice enough, but will never live up to our beloved Litchfield Beach.  On the way home we drive into Old Fort Jackson.  It takes a few moments to realize no one is here, because the fort is closed for the day (it's past 5.30pm).

A quick change in the hotel and we walk the half mile up to Public Kitchen.  There's an hour and a half wait, so we go looking elsewhere.  We walked back towards the middle of town, and found an Asian Noodle Bar.  As we were seated we got the text to say a table was available back at Public Kitchen, so we bailed and raced back for a nice, fancier meal.  It didn't disappoint.  Really great food and a great last meal in Savannah.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped for dessert at Leopold's Ice Cream.  A Savannah institution, this 106 year old store has an hour long line even at 9pm.  We decided to wait and see what the fuss was all about.  Don't get me wrong, it was some good ice cream, but not wait in line forever good.

We had a great 3 days in Savannah.  Good weather, good food, great history lessons.  Having said that, I'm not sure we'd head back there, unless we were taking someone who has never been.  I feel like we saw all we needed and probably don't need to experience it again.

Savannah, GA

We couldn't be this close to Bluffton and not catch up with Nat, so she came down and had brunch with us at Little Duck Diner.  We put our name down as she left her place and we got the call up just as she arrived 45 minutes later.  This place is jumping, and the food excellent.  The little ducks in the drinks are a nice little touch.

L,M,Nat&B, Ellis Square, Savannah, GA

L is not feeling the best (his arm is still sore, and allergies are rampant), so he heads back to the hotel while A,B& I head over and purchase tickets for the Old Town Trolley.  This jump on jump off trolley will take us to various sights around town, with commentary, and we can get out and explore as we please.  We get on at Franklin Square and the trolley takes us through the middle of town and then south to Madison Square, where we get out to see the Sorrel-Weed House.  Back on to the next stop, in the middle of Forsyth Park, after we have driven around the edge of the park.  Great spot to get out and just wander.  WE walked to the next stop for the trolley to pick us up and take us on to the Cathedral of ST John.  This beautiful old Catholic Church stands out in a beautiful city.  We spent some time inside before getting back on the trolley to ride out the rest of the afternoon.  We skipped the next 7 stops, opting just to enjoy the scenery and take in the history.  The trolley took us back down to the river, past the Pirate House and the Colonial Park Cemetery, before we got off near Chippewa Square.  L was ready to meet us then, so he walked up to meet us, we got ice cream and then walked back down towards the river to wander the stores and stalls, and find a spot for dinner.

Me, A & B, Cathedral of St John, Savannah, GA

Cathedral of St John, Savannah, GA

Cathedral of St John, Savannah, GA

We went back to the hotel before dinner and saw one of the coolest sights.  A fully stacked cargo ship was coming into port and cruised by our window.  It is ridiculous how enormous these things are.  We're on the 6th floor of the hotel and the shipped dwarfed us.  It was massive.  I can't fathom being in the middle of the ocean on one of these giant ships, just absolutely packed with goods to be imported.

Dinner was on the river at Graffito Pizza.  A really good pizza and fresh food.  We decided on beignets for dessert so walked down to Huey's.  This topped of a great, fulfilling day.  We're exhausted!  Sleep comes easily tonight.