Flaming Lips @ Cosmopolitan Pool

Another new venue. Another new band. Yes my first Flaming Lips show ever. Have never been a huge fan of the music but I had been lead to believe their shows had to be seen.

The night started not so well. Eric and I were picking Robbie up at the airport (from his 6.20pm flight) and we were going to go and eat before heading to the show. However the wonderful United had some sort of computer malfunction saw his flight arrive at 9.30. We raced over to the Cosmo, parked, got into the pool area just as Flaming Lips hit the stage.

From the word go, this was not the average musical concert. It was a visual spectacular. Between streamers, confetti canons, the video screen behind the band, the hotels marquee and the music - this was one hell of a show. We got a beer and got to our viewing point to see this...

Wayne Coyne

Flaming Lips At The Cosmo Pool

The Lips are definitely a musicians band. They are great at what they do, and don't necessarily make use of straight forward methods in creating their art. The sound was great and my faves were, obviously, the songs I new - She Don't Use Jelly, Yoshimi Part 1 and Do You Realize. Eric was pleased enough to get a shirt. I am in self exile from black t-shirts until we leave Vegas. Even Rob liked it - which is surprising compared to the differences we have in music (me - rock and punk; him - Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks soundtracks). Was really excited about the venue as well. Not a gazillion people but good viewing for everyone. Can't wait to see the TV On The Radio / Arctic Monkeys show in September (and maybe get Ben Harper tickets as well).

This is the first time since Coachella 09 I've been to a show with a cell phone / camera so hopefully future tales will have more pics (though I don't want to be THAT guy). Also will see the Flaming Lips at any opportunity. If you get the chance, do the same.

Flaming Lips

The Crap Facts:
This is my 318th concert.
Cosmopolitan Pool is the 86th venue I've seen a concert.

This is my 113th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 113th concert in Nevada.

This is my 125th concert in the USA.
The Flaming Lips are the 384th band I've seen.

Deftones & Dillinger Escape Plan @ The New Joint

A quick return from the Deftones. They were here only 8 months ago supporting Alice In Chains - but tonight is their night. And a good one at that.

I had to decide at the last minute to go to this show as Amy wanted to see Cake at the Cosmo pool, but now that we have the twins, only one out at a time. When she decided that she didn't want the hassle of getting in and out of the Strip, and the loss of sleep. I got down to the Hard Rock and got my ticket to the show.

Walked in during the 1st song of Dillinger Escape Plan, who I wanted to see (knowing their contributions to Black Flag & Melvins cover albums). Man this band is heavy (uhoh! I'm getting old). They had plenty of energy, though the whole crowd didn't respond to them, and again were unbelievable musicians. I wonder if it would be seeing them in a smaller venue. I didn't know any songs to begin with, and came out none the wiser. Still it was a great band to be opening for the Deftones.

The Deftones, as always were great! Their soft-loud-manic-calm style is entrancing, and it's hard not to watch Chino stalk the stage. The crowd lapped it up as the band played tracks from a variety of albums. My faves for the night were Be Quiet and My Own Summer. In the end it seemed like a short set, but time just flew and after close to 2 hours I was back in the car on my way home. Have yet to see a bad Deftones show (this was my 3rd) and hope they come back to Vegas soon.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 316th concert.
This is my 11th concert at The New Joint.
This is my 112th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 112th concert in Nevada.

This is my 124th concert in the USA.
Dillinger Escape Plan are the 383rd band I've seen.
Dillinger Escape Plan are the 100th different American band I've seen in Las Vegas.
This is my 3rd Deftones concert