Gaslight Anthem @ The Fillmore

After nearly 10 years away, I am back living in Charlotte and get the lucky job of checking out a whole bunch of new venues in a quest to see as much rock as I can in my life.  The first such show happened a few days after my 40th when Gaslight Anthem came to town.

Joined by brother in law Drew, his fiance Erica, A and I started the night off at Osso.  This great Italian restaurant is located as part of a huge complex called the NC Music Factory (an area with bars, the Fillmore, Comedy Zone, the Uptown Amphitheater and other great nightlife spots).  Dinner was great, and one of the things that I know I am going to love here is the price of dining out.  Compared to Vegas this place was so reasonable.  A great vibe and superb food was the perfect start to the evening.

We got into the Fillmore late in that we missed the opening acts.  First impression of the venue is great.  Was a little surprised by the huge turnout (I only say that because Gaslight Anthem never did their own headline show in Vegas - that I'm aware of).  Big place holding about 2000 people, has long steps all the way the back, allowing people to get up front and get into the action, or stand back and still be able to see.  People were also different from what I've been seeing for the last 10 years (sooo much to get used to). A conservative looking crowd who happily follow instruction and aren't too cool to show they are having a great time).

Gaslight Anthem came on not long after 10pm and started with a couple from 59 Sound - this is still one of my favorite albums of the last 10 years.  Having said that, they don't have many songs I don't like.  The Charlotte crowd were great and some to the banter with Brian Fallon and the crowd showed a great connection between the two.  It was a shame it only went for 2 hours - I could've listened forever.  For me the highlight was the fact that they ploughed through 9 songs off my favorite album.  So many bands these days forget the songs that got them their start and built their fan base (I'm looking at you Tool).  Gaslight know what's good for a show and deliver appropriately.  A 4 song encore was a great ending to the night with 59 Sound getting the crowd fully revved up before they left the venue.

Another great show under my belt.  My only concern was the sound.  In the venue it was relatively quiet and somewhat muffled.  Which I found surprising - or is my tinnitus finally kicking in?

The Crap Facts:

This is my 351st concert.
The Fillmore is the 93rd venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 4th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 4th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 159th concert in the USA.
This is my 4th Gaslight Anthem concert.