Tool & Killing Joke @ PNC Arena

After the boys last game of soccer this season I made the 2.5 hour drive up to Raleigh to see Tool.  I was meant to leave early in the day, enjoy the afternoon and have some dinner, but rescheduling of soccer meant I couldn't leave until 2.30pm and barely had time to drop my bags at the hotel before heading over to PNC Arena.  I decided to Uber because it was $30 to park and Uber should be the same price.  What a mistake that was!

The ticket says show starts at 7 and I wanted to check out the Killing Joke so I was on time.  However they didn't take the stage til closer to 7.45pm.  Their job was unenviable.  Playing a large arena probably doesn't suit their sound and style.  And then to play in front of people who are there for Tool and nothing else can't be easy.  Eighties was the standout song for me.  Killing Joke played at Punk Rock Bowling earlier this year.  While it would have been interesting to see how their show translated in a venue like the Bunkhouse, I'm glad we chose Pennywise and Sick Of It All instead.

Tool's stage set up was pretty elaborate with curtains and video screens and the band was met with a thunderous reception as Maynard took up on risers beside Danny Carey's drumkit.  Predictably they started with Fear Inoculum, the new single, but it was Aenema that sent the crowd into a frenzy.  Once the shear curtain dropped it was time for the Justin Chancellor show.  Tool's bass player is having the time of his life on stage and while Maynard hides in the shadows, Danny is stuck behind his drums and Adam concentrated on the technicalities, Justin becomes the focal point and is the driving energy of the band.  I was on the floor 14 rows in front of Adam Jones and love watching do what he does, but I kept getting distraction from Justin's sheer enthusiasm.  The set was fantastic Parobol, Schism and Jambi all great, but seeing them do Intolerance "a song they wrote on the railways during the Depression" was my highlight.  Undertow is my favorite Tool album and it's rare to see them perform anything from that album (not since I last saw them in Australia in 1997).  Forty Six & 2 was a brutal end to a great set.

It's unquestionable that Danny Carey is a phenomenal drummer (he'd have to be to be in Tool) but Chocolate Chip Trip seemed to go on a little too long (especially for me - only 14 songs filled the 2.5 hours - a Bottom, Prison Sex, Hooker With A Penis or Opiate could have been thrown in). One of the things I also loved about this show was that cell phones weren't allowed to be used throughout the performance.  I was so satisfying not to be obstructed by some dickhead holding up a phone to tape a video he's never gonna watch again.  While these rules were lifted for the last song, Stinkfist was still incredible.  The icing on the set's cake.

It sounds like I didn't have a great time, that is so far from true.  It is just the curse of seeing a band that has so much material to choose from and don't select your exact favorites.  I'm glad I made the trip up to Raleigh to see them and hope I get to see them again soon (it's hard to believe the Charlotte show was over 3.5 years ago).  I will, however, not Uber to a large venue again.  I had to wait over an hour due to demand and the price was astronomical.  Should've just forked out the $30 for parking.  Lesson learned.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 464th concert.
PNC Arena is the 127th venue I've seen a concert in.

This is my 2nd concert in Raleigh.

This is my 99th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 267th concert in the USA.
Killing Joke are the 537th band I've seen.
This is my 6th Tool concert.

Dinosaur Jr & Easy Action @ Neighborhood Theater

Time to get my 5th Dinosaur Jr ear-blasting fix since moving to Charlotte.

Again Easy Action are opening for them, like the Cat's Cradle a couple of years ago.  Easy Action play a hard rock to suit the seemingly angry persona of singer John Brannon.  His brash delivery mixes the feeling of his love of the music, but a disdain for performing it. 

As usual Dinosaur Jr saunter on stage in a manner that stifles or baffles the crowd and mutes applause.  And as usual, the volume is cranked up well beyond 11.  I went and bought new, better than usual, earplugs specifically for this show, and glad I did.  In A Jar was the 2nd song, and got the crowd started.  A good mix of songs from a bunch of albums with my favorites being The Wagon, a back to back Feel The Pain and Out There, Start Choppin leading into a Favorite 30 song of mine, Freak Scene.  Kracked and Sludgest kicked off the encore, before Brannon and Easy Action's drummer joined the group for their take on The Stooges TV Eye.  This is the 3rd time I've seen them do this, and it just keeps getting better.  

I wanted to by some vinyl after the show but was too late.  Sounds like an excuse to go back and see them again next time they come through town.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 463rd concert.
This is my 6th concert at Neighborhood Theatre.

This is my 87th concert in Charlotte.

This is my 98th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 266th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Easy Action concert.
This is my 9th Dinosaur Jr concert.

Helmet @ The Senate

I came across this show just by luck.  Saw it on Facebook only 3 days before the show.  I'd never been to the Senate and made the hour and a half drive down to Columbia to catch another Helmet show.  I loved the concept, 30 songs in 30 shows celebrating 30 years as a band.  Could only lead to a good night.

The Senate is a smaller, flatter version of my oft visited Fillmore here in Charlotte and while not quite half full the sound was great for the crushing Helmet.  Without a word to the crowd Helmet plowed through 5 songs before I pulled out the earplugs to hear Give It.  Wilma's Rainbow (everyone knew what was coming with the opening) & Milquetoast were excellent and Helmet hadn't lost their intensity since I last saw them at the Visulite 4 years ago.

Page had some great banter with the crowd, telling stories of a turgid past, meeting famous Columbian's Hootie & The Blowfish, and Panther-heckling after his 49er's destroyed us the Sunday before.

The encore was insane.  Unsung was rip-your-ears-off brutal.  While Hamilton expressed his desire to play Crisis King, I was glad they went with Just Another Victim instead.  And In The Meantime, what can I say.  This may the 3 best minutes in rock.  That swirling build up, to the pounding post-intro, and then Hamilton's scowling vocals that haven't wavered since the original recording.  It is the perfect song to keep you pumped for the long drive home, but not help your vocal chords as you try to match the venom at the top of your lungs.

I do need to get some better earplugs though.  After this show, and my next one being Dinosaur Jr at the Neighborhood Theater, I need to salvage the last of my hearing after all these years.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 462nd concert.
The Senate is the 126th venue I've seen a concert.

This is my 2nd concert in Columbia

This is my 4th concert in South Carolina.

This is my 265th concert in the USA.
This is my 5th Helmet concert.

Melvins & Redd Kross @ Visulite

I'm excited for this show.  9th Melvins show and for some reason Redd Kross has never come across my ears.  Not sure why.

I was pleased with the turnout as well.  A Thursday night in Charlotte and the Visulite is 3/4 full.  From the moment the band walked on stage, especially bass player Steve McDonald, in his white sequined shirt and white suit, you knew fun was the order of the night.  Redd Kross play some fun pop rock and look like they're having the time of their lives while they're doing it.  The 3 songs I remember liking by name were Switchblade Sister, Peach Kelli Pop and Party Underground. 

Not long after their hour warm up, Steve (new suit) and Dale, both pulling double duty, strolled into position with Buzz in his most elaborate muumuu.  As always Melvins were on fire from the start.  Sesame Street Meat opened the set and Queen got the crowd moving.  A solid set which sent me above and beyond when they did Hooch and Honey Bucket back-to-back.  Honey Bucket is a top 30 song of all time for me, and it's only the 2nd time I've seen them play it live.  It was enough to make my week.  The set finished off with the rest of Redd Kross coming back on stage to play their Standing In The Front Of Poseur and Kiss' Deuce - with the McDonald brothers in full Kiss hair-flicking mode.

Buzz Osborne - The Melvins @ The Visulite

I'm not sure the Melvins know how to put on a bad show.  This has been my favourite since seeing them at the Casbah in San Diego in 2010 when Big Business was incorporated into the group.  Tonight's show was definitely helped by the fantastic Redd Kross opening.  A fitting opener that the crowd loved.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 461st concert.
This is my 11th concert at Visulite.

This is my 86th concert in Charlotte

This is my 97th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 264th concert in the USA.
Red Kross are the 535th band I've seen.
This is my 9th Melvins concert

ZZ Top & Cheap Trick @ PNC Pavilion

Right show, wrong venue!  I am usually reluctant to see shows at the PNC Pavilion because I don't like to be far away, and I bought this ticket at the last minute because how many times do you get to see ZZ Top and Cheap Trick together.

Cheap Trick came on, and while I was on an isle seat, in the middle section of the arena, in an isle to myself, I felt myself looking towards the big screen instead to the stage too often.  Still Cheap Trick put on a great show.  As good as 4 years ago at Carolina Rebellion, but just not the same atmosphere.  The first half of the set was songs I wasn't familiar with but once they played The Flame it was song after another that I was into.  Dream Police was a highlight, a b-side Never Had A Lot To Lose was a surprise and Surrender bought the house down.  And to think, this is just the opening band.

ZZ Top have some fans.  Actually a ton of fans!  And they were out in full force for this show.  Some wearing t-shirts older than some of my oldies.  And they got a great show.  I'm not too familiar with a lot of ZZ Top's catalog but there is an air of familiarity with a lot of songs.  Gimme All Your Lovin' was the first one I new (5 songs in) and the dislike of the huge venue comes in here.  Dusty Hill and Billy Gibbons have some wonderfully subtle, little choreographed moves, which are lost in the big venue.  9 years at the House of Blues in Vegas these moves were met with a thunderous reception, here the reception is from only those up front and eventually those that may catch it on the big screens.  That said, the set was fantastic and the crowd were in awe the whole time.  The Sharp Dressed Man and Legs double to finish the set had the crowd in a frenzy.  I left after the La Grange and Tush encore, only to hear Elvis' Jailhouse Rock as I walked back to the car.  A great night, that I think would have been mind blowing in the Fillmore, or even the smaller amphitheater uptown.  But glad I got to see these 2 legendary bands again.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 460th concert.
This is my 3rd concert at PNC Pavilion.

This is my 85th concert in Charlotte

This is my 96th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 263rd concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Cheap Trick concert.
This is my 2nd ZZ Top concert.

ZZ Top are the 150th time I've seen a band in Charlotte.

Cat Power @ The Underground

While complete contrast to the frivolity of last night's Aquabats show, Cat Power's dark, mysterious show tonight was no less entertaining.  I think she has the voice of an angel (listen to her NPR Tiny Desk Concert and tell me differently).  And tonight I got to hear that live, in a small venue.

A darkly back-lit stage meant that even in the 3rd row I could barely tell you what Cat Power looks like, but her divine voice was incredible.  After starting with He Turns Down, Power broke into a quick medley including Nick Cave's Into My Arms. I loved the Dirty Three cover of Great Waves.  I'm not familiar with the original, but this version was mesmerizing.  Hate was a song I did know, and while different from her recorded version, it was still a great rendition.  I also loved The Greatest.  Her set closed with Bob Dylan's He Was A Friend Of Mine and Boys Next Door's Shivers - a great song originally made better by Power.  Powers ethereal voice was backed by a band who were even further in the shadows and sometimes unnoticeable but a fantastic addition to what this disappointingly smallish crowd had come to see.  While the darkness of her stage wouldn't fit in an arena, I bet her voice would sound fantastic on the larger stage.  I hope she gets that chance.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 459th concert.
This is my 5th concert at The Underground.

This is my 84th concert in Charlotte

This is my 95th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 262nd concert in the USA.
Cat Power are the 535th band I've seen.

Aquabats & Koo Koo Kanga Roo @ The Underground

The Aquabats are in Charlotte.  It seems unlikely, but there you go.

I got to the Underground at the start of Koo Koo Kanga Roo and instantly regretted not bringing my boys.  The guys are only 8 and have yet to see a gig and I seriously considered this one as at one time they were huge Yo Gabba Gabba fans.  But the dad in me said no, because it was a school night and well past their bedtime.  As I looked around the room, many parents felt differently.  Damn!  Koo Koo Kanga Roo's music is for the kids.  The pop tempo and topics (i.e., fart jokes) are definitely suited to a younger (at heart) audience.  The kids loved the final song that had them dancing under a parachute in the crowd.

To much fanfare and the audience's great pleasure, The Aquabats came on stage and proceeded to tear the Underground apart.  From the first notes of The Shark Fighter, complete with blowup sharks into the crowd, the Aquabats were on fire.  While video played behind the band, Bat Commander commandeered the show.  Whether singing or between song banter, he was on fire.  Pizza Day saw him pluck a lucky youngster out of the crowd, only to throw him out on an inflatable slice to crowd surf the entire song. The Aquabats Super Show Theme Song had young and old in their element and the frenzy just seemed to fuel the band more.  Near to the end of the set a cover of The Cars Just What I Needed was aptly played as a dedication to Ric Ocasek's passing only yesterday.  Burger Rain was a great finisher to the main set, but didn't come close to the encore.  Super Rad got everyone hyped again, the the Aquabats invited all the kids on stage to finish the night with Pool Party.  A fitting end to a fun night.

I would never pass on a chance to see the Aquabats again.  It's been a while since I left a concert smiling so often remembering parts of the night.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 458th concert.
This is my 4th concert at The Underground.

This is my 83rd concert in Charlotte

This is my 94th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 261st concert in the USA.
Koo Koo Kanga Roo are the 533rd band I've seen.
Aquabats are the 534th band I've seen.
Aquabats are the 500th time I've seen a band from the USA.

Patton Oswalt @ Knight Theater

OK so it's another tragic comedy review.  

A and I had another night out to see Patton Oswalt in uptown Charlotte.  But not before having dinner at the much anticipated Bernardins. I've always wanted to go here and while there was nothing bad, I think I'd built it up beyond what it was.

The show tonight was to be filmed for a Netflix special, so that was an added bonus to see the preparation involved in a TV special and not just a comedy show.  We were on the balcony, watching single people get moved to great seats down the front.

Patton was great.  As usual the laughs were non stop and there is no chance I could repeat those jokes and do them any justice.  Suffice to say it is another show where we look at each other and ask why we don't see more comedy shows.

A great night out seeing a performer at his best.  Can't wait until we get to relive it on Netflix.

The Raconteurs & Jacuzzi Boys @ Fillmore

There was no mention of an opening act anywhere so I got the Fillmore right at 8 in case I missed any of the Raconteurs.  Instead I walked into the venue to see the Jacuzzi Boys on stage.  Great rock band who captured the crowd who were jammed in for the headliners.  Reminded me a bit of Tumbleweed back home.  The crowd's reaction mirrored the band's performance.  Both we into it.

A packed Fillmore didn't wait too long for the Raconteurs and they weren't to be disappointed.  The set started with Bored and Razed, the opener from the new Help Us Stranger album.  It set the tone of ROCK to be blasted for the next hour.  Level (the 2nd song) was one of the few I knew, and it was perfect.  The set was a good mix of all 3 albums and Broken Boy Soldier near the end left the crowd near exhaustion.  I was surprised the set only lasted an hour, but then was blown away by the 5 song encore.  The night was finished with my favorite Raconteurs song, Steady As She Goes, and it topped off a great show.

It had been 16 years since I'd seen the White Stripes in Vegas, but Jack White continues to put in some great performances, and tonight was know different.  A dynamic way to finish the weekend.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 457th concert.
This is my 26th concert at The Fillmore

This is my 82nd concert in Charlotte

This is my 93rd concert in North Carolina.

This is my 260th concert in the USA.
Jacuzzi Boys are the 531st band I've seen.
Raconteurs are the 532nd band I've seen.
Raconteurs are the 50th time I've seen a band at The Fillmore.

Flaming Lips & Claypool Lennon Delirium @ CMCU Amphitheater

Arrived early at the outdoor venue so we could see Claypool Lennon Delirium only to be greeted by and absolute downpour.  We took shelter in 820 with a beer while a pretty violent storm passed over.  Once it cleared and we were given the all clear to get in the venue the band arrived on stage soon after.  It may have been a shortened set but still a good one.  I didn't know any of the songs but they all definitely had the Les Claypool sound in them.   A good opener, and a special treat to see Sean Lennon play his dad's Tomorrow Never Knows.  Surreal!

A pretty quick change over, even though the weather threat had long gone. As always the Flaming Lips put on a visual spectacular to compliment the music. Yoshimi bought out the balls and the start of the crowd's interaction with he performance. There Should Be Unicorns saw Wayne Coyne mount his rainbow unicorn and do a lap of the crowd, being only feet from us. She Don't Use Jelly is my favorite Lips song and the middle of the set unleashed 4 minutes of musical ecstasy. Creepy eyes on the stage for the Yeah Yeah Yeah song. And the set was bought to end by the peaceful True Love Will Find You In The End. A brief stage reset before Do You Realize?? was the one and only encore song. During the song the crowd was bombarded with confetti and was a great representation of how the whole show felt.

It's hard, no, impossible, not to have fun at a Flaming Lips show, even if , like me, you are not a huge fan of the music.  The visual aspect adds so much!  Any time they come through town, I will be ready with ticket in hand.

 Wayne Coyne says There Should Be Unicorns

Fuck Yeah Charlotte

Yeah Yeah Yeah Song

The Crap Facts:

This is my 456th concert.

This is my 12th concert at CMCU Amphitheater

This is my 81st concert in Charlotte

This is my 92nd concert in North Carolina.

This is my 259th concert in the USA.
Lennon Claypool Delirium is the 530th band I've seen.
This is my 4th Flaming Lips concert

Arsenal v Fiorentina @ Bank Of America Stadium

When it was announced that Arsenal were coming the Charlotte, there was never a question of if we were going, but where were we going to sit.  Tickets went on sale early in the year so it was the perfect birthday present for the twins in April.  We just hoped they could wait it out.

B, A & L with The Invincibles Trophy

It was well over 90 degrees game day, so I can't tell you how happy I am how the day panned out.  Thanks to a neighbor, we got a parking spot close-ish to the stadium and we walked through the Fan Fest at Romare Bearden Park, where the boys got a couple of fake tattoos, and soaked in the atmosphere.  The family got to pose in front to the 2004 Invincible's trophy.  We were near the stage when they bought out Arsenal's Rob Holding and 2 of L's favorites, Hector Bellerin and Pierre Aubamayang.  His head almost exploded.  We then marched the 3 blocks to the BofA stadium with the Arsenal Supporter's club which definitely had the crowd pumped.

Me, A, L & B, Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC

Unfortunately the atmosphere inside the ground didn't live up to the pre-game hype.  While we had some excellent seats in the shade the whole game and near the air-conditioned concession area, we looked across to a near empty east side of the stadium, where folks must have roasted in the blistering heat.  Also I'm not sure Fiorentina was a big drawcard for Charlotte.  I saw more Liverpool, Man U and Chelsea shirts than Fiorentina's.  Initially Arsenal was supposed to play Roma, but they had to withdraw to qualify for the Europa League.  Though I'd not seen so many Arsenal shirts since we went to Highbury in 2005.

The game was entertaining with Arsenal dominating.  Not sure how those players survived out there but I'm sure they were appreciative of the many substitutions that were aloud.  While Arsenal looked shaky at the back at times, going forward was aggressive and fun to watch.  A deserved victory for the Gunners.

I love that these games come to Charlotte each year, and already looking forward to seeing who'll play next year.  Whoever it is, we'll be watching from the same shaded seats.

Arsenal 3 (E. Nketiah 15, 65, J. Willock 89) v Fiorentina 0
Crowd: 34,902

Courtney Barnett @ NC Museum Of Art

Not since my Tumbleweed fix back at home last year have I had my fix of Australian rock until tonight.  Courtney Barnett is someone who has been on my bucket list since I heard her first album Sometimes I Sit and Think, Sometimes I Just Sit.  With Raleigh being her closest playing spot to us, we took advantage of Mum being here and Amy & I spent a night up in Raleigh.

We didn't get up to Raleigh until early evening and picked the nearest sushi restaurant for dinner.  Sushi Thai is this non-descript restaurant in a strip mall between the Double Tree and the Venue that we walked into and were completely taken aback by.  The place was packed, there were a million take away orders waiting and we were seated at one of the most ornate tables I'd ever sat at.  Obviously the food was fantastic as we munched through some sushi and appetizers.

Unfortunately this made us arrive at the NC Museum of Art after the opening act had begun.  The beautiful outdoor amphitheater was already full of people and we listened to Quinn Christopherson's last 2 songs as we wandered to the far side of the venue to set up shop at the side of the stage.  This venue is amazing.  Great views from most points and in a wonderful setting where relaxed security lead to a relaxed, respectful (of the venue, its boundaries and its performers) crowd.

Barnett and her band stepped on stage to a thunderous welcome at 9.15 and launched into Hopefulessness.  Sitting side stage was a new concert going experience for me.  But line of sight was good, and the sound was terrific where we were and we spent as much time watching the crowd as we did the band.  Avant Gardner was my first familiar song of the night and one that got the crowd started.  It wasn't until Small Poppies half way into the set that the band dipped into songs from that much loved first album.  Depreston was the great crowd sing-along, but Elevator Operator was the song that got everyone moving.  And Pedestrian At Best to finish the set was amazing.  Such a great song.  It definitely left everyone on a high.

A & I packed up the blanket and walked to a more central spot to see the encore.  On her own, Barnett sang her Kurt Vile duet song, Let It Go, before the band returned to finish 2 more songs.  Funny that the sound was better side stage than just behind the mixing desk.  Still a great show overall, in a wonderful venue (we may come back for John Butler Trio later this month).  I'm glad we got to see this great Australian singer/songwriter and I hope things get bigger and better for Barnett and her band.  

The Crap Facts:
This is my 455th concert.
NC Museum Of Art is the 125th venue I've seen a concert in.

Raleigh is the 52nd city I've seen a concert in.

This is my 91st concert in North Carolina.

This is my 258th concert in the USA.
Courtney Barnett is the 529th band I've seen.

The Boys On Good Day Charlotte Fox46

Litchfield Beach, SC

Our week at the beach for the summer starting on 16 June.  This year with Nanny.  While days were spent either at the beach or the pool, a couple of nights of dinners at Frank's - just Amy & I - and outside at Chive Blossom - our regular Pawley's Island Restaurant, this time with Nanny.  As well as our almost daily visit to Paradice Ice Cream.  Relaxing as always, what I wouldn't give to live near a beach again

The Lemonheads @ The Underground

25 years since I've seen The Lemonheads.  Where did that time go?  The last time was at the Coogee Bay Hotel with TK and Rog, when we ended up stuck in Sydney for a few days because of the bush fires throughout Sydney and the Coast.  I remember that being a great show and a fun weekend.

I was unusually late (Lost track of time, then got stuck behind a train crossing) and missed all of Tommy Stinson and a few songs at the start of the Lemonheads set.  The volume was noticeable as I neared the Underground and as I opened the door I was blasted with sound.  Not sure why, because usually I forget, but I had earplugs tonight, which I was glad to have.  The band played a lot of tracks from both It's A Shame About Ray and Come on Feel - which are my 2 favorite albums.  So hearing Ruderless, Bit Part and Confetti were highlights.

About two thirds through the night the band left the stage for Evan Dando to play 5 songs solo.  He did back to back Being Around and The Outdoor Type, which was my favorite of the night.  The band rejoined him for a few more songs including a slowed down Style.  There seemed to be some confusion as to whether the show was over after a one song encore, but the band came back to do Into Your Arms, which the crowd loved.

It's a shame the Lemonheads haven't crossed my path at other times in the last 25 years, because they still do a show full of great, familiar songs well intertwined between newer songs.  Hope I'm not 71 before I see them again.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 454th concert.
This is my 3rd concert at The Underground.

This is my 80th concert in Charlotte.

This is my 90th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 257th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Lemonheads concert.

Punk Rock Bowling @ Downtown Events Center

One more night in Vegas, and my 150th concert here, it's been a great weekend but feels a little weird to be back in Vegas. Driving around earlier in the day, I was finding it hard to wrap my head around the fact that I lived here for 10 years. I went to visit Aria earlier in the day to see some old friends at the Concierge desk and I had an amazing first-ever Thai massage at Dave's new business (well new since we left) Luxury Thai Spa. Holy hell! I felt fantastic and beaten up at the same time. Things are going well for Dave and I hope they continue as this place is beautiful and the massage excellent.

After a late lunch at Capriotti's, Erik and I are at the venue and in with ease today. So much so we watch Ravagers play on the smaller stage. Not quite fitting in with the punk theme of the festival, Ravagers play more of a straight ahead rock. But still get the crowd enthused early.

Back into the main stage for the Undertones.  I knew nothing about this band and wasn't particularly taken by them..

Left the Undertones early and walked back to the second stage to go and see the Toasters.  This band always comes through Charlotte and plays at the Milestone, but I never get around to seeing them.  So tonight I was a good opportunity to see what I'd been missing.  This New York ska band pulled a good sized crowd a the small stage and repaid the loyal following by putting on an energetic set.  I will make an effort next time the Toasters are around because I enjoyed the set.

I did leave during the last song to get back into the main stage to see The Stranglers.  I knew I wanted to see this band but on the night couldn't remember songs as to why.  Not until Peaches.  Of course!  From there the band played song after song I knew.  Always The Sun, Golden Brown, Hanging Around and the set closer No More Heroes, were great.  The Stranglers were tight, sounded as good as they did on 40 year old recordings and seemed to be having a great night.  My dad will be jealous that I've seen The Stranglers.

The reason I picked this festival to make return to Vegas was the next band. The Hives.  Possibly the best live band I've seen.  It is for that reason I didn't leave the main stage for food (especially after the Vandals fiasco last night) or to see the band on the other stage.  Instead I defied my old man tendencies to stand back, and pushed near the front of the stage.  I secretly hoped, being Punk Rock Bowling, The Hives would come out and play a ton of Barely Legal (the blistering 14 song/27 minute debut album).  Alas they played nothing off that album (as per the other 2 times I saw them).  They did however put on the set of the weekend.  As always, Pelle Almqvist owned the stage and demanded the love he deserves from the audience.  Erik & I were well placed between Pelle and his brother, Niklaus.  While I'm surprised they only played 9 songs, Pelle's crowd banter was extensive.  Walk Idiot Walk, Main Offender and Hate To Say I Told You So were the best.  Tick Tick Boom was the set finisher.  And I wished it had of kept going.  Not since I last saw The Hives in September 2012, just down the road at the Cosmo Pool, has a performance had such great energy, though Cage The Elephant goes close.

The Specials were the anti-thesis of The Hives. Where The Hives tore Punk Rock Bowling apart, The Specials mellowed everyone out before finishing the weekend. While Pelle of The Hives owned the Stage, I felt Terry Hall looked like he'd rather be elsewhere. The highlight came mid-set with A Message To You, Rudy. I also knew and loved Too Much Too Young to end the night. Again I might have swapped The Hives & The Specials, but Punk Rock Bowling sees fit. Now I just have to wait for the next line up that will get me to travel.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 453rd concert.
This is my 4th concert at the Downtown Events Center.

This is my 150th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 150th concert in Nevada.

This is my 256th concert in the USA.
Ravagers are the 524th band I've seen
The Undertones are the 525th band I've seen.
The Toasters are the 526th band I've seen.
The Stranglers are the 527th band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Hives concert.
The Specials are the 528th band I've seen.

Punk Rock Bowling @ Downtown Events Center

While we arrived at the same time as yesterday, a shorted line and a chance entry through the VIP line get us in in enough time to check out Drug Church on the 2nd stage.  They played here on Friday before Sick Of It All, but we were too late to see them.  Seemed like a good set, from a band I know nothing about, though the singer seemed a bit upset that the crowd wasn't into it as much as he'd like.

Met up with Dave again and went back to the main stage to see Fucked Up.  Straight forward heavy rock with a growly-voiced lead singer.  I preferred when other band member sang, as their songs  then seemed more melodic.

We decided on dinner after Fucked Up.  Turned out to be a big timing mistake.  I thought 20 minutes would be enough time to get dinner and get back for The Vandals.  So wrong.  Our order took so long we only got to see Vandals do their last song, I Have A Date.  Not cool.

In order to have a good spot for the Refused, we stayed at the main stage and watched Sloppy Seconds on the video screen next to the stage.  It looked like they, and the crowd, were having a raucous time.  Some great song titles (You Got A Great Body, But Your Record Collection Sucks & You Can't Kill Joey Ramone).  I wish we wandered over.

I knew nothing of Refused either.  But they had been touring with the Hives, and any heroes of theirs has got to be good.  And from the moment Refused got on stage you can tell Dennis Lyxzen is a huge influence on The Hives' Pelle Almqvist.  All  the moves and swagger I've seen before obviously originated from their fellow Swedes,  Refused were great!  Until after the show I found out about their history, and how long they'd been around, I was surprised I'd not heard of them before.  I hope they keep going as this is a a great live band.

After another great day it was going to be fun to finish the night with the Descendents show.  An old school band that every So-Cal resident that comes up to Vegas for the weekend loves (like Social D).  You'd never know we were in Vegas - it's Memorial Day weekend and only 49 degrees, windy, and some rain during the Descendents set. Erik & I were uncomfortable enough to seek shelter under the tent at the back of the venue and see the set from there.  I've seen the Descendents 3 times now, and am still am not familiar with their stuff.  I Like Food is a favorite, and once I heard that and Wienerschnitzel, Erik & I called it a night, listening to the rest of the set on the way back to the car.  One more day tomorrow - let's hope it's warmer!  

The Crap Facts:
This is my 452nd concert.
This is my 3rd concert at the Downtown Events Center.

This is my 149th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 149th concert in Nevada.

This is my 255th concert in the USA.
Drug Church are the 520th band I've seen
Fucked Up are the 521st band I've seen.
Sloppy Seconds are the 522nd band I've seen.
Refused are the 523rd band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Descendents concert.

Punk Rock Bowling @ Downtown Events Center

After a lazy day driving round to the old haunts, Erik and I land at Punk Rock Bowling at about 5pm and meet up with Dave in a spot not far from the front of the stage to the right.  The festival has come a long way since I was here in 2012, when it was a one stage show in a parking lot off 6th Street.  It has now taken over the Downtown Events Center (which wasn't even here when I left), has 2 stages and is shaded by the Golden Nugget across the street.

After a quick look around at merchandise and food trucks we find our spot for Fear.  I'm not sure how well this set translated on a big stage in the sunny climes of Vegas.  While Lee Ving was in full joke mode, and the band played their heart out, you get the feeling this would've been better at midnight at the Double Down, instead of mid-afternoon in a vast venue.  Regardless, the beer-themed songs were great, Beef Bologna killed it, and an Aquabat playing on New York's Alright If You Like Saxaphones, was a great way to kick off the festival.

The Damned were a drawcard for me.  Having never seen them before, and although I know only a handful of songs, the opportunity to see these punk legends.  So today we get the whole Machine Gun Etiquette album from start to finish.  Dave Vanian stalked and ruled the stage, with Captain Sensible providing the energy, and Monty Oxymoron the fun.  The set got better and better as it went along and the last 5 songs would have been enough to call Punk Rock Bowling a success.  The MC5 Looking At You cover was blistering.  It was an honor to hear Smash It Up live after being introduced to it many years ago the golden years of JJJ's Hottest 100's.  New Rose was as good as I thought it would be and Neat, Neat, Neat to finish was just fantastic.  Now I have to hope that one day they'll play close to Charlotte so I can see them again.

Yeah, I've seen FLAG before, but this has to be a punk's ultimate band for this festival.  4 ex-members of Black Flag and a Descendent playing nothing but Black Flag songs with a ferocity that would have matched back in the day.  From the moment Keith Morris screamed "It's not my imagination...I've got a gun in in my back" FLAG were on fire.  FLAGs' passion and intensity for these 30 plus year old songs translates to a crowd, who are left in a frenzy.  Great song consistently followed great song and for those of us who weren't old enough to see Black Flag the first time this is definitely a show for the ages.  23 songs in a 45 minute set is what you want and all your favorites will be played.  Gimme Gimme Gimme, Rise Above, Dez singing Thirsty & Miserable & Six Pack, and Keith's return to stage for Nervous Breakdown was phenomenal.  I just read recently that Greg Ginn is doing a Black Flag tour this Fall, but given when I saw them in Charlotte in 2013 - they will have their work cut out for them to match FLAG.  And what about a real Black Flag reunion? Given Keith Morris' "Fuck you Gregg Ginn" chant at the end of a song, I find that highly unlikely.

When you think that Fear, The Damned and FLAG were great, you realize there is no such thing as a bad Rancid show.  The crowd is bouncing from the first notes of Roots Radicals and don't stop for the rest of the evening.  Rancid are in fine form, as Pirates of the Caribbean outcast Tim Armstrong makes his moves across the stage, while Lars engages the crowd between songs.  Tons of a great songs including Old Friend, Olympia WA, and Fall Back Down to finish the set.  Of course the encore ended with Time Bomb and Ruby Soho, which left the crowd buzzing.  I know I'm old and left for home after the show, but I bet downtown Vegas was a buzz once that crowd spread out for the night.  A great first night for the festival.  Looking forward to coming back tomorrow. 

The Crap Facts:

This is my 451st concert.
This is my 2nd concert at the Downtown Events Center.

This is my 148th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 148th concert in Nevada.

This is my 254th concert in the USA.
Fear are the 518th band I've seen
The Damned are the 519th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Flag concert.
This is my 6th Rancid concert.