Aziz Ansari @ Ovens Auditorium

Again, I struggle to write a review of a comedy show.  Needless to say - it was funny.  Not quite as good as the first time we saw Ansari, which was fall out of your seat funny, but funny nonetheless.  I can't write down specifically what was said, as it would never do the stories justice, but A&I had a great laugh and would be happy to see Ansari any time he came through town.

GWAR, Helmet, Dwarves & Blood Vulture @ Piedmont Hall

As my las scheduled show of the year, I've picked GWAR at a new city to see a concert.  It's only just over an hour up the road, and I got a cheap ticket off Groupon, so, as tired as I weas, I jumped in the car and headed north.

I caught most of Blood Vulture's set.  A hard rock band with an 80's vampire vibe.  I feel that it was an odd combination for GWAR, but who on this line up isn't.  Not really my thing, but they did a job as the first of 4 bands.

Blood Vulture Setlist

Dwarves are one of those bands that I've wanted to see, but they've neve been where I have (except last years Punk Rock Bowling where they played a side show with the Queers, that I kick myself for not going to).  After some problems with sound a the beginning, Dwarves ripped through a 30 minute set of 15 songs of pure punk, anger, sarcasm and humor.  The bass player, Rex Everything, looked familiar.  I finally worked out it was Nick Oliveri of Queens of the Stone Age.  He was having a blast on stage.  I really liked this show, but you know it would've been better in a smaller venue on a shorter stage (like New Bomb Turks).  I hope the chance to see them again comes around.

Dwarves Setlist

Helmet being on the bill was definitely a draw, and probably the reason I drove to Greensboro for the show.  I took my spot, close to the front in front of singer Page Hamilton, and proceeded to have my ears ripped off (even with earplugs in).  This set had a lot of songs I didn't know, but when something came of that I knew, it was sonic perfection.  Wilma's Rainbow was 5 songs in and got the whole crowd moving.  Unsung was as brilliant live, as it was the first time I ever heard it. And then to end the night the trifecta of Milquetoast, Give It and the fucking awesome In The Meantime just left me wanting more.  50 minutes, and I felt the audience was just getting into its stride.  Helmet don't know how to put on a bad show. 

Helmet Setlist

It's been 11 years since I saw GWAR at Riot Fest.  I'm not sure I'd say I was a fan of the music, but the theatrics are stellar.  Tonight's show was about Gor Gor, the dinosaur GWAR found as an egg, raised as one of their own, taken from then, and his travel back to them.  So funny.  I'm not sure if this really counts as being at a GWAR show, as I was standing in front of Grodius Maximus, but never got covered in any stuff constantly spurting from the stage.  I don't really know GWAR's songs but I picked up on Sadaam a Go Go, Cracked Egg and Fuck This Place.  But it was the story of Gor Gor that was front and center.  His appearances from the egg, as a baby, as a teen to a full grown dinosaur was a feat in itself, pulled off fantastically.  The irony of the crowd singing along to America Must Be Destroyed as the final song of the main set was not lost on me.  A 3 song encore was perfect for what the crowd wanted, as a messed up crowd poured out of Piedmont Music Hall.

GWAR Setlist

Again, I struggled to get motivated to go to this show, but I'm glad I made the effort.  Dwarves were a great find.  Helmet was a powerful as always.  And GWAR is definitely the most I've laughed at a heavy metal show.

Balsac The Jaws Of Death

Beefcake the Mighty

Grodius Maximus

The Crap Facts
This is my 537th concert.
Piedmont Hall is the 143rd venue I've seen a concert at.
Greensboro is the 58th city I've seen a concert at.
This is my 158th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 337th concert in the USA.
Blood Vulture is the 629th band I've seen

Dwarves are the 630th band I've seen

This is my 6th Helmet concert.
This is my 2nd GWAR concert.

Six @ Belk Theater

This is a show that A has wanted to see for a long time, so when it comes into Charlotte, it's a no brainer to buy tickets.  The boys have had a mixed reaction to musicals, so tonight it's just Mom and Dad.  I picked a Sunday matinee, so as to not interfere with the boys soccer, and of course they were scheduled a game that day, so they wouldn't have made it anyway.

I was skeptical about a musical about Henry VIII's 6 wives.  But, to my surprise, this was a good show.  A modern version of each his wives sang their tales of woe, while mixing in the comedy of making themselves better than the other 5.  I really liked that it was just them, and a live all girl band on stage for the whole show.   While I knew a little of the story of his first wife, Catherine, and 2nd, Anne Boleyn, it was fun to hear the stories of the other wives.   And from a female perspective, and not a history book.

I too have not enjoyed some of the musicals we've seen of late, but this one I did.  And more importantly so did A.

 

Devo & B52s @ PNC Pavilion

I didn't really want to see these 2 bands at the big amp, I thought they'd have been better off out our amp.  Smaller, closer to the audience,  But when the offered $25 lawn seats, I even talked the boys into coming with me.

We didn't make it in time to see Lydia Lunch, but I did run into Jeremy from work on our way in.  He told us to check the VIP tent as they were giving free upgrades into sets.  Of course we would.  He had also put us on the VIP list so we could go into the private bar area, away from the crowds between sets.   We checked that out, and then went to our new seats.  We are now seated in the 2nd tier of seats, very central to the stage.  And just before B52s started we were joined by Chris (Eric from soccer's dad).  They had done the same thing as us, at a different time, and scored the seats next to us.  Small world.

I thought the B52s were supposed to be the headliners, but apparently they have been rotating each night, and tonight they were on first.  It has been 15 years since I saw the B52s kill it at Mandalay Bay (with Blondie), but this time didn't quite reach those heights.  It was a slow start and not until Deadbeat Club did I start to see a change from the band and audience.  Kate and Cindy's voices were as good as always, but Fred gave a vibe of not wanting to be there.  I thought they had done the final tour last year, which is another reason to get out and see them while you can.  But this show just didn't have the energy.  Roam was great, but it wasn't until near the end when Love Shack kicked it up a notch.  Everyone knows and loves that song.  Even the boys, who up until this point were just placating their aging dad.  It was cold, I don't blame them.  Rock Lobster finished the set and it was as awesome as I remember.  I love the sped up drum parts in certain spots, and lets face it, it's the most fun song.  I tried to go and get a shirt, but the blue one I wanted only came in women's sizes, and the black version didn't have a XXL.

B52s Setlist

We got some food and were back in out seats for when Devo came on stage. I'll admit this suits me better. I'm more of a Devo fan. Chris was saying he only really knew one of their songs and they left not long after that. Girl U Want and Whip It came back to back early in the set and were great.  This is the biggest stage I've seen Devo pay on, and been so far back.  But they handle it really well.  A quick break, and the band came out in their yellow outfits to rip through Uncontrollable Urge, and said uniforms.  Jocko Homo lead into Smart Patrol/Mr DNA - this was probably my favorite song of the night.  Devo finished with Gates Of Steel, before coming back for only one song.  The excellent Freedom Of Choice.

Late October was a risky time to have an outdoor concert in Charlotte, and tonight it was cold.  We were rugged up in jackets and beanies, but it will definitely have to be a line up as good as this to get me out here in this weather again.  devo have yet to disappoint me live.  The B52s may be closer tot he end of performing, but they still have a couple of songs to fire up a crowd.

Devo Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 536th concert.
This is my 6th concert at PNC Pavilion.
This is my 132nd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 157th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 336th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd B52s concert.

This is my 4th Devo concert.

P.O.D. @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

This was an unexpected show.  I was working but not in my usual spot at the top of the stairs.  (We were short staff).  Instead I was down in the usher area when POD came on, so in between guiding people to their seats I got to see most of the show.  What is most surprising, was how many songs I knew.

Boom! kicked off the set.  And set the tone for the night.  It was good....even in daylight.  Mid set we got a cover of The Beatles Don't Let Me Down.  It definitely better than I would have expected.  The band was appreciative of all the support they were getting for those who showed up early.  And the crowd was really digging it.  Youth Of The Nation was up next, and it is a song I forgot I knew.  It definitely was a crowd favorite.  As the opener of 3 bands, POD were only allowed 9 songs, but Alive to finish the night was superb.   This is their most known song, and from the reaction of the audience, it is absolutely a favorite.  I'd never considered seeing POD before, but after this performance I'd keep an eye out for them again.

I was back at the top of the stairs for Daughtry and Seether and my attention was taken away from the music all night.  And there was a break I got not long after Seether came on.  Because I'm not familiar with either band, no songs really registered with me while I was helping guests.

P.O.D. Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 535th concert.
This is my 24th concert at Skyla CU Amphitheater.
This is my 131st concert in Charlotte.
This is my 156th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 335th concert in the USA.
P.O.D. are the 628th band I've seen.

Everclear, Local H & Sponge @ Neighborhood Theater

I have been excited for this show for a long time.  Tickets were secured the day they went on sale.  Everclear always put on a good show, and Local H know no other way.  

I got to the Neighborhood Theatre just before 8 and was surprised by a line still at the door.  It took a while to get in, and it was hard to find a spot for Sponge, as the place was jammed solid.  I ended up side stage - just behind the VIP tables and caught the last few songs of their set.  I don't remember them being big in Australia in the 90s, and I didn't know any songs.  But the crowd knew Plowed (the last song) and the venue was jumping.  The band were humbled by the turnout so early in the night, and their energy let fans remember back when it was easier to be at concerts.  And let us pretend were were in out 20s again - and not our 50s.  well, me anyway.

Sponge Setlist

Once Sponge was over, and the crowd came tot he bar for drinks, I headed into the main room and got myself a great unobstructed spot midway down the hall.  I may actually be here more because of Local H.  They have been a favorite since I first saw them at Equinox in 1997.  Tonight they continued their run of 7 awesome shows.  They played my favorite song first.  High Fivin' MF set the tone for the rest of the intense 45 minute set.  As loud and as fast as you want it, this is such an awesome song, and a real ballsy opener.  A couple more songs off As Good As Dead filtered into the opening part of the set.  Fritz's Corner was great, as was Eddie Vedder.  Everyone loved, and shouted the chorus for California Songs.  And Bound For The Floor was the hit that sent the crowd over the edge.  I thought it was great, and the TV Eye snippet mid-song was the chef's kiss.

Local H Setlist

Everclear are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the great Sparkle & Fade album.  It's only appropriate the I see it, because they toured Australia on the back of that release in 1996, and they played an awesome show at the Metro opening for silverchair.  The band itself has changed with age.  Songs don't hit as fast as they used to, but Art Alexakis and band still enjoy themselves up there.  The songs do stand the test of time.  Heroin Girl was a great song, even if it sounds a little different when slower.  It is still my favorite Everclear song.  Father Of Mine got the crowd really going, and Heartspark Dollarsign was another great trip down memory lane.  The band didn't play the whole album start to finish but sprinkled some other songs into the set throughout.  In the meantime we got a couple of great covers, including Highway To Hell and Whole Lotta Love (with Scott Lucas).  

When the main set was finished I rushed over and got myself and Everclear shirt.  Then, Lucas was at the Local H table, with his dog, Karen, who was taking all the attention at the time.  I bought a vinyl copy of Whatever Happened to PJ Soles and he was kind enough to sign a poster for me.

I went side stage again for the 3 song encore.  So Much For The Afterglow was great, as was I Will Buy You A New Life.  But it was the crowd at its loudest singing Santa Monica put the icing on tonight's rock n roll cake.  Such a good song, and the perfect way to end the night.

Everclear Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 534th concert.
This is my 12th concert at The Neighborhood Theater.
This is my 130th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 155th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 334th concert in the USA.
Sponge are the 627th band I've seen.
Sponge are the 350th American band I've seen.

This is my 7th Local H concert.

This is my 5th Everclear concert.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club & Humanist @ The Orange Peel

I can't believe it's been 7 years since Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have been close enough for me to go and see.  Their show in 2018 was a pearler.

The Orange Peel filled up for the show and I got there early enough to catch the last half of Humanist.  There is a dark Depeche Mode influence in this sound, but not what I was really into tonight.

Humanist's sound did blend well with BRMC playing their 3rd album, Howl,  celebrating its 20th anniversary.  I don't know why this album escaped me, as I loved the first 2, but there was definitely a different sound to what I expect from BRMC.  More atmospheric and moody, not the straight forward rock I was used to.  So for me, the first half of the show was a slow start.  Once I heard Red Eyes and Tears, everything changed.  I think the band felt the same.  The crowd definitely did.  BRMC seemed more relaxed and ready to blaze into the night.  And they did!  Every song got better.  And the crowd really started to get into it.  White Palms was good.  Berlin was excellent!  Whatever Happened to My Rock & Roll was almost an out of body experience.  And Spread Your Love....  This song sits in my Fave 40 playlist.  I can't hear it often enough.  And tonight was as good as I've ever heard it, except that 1 time they played it in the Cosmopolitan, when the casino was using it in it's commercials.  One more song from Howl, Open Invitation, calmed the crowd down before being unleased back on the Asheville night.

This is the 3rd show I've seen in Asheville since the devastating Hurricane Helene 13 months ago.  and the town is still struggling.  There were not many people around before the show (I had another good meal at Farmburger) and I grabbed a quick breakfast before driving home, and it was like walking through a ghost town.  I hope things get better for this great place.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 533rd concert.
This is my 6th concert at The Orange Peel.
This is my 17th concert in Asheville.
This is my 154th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 333rd concert in the USA.
Humanist are the 626th band I've seen.
This is my 5th Black Rebel Motorcycle Club concert.

Neil deGrasse Tyson @ Ovens Auditorium

This is one for L.  He has taken an interest in space, so who better to tell him about it but Neil deGrasse Tyson.  A is out of town, and B wasn't interested so it is just the 2 of us, which is unusual.

Tonight felt like a university lecture done by everyone's favorite professor, but not necessarily my favorite topic.  Tyson spoke of other planets being able to support human life, what other universes might be like, the heat of suns, and his role in the de-planetizing of Pluto.

Like a comedy show, it is hard to go over everything that was said, but needless to say his 2 hours on stage was well received.  WHo knows?  Maybe we'll make a scientist out of L.

 

Wicked @ Belk Theater

I think I've been oversold on Wicked.  It's been around forever, and it is critically acclaimed everywhere, and I was super excited to see it.  A really wanted to go, and we thought the boys would like it too, so it became a family day.

For me though it didn't quite live up to the hype.  I just wasn't into it.  But I am also get less tolerant of musicals (for the most part) as I get older.  That and the fact that the Wizard of Oz is such a classic, I feel a prequel (or a sequel if it had of been) could never live up to that expectation.

On the other hand A&B loved it.  A has seen it before, and sang along with every word, and B was really into it.  L, well L wished he could be anywhere else.  Especially with Arsenal being on tv today.  It's not that I didn't like the show, but it just wasn't a favorite.  And obviously it's important to give the boys different experiences and let them make their own choices.

I was surprised at how packed the theater was for a matinee.  I had picked a Sunday afternoon, thinking that it wouldn't interfere with the boys soccer.  I knew there'd be a few families in there, but there wasn't a spare seat.  Turns out because to the incoming ice storm, the night show had already been cancelled and everyone scrambled for what was left in the matinee.

Papa Roach, Rise Against & Underoath @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

Another work shift at the  top of the stairs.

Underoath got things kicked off.  To be honest I didn't get to see much of them, as this is when the bulk of people were coming in.  With Rise Against being the 2nd band, crowds were getting in early and I didn't really have time to think let alone see Underoath.

But a majority of people were in seats by the time Rise Against started, so it was quite for me and I get to watch them for the 6th time.  While I've seen them now 6 times, it never seems to be on purpose.  It's either they have a great support band (Gaslight Anthem, Rancid, Bad Religion), supporting a great band (Deftones), at a festival and now at work.  It kicked off big time with Re-Education (Through Labor).  Give it All was great.  Prayer For The Refugee was a crowd favorite mid set.  And Savior to close their set, was a popular choice.  Overall a good set, and a solid show as always, but I'm still not sold on this band.  I wish I knew why.

Rise Against Setlist

So apparently Rise Against fans aren't necessarily Papa Roach fans.  I was busier bidding fans a farewell, rather than receiving more during the set changeover.  Regardless Papa Roach came on stage with a mission of matching and ultimately exceeding Rise Against's energy.  And they did a great job of it.   I didn't know any of their stuff until a California Love cover was played.  Lead singer Jacoby Shaddix was having a great time.  By his admission, this came about by turning his life around, as well as run ins with suicidal thoughts.  As an entertainer with a voice, he was really impressive in his advocating for suicide prevention - all the way through the night.  This is not a passing fad for him.  He is keen and willing to help.  While I don't know a lot of their songs, obviously the crowd did, and they loved every moment of it.  Especially during the 2nd last song, Help, when Jacoby came out into the crowd, and all the way back to the lawn.  During the 4 song encore, Papa Roach dropped a heavy medly including Bling, My Own Summer, Break Stuff & Chop Suey.  An absolute corker!  And a wild lead into the penultimate Last Resort, which is their song I do know.  THe perfect finish to a rocking night.

Papa Roach Setlist

I would not have come to this show if I wasn't working.  But I'm glad I was here.  Good crowd and good rock!

The Crap Facts
This is my 532nd concert.
This is my 23rd show at Skyla CU Amphitheater 
This is my 129th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 153rd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 332nd concert in the USA.
Underoath are the 625th band I've seen.

This is my 6th Rise Against concert.

This is my 3rd Papa Roach concert.

Charlotte FC v Miami CF @ Bank of America Stadium

I mean, of course we're here to see Lionel Messi!  He is one of, if not the, greatest players, especially of this era.  He was a big drawcard as seen by the number of Miami shirts in the stadium during the night.  Even non-football fans know who he is, but the disrespect he was given tonight was a blight on a great night for Charlotte.

The boys, Uncle D & I had prime seats.  Front row in the club level, in line with the penalty spot at the non-supporters end.  While the top bowl remained empty, the Bank was mostly full on a warm September night.

Miami started strong, down towards the end we were attacking.  Early on Messi went over to take a corner, and was booed.  Why?  A great player, who has boosted the profile of MLS, stays away from controversy and has literally won everything in world football.  I was really disappointed in this.  And Charlotte piled on from there.  

After half an hour Messi was bought down in the box.  Had my Charlotte goggles on and didn't think it was a penalty, even after seeing it on the big screen (that changed when I saw it later on TV - clearly a foul).   Messi stepped up to take it.  We were about to see him score.  Right in line with us!  Until he stepped up with a weak Panenka, which Kalina calmly and easily saved.  Then is seemed like we hadn't finished celebrating when Toklomati went up the other end and finished off a great move.  1-0 Charlotte.

So many people weren't back in their seats after half time when Toklomati slotted in his 2nd, after a nice cross from Bronico.  Charlotte 2 Miami 0.  Miami still dominated possession, and I watched everything Messi did, though he wasn't as involved as I expected.  But every time he touched the ball, the crowd were waiting for something to happen.  But it never did for Miami.  Instead, with 8 minutes to go, Zaha drove into the box only to fouled.  Penalty Charlotte.  Toklomati stepped up and completed his hat-trick and Charlotte want on to keep a clean sheet and win 3-0.

While he didn't set the world on fire, I'm glad the boys and I got to see Messi.  He is and always will be a legend and even to see one moment of brilliance from him was a priviledge.  But I'm much happier that Charlotte took the 3 points.

Charlotte FC 3 (Toklomati 34, 27 & 82) defeated Miami CF 0

Crowd: 35,607

Choir! Choir! Choir! at Carolina Theatre

For something different, A & I went to Choir! Choir! Choir! tonight.  I've seen some of their stuff on Youtube and thought it would be fun.  Tonight they are dedicating their show to the songs of Queen.  I thought it was usually one song, but in this case we did a a number of songs. 

We had seats near the back, but unfortunately the show was not well attended, and the band wouldn't start till we all moved tot he front to be together.  From the first song this was a success.  The sound of the crowd together was magic, and the band obviously fed on that.

We sang Don't Stop Me Now, Somebody To Love, Under Pressure, We Will Rock You among others.  A couple of practice runs where sections of the audience were give parts (alto, melody, harmony, tenor etc) and then a sing along to Choir! Choir! Choir! playing an acoustic, and vocally directing the crowd.  There was somewhere in the show where they broke into the rap from Barenaked Ladies' One Week.  Didn't finish it, but a group in the crowd made it known that their friend new ALL the words.  She was brave enough to perform it into the mike (wouldn't get on stage though).  And she killed it.  Almost the best applause of the night.  Of course the show finished with Bohemian Rhapsody.  By this point, everyone was really into it.

What a great night!  An interactive concert.  That's a first for me (and A).  TO sing aloud every song was a soul-positive experience.  Definitely took a while to come down from this.  Choir! Choir! Choir! have played in Charlotte before, but we were out of town when it happened so I am so glad we got to go this evening.  And I'll come back for more when they come through town again.

The Crap Facts
This is my 531st concert.
Carolina Theatre is the 142nd venue I've seen a concert at.
This is my 128th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 152nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 331st concert in the USA.
Choir! Choir! Choir! are the 624th band I've seen.

Simple Plan, Bowling For Soup & Lolo @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

Another warm day at work, where I greet all the fans coming in for Simple Plan tonight.  I love this job.  I greet people as they walk into the venue and provide direction for their evening.  People are always in a good mood, and why wouldn't they be.  Great venue.  Here to see a favorite band of theirs.  Good atmosphere all around.  Plenty of Fineas & Ferb tshirts, for the Bowling for Soup fans (and even a Professor Doofenschmirtz), while the Simple Plan fans went for the full Scooby Doo outfits.

There's not a lot I can tell you about Lolo.  I was still guiding people in while she was on, and I'm not familiar with her stuff.  Though her cover of The Killers Mr Brightside stuck with me.

Lolo Setlist

Bowling for Soup came on and I was surprised that I knew some of their songs.  Girl All The Bad Guys Want was a song I haven't heard in forever.  A modern classic, and a great kick off to the set.  A medley that included Mickey & Fight For Your Right was also well received.  My boys went through a Fineas & Ferb phase, but i wasn't aware that the show's song was Bowling For Soup.  But the audience did, and they went nuts when Today Is Going To Be The Best Day played.  As the set finished Bowling for Soup gave the best introduction to a song.  "Everyone thinks we wrote Stacy's Mom, we didn't - it was Fountains of Wayne - so we're going to play it anyway.  And then their big hit 1985 finished a fun 40 minute set.  Way better than I expected.  I will lookout for them again if they come through town.

Bowling For Soup Setlist

In complete contradiction, I don't know any Simple Plan songs (well, 1 but I only learnt that tonight).  Simple Plan's pop punk was was well received by their crowd, whose only mission tonight was to have a blast - And they did!  Half way through the set, Simple Plan's singer Pierre Bouvier, came out to play Untitled (How Could This Happen To Me?) on a piano at the back of the seated section.  Staff was made aware of this and we moved to be in a spot to stop too many people coming too close.  There was one couple that said they were told to wait near the sound booth, but I moved them back a bit.  It wasn't until one of the crew grabbed them that I found out he was proposing to his girl before the song played.  I almost ruined it - felt like shit - nut it all turned out for the best.  Thank God!  My favorites was a medley near the end with All Star, Skater Boi & Mr Brightside.  This was followed by the song I did know.  As Simple Plan got people up on stage, who had come dressed in costume, they ripped through the their theme song from What's New Scooby Doo?.  Awesome.

Simple Plan Setlist

I love having a job that is this fun.  Sure I might not like the music, although tonight I came across a couple of new-to-me bands that were fun, there is usually 3000 - 5500 people that are into it.  And their energy is addictive.  They want to talk to you about their band, how many times they've seen it, and how good this smaller outdoor venue is.  Can't wait to work more shows here.

The Crap Facts
This is my 530th concert.
This is my 22nd concert at Skyla CU Amphitheater.
This is my 127th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 151st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 330th concert in the USA.
Lolo are the 621st band I've seen.

Bowling For Soup are the 622nd band I've seen.

Simple Plan are the 623rd band I've seen.

Collective Soul & Live @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

Yet another band I have waited forever to see again.  It was in the pouring rain at Alternative Nation 30 years ago that I last saw Live.  30 Years!!!!  And that was the original Live - though I'm not bothered about line up changes, as long as the band performs.

I remember dad bringing me the Mental Jewelry CD, and loving it from the first listen.  So to hear Pain Lies On The Riverside first up was the start of something magic.  And straight into Selling The Drama......chef's kiss.  I'm 22 again.  In a Throwing Copper dominant set, there were few songs I didn't know.  This is a great show!  Shit Towne and Lakini's Juice definite highlights.  As expected they finished with a couple of crowd pleasers.  Both I Alone and Lightning Crashes made the hair stand up on back of my neck.  To hear such great songs be so powerfully played after 30 years was unbelievable.  I hope I get the chance to see Live again.  This night was awesome!

Live Setlist

I had some work to do, and was posted in a different spot when Collective Soul came on, so I didn't get into the set as much.  Actually I don't know a lot of their stuff.  But it was a good sound, and, as always in this venue, people were into it.  I was surprised/delighted to hear Shine pretty early in the set.  It sounded so good .  They other song I pined for, and got near the end, was Gel.  And again it was perfect.  I see a lot of older bands slow their stuff down, but the tempo on this song was hot, and the crowd responded accordingly.

Another night of good music - that they are now paying me to listen to.  How good is that?

Collective Soul Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 529th concert.
This is my 21st concert at Skyla CU Amphitheater.
This is my 126th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 150th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 329th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Live concert.

Collective Soul are the 620th band I've seen.

Eladio Carrion @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

I'll keep this review pretty short, because while I did see the whole concert as I worked - I couldn't get into it.  Reggaetron?  Rap?  EDM?  Hip Hop?  All genres I don't normally listen to.  And to top it off (for me) personally)  it was all done in Spanish.  I had no idea what was going on.

What I did see - as I like to when I'm not into the music - is a crowd who were well into it.  Normally shows at the Amp see the lawn and pit fill up first, then people get to their assigned seats when they're ready.  Tonight the pit packed in early (I did the wristbands for the pit right up until Carrion came on stage).  and a lot of people were in seats, but the lawn was near empty.  Those who came wanted to be close.  I've never seen so few people on the lawn.  Regardless, the crowd that was there was into it.  Everyone one was singing along (I assume, again Spanish) and dancing the night away.

While I don't dig Eladio Carrion's music, I did get to meet 3000 people that do.  And they had a blast!

Eladio Carrion Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 528th concert.
This is my 20th concert at Skyla CU Amphitheater.
This is my 125th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 149th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 328th concert in the USA.
Eladio Carrion is the 619th band I've seen.

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

We're staying in town today, so we start just outside the hotel at Crepes of Brittany.  I feel like it's been forever since I've had a crepe.  So these were exceptional.

The Monterey Bay Aquarium runs a free trolley from the hotel, so we take advantage of that and cram on with half of California on the first trolley of the day.  An easy entry in as we have purchased tickets in advance and the place is packed from the beginning.  We start at the sea otters, who are putting on a show for everyone packed against the glass.  From there we walk over to the Into The Deep tank, which is massive, and keeps us entertained for a while.  Of course the sharks we amazing, and the quantity of jellyfish.  But just outside from the Touch Pool we could see more seals and otters in the ocean just beyond the aquarium.  Another thing we watch (from a distance) is the kids who were learning to scuba dive in the tide pool fenced off in the facility.  Not for me, but I'm sure that is an amazing experience.  Weirdly I know this is a world class facility, but it seems kind of small.  Yet we are in there for 3 hours.

 

Jellyfish, Monterey Bay Aquarium, CA

First things first when we leave the aquarium, it's time for lunch.  L and I opt for sandwiches from Conglio Brothers, a deli inside a wine and olive oil shop, while M&B grab something from Jack's Bao, across the street.  We meet up and eat in the glorious sunshine by the waters edge.

We are in Cannery Row, known to me from the John Steinbeck novel, so we wonder around and look in shops and see all the restaurants we aren't going to eat at before we head up to San Francisco tomorrow.  Poor M, I know she shops better than her 3 boys, but we stopped her spending too much time here.  The walk back to hotel is just over a mile, and it's too nice a day to be inside, so we walk back.  We do have to make a stop at Fisherman's Wharf for our daily ice cream.

For dinner tonight M has found the Beach House Restaurant & Bar at Lovers Point, Pacific Grove.  It is only a 15 minute drive north west of the hotel, and a beautiful old house overlooking the Pacific Ocean.  We delighted in our seafood dinner as, again, seals and otters popped their heads up out of the water on the beach below us.  This was a fitting ending to our stay in Monterey, and I am looking forward to part 2 of our trip tomorrow as we move into San Francisco.

Monterey, CA

Before this morning becomes a driving day, we have breakfast at Bagel Bakery, just up the road from the hotel.  We sit and enjoys a coffee/tea and dive into these great egg bagels.

Today we are headed down the scenic 17 Mile Drive.  This starts just south of Monterey and goes through Pebble Beach, along the coast, and down to Carmel.  The drive starts foggy, but its clear enough at each of the many stops we make.  One of the early (and favorite) ones is at Bird Rock.  While seals aplenty swim in the water, their need to get up on this rock island is overpowered by the shear amount of black birds on sunning themselves already.  Also at this stop is some volunteers, offering information and binoculars.  While L & I stayed up high, M & B climbed down to Fanshell Beach for a quick look around.  At Cypress Point we saw a lone white seal.  I'd never seen one that color before.  The next stop was The Lone Cypress.  A top a rocky point sits this single tree.  We got there and got photos,  but 15 minutes later, as we left, there was so much fog you could not see the tree, or the ocean.  We left and headed to Carmel before realizing that we'd been so fixated with the ocean that we had not seen any of world famous Pebble Beach Golf Course.  Maybe on the way back.

Bird Rock, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA

Lone Pine, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA

DML&B, Lone Pine, 17 Mile Drive, Pebble Beach, CA

We drove in hoping to stop at Carmel Beach to look around.  There was too much traffic and literally nowhere to park, so we headed into town to look around.  We spent an hour looking around town and through all the local stores.  WE opted for Brophy Tavern for lunch.  It was a little bit out of the main area of  the town, and the only place without a long wait.  A nice pub lunch before we are back in the car again.

Our trip sees us continue south on the CA1.  We are hoping to get to Big Sur, but the road is not an easy one to navigate.  Between fog rolling in, road works, and the naturally tight one lane each way, it is actually slow going.  A has volunteered to drive, and I know it is taking it out of her, becasue I fell exhausted from the drive in the passenger seat.  

There are a number of places to stop on the way, and we do so.  Garrapata State Park is where we stop the longest.   We walk along a trail out to the cliff's edge.  The coast here is rocky and has many cliffs, not the sandy beaches I've come to know all my life.  And the fog!  So much of it.  Blinding one minute, then clear blue sky the next.  With stops due to roadworks (because of last years landslides) it takes over another hour to finally make it to Big Sur.  We don't arrive until 5pm, so we didn't go into the park.  Both because we had seen all the Redwoods in Santa Cruz and we were a little worried about driving back in the pending darkness.

D&M, Garrapata State Park, CA

B&L, Garrapata State Park, CA

No stops going back north.  That is until we get into the 17 Mile Drive again.  We stop at the clubhouse of the Pebble Beach Golf Course.  While none of us are golfers, you don't have to be to enjoy the beauty and history of this course.  I wish I had taken up the sport when we lived in Vegas.  So many times a knocked back a round.  It would have been amazing to try and play a round here.  Mind you we were heading into dusk as we got here.

Arriving back at the hotel we were too beat to leave it again, so we had dinner at Jack's in the lobby.  Although they were both super tired, the boys ploughed through a huge meal, and it wasn't long after we got back to the room that we surrendered completely for the day.  An absolute beaut!

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.

MBL& D, Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park, Felton, CA

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.

BM&L, Roaring Camp Railroad, Felton, CA

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 a part of.  We didn't do any of the rides because of the wait times, but we just liked being at the boardwalk.

Santa Cruz Boardwalk, Santa Cruz, California

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 8 days 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 to the 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.

DMB&L @ Miramar Beach Restaurant, Miramar, California

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

It is another work night, so my concentration is not fully on all the bands all the time.  And it's hot.  Distractingly hot!  Getting people in their seats meant I paid minimal attention to the openers, and there was nothing they played that stood out as something I'd go out of my way and listen to again.  That being said, I don't really chase a lot of new music.

Sitting on Saturn Setlist

Badflower Setlist

What you get at a 311 show is very dedicated fans.  Nobody's there to casually see 311.  Everybody has seen them at least 20 times.  59 was the record for people I spoke to.  I saw them 22 years ago, back in the early Vegas days, but they've never really been my thing.  So tonight the music, again, became background noise.  There were a couple of times I saw singer, Nick Hexum, in action.  And he has "it".  A magnetic presence, like he was born for the stage.  I can see the attraction for fans.  Hexum has charisma that fills the stage.  About half way through the set they covered The Cure's Lovesong, which I really dug.  Amber at the end of the set was another song I recognized, and a hit the whole crowd went crazy for.  A 2 song encore included Down, which put everyone on a high to finish the night.

I would not have come to this show had I not been working, but I still had a good time soaking in the atmosphere of the dedicated 311 fans, and hearing the 3 songs I knew.

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

I'll take the fall for this one.  I didn't write this entry until 3 months after the show happened.  There were so many work shows in a row, I was not keeping up.  Not a lot stands out in this show for me.  The music is not what I'd go for and was not enough to keep my attention.  I do remember Bnny did a cover of Weezer's Sweater Song.  It was slowed down, and sounded silky, but that was the highlight early on for me.  Between the extreme heat and getting people where they needed to go, the music didn't capture me.  But this was another show where good fans of these bands were great people and had a ton of fun.

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

What have I just seen? This is my 2nd night working at the Amp and things couldn't be any different from Sturgill Simpson's show last month.

First up was Bloodywood.  An Indian metal band.  I liked this sound.  The metal with the south-east Asian twang is really unique.  Throw in the fact they are a bunch of boy-band-good-looking blokes dressed in different colored dhotis (? - I could be wrong about the name, but it looked like traditional Indian clothing).  It still makes me turned around when I hear metal during daylight.  And in this heat....  Interesting sound that I would like to see in a smaller club (in the dark).

Bloodywood Setlist

Babymetal did the right thing picking Black Veil Brides as an opener.  These heavy goth rockers (Does that sound Gen X enough) have a good following in, and are keen to get the energy levels up.  I admit, I only heard the show, I didn't see much as I was ushering people into seats.  When the sound went 2 or 3 songs in, I thought there might be a riot, but all was fixed by song's end, and Black Veil Brides powered through the rest of the set, with fans a blazing.

Black Veil Brides Setlist

And then there was Babymetal.  They've played the Underground (800 people) and the Fillmore (1800) and now selling out Skyla (5000 people) in the 3 years I've worked this venue.  And these fans are die hard.  They band come out, in the background, dressed as Japanese warriors and started a heavy riff.  Then appeared the 3 Babymetal singers, dressed in a kimono-styled dress, who proceeded to deliver a Japanese language metal scream while performing choreographed pop dance moves.  I've never seen anything like it.  Old man here had no idea what was going on, but there was no one in the crowd that wasn't top of their lungs singing.  It was wild!  I didn't understand a word sung, but I was oddly drawn into this spectacle.  The Japanese-metal-pop-imagery-choreography scene is definitely not my thing, but good on Babymetal for finding an audience and growing it rapidly.  Maybe next time they'll be at the PNC Pavilion.

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.