Vieux Fakar Toure @ Festival d'ete de Quebec

This morning we are headed to Quebec City for a couple of days.  It's an easy 3 hour drive up Autoroute 20.  It's mostly greenery either side of the freeway all the way up.

We are staying in the Hilton in the upper part of dowtown Quebec and drive straight there.  It's too early to check in, so we start doing some wandering.  First stop is lunch.  A ten minute walk from the hotel towards old town, just inside the city walls, is L'Omlette, a beautiful brunch restaurant in a very old building.  Timinig was perfect as we get a (open) windowside table looking over the passersby.  The food was good and plentiful to get us going.  

DMB&L, L'Omlette, Quebec City, QC

We then spend the afternoon just wandering and discovering this beautiful city.  Our first stop was Notre Dame de Quebec.  Not as large as Montreal's, but a beauty in the center of Old Town.  Right across the street is the magnifcent Richard Mille Clock, encased in glass.  Art and time mixed together.  Art is another highlight in this city, just like Montreal.  Again, there are lifelike frescos painted all around the lower part of town.  As well, Quebec is hosting a Le Mignonisme installation by Phillipe Katerine.  He has inflatable pink people hangning off buildings all throughout the city.  It's surreal, but also cute at the same time.  There were maps to discover them, but we found it better just to stuble upon them when we could.

Le

B&L, Quebec City, QC

DBL&M, Le Mignonisme, Quebec City, QC

The Notre Dame des Victoires is also in the lower old town, and a beautiful little church which we walked through.

After our late afternoon ice cream, we caught the funicular up to the Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac.  This former castle tuned luxury hotel is the centrepiece of the city.  While big and regal, it still suits the surrounding city.  Ironically, I didn't get that high end feel when we went into the lobby.  The hotel seemed a little worn, maybe in need of an update.  We wanted to stay here, but initially when we looked, we baulked at the price, and eventually it was sold out.  Nearby was a market coming to the end of its day.  We had time to go through it quickly.  While in the area we got to see a fantastic sculpure.  Welcoming by Timothy Schmaltz is a statue that if you look at from it left side, it looks like a weary traveller, from the other side it depicts an angel.  It took my breath away.

Welcoming by Timothy Shmaltz, Quebec City, QC

We walked over to to rue Saint-Jean, a street that was jumping with people, and had dinner at Les Freres de la Cote.  A good meal, nothing exceptional, but also a much needed stop as we'd been out and about for 5 hours. 

We kept wandering after dinner and eventually sat briefly at Place d'Armes watching kids play in the Monument of Faith Fountains.  We walked back towards the hotel, and could hear music as we went.  When we got to the city walls, we climbed up and found we were overlooking a stage as part of Festival d'ete de Quebec.  The festival goes for 10 days over 4-5 stages around the city.  There is one main stage, in a field not far from us, but the rest of the stages are free concerts for anyone.  We found outrselves listening to Mali guitarist Vieux Fakar Toure.  After a couple of songs we walked around to Place de Assemblee to get a better look.  The family stuck around for a couple of songs, but with the hotel only across the street, they headed back while I watched the rest of the show.  Known as the Hendrix of the Desert, Toure played for 2 hours as he and his bandtore shreds off the guitars over the top of African beats.  Absolutely amazing!  I've never seen music like this live before.  Everybody was moving - whether you knew what he was playing or not.  A fantastic end to a huge day.  Quebec City, we are on a winner here,

B&L, Festival d'ete se Quebec, Quebec City, QC

Vieux Farka Toure, Festival d'ete se Quebec, Quebec City, QC

The Crap Facts

This is my 508th concert.
Place de Assemblee is the 138th venue I've seen a concert at.
Quebec City is the 57th city I've seen a concert at.
Quebec is the 17th state I've seen a concert at.
This is my 4th concert in Canada.
Vieux Fakar Toure is the 594th band I’ve seen.

Punk Rock Bowling @ Downtown Events Center

This morning I went downtown to catch up with Claudia, Denise & Jesse from the Hyatt/Loews Lake Las Vegas.  We had brunch at 1228 Main, a cool spot that Claudia likes.  What a morning!  We spent 3 hours laughing non stop, about everything and nothing.  I hadn't seen these guys since we moved from Vegas 11 years ago, and catching up was like we had seen each other last weekend.  I didn't like how they said life was working in the hotels these days.  Sounds like Covid made management forget how to treat employees in the Concierge industry.  But otherwise all three were doing and looking great.

We were at the venue just before 5pm in order to catch the English Beat.  I saw them here in 2012 and really liked it, and today it added a mellow start to the day.  Mirror In The Bathroom was the only song I recognized and got the crowd riled up at the end of their set.

The English Beat setlist

Bratmobile were up next.  I was surprised to find out the had been around since the early 90s and from Washington.  They would have fit perfectly into what I was listening to at the time, but is seems they have slipped through the cracks.  They put on a good show.  I knew none of their stuff, but picked up a bit of Cheap Trick Record, and their Cherry Bomb cover to finish the set was a pearler.

Bratmobile setlist

Old school punk back on the main stage, with Stiff Little Fingers.  Again, not sure why I've never heard of this band, but that is the beauty of coming to Punk Rock Bowling - to find new, and new to me bands.  I liked their message of community in their songs and their between song banter.  They looked like they were appreciative of the crowd, and blown away that they had the opportunity to play for so many years.  Hate Has No Home Here was a particular favorite mid-set.

Stiff Little Fingers setlist

I watched a little bit of Scowl, but wasn't taken in by them.  I used the rest of the time to seek out food.  Then it was back to the main stage for Gogol Bordello.  I will tell you now, Hell will freeze over before Gogol put on a bad show.  The whole bands energy from start to finish is an amazing way to convey their message to the crowd.  And there was no one in the crowd standing still.  I Would Never Want To Be Young Again started it for me.  Straight into Not A Crime & Immigrant Punk and the crowd was on fire - matching the band for energy.  While only a 9 song set, it fit Punk Rock Bowling perfectly, and Start Wearing Purple was the finisher you'd expect.  That song was stuck in my head for days.

Gogol Bordello setlist

Sounds weird to say, but to wind down after Gogol Bordello, the small stage had the powerful Quicksand.  Their singer/guitarist looked familiar.  I looked him up an realized it was Walter Schreifels from the Gorilla Biscuits.  Then I remember them talking about that back at Riot Fest (though I missed Quicksand there).  More heavy and angular (think Helmet) than punk, Quicksand continued the energy push and the crowd was into it.  I need to look into them more - I'd never heard their stuff - and they were good.

Quicksand setlist

Another reason to come out this year was Madness.  Their show back at the House Of Blues in April 2012 is still a highlight from living in Vegas.  Tonight it took a little longer to get that feeling.  Sound issues meant they were delayed getting on stage, the crowd becoming restless - as you do on the last act of a 3 day festival.  The band finally arrived behind the Star Wars theme and, predictably, launched in to One Step Beyond, much to the roar of the crowd.  They then played a bunch of songs I didn't know, including 3 off a new album, and started to lose the crowd (I thought).  A poor attempt at humor had a band member badly singing a shit version of Livin' On A Prayer, under the guise of a casino audition.  But straight after they launched into House Of Fun, and all was forgiven.  From then on, it was all the good stuff.  Baggy Trousers, Our House and It Must Be Love.  The delay at the front end didn't allow for an "encore", so the band played pretend, we cheered ike it was a stage return and they finished off the set with Madness and Night Boat To (Cairo) Vegas.  Dave and I even got in the pit for the last song.  It's been years since I've done that, and afterwards I remembered - cause I'm 51, not 21.

Madness setlist

A great weekend's music was only outdone but getting to hang out with some old friends.  The boys keep asking to come to Vegas, to see where they were born.  I've only been back twice in 12 years.  We'll have to do it sooner, if just for them.  That and I didn't get to visit my old work-wife, Lisa.  SHifts and shows didn't allow us to cross paths.  Next time.

The Crap Facts
This is my 507th concert.
This is my 7th concert at The Downtown Events Center.
This is my 153rd concert in Las Vegas.
This is my 153rd concert in Nevada.
This is my 308th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd English Beat show.

Bratmobile are the 590th band I've seen.
Stiff Little Fingers are the 591st band I've seen.
Scowl are the 592nd band I've seen.
This is my 5th Gogol Bordello show.

Quicksand are the 593rd band I’ve seen.

This is my 2nd Madness show.

Punk Rock Bowling @ Downtown Events Center

The late morning started with Erik & India at Eggworks for breakfast.  Another old favorite breakfast place from our days of living here.  Afterwards we just took it easy until we headed downtown in the late afternoon.

We got down to town earlier than predicted.  Enough time to catch Niis.  A few songs anyway.  I felt like I was being yelled at.  During and between songs.  We left the sunny main stage area to grab a water and head over to the side stage.

This was the reason I had to be hear early today.  The mighty Cosmic Psychos.  Saw them last October for the first time in 31 years, and here they are, back in the US.  Just for Punk Rock Bowling.  Not more an appropriate band.  They only get a 20 minute set, but they have set a standard for the day.  A Nice Day To Go To The Pub lets the crowd know they are dealing with Australian rock royalty, and leads into a crowd singing Fuckwit City.  All 7 songs are what they played back in Asheville, and just as great.  The finale sees Macca do his famous shirt-off belly roll with a guitar over the back of the head during David Lee Roth.  Fun set.  Wished they'd played longer

Cosmic Psychos setlist

Back over to the main field for Destroy Boys, where a majority of us preferred the Golden Nugget's shade to standing closer to the band.  A good set of songs that I didn't know, except for the Should I Stay Or Should I Go cover.  Destroy Boys had a good energy and did their best to pump up the crowd, which was not an easy task this early in the day, and in this heat.

Destroy Boys setlist

We took a break for an early dinner (missing Snooper) before heading back into the now majority shaded main stage area.  When that sun is gone, it feels so much better.  And when it sets, it feels perfect.  The Subhumans then gave us 40 minutes of old school English punk.   Alot of political and social commentary from another band that I had not heard before, even though I'd heard their name for years.  Too Fat, Too Thin was a favorite of the night.

Subhumans setlist

The first chords of Starcrawler were ringing out as we reached the side stage.  Singer Arrow de Wilde has a unique stage presence.  Her tall figure stalking the stage really fits the music.  I had seen de Wilde walking around earlier, not knowing who she wa.  But she is a lot taller than I am and her distinguished mane of hair makes her hard to miss.  Her stage presence makes her seem bigger.  And the crowd love them.  Maybe some LA people who know the band, but they were deservedly well received.  As usual I didn't know any of their songs, but quickly joined in to the recognisable Ramones cover Pet Semetary.

One of the reasons I came out for this show was Rocket From The Crypt.  It had been 25 years since I last saw them, opening for Mudhoney in Sydney, though I have seen other John Reis bands in the meantime Hot Snakes, The Night Marchers & Me First & The Gimme Gimmes).  Hoping to hear some of their RFTC album, we got 13 songs from other albums instead.  While a great rock band, they weren't like any other "punk band" on the line up.  A mid set On A Rope was my favorite.  Not quite as I remembered all those years ago, but still glad I got to see Rocket From The Crypt again.

Rocket From The Crypt setlist

Back over to the small stage as The Chats arrive to a thunderous applause.  No talking tonight, just ripping through as many songs as possible in 50 minutes.  Pretty much the same songs as the Neighborhood Theatre 2 weeks ago, but definitely at a faster pace.  6L GTR amped up the crowd sufficiently, and it never settled down after that.  The Smoko / Pub Feed ender was fantastic and had the crowd exhausted.  Another great performance from this band.  I'll happily see them anytime they come around.

The Chats setlist

Another reason for the trip out was for Devo.  It's been a while since we saw them at the old Joint, and it seems like they are wrapping up touring after 50 years, so I got to see them while I can.  The show starts with a Devo video introducing their career by "manager" Rod Rooter, before the red dome hats hit the stage.  It was a slow start, but once they started Girl U Want, the crowd whipped into a frenzy.  Quickly followed by their most recognizable song, Whip It, Devo showed they are still ahead of their time.  So good!  A costume change after Planet Earth - into their yellow plastic Devo suits - saw them play 5 awesome songs til the end of their set.  Uncontrollable Urge was a song I knew but didn't realize was theirs, and Smart Patrol/Mr DNA was a definite highlight.  We only got Freedom Of Choice as an encore, but what a way to end.  This show was just as good as the first time I saw Devo in 1997 at Livid.  It was worth the trip to Vegas on it's own

Devo setlist

The Crap Facts:
This is my 506th concert.
This is my 6th concert at The Downtown Events Center.
This is my 152nd concert in Las Vegas.
This is my 152nd concert in Nevada.
This is my 307th concert in the USA.
Niis are the 586th band I've seen.
This is my 4th Cosmic Psychos show.
Destroy Boys are the 587th band I've seen.
Subhumans are the 588th band I've seen.
Starcrawler are the 589th band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Rocket From The Crypt show.
This is my 3rd The Chats show.
This is my 3rd Devo show.

Punk Rock Bowling @ Downtown Events Center

This morning we got up earlyish and drove down to the Punk Rock Museum.  We only decided on this last night, and opted for an early start, given the weekend.  Dave met Erik & I there and we had the place to ourselves for the first half an hour or so.  Dave is an annual memmer, so we had our own personal tour guide for the first hour, til he had to leave and meet Dee. The museum is great, plenty of memorabilia from the last 50 years of punk (mostly American).  Dave says they rotate stuff through their regularly, he sees new stuff every visit.  I liked the Pennywise garage.  If we'd known we'd have stayed longer, as Guitar Wolf played and hour after we left.

We hid from the heat back at Erik's house before we headed downtown to the show at around 3pm.  Erik dropped me off, as he was going to his godson's graduation first.  Within moments of getting through the gate, I hooked up with Dave and we went into the smaller stage to see Teen Mortgage (he'd already got in early to buy merchandise and see a couple of bands).  Teen Mortgage was a great start.  This 2 piece had a fantastic energy and sound, and the lucky few that were there early enough really dug it.

Into the main stage area to catch The Skatalites.  In the early afternoon heat, the Jamaican band bought a very mellow vibe.  Like the Specials 5 years ago, The Skatalites left everyone relaxed - not in a frenetic condition like the rest of the days punk bands.  After running into Ricardo from Trader Joes, we disappeared, before the end of the set.  Though we could hear a ska version of Viva Las Vegas in the middle of the Guns of Navarone.

The Skatalites setlist

999 were on the small stage next.  Old school English punk from the late 70s.  Dave knew of this band, but I'd never heard of them.  It was basically a half hour of hard driven rock.  Good show that would've been better if I was more familiar with the content.

Back into the main stage for Lagwagon and the first relatively big crowd.  I never got into this band.  They have the Fat Wreck Chords sound that is only best used by NoFX.  Most of these unknown to me songs, sounded the same, and yeah I can tick them off a list of bands I've seen, but probably not again.

Lagwagon setlist

Back at the smaller stage, Madball united a crowd not only out from, but on stage as well.  I don't knw who was watching from onstage, but it seemed like family and New York Hardcore royalty hanging out with friends.  I don't know any Madball songs, but like Gorilla Biscuits and H2O at Riot Fest, this band put on a show.  And the people loved it!  Lead singer, Freddy Madball, was having a great time.  As was his 8 year old daughter.  Watching on stage, she knew the beat of every song , and joined dad for a song, and played it like she'd been on stage forever.  She had all of dad's moves down and was not afraid to come to the front of the the stage for the crowd.  Freddie's son also joined dad for a song, though he seemed a little more reserved - hanging back as dad covered the whole stage.  This may have been the most fun set of the day.

Madball setlist

Billy Bragg was definitely a big drawcard for me.  I was supposed to see him 18 months ago in Raleigh. But I got Covid and had to miss out.  He labeled himself pretty well.  As much a punk, as a folk hero, or great story teller.  I thought it brave for him to be up there on his own, mixing great stories both with and without music, which really suited the audiences beliefs.  Erik finally joined us just after the start of the set.  Sexuality was great to hear.  Woodie Guthrie's All You Fascists Are Bound To Lose got the biggest cheer of the day.  Waiting For The Great Leap Forward was the song I wanted (and got).  It was perfect.  And the closing A New England was a song I forgot I knew, and a great end to his too short set.

 

Billy Bragg setlist

Back to the smaller stage for the ever ready Gorilla Biscuits.  Again their positive message and hardcore beats were a great mix for a good show.  From the opening trumpet of New Direction, Civ came to dance.  He had a blast, and was in the crowd as often as he was skankin' around the stage for the entire set.  And the band's energy was matched by an enthusiastic crowd up front, and an out of control pit.  While this set didn't reach the heights of Riot Fest las September, it was still a damn good show.

Gorilla Biscuits setlist

Too many people at Gorilla Biscuits means we didn't get back for the start of the Descendents closing set.  Of course we got our spor and I went to get a drink of water and they played the 1 song I knew, I Like Food.  All 17 seconds of it.  This is my 4th time seeing them, I should probably get better at knowing their songs.  They are short and sharp.  The loyal Southern Californians were soaking it up, but just after halfway through, Erik & I had had enough (Dave had gone after the Gorilla Biscuits) and made our way back to the car, listening to the rest of the gig walking through the streets.

Descendants setlist

On the way out I picked up the obligatory festival shirt to add to my collection of too many black shirts.  I good first day.  Hot, but not Las Vegas extreme, and I enjoyed all I heard.  Looking forward to continuing tomorrow.  I was in bed within 10 minutes of getting back to Erik's, and asleep within 2 minutes of that - still on East Coast time.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 505th concert.
This is my 5th concert at The Downtown Events Center.
This is my 151st concert in Las Vegas.
This is my 151st concert in Nevada.
This is my 306th concert in the USA.
Teen Mortgage are the 581st band I've seen.

Teen Mortgage are the 250th time I've seen a band in Las Vegas & Nevada.

The Skatalites are the 582nd band I've seen.

999 are the 583rd band I've seen.

Lagwagon are the 584th band I've seen.

Madball are the 585th band I've seen.

This is my 2nd Billy Bragg show.

This is my 2nd Gorilla Biscuits show.

This is my 4th Descendants show.

Riot Fest @ Douglass Park

A bit of rain this morning sees us leave the hotel early and head back to Yolk, where we are now recognized by the wait staff.  Doors have been delayed to 2pm, so we're in no rush to get out to Douglass Park this morning.  Hell, I'd be content to just see The Cure tonight.  It's the reason we're here in the first place.

It is not what we do.  We leave the hotel at 2pm and get to the station as the train arrives.  Everything goes smoothly and we are in the venue and in place to see Ride take the Riot stage at 3.30pm.  I couldn't believe this was the Ride from the 90's.  Very little fanfare in the US about their show.  I didn't even know they were still playing together.  I was never a big fan of the shoegaze style but remember they had a great album cover for Nowhere (with the curvy wave) and it was everywhere in the time I was discovering Waterfront Records, Red Eye and other of Sydney's independent record stores.  Turns out that today was the perfect day for them to play.  That dreary English weather followed them over, and their swirling sound literally swirled around in the Chicago breeze.  Vapour Trail was the only song I vaguely recognized, but all in all a good start to the day.

Ride Setlist

Erik wanted to stay for AFI, but I walked around to the distant Rebel Stage to see H2O.  Another band who has eluded me over the years.  I new they were a New York hardcore band, but had never listened to or seen them before.  I missed the first couple of songs, but singer Todd Morse was already in the pit (apparently he started an over 50's only circle - damn I missed it).  And it was there he stayed.  I still have no idea what he looks like.  Morse powered through the whole set in the crowd, as the band killed it from the stage.  It was definitely a great set, with a dedicated fan base loving every moment of it.  It was the closest I'd been to a stage so far, and definitely was boosted by the surrounding energy.

H2O Setlist

The Gorilla Biscuits were on this stage next, so I walked over to the Rise Stage to grab a late lunch and see a few Flogging Molly songs.  Again, this is a band that doesn't seem right to be see during the day.  Regardless, they gave it their all, as they always do when I see them, And the crowd was into it - all the way to the back.

Flogging Molly Setlist

Back to the Rebel Stage and in place (up front to the side of stage) for the Gorilla Biscuits.  First time hearing and seeing them as well.  The line up says they are playing their 1989 album Start Today, and I wanted to see what it was all about.  Erik was still over watching  Dresden Dolls, but, me and the crowd, and tons of people on stage waited in high anticipation until the thunderous arrival of the Biscuits.  From the get go, this fast action band had their diehard fans in a frenzy.  Their new ones were also enjoying it.  They played hard and fast, and had a dedicated crew in the audience singing every word.  They packed 17 songs into their tight set and were great from start to finish.  On day one, they had a great shirt at the merchandise booth (a Chicago Bulls comic front with Riot Fest 23 on the back), that I didn't buy because I didn't want to jinx them by getting the shirt before I saw them - wish I had now.  Great show.  Hope I get to see them again some time.

Gorilla Biscuits Setlist

I met Erik at the Rise Stage (found each other easily for 50,000 people in the grounds).  I was pretty excited to see another Gaslight Anthem show (twice in a year doesn't happen very often to me anymore).  The band sounded great from the start, and Brian's risky Chicago pizza jokes paid off, winning the local crowd over.  Old White Lincoln and Senor & The Queen were my 2 favorites.  While I hung on as long as possible to hear The 59 Sound, good spots need to be found for the Cure.  After the band finished Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts we walked away, only to hear the start of the song I wanted, before being lost in the sound of Mars Volta's last songs.

Gaslight Anthem Setlist

It's finally dark, dark when The Cure take the stage, and we are nearing the end of 3 good days of music.  While it feels like we're miles away from the stage, we have a decent view and the sound is great.  They started with Alone, off the latest album, which I'm not familiar with, and then plowed into 2 plus hours of great song after great song.  High was played in good spirit.  Hearing the bass start for Lovesong is always the best.  Was great to hear Burn from the Crow soundtrack (not one they often played until recently).  In Between Days and Just Like Heaven back to back was amazing.  I love Dinosaur Jr's cover, which I heard just last week, but the original is just the best.   And of course, A Forest is a personal favorite.  When they came back on for an encore, Smith explained he would speak little in order to get as many songs in as possible.  An 8 song encore!  Pretty sure they covered it.  Each encore song was better than the last.  Close to Me and Boys Don't Cry.  By the time they finished near on 10pm with Killing An Arab, I no longer wanted to go anywhere, and just have them play forever.  

The Cure @ Riot Fest

The Cure Setlist

Pretty easy ride home, and a successful, fun weekend had by all.  Having said that I think I'm done with the 3 day festival.  Even without partying, it takes a toll on this old body.  I say that now, but put the Cure back on the bill and I'll be the first one with tickets.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 492nd concert.
This is my 3rd concert at Douglass Park.
This is my 6th concert in Chicago.
This is my 6th concert in Illinois.
This is my 293rd concert in the USA.
Ride are the 568th band I've seen.
Ride are the 1100th time I've seen a band.

H2O the 569th band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Flogging Molly concert.

Gorilla Biscuits are the 570th band I've seen.
This is my 7th Gaslight Anthem concert.
This is my 6th The Cure concert.

Riot Fest @ Douglass Park

 Day 2 started back at our breakfast spot at Yolk.  Definitely no rush today, as we don't plan on seeing a band until 5pm.  You'd think being in Chicago, we'd take a look around after breakfast.  Nope!  Not us.  We've both been to Chicago a number of times, and yesterday took it out of us old guys.  So we rested up in the hotel.  And I enjoyed having a kid break.

We did work out that we can catch a train to Douglass Park, well close to it.  So just after 3pm we walked up to the L Train at Harold Washington Library and caught the Pink Line out to California and then the 20 minute walk into Riot Fest.  Much easier than yesterday.  But holy shit there a lot more people here today, already.

First up was Head Automatica on the Riot Stage (we're here a whole band earlier than expected).  Not my cup of tea.  

Head Automatica Setlist

We watched for the first 20 minutes before heading over to the Roots Stage to see Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls.  I've never heard of this band, but for some reason I wanted to see them.. And a right decision was made. This Englishman and his band were rocking.  And they have a pretty good following.  I wonder why they have slipped past me.  Anyway, there 45 minutes of energy was a good warm up for what was to come.

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls Setlist

Death Grips were next on the Roots Stage.  I had heard that this band had a reputation for a great show.  And if the opening song was anything to go by, this was totally true.  The Energy!  Man, the lead singer had an Iggy Pop-like energy and the drummer played like his life depended on how hard and often he hit those drums.  I'm unfamiliar with their hip-hop/punk songs, and some of it, to an unfamiliar ear, made me wonder if I'd heard 17 songs or one hour long song (it was the former).  In the end 3 tubs of sweat splashed off stage and a crowd was left to recover and seek rehydration before their next move.

Death Grips Setlist

Next up, on the adjacent Riot Stage, was the complete opposite to what we'd just seen.  Death Cab for Cutie.  Again another band I didn't know much about, be we used the set to get Erik a good spot for Queens of the Stone Age.  Death Cab just made me feel old.  All the kids loved them, but this old man couldn't get into it.  

Death Cab For Cutie Setlist

With the sun setting, I left Erik to go back to the Rise Stage to catch my 9th Pennywise show.  And as expected, they flew through another blistering set.  From Straight Ahead to begin, Pennywise put in a show as good as always.  Wasn't long before an all time favorite was played, Same Old Story.  Their 3 mini song NoFx covers lit up the crowd, as the band pleaded for them not to break up.  About 1/2 way through, they called out Chicago sons, Tim McIlrath and Joe Principe of Rise Against.  They joined the band to play Nervous Breakdown and Minor Threat.  I was supposed to head back to Erik at this oint to catch the start of Queens, but this was the best I'd seen all day, and we all know how a Pennywise set finishes.  Perfect People and Society were great lead ins to the sing along Stand By Me cover.  Unfortunately this set had to end.  I could have stayed there the rest of the night.  The distinctive bass line of Bro Hymn saw the bands' mass of friends move in from side stage to front and center.  Man, that is such a great song, and such a powerful set ender.  To have family and friends on stage singing to and about a former bandmate is something even the crown can share.

Pennywise Setlist

Between Pennywise songs I could hear Queens of the Stone Age kick off their set with No One Knows.  I got back to the Roots Stage to see their 5th song, If I Had A Tail.   From then on, Josh Homme's swagger filled the stage and Queens played an awesome set.  Make It With Chu and Little Sister were great songs, but A Song For The Dead to finish their hour was an attack on the senses.  I'd hate to be The Postal Service following that.  I had planned to see all of Queens of the Stone Age, and was bummed when they conflicted with Pennywise, but as much as I enjoyed the end of Queens, I'm glad I changed my mind and saw all of Pennywise.

Queens of the Stone Age Setlist

Erik and I split again as he stated to see Postal Service, I headed back to the Rise Stage to see Mr. Bungle.  I'd had a hit and miss with 2 Faith No More shows in the 90's, but was keen to see what this "experimental" band could do.  I thought that there would be some off-beat metal/noise-rock happening, but with Anthrax's Scott Ian and Slayer's Dave Lombardo, tonight's set was pretty straight forward metal.  Which there is not a lot of at Riot Fest.  I really liked the song Hypocrites/Habla Espanyol o Muere.  They then did a I'm Not In Love, a 10cc cover.  Great version, and funny to watch people think they know the songs and then it finally clicks.  I didn't stay to the end, but did get to hear Slayer's Hell Awaits and left after Spandau Ballet's True.  I thought that was a great way to finish the night.

Mr. Bungle Setlist 

A 20 minute walk back to the station as Erik and I relived the highlights.  The first 4 car train was packed, but moments later was an empty 8 car became full to the brim, to take us back into downtown.  So much easier than last night.  A good Day 2, while I didn't enjoy all the bands, I still like to see something new to decide on future shows,  Pennywise & Queens of the Stone Age were the best, but I am a new fam of Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 491st concert.
This is my 2nd concert at Douglass Park.

This is my 5th concert in Chicago.
This is my 5th concert in Illinois.
This is my 292nd concert in the USA.
Head Automatica are the 563rd band I've seen.
Head Automatica are the 550th time I've seen an American band.
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls the 564th band I've seen.
Death Grips are the 565th band I've seen.
Death Cab For Cutie are the 566th band I've seen.
Death Cab For Cutie are the 350th different band I've seen in the US.
This is my 9th Pennywise concert.
This is my 3rd Queens Of The Stone Age concert.
Queens Of The Stone Age are the 100th band I've seen in at least 3 times.
Mr. Bungle are the 567th band I've seen.

Riot Fest @ Douglass Park

Got into Chicago last night (even after missing my first flight while in the airport).  Erik got there before me and we met up at the Chicago Hilton, where we are camped in for the next 4 nights.  After dropping my bags in the room we wandered until we came across Maharaj for dinner.  A good Indian restaurant just a couple of blocks from the hotel.  As you'd expect, afterwards, we just headed back to the hotel.  We have to conserve as much 50 year old energy as possible for the next 3 days.

We were up at the crack of 9am - ahhhh to sleep without kids nearby.  We walked 3 blocks south to Yolk for enough food to last the whole day (a Yolk All Star Combo).

There was no rush, we didn't need to get there as gates opened at 11am, but we didn't know where we were going , so we caught a cab out to near Douglass Park and landed near 1pm.  I know I say this all the time, but this is going to be my last festival.  At 50, I don't want to stand out in a field for 3 days, even if it's to see some great music and catch up with Erik for our annual meet up and show.  It's been 9 years since we were last in Chicago for Riot Fest.  The Cure was the draw then, and reason why we've come back this year.

We got into the site, had a look around at what was where, checked our the 5 stages.  WE started the day off at the Rise Stage to see Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton.  I had heard about this band forever (they've been around since the late 60's) so I wanted to be here early enough to see them.  This band of about 1000 people definitely bring the funk.  A lot of hype-men and people on stage who I'm not sure what they do, bring some high energy to the early crowd.  George Clinton, though, looked like he was doing it tough. And rightly so, to be 82 years and up on that stage definitely should get props from anyone.  A cover of Jump Around and a snippet of The Roof Is On Fire were the only songs I knew, and after a while it was starting to sound samey to me, so E & I went and listened to the last few songs under the shade of a large tree. 

Parliament Funkadelic Setlist

When Funkadelic finished we had 1/2 an hour before we wanted to see Kim Gordon so we headed for the merchandise tent.  I usually don't buy stuff until I see a band, but we're in a short line and all 3 days worth of bands have their gear set up, and you know The Cure are going to be awesome, so I bought a Riot Fest specific Cure shirt.  There was a dozen others I wanted, but I controlled myself and stuck with the 1.

Back to the Rise Stage for Kim Gordon at 3.20pm.  I was hoping this would be me falling in love with Gordon again, after walking out of a Sonic Youth show in 1998 in Portugal.  This was not going to be the case.  But some of that was the difference between want and reality.  I just wanted to hear her play great songs, in her cool, Sonic Youth demeanor.  Instead she is the lead singer, not a bass player, of a band with a completely different sound.  And I know it sounds weird, but it may be better in a dark club and night, instead of on a large stage in the Chicago sun.

Kim Gordon Setlist

Before Gordon's set was over, we walked over to the Riot Stage (one of the 2 side by side main stages) to see The Interrupters.  Here is another band I'd known by reputation, but never heard before.  While theirs' is a rocking, ska sound, it just wasn't doing it for me.  It sounded a little No Doubt-lite for my liking.  As usual this is one man's opinion.  There were thousands of punters in front of me enjoying what The Interrupters did.  A cover of Billie Eilish's Bad Guy also didn't really hit the mark for me, and maybe because that song is so good on its own.

The Interrupters Setlist

Way in the back corner of the park, is the smallest stage, the Rebel Stage, where Screaming Females took the stage at 4.50pm.  This was a must see for me.  Melissa Paternoster is rock's current leading female.  Her voice is wild, but tame compared to her guitar shredding.  I was lucky enough to see them for a second time last November, and was happy to see them on a larger scale today.  As expected, their set was blistering.  And the crowd responded as such.  Ripe is the only song they played that I know by name, and it was a pearler.  I love seeing this band in a small venue, but I hope today that got a heap of exposure to a new audience and things kick on for them, because they are a great band who next time deserve to be on a bigger stage later in the day.

Screaming Females Setlist

Back to the Riot Stage to see The Breeders.  Kim seemed to be in a good mood and the band played Last Splash from start to finish.  Cannonball alone was worth the price of admission.  How is that album 30 years old?  I remember buying Cannonball on single a gazillion years ago.  The Breeders provided a mellow rock tempo as the sun disappeared for the day, and all of a sudden the weather turned cool.  The good news is the old men (us) found a spot where we'd camp for the rest of the night that allowed us to lean on a barrier and relax the back - hey! its hard work for us to rock out all afternoon.

The Breeders Setlist

Turnstile were next, on the Roots Stage, adjacent to the Riot Stage, so we didn't move.  We could hear everything great and could see some of the stage, but watched most of the set on the video screen.  Boy, the kids love this band.  There were people everywhere.  And Turnstile's lead singer matched their energy.  This band reminds me of Touché Amore, with their sound.  They really got the crowd amped.  I bet the show they did at The Fillmore a while back was wild.

Turnstile Setlist

Today's headliners hit the stage at 8pm to a massive, pumped up crowd.  I can't believe it's been 15 years since I last saw the Foo Fighters (back in the old Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas).  And boy, things have changed.  The Foo Fighters are bonafide rock stars now, and I think they know it.  All My Life kicked off the set, and very quickly I noticed that each song had it's rockstar ending.  Where the song kind on finishes, so the crowd cheers, and then the band plays a little bit extra before really finishing and the crowd double dips on their cheering.  Breakout, My Hero and This Is A Call were great mid set songs.  Then out of nowhere I needed to get to the bathroom, so I turned and tried to get out.  Holy Shit, there was just endless people.  I got on the back of a line of people trying to get out, but it seemed like a lost cause.  That is the closest I've ever come to panic made at a show.  At 6'2 I can usually see what's happening around me, but once Shame Shame started (the 2nd song of my trek) I was thinking I'd never get out.  Obviously I did, but it took a glass of water to calm me down.  Being out of that crowd also made it cool.  I had to by a hoodie to survive the rest of the night.  I didn't make it back to Erik, but watched the rest of th set from in front of the Roots Stage.  I was maybe closer, and with far fewer people around.  The 2 hour set finished with 5 good songs . Aurora, which they explained they'd play every show from now on, because it was one of Taylor's favorites.  Monkey Wrench - my favorite Foo Fighters song.  White Limo - which I'd never heard of, but apparently Grohl heard someone request.   Then Best of You, and the crowd favorite, Everlong made sure everyone was buzzed up as they left.

Foo Fighters Setlist

Overall a great first day.  Though getting back to the hotel was another story.  We hadn't really looked into how to get back, so we tried an Uber.  Ha!  That wasn't going to happen.  So we walked for about 2 miles before the Uber app finally picked a driver for us.  Then the police had a whole bunch of streets blocked off to stop revelers partying for Mexican Independence weekend.  The poor Uber driver was all over the place and eventually we bailed on him about 4 blocks from the hotel, cause there was nowhere else for him to go.  We better look into better ways tomorrow.  Looking forward to Day 2 tomorrow.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 490th concert.
Douglass Park is the 135th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 4th concert in Chicago.
This is my 4th concert in Illinois.
This is my 291st concert in the USA.
Parliament Funkadelic are the 558th band I've seen.

Kim Gordon is the 559th band I've seen.

Kim Gordon is the 300th different American band I've seen.

The Interrupters are the 560th band I've seen.

This is my 3rd Screaming Females concert.

The Breeders are the 561st band I've seen.

Turnstile are the 562nd band I've seen.

This is my 5th Foo Fighters 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.

Carolina Rebellion @ Rock City Campgrounds

3 years ago I said I wouldn't come back to this festival after how crowded it was, that I couldn't get near a stage.  However concerts have been so few and far between in the last 6 months, and it was a Xmas present, so I thought I'd see if this year was any better....and is was - by far.

Ideally, and in my youth, I'd have been at the opening of the festival checking out new bands and making the most of the day.  But now....I'm old.  And as much as I wanted to see The Bronx, they were on at 1.30pm and the next band I wanted to see (and what tipped me over the edge to want the ticket) was Billy Idol at 5.50pm.  So I didn't leave the house until 5.

I arrived early enough but was parked at the back of the Drag Strip and took me nearly half an hour to get into the venue (while listening to Dancing With Myself and Flesh For Fantasy.  I walked in and right up to about 25 yards from the stage - where is everyone?  It's Billy Idol!  Maybe everyone was recovering from the last 2 days here and would be around later.  But Billy (still playing with Steve Stevens) was awesome.  He still has a great presence and energy while performing.  Rebel Yell to finish the set had the crowd in a frenzy.  For his encore he came out for an acoustic White Wedding, before the band came back of stage to drive the song home.

I went and found a shady spot to have dinner and then thought I'd head over and see Incubus.  Was never a fan, but was really surprised how familiar a song or two was.  A mid set Nice To Know You kickstarted the crowd - and me - I remember that song.  And while I didn't know Wish You Were Here I really loved the way they incorporated Pink Floyd's song of the same name into the outro.  Overall I was impressed with the set, even though I had no expectations.

A quick move over to one of the smaller stages to see Baroness.  This was a band I literally knew nothing about.  A bit heavier than the rest of the bands I saw today and a good performance, but not necessarily my thing (at my age I'm very picky about any new music I listen too).  Having said that, a hardcore group of fans were really into this set.

 

I left a little early to get a decent spot for Queens of the Stone Age and was surprised by how easy it was to get close to the stage (20 yards or so) and not be mobbed by a ton of people.  QOTSA came out in blistering form, playing 3 songs in a row that I knew to begin with, the last of which was a rockin' No One Knows.  A solid performance that ended with the wild Song For The Dead.  A finish that just left you rocked and wanting more.  Let's hope they come back to Charlotte soon.

Maybe Muse is not for the younger kids (maybe it was too late on a school night), but again I had a relatively good spot and great sight line to see Muse.  Also ran in to some neighbors after many a text.  Matt Bellamy seemed angry tonight, not at anything in particular, but his style was aggressive, adding to the performance.  I am not someone who listens to Muse but what I like about Muse is that they are an arena band, but they have such a small amount to equipment on stage.  How do they produce that sound?  And as a 3 piece physically located close on stage, their presence fills a large area while playing.  The LED display to each song, enhanced the show.  And while I don't know many of their songs (actually only 1) the little outros they played after each song were great (Back In Black, Know Your Enemy, My Own Summer & Heartbreaker).  A 3 song encore ended with the epic Knights of Cydonia (the one I know), and a cloud of confetti the crowd of thousands left knowing they'd seen a great rock band.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 437th concert.

This is my 2nd concert at Rock City Campgrounds.

This is my 2nd concert in Concord.

This is my 80th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 243rd concert in the USA.
Billy Idol is the 503rd band I've seen.
Incubus are the 504th band I've seen.
Baroness are the 505th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Queens of the Stone Age concert.
This is my 2nd Muse concert.