AC/DC & The Pretty Reckless @ Mercedes-Benz Stadium

I have been excited for this show since I got tickets back in November.  AC/DC are a buck list band, and earlier this week a I had another performer removed from that list.  But not in a good way.  With the passing of Dolly Parton there are now 2 bands I get to cross off my list of wanting to see.

I left Charlotte mid morning to drive down to Atlanta, and when I arrived my room wasn't ready, so I headed up to the Hard Rock Cafe where they were selling merchandise for the show.  I got myself a non-black tshirt with all the AC/DC symbols since theier, and my, beginning in 1973.  I did a lap around town looking for record stores.  I found one, Crates.  Nice little store, but focused mainly on RnB and rap (I mean we're in Atlanta).  SO not really what I was looking for.  I ducked into Meehan's Irish Pub for a late burger lunch, not to mention escape the heat and humidity.  And then back tot he hotel to relax before the show.

I knew I was close to the Mercedes Benz Stadium, but didn't know how big the crowd would be or how hard it might be to get in so I left the hotel at 6, made the short walk (I just followed every other AC/DC tshirt in the city - they were everywhere) and was inside the venue within 20 minutes.  Got my Pit wristband - very excited about this - and went and got a spot in front to the stage to see the opening band.

I don't think the venue was half full when The Pretty Reckless hit the stage and initially that sound was echoing everywhere (and I had earplugs in).  Singer Taylor Momsen was a front woman who knew how to work a crowd.  She covered the whole stage during their 1 hour set.  It must be a double edge sword, a gig like this.  You are playing a stadium for the most enduring rock band on the planet, but you know who people are here to see.  While I didn't go much for their music, which was completely unknown to me, The Pretty Reckless gave it their all.

The Pretty Reckless Setlist

25 minutes is a pretty good turn around time between bands.  The roadies did a fantastic job and AC/DC were on stage before 8.30.  I ran off to the bathroom and got a drink and got back in the pit to a different spot.  I stood at the end of the walkway that sticks out from the stage.  Close enough to the band, but only 20 feet away when Anguis and Brian came down.  A video of a hot rod flying down the highway and pulling into the stadium was how it all begun.  The video finished, the lights went down for a second, and then the band appeared playing If You Want Blood (You Got It).  A quick hello to the crowd and Angus ripped into Back In Black.  And the crowd went nuts - the first of many times.  It had been 2 songs and I started thinking about how Angus is my dad's age, and Brian is 8 years older, and they are tearing this apart.  The opening riff to Thunderstruck was another highlight for me in the first half of the set.  Also the bell coming down, ringing, during Hells Bells.  I'm far from an AC/DC afficianado, but everyone around me knew every word to every song.  It was an awesome atmosphere!  Highway To Hell was another great song.  Every song ended with Angus running back to the rolling drums, and jumping through won last strum to end the song.  I don't know how he has the energy.  When I texted Erik that I hoped I could move like that at 70 plus, he rightly stated, I wish we could move like that tomorrow.  The truth hurts!  From Jailbreak on, it was song after song I thought was great.  The band took mini breaks between songs and Angus, Phil Rudd, Cliff Williams and Stevie Young all stayed together, Brian spent his time off to the side in his own space, coming back to the fold with each new song.  It was interesting to see the "engine room" stay towards the back while Angus & Brian were everywhere on the stage.  They both must of covered miles.  You Shook Me All Night Long sounded a little slower, but after 2 hours you can be forgiving.  To finish the set with A Whole Lot Of Rosie and Let There Be Rock was just perfection as far as I was concerned.  Easily 2 of my favorite AC/DC songs.  Even the 10 plus minute Angus solo to finish the night was amazing.  TNT stareted the encore and the night ended with For Those About To Rock (We Salute You).  

Great set and a great night!  I've never been a huge AC/DC fan but know enough of their stuff to want to havve them on a bucket list.  As an Aussie, it's hard to believe I hadn't seen them before, but in the last 20 years years there's only been a couple of occasions where the've been close (in my memory).  Once when I lived in Vegas, but didn't go to arena shows.  And once a few years back in Raleigh, but when Axl Rose was sising and not Brian Johnson.  

Definitely a lot of happy people walking back to their respective hotels, all still buzzing from the night's festivities.

AC/DC Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 548th concert.
Mercedes-Benz Stadium is the 146th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 3rd concert in Atlanta.
This is my 3rd concert in Georgia.
This is my 348th concert in the USA.
The Pretty Reckless are the 636th band I've seen.

AC/DC are the 637th band I've seen.

Savannah, GA

A nice sleep in before heading over to Spread Bagelry to try and relive some Montreal breakfasts.

A late-ish start to the day but it is not long before we are headed over to the Ships of the Sea Maritime Museum.  The former William Scarborough house is now home to this neat museum and garden showing the vessels used around the area over all periods of time.  Most fascinating is that this has been the sole purpose of this building for the last 30 years.  From 1878 to 1962 it was a school for African American children.  It had to be abandoned after 1962 as the Board of Education let the place go to ruin.  The Historical Society took over in 1972 helped restore the building, which the museum took control of in the mid 1990's.

2 blocks away is the SCAD Museum of Art (attached to the Savannah College of Art and Design).  A lot of modern art goes well over my head, and tis museum was a 50/50 split as to what I liked and what I thought wasn't great.  I really liked the colorful Ken Gun Min embroidery-woven paintings.  That and the black and white photos of Zanele Muholi.  Some really distinct African portraits, but the best being the black Mary sculpture, shrouded in a white cloth.  Really outstanding.

How Deep Is The Ocean by Ken Gun Min, SCAD, Savannah, GA

Umkhuseli (The Protector) by Zanele Muholi, SCAD, Savannah, GA

After a snack lunch we drive the 30 minutes out to Tybee Island.  We park and walk along the beach, and the pier, as well as a few beachside stores.  We probably spent 2 hours here.  Nice enough, but will never live up to our beloved Litchfield Beach.  On the way home we drive into Old Fort Jackson.  It takes a few moments to realize no one is here, because the fort is closed for the day (it's past 5.30pm).

A quick change in the hotel and we walk the half mile up to Public Kitchen.  There's an hour and a half wait, so we go looking elsewhere.  We walked back towards the middle of town, and found an Asian Noodle Bar.  As we were seated we got the text to say a table was available back at Public Kitchen, so we bailed and raced back for a nice, fancier meal.  It didn't disappoint.  Really great food and a great last meal in Savannah.

On the way back to the hotel we stopped for dessert at Leopold's Ice Cream.  A Savannah institution, this 106 year old store has an hour long line even at 9pm.  We decided to wait and see what the fuss was all about.  Don't get me wrong, it was some good ice cream, but not wait in line forever good.

We had a great 3 days in Savannah.  Good weather, good food, great history lessons.  Having said that, I'm not sure we'd head back there, unless we were taking someone who has never been.  I feel like we saw all we needed and probably don't need to experience it again.

Savannah, GA

We couldn't be this close to Bluffton and not catch up with Nat, so she came down and had brunch with us at Little Duck Diner.  We put our name down as she left her place and we got the call up just as she arrived 45 minutes later.  This place is jumping, and the food excellent.  The little ducks in the drinks are a nice little touch.

L,M,Nat&B, Ellis Square, Savannah, GA

L is not feeling the best (his arm is still sore, and allergies are rampant), so he heads back to the hotel while A,B& I head over and purchase tickets for the Old Town Trolley.  This jump on jump off trolley will take us to various sights around town, with commentary, and we can get out and explore as we please.  We get on at Franklin Square and the trolley takes us through the middle of town and then south to Madison Square, where we get out to see the Sorrel-Weed House.  Back on to the next stop, in the middle of Forsyth Park, after we have driven around the edge of the park.  Great spot to get out and just wander.  WE walked to the next stop for the trolley to pick us up and take us on to the Cathedral of ST John.  This beautiful old Catholic Church stands out in a beautiful city.  We spent some time inside before getting back on the trolley to ride out the rest of the afternoon.  We skipped the next 7 stops, opting just to enjoy the scenery and take in the history.  The trolley took us back down to the river, past the Pirate House and the Colonial Park Cemetery, before we got off near Chippewa Square.  L was ready to meet us then, so he walked up to meet us, we got ice cream and then walked back down towards the river to wander the stores and stalls, and find a spot for dinner.

Me, A & B, Cathedral of St John, Savannah, GA

Cathedral of St John, Savannah, GA

Cathedral of St John, Savannah, GA

We went back to the hotel before dinner and saw one of the coolest sights.  A fully stacked cargo ship was coming into port and cruised by our window.  It is ridiculous how enormous these things are.  We're on the 6th floor of the hotel and the shipped dwarfed us.  It was massive.  I can't fathom being in the middle of the ocean on one of these giant ships, just absolutely packed with goods to be imported.

Dinner was on the river at Graffito Pizza.  A really good pizza and fresh food.  We decided on beignets for dessert so walked down to Huey's.  This topped of a great, fulfilling day.  We're exhausted!  Sleep comes easily tonight.

Savannah, GA

This Spring Break we drove the boys down to Savannah for 3 nights.  It's a town that the boys and I have never been to, and A hasn't been there in over 25 years.

It's a long drive as the end of the 26 slowed down and the 95 was a crawl all the way in.  We come in over the bridge, with a great view of the city, and down to the riverfront to check in at the Cotton Sail Hilton.  We have a great view, right on the river.

We unpack and are straight into town.  Just 2 blocks away is the City Market and we stop at the Cafe at City Market for a late lunch.  Nothing exceptional about this place, except that it didn't have a wait to be seated.  After lunch we wandered aimlessly as far away as Oglethorpe Street.  We weren't sure what we were looking at, just soaking in the old town and it's beauty, but that will change tomorrow.  We ended walking along the river before taking a break before dinner.

The boys spotted Orale Tacos during our walk, so that is where we ended up for dinner.  A good meal, and fun to watch the boys practice their Spanish with the waiters.  While the boys were exhausted after dinner and went back to the hotel, A & I wandered around for another hour or so.  What we mostly found is that Savannah is a town for people who like to drink...a lot.  Holy drunkity drunk drunks!

Looking forward to tomorrow when we'll get a proper tour of the town.

Les Savy Fav & Ultra Lights @ The Earl

I am getting to an age where I still love seeing shows, but getting motivated to see them is getting harder and harder.  This is the case tonight.  Les Savy Fav are a bucket list band, but Atlanta is as close as they get.  And when a three and a half hour drive turns into as 6 hour drive, I really question what I am doing.  There were 2 occasions where I was just stopped on the 85 for 45 minutes at a time, and considered turning around and going home.  I'm so glad I didn't!

The Earl is a new venue for me, and is in the cool East Atlanta Village.  It looks like a street where it all happens.  Late night bars, restaurants and just people out and about.  But tonight I get to the venue just in time to line up through the narrow corridor, to the back room, for Ultra Lights to start 5 minutes later.  While waiting in line, Les Savy walked past, much to the crowds cheer.

Ultra Lights are a local band, and seemed pretty stoked to be playing tonight.  A good sized crowd in the small room (Dive bar?  maybe) were in early and saw Ultra Lights put in a good 35 minute set to warm up the crowd.

Within 25 minutes a white-wigged Tim Harrington was on stage, pulling out all the dance moves to the lead-on song, before the rest of the band joined him.  As the guitarist's pick slid up the strings and Harrington burst into "He's a bad motherfucker....16 pairs of shoes in his closet....", the wig was quickly lost, the suit jacket dispersed of, but the dancing ramped up a couple of notches - band and crowd - as LSF opened with Blackouts on Thursday.  From the start the band were on fire, and Harrington spent as much time in the crowd as on stage.  And when you could take your eyes of him in the crowd, you'd see a tight band having a great time on stage.  The music reflected that.  The sound and songs are great.  I'm not familiar with a lot of their songs, but Reprobate's Resume was rocking, as was Patty Lee.  To finish the set the notes of The Sweat Descends rang out to the joy of everyone.  You could tell people had been having a good night but this song took it up a notch.  Again Harrington was out in the crowd, and was this the song he left and sung in the front room (? - I can't quite remember).  The band left the stage, leaving behind a fired up crowd.  It wasn't long before Les Savy Fav were back for more.  The 4 song encore crescendoed when in the middle of Dirty Knails, Harrington got everyone on the floor, before busting out for a banging finish.  I'm not sure how he did it, but by the time I bought the Oui LP, Harrington was a the exit, thanking everyone for coming.

My cousin Moz gave me a digital copy of Inches in 2009, and it is an album that gets listened to all the way through quite often.  Les Savy Fav are now a bucket list band I can cross off, but I'd happily sit in 6 hours of traffic to see them again - any day.

Les Savy Fav Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 512th concert.
The Earl is the 140th venue I've seen a concert at.
This is my 2nd concert in Atlanta.
This is my 2nd concert in Georgia.
This is my 312th concert in the USA.
Ultra Lights are the 595th band I've seen.

Les Savy Fav is the 596th band I've seen.

Les Savy Fav are the 600th time I've seen a band in the US.

Navarre, FL

Road trip to Carla & Tammy's for Spring Break with the whole family from 13 - 19 April 2014.  Included trips to Georgia Aquarium in Atlanta, GA, a fishing trip with Captain Mike on Pensacola Bay, FL, and a day at the Air Force Armament Museum in Elgin, FL and plenty of pool time and good company at Carla & Tammy's in Navarre, FL

L, Me, B & A @ Georgia Aquarium, Atlanta, GA

B's first fish - Pensacola Bay, FL

L's first fish - Pensacola Bay, FL

Blue Angel practice while we fish in Pensacola Bay, FL

A, B, Tammy, L, Carla & Captain Mike @ Navarre, FL

A & L @ Elgin Air Force Armament, FL

The Cure & The Twilight Sad @ Lakewood Amphitheater

So night 2 of The Cure saw Erik and I leave Charlotte around 11 am to drive down to Atlanta.  This is the first time I've done this drive (this way), and I gotta say - not sure how I kept awake the whole trip.  It is dull!  We checked into the Midtown Hilton and had a rest before the nights activities.  After a quick dinner at the Trader Vic's in the hotel, we drove the 8 miles down to Lakewood Amphitheater without the hassle of the traffic we encountered coming into Atlanta.  Not knowing the area we took a spot in a parking lot when Google Maps said we had arrived at the destination.  We were taken for $20 but later on tonight that will seem like a bargain.

Once inside we tried to see if we could get upgraded seats (which they were offering in Charlotte last night) but the show was sold out, so we went for our spot on the general admission lawn.  I didn't know that the tickets had gone on sale and this was all that was left by the time I got tickets.

We picked our spot about 3/4 of the way back, dead center, and made ourselves comfortable for the last half of the Twilight Sad.  Again I've heard nothing from this band that I particularly like, but it was good to hear how humble they were playing in a venue of this size, opening for the Cure.

 

The Cure came on as the sun was still out, which felt a little weird, protecting your eyes and trying to see them as they played.  We were in the same spot and had plenty of room to move and Erik and I didn't draw in our usual freaky crowd.  Tonight's set is a lot darker (a stack more from Disintegration) and not as poppy/fun as last night's.  But it's The Cure, so you know it's all good.  It wasn't until Lovesong that it was actually dark and felt like a Cure show.  Being directly in front (as compared to the side last night) gave a whole new perspective to the entire light and visual show.  Just Like Heaven got the whole crowd dancing for the first time and sounded just great.

For me, it all kicked off from the first encore.  Shake Dog Shake was one I wanted to hear desperately and it didn't disappoint.  With the flute tied to the Robert Smith's mike stand you knew when he picked it up, Burn was next.  An underrated song from the Crow soundtrack, I'm glad I got to hear it both nights.  Then my all time favorite, A Forest, finished it off.  Not the spine tingling moment I had last night, but such a great song.

A quick break, and the still heavily clothed Smith (it's not as hot as last night but we aren't under the aluminum roof like last night) spoke of feeling like he was playing an "out of tune radiator" each time he changed guitars, before launching into Lullaby, which got the loudest reception for the night.  Fascination Street and Wrong Number were splendid follow ups.

The 3rd encore started with The Walk, which was as good as last night.  And then the lively Doing The Unstuck, before the crowd went apeshit for Friday I'm In Love.  The mood of the crowd and the band was on the up all night and you'd think after 9 songs in 3 encores that would be a great way to end it, but no, there was more to come.

The Perfect Girl was the start of the end.  This Kiss Me song is not one I was familiar with, but there was no denying the beginning of Hot Hot Hot!!!  Man, it sounded so good!  Straight into Close To Me.  It was just one iconic song after another.  Why Can't I Be You was another smashing rendition, all to be closed out with Boys Don't Cry. Last night's show was out of this world fantastic and was always going to be hard to top, but tonight's show was great for many different reasons.  13 songs out of the 31 weren't played last night.  The cooler-ish weather made it more comfortable.  And just seeing a great band in a new venue/state was exciting.  If I didn't have a family, I would have seen a ton more shows on this tour.  I will have to settle for the next time around.  I can't wait!

The Crap Facts:

This is my 406th concert.
Lakewood Amphitheater is the 114th venue I've seen a concert in
Atlanta is the 49th city I've seen a concert in.
Georgia is the 13th state I've seen a concert in.
This is my 214th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Twilight Sad concert.
This is my 5th Cure concert.

Atlanta, GA

Staying in a real house, we took the opportunity for a bit of a sleep in this morning. It was nice to sleep in a real bed in a real house. We are staying at Natalie’s place even though she is currently in LA for work.

We started the day with lunch at a pub in Little Five Points before we drove out to Buckhead, a suburb of Atlanta. This is where Amy was born and lived the first few years before moving to Charlotte.

We went downtown to the Coca Cola Museum, suffering the traffic that is apparently synonymous with Atlanta (I couldn’t take that every day). Coke was invented here in Atlanta, and the museum backdates the history of the drink (and the conglomerate it founded) before detailing the advertising that makes it so popular. At the end of the museum the opportunity is there to try different Coke products from all over the world, which, of course, I did.

Coca Cola Museum, Atlanta, Georgia

On the way back to Natalie’s we stopped at a supermarket to purchase food for a home cooked meal. Once we were back at the house, we were in for the night.

Memphis, TN to Atlanta, GA

This morning we drove out to the Brooks Museum to see a Linda McCartney exhibit. As you’d expect, there were heaps of Beatles photos, as well as the Rolling Stones, Grateful Dead and many others. I’m glad our museum choices are better than out movie choices. We drove downtown and went to Huey’s for lunch. Huey’s has a reputation for having the best burgers in town, and they did not let us down. 

From lunch we went to the Lorraine Motel, site of the assignation for Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The motel is now a civil rights museum showing the injustices of slavery, racism and apartheid. This was a really interesting and moving exhibit, which ends in the actual room where King was staying when he was murdered. Highly emotional to say the least! 

Amy, Lorraine Motel, Memphis, Tennessee

After the museum we bid farewell to Memphis and headed off on our long unadventurous journey to Atlanta. We arrived just after midnight and settled in to Amy’s friend, Natalie’s, house.