Jet @ The Underground

Jet Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 551st concert.
This is my 15th concert at The Underground.
This is my 140th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 170th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 351st concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Jets concert

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals @ The Orange Peel

Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 550th concert.
This is my 8th concert at the Orange Peel.
This is my 21st concert in Asheville.
This is my 169th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 350th concert in the USA.
Ben Harper & The Innocent Criminals are the 638th band I've seen.

The Aquabats @ The Underground

The boys and I head out to the Underground to catch the Aquasbats again.  This is their 2nd Aquabats show, my 3rd.  We arrive to catch the last couple of songs of Sullvn.  They were joined on stage by the Mighty Mighty Bosstones Dicky Barrett to do a cover of The Impression That I Get, and Raise A Glass.  Maybe we should have come earlier.

No video screen tonight, but from the first launched beach ball at the start of Pool Party, The Aquabats were in fine form.  Songs were pretty similar to what we saw in Asheville last year.  But probably a different order.  It was great to hear Martian Girl.  The only song from the only record of theirs that I own.  Pizza Day had the inflatable pizzas hurled into the crod.  The band didn't put the kids on them this time.  But that didn't stop the parents in the crowd.  I saw a number of kids crowd surfing on the pizza.  The rest of the set was all fun, ska-based music that the Aquabats do so well.  Bat Commander was in fine form with his between song banter, and we even got a couple of songs with Lil Bat on the stage.  A great 4 song finish to the main set.  Ricky Fitness on vocals for The Outfield's Your Love.  An appearence by Magic Chicken! for his aptly names song.  Bat Commander took to wheels whule singing My Skateboard, and the the much celebrated Burger Rain to finish the night.

I short gap before the encore started.  Of the 3 songs played, Shark Attack was the best.  Inflatable sharks included.  And then, with only one kid onstage tonight, Super Rad closed out a super rad night.  L bought a shirt and B said he had a blast as well.  Love doing my favorite thing with my favorite people.

Aquabats Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 549th concert.
This is my 14th concert at The Underground.
This is my 139th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 167th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 349th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Aquabats concert

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.

Band of Horses & Dinosaur Jr @ Hellbender

A is out of town for work , so the boys and I head up to Asheville for the night.  And they want to come and see Dinosaur Jr (again).  So we're off to the very first show at the Orange Peel's new venue, Hellbender.

A few hours drive up to Asheville, including a Chick Fil-A drive thru and we are at the hotel mid-afternoon.  Before we head to the show we finally make it to Asheville Pinball Museum.  we'd tried a couple of times before, but never when it was open.  We blew through 2 hours before we knew it.  They weren't as impressed with 1942, Galaga, Donkey Kong, Space Invaders and Moon Patrol as I was, but they had a great time nonetheless.

We drove out to the venue a little early, as I wasn't quite sure where it was, or what we might be in for.  For starters, I'm glad I forked out for parking.  We weren't a quarter of a mile from the entrance.  And those that hadn't planned ahead looked like they were struggling.  A storm caused some chaos as it delayed the gates opening in this outdoor venue.   The line came all the way back to the parking lot, then curved back to the entrance.  It took about 40 minutes to get in, but when we reached the point we started, the line was longer still.

We missed the first 2 Dinosaur Jr songs (Goin' Home & I I Ain't Sating), as we were outside, but we could still here them pretty well.  We were in place for them to start their shortened Where You Been set.  After a great Out There and Start Choppin, there was a commotion down the front, which Lou Barlow called for medics.  There was a delay for a medical team to take care of someone.  I'm not sure what happened but it seemed like the patron was stretchered out.  Dinosaur Jr continued on, but didn't play 3 songs off the album, finishing with Get Me.  They finished with 4 songs from different eras, including their new single, Several Got Away.  But Just Like Heaven and Feel The Pain was the blistering finish to a shortened set.  Another great show from a favorite band.

Dinosaur Jr Setlist

The boys enjoyed it, and I'm glad to report they knew a few songs.  I must be doing something right.  We lined up for some pizza right after the set, and weren't served until after Band of Horses started.  Food was good, and by the 2nd song we were back into the show.  None of us know Band of Horses stuff, and they were playing their album Everything All The Time.  We stuck around until mid set and I went to the now not-song-long-lined merch tent to by Where You Been on vinyl.  Would have loved the shirt too, but that may have been overkill.  I met up with the boys and watched a couple more songs.  They hit a slower song, so we decided to call it a night.  On the way out we stopped side stage to watch one more song.  This was the best spot of the night, I wish I'd found it earlier.  The Band Of Horses fans were having a blast, but it wasn't for us, so we left and beat the crowds getting out.

Band of Horses Setlist

A couple of things about the new venue.  Firstly we did the right thing by paying for parking.  We paid a mid price $20, but it was real convenient.  After the show I read of long waits to get the shuttle back to the remote parking lot.  Next, there was a lot of lines.  To get in - though through no fault of the venue.  The weather was the problem here, but it was disappointing not to see the whole Dinosaur Jr set, as that was who we were there for, but what can you do?  The beer sales were in a spot that would've been a prime viewing for the bands, it needed to be way back.  The lines there were out of control, and it was funny listening to Asheville people complaining that there was only Charlotte beer available.  We waited a long time to get food as well.  There were 5 or 6 food trucks in the venue.  In future there may need to be more.  I hope these inconveniences can be worked out over a couple of shows, as this seems like a great outdoor venue.  I might see how things change for Acid Bath and Melvins in September.

We tried to get up and go for a hike in DuPont State Recreational Forest.  After 3 full parking lots, a storm put and end to our plans.  Instead we drove into Brevard, had a quick walk around and then a great lunch at the Square Root.  All this and we still made it back to Charlotte in time to catch the England v France 3rd place World Cup game.  

The Crap Facts
This is my 547th concert.
Hellbender is the 145th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 20th concert in Asheville.
This is my 167th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 347th concert in the USA.
This is my 12th Dinosaur Jr concert.

Dinosaur Jr are the 650th time I've seen an American band.

This is my 2nd Band of Horses concert.

Band of Horses is the 300th time I've seen a band in North Carolina.

USA vs Senegal @ Bank of America Stadium

Great day for it.  Cloud cover keeping the temperature down, great seats on the club level, and a crowd ready for some for football.  Here to see what the USA is up to coming into the World Cup.

I've never seen it so busy to get into Bank of America before any game, even Metallica for that fact.  But we made it into our seats just in time for the national anthems, the American flyover and then kick off.  It was an interesting line up for the USA.  I understand Pochettino is looking for his best starting XI, and you'd assume this was an indication, but I was surprised to see Weston McKennie & Brendan Aaronsen on the bench.

The US wasted no time in trying to stamp dominance as a beautiful inside pass from Pepi put a Pulisic break on the left, which lead to a inch perfect cross on the 6 yard box to Dest, and the US were up 1-0 within 7 minutes.  Crowd happy!  The US kept up the intensity on Senegal, and the pressing up front was impressive.  Not long after the referee pulled up Pulisic for an off the ball incident.  I missed it and they didn't show a replay on the big screen, so I'm not sure how serious it was.  It didn't phase Pulisic.  In the 20th minute, he took a nice pass from Pepi again.  This time though, he took a touch around the Senegal keeper and slotted it in for a 2-0 lead.  A great team goal that started all the way back with Matt Turner.  Surprisingly, it was the Senegalese crowd who then made the most noise.  Where did they come from?  It was a road that took the stadium aback, and seemed to be the boost the Senegal players needed.   A couple of defensive errors saw Senegal nearly get one back.  Turner made a good save denying Ndiaye.   Then another off Mane only a minute later.  That pressure paid off just before half time, when a Robinson mistake midfield, lead to a nice run from Mane, who scored Senegal's first.  2-1 at the half.

Wholesale changes to both teams at half time (being a friendly) saw both teams have a renewed push.  A good press by Tillman forced a mistake and it looked like his ball allowed Balogun to restore the 2 goal lead, only for it to be called offside.  Another Balogun goal was called back for a foul on defender.  Not a popular decision with the crowd, made worse when Tillman was monstered by Jackson, whose touch over debutant keeper, Grady, let to Mane bundling in his 2nd and bringing the score to 2-2.  It only took 11 minutes for Tim Weah to get down the right and put a cross in that Balogun finished.  And this time it counted.  US up 3-2.  And he could have had his 2nd moments after the restart, only to sky it over the crossbar.  In the 75th minute Balogun had a shot parried straight to McKennie, who hit a post, for it to bounce back to Balogun, who had a 2nd shot stopped by Senegal keeper, Diaw.  Can't quite put this game to rest, not the crowd at ease.

The US did hold on though.  A 3-2 victory and a good warm up for the World Cup in less than 2 weeks.  Overall it was a strong attacking performance, though a few defensive errors may be cause for concern.  Or happiness for us Aussies cheering on the Socceroos, with the US team in our group.  Time will tell.

USA 3 (Sergiño Dest - 7, Christian Pulisic - 20, Folarin Balogun - 63) defeated Senegal 2 (Sadio Mané - 44', 52)

Crowd: 57,741

Willie Nelson @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

I do love my job!  Tonight Willie Nelson and Family grace our outdoor stage and I get my spot at the top of the stairs to watch it all.

An older crowd braved the cloudy and humid conditions.  Even though / Because I wore my poncho all night, the rain stayed away.  A smaller than usual crowd for this venue, we were able to keep everyone off the lawn and into seats close the front.  

Opener Lily Meola gave her all to warm up the crowd.  I wasn't paying much attention to her, as I was actually working.  Her voice did handle a wonderfully true to its original Jolene cover, which did catch my ears.

Shortly after 8.45pm, with pretty much everyone in their seats, Willie & band graced our stage.    I missed the first song, running an errand, but was back for Stay A Little Longer.  Seated for the night, Willie did minimal crowd work, and plowed through his set.  Working Man Blues & Mama Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys was a great 1-2 combination.  What I did notice is Willie no longer sings his songs, more talks through the words.  This was really noticeable in You Are Always on My Mind, but his voice shone for George On My Mind.  Me & Bobby McGee was well accepted by the crowd, as was Roll Me Up & Smoke Me When I Die.  With just over an hour on stage Nelson finished his 21 song set with It's Hard To Be Humble, before the band played a jam as he left the stage.

Certainly not the 3 hour energy driven show I got when I first saw Nelson in Vegas in 2003.  But if that's the difference between being 70 years old and 93, that's still a good show.  I will never take for granted seeing a legend such as Willie Nelson, even though my love for country music is pretty minimal.

Got to mention the crowd tonight.  What a dedicated fanbase!  Out in the poor weather, this older crowd had a great time.  And no one complained about climbing all the steps to get to seats, or the fact that our restrooms are about as far away from the front door as they can get.  Something our younger crowds could take not of.

Willie Nelson Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 546th concert.
This is my 26th concert at the Skyla CU Amphitheater.
This is my 138th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 166th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 346th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Willie Nelson concert.

Local H & The Vandoliers @ The Underground

So I could either work outside at Ol' 60, or go and see a favorite band for the 8th time.  Like there was a choice!  It had been a busy week, with a lot of night shifts, and A being of town, but I missed a couple of Local H shows just after Covid (due to a soccer practice injury), so I want to see them every chance I get.  I'm also getting super hyped about the As Good As Dead reissue coming out soon.

Luckily I left the house early, because the Skyla show was sold out and getting to the venue took twice as long as a usual drive to work.  I walked in about halfway through the Vandoliers set.  I had never heard of them before but they put on a good show, and were having a great time doing it.  There sound is like that jiggy-punk of Flogging Molly.  Not really my thing, but I liked what I heard tonight.  The last 2 songs especially every Saturday Night and a cover of the Proclaimers 500 Miles had the crowd charged and ready for the night.

Only 20 minutes between sets make this old man happy.  Straight into Nothing Special was a start that the crowd wanted.  A good amount of people in the already-filling Underground were already singing every word (I was a bout 7 people from the front).  A raucous High Fivin' MF was the the 3rd song in.  And it was amazing.  Always special to see a band perform one of your all-time favorite songs.  Scott and Ryan looked into, just like 7 months ago when they opened for Everclear here in Charlotte.  After the song, Scott declared they were celebrating the 30th anniversary of an album (As Good As Dead) and would be playing tonight.  Stoked!  There is not a bad song on that album, and now I'm even more excited to receive my album sometime in June.  Eddie Vedder had the crowd in full voice and the perfect warm up for Bound For The Floor.  This song was special.  The crowd was at full voice, and the Stooges TV Eye snippet mid-song was so ggod.  

This is the 2nd time in a row I've seen Local H open for another band (though I did not stick around for the Toadies tonight).  45 minutes of pure excellence, but I'm greedy for more.  I need them to headline again soon (like when AGAD finally comes out).  Until then, I'll keep it copasetic.

Local H Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 545th concert.
This is my 13th concert at the Underground.
This is my 137th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 165th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 345th concert in the USA.
The Vandoliers are the 635th band I've seen.

This is my 8th Local H concert.

GWAR @ The Fillmore

I was going to come to this show tonight, but I got scheduled on to work, so I thought I was going to miss out.  What happened was I got cut about 15 minutes after GWAR's set started, so I was able to amble in and get myself a great spot side stage.  Before the show, one of the secondary GWAR Characters (inevitably one of the bad guys) was outside interviewing fans, mostly those that had been in for the meet and greet earlier.

I may have missed a few songs, but I got into the story straight away.  Gor Gor Strikes back I saw 5 months ago in Greensboro.  But there seemed to be more of characters in the story tonight.  I'm in Love (with a Dead Dog) featured "Kristi Noem" who, after shooting another innocent dog, was mutilated by the band. as the crowd fought to be drenched in her blood.  The same fate was given to trump during El Presidente.  I want to say they same thing happened to a "business man" during the set.  In the end, as Gor Gor gets his revenge on his captor, but suffers a sword through the brain during "Gor Gor", the rabid crowd is left to cheer the masterpiece theater that is GWAR.

I was tired and left before the encore (some Progressive dad energy, wanting to beat everyone out of the parking lot).  I wish I'd stayed as I missed the cover of Pink Pony Club (of course, they played that).  What was I thinking?  In true un-rock and roll thinking, a thought about the security team at the barried, who did one hell of a job catching crowd-surfers, all whilst under the deluge of GWAR's blood, and while getting into the music.  Also a big shoutout has to go to the clean up crew tonight.  They had their work cut out for them.

Gwar Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 544th concert.
This is my 32nd concert at the Fillmore.
This is my 136th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 164th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 344th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd GWAR concert.

Alabama Shakes & Joy Oladokun @ ExploreAsheville.com Arena

Merry Christmas to me.  A bought these tickets for me for Xmas, so we headed up to Asheville for a night to see a band we were both super excited to see.

We're staying at the Hotel Indigo, and were lucky enough to get an upgrade to the penthouse suite.  Nice!  I've never had that before.  It's a shame we're only staying 1 night.  I could get used to this.

We were out the door not long after getting in, ,in search of dinner.  We opted for Rhubarb, at the top of town.  Wow! What a feed!  We split a beautiful fresh salad, and I ended up with a great burger.  It was a little cool, so we opted to sit inside, and I'm glad we did, as a drummer set up right outside the patio as we sat down.

After dinner we had a chance to wander around, only to find a big town festival taking place.  People were out in full force, enjoying the weather, entertainment and local vendors.  It felt rude to leave, but, you know, it's a concert.

Harrahs is back towards the hotel and we were able to get into the venue and to out seats as opener, Joy Oladokun took the stage.  She has a magic voice and had the early crowd entranced.  And her band was tight.  Figuratively and literally.  Packed in colse together on stage, the band knew the mission, and Oladokun played a set which easily won over some new fans.  A and I included.

Our seats were stage left, level with the stage, not 30 feet from the stage, on an isle.  You couldn't have wanted any better.  Alabama Shakes came on stage just before 9pm, to thunderous applause, and then put on a show.  Specifically Brittany Howard.  Her powerhouse voice came to the fore early on.  And the crowd responded accordingly.  While I'm only familiar with a few songs from Sound and Color, Alabama Shakes were playing some great songs all through their set.  Sound & Color was awesome and Don't Wanna Fight was even better than I expected.  Though Howard spoke occasionally to the crowd, her best interaction came when a couple had a sign asking her to sing at their wedding.  Her compromise - dedicating Give Me All Your Love to finish the set.  Emotionally awesome.  The crowd went crazy.  The Greatest was the highlight of the encore.  For me, that was because they did not play Over My Head (my favorite).  They played almost everything else off the album, but in a stroke of genius, Alabama Shakes kept me wanting more, and hoping they come near by soon. 

Alabama Shakes Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 543rd concert.
This is my 2nd concert at the ExploreAsheville.com Arena.
This is my 19th concert in Asheville.
This is my 163rd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 343rd concert in the USA.

Joy Oladokun is the 633rd band I've seen

Alabama Shakes is the 634th band I've seen.

Bush & James and The Cold Gun @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

It was a slow start after gates opened, even with minimal staff, so I did get to see a bit of James & The Cold Gun.  Their giant frontman, James (obviously) had a great stage presence, which may have made him look bigger than he was.  They played some rocking tunes (none of which I knew) and had the crowd well and truly warmed up.  

Afterwards was Mammoth, Wolfgang van Halen.  I was sent on a break at the start of their set, and was too busy to pay attention when I got back.

James & The Cold Gun Setlist

I had seen Gavin Rossdale with his dog inside the Fillmore as I was clocking in.  He was having a great time with his dog.  They guys is 7 years older than me, but still looks like he did in the 90s.  Bastard!  Bush came out all guns blazing with an Everything's Zen - The Chemicals Between Us start.  Crowd responded appropriately.  It set the tone for the whole set.  Bush were having a great time on stage, and I'm not sure out of them and the audience, who was feeding off who.  The Sound of Winter was the only song they played of their under-rated Sea of Memories album.  One I like.  It's a shame there wasn't space for a couple more.  Swallowed mid set saw Rossdale start the song solo, as the band came back in at the end.  The crowd was singing louder than her was.  And near the end, after expending so much energy on stage, Rossdale made his way out into the crowd to dance with almost everyone during Flowers Oa A Grave.  A brief break then saw them come out and encore with Machinehead, Glycerine & Comedown.  A fantastic finish to a great night.  I am looking forward to more shows in Skyla this season.

Bush Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 542nd concert.
This is my 25th concert at the Skyla CU Amphitheater.

This is my 135th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 162nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 342nd concert in the USA.

This is my 2nd Bush concert.

Bush is the 100th time I've seen an English band.

Bush is the 50th time I've seen a band at the Skyla CU Amphitheater.
James & The Cold Gun is the 632nd band I've seen.

A Conversation with Kamala Harris @ Ovens Auditorium

Merry Xmas A!  This is a delayed Xmas present for the Mrs.  Vice President Harris was supposed to be here in February but a snow storm put a stop to that.  While this is a tour to promote her book, I would be more than happy for her to flip the bird and tell everyone I told you so for a couple of hours.

And since the delay we've seen the president* overthrow the Venezuelan government, attack Iran at the behest of Israel, causing the price of gas to sky rocket, and seen the office of the presidency a laughing stock on the world stage.  I thought this could make the conversation, moderated by now local Brooklyn Decker, a little heated, but in Vice President Harris was very matter of fact and logical in her disagreements with the current government.  And while this was very interesting, it took away time for her to talk about her book, which was about her whirlwind, unsuccessful run for president.

This was an easy talk to enjoy, because Harris aligns with the same beliefs I have.  And it sat extremely well with her audience.  A majority of which were African American female, as well as members of the LGBTQ community.  I would have liked to known how many Republican voters were in the audience, and what their thoughts on the evening were.  Conversely, I would like to attend something similar from a Republican I don't particularly agree with (name one, it would be easy to come up with) and see whether I could be influenced by their beliefs/policies.  I'll admit, I doubt it. but I'd like to have the opportunity.

Harris was only on stage for an hour, which was disappointing, as I think we only heard the tip of the iceberg.  But one of my observations, which I will take under my wing, is that when Harris ever mentioned the current president* she would only ever the title of the role, and never his name.  Her dislike of what he is doing to the country, and how he got there, is glaringly obvious.  SOmething that very much rings true with me.

The Hives & The Chats @ Citizens House of Blues

I've come to Boston for a few reasons.  First, it's the catch up and a show with Erik.  Second that show is The Hives & The Chats, and 3rd, is because I've never been to Boston before.  We both got in yesterday.  I earlier and I wandered around near the hotel, the Public Garden, Boston Common, and the Cheers Bar.  Erik got in later and we went for a walk into the theatre strict and had dinner at the Fourth Wall.

The following morning we got up and walked around the corner to the Friendly Toast where we had a huge breakfast.  

It was then a $15 Uber ride to get to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum.  We had tickets for 10am (doors opening).  We then spent over 3 hours wandering through this palace of art.  I remember hearing of this place, and when Erik said it had been robbed in 1990, I realized I had seen the Netflix documentary, This Is a Robbery, a couple of years ago.  I'm excited to see this palace.  You walk in and immediately step into the courtyard in the center of the 4 story Venetian style palazzo /  former home of Gardner.  Built in the early 1900's by the the widow Isabella Gardner, the museum was personally curated by her, and kept open after her passing in 1924 with the proviso that the permanent exhibit remain as she designed it.  The museum is a series of rooms and corridors, each differently themed.  3 floors of priceless art (the 4th was Gardner's residence), one space just as fascinating as the others.  Weirdly, for me, what was most interesting was the still hanging bare frames from the 1990 robbery.  The first we came across was in the Blue Room on the first floor, a small Manet, was taken and the frame left tauntingly back in the head of security's office.  My favorite thing was all the statues leading down to John Singer Sargent's El Jaleo  in the Spanish corridor.  The 2nd floor contains the large Dutch Room.  It is here where 2 priceless Rembrandts and a Vemeer were taken, amongst other things.  These were larger paintings, and the empty frames on the wall really stand out.  The look sad, as they wait now 36 years for their paintings to return.  In the room workers were actively cleaning the ceiling paint.  About a quarter had been done, as staff carefully removed years of pollution carefully with Q-tips.  A degree of patience that only an art historian could have.  In the Short Gallery on this floor is where 3 Degas were taken.  These drawings were obviously targeted, considering how they had been displayed in folder like cases in the building.  Not necessarily obvious they were there.  The Tapestry Room here was magnificently lined by huge works covering every inch of the walls.  The 3rd floor also was amazing, though nothing from memory really stands out.  It was really interesting being in a museum with a sordid past that you knew some information about.  After 36 years, I think this priceless art is gone forever, but what a glorious day it would be if it was found.  I will watch that documentary again, if only to reconnect to this beautiful place.

It was mid afternoon before we left.  Again we were in an Uber and headed to Faneuil Hall.  A marketplace full of eateries.  We picked up a lighter meal, still recovering from the huge breakfast, before walking in North End.  Erica had told me Mike's Pastries was the place to go.  She was right.  The place was packed, and the food plentiful.  We took what we needed and went around the corner and ate it in front of Paul Revere House.  Afterwards we took the 15 minute self guided tour through the home of this American hero.  It was small. and they have done a great job of preserving it the best they can.  Once we were done here, we just wandered back to the hotel, to get ready for tonight's concert.

No dinner was needed, yet, so we caught an Uber, in the rain down, to the House of Blues at 7pm.  The front door is literally in the shadow of Fenway Park.  It's amazing.  It's really easy getting through doors and we walked into a packed venue.  I got 2 LPs last Saturday, so this week it was a Hives shirt to add to my collection.  We got our spot right behind the sound board, nearer the back, but with a great sightline.  The Chats came out and killed it again.  There set was similar to Asheville.  A different order, as well as the added Casualty and Nazi March near the beginning.  6LGTR had the crowd as pumped as expected and that energy ran through the whole set.  No Gym Shorts cover tonight.  Instead the had Paul Caporino of MOTO join them on stage for a cover of his Dance Dance Dance Dance Dance to the Radio.  Not a song I know, but a good one, and the audience loved it as well.  Smoko was the best song and again Pub Feed was an absolute ripper to finish their set.  I can't get enough of this band.  Let's hope they come nearby again soon

The Chats Setlist

To the fanfare that only The Hives can command, the band graced the House of Blues.  Their set was as dynamic as Asheville and was almost song for song the same.  My favorites came from Veni Vini Vicious, Main Offender and Hate To Say I Told You So.  But even with the familiarity the between song banter was different and the show had so much energy  The threw in a new song OCDOD and the encore had Bigger Hole To Fill instead of Smoke and Mirrors.  Again, I need to get familiar with the last 2 albums as that is where a majority of the set comes from.  But I have one of them now, so that shouldn't be a problem.  C'mon and Tick Tick Boom were excellent main set enders and it was definitely appropriate for them to finish the night with The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives.

Overall a great night!  New venue, new city!  I really dig Boston.  And hope to come back again for a more extended period of time.

The Hives Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 541st concert.
Citizens House of Blues is the 144th venue I've seen a concert in.
Boston is the 59th city I've seen a concert in.
Massachusetts is the 18th state I've seen a concert in.
This is my 341st concert in the USA.
This is my 5th Chats concert.
This is my 5th Hives concert.

The Hives & The Chats @ The Orange Peel

Back in September of 2023 The Hives were supposed to play the Peel, but Hurricane Helene had other plans.  The tour couldn't be rerouted, so this is a show I have been waiting for for over 18 months.  I'm just glad they came back (hint! hint! Violent Femmes).

And they've bought new Aussie legends The Chats with them.  As if I was ever going to miss this.  I drove up and back tonight, as I knew there was no way I was going to be asleep before 2am anyway.  Might as well get back and do it in my own bed.

A quick burger at Daddy Macs, and I'm in the venue 10 minutes before The Chats hit the stage.  Got myself a good spot, half way up the floor on the left.  And The Chats did, what the Chats do best.  Short, fast, aggressive punk rock.  Very much in a Australian pub rock sense.  I love how they have such a great following in the US, as there wording definitely lilts towards the Ocker way.  To see Americans shout out the words to 6L GTR. is amazing.  I don't even know how to convert that into American.  The Price of Smokes is another example of things no one else is singing about.  But the song is a classic.  And all played on borrowed gear, as singer Eamon Sandwith told us that none of their gear had arrived from home.  But for me it was 2 of the last 3 songs that are their best.  Smoko should be the new Australian National Anthem, and Pub Feed is the thought of every bloke after finishing a days work/  The Chats continue to impress, even without any new songs (for me) to throw into their setlist.

The Chats Setlist

The Hives have the best front man in rock today, maybe of all time.  Howlin' Pelle Almqvist has all the moves, charisma, humor and vibes in general to lead this great band.  And tonight he did it in his usual style again.  I was fully charged into the 2nd song, Walk Idiot Walk.  There was a lot of new stuff for me to hear, but it all fit the Hives sound perfectly.  An early Main Offender was definitely a highlight.  Veni Vidi Vicious is my favorite album of theirs, but as time goes on, I hear less of it live.  So it goes without saying that Hate To Say I Told So was another absolute banger.  And Come On! and Tick Tick Boom was a great ending to a short, sharp set.  A 3 song encore only covered their last 2 albums, but The Hives Forever, Forever The Hives was an appropriate ending to a great set.

I walked out with The Chats Get Fucked LP.  I'm sure it will go onto heavy rotation in the near future.  And even better, I'm meeting Erik in Boston next weekend and we're going to see them again at the House of Blues.

The Hives @ The Orange Peel

The Hives Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 540th concert.
This is my 7th concert at the Orange Peel.
This is my 18th concert in Asheville.
This is my 161st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 340th concert in the USA.
This is my 4th Chats concert.

This is my 4th Hives concert.

Los Straitjackets with Deke Dickerson @ Neighborhood Theater

I can't believe it's been 7 years since Mike and I made our discovery of Los Straitjackets at the Free Range Brewery.  When they were coming through Charlotte again, there was no way I was going to miss them.  And I get to find out about Deke Dickerson as well.

I was excited when I arrived at the Neighborhood to see the band was set up on the side stage, in front of the bar.  While I hate that tickets didn't sell enough to get them in the big room, the thought of another show near that stage was awesome.  And that was the case.  I was 3 rows from the stage with plenty of room to groove.  And plenty of dancing was done!

The masked Straitjackets came out and played 5 of their own songs before being joined on stage by Dickerson.  From there on there were classic covers done in the great surf-rock style.  Dickerson, who sadly I knew nothing of, is a rockabilly / surf-rock cult hero.  And a frontman who knows how to engage with a crowd.  His stories between songs, tells of a well travelled man, who spent his life surrounded by great musicians.  California Sun, King Of The Surf and Have love Will Travel was an awesome trio of songs early in the set.  I loved their Hawaii Five O cover, as well as their take on Link Wray's The Rumble in medley of 3 of his songs.  Have to mention singing What's So Funny Bout Peace Love & Understanding at the top of my lungs, and John Travolta-ing to Misrilou.  I was bummed to hear they were leaving the stage, only to find out they be back in 15 minutes to play a 2nd set.

The 2nd set, like the first, had Los Straitjakets come out on their own and play, including an instrumental My Heart Will Go On, a drummer-sung A Cry For A Beatle and an awesomely minimally choreographed Driving Guitars.  Dickerson rejoined them and straight into Bad Reputation meant no one wanted the night to end.  Every song was more fun than the last.  Mr Moto bought a shoutout for NC legend, the late Dex Romweber.  Beach Boys In My Room saw some great harmonies from all and sundry.  Gusto in IU Fought The Law and a finale of Woolly Bully put an end to 30 great songs.  But it wasn't over.  Exhausted, band and crowd also had to dance off to Surfing Bird & Louie Louie.

I know at my age it's hard to find people to hang and enjoy the music I like, but I wish people had listened to me tonight, because Los Straitjackets only means fun and happiness.  And everyone needs that.  I'm glad going to concerts on my own is something I enjoy, but if you weren't here tonight, you missed a great night.

Come back soon Los Straitjackets!

Deke Dickerson & Los Straitjackets @ Neighborhood Theatre

Set 1 Setlist

Set 2 Setlist

Los Straitjackets Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 539th concert.
This is my 13th concert at the Neighborhood Theater.

This is my 134th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 160th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 339th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Los Straitjackets concert.

Nine Inch Nails & Boys Noize @ Spectrum Center

What was almost a disaster of an evening turned into an incredible concert.

Free tickets from work were a blessing.  I had looked into buying tickets, but couldn't justify the price.  Seats in the lower bowl were over $200.  The last time I saw Nine Inch Nails, tickets were $40 and Soundgarden opened for them.  And the time before that was the $140 NIN/Jane's Addiction tour in Vegas.  But 2 days before work came through and we got some freebies up in the top deck.  Mike and I were there early and I went into the seats, with the stadium empty, and freaked out how high up we were.  I had to get back into the foyer to calm down.  We hung out while I tried to psych myself back inside.  Boys Noize started playing, so we walked back around to the seats.  That's when we were accosted by an angel.  A staff member was giving away tickets to fill seats in the lower bowl, and put us on an isle 6 rows back from the small stage in the middle of the floor.  I had already talked myself into leaving Mike there, and walking home.  But alas......we were about to see an amazing show.

Boys Noize DJed an hour.  The music was fine, but the old man in me thought it was only 1 song (and I should've been  DJ....ha!).  Trent Reznor slipped past us and onto the smaller stage right in front of us and started the set on his own, as the band joined one at a time (sans drummer) until they finished their 3rd song, Piggy right there in front of us.  The end of Piggy saw the Josh Freese kick into action with the drum attack of Wish on the main stage, as the rest of the band made their way up.  A frenetic start to the main stage was doubled with March of The Pigs.  Surrounded by a silk screen, and a cameraman who worked double time, Nine Inch Nails visually and sonically blew me away.  Copy of A was the pinnacle.  The multiple light copies of Reznor projected all over the stage was just perfection.  Never has a visual representation of a song been so suited to the music.  

Half way through the night, Reznor, Atticus Rose and Boys Noize cam back to the smaller stage in the middle of arena for another 4 songs, including the highly anticipated Closer.  I just spent the whole song being grateful to be there - I'd almost left before it started and I would've missed all this.  

Back on the main stage The Perfect Drug was a perfect song as was the double header to end the night.  Head Like A Hole was sung louder by the audience than the band in full throttle, only to be bought back down to earth by the haunting Hurt.  Just a dynamically different way to end a show.  This is the 5th time for me seeing Nine Inch Nails - over a 30 years period - and it's safe to say they are a great live band, who only get better each time I see them.  For the first show of 2026, I'm a little worried about how any other band can top that.

Nine Inch Nails Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 538th concert.
This is my 4th concert in the Spectrum Center.

This is my 133rd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 159th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 338th concert in the USA.
Boys Noize are the 631st band I've seen
This is my 5th Nine Inch Nails concert.

Spamalot @ Belk Theater

I love this show.  We saw it 3 times back in Vegas.  So when the opportunity arose for us to see it as a family, there was never a doubt.  I picked a Saturday matinee, because there was no soccer to interrupt us.  Boy was I glad!

All week Charlotte has been threatened with an ice storm.  Now it is due to start at 6pm tonight.  We ran to to Eric's (from soccer) family, who had scrambled to get tickets, as they were originally booked for Saturday night's performance, that has already been cancelled.

We got Uptown (too) early and went and had lunch at Cowbell.  It was perfect warming food for the freeze that was happening outside.  We had some time to kill afterwards, but opted to wait in the foyer of the Belk Theater, just to escape the cold.  We also had the obligatory finding of Mrs. Y, B's 3rd grade teacher.

And the show.  Just as funny as I remembered.  The full version, not the 90 minute scaled down Vegas version.  Casting was great, and how can you not like Monty Python and the Holy Grail set to music.  Mom & B loved it as well.  L could take it or leave it.  I think he is a musical non-lover.  He's rather of been anywhere else (again).  

It's important to me to give the boys these experiences, something that is not the norm, and hopefully expand their interests.  We left in a great mood, only to drive home through the start of sleet.  Spamalot did the right thing by cancelling their Saturday night and Sunday shows.  While we only ended up getting .25 inch of ice, in Charlotte that is Armageddon.  We're just not prepared for it, as shown by the kids getting 3 days off school for it, and to have people out on the road would just be dangerous.

Fechez la vache!

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.