Garry Ivan Fay

b 8 May 1949
Annandale, New South Wales, Australia
d 24 September 2009
Gosford, New South Wales, Australia

Survived by his parents
Ivan
Irene

his children
Luke 
Holly 

and his grandchildren
Dylan
Ethan
Leila

Rest In Peace Uncle Garry

Gaslight Anthem & Murder By Death @ San Diego House Of Blues, CA

Part 2 of the road trip sees me head down to San Diego. I left Dave in Hollywood at about 11.30am, after breakfast at Mel's Diner.

On the way south, I stopped in Carlsbad to catch up with Nag's family. Saw Chris and Casi in July, so twice in a year is unusual for us. They have a great place right near the beach and Baden is a little man now - hadn't seen him for 2 1/2 years. Also got to catch up with Nags' parents, who had flown in from Oz yesterday. After a drink at the local, I pushed on down to San Diego, twas slow going in afternoon traffic.

Got checked into the Comfort Inn in the downtown Gaslamp District, before a quick wander around in search of food. Wednesday night may not be the best day to do this as downtown seems to be a ghost town. Ended up having a quick bite at Buca di Bepo (first time I'd eaten there and won't be racing back).

The House Of Blues was only 3 blocks from the hotel and I got there early in case it was like the Vegas one, where all ages shows finish at 10pm. Walked in as Murder By Death were coming on stage. I know nothing of this band, but I thought they had a good sound - rock with a cellist is not something you see every day. But again this not the reason I'm here.

The Gaslight Anthem came on to mild applause - which turns out to be standard fare for the San Diego crowd. However Gaslight Anthem put on a energetic, entertaining show. All of their songs are a great stories, and you can see in their performance that they love what they do. It took a few songs but Brian Fallon's between song banter also has a story-telling feel. I got into The Gaslight Anthem earlier this year, when Drew gave me a copy of "The 59 Sound", and I've been hooked ever since. Tonight's performance has highlighted most of that album and a couple that I had not heard of. After just over an hour on stage, they came back for a 3 song encore, which included a rousing cover of Tom Petty's "American Girl".

While this show did not reach the fever pitch of last night's Arctic Monkeys performance, I am glad I made the effort to get down to see them (again not coming through Vegas). Having said that this show was miles ahead of their quick performance at Coachella earlier this year - which, although feeling sick, I really enjoyed.

The Crap Facts
This is my 291st concert.
House Of Blues San Diego is the 79th venue I've seen a concert in.

San Diego is the 41st city I've seen a concert in.

This is my 6th concert in California.

This is my 99th concert in the USA.

Murder By Death is the 364th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Gaslight Anthem concert.

Arctic Monkeys & The Like @ Holllywood Palladium, CA

Ever since their debut "Whatever People Say I Am...That's What I'm Not". I have wanted to see the Arctic Monkeys live. But again they are not coming to Las Vegas, so I will go to them. With work a little quiet, I have taken a couple of extra days off, talked Dave into coming to California for the night to see some rock.

We drove down in separate cars as I am going to San Diego the following day and Dave is going to do some furniture shopping before heading back to Vegas. We met up at our hotel, the Roosevelt Hotel on Hollywood Boulevard, just after 2.30pm We wandered up and down Hollywood and Sunset and spent a lot of time at Amoeba, looking through actual records and posters, before heading back for an afternoon kip before the show.

I had seen Bloc Party earlier in the year at the Palladium and suggested we get there early, as last time they only let a limited number on the floor. And we were there as doors were due to open, and the queue was around 2 corners. However there was no limit to who was on the floor for this show.

We got in, checked out the merchandise (meh!), bought a couple of $12 beers - yeah worse than Vegas - and was in our spot as The Like kicked off. This L.A. all girl band played a good blend of pop/surf rock, though it got a bit samey in the end. Was a fairly good match up for an opening act.

But we weren't there to see the Like. And when the Monkeys came on stage the noise from the crowd was deafening. At first it seemed if being on stage was a hassle (geez it's only the 2nd show of the tour), but it wasn't long before they lightened up and really let go. Sound was fantastic and the songs brilliant. I knew they'd play a lot of their latest album, which I'd heard only a couple of times, but it was all good. Definitely was an enjoyable show, even though they only played 3 songs from the 1st album (which is my fave). Actually in hindsight, I'd have gone to San Diego the night before if I'd known how good the show was going to be. Definitely worth the drive down from Vegas. Highlights were I Bet That You Look Good On The Dance Floor and the cover of Nick Cave's Red Right Hand.

Afterwards we caught a cab to Chateau Marmont to have a couple of late night drinks. Quiet there, and unfortunately no celebrity spotting.

The Crap Facts

This is my 290th concert.

This is my 2nd concert at Hollywood Palladium.

This is my 2nd concert in Hollywood.

This is my 5th concert in California.

This is my 98th concert in the USA.

The Like are the 362nd band I've seen.
Arctic Monkeys are the 363rd band I've seen.

SW & Le Reve @ Wynn

A's annual work retreat sees the group heading to SW and Le Reve at the Wynn this year.  I almost didn't make it because of work, but when a free dinner is on the cards at your favorite steakhouse in Las Vegas, you tend to find away. And my timing couldn't be more perfect. I got the restaurant just as they were serving a giant seafood platter for everyone. Crab legs, shrimp, oysters, ahi tuna...all good. And then a perfectly cooked petite filet for my main. Because we were pushed for time so as to make the show, the experience of the restaurant was not as good as it had been in the past, but the good great nonetheless.

Le Reve is a show that I love to see (this is my 3rd time) and again it did not disappoint. There have been different elements to the show each time, but it still amazes me the agility and strength of the performers. And I have to ask, how do you come to the thought that you can perform these type of "stunts"? (I say stunts as the first time you do any of these acrobatics, it has to be dangerous). An entertaining and mind-blowing show was enjoyed by all 14 of us there.

After the show we had a couple of drinks with the Hills before I called it a night early. (Damn 7am starts on a Saturday!) The rooms at the Wynn are still very elegant and ours had a great view south, overlooking the Strip, however all we did is sleep in them.

Graduation Weekend

After 20 months of some of the hardest work I have ever seen anyone do, A has come to the conclusion of her Global MBA at Thunderbird, and no one could be prouder than me.

She had been in Phoenix for the last week, finishing classes - and winding down with the rest of the class. I flew down on a flight landing mid Thursday afternoon and met up with her after finishing her last class. Later that afternoon the school had a small welcoming function for family and friends of the 3 different classes graduating tomorrow. Was an affair that I got to meet all the people who's names I had been hearing about for the last 2 years. A bunch of very relieved people.

Then party then moved to a residence of someone's friend from the class. A great get together where we watched a photo montage of trials and tribulations of the course. The students then gave their family members a certificate of appreciation for the support they had given then during their study. Things got crazier afterwards when we ended up at the Thunderbird Pub. A lot more people were letting their hair down.

Friday was Graduation Day and after breakfast in the cafeteria, A left for early preparations for the day, and I drove a colleagues' husband to the Marriott for the ceremony. She looked fantastic in her cap and gown and to see her walk and receive her degree was such a mixture of emotions. Elated. Relieved. Proud. Excited. But most of all, Happy for her. I was surprised that at the end of the ceremony that everyone went their own way. I supposed everyone was just so thankful that it was done, that they needed time to themselves.

The Graduate & The Proud Husband

Later that evening we drove across Phoenix to Lon's At The Hermosa Inn and had dinner with A's fellow graduate, and good fiend, Tom. This restaurant was fantastic - great food, good service, great company and an southwestern ambiance - even when the lights flickered out twice during a thunderstorm, the likes I had not seen in a very long time. I sense that Tom is someone A will keep in contact with now that school is all over - a very smart man, who was a great help to A throughout. After dinner we met with the group again at the Thunderbird Pub to continue the celebrations.

Saturday morning we made our way back to Vegas in the Mini - through torrential rain for most of the way. A made a great observation of how much prettier the desert is in Arizona than it is in Nevada. That greenery makes a world of difference. A good 5 hours later and we were back home. A quick Nanna nap in the afternoon and we were ready for the evening's festivities. We were to meet 7 others from A's class at Sushisamba at the Palazzo for dinner. Fun crowd and great food before we kicked on to Lavo and Tao. The night and celebrations ended for us not long after 1am. I'm pretty sure A had a blast over the weekend, and I'm so glad, as she deserved it.

Down & Melvins @ House Of Blues

The Melvins - one of the most unique bands anywhere - and one that I haven't seen often enough (this was my 4th Melvins show). It seems like an odd mix, Melvins supporting Down, but it works for me. The Melvins walked on stage while the house lights were still on, to no fanfare and just started to rock as only they can. Moz saw them earlier in the year play Houdini in Sydney as a 3 piece, but tonight they were back to a 4 piece twin-drum musical assault. Big fan of the guys from Big Business being in the band - same line up from when I saw them at Celebrity a couple of years back. I love the Houdini and Stoner Witch albums, so the setlist tonight was unfamiliar to me, but a highlight was definitely a blistering cover of Devo's Mr DNA. We certainly got a full 45 minutes out of the band as "Thank You" were the only spoken words from the band as they finished their set.

Crowd seemed a restless at the end of the Melvins, and when Down come on they went out of control. I've never seen the HOB security have such a rough night - but I gotta say they did a pretty good job. I saw Pantera 13 years ago in Oz, and had an absolute blast, so was pretty interested to see Phil and Rex's latest incarnation. So there was a bit of disappointment when there was no Rex. And I'm not sure if Phil's voice or the sound guy were having problems, but it took a while for them to get in the swing of things. When they did, however, Down put on a good show. Which means the band and crowd compliment each other. A small but wild pit middled the fans singing along with fists raised, while constantly the band stopped to acknowledge their legion of fans. I'm not really one for metal anymore, and while I probably won't see them again, I'm glad I got to see Down.

The Crap Facts
This is my 289th concert.
This is my 32nd concert at House Of Blues.

This is my 88th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 88th concert in Nevada.

This is my 97th concert in the USA.

This is my 4th Melvins concert.
Melvins are the 50th band I've seen at least 4 times
Down are the 361st band I've seen.

The Lion King @ Mandalay Bay

An invite was issued to the Concierge Association to check out the 100th Las Vegas performance of The Lion King. That, and free food and drinks - who were A and I to say no?

A function at Eye Candy, the bar in the middle of Mandalay Bay, gave us a couple of free drinks and a tasting of 5 restaurants from the resort. We got our tickets (and coffee mug gift) and filed in for the show. Much to our surprise, our seats were in the 3rd row, just right of center. Sweet!

From the moment the cast walks down the aisles in their animal costumes you are enthralled for the next two and bit hours. The story closely resembles the Disney cartoon (from memory), and the cast are superb. Costuming is spectacular and all the performers do such a great job of bringing the cartoon to life. It'd be a hard person to please if they didn't like this.

This show is dynamite, and brings another option for families to take kids to a show - though with tickets ranging from $53 - $168 your kids better enjoy it!

No Doubt & Panic At The Disco @ The New Joint

Many, many years ago a band played the Coogee Bay Hotel, supported by Unwritten Law and The Porkers. Who were these nobodies? How did they get a headlining gig over two great bands? I'm not going in to see them! 10 years later I saw this band - No Doubt - and kicked myself for not seeing them sooner.

A and I got in early, after a great dinner at Paymons, to see Panic At The Disco. I knew of one song and considering the price of the ticket ($130) thought I'd get my money's worth with both bands. Panic At The Disco were easily forgettable for me - but as usual the youngsters enjoyed them. Their last song "I Write Sins, Not Tragedies" was a redeeming feature of the set.

From the start No Doubt were on fire! From behind a white curtain, No Doubt strolled out to much fanfare and applause and instantly raised the energy level inside the Joint. I'm not a huge fan of the music on CD, but live, Gwen Stefani brings a new dimension with stage presence which you can't help but be drawn to. Hella Good was the song I wanted to hear most - and they played it 2nd - and it was beyond great. If they'd played that continuously all night, I'd have to have been taken out on a stretcher. What also makes their performance great is their love of their fans. Twice she pulled fans onto the stage, read signs made by the crowd, took a scrapbook gift from a fan and kept the banter going all night. The rest of the band all have a skill and showmanship that outweighs a lot of bands I've seen, but it is just so hard not to watch Gwen. She is simply the greatest front woman I've seen. Who else in the world can make the men in the room sing "I'm just a girl in the world"?

Imagine how good they probably were at Selinas all those years ago. That was a bad decision that I rectified with A at the Joint. Will definitely make the effort to catch them again.

The Crap Facts
This is my 288th concert.
This is my 3rd concert at The New Joint.

This is my 87th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 87th concert in Nevada.

This is my 96th concert in the USA.

Panic At The Disco are the 359th band I've seen.
No Doubt are the 360th band I've seen.

Newport Beach, CA

Ahhh a nice relaxing weekend at the beach - catching up with some family and some friends.

We left early Friday July 31, for the 4 hour drive from Las Vegas to San Clemente, where we are to meet the Naags' for lunch. It's been over 2 years since we last saw them in Coronado. We meet at the Beachfire Grill in the middle of San Clemente. Both are looking good and seem really happy. A bit sad Baden couldn't be there, but it sounds like it was good for them to get away without their son for an afternoon. A's brother joined us during lunch. Drew is staying with us at Newport for the weekend. After lunch the Naags' took us down to San Clemente Pier where we had drinks at Fisherman's Restaurant looking out over the ocean.

The drive up to Newport on the Pacific Coast Highway should have been a quick one but Friday afternoon traffic was slow and laborious. We checked in to the Hyatt, where we've stayed a few times before, and had a newly renovated room tucked in a corner in the Lido building. By the time we arrive Drew is not well and relaxes while A and I take in the pool. He is still too unwell to come to dinner with us, and we head off to Harborside Grill on the peninsula side of Newport. This is a favorite spot from last time we were here, and again the dinner was great, and the view - perfection - watch boats cruising between us and Balboa Island. Picked up some supplies for Drew on the way home.

Got up on Saturday and walked to Balboa Island for breakfast at Wilma's Patio. After breakfast we walked around the island a little bit, but Drew is getting sicker, so we head back to the hotel. A's a little worried so we stay close and camp out by the pool for the day. We were out there for about 7 hours (which has to be some sort of record for me). What a relaxing day, with just A, my iPod and an Esquire magazine to keep me entertained. Drew is still not well enough to come out for dinner again, but we head to Oysters in Corona Del Mar (at the recommendation of the Doorman) for dinner. This place was awesome. Food was soooo good! And the jazz trio just made for a perfect ambiance. I had a perfectly cooked rib-eye and A's halibut was just perfect. And the chocolate lava cake we split for desert was to die for. Originally I had booked a water-view restaurant, but I'm glad we changed our mind to eat here instead.

Drew is marginally better Sunday morning, but a trip to the urgent care is on the cards to make sure all is good. Doctor says the problem is viral and Drew is happy to continue resting and not worry about the prescription. We leave him at the hotel and head over to the beach. Parking is a nightmare but, A spots a secret space and we are set for an hour. The surf is kinda rough. 4-5 foot waves breaking right on the beach, and a rip just beyond the waves in an area too deep to stand. But it's just nice to be on the beach. Everyone is relaxed and having a great time - us included. I don't handle the sun as well as yesterday and we head back with the dreaded thought of packing and driving back to Vegas. Drew is well enough to come to lunch with us, and we head back to Corona Del Mar to Gulfsteam. Just lunch food, but everyone enjoyed their meals (shame we didn't wait for a table outside though). After lunch we packed the car and made the uneventful drive back to Vegas, making it back in good time. We left Drew behind as he flew out of Orange County on Monday morning.

As per usual, we didn't want to leave, but it was nice to get away from the Vegas heat and relax for the weekend.

Chicago, IL

One last day on the town, before returning to the nasty summer that is Hell Vegas.

For some ungodly reason, Robbie had the need to see Chicago from the Sears Tower. I wonder how long, if ever, it will take for it to be known as Willis Tower (NEVER! is my guess). So we walked over to the Tower and while Robbie made his way up the tower, I kept my fear of heights in tact, and zigzagged my way over bridges on the Chicago River. I was back before him, so I relaxed with a paper and a smoothie in the park across the street.

Once done, we followed the river up to Michigan Ave, where we met A. She had meetings in the morning. A last minute shop on the Magnificent Mile before we jumped on a 90 minute Wendella architecture cruise of the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. A and I had done a similar cruise last time we were here with the Meyers', but this was longer, included going through a lock into Lake Michigan, and was far warmer than doing it in November. The cruise travels west along the river (towards Sears Tower ironically enough) and our guide outlined tons of the buildings, old and new, visible from the river. Out on the lake gave us a great overall perspective of the city as well as an opportunity to get a feeling of how Chicago was built after the Great Fire. I feel like I've learnt more in the last 4 days than I have in a very long time.

Cruising Chicago River

As it happens, time was running short and the South Water Grill was between the boat cruise and our hotel so we stopped there for lunch (again) before taking the taxi out to O'Hare. We dumped Robbie off at the American terminal before swinging back to United for our flight back home. Which went off without incident (unlike the previous two trips A and I have made together).

I need to reiterate how great a city Chicago is - maybe one day we'll live there - who knows. Was great to catch up with Bob again, even if his lovely wife snubbed us again. Hope to see him in the new year when if head back to Australia. Chicago is our kinda town!

Chicago, IL

Unfortunately today is the day A has to work, so Rob and I are off for a boy's day.

The day started with us walking down towards the Field Museum of Natural History, where we are to take in a great display of history, before heading down to see the White Sox take on the Orioles. This building is grandiose at best. From the overwhelming size, to the columned frontage, to the spectacular view of downtown and Lake Michigan from the front door, it is a building that can match some of the great buildings of Europe. However the building is nothing compared to the collection inside. From the moment you step in and see "Sue" the most put-together T-Rex, you are in awe. So much so, we spent the next fours and a half hours inside. We didn't even get around to the featured Real Pirates, and Water exhibits. We spent a long time in the Evolving Planet Hall, with it's dinosaurs and timeline of the world. There is also a fantastic exhibit of the Americas, which finishes with artifacts from Pacific Northwest Native Americans (my favorite). All the masks, totems and imagery really catches my imagination (again like the Dali Museum in St Petersburg - I don't know art but I know what I like). Another highlight was a photographic retrospective of the Civil Rights Movement. 150 black and white photos, each more powerful than the last. The photo that summed it up for me was a Will Counts photo of Elizabeth Eckford, who on her own, tried to enter Little Rock Central High School in an attempt to desegregate the school, even when the rest of the Little Rock Nine did not show due to a miscommunication. It is a compelling image of a strong and proud woman holding her own in the face of the worst adversity. The picture can be found here.

Once we'd finished, and missed the start of the baseball by 2 hours, we opted to walk over to the the Adler Planetarium - because one museum a day is never enough. While the Adler had some interesting stuff - I particularly liked the Apollo 11 and Telescope exhibits - it was a bit benign after the Field Museum.

We walked back to The Essex Inn for a drink, while deciding on where to eat dinner. Not a lot of thought was put into it as we ended up back at the Weber Grill for burgers and beer. By the time we finished the day it was near 9pm and we'd walked at least another 4 miles, as well as trekking through an amazing museum. Sad there is only one day left.

Chicago, IL

Today is a day of walking. And we cover some ground in Chicago - at least 5 miles.

We walked down towards Robbie's hotel to meet him for an extended breakfast, before the three of us wandered across Millennium Park to the lake front. From there we casually strolled up to Navy Pier. A beginning regatta had the lake full of boats and plenty of people enjoying the perfect weather (70 degrees with a light breeze). So much more pleasant than the furnace that is the Vegas summer.

We headed west along the north bank of the Chicago River, back to Michigan Ave where we walked up part of the Magnificent Mile til lunch was decided upon - The Weber Grill. I really like the warm feel of this place. And you can't go wrong when burgers and barbecue is cooked on a Weber. Afterwards a bit of shopping was done before we made our way back to the hotel via Cloud Gate sculpture in Millenium Park. This is such a simple piece of art, but it brings so much pleasure to people. Everyone enjoys it, and makes the most of the reflective photos.

Bob & I @ The Bean

Robbie had been given the tip of Gibson's for dinner by a friend. So we thought we'd see if we could walk in on a reservation. A quick cab ride north of the river and the area around Mariano Park was hopping. No chance of getting a table at Gibson's, but we walked into their next-door-sister restaurant, Hugo's Frog Bar & Fish House, and were seated in the bar area of yet another busy restaurant. Score. Again it's steaks for Robbie and I and a nice piece of fish for A. The food here was magnificent (better than last night) and the noisy atmosphere made for a great all round meal.

Me, A & Robbie @ Hugo's

We lucked out again across the street at the Hunt Club, where we walked in and found a couple of guys leaving what was to become the only vacant table. A few drinks and shooting the shit - a great finish to a productive day. We finished up there when the club started getting going. A cab back to the hotel and a good night's sleep after an exhausting day.

Chicago, IL

Ahhh! Chicago! 2nd visit here and I loved this town the first time. I could live here if it weren't so cold in the summer. ABH has work to do in this great city, so I must accompany her to ensure there is no bad shenanigans going on. And as a bonus, Robbie, who has been in New Orleans for work, will be flying in to join us.

Gratefully ABH booked the tickets so we arrived at the hotel at midnight last night and we wake up ready to take on the city (well at 10am anyway). We are staying at the University Club of Chicago (on Monroe & Michigan), right across from Grant Park. Not too impressed with the hotel. For a private club with all it's pretentiousness, I was gobsmacked to find two huge holes in the wall outside our room, with no indication that work was taking place. But it's a great location, and free - so that's the last of you hear me bitching about it.

We started with a late breakfast / early lunch at a favorite place from last time. The South Water Kitchen. Just typical bar and grill food, but a nice restaurant, good food and good service to get the whole shebang started.

From there we walked back down to Grant Park and Art Institute of Chicago to begin our cultural education. There is a lot of Modern Art which is too highbrow for A & I , but there is plenty for us to enjoy. Like Seurat's "A Sunday On La Grande Jatte", Wood's "American Gothic", some El Greco, a Lichtenstein and some Monet. Glad we stopped in there, even if he museum layout is a little confusing.

As is usually our want on trips away, the afternoon nap called us away from the city for a period of time. I rested while the boss did some studying. Basically we were killing time waiting for Robbie to fly in that evening. We ended up meeting him at his hotel (The Essex Inn) before we headed up to the Chicago Chophouse for a late dinner. This restaurant is a legendary Chicago steak house and it did not disappoint. Beer. Wine. Steak. Potatoes. It's all good. We did head out to look for a bar to have a drink after dinner and ended up at the Hard Rock Hotel. It surprises us in other towns when last call is midnight. Las Vegas has spoiled us. It was this time last year we last saw Bob (his annual work pilgrimage to a meeting in the US) so it was good to catch up with him. But we still have 3 days of adventure.

Jet @ Wasted Space

Time for a bit of Aussie rock (it has been too long between gigs). Tonight I came to see Jet for the second time in Vegas (the first was 5 years ago at the Joint when they were wedged between the awful Vines and the awesome Living End). Was also curious to check out Wasted Space as a live music venue.

Wasted Space seems to be more of a nightclub that put up a stage as an afterthought, as it is an oddly shaped venue. But no complaints from me. Being 6'4", I was stoked to be 8 feet from the stage, leaning against a railing, and not blocking anyone's view. I'd guess that about 300 people made the place fairly full, and everyone erupted when Jet hit the stage. From the get go Jet were ready for a good time, and the crowd reacted accordingly. They played a mix of songs off all of their 3 albums, none better than the early-played Are You Gonna Be My Girl? Plenty of good banter with the crowd. Nic did a couple of songs from the bar and spent some time on the dance floor as well. This was heaps better than last time and a much better venue.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 287th concert.
Wasted Space is the 78th venue I've seen a concert in.

This is my 86th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 86th concert in Nevada.

This is my 95th concert in the USA.

This is my 2nd Jet concert.

Rise Against, Rancid & Billy Talent @ The New Joint

So the New Joint has a much larger feel when you are on the floor than in a VIP Booth (as per Santana). Mind you it is tons bigger than the old Joint (much to my dislike), but this is what I am working with so I will go with it.

After queueing all the way through the casino to the parking lot, we got in to see the last 3 songs of Billy Talent. They seemed ok, and had plenty of people up front interested. This may be too big a venue for their style of performance.

It has been a couple of years since I first saw Rancid at the House Of Blues in Vegas. That time they blew the PA halfway through a rockin' show and it ended fading slowly. Not so tonight. A good, solid set with some of the new album and plenty of old stuff. All the songs I wanted to hear were spread out through the set (Ruby Soho, Time Bomb, Fall Back Down, Olympia, WA etc) and the graphics / pictures on the screens on and surrounding the stage added to the performance. An hour only whet the appetite, I really need to see Rancid headline their own show (in a smaller venue) soon. Props also for dedicating a song to Lux Interior.

Rancid was my reason to go tonight, as the only Rise Against song I really knew was their cover of Nervous Breakdown from the Dogtown & The Z Boys movie a few years back (because I'm old and can't keep up with the kids today), though I had downloaded a bunch from iTunes the week before and listened to them enough to recognize a few songs. Regardless, I thought Rise Against was good - mainly because their drummer is awesome - but a little too much synchronized skipping between the guitar and bass players, and a lot of rock n roll face from the guitar players. Again I stand in the minority as the masses spent a good hour and a half going berserk.

The Crap Facts
This is my 286th concert.
This is my 2nd concert at The New Joint.
This is my 85th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 85th concert in Nevada.

This is my 94th concert in the USA.

Billy Talent are the 357th band I've seen.
Billy Talent are the 100th different band I've seen in Las Vegas.
This is my 2nd Rancid concert.
Rise Against are the 358th band I've seen.