Santa Barbara, CA

Once we got the boys started for the day we headed down to Oxnard Beach for an afternoon of sun and sand. The weather was just perfect for us to put up an umbrella by the channel and watch the boats drift in and out. The boys, as always, loved being outside, though they wouldn’t venture off the blanket and on to the sand. We picked up some take away from Manda’s Galley and enjoyed the sights and sounds that I miss from living so far from the coast.

In the afternoon we made the 45 minute drive up to Santa Barbara , where we are staying at the Inn of Spanish Garden. The drive was non eventful, actually we went beyond as the boys were asleep and we were happy with the quiet.

After working in a 4000 room hotel, staying in a 23 room hotel was bliss and this one was beautiful. We are 3 blocks away from State Street (Santa Barbara's main drag) and about a mile from the beach. By the time we got settled in and fed the boys, we decided we’d head towards the beach to find dinner for us. We walked out on to the pier and picked up some fish and chips from Char West and sat on the pier. While it was a little cool, it was great to be outside (again) enjoying the ocean air.

Oxnard, CA

Up and out pretty early for our quick trip to Carolyn's. We reached Oxnard in no time and after a drive past the beach, we arrived early at Carolyn’s. It was a beautiful day and we took full advantage of being able to sit outside on the lawn. The boys loved it! While a little hesitant at the feel of the grass they were content to play on their blankets and enjoy the outdoors.

After their lunch we all drove into Ventura and we wandered around the small town and headed towards the beach. Again the boys were in their element. Feet up in the stroller, girls fussing over them and the warm sun on their faces. For me it was just great to see the ocean. All the smells and the people enjoying themselves – the ocean just seems to relax me. After wandering we settled on Corrales for lunch. This little, local hole in the wall Mexican place was fantastic. The best burrito I have ever had. And not just because we were both starving.

We drove back to Carolyn’s on the local roads. It is amazing that this area is mostly farmland, just a couple hours north of LA.

That night Tina, Grace & Sophia came around to see the boys and split a pizza. The boys had fun until they hit a wall, then it was all over for the night.

Thousand Oaks, CA

After the debacle of flying to Phoenix last August it was decided we’d drive to Santa Barbara with the boys. But we’d do it after they had their last feed and were headed to bed. Success! We left the house just after 7.30pm and the boys slept most of the way (with a few minor wake ups). Just before midnight we started looking for a place to stop – though if we could’ve got a hold of Carolyn we would have driven all the way through to Oxnard.  At Thousand Oaks we pulled off the 101 and bunked the night at the Quality Inn. Nothing special, but a pillow after a long drive.

Tool & Intronaut @ Mandalay Bay Events Center

Again another favorite band – Tool – and a long time between shows – nearly 15 years. What is wrong with me?

Having only seen 1 show at Mandalay Bay Events Center before (Van Morrison) I was a bit skeptical because of the venue. (I don’t like arenas). But we were on the floor so how bad could it be…. Well seats on the floor bad. But it’s Tool so that will make up for everything.

We were in early, not realizing there was an opening band. Intronaut were good, but not my cup of tea. Good for them though – hardcore Tool fans seemed to like them and it was not a bad half hours / 6 songs work.

 

Tool came onstage just after 9pm and the sold out crowd was on fire from the start. Hooker With A Penis was a great start to the night. Sound in the venue was really good and though Maynard was off on some of the notes and words, the band sounded great. Stinkfist had a ton of power and another great show. And 46 & 2 is another personal favorite that sounded awesome. But the highlight for me came during Lateralus, when Buzz & Dale of the Melvins came on stage. Buzz tore up a wild solo before Dale & Danny went apeshit during a drum duet. Dale providing a blaze of arms, and out-banging Danny with only half the drum kit. Finishing with Ænema was great as well (you think I like that album?).

My gripes were :

a) only 11 songs – yeah 100 minutes were great but how about another classic instead of an extended intro to Schism

b) seats on the floor – what’s that about Mandalay Bay ?

c) Tool, Do you remember albums called Undertow & Opiate?

d) If you are going to bring the greatest band, The Melvins, to play one song, why not get them to open for you. I’m a cranky old man sometimes.

Regardless this was a great show – as have the other 3 Tool shows I’ve seen. Musically they are a great band and the visuals added to the music are like they are made for each other – perfect. I hope they come back around soon (and in a smaller venue – how great would that be?). Until then I hope I don’t wait another 15 years.

 

The Crap Facts

This is my 323rd concert.

This is my 2nd concert at Mandalay Bay Events Center.

This is my 119th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 119th concert in Nevada.

This is my 131st concert in the USA.
Intronaut are the 388th band I've seen.
This is my 4th Tool concert.

Misfits @ House Of Blues

This was a 2nd chance for the Misfits. I’d seen them open for Motorhead a couple of years back, but wanted to see if they were better on their own terms.

Wandered into the House of Blues just after 8pm and the show had already started. It seems that they have a new album, The Devil’s Rain, and they are determined to play as much of it as possible. This does not go over great with the smallish crowd, but none the less the trio plough on with short, fast melodic tunes. For me, it wasn’t until the 2nd half of the show where things picked up. This is when they played into the large back catalogue and all the classics came out. 20 Eyes, Mommy Can I Go Out & Kill Tonight, Where Eagles Dare etc had the crowd in a frenzy. Unlike last time no Black Flag Covers – you kind of hope with Dez & Robbo in the line up.

When it was all over, Graves came down and met the crowd for autographs and photos, but I took off, as work beckons early tomorrow. My one doubt was that I’m not sure how rock and roll the night was, considering I was home by 9.45pm (and I live ½ hour away).

I had a good night, but if I see the Misfits again, I think it would have to be in a more intimate setting. The Las Vegas House of Blues stage keeps the band too far removed when the crowds aren’t so big.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 322nd concert.

This is my 38th concert at House of Blues.

This is my 118th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 118th concert in Nevada.

This is my 130th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Misfits concert.

TV On The Radio & Arctic Monkeys @ Cosmopolitan Pool

Two great bands co-headlining, 1 awesome venue – as if I was going to miss this one. The Cosmopolitan Pool is a new favorite venue – outside, not too big, good sound and good bands. Though $10 for a beer – c’mon!

I caught the last 2 songs of the Smith Wesserns and wasn’t enthralled by what I heard.

I was surprised that the Arctic Monkeys opened (I think of them as a bigger band) but who cares. I think all the English in the crowd – and there was a ton of them – felt the same. But then again, the English probably aren’t used to seeing the Monkeys in such a small venue. The earlier the Arctic Monkeys album, the better, and unlike other shows of theirs I’d seen, they played a good mix from each of their 4 release. Obviously the new album, Suck It & See, was well represented (from the beginning with Library) but it was the stuff from the first album that sent people into a frenzy. I loved The View From The Afternoon, followed straight away by I Bet That You Look Good On The Dancefloor. And it seemed like the band were really enjoying themselves – which is different from the last 2 times I’d seen them. The set finished with When The Sun Goes Down, and from the first strains of “Who’s that girl there???” It was the perfect ending to the set. 18 songs from an opener. Very happy with that!

Not sure why, but it seemed to take forever to get TV On The Radio onto the stage. And by this point I think all the English had left as there wasn’t near as many people around. But all the better for the rest of us. A totally different sound from the Arctic Monkeys, TVOTR are great in their own unique way. Not as many songs but a little longer that than AM, TVOTR the highlight came with the frenetic Wolf Like Me, closing the regular set. Only a 2 song encore as I think the late start robbed us of a couple of extra songs (but we’ll survive).

Great double bill, but that seems to be happening a lot in Vegas lately. Bring it on.

 

The Crap Facts

This is my 321st concert.

This is my 2nd concert at Cosmopolitan Pool.

This is my 117th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 117th concert in Nevada.

This is my 129th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Arctic Monkeys concert.
This is my 2nd TV On The Radio concert.

Rancid @ House Of Blues

It’s hard to beat a good Rancid show and tonight was no exception.

The House of Blues was PACKED – it was 2003, when the Foo Fighters played since I’d seen it this full.

I walked in as they started and then proceeded to be blown away by 37 songs over the next 2-and-a-bit hours. I think both the band and the crowd fed off each others energy and a good night was had by all. Roots Radical, Time Bomb, Olympia WA and Fall Back Down were highlights for me. I also liked the 3 song acoustic break in the middle of the set (last time they did this at the House of Blues was when they were forced to after blowing the power back in October 2006). It gave both the band and the crowd a breather.

A 3 song encore was finished with the awesome Ruby Soho – my favorite Rancid song. I felt like I didn’t want the show to end, which is always a good sign. And for the first time in a long time I bought a tshirt to take as a memento.

When are they coming back?

The Crap Facts:

This is my 320th concert.

This is my 37th concert at House Of Blues.

This is my 116th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 116th concert in Nevada.

This is my 128th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Rancid concert.
Rancid are the 300th time I've seen an American band.

Las Vegas, NV

Can we survive the flight home? We're not going to risk it. Instead of flying back, we opt to extend the rental and drive back to Las Vegas. Not ideal in this heat – but I can’t see them suffer on the plane again.

We take off mid afternoon, as the boys are ready for a nap, and they are asleep as we hit the freeway. Before we get out of Phoenix we stop for our highlight of the 3 days – A's beloved Chick Fil-A. We drive through and power on, trying to get as far as we can while the boys are asleep. We stop on the side of the road about 3 hours into the trip for a feed, and have to refuel in Kingman. It was from here home, that the boys were restless and made the trip a little more difficult.

After picking up my car from the airport and dropping off the rental we were finally home just after 6pm. Everyone’s happy that this trip is over and we all sleep like the dead.

What this trip has taught us is that we will wait until the boys have a better understanding of their surroundings before we get on a plane again, and who knows when it will be before we get them back to see my family in Australia?

Scottsdale, AZ

With the nightmare hopefully behind us, the boys and I are set for a day in Phoenix .

I wanted to go to the Phoenix Art Museum, as they have a Gordon Parks exhibit and an exhibit about the new bridge over the Hoover Dam. The concierge is excited that someone is asking about the museum, as she is a docent there – unfortunately it is closed Tuesdays & Wednesdays. Plan denied.

It is so hot outside, so we head to the Fashion Mall in Scottsdale, just so we have a place to wander around in the air conditioning. We spent just a little time there before heading back to the hotel. We could walk around the grounds a bit, but the boys needed sleep.

After A finished with work I had an early dinner at the hotels Ocean Trail restaurant. Some great oysters and clams.

I am on babysitting duty again tonight as A heads out for a work dinner. Should be easy, I’ve done this enough times before – oh wait, not on this trip. Come bedtime, I had the boys wrapped, read them their story and they were drifting off to sleep. Maybe they were having flashbacks to the plane ride yesterday, but something set them off, and the screaming began again. I tried – I did – I promise, but nothing I did would calm them down. I could pick up one to comfort them and the other would ramp it up, and vice versa. I held on as long as I could, but eventually I had to call up to the restaurant to have Amy come and help me. As it turns out – mom was all they needed. With their mother’s touch and a quick bath, they were calmed and ready for bed.

Scottsdale, AZ

The big test! How will the boys go flying in an airplane? The answer is in the nightmare that follows:

Las Vegas to Phoenix – a 45 minute flight. A good little first timer for the boys. We are prepared – bottles at the ready, boys to be fed as we are taking off. Herein lies the first problem. A delay in the flight meant we had to get feeding started well before takeoff. When we do get on the completely full plane, A and I can’t sit together as there would be 5 people in the row, and only 4 oxygen masks. So after getting settled in, I have to move Leland and my shit. (Problem number 2). So let’s hope their ears are OK for the ascent.

Guess what? They are not. Both Barrett & Leland do not take well to the flight and scream, not cry, but scream like I have never heard them before. I felt awful. There was nothing I could do comfort my guys, and the poor people around us – but what could I do? I could hope that they could calm down, but as per everything else that has happened so far the screaming continued until we stepped off the plane (but it stopped as soon as we were in baggage claim).

The crying started again as soon as we got in the rental car and continued until we got to Talking Stick Resort in Scottsdale .

A & I were exhausted and settled for room service for dinner as we tried to get the boys to sleep. Of course during the course of the night I kicked the baseboard of the bed, because when you’re on a roll right?

We finally got them settled down we were in bed and out like a light. But to continue the horror of the day, the alarm clock in the room went off at around midnight….and would not turn off. Not because we are incompetent – it took engineering to come in and cut the wiring for the clock before the noise stopped. 

Goodnight!

Garth Brooks @ Encore

Never in a million years would I imagine going to a Garth Brooks concert, but tickets were free and people ask me about it all the time at work – so I’ll try anything once. I sat in the last row of the balcony (as far away as you can get) but still wasn’t too disappointed with the view, though I may have been if I’d paid for the ticket.

I will preface the story saying I know not a Garth Brooks song (or so I thought). I had to ask colleagues about him and was told his big hit was “I Got Friends In Low Places”. That tells me nothing! He came out on stage dressed like he had just finished fixing his car, not the big cowboy hat and nice outfit that you see in all the pictures of him, but jeans and a baseball cap – and he had a story to tell. The show started with a song I actually did know (not because of him, but because a Me First & The Gimme Gimmes cover) “Much Too Young To Feel This Damn Old”. From there he told the story of his career, life and family and played songs that influenced his life. Whether it was George Jones, Elton John, Billy Joel, Cat Stevens, James Taylor or whoever, each song was well appreciated by me and the audience. Each cover was a revelation as to how playing in bars, honkytonks, clubs lead him to the success he enjoys today. Songs were scattered between great tales of growing up in Oklahoma , playing shows and meeting his idols (amongst other things).

It was over an hour before he played one of his own songs again – and that is when the crowd went really wild. My interest then changed to his stories and watching the audience have a blast. It was great fun! After nearly 2 hours, he then stopped and asked the audience to share experiences and make requests – and he knew every show they talked about and graciously played anything they asked for.

To finish the night he told about how he always wanted to write and anthem – like Piano Man or Wonderwall – and trust me he has. He didn’t need to sing as the audience got up on their feet and belted out “I Got Friends In Low Places”. It was a magic way to end a fun night.

Afterwards I read a lot of reviews from his fans that were disappointed that it wasn’t his regular big production (with a band and all the trimmings). Maybe it was good that I didn’t know of him, as I am now a fan.

The Crap Facts

This is my 319th concert.

Encore is the 87th venue I've seen a concert in.

This is my 115th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 115th concert in Nevada.

This is my 127th concert in the USA.
Garth Brooks is the 387th band I've seen.

Soundgarden & The Mars Volta @ The New Joint

Again it is another band I have waited 14 years to see again. And when I purchased the tickets and then Queens Of The Stone Age announced a show on the same night I questioned whether I’d done the right thing. From memory the last time I saw Soundgarden, they were terrible.

One of the drawing points was The Mars Volta opening. This is Moz’s favorite band – and while I am not a fan of their records I hear live they are something else. And this is true. Their set, while short on songs, was dynamite. The off beat, signature changes and presence made for a great show. I’d love to see them in a small venue. My opinion of their music remains the same – not sure it’s the type of music you can just sit down and listen to – but seeing it performed is something else.

Soundgarden came out playing Searching With My Good Eye Closed, and they made it obvious from the start that this was going to be a good show. The band sounded great and every song was a classic - nothing new in the repertoire. Though they did say there would be a new album in the future, but tonight it was all about the old stuff. Jesus Christ Pose was fantastic, as was My Wave. And right near the end the trifecta of Outshined, Rusty Cage and Superunknown was superb way to end the night.

Soundgarden were a lot better than I remembered, and a good night was had by all. Mars Volta was a good choice for an opening band - can't wait to see them again.

The Crap Facts

This is my 318th concert.

This is my 12th concert at The New Joint.

This is my 114th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 114th concert in Nevada.

This is my 126th concert in the USA.
The Mars Volta are the 386th band I've seen.
This is my 4th Soundgarden concert.

Flaming Lips @ Cosmopolitan Pool

Another new venue. Another new band. Yes, my first Flaming Lips show ever. Have never been a huge fan of the music but I had been lead to believe their shows had to be seen.

The night started not so well. Erik and I were picking Robbie up at the airport (from his 6.20pm flight) and we were going to go and eat before heading to the show. However the wonderful United had some sort of computer malfunction saw his flight arrive at 9.30. We raced over to the Cosmo, parked, got into the pool area just as Flaming Lips hit the stage.

From the word go, this was not the average musical concert. It was a visual spectacular. Between streamers, confetti cannons, the video screen behind the band, the hotels marquee and the music - this was one hell of a show. We got a beer and got to our viewing point to see this...

Wayne Coyne

Flaming Lips @ The Cosmo Pool

The Lips are definitely a musicians band. They are great at what they do, and don't necessarily make use of straight-forward methods in creating their art. The sound was great and my faves were, obviously, the songs I new - She Don't Use Jelly, Yoshimi Part 1 and Do You Realize. Eric was pleased enough to get a shirt. I am in self exile from black t-shirts until we leave Vegas. Even Rob liked it - which is surprising compared to the differences we have in music (me - rock and punk; him - Meg Ryan/Tom Hanks soundtracks). Was really excited about the venue as well. Not a gazillion people but good viewing for everyone. Can't wait to see the TV On The Radio / Arctic Monkeys show in September (and maybe get Ben Harper tickets as well).

This is the first time since Coachella 09 I've been to a show with a cell phone / camera so hopefully future tales will have more pics (though I don't want to be THAT guy). Also will see the Flaming Lips at any opportunity. If you get the chance, do the same.

The Crap Facts
This is my 317th concert.
Cosmopolitan Pool is the 86th venue I've seen a concert in.

This is my 113th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 113th concert in Nevada.

This is my 125th concert in the USA.
The Flaming Lips are the 385th band I've seen.

Deftones & Dillinger Escape Plan @ The New Joint

A quick return from the Deftones. They were here only 8 months ago supporting Alice In Chains - but tonight is their night. And a good one at that.

I had to decide at the last minute to go to this show as A wanted to see Cake at the Cosmo pool, but now that we have the twins, only one out at a time. When she decided that she didn't want the hassle of getting in and out of the Strip, and the loss of sleep. I got down to the Hard Rock and got my ticket to the show.

Walked in during the 1st song of Dillinger Escape Plan, who I wanted to see (knowing their contributions to Black Flag & Melvins cover albums). Man this band is heavy (uhoh! I'm getting old). They had plenty of energy, though the whole crowd didn't respond to them, and again were unbelievable musicians. I wonder if it would be seeing them in a smaller venue. I didn't know any songs to begin with, and came out none the wiser. Still it was a great band to be opening for the Deftones.

The Deftones, as always were great! Their soft-loud-manic-calm style is entrancing, and it's hard not to watch Chino stalk the stage. The crowd lapped it up as the band played tracks from a variety of albums. My faves for the night were Be Quiet and My Own Summer. In the end it seemed like a short set, but time just flew and after close to 2 hours I was back in the car on my way home. Have yet to see a bad Deftones show (this was my 3rd) and hope they come back to Vegas soon.

The Crap Facts

This is my 316th concert.
This is my 11th concert at The New Joint.
This is my 112th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 112th concert in Nevada.

This is my 124th concert in the USA.
Dillinger Escape Plan are the 384th band I've seen.
Dillinger Escape Plan are the 100th different American band I've seen in Las Vegas.
This is my 3rd Deftones concert.

Electric Six @ Book & Stage

Girl! I wanna take you to a gay bar!

These are the words of the Electric Six JJJ Hottest 100 Volume 11 song Gay Bay that drew me to this show at the Cosmo. Again this was a free show, and the first of 8 sets of 4 nights at the Book & Stage.

This is my first show since the boys were born.  The band seemed like they were up for a good time, but the stage set up didn't seem to suit the band's want for crowd interaction. Dick Valentine, while not getting into the music, definitely did his best to keep the crowd entertained between songs. Electric Six played an hours worth of punk/disco/rock, in which a blistering Gay Bar was played mid set. Unfortunately I don't know any other titles, but I did enjoy the show and will endeavor to find more of their music.

The Crap Facts

This is my 315th concert.
This is my 2nd concert at Book & Stage.
This is my 111th concert in Las Vegas.

This is my 111th concert in Nevada.

This is my 123rd concert in the USA.
Electric Six are the 383rd band I've seen.