Book Of Mormon @ Belk Theater

Ohhhhh, I'm going to hell!  And there were a lot of people in the Belk Theater who are coming with me.

For Christmas I bought A tickets to see Wicked at Ovens Auditorium in January.  Because of Snowpocalypse 2016 the 1 show that was cancelled in the 3 week run was ours.  And due to A's work travel schedule, we were unable to get to another performance.  Ovens kindly refunded our money and we opted to use said money on The Book Of Mormon.  A show we'd both wanted to see for a long time.  As a fan of South Park, you knew this was going to be right up my alley, and I couldn't have been happier.

Oddly I had a near panic attack once we were in our seats.  Just left of center, 2nd row on the Mezzanine Level.  For the first time in a long time heights were making me uncomfortable.  It was a weird feeling to feel that way, while talking to myself about the illogical feeling.  Unfortunately it was a feeling that froze me to the seat in the interval, and didn't clear until after the show.

The show however is a scream, while in the same breath the most offensive statement publicly made about the LDS Church.  Now you know why I'm going to hell.  Yet, while the title suggests Mormon, all religions were metaphorically in the firing line.  I find comedy in general in a musical.  The fact that a normal conversation can lead to people breaking into song, sometimes the same song with different words on completely different tangents - just like real life.   When you throw in a topic as touchy as the one here, hilarity ensues.

I'm glad that this show is such a success.  Over the years I have stopped watching South Park, but the creators have taken elements of their cartoon and created a great musical.  Well worth seeing (even if it means going to hell).

Tool, Primus & 3Teeth @ Bojangles Coliseum

Tool don't tour enough as far as I'm concerned.  It's been 4 years since Erik and I saw them at Mandalay Bay, at least this time they have bought a bigger lineup, including the great Primus.  This was always bound to be an epic show.  I was fortunate enough to get one of the general admission tickets for the floor (and not general admission in seats).

I got in early enough to see 3Teeth, apparently handpicked by Tool to open.  This industrial-rock band did absolutely nothing for me.  Song speeds were the same and there was nothing in them to spark any interest for me.  However their sound was bigger than what it should have been.  I stood in front of the drummer who only had a small kit.  His intense concentration made for great timing, but he barely seemed to hit the drums, yet the sound was booming.

Once 3Teeth were finished it was less than 20 minutes before Primus was on.  There I was 7 rows from the stage right in front of Les Claypool.  Again I was trapped into watching him bedazzle on the bass.  While it's great, I hate that I forget how great the other 2 musicians are and I don't really watch them.  Claypool was not very chatty between songs, seemed like he was trying to get through as much music in the 45 minutes Primus were allotted.  As is the case with the last 7 times I have seen them, Primus were awesome, and their set got progressively better.  From the opening Damned Blue Collar Tweekers, to Too Many Puppies, with the Mr Knowitall interlude, to my favorite Primus song Mr Krinkle, to the always-there My Name Is Mud and the closing Jerry Is A Race Car Driver  every song was better than the last.  Again I mention how great the 3 gel as a band.  It is spellbinding to watch and see.  Personally I'd a preferred a longer set from Primus, but there will always be a next time.

It took Tool's crew about 40 minutes to clear and set up, before the band entered the arena and a SWAT-clothed Maynard took up his position in the dark at the back of the stage.  I had barely moved and was standing right in front of bassist Justin Chancellor.  I pretty much spent the whole show just watching the ease in which he handles these Tool songs.  Not easy, but to do so after Les Claypool has just killed it, is an awesome feat.  We know that Tool songs are long and complex and tonight there were only 12 songs over the 2 hours, so I was surprised they opened with a Led Zeppelin cover. Once in the swing this concert was a great as you'd expect.  Was overwhelmed to hear Opiate, as I have rarely heard anything from Undertow or earlier in the last 3 shows.  Ænema sounded amazing and the closing 46&2 was so powerful.  Not sure of the purpose of the intermission count down clock was.  Not sure why a band needs 15 minutes to come back for an encore, and then not be on stage and ready to go when that clock reaches zero.  Danny Carey opened the encore with a drum solo.  He is the drummer for Tool, so you know he's good, but again a back catalog as extensive as their's, I'd have preferred to hear one of those songs (Sober, Cold & Ugly, Prison Sex, Bottom......anyone).  Tool did finish with the incredible Stinkfist and the crowd was beside themselves.  Definitely the reaction of the night.

Another great concert, despite the complaints listed above.  Primus and Tool are a great pairing for a show and I would have loved to see both play longer.  Hopefully it doesn't take 4 years again.
  

 

The Crap Facts:

This is my 400th concert.
Bojangles Coliseum is the 112th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 43rd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 48th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 208th concert in the USA.
3Teeth are the 474th band I've seen.
This is my 8th Primus concert.
This is my 5th Tool concert.

Davidson vs Duquesne @ John Belk Arena

Another grinding win for Davidson.  I'm not sure if I am getting better at watching and understanding basketball, or the Duquesne were just so obvious in their foul play.  At 38-36 at half time, I thought Davidson may not be up for the battle, but fears were eased as they pulled away by 17 with 5 minutes to apply.  Official crowd was 3,321, but these may be Panthers counting numbers (every game sold out, only half the stadium full), as I don't think there were half the crowds in the stands compared to the last 2 games.

Basketball may not be in my realm of sporting knowledge.  Regardless, I am now 3-0 for the Davidson Wildcats.  That's my story and I'm sticking to it.

Davidson Wildcats 77 (Aldridge 22, Gibbs 21, Watkins 14) defeated Duquesne Dukes 66 (Gill 18, Colter 17, James 11).

Crowd: 3,321.

Davidson vs East Washington @ John Belk Arena

Another night of college basketball, another night of sports bewilderment for me.

To me this game was very much like the one from two weeks ago.  I couldn't really keep pace with fouls being / not being called.  The irony is how long it takes to play the game.  So many time outs, so much minute by minute coaching required, so many deliberate fouls - where a played advantage would be more beneficial.  Maybe I'm not built for the sports America loves.

It was a pretty comfortable win for the Wildcats in the end. 10 points , but only because Davidson took their foot off the accelerator at the end of the game.  A may not know what is going on completely, but I am claiming 2-0 for Wildcats games I've attended.

What I did find surprising tonight was the amount of Australians in the East Washington team.  3 in the starting line up and 2 more on the bench.  I didn't even know 5 people in Australia played basketball, let alone would be good enough to be recruited by a US college.  And how does that happen?  How does anyone from EWU find out about players from Geraldton, WA?  And when did Victoria become a powerhouse in basketball? (4 in the team from there)?  Why aren't those big guys playing Aussie Rules?  While not the team I was supporting, always good to see fellow Aussies doing well.

Davidson Wildcats 96 (Gibbs 37 points, Barham 22, Sullivan 22) defeated East Washington Eagles 86 (McBroom 33, Jois 22, Bliznyuk 14).

Crowd: 3,714.

Davidson vs Mercer @ John Belk Arena

My neighbor, Aaron, is both alumni and a season ticket holder with Davidson.  It's normally a family affair, but school nights are hard for the kids to get to, so I was fortunate enough to get the opportunity to see my first ever college basketball game.  So 30 minutes up the 77 and we are on the Davidson campus and entering the John Belk Arena.

Let me preface this review with the fact that I know the extreme basics of basketball (at a stretch) so this was definitely a learning experience for me (and probably a pain for Aaron, with all the questions).  We are seated 4 rows from the court behind the Mercer bench.  How much do I not know?  I had to ask where Mercer was.

The game itself was fast, too fast for me to keep up.  And without the help of replays I had no idea why fouls were being called and why the crowd was upset when they weren't being called.  What I do know is it was close, all game.  Davidson  took a 5 point lead into the half the break, and while there were a few scares, managed to hold Mercer off to take a 77-71 win. Shooting was far from accurate from both sides,  but this was definitely a good result for the Wildcats.

While I don't know much about the game, I feel I have learnt some things - if I can retain this knowledge is another story.  It was fun supporting the home team in a very one-sided crowd (maybe 40 Mercer supporters in the 3/4 full arena.  Was also great to see my mild manner neighbor get fired up for his team.  In comparison to Australia, where college sports are non-existent, American's definitely keep their connection to their schools, and it reflects in the difference in passion between college and professional sports in the US.  Hope I get the opportunity to see more.

Davidson Wildcats 77 (Aldridge 23 points, Barham 19, Michelson 15) defeated Mercer Bears 71 (Jelks 18, Lewis 10, Rivers 8)

Crowd: 3,861.

Willie Nelson & Devin Dawson @ Township Auditorium, Columbia, SC

This really was a last minute decision concert.  I waited until the afternoon of the show until I decided that I had the energy to drive down to Columbia and back to get my 2nd Willie show, and the first since Vegas in 2003.  Tried to have dinner with my nephew Mason, but he is out of town for the weekend.  I picked to Pawley's Front Porch, for a great burger and a beer, before getting back to the venue for 7.30pm start.

First show in Columbia means a new venue.  Found street parking about 3 blocks from the venue and really liked the layout of this 3,100 seat auditorium.  I was seated on the right of stage in the first level.  I usually can get good seats as a single, but this was great.  The seat next to me was vacant, due to it being a view obstructed by a support pole.

Had I known there was a support act, I would not have raced to the venue so early.  Devin Dawson is a young up and coming country artist, who was both humbled and excited to be opening for Willie Nelson (who wouldn't?).  But as someone who isn't really into the genre, I thought he sounded like (m)any other country artists.  His performance was enjoyed by his enthusiastic fans, and maybe a few new ones, but it wasn't for me.

Willie came on to a standing ovation, and deservedly so.  From the first strains of Whiskey River, for the next hour and a half, it was hit after hit from Nelson and his band.  Me and Paul, Crazy, Georgia On My Mind, Funny How Time Slips Away, Always On Mind, the list goes on.  Considering how little I listed to country music (I really have restricted myself to Nelson and Johnny Cash), it just amazes me how many great songs can come from one man.  Another highlight was the inclusion of family in the band.  A sister on piano, a percussionist son, and a guitar playing son, with one hell of a bluesman's voice.  

I definitely made the right decision to come to this show.  I was a little worried that he could never live up to that fantastic show I saw at the House of Blues in Vegas 6 months after we moved there. While this show didn't quite reach those heights, it wasn't far from it.  I don't think anyone who likes any type of music, could not like Willie Nelson, or one of his shows.  He is a true musician and a great showman.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 399th concert.
Township Auditorium is the 111th venue I've seen a concert in.
Columbia is the 47th city I've seen a concert in.
This is my 2nd concert in South Carolina.
This is my 207th concert in the USA.
Devin Dawson is the 473rd band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Willie Nelson concert.

Stevie Wonder @ Time Warner Arena

Was it because Stevie Wonder was so coveted on my bucket list? I mean, it's Stevie Wonder!  Or was it because it was the most expensive concert I've been to?  That and a combination of song choice made tonight a little disappointing for me.

The night after the shootings at the Bataclan in Paris, saw entry into Time Warner Arena take a lot longer than usual.  Security was on edge, but very thorough.  That delayed that start of the show.  Stevie was guided on stage by a back up singer and then spoke, at length, of the horrors of last night before sitting down at his piano's to perform his 1976 Songs In The Key Of Life album from start to finish.  I am not too familiar with a lot of this album, but considering last night's events the aptly named Love's In The Need Of Love Today.  It wasn't until Sir Duke that the packed arena was on it's feet as a whole.  Great song!  While not familiar with Pastime Paradise, I didn't realize it was the basis of the 90's rap hit Gangsters' Paradise.  The rest of the set, though, was pretty mellow.  And not even the 30 piece backing band could energize the show.

Wonder took a break after 12 songs, and upon return again somewhat lectured the crowd for what seemed an eternity.  He did, however, launch into the awesome Isn't She Lovely, which was definitely the highlight of the night.  The rest of that set, again, mellowed out.  I'd of thought at a Stevie Wonder show I'd be on my feet all night, but this was definitely not the case.  The other great song of the second set was his solo cover of John Lennon's Imagine, dedicated to those who had lost lived in last night's France massacre.

While we had already seen 2 hours, it wasn't until the final encore that things finally started to perk up.  Signed, Sealed, Delivered, I'm Yours had everyone up instantly.  Straight into Living For The City.  And while a noise curfew threatened to end the show, Wonder decided one more song had to be done.  Superstition was the high energy, fun song I expected would have filled the rest of the night.  Was so great to see and hear such an iconic song, done by its legendary writer.  Definitely the right way to finish the show.

When I think back about the time Wonder spent talking to the crowd before his two sets, as well as the need to highlight every band member individually (for God's sake there was 30 of them - I understand they're talented - they work for Stevie Wonder - but that's not who I want to see perform), I feel that hour, yes at least an hour doing these things, would have been better spent performing other great songs of his.  Where was Master Blaster? Lately? My Cherie Amour? Higher Ground? I'd have even settled for I Just Called To Say I Love You.  Not to say I didn't have a good night, but it wasn't the mind blowing experience I had hyped myself up for. 

 

The Crap Facts:

This is my 398th concert.
This is my 4th concert at Time Warner Arena.
This is my 42nd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 47th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 206th concert in the USA.
Stevie Wonder is the 472nd band I've seen.

Jim Jefferies @ Knight Theater

I feel like it's hard to write a review about a comedian.  It's not like retelling the jokes would help. 

Needless to say Jim Jefferies was everything I expected him to be.  He started his show with two words that really set the tone for the night. Bill Cosby.  From there nothing was sacred.  He absolutely destroyed a woman heckler, almost to the point it was started to get really nasty (but I'm going to hell anyway, so I continued to laugh).  Though no one else was brave enough to interject again.  He also took aim at his girlfriend, son, mother, hunting, religion, America's obsession with Freedom, amongst other topics.  Nothing seemed to be sacred.

I spent two hours in stitches, and was a little proud to see a fellow Aussie perform in my adopted city, and do it so well.  Having said that, you'd have to be careful of who you would send to see one of his shows.  If you were easily offended by language, and considering everyone came under fire, there was no other couple we know that I'd take.  Fortunately, A knows my sense of humor, and knew what she'd be in for.  She laughed just as hard as I did.  Will happily fork out money next time he comes to town.

Babes In Toyland @ The Visulite

Almost 20 years to the day since I last saw Babes In Toyland.  I wish I'd had more opportunity to do so, because this band is still as ferocious as always.

The Visulite is fast becoming my favorite venue in Charlotte.  It is a small club, with a small dance floor area and then an elevated areas with chairs and general standing.  There is no real bad spot to see a show, though its better with a medium sized crowd, like tonight, where you can get up close and not feel claustrophobic.  It is also a 3 minute drive from my house.  Weather was my excuse tonight, but soon I'm gonna walk to a show.

I arrived only moments before Babes In Toyland hit the stage, and got a prime spot right in front of Kat Bjelland's mike.  A new bass player, but the venom of the band was the same as I remember from the Metro in Sydney 20 years ago (Babes toured Australia in conjunction to performing at Livid in Brisbane that year).  He's My Thing kicked off the night and sounded great.  Kat's guitar and voice were of point, and Lori Barbero's relaxed style drumming masked her tight, driving sound.  While I really only remember the songs I know (Bruise Violet, Handsome & Gretel), the whole set was fantastic. The main set finished with Sweet 69, and the crowd soaked it up.  Dust Cake Boy was the brutal encore song and a great topper to energetic noise.

Bjelland still has a great stage presence and that blood curdling scream.  The band seemed very relaxed and were enjoying themselves.  In a smaller venue I think they also seem to enjoy the audience interaction.  I hope it's not another 20 years before I see them again.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 397th concert.
This is my 8th concert at The Visulite.
This is my 41st concert in Charlotte.
This is my 46th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 205th concert in the USA.
This is 2nd Babes In Toyland concert.

Tony Bennett & Antonia Bennett @ Ovens Auditorium

It is nice that Bennett has his daughter open for him.  Having family on the road must also be a great comfort for both of them. Antonia is a great singer in her own right, however I think she will always live in the shadow of her legendary father (pretty much how I felt seeing Sean Lennon's band opening for Beck).

Having seen Tony Bennett in the smaller Hilton Las Vegas in 2008, and closer to the stage, I think I had been spoiled, and then did all the bad things by comparing the two.  Our seats tonight are a lot further back, and in a larger auditorium here in Ovens.  Bennett looks all of his 88 years tonight (as in comparison to a spritely 80 in 2008), yet his voice is just as smooth as always.  One great song after another, had the crowd excited and enthused.  Steppin' Out With My Baby, The Way You Look Tonight and I Left My Heart In San Francisco were definite highlights.  Amy and I took her mom tonight, as Bennett is the last of his era that she hadn't seen, and she spent the whole show smiling, on the edge of her seat - and she wasn't the only one in the crowd doing so.  It was all business tonight, not a lot of banter or stories from Bennett (again, unlike last time).  While his voice was spot on, there seemed to be some spark missing from Bennett's performance.  That sounds negative, but contrary, I'm glad I got to see him for a second time.  It was just hard to live up to the Vegas performance.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 396th concert.
Ovens Auditorium is the 110th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 40th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 45th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 204th concert in the USA.
Antonia Bennett is the 471st band I've seen
This is my 2nd Tony Bennett concert.

Danzig, Superjoint Ritual, Veil Of Maya & Prong @ The Fillmore

Very rarely do I go to a show early nowadays to catch and opening act I've never heard, but the lure of Prong got me to the Fillmore early.  I may have missed the first couple of songs but Prong were on fire.  With Danzig's Tommy Victor pulling double duty tonight, it was great to see him just rocking out on Prong's punk inspired tunes - so different from that distinct Danzig twang.  Glad I got in early to see this.

Next up was Veil of Maya.  Like Suicide Silence opening for Korn, this music is too heavy for me today.  Screaming vocals and crunching guitars blared heavy metal rifts which a good majority of the front section were into....just not me.

I was also keen to see Phil Anselmo's Superjoint Ritual.  I've seen Pantera and Down before and really enjoyed their show.  Contrary to the other two bands, Superjoint is pretty loose.  A good heavy edge, which the crowd were into.  And Anselmo's between song banter was definitely funny.  Superjoint were a good choice as an opener for Danzig, as both artists seem to have a mutual appreciation for each other.  And the relatively small (disappointingly) crowd were amped for the main event.

After seeing Samhain at Riot Fest in 2014, I said I'd seen my last Danzig-led show, but this band has such a great, unique sound I couldn't stay away.  And rightly so.  Where Samhain seemed like a band who hadn't played together in a long time, Danzig is a well-oiled machine.  I love that when you hear a Danzig riff, there is no disputing which band is playing that song.  I heard a bunch of favorites, from How The Gods Kill to Twist of Cain to Am I Demon to the awesome Mother.  Also liked their Elvis cover of Let Yourself Go from their new Skeletons LP.   A set lasting just over an hour was enough to remind me not to miss Danzig whenever I get the chance.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 395th concert.

This is my 14th concert at The Fillmore.

This is my 39th concert in Charlotte.

This is my 44th concert in North Carolina.

This is my 203rd concert in the USA.

Prong are the 468th band I've seen.

Veil Of Maya are the 469th band I've seen.

Superjoint Ritual are the 470th band I've seen.

This is my 7th Danzig concert.

Korn & Suicide Silence @ The Fillmore

So it was the Big Day Out 99 when I last (and first) saw Korn.  I remember being psyched beforehand and then let down afterwards.  I don't know if it was that the set was on at 4 in the afternoon or that there were so many other good performances that day (Marilyn Manson, TISM, Ash, Sparklehorse, Fur Soulfly) that they didn't reach the heights.  I should have seen them earlier this year at Carolina Rebellion, but who wants to watch a band from that for away?  I was hoping the confines of a smaller venue would do it for me, but would my age and music taste now be a deterrent?

I caught the last 4 songs of Suicide Silence as I tried to find a good vantage point for the night.  The crowd seemed to enjoy the band, and their sound seemed suitable for a Korn opener.  For me, that switching, deep growl/screamo sound just doesn't cut it anymore.  Doesn't lessen the performance and the energy Suicide Silence put out.  You could tell they were out to give it there all.

I ended up on the right side of the venue with a great sight line to all bar Munky.  As usual the lights go down and the crowd amps up.  It kept on the up with the growls of "Are You Ready?" before the band smashed into Blind.  Korn then proceeded to play their debut album from start to finish (the purpose of this tour).  While the sound was great (even with earplugs) the set was a stop start affair with singer Davis using an oxygen mask between every song.  Faget seemed to get the biggest reaction from the crowd and by the time the last notes of Daddy rang out, the crowd, me included, had taken in a great show.  As the crew reset the stage for the encore, one of the night's biggest cheers was heard  for the unveiling on Davis' Geiger-like microphone stand.  Korn came back out and played Falling Away From Me (song of the night for me) and ploughed through 4 more songs.  Freak On A Leash was a strong finisher.

16 years between Korn shows and I wasn't 100% sure how I'd react, but tonight was great.  Good sound, good energy from the band, a packed house loving every moment.  Not a lot of verbal interaction with the crowd, but plenty of acknowledgement from the band for the audience.  And I'm sure that place was littered with guitar pics once the crowd dispersed.

 

The Crap Facts:

This is my 394th concert.
This is my 13th concert at The Fillmore.
This is my 38th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 43rd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 202nd concert in the USA.
Suicide Silence are the 467th band I've seen.
Suicide Silence are the 250th different band I've seen in the US.
This is my 2nd Korn concert.

Motorhead & Anthrax @ The Fillmore

So, my first ever Anthrax show.  Wasn't sure what to expect as I am only familiar with their cover of  Public Enemy's Bring The Noise, but both times I've seen Motorhead before, they have had good openers.  (Corrosion of Conformity & Zeke, then The Misfits).  Tonight would be no different.  I liked the thrash/punk/metal sound, and singer Joey Belladonna is a true showman.  His energy and audience interaction, combined with the fast music, made for a solid performance all round.  I don't know any of their songs, but Caught In The Mosh was mine, and a crowd, favorite.  Not the music I typically listen to (gone is the early 90's), but I'm glad I got to see these metal legends.

 

Hard to believe it's been 7 years since I last saw Motorhead.  (I was supposed to see them in Vegas in October of 09, but when Dave and I showed up, we found out Lemmy had cancelled because of illness - we stayed and watched Reverend Horton Heat put on an awesome 2 hour show).  Recently Lemmy's health had been coming into question again after a few cancellations in the last month, which made it more important to see them on their 40th anniversary tour.  I don't know if I had a preconceived idea of what to expect, but initially Lemmy looked kind of frail, not the booming presence he usually projected from the stage.  This notion was killed from the very first note.  Motorhead played as fast and loud as you would expect.  Because it's Motorhead I was smart enough to have earplugs in, that is until the first notes of Ace Of Spades.  A blistering version followed, two songs later, by the finisher, No Class.  Just a 1 song encore - Overkill - finished off a rocking set.

Glad I got to see them again, however was a bit surprised that Anthrax's set was as long as Motorheads, and a one hour set for a 40th anniversary tour was not enough for my liking - but I can't fault what I did see.

 

The Crap Facts:

This is my 393rd concert.
This is my 12th concert at The Fillmore.
This is my 37th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 42nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 201st concert in the USA.
Anthrax are the 466th band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Motorhead concert.

PS.  I am now more than appreciative of seeing this show, as it was 3 months later that Lemmy passed away.  I knew he was frail on stage but unaware of how sick he actually was.  That fact that he was still playing wasa miracle.

Swervedriver & Dearly Beloved @ The Mothlight

I have driven to Asheville with Mike in hope of redemption for Swervedriver.  I remember the first time I saw Son Of Mustang Ford on Rage and was totally blown away.  In May 1998 they toured in Australia and I got to see them in my favorite venue (The Metro), with the awesome Magic Dirt.  I gotta say I only remember being disappointed by the experience, and the show landed as one of the worst I have seen.  At the time only 2 other shows I'd seen were worse (Soundgarden & Garbage).

The Mothlight is a cool, smaller venue, that looks and smells new.  We got there early and had time to stretch and relax before Dearly Beloved came on.  From the start these guys (and girl) were great.  They had an energy that burst out in their music and performance.  I had never heard of this Canadian band before yet thought they were great.  The crowd reacted well to them and their finale with singer/bassist in the crowd while a guitarist went nuts (almost killing an unsuspecting lady with his guitar) on the dancefloor was a highlight.

The crowd swelled significantly for the start of Swervedriver, and while crowd interaction was at a minimum, the band were in a zone from the start.  Because I'm old, earplugs were used tonight, but that swirling guitar sound just isn't the same through the earplug barrier, so 3 or 4 songs in they were discarded for a much better sound.  I'm not familiar with any of the new album, but it seems true to their sound and I really thought the show was great.  Things picked up further with Rave Down sounding amazing halfway through the set.  The crowd, however, thinned out after that song, but still Swervedriver drove on.  Son Of Mustang Ford all but finished the set - and was a killer.  That song is as great as it ever was and I felt privileged to hear it live again.

Sadly, we bailed before the encore (I told you I'm old - and it's a long drive back to Charlotte especially when the kids are going to be up at about 7am).  This is no reflection on the show.  It was great and put that 98 show where it belonged - in the past.  Would love to see them again, but hopefully closer to home next time.

 

The Crap Facts:

This is my 392nd concert.
The Mothlight is the 109th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 3rd concert in Asheville.
This is my 41st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 200th concert in the USA.
Dearly Beloved are the 465th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Swervedriver concert.

Carolina Beach, NC

The annual trip to the beach, though we got an extra one this year with our trip back to Oz in December.  This year Wild Dunes was forgone for our first attempt using VRBO.  WE left home on 11 August and had a great apartment right on the oceanfront, that also had a pool.  While the building was older, the interior was really nice.  And the boys loved the pool.  Love that the boys are getting more and more confident in the water, this year without swim lessons.

Besides the beach there was some great seafood eaten at Bowman's one night and The Shack At Dockside another.  Also took the opportunity to have an afternoon at the Aquarium At Fort Fisher just 20 minutes down the road.

I really miss living at the beach.  I think we'll head back down here or try Kure Beach next year.  I prefer here to Wild Dunes.

 Me, L & B @ Carolina Beach

L&B being eaten by a megalodon at Fort Fisher Aquarium