Flogging Molly & The Bronx @ Fillmore

This is my 7th concert in the last 3 weeks - I'm WAYYYY too old for this.  Made the most of some free tickets and took the Steves to see some mid week Dad Rock.

I wanted to make sure I was there early to see The Bronx.  This has been my first chance to see them since they opened for The Descendants at this venue 6 years ago.  (They clashed with Ride at Riot Fest last week - decisions were made).  Man, this band is so good!  Front man Matt Caughthran is a punk rock showman.  When a wary crowd didn't dance enough, his encouragement bought them out of their shell.  His climb into the crowd half way through the set, was enough to get the place rocking for the rest of the set.  The driving hard rock/punk sound of the band is music to my ears.  I can't wait till these guys come through town again - which seems to happen regularly in spite of the 6 year gap between show.

Steve R suggested this show and Steve T was happy to come along.  I saw some of Flogging Molly's set last weekend and was impressed by how much better they sounded tonight.  While I don't know any of their songs, around us (mid way back in the Fillmore) people were into it.  For me, that violin/banjo/accordion sound gets a bit samey after a while, but tonight's show was a good one.  Dave King has a very good repoire with the audience, but I'm pretty sure that those coming to a Flogging Molly show know that this "next song is about Ireland".  Not as great as their Salvage Station shows a couple of years ago, but a fun night and good show all the same.

The Crap Facts:
This is my 495th concert.
This is my 29th concert at The Fillmore.
This is my 102nd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 122nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 296th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd The Bronx concert.

This is my 4th Flogging Molly concert.

Circle Jerks, TSOL & Negative Approach @ Underground

Twice I've seen the Circle Jerks, but only as a support act for Pennywise, so I wanted to see what one of their own shows would be like.

I walked in as Negative Approach were blasting through Sham 69's Borstal Breakout.  A great song I've only ever heard Bored! cover.  I wish I'd gotten here sooner to catch the whole set.  Also didn't know John Bannon was their singer.  I'd seen him twice with Easy Action, but he seemed more at home with his original band.  Tied Down and Lead song were also blistering songs.

I wanted to see TSOL - I feel like I've missed them at other shows before, and their status as early punk pioneers means you'd think I'd have seen them at some point.  I didn't know any songs, but the crowd around me did.  I was expecting something faster, but these songs sounded like great rock songs instead of the blistering punk I was expecting.

In contradiction, Circle Jerks were super fast.  Songs flying by at pace the audience remembers - and loves.  From the first notes of When The Shit Hits The Fan until the last song ninety minutes and 31 songs later, Keith Morris lead the band in a frenetic set.  Wild In The Streets early on was awesome.  And it sounds cheesy, but the 25-second Deny Everything made every cent of the concert ticket worth it.  Between songs Morris explained the history of So-Cal Punk and why bands set up their sets in blocks of songs (tuning, drinks, vaping etc).  The Circle Jerks, were appreciative of the turn out and performed accordingly.  Moral Majority and Coup D'état were great. and as a bonus for me, they played World Up My Ass (I didn't know that was one of their songs).  Circle Jerks version of Wasted was a hit al round (is it a cover if Morris co-wrote it?).  And Red Tape finished off the main set.  I don't think it was 3 minutes before they were back for a frenetic encore.  The Soft Boys I Wanna Destroy You, quickly followed by What's Your Problem and Question Authority finished off a great performance all round.  Glad I dragged myself out on a Monday night.

Circle Jerks Setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 494th concert.
This is my 9th concert at The Underground.

This is my 101st concert in Charlotte.
This is my 121st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 295th concert in the USA.
Negative Approach are the 571st band I've seen.

TSOL are the 572nd band I've seen.

This is my 3rd Circle Jerks concert.

Nick Cave @ Harrah's Cherokee Center

Still recovering from Riot Fest, I drove up to Asheville tonight to see Nick Cave.  I bought these tickets so long ago, that I forgot about it when I book my 4 nights in Chicago.

An easy drive up had me in my seat right at 8pm.  20 minutes late Cave walked out, with Radiohead bassist, Colin Greenwood, to play an evening of songs on his piano.  Again I thought Asheville was a strange place to start a tour (for an Australian coming to the US), but Cave stated they had been in town a few weeks rehearsing.  It was just last March that Cave and Warren Ellis started their tour in the Thomas Wolfe Auditorium (next door).   This show had to be moved into this room as, apparently, there were some severe problems in the Auditorium's air conditioning.  That suited me.  I got an elevated seat and the isle, with no one in front of me.  A perfect view.

From the beginning Cave was in a jovial mood.  Early banter saw the crowd leave their seats and rush to the front of the stage after an audience asked if that was possible and Cave answered "I'm not in charge of that!"  Girl In Amber was the first song I recognized, and dare I say, sounded better than the recorded version.  Are You The One I've Been Waiting for was the start of the great stuff (for me).  Such a beautiful song normally, it seems to get better just with a piano and bass.  Same goes for The Weeping Song.  Which was followed by the sweet sounding Nobody's Baby Now and the brilliant Mercy Seat.  Cave did a good job of mixing old and new songs, and Greenwood played the invisible bassist, stepping behind his amp or off stage when he was not required.  Cave (truly solo) did a moving rendition of Into My Arms.  Is there any other type for that song?  Ending the main set with Push The Sky Away.

When Cave asked for requests at the beginning of the encore, overwhelmingly the response was Stagger Lee, but Cave claimed he couldn't remember the song and hadn't rehearsed it, so wouldn't play it.  It was then a man close enough to the front told him how the song had made life easier for him as a gay man (the full story I couldn't hear), but Cave responded in kind and dedicated Balcony Man to the gentleman.  He played straight into The Ship Song (which is another favorite of mine) and played T-Rex's Cosmic Dancer again (he played it with Ellis last year).  Still the audience persisted and eventually Cave relented and played an improvised version for Stagger Lee - which Greenwood adapted to quickly and brilliantly.  Such was the truth about him not remembering the song, Cave bought the man on stage to help him with lyrics.  Lastly, Cave finished with Grinderman's Man In The Moon, before leaving the stage to thunderous applause.  2 hours of greatness.

I didn't want to make the drive to Asheville and back tonight, and was tired driving up there, but the show was so good, I was buzzing all the way home.  So happy I made the trip.

Nick Cave Setlist

The Crap Facts:
This is my 493rd concert.
Harrah's Cherokee Center is the 136th venue I've seen a concert in..
This is my 12th concert in Asheville.
This is my 120th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 294th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd Nick Cave concert.

Nick Cave is the 550th time I've seen a band in the US.

Riot Fest @ Douglass Park

A bit of rain this morning sees us leave the hotel early and head back to Yolk, where we are now recognized by the wait staff.  Doors have been delayed to 2pm, so we're in no rush to get out to Douglass Park this morning.  Hell, I'd be content to just see The Cure tonight.  It's the reason we're here in the first place.

It is not what we do.  We leave the hotel at 2pm and get to the station as the train arrives.  Everything goes smoothly and we are in the venue and in place to see Ride take the Riot stage at 3.30pm.  I couldn't believe this was the Ride from the 90's.  Very little fanfare in the US about their show.  I didn't even know they were still playing together.  I was never a big fan of the shoegaze style but remember they had a great album cover for Nowhere (with the curvy wave) and it was everywhere in the time I was discovering Waterfront Records, Red Eye and other of Sydney's independent record stores.  Turns out that today was the perfect day for them to play.  That dreary English weather followed them over, and their swirling sound literally swirled around in the Chicago breeze.  Vapour Trail was the only song I vaguely recognized, but all in all a good start to the day.

Ride Setlist

Erik wanted to stay for AFI, but I walked around to the distant Rebel Stage to see H2O.  Another band who has eluded me over the years.  I new they were a New York hardcore band, but had never listened to or seen them before.  I missed the first couple of songs, but singer Todd Morse was already in the pit (apparently he started an over 50's only circle - damn I missed it).  And it was there he stayed.  I still have no idea what he looks like.  Morse powered through the whole set in the crowd, as the band killed it from the stage.  It was definitely a great set, with a dedicated fan base loving every moment of it.  It was the closest I'd been to a stage so far, and definitely was boosted by the surrounding energy.

H2O Setlist

The Gorilla Biscuits were on this stage next, so I walked over to the Rise Stage to grab a late lunch and see a few Flogging Molly songs.  Again, this is a band that doesn't seem right to be see during the day.  Regardless, they gave it their all, as they always do when I see them, And the crowd was into it - all the way to the back.

Flogging Molly Setlist

Back to the Rebel Stage and in place (up front to the side of stage) for the Gorilla Biscuits.  First time hearing and seeing them as well.  The line up says they are playing their 1989 album Start Today, and I wanted to see what it was all about.  Erik was still over watching  Dresden Dolls, but, me and the crowd, and tons of people on stage waited in high anticipation until the thunderous arrival of the Biscuits.  From the get go, this fast action band had their diehard fans in a frenzy.  Their new ones were also enjoying it.  They played hard and fast, and had a dedicated crew in the audience singing every word.  They packed 17 songs into their tight set and were great from start to finish.  On day one, they had a great shirt at the merchandise booth (a Chicago Bulls comic front with Riot Fest 23 on the back), that I didn't buy because I didn't want to jinx them by getting the shirt before I saw them - wish I had now.  Great show.  Hope I get to see them again some time.

Gorilla Biscuits Setlist

I met Erik at the Rise Stage (found each other easily for 50,000 people in the grounds).  I was pretty excited to see another Gaslight Anthem show (twice in a year doesn't happen very often to me anymore).  The band sounded great from the start, and Brian's risky Chicago pizza jokes paid off, winning the local crowd over.  Old White Lincoln and Senor & The Queen were my 2 favorites.  While I hung on as long as possible to hear The 59 Sound, good spots need to be found for the Cure.  After the band finished Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts we walked away, only to hear the start of the song I wanted, before being lost in the sound of Mars Volta's last songs.

Gaslight Anthem Setlist

It's finally dark, dark when The Cure take the stage, and we are nearing the end of 3 good days of music.  While it feels like we're miles away from the stage, we have a decent view and the sound is great.  They started with Alone, off the latest album, which I'm not familiar with, and then plowed into 2 plus hours of great song after great song.  High was played in good spirit.  Hearing the bass start for Lovesong is always the best.  Was great to hear Burn from the Crow soundtrack (not one they often played until recently).  In Between Days and Just Like Heaven back to back was amazing.  I love Dinosaur Jr's cover, which I heard just last week, but the original is just the best.   And of course, A Forest is a personal favorite.  When they came back on for an encore, Smith explained he would speak little in order to get as many songs in as possible.  An 8 song encore!  Pretty sure they covered it.  Each encore song was better than the last.  Close to Me and Boys Don't Cry.  By the time they finished near on 10pm with Killing An Arab, I no longer wanted to go anywhere, and just have them play forever.  

The Cure @ Riot Fest

The Cure Setlist

Pretty easy ride home, and a successful, fun weekend had by all.  Having said that I think I'm done with the 3 day festival.  Even without partying, it takes a toll on this old body.  I say that now, but put the Cure back on the bill and I'll be the first one with tickets.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 492nd concert.
This is my 3rd concert at Douglass Park.
This is my 6th concert in Chicago.
This is my 6th concert in Illinois.
This is my 293rd concert in the USA.
Ride are the 568th band I've seen.
Ride are the 1100th time I've seen a band.

H2O the 569th band I've seen.
This is my 3rd Flogging Molly concert.

Gorilla Biscuits are the 570th band I've seen.
This is my 7th Gaslight Anthem concert.
This is my 6th The Cure concert.

Riot Fest @ Douglass Park

 Day 2 started back at our breakfast spot at Yolk.  Definitely no rush today, as we don't plan on seeing a band until 5pm.  You'd think being in Chicago, we'd take a look around after breakfast.  Nope!  Not us.  We've both been to Chicago a number of times, and yesterday took it out of us old guys.  So we rested up in the hotel.  And I enjoyed having a kid break.

We did work out that we can catch a train to Douglass Park, well close to it.  So just after 3pm we walked up to the L Train at Harold Washington Library and caught the Pink Line out to California and then the 20 minute walk into Riot Fest.  Much easier than yesterday.  But holy shit there a lot more people here today, already.

First up was Head Automatica on the Riot Stage (we're here a whole band earlier than expected).  Not my cup of tea.  

Head Automatica Setlist

We watched for the first 20 minutes before heading over to the Roots Stage to see Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls.  I've never heard of this band, but for some reason I wanted to see them.. And a right decision was made. This Englishman and his band were rocking.  And they have a pretty good following.  I wonder why they have slipped past me.  Anyway, there 45 minutes of energy was a good warm up for what was to come.

Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls Setlist

Death Grips were next on the Roots Stage.  I had heard that this band had a reputation for a great show.  And if the opening song was anything to go by, this was totally true.  The Energy!  Man, the lead singer had an Iggy Pop-like energy and the drummer played like his life depended on how hard and often he hit those drums.  I'm unfamiliar with their hip-hop/punk songs, and some of it, to an unfamiliar ear, made me wonder if I'd heard 17 songs or one hour long song (it was the former).  In the end 3 tubs of sweat splashed off stage and a crowd was left to recover and seek rehydration before their next move.

Death Grips Setlist

Next up, on the adjacent Riot Stage, was the complete opposite to what we'd just seen.  Death Cab for Cutie.  Again another band I didn't know much about, be we used the set to get Erik a good spot for Queens of the Stone Age.  Death Cab just made me feel old.  All the kids loved them, but this old man couldn't get into it.  

Death Cab For Cutie Setlist

With the sun setting, I left Erik to go back to the Rise Stage to catch my 9th Pennywise show.  And as expected, they flew through another blistering set.  From Straight Ahead to begin, Pennywise put in a show as good as always.  Wasn't long before an all time favorite was played, Same Old Story.  Their 3 mini song NoFx covers lit up the crowd, as the band pleaded for them not to break up.  About 1/2 way through, they called out Chicago sons, Tim McIlrath and Joe Principe of Rise Against.  They joined the band to play Nervous Breakdown and Minor Threat.  I was supposed to head back to Erik at this oint to catch the start of Queens, but this was the best I'd seen all day, and we all know how a Pennywise set finishes.  Perfect People and Society were great lead ins to the sing along Stand By Me cover.  Unfortunately this set had to end.  I could have stayed there the rest of the night.  The distinctive bass line of Bro Hymn saw the bands' mass of friends move in from side stage to front and center.  Man, that is such a great song, and such a powerful set ender.  To have family and friends on stage singing to and about a former bandmate is something even the crown can share.

Pennywise Setlist

Between Pennywise songs I could hear Queens of the Stone Age kick off their set with No One Knows.  I got back to the Roots Stage to see their 5th song, If I Had A Tail.   From then on, Josh Homme's swagger filled the stage and Queens played an awesome set.  Make It With Chu and Little Sister were great songs, but A Song For The Dead to finish their hour was an attack on the senses.  I'd hate to be The Postal Service following that.  I had planned to see all of Queens of the Stone Age, and was bummed when they conflicted with Pennywise, but as much as I enjoyed the end of Queens, I'm glad I changed my mind and saw all of Pennywise.

Queens of the Stone Age Setlist

Erik and I split again as he stated to see Postal Service, I headed back to the Rise Stage to see Mr. Bungle.  I'd had a hit and miss with 2 Faith No More shows in the 90's, but was keen to see what this "experimental" band could do.  I thought that there would be some off-beat metal/noise-rock happening, but with Anthrax's Scott Ian and Slayer's Dave Lombardo, tonight's set was pretty straight forward metal.  Which there is not a lot of at Riot Fest.  I really liked the song Hypocrites/Habla Espanyol o Muere.  They then did a I'm Not In Love, a 10cc cover.  Great version, and funny to watch people think they know the songs and then it finally clicks.  I didn't stay to the end, but did get to hear Slayer's Hell Awaits and left after Spandau Ballet's True.  I thought that was a great way to finish the night.

Mr. Bungle Setlist 

A 20 minute walk back to the station as Erik and I relived the highlights.  The first 4 car train was packed, but moments later was an empty 8 car became full to the brim, to take us back into downtown.  So much easier than last night.  A good Day 2, while I didn't enjoy all the bands, I still like to see something new to decide on future shows,  Pennywise & Queens of the Stone Age were the best, but I am a new fam of Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 491st concert.
This is my 2nd concert at Douglass Park.

This is my 5th concert in Chicago.
This is my 5th concert in Illinois.
This is my 292nd concert in the USA.
Head Automatica are the 563rd band I've seen.
Head Automatica are the 550th time I've seen an American band.
Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls the 564th band I've seen.
Death Grips are the 565th band I've seen.
Death Cab For Cutie are the 566th band I've seen.
Death Cab For Cutie are the 350th different band I've seen in the US.
This is my 9th Pennywise concert.
This is my 3rd Queens Of The Stone Age concert.
Queens Of The Stone Age are the 100th band I've seen in at least 3 times.
Mr. Bungle are the 567th band I've seen.

Riot Fest @ Douglass Park

Got into Chicago last night (even after missing my first flight while in the airport).  Erik got there before me and we met up at the Chicago Hilton, where we are camped in for the next 4 nights.  After dropping my bags in the room we wandered until we came across Maharaj for dinner.  A good Indian restaurant just a couple of blocks from the hotel.  As you'd expect, afterwards, we just headed back to the hotel.  We have to conserve as much 50 year old energy as possible for the next 3 days.

We were up at the crack of 9am - ahhhh to sleep without kids nearby.  We walked 3 blocks south to Yolk for enough food to last the whole day (a Yolk All Star Combo).

There was no rush, we didn't need to get there as gates opened at 11am, but we didn't know where we were going , so we caught a cab out to near Douglass Park and landed near 1pm.  I know I say this all the time, but this is going to be my last festival.  At 50, I don't want to stand out in a field for 3 days, even if it's to see some great music and catch up with Erik for our annual meet up and show.  It's been 9 years since we were last in Chicago for Riot Fest.  The Cure was the draw then, and reason why we've come back this year.

We got into the site, had a look around at what was where, checked our the 5 stages.  WE started the day off at the Rise Stage to see Parliament Funkadelic featuring George Clinton.  I had heard about this band forever (they've been around since the late 60's) so I wanted to be here early enough to see them.  This band of about 1000 people definitely bring the funk.  A lot of hype-men and people on stage who I'm not sure what they do, bring some high energy to the early crowd.  George Clinton, though, looked like he was doing it tough. And rightly so, to be 82 years and up on that stage definitely should get props from anyone.  A cover of Jump Around and a snippet of The Roof Is On Fire were the only songs I knew, and after a while it was starting to sound samey to me, so E & I went and listened to the last few songs under the shade of a large tree. 

Parliament Funkadelic Setlist

When Funkadelic finished we had 1/2 an hour before we wanted to see Kim Gordon so we headed for the merchandise tent.  I usually don't buy stuff until I see a band, but we're in a short line and all 3 days worth of bands have their gear set up, and you know The Cure are going to be awesome, so I bought a Riot Fest specific Cure shirt.  There was a dozen others I wanted, but I controlled myself and stuck with the 1.

Back to the Rise Stage for Kim Gordon at 3.20pm.  I was hoping this would be me falling in love with Gordon again, after walking out of a Sonic Youth show in 1998 in Portugal.  This was not going to be the case.  But some of that was the difference between want and reality.  I just wanted to hear her play great songs, in her cool, Sonic Youth demeanor.  Instead she is the lead singer, not a bass player, of a band with a completely different sound.  And I know it sounds weird, but it may be better in a dark club and night, instead of on a large stage in the Chicago sun.

Kim Gordon Setlist

Before Gordon's set was over, we walked over to the Riot Stage (one of the 2 side by side main stages) to see The Interrupters.  Here is another band I'd known by reputation, but never heard before.  While theirs' is a rocking, ska sound, it just wasn't doing it for me.  It sounded a little No Doubt-lite for my liking.  As usual this is one man's opinion.  There were thousands of punters in front of me enjoying what The Interrupters did.  A cover of Billie Eilish's Bad Guy also didn't really hit the mark for me, and maybe because that song is so good on its own.

The Interrupters Setlist

Way in the back corner of the park, is the smallest stage, the Rebel Stage, where Screaming Females took the stage at 4.50pm.  This was a must see for me.  Melissa Paternoster is rock's current leading female.  Her voice is wild, but tame compared to her guitar shredding.  I was lucky enough to see them for a second time last November, and was happy to see them on a larger scale today.  As expected, their set was blistering.  And the crowd responded as such.  Ripe is the only song they played that I know by name, and it was a pearler.  I love seeing this band in a small venue, but I hope today that got a heap of exposure to a new audience and things kick on for them, because they are a great band who next time deserve to be on a bigger stage later in the day.

Screaming Females Setlist

Back to the Riot Stage to see The Breeders.  Kim seemed to be in a good mood and the band played Last Splash from start to finish.  Cannonball alone was worth the price of admission.  How is that album 30 years old?  I remember buying Cannonball on single a gazillion years ago.  The Breeders provided a mellow rock tempo as the sun disappeared for the day, and all of a sudden the weather turned cool.  The good news is the old men (us) found a spot where we'd camp for the rest of the night that allowed us to lean on a barrier and relax the back - hey! its hard work for us to rock out all afternoon.

The Breeders Setlist

Turnstile were next, on the Roots Stage, adjacent to the Riot Stage, so we didn't move.  We could hear everything great and could see some of the stage, but watched most of the set on the video screen.  Boy, the kids love this band.  There were people everywhere.  And Turnstile's lead singer matched their energy.  This band reminds me of Touché Amore, with their sound.  They really got the crowd amped.  I bet the show they did at The Fillmore a while back was wild.

Turnstile Setlist

Today's headliners hit the stage at 8pm to a massive, pumped up crowd.  I can't believe it's been 15 years since I last saw the Foo Fighters (back in the old Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel in Vegas).  And boy, things have changed.  The Foo Fighters are bonafide rock stars now, and I think they know it.  All My Life kicked off the set, and very quickly I noticed that each song had it's rockstar ending.  Where the song kind on finishes, so the crowd cheers, and then the band plays a little bit extra before really finishing and the crowd double dips on their cheering.  Breakout, My Hero and This Is A Call were great mid set songs.  Then out of nowhere I needed to get to the bathroom, so I turned and tried to get out.  Holy Shit, there was just endless people.  I got on the back of a line of people trying to get out, but it seemed like a lost cause.  That is the closest I've ever come to panic made at a show.  At 6'2 I can usually see what's happening around me, but once Shame Shame started (the 2nd song of my trek) I was thinking I'd never get out.  Obviously I did, but it took a glass of water to calm me down.  Being out of that crowd also made it cool.  I had to by a hoodie to survive the rest of the night.  I didn't make it back to Erik, but watched the rest of th set from in front of the Roots Stage.  I was maybe closer, and with far fewer people around.  The 2 hour set finished with 5 good songs . Aurora, which they explained they'd play every show from now on, because it was one of Taylor's favorites.  Monkey Wrench - my favorite Foo Fighters song.  White Limo - which I'd never heard of, but apparently Grohl heard someone request.   Then Best of You, and the crowd favorite, Everlong made sure everyone was buzzed up as they left.

Foo Fighters Setlist

Overall a great first day.  Though getting back to the hotel was another story.  We hadn't really looked into how to get back, so we tried an Uber.  Ha!  That wasn't going to happen.  So we walked for about 2 miles before the Uber app finally picked a driver for us.  Then the police had a whole bunch of streets blocked off to stop revelers partying for Mexican Independence weekend.  The poor Uber driver was all over the place and eventually we bailed on him about 4 blocks from the hotel, cause there was nowhere else for him to go.  We better look into better ways tomorrow.  Looking forward to Day 2 tomorrow.

The Crap Facts:

This is my 490th concert.
Douglass Park is the 135th venue I've seen a concert in.
This is my 4th concert in Chicago.
This is my 4th concert in Illinois.
This is my 291st concert in the USA.
Parliament Funkadelic are the 558th band I've seen.

Kim Gordon is the 559th band I've seen.

Kim Gordon is the 300th different American band I've seen.

The Interrupters are the 560th band I've seen.

This is my 3rd Screaming Females concert.

The Breeders are the 561st band I've seen.

Turnstile are the 562nd band I've seen.

This is my 5th Foo Fighters concert.

Dinosaur Jr @ The Senate

It's a bit of a drive down to Columbia....but it's Dinosaur Jr, so it must be done.  This will be my 10th time seeing them.

After 20 minutes of trying to find a parking spot, I walked in just after Dinosaur Jr took the stage (I would've left earlier if I could have gotten the venue to answer a call/message to find out when the band was due on stage).  The 3rd song was Out There, and I was into it.  I found a spot up the back, against the wall, where I could take my earplugs out for the favorite songs and not be assaulted by the wall of sound.  A couple of newish songs were played that I recognized , but don't know the names of.  These were good.  I Met the Stones and In A Jar were melodically fuzzy and crowd pleasers.  Mountain Man was a new one for me.  It was heavy - I may need to go and find the Dinosaur album.  Start Choppin was awesome and I love hearing the dynamics of Feel the Pain live.  It's such a good song, and live they play some of it so much faster and louder.  So good!  2nd last song was an all time favorite - Freak Scene.  The rest of the set was as good as you'd expect, but I'd drive this far just to hear that song.

For the encore I moved from way up the back and got closer to the front, right in front of Mascis.  The Wagon kicked of the encore - a definite crowd favorite.  I didn't know Budge, and I thought it would be an unusual song to finish on, and after a false start we got our Just Like Heaven cover.  Recent shows I'd seen had them played TV Eye for an encore - but they've gone back to my favorite cover.

On stage they are the Dinosaur Jr, that are always there.  J looking like the guitar is an extension of his body and playing these songs is as easy as pouring water.  Murph the steady, driving force in the middle, and Lou sweating through his shirt top to bottom, rocking out harder than everyone else combined.  Visually making it hard to know where to be watching.

Bring on show number 11.

Dinosaur Jr Setlist

The Crap Facts:
This is my 489th concert.
This is my 2nd concert at the Senate.
This is my 3rd concert in Columbia.
This is my 6th concert in South Carolina.
This is my 290th concert in the USA.
This is my 10th Dinosaur Jr concert.

Luna Park

We've promised to take the boys to Luna Park the last 2 times we were in Australia, so this time we had to come trough.  And thanks to the organisation of Kel we went and spent the day at an old childhood haunt.  Mum used to take me here when I was really young.  It was so long ago, you could get in for free if you bought 3 Stork margarine lids (yep, I'm that old).  That all came to an end in 1979 after the horrific Ghost Train Fire.  A tragedy which closed the park for 16 years.  It would be another 9 years of openings and closing before it went back to business as usual in 2004.

We went full tourist today, catching the train down from Gosford to Milson's Point and getting to the park at near midday.  And a beautiful day it was!  Sun shining, shorts and t-shirts in the middle of winter. Couldn't ask for more.  And what a great day.  We watched the kids ride the Tango Train, the Volare, The Hair Raiser, the Carousel and the Ferris Wheel.  We all then went into Coney Island.  This was always my favorite spot as a kid, though it didn't seem to have the same appeal as what it used to.  Anyway I even got on the slides and the kids did the Turkey Trot, Joy Wheel and Barrels of Fun before we headed back outside for them to ride some more.  And watch out fearless cousin L go on The Big Dipper and the Sledgehammer.  Better her than me!

It was a great day, in that we got to share it with cousins and Nanny, and it was great to be back at a place I haven't been to since my early childhood.  Great fun had by all - even riding the night train home.

Kel, M, Me, L, B, L & Nanny @ Luna Park

L, L, M & B on THe Tango Train @ Luna Park

Me @ Luna Park

Me, M, Kel, L, Jase, L, B & Nanny at the end of the day @ Luna Park

Colombia v South Korea @ Allianz Stadium

We're in Australia and the Women's World Cup is on.  How could we not go to a game!  Even though we couldn't get Australia tickets, and the US is playing in New Zealand, this was still a spectacle to behold.

After driving home after the Yeah Yeah Yeahs last night, it was back on the freeway and into the same parking space for the game next door at the Allianz Stadium (I know it's a completely new stadium, but it will always be the Sydney Football Stadium to me).  This time with B, L, Dad and Kathleen in tow.

We got there pretty early and soaked in the atmosphere around the ground.  I was confident there would be a good contingent of South Korea fans, but I was really surprised by the amount of Colombians that were there - and in large groups at that.

We got into the stadium pretty easy and watched the Colombian team warm up.  Then we made the hike up to our seats.  We weren't given a choice when I bought the tickets yesterday, but I thought Row AA would be good.  It was actually the 4th last row - way up in the nosebleeds.  Oh well!  Once I calmed down about the height it was all about enjoying the game.

The crowd around us was evenly supporting South Korea and Colombia, but we chose Colombia, as their national anthem was much more upbeat. The game started evenly with South Korea maybe having a slight advantage.  South Korean Son Hwa-Yeon seemed strong on the ball and was causing some problems with movement around the pitch.  But in the 30th minute a handball in the box allowed Colombia to take the lead. Catalina Usme sent the keeper the wrong way, and Colombia were fortunate to be up 1-0.  Less than 10 minutes later Linda Caicedo got Colombia's second.  This time from a mistake by Korean keeper, Yoon Young-Guel.  A relatively gentle shot slipped through the keepers hands (above her head) and into the back of the net.  You know she's made that save a million times, but at the worst possible moment, it didn't go as planned.  I felt bad for her.

After going into the half up 2-0, Colombia came back out and took control of the game.  While their attacks weren't completely effective, they killed the game when Korea got the ball, not giving them an inch.

Nearing the end of the game we went down to the exit level and watched injury time closer to the pitch, and were there when the final whistle went.  Viva Colombia!

We picked up a World Cup shirt for mom on the way out.  Though got nothing for ourselves.  A great day had by all and an experience I hope the boys remember for years to come.

Colombia 2- Catalina Usme (30 min penalty), Linda Caicedo (30) defeated South Korea 0

Colombia: C. Perez, D. Arias, J. Carabali, M. Venagas, L. Santos (M. Restrepo 76 min), D. Montoya (D. Ospina Garcia 87 min), L. Bedoya Durango, C. Usme, M. Ramirez, L. Caicedo.

South Korea: Y. Young-Guel, L, Seon-Joo, S. Seo-Yeon, K. Hye-Ri, J. Sel-Gi, C. Hyo-Joo (M, Mi-Ra 88 min), J. So-Yun (P, Eun-Sun 68 min), L. Geum-Min, C. Yu-Ri (C. Phair 78 min), S, Hwa-Yeon (K. Chae-Rim 68 min).

Crowd: 24,323

Yeah Yeah Yeahs & Automatic @ Hordern Pavilion

I like to take any opportunity to see a good show, but to have the chance to do it when I'm back at home is always a blessing.  So when timeing saw the Yeah Yeah Yeahs at an old haunt, the Hordern Pavilion, how could I say no.  

I even got Moz to come along with me.  The only other time I've seen the Yeah Yeah Yeahs was with Moz at Coachella in 2009.  We met at Mary's just outside the front doors for dinner before the show.  I love that in Australia you can still sit outside and eat dinner in the middle of winter (but also because of some well placed heat lamps).

The Hordern is smaller than I remember.  I've seen a lot of shows in there: Nirvana, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Bodycount, Alice In Chains and more, where a frenzied floor took you all over the place.  The complete opposite of that occured with Automatic.  I didn't go for them and I'm not sure the rest of the crowd cared too much - though no one was rubbishing them.

The crowd picked up when the Yeah Yeah Yeahs hit the stage.  And why wouldn't they?  Karen O's energy from the start was on fire.  As was her voice.  Such a unique voice!  This would have to be one of the hardest bands to cover, just for her voice alone.  3 songs in, Black Tongue, and I was fully hooked.  Rockers To Swallow followed that - the only ong they did off Is Is.  A third of the set contained songs from the new album Cool It Down. I didn't know them but they mixed there way into the set really well.  Soft Shock lead in 3 new songs in a row and they finished the main set with Maps and an amazing crowd-dancing-confetti-bombing Heads Will Roll.  Y Control and a faster Date With The Night were the 2 song encore, that had everyone buzzing as they left.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs @ Hordern Pavilion

I know it is good for the band overall that Karen O has "it".  You can't not watch her (like Nick Cave, or Iggy Pop, or Les Claypool), and that voice draws you in even further.  Many times you forget that a great band is playing behind her, and tonight was no exception.

I wish I'd bought the boys (not that they're into the Yeah Yeah Yeahs), as tomorrow I have to come all the way back to next door to see the Women's World Cup.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 488th concert.
This is my 22nd concert at the Hordern Pavilion.
This is my 29th concert in Moore Park.
This is my 186th concert in New South Wales.
This is my 189th concert in Australia.
Automatic are the 557th band I've seen.
This is my 2nd Yeah Yeahs concert.

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs are the 100th band I've seen in at least 2 states.

Magic Dirt @ Entrance Leagues Club

23 years since I last saw Magic Dirt (playing at the Gold Coast Big Day Out in 2000).  How lucky they are playing at The Entrance Leagues Club while I'm at home.  It was a no-brainer that K & I would go to the show.

With some time to kill we drove down to The Entrance to have some dinner.  Unfortuantely this is not the place I remember as a kid, or a teenager for that matter.  This once vibrant tourist town is a shadow of its former self.  Gone are the bingo halls, pinball parlours, and people in general.  We drove past quite a few empty restaraunts before heading to Saigon Chopsticks, where we had dinner.  I don't dine at many different places since we left Vegas 10 years ago, but I still am a fan of a nice meal in a Fine dining restaurant.  Having said that, I do miss the casualness of Australia, and the Central Coast in particular.  This restaurant was the epitome of that.  We could've been in someone's dining room it was that casual.  But the food was outstanding (as is usually the case for Asian food in Australia).

I had been trying to find out all day what time Magic Dirt were coming on, but getting no help from the club.  So it was a bit of a suprise to get there at 8pm only to find out they weren't on till 10.30pm.  Shit!  Anyway K & I ended up getting a drink and just talking in front of the footy in one of the lounges.  After so many years apart it's always good to catch up on some rare one on one time with my sister.  We walked into the venue, got our spot and it wasn't long before Magic Dirt were on stage and tearing into the Young & Full of the Devil album, which they are playing in full to celebrate its 25th year.  She RIff and Rabbit With Fangs are the only 2 songs I know off the album, but Adilita and her boys played the album like their life depended on it.  Once the album was done, they launched into Redhead, my favorite Magic Dirt song.  It was a ripper.  Worth travelling half wasy accross the world just to hear that song.  A very cool version of Dirty Jeans finished off the 13 song set and Magic Dirt walked off to a (finally) hyped up crowd.  Moments later they came back on to finish it all with Bring Me The Head Of...

This is my 7th time seeing Magic Dirt.  They have come a long way since I saw them play in the front bar at Max's at Petersham back in 1993.  That night they were playing between bands, who in the main room.  People were shuffling out between Screamfeeder, Crow and Pavement.  I believe it was there first ever Sydney show.  They didn't do much to impress me then, but each subsequent show got better.  Their Gold Coast Big Day out show in 2000 was mid-afternoon awesomeness.  I'm glad they're still playing, and tearing it up on stage.  I wish I was old enough (and in the right place) to enjoy the great sounds of G-Troit back in the day.  I finished the night by grabbing a vinyl copy of Signs of Satanic Youth so I can relive Redhead over and over again.

Magic Dirt Setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 487th concert.
The Entrance Leagues Club is the 134th venue I've seen a concert at.
Bateau Bay is the 56th city I've seen concert in.
This is my 185th concert in New South Wales.
This is my 188th concert in Australia.
This is my 7th Magic Dirt concert.

Parramatta Eels v Gold Coast Titans @ CommBank Stadium

My first Rugby League game in 27 years.  Yikes!  And the boys first ever.

Thanks to legendary Michael Cronin (my brother-in-law's brother-in-law) and the also legenday Peter Wynn, the boys, nanny & my sister's family got 8 incredible seats (in the Michael Cronin Stand, no less) to see th Eels play the Gold Coast Titans - a team that didn't even exist the last time I went to a league match.

We drove down early and started at Peter Wynn's Score to pick up our extra tickets and meet Peter himself.  What a gentleman!  I remember watching him play for Parramatta when I was a kid.  He always had that sports store, and it looks like game days are good to him.  The store was packed, but he made sure to spend time with everyone that walked through the door.  And the amount of time he spent with us was amazing.  He really hyped up the boys for their first league game and talked to, and shook hands with, all of us.  I am honored and humbled to be able to use his tickets, which are the 4 next to the Cronins.  

Peter Wynn-signed ball for B&L

Near the CommBank Stadium is Club Parramatta, where we had our pub dunch (as L like to call it).  While a limited menu, because of the volume of people coming in before the match, still some good food.  

L, M, Nanny, L & B @ Club Parramatta

A quick walk over the river and we are at the stadium.  Turns out CommBank Stadium is in the same spot as the old Parramatta Stadium, where I last say Wests v Cronulla in a semi-final in 1996.  We are in the 7th row on the 22 years line.  Perfect!  as for the footy - it was great.  A biased Parramatta crowd giving to the referee non-stop, and just a great back and forth for 80 minutes.  Parramatta ended up winning by the slimmest of margins 25-24.  A Moses field goal the difference on the day.

J, Nanny, K & Me @ CommBank Stadium

We stuck around after the game as the Parra players came out to meet the fans, as footballs and merchandise were thrown into the crowd.  I managed to score a mini-footy for the boys, only after dropping a real sized ball moments earlier.  Another great first experience for the boys, which I don't think they get at this age, but will hopefully appreciate one day.  And the opprotunity to do it with family, made it all the better.

Parramatta Eels 25 (R.Campbell-Gillard, W. Penisini, B. Cartwright, C. Gutherson tries: M. Moses 3 goals, field goal) vs Gold Coast Titans 24 (A. Khan-Pereeria 2, P. Sami, T. Boyd tries; T. Boyd 4 goals).

Crowd: 12,599

Sunshine Coast

So we've been in Australia for 2 weeks, doing the family thing. On the 7th Mom, was flying back to the US, so I booked flights for me, B & L to go to the Sunshine Coast and catch up with some friends who I haven't seen since at least 5 years ago when I was here last.

We only had a couple hours wait with Robbie before we were on any easy 2 hour flight to Maroochydore. We were picked up by Tawnie and taken to the Kern's house. Kern, Robbie, Luke, & Luvvo I've known for 35 years, and they've known each other longer, so even after 5 years, when we get together, it's like it was last weekend. Kern has a couple of boys, SK & BK, around B &L's age. They were weirdly wary of each other for about an hour, when they started playing a game on the trampoline. That was it - they were as good a friends as the adults were. They were inseparable for the weekend. After spending the afternoon at Alexandra Headland Beach, we had an evening in at the Kerns and were joined by the Luvvos, the Marshes and Creany. Just fantastic to see everyone.

S, L, B & B at Alexandra Headland Beach, Queensland

Saturday morning was BK's soccer match in the morning, then we headed up to the Cooroy Bowls Club. Taken over by Your Mates Brewery, this casual Bowls Club does a barefoot Saturday afternoon for all and sundry. So about 20 of us had a bowl and a couple of beers. B & L did really well for 2 kids that had never heard of bowls before today. The did Grandddad Great proud. Fun afternoon in a Queensland "winter".

Your Mates Brewery @ Cooroy Bowls Club

After bowls it was off to Noosaville and a night at the Luvvos. As soon as we got there, all the boys (kid boys, not adult boys - gotta distinguish that now) headed into the backyard and were playing soccer like theyd known each other 24 years - not 24 hours. Luvvos, Kerns, Marshes, Creans, Robbie and even Hayden and his 2 girls enjoyed the evenings barbie, music and catch up around the fire. A tinge of sadness that I don't do this more often couldn't beat the overwhelming happiness of the night for me. Catching up with great mates and a second generation forging new friendships. Very cool. We all stayed in various parts of the Luvvo house. A couple of caravans parked in the driveway, B, L & I had the guest house, while the main house filled out with a tom other people.

A barbeque breakfast made for a slow start to Sunday morning, but once we cleaned up, it was back to the Kerns for lunch before Kern, Robbie & I went out to Mudjimba Beach and hung out for the afternoon. The kids were somewhere in their own world. From there we took Rob back to the airport, and then spent the evening at the the Kerns in Buderim.

Me, Bob & Kern @ Mudjuimba Beach

On Monday Queensland kids went back to school after their winter break. This was the perfect opportunity for L, B & I to go to Australia Zoo. Just an absolute ripper of a day. Perfect weather and barely anyone in the park. We saw literally every animal as B controlled the map. And we spent a full 7 hours in the park. The highlight was wathcing the boys feeding and patting the kangaroos - not something they'd get to do most days. Also was a big fan of the Crocoseum. You can definitely see the legacy of Steve Irwin when you seen the show they put on. One last, exhausted night with the Kerns. What a treat! It was special to finally meet his boys and see the life they have set up for themselves on the Sunshine Coast. And to see our boys mucking around like we did as kids (and in out 20's) was just the best.

L & B @ Australia Zoo

Obligitory Koala Picture @ Australia Zoo

Kangaroo Feeding Area @ Australia Zoo

On the Tuesday morning, after the Kerns left for work and school we were picked up by Aunty Trish and driven out to Mooloolabah, where we met my cosuin and her family for lunch at the surfclub. It was great to spend time with Trish, Kara, Cameron and Archie. Again, these trips back to Australia only come about once in a blue moon, so any chance for a catch up is a blessing. Trish drove us out to the airport and the boys and I said farewell to a magic 4 nights on the Sunshine Coast - their first venture ouside Sydney and the Central Coast, and only my 2nd visit there (the first in nearly 30 years).

Till next time

Gaslight Anthem @ Fillmore

I honestly have no idea why The Gaslight Anthem haven't been together for a long time, and I'd kind of given up hope seeing them again.  So to have a tour announced, and Charlotte included, was a plus.  This is the first time I've seen the Gaslight Anthem in 9 years, and I'm pretty excited.  The Gaslight Anthem were the first band I saw when we moved back to Charlotte, they are now the headliner for my 10th show in this city.

I called up work to find out what time they came on, as I'm too old to bother with the openers today, and I walked in and got my spot near the front (to the left) as the band came on stage.

From the start the band looked and sounded good.  45 kicked off the night, and an upbeat tempo got the crowd started on the right foot.  Next was High Lonesome, of my favorite record, The 59 Sound, and I was to get a good amount of it tonight.  Miles Davis and The Cool was a great mid set song.  Then leading into Great Expectations and American Slang had the crowd on a high.  Singer Brian Fallon also had the crowd laughing the night with his take on the best Batman (Michael Keaton) and his good-natured slandering of Robert Pattinson.  Blue Jeans & White T-Shirts was another great song, but I was really impressed by their cover of Pink Floyd's Time (with opener Emily Wolfe).  The '59 Sound sits in my Fave 40 playlist, so to hear it lie again after 9 years, was awesome.  I was a little surpised to then hear The Backseat (I thing 59 would have been the ultimate ender).

As The Back Seat finished I raced up the back to get a vinyl copy of The 59 Sound and was super surprised that as I paid the lights come up.  No Encore.  Still I was just glad that I got to see The Gaslight Anthem again.  Hopefully it won't be another 9 years.

Gaslight Anthem setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 486th concert.
This is my 28th concert at Fillmore.
This is my 100th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 119th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 289th concert in the US.
This is my 6th Gaslight Anthem concert.

The Flaming Lips @ Fillmore

So this is the first time I am making the most of my new part job working the box office here at the Fillmore.  A free show, and the Flaming Lips.  Can't go wrong.  I take Mike, Sanders and Ben with me.  And Cam and her neighbors are there, as is Nicole.  Big show for her.  The Flaming Lips are apparently a favorite of Matt's, she has camped herself on the front barricade and surrounded herself with some good friends.

The Fillmore is packed, and made more crowded by the Flaming Lips inflatables in the crowd.  They are playing Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots, and 2 large inflatible pink robots make it nearly impossible to see the stage.  (and we are on the right side, near the front of the stage).  I don't know much of this album but the show is as great as a Flaming Lips show always is.  For me, obviously knowing only these 2 songs, Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots and Do You Realize?? are the standouts.

When they left the stage and the inflatibles were taken away, I assumed they'd come back on and do an encore.  But it was a whole other set.  Starting with my favorite song of theirs, She Don't Use Jelly.  A completely different cover of Madonna's Borderline was another highlight for this 8 song set.

Again they left the stage only to come back for a final 3 songs.  One of which, Feeling Yourself Disingergrate, Wayne performed in his bubble, but he stayed on stage and didn't venture out into the crowd, like he did last time I saw them here in 2017. Actually he seemed cautious with a lot of props.  Maybe they had problems last time here, on throughout this tour, and were holding back a bit.  Anywho, another great show from them and I sit and wait until the next time I get to see them.

Flaming Lips Setlist

The Crap Facts:

This is my 485th concert.
This is my 27th show at Fillmore.
This is my 99th show in Charlotte.
This is my 118th show in North Carolina.
This is my 288th concert in the US.
This is my 5th Flaming Lips Show.