Devo & B52s @ PNC Pavilion

I didn't really want to see these 2 bands at the big amp, I thought they'd have been better off out our amp.  Smaller, closer to the audience,  But when the offered $25 lawn seats, I even talked the boys into coming with me.

We didn't make it in time to see Lydia Lunch, but I did run into Jeremy from work on our way in.  He told us to check the VIP tent as they were giving free upgrades into sets.  Of course we would.  He had also put us on the VIP list so we could go into the private bar area, away from the crowds between sets.   We checked that out, and then went to our new seats.  We are now seated in the 2nd tier of seats, very central to the stage.  And just before B52s started we were joined by Chris (Eric from soccer's dad).  They had done the same thing as us, at a different time, and scored the seats next to us.  Small world.

I thought the B52s were supposed to be the headliners, but apparently they have been rotating each night, and tonight they were on first.  It has been 15 years since I saw the B52s kill it at Mandalay Bay (with Blondie), but this time didn't quite reach those heights.  It was a slow start and not until Deadbeat Club did I start to see a change from the band and audience.  Kate and Cindy's voices were as good as always, but Fred gave a vibe of not wanting to be there.  I thought they had done the final tour last year, which is another reason to get out and see them while you can.  But this show just didn't have the energy.  Roam was great, but it wasn't until near the end when Love Shack kicked it up a notch.  Everyone knows and loves that song.  Even the boys, who up until this point were just placating their aging dad.  It was cold, I don't blame them.  Rock Lobster finished the set and it was as awesome as I remember.  I love the sped up drum parts in certain spots, and lets face it, it's the most fun song.  I tried to go and get a shirt, but the blue one I wanted only came in women's sizes, and the black version didn't have a XXL.

B52s Setlist

We got some food and were back in out seats for when Devo came on stage. I'll admit this suits me better. I'm more of a Devo fan. Chris was saying he only really knew one of their songs and they left not long after that. Girl U Want and Whip It came back to back early in the set and were great.  This is the biggest stage I've seen Devo pay on, and been so far back.  But they handle it really well.  A quick break, and the band came out in their yellow outfits to rip through Uncontrollable Urge, and said uniforms.  Jocko Homo lead into Smart Patrol/Mr DNA - this was probably my favorite song of the night.  Devo finished with Gates Of Steel, before coming back for only one song.  The excellent Freedom Of Choice.

Late October was a risky time to have an outdoor concert in Charlotte, and tonight it was cold.  We were rugged up in jackets and beanies, but it will definitely have to be a line up as good as this to get me out here in this weather again.  devo have yet to disappoint me live.  The B52s may be closer tot he end of performing, but they still have a couple of songs to fire up a crowd.

Devo Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 536th concert.
This is my 6th concert at PNC Pavilion.
This is my 132nd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 157th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 336th concert in the USA.
This is my 2nd B52s concert.

This is my 4th Devo concert.

P.O.D. @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

This was an unexpected show.  I was working but not in my usual spot at the top of the stairs.  (We were short staff).  Instead I was down in the usher area when POD came on, so in between guiding people to their seats I got to see most of the show.  What is most surprising, was how many songs I knew.

Boom! kicked off the set.  And set the tone for the night.  It was good....even in daylight.  Mid set we got a cover of The Beatles Don't Let Me Down.  It definitely better than I would have expected.  The band was appreciative of all the support they were getting for those who showed up early.  And the crowd was really digging it.  Youth Of The Nation was up next, and it is a song I forgot I knew.  It definitely was a crowd favorite.  As the opener of 3 bands, POD were only allowed 9 songs, but Alive to finish the night was superb.   This is their most known song, and from the reaction of the audience, it is absolutely a favorite.  I'd never considered seeing POD before, but after this performance I'd keep an eye out for them again.

I was back at the top of the stairs for Daughtry and Seether and my attention was taken away from the music all night.  And there was a break I got not long after Seether came on.  Because I'm not familiar with either band, no songs really registered with me while I was helping guests.

P.O.D. Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 535th concert.
This is my 24th concert at Skyla CU Amphitheater.
This is my 131st concert in Charlotte.
This is my 156th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 335th concert in the USA.
P.O.D. are the 628th band I've seen.

Everclear, Local H & Sponge @ Neighborhood Theater

I have been excited for this show for a long time.  Tickets were secured the day they went on sale.  Everclear always put on a good show, and Local H know no other way.  

I got to the Neighborhood Theatre just before 8 and was surprised by a line still at the door.  It took a while to get in, and it was hard to find a spot for Sponge, as the place was jammed solid.  I ended up side stage - just behind the VIP tables and caught the last few songs of their set.  I don't remember them being big in Australia in the 90s, and I didn't know any songs.  But the crowd knew Plowed (the last song) and the venue was jumping.  The band were humbled by the turnout so early in the night, and their energy let fans remember back when it was easier to be at concerts.  And let us pretend were were in out 20s again - and not our 50s.  well, me anyway.

Sponge Setlist

Once Sponge was over, and the crowd came tot he bar for drinks, I headed into the main room and got myself a great unobstructed spot midway down the hall.  I may actually be here more because of Local H.  They have been a favorite since I first saw them at Equinox in 1997.  Tonight they continued their run of 7 awesome shows.  They played my favorite song first.  High Fivin' MF set the tone for the rest of the intense 45 minute set.  As loud and as fast as you want it, this is such an awesome song, and a real ballsy opener.  A couple more songs off As Good As Dead filtered into the opening part of the set.  Fritz's Corner was great, as was Eddie Vedder.  Everyone loved, and shouted the chorus for California Songs.  And Bound For The Floor was the hit that sent the crowd over the edge.  I thought it was great, and the TV Eye snippet mid-song was the chef's kiss.

Local H Setlist

Everclear are celebrating the 30th anniversary of the great Sparkle & Fade album.  It's only appropriate the I see it, because they toured Australia on the back of that release in 1996, and they played an awesome show at the Metro opening for silverchair.  The band itself has changed with age.  Songs don't hit as fast as they used to, but Art Alexakis and band still enjoy themselves up there.  The songs do stand the test of time.  Heroin Girl was a great song, even if it sounds a little different when slower.  It is still my favorite Everclear song.  Father Of Mine got the crowd really going, and Heartspark Dollarsign was another great trip down memory lane.  The band didn't play the whole album start to finish but sprinkled some other songs into the set throughout.  In the meantime we got a couple of great covers, including Highway To Hell and Whole Lotta Love (with Scott Lucas).  

When the main set was finished I rushed over and got myself and Everclear shirt.  Then, Lucas was at the Local H table, with his dog, Karen, who was taking all the attention at the time.  I bought a vinyl copy of Whatever Happened to PJ Soles and he was kind enough to sign a poster for me.

I went side stage again for the 3 song encore.  So Much For The Afterglow was great, as was I Will Buy You A New Life.  But it was the crowd at its loudest singing Santa Monica put the icing on tonight's rock n roll cake.  Such a good song, and the perfect way to end the night.

Everclear Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 534th concert.
This is my 12th concert at The Neighborhood Theater.
This is my 130th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 155th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 334th concert in the USA.
Sponge are the 627th band I've seen.
Sponge are the 350th American band I've seen.

This is my 7th Local H concert.

This is my 5th Everclear concert.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club & Humanist @ The Orange Peel

I can't believe it's been 7 years since Black Rebel Motorcycle Club have been close enough for me to go and see.  Their show in 2018 was a pearler.

The Orange Peel filled up for the show and I got there early enough to catch the last half of Humanist.  There is a dark Depeche Mode influence in this sound, but not what I was really into tonight.

Humanist's sound did blend well with BRMC playing their 3rd album, Howl,  celebrating its 20th anniversary.  I don't know why this album escaped me, as I loved the first 2, but there was definitely a different sound to what I expect from BRMC.  More atmospheric and moody, not the straight forward rock I was used to.  So for me, the first half of the show was a slow start.  Once I heard Red Eyes and Tears, everything changed.  I think the band felt the same.  The crowd definitely did.  BRMC seemed more relaxed and ready to blaze into the night.  And they did!  Every song got better.  And the crowd really started to get into it.  White Palms was good.  Berlin was excellent!  Whatever Happened to My Rock & Roll was almost an out of body experience.  And Spread Your Love....  This song sits in my Fave 40 playlist.  I can't hear it often enough.  And tonight was as good as I've ever heard it, except that 1 time they played it in the Cosmopolitan, when the casino was using it in it's commercials.  One more song from Howl, Open Invitation, calmed the crowd down before being unleased back on the Asheville night.

This is the 3rd show I've seen in Asheville since the devastating Hurricane Helene 13 months ago.  and the town is still struggling.  There were not many people around before the show (I had another good meal at Farmburger) and I grabbed a quick breakfast before driving home, and it was like walking through a ghost town.  I hope things get better for this great place.

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 533rd concert.
This is my 6th concert at The Orange Peel.
This is my 17th concert in Asheville.
This is my 154th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 333rd concert in the USA.
Humanist are the 626th band I've seen.
This is my 5th Black Rebel Motorcycle Club concert.

Neil deGrasse Tyson @ Ovens Auditorium

This is one for L.  He has taken an interest in space, so who better to tell him about it but Neil deGrasse Tyson.  A is out of town, and B wasn't interested so it is just the 2 of us, which is unusual.

Tonight felt like a university lecture done by everyone's favorite professor, but not necessarily my favorite topic.  Tyson spoke of other planets being able to support human life, what other universes might be like, the heat of suns, and his role in the de-planetizing of Pluto.

Like a comedy show, it is hard to go over everything that was said, but needless to say his 2 hours on stage was well received.  WHo knows?  Maybe we'll make a scientist out of L.

 

Wicked @ Belk Theater

I think I've been oversold on Wicked.  It's been around forever, and it is critically acclaimed everywhere, and I was super excited to see it.  A really wanted to go, and we thought the boys would like it too, so it became a family day.

For me though it didn't quite live up to the hype.  I just wasn't into it.  But I am also get less tolerant of musicals (for the most part) as I get older.  That and the fact that the Wizard of Oz is such a classic, I feel a prequel (or a sequel if it had of been) could never live up to that expectation.

On the other hand A&B loved it.  A has seen it before, and sang along with every word, and B was really into it.  L, well L wished he could be anywhere else.  Especially with Arsenal being on tv today.  It's not that I didn't like the show, but it just wasn't a favorite.  And obviously it's important to give the boys different experiences and let them make their own choices.

I was surprised at how packed the theater was for a matinee.  I had picked a Sunday afternoon, thinking that it wouldn't interfere with the boys soccer.  I knew there'd be a few families in there, but there wasn't a spare seat.  Turns out because to the incoming ice storm, the night show had already been cancelled and everyone scrambled for what was left in the matinee.

Papa Roach, Rise Against & Underoath @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

Another work shift at the  top of the stairs.

Underoath got things kicked off.  To be honest I didn't get to see much of them, as this is when the bulk of people were coming in.  With Rise Against being the 2nd band, crowds were getting in early and I didn't really have time to think let alone see Underoath.

But a majority of people were in seats by the time Rise Against started, so it was quite for me and I get to watch them for the 6th time.  While I've seen them now 6 times, it never seems to be on purpose.  It's either they have a great support band (Gaslight Anthem, Rancid, Bad Religion), supporting a great band (Deftones), at a festival and now at work.  It kicked off big time with Re-Education (Through Labor).  Give it All was great.  Prayer For The Refugee was a crowd favorite mid set.  And Savior to close their set, was a popular choice.  Overall a good set, and a solid show as always, but I'm still not sold on this band.  I wish I knew why.

Rise Against Setlist

So apparently Rise Against fans aren't necessarily Papa Roach fans.  I was busier bidding fans a farewell, rather than receiving more during the set changeover.  Regardless Papa Roach came on stage with a mission of matching and ultimately exceeding Rise Against's energy.  And they did a great job of it.   I didn't know any of their stuff until a California Love cover was played.  Lead singer Jacoby Shaddix was having a great time.  By his admission, this came about by turning his life around, as well as run ins with suicidal thoughts.  As an entertainer with a voice, he was really impressive in his advocating for suicide prevention - all the way through the night.  This is not a passing fad for him.  He is keen and willing to help.  While I don't know a lot of their songs, obviously the crowd did, and they loved every moment of it.  Especially during the 2nd last song, Help, when Jacoby came out into the crowd, and all the way back to the lawn.  During the 4 song encore, Papa Roach dropped a heavy medly including Bling, My Own Summer, Break Stuff & Chop Suey.  An absolute corker!  And a wild lead into the penultimate Last Resort, which is their song I do know.  THe perfect finish to a rocking night.

Papa Roach Setlist

I would not have come to this show if I wasn't working.  But I'm glad I was here.  Good crowd and good rock!

The Crap Facts
This is my 532nd concert.
This is my 23rd show at Skyla CU Amphitheater 
This is my 129th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 153rd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 332nd concert in the USA.
Underoath are the 625th band I've seen.

This is my 6th Rise Against concert.

This is my 3rd Papa Roach concert.

Charlotte FC v Miami CF @ Bank of America Stadium

I mean, of course we're here to see Lionel Messi!  He is one of, if not the, greatest players, especially of this era.  He was a big drawcard as seen by the number of Miami shirts in the stadium during the night.  Even non-football fans know who he is, but the disrespect he was given tonight was a blight on a great night for Charlotte.

The boys, Uncle D & I had prime seats.  Front row in the club level, in line with the penalty spot at the non-supporters end.  While the top bowl remained empty, the Bank was mostly full on a warm September night.

Miami started strong, down towards the end we were attacking.  Early on Messi went over to take a corner, and was booed.  Why?  A great player, who has boosted the profile of MLS, stays away from controversy and has literally won everything in world football.  I was really disappointed in this.  And Charlotte piled on from there.  

After half an hour Messi was bought down in the box.  Had my Charlotte goggles on and didn't think it was a penalty, even after seeing it on the big screen (that changed when I saw it later on TV - clearly a foul).   Messi stepped up to take it.  We were about to see him score.  Right in line with us!  Until he stepped up with a weak Panenka, which Kalina calmly and easily saved.  Then is seemed like we hadn't finished celebrating when Toklomati went up the other end and finished off a great move.  1-0 Charlotte.

So many people weren't back in their seats after half time when Toklomati slotted in his 2nd, after a nice cross from Bronico.  Charlotte 2 Miami 0.  Miami still dominated possession, and I watched everything Messi did, though he wasn't as involved as I expected.  But every time he touched the ball, the crowd were waiting for something to happen.  But it never did for Miami.  Instead, with 8 minutes to go, Zaha drove into the box only to fouled.  Penalty Charlotte.  Toklomati stepped up and completed his hat-trick and Charlotte want on to keep a clean sheet and win 3-0.

While he didn't set the world on fire, I'm glad the boys and I got to see Messi.  He is and always will be a legend and even to see one moment of brilliance from him was a priviledge.  But I'm much happier that Charlotte took the 3 points.

Charlotte FC 3 (Toklomati 34, 27 & 82) defeated Miami CF 0

Crowd: 35,607

Choir! Choir! Choir! at Carolina Theatre

For something different, A & I went to Choir! Choir! Choir! tonight.  I've seen some of their stuff on Youtube and thought it would be fun.  Tonight they are dedicating their show to the songs of Queen.  I thought it was usually one song, but in this case we did a a number of songs. 

We had seats near the back, but unfortunately the show was not well attended, and the band wouldn't start till we all moved tot he front to be together.  From the first song this was a success.  The sound of the crowd together was magic, and the band obviously fed on that.

We sang Don't Stop Me Now, Somebody To Love, Under Pressure, We Will Rock You among others.  A couple of practice runs where sections of the audience were give parts (alto, melody, harmony, tenor etc) and then a sing along to Choir! Choir! Choir! playing an acoustic, and vocally directing the crowd.  There was somewhere in the show where they broke into the rap from Barenaked Ladies' One Week.  Didn't finish it, but a group in the crowd made it known that their friend new ALL the words.  She was brave enough to perform it into the mike (wouldn't get on stage though).  And she killed it.  Almost the best applause of the night.  Of course the show finished with Bohemian Rhapsody.  By this point, everyone was really into it.

What a great night!  An interactive concert.  That's a first for me (and A).  TO sing aloud every song was a soul-positive experience.  Definitely took a while to come down from this.  Choir! Choir! Choir! have played in Charlotte before, but we were out of town when it happened so I am so glad we got to go this evening.  And I'll come back for more when they come through town again.

The Crap Facts
This is my 531st concert.
Carolina Theatre is the 142nd venue I've seen a concert at.
This is my 128th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 152nd concert in North Carolina.
This is my 331st concert in the USA.
Choir! Choir! Choir! are the 624th band I've seen.

Simple Plan, Bowling For Soup & Lolo @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

Another warm day at work, where I greet all the fans coming in for Simple Plan tonight.  I love this job.  I greet people as they walk into the venue and provide direction for their evening.  People are always in a good mood, and why wouldn't they be.  Great venue.  Here to see a favorite band of theirs.  Good atmosphere all around.  Plenty of Fineas & Ferb tshirts, for the Bowling for Soup fans (and even a Professor Doofenschmirtz), while the Simple Plan fans went for the full Scooby Doo outfits.

There's not a lot I can tell you about Lolo.  I was still guiding people in while she was on, and I'm not familiar with her stuff.  Though her cover of The Killers Mr Brightside stuck with me.

Lolo Setlist

Bowling for Soup came on and I was surprised that I knew some of their songs.  Girl All The Bad Guys Want was a song I haven't heard in forever.  A modern classic, and a great kick off to the set.  A medley that included Mickey & Fight For Your Right was also well received.  My boys went through a Fineas & Ferb phase, but i wasn't aware that the show's song was Bowling For Soup.  But the audience did, and they went nuts when Today Is Going To Be The Best Day played.  As the set finished Bowling for Soup gave the best introduction to a song.  "Everyone thinks we wrote Stacy's Mom, we didn't - it was Fountains of Wayne - so we're going to play it anyway.  And then their big hit 1985 finished a fun 40 minute set.  Way better than I expected.  I will lookout for them again if they come through town.

Bowling For Soup Setlist

In complete contradiction, I don't know any Simple Plan songs (well, 1 but I only learnt that tonight).  Simple Plan's pop punk was was well received by their crowd, whose only mission tonight was to have a blast - And they did!  Half way through the set, Simple Plan's singer Pierre Bouvier, came out to play Untitled (How Could This Happen To Me?) on a piano at the back of the seated section.  Staff was made aware of this and we moved to be in a spot to stop too many people coming too close.  There was one couple that said they were told to wait near the sound booth, but I moved them back a bit.  It wasn't until one of the crew grabbed them that I found out he was proposing to his girl before the song played.  I almost ruined it - felt like shit - nut it all turned out for the best.  Thank God!  My favorites was a medley near the end with All Star, Skater Boi & Mr Brightside.  This was followed by the song I did know.  As Simple Plan got people up on stage, who had come dressed in costume, they ripped through the their theme song from What's New Scooby Doo?.  Awesome.

Simple Plan Setlist

I love having a job that is this fun.  Sure I might not like the music, although tonight I came across a couple of new-to-me bands that were fun, there is usually 3000 - 5500 people that are into it.  And their energy is addictive.  They want to talk to you about their band, how many times they've seen it, and how good this smaller outdoor venue is.  Can't wait to work more shows here.

The Crap Facts
This is my 530th concert.
This is my 22nd concert at Skyla CU Amphitheater.
This is my 127th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 151st concert in North Carolina.
This is my 330th concert in the USA.
Lolo are the 621st band I've seen.

Bowling For Soup are the 622nd band I've seen.

Simple Plan are the 623rd band I've seen.

Collective Soul & Live @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

Yet another band I have waited forever to see again.  It was in the pouring rain at Alternative Nation 30 years ago that I last saw Live.  30 Years!!!!  And that was the original Live - though I'm not bothered about line up changes, as long as the band performs.

I remember dad bringing me the Mental Jewelry CD, and loving it from the first listen.  So to hear Pain Lies On The Riverside first up was the start of something magic.  And straight into Selling The Drama......chef's kiss.  I'm 22 again.  In a Throwing Copper dominant set, there were few songs I didn't know.  This is a great show!  Shit Towne and Lakini's Juice definite highlights.  As expected they finished with a couple of crowd pleasers.  Both I Alone and Lightning Crashes made the hair stand up on back of my neck.  To hear such great songs be so powerfully played after 30 years was unbelievable.  I hope I get the chance to see Live again.  This night was awesome!

Live Setlist

I had some work to do, and was posted in a different spot when Collective Soul came on, so I didn't get into the set as much.  Actually I don't know a lot of their stuff.  But it was a good sound, and, as always in this venue, people were into it.  I was surprised/delighted to hear Shine pretty early in the set.  It sounded so good .  They other song I pined for, and got near the end, was Gel.  And again it was perfect.  I see a lot of older bands slow their stuff down, but the tempo on this song was hot, and the crowd responded accordingly.

Another night of good music - that they are now paying me to listen to.  How good is that?

Collective Soul Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 529th concert.
This is my 21st concert at Skyla CU Amphitheater.
This is my 126th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 150th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 329th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Live concert.

Collective Soul are the 620th band I've seen.

Eladio Carrion @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

I'll keep this review pretty short, because while I did see the whole concert as I worked - I couldn't get into it.  Reggaetron?  Rap?  EDM?  Hip Hop?  All genres I don't normally listen to.  And to top it off (for me) personally)  it was all done in Spanish.  I had no idea what was going on.

What I did see - as I like to when I'm not into the music - is a crowd who were well into it.  Normally shows at the Amp see the lawn and pit fill up first, then people get to their assigned seats when they're ready.  Tonight the pit packed in early (I did the wristbands for the pit right up until Carrion came on stage).  and a lot of people were in seats, but the lawn was near empty.  Those who came wanted to be close.  I've never seen so few people on the lawn.  Regardless, the crowd that was there was into it.  Everyone one was singing along (I assume, again Spanish) and dancing the night away.

While I don't dig Eladio Carrion's music, I did get to meet 3000 people that do.  And they had a blast!

Eladio Carrion Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 528th concert.
This is my 20th concert at Skyla CU Amphitheater.
This is my 125th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 149th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 328th concert in the USA.
Eladio Carrion is the 619th band I've seen.

Rod Stewart & Cheap Trick @ PNC Pavilion

Tonight we took advantage of $30 lawn tickets to head up to PNC and see Rod Stewart & Cheap Trick.  I even got A to come to a concert.

I've seen Cheap Trick a twice before, so I definitely wanted to be there early and catch them.  After getting stuck in a little traffic coming in, we got to the stairway up to the lawn as they were coming on stage.  The Dream Police early on got people up and moving/reminiscing.  But the band didn't seem as mobile as in the past.  And some of the sound was not mixing well.  The bass player's vocals were really loud.  It was really great to hear If You Want My Love - as I'd not seen them do that live before.  The hour long set finished with The Flame, I Want You To Want Me and Surrender.  Some of the higher notes don't hit as high as they used to, and beside the saxophone shaped guitar, Rick Nielson didn't have the variety you know and love for this set.  During goodbye I wandered off to look at the merch.  Not a lot on offer, and no records that I was hoping for.

Cheap Trick Setlist

How the hell is Rod Stewart 80?  The guy doesn't stop for 2 hours, while I struggle to get off the grass to stand up and dance.  I had a Greatest Hits album of Rod Stewart when I was in 3rd grade (1981? - yikes) and I'm hoping he plays older stuff, as I'm not really into the newer soul/classic cover albums he's been releasing.  Stewart is a legend, and someone I definitely wanted to see live, even though it's not what I usually listen to, he has so many songs you knew tonight would be good.

From the start I was blown away.  I had not remembered that Infatuation was one of his songs.  And this was the beginning of that feeling for the night.  Either not realizing he did these songs, that they were covers or where the songs fit in his timeline.  It's a Heartache is an example.  I'm sure I've heard the Bonnie Tyler Original, but I only associate that song with Stewart.  And same for Cat Steven's First Cut Is The Deepest as well.  A mid-set Forever Young saw a respectful but creepy tribute to Ozzy Osbourne.  An AI slide played in the background showed Ozzy with a number of celebrities that have passed (Bob Marley, Kurt Cobain, Amy Winehouse, etc) obviously supposedly in heaven, but what looked like the beach in the Bahamas.  The sentiment was beautiful, the outcome a little weird.  Ooh La La by The Faces was awesome.  I didn't know that was the name of the song, but it is a screamer.  Maggie May easily got the best response from the crowd for the night.  Such a good storied song.  I didn't know Downtown Train was Tom Waits - but another song I hadn't thought of for years.  You're In My Heart is his tribute to his beloved Celtic and I'm wondering if all those people down the front knew to wear Celtic shirts, or were they moved down the front because of their Celtic shirts.  We'll never know.  Do You Think I'm Sexy and Hot Legs were a perfect way to finish a fun set.  Like old people we raced off to the car to get out of the lot before everyone else (in hindsight a great decision) and had to listen to Some Guys Have All The Luck (the song A really wanted) as the encore as we walked out to the car.

A & I had a blast, and I'm really glad we made the effort on a school night to see this show (and the rain held off for us).  Another legend ticked off the list of concerts I've seen.

Rod Stewart Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 527th concert.
This is my 5th concert at PNC Pavilion .
This is my 124th concert in Charlotte.
This is my 148th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 327th concert in the USA.
This is my 3rd Cheap Trick concert.
Rod Stewart is the 618th band I've seen.

Weird Al Yankovic & Puddles Pity Party @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

This was unexpected.  I got called into work in the afternoon, which is great, because this was the show I wanted to be at.

I was stationed at the top of the stairs, to greet everyone, and people were in early.  The lawn was nearly full only 45 minutes after the gates opened.  With all these people streaming in I couldn't watch Puddles as much as I wanted, but did catch some of his songs.  None were better than the Gilligan's Island Theme, sung to Stairway to Heaven.

Al started his set inside the Fillmore, video playing on the screen as he sung Tacky.  A pie in the face for Puddles outside the VIP entrance before he hit the stage to thunderous applause.  I thought his Polkamania medley was great.  Singing Al lyrics to the likes of Billie Eilish, Bruno Mars, etc as the real videos played in the background.  An extended video from the Weird Al Movie (doing Another One Rides The Bus) lead into a fully changed Al doing Smells Like Nirvana (what I really wanted to see).  Of course a guest crisis happens during this song (broken chair) and I miss most of it.  I get a 15 minute break and miss the big medley, including Party In The CIA, I Love Rocky Road, Eat It and Like A Surgeon, though I could hear it all inside.  I walked out to catch the end of Canadian Idiot.  Fat saw the big suit come out, and then he played a few cartoon songs, which lost the audience for a minute, but White & Nerdy and Amish Paradise was a huge finisher.  For the encore we got a woven in The Saga Begins & Yoda.  By the time he finished, after 2 hours, the crowd were on their feet again.  A great night had by all.

Two stand out things.  It's hotter tonight than last night.  But this is a sit down crowd, so it didn't feel as bad as what last night was.  And 2 - Fun Band = Fun Crowd.  Beside the dressed up Amish, the Hawaiian shirts were in full force, silly socks (even from staff), and the young kids with their parents having a blast.

I hadn't bought tickets and the show sold out, so I rarely say this, but I'm glad I got to work tonight.  Will get the boys going to the show the next time Weird Al comes through town.

Weird Al Yankovic Setlist

The Crap Facts
This is my 526th concert.
This is my 19th concert at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater.
This is my 123rd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 147th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 326th concert in the USA.
Puddles Pity Party are the 616th band I've seen.
Weird Al Yankovic are the 617th band I've seen.

Goo Goo Dolls & Dashboard Confessional @ Skyla CU Amphitheater

Holy Hell, it's hot!  Again.

A brief report of this concert.  Dashboard Confessional were a backing track to me trying to get people to their seats.  Unfortunately at 7.30, with the sun still blazing, people who might be in their seats, were headed for drinks or whatever shade they could find.  None of their songs were familiar to me, but it seemed like what response they got was good.

The Goo Goo Dolls hit the stage after the sunset and started to a packed house.  This is a band who were in a prime when I was listening to everything, but they never held my attention for more than a song or 2.  Slide was the 2nd song, and a banger to get the crowd really into it.  That one I knew.  

As a regular concert goer there a couple of things I don't understand from a crowd perspective.  One is people leaving during the band to get a drink and or, in the US, food.  No!  Do that shit between bands, or early on.  Not while the main reason you forked over money is on stage.  2nd, is people talking throughout a set (hence I see a lot of shows on my own).  Shut Up or fuck off!  No one paid money to hear you crap on over the music.  While I saw this tonight, I had a lot of people tell me they had to get out of their seats and go to the lawn or plaza because it was too hot for them.  Packed in the crowd close to the stage was too much for a lot of people tonight (it was well over 90 degrees all night).  I'm glad they were self aware enough to get out while they could.  Anyway the band played a lot of stuff I don't know and while I was keeping my eye on the job, you can't help but see how much this crowd was enjoying this show.  All night long.  Despite the uncomfortable heat.  A 3 song encore was finished with the much anticipated Iris, which I also know, and had the crowd buzzing on the way out.  So much so, that they must not have wanted it to end, as even after 45 minute cleanup it still took over an hour to get out of the parking lot.

Goo Goo Dolls Setlist

The Crap Facts

This is my 525th concert.
This is my 18th concert at Skyla Credit Union Amphitheater.
This is my 122nd concert in Charlotte.
This is my 146th concert in North Carolina.
This is my 325th concert in the USA.
Dashboard Confessional are the 614th band I've seen.
Goo Goo Dolls are the 615th band I've seen.