BEASTO BLANCOLord of the Lost returns to Denver after 10 years to the Summit Music Hall September 24, 2024 Last night I had the pleasure of crossing a band off my bucket list. Lord of the Lost. I arrived at the Summit Music Hall a little early and talked with some of the security folks who I really enjoy because as a concert photographer they make me feel welcomed and at home. As I made my way into the venue, I had to work my way around the long line that had formed at the merch tables. Touring with LOTL was Beasto Blanco, a band I had heard of but did not know much about until I saw they were on this tour. To my pleasant surprise Calico Cooper, daughter of Alice Cooper was a vocalist along with Chuck Garric lead vocal and guitarist who had toured with Alice Cooper. Beasto Blanco took the stage to a cheering crowd and opened their set with, “Run for Your Life” from their newly released album, Kinetica. With the lights dancing through the fog, the energy from the band was high right from the start. Calico’s outfit (see photo gallery) is a little hard to describe with her knee high boots, a studded belt around her waist, hand and forearm brace and carrying a baseball bat with spikes in it stalking the stage. But it was the contact lenses she was wearing that looked ghostly under the lights. The crowd immediately got into the music and were moving about head banging and pounding the air with their hands. As the band moved through their set, there was no slowing down as the members moved about the stage interacting with each other and the crowd. Calico would join Chuck on vocals and at times she sang alone and made her way toward the crowd as if she was stalking them. Occasionally she pointed her bat at the crowd with an evil look in her eyes and at me as well. The band finished their set with “Breakdown” from their 2013 album, Live Fast Die Loud. As the band was saying good night, Calico asked the crowd who was seeing them for the first time, a lot of hands were raised and Calico said, Welcome to the family! That includes me and I'm happy to do so. Beasto Blanco members: Chuck Garric: Co-founder, frontman, lead vocalist, and guitarist Calico Cooper: Vocalist and daughter of Alice Cooper Jan LeGrow: Bass Sean Sellers: Drums Setlist: Run for Your Life Bad Thoughts Freak Feed My Frankenstein @Cover Machine Girl Grind Lowlands Beg to Differ Nobody Move Breakdown LORD OF THE LOSTThe crowd was ready for LOTL and there was a mix of young and old but leaning more towards the older side. One by one LOTL made their way on stage starting their set with “The Curtain Falls” as Chris Harms made his way on stage. Dressed in a black vinyl outfit and with the mic in hand poured out vocals as he moved about the stage. Right from the beginning, Chris was on move back and forth along the front of the stage as he sang. The crowd was loving the songs dancing and moving around, singing with the music. The energy level I watched on stage after I was photographing was amazing. Not only did their 19 set of songs cover over 20 years of their music, I was wondering how the band, especially Chris moving so much, carried this energy show after show. Songs going back to 2010 with, “Dry the Rain”, “Sex on Legs” from 2011, “Destruction Manual” from 2022. At times Chris would talk with the fans and engage them while he sang and the crowd loved it and kept moving right along with the music. Late in the set, Chris spoke out about the reason they were here and that it helped with their success over the years and said it “was because of you” our fans! The crowd roared in appreciation and the LOTL broke into the song I was waiting for, 2016’s, “Drag Me to Hell”. This was the song in the video I watched on YouTube so many years ago. The band finished their evening with, “One Last Song” from 2023. It was not a real big crowd this night but you couldn’t tell by the volume from the cheering fans that could have listened to a lot more from Lord of the Lost as they said good night. I waited many years to see LOTL and I was blown away by their show, their stage presence and the selection of songs they played. Add to that, the pleasant surprise from the Beasto Blanco show as well. There are only 3 shows left in the tour, I hope you can make one of them. Lord of the Lost Members: Chris "The Lord" Harms – lead vocals, guitars, cello (2007–present) Klaas "Class Grenayde" Helmecke – bass, backing vocals (2008–present) Gerrit "Gared Dirge" Heinemann – piano, keyboards, percussion, guitars, theremin (2010–present) Pi "π" Stoffers – guitars, backing vocals (2017–present) Niklas Kahl – drums (2017–present) Benjamin "Benji" Mundigler – guitars, keyboards, backing vocals (2024–present) Setlist: The Curtain Falls The Future of a Past Life Dry the Rain Loreley Destruction Manual For They Know Not What They Do Raining Stars Sex on Legs Six Feet Underground Live Today (snippet) Die Tomorrow Black Halo Forevermore Drag Me to Hell Blood for Blood Unstoppable @Cover We're All Created Evil Blood & Glitter One Last Song
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JIMMIE'S CHICKEN SHACKEverclear with special guests pack the Gothic Theater in Englewood Colorado September 22nd, 2024 I greatly appreciate it when I am asked by a band's pr people to cover a show for them, especially when it’s a band I have covered before and enjoy. Add to that, it was at one of my favorite venues to cover shows at, the Gothic Theater. Arriving at the venue it was no surprise to see the line of fans stretching down the block and more coming from all directions. I was not familiar with the two opening bands and I did not do my usual by checking them out before the show. I thought, maybe I’ll be surprised, and was I! Guitarist, lead vocalist, and founding member Jimi Haha made his way on stage with his guitar and was getting settled in as the other members followed him out doing the same. They are known as Jimmie's Chicken Shack, a rock band from Annapolis, Maryland. They started their set with, “Dropping Anchor” from their 1997 album, Pushing the Salmanilla Envelope, and the fun began. Jimi greeted everyone with, “Welcome to our encore”! The energy level rose in a hurry as the band members would move about and interact with each other and the crowd. Between songs Jimi would talk with the crowd and at one point as he was quietly making an adjustment on his guitar he said, “I’m tuning my guitar” and laughter and cheering came from the crowd. Their music has been described as Rock, Alternative rock, Post-grunge, Funk metal, and Funk rock. With my ears I would add Rockin Blues. As their set was winding down, before the last song Jimi asked the lighting guys which he appreciated, to bring up the house lights and then asked the crowd to turn their backs to the stage and applaud them. It was quite the sight to see. They finished their set with “High” and taking their bows the crowd roared showing their appreciation for a great show. Jimmie's Chicken Shack members: Jimi Haha Island Styles Christian Valiente Jerome Maffeo Matt Jones Setlist: Dropping Anchor Seconds Slip Lazy Boy Dash Sunsets For Sale / Retrieving Stars Simple Concept Do Right High MARCY'S PLAYGROUNDNext up was Marcy Playground, a three piece Alternative/Indie band from Minneapolis, Minn. Guitar and lead vocalist John "Woz" Wozniak along with Dylan Keefe, bassist and backing vocalist created Marcy Playground in 1994 and in 1995 they signed to Capitol Records. The band opened their set with Poppies from the 1997 self-titled album. The band moved through their set at a pretty good pace with “Rock and Roll Heroes”, “Special” all the while bassist Keefe was very animated throughout the night. The crowd was into the music as I would see people rockin out in tight quarters with such a packed house. When fans want to move, just give them a few inches, they will do their thing. Though Marcy Playground's sound was a little different, that did not slow down the energy pouring out from the stage and the crowd. When the band played their big hit, “Sex and Candy” the crowd was singing along and moving along with the band. Finishing the set with, “Sex and Candy” the threesome thanked the crowd and they poured it back to them. Marcy Playground members: John "Woz" Wozniak – guitar, lead vocals (1996–present) Dylan Keefe – bass, backing vocals (1996–present) Shlomi Lavie – drums, backing vocals (2009–present) Setlist: Poppies Pigeon Farm Rock and Roll Heroes Special Saint Joe on the School Bus Rebel Sodville Good Times Bye Bye Wave Motion Gun Punk Rock Superstar Sex and Candy EVERCLEARAs the stage was being turned over for Everclear, I got to thinking about the 2 bands I did not check out before the show. They were 2 very pleasant surprises! I might have to do this more often. The lights dropped and the crowd roared as Art Alexakis headed to the mic at the front of the stage with his band mates of Everclear following right behind. Taking the mic Art yells out, “Denver we are so happy to be back”, with that the band started their set going back to 1997 with “So Much for the Afterglow” from the album of the same name. The venue was electric with the crowd cheering and singing and the animation from the band was in full swing. The crowd of young and old were lost in the music and the stage presence of the band. There were 3 of us covering the show from the pit and we moved about in a tight pit with smoothness and courtesy for each other. That makes for a great time because watching and following the Everclear members move a round stage was a journey of its own. Art again would talk with the crowd asking, “how many of you were here last year”? A deafening roar came back from the crowd. Everclear went back and forth through time with songs, “Unemployed Boyfriend” from 2000, “Heroin Girl” from 1995 and “I Will Buy You a New Life” from 1997. Bassist and backing vocalist Freddy Herrera seems to be in a world of his own as he moves about raising up his bass and meeting in the middle with Art and guitarist Dave French. Sitting back and watching the show, the energy between the band and the audience was amazing to watch as they would interact with their fans. Everclear finished their evening with “Brown Eyed Girl” and “Santa Monica”. The appreciation from the crowd and the band flowed back and forth for a great show. There are still 23 more drops on the Everclear tour, I highly recommend that you catch this tour. The bands were outstanding, you will not be disappointed! Setlist: So Much for the Afterglow Everything to Everyone Unemployed Boyfriend 2000 Heroin Girl 1995 You Make Me Feel Like a Whore Otis Redding 2000 Learning How to Smile 2000 I Will Buy You a New Life 1997 Strawberry AM Radio 2000 Father of Mine Heartspark Dollarsign 1995 Wonderful 2000 Brown Eyed Girl @Cover Santa Monica KK’s Priest and Accept bring their Full Metal Assault Tour to the Oriental Theater in Denver, Colorado 9-3-2024 A night of old school metal was on tap at the Oriental Theater in Denver and a band that has been around for 45+ years started the night to a much older crowd or better yet, a bunch of old school head bangers. From Germany, Accept took to the stage to get a night of metal off to a great start. Opening their set with “The Reckoning” fired things up right away and the crowd was head banging and throwing up the horns. Though there had been many changes in band members over the years, it was great to see Wolf Hoffman, one of the founding members of Accept in 1976 on lead guitar and backing vocals. Working through their set with songs, “Princess of the Dawn” and “Teutonic Terror”, their stage presence interacting with each other and their fans was fun to watch as the band would line up together and rock back and forth playing hard to the delight of the crowd. Accept couldn’t have finished their 13 song set with a stronger song than, “Balls to the Wall” which had the crowd moving and singing along with the band, it was something to see and hear. Accept members: Wolf Hoffmann – lead guitar, backing vocals (1976–1989, 1992–1997, 2005, 2009–present) Mark Tornillo – lead vocals (2009–present) Uwe Lulis – rhythm guitar (2015–present) Christopher Williams – drums (2015–present) Martin Motnik – bass, backing vocals (2019–present) Philip Shouse – guitar (2019–present) Setlist: The Reckoning Humanoid Restless and Wild Straight Up Jack London Leatherboys Midnight Mover Demon's Night / Starlight / Losers and Winners / Flash Rockin' Man Princess of the Dawn Metal Heart Teutonic Terror Fast as a Shark Pandemic Balls to the Wall ACCEPTKK PRIESTThe stage now turned over the video screen in back of the stage lit up with different characters and then KK Downing exploded onto the stage in the fog and bright lights, guitar in hand and shredding to the opening song as his band members joined him on stage the CO2 clouds of smoke filled the air as the song “Hellfire Thunderbolt” rang throughout the venue to their cheering, head banging fans. Considered one of the most influential guitarists in metal, a former founding member of Judas Priest, KK’s legend lives on with his creation of, KK’s Priest. Powering through their set with images moving across the video screen and the CO2 clouds that would rise up, KK’s Priest keep their fans on their toes and moving with their music. With a mix of original songs came a mix of Judas Priest covers, “Night Crawler” and “The Green Manalishi” to the delight of their fans. At 72, KK’s energy level was that of a 20 year old. Moving about the stage interacting with the crowd and his bandmates while working his magic on the guitar. As their set was winding down the band started the song, “Breaking the Law” and the crowd cheered and sang along with them. Finishing their night with “Raise Your Fists” topped off a night of old school metal that will never get old to listen to! KK's Priest members: K. K. Downing – guitars (2019–present) Tim "Ripper" Owens – lead vocals (2019–present) A.J. Mills – guitars, backing vocals (2019–present) Tony Newton – bass, backing vocals (2020–present) Sean Elg – drums (2021–present) Setlist: Hellfire Thunderbolt Strike of the Viper One More Shot at Glory The Ripper @Cover Reap the Whirlwind Night Crawler @Cover Sermons of the Sinner Burn in Hell @Cover Diamonds & Rust @Cover Hell Patrol @Cover The Green Manalishi (With the Two Prong Crown) @Cover Before the Dawn @Cover Breaking the Law @Cover Sinner @Cover Powerwolf sells out the Ogden in Theater in Denver, Colorado months before their show with special guests Unleash the Archers August 31st 2024 I arrived at the Ogden Theater about 45 minutes before the doors opened and the line which started hours before was around the block with excited fans that managed to get tickets for this show. It was the first show to sell out for Powerwolf’s 2024 US tour. A larger venue when hopefully they return again. Looking throughout the crowd waiting for the show, there were many people with painted faces, others with tour shirts from last year's show and even a few people with tour shirts from other cities. You could feel the excitement in the air and I too was excited to see Powerwolf, a band I waited years to see. Once inside I headed down to the pit as I always do and say hi to the security guys and put my gear down. My first question is alway, can we shoot around the venue after our first 3 songs in the pit, the answer was yes. The venue filled up quickly and the line for band merch was longer than I have ever seen. The atmosphere was electric. The house lights dropped and the roar from the crowd was deafening as Unleash the Archers made their way onto the stage. The band started their set with “Abyss” as Brittney Hays (a.k.a. Brittney Slayes) moved front and center and filled the venue with her powerful vocals and the very enthusiastic crowd was head banging and throwing up the horns. It was tight for the band to move around but that didn’t stop them from interacting with the crowd and each other. Their next three songs were from their 2024 album, Phantoma released this past May and the response from the crowd brought big smiles to the band members faces. The Archers finished their set with the cover of “Northwest Passage” and the crowd thanked them with a loud roar of appreciation. Unleash the Archers members: Brittney Hayes (a.k.a. Brittney Slayes) – clean vocals (2007–present) Scott Buchanan – drums (2007–present) Grant Truesdell – guitars, unclean vocals (2011–present) Andrew Kingsley Saunders – guitars, clean vocals (2014–present) Nick Miller – bass (2021–present, 2018–2021 touring musician) Setlist: Abyss Ghosts in the Mist Green & Glass Gods in Decay Tonight We Ride The Matriarch Awakening Northwest Passage @Cover UNLEASH THE ARCHERSPOWERWOLFI watched the turn over of the stage with interest because you could see high up the covers on the drum kit and keyboards. Behind them was a large backdrop that would change throughout their set. There was a stairway in the center and on either side of the stage were backdrops with wolves on them. It was a great set up all around and fit Powerwolf’s stage atmosphere perfectly. The lights came down and the crowd started chanting, Powerwolf, Powerwolf, Powerwolf! From the left of the stage keyboardist Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost came out on stage, from the right side vocalist Karsten "Attila Dorn" Brill appeared. Facing each other they made jesters toward each and then moved into their places as the other members made their way onto the stage. They started their set with “Bless ’em With the Blade” from their newly released album, Wake Up The Wicked, which they are playing live for the first time on this tour. The power from the band resonated throughout the crowd and the crowd was head banging with their arms in the air. Throughout their set, the band moved back and forth in time with some of their greatest classic hits, “Incense & Iron” from 2018, 2013’s “Amen & Attack” and mixing in new songs, “Sinners of the Seven Seas”. When the band would finish a song, the chanting from the crowd would start again and from the smiles, facial expressions from the band it was easy to see how appreciative they were. As the band members moved about the stage interacting with each other and with their fans, I couldn’t help noticing the facial expressions from keyboardist Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost. I was wondering what was going through his mind as he moved at times jestering with arms here and there. (see photo gallery) The energy level from Powerwolf’s fans in the now very warm venue was high as ever when the band finished their 16 set. After a short break, the band returned to chanting crowd with a 3 song encore that took you way back in time with, “Sanctified With Dynamite” from 2011, “We Drink Your Blood” from 2011 and “Werewolves of Armenia” from 2009 to close out their amazing show! This was just the second stop on their tour and this is a must see show not only for their fans but to anyone who loves metal combined with a great stage show. Powerwolf members: Benjamin "Matthew Greywolf" Buss – lead guitar (2003–present) David "Charles Greywolf" Vogt – bass, rhythm guitar (2003–present) Christian "Falk Maria Schlegel" Jost – keyboards (2003–present) Karsten "Attila Dorn" Brill – vocals (2003–present) Roel van Helden – drums (2011–present) Setlist: Bless ’em With the Blade new Incense & Iron Army of the Night Sinners of the Seven Seas new Amen & Attack Dancing With the Dead Armata Strigoi 1589 new Demons Are a Girl's Best Friend Stossgebet Fire and Forgive We Don’t Wanna Be No Saints new Alive or Undead Heretic Hunters new Sainted by the Storm Blood for Blood (Faoladh) Sanctified With Dynamite We Drink Your Blood Werewolves of Armenia Train, REO Speedwagon, and Yacht Rock Revue Rock at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre in Greenwood Village CO 8/28/24 by Terrell Stewart This night has a firm place in my memory banks as one of the amazing shows I have seen in my lifetime, let alone having the opportunity to cover the show. This was a night of classic rock cover songs, classic rock, and just great rock YACHT ROCK REVUEKicking off the night was Yacht Rock Revue from Atlanta Georgia. Bringing energy to the stage with classic covers from the 70’s and 80’s from artist’s like, Steely Dan, Hall and Oates and Kenny Logins. It didn’t take much for the crowd to start singing and moving along with the band as they moved through their set. With solid musicianship and great classical song covers, Yacht Rock Revue set the tone for a fun energetic night of music. Yacht Rock Revue members: Nicholas Niespodziani: Vocals, guitars, keyboards, and percussion Peter Olson: Vocals, guitars, keyboards, and percussion Greg Lee: Bass and vocals Mark Dannells: Guitars and vocals Mark Bencuya: Keyboards and vocals David B. Freeman: Saxophones, keyboards, flute, piccolo, percussion, and vocals Keisha Jackson: Vocals and percussion Kourtney Jackson: Vocals and percussion Ganesh Giri Jaya: Drums Setlist: Escape (The Piña Colada Song) Peg @Cover You Make Loving Fun @Cover Heart to Heart @Cover Brandy @Cover Tropical Illusion Africa @Cover Baker Street @Cover More Than a Feeling @Cover REO SPEEDWAGONThe stage was set for REO Speedwagon, with a large video screen in the back of the stage, began with a recording from a radio station from back in the 80’s playing the top hits of the time. Along with pictures of the bands they played and showing the top 10 hits at the time. This went on for about 10 minutes and got the crowd moving and dancing. REO had not even taken the stage yet and the energy from the crowd was electric. As REO came onto the stage, the ladies that now covered the barrier were screaming and waving in excitement as the band members took their places. I didn’t see anyone exposing anything buuut then again, I was busy. REO opened their set with, “Don’t Let Him Go” and right away their energy just flowed from the stage and they are not spring chickens anymore. They moved about the stage interacting with each other and the crowd as they moved through their set with classic’s like, “Take it on the Run”, “Live Every Moment”, and "Can't Fight This Feeling”. The large video screen in the back was constantly changing with various images that only add to the lighting and the atmosphere on stage. It was such a pleasure to experience a band that has been around for decades and can still captivate a crowd. REO Speedwagon closed out their set with, “Keep On Loving You” and “Roll With the Changes”. REO took their bows to a cheering, screaming crowd who were thanking them for an amazing night! REO Speedwagon members: Kevin Cronin – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, piano, keyboards (1972–1973, 1976–present) Bruce Hall – bass, vocals (1977–present; songwriter 1974) Dave Amato – lead guitar, vocals (1989–present) Bryan Hitt – drums, percussion (1990–present) Setlist: Don't Let Him Go Take It on the Run Keep Pushin' Live Every Moment Tough Guys I Wish You Were There Music Man Can't Fight This Feeling Son of a Poor Man Time for Me to Fly Ridin' the Storm Out Keep On Loving You Roll With the Changes TRAINYou could feel the energy from the crowd after the first two bands, well, hang on, there’s no end in sight for it. Train hit the stage running and started their set with “Calling All Angels” and frontman Pat Monahan’s voice rang out over Fiddlers Green. If there is one thing Pat Monahan and Train do so well, it’s engaging the crowd and making them feel as part of the band. They had the crowd singing along in between the screaming and cheering as Train moved through their set with “Get to Me”, “Meet Virginia / The Joker” and “Marry Me”. It wasn’t long before the cell phones flew over my head to Pat on stage and he would take selfies with himself and the crowd then returned them. (see photo gallery) One lucky person who threw their phone up to him watched as Pat moved around the stage singing the whole time and included other band members in a video. This was my second time covering Train and to watch how the band members engage the crowd and the response from their fans in return is something to witness. Train closed out their night with a cover of “Hotel California” and “Drops of Jupiter”. What an amazing night of music by all the bands. There are still a number of shows left on the is tour, I highly recommend seeing this tour. It was a great pleasure for me to cover it. Train members: Pat Monahan – lead vocals, percussion (1994–2006, 2009–present), drums (1994) Jerry Becker – keyboards, rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2008–present) Hector Maldonado – bass, backing vocals (2009–present) Matt Musty - drums, percussion (2019–present) Taylor Locke – lead guitar, backing vocals (2021–present) Setlist: Calling All Angels If It's Love Get to Me Save Me, San Francisco Meet Virginia / The Joker Lose Control @Cover Play That Song 50 Ways to Say Goodbye Marry Me Seven Bridges Road / Bruises Hey, Soul Sister / Come and Get Your Love Drive By / Hey Jude Hotel California @With @Cover Drops of Jupiter Five Finger Death Punch brings their After Life tour to Denver, Colorado’s Ball Arena with special guest Marilyn Manson August 22nd 2024 by Terrell Stewart. Heading down to the Ball Arena in Denver, I was thinking about the lineup for the show. Two bands I was familiar with and two bands I recently researched and watched YouTube videos of each one. I had a real positive feeling about this show and I was not disappointed at all. The Funeral Portrait opened the show and right away set the tone for the evening starting with the song, “Suffocate City”. Their energy poured out onto the crowd and the crowd soaked it up. Lead singer Lee Jennings moved about as his voice filled the venue, backed by strong musicianship from his fellow bandmates. Though their set was a short 30 minutes, they made a lasting impression on the crowd and me as well. Setlist: Suffocate City Generation Psycho You're So Ugly When You Cry Blood Mother Voodoo Doll Dark Thoughts Holy Water THE FUNERAL PORTRAITSLAUGHTER TO PREVAILOriginally from Russia but now based in Florida, Slaughter to Prevail made their way onto the stage wearing masks except lead singer Aleksandr "Alex Terrible" Shikolai who was shirtless with a full upper body tattoo. The hardcore metalers started their set with “Bonebreaker” with the deep hardcore growls of Aleksandr and the powerful musicians backing him, their sound exploded throughout the Ball Arena and the crowd was on the move, head banging with the horns up. The onslaught continued throughout their set which again was short but very very impressive! The crowd with a roar thanked them for a killer set. Slaughter to Prevail members: Aleksandr "Alex Terrible" Shikolai (Александр Шиколай) — lead vocals (2014–present) Mikhail "Mike" Petrov (Михаил Петров) — bass guitar (2016–present) Evgeny Novikov (Евгений Новиков) — drums (2018–present) Jack Simmons — lead guitar (2014–present, studio only from 2017-2020) Dmitry "Dima" Mamedov (Дмитрий Мамедов) — rhythm guitar (2015, 2021–present) Setlist: Bonebreaker Baba Yaga Demolisher Viking Bratva Kid of Darkness Du hast @Cover MARILYN MANSONWith the stage set, it was time for the long awaited return of Marilyn Manson. As the lights came down and the curtain dropped, the screaming from his fans was deafening as Marilyn started his set with, “We Know Where You F***ing Live”. Through the fog and lights dancing across the stage, Marilyn’s stage presence was as strong as ever and the crowd was loving every minute of every song. Moving through a set of older classics like, “Disposable Teens”, “This Is the New S**t”, a personal favorite, along with his newest song, “As Sick as the Secrets Within”. Musicians returning with Marilyn were Gil Sharone on drums and Tyler Bates guitar and backing vocals. New additions were, Piggy D., bass and backing vocals and Reba Meyers, guitars and backing vocals. All adding a great stage presence to the show. But it was Reba Meyers on guitar that proved to be a real shredder along with her great stage presence. (see photo gallery) Marilyn finished his amazing set with “The Beautiful People” and his audience screamed with delight. I have seen Marilyn Manson many times over the years and it was my second time covering his show. I witnessed a man that had not toured in five years, step onto the stage and put on a performance as powerful as I have ever seen him perform. This was a real treat for me, welcome back Marilyn Manson! Marilyn Manson members: Marilyn Manson – lead vocals, guitars, keyboards, programming, drums, percussion, tambourine, saxophone, pan flute (1989–present) Gil Sharone – drums (2014–2019, 2024–present) Tyler Bates – guitars, bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2014–2015, 2015–2018, 2024–present) Piggy D. – bass, backing vocals (2024–present) Reba Meyers – guitars, backing vocals (2024–present) Setlist: We Know Where You Fucking Live Disposable Teens Angel With the Scabbed Wings This Is the New Shit Say10 Deep Six Tourniquet mOBSCENE The Dope Show As Sick as the Secrets Within Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This) Cover The Love Song The Beautiful People FIVE FINGER DEATH PUNCHIt was time for Five Finger Death Punch, unfortunately for this tour, instead of photographing the first three songs, we were to wait until songs 4, 5, and 6. My understanding was that it was opening like they had not done before. But our turn came and as I headed out to the stage I could see an amazing light show that was happening on stage through the rolling fog. And it was just in time for one of my favorite songs, “Wash it All Away” and as I have witnessed many times, the stage presence of the band is always a sight to photograph. Moving back and forth across the stage, each member would interact with their fans as they always do to the delight of everyone including the photographers. Ivan is always talking with the crowd and at one point he brought a little girl and her mom up on stage and stood with them front and center as the crowd applauded. They then stood off to the side for the next song. FFDP continued through their set with the cover of the song, “The House of the Rising Sun” which the crowd loved. As the members moved about the stage adding a bit of silliness between themselves and toward their fans. FFDP have been around for a long time and the members of the band look so relaxed and at home on the stage as they pour out their awesome music. The band finished their set with a three song encore topped by the song, “The Bleeding”. There are still many shows left on this tour and I highly highly recommend getting out and witnessing this tour. You will not be disappointed, it’s amazing! Five Finger Death Punch members: Zoltan Bathory – rhythm guitar (2005–present); lead guitar, bass (2005) Ivan Moody – lead vocals, keyboards (2006–present) Chris Kael – bass, backing vocals (2011–present) Charlie Engen – drums (2018–present) Andy James – lead guitar (2020–present) Setlist: Welcome to the Circus Lift Me Up Trouble Wash It All Away Jekyll and Hyde The House of the Rising Sun @Cover Sham Pain Burn MF Wrong Side of Heaven IOU Encore: Under and Over It Never Enough The Bleeding
 FIT FOR A KINGIt had been a few years since I had seen Halestorm and I Prevail and was excited to cover this show. I always look forward to covering a show at Fiddlers Green Amphitheatre but on this night, I made it a point to check the weather forecast. Good thing I took a poncho along with me. Opening the show this night was Fit for a King, a metalcore band from Texas. Right from their first song, “Keeping Secrets”, the band set the tone for a night of great music. Not only did the band pour out the energy through their music but their movement about the stage was fun to watch. Standing on the risers and jumping off and running back and forth, but it was bassist Ryan "Tuck" O'Leary who would jump off the risers with a high kick. He did this numerous times, see the photo gallery. A short set, yes, but a strong opening set for this night. Fit for a King members: Bobby Lynge - guitars, backing vocals (2010-present) Ryan Kirby – lead vocals (2014–present); unclean vocals (2010–2014) Ryan "Tuck" O'Leary – bass, clean vocals (2014–present) Daniel Gailey – guitars, backing vocals (2018–present) Trey Celaya – drums (2021–present); guitars (touring member 2018) Setlist: Keeping Secrets Breaking the Mirror Falling Through the Sky End (The Other Side) Reaper Technium When Everything Means Nothing God of Fire HOLLYWOOD UNDEADThe stage was set for Hollywood Undead but the weather decided to turn ugly and there was a delay. Because of the area where the venue was built, they have a curfew they must adhere to. When the weather cleared Hollywood Undead took the stage but their set was cut short to just 4 songs. Disappointing, yes, but that didn’t hold them back from powering out those 4 songs with their great stage presence. Their fans let them know that with a roar of appreciation as they left the stage. Hollywood Undead members: orel "J-Dog" Decker – vocals, guitars, bass, keyboards, programming (2005–present) Dylan "Funny Man" Alvarez – vocals (2005–present) George "Johnny 3 Tears" Ragan – vocals (2005–present); bass (2013–present) Jordon "Charlie Scene" Terrell – vocals, guitars (2005–present) Danny Murillo – vocals (2009–present); keyboards, programming (2011–present); guitars, bass (2013–present) Current touring musicians Matt "The Cat" Oloffson – drums, percussion (2017–present) Setlist: Everywhere I Go Sweet Caroline @Cover Bullet Undead HALESTORMWith the weather no longer a threat, the wide open stage was now set for Halestorm with drummer Arejay Hale set up high in the back as Lzzy made her way to the front of the stage and opened their set with “I Miss the Misery [With “Raise Your Horns” a cappella intro]. With great lighting and yes the proverbial fog as well, Halestorm powered through the set with many of their classic songs to the delight of their fans. “Love Bites (So do I)”, “Familiar Taste of Poison”, and a personal favorite, “I Get Off”. Halestorm has been a powerhouse in the music industry for over 25 years and there is no end in sight for them. Their stage presence is always fun to watch and photograph. Drum solo? Not this night, how about a drum line with all the band members lined up and playing their drums together. Halestorm finished their set with “The Steeple” [With “I Miss the Misery” outro]. The screaming and cheering crowd let them know how much they enjoyed their show. Halestorm members: Lzzy Hale – lead vocals, rhythm guitar, keyboards (1997–present), lead guitar (1997–1999, 2000–2001, 2003), bass (1997–1998, 2002–2003) Arejay Hale – drums, percussion, backing vocals (1997–present) Joe Hottinger – lead guitar, backing vocals (2003–present) Josh Smith – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (2004–present) Setlist: I Miss the Misery @Info[With “Raise Your Horns” intro] Love Bites (So Do I) I Get Off @Info[With “Crazy on You” by Heart interlude] Freak Like Me Black Vultures Familiar Taste of Poison Takes My Life Drum Solo/Circle @Info[Lzzy and Arjay’s dad brought out the big sticks] Mz. Hyde Psycho Crazy Here's to Us The Steeple @Info[With “I Miss the Misery” outro I PREVAILI went back into the pit and watched the stage hands building the set for I Prevail. The set was not small at all but to watch the stage hands put it together in an organized manner, was something to see. I Prevail took to the stage and opened their set with “There's Fear in Letting Go” and the video screens lit up with vivid colors that highlighted the stage lighting. The powerful vocal duo made up of Eric Vanlerberghe with his unclean vocals and Brian Burkheiser with his clean vocals create such a balance between them in their music. The band as a whole was on top of their game, what pleasure for me to witness them live again! I Prevail moved through their set with songs, “Bad Things” which was dedicated to Hollywood Undead, “Deep End” which was dedicated to a Detroit Tigers fan in the crowd, and “Visceral”. With the song, “Break Down”, Brian talked about Mental Health which is becoming a powerful message throughout the music industry with more and more artists opening up about their battles with it hoping it will resonate with everyone. The energy level stayed on the rise as the band members moved about interacting with the crowd and each other. There was one more song that was dedicated, this time to Halestorm, the song was “Hurricane”. I Prevail finished their set with “Gasoline” and the roar from the crowd was deafening in thanks for an awesome night of music. A personal note, I love what I do and it’s shows like this that keep me going. I Prevail members: Brian Burkheiser – clean vocals (2013–present) Eric Vanlerberghe – unclean vocals (2013–present); clean vocals (2016–present) Steve Menoian – lead guitar (2013–present); bass guitar (2014–2015, 2017–present; studio recordings only) Dylan Bowman – rhythm guitar, backing vocals (2015–present) Gabe Helguera – drums (2019–present; touring 2017–2019) Current touring musicians: Jon Eberhard – bass, keyboards (2023–present) Setlist: There's Fear in Letting Go Body Bag Self-Destruction Bad Things [Dedicated to Hollywood Undead] Blank Space @Cover Deep End [Dedicated to a Detroit Tigers fan in the crowd] Visceral Breaking Down @Info[With Mental Health talk by Brian Burkheiser] FWYTYK Judgement Day Choke Hurricane [Dedicated to Halestorm] Bow Down Gasoline STYX** PHOTOS BELOW ** With a smooth turnover of the stage, it was time for Styx and I was excited to see them again. I first saw them in 1977 and I couldn't help but think, damn, 47 years have gone by and they were also the very first band I took pictures of live. With the lights dancing and their fans roaring, Styx opened their set with, “The Grand Illusion” from the 1977 album of the same name. I could feel the smile on my face light up, and I and their fans knew it was just the start of a great set to come. For me, a malfunction with my camera and though I could listen, I spent the first two songs figuring out the problem. Just before Styx started their third song, “Lady” the problem was solved and I shot up a storm of pictures during the song. Styx moved through time with song’s, “Miss America”, “Blue Collar Man” (Long Nights) and the crowd was singing with them. Sitting up in my seat watching and listening to the crowd and I was rocking with them, though I pasted on the singing. (Lol) On stage, the band members moved about interacting with each other and their fans. The lighting was awesome as it danced over the stage and out into the crowd. From where I was sitting, I could see all around the venue and it was so good to see everyone having a great time. Styx finished up their set with a 2 song encore of, “Mr. Roboto” and “Renegade” with Chuck Panozzo and blew everyone away! The band took their bows to a cheering, roaring crowd showing their appreciation for a great show, a really great show. Styx members: James "JY" Young: Founding guitarist and lead vocals Tommy Shaw: Lead vocals and guitars Chuck Panozzo: Original bassist who often appears as a guest musician Lawrence Gowan: Lead vocals and keyboards Todd Sucherman: Drums and percussion Will Evankovich – guitar, backing vocals, occasional mandolin Setlist: The Grand Illusion Too Much Time on My Hands Lady Lorelei Crash of the Crown Miss America Rockin' the Paradise Blue Collar Man (Long Nights) The Best of Times Deep in the Heart of Texas @Cover Fooling Yourself (The Angry Young Man) Come Sail Away @Info[With Chuck Panozzo] Mr. Roboto @Info[With Chuck Panozzo] Renegade @Info[With Chuck Panozzo FOREIGNER** PHOTOS BELOW** As people were catching their breath, the stage was being turned over again in a timely manner for Foreigner’s turn to rock the house. I had the pleasure of covering Foreigner’s tour last year and it was awesome, so I had a good idea of what I was about to see and shoot this night. The crowd was settling in as the lights came down and they started cheering as Foreigner took to the stage and started their set with, “Double Vision” from their 1978 album of the same name and the house rockin. Vocalist Kelly Hansen was on the move and the fun of shooting Foreigner began. Along with great music there was also great lighting and no slowing down of stage presence from the band. Kelly carries his mic stand everywhere and dances with it as well. “Head games” and “Cold as Ice” followed and the crowd were on their feet rockin and singing as guitarist Bruce Watson hypnotized the crowd with his magic fingers all over his guitar. He too was on the move along with guitarist Luis Maldanado and bassist, Jeff Pilson. Moving through their set list with favorites that kept the crowd dancing and singing with, “Dirty White Boy” and “Feels Like the First Time”. The fun part about being a concert photographer is when the band members interact with you with looks, pointing at you or leaning right into the camera lens.(see photo gallery) At the same time delighting the crowd doing pretty much the same thing while they are using their cell phones to capture the moments. They guys jumped into an instrumental jam session followed by, “Urgent” then it was drummer Chris Frazier’s turn to wow the crowd with a solo of his own. When the band kicked off “Juke Box Hero” the crowd went nuts, it’s hard not to with that song and then the band took a short break and returned to finish their evening with, “I Want to Know What Love Is” and “Hot Blooded”. Foreigner took their bows to a cheering, roaring crowd showing their appreciation for a great set of music and what a night it was. I think close to 20,000 people and the bands got a good night's sleep. The way the energy poured back and forth throughout the night I slept really well! This show is very early in this tour, with 30+ more stops, the tour is a must see for anyone who loves good rock and roll and adding a great stage show is the cherry on top. Don’t miss this tour, it won’t happen again. I personally want to thank the bands for an awesome night, this one goes down in the musical history books! Foreigner members: Bruce Watson - guitarist Michael Bluestein - keyboards Kelly Hansen - vocals Jeff Pilson - bassist Luis Maldanado - guitarist Chris Frazier - drums Setlist: Double Vision Head Games Cold as Ice Waiting for a Girl Like You Dirty White Boy Feels Like the First Time Instrumental Jam Session Urgent Drum Solo Juke Box Hero I Want to Know What Love Is Hot Blooded |
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September 2024
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