|
For the complete link of all Monsters of Rock Cruise photos click here:
https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/collections/72157688206886320/ All Images © Joe Schaeffer Photography
2 Comments
The Orpheum in Los Angeles was the sight for Joe Satriani and his G3 2018 tour. Satriani has been touring with a stellar lineup of fellow guitarists since 1996 and this year’s version features John Petrucci of Dream Theater and Def Leppard’s Phil Collen.
Phil Collen opened up the show with an amazing display of rock and blues instrumentals. Included in his band is drummer Forrest Robinson and on bass guitar Craig Martini. They were joined later in the set by Delta Deep singer Debbi Blackwell-Cook, who really brought together their unique take of blues based rock ‘n’ roll. A treat for us all ensued, as Collen’s Def Leppard band mate Vivian Campbell joined in for a take on the song “Hysteria”. John Petrucci brought the guitar concerto to another level. Dream Theater’s drummer Mike Mangini is also part of the trio that includes bass player Dave LaRue. Petrucci’s set was 45 minutes of amazing guitar mastery. He then stepped aside to allow the main event on stage. Joe Satriani was next to the stage and blew us all away. He is the ultimate guitar instrumentalist. Joining Satriani on this tour is Bryan Beller on bass, Joe Travers on drums and Mike Kenneally on guitar and keyboards. Satriani tore through an hour of his solo work before ending his set with “Summer Song”. The three guitar virtuosos all emerged and were joined on this evening by none other than rock legend Glenn Hughes. He lent his vocal talent to all three songs “Going Down”, “Superstition” and the Deep Purple classic “Highway Star”. Vivian Campbell joined them for “Superstition”, while Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith banged on the drums for “Highway Star”. Coming soon to a theater near you this is already shaping up to be the show of 2018. The full photo album can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157691702533924 The Official Website is located here: http://www.satriani.com/G3/ All Images © Joe Schaeffer Photography Review by Joe Schaeffer and Band Photos by Katarina Benzova
Showtime began at 8:15pm. Members of the classic lineup Axl Rose, Duff McKagan and Slash along with keyboardist Dizzy Reed, guitarist Richard Fortus, drummer Frank Ferrer, and Melissa Reese also on keyboards hit the stage to an energetic crowd. The band opened the show with ‘It’s So Easy’ from 1987’s ‘Appetite for Destruction’. The setlist, which was comprised of over 36 songs, dove into their impressive discography. Songs were culled from Appetite for Destruction, G’n’R Lies, Use Your Illusion I and II, and quite a few off Chinese Democracy. They even paid tribute to some fallen heroes of theirs with ‘Wichita Lineman’ (Glen Campbell), ‘Black Hole Sun’ (Chris Cornell of Soundgarden), a snippet of ‘Melissa’ (Gregg Allman) and ‘Whole Lotta Rosie’ (Malcolm Young of AC/DC). Axl provided the night with many costume changes. Shirts and Hats were exchanged quite a few times. Many of shirts were well drenched with sweat. His voice was surprisingly strong and mostly held up well during the massive 36-song, 3 ½ hour plus set. He a true guitar master, Slash continues to prove himself. He showed off his epic guitar work on classic cuts like ‘Sweet Child O’Mine’ and ‘November Rain’ as well as long solos before ‘Double Talkin’ Jive’ and ‘Rocket Queen’. His guitar solo included ‘Speak Softly Love,’ which was the love theme from ‘The Godfather’ movie. Then later, Slash and Fortus drew amazing solos out of each other on an instrumental duet based on ‘Wish You Were Here,’ by Pink Floyd. Great energy, fast paced, and what a nice long concert. The show for me was fantastic, loud and had raw power. The hits were there in full force and the energy coming from that stage was indisputable definitely worth the ticket price. If there is one thing you can say about their fans is that they are completely passionate about them. Some have even traveled not only the USA, but the entire world to see them perform. One such fan is Los Angeles resident Margott Hinostroza. She attended her 70th Guns ‘N Roses show on this night. 29 shows were prior to their Troubadour show on April 2016. 41 times on the current tour that finished its Fall North American leg on this night. The band will next hit Europe in June of 2018 for a few shows and Festival Dates. The set list is as follows: It's So Easy Mr. Brownstone Chinese Democracy Welcome to the Jungle Double Talkin' Jive Better Estranged Live and Let Die (Paul McCartney and Wings Cover) Catcher in the Rye Rocket Queen Sorry You Could Be Mine Attitude (Misfits Cover) (with "You Can't Put Your Arms Around a Memory" intro) This I Love Prostitute Civil War with Voodoo Child ending Yesterdays Coma Slash Guitar Solo Speak Softly Love (Love Theme from the Godfather) Sweet Child O' Mine Wichita Lineman (Glen Campbell Tribute) Used to Love Her My Michelle Out Ta Get Me Wish You Were Here (Pink Floyd Cover) November Rain (including Layla piano intro) Black Hole Sun (Chris Cornell Tribute) Knockin' on Heaven's Door (Bob Dylan Cover)(with Only Women Bleed Intro) Nightrain Encore: Patience (with Melissa Intro) Whole Lotta Rosie (Malcolm Young Tribute) There Was a Time Don't Cry Madagascar The Seeker (The Who Cover) Paradise City Official Website is here: https://www.gunsnroses.com/ The RUST Festival was originally created in 2005 as a tribute to the legendary US Festival’s “Heavy Metal Day”. It made its triumphant return but this time it was at Santa Anita Park on November 25th, 2017. DELUXE Presents which was formed in 2016 to produce boutique music festivals hosted Saturday’s RUST Festival return. It was dubbed “Black Saturday” and it brought out some of the heavy hitters in the rock and metal tribute scene in So. California.
Those who attended the all day festivities were treated to a day full of non-stop Hard and Heavy Music. Two stages were created to allow for a continuous flow of music. The bands performing on the RUST stage included Hurrikane (Scorpions), Rhoads to Ozz (Ozzy Osbourne), Just Like Priest (Judas Priest), The Iron Maidens (Iron Maiden) and Bonfire (AC/DC). Capping off the day on the RUST stage were Fan Halen performing a set of classic Van Halen tunes that included a guest appearance by Van Halen’s original bassist Mark Stone. The LEGENDS stage was filled with a full day of musical mayhem featuring tribute acts Motley Crue’d (Motley Crue), Paradise Kitty (Guns ‘N Roses), Master of Puppets (Metallica) and Black Sabbitch (Black Sabbath). The last band of the day on the LEGENDS stage, were none other than Led Zepagain. Led Zepagain are truly one of the best tribute bands around. The crowd was treated to an 80 minute set of the best from the Led Zeppelin catalog. All the bands performing on both stages gave the crowd what they came for, a great time hearing the music that most of us grew listening to. All in all it was a well run festival. The bands were on time for the entire day. There were a couple of minor technical issues but they were met head on. Chris Mitrovich, founder of DELUXE Presents and RUST Festival hinted as to giving it another run is 2018 and beyond. I for one would love to see it happen. I think a lot of those who attended feel the same way as well. The Band List: Fan Halen – World’s #1 Tribute to Original Van Halen The Iron Maidens –All-Female Tribute to Iron Maiden – Long Running and World-Famous Black Sabbitch – All-Female Tribute to Black Sabbath Masters Of Puppets – World Famous Metallica Tribute Bonfire – Tribute to Bon Scott-era early AC/DC Paradise Kitty – All-Female Tribute to Guns N’ Roses Just Like Priest – Full-Strength Judas Priest Tribute Rhoads To Ozz – Tribute to Randy Rhoads-era Ozzy Osbourne Hurrikane – High-Energy Tribute to Scorpions Motley Crue'd – Tribute to all-eras of Mӧtley Crüe Led Zepagain - The Most Accurate and Authentic Replication of Led Zeppelin A collection of photos can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157689679506154 & here https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157689680758634 Official RUST Festival Facebook page is located here: https://www.facebook.com/RUSTFestival/ Official Website is here: https://www.rustfestival.com/ All Images © Joe Schaeffer Photography 2017 Tom Keifer and his band started the show with the title track from the last Cinderella album, ‘Still Climbing’. They followed it up with ‘Somebody Save Me”. The set contained some of the songs from his solo record ‘The Way Life Goes’ which was originally released four years ago. ‘It’s Not Enough’ and the title track were included in the first half of the set. ‘The Way Life Goes’ was just recently re-released as a special edition deluxe version. To purchase a copy click here>> (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-way-life-goes-deluxe-edition/1283403662)
Slowing the set down, Keifer brought his wife Savannah out to perform with him. They sang together on ‘Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)’. ‘Nobody’s Fool’ finished out the semi-acoustic portion of the set. The band revved it up with ‘Shake Me’ which got the crowd pumped back up. ‘Solid Ground’ along with a trio of Cinderella tunes ‘Night Songs’, Coming Home’ and ‘Shelter Me’ then finished off the main set. The band came back on stage with a three song encore. Two of them cover songs, ‘Tumblin’ Dice by the Rolling Stones and ‘With A Little Help From My Friends’ by the Beatles. The grand finale of the show was high energy version of Cinderella’s ‘Gypsy Road’. Keifer knowingly appreciates his fans and was truly moved by the audience’s love for him and his music. He personally thanked everyone for their 30-plus years of dedication. Tom was also a recent guest on the Hair Metal Mansion Radio show with host Andrew the Axeman. Click on this link to hear the program: (https://www.mixcloud.com/AndrewAxeman/hair-metal-mansion-radio-show-549-w-tom-keifer/) November 12th, 2017 Setist Still Climbing Somebody Save Me The Way Life Goes Heartbreak Station It’s Not Enough Shake Me Don't Know What You Got (Till It's Gone) Nobody's Fool Solid Ground Night Songs Coming Home Shelter Me Encore Tumblin’ Dice With a Little Help from My Friends Gypsy Road The full Tom Keifer photo album can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157690578669436 The Official Website is located here: http://www.tomkeifer.com/ All Images © 2017 Joe Schaeffer Photography (Review by JoJo-Anthony – Pictures by Joe Schaeffer)
Greta Van Fleet are Josh Kiszka – Vocals, Jake Kiszka – Guitar, Sam Kiszka – Bass/Hammond Organ and Danny Wagner – Drums. The first thing most music fans would say about Greta Van Fleet is that they sure sound a lot like a certain classic rock band. Well, more on that later... Their performance at the sold out Troubadour show is evident that they have a fan base comprised of people ranging from teens to baby boomers. First off, let's bring readers up to date on who exactly this young band is and how they acquired such an odd moniker. The band simply pulled a "Lynyrd Skynyrd" when selecting a name. They took it from a music instructor who lives in their hometown of Frankenmuth, Michigan. In April of 2017, the band released an E.P. entitled "Black Smoke Rising" and immediately took to the road supporting one of my favorite new bands The Struts on handful of shows. They were soon voted Best New Artist on the Loudwire Music Awards. Greta Van Fleet is a great band whose sound harkens back to those glorious days when Rock music was rooted in blues riffs, loud thunderous drumming and wailing vocals. Greta Van Fleet definitely has found a comfortable home amongst a legion of Classic Rock fans in desperate search of that "vintage sound" and a new generation of millennials who appreciate bands based on their musicianship and great songwriting. Opening their set with a blazing rocker "Talk on the Streets", Greta Van Fleet delivered a seventy minute twelve song set that was well paced and the audience seemed to grow more and more excited with every song. At times I felt I was watching a band that had a long history merely based on the audience reaction after each song. I was especially impressed with the band's ability to slow down the set with songs like "Flower Power" where guitarist Jake Kiszka picked up an acoustic guitar, while brother Sam accompanied him on the Hammond Organ. Vocalist Josh Kiszka has the voice to pull of the rockers and the slower compositions. The band were also comfortable enough to simply "jam" and improvise on songs, never caring or worried if their music could ever accommodate Pop radio station formats. At times I felt I was at a concert back in 1975, when fans merely appreciated bands for their talent as opposed to their stage show and appearance. The band returned for a well deserved encore of their current single and video "Highway Tune" followed by my personal favorite track "Safari Song," which featured some amazing drumming from Danny Wagner. All four musicians are very talented in their own right and they were obviously schooled on bands like Led Zeppelin, Aerosmith or the Yardbirds. Are the comparisons to Led Zeppelin that obvious? Possibly...but who the hell cares? What Greta Van Fleet offer up are merely great songs reminiscent of 70's rock acts, with the musicianship required to do so. I believe this band at this moment has yet to realize the magnitude of their impact on today's music. Greta Van Fleet is a very young new band whose members range from 18-21 years of age. Can they get past the Zeppelin comparisons? I for one could care less. Only the baby boomers would be concerned with that as opposed to the numerous new young fans they have garnered. The band has developed a style of music and songwriting that is good and solid, and they've learned from the best. I suggest that one pick up their forthcoming double E.P. “From the Fires”, that will be released on November 10th. The true test for this band is if their "inquisitive" fan base will actually take the time to purchase and support their recorded efforts. I know I sure will. Setlist: Talk on the Streets Black Smoke Rising Edge of Darkness When the Cold Wind Blows Flower Power You're The One Evil Is Goin' On (Howlin’ Wolf Cover) Mountain of the Sun Watching Over Lover Leaver Taker Believer Encore: Highway Tune Safari Song The Official Website can be found here: http://gretavanfleet.com/ The full photo albums can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157687763547191 All Images © Joe Schaeffer Photography 2017 I had the pleasure to attend this year’s annual Birthday Bash in Cabo. It was a fitting celebration for Sammy Hagar’s 70th Birthday.
Sammy sums it up best himself as he writes on his website, "This was the most eclectic, crazy high energy Birthday Bash to date! I was not feeling well the first two shows but the fans were unbelievably supportive with their sing-alongs. I didn’t have to sing a damn word and they were incredible. God bless the redheads! "Once I got my voice back on Friday, the energy was out of control and burnt through Saturday night hotter than I’ve ever felt in my 70 years on this planet. I can’t believe what the Birthday Bash has become beyond my wildest dreams and can confidently say I think it’s the best party on the planet. It is a big badass red love fest... "I would like to thank my special guests: Toby Keith, Vinnie Paul (Pantera, HellYeah), Jerry Cantrell (Alice in Chains), Darryl McDaniels (Run DMC), Bob Weir (The Grateful Dead), Kenny Aronoff (John Fogerty Band), Eddie Money, Chad Kroeger (Nickelback) and, most of all, Michael Anthony, Vic Johnson and Jason Bonham a.k.a. The Circle - I love this band!" See you next year! - Sammy Presented by Fathom Events and AXS, “Red Til I’m Dead: Sammy Hagar’s Rock-N-Roll Birthday Party” will feature the best of the performances and party action from the four-day rock spectacular when it hits cinemas nationwide for one night on Tuesday, December 5 at 7:30 p.m. local time. Moviegoers will also enjoy a behind-the-scenes look at the music that spans the career of the one and only Red Rocker, plus birthday wishes from famous friends. Tickets can be purchased online beginning Friday, October 27. For more info on participating theaters please visit: https://www.fathomevents.com/events/sammy-hagars-birthday-bash Setlist (10/13/2017) There's Only One Way to Rock Rock Candy (Montrose cover) Good Times Bad Times (Led Zeppelin cover) Poundcake (Van Halen cover) (with Vinnie Paul) I Can't Drive 55 Sexy Little Thing (Chickenfoot cover) Two Tickets to Paradise (with Eddie Money) Right Now (Van Halen cover) Why Can't This Be Love (Van Halen cover) Loose Lucy (with Bob Weir) Rockstar (with Chad Kroeger) When the Levee Breaks (Led Zeppelin cover) Heavy Metal Walk This Way (with Darryl McDaniels) That Girls Kitchen (with Darryl McDaniels and Kenny Aaronoff) Mas Mezquila Encore When it's Love (Van Halen cover) You can find my Photo Album from the show here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157687887048114 The Official Website is located here: http://www.redrocker.com/ All Images © Joe Schaeffer Photography 2017 Germany's most famous hard rock exports, the Scorpions, who are entertaining us on their Crazy World Tour with a hits-packed set of their trademark melodic hard rock. The band members are Rudolf Schenker (Rhythm & Lead Guitars, Backing Vocals), Klaus Meine (Lead Vocals, Guitars, Tambourine)
Matthias Jabs (Lead & Rhythm Guitars, Backing Vocals), Paweł Mąciwoda (Bass, Backing Vocals) and Mikkey Dee (Drums). Three songs from their latest album ‘Return to Forever’ were featured in the night's set (opener 'Going Out With A Bang' along with lead single 'We Built This House' and 'Rock and Roll Band') and slotted in with ease alongside classics like 'The Zoo,' 'Make it Real,' and 'Big City Nights.' The highlight for me was the ’70s tracks consisting of ‘Top of the Bill,’ ‘Steamrock Fever,’ ‘Speedy’s Coming’ and ‘Catch Your Train.’ Of course, it was the super hits that the crowd had really been waiting for the most, and the Scorpions brought them out. ‘Wind of Change’ had everyone in the entire venue singing along, while ‘Blackout’ had every head banging from row to row. As a special tribute to Lemmy Kilmister of Motorhead, they performed ‘Overkill’ which led into Mikkey Dee’s Drum Solo. Finally there was the fierce wallop of “No One Like You,” “Big City Nights” and “Rock You Like A Hurricane” that had every fist in the air and further explained exactly how Scorpions have lasted so long. It was clear that even after fifty plus years, the Scorpions still know what it takes to deliver a big time rock show. Setlist Going Out With a Bang Make It Real The Zoo Coast to Coast Top of the Bill / Steamrock Fever / Speedy's Coming / Catch Your Train We Built This House Delicate Dance Always Somewhere / Eye of the Storm / Send Me an Angel Wind of Change Rock 'n' Roll Band Overkill Mikkey Dee Drum Solo Blackout Big City Nights Encore No One Like You Still Loving You Rock You Like a Hurricane The Official Website can be found here: https://www.the-scorpions.com/home/ The full photo albums can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157687053338980 All Images © Joe Schaeffer Photography 2017 9/30/2017
Accept showed why Metal is still vital in today’s download environment. Their last four releases, which include the newest "The Rise of Chaos" is as good if not better than a lot of the new metal bands that currently represent the genre. The band now fronted by Mark Tornillo, who joined Accept when they re-formed in 2009. His selection has proven to be a great decision, as his style has the power and range to make new songs his own, but also has enough similarities to former singer Udo Dirkschneider to pull off classic Accept tracks. Both guitarists Wolf Hoffman and Uwe Lulis seem to have a great time playing together and it truly shows. Wolf was in fantastic form. Peter Baltes(Bass) and newcomer Christopher Williams (Drums) create a supremely powerhouse rhythm section. The set list pulled songs from the recent albums and they were delivered with tight arrangements. There wasn’t a lot of talk in between songs, instead choosing to keep the music flowing all night long. "The Rise of Chaos", “Koolaid”, “Analog Man” and “No Regrets” gave us a good taste of the fantastic “The Rise of Chaos” album. It is their fifteenth studio album and was released on August 4, 2017 via Nuclear Blast Records. (https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/the-rise-of-chaos/id124047856) Of course gems like "Restless and Wild", “London Leatherboys", “Fast as a Shark” and their biggest hit "Balls to the Wall" which closed what was a fantastic show. The German metal legends ran over the crowd like a tank. Metal music doesn’t get better than this. It was an absolutely killer performance and surely one of my concert highlights for this year. Current Line-Up : Wolf Hoffmann – Guitar, Peter Baltes – Bass, Mark Tornillo – Vocals, Uwe Lulis – Guitar and Christopher Williams – Drums Sept. 30th, 2017 Die by the Sword Stalingrad Restless and Wild London Leatherboys Living for Tonite The Rise of Chaos Koolaid No Regrets Analog Man No Regrets Final Journey Shadow Soldiers Neon Nights Princess of the Dawn Midnight Mover Up to the Limit Objection Overruled Pandemic Fast as a Shark Encore Metal Heart Teutonic Terror Balls to the Wall You can find my Photo Album from the show here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157686777245600 The Official Website is located here: http://acceptworldwide.com/band/ Nuclear Blast Records: http://www.nuclearblast.com/en/label/index.html All Images © Joe Schaeffer Photography 2017
Lies, Deceit and Treachery is the fusion of three former original members of BulletBoys and Best of Seven singer Shane Tassart. Culling songs from the first three BulletBoys albums, they performed to a highly enthusiastic Hollywood crowd. It was truly a high energy show from start to finish.
"Devil" is the first single from Lies, Deceit & Treachery's upcoming record due in late-2017. It will be available for purchase on Sept. 7th at your favorite music site.
Setlist
Hell on My Heels Hard as a Rock Thrill That Kills Shoot the Preacher Down Devil Mine 220 Owed to Joe THC Groove For the Love of Money Hang on St. Christopher California Man (Chad Smith on Drums) Kissin’ Kitty F#9 Smooth Up in Ya Official Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pg/liesdeceitandtreachery The complete album can be found here: https://www.flickr.com/photos/jschaef00/albums/72157686101846623 All Images © Joe Schaeffer Photography 2017 |
Joe
|
RSS Feed
