The Dead, Hi-Fi Buys Ampitheatre, 8/19/04:

And speaking of The Dead (see below), the boys (minus the late & great Jerry) were back in town, and I decided to end my avoidance of them since the great one left us all back in 1995.  For several years before that, I went to numerous Grateful Dead shows, all over the country.  Seeing them the 25-30x that I did was a true experience, and I'm very lucky that I was able to catch them at the end of their long & strange years of touring.  I loved the scene, I loved the people, and I especially loved the music.  I could go on&on, but you really fall into 2 categories:  you either can say that you saw them back in the day or you didn't.  If you did, you know.  If you didn't, you missed out...   So, the show itself was almost the same (though the 'scene' was not @ all - gone were all of the fun activities you could get yourself into outside the venue in the parking lots), and the great Warren Haynes has now all but stepped into the massive shoes Jerry left (and he is as perfect of a fit as you can find).  Quite simply, they were about 90% as good as they ever were.  Haynes picks up most of the leads that Jerry had, and he's just great.  I loved the show, and for many moments, I felt that I was right there back in the day again.  They cranked out a massive show, featuring such classics as "Sugar Magnolia", "Brown-Eyed Women", "Truckin'", "U.S. Blues", "China Cat Sunflower/Rider", "He's Gone", "Turn on Your Lovelight", and the infamous "Touch of Grey" (for a complete setlist, click this).  They maybe didn't jam as long, and the drums/space session was not what it used to be, but it was The Dead (they have removed 'Grateful', for now) and their show is still what Phish, WsP, and all of the other jam-bands aspire to have.  As per usual, it was a wonderful mixed crowd, and everyone was having a great time.  I miss the parking lots, I miss the people, I miss the great Tshirts, but I miss the music the most.  I closed my eyes for a few minutes last night, and for those moments, I didn't miss a thing...

Phish, the Regal24, 8/15/04:

For the 2nd time ever in my life, I went to a movie theatre to see a live concert.  This was Phish's final show ever (hummm, we'll see I guess), and they decided to let those who were not some of the 70,000 who made the trip to Coventry, Vermont have the opportunity to see the show in a simulcasted format in some movie theatres around the country.  I feel that this will become a typical way to see some of today's biggest shows in the very near future...   For a setlist, click this...   I was quite emotional during the entire show, and when they all started breaking down (most notably Page and Trey), I almost did as well.  I first heard of this band around 1989 and I saw my first Phish show maybe a year after that.  The endless comparisons to The Grateful Dead are justified, but Phish is completely their own band in every way.  Yes, they might be my generation's version of The Dead, but most folks my age are possessive of Vermont's Phinest, and we claim them to be our own.  I saw The Grateful Dead several times from 1990-1995, but I never felt like I had any claim to them.  I'm too young to reflect back on concerts 'in the day' (this does not mean I didn't completely enjoy the shows and love their music) - this was different for Phish.  I didn't know of them @ the very beginning, but I caught on just in time and I was lucky enough to hit about 30 shows in a 15 year stretch...    Last night's might not have been their best that I've ever seen, but it was simply seeing them for potentially the last time that hit home so hard.  They cranked out some of my favorites ("Reba", "Possum", Wolfman's Brother", "Down with Disease", "Simple", and "Wilson"), but it was their obvious emotion that moved me so much.  I love people who are passionate about what they do.  All else I can say is that I'm sure they will miss playing just as we will miss listening.  Maybe they are really done - who knows.  I'm hoping that they are not, but if so, I have many years of many wonderful shows to reflect back on.  Thanks guys...     

Alanis Morissette, Barenaked Ladies, The Hi-Fi Buys Amphitheatre, 8/5/04:

Another concert drought is over...   I will fully admit that this was not normally a show I would go too far out of my way to see.  So, with low expectations, I was pleasantly surprised to enjoy another great night @ Lakewood...   The Barenaked Ladies put on a wonderful show, and yes, it was a SHOW.  They were dancing, jumping, rolling, and moving around all over the stage all night long.  I have always listened to them on the radio and I like all of their songs, but I've never owned any of their music.  I didn't realize how many big songs they have had like "It's All Been Done","One Week" (which they turned into an almost country version during the show), "The Old Apartment", "Brian Wilson", and they closed with the great "If I Had a $1000000".  The thing is like I said:  they were pure entertainment all throughout the show.  I would definitely see them again & again...   Ok, here goes:  I also enjoyed Alanis.  No, I have NEVER been a fan of hers, and I still would most likely not own any of her music.  But, she put on a good show, and she really rocked out during a few songs.  I don't really know her music all that well, but I did recognize a few of her hits.  Her song "This Grudge" was really cool as well, and I guess everyone should know "You Oughta Know" by now.  Her band was quite talented I thought as well.  Anyway, a surprisingly great show...

Swami Gone Bananas, Mike & Angelo's, 4/9/04:

I was not going to write this up, but since I've been slacking recently on my concerts, and this was a live band, here goes...   I've seen this band a few times throughout the years (any M&A's regular would know who they are), and they are a crowd favorite for those folks who miss & love 60's and 70's music.  These guys look like just get got out of the VW Van after a year of touring with the Dead, and their music follows suit.  They covered The Beatles, The Grateful Dead, Pink Floyd, The Allman Brothers, and many other songs from bands like those.  With the incense burning, the alcohol flowing, and the music playing, I almost felt like I was back in my dorm room 15 years ago.  I unfortunately don't keep up with this crew enough to always know when they're playing or not, but I have a good buddy who does.  So, I'm sure I'll have another write up on 'em soon...

Cowboy Mouth, The Roxy, 3/5/04:

Once again, this is just a band that refuses to disappoint.  I will say that I'm actually not a huge fan of their music, but one can not help but love Fred LeBlanc and how he and his band perform up there on stage.  He pays attention to the crowd the entire time and he almost individually makes sure that everyone has a good time.  I saw them a few years ago (see below) and felt then what I did this past Friday night - pure energy @ all times.  And I normally don't like going to the Roxy, but that venue left a much better impression on me than is has in the past.  Anyway, though I don't own any of their music, I have no problem seeing Cowboy Mouth as they always deliver a rockin good show...

Widespread Panic, Philips Arena, 12/30/03:

Like a broken record, I saw WsP again just before NYE.  This time, it was truly a marathon show (click this for the setlist) as I don't think we left until about 1:30am.  Highlights for me were "Hatfield", "Pigeons", and "Travelin' Light", though I can safely say that there were no lowlights.  I'm hearing rumors that WsP is going to break up (and/or quit touring).  I most certainly hope that does not happen, so I'll believe it when I see (or, don't see) it.  I can only hope that they continue to play.  I'm sure things have not been the same since the loss of Michael, but they really did sound as fantastic as ever.  I have not counted, but I'm sure this was @ least my 30th Panic show, and I'm pretty sure I've never seen another band more often (Phish and The Grateful Dead would be close though).  If they are done, I'll have a big hole to fill - 13 years of seeing them will certainly be missed...

Jane's Addiction, The Fox Theatre, 12/16/03:

This was 99x's first ever Missle-Toe-Jam concert, and the radio station billed this as their biggest promotion ever...   I've now seen Jane's a few times, and though they never seem to play enough songs (maybe 10 last night, which caused many fans to start booing when the lights came on), they jam for the time that they are up on stage.  They opened with "Stop" and just ripped it up until closing with a funky, reggae version of "Jane Says" (during which they had what appeared to be snow falling from the top of the theatre).  Perry Farrell was all over the place, and was very talkative, being sexual with a lot of his comments.  Other song highlights were "Ain't No Right", "Mountain Song", "Been Caught Stealing", and "Just Because", which is their new hit.  For a band that just released their 4th studio album (in a career spanning well over 15 years, that is not many), their popularity seems limitless.  I really could have heard a "Three Days", which I consider their masterpiece, and I don't know why they never play any of Perry's Porno for Pyros material.  That was some really good music he whipped out in the mid-90's.  Still, it was a good show from a band that is 100% excitement, so I guess I can't complain too much...

Roger Clyne & The Peacemakers, Smith's Olde Bar, 11/11/03:

Well, the former frontman for The Refreshments is a pretty fun guy I must say.  Roger Clyne gets up there on stage and just cranks it, virtually non-stop.  I really never was into his/their music, but one does not have to be seeing their all-time favorite band to appreciate good music, especially live.  Being from the Southwest, a lot of Clyne's music seems to focus on Mexico and other Spanish themes.  If I knew more about him, I'm sure I could write more here.  Anyway, Smith's is a cozy bar to see a show, though it was much louder than normal last evening, and I'm sure the few hundred folks that made it out last night had a good time...

Radiohead, The Hi-Fi Buys Ampitheatre, 10/6/03:

First of all, the above link is fantastic.  It has links to a few other outstanding Radiohead sites, and you can find the show's setlist here...   I've been saying for years now that Radiohead just might be the best band in the world.  They have 6 fantastic albums, though the last 4 (starting with "OK Computer") have turned them into something unparalleled in music, as I feel they are almost reinventing that word.  They are definitely the Pink Floyd of our generation yet they are completely incomparable to any other act I know of, especially after seeing them for the 1st time last night.  Thom Yorke is so passionate about the music and Phil Selway's drumming almost put me in a trance @ times.  I hate to pick out specific songs, but "2+2=5", "Idioteque", and "Everything in it's Right Place" really stood out to me during the show.  "Creep" (their 1st and still maybe only real radio hit) also really stood out to me.  That song is as good now as it was 10 years ago.  Also, their light and video display was just awesome, and it kept changing around as their music did.  They are one of those rare bands that almost make you feel like you are 'on something' when you listen to their music.  The energy is there @ all times with them, even during their slow moments.  I could keep going here, but I won't.  I was almost thinking 'I don't belong here'.  My friend Blake said that 'we were in the presence of greatness'.  I will just simply rest assured knowing that I may have just seen the best possible concert in my life...

Cake, Cheap Trick, The Tabernacle, 9/2/03:

"Mommy's all right, Daddy's all right, they just seem a little bit weird..."  Haunting words from my childhood indeed.  Cheap Trick is one of those bands that everyone seemed to love 20ish years ago because of their catchy songs and wacko personalities.  It does not seem like much has changed with them, and they really know how to play for their audience.  Rick Nielsen changed guitars in between every song, and he brought out a 5-headed one for "Surrender" (or "Dream Police" - I can't remember now).  Either way, they sounded good and were plenty of fun...   Cake simply rocks.  John McCrea looked like he should have been driving a tractor and working on a farm.  He's got a very good red-neck look going right now.  Anyway, they cranked out all of their hits and jammed for well over an hour. Their sound is so unique and wide (meaning that they encompass a variety of sounds not heard in most other bands).  They truly are like no other band around these days, and for having just 4 albums, they have already made a huge dent in the all-time music scene imho.   I could 'go the distance' with them 8days a week...

Ozzfest:  Ozzy Osbourne, Korn, Marilyn Manson, Disturbed, Chevelle, The Hi-Fi Buys Ampitheatre, 8/26/03:

This does it:  I'm officially the Peter Pan of my generation.  Your 33 year old author here hung out with the folks @ Ozzfest last evening and felt like he was 23 again.  Anyway, on to the music...   Chevelle was a pleasant surprise.  I like their radio hits ("The Red" and "Send the Pain Below"), but it was their music I had not heard that really sounded good.  They are quite heavy and very loud, yet not distorted @ all.  I'm glad I made it there in time to check them out...   Disturbed was just thumpin.  Some of their songs don't really do it for me, but when they are on, they are on and they really got the crowd going.  They also seemed to be very appreciative of being on Ozzfest...    Finally, I got to check out Marilyn Manson.  Unfortunately, it was part of this big festival, and it was also not nighttime just yet when he/they took the stage.  But, it was still Mason.  He brought out a few stage theatrics, but I have heard that when it's just his show, the real craziness happens.  He did have some dancing chix up there and a big blowup of a person's head with some sort of mask on (which deflated right after "Beautiful People").  The music sounded really good and I was just happy (relieved?) to have finally seen him...   Eat more Korn, according to a few shirts I saw.  Once again opening with "Blind", they hit the stage running and did not slow down for an hour.  What an exhilarating experience it is seeing them.  I know of no bad that can get more head-banging than Korn - I challenge anyone to go see them and just sit there w/o moving.  I thought Lakewood would muffle their sound a little, but I was way wrong.  Rumor has it that they were banned from the venue years back b/c people were pulling out and throwing the seats during their show in 1997.  Well, I guess a mutual understanding has been reached (thank goodness).  This was my 4th time seeing them (I think all of those reviews are down below) and I know it will not be my last...   Someone had better check the pulse of Mr. Osbourne.  I was surprised to not see any wheel-chairs or respirators up on stage for the vegetable known as Ozzy.  Yes, the sounds were good and his voice was not all that bad, but it seemed as if he does not even remember the words to his own songs now.  We did not even stay for the finish - just not worth it.  We heard several of his hits ("Mr. Crowley" has always been a favorite of mine) and that was enough...   All in all, I would definitely go back to Ozzfest provided that there are 3-4 good bands aside Ozzy himself.  It was a 'heavy' yet quite tame crowd I thought, and Lakewood is always a fun venue...

Walkin' Joe, Blackjacks, 8/15/03:

Blackjacks is basically a bar/restaurant type of place where a small band can gather in a corner and rock out.  Well, this Walkin' Joe did just that.  They are basically a cover band, playing all kinds of songs over the 50 years of RockNRoll.  Some of the bands/singers they covered included The Beatles, Lenny Kravitz, REM, Fastball, Eric Clapton, The Romantics, and the Kingsmen, amongst many others.  They definitely have their 'act' together as they were dead-on with several of the hits they played.  I was impressed and would be more than happy to see them anytime.  They sorta reminded me of Mel and the Party Hats (who sadly don't seem to be playing anymore), but a much more tame version...

Poison, Vince Neil, The Hi-Fi Buys Ampitheatre, 8/6/03:

They came back, so I went back.  As simple as that...   We showed up just late enough to miss Skid Row - whether that was a good thing or not, I'll now never know...   Vince Neil brought his 'crew' out to Lakewood (some of us still refuse to call it Hi-Fi) last night and went through about 10-12 songs, very loudly.  They played several of Motley Crue's big hits over the years and sounded good enough, but I'm sure the real thing would have been much better.  Still, it was entertaining enough and I enjoyed hearing some of the songs ("Girls, Girls, Girls", "Dr. Feelgood", and "Looks that Kill") I heard so often growing up...   And once again, Poison came out there breathing fire, opening with "Look What the Cat Dragged In".  They went through their typical routine, covering "Squeeze Box" and "Rock N Roll All Night", and then finally ending with "Nothin' But A Good Time".  Their pyrotechnics were better than ever and Brett really played to the crowd as much as I've ever seen him.  Much like Music Midtown, I keep thinking this will be my last year going to this show, but I somehow keep saying that every year.  More power to those boys from L.A. and I hope they keep on keeping on...  

Eve 6, Masquerade, 7/30/03:

If you want the up close & personal thinggy @ a concert, go to the Masquerade for a concert.  It's a little loud in there (sorry, I'm old now), but not distorted.  Anyway, Eve 6 was just one of 'those bands' that seemed to be out a few years ago that made their impact on the 99x type scene, then they relatively disappeared.  Their big hit, "Inside Out" (which they closed with last night - shocker!) was played all of the time back 'then'.  Well, they just put out another album and from what we heard last night, it should be a hit.  I hate to lump bands together, but I have done this with them (and most of those bands that all seem to have a # in their name), but make no mistake about it:  they are quite legit and very good.  I liked their upbeat sound and Jon Seibels is a fun frontman to watch - very entertaining.  I would have thought this band would have played @ a much larger venue just a few years ago.  Maybe with the new album, they will regain their good standing in the alternative music seen soon...

Phish, The Hi-Fi Buys Ampitheatre, 7/26/03:

For the setlist, click this...   Finally, maybe my must seen live band of all-time came to Atlanta after a few years of self-imposed exile. I probably went to 30+ of their shows back in the day, starting with my first one in 1991 (I think).  Vermont's Phinest sounded as good on Saturday as they had ever, and the wait was almost worth it (but c'mon fellas, lets come back more than just touring every 4 years!).  They opened with "Wilson" and did not look back.  "Ice" and "Tweezer" were my favorites from the evening, but I mainly just sat there and reflected back while grooving for hours.  Phish is really the main jam-band for us generation-X'ers.  I saw the Grateful Dead 20+ times towards the end of Jerry's day and though I fell in love with them as well, I sort of felt like they were for another generation of folks.  Phish was for 'us' and I know I was not alone in those thoughts during the 1990's.  I was ecstatic to learn that they were reuniting and touring again this year and getting a ticket to the show was this summer's priority.  They came, they sang, and they conquered, as they always have.  And it was a nice mix of folks from their teens to some even in their 40's (shoot, I guess I'll be there pretty soon), and everyone appeared to 'still have fun'... 

Red Hot Chili Peppers, The Hi-Fi Buys Ampitheatre, 6/8/03:

Unfortunately, we rolled into the show just late enough to miss the Snoop Dogg opening act, but we did hear a bunch of it and he sounded like he had the festive crowd going pretty good...    As I wrote when I saw them last year, I was so happy again to see the Red Hot Chili Peppers.  If I had one complaint, it would have been that the show was way too much comprised of their newer material, but it's not like that stuff is bad.  Still, they just come out there, bring it, and don't hold anything back.  Their light show was quite impressive as well.  We were in the back on the lawn, but I felt much closer for some reason.  So much energy comes from them - maybe as much as I've ever felt from any band.  I wonder if these guys are going to be as fiery 10 years from now - who knows?  All I know is that as long as they keep on playing & touring, I'll keep on coming out to see them...

David Lee Roth, Chastain Park, 6/6/03:

The Fabulous Thunderbirds opened up, but they were just not 'tough enough' for me to really comment on them, and we only saw a couple of their songs anyway...    This is now the 3rd time in the last couple of years I've seen David Lee Roth, and this was the best of those 3 shows.  DLR came out there and kicked out about 20+ songs (with about 15 of them being old Van Halen classics).  He basically played everything you would have wanted to hear.  I know his voice is not what it used to be, but he's still 100% human entertainment.  He must have liked a few of the girls in the front row, as he kept talking (hard-core flirting is more like it) to them all concert long, but that's DLR.  All sex, all of the time is probably his motto.  And again, another odd show for Chastain to host, but I was not complaining (except for maybe some of the rain that kept falling on us).  Anyway, I had a blast at the show.  If you close your eyes, it's Van Halen up there (for the most part), and as long as David Lee keeps surrounding himself with a great VH cover band, I'll keep on going to see him/them...

Beck, Chastain Park, 5/30/03:

I had only seen Beck once before, and that was as the opening act of one of the Lalapalooza's about 8-10 years ago, and I really didn't even know who he was.  Anyway, years later, and several excellent albums later, Beck is a true force in the music world.  He refered to himself as the "Disco Robot".  I'd also call him something like a jam-rapper.  His funky/jazzy/country/spacey sound is so unique - no one can say, "Oh, Beck sounds just like ___", because that is just simply not true.  I thought Chastain was an odd place for him, but the Park is great and there's not a bad seat @ that venue.  The show got a little slow in the middle, but then he came back with a cover of that "It's Getting Hot in Here" pop song, and the crowd went wild.  He was moving all over the stage all night long - he even ran a couple of laps around the band, then started doing some sit-ups.  Beck definitely has some energy, and he brought it out Friday night.  I can't say that Beck is the best musician out there, or my favorite person in music, but I can say that there is no one out there who has a wider range of sounds or who is more entertaining...

Music Midtown, 5/2/03 - 5/4/03:

I'm still getting too old for this stuff, but I still keep going to our annual all weekend music festival. We got there Friday evening to catch Les Claypool and his Frog Brigade.  As a huge Primus & Sausage fan, I always enjoy seeing Les (no matter who else he's playing with).  No one is more quirky in all of music, and Les is pure entertainment - never a dull moment @ any of his concerts...   We then went off to hear Sheryl Crow for a little while (more as a time filler than anything else).  I'm not really a big fan of hers, but I don't hate her music either.  Still, she sounded good enough from our vantage point.  We were getting ready for the 10:00 shows when the storm hit the entire venue, causing the promoters to tell the audience to leave the event for their own safety.  Well, we made it back to our cars soaking wet, and then headed out to a nearby bar.  Someone came in a little while later telling us that the shows were going back on, but we just decided to wait until Saturday for more music...   We didn't see any of the early stuff on Saturday, but we did make Tonic.  I remembered several of their songs and they really sounded good.  I wondered where they have been over the last 3-4 years.  We closed out our evening with Crosby, Sills, and Nash, a band I've wanted to see for a very long time.  They are simply living legends, and their sound was excellent.  It's hard to believe people can play music for 35+ years and still love it...   As I predicted, Sunday was THE day of the weekend event.  We started out with Jack Johnson, who's really making his dent on the music scene these days.  He's sort of like Dave Matthews, but a little slower and less jam-band-ish.  Jack has a great voice and his smooth sounding band was a real treat.  Next up was the always incredible Ben Harper.  I've now been lucky enough to see him 3x and he just gets better & better.  He has a wonderful group behind him and there is no better concert audience to be around than his.  Def Leppard closed out our Music Midtown this year.  Though they've clearly aged and have had some line-up changes, they still sound the same as they did when there were arguably the best hair band of the 1980's.  Like 'em or not, there's no denying their popularity as the crowd was going wild during their set...    

Sigur Ros', The Tabernacle, 3/27/03:

This was not only one of the best shows I've seen in a long time, but also one of the most interesting.  The Tabernacle is usually a head-banging place that normally has a packed audience crammed to the stage.  Well, this band last night was not for that scene.  There were actually assigned seats in there last night (I can never recall that before) and the audience was very quiet.  It was almost like going to see an opera.  Anyway, this band from Iceland has been on my play list for several months now.  I first heard of them when I was looking over the "Vanilla Sky" soundtrack for some of that cool, background, mood music.  I was not sure how they would come across live, but seeing them last night confirmed to me just how fantastic this group is.  Though their music is erie and depressing at times, it also makes you reflect on things and it almost puts you in a trance (especially since it's sung in their native language of Icelandic).  They really have something special going (Radiohead calls them their biggest influence).  I was really blown away by them and can only hope to see them again sometime soon...

Zahgurim, The Masquerade, 3/16/03:

You never know what to expect at the Masq, and last night was no exception.  I saw this band Zahgurim with some friends of one of the guys in the group.  They were very loud, the words were impossible to understand, but they did offer something musically for the audience.  They sounded like a combo of Gwar and Slayer (I know, hard to believe) and though their sound is (very) raw, it seemed to have potential (if they stick together and practice).  Anyway, with time, I think they have a chance in the hard rock/heavy metal genre. We'll see...

Audioslave, The Tabernacle, 3/8/03:

Yes, I ended my concert drought for 2003 and saw this new supergroup creation called Audioslave.  Combining Chris Cornell (from Soundgarden) and Rage Against The Machine’s Tim Commerford (Bass), Tom Morello (Guitar), and Brad Wilk (Drums), this new power in music is already a force to be reckoned with.  This show was just a tune-up for Sunday's regular concert as local radio station 99x did one of their "Live X" concerts for some 100 lucky folks.  Yes, it was quite strange being @ the Tabernacle with just a few people, but that did not take away from the big sound the 4some produced.  They played only 5 songs (including a cover of Rush's "Working Man") and closed with their first radio hit, "Cochise".  I'm sure the show the following night really tore the house down, but I was pretty impressed with the appetizer we all got to see on Saturday night.  You never know what the future has in store for any band, but this one is hopefully here to say...

Widespread Panic, Philips Arena, 12/30/02:

Here is the setlist...   Yet again, I went to see my band play 'round new years, and yet again, they were as good as ever. I recently tracked down the 1st time I saw them and it was more than 12 years ago (back in college in Knoxville). That's hard for me to believe really.  Well, they are just as good now, even after the tragic passing of Michael Houser in August of this year. Anyway, they cranked out a bunch of newer material (to me, at least) and it was 100% jammin. "Surprise Valley" was probably my personal highlight from last night (along with "Stop-Go", "Barstools/Dreamers", and "Love Tractor") as I just don't recall ever hearing that one before.  They either have a new LP out now or one is coming really soon, and I will have to pick that one up. Sometimes I wonder if this band will ever slow down, but as with everything else concerning them - they don't appear to be rushing to do anything anytime soon...

Korn, Disturbed, Philips Arena, 10/22/02:

This was the official "Pop Sux!" tour, and there is nothing more disturbing than some good Kornholing... Anyway, Disturbed is a band I try to get into, and for about 1/2 of their songs, I can. It's the other half that I get bored with. Anyway, they sounded good and when they got to their hits like "Down With the Sickness" and "Prayer", the show was rockin good. They closed with "Stupify" and really had the crowd going at that point. Lead singer David Draiman at one point went off on the differences between pop and metal, and made fun of Britney Spears. It was ok, but I need no preaching when I go to a concert. Still, Disturbed is a good band and has the ability at times to sound fantastic... Korn! Korn! Korn! If they are not the leaders of metal music right now, I'm not sure who is. As soon as Jonathan Davis came out on stage (in his dress), they ripped right into "Here to Stay" and the show went from there. There are no dull moments with Korn, and there is nothing light about them either. All heavy, all of the time. I'm really not as familiar with all of their music as I should be, but one does not need to know every song or lyric to appreciate good music, and when the kings of metal are jamming, just bang your head and clinch your fist. I was happy to hear "Blind", and they closed with their nursury rhyme, "Shoots and Ladders". This was obviously a much better show than the last time I saw them in the Ga. Dome a few years back, and my ears are still ringing...

Stone Temple Pilots, Hifi Buys Amphitheatre, 9/28/02:

I'll start this one out just like Monday's show: Yes, for the 4th time in 2 years, I've seen this magnificant band. And this was also the 4th different venue I've seen them at as well. 99x had their yearly BigDayOut concert, featuring several bands in an all-day music festival, but we were just all about Stone Temple Pilots (the headliners), so we didn't get down there until a few minutes before they came on stage (thanks for the tix, Steve!). STP is probably the best live band in the world. Pure power at all times. Even when they slow things down ("Sour Girl", "Creep", etc.), there is still an amazing amount of energy in the air. Scott Weiland is pure entertainment up there on Stage. I seem to say the same ol' things about him/then, and I guess that's because they are always 'on'. I will go see STP anytime, anywhere, and (former) Lakewood is no exception... On a side note, never in my life have I seen so many kids covered in mud from head2toe. Guess being out in the lawn all day long combined with the recent rain we've been having accounted for all of that mess. I wish I had taken some pictures!

Queens of the Stone Age, Earthlink Live, 9/23/02:

Yes, for the 4th time in 2 years, I've seen this magnificant band. As I forcasted, this band is on it's way. The new album seems to be doing well, pumped by the single, "No One Knows" (which we got to hear towards the end of the rockin' good show last night). I paid more attention ot the Nick songs this time. While I'm not a huge fan of his screaming, their music is much harder on his tunes, which I like. As as per usual, Josh just grabs a guitar and rips it all apart up there on stage. ELL is a great venue (I've said this before) and seeing Queens there was perfect. Though I was up in some seats, it was cool watching the floor crowd slam-dance and keep moving throughout the knock-out show...

Oasis, The Tabernacle, 8/6/02:

This was certainly not a show for anyone who only wanted to hear stuff from their first 3 albums. Now don't get me wrong, it was a good show, but it was about 80% new material. Still, the Gallagher brothers seemed to be getting along well on stage, and with this band, that's about all one could ask for. "Live Forever", "Go Let it Out", and "Morning Glory" were my fav's from last night. Liam does really have an awesome voice when he's on, and there is no question that Noel and the rest of the band are as talented a bunch as it gets. Oasis is still a mystery to me @ times, but I just hope they continue to make great music and quit their bickering. They closed their show with The Who's "My Generation", though the whole audience was screaming for "Wonderwall". Well, in what I would think is typical Oasis fashion, they walked off stage, turned on the lights, and cranked out "Wonderwall" - on the radio!

David Lee Roth, Sammy Hagar, Hifi Buys Amphitheatre, 8/4/02:

Two words: Van Halen. No, neither brother was there (though Michael Anthony did play w/Sammy), but if you closed your eyes, they were. David Lee Roth came out first, and though he is defying the actuarial tables by still being alive, he still has that magic. He went through about 15 of the all-time great VH classics, and he was just as good as he was @ Music Midtown a few months ago... All during the show people kept coming up to me and yelling "Sammy! Sammy!" because of the look I have going right now. Well, I would have never put that together, but it is pretty true (see this). Either way, Sammy brought the same fire DLR did out there on stage, though he played some solo stuff as well. I never liked VH quite as much during the Sammy years, but there were still fantastic. He has a fantastic voice still, and his surrounding talent last night rocked... It was a true treat to see the voices behind a band that was as important to people around my age as any other for a long time. Van Halen came out in 1977 and were one of the best bands on the planet for almost 20 years with DLR and Sammy. Teaming up for this tour was a fantastic idea, and I'd go see 'em again...

Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Variety Playhouse, 7/24/02:

What a great jam band. Just going to the VP last night and watching all of those kids (yes, I'm 32 now) dancing around in their own worlds brought me back to the good ole days of the Dead, Phish, and WsP... Anyway, Robert Randolph as his 'family band' bring out that jazz/funk groove very well. They are like an Edgar Winter Band sound, but better. Everyone up there seems to be pretty talented, and the crowd was loving 'em. They also threw in some riffs from "Voodoo Child" and "Ironman", which didn't hurt their cause either. I'm glad I got to see on of the better new way jam bands before I croak...

Red Hot Chili Peppers, DeKalb Music Center, 7/10/02:

Yet another one of these great bands I've been wanting to see for 15 years has now finally made my list. And not to my surprise, they were better live than I could have imagined. The Red Hot Chili Peppers are all now getting close to 40, yet they look, act, and move as if they are in their early 20's. Anthony Kiedis is a fireball on stage who never quit moving it seems. And Flea is right behind him on every move. Those 2 are just so fun to watch on stage - you can really tell that they enjoy what they do. Chad Smith's drumming is rock solid as well, and it's nice to see that John Frusciante has gotten over all of his drug problems and finishes off this fantastic band in style. The Peppers have gone through a bunch of lead guitarists, but he's the perfect fit for this crew. They played a bunch of their past hits, and many new songs as well. They are one of the rare bands that has changed their style over the years yet still puts out phenominal music. The show last night was a celebration of 99x's 10th anniversary, and they came out there and tore the DMC down. I'd certainly like "to feel like I did that day" again...

Korn, UA Permeter Pointe, 6/10/02:

Ok, well, it was in a movie theatre.  They were the first musical act ever to simulcast a concert throughout about 50 movie theatres across the nation (along with the internet).  Though Korn is promoting their new album, "Untouchables", they played most of their past singles last night.  They started the evening with a 30 minute video showing the making of the new album, then they hit the stage with their new hit, "Here To Stay", and literally did not stop until an hour later, taking about 10 seconds to rest between songs.  At one point they cranked out the final part of Metallica's, "One", which really got the crowd (both live and in our movie theatre) going.  Jonathan Davis has such a great metal voice, and he now looks sort of like what John Travolta did in the film, "Battlefield Earth", as my friend put it.  A very interesting idea indeed - it was certainly better than any movie and with these new modern theatres, the sound was fantastic.  I would certainly go to another one of these again...

Jerry Cantrell, Downtown Rocks, 6/7/02:

Only an hour long, but quite an exhilarating one at that.  Jerry came out there and brought it, and his band was fantastic.  I'm not sure who he had singing the Layne Staley parts for the old Alice In Chains songs, but that Ben-Harper looking dude rocked.  They played about 1/2 Jerry songs and 1/2 AIC songs, closing with "Down in a Hole" and "Them Bones" after Jerry dedicated them to his "good friend Layne" who sadly passed away exactly 2 months ago.  I remember seeing AIC back in 1993 and loved them for years and years.  It's a shame what Layne became, but the music lives on through Jerry and his band.  Hopefully, he's not going anywhere any time soon...

Queens of the Stone Age, The Cotton Club, 5/27/02:

Queens has now made my list 3x over the past few years, and they are just getting better. Supporting a new album ("Song for the Deaf"), they kicked off their tour last night here in Atlanta. And now they are armed with Dave Grohl on drums (he appears to not be going anywhere anytime soon either). The Godfathers of Stoner Rock are as good as a live band as there is. I loved STP's show at MM a few weeks ago, but QOTSA was just a hair better, and the intimate Cotton Club didn't hurt either. They don't let up and just crank it up & jam it out. The highlight songs were "Avon", "No One Knows", and "Regular John", but all of their material is fantastic. I guess they could have played longer (a mere 75 minutes is all we got), but that's my only complaint. Josh Homme is human entertainment and it was beyond cool to see Dave back there slamming away at the drums like he used to in the classic Nirvana days. So much energy.  I hope their new album & the rest of the tour go well - I think this band is just about ready for the big time, whether they like it or not...

Poison, Cinderella, Winger, Hifi Buys Amphitheatre, 5/26/02:

Yes, another year of glam rock at it's finest. This tour is called "Hollyweird", and I can see why, but it has little to do w/the music. The fans of these bands are just priceless. An amazing array of people, but it's all in good fun... We caught the tail end of Winger, but we did get to hear Kip's big hits, "Headed For A Heartbreak" and "Seventeen". I was sorta surprised that they played before Cinderella, but oh well... Speaking of which, I never was into Cinderella back in the day, but they are as good as any of the hair bands. Tom Keifer is not only is their lead singer, but he plays about 1/2 of their guitar solos. I remembered several of their songs, including "Nobody's Fool", "Gypsy Road", and "Don't Know What You Got". They left it all out there on stage and really ripped it up... And Poison was Poison: possibly one of the most fun bands one can see. If you read my review from last year's show down below, I will not repeat what I wrote then. They just come out there and kick your ass for 2 hours. Brett, CC, Bobby, and Ricky show no signs of slowing down and as long as they bring it out each year (and bring some other good bands from that era), I will continue going to see these shows because they "ain't nuthin but a good time"...

Music Midtown, 5/3/02 - 5/5/02:

Another 3day musical love fest reminded me how I'm yet another year older and these high school kids are still the same age... On Friday we saw Butch Walker (the former Marvelous3 dude) tear it up during his set. He's just tons of fun up there and he really knows how to play the crowd. The tail end of Headstrong was next (they sounded like RATM), then the end of War. "Lowrider" got that old crowd moving, which was funny to see. The beginning of Jethro Tull was also fun, but then we then headed over to see about 10 David Lee Roth songs. He's not in that bad of shape (well, from the neck down) and it was just like seeing a pre-1985 Van Halen greatest hits show. The end of Incubus's set wrapped up the night... Saturday was a long one, but at least we missed most of the rain. Royal 7 was hilarious as they were throwing donuts into the crowd during their songs (which were great, fyi). They were the main highlight of the early shows as we buzzed through Pete Yorn, PH Balance, and the Counting Crows after Royal 7. Next up was Bush, a band I've never really loved but can listen to. They were as expected, and did cover "Just what I needed" by The Cars and "The One I Love" by R.E.M., which both sounded good. The real treat of MM this year was Stone Temple Pilots. 2 years ago I thought they were the best concert I saw all year long. Well, after Saturday night, I highly doubt I'll see a better one in 2002. I'm thinking they might be the best live band I've ever seen. They opened with Pink Floyd's "Shine On You Crazy Diamond" and played yet another amazing set. I just can't keep my eyes off of Scott Weiland up there on stage - he is a true rock star in every sense of the phrase. Let us all hope that he stays clean and they keep making some of the best music rock has ever seen... Sunday was just a bonus, and since I was tired, I just saw 3 bands. I was happy to see Earshot, a new band that sounds a lot like A Perfect Circle (a good thing). Doria Roberts was also a nice surprise, and I left right after RemyZero played... All in all, it was yet another great weekend in Midtown...

Spiritualized, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, EarthLink Live, 4/18/02:

"It's been a while..." - wait, that show (Staind) was last year. It has been a while since my last show, though, but I'm glad to get back into the action with last night's concert... The Black Rebel Motorcycle Club started things off with a bang - they were really good. I kept trying to think of a band to compare them to, but I couldn't. They just sounded good, and it was some big sound coming from the 3man band... Spiritualized was a treat as well. I thought I was watching early Pink Floyd during their show as they went into 'space' during several of their songs. I think I counted 6 guys up there on stage (they probably could lose one of their guitarists if you ask me), which is a rarity these days. Their music almost put me to sleep, but in good way as it was so relaxing and very trippy. I'd definitely see both bands again...

Cake, The Tabernacle, 2/2/02:

My only complaints were that they did not have the volume up very loud and it was only about a 100 minute show. Other than those, Cake is pure entertainment. The is no mistaking the uniqueness of lead Singer John McCrea and the rest of his band. When you hear a Cake song on the Radio, you know it's Cake (unlike many other bands of this day & age). They cranked out many of their past hits like "The Distance" and "Never There", along with their 2 newer ones ("Love You Madly" and "Short Skirt/Long Jacket"). I wanted to hear their first big one, "Rock 'N' Roll Lifestyle", but I guess you can't have everything. The 5some produces a very wide sound, and they are a rare modern group that uses a trumpet (very well, I might add). A very quick & quiet (yet very enjoyable) evening indeed...

The Goodies, Smith's Olde Bar, 2/1/02:

Once again, this bad came out to Smith's and put on a fantastic show. And once again, I'm having a hard time trying to describe their type of music (funk, jazz, r&r, etc.), but I can tell you this: they do not disappoint. Amongst their regular songs, they threw in a strange version of "Rocket Man", cranked out some of Eddie Van Halen's "Eruption", and then really got the crowd going with "Devil Went Down to Georgia". We had a blast there; I can only hope The Goodies make it back to the ATL soon...

Widespread Panic, Philips Arena, 12/31/01:

Widespread on NYE - not much better.  They played a great setlist.  They came out there with Vic Chesnutt singing the majority of the songs during the first set.  Though I was quite unfamiliar with the music, they all sounded good...   The second set was only so-so as well, but "Pigeons" was great...   Then came just good, old school WsP for the 3rd set and encore.  They started out with "Porch Song", threw in a "All Along the Watchtower", and later played my favorite, "Driving Song" (which had "Disco" in between).  That was simply awesome, and the encore closed with "Space Wrangler", which left us all 'having a good time' for new years.  I love this band...

Pete Yorn, RemyZero, EarthLink Live, 11/21/01:

Cinjun Tate (lead vocalist for RemyZero) has an outstanding voice, both recorded and live.  I'm sure he's going to hear this even more, but as their latest hit, "Save Me", marches up the charts, one can almost hear some Bono in his voice.  I really did not expect much out of them live, but they turned it on as the show went on and provided the audience with some excellent music.  And, as a side note, click this to see how they came up with their band name - very interesting...   Pete Yorn rocks.  Another pleasant surprise, Pete has a great stage presence and gives some classic rock&roll sounds, which is almost rare these days.  I first heard "Life on a Chain" several months ago and loved it.  The recorded version has a similar beginning as Pink Floyd's "Wish You Were Here".  Live, it's just all fire, as do almost all of his songs.  I also liked how simple his band is on stage - nothing fancy except some excellent music.  In this time where most music is being classified as one kind of rock or another (new wave, alternative, rap/pop-rock, etc.), it's nice to see a new act that plays a new version of good, ol' rock and roll...

Midnight Oil, EarthLink Live, 11/7/01:

Ok, just for the record, EarthLink Live and the Tabernacle are the 2 best concert venues in this city...    Australia's most popular band (sans INXS of a few years ago) showed up and played a really solid show last evening.  And the sound could not have been more perfect.  Peter Garrett is quite a showman on stage.  He does this sort of Elaine dance from Seinfeld, but it totally works for him.  He really gets involved in his/their music and his voice is excellent.  The real star of the musicians of the group is Rob Hirst on drums.  I just liked the way he played and kept everything together, though the rest of the band seemed very tight overall.  It was great to hear some of the oldies like "Blue Sky Mine", "Dreamworld", and of course, "Beds are Burning" (it's hard to believe "Diesel and Dust" came out 14 years ago).  Peter spoke a lot in between songs as they are all known for their strong political stances on many issues, but it was not annoying in any way like some preachy bands tend to get.  Overall, a fantastic show from a band known for their live shows...

Slayer, The Tabernacle, 11/3/01:

Well, I've seen a lot of concerts, I've "banged my head" at many of them, and I've even been in a few mosh-pits.  I've never been to something like this, though.  Tom Araya is quite powerful up there on stage as he screams out lyrics as if they are orders.  Slayer is the definitive speed metal band - they are so intense and fast that I swear my heart started beating to a different rhythem during the show.  Though I don't know many of their songs (and only have 2 of their albums), the show was awesome.  Never have I seen so many people just jumping around and slamming into whatever was close to them (other people, walls, poles, the bar, etc.) without any concern whatsoever.  Slayer got some bad press in the 1980's as their concerts attracted some racist, neo-Nazi types, but I did not see any of them on Saturday night.  What I did see were 1000's of folks just releasing whatever they had inside of them for 2+ hours.  I went with my long-time buddy Gordo and several of our other friends (all of whom know this band much better than myself) and now, finally, I know what they've been talking about all of this time...

Stone Temple Pilots, Staind, Linkin Park, The Family Values Tour, Philips Arena, 10/31/01:

Halloween it was, but no one was tricking us up there on stage.  It was all a treat.  I was pleasantly surprised at how fast it took them to change stages from one band to the next (maybe a 15 minute wait at the max) and the overall flow was the best I've ever witnessed at a multi-band concert...   We actually got there to see the end of Static X, but I don't have much to say about them, except that they were loud...   Listening to Linkin Park I think is best described as like riding a see-saw - they are up & down throughout almost every song, but they can play.  I think they are in this rap/rock genre, but they might be the best of that bunch (which also includes Limp Bizkit), even though they just have one album ("Hybrid Theory") out right now.  They are full of energy and can crank it with the best of them...   Staind might just be the most popular rock band in the world right now.  Aaron Lewis's dark lyrics and deep voice (which might be the best in the business) were powerful last night as they played for about an hour.  Their 2 mega hits ("Outside", "It's Been a While") sounded good last evening, but I still find it funny how this band is now known for those 2 songs, yet they are as hard as modern rock bands go most of the time (if you heard "Mudshovel" and "For You" last night, you would not exactly call this band soft).  They were as good as I expected them to be...   And I've said it a bunch - STP was the best show I saw in 2000 (see review down way below).  Scotty Weiland has been called the Jim Morrison of our generation, and I believe it.  He had on some angel wings when he came out last night, but those (along with his shirt) eventually came off - that boy just moves way too much to be wearing a lot of clothes on stage.  And the Pilots just simply are awesome.  They just released their 5th album, and they have yet to make a bad one.  They covered several of their hits (including "Plush", which Weiland said they had not performed live in 5 years) and even brought about 8 folks from the crowd up on stage to help sing "Creep".  Weiland made his way out into the crowd a few times as well (as Aaron Lewis and Mike Shinoda had done during their shows as well).  I especially loved hearing "Meat Plow", "Trippin on a Hole...", and "Interstate Love Song" (which Weiland said is about driving in the South) - those are some classic tunes.  I'm telling you, they just don't have a bad song, and how many groups can really say that?  They are certainly in my all-time top5...

Cowboy Mouth, EarthLink Live, 10/13/01:

Does Fred LeBlanc ever sleep?  Never in my life have I seen a musician with so much energy (and throw so many drumsticks out into the audience).  Cowboy Mouth came out with the Who classic, "Won't Get Fooled Again" and did not stop for 2 hours until "Jenny Says".  And Fred does crowd control like Debbie did Dallas.  Fred talks to the audience and gets everyone in the mood for fun.  Yes, he reminded us dozens of times they are from New Orleans, but he really reminded us that we are all Americans (as he was wearing an American flag Tshirt).  He even ran out there at one point and hugged/kissed this guy that was not cheering enough.  100% energy.  Our vantage point was above the floor, so I got to see 100's of folks just jumping up & down during the entire show.  The entire show.  Their music is always 'on' as I did not stop moving one body part or another the entire time.  Cowboy Mouth is great fun and I don't think there is anyone out there that would not have liked Saturday's show...

Tool, Philips Arena, 10/12/01:

This wound up being quite a different show than the one I saw in May this year, though is was every bit as exhilarating.  With Philips being a much larger venue than the Tabernacle, some of the intimacy was lost, but the sounds that Tool puts out just throw me into a trance no matter where I am.  Like the last show, they came out with "The Grudge" and followed it up with "Stinkfist".  If those 2 songs can't get your heart racing, nothing will.  They had 3 large video screens this time, with 2 being above Maynard's head as he stood (in the dark) in front of the 3rd.  Again, they were showing transposed images of those wild Tool videos (my buddy wound up having "funky Tool dreams" later that night as he put it).  At one point, 2 contortionists came out on stage, walking on all 4's while bobbing their heads up & down.  Later, they came back out and were raised above the band (upside down) and just moved around every once in a while for about 10+ minutes.  Nutty stuff.  Oh, and as far as the music goes, this concert covered almost the entire "Lateralus" album.  They got into a drums/space sequence during the middle of the show which seemed to slow the audience down, but it did not bring them to a stop.  Tool avoided playing hardly any of their early stuff (nothing from "Undertow") and wound up closing the show with "Ænema" and then "Lateralus", which I feel are their signature songs at this point (and are also the names of their last 2 studio albums).  Both of those tunes show the full range that this band really has to offer.  How they can rip it at times and then space you out at others is just magical, as was this show...

Jane's Addiction, Live, Philips Arena, 10/8/01:

I first saw both of them back in 1997 (at different times, though) and have always said those were 2 of the best shows you could see.  Then last night, I got to see them both at once.  Live came out first and played almost entirely acoustically.  Ed Kowaczyk has even let his hair grow out after years of looking like a combination of Andre Agassi and Moby.  Anyway, they just rock.  Ed just has one of those voices that can keep your attention all by itself.  When they got to "Lakini's Juice" (which is such a great song), the show started picking up even more.  Ed, Patrick, and the 2 Chads seemed to be picking up the pace in the middle of the show, but then they did a 180.  Ed sat back down and sang the John Lennon classic, "Imagine", and everyone just stopped and sang along.  I was beyond pleasantly surprised and he did Mr. Lennon some justice.  They closed their show with their new one, "Overcome".  I would bet that everyone there was moved at that point.  They live up to their name without question...   And 'Jake says' that Perry and his boys are still the show-stoppers they were more than a decade ago.  Dave Navarro seems to have cleaned up his act and still sounds fantastic.  Perry came out in a huge wedding dress which had people under it moving all around.  And along with the band were 3 sets of scantily clad chicks dancing along the east, west, and south parts of the arena (not that we needed any more entertainment, but...).  They only played about 9-10 songs, but the key was the sounds of "3 Days", which is as good of a song as there has ever been.  There is just so much energy in the air when they are jamming, and Stephen Perkins is maybe the best drummer out there.  During the middle of their show, they walked out to a 2nd stage, which was set up right in the middle of the arena, and cranked out "Jane Says", along with a few other classic tunes.  When they made it back to the main stage, Perry was in this silver, sparkled outfit which made him look like a disco ball.  He's a human highlight film all by himself...   A night of total entertainment!

The Outfield, EarthLink Live, 10/3/01:

Well, this was supposed to have happened on 9/14, but the tragedy in NYC postponed the show...   Anyway, yes, I went to see the great 80's band at EarthLink Live (a FANTASTIC venue I might add) and once again, they did not let me down.  What did was the crowd, though.  I've seen larger groups of people in most bars here in Atlanta.  I don't know what these people want, but a fun band at a great place is certainly better than any single night in.  Oh well.  The Outfield has not lost a step as Tony Lewis's voice is just getting better and the rest of the band just cranks out that big sound from the trio.  John Spinks (the lead guitarist) is getting a little old (and large) to be squeezing into those tight, black leather pants but I'll give him the fire just the same.  I loved all of the songs, and especially the Led Zeppelin tribute mix and the Police's "Message in a Bottle" cover.  "Say it isn't so", but I will always go to an Outfield show...

Shotei HaNevua ("Fools of Prophecy"), Teatron Temuna ("The Picture Theater"), Tel Aviv, Israel,  7/26/01:

During my vacation to the Holy Land, we stopped off at this bar (which was very similar to the Cotton Club here in Atlanta) to see one of Israel's hottest acts.  This 7 member band was one of the most interesting I've ever seen.  I'm not sure how to classify them, but they mixed in elements of funk, jazz, rock, and rap to come up with an almost reggae sound in the end.  A few of their songs could totally make it big over here I feel (though they are sung in Hebrew) if they tried to market their music in the States.  And though I did not understand one word all evening, I was totally impressed with how unique they were, and once again, a nice & cozy venue made it all the better...

Billy Idol, The Tabernacle, 7/5/01:

"Just a couple of old guys still having fun", according to my friend Steve during the show last night.  Billy Idol, along with his long time guitarist, Steve Stevens, simply rocked last evening at the Tabernacle.  They started with "Cradle of Love" and didn't stop until they covered the Doors classic, "L.A.Woman" some 2 hours later.  Pure energy indeed.  Billy looks the same after all of these years, still with the punk - blonde hair, occasional snarling, and constant fist pumping in the air.  And I don't think his voice has diminished at all.  "Dancing With Myself", "Rebel Yell", and "Flesh for Fantasy" all sounded excellent.  The highlight for me was the acoustic version of "White Wedding", though "Eyes Without a Face" has always been my favorite Idol song in his collection.  Also thrown in the mix was a song from Idol's original London punk band (Generation X), "Ready, Steady, Go".  He even covered the Simple Minds "Don't You (Forget About Me)", which I later came to find out was originally going to be a Billy Idol song until he said that it did not fit his style.  Anyway, there was tons of energy throughout the show and I left the place very sweaty.  Billy Idol might be older now, but he is still the same punk rocker he was 20+ years ago...

The Dave Matthews Band, Turner Field, 6/7/01:

The ball park turned out to be a pretty good place to see a show.  I was worried about the acoustics, but the sounds from Dave & his band were great.  I have been a semi fan of the DMB for years now, though I have never been a fanatic of them.  And I'm not sure why this is, but I have always preferred the Widespread Panic, Phish, and Blues Traveler sounds over the DMB in that jam-band (click this for a set list of the show) genre.  Either way, I have always wanted to see a show of theirs just the same.  Well, I must say that Dave is certainly right up there with them.  And his band is fantastic.  I was most impressed with Leroi Moore's sax and Boyd Tinsley's violin.  I like them in their radio songs, but to see them in action pulling off some solos is fantastic.  Stefan Lessard's bass along with Carter Beauford's drumming are also excellent compliments to what winds up being a very unique and excellent combination of tunes.  And Dave's voice is wonderful.  He even came out during the encore and covered Phish's "Waste", which is an acoustic beauty of a song off of the "Billy Breaths" album.  They closed with their classic, "Ants Marching" to end a great concert.  Though the huge stadium concerts tend to take away some of the personal feel of a show, Dave Matthews and his great band pulled it off.  I will have to see them again...

Poison, Warrant, Quiet Riot, The Hi-Fi Buys Ampitheatre, 5/31/01:

Grunge rock killed Metal music in the early 1990's, but you would never know that in this day and age.  Now it's grunge that seems to almost be extinct (is Pearl Jam the only one left?) .  That hard rock sound from the hair bands is back with a vengeance...   We arrived at the former Lakewood Ampithetre during the Quiet Riot set.  As typical with all of these 80's bands, they look older, but they can still play.  "Metal Health" and "Cum on Feel the Noize" (off of the first ever #1 metal album, 1983's "Metal Health") are still great songs and Kevin DuBrow looks/sounds the exact same as he did almost 20 years ago...   I was most pleasantly surprised by Warrant.  The 'down boys' can just rock, period.  Jani Lane has a great rock voice and their songs like "Heaven" and "Cherry Pie" could have been the hits of today as well.  All of the band members were very grateful to the fans (throwing pick's and drumsticks out after almost every song) and that goes a long way with me...   Two years ago I saw Poison in this same place and told everyone afterwards that they put on a great show.  I swear they are getting better.  VH1 ranks them the #1 hair band of all-time, which is fine and all but they also are the best hair-metal-band of all-time as well.  Total entertainment, and who can forget the hits "Talk Dirty to Me", "I Want Action", "Nothin' But a Good Time", "Every Rose Has It's Thorn", "Unskinny Bop", "Something to Believe In" and "Your Momma Don't Dance"?  They also covered Kiss's "Rock and Roll All Night" to end the show, allowing almost 100 fans to come up on stage (many topless) and sing it with them.  Now that's entertainment, and that's what Poison is all about.  Poison's bassist Bobby Dall said once that "we did not set out to become great musicians - we set out to become rock stars".  Well, after seeing them in concert a few times now, they became both...

Tool, The Tabernacle, 5/15/01:

I went & bought their new cd at 10am, as soon as the Wherehouse Music store opened.  I called & they said there were only 150 copies in stock.  They sold out later in the afternoon. When I got back to work, I listened to "Lateralus" all day long, trying to familiarize myself with the new, fantastic music Tool has given us. I also read some Amazon reviews to see what others were saying about this monumental piece of work.  Almost 80 minutes of pure brilliance that we have waited 5+ years for since Ænima, which I consider the best album of the 1990's.  Later, me & my good buddy BigDave went down to the Tabernacle for the show. We stood in line for over 3 hours, and then sat inside for about another hour, but as soon as I heard Maynard James Keenan's scream out the first words of "The Grudge", the wait was all over. The place was jam packed (100's of folks w/ counterfeit tix were turned away), more so than any of the several other times I have been to the Tabernacle.  It was hot and it just got hotter.  I would say I was in a trance, but their music is just so jumpy that it's impossible not be in a full groove.  I am amazed that all of that sound just comes from Adam Jones's guitar, Justin Chancellor's bass, and the mind-boggling drumming of Danny Carey.  They are like a perfect blend of Pink Floyd and Metallica, lead by Maynard's ability to deliver the most powerful lyrics music has ever seen.  Could they have played any better? Absolutely not. They just about covered everything any Tool fan could want (though I'm quite partial to "Eulogy") and more. Maynard does not waste too much time up there w/ his words in between songs, but he gets his point across and is very grateful to the fans. Also, there were 2 background screens.  One was a 6 foot tv screen which Maynard stayed in front of the whole time.  The other was a huge movie screen. Both were showing computer animated images (one was a transposed version of the other) that are impossible to describe.  If you have ever seen any of their music videos, you know.  The band stayed in the dark for the most part, adding to the allure of the show.  In between what amounted to being their 2 sets, the new video for their new release "Schism" (which had already been played a few songs earlier) was shown, and "it is so obviously Tool", as Dave said. Never before have I been to a show where there were so few people drinking, or even going to use the bathroom.  Even the bartender near us was standing on top of the bar, just jamming to the show.  1:30am rolled around, and I wanted more. Tool is clearly the master of hard rock/metal bands, though relatively few people 'get' them. I can only hope it's not another long wait in between tours & albums (my only other time seeing them was Lalapalooza '93), but to make music this excellent, I'm sure they need the time.  Tool is just not for everyone (read this biography), thank goodness (concert tickets are hard enough to get - this show sold out in like 2 minutes).  The diversity of music coupled with the independence of human thought will never make Tool an all-time classic band consideration, but there are some of us out there that simply know better...

Bon Jovi, Philips Arena, 5/11/01:

Well, we certainly got our dose of "Bad Medicine".  Jon Bon Jovi, Richie Sambora, and the gang came out there with true all-American fire and lit up the Arena from the get-go.  Virtually all of their hits were covered (even "Blaze of Glory", which was just a solo song by Jon for "Young Guns II") to perfection.  I would like to have heard "Runaway" (their first big hit), but I guess I can't complain.  They might be considered an 80's rock band, but you would never know it was 2001 when I saw them on Friday night.  Jon has so much energy and his voice is as strong as ever.  They all were really crowd pleasing and were well deserving of the sell-out show.  They are clearly still wanted:  dead or alive...

Music Midtown, 5/4/01 - 5/6/01:

Well, I can't review everything (bands, freaks, etc.) I saw, but I can at least give you some of the highlights.  Friday started with the fun Drivin N Cryin guys.  I'm now not sure how many times I have seen them, but they never seem to disappoint.  I caught Bob Dylan later that evening.  He was really fun and his voice sounded fine (unlike several rumors I have heard over the years).  Though I am not a huge Dylan fan, it was well worth seeing him as I felt I might not ever get that chance again...   Saturday's events began with The Smithereens, a band I have liked for 15 years.  "Only a Memory", "Drown in My Own Tears", and "Girl Like You" were classic songs from that era.  Though they have aged & gained some weight (haven't we all?), they still rock & sound the same.  Later, I saw Rehab.  I must say, I just don't get this rap/rock sound that is out there these days.  So, I was not a big fan of them.  Later came the sounds of Oleander.  Man, they can really rock out.  Loud but in control.  "Why I'm Here" is just a powerful song and their live version was almost moving.  The evening was to start with Night Ranger, but I then heard the sounds of Jerry Cantrell cranking out some Alice In Chains songs.  "Sister Christian" was just going to have to be heard some other day because Jerry's band exploded with that old heavy & hard AIC sound from yesteryear.  To me, hearing that great music was the highlight of my weekend.  Sunday I only went to see Ben Harper.  And the more I see him, the more I like him.  What an entertainer!  He can do everything up there and his cover of "Manic Depression" was spectacular...  In the end, I saw some good acts and missed several others (with 7 stages there, it's hard to see everyone you want), but I had a good time overall.  The crowds were not too bad and they were never boring to say the least.  I always say I won't be back to MM the next year, but something tells me I will (again)...

The Goodies, Smith's Olde Bar, 4/21/01:

A very interesting group indeed.  I searched all over the net but could not find much of a web-site for them.  Oh well.  The show was very fun & entertaining.  The 3some comes out there dressed in mid-1800's aristocrat gear and just jams out some funky stuff.  The music is kind of funk-influenced groove circus rock and the lead singer has an amazing range.  And in between several songs, he would start telling a story or chant something out that would lead into the next song.  It's impossible to compare them to anyone I have ever heard, but they were a most pleasant surprise and as stated before, Smith's is perfect for a small show...

Jack Ingram, Tift Merritt, Smith's Olde Bar, 4/12/01:

Though I am a Tennessee boy, I'm usually not much on Country music.  But Smith's is a great place for a show, and sometimes a great venue is all it takes...   Tift Merritt opened up with a lot of energy.  She has a great voice and was certainly entertaining.  Tift is almost a younger version (looks & sound) of Bonnie Raitt...   Jack Ingram and his Beat Up Ford Band were great.  They are excellent musicians and have a top honky-tonk sound.  Jack did a few shots during the show and I think his psychology degree from SMU was starting to come out in the end, but overall it was worth it.  The audience was really getting into the music as well.  And there is no mistaking the fact that Ingram is from Texas (along with all of the members of his band).  He had almost a Dwight Yoakam sound, but since I'm really not a country-music expert, I will leave that comparison to anyone who really knows that genre.  All in all I had a good time listening to some fun music that I normally don't hear regularly...

U2, Philips Arena, 3/30/01:

For the entire set list, click this.  Now for the 'review'...    I really first started listening to music in the late 1970's.  I think some of my first few favorite bands were Pink Floyd (still my all-time favorite), Van Halen, the Eagles, and AC/DC (my parents really loved them - wink, wink).  U2 started playing around then ("I Will Follow" was their first single and about the 10th song U2 played last night), but I really had not heard of them until my brother bought the album "War" some time in 1983 I think.  By then I was getting into things like Hall & Oats, Bruce Springsteen, and David Bowie, though I listened to "War" quite a bit as well.  "New Years Day" and "Sunday Bloody Sunday" rocked, both then and last night...   Time went on and high school came around and REM, INXS, and Metallica all found their way into my music collection (which itself was evolving from cassette tapes to CD's).  Also sneaking into my ears were U2's "Under a Blood Red Sky", "The Unforgettable Fire", and their pinnacle album, "The Joshua Tree", a piece of work I still have to listen to several times a year.   I could not put that CD down.  The way it starts with the build up in "Where the Streets Have No Name" literally gave me a rush, as it still probably does to Bono.   During that song last night, he was racing around this huge heart shaped track built around their stage.   I too felt that same energy again as I did some 14 years ago.   I remember going to see a movie w/ a bunch of my school mates back then and during the previews, the screen just went black, but the beginning sounds of "Streets" started playing.  Then, slowly, the band came walking out on stage on the screen until the words "Rattle and Hum: the album and the movie - coming this fall" flashed before us.   Never before or since have I seen people stand up and cheer during a movie preview...   College came around, and so did Guns & Roses, who helped take us from Kip Winger to Kurt Cobain (something we can all be grateful for).   And, as promised, "Rattle and Hum" arrived, combining several studio tracks w/ some live ones as well.  It isn't a fluid album, but that really doesn't matter, especially when you get to the live version of "Bullet the Blue Sky".  "Achtung Baby" roared out as well, with the hits "The Fly", "Mysterious Ways", and "One" - which was voted in at #21 in a recent VH1 all-time best songs poll.  "Achtung" also provided us with the "Zoo" tour, featuring complex lights shows along with the latest in concert communication technology...   I moved to Atlanta in late 1992 and started getting into the grunge world, along with harder bands like "Tool" and "Rage Against the Machine".   And U2 did very little to bring me back to them with albums like "Zooropa" and "POP" (I think they played 1 song, "Discotheque", from this era yesterday).   I just did not get into what they became during the mid to late 1990's.   Then, last year, I started hearing songs from the new album ("Beautiful Day", "Elevation", and "Walk On") and when they announced the spring US tour, I was excited.   And with what I saw last evening, I will not doubt this band again.   They played over 20 songs, and threw in tributes to everyone from Marvin Gaye, to David Bowie, to Led Zeppelin, and finally to REM, who was there in the audience.  I was not jumping up&down or even singing along too much, but I was totally enjoying myself, remembering how long that this band has been in my musical world.   As mentioned before, they are not my favorite band, but as I thought during the show and as I am writing this review, they probably should be...

Duran Duran, EarthLink Live, 3/14/01:

They announced on the radio yesterday that Duran Duran was going to do a free morning show for their fans at the new EarthLink Live (formerly Center Stage).  Pretty cool stuff, since I work basically next door to this place.  They only played 4 songs (opening with "Ordinary World" and closing with "Hungry Like the Wolf"), but sounded really good.  This new/old venue rocks as well.  I'm glad my employers bought Center Stage because it is a wonderful place to see an intimate show.  Simon, Nick, and the rest of the band also answered some ?'s from the audience.  Those "wild boys" are really a bunch of good guys who are very in tune musically and with their audience.  And a cool concert from 9:15-10:00am is a great way to start off any work-day...

Union Underground, Dust for Life, Slaves on Dope, Spike 1000, The Masquerade, 2/28/01:

Ok, well I saw the last song of Spike 1000, but they did sound really good...   "Slaves" were just not good, though.  I'm not sure what they were trying to do up there, but it was all bad.  The lead singer, Jason Rockman, even shouted at one point that his band has received a lot of criticism.  I can undertand why after seeing them...   Dust for Life had a good and heavy sound, almost like a harder Alice in Chains, while throwing in a few slower parts during their performance.  They have a good chance of making it...   And then The Union Underground unleashed the beast.  Hard, heavy, loud and crazy.  I thought the floor up there in "heaven" was going to cave in from everyone bouncing up&down.  And maybe the most impressive part was that the entire band came out after the show to chat w/ the fans and sign anything handed to them.  Kind of a rarity in this day&age, and quite commendable.  And just when I thought I was losing my luster for head-banging music...

A Perfect Circle, the International Ballroom, 2/23/01:

Maynard James Keenan's side project is everything but half-baked.  They announced that Tool (Maynard's regular gig) is releasing a long-awaited new album on 4/17/01 and the crowd erupted and stayed in that mood until the show ended.  Things got started when Paz Lenchantin came out on stage with just her violin, which set an eerie mood to say the least.  After that awkward (yet very cool) beginning of the show, the rest of the band appeared and they just flat-out went at it.  All of the songs were great, though their hits "Judith" and "3 Libras" (especially) were fantastic live.  The Ballroom is one of the all-time great places to see a show in this city.  I saw Jane's Addiction there a few years ago and I still consider that one of my best concerts ever.  I hope A Perfect Circle stays together & continues to put out good, hard music - there is always room for a group like this...

Hot August Nights, The Star Bar, 2/14/01:

Well, for all of you Neil Diamond fans out there, you missed a real treat.  This band come out there and just fired away with an array of Neil's big hits (like "Cracklin' Rosie" and "Girl, You'll Be A Woman Soon").  And this guy looked just like him, I swear to you.  Amazing stuff.  Anyway, they appear to be local as they are playing at the Star Bar every Wednesday this month.  A real treat, and certainly a concert you can take some parents to...

Widespread Panic, Philips Arena, 12/30/00:

My favorite band on my favorite day of the year to see a concert.  Here is what they played.  And even though it was not one of their best shows, I still had a great time.  "Barstools and Dreamers", "Wondering", and of course, "Driving Song" (my all time WsP favorite) were the highlights.  The second set started fine featuring "Pigeons" and "Space Wrangler", but then the eventually went into one of the longest 'drums' sessions I can ever remember, and by the time they were done with that, I was pooped.  Anyway, it had been exactly one year since I had seen them (my longest stretch in probably 10 years) and even a mediocre show for them did not disappoint me at all.  Widespread Panic is still my favorite band to see live and I hope they just keep having a good time for a long time...

P. J. Harvey, The Cotton Club, 12/14/00:

Wow, she is a lot of fun.  Talk about in-your-face music - she is alive & loud and really puts on a show.  Like seeing Ben Harper last month, I knew very little about her or her music.  But, again, I was amazed with her energy and stage presence.  She came out there in some little black leather outfit and she (along w/ the rest of the band) ripped right into song.  I saw The Pretenders earlier this year, and I must say that P.J. is the modern-day Chrissie Hynde, with a kick.  Even her voice sounds like Chrissie's at times, and her music is every bit as rockin'.  And you can't beat going to a show at The Cotton Club because it's a nice, intimate setting with big-time sound...

Drivin 'n Cryin, The Roxy, 11/24/00:

They come here & play a Thanksgiving show almost every year and never disappoint.  I have often wondered why this band has never made it any bigger, but maybe they just don't want to.  Kevin Kinny sounds as good as ever and along with his other 2 mates make this Atlanta band still the crowd favorite they were almost 15 years ago.  It's too bad that The Roxy still attracts bands, though, because there is nothing really good about that over-rated venue unless you are 20 years old...

Ben Harper, Government Mule, The Civic Center, 11/15/00:

Ever see one of those bands that you have heard of from time to time and had assumed you had seen before, but actually had not?  Well, Gov't Mule was one of those bands last night.  Consisting of just Warren Haynes on guitar and Matt Abts on drums, they sounded great.  Very Allman-ish.  The performed a cover of U2's, "One" that sounded fantastic...   And then the real show hit.  Ben Harper and his back-up band (known as the Innocent Criminals) took the stage and put on an unbelievable mix of rock, jamming, and slow tunes.  I could call him a combination of Bob Marley, Jimi Hendrix, and maybe Lenny Kravitz, but after seeing him for the first time last night, he stands all by himself.  And the crowd really gets into him.  Ben's amazing guitar ability is only matched by his beautiful voice and terrific stage presence.  Being there with many big fans of his almost made me feel ashamed that I don't know his material any better than I do.  Very few shows I see these days inspire me to run out & buy their albums, but I can assume you all my CD collection will grow after this show...

Foo Fighters, Queens of the Stone Age, the Tabernacle, 11/3/00:

Yes, I have now seen QotSA in back2back shows, and they are just simply fantastic.  Homme cranked out another fine show with his boys as they played for about an hour.  "Rated R", their new album, is an excellent piece of work as I have been listening to it for a month and a half straight.  Dave Grohl referred to them as "Critics Choice", and later said that they are one of his favorite bands...   And Speaking of Mr. Grohl and his band, the Foo Fighters came to play as well.  For having only 3 albums, I was amazed/reminded at how many big songs they sing.  And they are fun to see as well.  Dave climbed into the second deck to play in the crowd at one point, and also talked to the audience several times.  Certainly worth the price of admission...

Vast, Queens of the Stone Age, the Cotton Club, 9/20/00:

Saw a great show at one of my favorite places in the city.  Vast was first and the main reason why I was at the show.  They really sounded great, mixing a heavy sound with great background/mood music.  What really made them click was the percussion combo of Thomas Froggatt on bass and Steve Clark on drums.  They were extremely tight and could hold the majority of the songs all by themselves...   Queens of the Stone Age, the feature band, was excellent as well.  They apparently are at the forefront of what is known as "stoner rock", which is a very heavy version of what the Ramones (and others) were doing 25 years ago.  Lead guitarist & vocalist Josh Homme is quite entertaining up there with all of his antics & facial expressions.  Queens is the evolution of the hard hitting band, Kyuss, and Josh came up with their name to tweak the noses of the homophobic rednecks he used to see at Kyuss concerts.  There were plenty of them there last night, as mosh-pitting & crowd surfing were both in order.  Oh, and QotSA's music also rocked as well...   A great night out of music reminded me of how it's a true pleasure to still head to the small clubs and bang your head for an evening...

Fastball, Smith's Olde Bar, 9/11/00:

This was the 2nd time I have seen them and they sounded better than ever.  This Austin based band just goes out there and jams hard.  They opened with "Fire Escape" (a song that has some lyrics I can really relate to) and played for over an hour.  Smith's is not that big upstairs (there were maybe 150 people there), but that makes it all the more cozy.  Willie Nelson's "On the Road Again" was covered during the middle of the show and they sounded fantastic.  Miles Zuniga and Tony Scalzo do a great job of alternating vocals for each song (a la, The Grateful Dead) and both have fantastic voices.   All in all, it was one of those short but sweet shows and well worth the $10 it cost me to get in...

Pearl Jam, Philips Arena, 8/7/00:

I saw them for the first time 2 years ago at Lakewood.  They really impressed me then and they did it again last night.  After their staple opening with "Release", they flew into "Corduroy" and the night was set (you can find the set list here).  Jeff Ament has impressed me for years with his bass but it was Mike McCready's leads on guitar last night that drew all of my attention.  Pearl Jam is not musically centered around one instrument, but Mike had a few solo's that were fantastic.  Even Eddie got into it as he played his guitar on over half of the songs.  They do a great job of mixing a lot of highs and lows during a concert.  I have said for years that "Given To Fly" is my favorite song in the 1990's, so I was taken back when they played it.  "Elderly Woman...Small Town" was also a stand out for me.  Also, I was pleasantly surprised to hear "Crazy Mary" and "Yellow Ledbetter" (which closed the show).  The best was "Rearviewmirror" though.  Eddie gives so much of himself to that song.  I still think "Vs." is their best album ("Animal" and "Daughter" were also played from that one).  I must admit that I was still coming down from Metallica the night before (see below), but I want to take nothing away from P/J.  Eddie is mentally challenged, though.  When he tried to speak in between some songs (and went into the crowd during a couple of them with a bottle of wine), it made little if any sense.  I was not up close, but I could still hear him muttering away about something.  He is certainly out there, but he 'sure plays a mean pinball'...

Metallica, Lakewood, 8/6/00:

Do I need to tell you any more than I had to rip 2 small parts of my Tshirt to use as ear-plugs?  Ok, I will, but don't ask me about the show for a few days because I won't hear the question.  Someone has said that Metallica is the Led Zeppelin of our generation.  Though the 2 bands are really quite different musically, I could not agree more.  They just don't disappoint and really are getting better w/ age.  Rolling Stone magazine declared James Hetfield the "leader of the free world" a few years ago.  I can handle that after this concert.  After having to miss the show a month ago (see below), he came out last night with his band and just blew us all away.  Their raw power from the huge speakers was literally pounding away at us on the 19th row.  "Welcome Home (Sanitarium)" was probably my song highlight, though I almost hate to single out any one of them - they were all so darn awesome.  I left that show with more energy than I ever have after a concert.  Jason just beat that bass to death, Kirk's solos on lead guitar were flawless, and Lars is simply a human drum machine.  But, in some ways, it's all James out there for me.  He is just the ultimate rock star on stage.  The voice, the music ability, and the energy.  The concert ticket (which was 'free' for us folks that did not get Metallica when we went last month) said, "Metallica, with special guest James Hetfield" - too funny.  I hope they keep their 'special guest' for a long time.  The members of the band are all in their late 30's, but they show no signs of slowing down.  Hell, I hope I can take my nephews to see them in 20 years...

Duran Duran, Chastain Park, 8/1/00:

The great thing about bands that you have known for years and years is that even when they lose some of their key original members (those wonderful Taylor brothers in this case), if they keep their lead singer, all works out.  Duran Duran has gone through some changes, but having a front-man like Simon Le Bon makes them as good now as they have probably ever been.  And there are probably very few bands that still have the female following like they do.  Anyway, last night's show was a blast.  I remember being the only guy growing up who would admit I liked them.  As poppy as they became, I do think their music was (and still is) very good.  They showed us this when in 1993 they came back out of no where with 2 monster hits, "Ordinary World" and "Come Undone" (both of which were played last night).  They went through all the rest as well, though "View to a Kill", "Save a Prayer", and "Hungry Like the Wolf" really got the crowd going.  Strangely enough, they played most of their hits during the first half as the show almost got boring until "Rio" hit us the same way it did 18 years ago.  They closed with "Reflex" and all in all, it was a great show to see.  Seems as if I have been in retro mode for the past 2 years (having seen The Pretenders, REO Speedwagon, Men at Work, The Cult, along with some of the reviews down below), but that is not a bad thing at all.  This is their job and for the most part, they are just as good as ever...

 Brian Wilson, Chastain Park, 7/30/00:

My good buddy Steve called me late yesterday afternoon and said he had an extra ticket to see the Brian Wilson "Pet Sounds" show with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, and I jumped at the opportunity.  I have always kinda liked the Beach Boys sound over the years, but I never have really loved them ("Pet Sounds", which Paul McCartney said was the best album he had ever heard,  is the only album of the 'Boys' I have ever owned).  Steve grew up in Southern California during the day, so he has a much different take on them.  So, the show starts with the Symphony going through several of the Beach Boy classics.  Then, Brian shows up with his band and they just start cranking out all of those surfing hits we have all come to know and love.  After a break, the Symphony comes back out with Brian's band and they go right into playing the entire "Pet Sounds" album.  He took a few breaks in between some songs to tell us what he was thinking when he wrote them (and to poke fun at us for withstanding the downpour of rain throughout the show).  After finishing the entire album, they went on to play "Good Vibrations" (which almost was on that album) and a few other big hits.  All in all, a fantastic show from a real music legend.  It is painfully obvious that Mr. Wilson is just not 'there' with the rest of us and he can not hit those infamous high notes we have come to know & love from some of his music, but it was a real treat for me to have seen the him, and I know Steve knew that this would probably be the last time to see the very man who has inspired him to love the surfing sound...

Steely Dan, Chastain Park, 7/18/00:

My dad got me into them way back in 1977 with the "Aja" album.  My brother and I saw them on their last tour 5 years ago and I told Dad if they ever came back, he was going to come down.  They did, and so did he - all of the way from Tennessee.  Donald Fagen & Walter Becker did not let us down as they played, "Deacon Blues", "Peg", and "Josie" (from the "Aja" album alone), along with several other old hits and new tunes.  The rest of the band (as they have been playing together for all of a month now) was fantastic:  another guitarist, 3 horns, an excellent drummer & bassist, an extra keyboardist, and 3 great female background singers (they sang "Dirty Work" all by themselves).  Fagen has a few funny side comments, even during "Hey 19".  The highlight for me was "Kid Charlemagne", probably my all-time Dan favorite.  Man did they sound good.  At a young 57, Dad did not want to leave the show and neither did his older son.  From a concert perspective, I have now reached my mecca - having seen probably the first band I ever liked with the person who showed me the way...

Korn, Kid Rock, and Metallica, The Georgia Dome, 7/7/00:

Well, what can I say?  The Kid was great and Korn was even better than I thought they could be.  The bass lines along with the deep, dark, and very heavy riffs just made them explode right off of the stage.  Then Lars came out and told everyone that James was hurt (apparently from a jet skiing accident) and that Metallica could not play.  Well, at least they said they are going to come back w/in a month to 'finish' up the show.  But, other than that, metal fans got most of what they wanted and with the make-up show coming up, we will get a whole bunch more...

The Outfield, The Tabernacle, 7/6/00:

Saw them a few years ago and told everyone how good they are live.  Much the same this time around.  Big sound from just a 3man band.  Playing all of the hits and some new material, Tony Lewis still has that fantastic voice he made hits with in the 80's and John Spinks has not lost a step either on guitar.  A great time was had by all and they prove that some of these old school bands can still plug in with style...

Stone Temple Pilots, The Tabernacle, 5/31/00:

Amazing show.  Weiland is back from his addictions with a vengeance.  And let me tell you, he is totally fit.  Loved his outfit & accessories - what an entertainer.  They played almost every song I like by them.  "Meatplow" tore the house down and the closing with "Sex Type Thing"  could not have been either better or more appropriate.  I have waited 7 years to see them and STP did not disappoint at all.  I remember when they came out and everyone was screaming that they were a Pearl Jam rip-off.  Hardly.  I love PJ, but they do not compare musically with STP.  And there were no extras out there - just Weiland, Kretz, and the fantastic DeLeo brothers.  Reminds me of how big sound can be produced from limited numbers of very talented people...

The Cure, Lakewood Amphitheatre, 5/18/00:

Well, way back in high-school, I first started listening to this funny-looking band that sounded like no one else.  When "Kiss Me, Kiss Me, Kiss Me" came out, I though there were about 5-6 songs on there that were just simply brilliant.  Anyway, my first college room-mate (Mike Finger) was really into them and played their music all of the time.  Though I got into The Cure relatively late, it was better late than never.  So, for about 1/2 of my conscious life, I have loved The Cure and when I heard they were coming back to Atlanta, I jumped all over getting tickets.  Later, I won 5th row seats from a local radio station and was even more stoked.  The show was even better than I could have expected and Robert Smith (the only original member left) is a fantastic show-man with an incredible stage presence.  I saw Roger Waters last year and thought, "finally, I have seen one of my all-time favorites".  The same feeling hit me during The Cure show along with almost a sense of relef that I now did not have to worry about how good they sounded live...

( back to psycohn )