The news of the week...and weird
It's no surprise that Jay-Z has the top-selling album of the week.
"Kingdom Come" sold more than 680,000 copies.
American Idol finalist Chris Daughtry's new band, Daughtry, sold 304,000 landing him in the second spot.
I was glad to hear that last week, Kevin Federline's CD debuted with just 6,000 copies sold.
Meanwhile, the biggest news on the music front is that Britney Spears is continuously leaving the house without underwear (link is to story at cnn.com, not photos).
Seriously, when was the last time Spears put out an album, or could actually be heard singing? I don't remember either.
Move on...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:04 AM | Comments (1)
November 29, 2006Anvil not leaving...yet
A message sent out by The Flying Anvil owner Pete Schroth today states that while the club is doing everything they can to stay open, the fact that he is leaving at the end of the year is true.
Here's the message:
We’ve been getting a whole ton of press lately. Some of it has been quite good and right on target, but...some of it just ain’t true. We’d like to give you the full story here and set the story straight.
The most important thing to know is WE AREN’T DEAD YET. We may not even die at all. As of right now there’s a handful of interested folks that would love to take over where we are leaving off. We are working hard to make that happen. We want that to happen. This whole endeavor was and is a dream of ours. We aren’t gonna let it fizzle out quite yet.
The Flying Anvil may very well remain in flight, so, please don’t kill us off so fast. We don’t wanna be extinct. We still have some punch left in us and as they say, "it ain’t over until the cat baby sings"...or something like that.
The part that is true is we will be walking away at the end of the year. It’ll be somebody else’s beast to tame after that. December 30th is officially my last gig. It will be Brian’s last gig. It will be Andrew’s last gig. Sad? Yes. Very sad actually.
Life is full of tough decisions and believe you me...this was a doozy. So, why walk away then? Fact is, I am really really tired and a grumpy no sleepin’ man does not make for a good husband or father or even businessman. I believe we’ve started a good thing here, the momentum is spinning, but somebody else is gonna have to put the icing on this cake...could be you.
As always, stay tuned...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:54 PM | Comments (1)
November 28, 2006Billy Joel heading to Raleigh
Billy Joel has announced a string of dates in the Southern U.S. - among them, a stop at Raleigh's RBC Center.
Tickets go on sale this Saturday morning at 10 a.m.
Where else is he going? Click here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:47 PM
November 27, 2006This week's new releases (11/28)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Incubus "Light Grenades" - Every time I hear that a new Incubus album is coming out, they always say it will "sound like they're old stuff," but it never does. Let's hope this lives up to the expectation.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Firebird, Songs of Green Pheasant
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:21 AM
November 24, 2006CD Review: Rock Star Supernova "Rock Star Supernova"
Release date: Nov. 21, 2006
11 tracks; 41:06
During the summer, Motley Crue drummer Tommy Lee, former Metallica bassist Jason Newstead and former Guns N Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke decided to form a new band.
They needed a singer, so they hit the television with a reality show contest to find the right person.
The winner was 29-year-old Lukas Rossi. The result is their self-titled debut album and a tour that kicks off on New Year's Eve in Las Vegas.
The debut is as much a solid rock and roll album as it is a showcase for Rossi's vocals.
While some compared Rossi's vocals to Carol Channing and said they'd never see the band live, I'm actually impressed by the new album - it's better than I thought it would be.
Some of the songs on the album should sound familiar to people who followed the show this summer.
"It's On" was performed at one point during the show and the first single, "Be Yourself (And 5 Other Cliches)" was performed during the show's finale.
"Headspin," a song written by Rossi and performed on the show is also on the album.
While I hoped it was the impressive acoustic version he performed during the show, it's plugged in but still rocks.
The album stands on its own without the show, thanks to the solid writing and performing on the album.
On a side note, it should be said that Newstead tore his shoulder and will be replaced on tour by former Black Crowes bassist Johnny Colt.
I once had the honor of sitting on a panel at the Atlantis Music Conference with Colt and from our brief meeting, I think he'll fit right into the band.
The question remains - will the band release more albums or is this a one-off side project.
I think there's potential here, but if it falls apart, I'm sure Rossi could find himself as a frontman for another group, and he's already got a solid resume to work from.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 8:20 AM
November 23, 2006CD Review: Richard Cheese "Silent Nightclub"
Release date: Sept. 26, 2006
14 tracks; 25:09
Somehow a holiday album by lounge singer Richard Cheese just seems to fit in with Thanksgiving.
If you're not familiar with the music of Richard Cheese - it's lounge in all its stereotypic glory.
The album combines holiday songs with, well, not so holiday songs.
They're all done in strictly lounge fashion - from Madonna's "Like a Virgin" to "Christams in Las Vegas" to "Silent Night."
The album plays like a live concert with a "thank you" thrown in here and there or a quick mention of his Web site.
One of the highlights has got to be "Jingle Bells" as performed by The Barking Dogs. That's right, he repeatedly sings "Bark bark bark" to the tune of the song.
A slowed down "Ice Ice Baby" can also be found on the album.
"Personal Jesus" by Depeche Mode, "Naughty Girl" by Beyonce and "Imagine" by John Lennon are also here.
A peppy "Do They Know It's Christmas" - the song performed by Band-Aid - is broken up in the middle when Cheese can't hit the right notes.
The enjoyable CD will have you laugh at its humor and irony.
While listening to the album all I can think is "Vegas, Baby. Vegas."
Happy Thanksgiving!
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 7:25 AM
November 22, 2006Will the Anvil close?
Apparently, if the Flying Anvil doesn't get an owner, it will close its doors for good.
Let's hope it doesn't happen.
Last week was the first we heard of it.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:53 PM
AMA results
I just watched a tape of the American Music Awards.
The show was heavy on performances and light on awards. Cnn.com has a story up here.
I won't give a complete rundown. Instead I'd like to hand out a few awards of my own.
The "If you're looking for originality, you're going the wrong way" Award goes to: Gwen Stefani. Seriously. Do people cheer just because she has style and used to be in No Doubt? First she ripped off "Fiddler on the Roof" and people loved it. Now, with her first single on her sophomore album, she's yodeling. It wasn't good.
The "Rock It Like We Wrote It" Award goes to: The Rascal Flatts. They sang "Life Is a Highway" from the movie "Cars" and had a blast while performing. Um, guys. It's a cover song.
The "Why Are They So Popular" Award: The Pussycat Dolls. You were dancers, now you sing cover songs and people love you. Well, one of you sings... Are there really no better groups out there?
The "Don't Call it a Comeback, I've been here for years" Award: Lionel Richie. He performed two songs and seemed to thoroughly enjoy himself. The audience appeared to like it too.
If you missed it, don't worry. Another awards show is around the corner, I'm sure.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:26 AM
November 21, 2006If I knew then what I know now...
Earlier this year, I wrote a few articles about Chris Daughtry and his path through "American Idol."
I interviewed him a few times and was even part of his homecoming celebration in McLeansville.
During his homecoming, we had lunch at the Brightwood Inn. Why? "Because the only thing famous about McLeansville is that Elvis ate at the Brightwood Inn."
While reading the latest edition of Spin magazine (The Killers are on the cover), I read an interview with Chan Marshall - better known as Cat Power.
One of her first sentences:
"In fourth grade I lived by this tobacco field on the edge of a town called McLeansville, North Carolina..."
It looks like the small town has another reason to be proud.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:17 AM
November 20, 2006This week's new releases (11/21)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
2Pac "Pac's Life" - He's still making albums?!?
The Beatles "Love" - The "What year is this?" pick of the week.
Daughtry "Daughtry" - The American Idol finalist hits the shelves with a rock/pop band.
Jay-Z "Kingdom Come" - Jigga has returned, like wearing the 45, he'll probably maim you. Search previous entries on this site for a link to listen to the album.
Willie Nelson "The Last Letter" - I wish the song he sang in concert titled, "I'm not Superman" was on the CD...
Oasis "Stop the Clocks" - I didn't know these guys were still together...And, maybe they're not. This is a greatest hits album.
Rock Star Supernova "Rock Star Supernova" - Maybe they can take the money they make on the album and put some of the finalists back on tour with them.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Black Crowes, Chamillionaire, Kottonmouth Kings, Manowar, Original Hamster, Reel Big Fish, Scorpions, Snoop Dogg, Swan Lake
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:13 PM
November 19, 2006CD Review: Yusuf "An Other Cup"
Release date: Nov. 14, 2006
11 tracks; 41:20
While the name Yusuf Islam may not be familiar to you, perhaps you're more familiar with the name Cat Stevens.
In 1978, Stevens walked away from music on a personal spiritual quest.
Having changed his name to Yusuf Islam, it took 28 years for the popular folk singer to return with a CD.
"When I picked up the guitar again it was like a floodgate," he says in a press release.
From the opening track, "Midday (Avoid City After Dark)," it sound like he never lost a step over the years.
His vocals are as smooth as ever, his acoustic played simply and as melodic as always.
The album features mostly newly-written songs, with one never recorded from 1968 - "Green Fields, Golden Sands" - and one cover, Nina Simone's "Don't Let me Be Misunderstood."
He still has a jovial demeanor while singing and his lyrics focus on a better time yet to come.
"Maybe there's a world that I'm still to find/ Open up o world and let me in, then there'll be a new life to begin" are words to the chorus of "Maybe There's a World."
Two tracks, "When Butterflies Leave" and "Whispers from a Spiritual Garden" are simple songs with Islam speaking over them.
While listening to the album, it's difficult to believe that it is his first album in nearly 30 years. Hopefully, it's the beginning of many more to come.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 4:20 PM
November 18, 2006CD Review: Tenacious D "The Pick of Destiny"
Release date: Nov. 14, 2006
15 tracks; 33:46
As a soundtrack to the movie of the same name, "The Pick of Destiny" is also the second album from Tenacious D.
While the movie hasn't come out yet, you can tell that the half of the songs are very much for a soundtrack to play along with the movie, and the others stand on their own.
The nearly four-minute-long opener, "Kickapoo," features Meat Loaf as the father of Jack Black and also features a cameo from Ronnie James Dio.
"Classico" would fit right in with the band's self-titled debut, as would "History" - a song that was featured on the band's HBO series.
"Baby" is a slow ballad that doesn't seem to fit in with other songs that the D have performed - making me think it's a plain and simple soundtrack song.
"Papgenu (He's My Sassafrass)" sounds like something from a cheesy 70s TV show.
"Beelzeboss (The Final Showdown)" features the drumming and vocals of Dave Grohl.
The duo of Black and Kyle Gass truly shine when they're playing acoustically.
While it's great to have a second Tenacious D album, some of the "soundtrack" songs could have been left off.
As a soundtrack, it's better than most.
If you're looking for something to satisfy a craving for Tenacious D, this is the album for you.
If you're looking for something to match the creative excitement of the first album, you're better off waiting to see how you like the movie, first.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 3:54 PM
November 16, 2006Say goodbye to the Anvil?
Earlier this year, a new music club, The Flying Anvil, opened in downtown Greensboro.
Excitement grew at the idea of a music club in town. I was a bit skeptical about it, but co-workers and others assured me the club would be a huge success.
I have since been to the club for a handful of shows and my worst thoughts were true - Greensboro doesn't support live, original music.
Attendance went something like this:
Jimbo Mathus - 20 people
Maxwell/Mosher - 25 people
Honky - 10 people
I've heard that some concerts there - such as the Avett Brothers - were packed.
Now comes word that one of the owners, Pete Schroth, is selling his share and that Gate City Noise will be closing its doors.
Am I surprised? Yes and no.
I'm not surprised that the club is struggling - if it is - because attendance has been low at so many shows.
I am surprised that it took this long for some noise to come out about it.
So, what's the answer?
I thought from day one that the club should have kicked off their opening with bigger shows.
Pull in a few sell-out concerts and people will remember where The Flying Anvil is.
They started off slow and never had a chance to really pick up off the ground, in my opinion.
The indie acts are great, but they need a few big names - at least one or two a month - to keep themselves afloat.
Of course, there are many financial considerations to this, but I'm strictly talking about staying afloat in the minds of residents.
Greensboro Coliseum only gets one or two big names a month. We need more in town.
Pull in some decent club acts - Buckcherry, KT Tunstall, G. Love, Papa Roach - who are out doing club tours and people will keep an eye on your schedule.
At the rate things are going, I'm wondering if there will be an anniversary show.
I wish them all the luck in the world, and hope that more locals will get out and support them.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:00 AM
CD Review: Nonpoint "Alive and Kicking"
Release date: Nov. 14, 2006
13 tracks; 73:06
Rarely does a live CD capture a band's energy. They're also usually too overproduced to sound like anything but a rough cut of studio work.
Nonpoint is doing their best to toss those theories out the window with their first live disc, "Alive and Kicking."
For more than 70 minutes the Ft. Lauderdale thrashers throw the listener into the heart of the pit.
Playing like a greatest hits of their three studio albums, Nonpoint offers listeners a glimpse at their live show in front of their hometown crowd.
If you pick up select limited edition copies, you can also get a DVD and signed poster. The DVD sound isn't the best, but shows the band's energy on stage.
There are also clips of the band in their hometown, backstage and during an acoustic performance of "Bullet With a Name."
I first heard Nonpoint by accident and have been hooked ever since.
I picked the band at random on a local venue's music schedule as someone to interview for a concert preview.
From first listen, I was drawn to the band and I've stuck with them ever since.
Don't expect the band's cover songs on the album - not even the Phil Collins "In the Air Tonight" cover is on here.
It's all Nonpoint on here.
The track "Spanish 101" combines the band's two Spanish-language songs.
You can hear the banter with the crowd and almost feel the sweat pouring off of singer Elias Soriano as he talks to the crowd and screams to get them on their feet.
While Nonpoint continues to be one of the most underrated indie-label acts, only their fans know what the rest of you are missing.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 8:47 AM
November 15, 2006Show Me What You Got, Jay-Z
So, Jay-Z is coming out of retirement and his new album, "Kingdom Come," hits shelves on Nov. 21.
Want to hear it now?
You can hear the whole album over at clearchannel.com. Just click here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:39 AM
November 14, 2006Anvil shows this week...
If you're looking for some good music this week, head on over to the Flying Anvil.
On Wednesday night, Ben Folds' brother hits the stage with Chuck Folds Five. Benjomatic is also on the bill.
On Friday night, Hobex will be performing. The opening act is none other than Katherine Whalen - former singer for Squirrel Nut Zippers.
After hearing a couple of tracks from Whalen on her myspace page, it sounds like some of the upbeat Zippers music.
Both nights should be great for local music fans who want to catch some great state acts.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:45 PM
November 13, 2006Deftones Q&A
I had my quick interview with Frank of The Deftones tonight.
He called me from backstage in Tucson, Ariz., where the band has a gig tonight.
He said he was just hanging out doing press interviews before the show - it was at 6:30 EST.
The interview only lasted for about 15 minutes and he was a generally nice guy.
The majority of my questions focused on the new album, "Saturday Night Wrist."
So, what were his answers? What did he say about the band's rocky road to recording the album? What do they have planned for 2007?
Stay tuned...
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 9:20 PM
November 12, 2006This week's new releases (11/14)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
(+44) "When Your Heart Stops Beating" - Two-thirds of Blink-182 have formed a new band that sounds, well, kinda like Blink-182.
Yusuf Islam "An Other Cup" - The man formerly known as Cat Stevens releases his first new album in a long time.
Nonpoint "Live and Kicking" - A great live band with lots of energy is always difficult to capture on a CD.
Tenacious D "The Pick of Destiny" - It will be difficult to top their debut, self-titled CD, but judging by the first two singles, I'm sure it will be entertaining.
As always, because there are so many, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: PaleHorse, Snowbyrd, The Wrens
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:09 PM
November 10, 2006Who's playing Ozzy in the movies?
There's an article over at aol.com that talks about the movie being made about the Motley Crue biography, "The Dirt."
While unknowns are playing the Crue members, there are a few cameos mentioned:
Ozzy Osbourne will be played by... Christopher Walken.
David Lee Roth will be played by... Val Kilmer.
Interesting casting. Can Kilmer play someone other than Jim Morrison?
The movie is expected to be released in 2008.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:35 AM
November 9, 2006No more String Cheese
String Cheese Incident has announced plans to disband at the end of next summer.
The band's Web site says:
After summer 2007, Billy Nershi is leaving The String Cheese Incident to pursue other musical projects. There will be only a limited number of Incidents between now and then. Current plans include Thanksgiving in Atlanta, a New Years Eve blowout in San Francisco, Winter Carnival in Colorado, and a return to Red Rocks. Presently, there are no plans for The String Cheese Incident beyond summer of 2007. The band would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to our friends and fans for all your support.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 1:19 PM
New bassist for Van Halen announced
Eddie Van Halen has announced that his son, Wolfgang, will be the replacement for Michael Anthony in Van Halen.
Few details are available about why Anthony left the band.
Wolfgang showed up during Van Halen's last tour at a few stops to play guitar solos. Apparently, he's definitely his "father's son" and shreds on the guitar.
I assume his bass playing is up to par too.
As far as a singer - no word on who will handle those duties during a rumored 2007 tour, but David Lee Roth's name is always dropped.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 12:19 PM
Deftones questions?
I'll be interviewing Deftones keyboardist/DJ Frank Delgado on Monday evening.
If you have any questions you'd like asked, just let me know by posting a comment on this thread.
Thanks!
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:00 AM | Comments (1)
November 8, 2006Genesis reunites! Well, kind of...
This time last year, Phil Collins was in the news saying he'd love to reunite the original Genesis - including Peter Gabriel.
While fans nearly fell out of their seats in anticipation, we had to wait one year to finally hear anything else about a reunion.
And yes, it's going to happen. Just without Peter Gabriel.
A recent report announces 20 European dates and confirms that Gabriel won't be involved.
It says:
Speaking at a press conference (Nov. 7) at the Mayfair Hotel in London, the band said the tour came about when discussions for a reunion with original vocalist Peter Gabriel and guitarist Steve Hackett based around their classic '70s album "The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway" broke down. However, the band hasn't ruled out getting back together with Gabriel at some point in the future.
"Sometimes you read that he's into it and sometimes you read that he isn't," said Collins. "He's far more sensitive than we are about what it means. This is just us getting together and playing some songs. It's fun -- but since Peter left he's been doing his own thing and sometimes he's a bit over-cautious about going back to doing something that's just fun."
A reunion based on "The Lamb" - ugh, why can't these guys all get it together?!?
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:54 AM
November 7, 2006Spears-K-Fed: It's over!
Is anyone really surprised by the divorce of Britney Spears and Kevin Federline?
I guess I'm only surprised that it took this long...
Story on CNN.com here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 5:01 PM
Faith Hill's reaction - real or a joke?
Last night at the CMA Awards, Carrie Underwood won Female Performer of the Year.
When her name was announced, Faith Hill was shown yelling the word, "WHAT?!?" and walking off. (See the video here.)
Hill has come out and said she was just joking.
I'm not sure what to think. If she was joking, why did her face look so visibly angry? Why does it look like she's storming off stage?
If it was a joke, I would have smiled or laughed while saying it. Hill looks sincerely angry.
So, what do you think?
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:05 PM
CMA Award results
The CMA Awards (Does that mean Country Music Awards Awards??) were last night.
I know I'm not a country music fan when I've never heard the song that won Single of the Year, Song of the Year and Video of the year - "Believe" by Brooks & Dunn.
Carrie Underwood took home a couple of statues for Female Vocalist of the Year and the Horizon Award.
You can find a list of winners here.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 10:22 AM
November 6, 2006This week's new releases (Nov. 7)
Here's a look at some of this week's new releases:
Bad Religion "Tested" - I'm glad to see these guys are still making albums. I haven't heard anything new from the punkers in a while, so it may be worth checking out.
Dave Matthews "The Best of What's Around Vol. 1" - Does he really need to issue a greatest hits collection? Seriously, just go buy one of his live albums.
Foo Fighters "Skin and Bones" - A live CD of their 2006 acoustic tour should be a great album.
Nonpoint "Live and Kicking" - The band's high energy shows can't exactly be captured on CD, but this has got to be close.
Sugarland "Enjoy the Ride" - It's still difficult to believe the success Jennifer Nettles has with her country band. I think she was much better as a solo artist, but sometimes you have to go where the paycheck takes you.
As always, the bands with animal-related names releasing albums this week are: Adam & The Ants, The Cat Empire, El Perro Del Mar, Jellyfish
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 5:56 AM
November 5, 2006Delana headed to Ziggy's
Rockstar: Supernova finalist Delana will be performing at Ziggy's in Winston-Salem on Dec. 8.
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:22 PM
November 3, 2006Concert Review: Guns N Roses/Papa Roach
Guns N Roses w/ Papa Roach
Nov. 2, 2006
Greensboro Coliseum
Greensboro, N.C.
No Slash. No Gilby. No Duff. No Izzy. No problem, really.
While only one original member of Guns N Roses remains, the voice of Axl Rose simply can't be replaced.
The latest incarnation of the band hit the Greensboro Coliseum on Thursday night and the more than 6,000 fans left satisified by what they saw - once the waiting was done.
After a brief set by former Skid Row frontman Sebastian Bach, Papa Roach hit the stage at 9:30 p.m.
The four-piece former nu-metalers from California did their best to pump up the crowd for nearly an hour.
Mixing recent hits with songs of their first album, "Infest," singer Jacoby Shaddix was in fine form for the duration of the evening.
Fists pumping in the air, Shaddix made complete use of the spread out stage - even finding time to run out into the crowd to be among the fans during "Alive and Out of Control."
The crowd finally got on its feet and energy was rising when the band sang their first hit, "Last Resort," leaving Shaddix with a smile on his face.
By the time Papa Roach left the stage at 10:20 p.m., the crowd was ready for the man they came to see - Axl Rose.
So the crowd waited.... and waited...
A fight broke out on the floor. And the crowd waited...
Another fight broke out in the lower level. And the crowd waited...
At 11 p.m., concessions stopped serving beer because the crowd was getting to rowdy. But the people still waited...
11:30 p.m., and no movement on stage... the crowd starts to boo.
11:40 p.m. Lights out.
One note reverberating in the darkness, and then you hear it:
"Do you know where you are?!?"
The opening of "Welcome to the Jungle" sent the crowd into a frenzy, and the long wait was instantly forgotten.
Clad in jeans, a black shirt, red Doc Maartens and cropped corn-rows pulled into a ponytail, Axl Rose hit the stage like a man on fire.
Though his voice didn't seem to have the power in it during the opening track, that thought was quickly thrown out.
Rose was in great form for someone who spent years off the road and out of the public eye.
It didn't matter who else was on stage. With Axl singing, this was Guns N Roses. He hit his screams, his range was solid and his vocals even sounded like they got better as the night went on.
A seven-piece band behind him, Rose opened the show with a pair of the band's classics, "It's So Easy" and "Mr. Brownstone," before moving to two covers "Live and Let Die" and "Knockin' On Heaven's Door."
His signature strut and one-footed bounce still intact, Rose looked completely energized for the duration of the 25-song set.
While the new tunes such as "Better," "IRS" and "The Blues" don't feel as catchy as the old ones, they still had the crowd interested.
Sure, some people are still searching for Slash, but the new guitarists didn't miss a string, fret or note.
Each of the three guitarists took time for a "Here's why Axl picked me" solo that impressed the audience each time.
Robin Finck, former guitarist with Nine Inch Nails, tried his best to fill the shoes of Slash with impressive solos and menacing presence.
Ron "Bumblefoot" Thal offered the crowd a more fusion-based solo, while Richard Fortus also had some time for a solo, as did pianist Dizzy Reed.
Trying to be a true showman, Rose ran back and forth on the stage, found time for some simple wardrobe changes of shirts and kept the energy level high.
The only surprise may have been the sight of five monitors on stage with song lyrics scrolling on them.
Ocassional fireworks kept the volume high as well.
"November Rain" welcomed a shower of sparks during the finale.
Toward the end of the two-and-a-half-hour set, Sebastian Bach came out for "My Michelle."
After "Nighttrain," the band left the stage, Axl said, "Thank you," and the exhausted crowd awaited an encore as the clock rolled toward 2 a.m.
As Guns N Roses hit the stage, "Chinese Democracy" - the title track for the long-awaited new GnR album - was the first they heard.
Again, it was another not-so-catchy-but-solid-rock tune.
The finale of the night was "Paradise City." The crowd sang along as Axl made sure to hit all sides of the stage.
As the song wound down, large cannons of confetti shot into the air and fireworks shot out from behind the stage. Rose then threw his red microphone into the crowd.
As the sound subsided, a truly humble Axl Rose stood in front of the stage and simply said, "Thank you so much for coming out tonight."
The band then did a curtain call for a bow together before walking off.
Fans have been waiting for 10 years for a new album from the band - ever since rumors of studio work began in 1997.
Thursday night's concert was a nice treat for fans who have waited a long time.
It was a greatest hits show with a look at the future. The future looks bright - if the album can finally hit shelves.
Papa Roach Setlist
Antisocial
Not Listening
Loves Me Not
Time is Running Out
To Be Loved
Getting Away with Murder
Alive and Out of Control
Scars
Blood Brothers
Crash
Broken Home
Between Angels and Insects
Last Resort
Guns N Roses Setlist
Welcome To The Jungle
So Easy
Mr. Brownstone
Live & Let Die
Knockin' On Heaven's Door
Better
Robin Finck solo
Sweet Child O’ Mine
You Could Be Mine
Dizzy Reed Piano Jam
The Blues
Band Introduction
Richard Fortus solo/(“Beautiful” w/ Finck)
Out Ta Get Me
IRS
Piano Jam into November Rain
Bumblefoot solo (“Don’t Cry”)
Rocket Queen
Madagascar
My Michelle (w/ Sebastian Bach)
You're Crazy
Patience
Nightrain
Chinese Democracy (encore)
Paradise City (encore)
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 2:25 AM | Comments (6)
November 2, 2006Battle of the Bands
This is awesome...though quite violent.
It's a battle of the bands - between album covers.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x6bUD9PJ6i8
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:05 AM
November 1, 2006Papa Roach Q&A
If you missed it in the paper, here it is:
Papa Roach rocks with Guns N’ Roses
What could be better than enjoying the success of their fifth studio album, "The Paramour Sessions?"
Try opening for one of the biggest rock 'n' roll bands of the last 20 years.
Papa Roach is doing just that as it opens up the first eight shows for Guns N' Roses, which comes Thursday to the Greensboro Coliseum — its only stop in North Carolina.
Singer Jacoby Shaddix recently talked by phone from Sacramento, Calif., about the tour, the band’s success and the new album.
How excited are you guys about the Guns N' Roses tour?
"Dude, I'm stoked, man. It just kind of came out of the blue, too. We were supposed to go out on tour with a band called H.I.M., but they canceled. We reached out and heard Guns was looking for a support band. They were totally down. I think it's a great opportunity for us to get in front of sold-out arena crowds and rock those rock 'n' roll people."
Do you know how long your set will be?
"It's either 40 or 50 minutes. We have seven singles in the set. For us, our set is packed with our hits, which is kinda cool, but then we have some fan favorites mixed in."
I have to ask if there’s any worry that Axl's going to bail like he's done in the past.
"I ain't trying to bring up the bad juju so I ain't even gonna talk about that. He's made it around the world already, so it's ok."
Looking at the new album, what are your thoughts on how "The Paramour Sessions" turned out?
"I think what the record is really exceeded our expectations. We set out to make this raunchy, filthy, sleazy, loud rock 'n' roll record and there's definitely songs that fit into that category. But then we discovered this whole other side of our band while we were writing and recording. It's not a one-dimensional rock 'n' roll album, but it still sounds like Papa Roach."
Have you guys been surprised by the amount of airplay you’ve been getting recently with "... To Be Loved?"
"Every time you make an album, it's a gamble. We feel blessed that rock radio is embracing the track. It's all up to the fans calling and requesting it. It's still moving up the chart. Live, that song goes over so well. It was apparent when we wrote it that it could be a rock 'n' roll anthem."
The song is also being used as the theme of “WWE Raw” — how did that come about?
"Whoever does their music promotion heard the song on the radio and reached out to us. It's crazy, because I never realized how many of our fans are into the WWE. It's reaching out to a lot of kids and it's a positive song. We're stoked. The song has more strength than just being a theme song.”
There’s obvious maturity in the band when you compare the first album to now. How do you feel like the band has changed?
"We've definitely evolved quite a bit. I think where we're at right now is a really good spot. We're not pigeon-holed into any genre.
It gives us some longevity. We outlived nu metal and we're still here rocking it. I think our evolution is what keeps our band relevant and exciting."
Do you think your change in music styles was a conscious decision or do you feel like it was a natural evolution?
"I think in the beginning it was a conscious decision ... but then after we made that decision, everything else has just come through us. When we didn’t try to overanalyze everything, we stumbled upon some bad-(expletive) songs. It wasn’t about whether a song was fast or heavy enough, it was just, 'Is it good or not?'"
Posted by jeffhahnedisabled at 11:05 AM
