concerts....who you seeing?

Xmann · Post by **Xmann** » Thu Nov 20, 2014 2:09 am

I found Steel Panther funny for a couple songs and that was it.

Actually, the music itself is awesome 80's hair metal. Really takes me back to my high school days.

Skinypupy · Post by **Skinypupy** » Sun Dec 14, 2014 1:40 pm

The Skinny Puppy/Frontline Assembly show last night was epic. FLA was infinitely better than the last time I saw them, playing a great mix of new and old (going all the way back to Gashed Sense & Crossfire). Not much of a stageshow, but Bill Leeb brings a ton of energy to the set.

Puppy outdid themselves this time around. The show's running narrative was that of a test subject being put through a series of brutal experiments. This led to multiple outfit changes, with Ogre morphing from a weird grim reaper-ish thing, to a crazed dog, and ultimately into a grotesque Frankenstine-ian version of his torturous doctors. The "experiments" were suitably crazy, such as a forced tooth extraction using a Go-Pro camera to project the proceedings in real time onto a giant screen (they threw the prosthetic teeth into the crowd, which caused quite the ruckus), flaying the skin from the forearm (this was used in their earlier tour this year), and mixing up some sort of crazy flourescent chemical mixture that was "injected" using massive syringes. There was a ton of fake blood and other chemical splatter, and the stage looked like an abattoir by the time things were finished. Throughout the set, there were 3 scientists in full Ebola containment gear patrolling the stage and performing random tests on Ogre as he sang. It was a little distracting at first, but fit the tone of the performance...especially when Ogre slit one of their throats and dragged him off stage at the end of "Deep Down Trauma Hounds". The entire show was a horror movie come to life, and was enthralling to watch. This is the fifth time I've seen SP, and both my friend and I agreed it was their strongest show.

Seeing one of your favorite bands is great. Seeing two of them on the same night is incredible. Seeing one perform what might be the best stage show you've ever seen is just...something else. Will try to post some pics in a bit.

EDIT: Pics added.

hitbyambulance · Post by **hitbyambulance** » Sun Dec 14, 2014 4:05 pm

it is somewhat likely i am going to this tomorrow night

Zarathud · Post by **Zarathud** » Sun Dec 14, 2014 11:46 pm

Sounds like an incredible show, Skinypupy. I'm not sure my stomach could handle it anymore.

Skinypupy · Post by **Skinypupy** » Mon Dec 15, 2014 12:45 am

I neglected to mention the other two opening bands. I didn't care much for Youth Code's actual music, but watching their adorable lead singer wreak havoc on stage was fun to watch. Haujobb was about as dull as...something very, incredibly dull. Didn't surprise me much, as I've never really been a huge fan of theirs.

EDIT: Picture of said adorable singer

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Mon Dec 15, 2014 2:50 pm

I guess he's KINDA cute, if you're into Hitler haircuts.

hitbyambulance · Post by **hitbyambulance** » Mon Dec 15, 2014 6:46 pm

ok, i went. it was at a warehouse-y club (in Seattle's industrial district, of course) just half a mile from my work place, and my decision to go was cemented when i found out i wouldn't have to suffer through VNV Nation. i'll ramble on with my impressions - so to start, i'll update my description of Youth Code to 'if Crystal Castles ripped off WaxTrax! albums from the late 80s instead of chiptunes, and shouted a whole lot more'. i do appreciate their effort; they were the most energetic of all (no doubt due to the original members of every other band being well into middle-age.) haujobb was all right, tho i like Daniel Myer's solo "Architect" project way more. he was extremely self-deprecating, and it's funny how the Germans had the most humor of everyone. Front Line Assembly was half fine and half boring - this is a group i know that could have a much more awesome stage setup. last saw them in '96; am missing Rhys Fulber for sure. good fog/light show and they did do "Mindphaser" which is the track that got me into this whole thing 22 years ago, so there's that. Skinny Puppy was pretty good to great, with an interesting live show as per usual. they also had "Glass Houses" in the encore and i did not expect that! no "Stairs and Flowers" ... ah wellll...

i had thought about taking a train to Vancouver, BC to see this tour tomorrow instead, which would have been awesome. but $37 (after service charges) at a local venue for this roster was a no-brainer. Bill Leeb did point out that Seattle and Vancouver are neighbor cities, so close enough.

Rumpy · Post by **Rumpy** » Sat Dec 20, 2014 3:59 pm

A few days ago I went to a Crystal Shawanda concert, a singer who's quickly becoming one of my favourites. Love her voice. She just recently released a Blues album, which I also picked up and had autographed.

Crystal Shawanda - I will always love you

Crystal Shawanda - The Whole World's Got The Blues

LordMortis · Post by **LordMortis** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:25 pm

I haven't seen a show since Roger Hodgson and I was distracted at that show and I was in pain all night for Fleetwood Mac.

My showing going days may be over.

And yet I'm tempted:

http://pitchfork.com/news/58219-the-jes ... can-shows/

YellowKing · Post by **YellowKing** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:36 pm

We're going to go see Helmet on 2/27 for the Betty 20th Anniversary tour. They'll be playing the album front to back then doing another set that spans their career.

I'm not a huge Helmet fan - I wore out Meantime back in the early 90s, but that's about it. However, it's a small venue and I thought it might be cool to see these older guys rock it out.

Smoove_B · Post by **Smoove_B** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:47 pm

YellowKing wrote:I'm not a huge Helmet fan - I wore out Meantime back in the early 90s, but that's about it. However, it's a small venue and I thought it might be cool to see these older guys rock it out.

If you'll allow me to adjust the onion on my belt...

I've seen Helmet play three or four times and they've all been great shows. During one of them I saw a dudebro pogo himself into one of light cans on the side of the stage during Unsung and the guitarist absolutely lost it he was laughing so hard. For 90% of the show there was a group of giant dudes without necks in polo shirts standing around seemingly bored, but when Unsung was busted out, they went nuts for three minutes and then went back to grazing. Aftertaste is a great album, but quite different than their previous offerings. That's where I stopped following them, because old.

I had no idea there was an anniversary tour. I'll have to mention it to my friends. Maybe we can get in on an AARP discount ticket somewhere.

Exodor · Post by **Exodor** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 5:56 pm

This year is shaping up to be a great year for live music for me:

The Decemberists
Sleater-Kinney
Juliana Hatfield 3
They Might Be Giants
Weird Al Yankovich
Rush

Also Taylor Swift but that's mostly for my 9 year old. Mostly.

Z-Corn · Post by **Z-Corn** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:00 pm

I picked up tix to see The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion in April. I'm pretty excited as I was WAY into these guys for a few albums in a row starting...aw Christ...21 years ago...AARP discount indeed...

Anyway, one of the very few bands I was into from that era but never got to see live. I saw Pussy Galore and Boss Hog but never The Blues Explosion...

Smoove_B · Post by **Smoove_B** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:23 pm

Wait...The Blues Explosion is on tour as well? Good lord. What in the actual hell is going on? Orange was in heavy rotation back in '94/'95, but I never did see them live. I'm sure it would be another great show - high energy, no doubt.

Pyperkub · Post by **Pyperkub** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:26 pm

In Chronological Order:

The Grateful Dead (hopefully) 7/3 (or 4 or 5)
Rush (at least once, may road trip to Vegas or LoCal for one last show)
The Who/Joan Jett & the Blackhearts

hentzau · Post by **hentzau** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 6:29 pm

Hoping to go see Rush with a bunch of college buddies.

LordMortis · Post by **LordMortis** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 7:07 pm

How did the Blind Pig fail to notify me JSBX is playing there in April?

hitbyambulance · Post by **hitbyambulance** » Mon Jan 26, 2015 8:43 pm

Willie Nelson sold out, darn it. i was even willing to take a bus down to a casino in Tacoma for this show.

i saw Cult of Youth last week, which had to have been one of the shortest sets i've seen for a headliner - not quite 30 minutes, no encore. they didn't get playing til midnight, either. at least tickets were cheap!

for sure shows so far:

The Pop Group in March (i would be fine with just a Mark Stewart DJ set, honestly)
The Church in April (seen them many times, but can't miss it)
The Jesus and Mary Chain in May (i have missed them on three previous tours in the past 23 years. no more!)
The Chameleons in September (how is it tickets are just $13?? i saw Mark Burgess with just the original drummer and two hired guns on guitars/bass a few years back, and that was still excellent)

YellowKing · Post by **YellowKing** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:06 am

My older guys comment about Helmet was slightly facetious because when I realized the lead singer was over 50, I had a WTF moment about my own age. it's really tough realizing the music you listened to in high school could technically be called classic rock.

JetFred · Post by **JetFred** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:39 am

Yep, buying Weird Al tix.

Xmann · Post by **Xmann** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 1:14 am

I need to see Weird Al as well.

Jag · Post by **Jag** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 10:10 am

hentzau wrote:Hoping to go see Rush with a bunch of college buddies.

R40 should be a great show. Missing my first tour since the early 80s since they are not coming down here.

Taking the family to see Billy Joel on Saturday in Miami and the Who in April.

hentzau · Post by **hentzau** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 10:17 am

Jag wrote:
hentzau wrote:Hoping to go see Rush with a bunch of college buddies.
R40 should be a great show. Missing my first tour since the early 80s since they are not coming down here.

Taking the family to see Billy Joel on Saturday in Miami and the Who in April.

I saw them 2 years ago for the Clockwork Angels tour. Great show. I can't wait to see them again.

The Moving Pictures tour was my very first rock concert when I was a teenager. I'm not sure I've seen a better show since.

tgb · Post by **tgb** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 10:20 am

The great Leon Russell is coming back to Tucson. Yay.

hentzau · Post by **hentzau** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 10:37 am

Oh, and it isn't really a concert, but I'm going to be seeing Alton Brown in his Edible Inevitable tour on Valentines Day. Not sure how much of a Valentines Day treat my wife will find it, since I'm the AB fan.

Carpet_pissr · Post by **Carpet_pissr** » Tue Jan 27, 2015 12:34 pm

Young the Giant (postponed until October)
The Avett Brothers

hitbyambulance · Post by **hitbyambulance** » Fri Jan 30, 2015 6:23 am

going to try to get Faith No More tickets when they go on sale tomorrow; not expecting to get through.

UPDATE: failed, sold out immediately.

Xmann · Post by **Xmann** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 12:33 am

yep, they have been selling out in minutes.

they posted on twitter they are adding more US dates. I'm hoping for a Colorado date, but unfortunately not counting on being able to actually get a ticket

hentzau · Post by **hentzau** » Sat Jan 31, 2015 1:50 pm

Rush sold out in minutes for the seats we were trying for in Chicago, so we're going to give St. Louis a try on Friday. Fingers crossed!

hentzau · Post by **hentzau** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 1:18 pm

Rush was a bust in St. Louis as well. The guy buying got on right when sales opened up, and was in a queue for 5 minutes, and when he got to the time to choose they didn't have any blocks of seats big enough for the 7 of us in the price range we wanted.

Xmann · Post by **Xmann** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 1:37 pm

brokers probably scooped up a majority of them I bet

hentzau · Post by **hentzau** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 1:39 pm

Probably. Sucks.

Exodor · Post by **Exodor** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 6:53 pm

hentzau wrote:Rush was a bust in St. Louis as well.

I got in on the pre-sale for the Portland show. Floor and 100-level stuff was gone instantly but I got some decent 200-level seats.

rshetts2 · Post by **rshetts2** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 7:22 pm

Ticket brokers are being allowed to snap up huge amounts of tickets these days. I miss the days where you could get seats in the first 5 rows by getting to the box office early enough. Now your only shot is to pay a ridiculous premium or get raped by a broker.

LordMortis · Post by **LordMortis** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 8:40 pm

rshetts2 wrote:Ticket brokers are being allowed to snap up huge amounts of tickets these days. I miss the days where you could get seats in the first 5 rows by getting to the box office early enough. Now your only shot is to pay a ridiculous premium or get raped by a broker.

Usually the best thing is to follow a band and get in on presales, where your purchase is limited and you have to have ID and purchasing credit card to pick up the tickets at the box office on day of the show. Even then you don't get prime seats but you get fair to middlin seats in the "fan" section at face value. They do presales for just about everything.

Brokers can't do the presales events because they are tied to the purchasing credit card.

Not sure if that would have worked for Faith No More, though as they are playing smaller venues, so they still might have sold out in pre sales ultra quick. However, if you were trying to buy tickets after the 28th (probably at not too long after 10:00 local time), you'd already lost the game.

Xmann · Post by **Xmann** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 8:43 pm

Ya, the best tickets and sales are where you have to present credit card.

hentzau · Post by **hentzau** » Fri Feb 06, 2015 9:29 pm

I've been settling into a funk about not getting to see Rush. And it's more than just the show, it was the idea of spending a couple of days with some guys that I had some great times with back in college. Some of which I haven't seen in like 25 years.

Bah.

Exodor · Post by **Exodor** » Mon Feb 09, 2015 8:30 pm

I've already got tickets to a bunch of upcoming shows but...

Add one more to the list. Not missing this!

Skinypupy · Post by **Skinypupy** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 12:24 am

At The Gates is playing here in April, which I could take or leave. However, both Vallenfyre and Pallbearer are opening for them, which would be all sorts of awesome. Still not sure I'll go though, as they'd each only get about 20 minutes.

Wish I could just go see the two openers play full sets, as both band's 2014 releases were in my personal top 5 AOTY. I missed the last Pallbearer show because it was the same night as Skinny Puppy/FLA.

tgb · Post by **tgb** » Tue Feb 10, 2015 6:37 am

We're hoping to make the trek to Silver City, NM for the annual free blues festival over Memorial Day weekend, especially since Taj Mahal is headlining and it's only a 3 hour drive. Problem right now is so is everyone else, and I'm having a hard time finding a vacancy in a decent motel that isn't a)too expensive or b)requiring a minimum of 2 or 3 nights.