Incubus & Duke Spirit 7/26/09

Another night at Pine Knob full of drinks and music. After another rainy day and a night that looked threatening, the rock gods smiled on Pine Knob again. A crisp, clear night for those on the hill to enjoy.

First up was a band we've never heard of, "Duke Spirit". Fronted by a sassy, barefoot blonde, the band was tight and played theirs hearts out. The sound is kinda unique, but seems to my ear to be a blend of Blondie, The Committments, and Garbage. The band played a 40 minute set of songs no one has heard, but the crowd was responsive to them and seemed to enjoy the energy. We are here to see Incubus, so it would take a strong warm up band to steal their thunder. While they were not an awesome band by any stretch, they were entertaining and the 40 minutes went by fast.

By the time Incubus went onstage at 8:50, Pine Knob was packed to overflowing. It was a very young crowd, averaging perhaps 22-23 years old. The Dogg and BLT felt as if we were the oldest people in the venue. No matter, we can rock it out with the pups any day, any time!

Incubus played a long, loud and tight set. The stage was a stripper! Virtually no effects, limited lighting, and for the most part, a blank backdrop. True rock greatness, stripped of the visual trappings makes us focus on the music and crowd. Both of which were superb. From the first note until the final encore, everyone was on their feet, jammin to the sounds of one of the best touring bands around. Every song we wanted was played to perfection and even the most jaded fan can't complain about a 2 1/2 hour set with no breaks. This band has taken the top "hard rock" concert of the year from NIN/Janes Addiction. This was simply an awesome show. If you missed it, make sure to put Incubus on your must see list.

Weather B
Crowd A+
Staging C
Lights C
Sound A
Atmosphere A
Bands B-

Overall, a thoroughly entertaining night and a great performance by Incubus.

The Fray & Jacks Mannequin Pine Knob

Let me start out by proclaiming "I hate The Fray"!!!! If it wasn't for the lovely BLT wanting to go (she has both CD's in regular rotation in her car) I'd have stayed home and rearranged my sock drawer. Never heard of Jacks Mannequin either. When you know the show will suck before they even start, what do you do but drink! At least the weather is nice. About 80 degrees and sunny, not too shabby.

After numerous Jack and Cokes and more than a few Jaegger Bombs, the show starts with an excellent opening set by Jacks Mannequin. This band has a lot of Coldplay, a little Incubus, and a little Sublime in their sound. The piano player/lead singer rocks it out in a similar manner to Chris Martin of Coldplay. The set lasts an 1 and 20 minutes. They made a fan today.

When the Fray came on, they lived up to my expectations. They sucked big time. Every song sounds the same and after 4-5 songs, I wanted to end it all! Then the one and only highlight, "How to Save a Life" was played flawlessly, with the crowd sing along at full tilt. After that more boredom. So bad I started counting tiles in the ceiling, then the number of pot lights. Crowd was so "yuppy" that I almost bought stock in "Enron".

If this was the only concert you see live this year, you'd be better off staying home and watching re-runs of Leave it to Beaver!

Weather B
Crowd C
Staging C
Lights C
Atmosphere C
Band selection A for da Mannequin and E for Fray

Coldplay Pine Knob

The Dogg must confess that he is not much of a Coldplay fan. I've always seen them as a "chick" band and one whose songs all sound pretty much the same. Since they were included in our season ticket package, I went with no expectations whatsoever. It was a nice late spring night and the VIP was in full swing an hour before showtime. After holding court in the Starlight, the Townespeople headed to our seats. As we were seated, we noticed a small 8x 8 platform at the end of our row. Looked like a stand for a spotlight. Once seated, we noticed 2 other platforms. One was at the far right of the Pavilion and the other in the middle of the hill. At once the Dogg knew the band would be leaving the stage at least three times.

They lead off with a huge curtain back lit in a soft yellow with an ever increasing crescendo of sound emanating from behind the curtain. Then back lit silhouettes about 20 feet tall assumed their positions and instruments. Then huge yellow balloons approx 4' in diameter started falling from the rafters and from behind the hill. One really cool trick was the band was superimposed upon the balloons with lasers and the faces were animated. As soon as you went to catch the balloon, the light went off and the band whipped into "Yellow". The Dogg was yelping and barking like a wolf in heat. These guys know how to jam!

The set was in full speed: Clocks, the Scientist, LaVida Loca, and numerous more instantly recognizable songs. Fantastic lighting, lasers, smoke, and insane piano playing by Chris Martin. I am sold! This band is bl;owing me away. Just when I think it can get no better, the band takes position 8 seats from us and plays 2 acoustic songs. Their is a young lad, Brian, age 16 that is at his first show and what a show to see first. The Dogg quickly takes him under wing and tells him to follow me when I get up. The band returns to the stage for a couple of songs, then its off to the far right platform to get up close again. The band plays "I'm a believer" by the Monkee's and we all sing the chorus. After 2 quick songs, The Dogg with the young pup in tow, book it up the hill for another 2 songs up close. Me and the pup rocked it out big time!

Another hour of jams and 2 encores leaves the Dogg & BLT a little spent, but ready for more. All that's left is some dancing in the Starlight so traffic can clear. The crowd is unanimous: we just witnessed a perfect rock show! The Dogg is now a fan for life!

Weather B+
Crowd A+
Staging A++
Lights A
Sound A+
Atmosphere A+

The Dogg and BLT say this was the show of the year and one of the overall top 5 shows we've seen. If you have not seen Coldplay live, then make it a priority. If you are not a fan now, you will be when you leave.

Nine Inch Nails & Janes Addiction 5/31/09

Nine Inch Nails & Janes Addiction

May 31st turned into an excellent late spring night to see the reunited “Janes Addiction” and “NIN” live for our first time. The Dogg & BLT arrived early to take in the sights and sounds of Pine Knob. A near sellout crowd mills around the concourses and souvenir stands eagerly awaiting the performances. The hot topic of the day is “Who is headlining”? As in the current fashion major twin bills, the two primary bands alternate headlining.

After a stroll around the venue, meeting old friends and making new ones, we retreated to the Starlight for a quick bite to eat and a couple of drinks. The VIP is packed and what a grand people watching crowd. An assortment of heavily tattooed men and women, multiple piercing, gothic, punk, and middle of the road rockers all gathered together in perfect harmony. One of the Dogg’s highlights was the skimpy attire on some really hot chicks. Makes the Michigan winter seem like a distant memory.

Onto the show we go. The question is answered, NIN comes on first to a power set of old and new classics. The crowd is on their feet from the front row, all the way to the top of the hill. Fists are pumping and heads are a bobbin. This is what metal bands are all about. The Dogg must admit that he has never been a big fan of NIN, never owned an album or CD, and really knew very little of their catalog. As usual it didn’t matter to us, we came, we saw, we rocked it out! A great set with splendid lighting, strong sound, and proper mixing. My personal highlight was when my lovely wife, BLT, nodded to a babe in front of us in the pavilion. She was nude from the waist up, with her chest airbrushed to look like a tuxedo jacket. We don’t see this everyday at the Knob. This rated a strong 7.5 on the impromptu boner scale!

At approx 9:20 Janes Addiction hits the stage in an explosion of sound and fury. The Dogg likes this very much! Dave Navarro & Perry Ferrell are in tune to each other and the interplay between the 2 is quite palatable. With spot on vocals and blistering guitar riffs the two jammed like it was Lollapalooza all over again. Throw in an excellent rhythm section, great lighting and stage effects, brilliant musicianship and a crowd thirsting for all things loud, it was a night to remember. The Dogg believes this will be the standard by which all Knob shows are judged this year. It’s early in the season, but what the hell.

Weather A-
Crowd A-
Staging A-
Lighting A
Sound A
Bands A
Atmosphere A+

Styx, REO Speedwagon and .38 Special

We decided to go to this show a the last minute. Were able to secure good seats off Craigslist at the reasonable price of $40.00 each, with VIP! We spent an hour in the sun at the Starlight with our season ticket seatmates, Justin and Marsha. Met many Styx and REO fans that were eagerly awaiting the show. Most seemed to dismiss .38 Special out of hand, kinda a throw in.

Between the 3 bands, over 135,000,000 albums sold, 6 Grammy's, 6 American Music Awards, 2 Super Bowl performances, and over 30 Gold albums! What a bill, but who will be the headliner....

.38 Special comes on at 6:45 and plays to a 1/2 full house. Much to this Dogg's surprise, the entire pavillion stands and rocks out for the entire set. You don't see this with the third act very often. The band is very tight and polished. The shared lighting effective, even in the full sun. The set flew by in a fast paced 45 minutes. We were surprised at the number of songs we instantly recognized from FM radio. I perfect start to a long night!

To our dismay, Styx came on next and absolutely played the best set I've seen them play in the past 10 years! The interplay between Tommy Shaw and JY- James Young was perfect. Add in the superb backing players, including Jonny P. on bass for 1/2 the show. With the huge catalog of songs to choose from, Styx never disappoints us. Tonight all the classics, Crystal Ball, Suite Madame Blue, Lorilie, Come Sail Away, etc., were equally complimented by the covers off "The Big Bang Theory" and the latest album. By this time the hill was overflowing and the pavillion 90% full. We had a rocking time and sang along passionately all set long. After nearly 90 minutes, its onto REO. A+ for Styx

In typical REO fashion, they feel compelled to play the ballad style hits from the late 80's and early 90's at a 2-1 ratio of their harder rocking anthems. This show was no different. When they played Keep Pushin, 467 Riverside Ave, and Roll with the Changes, the scene was electric. Just when it seemed they'd have the crowd in their hand, Kevin Cronin would get all sappy again. Nothing against their ballads, but how about a show where you play 100% uptempo, rock songs. This man would love to hear it. Some of the epic shows at Pine Knob were REO 1985 and 1987. This show I give a B to.

Weather B+
Crowd A
Atmosphere A
Bands A+
Staging B
Lights B

Overall an excellent show. The Dogg and BLT give it an A!

Yes and Asia

After the weekend of Kid Rock, it's time to settle down into some mellow 80's rock. Well.... the Dogg may not be ready to be mellow yet! On 7/20/09, the Townespeople and friends Paul & Jane were witness to an 80's show that may or my not be what the crowd wanted. First came the "semi YES" band Asia. Asia was formed upon the ashes of the original YES and to this Dogg's opinion, is a sick orphan. This may have been the lamest warm up band in history! Throughout the first act, all that set the band apart was a lone woman in the pavillion that rocked out, totally out of beat, acting as if she had been tased by a 50,000 watt taser! When this is the highlight of a show, you know you went to the wrong concert. Musical highlight was an excellent drum solo. Even their hits, got little response. Good band with shitty songs. Not this Dogg's cup of tea.

At least we have YES to look forward to. Oh no, they lost their lead singer and replaced him with a man that is a clone. Whoever this guy is, he is Jon Andersen reincarnate. The band is tight , the singer rocks, but it is not near enough. Me and Brenda walked out during the last 10 minutes of the show. Not a bad show, but it was not as advertised. A crowd of approx. 6,000 was well behaived, well dressed, and stayed in their seats until Roundabout and Starship Troopers. Then they finally stood up and rocked. Just an average concert.

Crowd C-
Atmosphere C
Staging C
Band line up C-
Sound A
Lighting B-
Staging C

This concert was a snoozer. Better off staying home watching re-runs of Leave it to Beaver!

How can Cleveland have the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame?

Something has had the Dogg upset for years. Its been chewing on me like a pitbull on a hot dog. How in the hell did Detroit mange to lose the Hall of Fame to Cleveland? Since this has been bothering me for over 10 years, I thought, why not have the Dogg bark out a rant?

Let's examine the merits of the Cleveland contribution to Rock & Roll. Let me see, there was a pretty good band back in the 60's called the "James Gang". OK, but who else. I came up with the Michael Stanley Band, and a couple of other basic one hit wonders. Compared to Detroit: Ted Nugent, Amboy Dukes, Rare Earth, Bob Seger, Four Tops, Temptations, Stevie Wonder, all of Motown, The Frost, Kid Rock, Eminenem, The Rockets, Grand Funk (though technically from Flint), and on and on. Bands like Kiss, Aerosmith, and J. Geils adopted us big time. There is no comparison!

Then lets examine concert venues: The Grande Ballroom, Eastown, Cinderella Ballroom, Ford Theater, Cobo Hall, Joe Louis, Fox Theater, The Filmore, Majestic, St. Andrews Hall, Clutch Cargos, Pine Knob, Meadowbrook, Freedom Hill, Phoenix Center Amphitheater, Magic Bag, Crofoot Ballroom, Crisler Arena, Masonic Temple, Silverdome, Ford Field, Comerica Park, Tiger Stadium, The Blind Pig, Harpos, and on and on.

Cleveland..... well they have Munincipal Stadium, Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland State Auditorium, The Blue Note, and?????? Well, at least you have "The Flats"! Oh I forgot, they are mostly closed now. Oh well, you can always light your river on fire again for kicks.

There is no artist, big or small that would ever consider bypassing Detroit on a tour. Cleveland, well... if you pay us a bit extra, we might spin by for a set or two.

The Dogg calls it like he see's it. The politicians in Detroit at the time put forth no real effort to land this project. Had a man with foresight like Roger Penske been around then, we'd have won it for sure. I propose that the metro area embraces a Riverfront competitor to Cleveland's Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. We could call it "Rock -n-Roll & Rythem & Blues Hall of Fame". We do not need a shiny new upside down pyramid type building. Since Detroit is the home of Rock and Roll and Rhythm & Blues, we know the origins of this music was in small gritty garages, dingy basements, clubs, and industrial style halls. I propose we convert the Ford Auditorium in the new Hall of Fame. At least study the feasibility of it. It is my belief that Detroit area musicians would be happy to endow part of the costs. Hell, add $.50 to all concert ticket sales and this would generate approx $4,000,000.00 per year.

Tell me what you think! The Dogg wants to hear some barking on this subject.

7/17/09 Kid Rock Extravaganza

For those of us that live for the "live music" experience, there are many ways to satisfy our fix. The small intimate setting of the Fillmore or Majestic allows for an up-close, personal experience, that can be aurally pleasing, yet visually less stimulating as a rule. A larger venue (and this writers personal favorite, Pine Knob) offers a near perfect blend of outdoor atmosphere, large staging and lighting systems, and a roof and partial walls to help refine the sound potential of the acts. Then there is the grandaddy of all concerts, either stadium or festival style shows. What we lose in sitelines, sound, and intimacy, is more than made up in overall atmosphere and staging. This is where all of us came together in this "Year of no Summer" of 2009 to celebrate the Ambassador of Detroit, Kid Rocks triumphant return on Friday.

When my wife Brenda, my daughter Jamie and her husband Scott (home after 4 years in the Marines) arrived around 4:00 PM, downtown was alive like it can be only for huge events. All hotels are sold out, lines everywhere, people milling around with giant smiles, and a feeling of anticipation hanging heavy in the air. After a quick check in at the Marriot Ren-Cen, we are off to Foxtown to party and meet people. At 4:45 the streets around Comerica Park are jammed with fans. Motocross riders are performing aerial jumps and flips in one lot, while local bands are jamming on portable stages in another lot. Cheli's is bursting at the seams with people, both inside and on the roof, as well in a huge tent and parking lot! There is no party like a Detroit party, says the Dogg! Despite a few brief and small passing showers, our tired local economy, and and the requisite bitching about the Lions (we were only 2 blocks from Ford Field, so we felt compelled to bitch), everyone we met were enthusiastic, well behaved, and pretty damn drunk already. By 6:15 it was into the show.....

At approx 6:30, a little known but truly amazing jam band, Robert Randolph & the Family Band took the stage to a crowd of less than 10,000. Playing their own unique sound of rock, funk, blues, and metal, RRFB played an excellent starting set. Despite some passing showers, the crowd grooved along during the 45 minute set. Some of the highlights were a truly rousing and intense version of the Doobies "Jesus is Just Allright" and Hendrix "Voodoo Chile". All during the set, the concourses were overflowing with fans eager to try Kid Rocks signature beer "American Bad Ass Brew" and his line of Jim Beam Bourbon. The beer is awful! To me it tastes like "skunked" Old Milwaukee!!! The Bourbon was great. After sampling many of each, as well as numerous Jaegger Bombs, it was time for Lynrd Skynrd.

Skynrd played to a packed house and opened with their newest song "Skynrd Nation". In typical Skynrd fashion, the song featured the boogie-rock that is the stamp of Lynrd Skynrd. Despite the numerous deaths that has haunted the band for over 2 decades (2 more in the last year), Skynrd, much like our beloved "Red Wings", retool with new band mates that fit cohesively together. The nearly hour and a half set featured all the Skynrd classics + another new song "Still Unbroken" which was another really good new jam. Of no surprise to anyone, Free Bird was the encore. As usual, the screens were filled with tributes to the bands fallen comrades. Grown men in motorcycle attire were seen tearing up as they sang with all their hearts. In my estimation, Free Bird is one of the greatest rock anthems of all time and deserves a place in everyones IPOD.

Back to the Brushfire Grill to meet old and new friends alike, while we imbide on the Dogg's everpresent Jaegger Bombs at $9.00 a pop. The "Amazing Scott", Jammin Jamie, and "Beerho Brenda", along with friends Karen & Debbie partied for over an hour waiting for the main event. Due to the massive front curtain being blown down to a sudden gust of wind, the show was delayed an additional 25 minutes.

When Kid Rock and his Brown Trucker Band hit the stage at 10:00, they sure did not disappoint the overflow crowd of 40,000 +++. This stadium setting we have in Detroit offers a spectacle that is a must see for all fans. Between the beautiful stadium, the backdrop of the Detroit skyline, and the number of fiery fans, this makes for an awesome setting for a huge party. We have the best seats in the house, section 140, 8th row, yet feel that we are further away than the top of the hill at Pine Knob! Who the hell cares, we're here to party!

The opening song "Rock -n- Roll Jesus" has pyrotechnics leaping so high in the night sky, they had to obtain FAA approval prior to show time! The band is tight, the sound is strong, and the rain is gone. Rock -n- Roll Jesus must be on Kid's side tonight! With lasers and, vertical sparklers raising hundreds of feet and blasts of flames Detroit hasn't seen since KISS, the crowd is pumped to a fever pitch. Kid Rock worked many other artist's into his set and man did it work. From the Rolling Stones "Tumbling Dice", to Sly and the Family Stones "Everyday People", to Dobie Gray (and former Kid Rock band mate, Uncle Kracker) "Drift Away", Kid had us singing and rockin big time! Throw in in a few minutes of Guns & Roses "Paradise City" & the Georgia Sattelites "Keep Your Hands to Yourself", the band played homage to great rock. In an unusual twist, the Jackson 5 tune "ABC" was played by the band to very mixed reviews. When Michael Jackson's image was flashed on the scree, the boo's nearly outnumbered the cheers!

When the band decided to play their own music, things turned up 5 notches in intensity. Kid Rock whipped the crowd into a frenzy with "Cowboy", "Son of Detroit", "American Bad Ass", "Cocky", and "Summertime". Then the Twisted Brown Truckers would slow it down just a tad, with a song like "Picture", "Roll On", Amen, & "Lowlife". Then only to ramp it up 5 more clicks with "Twice my Age & Half as Hot". Wrap up the set with a bigger than life version of "Bawitaba" and the crowd is blown away and dam near drained. All the while, 4- 80' LCD screens brought the action up-close and personal to all in the stadium. When the band rolled back for the first encore, Kid introduced a new song that echoes the despair we all our feeling in our devastated home. The song "In Times like These" had haunting images from throughout our area that touched all in the crowd. With the chorus being "I heard them say they're shutting Detroit down, but I won't leave because it's my hometown" stirring our passions like only the one & only Ambassador of Detroit can do. Then in a surprise move, Kid Rock closed the show with a stirring rendition of Bruce Springsteins "Born in the USA". The pride of being American was palatable in the air and left us all nearly speechless!

In the Detroit Rock Doggs opinion, Kid Rock puts on the best shows, year in and year out. Between the diversity of his music, his love of all things Detroit, and the talent he surrounds himself with, in this writers opinion, Kid Rock & the Brown Trucker Band belong in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame on the first ballot. We love ya Kid and appreciate all you do for us. The overall spectacle we witnessed on Friday was an EPIC event. What it was not was a fine concert experience. As fun as the show was, the truth is the sound was poor on the field and just fair in the lower level. All seats (except the $250-$800.00 VIP seats upclose) are at a minimum 300' feet away. Come on guys, lets keep it to The Joe, Palace, and Pine Knob. A few more shows here and you equal the paid gate. We the fans are the ones that make you what you are. Please keep us in mind and stop the stadium shows. The Silverdome sucked, Ford Field is better, but still too large, and Comerica, while beautiful, has too many echoes off the surrounding buildings and no close proximity seating.

This is a tough show for the Dogg to grade, but here I go:

Weather D+
Atmosphere A+
Line up of bands A
Sound Quality C
Sightlines D
Staging A
Video A
Overall Performance B+

For Comparison- standard bearer performance

Joe Louis Super Bowl Pre- Party A++++

Judas Priest, Whitesnake and Pop Evil 7/15/09

Predictions of a gloomy & rainy night could not keep 9,500 diehard rock fans from Pine Knob on Wednesday night. The rock gods shined down and provided a perfect backdrop of clear skies and 80 degrees for this triple bill.

At an earlier than expected time of 6:40, Michigan's own "Pop Evil" took the stage to an enthusiastic, but small crowd of about 2,000. The crowd was appreciative of the sound and fury of their stage presentation. This writer heard more than one person state "how can't they be a headliner"! Between the perfectly pitched wailings of vocalist Leigh Kakaty and the stage presence of Bassist Matt DiRita, those who had not seen or heard of Pop Evil became instant fans. During the last song, "Hero", Leigh strolled all the way to the top of the hill while singing his heart out for those in the cheap seats. From my vantage point, 40 minutes was not long enough!

During intermission, Matt DiRita, Jim Letellier, and I strolled the concourse (with Matt welcoming his fans all the way) and into the VIP Starlight Lounge. In an impromptu decision (and after many Jaegger Bombs) Matt took photos and talked to fans for over 45 minutes. A true class performer and a dying breed. Talented and humble! Keep it up Matt and you'll forever be remembered for it.

With the arrival of Whitesnake onstage, Pine Knob was rocking in all its glory. David Coverdale led a triumphant return to the Knob with a fast paced set of classics, with a couple of new songs thrown in to boot. For those of us that survived the 80's, with our brain cells relatively intact, this set was a mental flashback to the time of true excess. Whitesnake pulled it all off in near perfect manner. The possible exception being an overly long and rather boring guitar solo. In the end, the crowd got what they expected and maybe more!

When Judas Priest rolled onstage at 9:40, the crowd was in a near frenzy pitch. Great weather, 2 great opening acts and plentiful beer had us all rollicking together. This is the 30 anniversary of British Steel and Priest did not disappoint the crowd. They played virtually the entire album. Between Rob Halford's strong vocals and the splendid band play, every song was near record quality. Add in a visual feast of an everchanging backdrop, lasers, and over 600 pot lights, and you had a sonic and visual orgasm!

Like all good things, it has to come to an end. This is one tired Dogg, despite the plentiful Jaegger Bombs. This triple bill will go down as one of the finer shows to hit town this season. Now it's onto Comerica Park for the Kid Rock, Lynrd Skynrd, and Robert Randolf & the Family Band. The Detroit Rock Dogg say's music heals the soul and feeds the body energy. Make love, not war! Peace Out....

Ratings:

Band line up A
Staging B+
Video B+
Weather A
Atmosphere B
Crowd Size C

Comparison metal standard 2009

Janes Addiction & Nine Inch Nails B
The Detroit Rock Dogg, Aka The Townesman