As 2010 comes to a close, it is time to reflect on all things, good and bad that would define the year of 2010. The Dogg and Lovely BLT have many things to be thankful for. We have our health, good careers, loving family and friends, awesome pets, and "Living in the epicenter of Rock & Roll". There is no performer worth their salt that would consider bypassing the Detroit area. This year, we were again blessed with many spectaculer events.
This year Brenda and her Dogg actually cut down a lot on the number of shows we attended. Our best count is 44-45 shows thyat we've seen live this year. Below are what I feel were the shows of the year:
1. ROGER WATERS- THE WALL 10/24/10: We have been huge fans of Pink Floyd and in particular The Wall since its release. With the impossible reunion of Pink Floyd due to political in-fighting, deaths, and lack of desire, we never thought we’d have a chance to see the Wall played in its full majesty. This was one show to cross off my bucket list. Spectacular in all facets: sound, lighting, performance, integrity to original, staging, and atmosphere. Certainly not the most fun show of the season, just the most fulfilling.
2. J. GIELS BAND & THE ROCKETS 8/21/10: When we saw the J. Giels reunion show at the Fillmore back in October, we all were in agreement that the sound and feel was spot on their heyday. When the show at Pine Knob was announced, with the added bonus of The Rockets on the bill, we knew we would have the entire gang together for the show. This show surpassed all expectations by our entire posse. As ususual their were no special effects, explosions, lasers, or anything that would take away from the high powered and non-stop energy of this concert. Near perfect in nearly every way. In my opinion it was the most fun of the year!
3. SANTANA & STEVE WINWOOD 7/10/10: 3 time Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, Stevie Winwood was the perfect opening act for a highly polished and professional Carlos Santana Band. Winwood by himself could have sold out Pine Knob and kept the fans jammin for 3 hours. The songs from the Spencer Davis Group and Traffic eras were played flawlessly and showcasing Stevie’s virtuosity. His solo works were the icing on the cake. When Santana hit the stage, I told all around us that in my opinion, we had just witnessed rock and roll royalty. Santana had his work cut out for him. Well…… Sanatana came, rocked the house some, then rocked us somemore! All I can say is; “Carlos you are a GOD”! What a show!
4. KID ROCK 8/14/10: Our absolute love of all things Kid Rock makes any show he does a guaranteed top 2 in my book. How the hell did this show end up at number 4 you ask? Weak warm up acts and the expectation of a Detroit style party! All ingredients were there to make the top two. Great weather, great crowd, great sound, effects, and nothing but fun. In short, nothing but great things to say about our man Bob Ritchie. This year however, the three listed above did just that bit more. Awesome show and a can’t miss.
5. GREEN DAY: We’ve never seen Green Day but have been long time fans. Fate always conspired to keep us away, but this year we bought early and had great seats. This show was so good it easily could have taken the top spot. The reason for the #5 slot is simple; Billy Joe, tone down your filthy and at times stupid banter. When you pulled the 3-year-old kid on stage and asked him if he was a virgin and dropped at least 8 F bombs on him was too much! Memo to all performers today: YOU CAN BE FUNNY AND MAKE YOUR POINT WITHOUT GRATUITOUS USE OF THE WORK FUCK!!! Not that we are prudes, you all know we are not. Just tone it down boys. Other than that, this show had it all! Great songs, great pace, great energy, strong sound, lighting, staging. Once again, we LOVED this show!
6. GOGOL BORDELLO & DEVOTCHKA 4/24/10: This was the surprize show of the year for me! My Dogg junior, Lindsay insisted I see this show. As a rule, Romanian/Russian Gypsy Punk rock is not on my radar. Personally, this was almost too much fun! The ppeople watching, the energy was just incredible! I’d see this show again in a heartbeat. Thanks to Lindsay and Brent for taking me to this spectacle. Well done.
7. AEROSMITH & SAMMY HAGAR 8/31/10: How can a double billing of two of our favorite bands of all time slip to number seven on this list? It is simple; Sammy got too little love from the crowd and Aerosmith was pretty much the same as always. Factor in the strong shows and circumstances listed above and you can see why they were placed at #7. Sammy and his band played great. They kept my party up and rocking from the first note. Too bad the rest of the crowd sat on their asses, unheard of at a Sammy party! Aerosmith played fantastic and Tyler was in near perfect form. A great show and a ton of fun for all that attended.
8. GOO GOO DOLLS & SWITHCHFOOT 7/18/10: We have always felt the Goo Goo’s were an under appreciated band in Detroit. All of their albums go instant platinum, shows are well attended and received, and they always schedule a strong warm up act. As usual, all of this applied to this show. Switchfoot kicked some serious ass and the crowd was very receptive. Goo Goo Dolls then exceeded expectations by playing a hit heavy 18 song set. The 3-4 new songs played were typically rocking odes to youth and partying. We partyied long and strong, left hoarse and happy. What more can a Dogg ask for?
9. THE MUSIC OF QUEEN 6/13/10: As long time supporters of “The Music of Led Zeppelin” tour for the past 6 years, we were looking forward to the Music of Queen with full Sympony Orchestra performance. The one thing that held us back was who the hell could play Freddies part? Suffice to say, the Las Vegas lounge singer “Brody” had 95% of Freddies vocals, 85% of his showmanship, and likely 100% of his musical talent. This show was spectacular for the entire 18 song set. A must see for any true fans of Queen!
10. THE ROCKETS 11/27/10: Our local homeboys make a triumphant return to the Filmore, showcasing new lead singer, Jim Edwards, and 4 new songs. Other than a weak couple of opening acts, this show rocked the house. The old Rockets classics were enthusiastically performed and played to 1980’s standard. Jim Edwards gives Dave Gilbert a real run for his money. Throw in 4 Mitch Ryder & the Detroit Wheels classics with the 4 new songs and you get a recipe for a rockin good time.
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