Concert Week: Def Leppard and Billy Idol Live

Last night I saw Def Leppard and Billy Idol at the Nutter Center here in Dayton, Ohio. I must be upfront: I was much more excited about seeing Billy Idol and his band than Def Leppard. After all, I’ve seen the Leps quite a few times so I knew what to expect.

I was issued a photo pass for the show and I was very excited about this because I wanted some good shots of Steve Stevens. Sadly, the venue lost the pass – and apparently the credentials for a lot of other people too. This meant I had to leave my professional camera in the car. So, I had my smaller back-up digital camera ready to go…but security was turning everyone at the door away with such devices. *Tangent time.* Since when did it become wrong to take a little camera into a concert to snap a few shots of a favorite artist? I get why the average person can’t tote in professional equipment – but come on. A small digital camera is not going to produce magazine-quality prints. I just don’t get it and I’m sick of venues and bands cracking down on the no camera policy. This situation put a bit of a damper on the beginning of my evening. *Tangent over.*

When I finally found my seats, Billy Idol and band were already on stage. It took me all of two seconds to zero-in on Mr. Steve Stevens. That man is amazing. In fact, Billy’s entire band is pretty phenomenal and he sounded great last night, too – but Steve stole the show. His solos were awesome…and he played intricate parts behind his head…while smoking a cigarette! Billy Idol performed “Rebel Yell,” “White Wedding,” “John Wayne,” “Dancin’ With Myself,” “Eyes Without a Face,” “LA Woman” and more. During LA Woman, Billy changed the words to Dayton woman. I’m sure the band did this in every city. I had fairly decent seats considering stage view, but I wasn’t on the floor and Billy was giving lots of things away. He threw out some autographed items and the band was good about throwing picks and drum sticks. In general, it seemed like Billy Idol and Co. were having a great time. Last night was the band's final appearance on the Def Leppard North American tour.

The crowd was very sparse during Billy Idol but I figured things would pick up before Def Leppard -- boy was I wrong. I’ve never seen the Nutter Center so empty. In fact, I’m not even sure why the venue didn’t just reseat people and bring the crowd in closer. Huge patches of empty seats everywhere was just plain sad. Also, the crowd was dead. There was no energy or excitement. This mood continued through the entire gig.

When it was time for Def Leppard, a giant screen projected images of old albums and the DL band members through the years. Then, the words “That was then…this is now” popped up and suddenly we were in the Sparkle Lounge. Def Leppard performed:

Rocket
Animal
C'mon C'mon
Foolin'
Nine Lives
Love Bites
Rock On
2 Steps Behind
Bringin’ On The Heartbreak
Switch 625
Hysteria
Armageddon It
Photograph
Pour Some Sugar On Me
Rock Of Ages
Bad Actress
Let's Get Rocked

I have to admit the addition of “Bad Actress” to the set surprised me. I figured Def Lep would only add two new songs to their set list. I saw Def Leppard last summer at Riverbend and I thought the band sounded pretty good. Last night, it seemed like Joe Elliott was struggling. He waned between good and bad moments. Again, there was no energy in the venue, so perhaps that was part of the problem. Even the music felt a little sluggish.

Def Leppard is one of the few bands that features a bass solo at every show. Since I play bass and Rick Savage is my favorite band member, this is always a highlight for me. I did notice Sav is wearing his hair a bit curly again. The past few tours, he’s straightened it out like a high school prom queen. I think he looks better with a wavy mop. Anyway, I always enjoy his solo and the extended intro to “Rock On.” This was my favorite part of the show.

Shouldn’t “Let’s Get Rocked” be the first song of the set – and not the last? I’ve always thought this was an odd way for Def Leppard to end their shows. They are lucky to be in the rare position of having so many hits. They have the pick of the litter! I suppose if I was driving the car, I would put something like “Photograph” at the end of the show. I am thankful that “Animal” was early. After all, it is my favorite.

Phil Collen was good to be sure. I think if Joe’s voice keeps failing, Phil should take over more of the lead duties. Perhaps even sing in tandem with Joe. I would rather hear this than canned backing vocals – and yes, Def Leppard were using canned vocals last night.

So, the verdict on concert week? Crue Fest wins by a mile, followed by Def Leppard (only because Billy Idol was on the tour) and then Poison.

The next live review? Around the clock coverage from Rock the Bayou in Houston, Texas starts in exactly one week. Be ready.

Too Drunk...

No, I'm not too drunk to review the Def Leppard/Billy Idol concert I just attended - just too tired. I have a very early meeting but hopefully I can get my review up by mid-morning, so please check back several times throughout the day. In the meantime, watch the new Buckcherry video for "Too Drunk..." I'm still pumped from their performance at Crue Fest. What a show. By the way, Buckcherry's new album Black Butterfly is due out September 16.

Concert Week: Crue Fest Live

After reading all the negative reviews for Crue Fest, I have to admit I was a little nervous before Tuesday's show at Riverbend Music Center near Cincinnati. I cannot attest to the other reviews, but I know from experience that every performance Tuesday night was excellent. 

In case you're new here (or you've been living under a rock) Crue Fest 2008 features Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX: AM and Trapt.  Now I will be the first to admit that I am not a  Trapt fan but  the band did their best to come out and give a high energy show. Running just five minutes behind schedule, Trapt played for less than 40 minutes. Trapt played  a track off their new album  Only Through the Pain. It was decent and I actually did receive that disc two weeks ago. Perhaps I should give it a shot? The crowd wasn't very big by this point, but people were starting to file-in nicely by the end of the set and yes, "Headstrong" got a nice reception.

As you can imagine, the crowd was getting dense for SIXX: AM. After all, Crue Fest is just about the only opportunity to see the band perform live. Nikki Sixx stayed off to the side and didn't steal much of the lime light. The 45 minute set was basically about singer James Michael and guitarist DJ Ashba. I was *very* excited about seeing SIXX: AM and I still stand by my statement that the Heroin Diaries soundtrack is perhaps one of the best rock albums of this decade. The band played "Tomorrow," "Accidents Can Happen," "Life is Beautiful" and "Pray for Me." I also got a lovely shower from DJ Ashba. He took a big swig of something and the spewed it all over the front two rows. Ah, Glam.

Biggest surprise of the night? Papa Roach. I need to give this band another chance. Ok, so I know a lot of their songs but I wasn't expecting such a good performance. Despite the fact that Jacoby Shaddix's eyes look like they were bugging out, I was pretty much mesmerized. Talk about putting 100% into a performance. As with nearly every other stop on the Crue Fest tour, Jacoby sang a song in the crowd. I had more fun watching Jerry Horton play his guitar (ladies: meow). For whatever reason, it seemed like Papa Roach got a longer time slot than Buckcherry. I can't say enough good things about Papa Roach - I loved the entire performance!  The band played a decent mix of songs from across their albums.

Obviously there were a ton of Motley Crue shirts in the crowd - but Buckcherry sure gave them a run for their money. By the time Buckcherry took the stage around 8 p.m., the amphitheater was packed. I think Papa Roach put on a better show, but Buckcherry were still very good. I can't get over how Josh Todd just sort of floats across the stage, kicking his legs to the side like a cartoon character. He's really very wiry, isn't he? While taking a photo of the floating Josh, a guitar pick hit my shoulder - and I handed it to Heather. Buckcherry are, after all, her band and she screamed along all the lyrics. Hearing "Too Drunk..." was fun to be sure. As a note, I don't recall ever hearing Riverbend more loud than when Buckcherry started the beginning of "Crazy Bitch." Insanity.

So, now it was time for me and Motley Crue. Being second row, center meant that I was thisclose to Nikki Sixx. There's no point in me posting the set list here because you already know the band played "Saints of Los Angeles" and "Motherfucker of the Year" from the new album and then all the Motley hits. Being so close to Vince Neil, it was easy to judge his mood: he was jolly. Jolly usually equals a good show and for the most part, Vince really did try to sing the words. He sang more lyrics than I expected and I swear he can still sing when he tries. As expected, Mick Mars was the highlight. So sick and quiet, just playing his guitar solos and owning the stage. I suppose that really says something when such a diminutive man with talent can outshine  glitz and bravado. I really wanted a guitar pick but it wasn't meant to be I guess. I was too far from Mick's side and he only ventured center two or three times.

I didn't understand why - of all bands - Motley Crue would choose to end their show with a ballad. "Home Sweet Home" as an encore actually worked and made a lot of sense. It really was quite touching, with the band ditching the pyro and coming together in one small spot on the stage to have a nice moment with fans. This song choice actually made the show feel more intimate - even though there were about 15,000 people behind me. I wish I had more time (and money) to see the show again. Truly excellent.

**Concert week continues tonight. I'll be seeing Def Leppard and Billy Idol right here in Dayton.

Update on Thursday, August 21, 2008 at 11:12AM by Allyson B. Crawford

**Allyson here. I just noticed the top picture looks terrible on my work monitor - but is awesome at home. I'm hoping you can see the devil image clearly. It really is a bad ass shot and excellent way for the Crue to open their show.

I Wish My Camera Phone...

I wish my camera phone came with a flash. That is all.

My Review of Crue Fest is Coming...

I  am just home from Crue Fest and it is late. I have a lot  to say, so check back later today for my review and an extensive photo gallery.

Erotics Working on New Disc

If you like dirty Glam -- and I know you do!

"For the last decade The Erotics have delivered raw rock-n-roll with unabashed reality, infectious hooks and a sly knack for sarcasm. From the punk rock beginnings of their debut release 'Born To Destroy' through the decadent and delinquent bluesy releases '21st Century S.O.B.' and 'All That Glitters Is Dead' and on to the diseased and depraved 'Rock N Roll Killing Machine' and last years highly acclaimed '30 Second Over You...'  the band have returned with a new collection of rock anthems with their new CD simply titled Rubbish. 

As one of the best kept (not-so) secrets in rock, The Erotics are riding the wave of the new rock-n-roll resurgence and are leading the charge, poised to expose themselves and sleazy, kick-ass rock-n-roll to the entire world."

 

01 - Dead Last In The Rat Race
02 - Terrorize You
03 - Push Comes To Death
04 - Get Away From Me (Mother F*cker)
05 - Nobody Wants You Around
06 - Born To Let You Down
07 - Frustrated
08 - Walk All Over You 

 

www.eroticrocknroll.com

www.myspace.com/theerotics

I am really looking forward to this CD. You can hear quite a few songs on the band's official Myspace. I think the Erotics are a twist between Faster Pussycat and Bang Tango. So Glam.

**Tonight I see Crue Fest in Cincinnati. Comprehensive coverage including photos tomorrow on Bring Back Glam!

Outside Writers are Wrecking Glam

Ladies, you'll probably remember your mothers saying "you can't change a man." Talk about the truth. It's hard to change a person. We are individual creatures of our own design with a specific world view, unique to only ourselves. Still, groups of people - such as sports teams or musicians - often share the same attitudes and behaviors. We've seen this with many a rock band...one member becomes a drug addict... and then suddenly everyone is off the wagon. Then, one person gets clean...and everyone is in rehab. While changing a person isn't good, altering a behavior or habit is something totally different. I believe you can always improve yourself...and that surely applies to the musicians we love.

A lot of Glam musicians have some very bad habits. I don't care about the personal habits -- I do, however,  care about the ones that interfere with music making. Today we'll talk about my cherished Aerosmith. Yes Aerosmith were drug addicts but they got clean and good for them. That is none of my business. My complaint? I wish Aerosmith would stop using outside writers every time the band needs a new tune.
A lot of bands use outside writers these days - and it doesn't really seem to matter the level of fame, although older bands seem to use more help. Some of this could be complacency, or apathy, or lack of creativity. I've often wondered if bands - the rare ones that enjoy prolific careers like Aerosmith - are actually plagued by their success. Think about it: a band is young and hungry - both literally and creatively. It's either write a good song and get a record deal...or starve. Play or die basically. Very few will make it - and even less will make it big. So, these are rare bands. The chosen few humans pulled together by rare instances to create harmony out of a very dissonant world. When you are young and hungry, you do what you gotta do. You scratch your way out of a bad situation. Desperate times often mean for great writing. When you're middle aged and filthy rich...there isn't much scratching left. Perhaps this is why bands like Aerosmith use the outside writers.

Here's the irony: those outside writers are often very famous and also exceptionally wealthy. They don't know how to scratch either! Also, how can they tell a band's unique story...when not an official member?! Without the history and chemistry, the end result if often obviously forced. Very rarely does this equal a good album.

Perhaps I'm prejudiced: I have no issue with pop artists using songs written by others. That form of music seems destined for writing help. When it comes to rock, Glam or Metal...I think it must be band members or bust. Agree?