2007 CONCERT REVIEWS 71 SHOWS AND STILL GOING

What a year it has been. Here is what I have seen and what I have thought.1) JAN 15TH 2007 BB Kings: Little Richard.I had not seen Little Richard for quite sometime. I was shocked to see that he walks with two canes to get around now. Once he sits at the piano you would not know it. The show went an hour and 20 mins. Not bad for a man his age. The first hour was great and it should have ended there. As the show went on he got weak. They even brought out oranges for him to suck on and the rest of the set was lacking. Even with this I would go see him again. The first hour was fantastic and there are not many left from his time and those that are around I doubt, and those that I have seen, can not compare to the originator.2) Jan 25th 2007 Nassau Coliseum: Bob Seger, Steve Azara.The return of Bob Seger was worth the wait. It is a shame he turned down a summer tour in 2007. This tour started in 2006 but it took the new year to bring him to the east coast. The Silver Bullet band was tops and Bob’s vocals were right on. Most of the hits were played. If he were to play all the hits it would have been a 3 hour show. Let’s hope Bob comes back soon. Opener Steve Azara was ok but is some what bland.3) Feb 3rd 2007 North Fork Theater: Dave Mason, John Sebastian.This was the first time I was seeing Dave Mason and was blown away. His version of Dear Mr. Fantasy was just incredible. He comes on, plays 75 mins, gives you everything you want to hear and leaves you wanting for more. He and his band are playing very well. John Sebastian was the opener this night and was not very good. While he has a pleasant personality his vocals, at least this night were not very good. To sit thru this while he had no band and accompanying himself on guitar was a little rough.4) Feb 8th 2007 Madison Square Garden: Rod Stewart.I never thought Rod‘s voice was the same after surgery a few years ago. I loved his last album of covers from the 70’s. I t is a shame when Rod is quoted as saying things like why write a new record when McCartney, Dylan and others his age write and no one buys, yet you do covers and sells. People forget that Rod wrote those great songs he sings and he does not get the respect he deserves. This night was a great night. No more old standards from his songbook albums. We got to hear songs that he has not done in years. His voice better than it has been for a long time. While we may never get the perfect Rod show again, this was as close as you are going to get. Hope he comes back soon.5) Feb 15th 2007 North Fork Theater: Jefferson Starship, Marty Balin, Quicksilver Messenger Service.Bad snow storm and Jefferson Starship did not get to the gig until very late in the day from the gig the night before. Marty Balin does not do every show with the Starship and was not with them the night before. He flew in to Long Island the day of this show from Florida, yet he was the worst one. Jefferson Starship were tired from their long journey but they soldier on as best they could and really gave an effort to please the crowd under the circumstances. Marty’s opening set and his spots with Jefferson Starship were awful. His voice was bad, his attitude was all wrong. Here was a chance for him to pick up the reigns to help the rest of the band and he blew it. Quicksilver Messenger Service was really good for the three songs they got. They were this short due to curfew and to let Jefferson Starship get their full set. Most of Quicksilver play in the Starship.6) Feb 21st 2007 Madison Square Garden: Rod Stewart.After seeing him two weeks before and loving it, I had to go and see if it was a fluke. It was not. It was just as good as the first time. I have always been a big Rod fan but have been disappointed for about 10 years. These two shows and the last CD have brought me back to Rod the Mod.7) Feb 23rd 2007 Nassau Coliseum: My Chemical Romance, Rise Against.Rise Against are a very good band with a strong message. I did not expect my wife or I to enjoy them but we did. Now I have to let you know right off here that I love The Black Parade CD. For this tour they played the whole CD and unlike Iron Maiden last year I welcomed it. Gerard Way starts the show in a hospital band playing the lead character from the story who is dying is a very visual grab at one senses. After the CD is complete they change from there Black Parade band outfits and give you the hits of My Chemical Romance. This CD should have been huge, why it did not make these guys mega is beyond me.8) March 4TH 2007 BB Kings: Solomon Burke.I have said this before and I will say it again, when one goes to see Solomon Burke one gets their soul cleaned. The man takes you places that no one else can. As much as I love metal and rock, every time I see Solomon and a few other artist it reminds me of where it is at and what it should be. Like Little Richard do not ever miss this man.9) March 6th 2007 BB Kings : Chris Dilford.I had seen Glen Tilbrook a number of times since Squeeze broke up but never Chris. This was a small show with Chris on acoustic guitar and a female backup vocalist. This night proved that Squeeze was indeed two men of great talent. He sang all the great songs and told many great stories about them. If I remember correctly he stated it was his first time in NY since Squeeze broke up. He even gave us hope for Squeeze when he told the crowd that Glen helped convince him to come and play here. What a treat we got later in the year. More on that later.10) March 10th 2007 North Fork Theater: Leon Russell, Johnny Winter.Johnny was the opener this night and it was the best I have seen him. All the news about his old manager keeping him on drugs and pushing him out there must be true. Now that he has gotten help he seems to be clearer, playing better and looking better. Leon Russell gives a solid performance. Not much talking from this guy. He sits down and plays his set. What he does he does well.11) March 11th 2007 Nassau Coliseum: The Who, Rose Hill Drive.Rose Hill Drive is a very good rock band. They are very old school for their age. If you like 70’s rock then you will like these guys. I am afraid to say that age is catching up with The Who and it is hitting Roger hard. Had seen the tour in 2006 and 2007 was not any better. Roger voice on this tour is gone. I am afraid the cracks are too big to repair. This tour no Quadrophenia material and it is probably because of the vocals. Reports that at some shows he had to leave the stage and let Pete finish songs is not a good indication.12) March 23rd 2007 Madison Square Garden: Christina Aguilera, Danity Kane, Pussy Cat Dolls.I guess this was girls night out. Danity Kane started the show. They are not very good. You can tell very cookie cutter formula. Yes Pussy Cat Dolls like Danity Kane were put together but they have Nicole Schrzinger and that makes all the difference. Seeing Danity Kane and then Pussy Cat Dolls is like seeing a minor league game and then a major league game. Christina Aguilera is a girl with more chops than a butcher. This girl can sing and can sing anything. She is a very talented performer who can belt out the big numbers as well as sing the ballads. I do not think that there is anything that she can not do.13) March 25th 2007 Madison Square Garden: Elton John.A very special night. This was Elton’s 60th birthday party and the 60th time he has played MSG. It was filmed and a DVD has been released. The DVD is the whole show. Elton played over 3 hours including songs that have not been done in years. All the hits. We even got Robin William, Whoopie Goldberg and a rare Bernie appearance. Get the DVD and see for yourself.14) March 30th 2007 Radio City Music Hall: Heaven and Hell.The return of Black Sabbath with Ronnie James Dio. Expectations were high and were met head on. These guys offer things that the Ozzy Sabbath can not. One of these things believe it or not is energy. Do not believe me then get the DVD that was shot this night and see for yourself. Mob Rules kicks. This venture went form a tour only to the band now plans a new CD. Hope it is out 2008.15) Apr 11th 2007 BB Kings: Buddy Guy, Danielia Cotton.Danielia is a NYC fixture. She plays rock and roll and has a strong voice. Check her out on the web I think you will like her. Buddy Guy was on top of his game this night. His playing was excellent and his trade mark walking thru the crowd really hit the spot this night. His band as always was as tight as can be.16) Apr 20th 2007 BB Kings: John Mayhall.A short show since there were an 8pm and 10:30 show that night for John. I saw the 8 pm show. John is well into his 70’s and while not on par with Little Richard or Solomon Burke, you can tell he is still having fun and is up there because he wants to. If you like early British rock and roll then go see Mr. Mayhall.17) Apr 21st 2007 Patchogue Theater: Peter Tork.My ten year old son loves the Monkees. He got this from me. I have been a fan since I was three. In 2008 that makes me a 40 year fan. This was the worst show I saw this year. Peter always the weakest member of the four showed that things have not changed. Yes he can play guitar but he is not a performer, not a good vocalist. If you have to sing Monkee hits you did not sing on then that tells you something. Having elderly belly dancers perform onstage with you for more than one song just made the night a joke.18) May 12th 2007 BB Kings: Richie Havens.Very close to Solomon Burke, in which after you see him you are blown away by the power music can have. Great songs, great stories a great man. I have been lucky to meet him and will always go see him if I can. When he does The Turning Away from Pink Floyd you will never think of the song the same way again.19) May 24th 2007 BB Kings: Rik Emmit, Gary Hoey.A night of Guitars. Gary opened the night and as always dazzles on the fret board. Rik is playing a lot more Triumph material than he has in the past. To hear these great songs again was a thrill. “ I m Young Wild and Free” still makes my hair stand up. Triumph seemed to have buried the hatchet, so keeping fingers crossed.20) June 4th 2007 BB Kings: Glen Hughes.His first NY show in over 30 years and all I can say is WOW! No one plays the funk rock like Glen. The funk that he drops into his songs makes it so special that there is nothing like it. His voice is still one of the best there is. To not only get his solo numbers but to hear Trapeze and Deep purple songs made for a complete night. Hope to see him again very soon.21) June 13th 2007 Jones Beach: Stevie Nicks, Chris Issack.I give both artists a big thumbs up for performing that evening. This is an outdoor venue and the rain all day was horrible. The first handful of rows on the floor were flooded. People could not stand there if that was wear their seats were. Chris even rolled up his pants and walked into the crowd. His legs were socked. He was very good and under the circumstances would like to see him in a better situation. Stevie is another favorite of mine. By the time she came on the winds were whipping. She even made comment that this was the first show in her career that she wore a hat. She had one hand on top of the hat all night just so it would not blow away. A couple of big hits were not played this tour in favor of some cover songs that appear on her new greatest hits. While the covers were nice I hope the hits come back.22) June 19th 2007 North Fork Theater: Lynard Skynard.Had no intention of seeing the band two nights in a row. I was taking my son to the show and about two weeks before the show had gotten booked for a meeting I could not get out of. I got tickets for the second show so I could still take my son. Well the meeting ended early I grabbed a friend and went the first. The show was exactly the same. All the same songs in the same order. The only difference was the 2nd night started 2 mins later. The band is back with three guitar players with the addition of Mark Matejka, replacing Hughie Thomason (RIP). While Mark is not given the freedom of Hughie he is a very good guitar player. Rickey plays even more now and plays like a man half his age. Would love to see a Blackfoot reunion. This set is the same set the band has played for a few years now. Johnny still trying to carry on his brother’s memory. Gary seems to be getting tired but it still rocks and brings back memories when FM radio was good radio.23) June 20th 2007 North Fork Theater: Lynard Skynard.See above.24) June 23rd 2007 Highline Ballroom: Ian Hunter, The Silos.The Silos a roots rock band from the 80’s back together again. They are like Beat Rodeo, The Rainmakers and bands of that type. If you like these and 10,000 Maniacs you might like them. Ian is not one of my favorites; he is an idol of mine. The man is close to 70 and for the first time that I have seen him he sat down for most of the show. The first part of the show was the slower numbers so he could sit and play acoustic guitar. When it was time to rock he did get up. His piano playing still as good as it ever was. Since he was promoting a new ablum, Shrunken Heads, he played a chuck of it and we lost some of the oldies. I knew Old Rocker considers Shrunken Heads one of the better albums of 2007. I do not think as strong as the last one but very good. The Mott the Hoople songs were played and all in all another great show from Ian.25) June 27th BB Kings: The Strawbs, Bridget St. JohnBridget is an English folk artist from the 70’s. I tend to like more of the English Folk then the USA style. She is a very fine guitar player and has some wonderful songs. I suggest her to anyone would may like Buffy Sainte Marie. This night Bridget has a short but tight set. The Strawbs were not at their best this night. They seemed very lackluster and not that well into the groove I am afraid to say.26) June 30th North Fork Theater: AsiaHighly skilled playing band but need to learn on how to treat their fans. The show it self was great. My son who is a drummer wanted to see Carl Palmer. Having seen the band in 2006 I knew he would not be disappointed. They played all of the first album plus the best songs from the second. They are still doing Roundabout and The Clap by Yes, Fanfare for the Common Man by ELP, Court of the Crimson King by King Crimson and Video Killed the Radio Star by The Buggles. The show itself was great and was a blast to have my son witness they great musicians. Now for some reason since they have gotten back together they do meet and greets for all the fans. Most nights Wetton does not come out, this night they had signs up as you entered that all four members would be coming out. My son wanted to meet Carl so we stayed and were one of the first to get in line. Now working security for bands I know how important it is to move the people along and get the job done as quickly as possible. There were rules that had to be followed. No pictures, ok I have to enforce this many times when working, had to be a CD or t-shirt and such, no paper or ticket stubs, no problem here. It was also stated Due to the special music ability of the members there will be no shaking hands. Ok I guess. Now if you agree to sit in the lobby of a place and meet the fans then please be pleasant. I t is one thing if I got a pass to go back stage and caught you when you do not want to be bothered but if you agree to do this then take a lesson from Peter Noone and put a smile on. Carl Palmer was the first one you got to. He was very pleasant and I saw him shaking some hands. The next two Steve and John should just sit in the back and be miserable by themselves. We witness Steve have a fit that you would have thought he was Madonna. He sat at the table just staring off into space not signing what was put in front of him. Carl was signing away and pushing the items forward to Steve. Carl had to finally smack the table for Steve to come to. Steve signed an autograph but it was not for the person in front of him but people behind this person. When Steve wanted the line to move he was informed of what happened and the fit began. If John Wetton is going to do this then at least look at the people. I swear he was turning his head the whole time as to not look at people. If anyone said something to him they were spoken to like you spoke to a king who did not give you permission to speak to. Geoff was a gentleman and could not have been more gracious. Stick to the show and skip meeting them unless you want to meet Carl and Geoff.27) July 11th 2007 North Fork Theater: Psychedelic Furs, The Alarm and The Fixx.Love the 80’s and if The Alarm is on the bill I will be there. Over the years I have met Mike Peters of the Alarm many times. Steve Howe and John Wetton should take a lesson from him. This was my son’s first Alarm concert and he could not wait. The Alarm was on first and they took the roof off. Mike continues to deliver strong new material. This mixed with the old standards makes for a great if not short set. He took the time to meet my son and take a picture with him. When he was leaving the building even though he was now with other people he sort out my son to say goodnight. All I can say is thanks Mike. Never a big fan of The Fixx. I saw them in the 80’s, 90’s and now the 2000’s. They always play with other bands I want to see. Cy Curnin is pleasant on stage and a good performer but I just do not get wrapped around them and at the same time do not want to bad mouth them. I go back to The Psychedelic Furs on the original version of Pretty in Pink before the movie. I find them to be either great or blah. This was a great night. Richard Butler sang his lungs out. Great set list of oldies. Hope to see them again this year. Thanks to The Alarm and Furs this was a great night.28) July 14th 2007 IMAC Theater: New York Dolls, Frankenstein 3000.Frankenstein 3000 just do not stand out. Better in a bar then out on tour. The New York Dolls last CD is killer. Great songs and the band can now play. Sami Yaffa on bass and Steve Conte, who I saw years ago in Company of Wolfs, are great additions to David and Sylvain. They just announced a tour in the US for Feb and March. No NY date so now I am ticked I missed them last week. Go see them and go get the new CD One Day It Will Please Us to Remember Even This.29) July 17th 2007 BB Kings: Brian Johnson and Cliff Williams of AC/DC, Mark Farner and Joe Lynn Turner.A benefit gig for John Entwistle foundation which buys musical instruments for schools. Joe Lynn was first and did a curious set. Only 5 songs and no Rainbow songs. He did some Deep Purple but he songs that are classics because of the original vocalist. Why is he doing Hush? Mark Farner got only 6 songs but 6 Grand Funk classics. We’re an American Band, I’m Your Captain were great. Need to see him do a full set. Man can he still play guitar. Brian and Cliff come out with members from John Entwistle’s band on guitar and drums. They kicked off with a brand new song. If this one song is any indication then the new AC/DC CD will be awesome. No tables on the floor this night and I was right in front. Brian grabbed my hand and while he was singing leaned back and almost had me on stage. A night I will never forget. The only bad thing was the comedian Jim Breuer coming on and making a fool of himself. He even knocked over a drum mike.30) July 20th 2007 WAMU Theater: Meat Loaf.Make up show that was to happen in April but the man got sick. I saw the beginning of the tour in Nov 2006 and that was great. This night was OK and it seems that Meat Loaf can not handle the road anymore. The evening was OK but Black Betty as the last song? Gimmie Shelter was good but this not so much.31) July 22nd 2007 Jones Beach: ZZ Top, The Stray Cats and The Pretenders.The Stray Cat Reunion was the cream of this show. I have waited a very long time and was not disappointed. This being the only hometown show for the band really made them go out there and swing. Brian Setzer has to be one of the most underrated guitar players in the world. I hope the wait is not as long as it was to see them again. The Pretenders are another favorite of mine and Chrissie Hynde can still compete with the best of them. Martin Chambers still plays solid. Wish they had more time. ZZ Top not much different then from two years ago. Billy can play but they are not an exciting band to watch. There has to be some tapes being played because when it comes to their 80’s material there is no way three guys are doing all that.32) July 24th 2007 Jones Beach: Poison, Veins of Jenna and Ratt.I have seen Poison every year since 2000. I had Toto tickets and was going to skip Poison this year but to See Mike Tramps White Lion made me give up the tickets. Unfortunately Vito had to be an idiot and made sure Mike got off the tour. Veins of Jenna were first. They are from Sweden and are very glam. They are a poor copy of the original 80 bands. Ratt with Stephen Pearcy back on vocals was a nice surprise. I thought this was never going to work again but it did. Poison as always put on a high energy show. CC had the flu that night but if they did not tell us you would not have known. Just a very fun band to see.33) July 25th 2007 The Crazy Donkey: Mike Tramps White Lion.Vito Bratta had no rights to try and stop Mike from touring but the promoter did not want to fight it so Mike was off the Poison tour. With a ticket stub from the Poison show you got in for free so off I went to see Mike. I saw this version of White Lion two years ago and you be surprise how good they really are. If they had played with Poison and Ratt they would have been the best band on the bill, no doubt about it. I guess the good thing about missing Toto was that if White Lion had played they would have gotten 20 to 30 mins, this night a full 90min set of all killer tunes.34) July 28th 2007 Jones Beach: Steve Miller and The Doobie Brothers.I believe this team up was for only 2 or three shows. On paper it looks like a hell of a party. The Dobbie Brothers of today are the rocking band from the early years no Michael McDonald to bring you down. Great set and a fun time. Steve Miller much like ZZ Top is very talented but not exciting to watch. Great hit songs but this night he went off a little and there was a big gap in-between hits at one point. Made it very tuff to sit thru.35) Aug 1st 2007 Madison Square Garden: The Police and Fiction PlaneFiction Plane are very much like The Police. They are a three piece band. The guitar player uses a telecaster a lot and the singer who just happens to be Stings son sounds a lot like him. It was almost like watching an early Police show. When the main band came out it was like walking back in time. All of the hits were played but some a little bit slower than they used to be. Stewart still hits hard and Andy is as good as ever. A great show. I hope they release something from this tour.36) Aug 2nd 2007 Tanner Park: Dave Mason.A free show in a park can not be beat. As far as the show see entry number 3. Just as good and solid.37) Aug 4th 2007 Nassau Coliseum: The WARP Tour with Cute Is What We Aim For, Meg and Dia, The Randies, The Starting Line, Paramore, Bad Religion.WARP Tour is always a lot of fun and a good way to check out younger bands.Cute Is and The Starting Line I found to be very similar. Both could be but are not great yet. But with that said I could see one if not both of these bands break out. I think they are still searching and hopefully in time find what they need. I will be keeping an eye on both of these bands. The Randies are an all female band from California. They did not play on a main stage but had time to kill in between bands and was handed their flier. I checked them out and I think you should to. Rock and Roll but not Roitt Girl. Meg and Dia I had heard a lot about so I checked out to see what the hype was. I do not know why there is any hype for these two. Just awful. They came across like they wanted to be rock stars and Daddy is going to buy it for them. I found them to be very annoying. Bad Religion proved to be the punk legends that they are. Everybody on WARP gets a half hour. Would have loved to have had more time with these guys. Very powerful and I hope some of the younger bands watched and learned. Paramore should be huge. Hayley Williams the bands singer is still in her teens and yet she holds the audience in the palms of her hands like she has been doing this for over twenty years. Miley Cyruss could use a few pointers from Hayley more on that later. Watch out for this girl.38) Aug 7th 2007 North Fork Theater: Squeeze, Fountains of Wayne.The surprise of the year. Squeeze back with three original members. All the songs of those years past by were played but unlike The Police it just seemed not as good as it had been. I am not saying the show was bad but seeing them so many times over the years I felt a little let down this time. It just was not what it used to be. Fountains of Wayne I got to say were boring. They never got the crowd into them and it seemed like they did not try.39) Aug 13th 2007 BB Kings: Pat Travers.This was the best guitar show I saw this year. Pat was being recorded for XM radio that night and boy did he deliver. Now when Pat Travers does Black Betty at the end of his set, it rocks. This man does not play guitar he attacks it. Wish I could fine a copy of this show, it was that good.40) Aug 14th 2007 Jones Beach: Def Leppard, Styx, Foreigner.Styx is one of the best openers there is out there. I have seen them headline and it can be too much. When they have a short time to deliver they pull all the stops out. All killer no filler. Why they went on first instead of Foreigner is beyond me. Foreigner now is just Mick Jones. They are a cover band and a very bad one at that. Kelly Hansen is nowhere near Lou Gramm as a singer or performer. When he raps during breaks it is clear that he is trying to hide the fact that he is not Lou. Lou has not been in the band since 2003 and yet people still think he is in the band. I can not tell you how many people in the crowd I have had to tell before Foreigner comes out that they are not getting Lou. The plus is their rhythm section of Jason Bonham on drums and Jeff Pilson, formally of Dokken and Dio, on bass.Def Leppard unlike many 80’s metal bands are still hungry and still gives it 110%. No resting on their backsides. While the glory years are behind them they are still that good. This tour included some songs from High N Dry that had been dropped and I hope they noticed the crowd reaction to them. Bringing on the Heartbreak and Switch 625 made the night for me. There is to be a new CD this year can not wait.41) Aug 16th 2007 North Fork Theater: Dickey Betts, The Outlaws.The last time I was to see Hughie Thomasson as he past away Sep 9th. The Outlaws this night as they were every time since Hughie left Skynard, one of the best. Chris Anderson on guitar along with Hughie made for some great yell and scream rock and roll. Old Rocker and I were to see The Outlaws headline Nov 2nd but it was not meant to be. Will see Henry Paul, Monte Yoho along with former Henry Paul Band guitarist Billy Crain in March. Anybody know why no Chris or David Dix and Randy Threet?Dickey Betts can still play guitar but it is clear why he is still not back with Greg. It seems he has yet to beat his old demons and it was very evident every time he opened his mouth. I t was good to hear some Allman Brothers that Greg and company no longer do.42) Aug 18th 2007 Jones Beach: Velvet Revolver, Kill Hannah, Alice In Chains.Kill Hannah started off and they are very competent 5 piece from Chicago. It was a good start to the evening. Alice In Chains believe it or not are still great even with the loss Layne Staley. Jerry Cantrell is a hell of guitar player. He could be the best out of the 90’s. William DuVall is a great vocalist and we should have new material this year for all to hear. Velvet Revolver was the same as last time which in their case may not be a good thing. Yes they were fun and the music great but I see no growth form the first CD and tour with the second CD and tour. Only time will tell.43) Aug 21st 2007 Jones Beach: The Allman Brothers, Rat Dog.It seems The Dead are done. Rat Dog now has a jazz feel to them that works quite well. Bob seems to like being upfront the whole time. This tour both bands did full sets so to see Rat Dog in this setting filled the hardcore fans. The Allman Brothers are doing what they have been doing for the last fifteen years. Giving their fans what they want to hear. You may not always get Whipping Post or In Memory of Elizabeth Reed as songs come in and out every night but you will have enough to keep you happy. Just a note to the sad old hippies, just take the seat you bought! It was sad and funny to see more than once men in their 60’s running from security because they were being kicked out for not sitting wear they had to be. I saw one guy warned three times and thought he was going to out run guys half his age. Once they caught him he was screaming and crying like a baby. What a fool.44) Aug 22nd 2007 Jones Beach: Meat Loaf.Third time I was to see him this tour and was the worst of the three. I could see his decline from show to show. The voice was gone and show after show he claims he was not feeling good. After this US tour he went to England and never finished the last show. It maybe the end of Meat Loaf as a touring artist.45) Sept 8th 2007 Jones Beach: Heaven and Hell, Queensryche, Alice Cooper.Never a fan of Queensryche but I did enjoy their short set. It seems you either love them or not. They are just not for me. Alice still doing what he did in the 70’s it is just not that shocking anymore. Great band with Eric Singer on drums, who I got to meet back stage and is really cool. Schools out indeed Mr. Cooper. Heaven and Hell was just as good as in March but they dropped the new songs and did not replace them. So it was a shorter show. Neon Knights rocked the house. A friend of mine actually got us spots on the stage by Geezer. It was an experience to see a show from that point of view.46) Sept 12th 2007 Jones Beach: Aerosmith, Joan Jett.I am a huge Joan Jett fan. Have every Runaway album some still on vinyl. She still rocks with the best of them. The Blackhearts are a tight band and the songs including the new material is dead on. Word to Steven Tyler you are getting boring. I am also a huge Aerosmith fan. I have not missed a tour since 1985 and many times see them more than once a tour. It is the set list that is killing me. No Toys In The Attic but we get Never Miss A Thing. I got news for Steven no one would miss that song. Why two old blues songs from Honkin' On Bobo. It almost makes me want to skip them next time around. Good to see Tom healthy and back on the road.47) Sept 15th 2007 BB Kings: Edgar and Johnny Winter.The return of the brothers. The shame of it was they did not play together and they did an 8 and 10:30 show. I saw the 8 o’clock show. Because of this the first show had to end at 9:30. Both only got 45 mins. Johnny went on second and was the same as entry 10, the best he has been in years. Edgar should really tour more often. I might dare to say a musical genius. With only 45 mins and still including Frankenstein not a lot of songs. It was wonderful to see and hear him.48) Sept 20th 2007 Madison Square Garden: Jimmy BuffettGot lucky that a friend had an extra ticket so I traded a Genesis ticket for this. Jimmy is amazing in that he can transform The Garden and turn it into a beach. Very lay back and very cool. It is so laid back I still can not figure out why he does an intermission. Fun had by all. Though overweight guy parrot heads in coconut bikini tops can be a bit much.49) Sept 25th 2007 Madison Square Garden: GenesisI always skip them in the 80’s and 90’s because I just never felt them. No one is sure if this is going to stick and if it does the rumors are with Peter Gabriel, so I felt I had to go or never see them. For someone who is not a fan I have to tell the truth but I really enjoyed them. I came away with a new respect for them. I was surprise how well they came off. I never thought they would be fun. I knew they could play but they did seem to be enjoying themselves as much as I was. My hat is off to them.50) Sept 27 2007 BB Kings: Paul Rodgers Paul was to have done this show in July but had to cancel. He reschedule for this date. I actually had tickets for Genesis at Giant Stadium for this night but dumped them and got tickets for The Garden so I would not miss Paul in a small place. To quote Old Rocker who was with me on this one, “there is no way his voice should be this good at his age”. The only disappointing thing was with his new live CD Live in Glasgow we thought like the CD a healthy chunk of Free songs. This night less Free and more Bad Company than the CD. Not a bad thing we were just hoping for a little change. A great band that includes the great Howard Leese on guitar. Ann and Nancy Wilson should kick themselves for letting him go. Their loss is Paul’s gain. I saw Howard many times with Heart but with Paul you see a whole different dimension with him. 51) Sept 28th 2007 IMAC Theater: Richie Havens.See entry 18 and go see this man. A treasure.52) Oct 2nd 2007 BB Kings: Al Kooper.This night was a little bit of this and a little bit of that. New material not as good as the old. One Blood Sweet and Tears tune, a lot of covers, a bunch of Hammond organ but all Al. Great cover of Booker T and the MG’s. One of the benefits of living in NY is getting to see guys like Al who just do not get around any more. The only other place is London. I see the ads for some and wish they would come here. Come on Gary Moore and Status Quo get your asses here. 53) Oct 5th 2007 BB Kings: Mitch Ryder.A very honest show. A lot of covers, opener was Lou Reeds Rock N Roll, but when the hits came as short as it was it was very good. Mitch even joked that we were now at the portion of the show when he would play the hits, and it would take 2 and half mins. The band was very good and it was mention that all were music teachers. Mitch claimed to be going to Germany to record and that there should be 2 new CDs in 2008. 54) Oct 11th 2007 BB Kings: Y&T, Randy Jackson.This is the Randy Jackson from Zebra and not the moron from American Idol. Randy was alone playing guitar. He did some of the great Zebra catalog along with some Beatles and Zeppelin covers. If you have never heard him play, check him out. I should be seeing Zebra next month. Y&T has a long history and they hit every stop this night. Dave Meniketti is a good performer and good player. To finally hear Don't Stop Runnin' was really cool.55) Oct 14th 2007 Highline Ball Room: The Raspberries.All four original members back for a two night stand. I caught the second night. One forgets how many hits they had. This time unlike two years ago Eric Carmen did All By Myself during the encores. Dare I say they went all the way? In the crowd we saw David Fricke from Rolling Stone and Marky Ramone as well as members of The Young Rascals since Gene Cornish is playing as a second guitar player for The Raspberries.56) Oct 17th 2007 Madison Square Garden: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.The first of two nights at Madison Square Garden and a very weird one. As you can see I attend a lot of shows at this arena. This night security took forever as they stop everyone and check everything. There were even cops with dogs there. This is very unusual for this arena. Bruce himself did not seem himself and made us wonder if there may have been a threat against him. The show opens with the new Radio Nowhere which is a great opener. We got a great She’s the One and Backstreet. Girls in Their Summer Clothes is another great new song that really helps to make the encores. As always Bruce is the one and only.57) Oct 18th 2007 Madison Square Garden: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.Night number two. Security was back to normal and no dogs. Bruce seemed more loose and energetic. Made me wonder even more about the night before. Six different songs than the night before. Night and Candy’s Room where two of the six but the real surprise was for the first time on the tour Bruce and the band played Meeting Across the River followed by Jungleland. The place went nuts. Have tickets for July and hoping for March.58) Oct 20th 2007 North Fork Theater: Tommy James, Micky Dolenz, The Buckinghams, The Grass Roots.The Buckinghams are down to two members. They fall more to the easy listening side then rock. After Kind of a Drag nothing much left to say. No style no it factor. The Grass Roots have only been Rob Grill for years now. Songs are better than the Buckinghams. Rob pokes fun at himself and jokes around a lot. Micky was not on the bill originally, it was to have been The Turtles. Micky is stuck in a rut. Same bad jokes about Davy, still doing Monkee songs he did not sing and skipping Monkee hits that he did. Better than Peter Tork but not very good. It proves that the sum is better than the parts. Tommy James comes at you with a full catalog and delivers the songs well. Very comfortable on stage and works the room still.59) Oct 22nd 2007 Beacon Theater: Hendrix Experience.A tour to celebrate the music of Jimi. To see Billy Cox and Mitch Mitchell was enough to get me there but add Robbie Krieger, Buddy Guy, Hubert Sumlin, Mick Taylor, Kenny Wayne Sheppard, Double Trouble and more really takes the cake. The best part was having Robbie Krieger and Mick Taylor go back and forth on All Along the Watch Tower. That one song was worth the price of admission. Later on we got Buddy Guy and Hubert together which was just amazing. Later these two added Mick Taylor to the mix. Mick was the highlight of the night and showed one how to do it. Eric Gales and Kenny Wayne just do not get it. Yes they can play but with just too much wild abandonment that after awhile it looses the flavor and enough is enough. Mick gave you that plus showed how at times less is more. Mick knows how to add taste. The only other unfortunate thing was that it seems Mitch Mitchell can no longer play. He did not play that many songs and when he did all but one had another drummer with him. The one song he did not have another drummer could have used it.60) Nov 2nd 2007 Madison Square Garden: The Police, Fiction Plane.My son wanted to go this time and since I could no longer see the Outlaws I took him. Just as good as Aug with only one song difference.61) Nov 8th 2007 Madison Square Garden: Van Halen, Ky-Mani Marley.Marley is another son of Bob’s. Very strange mix to have him as the opener but I hear David Lee Roth wanted him as he was friends with Bob. Ky-Mani was smart and kept a light party mood and was most enjoyable. Van Halen this night was just garbage and it was all Eddie’s fault. His playing was erratic. His solo spot was just noise with nothing musical about it. He even stops his solo and said “I am making a lot of noise up here. I am having fun, you don’t like it throw something at me”. He is lucky s storm of beer bottles did not hit him. As my friend asked me what I thought after we left the show, I told him how bad I thought it was. He stated it was nice to see Eddie having fun with his son. My comment was then do it in the garage and not charge me $100. When would you ever think you be at a VH show and people would be sitting. Now I have heard that this was considered the worst night of the tour and that Eddie had more than one problem going on. I have been told that these problems had been dealt with after and that two nights later the Garden was one of the best shows. For all those wondering Wolfgang is not a good bass player. Every song he played pick style with up and down stokes. He played and sounded like he should have been in a hardcore band. I bet he is a great guitar player like they say. Eddie I know he is your son but give us a break. I have been convinced to give them another try and will be seeing them again in March. When I Went to this show I was expecting greatness this time I am expecting nothing.62) Nov 17th 2007 Madison Square Garden: Stevie Wonder.That day I saw the play Young Frankenstein, do not waste your money, and then at night I got to see the one and only. Hopefully he will tour more. The world needs to see this man. All the best was played Sir Duke, Signed Sealed Delivered, and Master Blaster. This being the last night of the tour we had some special guest. We got Tony Bennett on For Once in My Life and for Superstition Prince came out and played wah wah guitar. It was incredible to see these two musical power houses together. Stevie was not only on vocally but his keyboards and harmonica were also fantastic.63) Nov 21st 2007 Roseland Ball Room: KT Tunstall, Teitur.Teitur is a singer songwriter. It seemed no one knew who he was and was thrown up there for this short tour. Songs were kind of silly. KT played with herself on guitar, a drummer and two back up singers. With this she was able to hold the crowds attention and deliver a good show. She has strong song writing skills and is entertaining when talking to the crowd. It is a shame her second album did not do as well as the first.64) Nov 24th 2007 North Fork Theater: Brian Setzer Orchestra, Dibbs Preston and The Detonators.Dibbs is a rock a billy band from the UK. We had never heard of them until that night but they were really good. Very catchy and lively. Check out their website. Brian Setzer Christmas show is always a lot of fun. This year a little less Christmas than normal and more swing numbers. As I stated before Brian is so underrated it is a crime. All around entertainer. Good performer, great guitar player, great songs and the band is tops.65) Nov 29th 2007 Roseland Ball Room: Coheed and Cambria, The Fall of Troy, Clutch.Fall of Troy was first and they are a trash hardcore screaming vocal band. The band is not bad but makes you think what they would be like with a singer and not a screamer. Clutch was next. A kind of hardcore punk sound. Their problem is that their singer Neil Fallon has no stage presence. Coheed and Cambria have a lot of chops and I feel have some good songs. This night you could tell the end of the tour was on them as they were a little tired. Bassist Michael Todd even commented that it was the last night of the tour. I guess no one told him about the gig in Florida the next day. 66) Dec 7th 2007 BB Kings: Sly and the Family Stone.The 8 and 10:30 shows this night were to be Sly’s first NY shows in 32 years. They sold out so quick that they added the Tues before Thanksgiving. I have heard nothing about the November shows and if anyone has info about them and the 8pm 12/7 show please share. The doors for the 10:30 show were to be at 10pm BB Kings works like clock work. I arrived at 10:15 so as not to be standing on line out in the cold. The 8 o’clock show must have run late. People from the 8 o’clock show were still coming out and I did not get in the building until 11:15. The people from the 8 o’clock show were talking about the show only being an hour and Sly was only on stage for half the time. Again any one with info please let me know. Sly finally went on at Midnight. He was on stage the whole time and was great. The band had to be the tightest funk band I have heard in a long time. Cynthia Robinson can still get the job done. Would love to see him again but will make sure to get 8 o’clock.67) Dec 14th 2007 Nassau Coliseum: Trans Siberian Orchestra.Always a great show. The first half with the narrator is classic and becoming a holiday tradition with me. This is the 7th year in a row I have gone. My son has become a fan and this was his second time. The second half has gotten stronger with the dropping of the heavy metal for more Christmas songs. People used to leave when they did that. The stage show has gotten bigger and better. This night was a special night as for the last three songs a special guest in the form of Roger Daltrey came out. We got Behind Blue Eyes, Pin Ball Wizard and See Me. My son a Who fan and has been lucky enough to have seen them with me was thrilled. Next year will make number 8 for me and number three for my son. Already looking forward to next Christmas. Anybody know why David Z was not on bass this year?68) Dec 21st 2007 BB Kings: Scandal.I know Old Rocker is going to complain about this show. He did not want to go and I dragged him with a free ticket and dinner offer. No dinner was to be had since the stoves were broken at BB Kings that night. I love Scandal. Saw them a couple of years ago. I thought they were a lot of fun even on an empty stomach. Good power pop rock. Well this night was not really Scandal as it was only Patty Smyth, Benjy King and Keith Mack. No Tommy on drums. I again thought it was a fun night with great songs. Patty is still sexy even at 50 years old, She loves being up on the stage. I wish she would do more but I believe she stays home to take care of the 6 kids she and John have. Come back soon Patty.69) Dec 27th 2007 Nassau Coliseum: Hannah Montanna/ Miley Cyrus, Jonas Brothers.Yes I got tickets to take my seven year old daughter. Yes I got them the second they went on sale and I got them fro face value. Section 105 and Father of the year. Now to all those whiney parents who want to sue the fan club, SHUT THE HELL UP AND LEARN WHAT TO DO!!!. Fan clubs only promise you first crack at tickets not a grantee that you will get them. This tour took an unprecedented amount of tickets for each show to satisfy you people. Every show half the tickets were held for the fan club. Do you guys think only 3 people belong to the fan club? Most of these soccer moms in the press that are suing have no idea how to get tickets took themselves out of the game by going for 4, 5 6 8 tickets and then complain they joined the fan club just for tickets. Joining fan clubs just for tickets is a waste of money as there in no grantee that you will get them. He here is a thought do not promise your kid something you do not have in your hand you idiots. This happens every time there is a hot ticket for a kids show. Jingle ball, The Wiggles give it three years and it will happen again. I was surprise that High School Musical last year did not cause this. Joanas Brothers seemed to go down better than Ms. Cyrus. It was even evident with the young crowd. The boys came out did about 25 mins and kept all the kids screaming. A short time later Hannah comes out and does every little move Kenny Ortega choreographed. Seeing the backstage clips on Disney Channel shows that every little move is planned. Hannah does half a set then does a song with the Jonas’s and then leaves so the Brothers can do two more songs while she turns in to Miley. Miley is different in song approach than the Hannah material as it is a little darker. Now for 15 Miley is a strong performer but she does not have that it factor. She should watch tapes of Paramore and see what I mean. Now again she is only 15 so time will tell how she develops as a performer. With that said I do not think one kid had a bad time. At 15 she has some rasp in her voice.70) Dec 28th 2007 Beacon Theater: Govt Mule, Keller Williams.Old Rocker got stuck with a ticket and it was pay back time. Keller Williams I have to say is a joke. No band and playing guitar thru an echo loop so he can switch to bass and a percussion machine was laughable. It was torture to sit thru him. Never a big Govt Mule fan but do enjoy Warren Haynes. I prefer him acoustic as to Govt Mule. Allen Woody is missed as Andy Hess just does not have that heavy bass sound that is needed for this band. I know Old Rocker enjoyed the show and the fans seemed to like it so that is all I am going to say. It was just not for me. After posting this my wife reminded me I missed a show.SHOW #71 Apr 28 2007 North Fork Theater: Peter Noone, Felix Cavaliere, Bllod Sweat and Tears, The Ventures.The Ventures went on first and proved they should have been in the Hall of Fame a long time ago. Some of the guys are in their 70's and still tour every year. They sounded great. When the tickets went on sale it stated David Clayton Thomas. It was quietly changed to Blood Sweat and Tears. Unless it states David stay away. No original members. Only two go back to the 80's and by that point they were already an oldies band. Most of the guys joined in 2005. This and The Ventures was why I was going. Thank God The Ventures were good. Felix Cavaliere I have never liked. I find him full of himself and I just do not think the songs are that good. After Good Lovin I am done. Peter Noone always entertaining, always fun always a gentlemen. The songs are catchy and he tells jokes as if he was on a Los Vegas stage. Always good to see Peter.It was a great long year and looking forward to getting 2008 started.ROCK ON!