Category: Rock

David Gilmour Adds Radio City Music Hall Date in April

In support of Rattle That Lock, David Gilmour at first had only announced four U.S. dates. Ticket demands quickly prompted second dates at each of those four cities. Some exciting news has come that Gilmour has added a third NYC date. He will take to the much smaller than MSG space of Radio City Music Hall on Sunday, April 10 making it the first of his now three nights in NYC. Tickets go on sale Thursday Dec. 3 at 10 am on Ticketmaster. Special presale times are listed on Ticketmaster.

The renowned guitarist behind Pink Floyd announced a new solo album last week, Rattle That Lock, and a four North America tour dates which went on sale the next day. The extraordinary response to that ticket sale brought about second chances for people to partake in the limited opportunity.

Rattle That Lock is Gilmour’s first solo album since his 2006 release On An Island. Along with the announcement came a preview of the album with the title track hitting the internet.

The song deviates slightly from elements used on his previous solo album and the final two Pink Floyd releases, The Division Bell and The Endless River, where he was the driving creative force. It calls back a bit to his older solo works, which brings speculation about what we might — or might not — hear when the album debuts on Sept. 18.

Gilmour’s first four tour dates garnered a lot of hype, with tickets for the Madison Square Garden show becoming slim pickings soon after they went on sale. High hopes became grounded as Gilmour announced four more dates to make each of his stops a two-night affair.

He will now play Madison Square Garden on April 11 and 12, 2016. Tickets for the just-announced April 12 show go on sale in less than a week, starting at 10 a.m. on July 27. As with last week’s ticket sales, every ticket buyer for the newly announced shows will receive a copy of Rattle That Lock.

Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and Gilmour’s website.

From Gilmour’s Facebook page:

Due to phenomenal demand David Gilmour has added four extra North American dates. In support of new album ‘Rattle That Lock’, these will be David Gilmour’s first North American concerts in more than a decade. Tickets go on sale on Monday 27 July and ticket buyers will be among the first to receive the new album, as every ticket purchased online will include a ‘Rattle That Lock’ CD.

David Gilmour Tour Dates:

3/24/16 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA
3/25/16 – Hollywood Bowl – Los Angeles, CA (new)
3/31/16 – Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON
4/01/16 – Air Canada Centre – Toronto, ON (new)
4/04/16 – United Center – Chicago, IL (new)
4/08/16 – United Center – Chicago, IL
4/11/16 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY
4/12/16 – Madison Square Garden – New York, NY (new)

Gilmour is touring several European cities this September and October including five shows at the Royal Albert Hall. Unfortunately, these European stops are all sold out.

While Gilmour only released a one-song teaser, he has shared the track list for Rattle That Lock:

1. 5 A.M. (Gilmour)
2. Rattle That Lock (Gilmour/Samson/Boumendil)
3. Faces Of Stone (Gilmour)
4. A Boat Lies Waiting (Gilmour/Samson)
5. Dancing Right In Front Of Me (Gilmour)
6. In Any Tongue (Gilmour/Samson)
7. Beauty (Gilmour)
8. The Girl In The Yellow Dress (Gilmour/Samson)
9. Today (Gilmour/Samson)
10. And Then… (Gilmour)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eHP7l0EaouM

July 22, 2015
Photo Gallery: Breaking Benjamin and Starset Take Big Flats By Storm

Not even a torrential downpour, thunder, lightning, flash flood alerts or a tornado warning can keep Breaking Benjamin fans from a show and that’s just what the weather had in store on Tuesday, July 14 at The Budweiser Summer Stage at Tags, located in Big Flats, NY.

While personnel urged concert goers to remain in their vehicles while the remainder of the storm passed, the show went on. Some came prepared with umbrellas and rain coats, others braved the elements in street clothes, standing in a line that stretched from the venue admission, out the gates and all the way to the road. Fortunately as the venue opened it’s gates, the rain ceased just as the show was about to begin.

Opening for Breaking Benjamin was Starset, a cinematic rock band based out of Columbus, Ohio. Their set was unique and their performance was out of this world. Starset’s debut album’s Transmissions was released on July 8th of 2014 and it’s definitely worth checking out. Starset consists of Dustin Bates on lead vocals/keyboard, Ron DeChant on bass/backing vocals, Brock Richards on guitar/backing vocals and Adam Gilbert on drums. Starset’s set list for the evening is as follows: First Light, Rise and Fall, Down with the Fallen, Antigravity, Halo, Telescope, Dark on Me, Carnivore, It Has Begun, The Future Is Now and My Demons.

Even with the weather conditions, the venue was packed full with Breaking Benjamin fans. The Wilkes-barre natives released their first album on June 23rd after a hiatus. Dark Before Dawn made it’s debut on the Billboard 200 chart at number 1 and has been widely embraced by fans with over 140,000 album units sold. Breaking Benjamin is back and going strong with many sold out venues along their 2015 tour. Taking on some new members in 2014, Breaking Benjamin’s current members are vocalist Benjamin Burnley, bassist Aaron Bruch, Keith Wallen on rhythm guitar, lead guitarist Jasen Rauch and drummer Shaun Foist. The set list for the evening consisted of some old favorites mixed with a few cover songs in addition to songs from their new album. Much love to Breaking Benjamin and Starset for a phenomenal show!

Setlist: So Colt, Angels Fall, Follow, Break My Fall, Who Wants to Live Forever (Queen cover), Unknown Soldier, Sooner or Later, Blow Me Away, Failure, Breath, Ænima (Tool cover), Phase, Away,. Give Me a Sign, Shallow Bay, Imperial March/Schism/Smells Like Teen Spirit/Walk (A cover song medley) Polyamorous, Evil Angel, Until the End and I Will Not Bow

Encore: Lights Out, Dance with the Devil, The Diary of Jane

You can still catch Breaking Benjamin on their 2015 tour!

July 21, 2015
Imagine Dragons, So Much More Than Just Smoke & Mirrors

After catapulting in 2012 to the spotlight with their Night Visions album, it seemed like a daunting task to follow-up their first extremely successful album. How did Imagine Dragons tackle that task? They did so by making an album for themselves. Writing while touring, these guys were able to put down feelings and emotions that translated to their second album Smoke and Mirrors.

My anticipation grew, as the date of the show slowly came upon me. I was anxious to see if these guys were as good live as I predicted. The songs on the new album lent themselves to epic live show spectacles.

As the show began, an extremely talented young lady, Ashley Nicolette Frangipane, took the stage with her band. Halsey, as they are known, rocked the stage with their Indie pop sound. I was absolutely captivated by her vocals. She’s an amazing artist and I would be remiss if I didn’t mention how absolutely stunning this young lady was as well. She could be a model. The hair, oh my gosh her hair was epic. It was the most beautiful shade of blue/green I’ve ever seen. Wish I could pull that off. I’m digressing, sorry. Halsey’s eclectic musical influences from Tupac Shakur, The Notorious B.I.G, Slick Rick, as well as The Cure, Nirvana, and Alanis Morissette permeated her sound giving it an edge of sophistication and funk. From the moment she took the stage, she owned the audience.

Next up was Metric. This Canadian rock band has been around for quite a while amassing a strong following since 1998. With a heavy synth and punk sound, this band is more familiar to you than you probably realize. With several EPs and albums over the years, opening for acts such as The Rolling Stones, and their extensive credits for scores with Grey’s Anatomy, 90210, One Tree Hill, FIFA 10, NBA 2K10, Zombieland, Entourage Vampire Diaries, Rock Band 3, and so many more it’s almost unfathomable to think you haven’t heard their music. Commanding the stage their unique blend of music and instrumentation entertained this group and primed them for the main event.

As I returned to my spot to photograph the next set, the stage was set in a blanket of darkness and a cloth now covered the entire stage like a mask. Speaking with attendees while we waited for the Imagine Dragons set to begin, I learned the dedication and sheer love these fans have for this group. Traveling long distances and sitting outside since the wee hours of the morning to get a railing position on the floor, it was only a matter of moments before their perseverance would pay off. With posters in hand they were ready to sing along with every song (I’m sure they knew every lyric to each one) with hopes to possibly get a pick thrown their way or perhaps a touch of the hand of a member of the band they loved so very much. As the music began, the lighting shone through the curtain highlighting the silhouettes of each band member. With the score beginning, sheer adrenaline was pumping through the crowd like static electricity, it was impossible not to feel the tingle. As the curtain fell, out to the edge of the stage ran Dan Reynolds singing their newest single, “Shots”. Positioned just right, I was right there waiting for him as the fans went crazy and the energy levels exploded through the roof. I knew it. This band was a ‘live band’. You know, one of those bands that you have to see live to appreciate ever aspect of their talent. Always loved their music, but I wanted to feel the music.

The first thing I noticed as the show began was Reynolds ability to connect with the crowd. He felt the music through his entire body and extended it outward toward the audience. He spoke with the group as if they were just having a conversation sharing his newly acquired bling that his daughter had just made him, and commenting on issues affecting everyone in light of the recent tragedies in Charleston. These fans weren’t nameless faces to him. They were friends; they had been through it all with him. At one point and time he called out to the crowd as we celebrated “beard man”. But what really got me, was his recognition of fan Jacob Ziegler. Who is Jacob Ziegler? Well he’s a young man who loves Imagine Dragons and follows them on all social media aspects. He retweets, he shares, he comments, and Reynolds recognized that. He yells out to him, recognizing him in the crowd, saying “I see you Jacob Ziegler” he tells the arena full of people that he sees his tweets and comments and appreciates the love he shares. I was floored by this act of kindness. Jacob was beside himself happy. By the end of the night Reynolds made sure to give him a hug. Now to me, that’s a star. A star always shines bright.

As connected as he was with the crowd, he was the same with band mates Wayne Sermon, Daniel Platzman, and Ben McKee. You could tell the rapport they share was fun and loving as they teased amongst themselves. As he sang through his setlist, that consisted of both hits from Night Visions and the new Smoke & Mirrors, I heard the songs differently this time. Ones that didn’t stand now did. Ones that I loved, I loved even more. And let’s talk about the light show. That in itself was a spectacular show. Coupled together with the amazing sounds of Imagine Dragons, this show became one of my top five favorite shows of all time.

As Imagine Dragons travels for this tour, I strongly urge you to take the opportunity to see this event. You will definitely be happy you did.

SetList:
Shots, Trouble, It’s Time, Forever Young (Alphaville cover), Smoke and Mirrors, Polaroid, I’m So Sorry, Gold, Bleeding Out/Warriors, Demons, Hopeless Opus, On Top of the World, Friction, I Bet My Life, Radioactive, The Fall

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July 19, 2015
Failure Brings Reunion Tour to The Westcott Theater

Fans of the band Failure may have thought they had seen the last of the band back in 1997, when they announced they were disbanding due to personal differences. To much delight, Failure reunited in late 2013 and has been hitting cities across the country. In support of their new album The Heart Is a Monster, which was released on June 30, Failure headlined a show at the Westcott Theater in Syracuse, NY on Friday July 17.

Opening the evening was Queen Kwong. Although many fans weren’t at the venue yet when the band went on shortly after 8pm, those who were witnessed an incredible act. Queen Kwong is an indie rock band that was founded by singer/guitarist Carré Callaway. With a couple of EPs out already and a new album due in August, Queen Kwong have been busy playing shows all over the world. The band consists of Carré Callaway on vocals and some other familiar faces. Playing guitar for Queen Kwong is none other than Wes Borland of Limp Bizkit and Black Light Burns. Many fans were delighted to see Wes, while others didn’t recognize him without full costume. Playing the bass for Queen Kwong is former Marilyn Manson bassist, Fred Sablan. Finally, filling out the band is Hayden Scott on the drums, who was part of AWOLNATION. The mix of raw talent and musical passion created an energy on stage that transformed right into the crowd. Skeptical at first about what they were going to see and hear, fans quickly seemed to get into the groove. Queen Kwong left the audience warmed up and ready to finish the night with Failure.

Failure took the stage just after 9pm to a large crowd of eager fans. Opening the night up with a couple of tracks off the new album The Heart Is a Monster, Failure fans knew they were in for a great night. Back together after 15 years, the original trio of Greg Edwards, Ken Andrew and Kellii Scott didn’t seem to miss a beat or note for that matter. When thinking of rock trios, the names Rush, Blink-182, Chevelle, Muse, Nirvana, etc. all come to mind. It’s incredible how bands with only 3 members can sound so great live and make live performances match the studio records or make the songs even better live. Failure belongs in that category with the great rock trios. The entire night, the band was playing with rejuvenated energy and passion.

For a small-scale production, Failure made it perfect. Behind the band, 3 symmetrical LED screens illuminated with various psychedelic designs and animated videos. Some of these images could have been compared to the likes of Pink Floyd’s, “The Wall” movie. Fans were able to focus on the music without over the top distractions that would normally take away from the actual musical performance. Failure’s setlist was composed of mainly 3 albums the entire night. Asides from The Heart Is a Monster, Failure’s newest album, they also played tracks off of Fantastic Planet from 1996 and Magnified from 1994.

Fans from all around New York State as far as Long Island, traveled to Syracuse to see Failure perform. These fans were thanked time and time again throughout the set by the band, who let them know how much they appreciated all the support. Many fans around the venue were wearing VIP laminates showing that they had participated in the meet and greet with the band. Others were walking around with the new album The Heart Is a Monster on CD and even vinyl. Failure’s fan base is definitely still intact after all of these years. For over an hour and a half, fans were sent back in time 15 years to when Failure’s first albums came out and got to experience the whole thing again with a mix of awesome new material.

Setlist: Segue 4/WalkOnCue, Hot Traveler, A.M. Amnesia, Atom City Queen, Otherwhere, Counterfeit Sky, Mullholland Dr., Heliotropic, Undone, Frogs, Another Space Song, Saturday Saviour, Sergeant Politeness, Segue 1, Pillowhead, Stuck On You.

Encore: Smoking Umbrellas, The Nurse Who Loved Me, Daylight

Failure has tour dates planned in the United States into the middle of October. If you missed your chance at the Westcott Theater, click here to find out where Failure is playing next.

The Westcott Theater Website: Click here

Queen Kwong Official Website: Click here

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July 19, 2015
Def Leppard, Styx and Tesla Pack Darien Lake

There is no better time of year than right now. Summertime is always the time where bands take advantage of the warm beautiful weather and hit the road. This summer, classic rock legends Def Leppard are hitting the road with their friends Styx and Tesla. On Sunday, July 12, the trio rolled into the Buffalo area with a show at the Darien Lake Performing Arts Center.

Shows at Darien Lake Performing Arts Center usually draw people to the adjoined theme park before the show. Throughout the day while walking around the park, Def Leppard shirts could be spotted everywhere. Seeing all of the fans in the park was an early sign that it was going to be a packed house. Hundreds of people were waiting for the gates to open at 6 p.m. so they could be the first ones in. Before Tesla took the stage at 7 p.m., fans were lining up to get food, beer from concessions and shirts from the merchandise booth.

When the house music stopped shortly before 7 p.m., a look around the amphitheater proved that fans were there to see every band of the night and not just headliner Def Leppard. Tesla took the stage with a loud applause from the crowd and started the show with “Edison’s Medicine (Man Out of Time).” The crowd seemed to enjoy every second of Tesla’s set. The excitement really came out of the crowd when guitarist Frank Hannon played the opening chords of “Signs” and then continued with another classic of theirs, “Love Song.” Opening bands don’t normally fill an entire amphitheater because most people use it as extra time to mingle and get their beer. That wasn’t the case on Sunday night for Tesla. Lead singer, Jeff Keith, was spot on the entire night hitting notes from songs written over 20 years ago. The closing song of the set, “Modern Day Cowboy” capped off a high energy set that left fans definitely wanting more from them. After Tesla had finished their set, there was chatter all around the seats about how awesome the band had sounded and how amazed they were.

Styx was next up for the night and fans were definitely warmed up and ready. From the start of the set, fans joined the members of Styx by singing along to every song of the night. Opening the set with “The Grand Illusion,” Styx had an entire night planned with only their best songs. Changing backgrounds with each song to coincide with its album or theme, Styx kept the crowd on its feet. Styx looked like they were having more fun playing on stage together than anyone else in the crowd. The band’s energy and enthusiasm was through the roof and out of the amphitheater. While the rest of the band took a short break, singer and keyboard player Lawrence Gowan kept the crowd entertained with covers of “Rocket Man,” “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “(Sittin’ On) The Dock of the Bay.” The band came back out after and played “Come Sail Away” before walking off stage one more time prior to the encore. Some fans thought the band was finished and started leaving their seats to the concessions. Shortly after though, the fans came scurrying back as they heard the applause of the crowd as Styx played “Rockin’ the Paradise” and “Renegade.” Guitarist, Tommy Shaw and the rest of Styx were spot on the entire evening and left the crowd eager to see Def Leppard.

As the lights dimmed and a giant Def Leppard banner was dropped down in front of the stage, fans knew it was only a matter of time before the finale began. The show opened up with “Rock! Rock! (Till You Drop)” and the giant banner getting sucked up into a vacuum instead of falling to the bottom of the stage. Def Leppard wasted no time after that, going immediately into songs “Animal,” “Let It Go” and “Foolin’.” Whenever the house lights lit up the crowd, anyone could see it was a packed house. There wasn’t an empty inside seat visible and fans filled the lawn all the way to the back. Lead singer, Joe Elliott, sounded great all night long as well as the rest of the band. Vivian Campbell, who’s been battling Hodgkin’s lymphoma on and off, showed no signs of slowing down. Both Campbell and Phil Collen were spot on with their guitar parts while frequently going out on the catwalk into the crowd together. The production for Def Leppard was done perfectly and synced with each song; whether it was neon signs or a wall of TVs. The set included “Two Steps Behind,” which Joe Elliott did solo with an acoustic guitar. Rick Allen and Rick Savage kept the band tight on the drums and bass. The band ended the night with “Rock of Ages” and “Photograph” which features a history timeline of photos on a giant LED screen behind them.

This massive tour has already had a few stops in New York and is due for 2 more later this month in Wantagh and Saratoga Springs. Check out the rest of the tour dates here.

For the event schedule for Darien Lake Performing Arts Center, click here.

July 17, 2015
An Evening With The Lone Bellow

On a warm Friday night in June, a fairly packed house at The Egg‘s smaller room, The Swyer Theatre, The Lone Bellow were just as excited to be in Albany as Albany was excited to see them.

With lots of smiles, jokes, and music, the five piece band based out of Brooklyn wowed the crowd for close to two hours. Starting the evening off Zach Williams, Kanene Donehey Pipkin, and Brian Elmquist came to the stage and surrounded a mic to deliver three songs with just acoustic guitars and beautiful harmonies. This would happen again near the end of the show in the crowd and for the encore. The way the three of their voices blend together is gorgeous and needs to be heard by people who love music.

After Jason Pipkin and Justin Glasco, Bass and drums respectively came out, the evening turned from a folk vibe to full on rock and roll. The band played much of the material from the two albums they have released so far and many in the audience knew every word. Zach has a lot of energy and engages the crowd at all times, almost like a preacher making sure his sermon is heard while Brian plays the guitar like there is nothing else in the world for him to do. Kanene, when she was not switching instruments be it keys, mandolin, or bass, soothed the souls of the crowd with her fantastic voice.

The band had to restart parts of songs a couple of times, but they took it in stride and joked with the crowd about it, giving the evening a relaxed feeling and that it’s all part of the show. The Lone Bellow was on fire all evening and when they come back to Albany, which hopefully will be sooner than later, it would not be surprising to see them playing to bigger audiences once word gets out about what people missed out on.

July 15, 2015
Godsmack, Sevendust to Play Historic Shows This Fall

Sully and the boys from Godsmack have announced that they will pack up the gear and hit the road once again for a 12-date fall tour. Sevendust will also pack up the tour bus and hit the road to help support the tour.

Godsmack has been touring in support of its current sixth studio album, “1000hp,” for the last year. Earlier in the year the band toured with Papa Roach on their spring tour.

In 2014, former Mayor of Boston, Marty Walsh, declared August, 6 as “Godsmack” day in the city of Boston. The accolade was achieved because of the success the band has had over the years.

Godsmack has had twenty, top ten rock radio hits so far in their career, in which fifteen of those singles landed in the top 5. In 2001, Godsmack won Billboards “Rock Artist of the Year” award.

Sevendust is set to release its 11th studio album sometime this year. There have been rumors about names for the album but nothing is official yet. Numerous music sites have claimed that the album has been completed since March of 2015.

It has also been rumored that the band will take a hiatus after the album release and possible headline tour even though guitarist for the band, Clint Lowery, has stated that the band hopes to record a second acoustic album in the next two years and would like to make it part of the Sevendust recording cycle.

New York will see the only tour stop in Poughkeepsie at the Mid-Hudson Civic Center on Wednesday, October 14. This tour is being labeled as historic, as two of the best ever in rock music reunite for some memorable shows.

Godsmack / Sevendust Touring Schedule:

09-20-2015 – Union County Food Truck and Rock Festival – Clark, NJ
09-23-2015 – The Fillmore Detroit – Detroit, MI
09-27-2015 – Prairie Capital Convention Center – Springfield, IL
09-29-2015 – Arvest Bank Theatre at The Midland – Kansas City, MO
10-01-2015 – Municipal Auditorium – Shreveport, LA
10-02-2015 – Von Braun Center – Huntsville, AL
10-04-2015 – Louder Than Life Music Festival – Louisville, KY
10-13- 2015 – Toyota Presents Oakdale – Wallingford, CT
10-14- 2015 – Mid-Hudson Civic Center – Poughkeepsie, NY
10-16-2015 – Scotiabank Centre – Halifax, NS
10-17-2015 – Moncton Coliseum – Moncton, NB
10-19- 2015 – TD Place – Ottawa, ON

July 14, 2015
Disturbed To Play First Show On Album Release Date

Disturbed has announced that they will play their first show in over four years in their hometown of Chicago on Aug. 21 at The House Of Blues.

Aug. 21 also marks the date for the bands much anticipated returning sixth studio album, Immortalized.

Could this be the first show in a possible future tour announcement? Fans can only hope so, even though a tour will eventually head our way in the near future.

The band ended their hiatus recently with a brand new music video for the lead single off the new album titled “The Vengeful One.”

Disturbed secretly recorded the album over the last year. The album will be released through Reprise Records.

The band has posted numerous videos on Facebook titled “The Making Of Immortalized,” explaining how things came about.

The Making of “Immortalized” | Part 1Watch our video for #TheVengefulOne here: http://smarturl.it/thevengefulone Pre-order #Immortalized here: http://smarturl.it/DSTImmortalized

Posted by Disturbed on Wednesday, July 1, 2015

“>Part 1 |

The Making of “Immortalized” | Part 2Stay tuned for more from the making of “Immortalized.” Pre-order exclusive album bundles: http://smarturl.it/DSTImmortalized?IQid=mo2fbPre-order on iTunes: http://smarturl.it/immortalized?IQid=mo2fbPer-order on Amazon: http://smarturl.it/immortalized.amzn?IQid=mo2fb Watch the official music video for “The Vengeful One”: http://smarturl.it/thevengefulone?IQid=mo2fb

Posted by Disturbed on Wednesday, July 8, 2015

“>Part 2 |

The Making of “Immortalized” | Part 3Pre-order exclusive album bundles: http://smarturl.it/DSTImmortalized?IQid=mo3fb

Posted by Disturbed on Monday, July 13, 2015

“>Part 3

Disturbed’s last four studio albums debuted at number one on the rock charts. With all the anticipation for this release, it could mean a fifth consecutive top-selling album for the band come Aug. 21.

Disturbed was formed in 1994 under the name Brawl. Two years later in 1996 is when the band changed their name to Disturbed after the hiring of frontman David Draiman and the parting of Erich Awalt.

The current band line-up has been together since 2003. Bassist John Moyer replaced the fired Steve Kmak in 2003 and played his first show with the band at the House Of Blues. Kmak was fired by the band for “personality differences” right after the band’s Music As A Weapon II Tour.

Disturbed is: David Draiman (vocals), Dan Donegan (guitar), John Moyer (bass), and Mike Wengren (drums).

July 14, 2015
A Tragically Hip Fourth of July at CMAC

The Tragically Hip is no stranger to New York, although many New York residents may offer a puzzled look when told the band is in town. The Hip is a band who has drawn stadium sized crowds across its Canadian homeland for a couple of decades, yet Stateside fame has been elusive.

agically Formed in Kingston, Ontario in 1983, Canada’s ambassadors have continually drawn large crowds to major venues on either side of the border ever since. Tonight was just slightly different than in years past. Knowing that Fully Completely would be played in its entirety may have removed some of the element of surprise and the crowd wasn’t the sellout, push-to-the-front type from the 90s, but the music itself was as fresh sounding today as it was 23 years ago.

Fresh off a Canada Day show in Toronto and another in Windsor, The Hip, as they are affectionately known by the faithful, ventured across the border to grace American (and traveling Canadian) fans with the gift of their music on our Independence Day at the beautiful Constellation Brands Melvin Sands Performing Arts Center in Canandaigua, New York.

This tour is a celebration of their breakthrough album Fully Completely, released in 1992. The Hip is playing this album in its entirety at each show of this tour and this reviewer couldn’t have been happier with this revelation as this album contains a couple of holy grail songs I have yet to see performed live. Some follow Phish; back in the mid to late 90s, I followed The Hip. This is a band that begs to be seen live to fully appreciate its musicianship and the showman who is lead singer Gord Downie.

Gord Downie assessing the situation in Canandaigua.

While Downie is the obvious focal point of the band’s performances, the rest of the musicians are what makes The Hip ‘The Hip.’ Gordon Sinclair and Johnny Fay are two of rock’s more formidable artists at keeping the beat and guitarists Paul Langlois and Rob Baker play well off each other with the balance of the solos tipping Baker’s way.

‘Grace, Too’ kicked off the evening as it often does. Following Gordon Sinclair’s lilting bass intro, the opening line states, ‘He said I’m fabulously rich, c’mon just let’s go,’ which Downie has changed to ‘He said I’m Tragically Hip, c’mon just let’s go,’ hereby welcoming you to the experience you are about to encounter.

The evening was heavy on the classics, with only two more recent tunes, 2006’s ‘In View’ and 2012’s ‘At Transformation’ making the setlist. ‘At Transformation’ evokes the ominous riffs of mid-aughts era Hip such as 2007’s ‘Vaccination Scar’ and fit well within tonight’s setlist.

The pre-Fully portion of the show closed with the standard ‘New Orleans is Sinking.’ In the past, the Hip used the mid-section of this song as a vehicle for working new songs into the set or Downie’s stream-of-consciousness poetry. The most famous version being the oft-bootlegged ‘Killer Whale Tank’ version:

Tonight’s version of NOIS was rather straight forward, which could indicate either that the Hip currently have nothing in the hopper to work into the song or that this one has been retired as such a vehicle. Either way, the song was rocking and a good prep for the main portion of the show.

Following a very brief intermission, dark curtains were lowered at the front of the stage, Downie switched from a bowler hat to a cowboy hat and it was time to become fully and completely immersed in Fully Completely.

The album was played in its entirety in its original playing order beginning with ‘Courage (for Hugh MacLennan).’ CMAC quickly turned into a group sing-along for the next forty minutes.

Downie scatted his way through the ‘get Ry Cooder to sing my eulogy’ section of ‘At the Hundredth Meridian’ with the aplomb of Cab Calloway, while the audience chimed in to provide the necessary emphasis of the refrain.

Views of Canadian landscapes and history appeared on the screens at the back of the stage to accompany the songs. It was here where I felt as if I were able to see my Toronto Maple Leafs finally win the Stanley Cup.

Growing up a Maple Leafs hockey fan, I’ve become accustomed to their failure to win a Stanley Cup in my lifetime. The song that really won me over as a fan of the Hip, ’50 Mission Cap,’ was one written about Bill Barilko, a former Toronto Maple Leaf who scored the Cup winning goal in 1951. The following summer he disappeared on a fishing trip in northern Ontario. As the song tells it, the Leafs didn’t win the Stanley Cup again until the year Barilko’s body was found in 1962. The video that accompanied the playing of ’50’ showed footage of Barilko’s winning goal as Downie sang, ‘The last goal he ever scored (in overtime), won the Leafs the Cup’ to the delighted roar of the fans. This site offers a nice tutorial behind the song.

As the band wound its way through the remainder of the album, Downie’s theatrics contrasted with his band mates’ stoicism. Whether using makeshift props to pretend he was a horse or shining his shoes, the theater of Downie is why you attend a Hip show. He is a poet as well as a showman.

The main set closed with a rare appearance of the Fully album closer ‘Eldorado.’ Prior to this tour, the song has only been performed live a handful of times.

After a brief break, the boys came out for the first of a five song encore, their most recent single ‘At Transformation.’ The pavilion seating gradually filled as the night wore on and by the encore, it was packed with standing fans singing along with Downie and high-fiving their neighbors.

‘Poets’ followed, which has a special relevance to my wife and I. A song from the album Phantom Power released in 1998, this song had a prominent location on the set list for The Hip’s Thruway theater tour of New York to support the album. My wife and I attended the Albany, Syracuse and Rochester shows on consecutive nights during that tour, fighting to keep our seats in the first few rows as scores of eager fans rushed to the front to get closer to the band. It’s a memory that stays with both of us to this day and something that cemented our love for the band.

‘Nautical Disaster’ was a highlight of the night. As the title suggests, it tells the story of a ship wreck, the origins of which are left to the listener’s imagination. Is it about the Titanic? The sinking of the Bismarck? The setting is ‘off the coast of France.’ It’s a song that takes you on a journey of hopelessness and the desperation of man in the face of disaster. One thing about The Hip, you’ll often get a history lesson while listening; perhaps another reason for this history geek’s love of the band.

Downie spun his tale of nautical woe, using the microphone as a prop to pantomime pulling ‘overboard’ audience members back into the ‘ship.’ It was pure Downie, pure Hip.

The finale, ‘Blow at High Dough,’ a hard charging, blues-inspired rocker from the band’s second release ‘Up to Here,’ sent the adoring crowd into a frenzy. Baker’s slide guitar during the solo sent echoes of Duane Allman through the lakeside air in Canandaigua. A fan shot video from earlier in the tour gives a taste of what was experienced. Sinclair takes on a more prominent role with the bass in this version than what was played this night but a tasty nugget of Hip nonetheless.

For a tour that was designed as a nostalgia trip, it served its purpose well in that regard. However, its also obvious that this band still loves what they do and the songs don’t sound dated nor trite. Downie is still a performer at the top of his game and while I would have liked to have seen guitarist Langlois take a more prominent role in this set, this reviewer walked away impressed with yet another Hip show.

Canada’s treasure gave the Americans a show for the 4th and it was pretty Hip.

Setlist: Grace, Too, My Music at Work, In View, Ahead By a Century, New Orleans is Sinking, Courage (for Hugh MacLennan), Looking for a Place to Happen, At the Hundredth Meridian, Pigeon Camera, Lionized, Locked in the Trunk of a Car, We’ll Go Too, Fully Completely, 50 Mission Cap, Wheat Kings, The Wherewithal, Eldorado, E: At Transformation, Poets, Bobcaygeon, Nautical Disaster, Blow at High Dough.

July 14, 2015
YYZ to NYC: Rush Travels Backward Down The Number Line At Back-to-Back NJ and NYC Shows On R40 Tour

Recent Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee Rush has been at it for 41 years now since their 1974 self-titled release. Well, 41+ years including their earlier years playing local bars, high school dances, and their first 45 with A/B side singles in 1973. Their recent shows at the Prudential Center in Newark, NJ and at Madison Square Garden in NYC as part of the R40 40th anniversary tour made a statement about the band who has persevered and grown a profound loyal fan base through the years while never flying close the mainstream limelight.

Though the Saturday show in Newark saw a windy deluge going to and from the arena, Monday’s sunny evening drew like moths a sea of people clad in Rush shirts to the sidewalks at 34th and 7th. A typical scene before a concert perhaps, though something was different in the air about this crowd. It was something more genuine than simply a visitation to nostalgia for long-time fans while anticipation welled in younger fans queuing up with tickets in hand.

Rush’s pair of New York area shows – June 27 at the Prudential Center and June 29 at Madison Square Garden – was a special treat on the R40 40th anniversary tour for many, making it easy to catch the band twice in the span of a weekend. It was an even greater special treat for these two shows, which brought an unexpected surprise in the first set.

R40 was all about a few key things which set this tour apart from some of the band’s recent tours – the set list, the fans, and at parting a feeling of mystery about what is next for Rush. It should also be called out that Rush devised a deft plot for the show – yes, plot – which keys in with the set list to bring things full circle.

Rush’s show format has been consistent for a while as they have not had an opening act in years: two full sets and an encore consisting of a mix-and-match of songs from various albums favoring the latest album. That did not change this time around but cue the first clever device – the set list. It started with their most recent works from Clockwork Angels (2012) and progressed backward through their releases without skipping back-and-forth in time. Rush has so far employed a rotation of set lists on this tour and not played from one list repeatedly, which made attending both NJ and NYC shows in a span of three days special.

Anyone familiar with Rush’s live act knows they have a boisterous sense of humor, from their intro videos and projections to the stage setup (when Geddy Lee and Alex Lifeson began using direct inputs, they’d put other props in place of their amps, such as clothes dryers and chicken rotisseries). A newcomer to a live Rush performance may have been perplexed by what was happening in the backdrop but seasoned fans quickly caught on to the ensuing cavalcade of guys in Rush jumpsuits milling about to rearrange the stage in bits and pieces. Remember the plot we mentioned earlier? As the show went on the setup devolved in tandem with the timeline of the songs, starting with the steampunk props to the dryers, a wall of amps, a stack of amps and finally, in line with the band’s earliest shows, one amp each for Geddy and Alex propped on a chair. Neil Peart’s kit setup followed this progression too, at least as much as it practically could with his modern rotating platform kit appearing in the first set and a fixed double-kick kit reminiscent of the 2112 era taking center stage in the second set. Pay close attention as the insignia on the kick drum head in the first set is Peart’s subtle nod to the great jazz drummer Buddy Rich.

As Rush is not touring in support of any new music it felt like there was a synergy between the fans and the band – the loyal fan base making their presence known in gratitude for the years of music and the band feeding back to them a stellar performance, showing their gratitude for the support as well. While the aesthetics of the show certainly brought memories of listing to “2112” while procrastinating on some high school English assignment front and center for many long-time fans, it was the genuine loyalty that runs both ways that kept the energy high. Although, it seemed as though it took a few songs for the audience to really warmed up to that sustained energy perhaps due to less familiarity with their newer material.

Rush is well-known for their prowess as a trio for the sound they produce which they lived up to at these shows. Now in their early 60’s, the band members might be feeling a need to take it easy but Neil’s drumming was consistent as ever, Alex’s guitar lines executed with precision, and Geddy’s crunchy bass sound did its job. Geddy’s vocal performance seemed better this time than in a few of the recent tours, being able to cleanly hit the sustained high notes first evidenced early on during “Headlong Flight.” The band even did well emulating their stage mannerisms and recreating their sound from the beginning years while playing their earliest songs in the encore, namely by Geddy’s enthusiastic introductions his fellow band mates and the songs and minimal guitar effects. There were only a few infrequent blemishes on notes throughout the two nights which did not tarnish the performances.

My first Rush concert was at the Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) on the R30 tour in 2004 as I was getting ready for my senior year of high school in Upstate NY. In all the Rush shows I have experienced on each of their tours in the eleven years since that first show there has never been as large of a crowd of kids (high school and younger) at a Rush concert than there was at the Prudential Center and MSG. It possibly is a side-effect of life-long fans bringing their kids to the show but it was incredible to see 9 out of 10 of them excited about the show – before, during, and after. As one long-time Rush fan Debra Ross points out, Rush is the ideal band for a younger music fan to get wrapped around.

Aside from mixing up the set lists between shows, something really pulled the heartstrings of fans when Geddy paused between songs to remarking “We’d like to deviate from the norm right now…” and broke out “Losing It” which has been played live for the first time ever during this tour, debuting in Toronto June 19 with the Prudential Center and MSG shows marking the second and third performance of the song. Even more rare, Rush brought a guest on stage, NJ local Jonathan Dinklage who played violin on tour with Rush as part of the Clockwork Angels String Ensemble in 2012/2013. Dinklage delivered a jaw-dropping performance on the song making it one of the most talked about parts of the show afterward. This was perhaps the most revered moment by many, including David C. who remarked it was a dream come true after 32 years of wishing to hear it live. Several other moments throughout the show made it special for many, including the longer songs of the second set – “2112,” “Cygnus X-1” and “Xanadu” where Geddy and Alex donned double-neck guitars. A consistent part of recent tour sets and a sort of rallying song for Rush fans, “Subdivisions,” yet again rang back at the stage with some of the loudest applause with the song’s opening notes.

While both nights were excellent for the music and sound quality, the MSG show felt like it was a notch above. The recently renovated arena felt more comfortable and cozy, perhaps a little bit less disconnected due to the oval-shaped bowl seating versus a more square setup. While NJ doesn’t have to pump their own gas, our pizza is better, you might say (and get the joke if you were at both shows). To call both of these shows a trip through nostalgia could be construed as a slight to what Rush is and represents. There is a strong resonance about the music and lyrics that keeps the shows fresh and relevant each time around especially with a growing fan base of younger folks.

So, is this it for Rush? Various articles and interviews point in the direction of this being the last major tour for the band but not the end. Hype-talk over the show grew into brooding as the Metro North train lurked out of Grand Central, almost an academic discussion over their future given Geddy’s closing remarks about hoping to see everyone down the road and the change of the projection of “R40” to “R40+” at the end of the show and some sentiment within the band about not touring anymore. That leaves one question as the R40 tour enters its second half: How do you say farewell to a band who’s music is the soundtrack to your life? Well, let’s hope to not have to think about that one just yet. Rush on!

Setlist: (differences between the Prudential Center and MSG shows noted by asterisk)

Set 1: The Anarchist, Headlong Flight, Far Cry, The Main Monkey Business, How It Is*/One Little Victory**, Animate, Roll The Bones, Between The Wheels*/Distant Early Warning**, Losing It (with Jonathan Dinklage), Subdivisions

Set 2: Tom Sawyer, The Camera Eye*/Red Barchetta**, The Spirit of Radio, Jacob’s Ladder, Cygnus X-1 Book Two: Hemispheres – Prelude, Cygnus X-1 Book One – The Voyage: Part 1, Drum Solo, Cygnus X-1 Book One – The Voyage: Part 3, Closer To The Heart, Xanadu, 2112 Overture/The Temples of Syrinx/Presentation/Grand Finale

Encore: Lakeside Park, Anthem, What You’re Doing, Working Man

*Played at the Prudential Center only
**Played at Madison Square Garden only

July 13, 2015