Of the many shows I've reserved tickets for this year, one of the ones I was most looking forward was seeing Slipknot/Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor's solo show. I booked a ticket for his show last night at the Turf Club in St. Paul the minute they went on sale! Because he was touring behind his third book, I wasn't sure quite what to expect, but I'm really glad I attended this unique evening of entertainment!
I got to the small club on University Avenue in St. Paul just ahead of some nasty summer storms. I made my way through the small, crowded venue to the front of the stage, and found my friend who attended Corey's book signing earlier in the afternoon. I saw the mike stands, stool and quartet of acoustic guitars set up on the small stage, and was laughing with a fellow fan about the old-time movie that was being played on the TV screens above the bar just before the show started.
Corey started the evening with about 40 minutes of discussion and Q&A regarding chapters from his new book You're Making Me Hate You, as well as some interesting talks about music. Corey shared a very memorable tour bus story with his friend, the late Slipknot Bassist Paul Gray that had everyone in stitches!
After a short break, Corey returned to the stage and picked up one of his acoustic guitars, strumming the familiar opening notes to the Alice in Chains classic "Nutshell." This was followed by Stone Sour's hit "Bother," one of the earliest songs Corey had ever written. Before long, Corey was joined onstage by Prong bassist Jason Christopher, who joined him on acoustic guitar and a few funny high-pitched notes!
The rest of the evening was a nice mix of Corey's Stone Sour and Slipknot material, and some intriguing cover songs by Pink Floyd, Live, Green Day and even a Minnesota legend (who for legal purposes, shall not be named). Some of the highlights included the most requested cover, a faithful rendition of Chris Isaak's song "Wicked Game" that Stone Sour originally covered on the deluxe edition of Come What(ever) May, and a stirring rendition of Snuff, a great tribute to Corey's late bandmate Paul Gray.
I ended up hanging out for a while with my friend at the Turf Club after the show, waiting out the storm. It turned out to be a good thing I waited, because about an hour later, Corey came back through the club and we were able to say hello and shake his hand. He had almost no voice left, but everyone who had stuck around really appreciated that such a famous person would take the time to thank the club staff and remaining patrons.
I got home early this morning with a wide grin, thinking back to the memories of yet another successful rock show! Next up is a free show on Wednesday at Pickle Park in Fridley, MN by rockers Screaming for Silence - great way to spend my birthday! Until next time, have a great week, everyone!
Monday, July 13, 2015
Sunday, July 12, 2015
Turtle Lake Trek
Friday I made the journey after work to Turtle Lake, WI to see my friends in the Midwest bands Antistar and Ashes From Stone open for national recording artists Hoobastank at the casino. It was kind of a last-minute trip considering there were so many great concerts going on that night, but I'm really glad I was able to make the trip. It turned out to be a great night of music with some really great people!
I got to my hotel 10 minutes away from the casino in time to unpack and unwind for a little bit, grabbing a little shuteye before it was time to have a bite to eat and make my way to the show. I met a couple of very good friends at the casino entrance and we caught up a bit at the merch booth before the show.
Shortly after 8 p.m. the first band, Antistar, took the stage. I'd heard a few of their songs online, but it was glad to finally see them live in concert. My friends and I enjoyed their unique yet powerful songs. I was also glad that I got to catch up with most of the band members after the show.
Less than an hour later,. my friends and I were rocking out to the songs from our friends in Ashes from Stone. It was the drummer's last performance with the band, so that made the evening a very special event. It was great hearing songs from their debut album Riddles and Riots along with their popular cover of a Paula Abdul song that was a big hit back in my high school days.
Before long, I finally got to experience Hoobastank live in concert for the first time. I was supposed to see them open for Staind at the casino in Walker, MN years ago, but unfortunately the band had to back out of that tour. Although I didn't know a lot of the songs that they played, I still thought they put on a good show. I was also happy that lead singer Doug Robb called up our drummer friend in Ashes from Stone to the front of the crowd, acknowledging his last performance publicly. That was a very classy thing to do!
After the show, I hung out with my friends, carrying the signed Ashes from Stone cymbal that a good friend had bought me as an early birthday gift, at a local bar before we called it a night. I made my way home yesterday afternoon tired but still grinning with the memories of the great memories and conversations from the night before still cluttering my mind.
Next show for me tonight is a solo acoustic performance by Slipknot/Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor at the Turf Club in St. Paul. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
I got to my hotel 10 minutes away from the casino in time to unpack and unwind for a little bit, grabbing a little shuteye before it was time to have a bite to eat and make my way to the show. I met a couple of very good friends at the casino entrance and we caught up a bit at the merch booth before the show.
Shortly after 8 p.m. the first band, Antistar, took the stage. I'd heard a few of their songs online, but it was glad to finally see them live in concert. My friends and I enjoyed their unique yet powerful songs. I was also glad that I got to catch up with most of the band members after the show.
Less than an hour later,. my friends and I were rocking out to the songs from our friends in Ashes from Stone. It was the drummer's last performance with the band, so that made the evening a very special event. It was great hearing songs from their debut album Riddles and Riots along with their popular cover of a Paula Abdul song that was a big hit back in my high school days.
Before long, I finally got to experience Hoobastank live in concert for the first time. I was supposed to see them open for Staind at the casino in Walker, MN years ago, but unfortunately the band had to back out of that tour. Although I didn't know a lot of the songs that they played, I still thought they put on a good show. I was also happy that lead singer Doug Robb called up our drummer friend in Ashes from Stone to the front of the crowd, acknowledging his last performance publicly. That was a very classy thing to do!
After the show, I hung out with my friends, carrying the signed Ashes from Stone cymbal that a good friend had bought me as an early birthday gift, at a local bar before we called it a night. I made my way home yesterday afternoon tired but still grinning with the memories of the great memories and conversations from the night before still cluttering my mind.
Next show for me tonight is a solo acoustic performance by Slipknot/Stone Sour frontman Corey Taylor at the Turf Club in St. Paul. Until then, have a great weekend, everyone!
Sunday, July 5, 2015
Fuel and P.O.D. at the Taste of Minnesota
Last night, I capped off a fun Fourth of July by making my way down to the Carver County Fairgrounds in Waconia, MN to see national rock artists Fuel and P.O.D. at the annual Taste of Minnesota Festival. It was one heck of a way to celebrate a holiday weekend with a bang, and I'm not talking about fireworks!
I got to the fairgrounds a little later than I expected because of road construction detours around the area, but I found a free spot to park and walked over just in time to hear one of my favorite Fuel tracks "Falls on Me" being played as I entered. I quickly made my way to the second row of the crowd, where I ran into another music-loving friend.
It was great to hear new songs from last year's album Puppet Strings, as well as classics like "Shimmer," "Bittersweet," and "Bad Day" live in concert for the first time. Frontman Brett Scallions and company fed off the crowd's energy, although I expected a lot more people to be there. They closed their set right on time with the huge radio hit "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)."
I left my spot for a restroom break and to hit up the merch table, coming back to find out my buddy had snagged a Fuel setlist. Just as the chatter was growing, the house lights went down, and the San Diego natives P.O.D. took the stage for their headlining set. They really got the crowd going early, as lead singer Sonny Sandoval jumped to the barrier in front of the stage, singing their hit "Here Comes the Boom" with the crowd.
I loved seeing the children who joined the band (relax, the kids were wearing big earphones, parents!) for the hit "Youth of A Nation." One of those rare special song performances where everyone watching and participating couldn't help but smile widely throughout the song!
The band mixed up heavier songs and softer songs like "Beautiful" before closing the night with their hit "Alive," a familiar favorite that had everyone instantly singing along. This was my first time seeing the band perform in person, and I have to say that I was impressed! Now I just need to add more of their music to my collection!
I left the fairgrounds last night winding my way through pesky detours again just as the fireworks were going off. Another fun night of live music on a gorgeous summer day!
Well, I'm finally all caught up now-whew! Next show will be Hoobastank with special guests Antistar and Ashes from Stone at the Turtle Lake Casino. Until then, have a great week, everyone!
I got to the fairgrounds a little later than I expected because of road construction detours around the area, but I found a free spot to park and walked over just in time to hear one of my favorite Fuel tracks "Falls on Me" being played as I entered. I quickly made my way to the second row of the crowd, where I ran into another music-loving friend.
It was great to hear new songs from last year's album Puppet Strings, as well as classics like "Shimmer," "Bittersweet," and "Bad Day" live in concert for the first time. Frontman Brett Scallions and company fed off the crowd's energy, although I expected a lot more people to be there. They closed their set right on time with the huge radio hit "Hemorrhage (In My Hands)."
I left my spot for a restroom break and to hit up the merch table, coming back to find out my buddy had snagged a Fuel setlist. Just as the chatter was growing, the house lights went down, and the San Diego natives P.O.D. took the stage for their headlining set. They really got the crowd going early, as lead singer Sonny Sandoval jumped to the barrier in front of the stage, singing their hit "Here Comes the Boom" with the crowd.
I loved seeing the children who joined the band (relax, the kids were wearing big earphones, parents!) for the hit "Youth of A Nation." One of those rare special song performances where everyone watching and participating couldn't help but smile widely throughout the song!
The band mixed up heavier songs and softer songs like "Beautiful" before closing the night with their hit "Alive," a familiar favorite that had everyone instantly singing along. This was my first time seeing the band perform in person, and I have to say that I was impressed! Now I just need to add more of their music to my collection!
I left the fairgrounds last night winding my way through pesky detours again just as the fireworks were going off. Another fun night of live music on a gorgeous summer day!
Well, I'm finally all caught up now-whew! Next show will be Hoobastank with special guests Antistar and Ashes from Stone at the Turtle Lake Casino. Until then, have a great week, everyone!
PM5K at Pov's
On Wednesday, June 24th, I attended the Powerman 5000 show at Pov's in Spring Lake Park, MN. It was one of those shows where I was looking forward more to hearing the opening acts than the actual headliners, but still a fun night of music with friends nonetheless.
I got to Pov's in time to hang out and catch up with a few friends near the merch booths before the first band, Minneapolis rockers Emergent, took the stage. This was the first time seeing them since the Nonpoint show at the Wicked Moose in Rochester in March. While the stage was small enough to keep the band's antics contained to a minimum, they still enthralled the crowd with a heavy set of original rock songs.
I moved closer to the front of the stage in time to see my friends in 3 Years Hollow start their set. I've been enjoying their Clint Lowery-produced disc The Cracks ever since I picked up a copy at their last show at Pov's in March, and their energy levels at their shows remains constant. I also got to catch up with drummer Ryan Bennett Oxendine, talk a little Minnesota Vikings football with him, and thank him for another great show.
While it wasn't a huge turnout, the crowd moshed the most from what I saw during Soil's set. It was good to finally see singer Ryan McCombs and company play live in Minnesota, and they overcame a few technical problems to put on a good set that kept the fans entertained. I also got to chat with the bass guitarist after the show and thank him for a good set.
I didn't stay around long enough to watch Powerman 5000's entire performance, but I did get to hear a few newer songs and some PM5K classics before calling it a night. One of those bands that I can cross of my bucket list! Yet another great night of big bands in a small venue!
I got to Pov's in time to hang out and catch up with a few friends near the merch booths before the first band, Minneapolis rockers Emergent, took the stage. This was the first time seeing them since the Nonpoint show at the Wicked Moose in Rochester in March. While the stage was small enough to keep the band's antics contained to a minimum, they still enthralled the crowd with a heavy set of original rock songs.
I moved closer to the front of the stage in time to see my friends in 3 Years Hollow start their set. I've been enjoying their Clint Lowery-produced disc The Cracks ever since I picked up a copy at their last show at Pov's in March, and their energy levels at their shows remains constant. I also got to catch up with drummer Ryan Bennett Oxendine, talk a little Minnesota Vikings football with him, and thank him for another great show.
While it wasn't a huge turnout, the crowd moshed the most from what I saw during Soil's set. It was good to finally see singer Ryan McCombs and company play live in Minnesota, and they overcame a few technical problems to put on a good set that kept the fans entertained. I also got to chat with the bass guitarist after the show and thank him for a good set.
I didn't stay around long enough to watch Powerman 5000's entire performance, but I did get to hear a few newer songs and some PM5K classics before calling it a night. One of those bands that I can cross of my bucket list! Yet another great night of big bands in a small venue!
All Minnesota Music at the Myth
Good morning, everyone! Time to catch up on reviews from shows I've been to recently. On June 13th, the Myth in Maplewood, MN hosted the first-ever all-Minnesota rock show. I've made several friends lately who are part of the Twin Cities music scene as musicians and fans, so I was happy to do my part and show up to support local music.
I got to the venue in time to meet up with a few friends before the poppier-rock sounds of City of the Weak kicked off the evening. This was the only band on the bill that I'd never heard before, so it was good to get up close and personal to enjoy their original songs. Their sound kind of reminded me of early Flyleaf songs, and I liked the band's enthusiasm and interactions with the building crowd.
The next band, Arson River, brought a Southern rock swagger to the Myth stage. I enjoyed their show at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis in April, and it was great to hear an expanded set from them. Their cover of Black Stone Cherry's hit "White Trash Millionaire" always brings a smile to my face too!
Via was third on the bill, and it was nice to hear them again playing live, for the first time for me since they opened for Buckcherry at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis last August. I dug their alternative songs, and made a mental note to check out more of their music later.
Soon it was time for Aeous to kick off a heavy set, featuring songs from their amazing album "The Light You've Always Had." This band has come a long way since I first saw them open on this very stage for Sevendust a couple of years ago, and you can really hear the maturity in their songs. They've really grown as a band, and that's always something great to see.
Finally, it was time for headliners Ashes from Stone to begin their powerful set. They put on a powerful performance, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure, including a few heartfelt acoustic numbers and a rockin' cover of a Paula Abdul song!
After buying Ashes from Stone's debut disc "Riddles and Riots" and a City of the Weak CD, it was time to join friends after the show at the nearby Doghouse bar in Maplewood for more music and laughter. Another memorable night of good music with good friends!
I got to the venue in time to meet up with a few friends before the poppier-rock sounds of City of the Weak kicked off the evening. This was the only band on the bill that I'd never heard before, so it was good to get up close and personal to enjoy their original songs. Their sound kind of reminded me of early Flyleaf songs, and I liked the band's enthusiasm and interactions with the building crowd.
The next band, Arson River, brought a Southern rock swagger to the Myth stage. I enjoyed their show at the Fine Line Music Cafe in Minneapolis in April, and it was great to hear an expanded set from them. Their cover of Black Stone Cherry's hit "White Trash Millionaire" always brings a smile to my face too!
Via was third on the bill, and it was nice to hear them again playing live, for the first time for me since they opened for Buckcherry at Mill City Nights in Minneapolis last August. I dug their alternative songs, and made a mental note to check out more of their music later.
Soon it was time for Aeous to kick off a heavy set, featuring songs from their amazing album "The Light You've Always Had." This band has come a long way since I first saw them open on this very stage for Sevendust a couple of years ago, and you can really hear the maturity in their songs. They've really grown as a band, and that's always something great to see.
Finally, it was time for headliners Ashes from Stone to begin their powerful set. They put on a powerful performance, with a few surprises thrown in for good measure, including a few heartfelt acoustic numbers and a rockin' cover of a Paula Abdul song!
After buying Ashes from Stone's debut disc "Riddles and Riots" and a City of the Weak CD, it was time to join friends after the show at the nearby Doghouse bar in Maplewood for more music and laughter. Another memorable night of good music with good friends!
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