As I mentioned in my last post, I have been on a classic rock marathon lately. Continuing in the classic rock genre' the three shows I attended recently were UFO at the Boardwalk in Orangevale, Heart with Def Leppard at Sleep Train Ampitheater in Wheatland, and Lynyrd Skynyrd at Thunder Valley Resort in Lincoln.
Out of the three shows I would have to say I was most impressed with the Heart/Def Leppard combination; maybe that's not a fair way to pick a favorite show, but individually the bands each stood on their own merit, the fact that they played on the same bill was just a bonus for this long time rocker! Ann and Nancy Wilson performed flawlessly and sounded incredible; especially considering the venue is one of the outside 'sheds' where so often the music can just float away. But on this night the sound was crisp, Ann's voice was as beautiful as ever and of course Nancy, having played their hit songs probably many hundreds of times, didn't miss a note, and she looks amazing. They both do! So glad to see them looking and sounding healthy and happy! Heart did a few covers which I understand some Heart fans weren't fond of, and would have rather heard "their girls" performing more of the original music, but Ann's voice on the The Who's "Love Reign O'er Me" is so spot on; she's doing that song as well as Roger Daltry ever did! Considering they were the supporting act, they did get a nice long set, but of course not as long as many of their fans would have liked. Speaking with some friends during the intermission it seemed there was a definite split among the crowd; some were there for Heart, some for Def Leppard. But I also believe that for most part, if you came as a Heart fan you left as a Heart AND Def Leppard fan and vice-versa. They could have easily switched the lineup and it still would have felt right; these two bands really are on the same level when it comes to talent, musicianship, and their rich and illustrious catalogs of great songs! Def Lep are still amazingly incredible performers and their music seems as fresh as ever. They do choreograph their position switches and every little interaction between the band members or with the audience seems a bit too slick, but their set list is so dynamic it kept my attention focused on the music, I didn't really mind the "rehearsed moves" so much. (In the past I have complained about perfectly timed and executed shows such as Nickelback, where I felt the band wasn't really connecting with the audience.) Fortunately, for this show I had an amazing seat, unobstructed view and room to dance my fanny off, which added to my enjoyment of this night of hit after hit! I sang until my voice was almost gone! (I have noticed that for myself, my position in the venue, whether it be front row, side stage, back stage, or other does impact my general appreciation of the event. I can have just as much fun at a thrash metal show as I can at a small intimate mellow gig; depending on my comfort level.)
Unfortunately at the Lynyrd Skynyrd show my companion and I had great seats, and terrible company. But Skynyrd definitely was on; I was thoroughly enjoying another night of huge hit songs and dancing in the aisles! No one was sitting down, which is just fine with me, and our seats were several rows back and center stage but we still had a good vantage point. In general I didn't feel claustrophobic like I have on occasion in "sold out" situations. Unfortunately, the man "dancing" next to me was crowding my space (he wasn't supposed to be in our seats, but because we were all standing, we let him just hang out; no harm, no foul) until he decided to take it a step further and get very inappropriate with his "dancing" during "That Smell". That was the last song I heard, and don't really remember the songs played after that; except that they closed with "Gimme Three Steps", which was ironic and funny considering that the offender and his posse had to be escorted from the premises due to the altercation that ensued after I told the guy to back off. I wish I could tell you more about the show. What I do recall is that a WHOLE LOT of people love Skynyrd; the place was jam packed, the band sounded GREAT; and the folks at Thunder Valley took care of things in a reasonably professional and efficient manner. It's just too bad one pervert had to ruin the night for so many others; I felt so bad for my companion who was injured, and for the other people in our area who were affected by the melee'. So disturbing to have to deal with that crap at a show where I would have never expected that sort of violence to take place. I am having to do a lot of meditating to find forgiveness for the guy. I guess the lesson is it doesn't matter whether you're at a Southern Rock show, or a Death Metal show, when you have a large group of people, you're gonna get some weirdos in the mix. And it doesn't matter how young or old or if they're wearing Levi's or bondage pants or if they're with their family or their "posse", you just never know who's looking for a fight or who thinks they can get away with aberrant behavior; do your best to be cool, be friendly, and avoid these creeps and everyone will have a good and safe time!
Speaking of being claustrophobic; the UFO show was also packed to the rafters! This show was at The Boardwalk and it can get pretty dang hot and crowded inside. On nights like this you either need to be up front and hold on to your spot, or for me, I migrate towards the front door where I can usually see better and hear better than if I'm somewhere in the middle of the club. There was a lot of jostling for position on this night and I stayed up front for 2 or 3 songs and then retreated, but regardless where I was in the club I was thoroughly impressed with Phil Mogg's voice and energy! I love UFO songs with their bluesy, moody, floaty riffs like "Love to Love You" that transition so fluidly into heavier classics like "Rock Bottom." I only know the "classics" so I had a harder time appreciating the songs I didn't know by heart, but let me tell you, the UFO fanatics knew every single word! I observed much singing, air guitaring, and even air drumming over the course of the evening. UFO is definitely a band with a mostly male fan base of musicians, and musician wanna-be's. Vinnie Moore is an incredible guitar talent; I didn't think he needed to prove it by playing the axe with his teeth but the dudes loved it! All in all I was thoroughly impressed by the band and, being somewhat of voyeur to the crowd, it was fun to see everyone having such an amazing time and enjoying their own personal flashbacks to the mid 70's!
As I mentioned before I can pretty much enjoy any kind of live music and I take in the event as a whole; including the music, the crowd, the venue, and the staff, as well as who I'm seeing the show with and their level of enjoyment as well. Fortunately after the debacle at Lynyrd Skynyrd, I was able to redeem my week by attending the Holty Matrimony show in Santa Clara which featured thrash metal bands and musicians brought together to celebrate the marriage of Gary Holt (of Exodus) and Lisa Perticone. But more on that later, I just wanted to illustrate my previous statement about the variety of music and people that I enjoy rocking out with and to assure you that one bad experience will not keep me from my lifelong love of attending concerts. Long live live music!
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