09 concerts

Best shows 09.
Ok as I stated, my phone got messed up and I lost my calendar that I use to keep track of shows. Therefore I may miss some or have the chronology for others wrong. Also I had less money and babysitter than any time in my life so I missed many shows that I would have seen ordinarily. I did ok though. Sorry for anyone I missed. Yeah I know I lost my notes last year when I moved. That’s why I put them on my phone this year to NOT lose them. Didn’t work out.
In no particular order.

Kings of Leon, Spring. – I went in knowing one song. I came out loving them all. They ran out of steam at the end, but will only improve with more material.

ZZ Top, summer – they opened for someone at Star Lake but were really a revelation. I can’t believe it took me this long to see them. Their stripped down live performance was gritty, and aged much better than their synth laden studio work.

Iron City Houserockers, Spring – the first of three shows for the reunited band featured a frantic crowd, manic energy, and an unreal chemistry that brought new life to songs I’ve known and loved for 30 years. Oh the opening act was great too (THE Houserockers).

Springsteen, Baltimore fall – next to last show of the tour, first time in Baltimore since 73, back in the place of my son’s birth, a smaller venue, Born To Run in its entirety, Bruce and Clarence tearing up, a 60 year old crowd surfing. E Street Shuffle. Holy cow.

Tim Barry, 31st street Pub, Spring – In the crowd unmiked singing during the second song. High energy, great mix, a crowd singing the songs back to him. Unreal.

Tom Breiding, Minedeo Elementary - My boys onstage in front of the entire school playing percussion, Tom Telling masterful stories, me looking good for push push pushing for the show. A moving day.

Bill Toms and Hard Rain, Spring Moondogs – They recorded an awesome CD that night. Crowd was a part of the show (and cd). Steve really shined and Rick added so much to the band. Glad to have a souvenir of this one.

Bill Toms and Hard Rain, WV winter – a smaller version of the band led to longer sparse more intimate versions of the songs. My first gig as a roadie! I think the place was the purple moose but it sounded golden to me. Really highlighted the rhythm section.

Joe Grushecky and the Houserockers – South Park summer. Seems like no one wanted this show to end. I know we didn’t!! East Carson Street was just new. Every blanket and lawn chair was up by the end. Lots of energy and a good mix of old and new songs.

Gaslight Anthem, winter - I went in not knowing a single song. Their energy, performing, and great songs told a story that has made a fan out of me. Sorry I missed their next show. Won’t do that too often.

Songwriter Circle with Scott Blasey, Joe Grushecky, Bill Deasy, Kelsey Friday, and Rick Witkowski. Yeah that was one show. Really!!! It was as good as it sounds. Recorded for a dvd release. Hope that works out.

8th Street Rox, PD’s late fall – tons of originals and lots of Bruce. I lost 5 pounds dancing and skipped the whole way home. One of the best nights of the year overall.

Dylan, Mellencamp, and Willie nelson – Robbie “finally” got to see his favorite singer Bob Dylan. Forgetful Heart will stay with me forever. I had the only pre-teens singing along to the new songs. Hell the only people in the stadiums. Willie astounds and Melencamp is always a great mix or art, nostalgia, and pop.

Billy Joel winter – So much better than the last time I saw him (94). He was very invested in the performance. Although he looked 75 sometimes I felt like it was 85 (as in 1985) and my first ever concert at Mellon Arena.

Greenday, fall - Zac picked this one. It astounded me how many kids and adults saw this show and got something out of it. They played a LONG set full of hits, rarities, oldies, and brand new and pop and yes a message. This band is the real deal. Modern day extensions of classic rock!

AC/DC fall – no slow songs, no covers, no bs, lots of energy. A number one record to push, 40 years of songs about sex and drinking. I’m not a huge fan but they really made it live.

Springsteen Melon Arena summer – Best day of my life so far. I wrote on this earlier but really a combination of everything important in my life: music, friends, art, thinking, bombast, left and right brain and family. I’ll be remembering this night on my deathbed. I’m underselling this but you get the point.

I saw many great shows by Scott Blasey, Anthony Rankin, The Pump Fakes, Jessie Mailin, John Eddie, Marah, The Clarks, Bill Deasey, John Hammond, James McMurtry, The Hold Steady, Fleetwood Mac, The Cause, Jill West, American Son, etc. I see Bill Toms acoustic so often I take it for granted until I DON’T see him for a while. Ditto Grushecky and Houserockers. I feel like I’m missing some outdoor shows here.
I think those are roughly in order but near will bring some great ones too.

I’m hopeful to see McCartney, Springsteen, Willie Nile, lots of my local guys, the reformed Legendary Hucklebucks, I Drive, Alejandro Escoveda, Jackie Green, Chris Knight, Marah full band, Rising Regina, The Stones, as always Tim Barry and many others.

Let me know who I missed, please. Happy new Year.