Killswitch Engage @ Ram's Head Live 12/27/2012

Went to see Killswitch Engage with Shadows Fall, Periphery and Acaro at Rams Head Live last night. It was a sold out show, but I had a ticket for my buddy Tony, and Milla ended up not going to Dorothy lucked out. Saw Scott and a couple of his buddies (who were at the Job For A Cowboy show last week), and some people Tony knew. WHEW. The guy from Rock and Roll Experience was there too, I saw him get some tix at will call then roll in.

(Eluveitie) WINTERSUN @ Mr Smalls 12/19/2012

Went up to see Eluveitie with Wintersun and Varg in PA mainly because this was the closest that WINTERSUN was coming to us. Tickets were like 18 (about 20 with fees). It's a good thing we got in advance as it was nearly full!

Job For A Cowboy @ Cafe 611 12/18/2012

I had a free ticket after buying 2 for Six Feet Under for this show. I was kinda not feelin it as the next day we were going up to PA to see Wintersun (and Eluveite).  However I would be off from work and ready to go on holiday, so why not? I saw Scott there, who usually I see at folk metal shows, chatted for a bit.

Sonata Arctica @Empire 12/9/2012

Went to see Sonata Arctica @ Empire (Jaxx), with Arsis and Yesterday's Saints. Milla and I went, and met up with Ulrich and Trigger. We also saw Dorothy, Ruby, her friend Jessie, and that Moonsorrow guy (whew). ($15 from an opening band). There was a good size crowd (and for a rainy Sunday night, too!), as power metal seems to draw some decent crowds.

 

Blue Oyster Cult @ The State Theater, VA 12/9/2012

I went to see the Blue Oyster Cult last night at the State Theater in Virginia. My brother was working, but I saw Josh and Jesse from A Sound of Thunder there \m/ cool! I got there around 8:30PM, for the alleged start time of 9:00PM.

The Birthday Massacre @ Empire 11/29/2012

Went to see the Birthday Massacre/WIlliam Control/Aesthetic Perfection/Creature Feature/My Enemy Complete at Empire last night. Met up with Milla, John, Kate and saw Phoebe, Matt, AND Jesse (ASOT) there too! There were a lot of people, the parking lot was packed and there was a great turnout. Not a sellout, but the dancefloor was basically full, with a lot of observers from the railings.

Lamb of God @ The Fillmore 11/17/2012

Went with Milla to see Lamb of God/ In Flames/ Hatebreed / Sylosis. Shabba and Joseph and Dorothy were there too. Hung out with Joe for most of the time as the show was SOLD OUT and it was hard to migrate to anywhere! It was overall a killer show and it was great, cause it may influence the Fillmore to book more Heavy shows!

Birthday Karaoke Setlist 10/20/2012

Last month, we finally did Birthday Karaoke again, many songs were partial, and I think I may have missed only a couple songs. It was my birthday so it kinda turned into Steve's (Mostly Metal) Karaoke featuring various special guests. (Not in any particular order) 'SETLIST' Eagleheart (Stratovarius)	S, M
Dancing Queen (Abba)	L, K
Electric Eye (Judas Priest)	S, J
The Sign (Ace of Base)	M,Kate
18 + life (Skid Row)	S
Forever (Kamelot)	S, M
Holy Diver (Dio)	S, B, K
Rainbow in the Dark (Dio)	S
Overnight Sensation (Firehouse)	J, S
Sway (Frank Sinatra?)	A
Painkiller (Judas priest)	S, J
Back in Black (AC/DC)	S, J
Living on a Prayer (Bon Jovi)	S, M, Mi
Total Eclipse of The Heart (Bonnie Tyler)	L, K
All the Things She Said (Tatu)	M, Mi
Power (Helloween)	S
Last in Line (Dio)	S, J
The Trooper (Iron Maiden)	S, A
Fast as a Shark (Accept)	S, J
Eye of the Tiger (Survivor)	K, L
High Enough (Damn Yankees)	S, M
Kokomo (Beach Boys)	A, B
Need you Now (Lady Antebellum)	A, B
Barbie Girl (Aqua)	S, M, Mi
Dragonstea din tei (Numa Numa) (?)	S, M, Mi
Separate Ways (Journey)	S
Call Me Al (Paul Simon)	S, M
I'm on a Boat (The Lonely Island)	B,S
Jizz in my Pants (The Lonely Island)	B,S
Daydream Believer (Monkees)	S, Mi, A

Six Feet Under @ Cafe 611 11/3/2012

Went with Milla up to Frederick to see Six Feet Under and Cattle Decapitation up at Cafe 611 ($22). It was our first time at that venue and we were curious as to how it and the turnout would be. We got there around 10, and Wretched was finishing up their set. There were a lot of people, the place was pretty packed. The chicken suit guy showed up at some point as well.

I also realized this was another Gauntlet. What a way to start a month- Fozzy, Dethklok, then Six Feet Under. And I didn't even realized it. Having a day off can help things :3

Dethklok @ Fillmore Silver Spring 11/2/2012

Milla and I went last night to see Dethklok w/ All That Remains, Machine Head, and the Black Dahlia Murder ($35) at the Fillmore, Silver Spring. Saw a bunch of people- Sarah, Ethan, Dorothy. I know chicken suit mosher was there (and was called out by most of the bands lol), and DC Heavy Metal Chris was somewhere, but I didn't see him. He posted several good pics from the show. Apparently this was the first show of this tour, due to Hurricane Sandy issues.

Fozzy @ Empire 11/1/2012

Went to see Fozzy w/ Candlelight Red, A Sound of Thunder ($15), and others last night. I met up with Dave (ASOT superfan!) and one of his friends, and we ranted about wrestling, music, and the like. I got there around 8ish, but had trouble getting in due to a missing sheet of names (for tickets). Thankfully Nina and co. sorted it out and I entered a little after 8.

Michael Schenker @ House of Rock 10/24/2012

Went to see Michael Schenker ($20) at the House of Rock in Whitemarsh with Dorothy and one of her friends. This was the first time I'd gone to the House of Rock, after hearing so much about it and some interesting shows coming there. It took a WHILE to get out there, so I pretty much decided only to commit to shows here that I absolutely can't miss (ex: Schenker).

Epica @ Howard Theater 10/23/2012

Went with Milla to see Epica w/ Alestorm, Insomnium, System Divide, AND Blackguard. whew. Saw Dorothy and the metal 'Mexicans' (they are not really Mexicans, but I can't recall from where they said they were from). We drove down relatively easily.

Zac Brown Band @ Jiffy Lube Live 10/12/2012

Went with Bret to one last huge concert of the summer- to see the Zac Brown Band! Andrew bailed on us (work), so it was a mandate, mostly. Ms Amanda ended up going too, so we met up with her! We got there around 5 and the parking lot was somewhat emptyish. And it was rather windy and chilly. It eventually filled up, as it seemed that the cold and the Friday date both contributed to the rather slow filling.

Blackguard @ Empire 10/10/2012

Went to see the Blackguard band at Empire ($14) with John, Kate, and Milla. There was a lot of confusion/ambiguity about the details of the event, up until and including the day of. Doors changed from 5 to 7 to 7:30. An opener was added. And as I predicted, the turnout was pretty horrible (max of about 20 People).  This was the first time seeing Blackguard this year (as opposed to last year where we saw them like 5 times).

Death Angel @ Empire 10/7/2012

I went to see the Death Angel band 10/7/2012 with John. A night of THRASH METALS. There were like 10 bands listed, so I figured, get there around 7 or 8 and be fine. WRONG. we got there and Yesterday's Saints were coming on at like 7:30. So that meant 4 more bands before Death Angel. It was going to be a loooooooong night. Saw Ms Ruby and Dorothy there this night!

Down @ The Fillmore, Silver Spring Sept 30th 2012

Went to see DOWN last night. My buddy Tony and his cousin Joe were there too! Pentagram was going on around 9:15 is what the word was, so we all met around that time, surprisingly. I had recently watched the documentary about the frontman Bobby. He's a complete train wreck. I think I saw the metal elitist guy from midnight there too.

Skeletonwitch @ Ottobar 9/29/2012

Went to see Skeletonwitch @ the Ottobar in godforsakenBaltimore with John last night. Got the hookup from a local band for tix. We got there a little late so didn't get to hear what they sounded like live, but the dude Sean was pretty cool. Parking lot was pretty full when we got there around 8:30. Saw Ruby there a little before Skeletonwitch came on and the Spanish guys who were at Def Leppard/Scorpions/various black metal shows.

KIX @ Rams Head Live 9/22/2012

I went to see the Kix band @ Ram's Head Live 9/22/2012. I met up with Tony, his cousin, and his moms and pops. Almost a whole family affair. I've been to a couple shows with them plus his brother, another couple cousins and uncles. Talk about bonding experience.

Korpiklaani @ Empire, 9/21/2012

Went to see Korpiklaani with Moonsorrow, Tyr, and Mestatoll @ Empire (Empire). Milla, John, and Kate came with. Saw Dorothy there, slacking with Yesterday's Saints. Nina (A Sound of Thunder) and her husband were hanging out there, too! This must have been a close to sell out show, as we had to park across the street and walk over. The main room was PACKED with people, and the familiar stank of the unwashed assaulted any who dare open the door to the main room.

Kamelot @ Empire 9/14/2012

Went to see Kamelot with Milla, John, and Kate as the final show of the metal show gauntlet this week. I got tix before hand ($20) from the local band A Sound of Thunder. Cassandra Syndrome and A Sound of Thunder opened for them, but we got there too late to see Cassandra Syndrome. There were a lot of people there, the floor was packed. It was even rough as we had to park further away. I was looking forward to this show for a while, as I am a big Kamelot fan. Dorothy showed up at some point too- I think she has some business dealings with Alissa from the Agonist. Dave was there too and we totally chatted about METAL and WRESTLING. cool!

Primordial @ Empire 9/12/2012

Went to see Primordial  with While Heaven Wept and Cormorant @ Empire (empire) ($15 tix). This was show 3 of the Metal Gauntlet. There were about 60 or so people there at the most. Most bands had CDs and shirts, but Primordial just had shirts. I got a WHW CD ($15.). I initially was way more pumped for While Heaven Wept  (despite the horrible band name), based on the smooth progressive metal with clean vocals that I heard. But I will say that Primordial has got to be the 4th best Irish band (after Thin Lizzy ,Gary Moore , and VNV Nation(unless you don't count them as Irish))

Smyphony X @ Baltimore Soundstage 9/11/2012

I went to see Symphony X (w Aries) @ the Baltimore Soundstage , show II of the metal show gauntlet week. I forgot how far Baltimore is...maybe I shoulda gone to the DC Show instead...X_X; It also was a bit pricier than anticipated ($28 bucks...pretty sure the site had $23 as the quoted price...). Dorothy was at this show as well. This show was pretty well attended- about 130 or so people (including the opening bands). It was my first time at the Soundstage, which is smaller than Jaxx/Empire. 

Obituary @ Empire 9/10/2012

Went to see Obituary at EMPIRE (empire) 9/10/2012. Supporting them were Broken Hope, Decrepit Birth, Jungle Rot, and Encrust. This was day 1 of the concert gauntlets. 4 concerts in 1 5 days. BRUTAL. As I was walking up, some dude in one of the local bands was hawking tix, so I grabbed on ($15, cheaper than the door!). I think there was one band finishing when I got in, but I don't know who it was.

I immediately saw that there were way more people than anticipated for a Monday show! At the max I think there were about 120 people there (more than the recent Kataklysm show that was on a Friday!). Dorothy went to this show, too. There was a sizable merch area with a ton of shirts (see below). I thought Obituary's stars and bars bandana was pretty ....interesting.

Icon of Coil @ Empire 9/6/2012

Went to see Icon of Coil / [:SiTD:] /Ego Likeness /Platform One @ Empire (Jaxx) with John and Kate ($23). I think this was a Spellbound promotion. There was a pretty good turnout, IMO..about 120 people or so. Saw Matt H., Phoebe, and some other people who frequent midnight there too! Some interesting people as always, a cute girl with bat backpack, a girl with a mostly shaved head and head tattoo, a very tall dude in a kilt, a guy in a mesh shirt and gasmask, etc. As John said, there were a TON of chicks there (as opposed to the sausage fest at...most metal shows). This was a late show, doors at 8:00 X_X: Note, this was also their first stop for this tour, and first USA tour in like 8 years! That's 2 first tour stops in 2 days for me (Accept/Kreator and Icon of Coil) !

Kreator @ Howard Theater, September 5th, 2012

Went with John to see Kreator w/ Accept and Swallow the Sun on Sept. 5 at the Howard Theater in DC. We metro'd down and got tickets ($32.50). The newly renovated theater was maybe a minute's walk (not even) from the metro. Saw Ruby and Dorothy there. There were about a little over 100 people there.

Kataklysm @ Empire 8/31/2012

Went to see Kataklysm w/ Fleshgod Apocalypse , Vital Remains, and Rose Funeral at Empire w/ John and Milla ($18). We got there as Rose Funeral was finishing up... their last 2 songs I think. I wasn't impressed by them. There was a pretty good crowd there (~100 people at the fullest). I'd not seen any of these bands before, so I was not sure what crowd to expect besides crazy moshing.

Brad Paisley @ Jiffy Lube Live- 08/25/2012

Went with Andrew and Bret to see my first country show- Brad Paisley (With the Band Perry, Easton Corbin, and some others). We left pretty early, to begin tailgating and to try to beat traffic. However, the ridiculous rain put a dent in that plan. We still arrived around 4, with plenty of time to tailgate.
There were a TON of people there, so many white people. There were several Asians, some Hispanics and some black people. and 3 Indian people! The rain let up by the time we parked and set up for tailgating, thankfully.

Jiffy Lube Live's tailgating policy is a bit like don't ask don't tell, with a little bit of inquiry into underage drinking. We def saw some people get checked for IDs... But in either case there was a ton of drinking. There were so many cute girls (shorts n boots!), and a bit of the southern Maryland syndrome- pretty girls w/ tore up guys. I told John and Andrew that we'd be as kings down there.  A couple butterfaces, and I am pretty sure we saw the same guys in jorts n boots that were at the KISS show. And of course the guy with  overall shorts w/ no shirt or shoes and his buddy with jorts n boots. And the troupe of people carrying flags- American, Stars n Bars, and a pole with red solo cups dangling off of it (fastened to a string?).

Steel Panther @ Fillmore- 08/18/2012

Went with John and Kate (birthday Present for John) to see the Steel Panther band at The Fillmore, Silver Spring, MD. Tickets were pretty cheap ($20), they had some shirts and bandanas ($35 for a shirt I think, the shirts weren't very interesting IMO). I did not get anything. There was a pretty good crowd, the balcony was kinda sparse, but the floor was probably a bit more crowded than Ted Nugent. There was an opener, but we didn't care to see them and we got about as they were coming off (oops, too soon).  We stood around the back to the left, facing the stage.

Steel Panther came on after 10, about 10:10 (about 10 minutes late). This would throw off later plans and we left early (ish). We had seen Steel Panther before, so it wasn't too bad to miss the encore. They sounded great, and had a pretty receptive crowd. They were hilarious, like last time. Some of the same type of jokes, but different banter. No complaints sonically, and the setlist was pretty good as well. Actually, looking at it, they played just about the same setlist (I think an encore song may have been different and there were no covers) this time as they had in May. Well, it was still a good show.

Of course one must go into a Steel Panther show knowing that there will be all manner of homophobic/misogynistic/racist/sexist/hilarious/non PC/crude and generally crass dialogue and lyrics. All in a joking manner, if you've ever heard one of their songs. So if you go in with an open mind you'll be fine.

There was a guy dressed as Tiger Woods because of their song about him. They actually pulled him up on stage during that song. It was pretty ridiculous. Of course there were the various sketchy/cute/hot/trainwreck/tore up girls on stage for a couple songs (around Party All Day I think). One girl apparently was flashing the band at regular intervals throughout the show. She was kind of one of the latter girls IMO. We did not see any boobs this time, FYI. There were a ton of bandanas, older 80s ladies, animal print, wigs, and def some hipsters.

Satchel's guitar solo featured snippets/riffs of Flight of the Bumblebee, Deep Purple (Smoke on the Water), Scorpions (Rock You Like a Hurricane), Judas Priest (Breakin' the Law), Iron Maiden (The Trooper),  Metallica (Master of Puppets), Guns N Roses (Sweet Child O Mine), Black Sabbath (Iron Man and Paranoid),  that song from Pulp Fiction, and finishing with the Sound of Music song.
I swore I heard Van Halen (eruption) and Yngwie in there too. Not bad at all

 Anyways, I think the first show was better, but I think that's because we didn't know what to expect, had less drinks, and were a bit paranoid about time (for later events that evening). We left at 11:30PM, but Steel Panther had a couple more songs after that (encore, I didn't list em, but I imagine they were the same as in NJ a recent night). So that kind of hindered the enjoyment. But def worth the $20 bones. I had a great time.



Photos:
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29776109686/steel-panther-the-fillmore-silver-spring
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29776192206/steel-panther-the-fillmore-silver-spring
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29776278296/steel-panther-the-fillmore-silver-spring
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29776492090/steel-panther-the-fillmore-silver-spring


Setlist:

• In the Future
• Supersonic Sex Machine
• Tomorrow Night
• Fat Girl (Thar She Blows)
• Asian Hooker
• Just Like Tiger Woods
• Gold-Digging Whore
• Guitar Solo
• Turn Out the Lights
• Community Property
• Eyes of a Panther
• Weenie Ride
• Party All Day (Fuck All Night)
• It Won't Suck Itself
• Death to All but Metal

Aerosmith @ Jiffy Lube Live - 8/12/2012

Went to see Aerosmith with my buddy Tony, after some delicious Tippy's Tacos. We hung out in the parking lot for a bit and then secured out spots at Cheap Trick's second song. I hadn't seen Aerosmith before, 2nd time seeing Cheap Trick. There were a lot of people there, mostly white people. For a Sunday night, not a bad crowd at all for one of the biggest bands in the world. Tickets were $40.

Cheap Trick sounded alright, but over half of their set I was not familiar with (thank you Setlist.fm) and were just..OK. The crowd seemed to agree with me, in that they were pretty motionless until 'The Flame." They ended strong, but they really didn't get me pumped up like they should have.

Aerosmith came finally came on after dark, and were pretty loud. They started with an older song (yessss), and sounded very good. Pretty good time, and then the bluesy guitar solo rolled in... and around that time of the setlist the whole blusey songs...kinda killed the mood/momentum. Picked back up with What It Takes, then crushed by that (IMO) horrible Beatles song.

We decided to leave at Walk this Way to beat the traffic. We heard a bit of Dream On as we rolled out. I woulda liked to hear Train... but I think it was a better choice to head home and get some sleep.

Overall, it was good and I'm glad I went. However, I was a bit disappointed with the 'Blues Odyssey' they decided to do. StevenTyler's backup singers were a bit too high in the mix as well. Coulda done without the drum solo. Cheap Trick was a bit less great than last time. 


Photos:
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29525446248/aerosmith-jiffy-lube-live-8-12-2012-one-shot

Setlists:

Cheap Trick

• Hello There
• Big Eyes
• California Man(The Move cover)
• On Top of the World
• Ain't That a Shame (Brad Whitford guest guitar)
• I Know What I Want
• Need Your Love
• Stop This Game
• Sick Man of Europe
• The Flame
• I Want You to Want Me
• Dream Police
• Surrender

Aerosmith

• Draw the Line
• Love in an Elevator
• Same Old Song and Dance
• Livin' on the Edge
• Oh Yeah
• Last Child
• Drum Solo
• Rag Doll
• The Peter Gunn Theme (guitar solo)
  (Henry Mancini cover)
• Boogie Man
• Combination
• Stop Messin' Around
  (Fleetwood Mac cover)
• What It Takes
• Legendary Child
• Come Together
  (The Beatles cover)
• Rats In The Cellar
• Sweet Emotion
• Walk This Way
• Dream On
• Train Kept A-Rollin' 
  

Iron Cross Band 8/11/2012 @ Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center

Went to see the Iron Cross Band (from Burma) at the Clarice Smith Performing Arts Center (CSPAC) at the University of Maryland, College Park (UMDCP). Tickets were a bit expensive ($50 for the cheap seats!), but when else are you going to get to see a BURMESE rock band? Milla got a box seat (secret stories) gratis.  And at CSPAC, which I'm sure had no idea what they were in for, as I don't think I've EVER heard of a rock group performing there. Ever. I got a balcony seat.

So we get there and I notice a ton of Asian people in the parking lot and at CSPAC. We eventually count 4.5 white people there. Rest are Asian (mostly/all Burmese)- which was not surprising. From what I understand, this is like THE rock band of Burma. No students(unless they were Burmese?) (who'd get greatly reduced tickets as well).

I noticed 3 police officers and about 4 extra security guards, positioned like at a rock concert, near the stage. I was thinking, they have no idea what they're in for LOLz.

They came on around 6:45 and didn't stop until like 10:13 when they turned the lights on. They allegedly woulda played until 10:45, but there apparently was a lot of rowdiness and maybe even an arrest or 2. The band started with some instrumentals and then finally the *first* singer (and crowd) came out. They crowd was very enthusiastic and loud! The crowd sang along LOUDLY, jumped up and down frantically, danced, and took a TON of photos. During the guitar solo and some of the more popular ballads or rock songs, the crowd surged forward. more than once, a police officer came in to herd the crowd back to their seats. People were controlled rowdy- standing on the armrests on the seats, smuggling in drinks (no food or drinks in the theatre), jumpin between rows, etc.

Musically they sounded great, the acoustics and sound system at CSPAC were great. The musicianship was fabulous too- drums, guitar, and keys all got solos (no bass solo tho!). However, everything was in Burmese, so I understood nothing. I did, however, recognize 3 or 4 songs. Out of all things an Yngwie Malmsteen cover (Vengeance), a Gary Moore cover (Wild Frontier), Wipeout, and I'm pretty sure I heard Blue Suede Shoes and maybe an AC/DC ish song. Everything else was pretty much had no idea.

I was not sure what to expect besides it was a rock band from Burma and they were pretty famous. I tried to take some detailed notes as much as I could. The girl singer (D Lun), I thought, completely halted the momentum. At times, not knowing the songs and IMO too many ballads did make things kind of drag, but I had no idea how long they were supposed to be playing. Overall a fun time, woulda liked to have a cheaper ticket, and maybe have a better idea of the set time and songs. A lot of positive energy from the fans, and that really gave a good vibe throughout the whole place.


They played like 40 songs!

Photos:
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29523604853/iron-cross-band-cspac-8-11-2012-i-iron-cross
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29523775375/iron-cross-band-cspac-8-11-2012-ii-the-show-is
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29523910520/iron-cross-band-cspac-8-11-2012-iii-more
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29524015083/iron-cross-band-cspac-8-11-2012-iv-probably
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29524094559/iron-cross-band-cspac-8-11-2012-v-the-finale

Touring website Photos:
http://www.queenbeeentertainment.com/queenbeeentertainment.com/wordpress/?gallery=maryland

Note I also found someone else's writeup
and their Yubtub videos too!

Setlist
singer Myo Gyi is singing first

• ? (rock song)
• Vengeance (Yngwie Malmsteen cover) (Complete with Yngwie Malmsteen guitar spin around himself!)
• ? (bass heavy funky jam)
• ? (ballad w/ arm waving)
• Keyboardist talks and Y Wine comes out
• ? (happy sounding song w/ horns)
• ? (country sounding song)
• Pengyoumen rang women ganbei (Epic/cheesy synth intro to acoustic to HUGE sing along and a guitar hootenanny at the end!)
• ? (another ballad with a sweet guitar intro)
• Ah Nge comes out
• ? (Heavy song sounds like a cross between Too High TO Fly and Its My Life)
• ? (Ballad)
• Wild Frontier (Gary Moore cover!)
• ? (familiar sounding ballad)
• Lay Phyu comes out (HUGE applause)
• ? (rock song that sounds kinda like the Theme from Friends with better guitar. Yngwie Guitar throw on this one too)
• ? (Big Ballad)
• ? (rocker, mid tempo with a lot of jumping)
• D Lun comes out
• ? (rock song, with a surf/retro vibe to it. The guy in front of me seriously started watusiing)
• ? (Ballad w/ video about the beach)
• ? (Ballad)
• ? (Piano intro to ballad- huge sing along)
• Wipeout and drum solo (can't escape this, even overseas )
• ? (Happy sounding song)
• ? (another ballad)
• ? (heavy sounding song...into a ballad with a good solo)
• 2nd singer out again
• ? (B52s or swing sounding song)
• ? (Ballad...keytar strapped on, with big sing along)
• Keytar solo to a keyboard solo
• First Singer out again
• ? ( ballad, huge applause and great sounding singing by the dude)
• ? (rocking song, people dancing in the aisles, sounds kinda AC/DC like)
• Nge singer out
• ? (starts out hard, slower tempo to mid tempo)
• ? (slow ballad)
• Guitar solo(w/ Flight of the Bumblebee and maybe Burmese anthem or something) (w/ behind the back playing and BACKWARDS [holding the bottom of the guitar!], and then a double guitar! and then playing 2 guitars at once!)
•  Famous singer back out
• ? (Harmonica song with huge reaction)
• ? (Slow ballad huge sing along, acoustic, other singers come out as it is going on)
• Blue Suede Shoes(?)
• ? (Rock song "just like that?")
• ? (Rock, everything jumping!!)
• ? (ballad, acoustic w/ famous singer)
• ?(another ballad w/ first singer)
• ?(slow ballad)

Ted Nugent @ The Fillmore- 8/3/2012

Went last night to see Uncle Teddy in Silver Spring at the Fillmore ($30). I was not sure of the crowd he'd draw here in this state, and it was my first time seeing him. I didn't look up his opener and opted to hang out with some friends and imbibe (GROG) before the show. SO I rolled up around 8:50 (Ted was on at 9PM). Regardless of your thoughts on his thoughts on politics, you gotta love his music

I get in and it is pretty crowded. Not as many people as the CULT band had, but still pretty well attended. I was able to get kinda close, whereas during the Cult we were stuck at the back. There were (predictably) a lot of white people in attendance. I did see like 2 black people who attended (not working there), one with a Rush (the band not the man or Mega Man character) shirt.

Ted, Derek St Holmes, 'wild' Mick Brown, and some guy who played bass came on just about at 9 to a thunderous applause and they went right to it. They played pretty much nonstop until "Stormtroopin,'"after which there was a bit of talking and a little ranting. At this point the set list deviated from other dates on this tour. There was way less ranting than I had expected, and I kind of wanted more (but glad that he didn't cause I really just wanted more songs instead). He made some comments about sending jerky to the military, supporting the military, "criminals in the White House," hunting, voting, American made guitars, soul music, and first amendment. Agree or disagree, I'll leave that up to you, because I have no public comment, I'm just here for the music, man.

Ted and co. sounded GREAT. 64 years (or so he says), and still going strong. They had a lot of energy and excitement, which was being traded back and forth with the crowd. I saw a bit more excited people and situated myself around them. I was about a Jaxx distance from the stage (40 ft?), but like at the back of the Jaxx floor. Apparently "Wild" Mick Brown from the Dokken group was with him on this tour- I didn't know that. Ted's not the best guitarist, but he certainly gave it his all and his enjoyment was evident. No complaints in the sonic avenue.

Ted's stage set included a huge American flag back drop, a bunch of guitars, some AR-15s on guitar stands, and a couple AR-15s w/ Drum mags (Beta-C) on top of speakers. As my buddy said when I told him, "sounds about right." There were some shirts for about $35-40. I didn't get any merch. Ted had a camo cowboy hat, cut off western shirt, jeans, that silly Britney Spears mic, and a wild grin.

I did not like that it was a short set (He started at 9pm, at 10:20pm the house lights came on). I was expecting/hoping for "Great White Buffalo" and/or "Fred Bear." So needless to say I was left wanting more, just like the recent KISS show. Overall it was a very good show and I'd def go again, that man knows how to play some jammin' Rock music.





Photos:
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29097117494/ted-nugent-the-fillmore-silver-spring-i-the

http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29097304063/ted-nugent-the-fillmore-silver-spring-ii-uncle

Setlist:
(I got the cover song name from setlist.fm, I had no clue what it was other than it wasn't Hendrix)

Ted Nugent

• Gonzo
• Just What The Doctor Ordered
• Wango Tango
• Turn It Up
• Free For All
• Stormtroopin' (talking followed)
• Wang Dang Sweet Poontang
• I Can't Quit You Baby (cover) (talking)
• Need You Bad
• Live It Up
• Hey Baby
• Cat Scratch Fever
• Stranglehold

My Enemy Complete @ The Meeting Place - 7/21/2012

DC area local alt/electronic ish My Enemy Complete performed live at The Meeting Place for the regular alt/electronic music event Zero. Milla, John, Kate, and I went ($5 cover). Milla knew someone in the band. They had probably the biggest crowd I've seen at Zero/Midnight yet. Better number (about 30 people) of people than Anvil (about 15) LOL.


They came on around 11:40 (thankfully, cause they originally were supposed to go on at 11...at which point we were JUST getting on teh metroz... then we got word they were going on at 11:30. We arrived around there AT 11:30. Then they started a little later).

They started without much fanfare, and not much banter or crowd interaction. Even after their last song was over they just...stopped playing pretty much. I heard a few songs before on the internets, but was pretty unfamiliar with their set. The whole band was pretty energetic and into the performances- so that was pretty cool. However I thought their actual songs were a bit...lacking. It was similar to another band- Odin's Court- in that their songs were in and of themselves undecided. A song would start out somewhat heavy or with a good electronic part...then change the tempo/feel to something way more mellow and to me that threw off their whole vibe. I couldn't really get into any of their songs.

Afterwards there was some short chat with the singer and he seemed a bit more focused on the artsy /art side of the music and seemingly doing what he wanted to. So that made a bit more sense when he started talking about time signature changes and other such things. However I find that too much focus on the musical theory aspects can be...not that interesting to people who don't follow the more technical/theory aspects of writing music. I would rather hear something that sounds good.

Whatever the case, it was a different show, interesting. Important to support um (somewhat) heavy/electronic music in this area where its...um not prevalent.

Photo:
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29099443955/my-enemy-complete-7-21-2012-they-performed-live

Setlist

Defragment
Silent Compromise
15th Night
Strange Boy
Convergence
Resistor
Circular Mind
Where are you now
Rite of Passage

Kiss @ Jiffy Lube Live - 7/20/2012

Went to see Motley Crue and KISS this past week for the first stop on their tour! (Note that is is not counting the performance they gave for veterans the day before at the same venue) Met up w/ Tony and his cousin and his girlfriend there. Tickets were about $34 a piece after fees and the lawn 4 pack (billed as $20 a piece...a deal!... plus fees X__X). Overall not bad for "THE TOUR" of the year (or so Gene would say).

The Journey: it was raining like a mofo as I got about 20 minutes from the venue. I had a trench so I wold be fine...standing in the lawn. Friday, plus rain, plus very popular bands = Sweet Jesus traffic and weather and so so many people. I eventually  reached the parking lot and was designated to park in ...lot B6. I called Tony and he's in lot F...on the other side of the parking lot. So I begin the trek. There was only some drizzle during Crue, thankfully. I was fearing a downpour for most of the set.

The People: a bit of the leathery legions spotted, but it was getting dark, rainy, and I was a bit more occupied with Tony and co. to do too much scouting. There were several people in KISS makeup, with varying degrees of professionalism. Parents with kids, old timers, younger people, people of all ages were attending. Mostly white, but there def were Hispanic, Asian, and black people that I saw too. There was also a group of kinda beefy young men...in not long jorts, high socks, and boots. So I am not sure if they know that Paul Stanley is (mostly) straight ;3 

After another 20 minutes of walking/waiting/cursing that I didn't have a red solo cup we met up and got in line behind some little girls in KISS facepaint. However, before that, some dude came up to me and started ranting about the government, enforcement of tailgating policies, black people, and weed. So yeah, off to a ridiculous start.

I heard a bit of the Treatment as I was walking to the gate. I swear one song sounded like "All the Young Dudes," but according to setlist.fm they totally didn't play that. Whatever. I don't think we missed anything important

We finally get in after another 10 minutes in line and its about 8PM now, when Crue is supposed to be on. I'm getting a bit agitated cause I've zero beers and Motley is supposed to be on and we have to climb a long set of stairs to get on the massive lawn. Thankfully they go on around 8:10 and we have some cold ones, satiated the restroom daemons, and have secured a place on the lawn. Crue comes out like Rammstein, marching at the front of the stage, carrying some sort of flags. Very odd, like they ripped the Teutonic Terrors off straight up. Anyways, they were about as good as last time- Vince half singing and the rest of the band being pretty solid. They coulda been louder, played longer, and had more chicks (I mean they already had those gymnastic type people [like you see at the Renn Faire] flipping upside down, dancers, etc.).  Apart from that, pretty much what I expected. Tommy's Drum solo had him riding the circular track behind him (like a roller coaster) to be upside down while some dubstep played over the PA.And he hit the cymbals a few times.

Kiss went on after a bit longer (they went on close to 10 I think), and had a huge ovation. KISS had fireworks, pyro, steam, smoke, hydraulics, people being lifted into the air, fire breathing, blood spitting, and lights (which sounds lame after everything else). They sounded great, and I was entertained for the most part, apart from dreading they may play 'Beth' (thankfully they did NOT). We were getting pretty rowdy, but the damp weather kinda put a little kink in the fuller enjoyment. As the encore came up, Tony and I decided to hit the can, as I was sure they'd play a few more songs. HOWEVER, to our dismay as we were about at the restroom, we heard strains of "Rock N' Roll All Nite".... meaning that was the end of the set. I checked my clock and I was sure KISS would play til about 11:30... It was about 11:05. So I was pretty disappointed that we didn't get to hear "Strutter" or "Deuce" at least.

Predictably it was a nightmare getting out of there. Thrown off by the early end of set, we tarried for a bit inside the venue, sitting in some lawn chairs. We then were herded off by the staff, and we chatted for a bit near the gate, slowly making our way to our respective vehicles.I just looked at the line of red lights and hung out in my car for about 20 minutes before I even thought about starting it up to get in line. Eventually  headed out for the long drive in the rain. X_X;

Overall a fun show, but damn I still really dislike Jiffy Lube Live/Nissan Pavilion/whatever- the exit process may have been even worse than last time... KISS sounded great and Crue was entertaining. I woulda preferred longer setlists, but for whatever reason they seemed to be cutting it short. I'd go see KISS again, even if it is giving Paul and Gene even more money while ACE gets probably not much...

Photos:
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29096798327/kiss-and-motley-crue-at-jiffy-lube-live-7-20-2012
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/29096877698/kiss-and-motley-crue-at-jiffy-lube-live-7-20-2012

Setlists:


Motley Crue

Saints of Los Angeles
Wild Side
Shout at the Devil
Same Ol' Situation (S.O.S.)
Looks That Kill
Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
Sex (Live debut)
Drum Solo
Home Sweet Home
Primal Scream
Dr. Feelgood
Girls, Girls, Girls
Kickstart My Heart


KISS

Detroit Rock City
Shout It Out Loud
I Love It Loud
Love Gun (Paul flies out)
Firehouse (Gene breathes fire)
War Machine
Shock Me (with Tommy and Eric jam/mini solos)
Hell or Hallelujah
Bass Solo (Gene spits blood and flies)
God of Thunder
Lick It Up
Black Diamond
Rock and Roll All Nite

Scorpions @Merriweather - 7/12/2012

Went with Milla and met up with Tony to see German Metal legends The Scorpions (with Night Ranger opening for them) at Merriweather Post Pavillion.

For the last show on their US tour (allegedly ever, but ....yeah right) in...Columbia, MD... it seemed a bit subdued/not like a real last show (perhaps should have been at a more...prolific...venue. The hype didn't seem enough. The attendance, compared to Def Leppard a couple days before (which I went to as well) was way better- So I really think it was all a publicity thing and that they'll be back.

 There were a couple t shirt scalpers as we were... hanging out... in the parking lot. We almost got em down to $5 for a shirt (I think even I would have caved to that price). I don't recall seeing any scalpers however. I wonder if I had grabbed a ticket from someone else from Tuesday if I could have gotten Milla a cheap ticket too lol.


Saw a few people there that were at Def Leppard- Cartwheeling girl and her dude, my buddy and me, some creepy old man asking for extra tickets, and the 2 Mexican  metalheads. At one point they came over and we briefly chatted. Seemed like cool guys. Def saw them at like the 1349 or Deicide show.

Night Ranger came on as we were purchasing tix, and they sounded about the same as at M3- way better live than on the album. They changed their setlist a little, but it was mostly the same (Ozzy talk and Crazy Train cover, tho- maybe to appeal to the more metal Scorpions... who have their own share of ballads lol). I wanted to hear "Rumours in the Air," but other than that they had a good set (tho it was not that long since we saw them last...) and a solid opener. Woulda been more enjoyable if we hand't just seen then like 2 months ago!

The Scorpions rolled out exactly at 9pm (or was that Def Leppard?) with their new song and some slowerish songs. I woulda picked some more rockin tunes to start with, but whatever the case, Klaus and the boys sounded GREAT. No complains sonically. At all- it was amazing how great Klaus's voice sounds close to the records. Rudolf and Matthias were shredding and smiling the whole time! I couldn't/didn't really see the screens behind them

The Scorpions  pulled out 'In Trance' and  maybe another song they hadn't played the last time. So that was a treat, but I don't think a lot of people are into older Scorpions here in the US.  OH WELL. At least Klaus called us COLUMBIA instead of DC (*ahem* Bruce *ahem*). I coulda done without the "Kottak attack" (drum solo), as always. But even that begrudingly sounded good. 2 solos ("Coast to Coast", "6 String Sting") seemed a bit...much- I woulda prefered to hear...almost any other song. 'Pictured Life?' 'DYNAMITE?' Anything, guys!

Scorpions coulda picked a more comprehensive setlist, or at least change the order of some songs. A lot of the set list (and even order) was the same as the previous M3 performance they headlined here in the US. Overall a really great show, perhaps a bit bittersweet as well. I felt like I had seen most of this show before (at this year's M3 and a previous M3), due to the setlists... but it still was totally worth it. I had a great time, and The Scorpions sounded better than last time!


Photos: (meh)
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/27775577324/the-scorpions-merriweather-7-12-2012-some

Setlists

Night Ranger

Lay It On Me
Sing Me Away
Touch of Madness
Crazy Train(Ozzy Osbourne cover)
Eddie's Comin' Out Tonight
High Enough (Damn Yankees cover)
Four in the Morning
When You Close Your Eyes
Don't Tell Me You Love Me
Sister Christian
(You Can Still) Rock in Americ

Scorpions

Sting in the Tail
Make It Real
Is There Anybody There?
The Zoo
Coast to Coast
Loving You Sunday Morning
Rhythm of Love
In Trance
Wind of Change
Holiday
Raised on Rock
Tease Me Please Me
Hit Between the Eyes
Kottak Attack
Blackout
Six String Sting
Big City Nights
Still Loving You
No One Like You
Rock You Like a Hurricane

Def Leppard @Merriweather- 7/10/2012

Left work early and met my buddy Tony at Merriweather for Def Leppard. It got a bit cooler out, but it was still a might bit sweaty. He was getting there late, so I opted to go in and hear/see Lita Ford (he got there about as Posion started).

There were a LOT of people there, in the seats and especially on the lawn. People seemed to fill up a bit more a little bit before Poison went on. A very well attended show. I saw  a couple scalpers ($40 lawn. $45 regular price). I opted to make it a metal week and get Scorpions tix too ($15 off each \m/), so not bad overall. Shirts were expensive ($40), nothing really stood out to me merch wise.

Crowd was an interesting mix of the leathery legions (old timers), bikers,  normal looking people, the kids of all the above, and a surprising number of lesbians (cause of Lita Ford?). As I was strolling the lawn I noticed a pair of Mexican metalheads, who in head to toe black and long hair and death metal (or black metal) shirts were the most metal people there (besides me). I'm pretty sure I saw them at 1349 or some other Jaxx/Empire shows too. More about them in the Scorpions write-up!
 
Lita sounded pretty good technically, and her voice held up. But there was something lacking in her performance/stage presence. I couldn't tell exactly what it was, perhaps something about the combination of lackluster songs, ballady songs being her 'hits', and perhaps getting acclimated to the weather gave me an overall 'meh' feeling.

Poison went on to a much better ovation than Lita. I'm not a big Poison fan (They're alright), but they are def pretty good live. My buddy, a huge Poison fan, mentioned that their setlist is pretty much the same as he has seen then since....what 10 years back. They shoulda thrown in a deep cut or something. 2 covers also was a bad choice, IMO. Their backing vocals sounded horrible, like Tony and I were drunkenly shouting the choruses. Otherwise, Bret and co sounded very good. Kinda underwhelming, but pretty much what I expected (minus backing vox). Also the drum and guitar solos were totally unnecessary. Bret, if you need a break, just have CC sing 'Every Bone in your Body But Mine.'

Def Leppard went on after dark to a pretty damn loud crowd. As soon as they came on I remembered why these guys have sold millions upon millions of albums worldwide (OK, well after their first song, which was a new one. I mean it sounded good but I didn't know it so how pumped could I get?). These guys are consummate professionals- the sound, the show, the attitudes.Totally worth every penny to see just them alone! Admittedly, Joe had some effects on his mic to try to help him reach the high notes which seemed a bit... expected... but I didn't think it detracted from the performance that much. Vivian seemed to still phone in a bit of his solos just like last time. The guy who shredded with Dio... well I guess those days are long gone...

REGARDLESS, Def Leppard sounded great, looked strong, and I loved hearing 'Gods of War.' Of course I'd want some more deep cuts, but hearing those great Hysteria songs live again just floored me. So they really jammed, man. If you like Def Leppard, you gotta see 'em in concert.


Photos (pretty sorry selection):
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/27294843534/def-leppard-7-10-2012-i-here-are-some-pretty-meh
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/27294946984/def-leppard-7-10-2012-ii-merch-table-nothing


Lita Ford

The Bitch is Back
Hungry
Gotta Let Go
Living Like a Runaway
Kiss Me Deadly
Close My Eyes Forever 

Posion

 Look What the Cat Dragged In
Ride the Wind
We're An American Band
Your Mama Don't Dance
Guitar Solo
Fallen Angel
Unskinny Bop
Drum Solo
Every Rose Has Its Thorn
Talk Dirty To Me
Nothin' But a Good Time

Def Leppard

Undefeated
Rocket
Let It Go
Foolin'
Animal
Love Bites
It's All About Believin'
Let's Get Rocked
Gods of War
Full Band Acoustic Medley/Snippets
(Where Does Love Go When It Dies
Now
When Love and Hate Collide
Have You Ever Needed Someone So Bad
Two Steps Behind)
Women
Bringin' on the Heartbreak
Switch 625
Hysteria
Armageddon It
Photograph
Pour Some Sugar on Me
Rock of Ages

Freaks United - 7/4/2012

Went with John n Kate to Freaks United in godforsakenDC on July 4th. I was not familiar with any of the bands except the Gothsicles,  but it sounded like an interesting time. And promise of visible fireworks, so that was cool too. So after the fantastic adventure of driving thru DC, road closures, pedestrians, horrible buses, and the heat, we get to some sort of industrial (no pun intended) area, and we see the venue is some sort of warehouse looking building, near a Pepco property... and a Dept of Homeland Security office? At one point I needed to go out and re-park my car, because there was a very non obvious sign to park back in instead of parallel. Blew my mind.

We caught some of the DC fireworks a block or 2 from the club (which, by the way apparently is some sort of male strip club or the like usually- note the 'no touching' photo). One of the people at the door mentioned this too. As the night went on, the regulars slowly trickled in and I think they went upstairs. 

There were a good number of people there, some I recognized from Midnight (Phoebe, Matt, that cross dressing dude). A number of...interestingly dressed... girls too. It was a pretty fun time overall. Nothing on draft, but the drink prices were alright. I think I captured way too many lasers on my photos....

 ESA had songs with little or no vox, and I couldn't make out what he was saying when he did have vox. It was OK, but I really didn't get into it. It was one guy.

The Gothsicles came on next and were very energetic and fun. I thought the vocals sucked/were annoying, but the combination of the energy, silliness, and the related video behind them made it work. I thought it was a great live performance, but not a band I'd get a CD of. They were NES/chiptunes/the like themed. On their Superhero song they apparently gave me a shoutout- I was wearing my Captain America flag shirt. I completely missed it. The two guys both came and chatted with me briefly at different times- they were pretty cool guys. Also, one of them wore a power glove during the performance!

Interface came on next, with a drummer, a keyboardist, and a vocalist. I thought they were my favourite of the night, music wise. They had a slow spot in the middle (keys solo- Katya, see the photo where it looks like the dancefloor is deserted). Their last several songs were faster/more my speed :3 I think they were from NYC.

Waste- 2 guys in... masks and at their keys/compys I thought were a waste of time. Their couple songs I heard were very trancelike, sounded alike, no vocals, and didn't seem to go anywhere. I think we rolled outside for a break after that 2nd song.

iVardensphere- came on waaay late (12:30 something) and we were debating on leaving or hearing a bit. I dunno what the deal with the bongos was, but they were nearly inaudible. A few guys were there on percussion and they had the guy from ESA on vocals for one song (couldn't make out any lyrics). I couldn't get into them- they just were a lot of drums and bass with electronic elements, that just didn't grab me/ The songs didn't seem to go anywhere. The samples I heard before sounded better, but whatever.

Merch- Gothsicles, Interface def had merch-shirts n CDs, stickers, etc. I got an Interface CD ($10). There was another side to the merch table that I can't recall what it had beyond t shirts (not sure who for).


Photos (with a ton of lasers):
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26778407785/freaks-united-7-4-2012-i-went-down-to-dc-freaks
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26778597229/freaks-united-7-4-2012-ii-esa-was-on-first-he
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26778797129/freaks-united-7-4-2012-iii-the-gothsicles-were-on
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26778995088/freaks-united-7-4-2012-iv-interface-they-were
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26779290558/freaks-united-7-4-2012-v-waste-and-then

Setlists:

ESA
(?)

Gothsicles (~8:35)

• This Year's Password Is 'Party'
• Save Dat Mermaid
• My Guy Died (Level 12 Human Sorcerer)
• Drunk Cuts
• Who Wants to Join Our Super Hero Team? (Right Now, It's Just Me & Jim) 
• b-r-[x]-a-n
• Wearing a Star Trek Uniform,Watching Tony Lechmanski Sleep
• BAAAAAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLSSSS (Prometheus Burning vs. The Gothsicles)
• Eff the sun 
• (I could never be) your woman (Cover  of White town)
• Konami Code IV

Interface

within your reach? Stateless? Destination  Age of Computers Angels in disguise Katya Stranger in a strange land Never say farewell Body Flow Energize Faith in Nothing Wasted time

Waste
? (heard like 2 songs that were very trancey / sounded the same... went outside)

iVardensphere 
drum intro
song w/ guy from ESA
?

Iron Maiden @ Jiffy Lube Live 6/30/2012

Went to see Iron Maiden (w/ Alice Cooper) @ Jiffy Lube Live with John n my brother. This is on the heels of a huge storm  and massive power outages. Jiffy Lube Live reported that the power was ON and the show was good to go!

Got there around 6, stood in line. Thought doors were at 5:30!? Apparently not. maybe like 6:15 or so the doors opened and we rolled in. Sweating profusely throughout the day. We made our way to the pit an positioned ourselves about 30 feet from the stage (Jaxx/Empire distance) for Alice. We got pushed back for Maiden, of course.

On the way in, I encountered the guys (and gal) from A Sound of Thunder!

Alice sounded great, but he had a smaller stage show than last time I saw him (with Rob Zombie). He still had props and got executed. And he had an Eddie like huge Frankenstein's monster with Alice's face. That was pretty sweet. He had 3 guitarists for some reason, one of them being Orianthi (that blond girl guitarist who almost played with Michael Jackson). Alice sounded as good as ever, and his command on stage was as strong as ever. No real complaints, except I could always use a longer set from Alice.

After Alice's set, the crowd predictably oozed forward and we got a bit smushed and pushed back.  I balanced getting pushed back with getting breathing room and not fainting. Maiden came on at 9PM, sharp- after Doctor Doctor \m/, as is their want.

Bruce and co sounded a bit muddy at first, but maybe that was because we were close. Further back, things actually sounded a bit clearer. At one point we were on the left (near the end) and the sound was still great, too. Yes, the base was still mixed a bit too high, but that was to be expected. I think that Jannick still coulda been cut from the band, with all his prancing and lackadaisical playing.  Highlights for me were Phantom, the Prisoner, and 7th Son. Bruce kinda of can't sing Aces High that well (the high notes), but other than that he sounded strong.

I believe I took a piss/water break during The Clairvoyant. It's a good song, but I'd rather hear other ones. The crowd was packed in the pit and the seat seats. the lawn looked well attended, but not until after the sun went down (as it was hot as a mother that day).

We left at The Evil That Men Do, because I drove and didn't want to get stuck in the parking lot for like half an hour. So we listened to that and Running Free (w/ crowd participation) on the way out. It was probably the shortest that it took me to get out of Jiffy Lube Live ever.

Saw Dorothy, Sascha (from work), A Sound of Thunder, an maybe one more person there LOL.



Photos
(Iron Maiden)
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26430065361/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-xiv-aces-high
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429986543/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-xiii-more
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429873335/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-xii-iron
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429795469/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-xi-iron
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429691085/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-x-eddie-as
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429615332/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-ix-rocking
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429504712/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-viii-iron
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429439019/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-vii-iron

(Alice)
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429265758/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-vi-schools
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429102479/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-v-with-the
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26429036296/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-iv-alice
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26428964597/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-iii
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26428881606/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-ii-alice
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26426455004/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-i-alice

(merch)
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26430666329/stevesnack-6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper

(A Sound of Thunder)
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26430776683/6-30-2012-iron-maiden-alice-cooper-xvi-a-sound

Setlists

Alice Cooper

The Black Widow
Brutal Planet
I'm Eighteen
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Hey Stoopid
Guitar Solo
Billion Dollar Babies
Feed My Frankenstein
Poison
Wicked Young Man
I Love the Dead
School's Out


Iron Maiden
Moonchild
Can I Play With Madness
The Prisoner
2 Minutes to Midnight
Afraid to Shoot Strangers
The Trooper
The Number of the Beast
Phantom of the Opera
Run to the Hills
Wasted Years
Seventh Son of a Seventh Son
The Clairvoyant
Fear of the Dark
Iron Maiden
--------------
Churchill's Speech
Aces High
The Evil That Men Do
Running Free

Bang Tango @ Empire 6/27/2012

Bang Tango @ Empire 6/27/2012

I went to see Bang Tango last night @ Jaxx/Empire. Max 20 people there. Including me, and maybe some people with the band. I think this was probably the worst attended show (besides Anvil- also at Jaxx) I've been to. King Belvedere, a local band from MD opened for them. They sounded alright. Kind of like a cross between Dangerous Toys, AC/DC, and Sebastian Bach. Nothing amazing, but nothing horrible. It was pretty rough, looking at the crowd (or lack thereof) for Bang Tango, but what could you really expect for a Wednesday night show, not too much promotion, and a um..D level hair band (not to say that I don't love Bang Tango, cause I totally do. Hell I came and paid my $15 to see them!).

Before and as King Belvedere was playing I was sitting at the bar, talking to the cute, busty bartender. And then some guys come up and ask for shots. And I noticed that "hey you're that  guy from that band I came to see!" And I got a quick horrible picture of me and Joe Leste. Not a groundbreaking achievement, but still cool. For us die hard Bang Tango fans. About 5 minutes later, Bang Tango took the stage!

Joe and the band sounded very good, and they had a way better setlist than they did at M3. Joe sounded better also, his usual raspy self. He def had been drinking, and his on stage banter ranged from asking for shots from the busty bartender to her rack to why no Beautiful Creatures songs. one other vocal fan said something about them not playing Dressed up Vamp or Dancin' on Coals (both were highlights for me), and then Joe and Co. played them. I don't know if they were going to play those songs anyway (try finding other people who go to Bang Tango shows and post setlists!), but that seemed pretty cool. Their bass player was def the same one who's been with them for a while, I couldn't really recall about the guitarist or drummer tho. No complaints really sonically. It sounded good to me and I banged my head accordingly. Me and a couple other BT fans were the most energetic.

At one point, Joe announced that they were going to play a song by another band. I shout "is it Beautiful Creatures?" He said NO and proceeded to joke that they would have to play songs from [the guitarists' old band I  presume] if they did that. A bit later, he pointed at my UFO shirt and rambled about talking/drinking/sitting with Phil Mogg. Cool. I do recall them doing a UFO cover (Lights Out) at some previous show, as a side note.

Look, I enjoyed the show, but it seems to me that Jaxx/Empire would loose money on a show like this. Why didn't Bang Tango get on some package deal with another hair band- they would draw at least double the people I would think. On the way out, the advertized $20 Great White tickets ($25 presell, $30 DOS). So I grabbed one (UPDATE: due to the power outages and such, the show was canceled :(  ). The guys in the band were very gracious and I think they really appreciated people coming out to support them. I wish more people came out :/  I wonder how the Ottobar show (the next day) went. 

Bang Tango had some shirts, a new CD ($12, maybe I shoulda got that one?), and a few more items.

Photos:
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26424800035/stevesnack-6-27-2012-bang-tango-i-saw-bang
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26425033257/stevesnack-6-27-2012-bang-tango-ii-bang-tango
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/26425007796/stevesnack-6-27-2012-bang-tango-iii-bang-tango

Set List

• Ready to Go
• Attack of Life 
• Love Injection
• Dick in the System
• Our Way
• 20th Century Boy (T. Rex cover)
• Bring On The World
• Dressed Up Vamp
• Dancin' on Coals
• Soul to Soul
• Breaking Up a Heart of Stone
• Live Life
• Highway to Hell (AC/DC cover) 
• Don't stop
• Someone Like You

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/bang-tango/2012/empire-west-springfield-va-2bdf78a6.html

The Cult @ The Fillmore, 06/12/2012

I went with my buddy Tony to see The Cult @ The Fillmore in Silver Spring. We got there around 8:30 or so. We noticed The Cult would be on at 10:15 (clearly posted). I thought closer to 10, because of the 2 openers. Well we had 0 interest seeing either opener, so we went to the pub for a bit. It looked like a LOT of people were there, which surprised me. I forgot to get Steel Panther tickets.
I hadn't seen The Cult before, and Tony hadn't been to the Fillmore before. I obviously like their hard rock and metal stuff, but their ...mystic Indian whatever you wanna call it stuff is pretty good too. In a different way. So I went in with the setlist, and some lowered expectations (based on songs picked).

At around 10 we rolled in, checked out the merch (see pix), which was pretty expensive. I didn't get anything. There was merch for the openers too, but I was mainly concerned about what The Cult offered. It was really crowded when we stepped in, and we had to be at the back of the venue. I mean I knew they had a ...cult... following, but this seemed like an almost sold out show (see photos). I think people were still buying at the door, but talk about a healthy crowd...in terms of attendance.

I thought the crowd was pretty weak. Barely moving except during Fire Woman and maybe She Sells Sanctuary (and even then just a few groups of people near the front and a couple cute girls in the balcony). The crowd cheered a lot and loud after each song, so go figure. I'm used to more... interactive ...crowd experiences :3 Interesting was that you expectedly  saw people from all scenes and walks of life- metalheads, jocks, indie kids, old rockers, normal looking people, a couple lesbians, some bros, that big guy from 930 club with the gauges, couples, etc. So that was pretty cool.

Personally I was moving, nodding head and the like...and def was banging my head during the best song/heaviest song of the night: Rise. I wish they had played more off of Beyond Good and Evil, but the setlists before this date revealed only one other tour stop had Rise included. So we were lucky.  Some old timer was hoping they were going to play Horse Nation instead of Rise. I told him he was crazy.

Sonically, they sounded solid, no complaints. I woulda def had a different set list, of course. Their new stuff sounded the best I think (a pretty solid album, IMO). At one point Ian started singing some part (maybe 40 seconds) of what he said was a White Stripes/Jack White song. And I think he had some pejorative things to say about it. I couldn't quite tell what he was trying to do. It was not a good song. I think Ian kind of phoned in Fire Woman. It was lacking something. Such a great song...that he's probably sung a million times and is sick of it. Other than that and the setlist, no real complaints. I would def go see 'em again.  Ian was wearing some ridiculous fur lined jacket and what looked like warm up pants. I think they had Tempesta (of Robert Zombie fame)


Pictures:
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/25183744011/the-cult-the-fillmore-silver-spring-6-12-2012-i
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/25183864842/the-cult-the-fillmore-silver-spring-6-12-2012
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/25183995368/the-cult-the-fillmore-silver-spring-6-12-2012



Setlist

Lil' Devil
Honey From a Knife
Rain
Lucifer
Nirvana
Embers
Fire Woman
The Wolf
Wild Flower
The Phoenix
For the Animals
Spiritwalker
She Sells Sanctuary
------
Rise
Love Removal Machine

Aesthetic Perfection @ Ottobar 6/10/2012

 Went with John n Kate to Ottobar to see Industrial band Aesthetic Perfection. They had X-RX from Germany with them, too. Got there around 9, paid my $12, and X-RX took the stage about 5 minutes later. There was a decent crowd there, not too packed, but decently attended. about 50 or so people? Ottobar seemed smaller than I remembered for Winger years ago. The parking lot seemed way easier and less sketchy this time, too. There was someone sitting out there, monitoring it too.

X-RX I was only familiar with maybe a couple songs (Stage 2), but I thought they sounded great. they played mostly from their new CD ($17- purchased). Songs "Push it" and "Blood On the Dance Floor" were not covers, much to our dismay/chagrin.  Crowd was getting into it, a lot of crowd participation (hey! hey!)  but not as energetic when Aesthetic Perfection came on. X-RX was 2 guys doing live vox over their computers playing the music. They were also good at saying what the song titles were :3

Aesthetic Perfection I also only recognized a couple songs, also played a bit from their album ($13, purchased). I thought X-RX sounded heavier and better, but they were still good. They had a couple plastic flamingos on stage for some reason. Aesthetic Perfection was a vocalist and some live drummer. Pretty cool, the live drums augmented the sound. Their set started out slow, IMO, but picked up speed. People were moving a lot during their set, so I guess they were a hit? I enjoyed their set. The vocalist also had a sweet tattoo of the Universal Studios monsters (Dracula, Wolfman, Frankenstein's Monster, etc.) on one arm. So badass.


The set times seemed about 15 minutes earlier than the advertized times. ex: Aesthetic Perfection was to go on at 10:30-11:30, but I think they were on around 10:15- 11:15 (def stopped around 11:10 , 11:15). So on a Sunday THAT was nice. I was expecting things to last until like 1 or so.

They had CDs for the opener we missed, shirts ($?) and CD for X-RX ($17 damn), Aesthetic Perfection ($6- single, $13 album, $17 delux album w/ bonus CD of remixes), - a Patch ($5), shirts (?). Small but decent merch selection. Kind of wished they had more CDs, but glad they didn't cause I woulda had to get those too.

Overall a very good show, oddball day for it, but glad I went. My neck was sore the next day from headbanging. Legs fine since they were mostly stationary LOLz

People Uploaded videos:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n6GeL6aEa4E&feature=youtu.be (X-RX)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vXmtVQpxcpo&feature=youtu.be (Aesthetic Perfection)
You can see Kate in the shadows on the right on the X-RX one.

Pictures:
http://stevesnack.tumblr.com/post/25183199661/aesthetic-perfection-ottobar-6-10-2012-i-x-rx
http://stevesnack.tumblr.com/post/25183302488/aesthetic-perfection-ottobar-6-10-2012-ii
http://metalcowboy.tumblr.com/post/25183458138/aesthetic-perfection-ottobar-6-10-2012-iii-note

X-RX
Escalate
Activate the machinez
Hard bass hard soundz
Hit the drums
Kein Herz
Blood on dance floor
The Update
Push it
Stage 2


Aesthetic Perfection

All Beauty Destroyed
A Nice Place to Visit
The Devil's in the Details
Inhuman
One and Only
The Little Death
Hit the Streets ( Sounded like La Grange or Spirit in Sky)
The Siren
The Ones
The Great Depression
Spit it out
Living the Wasted Life

Marduk @ Sonar, 6/02/2012

Milla and I went to see 1349 and Marduk last night at Sonar in Baltimore, MD. I was not terribly familiar with either band, but thought it would be a good show from what I heard about the shows and from youtube. I don't go to many black metal shows either, so I wanted to expand a bit :3 I believe this was the first night of the tour (at least in the continental US, I think they played Puerto Rico the night before).

Got there around 9:20 or so, got the advertized free drink ticket for corpsepaint (there were about 7 people in corpsepaint, including me). Just as we entered the room, Weapon played their last note X___X; OH WELL. We made our way to redeem the free drinks and checked out the merch.

Merch: A bunch of stuff, 1349 had a bunch of CDs, $15@, 3 or 4 shirts (I got one) ($20), a beanie ($15), a DVD, LP. Marduk had a few shirts ($20), their new album, and I think an LP. Withered and Weapon had various shirts, CDs, and LPs.

Crowd: It was pretty packed, Sonar had them on some sort of side stage instead of the big warehouse stage I've seen. About 150 or so people. There was a guy in a polo shirt and plaid bro shorts in the pit X__X; A good number of Spanish/Mexican/Latin fans too. My cousins?

Withered looked like some generic dudes, but had a good atmospheric sound going for them. I couldn't make out anything in the vocals, and their crowd communication was limited to THANK YOU BALTIMORE \m/! I don't know why the bassist was in the middle of the stage, and the 2 guitarists/vocalists were on the sides. Odd. I thought they sounded good, and they set the tone well. The pits, I thought, would only get crazier for 1349 and Marduk!

1349 came on around 11, and the crowd got a bit more lively for them :3 They had a bit of a different sound, more of a galloping or the like to them. Whatever the case, I really enjoyed them. I again could not make out any words, and couldn't remember which songs I had previewed on youtube. I assume they played "Aural Hellfire." Their stage presence was pretty strong. I liked the bassist in his sith robe, and all the corpsepaints.


Marduk came on about 12:15 and we left around 1, so there were def more songs played. The crowd got really rowdy for them, and the pits got intense- almost all the way back to the merch tables. I was nearly caught in a mosh, and later discovered that my shirt had ripped. Ripped in that there was a chunk missing of it from the back Perhaps to be converted to a back patch? At one point some chap who was an uberfan was headbanging and generally enjoying the show and trying to get us a bit more pumped. Fun times \m/ I regret not knowing a single lyric X__X; Marduk, sonically, sounded a lot clearer than the other bands on the bill. I noticed a few songs where the BASS was clearly heard. I thought that was a bit different.

CorpsePaint
Withered
1349
Marduk


Horribly incomplete setlist (please let me know if you were there and know more detail)

Marduk

• on darkened wings
• Nowhere, No-One, Nothing
• The Black Tormentor of Satan
• Serpent Ceremony
• Still Fucking Dead (Here's No Peace)
• Souls for Belial
• ? (left around this time)
• materialized in stone
• baptism by fire
• azrael
• womb of perishableness
• the sun has failed
• panzer division marduk
• with satan and victorious weapons  

Sabaton @ Empire- 5/21/2012

Went to see Sabaton @ Empire (Jaxx) with Milla n John. Got some cheap tickets from local favourites A Sound of Thunder, so that was even better. About one hundred people were there (kind of a poor turnout, but it was a Monday and it was raining earlier). The good part about that was that there was plenty of personal space then! I think attendance may have also been affected by the show in Baltimore the previous night. I don't know how that show was how many people went to that one, but a couple people who did go then were here too!

As we got there, we heard some sort of string music, sounding like masterpiece theatre. Very surreal. I think it was the...interesting... choice of opening band 'Amphibious Apes' some sort of avant /indie band. We stayed in the hallway and chatted with Josh from ASOT instead.

Eventually we made our way in to see what merch there was and um drinks of course. Sabaton had some CDs, including their double live (all $15@), so I made a note to get that one later. They had 3 patches for $10@, and some t shirts that I didn't think were particularly interesting. ASOT had their usual stuff and some new wristband. I think I was expecting more shirts for Sabaton.

ASOT came on a little after 8:30 and played until about 9:20 or so. They played mostly newer stuff (which was mostly fine cause their new album is very good). Milla was trying to start a pit, but I didn't think there were any really great moshing times. At one point, Nina demanded to see the best windmill. I had no chance, but Milla, with hair down to her waist was a sure winner. A girl who looks like she doesn't go to metal shows was pretty active and they threw her a shirt. I think that was fine cause  hey, lets make a new fan. We already come to all the shows :3  ASOT sounded good as usual, but their set seemed shorter than usual.

Sabaton when played their opening intro (Europe's "The Final Countdown", I'm sure other people were singing along we me... I think). They stormed out to the stage with energy equal to if not more than last year's performance (at Jaxx). With that much anticipation and energy flowing i don't see how anyone would not have a great time!  They sounded good from the right side of the floor, but then I went to my usual back/middle spot and the sound was a lot more even. I was headbanging constantly.

Setlist wise, it was good to have some different songs from last time, but I really wanted to hear "Screamin' Eagles" :(  Regardless, it was a pretty well rounded set. Some of their songs work very well with the crowd participation ("Swedish Pagans"). I mean there was so much positive energy that they got me jumping up an down ("Primo Victoria" I think) and *very* briefly in the pit ("Attero Dominatus" I think).

Sabaton had a bunch of new people (google for the band drama), but I detected no weak links. On oddities-

• There was what looked to be a faux vagina (part of a fleshlight?) on one of their mic stands
• There was a huge stuffed orange animal that the singer was holding up at one point on stage near the end
• a roadie w/ a sombrero stumbled on the stage during "Metal Crue"
• the singer put on some shirt that  someone threw up at the stage (a um Saw IV shirt I think), soaked it with his sweat and threw it back
• Getting a shout out during "Metal Crue"

My favourite part- during "Metal Crue," near the end, the singer got up on the monitor and is looking out on the crowd, and points at me and My Rainbow- "Long Live Rock N Roll" shirt and motions back and forth across his chest (indicating he's seeing /reading my shirt)- and "the RAINBOW takes you Home!" Since "Metal Crue" is one of their tribute songs to other bands they like/were influenced from and RAINBOW is one of those bands, it was a nice touch. I was totally marking out after that \m/

Picture/drawing
A Sound of Thunder photos
Sabaton photos

I think all had a great time. I mean at least John and I were totally still pumped the next day from this \m/


Setlists

A Sound of Thunder

• Tubular Bells intro
• ? (older song..Walls?)
•  Fight til the end
• Night Witch
• Calat Alhambra
• Murderous Horde
• Out of the Dark
• A Sound of Thunder

Sabaton

• The Final Countdown (intro tape \m/)
• Intro: The March to War
• Ghost Division
• Uprising
• 40:1
• Cliffs of Gallipoli
• Midway
• The Art of War
• Into the Fire
• Carolus Rex
• Swedish Pagans 
• Attero Dominatus
• The Price of a Mile
• Coat of Arms
• Primo Victoria
• Metal Crue

alt version: http://www.metalsetlists.com/showthread.php?p=468190#post468190