M3 Rock Festival Day 2 @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 5/2/2015

Tony and I went to the M3 Rock Festival Day 2 ($61 for 2 day lawn ticket).  We saw Ariel and Ilem, Ron, Dwayne, Dorothy, Ruby and Julia, Rikki, Tom, Gori and Omar, Michelle and Neil, Henry, jen and Bridget, Rachel, Lisa, and maybe more! In its 7th year, the M3 (Merriweather May Metal) Rock Festival still is going strong (although with an oddly chosen headliner- more popular overseas than here). It was a long day, about 10 hours of being in the sun, drinking, listening to music, walking, singing along, and hanging with friends!

M3 Rock Festival Day 1 @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 5/1/2015

I went to see M3 Rock Festival, 2015 (2 Day lawn ticket $61) with my buddy Tony. We saw Tony Sr., Ariel and Ilem, and maybe someone else on the first day- Friday. This would be another Kix-off party- which some people love, and other hate and go home early. To each his own.

M3 Rock Festival Lineup 

Queen + Adam Lambert @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 7/21/2014

Andrew and I went to see most of Queen (+ Adam Lambert and some hired guns) ("Almost Queen?" "Mostly Queen?" "1/2 Queen?"- Brian May and Roger Taylor are basically half of Queen) at Merriweather Post Pavilion ($45 lawn, but ours were about $40).  Adam Lambert (no relation to Christopher or Miranda  as far as I know) gained his fame being a singer on American Idol (and the is he or isn't he speculation regarding his sexuality. Fun fact, he likes dudes if you needed to know).

A very clear Roger Taylor

M3 Fest Day 2 Part II- Tesla/ Night Ranger/ Sabastian Bach/ Slaughter/ L.A. Guns/ Autograph/ Queensryche @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 4/26/2014

Part II of M3 Festival Day 2- the 2nd half  (Part I here)  We left as I was scampering over to see...

M3 Festival Day 2, Part I- Stryper/ Jake E Lee's Red Dragon Cartel/ Keel/ Jack Russell's Great White/Femme Fatale/ John Corabi/ Heaven's Edge @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 4/26/2014

Part I of M3 Festival, Day 2.  (Part II here!)
I didn't catch Day 1 of M3 (Paganfest 2014 instead), but my friend Neil did and has a much better written review  at his blog.

I went to M3, day 2 ($40 lawn) for 2014 with my buddy Tony.  I saw a bunch of people there, including Kris, Bobbie, Marysol y su hombre, Ariel y su mujer, Tom, Rod, Dwayne, James y su mujer, Rachl, Tony Dio, RUBY, Bob (Mr Rock and Roll Experience) and maybe someone else. whew! Break out your leather and hairspray, because we going to the BIGGEST (hair) metal (and hard rock) show of the year (in the US)! Whew.

As great as family bonding is, I think the skullet is not a great choice

Alice Cooper/ Marylin Manson/ GWAR @ Merriweather Post Pavilion 6/17/2013

Went to see Alice Cooper w/ John and Kate. Met up with Shabba n Michelle, Bobbie and her dude, Tom, and even Ms. Lindsey and Zach! So many people! I was convinced to get some pit tickets ($80), which were about double the lawn. I was a bit hesitant, mainly cause I am not a Manson fan- but Alice is always great.

M3 fest Day 1 @ Merriweather Post Pavillion 5/3/2013

I went to see M3 Fest (Day1) with my buddy Tony, Joe, Franz, and his girl. This is an annual trek for me and Tony, and we always have a GREAT time. This year's lineup is kinda weak, but there were several bands that I have not seen before live.
I also saw Lindsey, Robbie, Ariel (y su mujer), and maybe someone else there.

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

M3 Fest Day 2 @ Merriweather- 5/12/2012

Went to 2nd day of M3 Festival with Tony and Milla came along for a bit too. It was quite hot outside and I was a bit regretting long pants. We saw NO scalpers (way different from last year), and had to get tickets at the counter ($40@- which is not a bad price at all considering the number of bands).

We got there a bit before LA Guns was slated to go on (2:15PM, but we were waiting for Milla and just relaxing. Tony wasn't too pressed about missing a couple LA Guns songs. We heard the last couple of XYZ songs while walking in, so we figured things were running about 15 minutes behind. I think we heard "Sex Action" as we were walking to the WC/beer area.

We headed over to hear Bang Tango, whom Tony and I were pumped for. HOWEVER they had a pretty horrible setlist. I don't know WHY they picked so many new songs (that didn't sound good..). At least Joe was trying, which is more than I can say for Don Dokken, later.

Dokken came on the main stage, and sounded great...until Don started 'singing.' He lacked any emotion, motivation, conviction, or energy. I was very disappointed because last year he totally sounded great and wanted to be there. He made a remark about being off of drugs... he shoulda got back on em to sing better. The band sounded good, but Don just was disrespectful phoning in the performance like that.

Loudness started partway on Dokken's last song, and started with the killer "Crazy Nights." They sounded great, and were in similar shape as when we saw them last year. They played several songs that I didn't know, but they all sounded very good. Professional, energetic, and worlds different from Don.

Warrant (sans the deceased Jani Lane) were on next, and I knew they would be good. They delivered for the most part. Except, they too were victim to the  'hey lets play a bunch of new songs' syndrome. Apart from that, they were solid.


Lynch Mob was up next- we were hoping they'd play some Dokken songs (or even the same Dokken set) and blow Don off the stage. They played nearly all Lynch Mob songs (a couple Lynch-Pilson ones tho I think). I dunno why George opted to play Mr. Scary during his short set, and as early as they did... regardless they kept up the Warrant-high. Milla left during the last song.

The "All Star" Jam (not really full of All-Stars except the Appices) consisted of the Appice drummer brothers, the bassist and guitar player from Stryper, Warrant's singer, and a couple other guys. They played a very short set of covers. I dunno why only 3 songs. Sounded good tho.

Quiet Riot (sans the deceased Kevin DuBrow) had a new singer and I was amazed as to how close to Kevin he sounded. They sounded pretty good, but they shoulda been earlier on the bill I thought. Pleasantly surprised, but Warrant shoula played this slot probably.

Next up was the oddly chosen Queensryche. They started off on the wrong foot by playing 2 songs that sucked. Geoff sounded great, but he was singing songs that didn't sound good. Also, their whole vibe was the serious/progressive as opposed to fun/party/lighthearted. While putting on a good performance, they just killed the 'good times' vibe that was going on. I think they woulda been a better choice for the Rob Zombie/Megadave show the next day. Oh well.

Skid Row capitalized on Queensryche's buzzkill and totally kicked ass. I thought their singer was going to be crap compared to Bach, but he actually was really good- a fitting replacement. They only had one new song, and otherwise were hit after hit- their one new song was short. I think we sang/yelled along for the last half of their set. I was feeling horse at that point- and Ratt wasn't even on yet! They put on my favourite performance of the day.

Ratt rolled out to a very enthusiastic crowd after an Eddie Trunk introduction. I have no complaints- they sounded great, nice n loud, and they played the silly "Way Cool Jr." along with like all of their hits. I think they had reunited with their original bass player, Juan. Their set was over at around 11, which was a bit earlier than I thought (Kix played until around 11:30 the night before). I think they were the best band of the day, but not my favourite.

Overall a great concert, despite being hella tired, man. Looking forward to next year and what their lineup will be!

LA Guns

• Sex Action
• Never enough
• You better not love me (New song)
• ? 
• Revolution
• Sleazy come easy go 
• Electric. Gypsy
• Ballad of Jane
• Rip n tear

  
Bang Tango

• Hey Hey Hey find your way (new)
• Ready to go
• Attack of life
• ? (new song)
• Soul 2 soul
• Someone like like you

  
Dokken

• Kiss of death
• The Hunter
• You just got lucky
• Into the fire
• Drums mini solo
• Breaking the chains
• Alone again
• Its not love
• Tooth and nail
• In my dreams

Loudness

• Rock n roll crazy nights
• Crazy doctor
• Let it go
• Drums
• ? (New song)
• ? (New song)
• Rock this Way

Warrant

• Down boys
• Innocence Gone
• Sometimes she cries
• Life's a Song (new)
• Drfsr
• I saw red
•  ? (new song)
• Home (new song)
• Sex Ain't Love (?)
• Heaven
• Uncle tom cabin 
• Cherry pie

  
Lynch Mob

• She's so evil but she's mine
• River of love
• Mr scary
• Where do you Sleep at Night?
• Sweet sister mercy
• Wicked sensation

"All Star" Jam ( warrant singer , Carmine, Vinnie ,bassist and guitarist from Stryper)

• Rainbow in the dark (DIO cover)
• All right now (Free cover)
• Heaven and hell (Black Sabbath cover)

 Quiet Riot

• Run for cover
• Slick black Cadillac 
• Mama Weer all crazy now
• Sign of the times
• Loves a bitch
• Cum on feel the the noize 
• Metal health 

 Queensryche

• Get Started
• Damaged
• I don't believe in love
• Hit the Black
• I'm  American 
• NM 156
• Screaming in Digital 
• Lady wore Black
• Walk in the shadows 
• Silent lucidity 
• Jet city woman
• Empire
• Eyes of a stranger

Skid Row

• Star spangled banner
• Big guns
• Piece of me
• New Generation
• Slave to Grind
• I remember you
• Monkey business
• 18 n life
• Youth gone wild 

Ratt

• Drums
• Dangerous but worth the risk
• Scene of the crime (Mic went out )
•  In your direction
• Wanted man
• I'm insane
• Lay it down
• Lack of communication
• Way cool junior 
• You think you're tough
• Nobody rides for Free
• Body talk
• Back for more
• You're in love
• Round n round

M3 Fest Day 1 @ Merriweather 5/11/2012

My Buddy Tony and I were pumped for M3 coming back to Merriweather Post Pavillion. We vowed to go both days this year. First up, the Kix-off party with the Kix band, Night Ranger, and Enuff Z'Nuff. Tony's a big Enuff Z'nuff fan. I'm a bit lukewarm on them. I've seen them open a couple of times. Kix I love. Night Ranger I'd never seen live before. Tony's cousins joined us later, I think in time for KIX. Scalped tickets for $20@. Didn't get a chance to check out any of the merch

We got there around 6:30, hang around a bit and roll in around 6:50, when Enuff Z'Nuff was supposed to be playing (6:45). Things seemed to be running a little late- Tony theorized because of the mic/drum kit set up for Night Ranger- not many other bands have a singer/drummer.

Enuff Z'Nuff came out and was very Beatles-esque. A few of their songs would totally be hits on the radio if it was another band who did them and Chip or whomever wrote it for them. The singer looked like he was channeling John Lennon. They were alright, but I really could have done without the Beatles cover. I really dislike that song. A fun fact was that Tony was more enthusiastic than the band about their set. jeez.

Night Ranger came on and played a couple songs that I didn't expect them to (ex: Eddie..). They sounds very good. My favourites of the set: "Don't Tell Me You Love Me" and "HIGH ENOUGH." Mr Nugent and Mr Shaw and Mr Blades need to talk about a tour.

The Kix band finally came on and like always, did NOT disappoint. Something was wrong with the mix for the first couple of songs, but then it got straightened out. Pretty standard setlist from Kix. no complaints, but it would be nice to hear a deep cut :3 Steve had the bucket, the umbrella, and then the balloons all at the right times/songs. Totally worth going to see Kix and night Ranger was a nice bonus. Enuff Znuff...well we could have just napped in the car a bit.


Enuff Znuff

• Heaven or Hell
• Kitty 
• Baby loves you
• We're all alright
• ?
• ?
• There goes my heart
• Fly high Michelle
• Come together (Beatles cover)
• New Thing

Night Ranger

• Lay it on me
• Send me away
• Rumors in the air
• Growing up in California
• The Secret of my success
• Midnight madness
• Keyboard interlude
• Sentimental street
• Eddie's comin out tonight
• HIGH ENOUGH  (Damn Yankees)
• 4 in the morning
• When you Close Your Eyes
• Don't Tell Me You Love Me
• Sister Christian
• You can still rock in America

Kix

• Hot wire
• Heartache
• The Itch 
• Same Jane  
• Cold shower  
• Girl money 
• Don't close your eyes 
• No ring around Rosie  
• Lie like a rug
• Midnight Dynamite
• Cold blood
• Drum soloish
• Blow my fuse
• Solo
• Yeah yeah yeah