RUSH - R40 TOUR - Madison Square Garden 6/29/15 New York City

7/2/2016 - A year and a day have passed since this event and I finally get to put down words regarding my memory reminiscing on the glory that hindsight can achingly paint and yearning for previous greatness of which a void may be falsely filled due to wishfully galvanizing the remembrance of  a positive picture in the minds eye of an event of the most highly statured nature.

Yet my mind does not play tricks on me.

THIS CONCERT KICKED ASS.

The iPhone 4 screensaver.

Captured on the day and being my long standing screenshot for several months.

Of this text my memory is dim but it appears to concern the fact that FRANK WAS DILLIGENTLY AT WORK TO SECURE US RUSH TICKETS !!!

On the night and in the building.

Two happier campers you would be hard pressed to find. We were amongst the crowd of twenty thousand to celebrate our boys victory year of 40.

Yep they made it folks against much critical adversity and changing musical climates, we were and shall remain Proud Fans of RUSH.

Pre concert is when I prefer to purchase my takeout food item souvenirs as there can be a larger mob post concert and the goal is to get back out into Manhattan's gasoline drenched, germ permeated air in haste.

Aside from an R40 t-shirt I also scored a program of which I collect and as a "trinket" a five dollar R40 lanyard (or was it ten dollars).

This was the "Night of the Soaked Program" mystery debacle wherein I found myself exiting the arena only to find my program which was in the supplied shopping bag drenched in Beer or some such liquid, yet being keen observers Frank and I noted no beverage drinkers in our proximity during the performance. My latest theorem is someone on the escalator accidentally dripped liquid into my bag by accident.

Anyways, I tried a few vendors after the fact for a fair exchange of said drenched item to no avail and the "old timer" at the last stand was downright rude, he exclaimed "We Dont Sell Them Like That, You Probably Found It !!!"

The customer is always right and he basically called me a liar but I just took it like a Rush Fan/Man and purchased another program, They weren't going to let me leave empty handed, I will show them,...

hey waitaminnit.

In the arena perched in our front row seats (section 226).

The Tickets (photo courtesy A.O.F. archives)

The show was cleverly designed in linear reverse/backwards time machine format BLAHBLAHBLAH encapsulating the sense of humor that is RUSH BLAHBLAHBLAH and from the looks of the stage gear at this juncture here we find them somewhere in the early 80s or late 90s BLAHBLAHBLAH.

Since this entry concerns the R40 Tour let me say that it was one of the finest concerts I have ever been to (as of this writing and most likely of all time). 

Here we find the boys in mid-70s mode BLAHBLAHBLAH during a track from "Fly By Night" if I am not mistaken.

FOODS TO BE HAD. 

GYRO ll - A longstanding mainstay of GoingToAConcertAtMadisonSuareGardenAndGettingABiteToEatBeforehand.

Gyro ll is pretty much an Gastronomical institution of the lower midtown area. I can only imagine the brouhaha and zaniness that has occurred when the Grateful Dead has come to town across the street from this fine establishment.

Gyro to Infinity and Beyond. Perfection abounds and I doubt that can fall exclusively to their extra touch of a powdering of Paprika atop the White Sauce.

As difficult as it was to resist I kept my "in camera" video footage capturing to a minimum preferring to actually Enjoy The Concert and Be There. Here are the two clips I took home as souvenirs as I knew I would be "jonesing" to relive the experience awaiting the impending DVD release.

The aforementioned "impending" DVD release.

Frank & I are awaiting to get together at his sprawling palatial estate to enjoy this film together in glorious 5.1 Surround Sound.

Frank tempted me to peek at the setlist online and try as I might I gave in after a few hours. Hemispheres (prelude) and Cygnus X-1 had me entirely stoked and I inwardly predicted "Xanadu" of which I was correct and gratefully so as part of the song selections on this most Amazing Tour.

RUSH ONLINE

RUSH IS A BAND BLOG

A Strange Day at Citi Field 6/14/15

I don't even clearly recall the details but this was one WEIRD day of work at CitiField. 

Perhaps it was lack of sleep or alcohol poisoning but everything was upside down and full of Gobbledeygook. I worked with a whole new crew which is par for the course at this job and they were completely friendly and a competitive team as it should be but I was completely altered inside of my shell.

The onlookers enter.

Breakfast at the Employee's canteen.

The playing field.

The Cheese Dispenser.

Park is Open.

That Metal Show - Ed Trunk, John Petrucci, Geddy Lee & Big Manny P - 2/17/15 - Nep/Metropolis Studios - New York City

My friend and comrade Manny had a last minute ticket to attend the taping (tape ?) of the premiere episode of the 14th season of the popular "That METAL Show" and was gracious and thoughtful enough to invite me knowing I am a fan of the band RUSH and Geddy Lee was the featured interview, also we are friends and comrades, I mean that Manny and myself are friends and comrades. Joe Elliot (Def Leppard) also had a segment on the program. 

What makes this show Great in most peoples opinion (Paul Stanley notwithstanding) is that its just a trio of guys sitting around kvetching about their favorite bands and favorite albums (remember those ?) just like sitting around in a teenage or adult bedroom discussing Music seriously with a hell bent for leather attitude which I must admit is also my favorite thing to do EVER so this show is certainly for all the Music geeks and even casual (or not) fans out there which are most of us.

Solidarity In Music.

In hindsight as I felt completely crappy that day I must say the VH1 "Metal Show" crew did a fantastic job frisking us for weapons and narcotics, taking our coats, getting us into our seats and making sure all was well. Instructions were given in an orderly fashion and everything went smoothly, If Ozzy had bitten off the head of a dove in the studio amidst taping I bet they would have handled it like troopers.

(L to R) - some Korean dude and The Manny.

This photo was taken after taping (umm capturing/filming) via Manny's cellphone since there was a strict NO PHOTOS or Recording policy "held within these walls" and I cannot blame that.

Eddie Trunk I hold in high regards as a fine interviewer, and why ?

He Is A Fan Himself.

And as dare I call them sidekicks he couldn't do it without Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson who are also Uber No Nonsense Fans of Rock Music also knowledgeable and Hysterical in their own right.

I actually learned a few things from this interview tonight (not claiming I know everything but they asked the right questions and got the right answers) that I did not know before.

I did ask her about the t-shirt, it went like this.

Q (me) - And where have you been all of my life ?

A (her) - Not Near You, You Creep !!!

(L to R) - John Petrucci, Manny

(L to R) - Satan Girl, Hell Hound of Satan, Satan (Ed Trunk), Angel Manny.

And the King of Purgatory. Geddy Lee.

Geddy Lee excerpt "That Metal Show" 2015

C

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KING CRIMSON - The Elements Tour 9/18/14 Best Buy Theater - New York City

Upon Arrival.

A friend of mine asked me "So, How Was The Show ?" 

I had to think for literally a few seconds and my reply was that I found my mouth agape several times during the performance due to such intensity overload that I had to cover it, Of course there was no way I was going to ungape it so I chose the passive act of palm to mouth concealment.

This is how greatly King Crimson Mark Vlll affected me, It was the Best Crimson lineup I have seen during the 5 shows I have witnessed since 1984. I was literally Agape at the Power and Majesty of this lineup. Of course you will benefit all the more from knowing the material to revel in it obviously. 

Being a Drummer this platoon of 3 Percussionists astounded me and (be mindful) I Do miss Bill Bruford as many miss Belew but I also understand that "Crimson is about change" and I don't mean pocket change.

My first noted observation was the fact that Crimson Music has been sorely lacking (for reasons of change) in the Saxophone/Flute department as Mel Collins playing just about killed me, I was just floored, Mind you about everyone else on the stage destroyed me as well, but then again this tour of "The Elements" of King Crimson Past, Present & Future is featuring Music from 1968-1973 with some THRAK thrown in for good measure so the Sax and Flute play a big part in the earlier incarnations of the band, This I Loved.

I was already pinned against my seat after the opening salvo of "Larks Tongues In Aspic part one" which was followed by "Pictures Of A City" from Crimson's sophomore release "In The Wake Of Poseidon" and during this number the point came when I would first hear the newbie to me, namely Jakko Jakszyk on vocals which do matter a great deal as I "fall off" when I am being wowed by lets say a Dream Theater only to be greeted by an "average" voice which ruins it for me (no offense to any vocalists in Dream Theater or their fans) but they are not making Jon Anderson's anymore. Well Jakko Nailed it and later in the show I got to hear "The Letters" which is vocal dependent and I never expected to hear Crimson perform that song 40 somewhat years since its creation in this lifetime.

While I spoil it for everyone AS the tour is currently happening and prior to any Audio or Video releases (I NEED The Elements Tour DVD, I say to DGM) I also was Flummoxed by "Starless", "Sailors Tale" and the Sax enhanced versions of "THRAK" and "VROOM" in the set.

Special thanks to the Trio on Drums of Rieflin, Mastelotto and Harrison for messing up my mind with such organized Chaos that would make Cthulhu proud.

And of course Bob Fripp who brought this to fruition.

 

A view of the stage taken prior to the onslaught.

What proceeds are several photos of the Merchandise table. They might not be the sharpest photos but being a typical New Yorker I did not ask permission to "take" these photo's but just went ahead and shot away until asked to cease and desist. I was never asked to desist or even cease.

My Buddy Adrian Holmes manning the table, I did ask him if we did meet at the Steve Hackett show a Summer previous when I sold programmes for him and I got an affirmative reply. This Man Rules and he is a very nice fellow as well.

The best tour book EVER, 2 CDs and a book in a hardbound case, Twenty Five Bucks, unheard of, well until now. Outstanding concept.

Pin badges for only Five Dollars, this is the price of the subway ride to the venue, Everyone walks away happy with a trinket. 

More Ephemera and just plain "RED".

I see it says Tony Levin "signed" Book here, Quite Funny as how I did not notice this on the night, I have the book right here and just purchased it autograph unseen, quite an added Bonus I must say.

Video Clip of my "Goodies" below.

First Bow before the encores.

Photographed from what is viewed on the little TV monitors that hang above the audience.

Maybe I should go to this show.

(1) Gavin Harrison took this photo the day before opening night, I grabbed this off of the King Crimson webpage knowing I would be attending in less than 24 hours forward from the pic grabbage.

The view of the Marquee prior to my arrival under the Marquee and into the venue.

"promised goodies clip coming soon if anyone is even watching"

And here is the Goodies Clip.

Post Show I had my ritualistic Lamb Over Rice which began last fall on September the 25th when I saw Steve Hackett at this same venue.

DGM LIVE / KING CRIMSON OFFICIAL

TONY LEVIN BLOG

The Good Yeggs 7/26/14 A Night of Three Trios and Two Asian Drummers - Three Jolly Pigeons - Brooklyn, New York

A Great gig with the band and nary a mistake from any of us. I did walk away with a nice feeling at the end of the night though as there is certainly camaraderie, support and friendship within our little circle of Friends who perform at and frequent the Three Jolly Pigeons. It was Vlad's Birthday Celebration eve so a splendid time was had by all but there is also an unspoken respect and support system built in.

I saw my bandmates from SMOOCH too and we all joked around and chatted, I told no one this but I was so exhausted and under the weather for many hours before and up until showtime that I just needed to sit down or maybe even take a nap but did indeed put on my brave face, in the end a Great night and I live to write about it.

Pictured above is the Chalked Up advertisement for the band and it was so nice to see our name in calcium sulfate on slate.

We arrived with the Amplifiers, P.A. and accoutrements before 7 p.m. so were plenty early before Sound Check and the Drum Kits arrival, not to even mention the other bands.

First band on tonight was Girl To Gorilla and they played a Great Set.

Catchy Tunes, Great Lyrics and Music and we were instant fans. Steve brought the Kit Drums down and this was one of the most interesting Drum Kits I have seen and my bandmates were also Very impressed and amused, I was So looking forward to trying my hands (and feet) at it.

We made comrades with John (Guitar,Vocals), Steve (Drums) and the Enigmatic Spyro (Bass), Great Guys, Great Tunes.

Thomas had heard that it was a larger than usual Bass Drum, I was fine with that.

This was not only slightly larger but is a Marching Band Bass Drum usually played with Mallets rigged up as a "Kick" Drum. The Drums were Ludwig green sparkle finish with Paiste Cymbals and a Beautiful Ayotte Wooden Snare Drum, more on that later. Actually maybe it wasn't "rigged" up but certainly unconventional, the Spurs and Hoops were in place.

The Good Yeggs played the second set and as I said in the opening paragraph we performed very well, someone even yelled out "Drum Solo" I wish I knew who it was.

Premiered tonight was The Elmore James Classic "Dust My Broom" and new original songs "Goin On Without You" and "Good Enough Is Good".

Thomas Of The TONE.

The Premiere Live performance of Joe using his newly acquired 1959 Danelectro Short Horn Bass.

To end the nights festivities was Brian Dillon's friend Steve White who had just flown in from the U.K. only to immediately proceed to 3JP for a set of Music and of course we were all excited to hear him.

Being an Anglophile myself I just had to smile through his set what with songs mentioning how it is always Christmas at Tesco's and how American's drink Budweiser as they watch the World Cup.

Steve did mention how he was going to perform a long song so after the set I said to him "Well you must know who Roy Harper is then" to which of course he replied to my delight "Yes".

Pictured above are our friends Fran and Brian backing up Steve with grace and élan.

The Ayotte Classic 10 ply Snare Drum. This was pretty much life changing for me which is always welcomed from any progressive minded musician and I must say most of us are, aside from Steve's (Girl To Gorilla) unethical Drum Kit I was also checking out his Snare Drum and as Drummers we do chat about hardware at first. I saw the wooden hoops and was highly expectant of a Great Tone as I had seen a former bandmate playing with his band and that Drummer had wooden hooped (rims) of which I questioned him about, that was a Tama Bubinga Star Classic Snare Drum which I loved the sound of.

Snare Drums are personal so of course I brought down my beloved DW Custom Series wooden Drum but when trying to mount it on the stand which Steve supplied found that it would not fit. The Ayotte is 13" and mine is 14".

Panic Time !!!

Thomas kindly asked if I could borrow his and Steve obliged informing me that he forgot it was a 13" Snare Drum stand which is a bit of a specialty and not standard size. I of course was somewhat elated, I would Love to try out this Drum. The elation only rised as I played it, what a Joy to perform on.

Steve and I discussed after The Good Yeggs set how he enjoyed "hearing" his Drums as as a listener. It is quite different when you are actually "playing" them and I got a thrill from "playing" a wooden hoop Drum for the first time. I still adore my DW but I want an Ayotte now as well. We are both Asian Drummers as well and I nearly asked for a photo with him but we just met, maybe next time.

Aside from Cider or some Jack on the Rocks (the official band drink) I do Love a Blue Moon on Tap with the obligatory Orange Wedge, most refreshing.

(L to R) Steve White Direct From England and the incomparable and much Loved Brian Dillon.

Prior to the gig we had time for a bite to eat, tonight it was at Circles Cafe. We all got the "English" Burger that is served on an English Muffin which are filled with "nooks and crannies". A Passable Burger, I think my bandmates enjoyed it more.

OF NOTE - While ordering I informed our waiter that Thomas would not be needing his Lettuce and Tomato which is included as part of the entree, I do have a theory.

Thomas was made to eat his Vegetables as a child, now as an adult he is shunning the entire process altogether, I have seen him throw his Veggies asunder to the wind. no waste, no want.

Digital Ad Campaign.

Digital Ad Campaign.

Set List.

Had To Play This Word.

This Is Show # 16

- Spike

Previous Posts concerning The Good Yeggs Band can be found Here (link below).

What happened was Blogger.Com seemed to disable the "copy and paste" mode of listings so Entries could not be made over numerous Blogs so it seems.

THE GOOD YEGGS BLOG