Sunday 7/15/07

 

THE LAST DAY

 

Sunday started out just about as early as the previous two days.  Once we got up and around, we agreed to go ahead and take down camp and head out AFTER Twisted Sister was to play.  I’m not sure why this was decided, but it wasn’t a bad idea to me since I wasn’t driving and sleeping in my own bed is always better than camping out.  I had made it through Saturday and was anxious to get through Sunday and live to tell about it.  Of course, since it was dryer outside and my feet were still killing me, I went with socks and shoes for the first time since arriving in Oklahoma.

 

We decided to try to make more use of the VIP tent for the day.  We figured that in between sets, hanging out in the better air and sitting down would be the ideal way to do this.  While the music is great and the festival is an experience I hope to repeat again, it can drain a person physically.  It’s a marathon, as we were told, not a sprint.

 

FINAL SHOWS

 

Britny Fox is a band I have always enjoyed.  They keep it simple with the guitar riffs and the songs are catchy.  It never mattered to me if it was Dizzy Dean Davidson singing or Tommy Paris.  They sound similar and both play a decent guitar.  My two favorite CD’s are Bite Down Hard and Boys In Heat, so both singers are displayed doing great songs.

 

I’ve never seen Britny Fox live before and with only one original member in addition to Tommy Paris, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect.  There wasn’t a great stage show or anything, but there was some great music and the band rocked out the tunes.  Tommy was hitting the high notes this early in the day and they sounded tight.  I’d love to see more of a show, but this was adequate.

 

Set List

 

Six Guns Loaded

So Lonely

Living On A Dream

Dream On

Lonely Too Long

Long Way To Love

Hair Of The Dog

Girlschool

 

I think seeing Steelheart might have been the highlight of the weekend for me for one main reason.  Can this guy still hit all the high notes?  I’ve heard the story about Mikey Steel’s (Mike Matijevic) accident.  I’ve also heard the resurgence of his voice on the Rock Star soundtrack.

 

Steelheart brought the WOW factor and kept it throughout the set.  Opening with Rock Star’s Blood Pollution was a stroke of genius!  While many hadn’t heard a lot of Steelheart songs, everyone was loving the set and the fact that Mike puts on a very energetic show.  He has a faux-hawk and his hair is black so he’s barely recognizable from the old days, but man can that guy sing!  He sang his backside off!  There was no better singer the entire weekend.  His band looked a bit different than the rest with a guitarist wearing a hat with longhorns and a bass player with just a small patch of hair on his head that went to some long dreadlocks, but they were spot on backing up Mike.  This was truly Mike’s show and he deserved the thunderous response he received.  There were a ton of people that just kept coming up on the side of the stage to watch Mike sing, too.  When people heard the songs he was playing and the range his voice still has, they came running to see this for themselves.  Finishing with the knockout punch of Angel Eyes, We All Die Young, and Stand Up And Shout did everyone in and everyone was on their feet applauding.  Now if only he would have done Sticky Side Up…

 

Set List

 

Blood Pollution

Gimme Gimme

Like Never Before

Buried Unkind

Sheila

Angel Eyes

We All Die Young

Stand Up And Shout

 

The only thing I had heard by this version of LA Guns is the Paul Black Blacklist CD.  I was not impressed with Paul’s voice on the LA Guns songs I grew up hearing, but there was something undeniably energetic about the old version of the band.  I was very anxious to hear this version of LA Guns as I’ve seen several incarnations before.

 

Paul Black did a decent job vocally, but this guy really knows how to put on a show.  While his voice doesn’t have the range, as was really evident on Ballad Of Jayne, he certainly has a gritty quality that fits this band and this style of music.  Coming out to No Mercy and One More Reason meant that there was a certain standard that had to be met and Paul did it in spades.  Tracii’s guitar playing was exciting and having Jeremy Guns on bass really seemed to provide a kick to the older guys in the band.  Chad Stewart was drumming for his third band this weekend and fit in like he’d been there forever.  LA Guns did some Rolling Stones, teased a little Zeppelin, jammed out a chorus of Superstition, and even brought AC/DC to the set.  Tracii’s influences were worn on his fingertips.  They even let Jeremy sing my favorite Brides Of Destruction tune and Chad and Paul switched places for a little bit of fun during T.N.T..

 

One very cool moment was the gathering of people on stage during Ballad Of Jayne.  The stage was packed with people all sitting down and singing along and Paul even kissed the girl next to him.  I believe she mentioned that her name was Jayne and it was her birthday.  It could have been a different girl with all the people on the stage, though.  I was surprised at how well behaved everyone was in clearing off the stage after the song was over.

 

It was cool to hear Paul announce each band member as “the greatest (insert instrument here) in the world” followed by saying they are the greatest band in the world.  Paul was so excited that during the ending of Rip N Tear he performed a couple of forward flips on stage.  He had also done a tad bit of crowd surfing, too.  It was great to see this guy finally get some due for the years he put into LA Guns before they broke big.  This version of LA Guns is fun and rocks!

 

Set List

 

No Mercy

One More Reason

LAPD

You Can’t Always Get What You Want

Ballad Of Jayne (Whole Lotta Love and Superstition added.)

Shut The Fuck Up (Sung by Jeremy Guns.)

Sex Action (Paint It Black and Hells Bells added.)

Never Enough

Electric Gypsy

T.N.T.

Rip N Tear

 

The last time I saw Great White was at Waterstock Rock a couple of years ago.  Jack was showing his age and weight and there were some young guys in the band.  They always sound good, but I was anxious to hear the reunited lineup at Rocklahoma.

 

Jack came out looking fit and the band came out ready to rock.  They opened with Can’t Shake It and Face The Day and then 4 songs in got into some serious jamming with On Your Knees, a great love song.  Sean McNabb got to rock out a bass solo in the jam session and then the band started into their hits.  After Rock Me, Jack called out a special guest.  Jani Lane came bounding out to do Jumpin’ Jack Flash with the band.

 

I had been shocked to see Jani Lane at Rocklahoma knowing that Warrant had been there the day before.  Jani looked fit and happy and was taking pictures backstage while Great White was playing.  He sounded great sharing the mic with Jack and provided some harmonies along the way.  I’m anxious to see a healthy Jani Lane show soon.

 

Great White wrapped up with their version of Once Bitten Twice Shy and had everyone on their feet singing along.  It was great to just be still and listen to thousands having a blast with this familiar song.

 

Set List

 

Can’t Shake It

Face The Day

Over The Edge

On Your Knees (bass solo)

Mista Bone

House Of Broken Love

Save Your Love

Rollin’ Stoned

Rock Me

Jumpin’ Jack Flash (Jani Lane shared the vocals.)

Once Bitten Twice Shy

 

Jackyl is a freakin’ southern hurricane that hits you hard, fast, and leaves you wanting more.  Jesse James Dupree is a southern gentleman, bad ass, and fast talker who handles both vocal and guitar duties with aplomb.  Opening with a new tune and then launching into Push Comes To Shove with his bottle of “brown liquor” was a whirlwind of a way to start off their set.  The band was even more active than Jesse on stage and they were even getting their speakers to rock right along with them.  Jesse said they were “walkin’ to the orgy with a 12” penis” and they didn’t let up.  He even asked the question “are you feeling cocky” when it was time for Rock-A-Ho.  Jesse has some great southern mannerisms and stories and I love the way he introduces songs.

 

She Loves My Cock got the biggest introduction of the day.  Jesse launched into a story about how his girl told him that she loves him, but he knew she didn’t.  His daddy had told him that when he found that girl that could make love to him all night and then have some corn bread ready for him to eat after that he better hang on to this girl.  The way he told the story was all his own, but we all knew she didn’t love him, either.  Why?  Because she loves his cock.  Hilarious stuff!

 

Jesse took the guitar into his teeth and played the American Anthem like he was eating his girl out.  It was basically hummed through the guitar pickups, but it was great watching Jesse put on a show.

 

The band then brought out the wooden stool and chainsaw and sawed their way into The Lumberjack Song.  Jackyl is an American band through and through.  These guys tore up the place and we were left with the pieces of the stool when they were finished.  Jackyl promised they’d be back for Jackyl-stock 2008 next year, as he called Rocklahoma.

 

Set List

 

Sometimes I Find Myself Acting Just Like A Negro

Push Comes To Shove

Just Like A Devil

Rock A Ho

Kill The Sunshine

Down On Me

I Stand Alone

When Will It Rain

Dirtee Little Mind

Redneck Punk

She Loves My Cock

Lumberjack Song

 

I’m not a huge Queensryche fan, I will admit.  They are a bit too serious and pompous musically for my taste.  I do like them and they are tremendously talented, but they aren’t the first band I’ll go see.  I do enjoy them, though.

 

Queensryche got the full stage treatment and performed their crowd pleasers.  I did notice that Geoff Tate stayed away from too many high notes, but the man still shows his power holding out the notes he hits to great effect.  This is a very tight band and the guitar harmonies throughout were awesome.  The band didn’t shy away from any part of their career as they offered up a dozen songs that everyone seemed to know except me.  Although, I knew I’m American!

 

Set List

 

The Whisper

Damaged

Breaking The Silence

I’m American

The Hands

Another Rainy Night

I Don’t Believe In Love

Eyes Of A Stranger

Empire

Walk In The Shadow

Take Hold Of The Flame

Jet City Woman

 

Besides Steelheart, Twister Sister was another band at the top of my anticipation list.  These guys keep threatening retirement and you never know when you might see them again.  Rocklahoma was their first appearance in the U.S. this year.  I do hope they stick around long enough for me to see them again and catch a full show this time around.

 

The sound guy was having a similar problem he’d had all weekend.  It seemed he couldn’t figure out which channel the vocals were in and one of the guitars.  Either that or the feedback on stage was such that it affected what he put through the mains out front.  We couldn’t hear most of the singing on Stay Hungry.

 

After Stay Hungry, Dee apologized for the late start and thanked every band for shortening their set except for one.  He didn’t want to mention any names and then blurted out Jackyl was the only band that didn’t shorten their set for the day.  I, for one, didn’t care and was grateful for the full Jackyl show.

 

I honestly don’t know a lot of the Twisted Sister catalog, but after what I was able to see of this show, I will be making myself even more familiar.  I’ve known the hits and a few more like Capt. Howdy, but I will be looking deeper.

 

After You Can’t Stop Rock N Roll, Dee launched into a rant against American Idol.  He talked about how these kids haven’t even paid their dues slugging it out in clubs like the bands at Rocklahoma have.  We’d all be surprised to see any of the Idol winners around 20 years from now, too.  This was a great lead into Fire Still Burns and We’re Not Gonna Take It.  Toward the end of the latter, Dee got the crowd yelling “get the fuck out”.  He said that if all anyone came to hear was the hits, then it was time for them to leave.  He also kept warning parents that this wasn’t a cartoon band so if they needed to get their kids home, now was the time.

 

The lighting changed a little for The Price as the same green laser lights that Dokken used were put on for effect.

 

I got to stay as long as Burn In Hell and a tad bit of the drum solo.  The guy who drove us there and back, voluntarily, dictated that we leave early!  Shoot, we weren’t even supposed to leave Oklahoma until Monday morning originally, then we all agreed to leave AFTER the Twisted Sister set.  I know for a fact that leaving 20-30 minutes before the show was actually over made no difference whatsoever in this guy’s life.  He made no money doing it.  He got no extra sleep doing it.  It was just a VERY rude thing to make the other two of us do after paying $400 or so each to make this trip.  It’s like inviting someone to a baseball game and then telling them they have to leave after the 7^th inning.  This guy works in retail and I know for a fact that he’d never sell a computer package to someone and then tell them they can’t leave the store with the printer that’s supposed to come with that package.  Just a stupid way to treat people and I hope that if you ever spend your hard earned money on any sort of event, even if it’s just $5 on a movie, that nobody ever tells you that your money and time don’t mean anything.  I’m hoping I get a very sincere apology and an explanation that self-induced stress over his job was the reason for his behavior much of the weekend, but time will tell.  (UPDATE:  I got the e-mail from the driver.  Instead of the sincere apology deserved, I got a big FU.  It was a hilarious letter that seemed to forget that I have driven him to shows, too.  Too funny, but I guess stress really does things to a guy’s head.  One friend down.  Many more to go, I guess.  Freakin’ hilarious!)

 

Set List

 

What You Don’t Know

The Kids Are Back

Stay Hungry

Capt. Howdy

Shoot Em Down

You Can’t Stop Rock N Roll

Fire Still Burns

We’re Not Gonna Take It

The Price

Burn In Hell

-drum solo-

Silver Bells

I Wanna Rock

-ENCORE-

Come Out And Play

S.M.F.

 

It would have been great to see the rest of Rocklahoma and next year I will not be leaving early unless they are carrying me away in an ambulance.  Rocklahoma was the best event I’ve ever witnessed and I got to see so many bands that I haven’t seen before.

 

I must get out several thank-you notes here.

 

First and foremost, thank you to the people who put on Rocklahoma.  You guys were organized and straight forward with what we were to expect.  You brought a wonderful lineup of bands.  You treated the VIP’s as such.  You really took care of all of us and I thank you.

 

Thank you to the bands for putting everything you had into your performances.  It had to be amazing to be in front of so many people once again and I know you felt the love.  I will continue to support the great music you continue to put out.

 

Thank you to the friends I made at Rocklahoma.  I got to talk about my old stomping grounds of Joplin, MO.  I got to visit with you about shows you’ve seen.  I got to meet your friends and family and talk about great music.  I got to share this wonderful experience with you and you made it a great time for me.  You were courteous and unafraid to talk to this stranger when I sat down to eat or stood next to you in line or in the row for the show.  You were just awesomely friendly.

 

Thank you to Mario Mind!  Dude, you got me back stage on Saturday!  You rock and I hope you enjoy your pictures.  Thank you so much!  Mario’s friend John was fantastic, too, and I owe him a debt of gratitude.  It was probably coincidence that he came up to me and asked me where Gate 15 is.  Thankfully, I was determined to find out and help!  Of course, mentioning that he was supposed to meet Chip Z’Nuff certainly was motivation.  Mario and John are great people to hang with.

 

Finally, thank you to the two guys I traveled with.  While one of them is no longer considering himself a friend, they were both instrumental in making this weekend happen.  The driver put the tickets on his card for the other two of us and allowed us clear up until Waterstock Rock 2007 to get him fully paid since he knows our financial situations.  He provided a tent and chairs and transportation.  It only cost us each a tank of gas in addition to our tickets.  Each of them brought coolers to use.  The navigator and I brought the water and the driver brought beer and soda.  It was great sharing the experience with guys who have a similar love of the same style of music and it made conversation about the bands great.  They each let me make a few calls on their cell phones since I don’t own one and they walked with me to the first-aid tent to have my feet looked at.  (In spite of their joking, my feet were not amputated.)  You guys are rockers and know your music.

 It’s time to start preparing for Rocklahoma 2008!  Rumors are swirling as to the band lineup and the biggest rumors I’ve heard so far are Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.  Who knows, though.  It could be Journey and Def Leppard, too!  The first annual Rocklahoma was a success and I can’t wait to do it again!

Saturday 7/14/07

 

HUMP DAY

 

We knew Saturday would be an earlier day going into it, but it still wasn’t a morning where we had to get up too early.  The first band anyone wanted to see was Bang Tango at 11:55am.  We still got up too early, though, and went to stand in line for the showers.  This was the only day we had to stand in line.  It wasn’t that bad, though, as guys don’t usually spend that much time in each other’s way.  We got in and out in about 30-40 minutes and it turned out that we (2 out of 3 of us) still had to walk back to the camp for some unknown reason.  Thankfully, I had some pretty swollen feet and garnered some sympathy from a guy driving one of the golf carts.  It was still quite dusty and muddy and we were covered in a layer of dirt by the time we got back to the campground.  I had forgotten my towel so I probably got it the worst, but in toweling off back at the camp got a bit of it off of me.

 

For me and many others Saturday was Hump Day.  It was scheduled as the longest day of shows and once past it, Sunday should be a breeze.  Saturday was a hugely attended day and I heard one figure of 35,000 in attendance.  I’m hopeful that they announce the actual numbers once everything is figured out.  I’d love to see all the statistics from the weekend.

 

Once fairly cleaned up, we headed to the VIP tent for food.  Another fine spread was laid out.  It was simply amazing that they didn’t run out of food and drink for us all.  I loved the variety in the food and the fact that a VIP ticket covered all of it.  The only food I bought the entire weekend from a vendor was a corndog and BBQ sandwich on Thursday night.  The VIP tent was more than sufficient.  It was definitely the only way to attend Rocklahoma.

 

BANDS

 

Bang Tango kicked off the proceedings at 11:55am.  Joe doesn’t have the voice he used to have, but seems to really have come into his own as a performer.  The two new guitarists they have certainly brought a lot of energy and fun to the show.  Michael Thomas is probably the most natural guitar player I have ever seen.  The instrument is a part of him and is shows in the way he walks, plays, and performs.  Ryan mostly handled rhythm duties and did so very capably.  It was fun watching the energy he shared with Michael.  The always steady Lance held down the bottom end on bass with Timmy on drums.  You can tell by the groove they get going how tight they are as friends.  They lock things in and get your backside moving.  (They are also a blast to watch when they are hanging out together and beating the tar out of each other.  If you meet Timmy, ask to see the bruises.)  Bang Tango finished up with Steven Adler coming out to play drums for a couple of Guns N Roses tunes.  Steven had a blast making guest appearances a few times over the weekend.  He seemed genuinely excited to see so many people turn out for Rocklahoma and to see them cheering him on.

 

Set List

 

?

Ready Set Go

Dressed Up Vamp

Love Injection

Wrap My Wings

Dancin’ On Coals

Shotgun Man

It’s So Easy (Steven Adler on drums)

Welcome To The Jungle (Steven Adler on drums)

?

 

Marq Torien was the coolest surprise for me all weekend.  I’ve heard the stories online about certain behavior, but I never got to read a review of his shows since people focused on other things.  I’ve gotta say that when Marq hits the stage doing Bulletboys, he brings a level of excitement and energy that is hard to top.  It may have been early in the day, but the man can sing and plays a mean guitar.  He had a pretty tight band, but it was clear that he is the quarterback and the main attraction of this band.  I was truly impressed.  He was all over the stage and only in front of the mic when it came time to sing.  The ladies were squealing, the guys were rocking out, and I was amazed at how much energy was given off this early in the day on this stage by one individual in particular.  Marq did the hits people wanted to hear, except for Hang On St. Christopher, which may have just been wanted by me.

 

Set List

 

?

Hard As A Rock

Talk To Your Daughter

Hell On My Heels

THC Groove

For The Love Of Money

Kissin’ Kitty

Smooth Up In Ya

 

CAMPING PROBLEM INTERLUDE

 

Our driver and I got a call during the Bulletboys set that our tent had collapsed.  We heard the last song as we were walking to the campsite.  Our fear was that we had no tent to get through the next two nights of camping and we weren’t sure what we were going to do, yet.  We got back to the site and saw the tent entirely collapsed on our air mattresses and the two cross poles removed.  The problem had been found by our navigator and he had a plan to repair it, if it was possible.  He got the right tools together and was able to repair the tent poles.  It was awesome to have it be such an easy fix.  We worked together to get the poles back in the tent and get it back up.  It looked as good as it did previously and we were in good shape.

 

HEALTH ISSUES

 

Throughout the weekend, my feet had gotten pretty sore and swollen.  I’m not sure why this happens, but it occasionally does.  It was the worst I’d ever seen this particular weekend since I’d been on my feet most of the day.  I had been wearing sandals and got pretty sunburned all over.  As long as I walked slow, I seemed to be ok.

 

I did head to the first aid tent not long after we got back to the bands below.  I was surprised that the ambulance guys didn’t have simple cleaning items like peroxide and cotton balls to use.  The policemen that were there had some paper towels and the best thing the ambulance guys had was some alcohol wipes.  The alcohol wipes cleaned everything.  Of course, it burned like crazy and the first aid people were surprised that I went ahead and used them after their warnings.  I didn’t let on that it burned bad, but then again the feeling wasn’t all there in my feet anyway.  I was able to get some band-aids and that helped out the feet quite a bit.  They recommended a hospital trip, but there was no way I was missing the music I came to see.

 

BACK TO THE MUSIC

 

We missed a good chunk of Faster Pussycat due to tent issues, but what I did get to hear was very good.  My only real disappointment was Taime’s comments about Brent Muscat.  Someone hollered out “Brent who?” and Taime responded with some uncalled for comments.  He said that cancer kills a lot of people so why not Brent?  That was totally below what I expected.  I understand there is animosity, but Taime could have left it at “Brent who?” and gotten the same point across.  His band is tight and they went through the hits as well as a couple from the new CD.  Michael Thomas and Chad Stewart are in both Bang Tango and Faster Pussycat and they played in US66, too.  It was cool to see such talented guys being utilized as often as possible.

 

Set List

 

Cathouse

Slip Of The Tongue

Number One With A Bullet

Power And The Glory Hole

House Of Pain

Don’t Change That Song

Sex, Drugs, And Rock N Roll

Bathroom Wall (Just got out the intro and got cut short.)

 

BACKSTAGE

 

It was right after the Faster Pussycat when I headed to the VIP tent once again.  As I got to the entrance, I ran into Mario Mind.  He had his backstage “artist” pass on that allowed him to escort someone back stage.  He immediately asked if I wanted to head back with him and I could not pass up the opportunity.  I was freaking out the entire time and stayed close to him and John as much as possible just in case someone asked what in the world I was doing backstage.

 

BACKSTAGE BAND PERFORMANCES

 

I stood backstage and side stage while Enuff Z’Nuff played and I took a ton of pictures.  They rocked out on my favorite song of their, Kiss The Clown, and I was in Rocklahoma heaven.  I got pictures of Steven Adler and Joe Leste coming backstage.  I got pictures with Chad Stewart and even Chip Z’Nuff right after he performed.

 

Enuff Z’Nuff always sounds tight as Monaco handles the guitar duties and vocals.  He sounds so much like Donnie Vie that you can close your eyes and not miss him.  Chip adds the vocal harmonies and the band is a melodic powerhouse.

 

Set List

 

?

Kiss The Clown

Heaven Or Hell

Little Indian Angel

?

There Goes My Heart

?

Baby Loves You

New Thing

 

At the end of the set, it looked like Chip was trying to say something to Monaco, but Monaco took off his guitar and left the stage quickly.  Steven Adler climbed up the drum kit, the crowd roared, and then the stage hands started removing equipment.  Apparently, Steven was supposed to get up and jam with Chip and even Joe Leste, but the bands may have been running behind as the stage hands quickly started getting the Enuff Z’Nuff things off stage.

 

Chip handed his bass to Mario to put in the trailer and he was kind enough to take pictures before Mario headed out.

 

Firehouse went on next and nailed their show.  These guys are so well trained and disciplined that they always put on a great show.  I haven’t seen a more professional band ever.  They go through the hits, performed Crash from their latest CD, and got the crowd going as it swelled with each band.  CJ has excellent pipes and hit every note he was supposed to and then some.  The band is always tight with Bill handling the awesome leads, AJ and Michael holding down the rhythms, and CJ occasionally chiming in with some keyboards.

 

I watched Firehouse come off the stage and they headed to the merch booth to sign autographs and take pictures.  There was quite a line from where I was standing.

 

Set List

 

Overnight Sensation

All She Wrote

Crash

Shake And Tumble

Love Of A Lifetime

Reach For The Sky

Don’t Treat Me Bad

 

Mario, John, and I walked on over to the trailer being used by Enuff Z’Nuff.  Inside Chip and Steven Adler were hanging out on the couch smoking what Chip rolled.  Chip rolled up another one while I took pictures of them and soon Richard, one of Howard Stern’s guys, was interviewing Chip and Steven.  The questioning got into band related things, Adler’s Appetite, and an upcoming trip to Amsterdam.

 

Monaco walked in and went to Randi’s room as Randi was changing after the show.  Monaco then mentioned something about name dropping after hearing part of the interview going on and whether he meant to or not, the door slammed behind him as he left.

 

Randi told someone to get me in there to take a picture while he was changing clothes.  I’m not sure why, but it was funny at the moment.  When Randi exited the room, he put his camera up to take a picture of me when I put mine up to take one of him.  We timed it to get each other taking a picture at just about the same time.  Another funny moment at the time.

 

Mario, John, and I went back outside and wandered around meeting people and getting pictures.  I saw Johnny Solinger and he was kind enough to take a picture.  I almost didn’t recognize Scotti Hill as he looked so much thinner than I remembered.  These guys were in fine shape.  I mentioned to Solinger that I had seen one of their guys marking out Thick Is The Skin to open the show and replaced it with Makin’ A Mess.  I told him that I would love to hear Thick Is The Skin instead of maybe something else, if they could work it back in.  He said he’d see what they could do.

 

I could hear Warrant starting up and I told Mario that I needed to go get pictures.  I had seen Steven Sweet briefly backstage and was anxious to hear the Warrant show.

 

DOWN FRONT

 

I went back out front to catch Warrant.  It was right at the hottest part of the day, it seemed.  The crowd was much more packed and the guys in Warrant were wearing black.  I’m sure that didn’t help them as they put on their high energy show.  Jaime has really gelled with Warrant and you could hear the vocal struggle as he kept the high notes short and took some deep breaths to hit them.  He came through like the consummate professional, though, and the band rocked through their hits.  They did a quick medley of a couple of new songs to remind people that they are still rocking with new music.  The band finished up with Cherry Pie to the roar of approval from the ever expanding crowd.

 

Set List

 

Sure Feels Good To Me

Down Boys

32 Pennies

Love In Stereo

I Saw Red

Mr. Rainmaker

Bourbon County Line/Dirty Jack

Sometimes She Cries/Heaven

So Damn Pretty

Uncle Tom’s Cabin

 

Skid Row came out to Makin’ A Mess as I’d seen written on the set list and tore up the place.  These guys are all over the place like a freakin’ hurricane.  Johnny has really worked on expanding his range and he hit every single thing he was asked to at this show.  I even heard how amazed others were at the high energy and great vocals of Skid Row.  Scotti played like a madman all over the place and Snake looked like the eye of this hurricane.  It had been mentioned backstage by Johnny that Rachel wasn’t feeling too well, but you couldn’t tell it on stage.  Once the music kicked in, the guys were rocking hard.  And what did they do halfway through the set?  Remember when I wrote that I asked them to reconsider putting back in Thick Is The Skin?  WELL, THEY DID!!  I was freaking out!  The crowd was totally into Skid Row.  I don’t think there was one single person that wasn’t singing Youth Gone Wild at the close of their set.  Even Eddie Trunk jumped on stage to sing the chorus at Snake’s mic.

 

Set List

 

Makin’ A Mess

Piece Of Me

New Generation

18 And Life

Monkey Business

Thick Is The Skin

I Remember You

Slave To The Grind

Youth Gone Wild

 

I ended up backstage again during Winger’s set.  While I got to hear a typically great set by them, I did spend most of my time taking pictures with the rock stars back stage.  It was an amazing time to visit with as many band members as I could and Eddie Trunk, who was hosting much of the proceedings and even jamming out while his favorite bands were on stage.  It was quite something to behold seeing him playing air guitar to Y&T and on stage doing back ground vocals for Skid Row’s Youth Gone Wild.

 

What I heard and paid attention to in Winger’s set were mainly the hits very well done with the dual guitar work of Reb and John and awesome rhythm work of Kip and Rod.  These guys play such progressive music underneath very catchy melodies.  While they may have gotten a bad rap in their heyday, they certainly didn’t and don’t deserve it.  These guys are a par above many of the musicians they share a stage with.

 

Set List

 

Blind Revolution Mad

Easy Come Easy Go

Your Great Escape

Down Incognito

Rainbow And The Rose

Generica

Junkyard Dog

You Are The Saint, I Am The Sinner

Headed For A Heartbreak

Can’t Get Enuff

Madeleine

Seventeen

 

I got back out front to see Dokken’s set.  I was pleasantly surprised by their show.  They had green laser lights behind them and on either side of the stage.  They had a circular screen behind them with multiple lighting displays going on.  Don doesn’t hit as many high notes as he used to, but he certainly looked relaxed and grateful to be playing in front of so many people.  Wild Mick Brown was having a blast and all smiles behind the kit.  He interacted a bit on his mic with the crowd, too.  Barry was all over the place playing bass and holding down the bottom end with Mick.  Jon Levin was the coolest surprise of the entire set, though.  This guy had pretty much a blank stare throughout the set, but the man tore up the guitar!  This guy is completely underrated as he’s a monster on guitar.  I was floored by the tone and the precision and passion with which he played.  His poker face certainly hid what was coming out through his fingertips.  This man can play!

 

Set List

 

Unchain The Night

Into The Fire

The Hunter

Kiss Of  Death

Breakin’ The Chains

Dream Warriors

Too High To Fly

Alone Again

It’s Not Love (w/ bass solo)

Tooth And Nail

In My Dreams

 

Vince Neil was another fun surprise.  I had been told at Waterstock Rock a couple of weeks ago that Vince was sounding good as he’d quit drinking and was concentrating on putting on some great shows.  Jeff Blando and Dana Strum said those things and said to watch out while Vince was on stage.  While Vince did look better at Waterstock and even did a decent job, I was not prepared for how well he did at Rocklahoma.  What Vince couldn’t hit, he didn’t try.  This meant that what you did hear him sing was on pitch.  He was energetic and really involved in putting on a great performance for this huge crowd.  Even though parts of Rock N Roll by Led Zeppelin were out of his range, he let the crowd sing those parts.  I was not expecting Vince to sound so good.  His voice is thin, of course, and he has never had the range of other great singers, but he certainly entertained and worked well within the limits he knows he has.  His band is as tight as they get and they all put on a show with Vince, too.  Check them out live and you will be completely blown away at how good they sound.  Check out his drummer, too.  The guy stands on his stool and even kicks his cymbals through part of the show.

 

Set List

 

Live Wire

Piece Of The Action

Helter Skelter

Rock N Roll

Don’t Go Away Mad

Red Hot

Same Ol’ Situation

Kickstart My Heart

Whole Lotta Love (War Pigs and Heaven And Hell in the middle.  All sung by Jeff Blando.)

Dr. Feelgood

Girls Girls Girls

Wild Side

-ENCORE-

Teaser

 

Saturday was a long day, but we made it through the day.  Just one more day to go and then I could sleep in my own bed.

Friday 7/13/07

 

GETTING STARTED

 

Friday started off on a sour note.  Maybe it’s the fact that it was Friday the 13^th or something.  We woke about 7:15am or so and were told by our driver that it was time to hit the showers if we wanted a ride.  The showers were quite a walk away from us as we were at the very back of the campgrounds.  In order to be remotely clean after the shower, a ride was a necessity.  Even though I mentioned that the first band any of us wanted to see didn’t start until 3pm, we were still told that this was the only time we’d get a ride to the showers.  Two of us are clean freaks and this didn’t sit well, but we felt like it was being dictated to us and we had to go.  I was the only one who grumbled about this and was proven correct.  We got in and out of the showers and then headed back to the camp site where our driver just went right back to sleep.  We camped in what we called a marsh so in order to keep from falling back to sleep ourselves, the other two of us went to the concert site to walk around and check out the vendor tents.

 

Most of the vendor tents were a huge waste of time.  The Metal Edge tent was probably the best in that you could get a 10 issue subscription, a T-shirt, a lighter, and can opener for $20.  Nobody else had a deal even close.  The O’Reilly tent had a deal where you could get last year’s NASCAR shirt and hat for $5 for some Texas race, so that was pretty good, too.  There were several places to sign up for winning things.  You could even go sky diving and do other onsite activities, but it seemed that few were interested in these things due to the cost.  There was a T-Shirt shack with Rocklahoma T’s for only $20.  Most of the designs sold out on Friday with a few cool ones left for Saturday and Sunday.  You can still order them all online, though.  I got a du-rag AFTER I’d already gotten plenty sunburned.

 

We found the food tent for VIP’s and were pleasantly surprised.  All weekend long the food was served buffet style and open most of the day.  You could eat as much as you like.  They had Coke products, water, tea, coffee, and Miller beer to drink.  As VIP’s, it was all part of the ticket.  We ate meals such as ham and potatoes, biscuits and gravy, brats and sauerkraut, salads, cakes, pies and puddings, burgers and brisket all weekend long.  It was very good food and the tent we ate in was well air conditioned.

 

At some point during the day, a couple of girls had gotten stuck turning around in the grass on our campsite.  As they were being pulled out, they spun their tires and covered our driver’s SUV in a full layer of mud.  Thankfully, it was parked to block the tent, but it covered the entire front windshield so that it couldn’t be seen through.  We chalked it up to Friday the 13^th.

 

PERFORMANCES

 

While walking around, we heard Zendozer from a distance and were glad we missed that show.  The singer sounded amazingly one dimensional.  We did hear more of the Greg Leon Invasion and I was pleasantly surprised by this guy.  He plays amazingly and has some really good melodic rock songs.  I’d never heard of this guy before, but will be checking out his music further.

 

The first band I really wanted to see for the day was Dirty Penny.  I have seen and heard these guys on My Space and was anxious to see the live show.  These guys rock!  They look the part of an 80’s band and play some great original tunes.  I’ll be watching as they continue to grow and hopefully get more popular.

 

I had been hoping for a White Lion connection to Rocklahoma.  I’d been fortunate enough to help out Mark Rojas with getting their equipment on stage and then packed after the show and let Mark know I’d be at Rocklahoma.  It turns out that Mark is on the Family Values tour now.

 

I saw Henning Wanner, the White Lion keyboardist, getting his gear on stage.  He seemed to be waiting patiently for others to get things ready for him to plug in.  I caught his eye and then sent a business card up with a security guy.  I had written a note of thanks for letting me assist at Waterstock and let him know I’d be taking plenty of pictures of Rocklahoma.  He walked all the way to the front of the stage to give me his card and ask that I send him some pictures.  That was very cool of him and I will be getting those out tonight to him.

 

White Lion put on a great show.  The sound was good and the fans were singing along.  Jamie Law is an amazing guitar player, Jerry Best is always classic on the bass, Henning did a great job playing keys and getting the crowd involved, and Troy Patrick Farrell is the consummate showman on the drums.  Mike Tramp looked like he was having a great time with such a large crowd and he led the band through the hits quite well.  I think his voice has gotten better over the years.  Later in the day, I ran into Jamie Law briefly and he actually remembered who I was.  He was very kind and took a picture with me.

 

Set List

 

Hungry

Little Fighter

Tell Me

Wait

Lady Of The Valley

When The Children Cry

Radar Love

 

Y&T got a huge response from the crowd.  I was anxious to see them.  I don’t know a lot of their songs, but have a couple of albums and a cassette of them.  They were the first band that the crowd loudly chanted their name.  Y&T put on a very professional show.  These guys have done this for years and it shows.  They had such a fun time with this crowd and truly seemed grateful for this opportunity.

 

Set List

 

Black Tiger

Lipstick And Leather

Don’t Stop Runnin’

Dirty Girl

Mean Streak

Rescue Me

Eyes Of A Stranger

I’ll Cry For You

Summertime Girls

Forever

 

Mark Slaughter was the biggest disappointment in the entire Rocklahoma event among the major bands playing.  While Mark turned in an enthusiastic and grateful turn, his voice was shot.  He didn’t have anyone from Slaughter playing in the band.  The band was decent, but no Dana Strum or Jeff Blando out front.  Mark did venture through the crowd with his wireless mic and the fans enjoyed that.  I have heard Mark sound so much better as recently as Waterstock Rock in Des Moines a couple of years ago, but this particular day he was absolutely horrible vocally.  It could be due to the heat or the early day, but I was very disappointed.  This guy usually has all the notes covered with his voice and it’s usually in top form.  I hope that whatever the reason that he gets that golden voice of his back.

 

Set List

 

Wild Life

Take Me Away

Burnin’ Bridges

Spend My Life

Mad About You

-drum solo-

Eye To Eye (A bit of Black Sabbath’s Heaven And Hell in the middle.)

Fly To The Angels

Up All Night

 

I heard Quiet Riot’s show, but wasn’t able to watch a lot of it.  What I did see was what has become the typical Quiet Riot show.  That’s an awesome thing!  Kevin Dubrow has been very energetic in recent years and always hits all the notes.  This guy is truly amazing on stage.  Everyone knows that Frankie Banali is going to be a monster on the drums.  Everyone expects Chuck Wright to be energetic and awesome on the bass.  Those of us that know and love him expect Alex Grossi to get the Quiet Riot tunes just right.  Quiet Riot has been one of the best bands to see over the last several years with their professionalism and quality stage show.  They do the hits and then throw in a surprise or two.  I was hearing people talk about how much they loved Quiet Riot’s show all weekend long.  Check out their new CD, too.  They still have it and probably better than back in their more famous days.

 

Set List

 

Put Up Or Shut Up

Slick Black Cadillac

Free

South Of Heaven

Mama Weer All Crazee Now

Red Light Mama Red Hot (I Don’t Need No Doctor, Whole Lotta Love)

The Wild And The Young

Let’s Get Crazy

Cum On Feel The Noize

Metal Health

 

With Ratt, I got what I expected.  Bobby Blotzer and Robbie Crane work as a solid rhythm unit.  John Corabi always brings the rhythm guitar and backing vocals spot on.  Warren DeMartini is a guitar hero.  Stephen Pearcy can’t sing his way out of a paper bag.  That’s what I expected and that’s what I got.  I know a lot of people love seeing original band members and they wanted to see Pearcy with the band, but vocally speaking, the band should have kept Jizzy Pearl.  Pearcy does a decent job of working the crowd and the band always sounds good.  As a show, this was a good show.  Pearcy did try to stay away from things he couldn’t do by singing an octave lower or letting the crowd take over or even letting a band mate hit a higher note while he hit a lower harmony.  I’m hopeful that Pearcy gets some voice lessons and exercises soon, though, as he had a great rock voice back in the day.  Ratt songs are always fun to hear and I hope they create more new music as they stay together.

 

Set List

 

Sweet Cheater

Dangerous But Worth The Risk

I’m Insane

You Think You’re Tough

Wanted Man

Slip Of The Lip

Way Cool Jr.

Nobody Rides For Free

Back For More

Lovin’ You’s A Dirty Job

Lack Of Communication

Over The Edge

Lay It Down

You’re In Love

Walkin’ The Dog

Body Talk

Round And Round

 

IMPORTANT SIDETRACK

 

While Ratt was on stage, I mostly hung out by the meet and greet gate.  I ran into an older gentleman asking where Gate 15 was.  We were at Gate 11 according to the map and to get to Gate 15 you have to have a backstage pass.  I found a map for the guy and as I talked to him found out that Chip Z’Nuff asked him to meet him at Gate 15.  This was an interesting turn in the conversation as I just thought he was meeting a friend or something.  John is from the Chicago area and very gentlemanly guy.  While we were talking, a friend of his showed up.  This friend is a young guy that plays in a band called MindScheme.  Mario Mind had come out to help out on guitar if needed this weekend.  It turned out that he didn’t need to play, but he was able to hang out with friends.  It turns out that his friends are Enuff Z’Nuff as Chip is producing MindScheme’s upcoming CD.  I had the distinct pleasure of visiting with Mario and John for a while as they waited for Chip to come out to Gate 11 and let them back stage.  Mario was even kind enough to offer me the opportunity to go back stage, too.

 

While standing there waiting, I got to briefly meet Johnny Monaco and ask him about the rumors of Enuff Z’Nuff’s demise.  Apparently some message boards had it mentioned the Rocklahoma could be the final Enuff Z’Nuff show.  Johnny said he’d have to see about that.  It seems there are some issues that need resolution in the band.  I’m hopeful that they get things worked out ok and are able to carry on as Enuff Z’Nuff has consistently put out some great songs.

 

I went back to see Ratt for a bit and get some pictures and by the time I got back to the Meet & Greet gate, Mario and John were gone.  I was hopeful that they got ahold of Chip and their plans worked out ok.

 

POISON

 

The best show of the entire weekend belongs to Poison.  They even got the best introduction!  Gene Simmons came out and asked, “Who did you come to see tonight?”  The crowd yelled “Poison!”  Gene replied, “That’s right.  KISS!  But since we couldn’t be here…  Tonight on my 84^th birthday, you wanted the best.  You got the best!  We pass the torch to Poison!”

 

I always have to see the Poison entrance from the middle and far enough back to take it all in.  Poison had the fire, the fireworks, the sparklers, and the confetti to enhance an already energetic and hit filled show.  Rikki even had a drum kit on wheels that came to the front of the stage, raised up in the air, then lowered and rolled back after his solo was over.  Bret got soldiers on stage during Something To Believe In and let them dance all over the place during Your Mama Don’t Dance.  Poison had the biggest crowd of the entire weekend, too.  They performed a few covers from the recent Poison’d CD that went over very well.  CC performed his guitar solo and then did I Hate Every Bone In Your Body But Mine.  All four were all over the stage, the back riser, and even in front of the stage on the concrete platform that took them right to the people.  During Unskinny Bop Bobby took a spot on the riser behind the drums.  He jammed while flames shot up on either side of him.  At the end of the set, Sweet Home Alabama played over the speakers, the lights stayed on, and Bret came out to shake hands and meet everyone along the front row.

 

Set List

 

Look What The Cat Dragged In

I Want Action

Ride The Wind

I Won’t Forget You

What I Like About You

-CC’s solo-

I Hate Every Bone In Your Body But Mine

Something To Believe In

Can’t You See

Your Mama Don’t Dance

I Need To Know

-Rikki’s solo-

Unskinny Bop

Every Rose Has Its Thorn

Fallen Angel

Talk Dirty To Me

-ENCORE-

Nothin’ But A Good Time

 

I got to see Pete Evick doing security for Poison.  He recognized me and came over to get a picture and say hello.  He looked like he was having a blast working security for Poison.  It was great to see him and I hope he and the band have a great rest of the tour.  These guys are good people.

 

Friday was a long day so after Poison was over, it was time to hit the air mattress and sleep as long as I could before being awakened to catch a ride to the showers early in the morning.

Four days notice.  That's what it took to get this gig rolling.  I contacted Clutch at KGGO to see if he was going to be out at the M!SS CRAZY show at House Of Bricks on Monday night.  I just happened to get through on the call-in line.

 

I had e-mailed Clutch about M!SS CRAZY and he said he'd keep his ears open, but once Brion James had seen them at Shooters Hideaway that was all it took for Clutch to realize that M!SS CRAZY could be something special.

 

When I got ahold of Clutch and mentioned the show at House Of Bricks, he replied that M!SS CRAZY really needed a show at Keysters.  Keysters is where many of the national bands play.  LA Guns, Bret Michaels, Firehouse, Jackyl, Great White, and Kip Winger have all played at Keysters.  KGGO has sponsored many of these shows.  I told Clutch that I had tried repeatedly to get a call back from Keysters and it wasn't happening.  I let him know that M!SS CRAZY had Friday night open and he told me he'd call me back in a few.  When he called back, he had the show just about lined up for M!SS CRAZY to headline at Keysters.  I knew Clutch had pull in Des Moines, but didn't realize just how much.

 

The show was confirmed with complete go-ahead on Wednesday.  That meant that there would only be two days of advertising for Keysters.  Clutch asked for "that hot chick" to come in to the radio station so I brought Kim Racer in on Thursday to meet Clutch and plug the show on-air.  Clutch even played 30 seconds of Can't Get Enough while interviewing Kim.  After her time on the air, Clutch had her answer the phone when the first call came in.  It was a caller asking how to get the M!SS CRAZY CD.  The second call came in with the listener comparing M!SS CRAZY to a bit of WASP.  This was great news that the first two calls to come in were follow-up to Kim's interview.  Clutch invited her back for Friday and also mentioned that she needed to see Brion James that very evening.

 

Kim Racer and Markus Allen Christopher were both available to see Brion James at the beginning of his shift this Thursday evening.  We went by the station just before leaving town for the gig at The Reverb.  Markus gave a bit of background on the band and talked about their influences while both made sure that listeners were aware of the Keysters show and how to purchase their music online.  Brion James played My Way in full during his 10pm hour called The Hairball.

 

Kim Racer went to see Clutch again on Friday and this time he played Can't Get Enough in full.  I was unable to be there for this interview, but heard it as I had just driven back into range after I'd picked up my girls for the evening.  Kim sounded fun and professional on the radio and my daughters were impressed.  They were anxious to meet the band for the first time.

 

I had neglected to mention in my previous reviews that a friend, fan, and investor had come all the way from California to see M!SS CRAZY and see what needs he could meet while they are on tour.  Phil came out with his truck and helped haul drums and people starting at the Shooters Hideaway show the previous Saturday.  Phil drove Kim out to the radio station each time.  He played roadie, fan, stage hand, and about any other role asked of him.  Phil was fantastic help and a calm influence through the hurricane that is the rock n roll lifestyle.  Phil was excited about the Keysters show as it truly highlighted the potential this band has.

 

There was supposed to be an opening cover band for M!SS CRAZY this Friday night, but for whatever reason, it didn't happen.

 

M!SS CRAZY took the stage about 10pm and this was the absolute best show I had seen, yet!  People were lined up in front of the stage and ready to rock.  The band sounded tight and had the best sound equipment setup of any show so far in Iowa.  Jimmy Z was excited and freaking out about how many mics were on his kit.  About halfway through the show, Brion James brought up a tray of drinks for the band.  Kim got on the mic with Markus as they visited briefly with the audience and toasted the fans.  The band rocked through their set and then invited Chris from local band Standing Damaged to sing on Looks That Kill.  Major Tom took Chris' ball cap while Chris borrowed Major Tom's top hat and the band rocked through a killer version of the Motley Crue classic.

 

New fans were made this night as I saw them again at other shows I will review soon!

 

One particular fan did something WONDERFUL for the band and several others.  In total, 14 of us went out for Chinese food.  Ed had asked the owner of the China Moon in Ankeny to stay open after the show so he could bring everyone out.  Brion James from KGGO joined us, Big D from local band Cold Filtered joined us and it was quite the party.  The food was fantastic.  We took pictures.  It was a great time had by all as we visited and stuffed ourselves.  Ed is greatly appreciated and he has been very supportive of the band in this way and making sure he's at all the shows.

 

Still more reviews to come!

The Reverb is an upstairs club in the college town of Cedar Falls.  I've heard of this club before and it's quite the interesting environment for bands.  There is no backstage, but a closeted side stage and an open side stage.  It's an open room with a medium size stage to it.

 

The opening band Skitzo Effect was interesting, but falls into the "cookie monster" vocal area which seems to be a fading fad.  They are a fun bunch of young guys, though, who had an enthusiastic group at the stage front cheering them on.

 

LyinHeart, an original Iowa band, took the stage to a much greater response.  LyinHeart has been around a few years and has a pretty good following in Iowa.  Their singer, Ted, is very active, has a good range, and even puts in some keyboard flourishes to this hard and sometimes progressive sound.  The band is tight, active, and really gets into their show and their songs.  They have a CD out and are putting out a new one in a couple of months, so keep an eye on these guys.

 

M!SS CRAZY was the third band to go on and in the prime spot for this 4 band show.  The entire seated area was almost bare as everyone got to the front of the stage quickly for this show.  This was attended well and the fans were quite vocal in their response.  M!SS CRAZY was showered in love this night as they played their songs.  The fans were headbanging, throwing their horns in the air, and dancing/moshing to these straight ahead rockers.

 

The opening bands all hung around to visit with M!SS CRAZY as they sold more T-shirts and CD's.  Everyone wanted pictures and just to hang out with M!SS CRAZY.

 

While everyone was hanging with M!SS CRAZY, the 4th band Dark Mirror went on.  I didn't get to hear much of them as we started getting the band equipment loaded up and out one song into their set.  The singer has one of those falsetto voices that can either sound great or get on your nerves.  I'm more in the camp of the latter, but they seemed like a tight band and they had some fans stick around for their show as we left.

 

It was evident the following days how much of an impact M!SS CRAZY made at The Reverb as the Friend Requests started to come in on M!SS CRAZY's My Space site.  I'm anxious to see what kind of turnout M!SS CRAZY gets their next time out to The Reverb.

WOW!  M!SS CRAZY unmasked?  YES!  They proved this night that image is not what makes a band.  It's all about the music!

 

The Picador had a small but enthusiastic attendance this night.  The opening band's singer is the daughter of Sabra, the owner of Zabbie's in Clinton, IA.  They brought a few friends with them an did their alt-rock thing in a very laid back setting.

 

M!SS CRAZY took the stage in NO MAKEUP and rocked the house!  It was so laid back that it could have been a rehearsal type of gig, but they put on a full show for those in attendance.  The band had a fun time doing something I believe they have never done before.

 

There were no pictures taken of this night and it's a memory only for those of us fortunate enough to have seen it.

The House Of Bricks is known for live local music and taking chances with all original acts that few have heard of.  They occasionally have a national act such as Vixen take the stage.  This particular night, a Monday of all things, they lined up M!SS CRAZY to headline a show with two local original acts opening up.  While the locals were much heavier and more in line with what seems to be the latest musical flavor, M!SS CRAZY were the main attraction and flavor of what is to come.

 

M!SS CRAZY drew some familiar faces that had already seen them in town and several new ones, too.  Even the band girlfriends of the openers were down front and ready to get their party on.  Lewis from Stars For Iowa was in attendance and even filmed a bit of the show.  Paul from Shooters Hideaway came out to support M!SS CRAZY.  Darvish (Big D) from Cold Filtered came out and stood down front.  Dancing Dan and his daughter were out once again and Double D even got on stage to dance once again.  Friends like Tony and his wife Cindy, Pat, and several others were out to see M!SS CRAZY once again.

 

M!SS CRAZY put on a real headline show.  They had everyone at the stage and took no prisoners with their arena rock sound.  Eyes were opened, new fans were made, and CD's were sold again to those dying to hear more of this kind of music these days.

 

At this point, House Of Bricks has seen the best M!SS CRAZY has to offer.  I told you they keep getting better!

At this point, every Iowa club that has had M!SS CRAZY play for them has had them back quickly.  Just two weeks after their last appearance at Shooters Hideaway, Paul had them back again.  This gig was mainly due to the excitement of the band Standing Damaged, who already had this night booked for themselves.  They were so excited at the prospect of sharing the stage and jamming with M!SS CRAZY that they pleaded with Paul, the Shooters Hideaway owner, to have M!SS CRAZY back again since this date could be shared.  Paul booked this all ages show with M!SS CRAZY taking the stage at 7pm with Standing Damaged finishing up the rest of the night.

 

M!SS CRAZY was awesome once again.  The sound was mixed even better than the first time and the familiarity with the stage and with the Des Moines fans was evident.  Dancing Dan, a local music fan, was at the club with his daughter and he got up on stage and did a few moves to keep his nickname alive.

 

It's hard to write reviews of these shows because there are so many things to say that are the same.  If you've seen Markus lead this band through their awesome songs, then you know what his presence and performance mean to this band.  He hits all the high notes and holds them out like you hard on the CD and then throws in some great vocal licks to go above and beyond.  He doesn't hold back.  He gives every breath he has for his music.  Markus also has some major guitar prowess.  This man has the hook down to a science, but you feel it.  It's not something that is just toss-off catchy.  It's feeling.  When he sings "I wish I could die" you catch that in not only his voice, but his playing.  There are few talents that make you feel from both voice and instrument.

 

Kim is always the presence in look and performance.  Every guy in the place lights up on her side of the stage just to see her.  Kim is quite the attraction.  The thing that makes you stay, though, is that she can play and she keeps a tight groove with Jimmy Z.  She and Jimmy are the foundation of the music.  While she puts on a great performance visually, it's the playing that keeps you coming back for more.  She is not a wallflower, not purely visual.  She is rhythm and groove.

 

Major Tom is all smiles and emotion on guitar.  He moves as he feels what he is playing.  His passion is evident in every note.  Major Tom can be seen smiling a lot just because he loves this music.  The music is aggressive and passionate and Major Tom is the perfect conduit of expresssion.

 

Jimmy Z may be new to the band, but plays like he's the perfect fit.  I've listened to this music longer than he has and I can tell that Jimmy Z has the experience and has put in the time to call this band his own.  His marriage of the beat to the song perfects the groove that he and Kim create as the base of each song.  There is power where it needs to be and the dynamics are the perfect fit for the song.

 

M!SS CRAZY got called back for an encore for the first time in Iowa!  This was the best response I had seen in all the shows thus far.

 

This night began the run of 5 shows in 7 nights.  I could hardly wait until the next show.

Talk about a quick return engagement!  M!SS CRAZY had just rocked Clinton, IA, on Sunday and management couldn't wait to have them back again on Wednesday.  M!SS CRAZY had been able to attend a local baseball game and make friends with the minor league Class A Lumber Kings, a Texas Rangers farm club.  It turns out that some of the baseball players have their own band, too, so there is a shared interest in great music.  This show was brought on because the players all wanted to attend.

 

The show this night went on at 11pm to accomodate the players and the party got started.  Markus mentioned players by name from the stage, Kim and Major Tom acknowledged everyone they knew and had fun rocking the house.  Jimmy Z held things together with groove galore as he and Kim were in lock step keeping the foundation solid.  Markus and Major Tom split the leads and rhythms to great effect while playing off of each other on stage.

 

It seems like each performance makes this band even better.  This night they were on fire.  The familiarity with their audience helps as does this being their third show with Jimmy Z on drums.

 

I think I got 90 minutes of sleep before work on Thursday morning, but it was worth it!