“Just Exactly Perfect” An evening with Weir, Robinson, and Greene at the Ryman

By Butch Worrell
      Nashville, TN

The weather was perfect.  The venue was perfect. The audience was perfect.  So were Bob Weir, Chris Robinson, and Jackie Greene.

                    

How often do you get three great artists like this together in the “Mother Church” of Americana music to perform their (and our)  favorite songs? Unfortunately only once. But if the universe were to give a second chance for those that missed this, it would truly be a miracle.

The Beach Boys 50th Anniversary Tour with Foster the People in Surf City, USA

The Beach Boys returned to San Diego with all of the original members including Brian Wilson on May 25, 2012. Some of the many performers on stage included Brian Wilson, Mike Love, Al Jardine, Bruce Johnston, David Marks and John Stamos. It has been more than two decades since all of the boys got together and performed their classics, from "Little Deuce Coupe" to "Surfin' USA." Foster The People opened up the show with Mark Foster saying, "It has been a pleasure to open for such an upbeat group of fellas that clearly deserve their Rock 'n Roll Hall of Fame status." The crowd at Cricket Wireless Amphitheater was of all ages. All of the kids behind us were excited to hear "Pumped Up Kicks," but seemed more excited to hear The Beach Boys sing "Good Vibrations." No matter what age, everyone seemed to be having a great time, despite the unseasonably chilly temperatures in Chula Vista that night.


Photos and Review by Doug Siegel

Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators

Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Orbit room, Grand Rapids, Michigan 05-17-12

Concert Photography by Father/Son Team Dan and Andrew Spratt

Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators

All of the Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators photos were taken at the Orbit Room, Grand Rapids, Michigan.  My son Andrew Spratt took all of the photos for this concert.

Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators

Festival Survival Guide Bonnaroo and Beyond

Gearing up for Bonnaroo and other other weekend long festivals takes some thought, planning, time and money.  Thinking ahead though will make your festival experience a lot more fun and in the long run save you time and money during the festival where time is precious.  Needs will vary depending on your needs and level of desired comfort but here are some suggestions and things to consider.  Enjoy our illustrated Bonnaroo and Summer Festival Survival Guide from Concert Photos Magazine!

Words and Concert Photography by David Oppenheimer - Performance Impressions Concert Photography Archives

Bonnaroo Arch

Spiritualized Dazzles The Wiltern in Los Angeles, California on 5/22/12

Spiritualized is on tour to promote their new album, Sweet Heart Sweet Light, and made a stop at The Wiltern in Los Angeles, California on May 22, 2012. The British ensemble was in top form and dazzled the crowd of steady followers as the band launched into their brand of psychedelic space gospel rock. On assignment with a record label on this particular evening, I noticed that the followers of the band are people that really know music, and follow talented bands of every genre. Needless to say, Spiritualized is a musician's band with a healthy dash of soul. The setlist at the Wiltern consisted of several songs off their new album and classics such as "Come Together" and "Cop Shoot Cop." Jason Pierce, the bands front man who also plays in outfits such as Lupine Howl, guided the band through an epic night of music that was greeted with belting applause and intense awe. Spiritualized is currently on tour in the United States and then off to Great Britain.

Brief and Photos by Doug Siegel

Flight to Mars, the Tribute and Benefit for CCFA featuring Mike McCready and Ace Frehley

Flight to Mars is a tribute band to the 80's rockers UFO, who play a few times a year while all the members of the band are not on tour with their regular bands. These members include Mike McCready (Pearl Jam), Gary Westlake, Paul Passereli, Kelly Van Camp, Ty Bailie and Tim DiJulio. The opening night of the Flight to Mars tour took place at The Casbah in San Diego. All proceeds of this performance went to The Wishlist Foundation to benefit the CCFA's Camp Oasis and Advocacy for Patients. The show was photographed impromptu in black and white due to band demand (to appear 80's garage band-esque), as I was there on an "off night" to see my old friend Mike and hear some music. The performance sold out while remaining intimate in atmosphere, especially considering some of these guys are on arena tours. Halfway through the show, there was another announcement. Mike McCready, the most well known member of  the band, announced that Ace Frehley of Kiss flew in to play the show with them and help out the cause. Mike then states, "This guy is the reason that I play guitar," which is a fairly strong statement from one of the gods of grunge who wrote "Alive" and "Even Flow." Flight to Mars played a three hour show and clearly had a great time. They are on a brief  tour throughout the west coast with their final show taking place at The Showbox in Seattle, where most of the band resides. Support local music with a great cause!

Brief and Photos by Doug Siegel

Rob Zombie, Megadeth and Lacuna Coil
Concert Report

The show took place at the Deltaplex Arena, Grand Rapids, Michigan 05-18-12.  The venue had plenty of room to move around which we liked the most.  When you watch a show and you need to get a drink or take a break you want to be able to get out easy.

This venue wasn’t bad at all it had plenty of seats and honoured handicapped people I noticed in wheelchairs.  Security was top notch maintaining control of any emergencies that would arise.