All Bad Things Must Come to an End

Most bloggers are talking about New Year's Eve, looking back at 2015, posting "best of" posts, or even goals for the 2016.  Not me.  I'm taking a moment to mourn the end of one of my all-time favourite bands.  Spotify created a playlist (since I failed to compile one, you should listen to theirs): #NowPlaying This Is: Mötley Crüe by Spotify
https://open.spotify.com/user/spotify/playlist/6PQ5tPIaqp98aIYAwS7Li4

Tonight is the last night for Motley Crue.  They end their 30+ years as a band on New Year's Eve in Los Angeles.  The four original members signed a legal document stating that they would not be touring as MOTLEY CRUE ever again.  This is it.  (Nor can any one member solely own the name, grab some other musicians and tour under the ban name...like Axl Rose does with GNR.)

For me, for my era, they were the band that personified sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll with a mix of danger.  Sure, there were others that did the same.  Sure, there were others before them, others with more critical acclaim, others to follow.  But, for me, Motley will forever hold a special place in my rocker girl heart.

My first Motley Crue concert was during the Girls Girls Girls tour (I can't remember if it was 1987 or 1988), and I've seen them more times than I can count.  I've been on the front row, in smaller venues, and at festivals.  I've danced, I've sang, I've rocked, and I've had my finger sucked by Nikki Sixx.

I think Mick Mars is one of the most under-rated guitar players of his time.  Tommy Lee is a consummate showman.  Vince Neil...well...Vince is Vince...still a party boy through and through.  Nikki Sixx is a genius (in my humble opinion).

There have been:

• Albums and Videos
• Tours and Parties
• Marriages and Divorces
• Fist fights and Jail terms
• Overdoses and Drunk-driving accidents
• Groupies and Wives
• Kids and Pets
• Band break-ups and Reunion tours
• Spandex and Leather
• Hairspray and Eyeliner
• Books and Documentaries
• Side projects and Solo albums
• Debauchery and Sobriety
• Illness and Loss
• Rotating drum kits and Guitars that shoot fire
• Back-up singers and Strippers
• Tattoos and Piercings
• Pyrotechnics and Acrobatics
• Reality shows and Talk of a movie
• Arguments and Brotherly love

And...there has been rock 'n' fucking roll.  As the lyrics to one of my favourite Crue songs (Primal Scream) says:

Crash & burn they did.  In good ways and bad.  And, I will forever love those reckless maniacs from the streets of Los Angeles.  Their music will forever be a major player in the soundtrack of my life. Take a bow, guys.  Thanks for the memories.

Happy New Year!

Hairspray + Glitter: 80s Rock Workout by Kati Rose

 Kati Rose told me that she thought of the perfect guest post for me but didn't tell me what it was.  Can I tell you how excited I was when I opened my email, looked at her blog post, and saw this?!?!  VERY excited. 

Hi I'm Kati Rose from Constantly Seeking Wonder! On my blog you'll find an appreciation of the "finer things" around us with a dash of sarcastic commentary in every post. I'm big into music, entertainment, art, and travel. Erin and I became friends over my post on How Almost Famous Taught Me About Life. Since then we've bonded over plenty of topics and now I'm lucky enough to call Erin my blogging big sis! :) When she approached me to guest post I knew EXACTLY what I wanted to write about! My friends often joke that I am the Queen of Playlists. If you need a playlist for something, most likely I have one already curated for your needs. It's kind of my thing. I knew Erin had a soft spot for 80s music so I figured this was a perfect opportunity to share one of my favorites - Hairspray + Glitter: 80s Rock Workout Playlist. Plus, it featured Bon Jovi which was a necessity because this is a post for Erin's blog, duh. Yes, I know that's the Eurythmics and they aren't featured here. It's just such an 80s music picture I couldn't pass it up. (via)[/caption] Even though I was a mere thought in the future for most of the 80s, that doesn't mean I can't appreciate the good tunes the decade provided. The 80s was full of amped up rock bands that still get your blood flowing in 2015. When I really need to get my bum into shape, I always turn to this playlist. From start to finish it will keep your head in the game - as long as you don't start dancing around pretending you're in any of these song's music videos (I am far too guilty of that.) Get your hairspray, glitter, and spandex pants ready baby! It's time to rock and to workout!

 What is your favorite 80s song to workout to?

If you enjoy music, entertainment, pop culture and other fun matters make sure to stop by any of the below links and say hello! Thanks again Erin for letting me guest post while you're living it up in Texas! Please eat all the queso and drink all the margaritas for me, nowhere else seems to do them as good as the Lone Star State.

Blog//Twitter//Instagram//Facebook//Bloglovin

That was killer, wasn't it?  (Yes, I said "killer" in the '80s.)  What do you think the chances are that I put this playlist on my ipod?  The only song that I'd need to download is Limelight because I don't like Rush.  Sorry (special apology to Jana).

Band Splits from an 80s + 90s Kid

Alright, folks.  Many reading this may know me personally, so you know my age.  Others may have read this blog long enough to know my age.  Newbies...well, you're going to figure it out soon enough (if you read this post). I was born in the 70s, grew up in the 80s, graduated high school and university in the 90s.  This post is from that fangirl's perspective.

Big news hit the airwaves today in the world of music fandom.  One of the members of the overwhelmingly popular and successful boyband One Direction is leaving the band to try to be a "normal" twenty-something.  It shocked some, it saddened others, but all One Direction mega fans are probably feeling something about this news.
 
It got me thinking about me as a musical fanatic.  Specifically, the bands that I loved most as a youngster (ok...admittedly, I still love the music from all the bands listed here).  My personal "Big 6" have experienced their own band splits.  These were the bands whose posters were hung on my walls (and door and ceiling), who filled my head and heart with anthems, that I've seen in many of tours (with a variety of line-ups), and still remain some of my go-to music.

It all started with KISS.  When I was 3 or 4 (yes, this young because I know it was when my aunt was a Senior in high school, I know the year my aunt graduated, so I can do the math), I was introduced and fascinated by KISS.  I remember the white 8-track tape going into my aunt's orange 8-track player.  It was KISS Destroyer.  I was drawn into the world of rock 'n' roll.  I asked for a Paul Stanley doll and got it.  KISS has very publicly experienced band splits, break-ups, reunions, non-reunions, and even a member's death (not an original member, but a beloved member).  There have been he said/he said stories, love shared and lost, feuds, and jumbles of stories that no one really knows the truth of it all.  The original duo of Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley are still there with current (longtime) members Tommy Thayer (in Ace Frehley's make-up) and Eric Singer (in Peter Criss' make-up).  I was thrilled to see the original four put differences aside and join each other for the induction into the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame.

Judge me, if you wish.  I'm not ashamed.  My love for Bon Jovi is long-lasting and eternal.  In recent times, I have suffered some heartbreak because of it.  Originally, the one that most all remember, is a five piece band of Jersey boys.  In the mid 90s, the original bass player was excused of his duties.  I admit it.  This didn't hurt me so much, as Alec was my least favorite band member.  They hired another bass player to play on albums and tour, but he doesn't get to be in band photos.  So, four key members remained for another...oh...twenty-ish years.  Last year, during a world tour, original member, beloved to fans, seemingly right-hand man and song-writing partner to Jon, Richie Sambora stopped touring with Bon Jovi.  The tour carried on and completed with success.  In recent months, the official word came that Richie has left the band.  This hurt my heart.  This hurt many Jovi fans.  The band will never feel complete without Richie...but I will never stop loving this band with or without him.  Now, there are three still standing...

Motley Crue - it is no wonder with the debauchery experienced and egos that exist that this band as had a few disagreements.  These bad boys knew how to party, have known their fair share of ladies, know how to live the rock 'n' roll lifestyle, and have known the band split cycle.  The original boys split with their fair-haired front man, Vince Neil.  They released an album and toured with replacement, John Corabi.  It was actually good stuff, but it wasn't Motley Crue.  Vince came back...more touring...another split.  This time drummer, Tommy Lee left.  They toured with a female drummer.  That didn't work at all.  The boys finally refocused, got back together, made some more music, and toured successfully.  Their farewell tour ends where it all began - in Los Angeles on New Year's Eve 2015.

The kings (or queens) of sleaze glam pretty boy rock - Poison - dabbled with a band member leaving.  One of the few band member splits where most agree what the problem was - Bret & C.C.'s egos weren't working well together, a fist fight happened, and guitarist, C.C. was out.  They recorded one album (some say the best Poison album) and toured.  The magic of the original four came back together when fans started showing up for re-united, re-juvenated hair band packaged tours in the early 2000s.  (I may have to got *one* or *two* of these.)  When Bret feels like touring and the others don't; OR when Bret feels like getting all the money and not sharing; OR when promoters don't want to pay for all of Poison but will pay for one member, then Bret Michaels tours solo. I respect the fact that he doesn't try to put himself out there as "Poison" when it's only him as a member (unlike *cough* Axl *cough*), although he plays a lot of Poison songs at those gigs.

Did someone mention Axl?  Oh, I did.  Absolutely, part of my Big 6 is/was Guns 'N' Roses.  Most rock fans and music critics agree that Appetite for Destruction is a gift from the rock gods.  Those songs personify the essence of the grit, grime, spit, sweat, sex, drugs, and rock 'n' roll.  Too bad drugs, egos, more drugs, and I suspect some possible mental illness got in the way of this band continuing to make sweet music together.  Axl owns the rights of the name (to the unhappiness of other band members) and continues to tour as GNR.  I am not happy about this.  Tour as Axl Rose...your name is big enough to draw crowds.  Slash makes new music.  Slash tours as Slash.  Slash draws crowds.  Slash still plays GNR songs that he had a significant part in writing.  So, Axl, tour, make music, play GNR songs, but don't try to tell me that you are GNR.

Van Halen, oh Van Halen.  To me, Van Halen was, is, and will always be Eddie Van Halen, Alex Van Halen, David Lee Roth, and Michael Anthony. That being said Van Halen/Hagar was probably one of the most successful frontman replacement stories in the history of rock music.  Anyone remember the third lead singer attempt with Gary Cherone?  Yea, it was bad.  Now, when VH presents themselves as a band, they've cut Michael Anthony, brought back DLR, and inserted Wolfgang Van Halen (Eddie's son).  He's a talented young man, but when I've seen (many) shows since they've reunited, I miss Mike. 

Of my Big 6 - three bands are in the Rock 'N' Roll Hall of Fame - the duo of Jon Bon Jovi and Richie Sambora are in as songwriters - Motley Crue should be (yes, I'm biased) but don't expect to be - Poison shouldn't...but should not be disregarded.  I have many other band loves from this time that I could have talked about (ex: Aerosmith without Joe Perry), and I specifically did NOT include bands that experienced a death (Def Leppard losing Steve Clark).

For all massive music fans who have experienced a band split, a band break-up, or a loss of a member...I have felt your pain.  You can continue to change and evolve with your favorite bands (and band members that leave and involve themselves in other projects).  The magic may escape, or it may feel different, but there can be new magic found. 

P.S. Good luck Zayn

Soundwave Music Festival 2015 - Day Two - My Music Experience

Continuing my Soundwave experience...

Day two had me arrive even earlier.  I purchased my phone recharger, I ate my pizza, I filled up my water bottle, and I headed to Stage 2 to find my position for the day.  My favorite live band was going to be here...I haven't seen them for over six years (after seeing them on a regular basis for 8 years prior)...I was going to get as good of a spot as possible.  This means I was going to stay at Stage 2 for most of the day.

First band for the day was my second band viewed to incorporate classical instruments, a band from Finland - Apocalyptica.  They brought an impressive crowd for their 1:00 time slot.  The use of cellos and standing bass is a sight to see and a sound to hear.  This is not a display of musicianship that you'll see at your average music festival.  Even the banter from the Finnish boys talking about the Australian heat was entertaining.  Plus, the artwork for the band's backdrop is beautiful.  Everything about this set was beautiful.

Staying put at Stage 2, I could hear Stage 1's sets but not really see them.  Scottish band, Twin Atlantic, was next up on Stage 1.  They sounded good.  They also sounded really happy to be there.  I decided that I'm going to check out more from this band.  I liked what I heard.

As this band was playing, I realized I was being surrounded by a lot of under 18s.  The kids were here in full force.  Especially the females.  I learned why.  I knew what band was about to play.  I knew they had a strong female vocalist.  What I didn't know was how much these young girls worshipped her (and I learned why).

Tonight Alive was playing to their home crowd.  They were strong, tight, and entertaining.  The crowd was a ball of explosive energy and most of the girls around me knew every word to every song.  Led by the infectious, Jenna McDougall, she is a blend of early Gwen Stefani (before she was a glamorous fashionista) and Hailey Williams from Paramore.  She's got attitude, swagger, pipes, and a killer smile.  McDougall is that girl that guys want to be with and girls just want to be.  Leading the crowd in a chant encouraging those to refuse to live in fear of the judgement of others, this band seemed to be spreading a positive message to their young followers.  Hey, I'm not young, but I'm young at heart...and Tonight Alive earned a new fan.

Photos by Neal Walters Photo

All Time Low hit Stage 1 and took notice of the storm clouds rolling in.  They played a few songs before the force of the storm grew strong with rain and high winds.  As previously mentioned, their set was cancelled due to the quick onslaught of rain drenching their equipment.

I got to talking to my fellow fans at Stage 2.  The two girls next to me had come from New Zealand specifically to see Papa Roach.  The boy to my right had flown from Perth (think New York to LA).  My Papa Roach partners and I were not planning on losing our front row spot, so we braved the storm.  Fortunately, the toughest part of it passed in time for my Papa Roach boys to hit the stage.  Have I mentioned that this is my favorite live band?  I haven't seen them since moving to Australia.  The lead singer has gotten sober since I last saw him.  I'm not going to lie; I was worried his crazy stage antics wouldn't be there with sobriety in his life.  Jacoby and the boys still got it.  If you like rock music, if you like live music, you should see this band.  The adrenaline that pumps when they are on stage is electric.  The crowd was thunderous (and that was the crowd, not remnants of the storm), and the performance was powerful.

Oh........and I found myself in a crowd shot!  Since my hands aren't in the air, I'm guessing that was one of those times I was holding onto the barrier to avoid my ribs from crushing.  Awww, the dangers of a rock show.

After one hour of pure bliss for me, the never blissful Marilyn Manson took over Stage 1.  I saw Manson during the height of his career.  I'm glad I did because he hasn't been too strong lately.  I like his new material, and the two songs he performed live from his new album were probably the best he performed.  I know all about performance and shock rock, but I gotta admit that I wasn't impressed when he broke the beer bottle (on purpose) and cut his arm drawing blood, especially when the under 18 girl next to me said "That's uncool.  My best mate is a cutter."

Back to Stage 2 and back to me hanging on the front barrier because now I that I saw my favorite live band, I was going to see my favorite live guitarist - Slash with Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators.  Good gosh almighty, this guy deserves every accolade, every praise, every identification as an icon and/or legend.  He exudes rock 'n' roll.  He exudes cool.  He still plays with passion.  His band is led by vocalist Myles Kennedy who is a talent in his own right.  He's not trying to be Axl or Scott Weiland, but when Guns 'n' Roses and Velvet Revolver songs are played, he does them justice.  In recent years, Slash has released three solo albums with Kennedy performing most of the vocals.  These songs hold up in set filled with 'Night Train', 'You Could Be Mine', 'Slither', and 'Sweet Child of Mine'.  The new material is great...but it's not GNR.  Nor, does Slash try to act like it is.  He's just Slash.  The crowd didn't mind.  It was loud.  It was rockin'.  When I got home, confetti that flew during 'Paradise City' fell out of my bra when I went to the shower.  I've seen Slash many times before (with GNR, Velvet Revolver, and solo), but I think my life is a little more complete by experiencing this set.

That's right; Slash gets two pictures because he's Slash!

After standing 9 hours at the front of Stage 2, I headed over to Stage 3 for Fall Out Boy.  The crowd was massive, and that's saying a lot because I left a massive crowd seeing Slipknot at Stage 1, and Smashing Pumpkins were playing at another stage as well.  FOB deserves their following.  They write catchy little tunes that you can dance to, and Patrick Stump's vocals are spectacular live.

Last mention is a band that performed its last show together...ever.  Yep, this is the end for Conditions which kinda sucks because I just discovered them when checking out all the Soundwave bands.  They were really good, the very small crowd was very appreciative, but I was a little sad at the underwhelming feeling of a band calling it a day after 8 or so years.

This was MY experience.  The booking of bands is always so solid that I'm always going to miss some.  This year, I missed Godsmack, Judas Priest, Of Mice & Men, and more because of set time clashes between the five stages.  I ain't complaining.  I believe my weekend was packed full with great music, great crowds, and free water for two full days!

Anybody want to come to Australia and join me next year????

Want to read my other Soundwave posts?  Here they are:
 Friday Favorites - Soundwave Edition
Soundwave - Takin' Care of the Basics
Soundwave - The Music - Day One

Soundwave Music Festival - Day One - My Music Experience

More about my Soundwave experience...the important stuff...the MUSIC!

Day one, I arrived a little before noon.  I wandered a little to check out the lay of the land, where the five stages were located, looked at the merch, grabbed a beverage, and headed over to Stage 4.  I caught about half of Australian based band King Parrot's set.  Not really my sound.  And, I don't exactly appreciate band members calling people the "C" word because we don't know their music and aren't really getting into their set.  Hey.  I'm there.  I'm giving you a listen.  You could have gained a new fan for all you know.  I'd give King Parrot a miss.

I was there at Stage 4 waiting on Nothing More.  This Texas band has been together for a few years and has had some recent success with their self-titled album.  Their rock has stellar vocals and lyrics, guitar riffs, melodies, and more.  They are my kinda rock band.  I was thrilled to see them.  They have some crazy contraptions on stage built from bicycle chains, rebar, and other metal.  They use them throughout to showcase different ways to play percussion and a bass guitar.  The vocalist has such a powerful voice his neck actually turned red.  I'm not kidding.  I've never seen anything like it.  I don't know if his vocal chords strain so hard against his neck or what, but his neck turned bright red!  This band held my attention the entire 40 minutes they were on stage.  My personal favorite was the impassioned performance of 'Jenny'.

Next up on Stage 4 was Melbourne band, Ne Oblisviscaris.  I was completely unfamiliar with the band, but my friend wanted to see them.  This is the first metal band I saw this weekend that included classical instruments in their sound; this featuring a violinist.  The vocalist growls a little too much for my taste, but that's just me.  I like rock music.  But, I never claimed to be a fan of the hardcore metal growling scene.  Cool, if you are.  It's just not my taste.  That being said, I was glad I watched the set.  The crowd was into it.  The band fed off that energy, and the musicianship was impressive.

We headed over to Stage 1 to check out Japanese power pop band One OK Rock.  High energy with excellent stage presence and a fun way to learn Japanese (as they throw in some Japanese in their mostly English lyric songs).

I headed over to Stage 2 for Gerard Way.  The former lead singer of My Chemical Romance has released a solo album that sounds nothing like MCR.  It blends guitars and keyboards to create a sound closer to British new wave than emo rock.  I like it.  I can dance to it.  I like to dance.  I give credit to Mr. Way for using his stage platform to quickly bring attention to spreading love to all, especially the transgender community and raising awareness of mental illness and encouraging sufferers to get help.  Yes, serious topics for a music festival...but as he holds the crowd's attention, why not use it for some good?

From there, I visited the free water station, took a stroll, had some food, and took a seat in the stands.  I've seen Steel Panther several times before (Heck, I even saw them when they were Metal Skool - I think that's what they were called).  Seen it.  Done it.  Over it.  But, they brought in a big crowd as I watched from the seats. (The pic below also shows the set up of stages 1 and 2)

I admit it...I got lazy...and I was saving energy for day 2.  I stayed in my seat from this faraway view for the rest of the day.  The music was great.  From this place, I listened to Antemasque, Incubus, and Soundgarden.  Seeing 'Fell on Black Days' live was a moment, a big moment for me.  All three of these bands are impressive, no frills, no gimmicks, just straight forward rock music played well.

I left a little early (9:30ish), got on my train, and headed home for some shut eye to prepare for day two.

If you want to read my other Soundwave posts, here they are:
Friday Favorites - Soundwave Edition
Soundwave - The Basics

Anybody want to come to Australia next year and join me?

Soundwave Music Festival 2015 - My Experience

If you read my Friday Favorites a few days ago, you know that I was at Soundwave this weekend.  (If you didn't read them, shame on you! Go read them now, then come back and join us.) 

Let's get a few basics out of the way...

The Weather:
It's the end of summertime in Sydney, and we were definitely feeling the heat on Saturday and half of Sunday.  Temps were pushing the high 30s (high 90s, close to 100 for my Fahrenheit peeps).  Then, a storm rolled in on Sunday afternoon with buckets of rain falling on us and high winds.  A band (All Time Low) had to be stopped, their equipment got messed up (well, they actually said something else, but I'm trying to be polite for my PG rated readers), and had their set cut short.  They handled it like champs singing one of their songs a capella and leading the crowd in a clap-a-long/sing-a-long of 'We Will Rock You'.  Many people ran for the hills (or covered areas), but I was holding firm in my front row spot on the barrier waiting for my favorite live band who was scheduled to play next (more about them soon).  The temperature dropped about 15 degrees (25 degree F drop)...I was soaking wet...I admit it; I was shivering.

before & after the storm

Takin' Care of Things:
I made a few wise decisions.  One of these choices was takin' care of my feet.  I've had these Air Jordans for a very, very, very long time.  They took care of me this weekend.  My feet were comfortable.  No pain, no aches, no blisters.  Ain't nobody got time for that.

Second wise decision: takin' care of hydration and taking full advantage of the 'Free Water' stations.  I can't tell you enough how much I appreciate the Soundwave folks providing these stations.  In that heat, you need to hydrate.  Instead of trying to suck every last dollar out of the crowd, a row of taps are provided to fill up water bottles.  Also, if you're up front at the barrier (like I was on the second day), volunteers and security guards are constantly handing out free cups of water.  Really, I can't say enough how much I appreciate this service.  Think about it.  I probably drank no less than 20 bottles of water over the two days.  At $4 each, that would be $80 more to spend over the weekend. 

After the first day of limiting my phone use, I spotted a tent advertising a way to recharge my phone.  I decided I needed to be takin' care of my phone, and this portable recharger was the way to do it!

I saw a mob of people hanging at this pizza food truck all day during the first day (Happy As Larry).  I wanted the pizza, but I didn't want to wait.  I was smart on day two.  I knew I was going to be standing in one spot all day long...and I knew I needed some food to give me strength for that task, so I decided takin' care of the hunger was a good way to start the day.  So, I spent the best $13.50 I'd spent all weekend and had this as soon as I got there.

At the start of day one, I was hot and thirsty.  I had yet to discover the free water stations.  I thought I needed some adult beverages to quench my thirst.  After paying $8 for the cider and $12 for the frozen margarita, I decided takin' care of my funds was a better idea, and the free water was a better option.  I wasn't there to drink; I was there to see good music.

Next, the important stuff...the MUSIC!  You've done enough reading today; that post starts tomorrow.

Friday Favorites Five x2 vol.3 - Soundwave edition

This week's list of favorites is dedicated to Soundwave - my favorite Australian music festival.  I've lived in Australia for six years, and this will be my fifth Soundwave to attend.  It is a rock fan's festival.  Sure, there are critics.  A lot of the criticism I read seem to be from those that love to find something to whine and gripe about.  My opinion is: if you don't like the line-up or the festival, then don't go.  Bitching and complaining over and over and over again is tiresome.  You can never, ever make everyone happy.  With a mix of grunge to power pop, metal to punk, plus industrial, alternative, shock, and rap rock, I think this festival is as good of a annual rock festival as a rock fan could ask for.  Bands come from the US to Japan, Sweden to Mexico, Scotland to Canada, and mix it up with some homegrown Aussie rock. Soundwave Sydney is this weekend, and I'm ready!

 1. Favorite guitarist ever: Slash - After previously playing Soundwave a few years ago, he's back this year with the uber-talented Myles Kennedy again singing lead vocals.  His solo stuff is solid and his live shows are sprinkled with Guns 'N' Roses and Velvet Revolver songs as well.

2. Favorite shirt purchased at a Soundwave: this Social Distortion shirt

3. Favorite headliner show that I wasn't expecting to be my favorite: Avenged Sevenfold - Last year, Green Day was closing the show on the main stage while A7X were co-headliners. I was happy with my decision to see the rock show that M.Shadows and the boys gave, complete with lots if pyro!

4. Favorite band on the 2015 line-up that I hadn't listened to before Soundwave introduced them to me: Nothing More. I bought their entire album and enjoy every single song. I'm getting there early to see these guys.

5. Favorite grunge era band that is still going strong: Alice In Chains - with two of the original members dead from drug overdoses, you might be skeptical that this band could still hold it's weight. I've seen them at two separate Soundwaves and was reminded that some of their songs will always remain the best of this era. Plus, their new stuff is good too.

6. Favorite single song performance to see at Soundwave: Nine Inch Nails closed out Soundwave a few years back, 2009 maybe. They ended with the hauntingly brilliant song "Hurt".

7.  Favorite band that I've seen at Soundwave that I'm ready to come back to SW: Shinedown - The vocals, the musicianship, the songs are all stellar.  Last time, they played to a small but mighty crowd on a small stage.  They need bigger stage, bigger crowd.

photo source

8.  Favorite way to mix it up with the kids these days: Fall Out Boy - Slipknot and Smashing Pumpkins will be playing on different stages at the same time as FOB.  That's right.  I'll be bouncing and jumping and singing-along with the kids and FOB.

9. Favorite accessible promoter: AJ Maddah - This guy gets A LOT of grief; people complain about all sorts of things and blame him for the world's problems sometimes.  But, you know what?  In this world of social media, he is SO accessible to the ticket buyers, fans, and bands.  He answers questions on twitter from what bands are booked, to how tickets can be purchased, to what items are allowed to be brought into the premises (many of the questions asked can be found on Soundwave's website).  He issues set times and allows feedback from the fans and makes adjustments when feasible.  On the day of the event, he acts on issues from over-inflated prices of water to out of hand security guards to reacting to the current craze of selfie sticks and their interference with other fans (see below).  Suggestions get made on social media (like a place for older patrons or injured or disabled patrons to have a break during the day) and creates a "Comfort Zone" tent based on the requests.  Plus, he is a real rock fan.  He gives props and kudos to the bands as they perform.  I applaud this guy.  As I said before, you're never going to make every single person happy all the time.

10. Favorite live band that I finally get to see at Soundwave: Papa Roach! - I started seeing these guys live when they released their very first big hit "Last Resort"...and I kept seeing them again, and again, and again.  I was never disappointed.  The energy is electric, and I've missed them.  Sunday, we will be reunited!

photo source

Want some more Friday Favorites?  Check this out:

List #15 - Live Music Shows

A few years ago, I made this crazy attempt to list all the live music shows I've seen. I tried to include only rock/pop acts (with a few notable country crossover artists...even though that's not necessarily "my thing"...but I am from TEXAS after all!).

AC/DC ~ Aerosmith ~ AFI ~ Against Me ~ Airbourne ~ Air Supply ~ Alice Cooper ~ Alice in Chains (w/new singer) ~ Alien Ant Farm ~ All American Rejects ~ Alter Bridge ~ American Anthem ~ American Hi-Fi ~ American Pearl ~ Anberlin ~ Anthrax ~ Avenged Sevenfold ~ Avril Lavigne ~ Axe

Baby Animals ~ Bang Tango ~ Beautiful Creatures ~ The Bellamy Brothers ~ Beth Hart ~ Better Than Ezra ~ Beyoncé ~ Biffy Clyro ~ Big Head Todd & the Monsters ~ Billy Idol ~ Black Crowes ~ Black Eyed Peas ~ Black Label Society ~ Black Stone Cherry ~ Blindside ~ Blink 182 ~ Blue October ~ BON JOVI ~ Boston ~ Bowling for Soup ~ The Bravery ~ Breaking Benjamin ~ Bret Michaels (solo) ~ Britny Fox ~ Bruce Springsteen ~ Bryan Adams ~ Buckcherry ~ Bullet for My Valentine ~ Bulletboys ~ Bullets & Octane ~ Burden Brothers ~ Bush ~ Butch Walker

The Calling ~ Camp Freddy ~ Cheap Trick ~ Chelsea Smiles ~ Chlorine ~ Cher ~ Chevelle ~ Cinder Road ~ Cinderella ~ CKY ~ Clay Aiken ~ Cold ~ Collective Soul ~ Counting Crows ~ Cowboy Mouth ~ Crazytown ~ Creed ~ Crooked X ~ Crosby, Stills, & Nash ~ The Cult ~ The Cure ~ Cyndi Lauper

Damn Yankees ~ The Darkness ~ Dashboard Confessional ~ Daughtry ~ David Allan Coe ~ David Lee Roth (solo) ~ Deadsy ~ Deep Purple ~ Def Leppard ~ Default ~ Deftones ~ Depeche Mode ~ Destiny's Child ~ Dexter Freebish ~ Dilana ~ Dio ~ Dirty Penny ~ Dokken ~ Dolly Parton ~ Don Dokken (solo) ~ The Donnas ~ The Doobie Brothers ~ The Doors (w/Ian Astbury) ~ Dope ~ Downset ~ Drowning Pool ~ Duran Duran

Eagles ~ Eddie Money ~ EndeverafteR ~ Enrique Iglesias ~ Enuff Z Nuff ~ Erasure ~ Eric Johnson ~ Eric Sardinas ~ Eve 6 ~ The Exies

Fall Out Boy ~ The Faint ~ Faith No More ~ Faster Pussycat ~ The Films ~ Finger Eleven ~ Firehouse ~ Flickerstick ~ Foo Fighters ~ Foreigner ~ Forever the Sickest Kids ~ The Fray ~ Fuel

Garbage ~ Garth Brooks ~ George Michael ~ George Strait ~ Glen Hansard & Marketa Irglova ~ Girlschool ~ Godsmack ~ Goo Goo Dolls ~ Goudie ~ Great White ~ Green Day ~ Greg Allman ~ GWAR ~ Gwen Stefani ~ Guns N Roses

My girls and me at a music festival (and Camrin with the awesome photobomb!)

Hank III ~ Heart ~ Hed Pe ~ Hey Monday ~ H.I.M. ~ Hinder ~ Hole ~ Hoobastank ~ House of Lords

Ian Moore ~ Incubus ~ INXS (w/Micheal Hutchence and then later w/JD Fortune) ~ Iron Maiden

Jackopierce ~ Jackyl ~ Jane's Addiction ~ Jerry Cantrell (solo) ~ Jet ~ Jet Black Stare ~ Jetboy ~ Jimmy Barnes ~ Jimmy Eat World ~ Joan Jett & the Blackhearts ~ John Corabi ~ John Mellencamp ~ JON BON JOVI (solo...radio station private show!) ~ Jonny Lang ~ John Butler Trio ~ Josh Todd (solo) ~ Journey (w/Steve Augeri & Arnel Pineda) ~ Judas Priest (w/Rob Halford & w/Ripper)

KC and the Sunshine Band ~ Keith Urban ~ Kelly Clarkson ~ Kenny Loggins ~ Kid Rock ~ The Killers ~ Kings of Leon ~ Kings X ~ KISS ~ Kittie

LA Guns ~ Lacuna Coil ~ Lenny Kravitz ~ Lifehouse ~ Limp Bizkit ~ Linda Perry ~ Linkin Park ~ Lit ~ Live ~ The Living End ~ LL Cool J ~ Loverboy ~ Lyle Lovett ~ Lynch Mob ~ Lynyrd Skynyrd

Marilyn Manson ~ Maroon 5 ~ Marshall Tucker Band ~ Matchbox 20 ~ MC Hammer ~ Meatloaf ~ Megadeth ~ Melissa Ethridge ~ Metal Skool ~ Metallica ~ Methods of Mayhem ~ Michael Anthony (solo) ~ Michael Jackson ~ Midnight Circus ~ Mike Ness (solo) ~ Mike Tramp (solo) ~ The Misfits ~ Motley Crue ~ Muse ~ My Chemical Romance

One of my prized possessions ~ a pic of Nikki Sixx staring lovingly into my eyes...

Nashville Pussy ~ Neil Diamond ~ New American Shame ~ Nickelback ~ Night Ranger ~ Nine Inch Nails ~ No Doubt ~ Noiseworks ~ NSYNC

Oasis ~ The Offspring ~ Oleander ~ Orgy ~ Our Lady Peace

Panic Channel ~ Pantera ~ Papa Roach ~ Pat Green ~ Pearl Jam ~ Pink ~ Placebo ~ POD ~ Podunk ~ Poison ~ The Poor ~ Power Station ~ Pretty Boy Floyd ~ Priestess ~ Prince ~ Public Enemy ~ Puddle of Mudd ~ Pushmonkey

Queensryche ~ Quiet Riot ~ The Quireboys

Ratt (w/Stephen Pearcy & w/Jizzy Pearl) ~ REO Speedwagon ~ Revolution Theory ~ Richie Sambora ~ Ricky Martin ~ Rob Zombie ~ Robert Earl Keen ~ Rolling Stones ~ The Romantics ~ Run DMC

Saliva ~ Sammy Hagar ~ Saving Abel ~ Scorpions ~ Screaming Jets ~ Scott Stapp (solo) ~ Sebastian Bach (solo) ~ Sevendust ~ Shinedown ~ Silvertide ~ Sixx AM ~ Skid Row (w/Sebastian & w/Johnny Solinger) ~ Slash ~ Slaughter ~ Social Distortion ~ SR71 ~ Steel Panther ~ Steelheart ~ Stevie Nicks ~ Sting ~ Stone Temple Pilots ~ Stone Rider ~ Stone Sour ~ The Strokes ~ Stryper ~ Styx (w/Dennis DeYoung & without) ~ Sugar Ray ~ Sum 41

Tantric ~ Taylor Swift ~ Ted Nugent ~ Tenacious D ~ Tesla ~ Theory of a Deadman ~ Third Eye Blind ~ Three Days Grace ~ Tiger Army ~ Toadies ~ Todd Snider ~ Toilet Boys ~ Tommy Lee ~ Train ~ Trans Siberian Orchestra ~ Trapt ~ Tuff ~ Twisted Sister

U2 ~ Union Underground ~ Unwritten Law ~ The Used

Vallejo ~ Van Halen (w/David Lee Roth & w/Sammy Hagar) ~ Vanilla Ice ~ Vayden ~ Velvet Revolver ~ Vertical Horizon ~ Vince Neil (solo)

Warrant (w/Jani Lane & w/Jamie St. James) ~ WASP ~ White Lion ~ White Stripes ~ Whitesnake ~ Whitney Houston ~ The Wildhearts ~ Willie Nelson ~ Winger

Y&T

ZZ Top

311 ~ 3 Doors Down ~ 30 Seconds to Mars

I'm sure I'm forgetting some. I guess you could say that I like live music.  Oh...the memories, but there's more to come...my life will always have live music!  And, your valuable lesson for today is:

Photo from here