If you go back four years and one day from today, the date is July 19, 2004. What's the relevance of that date? Well, I saw a band I thought I'd never see in my life. That was my then-favorite band, The Mighty Van Halen. I was one happy twelve year old kid, who at the time still lived in Chicago (but was one month away from moving away). This was a very special show for me, as I got to see the greatest living guitarist in front of my very eyes, and see the band that for so many years satisfied so many people with their music.
That's just a small example as to why that time period was so special for me. Yeah, I was moving out of Chicago in a month. It was devastating then and it still is now. But, my friends definitely did all they could to make my last days there the best they possibly could, and you know what, they succeeded.
Funny how so much has changed over four years, yet so little is different. When you look at it in a certain perspective, it's pretty perplexing. But in the most interesting way possible.
Here I am, July 20, 2008. I still keep ties with my friends in Chicago (as many as I could), I'm still an outrageous Cubs fan, I get the same kicks out of "Whose Line is it Anyway?" (though that was after a brief hiatus), and I still wish I lived in Chicago. Yet at the same time, my favorite band is Rush, and I have to drive 35 miles to even get to Chicago to see my other family friends (which in reality is usually only in the summer). You'd think my life is pretty similar to the way it used to be in 2004, barring a few naturally setbacks. But it's very far from it.
I did this premise for a reason. My life has been fantastic so far in 2008. I had a discussion with Laura (who every reader should know by now) about the future. I think of how I was four years ago, and I wonder how things are going to be four years from today, in 2012. Best case scenario, I'm back, living in Chicago, going to college there, with a job in the city (which has a great economy), and just being back where I belong, living my dream (As a journalist. Didn't catch it already, dummy? :D). And I intend on doing everything in my power to make that happen. But the thing is, you never really know where life will take you. That's the thrill of the ride, folks.
So, we've reflected on the past and plans for the future, what's been happening in the present, one may ask? Last post was June 21st (life-update post, that is), and a lot more than I expected has happened. Just when I thought June couldn't be outdone, well, it has been. And July ain't over yet. How did June end, though?
Like I said, last post was on the 21st. Which means the Cubs were in the middle of their sweep of the Chicago White Sox at Wrigley Field! But I can't brag. The following weekend, we got swept by them in their house. And we just sucked. So, the series was even. You Sox fans who feel like gloating are stupid. The End :D
Anywho, in-between both series', I finished up behind the wheel. What a pain in the ass that was. I didn't like my instructor, everything was so ridiculously simple and fundamental, I was waking up early for seemingly no apparent reason. It was a total waste of time, and I'm sure I speak for everyone when I say that. Pointless. It's not like I'm in a hurry to get my license. Considering how expensive gas is and my lack of a job, what's the point, really? I'd say I'm a damn good driver anyway, so I can take my hours gradually as they come.
That same Thursday when I ended behind the wheel, Dale tells me he may be going to Summerfest in Milwaukee, and asked if I was interested in going with. After much deliberation, I most certainly was. So on June 30th, I drove to Chicago and to his house, where I'd stay until the second of July. It was probably the smallest gap between stays of myself at his place since I moved in August of 2004. Definitely a surprise but nevertheless, thrilling. So what did we do that day? Relaxed, mostly. Played some baseball, got a surprisingly enthusiastic greeting from Paige, who I hadn't seen since last August (always nice to hear from someone I grew up with in the neighborhood, regardless), ate dinner, he went to band so I hung out with the neighbors. Bastard threw a drumstick at my foot when he came home, so I chased him around the block threatening to kick his ass until it got boring.
When we went inside, we played Mario Kart: Double Dash (just like old times) and eventually played MVP 05 on the Gamecube, where we did some considerably humorous mock broadcasts for his Toronto Blue Jays franchise. Following that, we'd bust out his old "Whose Line is it Anyway?" tapes. About three years ago, this was my favorite show, bar none. Ever since ABC Family replaced it's timeslot and is hardly on TV anymore, it dropped on my list. So I realistically had not watched the show in years. Wow, did it bring back some memories. Talk about ultimate nostalgia for me. Ever since then, I've been hooked! Anyway, we went to bed later than usual, sometime around 4 am.
The relevance of this day for myself, personally, is that I started growing the moustache. This DOES mean something for the story later on, mind you.
Anywho, we woke up around 9 am on that Tuesday morning, the day we'd head up to Milwaukee for "The World's Largest Music Festival" (also known, in simpler terms, as Summerfest). We were excited. Listened to the radio, talked sports with Dale's dad (Nick Swisher hit a grand slam and had five RBIs for the Sox in the previous night's game, Mark DeRosa hit a grand slam and had six RBIs for the Cubs the same night. Productive day for Chicago, both resulting in wins). After breakfast, we took a walk to the mailbox on 59th and Nashville, and would quickly pack up and leave for Illinois' Cheesy Neighbor.
So, on the way we watched R30 (just like last year, and always feels good), got caught in traffic (because of "fucking Blagojevich" to paraphrase Dale's father, who would throw a series of malicious vulgarities his way in order to convey his displeasure towards the new tollways). We stopped at a Burger King on the way, and would arrive at the camp site around 2:15 pm. We still caught a nice number of acts, smaller acts and tribute bands that really did a nice job, for the most part. It wasn't as hot as last year, which we were thankful for. Very comfortable, relaxing day.
We walked around for the most part, until about 8:30, when we stopped by the stage O.A.R. would be performing at. The Dirty Dozen Brass Band was performing, and to our surprise, had a very strong youth following. It was bizarre. They were tight musically, though for the most part I was focusing on the four hot chicks who were giving all the guys essentially a free show just a mere five rows ahead of us. It was...uhh, entertaining :D
Next would be O.A.R., and we had some drunken college chicks drop in next to us. Hey, I can't complain about that. One seemed to assume that I was 19 years old, which no chicks at a concert had ever assumed about myself before. I really think it was the 'stache. So I talked to the most sober one for awhile, and as soon as the O.A.R. performance started, I was getting a lot of action and attention from two of the four. Some "booty action" from the both of them (figure I'd use a Sean term since I simply cannot think of a more blunt way to put it :D). Can't complain about the result. I thank the 'stache.
Anyway, O.A.R. was certainly a solid performance. Not one I'd rank in my Top 10. Or 15. Or 20, for that matter. But it was pretty good, cannot lie. After the show, we headed out in the stampede that was the Summerfest crowd, sometime around 11:50, hit the bus back to the campground, showered, and went to sleep. Always a nice rest in the camper.
So the next day, we'd head back pretty early (9:30-ish). Stopped for some breakfast at Nick's (cool little place), and got tied up in traffic...again (where I swear I heard Dale's dad rant "I'm gonna grab Blagojevich by the hair and strangle him" :D I love those rants!). We didn't get home until 1:30, and only really had time to hang out on the porch. I was not looking forward to the rest of the day.
Why? I was going straight from Summerfest to the Taste in a matter of hours. I said goodbye to Dale and his family, and moved on in my journey. It was a nice trip to the Taste, got to try Lou Malnotti's pizza and just enjoy the other food out there. It was rainy, nevertheless, enjoyable. But also very, very exhausting. It was so nice to sit down and watch the Cubs game that night, after walking seemingly twenty miles in the course of two days.
So, from there on, not too much happened. Uncle Tom and grandma came by on the Fourth of July and that was a nice meeting, definitely. Watched the Cubs win a close one against St. Louis, no complaints. The weekend was boring, though the week was somewhat interesting. On that Tuesday I was asked to do a guest vocal spot for a band, and had about ten songs to learn by Saturday (which would eventually translate to Thursday). So, I did the best I could to get a vocal down and learn the lyrics in the short amount of time I had. It wasn't easy, but I guess they expected it to be. Because I went to the practice on Thursday and I was bad, and I know it, but considering the circumstances, I felt like I was alright. But of course, to the egomaniac guitar player, I sucked, and he had no mercy on me nor respect, even though I was doing them a favor and tried my damndest to do what I could in two days. When asked when the next practice would be, I was told "This is it, get it done by Saturday."
The work ethic was awful, which is why I backed out. I sensed little chemistry between the guys and it all seemed forced to me when they DID display chemistry. The band is controlled by an egomaniac guitar player who thinks he calls the shots (and isn't very good, sorry pal), a pretty solid and dedicated bass player who seems to take a lot of flack from said guitarist, even though he'd deny it, and a drummer who's very middle-ground, which I do like. This isn't a band I'd be interested in singing for at all.
So, Saturday came and it was Dave's party. Dave's a very cool guy so I assumed his party would be cool. The band I was set to sing for did not do so well that night, and the reactions from the public were not so good either, as an observer. Gotta be honest with what I sees. But aside from that, Gage, Max, and Alex sorta saved the show with some jamming of their own. After that, we hung around the bonfire for awhile, good to hang out with Laura, Cortez, Max, Gage, and Dave again. Always a thrill. It was a good party. Nice job, Dave.
So, the weekend closed out, and it was All Star Week for baseball. Home Run Derby was outstanding, Josh Hamilton put on one hell of a show (28 homers in ONE ROUND!? BEAST!). Then the ridiculous All Star Game itself. 15 innings and wearing out the pitchers and players? If someone got hurt, it'd be Bud Selig's ass on the line. Stupid fucker, making an exhibition game mean something. That's how players get hurt and it screws up any team's chances. Fucking tool...
Crue Fest was Wednesday and you could read my blog for the review. I have to apologize to those who I'd said would go to the show with me and didn't. It was an inconvenience. Sorry. Though I have to say, it was a blast! Second row, fuckers! AND the number of the girl who was on the Titty Cam. I'm telling you, this moustache is doing me wonders! (even if that wasn't the case, let me dream :D)
Thank you, Jason Giambi!
I was also told during that week from Max that he, Gage, and Alex were starting a band and wanted me to be the vocalist. Well, the style of music is right up my alley and I love the chemistry there. We'll see how that goes, but for now, I'm excited! Hope it takes off and goes somewhere! I also started grabbing episodes of "Whose Line is it Anyway?" on DVD. You can't buy those anywhere, so why not just get 'em myself?
Yesterday I went to a Chicago Fire game with my dad and got to see Marcella. Always a thrill to see her. Those games are always exciting too, considering it's ten minutes from where I used to live, and the crowds are always energetic. Very fun game, indeed. I'd also like to apologize to Marcella's friend if I came off as somewhat of an asshole. Too much going on in my head, dude. Forgive me :) Today, the family did a nice dinner at the Weber Grill, and that's where we are now.
What's in store for my future? July closes out with me taking a week-long trip to my uncle's. I am leaving Thursday to go by his place, and on Friday we are leaving for Milwaukee again for two Brewers games at Miller Park, Germanfest, and a Police concert. Can't complain about that. Then we get back to his place, see "The Dark Knight" at Navy Pier's IMAX on the 28th, and go to the "Road to Wrigley" minor league game at Wrigley on the 29th, probably with Sean. It's gonna be a beastly week. August has a Cubs game, another potential stay by Dale's, a hopeful stay by Sean's and another trip to St. Dans carnival with him, starting work with this new band and maybe even having a performance in the month as well. Though I doubt that July can be topped, or even June for that matter. August has the start of school, which we all dread.
So there's still ten days left in July, but it's already done enough to win the "Best Month of 2008" award (well, so far). With a little more than half the summer wrapped up, we all are dreading school. But Van Halen sang it best:
"Those hot, summer nights, that's my time of the year!" I have every intention on making the most of the time I have left to myself, as well.
See ya in August!
-Zach
Sunday, July 20, 2008
Thursday, July 17, 2008
"The Saints Came Marching In" - Cruefest Review, July 16, 2008
It's 95 degrees outside, a mid-summer day, and you're going to see one of the greatest live acts in rock history at First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre that day. It really defines what rock n' roll is all about, no? I got the pit tickets as a gift from my folks, and it was a pleasant surprise at the time. But I really didn't have any idea that it was going to be as fantastic as it was.
So, you have the scene. Cortez and I get to the venue at 4:40, twenty minutes before the first band, Trapt came on. I had the time to purchase a T-shirt, then we got our pit wristbands and walked over to the pit itself. We hadn't eaten or had anything to drink yet, but out pit placement was so solid, we decided to just hang around there for the whole night so we didn't lose it.
Trapt came on. I know very little of their music, but fucked if I didn't enjoy it. I figured they put on a very solid performance and was pleasantly surprised. Sixx A.M. was next, Nikki Sixx's band, and one who's music I was more familiar with. They too, put on a very solid performance. I couldn't believe how good of a guitarist DJ Ashba was. He was tearin' it up up there, and also putting up a show and talking to the crowd. James Michael is also a very energetic vocalist on stage. Very solid performance.
Next would be Papa Roach, where beforehand I met two pretty cool fans who won their tickets from 97.9 The Loop. Very cool guys, one wearing a Cubs hat and we talked about the All Star Game. Then Papa Roach came on. Singer looked like a real douchebag but you gotta love the guy's energy. They didn't really do it for me, I just didn't care for the music. Gotta give the band some props, though, they started a mosh pit very close to us, which helped us move MUCH closer to the front than we were. Wasn't much of a pit, really. Anyway, their performance left much to be desired.
"Come on, ya fat bastard, move us to the front!" said a guy who joined the two fans I was talking to. It just so happened it was the seventh grade gym teacher of these guys. How fuckin' cool is that? I simply could not imagine Mr. Huey at a Crue show :D Anyway, before Buckcherry came on, we spent the 45 minutes or so just talkin' music, Crue, etc. I guess this gym teacher wanted to test my taste in music by seeing my other favorite bands. When I told him Rush, Genesis, VH, he asked "Are you gay!? Because this isn't normal for someone your age!" He got a kick out of two 16 year olds nearly front row at a Crue show, and it was nice to get that respect.
Next up was Buckcherry, who puts on a really good live show. Josh Todd didn't associate himself with the crowd much. Seemed like a "Get on, perform, get off" type deal. You can't deny the fact that they brought it live, though. Regardless, it wasn't my most favorite performance of the night. I felt Trapt and Sixx A.M. put on more solid performances. There was also a big ass fight. Some hippie dude tried to but his way up to the front, and some guy nudged him to move and punches started to throw. It was entertaining. Dude was grabbin' at my shorts trying to take me down with him. But, he got taken away. And the nudger was a hero :D
So, Buckcherry walks off, and we have time before the Crue. They did a Rock Band competition on stage and the drummer really blew. It was pretty bad. Anyway, we found loopholes to get closer to the stage, and by the time the Crue game out, we were second row. Got to speak to some more fans, it was really entertaining. Crueheads are best, fuck the rest!
Anyway, after the infamous "Hell's Bells" soundtrack, Crue comes on around 9:20 with that eerie-as-hell intro of their's, followed by rippin' into "Kickstart My Heart." You can already tell the band was ready for tonight's show, as they came out ready and willing to please every single person there. Everyone moving around a lot on stage, and I'll tell you right now, the front-row experience is so different. The pyro was deafening and felt like walking into an oven, the lights were blinding at times, but you know what, I'm not complaining. That's part of the experience. Speaking of lights, for an '80s metal band, these guys had an outrageously cool light show. Nice way to start the show.
Next they'd medley into "Wild Side," and the fireworks intro was similar to their ROAE one from 2006. But from where we were, the smell and sound of it, Christ, it was like the Fourth of July twelve days late! Very solid, driving performance. After that was "Shout at the Devil '97," which to me has always been better than the original. The pyro was awesome here as well, not as intense as ROAE, but definitely pretty cool. Vince would then do his intro, and break into their newest single, "Saints of Los Angeles." I agree with Zach when he says they should lose the pre-recorded bass track in the intro, but definitely solid. Vince's vocals are so much better time time around than when I saw them in '06.
They kicked it old school for the next one. Mick did a very quick guitar solo and ripped into "Live Wire," one of the biggest highlights of the night, I'd say. Very energetic performance on all ends, and Vince gave me a look and smiled when he saw me sing the "Wild, young, runnin' free. A little bit better than it used to be" part. He seemed kinda surprised. Definitely one of the best of the night, bar none. But what can I say? It's fuckin' LIVE WIRE!!
Next was "Sick Love Song," which sounded SO good this time around. Last time I saw it sounded sloppy, this time was slowed down and sounded incredible. Plus, this time it was nice being surrounded by people who know the lyrics, unlike last time when we had two people in our section. Next, Tommy comes out to say hello, takes a drink, all that.
So, it was definitely a shocker when Tommy went looking for the Titty Cam. I was almost sure we weren't gonna get it, but we did, and it was a blast. Chicago (or "Titcago," as he kept calling it) will never disappoint with the titty cam. There were a couple chicks around us who showed off their stuff too, and were quite impressive, I must say. Very fun, did not expect us to get it since Detroit didn't the previous night. And one of the dude's I mentioned earlier had the chick on his shoulders! Lucky fuckin' bastard!
We continue with the music, and they were doing Roll-B for the official video of "Motherfucker of the Year." I got in so many shots on the camera, I HOPE they use the Chicago footage, because then I'd be in the video! Anyway, the performance was sick. Such a powerful, heavy, driving song and they really delivered. Never heard it live until the show, and was impressed.
Jozie then came out as an angel and handed Vince his guitar. She's still got it, she was smokin' in the angel outfit. Nice arse, too :D Following that, would be "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)" which was definitely a highlight for a lot of fans there. Lots of headbanging, singing along, and one of the girls near us flashed the guys again! It was awesome. Then they proceeded to do "Same Ol' Situation." I've bashed it before but it's so much fun when you're so close to the stage. Very exciting performance.
It was time for Nikki to do a quick rap to the crowd, and mentioned how Detroit thought they were better than us. So everyone booed, and I got some laughs when I shouted "Fuck Detroit, and their Red Wings!" He really pissed off a lot of people, but then he said Detroit and Chicago were their two favorite places to play, which is always cool to hear. He did his "sit down and jump" routine. Well, it's hard to sit down in the pit, but he told us to "Pretend it's a Bon Jovi concert and sit down." Got a lot of laughs from the crowd on that one. We couldn't sit, but we jumped, and I think I got on film for THAT too!
Anyway, Tommy then broke into "Primal Scream," which I never dug live until last night. Wow, that was solid. Always been my favorite Crue song, but this was unreal. Another serious highlight of the night, with EVERY SINGLE PERSON around us shouting the lyrics. It was awesome! After that, Tommy did a cool intro on the drums, and Vince had us clap and sing "Looks That Kill" behind that beat. Sorta like the "Ten Seconds to Love" breakdown from 2005. Even if these guys hate each other, damned they weren't having fun. It seemed genuine from where I was. Anyway, then Mick broke into the intro for "Looks That Kill," and it's ALWAYS a fun song for the show, regardless. Definitely enjoyable.
Vince did the "hand in the air, make a fist" deal, which I don't recall him doing in '06 at my show. That was a cool intro, and when the motorcycles went off, the crowd went apeshit. They knew it was time for "Girls, Girls, Girls," and I was getting high-fives from everyone around me. It was just awesome. Sounded like it was de-tuned as well, so it sounded much cleaner, I felt. They then medleyed into "Dr. Feelgood," which I felt was a very sloppy transition. But everyone was in awe over how well Mick could shred, considering his condition. He was phenomenal last night.
So, the band walks off, and we wait for the encore. The roadies rolled out a piano and Tommy came out, high fiving Mick and he started playing "Home Sweet Home" on it. Then Mick and eventually Nikki joined him, and Vince started singing, with everyone else singing as well. It was definitely a solid closer, especially with the new arrangement. I was pleasantly surprised, but they made it the perfect closer.
We walked out, I got the girl who was on the Titty Cam to take a picture with me, AND I got her number. How fucking beastly is THAT!? She was great, definitely. Then I said goodbye to the two guys who won the tickets on The Loop and told them it was nice to meet them, likewise for them. So, we let the venue, took the ride home, stopped at McDonald's on the way back for some food since we hadn't eaten all day.
All I gotta say is, wow. The front row experience is like no other. I was able to get good pics, interact with Vince and Tommy, get to see some personal heroes up close. It was truly a phenomenal performance, SO much better than 2006 was. I gave them a C+ on performance in '06, this year they get a solid A. Despite the "greatest hits" setlist, they really delivered, and made me leave a very happy guy with a shit-ton of memories to boot. Outstanding.
If Cruefest comes to town, GO! It's worth it, so much. Even the other bands will entertain you, you'd be surprised. This was a Top 5 show for me, and I've seen about 60 bands and counting. Once again, SO worth it.
Crueheads are best, FUCK THE REST!
-Zach
Setlist:
Kickstart My Heart
Wild Side
Shout at the Devil '97
Saints of Los Angeles
Mick Mars Solo / Live Wire
Sick Love Song
Tommy's "Titty Cam"
Motherfucker of the Year (filmed for video)
Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
Same Ol' Situation
Nikki Rap / Primal Scream
Looks That Kill
Girls, Girls, Girls
Dr. Feelgood
---Encore---
Home Sweet Home
So, you have the scene. Cortez and I get to the venue at 4:40, twenty minutes before the first band, Trapt came on. I had the time to purchase a T-shirt, then we got our pit wristbands and walked over to the pit itself. We hadn't eaten or had anything to drink yet, but out pit placement was so solid, we decided to just hang around there for the whole night so we didn't lose it.
Trapt came on. I know very little of their music, but fucked if I didn't enjoy it. I figured they put on a very solid performance and was pleasantly surprised. Sixx A.M. was next, Nikki Sixx's band, and one who's music I was more familiar with. They too, put on a very solid performance. I couldn't believe how good of a guitarist DJ Ashba was. He was tearin' it up up there, and also putting up a show and talking to the crowd. James Michael is also a very energetic vocalist on stage. Very solid performance.
Next would be Papa Roach, where beforehand I met two pretty cool fans who won their tickets from 97.9 The Loop. Very cool guys, one wearing a Cubs hat and we talked about the All Star Game. Then Papa Roach came on. Singer looked like a real douchebag but you gotta love the guy's energy. They didn't really do it for me, I just didn't care for the music. Gotta give the band some props, though, they started a mosh pit very close to us, which helped us move MUCH closer to the front than we were. Wasn't much of a pit, really. Anyway, their performance left much to be desired.
"Come on, ya fat bastard, move us to the front!" said a guy who joined the two fans I was talking to. It just so happened it was the seventh grade gym teacher of these guys. How fuckin' cool is that? I simply could not imagine Mr. Huey at a Crue show :D Anyway, before Buckcherry came on, we spent the 45 minutes or so just talkin' music, Crue, etc. I guess this gym teacher wanted to test my taste in music by seeing my other favorite bands. When I told him Rush, Genesis, VH, he asked "Are you gay!? Because this isn't normal for someone your age!" He got a kick out of two 16 year olds nearly front row at a Crue show, and it was nice to get that respect.
Next up was Buckcherry, who puts on a really good live show. Josh Todd didn't associate himself with the crowd much. Seemed like a "Get on, perform, get off" type deal. You can't deny the fact that they brought it live, though. Regardless, it wasn't my most favorite performance of the night. I felt Trapt and Sixx A.M. put on more solid performances. There was also a big ass fight. Some hippie dude tried to but his way up to the front, and some guy nudged him to move and punches started to throw. It was entertaining. Dude was grabbin' at my shorts trying to take me down with him. But, he got taken away. And the nudger was a hero :D
So, Buckcherry walks off, and we have time before the Crue. They did a Rock Band competition on stage and the drummer really blew. It was pretty bad. Anyway, we found loopholes to get closer to the stage, and by the time the Crue game out, we were second row. Got to speak to some more fans, it was really entertaining. Crueheads are best, fuck the rest!
Anyway, after the infamous "Hell's Bells" soundtrack, Crue comes on around 9:20 with that eerie-as-hell intro of their's, followed by rippin' into "Kickstart My Heart." You can already tell the band was ready for tonight's show, as they came out ready and willing to please every single person there. Everyone moving around a lot on stage, and I'll tell you right now, the front-row experience is so different. The pyro was deafening and felt like walking into an oven, the lights were blinding at times, but you know what, I'm not complaining. That's part of the experience. Speaking of lights, for an '80s metal band, these guys had an outrageously cool light show. Nice way to start the show.
Next they'd medley into "Wild Side," and the fireworks intro was similar to their ROAE one from 2006. But from where we were, the smell and sound of it, Christ, it was like the Fourth of July twelve days late! Very solid, driving performance. After that was "Shout at the Devil '97," which to me has always been better than the original. The pyro was awesome here as well, not as intense as ROAE, but definitely pretty cool. Vince would then do his intro, and break into their newest single, "Saints of Los Angeles." I agree with Zach when he says they should lose the pre-recorded bass track in the intro, but definitely solid. Vince's vocals are so much better time time around than when I saw them in '06.
They kicked it old school for the next one. Mick did a very quick guitar solo and ripped into "Live Wire," one of the biggest highlights of the night, I'd say. Very energetic performance on all ends, and Vince gave me a look and smiled when he saw me sing the "Wild, young, runnin' free. A little bit better than it used to be" part. He seemed kinda surprised. Definitely one of the best of the night, bar none. But what can I say? It's fuckin' LIVE WIRE!!
Next was "Sick Love Song," which sounded SO good this time around. Last time I saw it sounded sloppy, this time was slowed down and sounded incredible. Plus, this time it was nice being surrounded by people who know the lyrics, unlike last time when we had two people in our section. Next, Tommy comes out to say hello, takes a drink, all that.
So, it was definitely a shocker when Tommy went looking for the Titty Cam. I was almost sure we weren't gonna get it, but we did, and it was a blast. Chicago (or "Titcago," as he kept calling it) will never disappoint with the titty cam. There were a couple chicks around us who showed off their stuff too, and were quite impressive, I must say. Very fun, did not expect us to get it since Detroit didn't the previous night. And one of the dude's I mentioned earlier had the chick on his shoulders! Lucky fuckin' bastard!
We continue with the music, and they were doing Roll-B for the official video of "Motherfucker of the Year." I got in so many shots on the camera, I HOPE they use the Chicago footage, because then I'd be in the video! Anyway, the performance was sick. Such a powerful, heavy, driving song and they really delivered. Never heard it live until the show, and was impressed.
Jozie then came out as an angel and handed Vince his guitar. She's still got it, she was smokin' in the angel outfit. Nice arse, too :D Following that, would be "Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)" which was definitely a highlight for a lot of fans there. Lots of headbanging, singing along, and one of the girls near us flashed the guys again! It was awesome. Then they proceeded to do "Same Ol' Situation." I've bashed it before but it's so much fun when you're so close to the stage. Very exciting performance.
It was time for Nikki to do a quick rap to the crowd, and mentioned how Detroit thought they were better than us. So everyone booed, and I got some laughs when I shouted "Fuck Detroit, and their Red Wings!" He really pissed off a lot of people, but then he said Detroit and Chicago were their two favorite places to play, which is always cool to hear. He did his "sit down and jump" routine. Well, it's hard to sit down in the pit, but he told us to "Pretend it's a Bon Jovi concert and sit down." Got a lot of laughs from the crowd on that one. We couldn't sit, but we jumped, and I think I got on film for THAT too!
Anyway, Tommy then broke into "Primal Scream," which I never dug live until last night. Wow, that was solid. Always been my favorite Crue song, but this was unreal. Another serious highlight of the night, with EVERY SINGLE PERSON around us shouting the lyrics. It was awesome! After that, Tommy did a cool intro on the drums, and Vince had us clap and sing "Looks That Kill" behind that beat. Sorta like the "Ten Seconds to Love" breakdown from 2005. Even if these guys hate each other, damned they weren't having fun. It seemed genuine from where I was. Anyway, then Mick broke into the intro for "Looks That Kill," and it's ALWAYS a fun song for the show, regardless. Definitely enjoyable.
Vince did the "hand in the air, make a fist" deal, which I don't recall him doing in '06 at my show. That was a cool intro, and when the motorcycles went off, the crowd went apeshit. They knew it was time for "Girls, Girls, Girls," and I was getting high-fives from everyone around me. It was just awesome. Sounded like it was de-tuned as well, so it sounded much cleaner, I felt. They then medleyed into "Dr. Feelgood," which I felt was a very sloppy transition. But everyone was in awe over how well Mick could shred, considering his condition. He was phenomenal last night.
So, the band walks off, and we wait for the encore. The roadies rolled out a piano and Tommy came out, high fiving Mick and he started playing "Home Sweet Home" on it. Then Mick and eventually Nikki joined him, and Vince started singing, with everyone else singing as well. It was definitely a solid closer, especially with the new arrangement. I was pleasantly surprised, but they made it the perfect closer.
We walked out, I got the girl who was on the Titty Cam to take a picture with me, AND I got her number. How fucking beastly is THAT!? She was great, definitely. Then I said goodbye to the two guys who won the tickets on The Loop and told them it was nice to meet them, likewise for them. So, we let the venue, took the ride home, stopped at McDonald's on the way back for some food since we hadn't eaten all day.
All I gotta say is, wow. The front row experience is like no other. I was able to get good pics, interact with Vince and Tommy, get to see some personal heroes up close. It was truly a phenomenal performance, SO much better than 2006 was. I gave them a C+ on performance in '06, this year they get a solid A. Despite the "greatest hits" setlist, they really delivered, and made me leave a very happy guy with a shit-ton of memories to boot. Outstanding.
If Cruefest comes to town, GO! It's worth it, so much. Even the other bands will entertain you, you'd be surprised. This was a Top 5 show for me, and I've seen about 60 bands and counting. Once again, SO worth it.
Crueheads are best, FUCK THE REST!
-Zach
Setlist:
Kickstart My Heart
Wild Side
Shout at the Devil '97
Saints of Los Angeles
Mick Mars Solo / Live Wire
Sick Love Song
Tommy's "Titty Cam"
Motherfucker of the Year (filmed for video)
Don't Go Away Mad (Just Go Away)
Same Ol' Situation
Nikki Rap / Primal Scream
Looks That Kill
Girls, Girls, Girls
Dr. Feelgood
---Encore---
Home Sweet Home
Friday, July 4, 2008
"Life in Baseball City, USA" - July 4, 2008
I'll come right out and say it. Chicago is the greatest baseball city in the world. Bar none. New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and St. Louis (argued as the best baseball cities) can't light a candle to the fan support Chicago gives their baseball teams. Instead of typically breaking into why Chicago is so fantastic for baseball, I think it'd be a nice idea to start off with why the aforementioned other cities do not have what Chicago has.
New York - Sports politics are awful. Hank Steinbrenner disgracefully allowing Joe Torre to leave the Yankees, and telling Joe Girardi how to manage his team by having Joba Chamberlain start (which I think is still a bad idea). The Mets firing Willie Randolph the way they did was shameful, and the soap opera that Jerry Manuel caused in the process is no better. The Mets appear to have bandwagoners anyway.
Los Angeles - There doesn't seem to be the same passion in their baseball teams, even though they have the Dodgers and Angels, who typically seem consistent in their winning. Don't know how they can ever be considered one of baseball's most passionate cities, really.
Boston - May very well be the most arrogant and obnoxious fans ever, and jumped the bandwagon in 2003 when the Sox were in the ALCS and almost made the Series. They never had so much support until the team suddenly started winning. But then again, the same can be said for all New England sports, no?
St. Louis - They come second in arrogant and obnoxious fans. They have a genius for a manager in Tony LaRussa, but he's the biggest prick among Major League Faculty, if you will. His World Series team was subpar in 2006 and while the team has always been talented, their fans and manager seem to give them a bad name among sports.
So what does Chicago have that these other "baseball cities" don't? They have the most supportive fans in the world, and come close to what the Green Bay Packers have in the NFL as perhaps the greatest fan following in sports history. I'm a bleed-Cubbie-blue Cubs fan since I was four years old and will be until the day I die. That can't be changed. But there's no denying that both the Cubs and White Sox have an extreme and passionate following that no other Major League and possibly sports team could have.
I'll often criticize the arrogance and cockiness of Sox fans and some players, but in the end it's no secret Cubs fans are no better or worse. It's not really arrogance or cockiness at all. It's passion, just shown in different ways. I try to be a realist and open-minded as a Cubs fan, and when the Sox impress me, I won't be afraid to admit it. I won't make excuses and say they're winning cheaply, either, unless I see it that way. If my Cubs are sucking, I won't be afraid to admit it. I won't make excuses, either. If my Cubs are dominating and the Sox are sucking, you better believe I'll rub it in their faces. That's the mentality of the rivalry, and it's why I love the rivalry so much.
At this point, no team is better than the other. The overall series is tied 33-33 between the two, the 2008 season series was split 3-3, and the split had an even distribution of runs at 32-32. Right now, no team is better than the other, no matter what the record is. Because when faced against each other, they're about as even as even can get. And if you can deny that, you're delusional and stupid.
Yeah, the Sox have had bandwagoners. Those will be the same people who will jump the Cubs ship if they ever win the World Series, too. Those aren't the real fans. I always say that if a person cannot name five players on the roster of the team they support, they aren't a real fan. They just say they are because that's what's cool. I know a passionate Sox fan when I see one, as I lived on the South Side for twelve years. So I can tell a fake when I see one, too. As a die-hard Cubs fan, it's easier to spot. I have a much greater respect for Sox fans who say "Cubs suck!" that watch the games, go to the games, and know the team they represent. To me, they have room to talk, just like I'd assume I do as well. That's different than the ones who make the same remarks only because they feel it's what they should do, which is just pathetic.
You look at each of the team's playoff appearances since the Cubs did it in 1989. Since 1989, the Cubs have appeared in the playoffs four times (1989, 1998, 2003, 2007) and the Sox three times (1993, 2000, 2005). So that's pretty even, too. And when this happens, you see a lot of the fan support start to increase, and fans who know their baseball and typically lurked in the shadows all season start to come out, as well as the aforementioned bandwagoners who deem it necessary to cheer on the winning side of Chicago. Even though the latter is pathetic and I don't like it, it's support nonetheless. The Cubs of 1989 and 2003 and the Sox of 1993 and 2005 being the greatest examples. Never in my life had I seen so much support over sports teams in my life. Ever. And that's pretty admirable.
You'll never walk the streets of New York, Boston, L.A., or St. Louis seeing people wearing hats and jerseys of their favorite team and players like Chicago baseball fans (well, you may, just not as many). The fan support goes outside the ballpark and the home, and is taken around in casual situations. You'll often find out that Ryne Sandberg was my favorite baseball player of all-time, just like you'll see Mark DeRosa is my favorite current Cub. Just like you may see a friend of mine sporting a Joe Crede jersey someday down the line showing their support for their player, or just wearing a shirt to show off their pride. It's outstanding when you think of it.
The rivalry between both teams and their fans is so ridiculously intense. I personally hate the Crosstown Classic. Brings out the worst in both side, Sox fans and Cubs fans truly at wit's end. I think it's pointless, since by now after eleven years it's proven neither team is better than the other when faced against each other. I'd rather just see an exhibition game every season, a Mayor's Cup kinda thing, instead of the Crosstown Classic. Emotions not running insanely during a whole series, rather running high during one game that doesn't mean jack against the season. This season has proven it's a disadvantage against both teams to play in the other park, so why keep doing it? I guess it stems from my dislike towards interleague play, but whatever. That's Major League Baseball's problem, not mine.
I'll always speak negatively about the Chicago White Sox and their fans, but you know what? That's sports. I'm very passionate about my Cubs and it's just instinct to dislike a team we're rivals with so strongly. But if the White Sox get to the postseason--and deserve to be there--you may see me saying "Good for them, I hope they do well." Will I want them to win? Nah, but I'd at least wish them the best, which I will admit is more than what can be said for some Cubs fans I know. And I know some die-hard South Siders who've become my best friends who would do the same for the Cubs. Those are the fans I really like, because it's basically how I am.
Anyone willing to claim that Chicago isn't the greatest baseball city in the world is fucking delusional. Period. The atmosphere at the games of each team, the open fan support you see in the street, in the high school halls, in the bars, in the ballpark is outstanding. Take it from a guy who's been to both team's games enough in just a short amount of time. I've NEVER seen such a powerful fan following for any team, in any sport in my life (Except for, as I said, the Packers in the NFL. And I AM a Bears fan). It's so admirable that the fans in this city are so passionate. Jay Mariotti said it best when he said "Forget New York, forget Boston. Baseball's new home is Chicago." You know what, I think this has ALWAYS been baseball's home. There's nothing like walking into a Cubs or Sox game, ordering a big-ass slice of Connie's pizza (or two), getting a scorecard, keeping score, and watching two of sports' most storied franchises duke it out against whoever they're facing. The feeling is simply indescribable.
This may explain my deep passion for the sport. I grew up on the South Side, a fifteen minute train-ride to what was then Comiskey Park. I was surrounded by friends and their families who went to Sox games seemingly every single day (I have a best friend who goes on every opportunity). I had a grandfather who took the Cubs more passionately than anything else in his life. I started going to Sox games with friends and Cubs games with my grandpa, and soon I got caught up in the hype of Chicago baseball, and was soon seasoned as a general baseball fan. As a Cubs fan on the South Side, I took a lot of heat, but it helped me understand the difference between an honest, die-hard fan rivalry and a false one, the latter which I've seen more of ever since I left Chicago. I grew up in the right place at the right time in my life, and the passion I have for this game and the teams in Chicago will probably never die. Same goes for the people who grew up amidst that same background, I'd assume.
Chicago is the greatest city in the world, period. The fact that it has such passionate and respectable fans towards their baseball teams is, as I said before, truly admirable. I say what I do about Sox fans, and most die-hards know my feelings, but in the end, I have a strong level of respect for realistic fans who know when their team sucks, know when their team deserves to be praised, know the roster, and go to the games. It's just more hidden. Just like I respect Cubs fans by the same token as Sox fans. Essentially, if you can be a realistic and logical fan of your team, you got my respect. Simple as that.
*Raises glass* Here's to you, baseball fans of Chicago. You deserve the praise!
-Zach
New York - Sports politics are awful. Hank Steinbrenner disgracefully allowing Joe Torre to leave the Yankees, and telling Joe Girardi how to manage his team by having Joba Chamberlain start (which I think is still a bad idea). The Mets firing Willie Randolph the way they did was shameful, and the soap opera that Jerry Manuel caused in the process is no better. The Mets appear to have bandwagoners anyway.
Los Angeles - There doesn't seem to be the same passion in their baseball teams, even though they have the Dodgers and Angels, who typically seem consistent in their winning. Don't know how they can ever be considered one of baseball's most passionate cities, really.
Boston - May very well be the most arrogant and obnoxious fans ever, and jumped the bandwagon in 2003 when the Sox were in the ALCS and almost made the Series. They never had so much support until the team suddenly started winning. But then again, the same can be said for all New England sports, no?
St. Louis - They come second in arrogant and obnoxious fans. They have a genius for a manager in Tony LaRussa, but he's the biggest prick among Major League Faculty, if you will. His World Series team was subpar in 2006 and while the team has always been talented, their fans and manager seem to give them a bad name among sports.
So what does Chicago have that these other "baseball cities" don't? They have the most supportive fans in the world, and come close to what the Green Bay Packers have in the NFL as perhaps the greatest fan following in sports history. I'm a bleed-Cubbie-blue Cubs fan since I was four years old and will be until the day I die. That can't be changed. But there's no denying that both the Cubs and White Sox have an extreme and passionate following that no other Major League and possibly sports team could have.
I'll often criticize the arrogance and cockiness of Sox fans and some players, but in the end it's no secret Cubs fans are no better or worse. It's not really arrogance or cockiness at all. It's passion, just shown in different ways. I try to be a realist and open-minded as a Cubs fan, and when the Sox impress me, I won't be afraid to admit it. I won't make excuses and say they're winning cheaply, either, unless I see it that way. If my Cubs are sucking, I won't be afraid to admit it. I won't make excuses, either. If my Cubs are dominating and the Sox are sucking, you better believe I'll rub it in their faces. That's the mentality of the rivalry, and it's why I love the rivalry so much.
At this point, no team is better than the other. The overall series is tied 33-33 between the two, the 2008 season series was split 3-3, and the split had an even distribution of runs at 32-32. Right now, no team is better than the other, no matter what the record is. Because when faced against each other, they're about as even as even can get. And if you can deny that, you're delusional and stupid.
Yeah, the Sox have had bandwagoners. Those will be the same people who will jump the Cubs ship if they ever win the World Series, too. Those aren't the real fans. I always say that if a person cannot name five players on the roster of the team they support, they aren't a real fan. They just say they are because that's what's cool. I know a passionate Sox fan when I see one, as I lived on the South Side for twelve years. So I can tell a fake when I see one, too. As a die-hard Cubs fan, it's easier to spot. I have a much greater respect for Sox fans who say "Cubs suck!" that watch the games, go to the games, and know the team they represent. To me, they have room to talk, just like I'd assume I do as well. That's different than the ones who make the same remarks only because they feel it's what they should do, which is just pathetic.
You look at each of the team's playoff appearances since the Cubs did it in 1989. Since 1989, the Cubs have appeared in the playoffs four times (1989, 1998, 2003, 2007) and the Sox three times (1993, 2000, 2005). So that's pretty even, too. And when this happens, you see a lot of the fan support start to increase, and fans who know their baseball and typically lurked in the shadows all season start to come out, as well as the aforementioned bandwagoners who deem it necessary to cheer on the winning side of Chicago. Even though the latter is pathetic and I don't like it, it's support nonetheless. The Cubs of 1989 and 2003 and the Sox of 1993 and 2005 being the greatest examples. Never in my life had I seen so much support over sports teams in my life. Ever. And that's pretty admirable.
You'll never walk the streets of New York, Boston, L.A., or St. Louis seeing people wearing hats and jerseys of their favorite team and players like Chicago baseball fans (well, you may, just not as many). The fan support goes outside the ballpark and the home, and is taken around in casual situations. You'll often find out that Ryne Sandberg was my favorite baseball player of all-time, just like you'll see Mark DeRosa is my favorite current Cub. Just like you may see a friend of mine sporting a Joe Crede jersey someday down the line showing their support for their player, or just wearing a shirt to show off their pride. It's outstanding when you think of it.
The rivalry between both teams and their fans is so ridiculously intense. I personally hate the Crosstown Classic. Brings out the worst in both side, Sox fans and Cubs fans truly at wit's end. I think it's pointless, since by now after eleven years it's proven neither team is better than the other when faced against each other. I'd rather just see an exhibition game every season, a Mayor's Cup kinda thing, instead of the Crosstown Classic. Emotions not running insanely during a whole series, rather running high during one game that doesn't mean jack against the season. This season has proven it's a disadvantage against both teams to play in the other park, so why keep doing it? I guess it stems from my dislike towards interleague play, but whatever. That's Major League Baseball's problem, not mine.
I'll always speak negatively about the Chicago White Sox and their fans, but you know what? That's sports. I'm very passionate about my Cubs and it's just instinct to dislike a team we're rivals with so strongly. But if the White Sox get to the postseason--and deserve to be there--you may see me saying "Good for them, I hope they do well." Will I want them to win? Nah, but I'd at least wish them the best, which I will admit is more than what can be said for some Cubs fans I know. And I know some die-hard South Siders who've become my best friends who would do the same for the Cubs. Those are the fans I really like, because it's basically how I am.
Anyone willing to claim that Chicago isn't the greatest baseball city in the world is fucking delusional. Period. The atmosphere at the games of each team, the open fan support you see in the street, in the high school halls, in the bars, in the ballpark is outstanding. Take it from a guy who's been to both team's games enough in just a short amount of time. I've NEVER seen such a powerful fan following for any team, in any sport in my life (Except for, as I said, the Packers in the NFL. And I AM a Bears fan). It's so admirable that the fans in this city are so passionate. Jay Mariotti said it best when he said "Forget New York, forget Boston. Baseball's new home is Chicago." You know what, I think this has ALWAYS been baseball's home. There's nothing like walking into a Cubs or Sox game, ordering a big-ass slice of Connie's pizza (or two), getting a scorecard, keeping score, and watching two of sports' most storied franchises duke it out against whoever they're facing. The feeling is simply indescribable.
This may explain my deep passion for the sport. I grew up on the South Side, a fifteen minute train-ride to what was then Comiskey Park. I was surrounded by friends and their families who went to Sox games seemingly every single day (I have a best friend who goes on every opportunity). I had a grandfather who took the Cubs more passionately than anything else in his life. I started going to Sox games with friends and Cubs games with my grandpa, and soon I got caught up in the hype of Chicago baseball, and was soon seasoned as a general baseball fan. As a Cubs fan on the South Side, I took a lot of heat, but it helped me understand the difference between an honest, die-hard fan rivalry and a false one, the latter which I've seen more of ever since I left Chicago. I grew up in the right place at the right time in my life, and the passion I have for this game and the teams in Chicago will probably never die. Same goes for the people who grew up amidst that same background, I'd assume.
Chicago is the greatest city in the world, period. The fact that it has such passionate and respectable fans towards their baseball teams is, as I said before, truly admirable. I say what I do about Sox fans, and most die-hards know my feelings, but in the end, I have a strong level of respect for realistic fans who know when their team sucks, know when their team deserves to be praised, know the roster, and go to the games. It's just more hidden. Just like I respect Cubs fans by the same token as Sox fans. Essentially, if you can be a realistic and logical fan of your team, you got my respect. Simple as that.
*Raises glass* Here's to you, baseball fans of Chicago. You deserve the praise!
-Zach
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