Jason DeBord's Rock Subculture Journal

Tenacious D at Fox Theater | Oakland, California | 5/24/2012 (Concert Review)

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“Black Sabbath, Iron Maiden, and Molly Hatchet could not be here tonight, but they all had sex and are proud to announce the birth of their two-headed baby, Tenacious D”. And that is how I was originally introduced to Tenacious D, back when they started out with a comedy series on HBO in 1997.  I never would have imagined that I’d see the then faux band in concert some day (following several albums and a feature film).  But the D on stage last night – fronted by Jack Black and Kyle Gass, as they would say, “blew our asses out” at the Fox Theater in Oakland, the second gig on their tour supporting their new album, Rize of the Fenix. [Read more…]

Morrissey at Kaka’ako Beach Park Amphitheater | Oahu, Hawaii | 5/19/2012 (Concert Review)

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After the previous night’s incredible Morrissey concert at the Castle Theater in Maui, I had such an amazing time I had zero expectations for anything remarkable happening with the show the very next day at the Kaka’ako Beach Park Amphitheater in Honolulu on Oahu.  My feeling was that this second consecutive show would serve as more of a bonus or supplement to the first.  And, again, all expectations were exceeded.  Somehow I ended up in the exact same spot as I found myself the night before (front row pit, stage right), though I had encountered some unexpected challenges even getting to the venue with ticket in hand.  A larger outdoor venue (compared with the small and intimate indoor theater the night before), it was an altogether different experience in many ways, and I feel so very fortunate to have been in attendance for two such outstanding shows.  For me the highlight was a stripped down rendition of “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want”, which was so awesome, the woman standing next to me was literally in tears.  Phenomenal show. [Read more…]

Morrissey at Castle Theater | Maui, Hawaii | 5/18/2012 (Concert Review)

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“When was the last time, that you did something for the first time?”  That was the question Morrissey posed to his audience, upon entering the stage, before tearing into one of my favorite songs of all time, “How Soon Is Now?”  Morrissey has always been one to prompt both thought and action with his work, from introspective self awareness in general, to supporting his causes with his music, as with “Meat is Murder” (also on the set list tonight).   And his work has always been complimented by his incredible live performances, filled with more reciprocal energy between the deep connection between he and his fans than you will find most anywhere else.  And even among those shows, there was a remarkable spark in the air for those of us on a small island in the middle of the ocean to take part in this event. [Read more…]

Lindsey Buckingham at The Crest Theatre | Sacramento, California | 5/13/2012 (Concert Review)

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Epic performance from a legend.  Indeed, a very special Mother’s Day for some of the ladies in the audience, Lindsey Buckingham rocked the sold out, historic Crest Theatre in downtown Sacramento tonight.  Alone on the stage, with an endless arsenal of guitars, Mr. Buckingham put on an amazing performance, and more than anyone, he has such a deep emotional connection with his music that his passion truly drives his live show unlike any artist.  He is simply an amazing musician.  Quite honestly, he could put on an entire showcase of just his peerless guitar playing, or, alternately, stand at the microphone all night a capella, and either would be captivating.  Having enjoyed both in perfect harmony, it was a night I will not forget. [Read more…]

The English Beat, The Romantics at Dixon May Fair | Dixon, California | 5/10/12 (Concert Review)

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Thursday night was a special evening of music for fans of 80s music in Dixon, CA at the Dixon May Fair.  Featured in concert were two great bands, with The Romantics opening and The English Beat (or just The Beat in their home of the UK) headlining.  The 80s is my personal favorite era of music, particularly anything that fell into the broad categories of “Modern Rock” (later “Alternative”) and it’s various subgenres.  The performances did not disappoint, as each group played favorite, catchy tunes with a great crowd of real fans in attendance.  Fantastic show and awesome to see both bands on the same night, back to back. [Read more…]

The Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys at Powerbalance Pavilion | Sacramento, California | 5/5/12 (Concert Review)

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Powerbalance Pavilion in Sacramento hosted an incredible concert event Saturday night, with two awesome bands – The Black Keys and Arctic Monkeys.  Being fans for both, I would have paid to see either one, so it was something special to have both acts on the same bill.  Both rocked the stage and the packed stadium hard, but in totally different ways, with Arctic Monkeys bringing their UK style of alternative rock, and The Black Keys showcasing a more raw style of soulful rock.  Collectively for about three and a half hours, it was a relentless onslaught of rock and roll, and it was freaking awesome.  I was fortunate enough to take it all in from arguably the best spot in the house – center front of the GA floor in the immense area.  If you are a fan of either or both these bands, I highly recommend checking out this show, should you have a chance to see them on tour. Phenomenal. [Read more…]

Coldplay at the HP Pavilion | San Jose, California | 4/28/2012 (Concert Review)

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Last night, April 28th, was the second in two back-to-back performances by Coldplay at the HP Pavilion in San Jose, CA – part of their official Mylo Xyloto world tour. This was the sixth time I’ve seen Coldplay in the past six months (having seen their AMEX Unstaged show in Madrid, Spain in October, some of the special European tour dates at the O2 in London and the Palais Omnisports de Paris Bercy in December, and the special iHeartRadio charity gig at Club Nokia and the Jimmy Kimmel Live! block party in Los Angeles in February.  As such, I don’t think I’m in a position to do a “normal” sort of review at this point, as I tend to subjectively compare to all of the other shows I’ve attended in the past year and beyond… but as I’ve come to expect, with last night’s gig, Coldplay put on a high energy show with a great mix of hits and new material.  Watching many in the crowd seeing the show with “fresh eyes”, it was certain that the nearly 18,000 in attendance came away having shared an awesome experience with this fantastic concert.

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Florence + the Machine at Mondavi Center, U.C. Davis | Davis, California | 4/18/12 (Concert Review)

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Last night I finally saw a band I’ve been following since their first album, but have never seen live – Florence + the Machine.  I’ve always been a huge fan of their work, their unique sound, and, well, everything about them.  However, they are one of those bands who turn real fans into something more than that…  I really expected true musicianship and a real stellar performance, but all the same, the passion and energy that came from the stage was unreal.  You don’t expect a band with a harpist to rock that hard.  I was extremely fortunate to have a front row center seat, which always offers such a unique perspective and experience, and of course much of the purpose of this website and these articles is to share in these experiences (through my review and photos) and inspire people to go out and see live music.  I really cannot recommend enough going to check out Florence + the Machine if you ever have the opportunity.  Stellar. [Read more…]

Elton John at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace | Las Vegas, Nevada | 4/15/12 (Concert Review)

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Bennie and the Jets, Rocket Man, I’m Still Standing, Tiny Dancer, Blue Eyes, Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Sad Songs (Say So Much)… some of the best pop songs ever recorded.  This is an easy concert for me to preface, as Sir Elton John needs no introduction – he is a genuine legend in music.  His work is universal and timeless.  And having a chance to experience a performance of many of his greatest hits is indeed an honor. [Read more…]

Garbage at The Pearl at The Palms Casino Resort | Las Vegas, Nevada | 4/14/12 (Concert Review)

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Garbage played The Pearl at The Palms Casino Resort in Las Vegas tonight, and it was one of those events that inspired me to book a flight out of California to see the band perform live – and traveling to see gigs such as this one is one of the founding principles of this website, with hopes of sharing such experiences and inspiring others to do the same.  Garbage played two small L.A. shows just prior to this one, as part of their reuniting to record and release their first studio album in seven years.  The eagerly anticipated ‘Not Your Kind of People’ will be released in about a months time.  The concert was phenomenal, and I expect even greater success for this band than was found in their mid-90’s origins.

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