The good, the bad, and the random of Cleveland County, NC.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
A Smackdown in Charlotte
It's been a long day, and one of those days where I kinda forgot to eat, but I wanted to share a few photos taken during last night's WWE event at Charlotte's Time Warner Cable Arena. The majority of the taping will air Friday on Smackdown, 8 p.m. on The CW Network.
I've been to so many shows since I was a kid that the aura of being there live has kinda worn off; now I go just trying to get good shots with my camera and pretend I'm some artistic photographer : )
"Well she was an American Girl / Raised on Promises..."
I've never flown first class. Been on lots of planes over 26 years but never first class.
But after last night at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre, I kinda get the appeal.
I've been to lots of concerts, especially over the past two years. Never sat as close as sixth row. And after last night, I don't think I can ever go back to lawn seating.
Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers tore the place down last night. It's a shame too, because after "airport security" was out patting people down before Dave Matthews a few weeks back, I thought it better to keep my good camera at home and not deal with having to leave it at the info counter. Of course, security ended up being lax last night and bringing the camera wouldn't have been an issue at all.
I was able to get a few shots with my work cell phone but I don't think it does the situation justice.
When you're that close to the stage, you're sitting in (or standing beside) folding chairs, rather than the typical stadium seating. Everyone around you is standing. You're packed in like sardines on what was already a hot Carolina night. And even though you're not drinking, after a while - with the heat and crowding, especially after a long week at work - you do start feeling a little inebriated.
And I was dead center to the stage, so getting out of the crowd for some hydration and a T-shirt was a lot of effort. Finding my seat again was a headache and a half.
The set list to last night's show isn't yet on the band's website but through a little Google-ing, I tracked it down. Very "singles" heavy, which is how I like it.
You Wreck Me
Listen To Her Heart
I Won't Back Down
Even The Losers
Free Fallin'
Last Dance With Mary Jane
Cabin Down Below
End Of The Line
Breakdown
Saving Grace
A Face In The Crowd
Honey Bee
You Don't Know How It Feels
Learning To Fly - The acoustic performance is perhaps my favorite song by the band. Of course, I spent most of the song trying to find my seat after getting my drink and shirt.
The iPod. A nifty little toy. It can be expensive as hell but good to have around on long car rides or just to tune out the rest of the world.
It’s inspired the iPod Nano, the iPhone, and – given a few years – probably the iToilet. It’s inspired the name of this column. And, on this occasion, it’s inspired the content of the column.
The shuffle option is one of the best things about the iPod, or any portable music player for that matter. The unpredictability of what song comes next is almost like listening to the radio, except there’s no chance of you changing the dial. After all, you’re the DJ.
For this week’s Playlist, I set the iPod on shuffle and left the rest to chance. A proverbial spin the bottle. It might land on something good, it could land on something not so good. What you see below are the results of that endeavor. Some of the choices you might love, some I might get heckled over. But it’s about as accurate a look at my musical tastes as it gets.
Want to share your own shuffle results? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com or leave a response here on my blog.
And away we go…
1) “Tonight, Tonight,” The Smashing Pumpkins (1996)
Album: Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness
Not a huge Smashing Pumpkins fan but this one always works.
2) “Kings and Queens,” Aerosmith (1978)
Album: Draw the Line
An often forgotten song from the band’s successful run in the late 70s, “Kings and Queens” is used in their new video game, “Guitar Hero: Aerosmith.”
3) “Down South,” Tom Petty (2006)
Album: Highway Companion
Perhaps Petty will sing this tomorrow at Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre? I’ll be there, sixth row.
4) “Every Rose Has Its Thorn,” Poison (1988)
Album: Open Up and Say…Ahh!
Probably the most romantic song written about a stripper.
5) “Gold Dust Woman,” Fleetwood Mac (1977)
Album: Rumours
Just a year after the Mac Attack released the song, which is reportedly about cocaine, Waylon Jennings did a cover of it. I have to track that down.
6) “Livin’ on a Prayer,” Bon Jovi (1986)
Album: Slippery When Wet
Twenty-two years later and it remains the band’s signature song.
7) “Wonderful Tonight,” Eric Clapton (1977)
Album: Slowhand
This song, as well as “Layla,” was written about Pattie Boyd, George Harrison’s then wife. After Boyd and Harrison ended their 11-year marriage in 1977, Clapton married her but the couple divorced nine years later.
8) “King of Kings,” Motorhead (2006)
Album: Wreckless Intent
If Lemmy’s face isn’t custom made for his own line of Halloween masks, I don’t know what is.
9) “Somewhere Out There,” Our Lady Peace (2002)
Album: Gravity
It remains the Canadian rock band’s biggest international hit.
10) “Cocky,” Kid Rock (2001)
Album: Cocky
You have to admit, at least this is better than his new song that samples “Werewolves of London” and “Sweet Home Alabama.”
11) “Jersey Girl,” Bruce Springsteen & the E-Street Band
Album: Live / 1975-85
The song was originally written and released by Tom Waits. Which reminds me to eventually listen to some Tom Waits.
12) The “Miami Vice” Theme, Jan Hammer (1984)
I still plan on dressing as Sonny Crockett for Halloween one of these years.
13) “You Look So Fine,” Garbage (1999)
Album: Version 2.0
My favorite song from one of my all-time favorite albums.
14) “Float On,” Modest Mouse (2004)
Album: Good News for People Who Love Bad News
Fitting, the song appeared on the soundtrack for “Ice Age 2: The Meltdown.”
15) “Omaha,” Counting Crows (1993)
Album: August and Everything After
One of the few non-singles from Adam Duritz I actually know the words to.
16) “Pocket Full of Sunshine,” Natasha Bedingfield (2008)
Album: Pocket Full of Sunshine
If you can’t at least smile to this happy little pop song then your internal programming is set to jaded.
17) “I Ran (So Far Away),” A Flock of Seagulls (1982)
Album: A Flock of Seagulls
I get “Flock of Seagulls” hair naturally. All I have to do is wake up in the morning and it’s there. I’m not kidding.
18) “Baba O’Reilly,” The Who (1971)
Album: Who’s Next
The song is often covered at USO concerts by the Lt. Dan Band, comprised of “Lt. Dan” himself, Gary Sinise.
19) “Simple Man,” Shinedown (2004)
Album: Leave A Whisper
Forget “Sweet Home Alabama.” This is my favorite Lynard Skynard song.
20) “Hey Joe,” The Jimi Hendrix Experience (1966)
Jimi sure has an interesting take on how to solve infidelity with firearms.
That’s what I got for this week, kids. Check back next Thursday for more and feel free to send your comments, questions, and suggestions to grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com.
(Not to be confused with the Superbowl Shuffle, below)
The iPod. A nifty little toy. It can be expensive as hell but good to have around on long car rides or just to tune out the rest of the world.
It’s inspired the iPod Nano, the iPhone, and – given a few years – probably the iToilet. It’s inspired the name of this column. And, on this occasion, it’s inspired the content of the column.
The shuffle option is one of the best things about the iPod, or any portable music player for that matter. The unpredictability of what song comes next is almost like listening to the radio, except there’s no chance of you changing the dial. After all, you’re the DJ.
For this week’s Playlist, I set the iPod on shuffle and left the rest to chance. A proverbial spin the bottle. It might land on something good, it could land on something not so good. What you will see in Thursday's Star are the results of that endeavor. Some of the choices you might love, some I might get heckled over. But it’s about as accurate a look at my musical tastes as it gets.
Want to share your own shuffle results? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com or post a response here.
Check back later this week for videos of each song.
They tore into the music scene with a take-no-prisoners mentality. In a world of pop music and glam metal, they stood out for having an appetite for destruction.
Some called them the next Rolling Stones. And while they didn’t have the longevity of Mick and the gang, they still rank high, on lists compiled by Rolling Stone magazine and VH1, for their contributions to the rock genre.
Axl Rose’s trademark red bandanna and microphone sway. Slash’s customary top hat, sun glasses, and cigarette. For about five years, before fame and egos caused Guns N’ Roses to implode, they were the face of rock ‘n’ roll.
While the band still exists today and tours, it’s a shell of its most famous line up. A new album is in the works, “Chinese Democracy,” but after being teased for a decade it’s unclear when it will be released.
TIME magazine’s Joel Stein wrote last week, regarding the album, “Every few years Rose assures his fans that it's about to be released, and then it isn't. It's gotten so ridiculous that the album title is used to mean something that is long promised but will never happen, like "That marriage proposal is total Chinese Democracy. Move on, girl."”
While we might never get another GN’R album, or at least not another good one, we can enjoy the music they’ve already given us, like these songs:
“Welcome to the Jungle” (1987) Album: Appetite for Destruction Billboard Top 100 peak position: 7
You know where you are? You’re in the jungle, baby You’re gonna die
The fourth-best-selling album in US history was anchored by this, the band’s first breakout hit. Despite being aired in the early morning hours on MTV, the video went on to be the channel’s most requested.
"I wrote the words in Seattle,” Axl once said in an interview. “It's a big city, but at the same time it's still a small city compared to L.A. and the things that you're gonna learn. It seemed a lot more rural up there. I just wrote how it looked to me. If someone comes to town and they want to find something, they can find whatever they want."
“Sweet Child o’ Mine” (1988) Album: Appetite for Destruction Billboard Top 100 peak position: 1
She's got eyes of the bluest skies As if they thought of rain I hate to look into those eyes And see an ounce of pain
While “Welcome to the Jungle” put the band on the map, “Sweet Child” made them a mainstream success. The song was inspired by Axl’s then wife, Erin Everly. And if the last name sounds familiar, it should. Her dad is Don Everly of the Everly Brothers (Bye Bye Love). Sheryl Crow won a Grammy for her cover of the song in 1999, used in the Adam Sandler film “Big Daddy.”
“The thing about 'Sweet Child,' it was written in five minutes,” bassist Duff McKagen once said. “It was one of those songs, only three chords. You know that guitar lick Slash does at the beginning? It was kinda like a joke because we thought, 'What is this song? It's gonna be nothin', it'll be filler on the record.’”
“Patience” (1989) Album: G N’R Lies Billboard Top 100 peak position: 4
Said sugar make it slow And we'll come together fine All we need is just a little patience
The bare-bones acoustic love song is a concert favorite for the likes of Finger Eleven, Carrie Underwood, and Slash’s current band, Velvet Revolver. For Guns N’ Roses’ Use Your Illusion tour in 1991 and 92, “Patience” followed a cover of the Rolling Stones classic “Wild Horses.”
I was stuck in bumper-to-bumper traffic for over an hour during Kings Mountain’s recent furniture giveaway and heard this song coming from another car. It fit the occasion.
“You Could Be Mine” (1991) Album: Use Your Illusion II Billboard Top 100 peak position: 29
When I come home late at night Don't ask me where I've been Just count your stars I'm home again
The antithesis of “Patience,” “You Could Be Mine” saw a full-throttle aggressive GN’R. The song was featured in the 1991 summer blockbuster “Terminator 2: Judgment Day” after director James Cameron decided to take advantage of already having the band’s t-shirts and posters in the film. Reportedly, Arnold Schwarzenegger even had the band over to his house to negotiate use of the song. Schwarzenegger also appeared in the song’s music video, which was put in heavy rotation that summer.
“November Rain” (1992) Album: Use Your Illusion 1 Billboard Top 100 peak position: 3 When I look into your eyes I can see a love restrained But darlin' when I hold you Don't you know I feel the same
With an orchestral backing and a running time of 8:57, “November Rain” stands as arguably the band’s crowning achievement. And while the power ballad earned Guns N’ Roses even more accolades, it also marked the point in which they “jumped the shark.” It was their last Top 10 hit and subsequent singles failed to even reach the Top 50. The video, which remains one of the most costly of all time, starred Rose’s then-girlfriend, Victoria’s Secret model Stephanie Seymour.
Those are my picks, what about you? Shoot me an e-mail at grahamcawthon@shelbystar.com.
Usually when I come back from the concert, I have a lot of photos and videos to share. Case in point, Bruce Springsteen in Atlanta.
I didn't realize security at Verizon Wireless were nazis. All cameras had to be left at the information counter before you even got inside.
You won the battle, Verizon Wireless, but I'll win the war.
Anyway ...
Show was good. Not 06 good but probably better than last year.
The set list:
The Stone Old Dirt Hill You Might Die Trying Everyday Eh Hee Don’t Drink the Water Grey Street Corn Bread Two Step Proudest Monkey Satellite Jimi Thing Sledgehammer (yes, the Peter Gabriel song) Bitch Ants Marching
Encores
Money (yes, the Pink Floyd song) So Much To Say Anyone Seen The Bridge Too Much
The seats were the best I've ever had for DMB, so it's a shame I wasn't able to get any good shots with the camera. The latter part of the concert is a blur; I ended up making calls about the fatal Ramblewood shooting, trying to get more info as "Ants Marching" was performed. Ended up leaving just before "Money," which was a great cover that could still be heard out in the parking lot.
My next concert: Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers, 6th row, next Friday
I haven't seen any concert videos from last night end up on YouTube but here's a clip of their finale ("Trippin Billies") from the 06 stop.
AlanisMorissette was seen performing earlier this month with a little excess baggage. Reportedly, she's been battling depression for about two years and has gained a little weight as a result.
While I wish her well, and congratulate her for a good show back in January at Cricket Arena, the jokes here are too good to pass up.
Maybe her next song could be ...
You Oughta Know (I'm Gonna Eat Your Doughnut)
Thank U (Cold Stone)
All I Really Want (is Apple Pie)
You Learn (to Wash Down Cheeseburgers with Milkshakes)
Crazy (How I just Left Golden Corral but am Hungry Again)
They tore into the music scene with a take-no-prisoners mentality. In a world of pop music and glam metal, they stood out for having an appetite for destruction.
Some called them the next Rolling Stones. And while they didn’t have the longevity of Mick and the gang, they still rank high, on lists compiled by Rolling Stone magazine and VH1, for their contributions to the rock genre.
Axl Rose’s trademark red bandana and microphone sway. Slash’s customary top hat, sun glasses, and cigarette. For about five years, before fame and egos caused Guns N’ Roses to implode, they were the face of rock ‘n’ roll.
Check out Thursday's Star for my top 5 GN'R songs, then come back to the blog for music videos for each.
As I write this, the only thing I can hear in my apartment is the sound of the AC blasting. It’s going to be a long, hot summer and it’s only just begun.
So while many of you are scheduling time off work to head to the beach or a colder climate – I hear Australia’s nice this time of year – here are a few of my picks for summer fun. You’ll still want to bring some SPF and a towel but you won’t need to spend your kids’ college savings to cover the transportation.
It’s just 40 miles down the road and it’s called the Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. Over the past two years, it’s become a tradition of mine to check out as many shows as time and money permit and this year will be no different. I might even come home with a T-shirt or two.
So with that said, here are a few shows coming this summer worth checking out.
Tuesday, July 1: Dave Matthews Band
$32.50 - $62.50
Dave has been making an annual stop each year since I’ve lived in North Carolina, which isn’t all that long yet still impressive. His visit in 2006 remains one of my favorite concert experiences; just imagine a “Best of” album performed live. Last year’s wasn’t bad by any stretch of the imagination but if you weren’t a die-hard you probably didn’t know half the songs. Hopefully the upcoming show resembles 06 more than 07.
Friday, July 11: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Opening act: Steve Winwood
$29.50 - $95
My first concert at Verizon Wireless was Petty’s appearance in 2006, backed by Stevie Nicks and Trey Anastasio. Petty is coming off a career-retrospective documentary (“Runnin’ Down a Dream”) and new album with some old friends. The self-titled “Mudcrutch,” released this spring, reunites Petty and some of the original Heartbreakers with the band they comprised in the mid 1970s. There’s still the distinctive Petty sound to the music, just with a grittier, southern slang.
Monday, July 28: Counting Crows and Maroon 5
Opening act: Sara Bareilles
$23.50 - $126
The Crows return to Charlotte after a 2006 stop with the Goo Goo Dolls. And, much like then, I might be more interested in the second, and in this case third, act rather than Adam Duritz’ “Sideshow Bob” hair. I’ve wanted to see Maroon 5 in concert for a few years now. They and the Crows will be joined by Bareilles, who broke out this year with “Love Song.”
Saturday, Aug. 2: Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick
$23.50 - $125
Oh, if only Steve Perry was still part of the band... I’m all for classic rock tours, especially bands that had songs that still hold up compared to today’s hits. But Journey without Steve Perry is like apple pie without ice cream. Sure, it tastes okay. But something’s lacking and you know you’re getting ripped off. Never been much of a Heart fan but you can’t go wrong with Cheap Trick’s “I Want You to Want Me.”
Wednesday, Sept. 17: 3 Doors Down with Finger Eleven and Hinder
$19 – $69
3 Doors came in 2006 with Lynard Skynard. I skipped out on that one for the same reason I’ll be skipping out on Journey and, if they ever come to town, the Beach Boys. It’s just not the same if half your band has been dead 30 years. But throw in Finger Eleven (“One Thing”) and Hinder (“Lips of an Angel”) and this might be a rock show worth checking out.
And if that wasn’t enough to wet your apetite, here’s the full summer lineup.
Tuesday, July 1: Dave Matthews Band
Saturday, July 5: Crue Fest featuring Motley Crue, Buckcherry, Papa Roach, SIXX:A.M. and Trapt
Friday, July 11: Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers
Monday, July 14: Vans Warped Tour
Friday, July 18: Brad Paisley
Saturday, July 19: Foreigner and Bryan Adams
Sunday, July 20: Rush
Thursday, July 24: 311 and Snoop Dogg with Fiction Plane
Friday, July 25: Widespread Panic
Monday, July 28: Counting Crows and Maroon 5 with Sara Bareilles
Tuesday, July 29: Jonas Brothers and Avril Lavigne
Wednesday, July 30: Projekt Revolution 2008
Saturday, Aug. 2: Journey with Heart and Cheap Trick
Sunday, Aug. 3: Rascal Flatts
Sunday, Aug. 17: Stone Temple Pilots
Tuesday, Aug. 19: John Mayer
Thursday, Aug. 21: Kenny Chesney
Friday, September 5: Brooks & Dunn and ZZ Top
Wednesday, Sept. 17: 3 Doors Down with Staind and Hinder
And for those making the trip this year, here are a few survival tips:
If you’re getting lawn seats, get there early and sit as close as you can. The people on stage are still going to appear small no matter where you are but if you're close you're going to have far less people standing in your view.
Bring blankets to sit on, if only to mark your territory and give you more space than the person next to you.
Be prepared to deal with drunk and / or high people. Think of it as part of the concert experience; an added bonus thrown in for free with your purchase of a ticket.
For more information, visit ticketmaster.com or call the box office at 704-549-1292.
It's going to be a long hot summer. Why not spend it amongst thousands of drunk music fans at an amphitheatre?
Check out Thursday's Star for a full list of what to expect this summer at Charlotte's Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. And be sure to come back to the blog for a selection of music videos from those on the list.
I've been with The Star since October 2005 - Shelby follows Germany, DC, Alaska, Florida, Arizona, and Oklahoma as just some of the places I've called home. Started as the cops reporter and just recently took over as city editor.
