concertphotographer

Taylor Swift

Concert Reviews

May 13, 2023 – Lincoln Financial Field, Philadelphia PA

Review by Estelle Massry

As I sit here trying to write a review I realize I could write an entire novel to describe the show tonight in Taylor’s hometown. This is night 2 of 3 of the “Eras Tour” at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field and love was definitely in the air. It was an unbelievable production! From elaborate set designs to impeccable lighting, video boards, sound quality, costume changes, talented musicians/dancers and a massive catwalk. Each set has a completely different vibe as the show moves from album to album of throughout all 17 years of Taylor’s music, one era at a time. I was in awe how quickly the set changed and how frequently Taylor came out in a completely different outfit within minutes. Opening up were Gayle and Phoebe Bridges who put on a great performance and got the fans ready for what would be the best night of their lives!

The excitement of the countdown clock on the big screen really set the stage in anticipation of the arrival of the biggest musician in the world. The moment the clock reached 10 seconds you heard nothing but screams of joy accompanied by a lot of crying as emotions were running high. I’ve never heard this much intense excitement in all of the concerts I’ve attended, I was looking around in amazement and soaking it all in yet had a hard time controlling myself as well, as I got caught up with the sold out crowd.

As the countdown clock struck zero, the stage turned dark and dancers came out one at a time holding purple/pink/orange fabrics that majestically floated in the air until the stage was filled. They all came together in the middle of the stage in a beautiful dance and they lifted their fabric in the air as Taylor Swift was revealed wearing a stunning sequin, pastel leotard and boots that matched. I’ve never felt so much energy in my life, let the show begin!

“What a childhood dream it is to say these words to you…welcome to the Eras Tour”

The most moving moment for me was after the song “Marjorie”, which is dedicated to her grandmother whom she lost at age 13. Taylor sat at the piano listening to her fans scream and yell how much they loved her. This audience appreciation continues for what it seemed like 10 minutes as Taylor smiled and looked around as if she was acknowledging all of her 70,000 fans who were in attendance. The entire stadium not only lit up with phone flashlights but also lit up with provided wristbands that were handed out as you entered the stadium. It was quite moving and humbling, I couldn’t help but get emotional and as I looked around…and I wasn’t the only one.

I knew what a huge star Taylor Swift was but I didn’t know just how intense her fans are and the grasp she has on them. The effort put into all of their outfits, home made signs, getting to the venue from far distances, and to be honest the cost of the tickets, show just how dedicated they all are. From fringe dresses, cowboy boots, glitter dresses, sequins, rhinestones, leather skirts, fishnet stockings, heart glasses, pink/purple dresses…young girls to mom, even dads went out of their way to make homemade shirts to support their daughters.

This is a star at the top of her game and she is doing everything to perfection for herself and for her fans. The level of energy in which she performed, as well as her professionalism is quite impressive. Nonstop high energy performances of almost 3 1/2 hours with no intermission, performing 47 songs in total. A performance of a lifetime.

The tour kicked off on March 17th in Arizona and will encompass 52 shows across the United States, concluding in August in Los Angeles, CA. I stayed until the very end knowing that I would be stuck in the parking lot for 2 hours with my 14 year old daughter at midnight – but I can honestly stay it was worth it. Oh and I had to drive home 2 1/2 hours as well making it home at 3:00 am. Would I do it again? No doubt…sign me up!!!

THE TOUR OF THE YEAR

For more info please visit http://www.taylorswift.com

SETLIST

Lover

  1. Miss Americana & the Heartbreak Prince
  2. Cruel Summer
  3. The Man
  4. You Need to Calm Down
  5. Lover
  6. The Archer

Fearless

  1. Fearless
  2. You Belong With Me
  3. Love Story

evermore

  1. ’tis the damn season
  2. willow
  3. marjorie
  4. champagne problems
  5. tolerate it

reputation

  1. …Ready for it?
  2. Delicate
  3. Don’t Blame Me
  4. Look What You Made Me Do

Speak Now

  1. Enchanted

Red

  1. Red – Intro
  2. 22
  3. We Are Never Ever Getting Back Together
  4. I knew You Were Trouble
  5. Nothing New (with Phoebe Bridgers)
  6. All Too Well (10 Minute Version)

folklore

  1. Seven
  2. the 1
  3. betty
  4. the last great American dynasty
  5. august
  6. illicit affairs
  7. my tears ricochet
  8. cardigan

1989

  1. Style
  2. Blank Space
  3. Shake It Off
  4. Wildest Dreams
  5. Bad Blood

Surprise Songs

  1. Forever & Always (tour debut/on guitar)
  2. This Love (tour debut/on piano)

Midnights

  1. Lavender Haze
  2. Anti-Hero
  3. Midnight Rain
  4. Vigilante Shit
  5. Bejeweled
  6. Mastermind
  7. Karma

Ministry

Concert Reviews

May 4, 2023 – Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia PA

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

In true industrial metal rock fashion there is no other venue that would be more appropriate for Ministry than the converted General Electric Switchgear Plant, Franklin Music Hall in Philly PA! The place was packed and full of electricity (no switch needed) and rocking from floor to ceiling.

Ministry is touring in support of their 2021 album ‘Moral Hygiene’ accompanied by an ageless Gary Numan as well as the Canadian electro-industrial rockers Front Line Assembly, which featured Bill Leeb, formally of Skinny Puppy.

Front Line Assembly opened the evening with great stage presence and cool, throw back sounds which included covering Falco’s 1985 hit ‘Rock Me Amadeus’. From there I was transported back to my high school days which set me up nicely for Gary Numan.

The 65 year old (going on 35) Gary Numan is touring in support of his nineteenth studio album ‘Intruder’ which was released almost two years ago to the day. One of the first LP’s I ever purchased was Gary Numan’s, ‘The Pleasure Principle’ and I played the song ‘Cars’ over and over until the needle scratched through the vinyl. I honestly haven’t heard Gary perform in decades and wasn’t sure what to expect but I was overly impressed with his edgy music and the style he puts into his performance. He spoke not a word between songs and I found no words to be needed as he focussed on his performance. Gary, with his face war paint and all, is an excellent front man moving about the stage in flowing form and while his music still had the electronic, synthesizer sounds, it was overlayed with hard hitting rock & roll. It was a good mix! Gary was flanked by his two guitarists, donning shaved heads with long gray skirts and grey tee’s supporting the overall industrial theme of the night. I loved it!

One would think both Front Line Assembly and Gary Numan would not be an opening match for the hard hitting Ministry but I found the lineup to be quite the contrary.  Both were wonderful complements to Ministry and set up the vibe of the venue perfectly for the headliner! 

Grammy-award nominated industrial rock titans Ministry are touring in support of their 2021 album ‘Moral Hygiene’, as well as in support of a new album entitled, ‘Hopium for the Masses’. I’ve seen and reviewed Ministry before and really enjoy their “volume up – it goes to 11″ attitude.  The place was thundering! Last time I saw them the band played behind a cage which worked well with their vibe but I personally found myself wanting to see through the chain link fence for a clearer experience. This time around, however, there was no cage to be found which allowed for a better viewing experience for everyone… especially for the photographers of which there were many at this particular show.

Ministry: Al Jourgensen, Monte Pittman, John Bechdel, Roy Mayorga, Paul D’Amour and Cesar Soto went on around 10pm and played well into the evening for close to two hours. Here’s the state of the world according to Al Jourgensen: We’re fucked but we’re going down fighting and partying hard. “How concerned are you?” displayed on the large screen as the backdrop. They exploded onto stage as the screen would show video associated to each song they played throughout the evening, many with political and societal undertones. They began with many new songs which sounded great and thankfully indicates to me that they are not going anywhere for a while. After about the 4th song (all new), Al joked to the audience saying, “I know what you’re all thinking, we paid all this money and all we’re hearing is this new stuff… well guess what… here’s one more…” And he went on to play Broken System before launching into some older more familiar songs. Their lighting was cool, they played hard as they always do with Al talking to the audience and introducing each song. The place was packed and people were fist pumping and head banging away as the hard hitting band blew everyone’s eardrums (in a very good way)! 

Indestructible industrial titans Ministry provide the soundtrack to the end of the world, which no-one seems to mind.

For more info please visit: http://www.ministryband.com http://www.garynuman.com http://www.frontlineassembly.com

Setlist

  1. Alert Level
  2. Good Trouble
  3. Disinformation
  4. Believe Me
  5. Broken System
  6. Goddamn White Trash
  7. N.W.O.
  8. Just One Fix
  9. The Missing
  10. Deity
  11. Burning Inside
  12. Stigmata
  13. Ricky’s Hand (Encore)

The Joe Perry Project

Concert Reviews

April 18, 2023 – Webster Hall, NYC

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Icons unite as The Joe Perry Project pays a visit to the Big Apple’s intimate, long standing iconic venue, Webster Hall.

The 2023 Joe Perry Project lineup features Extreme’s Gary Cherone on lead vocals, Aerosmith backing singer Buck Johnson on keyboards and vocals, veteran drummer Jason Sutter (Cher, Chris Cornell) and longtime Perry associate David Hull on bass.

Opening for Perry were Robin Taylor Zander (son of Cheap Trick’s Robin Zander) who played songs from his first album due to be released later this month. RTZ delivered a solid set of folksy, melodic rock with good guitar riffs that the crowd enjoyed. He’s not surprisingly similarly phonic to his father as you can hear some Cheap Trick styling to his voice.  He and his band performed a good, solid, diverse music set. 

Following RTZ was Micky James whose front man style can rival any of your favorites.  Reminiscent of a Freddy Mercury, Mick Jagger, Chris Robinson blend, his stage presence was explosive and elevated the crowd as an opening act should for any headliner. He possessed a throwback feel to the golden age of rock which was refreshing to see.  The band played some classic style original rock and roll which I thoroughly enjoyed.

What I love about seeing a show in NYC at smaller venues is you never know who you might see in the crowd. Webster Hall has an open floor plan where there’s room to find your spot and stand, and view the performance. Visible to me on this night where many industry execs in suits, an editor I used to work with at Rolling Stone, and the drummer and co-founder of Extreme, Paul Geary, not to mention a few handfuls of rockers who were there supporting The Joe Perry Project and witnessing an icon of Rock & Roll up close and personal. When you see folks like this in the crowd you know you’re about to experience something special and The Joe Perry Project didn’t disappoint.

As many of you know Joe Perry and Aerosmith hail from Boston. What you might not know is that Gary Cherone does as well so it makes sense these two rock stars joined forces. In true rock star form, Joe Perry came on stage donned in an oversized winter skully hat with his signature silver streak peeping out with multiple sterling chains and rings, and a cool suit jacket with a metallic silver shirt underneath.  He had almost as many style changes throughout the show than he did guitar swaps, as if changing his vibe to mirror each song. 

I found myself rotating my eyes back and forth between the two as Joe Perry was absolutely ripping on guitar while Gary’s strong voice and active, acrobatic stage presence was captivating. Gary always had a good voice but it was cool to see his vocal style expand with the demand of the Joe Perry Project style of music. Gary is a strong frontman with a powerful voice and really engages with the audience.

Complementing the intimate atmosphere, Joe Perry was welcoming, opening up to the crowd and introducing each song – from the most recent, to stories behind the meaning of those from decades ago.  It felt like a version of the old VH1 Unplugged where things were imperfectly, perfect.  Meaning, a quick “hold on a minute” into the mic while he retuned, to forgetting how a song started where he had to stop and take it again from the top, to playing a song twice in a row just because he liked it.  When you have nothing more to prove and you just love what you do, sometimes the imperfect happenings turn out to be perfectly placed.  At 71 years of age, Joe was as cool and comfortable as can be as he played new (or current) songs, some older blues tunes with some riffs inspired from the 50’s, to a few Aerosmith favorites like “Walk This Way”. It was a special night and a great experience seeing a rock superstar up close and personal.

“Sweetzerland Manifesto MKII“, Joe’s new solo album, comes out on May 26th and features performances by Robin Zander (Cheap Trick), Gary Cherone (Extreme), Chris Robinson (The Black Crowes) & Robert DeLeo (STP). This tour will be followed by Mr. Perry joining his Hollywood Vampires bandmates Alice Cooper, Johnny Depp & Tommy Henriksen kicking off in Manchester, NH May 30th. Joe Perry will then be back with Aerosmith celebrating their 50th Anniversary tour later this year.

For more info please visit: http://www.joeperry.com

Setlist

  1. I’ve Got the Rock n’ Rolls Again
  2. Somebody
  3. East Coast, West Coast
  4. S.O.S (Too Bad)
  5. Aye, Aye, Aye
  6. Lick and a Promise
  7. Fortunate One
  8. Steppin’ Out
  9. Flying Saucer Rock ‘n’ Roll
  10. Reefer Head Woman
  11. Quake
  12. Chip Away the Stone
  13. Beck’s Bolero
  14. Spanish Sushi
  15. You Can’t Put Your Arms Around a Memory
  16. Let the Music Do the Talking
  17. Rockin’ Train
  18. The Train Kept A-Rollin’
  19. Lightning Strikes (Encore)
  20. Walk This Way (Encore)

Jerry Cantrell

Concert Reviews

March 12, 2023 – The Wellmont Theatre, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Nine time Grammy Award nominated Jerry Cantrell stopped by the Wellmont Theater in Montclair NJ to greet his adoring fans in support of his latest solo release, “Brighten”. 

Cantrell was accompanied by Seattle-based Thunderpussy as his opening act. The all female band boasts a unique rock sound which delivers the powerful all-female presence of Molly Sides (vocals), Whitney Petty* (guitar), Leah Julius (bass), and Lindsey Elias (drums).

Although I have been an Alice In Chains (AIC) fan for some time, this was only my second time seeing Jerry Cantrell perform. While “in tune” and musically well present in the 90’s, I wasn’t in this profession until now, so didn’t previously have the opportunity to see Layne Staley (late front man of AIC). I only experienced Jerry live with new AIC vocalist William Duvall which to me (if I close my eyes and absorb phonically) was the next best thing.

Released in 2021, and having kept fans in anticipation for nineteen years, Cantrell’s Brighten is the third solo album by the acclaimed Alice In Chains founder, guitarist and vocalist. Cantrell and his band boarded the smokey and dimly lit stage to a roaring crowd itching to catch a more close up, intimate experience of Cantrell at the moderately sized, yet iconic, and to some (like myself)… somewhat nostalgic venue.

Jerry opened with “Atone” which is the first single released from Brighten and in a recent interview with SiriusXM, Cantrell spoke of how many of his songs were born from long periods of crafting. “The riff to Atone; I mean I literally had it for years –  couldn’t finish it. It comes when it comes, I’ve learned to not discard things.” This potentially explains the nineteen years of anticipation!

While the stage and lighting was more dimly lit than preferred for the photographers, it set the cool vibe for the evening which was well- welcomed by the crowded house. I was a little concerned that people may be there just to hear AIC songs but was pleased to witness the audience enjoying what Jerry brought to the stage and what he effectively delivered in his performance.  

Jerry sounded great and his supporting cast were exceptionally talented and delivered a strong night of excellent Rock & Roll!

Jerry Cantrell (vocals/guitar), Tyler Bates (guitar), Greg Puciato (vocals), Gil Sharone (drums), George Adrian (bass), Michael Rozon (pedal steel) & Jason Achilles (keys).

For more info please visit: http://www.jerrycantrell.com

Setlist

  1. Atone
  2. Psychotic Break
  3. Them Bones
  4. Siren Song
  5. Cut You In
  6. My Song
  7. Check My Brain
  8. Black Hearts and Evil Done
  9. Between
  10. Angel Eyes
  11. Had to Know
  12. No Excuses
  13. Lesson Learned
  14. Man in the Box
  15. Would?
  16. Whale & Wasp (Encore)
  17. Brighten (Encore)
  18. Down in a Hole (Encore)
  19. Rooster (Encore)
  20. Goodbye (Encore)

Bush

Concert Reviews

February 17, 2023 – Ocean Casino Resort, Atlantic City NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Bush & Candlebox ascended upon New Jersey’s version of “Sin City” Friday night as two of the most 90’s iconic bands played to a packed house at the Ocean Casino Resort. I have seen and reviewed Bush a few times before but this particular show was different. As a young professional living in Hoboken, NJ in the 1990’s I had easy access to live music there in town, and easily across the river in the Big Apple.  The post grunge and hard rock scene was exploding and one can hear both Bush and Candlebox being played in any bar you entered. They dominated the music scene.  As two of my favorite bands of that time, and to this day, I was excited to see them and more excited to get started on this review.

It was my first time seeing a show at this venue. The aptly named Ovation Hall was a cool space with not a bad seat in the house.  The stage was a perfect size. Not too big where you lose the band members and not too small or too tight.  It was perfect for capturing some good photos of a full band shot or some good, individual close-ups. Most importantly the acoustics were on point!

Both bands seemed to have taken a few sips from the fountain of youth as their vocal range and individual, non-mistakable, specific sounds were the same as if I were listening to them 30 years ago!

Candlebox, hailing from Seattle, Washington burst on the scene in 1990. They released seven studio albums, with several charting singles. The band found immediate success with the release of their self-titled debut album in July 1993 and rose to fame quickly through the year 2000. Opening for Bush on this tour, Candlebox sounded amazing and it soon became obvious to me that people came out to see them as well, as the seats filled in quickly and people were singing along with every word (including yours truly). Candlebox released their latest album in 2021 entitled Wolves. Kevin Martin is an excellent frontman.  His voice is still strong and melodic and sounded as good as ever. They played songs from their latest album but also mixed in many fan favorites like “Far Behind” & “You”, to which the crowd reacted with excitement and fist pumping, hand raising enjoyment.  They are the perfect complement to Bush and an awesome pairing for any music fan wanting to hear some amazing rock & roll or experience some iconic nostalgia from the 90’s. Candlebox is: Kevin Martin (lead vocals), Brian Quinn (guitar), Island Styles (guitar), Adam Kury (bass) & BJ Kerwin (drums).

Once the Candlebox set concluded one can sense the anticipation in the room as music fans awaited Bush. Crowds filled in a little more, people remained standing,  and it seemed difficult for ushers to keep people organized in their isles and ticketed seats. The floor became almost open access as fans pushed close to the stage.  Eventually the fans won, ushers gave up, and it became what felt like a private party with Bush as the amazing talent.

Pioneering the grunge-rock scene, Bush formed in 1992 in the UK and burst on the scene across the pond here in the US in 1993.  Frontman Gavin Rossdale has one of the most identifiable voices in the business and as mentioned before, sounded as he did 30 years ago.  Experiencing a massive career resurgence, Bush is on tour celebrating their latest album, The Art of Survival and its lead single, “More than Machines“hit the #1 spot on the Active Rock Chart and the 7th Bush single to receive such accolades.  The hard working band remains hungry as ever and it’s apparent in the lyrics of “More than Machines”.  Wisefully current, the song has resonated with a new generation of fans, with lyrics resembling a battle cry against a tech-dominated society, capitalistic greed, and the destruction of the environment and human connection as a whole.

Gavin said in an interview about the new album The Art of Survival, “…this is about the success stories of humanity’s survival against the odds. People just find a way to push through. We’ve all obviously suffered to varying degrees. I think the nature of life is the art of survival. Everyone is being tested all the time, but we find a way. In recent memory, we’ve made major strides and shown great resilience in the face of war, endless instances of racism, gender politics, a pandemic, and a melting pot of what we’ve experienced. For me, The Art of Survival encompasses all of this.”

The lights dimmed and Bush came on stage to the eagerly waiting crowd as they erupted in screams and applause. The stage was set with their red album cover backdrop, fog and strobe lights to start. In addition to his vocals, Gavin continues to pour all he has into his performance.  His voice maintains the raspy strength and unique sound it’s always had. The band played the new album which is one you can listen to from beginning to end as each song is amazing, while mixing in the fan favorites of old for which they are famous. Gavin uses the stage well and likes to engage with the audience as he always has. Half way through the performance, he left the stage and entered the audience, walking up and down the isles of the venue while singing along the way.  He kept security quite busy as they cleared the path like Moses splitting the Red Sea so Gavin can keep moving through. Stopping for an occasional picture or a quick dance with an audience member, the crowd eats it up in enjoyment through the up-close and more personal experience he provides. I’ve witnessed him do this before and know he does this often but I must say, this show was different. When I saw him last he was co-headlining on a multi-band bill. As the sole headliner, he delivers a heart pounding performance, full of energy and a willingness to please his fans, coming out for encore’s and delivering gold while reminding us all to LEARN FROM THE PAST – LIVE IN THE PRESENT & LOOK TO THE FUTURE!

Bush is: Gavin Rossdale (lead vocals/guitar), Chris Traynor (guitar), Corey Britz (bass) & Nik Hughes (drums).

Both bands are on multiple play lists of mine to this day and I recommend you add them too.

For more info please visit: http://www.bushofficial.com http://www.candleboxrocks.com

Setlist // Bush

  1. Identity
  2. Machinehead
  3. Blood River
  4. The Chemicals Between Us
  5. Bullet Holes
  6. The Sound of Winter
  7. Flowers on a Grave
  8. Everything Zen
  9. 1000 Years
  10. Quicksand
  11. Heavy Is the Ocean
  12. More Than Machines
  13. Little Things
  14. The Kingdom (Encore)
  15. Glycerine (Encore)
  16. Comedown (Encore)

Setlist // Candlebox

  1. Arrow
  2. Simple Lessons
  3. Change
  4. Blossom
  5. Let Me Down Easy
  6. Riptide
  7. Cover Me
  8. Far Behind
  9. You

Alter Bridge

Concert Reviews

February 1, 2023 – The Wellmont Theatre, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Leading man Myles Kennedy graced the great state of New Jersey again as Alter Bridge continued their North American “Pawns & Kings Tour” with yet again, another sold out show at The Wellmont Theater in Montclair.  The 90’s rock legends who make up Alter Bridge are touring in support of their latest LP which holds the same title as the tour.  

Mammoth WVH and Red are special guests along for the ride and are a perfect match, opening the shows and appropriately contributing to the powerful presence of Alter Bridge. Red kicked off the evening with a great performance. The band has been in the studio working on a brand new full-length LP. The album – titled “Rated R” – is due out this spring. Rated R is the band’s eighth album and first drop with new drummer Brian Medeiros.

Mammoth followed. I’ve seen (and reviewed) Mammoth before and loved them. The Wolfgang Van Halen led band had a mammoth year in 2022. They released their debut album, where the band and their lead single “Distance” received a GRAMMY nomination for Best Rock Performance. Mammoth have been busy last year touring relentlessly in support of the debut project and after a short break are back out on the road with Alter Bridge.  The hard playing but melancholic sounds and smile on Wolfgangs face as he plays are welcoming and always bodes well with the audience. It resonates well with me, so-much-so that while I’m not a big “Merch” guy, I bought a sweatshirt and I’m looking forward to them coming back around again.

It was my second time seeing Myles Kennedy but first time seeing Alter Bridge.  While both experiences were epic, seeing Alter Bridge (knowing of their history and the elite 90’s rock status of the members) had me fueled. The band’s origins date back to late 2003 when Kennedy was contacted by former Creed guitarist Mark Tremonti, who was interested in having Kennedy lay down vocal tracks for some songs he had recently written. Tremonti and drummer Scott Phillips had reunited with former bassist Brian Marshall who had left Creed in 2000 to form a new band and shortly after, Alter Bridge was born.

For those that don’t know, Alter Bridge, takes its name from an actual bridge that used to be located near Tremonti’s home in Detroit.

With Kennedy on guitar and lead vocals, alongside Mark Tremonti (guitar), Brian Marshall (bass) and Scott Phillips on drums, it was a “can’t go wrong”, great performance of perfect guitar riffs and tremendous energy. The sold out crowd had mirroring energy too as they awaited Alter Bridge.  Myles and team come out on stage and to their places in a slow modest form but the moment the first cord is struck electricity and high energy explode through the venue. Myles demonstrates vocal versatility with the ability to hold an extended note accompanied by exceptional technical guitar playing. Tremonti (also with a smile) was an absolute beast on guitar and contributed just as well to the vocals as the band slayed all evening. 

Red, Mammoth & Alter Bridge make a perfect package worth unwrapping if you have the chance to go see them.

For more info please visit http://www.alterbridge.com // http://www.mammothwvh.com

Setlist // Alter Bridge

  1. Silver Tongue
  2. Addicted to Pain
  3. Ghost of Days Gone By
  4. Holiday
  5. Broken Wings
  6. This Is War
  7. Cry of Achilles
  8. Burn It Down
  9. Watch Over You
  10. In Loving Memory
  11. Blackbird
  12. Pawns & Kings
  13. Wouldn’t You Rather
  14. Isolation
  15. Metalingus
  16. Rise Today (Encore)

Setlist // Mammoth

  1. Mammoth
  2. Mr. Ed
  3. Epiphany
  4. Stone
  5. Think It Over
  6. Distance
  7. You’re to Blame
  8. Don’t Back Down

Anthrax // Black Label Society

Concert Reviews

January 31, 2023 – The Wellmont Theatre, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Black Label Society & Exodus lit the stage on fire for the one and only Anthrax.  One doesn’t need to open an unmarked envelope to know the power of Anthrax. 

The Wellmont was packed to the roof with a sold out crowd, substantiating that this slash metal genre doesn’t exist without the fans, the music and musicians. The fans and music have been crucial in keeping this scene alive. As Zetro once quoted, “Slash Metal doesn’t exist without each other. It’s the only form of music that has to have both.  You are either a metalhead or you’re not.  It’s your mindset.”Metalheads will always be there and they were on this night with this killer lineup. 

The heavy hitting Exodus opened the evening with a thunderous performance with Steve “Zetro” Souza (vocals), Gary Holt (guitar), Lee Altus (guitar), Jack Gibson (bass) and Tom Hunting (drums). Since their formation in 1979, Exodus has released eleven studio albums, two live albums, one compilation album, and a re-recording of their first album. Along with Metallica, they are often credited as pioneers of the Bay Area thrash metal scene. Founding member Gary Holt has managed to keep the band alive during what can be perceived as a turbulent existence. And thankfully so, as what transpires on stage delivers thrash metal fans an express trip to metal euphoria.  

As anyone with a particular pallet knows anything “Black Label” is of premium quality and the appropriately named Black Label Society (BLS) is no exception. You don’t need to plant a bean and grow a bean stalk to experience the presence of GIANTS.  BLS consists of the legend himself, Zakk Wylde (frontman, guitarist), Dario Lorina (guitar), John “J.D.” DeServio (bass), and Jeff Fabb (drums). Kilt and all, giant presence with giant shredding are the best way to describe Zakk and BLS.  Boot stomping, vein popping, head banging & hair tossing energy, the band throws down thrash metal rock like no other and were the perfect set up for Anthrax.

This tour is part to Anthrax’s 40th anniversary celebration wrapping up on February 18th. Formed in 1981 in New York City, Anthrax has released a total of 11 studio albums, received 6 grammy nominations, and along with Metallica, Slayer & Megadeth… Anthrax is one of the exclusive “Big Four” defining the thrash slash metal genre. Anthrax consists of long time members, Joey Belladonna (vocals), Scott Ian (rhythm guitar), Fank Bello (bass), Jonathan Donais (guitar) and Charlie Benante (drums).

The headliner powerhouse started the evening substantiating their thrash metal prowess with a 10 minute video showcasing music icons and celebrities sharing love for Anthrax in short quotes.  The last couple minutes of the video were edited down to Hollywood and musical icons such as Keanu Reeves, Slash, Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Henry Rollins, Dee Snider, Rob Zombie, Sammy Hagar, Rick Nielsen, John 5, and many more…all repeating “Anthrax, Anthrax, Anthrax, Anthrax” until the curtain dropped, the band came on stage, and the crowds anticipation was satisfied. 

If I didn’t say it enough already in this review, the entire evening was high energy.  Anthrax has always been high voltage and the sold out crowd welcomed it like a lightning rod welcomes a bolt of electricity. Anthrax sent a jolt to the packed house of fans who will all go home feeling the intense electricity of the evening. 

I look forward to experiencing Anthrax when lightning strikes again whether in the same spot or not!

For more info please visit: http://www.anthrax.com http://www.blacklabelsociety.com http://www.exodusattack.com

Setlist // Anthrax

  1. Among the Living
  2. Caught in a Mosh
  3. Madhouse
  4. Metal Thrashing Mad
  5. Keep It in the Family
  6. Antisocial
  7. I Am the Law
  8. In the End
  9. Only
  10. Got the Time
  11. Bring the Noise
  12. Indians

Setlist // BLS

  1. Funeral Bell
  2. The Beginning…At Last
  3. Destroy & Conquer
  4. Destruction Overdrive
  5. Heart of Darkness
  6. A Love Unreal
  7. You Made Me Want to Live
  8. In This River
  9. Trampled Down Below
  10. Set You Free
  11. Fire It Up
  12. Suicide Messiah
  13. Stillborn

Setlist // Exodus

  1. The Beatings Will Continue
  2. A Lesson in Violence
  3. Blood In, Blood Out
  4. Blacklist
  5. Piranha
  6. Prescribing Horror
  7. Bonded by Blood
  8. The Toxic Waltz
  9. Strike of the Beast

Steve Vai

Concert Reviews

October 29, 2022 – Count Basie Center for the Arts Theater, Red Bank, NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

Guitar God Steve Vai descended upon Red Bank NJ this past weekend in support of his new studio album and LP, “Inviolate” which was released earlier this year through: Favored Nations / Mascot Label Group.

Notably one of the best guitarists of all time, the virtuoso is also an accomplished and highly acclaimed musical composer and producer, fluent in the composition and arranging of orchestral music. Throughout his 40 years in the industry, Vai has sold over 15 million records, received three Grammy Awards, and recorded with music legends like Frank Zappa, David Lee Roth, Whitesnake and many more.  

I first saw Vai playing a double necked, red, heart shaped guitar with David Lee Roth at the Worcester Centrum in the late 80’s.  And while I don’t remember much of the late 80’s (for reasons I will not disclose), I do remember very well how floored I was by his technical ability and overall electrifying performance. So when time came around for me to see him again, but this time to review the show, I was ecstatic and could not wait to hear him shred.  He did not disappoint!

One can tell the influence Steve has on musicians, and any lover of guitar playing, by the people that packed in to see him. The crowded house, was filled with musicians and fans young and old. I saw a good handful of parents with their musically inclined kids lined up at the merch table, where Vai’s team should have also been handing out “Parent of the Year” awards for providing their kids the opportunity to see the guitar legend live.  

Steve came out to a blacked out stage with just the blue glow of his guitar frets visible as he approach center stage.  It was a cool scene as he ripped away at his instrument (which seemed a natural extension to his body), appropriately hooking every applauding fan in for the evening.  From that moment on I was glued to the performance. Every style for which Vai is known for was showcased to perfection. I found it hard to look anywhere else but at the fingers on his guitar as he demonstrated two-handed tapping, alternate picking, legato, hybrid picking, sweep picking, whammy bar acrobatics, and circular vibrato. It was amazing.  When I did glace away from his guitar it was to his facial expressions which illustrated how the music he creates flows through his body.

We were launched into an amazing evening of guitar rock!  Vai wore a fluorescent green shirt (his favorite color) and had multiple guitar swaps (as you would imagine), which he played to perfection including: “Avalancha”, “Little Pretty”, “Greenish Blues”, “Teeth Of The Hydra”& “Taurus Bulba”.

Vai’s performance was complimented by a talented group of musicians. Dave Weiner on guitar, Philip Bynoe on bass and drummer Jeremy Colson on drums. Colson was just as electrifying as he was when I saw him here in NJ at the Stone Pony while he was touring with Sebastian Bach.

There are about 25 shows remaining on his tour, concluding in LA on December 3rd.  Make sure to check his schedule and if he’s playing near you (or even if you have to travel to get there) don’t miss it!  

For more info please visit http://www.vai.com