Let the music play - new Concert Reviews/Experiences

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Last Friday I went to see Durry at First Ave. It's the kickoff of their new "This Movie Sucks" tour, this time mostly staying in the U.S. (a few stops in Canada). I've been following these folks over the years, from "Marah and Mainsail" to "Coyote Kid" to now "Durry". They've slogged through a lot of "hope we have enough money to buy gas to get us to the next show" deals to now selling out pretty decent venues (BTW, I may be getting old but a sold out show at First Ave is too many people - not sure how FIrst Ave gets fire code permission to pack that many people in a building). Nice to see another Minnesota band (they're from Lakeville - brother and sister on guitars and vocals, his wife on bass, and a friend on drums) making it on the concert tour scene. Do catch their show if they come to your town.

 

tikited said:
I don't have tickets yet as I was waiting for the Rutgers game time to be announced. I still want to though. I'm still working out if I like the new album or not. Soooooo different than previous ones.
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It's good. Not nearly as good as 'Blue Weekend'.

Gophers play at 11 according to ESPN.
 

Full Speed Ahead said:
(BTW, I may be getting old but a sold out show at First Ave is too many people - not sure how FIrst Ave gets fire code permission to pack that many people in a building).
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You aren't alone. It's the exact reason why I've been passing on shows at First Avenue recently. It's been too packed to even enjoy the show the last few times I've been there. The Fillmore and The Armory are WAY better venues to see shows, imo.
 



So far at the Bank, the most impressive to me has been Lukas Nelson. Playing to the crowd with a Neil Young cover, Unknown Legend, helped his cause.

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Local boys, Trampled by Turtles were also quite the crowd pleasers.
 


Now that the dust has settled some thoughts on Farm Aid.

In general, I am not really huge on festivals of this magnitude because it's incredibly hard to please everyone. Artists I am big fans of (Steve Earle & Neil Young) the thought of just getting 20-30 minutes leaves one feeling short changed.

Still it was a blast. The artists I am casual fans of, Waxahatchee, Trampled by Turtles and Dylan all gave solid sets.

Not really being familiar with Billy Strings, Margo Price, Nathaniel Rateliff & The Night Sweats and Lukas Nelson, they all performed to the point that I want to start sampling their catalogs. Going forward, I am more than willing to see them as headliners (or warm up bands). Especially Strings.

Lukas bringing Sierra Ferrell on stage for a Neil Young cover (Unknown Legend from Harvest Moon) was a huge crowd pleaser.

Acts that I am familiar with but there is zero chance I will ever pay to see them headline were still very entertaining, including Wynonna Judd, Kenny Chesney and Dave Matthews (w/ Tim Reynolds). Judd and Chesney's bands are incredibly professional.

With Chesney, I could only name 1 song before hand Beer in Mexico. With his charisma and upbeat songs, I get the attraction. Whoever his guitar player is, put down perhaps the most impressive guitar solo of the entire day.

Ditto for Matthews. Incredible musician who had the entire stadium single along with Ants Marching.

Just about every act had an A1 fiddle player. DM didn't have one, so he drafted one from another act.

Legacy acts John Mellencamp and Bob Dylan delivered. Leading the crowd from his Cougar days with an audience sing-a-long of Jack and Diane was great fun. While his voice is rough, it still works to solid effect on Pink Houses and Rain On the Scarecrow.

For Dylan, I totally was enthralled with All Along the Watchtower and Highway 61 Revisited. Thanks for coming home.

Neil's set was a blistering effort, starting with a brand new song on the current state of affairs. Breaking in his new band (The Chrome Hearts) with classics like Keep on Rocking in the Free World, Southern Man, Hey Hey, My My (Into the Black) & Old Man was undoubtedly the highlight. He was timeless, rolling the clock back 30-50 years.

Willie finished it off in fine fashion. As Pearl Jam fan how could I not be impressed by the duet with Lukas on Just Breathe. Adding Last Leaf on the Tree produced some tears in the audience. Quite heartfelt.

Glad I made it on this 40th Anniversary.
 
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Neil Young.

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Willie Nelson putting a bow on it

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Garbage still getting it done tonight at 1st Ave. Shirley Manson is still an epic force of nature.

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stocker08 said:
You aren't alone. It's the exact reason why I've been passing on shows at First Avenue recently. It's been too packed to even enjoy the show the last few times I've been there. The Fillmore and The Armory are WAY better venues to see shows, imo.
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I won't disagree that it's more challenging to see a show at First Ave. The shows themselves though are better and have more energy at the good old Greyhound Bus Station generally speaking IMO.

Also the Fillmore & The Armory are under of the Live Nation/Ticketmaster umbrella, which is rapidly having a negative impact on several bands survival.

Shirley Manson of Garbage has touched on this as part of their decision to make this the final North American Headliner Tour. She referenced Wolf Alice having the same issue.

Both acts chose First Ave recently to perform. Rock on.

www.musicinminnesota.com

Garbage Bids Farewell to First Avenue in Final Headlining Tour

It’s fitting that Garbage played First Avenue on what they’ve declared to be their last major North American headlining run, at least in the near
www.musicinminnesota.com www.musicinminnesota.com

www.nme.com

Shirley Manson explains Garbage's final US headline tour is due to "the thievery of the record industry"

Garbage’s Shirley Manson has said the reason their current tour will be their last is due to “the thievery of the record industry”.
www.nme.com www.nme.com
 

Ope3 said:
Garbage still getting it done tonight at 1st Ave. Shirley Manson is still an epic force of nature.

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Garbage at 1st Ave - Oct 3rd

The band was back where they started. Literally. Ok, maybe a just a few yards from literally. Their first ever live gig was at 7th St Entry in 1994, before they exploded shortly after their self-titled debut album.

I was not at that show, but was able to see them at a couple of festivals (including Edgefest) and twice previously at 1st Ave. Last time was 2005.

It was far from a nostalgia show. The stuff from the new album Let All That We Imagine Be the Light blends right in with their art rock/power punk standards from the 90s.

I dug it all. Just as vibrant as ever, especially Shirley, just owning the stage and audience. The guys haven't lost anything either.

While this is their last North American Tour, Manson did express they will continue to play shows and hopefully will return to Minneapolis.

If that was it though, they went out with a bang.
 

I went to the worst concert performance of my life last weekend, Sister Hazel. I love a good late 1990's college band (Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Blues Traveler, etc.) and figured Sister Hazel would be fun, especially since it was a free concert as some city here in AZ that I've never heard of was celebrating 150 years. They had local bands during the day and Sister Hazel as the headliner. I listened to quite a bit of SH the week leading up to see what their new songs have been and to be honest, it was solid. A mix of their original "All for You" sound with a bit of country/Americana.

Well, apparently the lead singer is having vocal chord issues (surprised more lead singers aren't having this issue considering how many concerts they play) and it was quite evident he shouldn't be performing right now. I felt bad for the rest of his bandmates (the entire original band from Gainsville is still in tact which is commendable) but Ken Block shouldn't be performing right now. About halfway through the concert he couldn't hit a note and was really relying on the rest of the band to carry him through each song.

I admire the grind and any band that has legit hits, especially one as big as All for You was, and can still command a decent crowd 30 years later deserves a tip of the hat, but they aren't even on the same planet as Gin Blossoms, Toad, etc. in 2025.

Go Live Music!!
 



Ope3 said:
I won't disagree that it's more challenging to see a show at First Ave. The shows themselves though are better and have more energy at the good old Greyhound Bus Station generally speaking IMO.

Also the Fillmore & The Armory are under of the Live Nation/Ticketmaster umbrella, which is rapidly having a negative impact on several bands survival.

Shirley Manson of Garbage has touched on this as part of their decision to make this the final North American Headliner Tour. She referenced Wolf Alice having the same issue.

Both acts chose First Ave recently to perform. Rock on.

www.musicinminnesota.com

Garbage Bids Farewell to First Avenue in Final Headlining Tour

It’s fitting that Garbage played First Avenue on what they’ve declared to be their last major North American headlining run, at least in the near
www.musicinminnesota.com www.musicinminnesota.com

www.nme.com

Shirley Manson explains Garbage's final US headline tour is due to "the thievery of the record industry"

Garbage’s Shirley Manson has said the reason their current tour will be their last is due to “the thievery of the record industry”.
www.nme.com www.nme.com
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I don't disagree with anything you've said. First Avenue is a cool venue. My entire point is that if I'm uncomfortable to the point of not enjoying myself much....then that's a problem and lessens the chance that I'll actively be looking for concert tickets. And that's kind of the experience I've had the past couple of times at First Ave.

On the flip side.....I dig the Fine Line. And the Turf Club has probably been my favorite venue over the past few years. Have had nothing but great experiences at the Turf Club.

I would have liked to see Garbage.
 

BleedGopher said:
I went to the worst concert performance of my life last weekend, Sister Hazel. I love a good late 1990's college band (Gin Blossoms, Toad the Wet Sprocket, Blues Traveler, etc.) and figured Sister Hazel would be fun, especially since it was a free concert as some city here in AZ that I've never heard of was celebrating 150 years. They had local bands during the day and Sister Hazel as the headliner. I listened to quite a bit of SH the week leading up to see what their new songs have been and to be honest, it was solid. A mix of their original "All for You" sound with a bit of country/Americana.

Well, apparently the lead singer is having vocal chord issues (surprised more lead singers aren't having this issue considering how many concerts they play) and it was quite evident he shouldn't be performing right now. I felt bad for the rest of his bandmates (the entire original band from Gainsville is still in tact which is commendable) but Ken Block shouldn't be performing right now. About halfway through the concert he couldn't hit a note and was really relying on the rest of the band to carry him through each song.

I admire the grind and any band that has legit hits, especially one as big as All for You was, and can still command a decent crowd 30 years later deserves a tip of the hat, but they aren't even on the same planet as Gin Blossoms, Toad, etc. in 2025.

Go Live Music!!
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A decent number of those "one hit wonder" 90's adult alternative bands have some pretty solid records that were just completely overshadowed by the one song that got obsessive radio play. Unfortunately to say.....the couple of Sister Hazel records that I listened to were duds outside of the radio hits ('All For You' & 'Change Your Mind'). Just my opinion. I typically find at least another song or two that I like on most records that have that strong of a single.
 

stocker08 said:
I would have liked to see Garbage.
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My previous comment really talked up Manson, but that's not to take away from the guys.

She's just a kid compared to them. Butch Vig is 70 now, going on 40 as far as energy. Duke Erickson is even older, but hasn't lost anything, nor Steve Marker as dueling guitar players. Rock steady.
 

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Since I am otherwise occupied on Friday night for Paul McCartney's show at the Zygi Dome, I headed south to Des Moines for his Tuesday gig.

Sir Paul delivered, opening with Help! all the way through finishing with Golden Slumbers medley. It was a really fun night especially in a more intimate arena as opposed to the football/baseball stadiums I have seen Macca in previously.

His voice is strong, still able to handle the range and belt out Maybe I'm Amazed.

My personal highlights were Got to Get You Into My Life and Band on the Run. Also right up there was the unique ways he was able pay tribute to George on Something and John on I've Got a Feeling.

All the hits delivered.

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Ope3 said:
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Since I am otherwise occupied on Friday night for Paul McCartney's show at the Zygi Dome, I headed south to Des Moines for his Tuesday gig.

Sir Paul delivered, opening with Help! all the way through finishing with Golden Slumbers medley. It was a really fun night especially in a more intimate arena as opposed to the football/baseball stadiums I have seen Macca in previously.

His voice is strong, still able to handle the range and belt out Maybe I'm Amazed.

My personal highlights were Got to Get You Into My Life and Band on the Run. Also right up there was the unique ways he was able pay tribute to George on Something and John on I've Got a Feeling.

All the hits delivered.

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Maybe I'm Amazed and Something are tied for greatest love songs of all time imo.
 

tikited said:
Maybe I'm Amazed and Something are tied for greatest love songs of all time imo.
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Only mildly surprised he didn't perform My Love. There already at least a half dozen he played piano.

One highlight I forgot was Jet. It felt like the whole crowd got into shouting the lyric, almost cathartic.
 

Ope3 said:
Only mildly surprised he didn't perform My Love. There already at least a half dozen he played piano.

One highlight I forgot was Jet. It felt like the whole crowd got into shouting the lyric, almost cathartic.
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Jet is sooooo good.
 

Backtracking a bit, Bob Mould this past Saturday (Oct 10) at the Icehouse in Minneapolis on Nicollet was quite fun. Really small intimate venue, with a great sound. I later found out it was a converted studio, where the Huskers actually recorded the Ice Cold Ice video.

For a Mould show, pretty standard setlist. Nothing super rare. Highlight was probably this trio Husker trio late in the main set:

Too Far Down > Never Talking to You Again> Celebrated Summer.

Unlike the April show at The Palace, we did get some stuff from 1989 - 2000, including stuff from Workbook, Black Sheets of Rain and SUGAR.

Actually there was some SUGAR before Bob's set as his bass sideman David Barbe opened and did include Where Diamonds Are Halos & Company Book.

Speaking of SUGAR, Bob has since announced a reunion of sorts:

pitchfork.com

Sugar Reunite for New York and London Concerts, Share First Song in 30 Years

Bob Mould’s post–Hüsker Dü band returns, three decades later, with “House of Dead Memories”
pitchfork.com pitchfork.com

Given that Sonny Curtis has recently passed away, I was mildly surprised that the MTM Theme Love is All Around was not included with the Makes No Sense at All show ender.

I had to sell off my Saturday show ticket at the Turf due to the Gopher football conflict. Sounds like the show was very similar.
 

Ope3 said:
Backtracking a bit, Bob Mould this past Saturday (Oct 10) at the Icehouse in Minneapolis on Nicollet was quite fun. Really small intimate venue, with a great sound. I later found out it was a converted studio, where the Huskers actually recorded the Ice Cold Ice video.

For a Mould show, pretty standard setlist. Nothing super rare. Highlight was probably this trio Husker trio late in the main set:

Too Far Down > Never Talking to You Again> Celebrated Summer.

Unlike the April show at The Palace, we did get some stuff from 1989 - 2000, including stuff from Workbook, Black Sheets of Rain and SUGAR.

Actually there was some SUGAR before Bob's set as his bass sideman David Barbe opened and did include Where Diamonds Are Halos & Company Book.

Speaking of SUGAR, Bob has since announced a reunion of sorts:

pitchfork.com

Sugar Reunite for New York and London Concerts, Share First Song in 30 Years

Bob Mould’s post–Hüsker Dü band returns, three decades later, with “House of Dead Memories”
pitchfork.com pitchfork.com

Given that Sonny Curtis has recently passed away, I was mildly surprised that the MTM Theme Love is All Around was not included with the Makes No Sense at All show ender.

I had to sell off my Saturday show ticket at the Turf due to the Gopher football conflict. Sounds like the show was very similar.
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Can't wait for Sugar to get back together.
 

tikited said:
Can't wait for Sugar to get back together.
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I think it has sort of happened already. The article link I provided also has a video of the New SUGAR song. I actually entertained the idea of going to New York for one of these.

Hopefully sales and the shows go well and they take their act on the road. I thought it was slightly odd for neither Barbe nor Mould to even whisper a hint of a reunion, even though by last Friday the rumors were really loud.
 

Ope3 said:
Sir Paul delivered, opening with Help! all the way through finishing with Golden Slumbers medley. It was a really fun night especially in a more intimate arena as opposed to the football/baseball stadiums I have seen Macca in previously.
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Sorry in advance if this spoiled it for anyone going tomorrow, but I did not realize that this tour was the first time McCartney has broken out Help! since 1990. It's really a roaring opener and I am shocked it had been on hiatus that long.

Even in 1990 it was played multiple times, but not at the Ames (Trice Stadium) show that I was at.
 

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