Let the music play - new Concert Reviews/Experiences

[Ope3]

Just got tickets to see Shannon and Narducy play Life's Rich pageant in March.

Should be well worth it. Same backing crew that was here for Fables.

 

[Full Speed Ahead]

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.

 

[stocker08]

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.

It's good. Not nearly as good as 'Blue Weekend'.

Gophers play at 11 according to ESPN.

 

[stocker08]

(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).

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.

 

[Ope3]

Sounds great at the Bank.

Steve Earle

 

[Ope3]

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.



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

 

[Ope3]

Dave.

 

[Ope3]

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.

 

[Ope3]

Neil Young.



Willie Nelson putting a bow on it

 

[Ope3]

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

 

[Ope3]

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.

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.

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

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

 

[Ope3]

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

View attachment 39315

View attachment 39316

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.

 

[BleedGopher]

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!!

 

[stocker08]

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.

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

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

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.

 

[stocker08]

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!!

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.

 

[Ope3]

I would have liked to see Garbage.

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.

 

[Ope3]

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.

 

[tikited]

View attachment 39515

View attachment 39517

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.

View attachment 39518

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

 

[Ope3]

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

Only mildly surprised he didn't perform My Love. There already were 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.

 

[tikited]

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.

Jet is sooooo good.

 

[Ope3]

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:

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

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.

 

[tikited]

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:

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

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.

Can't wait for Sugar to get back together.

 

[Ope3]

Can't wait for Sugar to get back together.

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]

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.

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.

 

[Ope3]

I happen to be in Nashville for another event. Somehow my Instagram algorithm knew I would be interested in an Evan Dando In Store performance at Grimey's in conjunction with the new Lemonheads release.

It's a record shop about 8 miles away from Broadway, so off the beaten path. About 100 fans or so in the place.

He kept it together for a nice 40 minute show. New stuff sounds good, and voice was solid as long as he didn't try to extend it. Just a couple of missteps on really high notes.

Old stuff included:

My Idea
Hard Drive
Into Your Arms
The Outdoor Type

 

[Ope3]

When I went to Nashville last year for a Jason Isbell show at the Ryman Auditorium, it was only then that I realized that it's not just an active music venue, it's a museum by day.

This year time was allotted to take such a tour, and just went with the self guided option. My plan was 10 AM on Friday, with time enough to hit the Assembly Food Hall for lunch next door.

Crazy that even by 10 AM several (most?) nearby bars and clubs on Broadway were already hopping with live music performances. Not just acoustic, but full on bands.

The website below indicated the self guided tour would take about an hour. I wound up hanging at The Mother Church for more than 2 hours. I found it completely worth while.

It starts with a quick short film documentary (10 min) in a small theater in the 2nd floor of the auxiliary building and then you are free to roam about the entire place except backstage (need a guide for that). There are several displays with videos by Keb Mo, Nicole Kidman, Robin Robert, Sherly Crow, Robin Roberts, Ricky Skaggs & Marty Stuart throughout the auditorium. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also has a room with enshrined artists that have taken the boards.

A staged free photo opportunity is included which hooks you into the gift shop. Good luck getting out of there without spending anything.

Ryman Auditorium Tours | Ryman Auditorium

Go behind the scenes of the historic Ryman Auditorium. Explore star-studded exhibits, take a photo onstage, and more.

www.ryman.com

It's truly a historic landmark and to think in the early 90s it almost went the way of the wrecking ball is amazing.

 

[Bad Gopher]

When I went to Nashville last year for a Jason Isbell show at the Ryman Auditorium, it was only then that I realized that it's not just an active music venue, it's a museum by day.

This year time was allotted to take such a tour, and just went with the self guided option. My plan was 10 AM on Friday, with time enough to hit the Assembly Food Hall for lunch next door.

Crazy that even by 10 AM several (most?) nearby bars and clubs were already hopping with live music performances. Not just acoustic, but full on bands.

The website below indicated the self guided tour would take about an hour. I wound up hanging at The Mother Church for more than 2 hours. I found it completely worth while.

It starts with a quick short film documentary (10 min) in a small theater in the 2nd floor of the auxiliary building and then you are free to roam about the entire place except backstage (need a guide for that). There are several displays with videos by Keb Mo, Nicole Kidman, Robin Robert, Sherly Crow, Robin Roberts, Ricky Skaggs & Marty Stuart throughout the auditorium. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame also has a room with enshrined artists that have taken the boards.

A staged free photo opportunity is included which hooks you into the gift shop. Good luck getting out of there without spending anything.

Ryman Auditorium Tours | Ryman Auditorium

Go behind the scenes of the historic Ryman Auditorium. Explore star-studded exhibits, take a photo onstage, and more.

www.ryman.com

It's truly a historic landmark and to think in the early 90s it almost went the way of the wrecking ball is amazing.

This post gave me chills. I haven't had the Ryman experience...yet...but it'll be a must-do the next time I visit. Thank you!

 

[Ope3]

This post gave me chills. I haven't had the Ryman experience...yet...but it'll be a must-do the next time I visit. Thank you!

I forgot to mention there was a small Elvis display regarding his ill fated one and only appearance at the behest of Sam Phillips at the Ryman, but I think that might be temporary.

I think I liked just roaming around better than having an actual guide, though one does get to go backstage with those options.

Having thought about it, I sort of like still having the mystery of what is backstage or in the dressing rooms. Maybe too scarred by the Wizard of Oz/Wicked of looking behind the curtain.

 

[Ope3]

These past 2 weekends Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit celebrated their 10th Anniversary of Ryman Auditorium Residencies. Having gone to see a show last year I made it a point to take some in this year as well to see at least a couple of gigs, so tickets were purchased for Thur & Fri. I was spared from watching the Vikings-Chargers game, for the most part. Bonus.

Passed on Sat since it could have been the same time as the Gopher-Iowa game and I scheduled an early flight back on Sun AM. Other Sat night entertainment options we Missouri-Vanderbilt football, Kings-Predators NHL or just regular Broadway gigs. There was also some trepidation about hitting Broadway on a Saturday night.

Opening acts throughout the run as a salute to Music/Arts Education were various youths performing. Thursday was the Wright Middle School Mariachi Ensemble, 24 strong. They got a very warm reception especially when they got the crowd rockin' on La Bamba. Special recognition to the kid on acoustic bass, which I know was taller than him and might have outweighed him by a few pounds. The group got a nice standing ovation just before the Isbell set as they made their way to the balcony. Really cool.

Friday it was a 9 piece band from the Nashville School of Arts. Sort of an Alt-Country "School of Rock" group. These high schoolers were highly entertaining, they could hit Broadway right now and it was especially impressive that they performed all original songs. Stars of Tomorrow.

Isbell and crew delivered great shows on both Thur & Fri, much less emphasis on Weathervanes, both clocking in at just over 2 hours. Not a whole lot either from his solo Foxes in the Snow from earlier this year. This allowed him to give more attention to the albums which made him a powerhouse, Southeastern and Something More than Free. 24 Frames, Traveling Alone & Traveling Alone all were early in the Thursday set. Live Oak and Flying Over Water appeared later.

Speaking of that last one, what I have noticed is that Isbell is more likely to play songs that have a local reference as the crowd gets charged up by any lyrical mention. Decoration Day, Rode to Robert's and even nearby SEC rival Alabama Pines get special call outs.

There was plenty of attention given though to his entire catalog as well as Drive-by Truckers material, besides DD, playing both Outfit and Never Gonna Change.

The encore included a cover from The Band, Ride to Cleveland. Each show of the residency got a different song as well as the Weathervanes rouser This Ain't It to close.

Friday we were treated to about half of the setlist different tunes from the night before, and even repeats were done at a different time and some had distinct style changes. Mixing it up were Different Days, When We Were Close, Tupelo, Relatively Easy (way back from his first solo record), Stockholm, Danko/Manual (helping with The Band motif), Elephant & Miles.
The band cover of the night was Remedy sung by the drummer, Chad Gamble. Quite a rarity and a great wrap up for the 2 show run & saw.



But wait. There's more. Get in price for the SEC game (College Game Day was there too) was approaching $300. I really did not care much abut the Kings-Preds. Some extra tix were dropped for the Isbell finale, and there you go. Back for a three-peat at the Ryman for a Saturday night, braving the Broadway mayhem.

Opening act was a pair of young female High School singers backed by another young male on acoustic guitar mostly plus a couple of keys, billed as LOVE United another Nashville High School music program. Their teachers joined them for the last couple of tunes which were pleasant main stream pop songs, by the likes of Billie Eilish and Ariana Grande. Quite fun.

Again the set list was mixed up, without looking it up directly, I think only a half dozen songs were played each night. Gratefully, one was Decoration Day. His solo on that is taken to the next level.

For The Band Cover we got The Shape I'm In. Show closer was Super 8. No appearance of Cover Me Up on any of the 3 nights, though I did hear it coming from bars more than once. On my way back to Music Row there was a street musician playing it as well. I threw a few dollars in the tip bucket.

No regrets for the extra show even though it meant less than 4 hours sleep for my return flight home.

As a tip for any future Ryman concert goers, I recommend purchasing a seat cushion if you have an upper deck ticket. The wooden pews are not very forgiving for 3+ hours. The sound is pristine up there in front of the iconic stained glass windows.

BONUS - It was announced yesterday that Jason Isbell and the 400 Unit's tour plans include a stop at The Armory right here in Minneapolis on March 5th.

Be there. Aloha.