Roger Waters The Wall at MSG

The two shows in early October were not enough for New York or Roger Waters. No he had to come back to fill up the garden for two more nights. This year he has brought back a fan favorite, The Wall. The Wall is the eleventh studio album from Pink Floyd. This was one of the English rock groups best albums. A concept album that deals with themes of personal isolation. Its tells how when life falls apart one puts up a block, a brick, "another brick in the wall." This double album had a film that came latter. The stage show has most of the visual effect of the film. High points being songs like "Hey You" and "Comfortably Numb." There are two more shows in the North East in Philly. A quick train ride and one can be transported into the mind of Roger Waters behind The Wall.

Pearl Jam Msg May 20th & 21st

Pearl Jam is one of the best bands to come out of the USA. Some feel that they are the best live band in the world. This two night stand at the Garden helped prove that maybe those people are right. These shows sold out almost immediately. New York has been waiting for Eddie Vedder and his pals to get there butts up here since they played in Philly to close the spectrum earlier this year. "Sold out" at the garden is 500 seats shy of 20,000. So to sell out the garden means that kids still love Peal Jam, and Pearl Jam like to spread the love around by having up and coming bands open for them. On Thursday night it was the Black Keys and then Friday was Band of Horses. In New York Friday is one of the busiest days in the city. All the hustle and Bustle of getting out of work and grabbing something to eat makes it hard to make it to the garden on time. Missing the open act sometimes is unavoidable. Lucky for New Yorkers that missed out these two bands are playing NYC this summer. The Black keys are going to be at Summer Stage July 27Th, and 28Th. Both shows are sold out but that does not mean that one can't get in. If not just hang in the park where you can hear the whole thing. The Band of Horses get to play The Williamsburg Waterfront on June 20Th. Some Pearl Jam shows are for the hard core fans. The setlist for Friday shows that this was one of those shows. Playing everything but the kitchen sink, Vedder showed the packed house how he can fade back and forth from the tight band formation to mesmerizing front man. This back and forth with the fast and slow that grunge is known for is what makes this band one of the best. The shining moment being when Bridwell from Band of Horses came out to sing "Hunger Strike" with Eddie. "Hunger Strike" is the third song from that far away album "Temple of the Dog" Bridwell played the part of Chris Cornell and hit the mark with his wailing vocals. Next time these guys announce a tour get you tickets and prepare to Jam.

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/pearl-jam/2010/madison-square-garden-new-york-ny-63d4d29f.html

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SUiTCmR1I9E&feature=player_embedded

Eric Clapton & Jeff Beck at MSG

This weekend New York got to see two old school "Rock Gods" on one stage. First was Jeff Beck the English Rock-n-Roll cowboy. Beck has a Jazz style with heavy undertones. With a repertoire of mostly instrumental numbers he played with a orchestra behind him. He plays his Fender Stratocaster with out a pick and has the sound of a "talking Guitar." He was the man that took Eric Claptons place in the Yardbirds. Clapton once said of Beck "With Jeff, it’s all in his hands." Ending his set with the Beatles "A Day In a Life" was intense, much like when we saw him at the Rock-n-Roll Hall of Fame Benefit Show. When he left the stage out came the grips to switch the orchestra set up to a band with two keyboards and a Oriental rug. Clapton came out strong with Blues covers on a acoustic guitar. He also had two beautiful soul singers that filled the air with such stunning harmonies. Not playing much of his solo stuff he did give us "I Shot the Sheriff" and "Cocaine." Then in the time it took to blink they where out there together. The give and take, push and pull, back and forth was almost enough to make you dizzy. Nice to see Clapton being pushed by playful Beck. They did an old favorite "Moon River," and then a slew of Blues jams. The crowed got to their feet for Sly and the Family Stone's "Higher." And last but not least was Clapton's signature song, Robert Johnson's "Crossroads." These men met at a crossroads when one left a band as the other was entering, but they still have a great esteem for each-other.

Metallica Nov. 15th, 09

Metallica always puts on a great show. This last weekend they put on two great shows. Some concert professionals got in to both shows, others settled for one. One Sunday the set dove deeper into the old stuff then the night before. Late seems to be a theme this week, late getting out of work and late trains makes one too late for the open acts. When finally getting inside the Garden you could see that this was different then other Metallica shows. The stage was set up in the round with the people packed on the floor in all directions. When they took the stage a laser show blazed through the whole room. Then after the lasers the giant casket shaped lightning trusses move up and down with every song. They did not skimp on the lights, that is for sure. These California boys used almost ever spot light rig in the ceiling of MSG. The drums turned around in one slow circle so you could see Lars from every angle. It was cool to see his feet on the bass drum peddles. Not only did one get to see the band from all sides, but you could enjoy seeing the crowed at the far end of the stage go crazy. This was one of the coolest crowds at the garden all year. There was not one, but two mash pits, and tons of kids crowd surfing. The security guards where not pulling people down but pushing them back over the crowd. Metallica only left the stage to pick up a new guitar or for the movement of the drums. It was a night for deep cuts and heavy riffs. If there is a chance to see Metallica go and have the time of your life.

http://www.setlist.fm/setlist/metallica/2009/madison-square-garden-new-york-ny-7bd736d8.html

Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band Nov. 7th, 09

It is something to see Bruce & the E Street Band at MSG. The hometown fans will travel to see Springsteen even after five shows in Jersey. One woman had seen all five and had tickets for both MSG shows. The line for the will call was all the way down the steps to 7Th Ave. This was the second time the man, and the band played the Garden in all of two weeks. On this occasion they played "The Wild, The Innocent and the E Street Shuffle." With a line of 100 people to get in "if" they release extra seats, it was hard to get in on time, but getting in is half the battle. Once in a seat one look at the trimmed down stage and you knew it was all about the music. After 1984's "The Wild" he gathered signs from fans and played two of the songs. "Does This Bus Stop at 82ND Street" one sign said with numbers, and the other with a Yankee jersey on it said "Glory Days." It was a sight to see all the fans together in a packed MSG. Then at the end they went from "Dancing In The Dark" To "Your Love Keeps Lifting Me Higher, and Higher" with Elvis Costello helping out on vocals. Bruce really knows how to give the crowed what it wants, more Bruce.

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Show Oct. 30th, 09

Wow! The first show for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's 25Th anniversary went till one thirty in the morning with big names acts and special guests. Now we are ready for more on this Friday in late October. Getting in on time tonight was almost too easy, but we take all that we can get right? Jerry Lee Lewis started the night off with "Great Balls of Fire." Last night he also was the first of many famous names to grace the stage. He did not leave the stage without kicking down his piano bench to show that even at 75 he is still "the killer." You know it's a special night when Aretha Franklin is on the bill. This Soul diva is still sounding great singing songs like "Baby, I Love You" and "Don't Play That Song." Annie Lennox came out to help on the classic "Chain of Fools." Then Aretha said she was contemplating moving back to New York, singing for us Sinatra's "New York, New York." Then a friend of hers and her sons, Lenny Kravitz was there to help out on "Think." And last but not least her hit "Respect" was one that had everyone singing along. When this concert was announced Eric Clapton was going to be at the event. He was unable to make it because of some health issues. So instead we get more Jeff Beck. He was just a guest last night but tonight he had a small band with a big sound. Playing a long set with "Drown in My Own Tears" "Freeway Boogie" and "Cause We've Ended as Lovers" with just his band. Also He had guest of his own. First was Sting looking a little shaggy with "People Get Ready." Then Buddy Guy came out looking great playing around with Beck on "Let Me Love You." These men are some of the worlds best Guitar players. Billy Gibbons another legendary rocker came out in black leather and did "Rough Boy" and "Foxy Lady." At the end of Becks reign on stage he came out with a tribute to the Beatles playing the words of "A Day in the Life" with his strings. Who would want to fallow that....How about playful Metal-Heads Metallica. They burst out on stage with "For Whom the Bell Tolls," "One," and "Turn the Page." After that trio of heavy hits they came out with some of the most interesting guests of the night. Lou Reed came out and did not only "Sweet Jane," but also out of nowhere came "White Light/ White Heat." This was a real treat and surprise for some fans at MSG. Then we learned you have to cheer loud for Ozzy Osbourne when he comes out and before he will leave the stage. It is worth the sore throats when you get his hits "Iron Man" and "Paranoid." Metallica seems to fit in with all these guests even Ray Davies who came out with a rockin' "You Really Got Me," and "All Day and All of the Night." At the end of "Enter Sandman" it was clear why Metallica was chosen for this show. The last band to get the spotlight was U2. Lots of guest on stage with U2 including Bruce Springsteen, Roy Bittan and Patti Smith tacking the time to do it right with "Because the Night." Yes, when done with the song Patti smiled and said "take two " playing the song a second time. The Black Eyed Peas came out to do a medley of Mysterious Ways"/"Where Is the Love"/"One." As U2 was entertaining on the front of the stage, Mick Jagger was dancing behind it. Then The legendary Stone Came out to do a hot "Gimme Shelter." Friday nights show ended with "Beautiful Day" over an hour earlier then the night before. Having both these shows in NYC was a beautiful way to celebrate the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame's silver anniversary.

Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Show Oct. 29th, 09

Last week New York was the place every Rock 'n' Roller wished they could be. Those lucky enough to live here had a chance to see living legends on stage at the garden on Thursday and Friday nights. The 25Th anniversary of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame is what brought all the music stars into the Big Apple. This was some weekend, the line up was almost unbelievable. It was so difficult to find a ticket that getting to the garden early made no difference. But sometimes when you think its all over and your not getting in, something happens and your right up front and center. Missing most of the beginning of the show was sad because of the acts that already came and went on the stage including Crosby, Stills & Nash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Dion, and Little Anthony & the Imperials. Just barely missing Paul Simon sing some of his hits from the 70's and 80's. When Garfunkel came out it was like the 60's all over again. Their harmonies sounded sweet on songs like "The Sounds of Silence," "The Boxer," and "Bridge Over Troubled Water." Finishing their set with "Cecilia," an upbeat choice that had the whole room dancing. Then it was Stevie Wonder's turn to make the people dance. Unfortunately his set started with some tech problems. Wonder did not let that stop him, he just switched up his set a little. The kinks got worked out and Stevie played hits like "Uptight (Everything's Alright)," "For Once in My Life," and "Signed, Sealed, Delivered I'm Yours." Then he brought out his guests one by one starting with Smokey Robinson doing "The Tracks of My Tears". Then John Legend came out for two songs. One being Michel Jackson's "The Way You Make Me Feel." Wonder got a little chocked up on this tribute to the king of pop. It went from the king of pop to the king of the blues when B.B. King came out and did "The Thrill Is Gone." Then before bring out Sting, ("Higher Ground"/"Roxanne") and Jeff Beck, ("Superstition") Wonder reminded us that in the 70's, like now most of us are "living just enough for the city." What a high spirited performance from Wonder, one of the best. Then after a small break it was Bruce Springsteen's turn. The man from Jersey came with his own guest's and of course the E Street Band. Having fun in letting everyone know that the Yankees had just won game 2 of the world series with "10Th Avenue Freeze-Out." Springsteen's first guest was non other then the "Soul Man" Sam Moore. When John Fogerty Came out for three songs it brought to mind his show coming up at the Beacon. Will Springsteen show up there for a jam? Then Bruce put in a plug for people to vote Darlene Love into the hall of fame before he brought her out on "A Fine, Fine Boy," "Da Doo Ron Ron." Tom Morello was on and off stage at least twice during the set. A Set that went long when Billy Joel came out for hits like "You May Be Right," and "Only the Good Die Young." It would not be Billy Joel in New York without hearing "New York State of Mind." And then after Bruce's "Born To Run" the band left the stage, but even though it was well passed one in the morning there was still more to come. An all star "(Your Love Keeps Lifting Me) Higher and Higher" with Darlene Love, John Fogerty, Tom Morello, Billy Joel, Jackson Browne, Peter Wolf with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. What a night to be at the garden...and there is one more night to go.

Depeche Mode August 4th, 09

One should remember when your late you miss out. Sometimes it is unavoidable and you miss not only the opening band, but also the first three songs of Depech Mode. This night they where from the new album. Walking in to "Walking in my Shoes" one could tell this was going to be worth the price. MSG was set up for sensory overload, the lights, the video screens, the synth. Under that round roof of the garden the band looked and sounded great. David Gahan was dancing and putting forth an amazing amount of energy onto the audience. He's just getting out of surgery and still able to jump right back up on stage to give the goods. The video cameras for the screens where manned handheld, not the ones with the big robot arms like at most shows. This felt more familiar and looked so Rock in Roll. Then there was a sexy change on "A Question of Lust," with a small peep show. It is Hard to believe that they skipped this song the first night. Then they Went in face first with "Miles Away/The Truth is." It was like they could not stop if they tried. Depech Mode have some of the loudest fans. When they left the stage one could hardly stop from covering you ears, it was that load. But you get rewarded for your clapping and hooting, they played not one encore but two. Not just a two song encore, they left after three songs and then came out again for two more. The night seemed like it could go on forever, with everyone singing and dancing. What a night...what a crazy night.

Encore #1
Stripped

Master And Servant

Strangelove

Encore #2
Personal Jesus

Waiting For The Night (Bare Version)