Kinda sorta proof of the other night...

So, if  you read my last entry, you know I had the opportunity to attend a "secret" Foo Fighters gig a few nights ago. The rules were that NO cell phones, NO cameras, NO recording equipment, etc.  Well, I'm guessing that maybe there is some bootleg audio out there somewhere, but I have no clue where. And chances are there are photos as well...but I was not privy to such escapades. HOWEVER, after the show had ended, an acquaintance / friend / connection from the FFPB, Michael had found a way to have his picture taken w/ Krist Noveselic...and while this was completely unintentional, I managed to find myself in the photo as well...kinda sorta. 


Judge for yourself...unintentional photo bomb?

Foo Fighters "Secret" Show at Paladinos - 12/21/10

Foo Fighters - Secret Show
When: Tuesday, December 21, 2010
Venue: Paladinos in Tarzana, CA
Accompanied by: Cosmo & Tiffany
Genre: Rock n Roll


There had been speculation among Foo fans that the members of the Foo Fighters might announce a secret show before the end of the year somewhere in LA. So when I saw an announcement on Facebook from the Foo Fighters indicating that exciting news would be revealed on Monday, 12/20 and to "stay tuned", I was glued to my computer all day long!  It was a matter of chance. Send an email and wait. Those chosen would be notified on Tuesday before 2pm with then make their way to the "secret" location....More waiting.  Lots of wondering how many will be chosen. Will it be me. Oh, please, let it be me!


Phone rang at 12:40pm. I nearly lost my mind and tried to play it cool. I'm sure, Kristen from the Foo camp knew otherwise. We chatted a bit, she gave me all the details and assured me that an email would also be sent with everything we discussed.  Sure enough, this is the only "proof" that I  have (well before the show, anyways....)

We made out way out to the venue a little after 5pm. Weather reports had us destined for heavy rain, so we weren't quite sure how bad traffic would be. Surprisingly, we made it there before 7pm. Thought for sure there'd be a hefty line, but again, surprisingly light. Shifty was hanging by the side door chatting w/ Cosmo. I walked over not expecting him to recognize me, but received a happy hello and an obligatory pat on the back. I'm not saying he knows who I am, but it was a nice feeling all the same.


We walked inside and the front of the stage was relatively wide open. And hell, momma didn't raise no fool, so we planted roots center stage and held tight. Two hours until show time. More waiting, but at least this time there was plenty to look at and observe. There was a buzz through the crowd that Ryan Phillippe was in the house, but all I managed to catch glimpse of was Ralph Garman from KROQ.  Didn't matter, because who I wanted to see was going to be directly in front of us.  There was a set list within view as we stood waiting. I automatically started to count the number of songs we were in store for.... TWENTY ONE on the list!! TWENTY ONE!! I kicked myself for not bringing a pen (later really kicking myself for not having a damn sharpie) because I knew there was no way I'd be able to remember what songs were played.


By 9pm, we were ready. By 9:15, we were still ready. They didn't make us wait too much longer, but long enough. Bring on the rock!! And so they did! Old stuff, older stuff, new stuff, stuff not on the list, and didn't play 2 of the songs that were on the list...

1. Times Like These (One by One, 2002)
2. Generator (TINLTL, 1999)
3. My Hero (TCATS, 1997)
4. Pretender (ESP&G, 2007)
5. Back and Forth (new)
6. Learn to Fly (TINLTL, 1999)
7. White Limo (new)
8. For All the Cows (Foo Fighters, 1995)
9. Enough Space (TCATS, 1997)
10. Rosemary (new)
11. Skin and Bones (Skin and Bones, 2006)
12. Cold Day (In Your Honor, 2005)
13. Long Road to Ruin (ESP&G, 2007; not on list but performed)
14. These Days (new)
15. Best of You (In Your Honor, 2005)
16. Everlong (TCATS, 1997)
17. Monkeywrench (TCATS, 1997)
18. All My Life (One by One, 2002)
19. Marigold (Pocketwatch, 1992)
20. This is a Call (Foo Fighters, 1995)

Keep in mind, center stage here! Just a few feet away from Chris Shiflett, Nate Mendel, Pat Smear, Taylor Hawkins, Rami Jaffee, Jessy Greene, and Drew Hester. But what was truly mesmerizing was being less than 3 or 4 feet away from Dave Grohl as he tossed his glorious mane around while rocking out.  For nearly 2 or so hours! There was minimal story telling or banter between songs, which kept a consistent flow throughout the night. There were crews of cameramen on every side and two or three photographers snapping away.


There were times I couldn't help but close my eyes. I could feel the music bouncing off my skin. I was immersed in loudness and it was delicious. It reminded me of back in high school, sitting in my then boyfriend's garage watching his band practice.  The louder, the better! Didn't want the night to end but couldn't wait to hear the next song. A definite catch-22.  


One of the final songs at the end of the night allowed an experience that I'm sure was emotional for many. I won't deny, I was not a big Nirvana fan. When they were in heavy rotation, I was in college and in to hip hop. But watching Krist Noveselic take the stage with Pat Smear and Dave Grohl as they performed the song, Marigold was hypnotic.


Since we weren't allowed to have cell phones, I have absolutely no idea what time the show ended. But it didn't matter. Even after the show was over, the night had just begun!  I can't describe it all, so I'm just going to snippet the highlights of what's in my memory:

• Having the opportunity to talk to Juliette Lewis and tell her how much she rocked at Camp Freddy the past 2 Fridays.
• Seeing Scott Shiflett's purple mohawk live and in person, knowing that it was inspired by my friend, Lara.
• In the middle of a monster coughing fit, being asked if I was okay only to turn around and slowly realize that it was Josh Homme doing the asking. Looking like a deer in headlights, and everything going in slow motion, I managed to get out a single "oh" as I reached my arms out in need of a hug. He sweetly obliged and I immediately felt like an idiot. But I wasn't coughing anymore, so his hugs must be magic.
• Walking up to Cosmo, Lisa and Tiffany as they were chatting up Dave, with cameras all around, and Tiffany hands me the set list signed by Dave. *me: smiles bigger than the cheshire cat* 
• Borrowing a sharpie, took the set list and obtained Chris, Taylor, and Nate and Jessy's signatures as well. Sadly, didn't see Pat around much after the show.
• Asking Tiffany to see if Krist Noveselic to sign the set list, in which he penned right next to Marigold!
• Being able to talk w/ Krist for a hot second and tell him how much I liked his crush red velvet shirt as I reached out to "pet' it. He told me his wife made it for him. Damn that man is tall. And don't let me get started on the size of his feet. Crazy big!

By this point, we are finally being told that it's time for us to leave. For the most part, all that is left is the band and their family and friends. Along with crew and club staff. So, we made our way out the door and to the car.  Of course, reliving the entire night as we made the long trip home.  

What a night, what a night, what a night. And yes, I do realize how lucky I am to have been there. I completely understand that it was by grace and chance that I was chosen. I don't know how or why. I am no more deserving than any other fan. Luck? Karma? Kismet? Mine is not to question. Mine is to go and enjoy. And I did! 

Big thanks to Cosmo and Tiffany for making the night extra special! And thrilled that I was able to share the evening with Sarah, Michael, and Nicole. 


2007 Paladinos "secret" Foo gig...

Camp Freddy Night #3 at The Roxy

CAMP FREDDY - Friday, 12/17/10

@ The Roxy, Hollywood CA

Another awesome night at The Roxy with Camp Freddy. In all honesty, it didn't feel quite as tight as last weeks show, but still kicked serious ass. Familiar faces from last Friday, such as Juliette Lewis, Franky Perez, and of course, Mark McGrath helped to kick the evening off in rock n roll style.

The special guests of this 3rd show rocked my socks off. Cypress Hill's, Sen Dog and B-Real hit the stage and got the crowd jumping with "Rock Superstar". Sebastian Bach and all his glorious hair joined the stage for "Paradise City". And that boy can sing! For those of you too young to remember the name or just weren't into 80s "hair bands", he was the front man for a band called Skid Row. So, yes, I remember him well.  Sebastian came out a little later and belted out VH's "Ain't Talking Bout Love".  (Love these youtube videos cuz whoever was shooting this was standing right behind me, Gabrielle, Kathryn and Nicole - capturing our point of view of the night!)

But the end of the night was all about Billy Idol! And I about lost it when he hit the stage. The man is pure rock and roll and I could not think of a better way to end the final night of Camp Freddy. I was lucky enough to see Billy perform in August at The Palms in Las Vegas. And again when he took the stage for a few songs at Bridge School Benefit in Mountain View, CA back in September. But this? Well, to be as close to the stage as we were for this hodge podge of musical delicacies was almost more than I could bear. I can guarantee that we will be back for more when Camp Freddy returns in 2011!!

Camp Freddy Night #2 at The Roxy

CAMP FREDDY - Friday, 12/10/10

@ The Roxy, Hollywood CA

I've got no words to describe what an amazing night this was! December is proving to be a spectacular month without a doubt! The evening consisted of the following greatness:

CAMP FREDDY is: 

• Dave Navarro (Jane's Addiction)
• Matt Sorum (Guns N Roses)
• Donovan Leitch (Nancy Boy)
• Billy Morrison (Billy Idol)
• Chris Chaney (Panic Channel)

12/10/10 SPECIAL GUESTS

• Billy Duffy (The Cult)
• Steve Stevens (Billy Idol)
• Jonny Lang
• Juliette Lewis
• Corey Taylor (Slipknot)
• Mark McGrath (Sugar Ray)
• Skinhead Rob Aston (The Transplants)
• Franky Perez (Scars on Broadway)
• Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats)
• Steve Jones (Sex Pistols)
• Steven Tyler (Aerosmith)
• Mick Fleetwood (Fleetwood Mac)

Are there any paranoids in the audience tonight?

Roger Waters - The Wall Live 2010
When: Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Venue: San Jose HP Pavilion
Genre: Delicious Progressive/Classic Rock


UPDATE: For an amazing recount of the evening, check out my friend, Paul's blog: isorski's musings

When this concert was first announced many months back, I knew that I would be attending at least one show. The question was where. And who would want to go with me. I considered going solo to one of the LA Staples Center shows, but when I found out that there were shows in Oakland and San Jose, I felt that it would only be proper for me to see the show there. Near where I grew up. Close to where this music first changed my life. As for who would go with me. I decided a ticket would make a great birthday/Christmas gift for my Bay Area partner in crime, Miss Kitty!!


I first heard The Wall back in or around 1980-81. Junior High. Much in thanks to having older siblings, because Pink Floyd really wasn't a band I would have discovered on my own at that age. I probably saw the movie a few years later after it was released in '82, but didn't become really enamored with it until I was in high school. More like obsessed - as I do with most good things in life. I would watch The Wall most every weekend, at least once. But usually more. Such was my routine, especially Junior and Senior years. As with most young, angst ridden teens during that time, the lyrics spoke to me. Even more so when viewed while under the influence of a little of this, a little of that. Today, even at 42, the lyrics still speak to me (sans any influence). But now I'm old enough to understand that through all adversity, it is a choice on how we persevere.



Words really cannot describe how amazing this show was. I know, I know...I say that every show I attend is "amazing" - but it is the one adjective that adequately describes the experience. I know my ability to review this show, or any other show for that matter, will lack justice in depicting just how amazing it was...so I am not going to even bother.  But I do have a few photos (sadly taken with my HTC Evo because I didn't think I could bring my new Canon SX120 into the venue).


Oh, and if I can pull off finding relatively affordable tickets for the Mon or Tue show at the Pond in Anaheim, there is no doubt that I will be there.

Set List - First Half
In the Flesh 1, Thin Ice, Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 1, Happiest Days of Our Lives, Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 2, Mother, Goodbye Blue Sky, Empty Spaces, What Shall We Do Now?, Young Lust, One of My Turns, Don't Leave me Now, Another Brick in the Wall, Pt. 3, Last Few Bricks, Goodbye Cruel World


Set List - Second Half

Hey You, Is There Anybody Out There?, Nobody Home, Vera, Bring the Boys Back Home, Comfortably Numb, Show Must Go On, In the Flesh 2, Run Like Hell, Waiting for the Worms, Stop, Trial, Outside the Wall


If you have 10 minutes to spare, check out this video of Roger Waters as he explains how The Wall came to be 30+ years ago. And what it means today. Powerful. Relevant. And completely valid.

Faith No More Night #2

When: Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Where: Hollywood Palladium

Accompanied By: Kelly & Elizabeth

Set List:

The girls:

The boy: