Foo Fighters @Velvet Jones in SB 1/28/11

Foo Fighters w/ Mariachi el Bronx

When: Friday, January 28, 2011
Venue: Velvet Jones, Santa Barbara
Accompanied by: Kelly O.
Genre: Rock 


The buzz around town over the past week via Twitter was that the Foo Fighters were itching to perform their new album live in front of an audience. Heck, even The Bronx, who also perform as Mariachi el Bronx, were in on the fun, posting cryptic tweets indicating something big to happen on Friday. To be honest, I did not read between the lines - and completely believed that the only thing happening yesterday was going to be an announcement of a gig that would have everyone clamoring. Boy was I wrong!!  We all knew that we needed to be ready for some sort of surprise to be posted on Twitter, but not a clue as to when. Work being slow and me being bored out of my mind, I was glued to Twitter pretty much the entire morning. 


By lunch time, there was no word. Shortly after, a Tweet was posted asking "you guys ready". Um, yeah! Done been ready!!  And yet, we were back to waiting. 

About 3:00pm, I picked up a message from a friend that it might be in my best interest to head North towards Santa Barbara. I was hesitant because there had been no confirmation of any sort. That's about when the fun began with the "I spy" photos that were being posted by Dave Grohl tweets. By 3:30, I had picked up my partner in crime and we were northbound on the 405, making our way to the 101!!

As we fought the typical LA traffic, and so glad we could make use of the car pool lane, my copilot continuously check Twitter for new clues and messages. We knew without a doubt we were on the right track when we saw the photo of the Big Yellow House sign. And for sure there would be no turning back!  The excitement continued to set in! And the traffic tried its best to kill the mood. But we persevered!! After being on the road for a couple of hours, the creme de la resistance was posted and I felt my foot go heavy on the gas. 


There were moments when we discussed the possibility of getting there and not being able to get in. But we tried to not let those negative thoughts enter our minds. Besides, we had come this far so of course, we were going to get in. And then it happened. We couldn't have been more than 15 minutes away from the venue when we read this tweet 

What?! Are you serious?? I refuse to get upset over this. Santa Barbara is a beautiful town and there are plenty of restaurants...surely, we will make a night of it no matter what. But to be honest, my heart sunk a little. And then I thought about how much it would have sucked to be the person in line at the venue where the number was cut off...can you imagine his or her disappointment? So we just kept on going. And let me tell you, hot damn, I am glad we did!!

TWENTY SIX song set!! The new album, which has yet to be titled, was performed in its entirety and I got to hear it live!!  Hell yes! Don't expect a review here from me...that's not what I do. I leave that to the professionals - so if you want to read a great review of the evening, please read this awesome article from the amazing Johnny Firecloud. My opinion of the new album is this - you won't be disappointed. We will find no "Wheels" or "Word Forward" songs on this album. And as much as I love ESP&G, this album pretty much rawks all the way through from start to finish. 


As for The Bronx/Mariachi el Bronx - I had never seen them before, but was familiar with the Mariachi alter ego. Mi amiga is a big fan and this band was the reason she joined me on this venture. I have to say, they freakin' kicked ass and I definitely want to see them again. The downside is that we had to view MeB from outside because we didn't have the golden ticket/wristband. But the door was open and the sound was loud, so we caught a fairly decent show. And of course, we had their last CD playing on the drive up and back, so I got my fair share.


Overall, a memorable adventure. Of course, during the show, Dave eluded to more shows to follow soon by saying "see you next week". But that is speculation...or is it? All I know is I have my Twitter settings geared up to automatically text me when certain you-know-who's tweet and/or send me direct messages!! Next time, and there will be a next time, I plan on being within the first dozen in line and shall suffer no more mishaps!!


oh, and they allowed phones in to this venue...so you know what that means!? A lot of cell phone videos on youtube! Enjoy!

First gig of 2011

Thirty Seconds to Mars/Middle Class Rut
When: Friday, January 14, 2011
Venue: Fox Theater, Pomona
Accompanied by: Solo gig
Genre: Alt Rock


So, Friday I took myself out to see my first music concert of 2011. Well actually, that's not entirely true. I did go out last week to Largo in LA to see Tim Minchin perform and while it was a "comedy" show,  his musical talent was mesmerizing. In fact, I should add that to my blog entries and I definitely will. But the show I caught this past Friday was pieces of good and bits of bad. 

As for Thirty Seconds to Mars, I've liked their radio play for quite some time. I picked up the 3rd album This is War back in December based off two songs "Kings and Queens" and the title song. But had also downloaded a few songs from the 2nd album A Beautiful Lie. But I couldn't say I was a big fan. I knew just enough of their music to know I wanted to see them in concert. Glad I did but most likely would not do it again.


The gist of it is that when I showed up at the Fox Theater I was skeptical at what sort of night it was going to be. I'm 42 years old and the average age at this show had to be under 20. This isn't to say it's a bad thing, but it felt about as close to what I imagine it must be like to go to a Jonas Brothers or that Beiber boob show...okay, so maybe the crowd wasn't THAT young.


Within the first few minutes of the opening song, I thought maybe I really had made a mistake in attending this show. But I kept an open mind and reminded myself that there were a handful of songs that I did want to hear. I'm glad I didn't bail because by the end of it all, I was impressed. Impressed with the band but more so with the fans. The energy never wavered and the dedication to knowing the music and lyrics was obvious. Granted, part of that energy lent to some of the "bad" but that's just me being old and not wanting to get pushed around or have screaming vocals in my ear.  What's ironic is that it used to be me who was the screaming fan annoying the crap out of whoever got stuck in front of me.  What goes around comes around.


Jared Leto took it upon himself to call out anyone he thought was not exuding enough energy. At one point, he stopped the show and had the lights turned on in the balcony to single out specific individuals. I'm not sure how effective it was but it certainly got the crowd in a frenzy. And I thought it was funny...as long as he didn't call me out, we were golden. Looking at the set list, I knew 5 out of 17 songs. Chances are, that is probably all I will ever know. And I'm okay with that.

TSTM encore of "Kings and Queens" was fantastic. And when 30+ fans were pulled out of the crowd to join the band on stage, I could only imagine the excitement going on down on the floor. It was pretty cool to witness.

The upside, as far as I was concerned, fell at the first part of the evening with the opening band, Middle Class Rut. I had the opportunity to see these 2 guys a few times when they opened for Them Crooked Vultures in LA and Las Vegas last year. And they did not disappoint with opening for TSTM. When I listen to MCR, I hear a tinge of Jane's Addiction. Some may not agree. But it's my opinion and I'll stick to it. All in all, making the drive out to Pomona on a Friday night was justified based on MCR alone. But at the end of the night, I was glad that I stuck around for the entire show.

2010 Musical Mischief

Tai's 2010 Musical Mischief
I'm fairly certain this is most everything....but there is a chance that I may have overlooked a gig or two...


JAN '10

• mmmm, nothing?

FEB '10

• Chris Shiflett Acoustic w/ Audra Mae (and Adam Bones) @ Alex's Bar in the LBC

MAR '10

• 3/11/10 Chris Shiflett - Democratic Disillusionment (talk), Brave New Studios
• 3/11/10 Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders @ The Viper Room, LA - was suppose to be the CD Release, but Taylor was a no show. However, we stuck around and were pleasantly surprised when Dave & Rami appeared and good times were had by all!!

APR '10

• 4/09/10 That Metal Show, Glendale taping (Big Thanks to Nicole for making this happen...two separate tapings with Zakk Wyld followed by Steven Adler)
• 4/12/10 Them Crooked Vultures @ Kimmel Live
• 4/14/10 Them Crooked Vultures @ Club Nokia
• 4/17/10 Them Crooked Vultures @ The Joint, Las Vegas
• 4/19/10 Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders @ Casbah
• 4/20/10 Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders @ Troubadour
• 4/22/10 Taylor Hawkins & The Coattail Riders @ Kimmel Live

MAY '10

• 5/07/10 Bring the Rock w/ Josh Homme @ Largo

JUNE '10

• 6/10/10 Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants @ The Bootleg Theater, LA
• 6/11/10 Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants @ Alex's in the LBC
• 6/12/10 Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants @ Hensley's Flying Elephant Pub, Carlsbad

JULY '10

• 7/7/10 Chris Shiflett & The Dead Peasants @ Hotel Cafe, LA
• 7/20/10 James Taylor & Carole King @ The Pond, Anaheim

AUG '10

• 8/06/10 Styx @ the Orange County Fair
• 8/11/10 Joan Jett & The Blackhearts @ the Orange County Fair
• 8/12/10 Eagles of Death Metal/Queens of the Stone Age Benefit Show @ Club Nokia
• 8/21/10 Billy Idol @ The Palms, Las Vegas

SEPT '10

• 9/24/10 LA Galaxy v NY Red Bulls - sure it's not a concert, but it was my first soccer game and I loved it! So much so that I am now a 2010 season ticket holder!!
• 9/26/10 Muse @ Staples, LA

OCT '10

• 10/23/10 Bridge Benefit Concert @ Shoreline Amphitheater, Mt. View
• 10/24/10 Bridge Benefit Concert @ Shoreline Amphitheater, Mt. View
• 10/27/10 A Perfect Circle @ Kimmel Live (kinda sorta, we had to make do from street view)
• 10/29/10 Stone Temple Pilots @ Nokia, LA
• 10/29/10 Dimebash 2010 @ Key Club, LA

NOV '10

• 11/10/10 A Perfect Circle @ Avalon, LA
• 11/11/10 Face to Face @ HOB, Anaheim
• 11/12/10 Starpool @ DiPiazzas, Long Beach
• 11/20/10 Kyle Eastwood Band @ The Music Institute, LA
• 11/22/10 An Evening with Stewart Copeland, The Grammy Museum
• 11/26/10 Weezer @ Gibson Amphitheater, LA
• 11/30/10 Faith No More @ The Palladium, LA

DEC '10

• 12/01/10 Faith No More @ The Palladium, LA
• 12/07/10 Roger Waters The Wall @ HP Pavilion, San Jose
• 12/10/10 Camp Freddy Night #2 @ The Roxy, LA
• 12/17/10 Camp Freddy Night #3 @ The Roxy, LA
• 12/21/10 Foo Fighters "Secret" Show @ Paladinos, Tarzana

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)