I have to hand it to Queensryche. They were on top of it. Musically and vocally flawless. Huge sound. Every bit as good as when I saw them with the original lineup in 1991. Smaller production, obviously, but fun and fitting. The new singer is phenomenal and very charismatic. Everyone was at the top of their game, and for a band that has been (mostly) together for 40 years, that is crazy. The setlist was a great mix of new stuff and classic. The whole band was fully engaged and having a great time. Very impressive show.
John 5 was ridiculous. Jaw-droppingly amazing virtuoso talent. I don't think I have ever seen a more technically proficient guitarist EVER. Normally I'm not super into guitar instrumental wankery, but he LOVES music, loves playing guitar and loves performing, and his energy is infectious. He also played banjo and what looked to be a kid's mini-scale First Act guitar. And, yeah, he was amazing on both. Crazy show, too. At one point he did a medley, which for some might've been cheesy, but he literally crammed like 30-40 (Who knows? We all lost count.) of the best and most iconic guitar riffs from all of rock music into one crazy schizophrenic bout of musical ADD with the highest level of technical prowess. He is so good it makes me feel kind of sorry for his band, who are also ridiculously talented ... but who can take their eyes of a guy that is both a consummate showman and quite possibly one of the best guitarists to ever pick up the instrument? Rock, metal, Chet Atkins and Roy Clark-style chicken picking, shredding worthy of EVH in his prime. Freaking guy can do anything with a stringed instrument. He's so crazy good, it makes you feel like you've never even seen someone play the instrument correctly before. I didn't know tons about him before the show (other than his work with Marilyn Manson and Rob Zombie), but he definitely made a fan last night.
Unfortunately, Eve to Adam wasn't really my thing. I mean, they tried hard and seemed affable enough. Just not my style. With song titles like "Straightjacket Supermodel," you kind of know what you're in for. They are all talented musicians, though, and certainly gave it their all. Not a bad bunch by any means, just not crazy about their music.
Weezer
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