Only a few more weeks and our hero Arnel will tie the knot with his long time girlfriend of 5 years Cherry. Also on the horizon is the most anticipated Asian tour that is to commence in April 2009. I was wondering if one of the Journey band members would be invited in as "Ninongs" Godfathers on the upcoming wedding? I wouldn't be surprised if Neal Schon is the one or any one of the Journey members. Either way, Godfathers' or not, I have reason to believe that Arnel would extend the invitation for the band members to be present at the wedding. It would be interesting. Let's get our fingers crossed that our J'boys would finally see our homeland Philippines to take in our culture and find and discover our beautiful homeland.
Please do leave your comments and your take on this topic!
Rock On Journey fans!
Tuesday, December 2, 2008
Monday, October 13, 2008
Get your Limited Edition Journey Revelation 2007 Dry Creek Valley Zinfadel
The current members of Journey and De La Montanya Vineyards & Winery have created this limited edition Zinfandel with grapes grown in the Dry Creek Valley.
Quoted in the bottle from the band members "We desire to honor those less fortunate and donate 100% of the proceeds of the sale of this wine to a Children's Charity."
There are 200 bottle Limited Edition of this wine personally hand-signed by the band members. There are also a small number of unsigned bottles available.
Grab yours for the ultimate Journey memorabilia collection and to help a good cause!
Quoted in the bottle from the band members "We desire to honor those less fortunate and donate 100% of the proceeds of the sale of this wine to a Children's Charity."
There are 200 bottle Limited Edition of this wine personally hand-signed by the band members. There are also a small number of unsigned bottles available.
Grab yours for the ultimate Journey memorabilia collection and to help a good cause!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Journey review of their Live Concert at Shoreline Amphitheater on September 27, 2008
Sorry that my complete Journey review of their live concert at Shoreline Amphitheater on September 27, 2008 is a bit late but I was working on it on my spare time so here it goes.
My trip with my wife to see my High School heroes Journey with my fellow countryman Arnel Pineda handling the vocals at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Redwood City. I took a two day vacation (Friday and Saturday) from work and book a 2 night reserved accommodation using Orbitz.com to Pacific Inn at Redwood City close to where the venue is being held, about a 10-15 minutes drive to Shoreline Amphitheater. I also used a $35 discount coupon code I got from Google 'ing "Orbitz Coupon". If you ever happen to watch at this venue, I'd recommend this hotel, its close to cross street Woodside Ave and El Camino Real. The price is right also as I got a non-smoking suite with a full King bed with all amenities (fridge, microwave, coffee maker, aircon, electric range, iron and board, plus a Jacuzzi to boot. The breakfast is not shabby either and quite good with bacon, scrambled eggs, sausages, pan cakes, french toast, muffins, breads, bagels, cereals. They got coffees, hot chocolate fountain, fresh squeezed oj, milk. All this I booked after the discount taken off for a mere $108! Its quite impressive as the place is quite nice and quiet. This is the only hotel that also serves dinner 4 times a week, Mon-Thur, and I thought is quite a smart offer considering those days are the slowest.
We arrived in the Bay Area Friday afternoon and went straight to visit my Mom and Dad who lives in Hayward and afterwards went straight to San Francisco driving around to reminiscence the places that we used to frequent there as I was a resident there when I got here in the US back in 1978. We had a late dinner at Chinatown and went straight to Mitchell's Ice Cream Parlor late that night to have some hometown flavored treat. I had Ube flavor and my wife had Langka. Then went up Twin Peaks and enjoy the beautiful San Francisco skyline. This was a typical activity for us when we used to live in the area. Then its time to head back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrows jam.
Saturday, the day of the concert, September 27,2008. After being freshened up we had breakfast at the hotel reception area. Then we headed to Daly City to visit a couple of stores at the request of my better half. At around 3:00pm, we went to Goldilock's Restaurant to have a good old' Filipino lunch dish. I ordered a 'kalderetang kambing' and bopis (I was craving for this) with halo-halo for dessert. My wife had lumpiang sariwa and pansit malabon with taho for dessert. After we had our fill its time to head to the venue.
Before going to the venue I passed by a convenience store and grabbed me two 24oz bottles of NewCastle Brown Ale beer (In Newcastle, England the beer is often called 'Dog' (or simply 'Broon'). The 'Dog' name comes from the euphemism "I'm going to walk the dog" or "I'm going to see a man about a dog" - meaning "I'm going to the pub"). We got to the venue at 5:00 pm and the stream of cars are already non-stop from all directions. I settled my truck at the parking lot and opened my 1st bottle and chugged away. Then I grabbed the alum chair, blanket for my wife, and another bottle in tow and head straight towards the venue. By the time we got to the end of the line it was about 5:30 pm, just in time as they just started letting people in.
We are about 10 minutes away from the entrance and its time to drink my 2nd bottle while waiting in line. I was taking my sweet time to finish my drink as I was thinking that its just enough time to enjoy it all before we get to the mouth of the gates when suddenly this midteen aged event staff about half my age telling me
to finish my drink now as its not allowed inside. I told him that I should have enough time to finish it before I get to the entrance and there are trash receptacles along the line path. But he insisted that I need to finish it now. To make things worst is all this guys behind us started chanting chug chug chug chug...bottoms up...now I have no choice but to comply. By the way, its been decades since I drank like that. Anyway I'm set and I mean I'm set for this gig for good.
We got to the gate, I presented our tickets and they scanned it and off we go inside towards the lawn (which is the only available seating when I looked at TicketMaster for couples of 2 which I got late August). We went in and the place is really filling up and I intend to get a good sound and to have this is to get a spot close to the front dead center which we managed to do with a little twist and turn and leap and bounds we're at the spot where I wanted us to be.
Now for the show, its 7:00 pm and Cheap Trick takes the stage. I got up on my feet and started swaying, dancing and singing to the songs. They played a couple of my favorite from my old Vinyl LP Live at Budokan, that’s The Flame, Surrender, The Dream Police and others. Jonathan Cain played keyboard on a few of the songs. Dean Castronovo joined in to sing back-up vocals. Jonathan and Rick were fooling around and throwing a handful of guitar picks at each other,. I got to hand it out to CT, To Rick, Rob, Bun, they really set the crowd into gear for the next performers. They played a short but fun 45 minutes.
Then a break...went straight to the johns, came out straight to go in line at the concessions to pick up a cup of beer. Then back to the show just in time for Heart.
Heart - One word...Amazing, Ann belting out their classics like she did back in the early 80's is just fantastic and awe inspiring,, she has such an amazing pipes, you can tell its really live and not memorex. Nancy was great with her axe and that sexy slim bods, I tell you, she is the #1 best female guitarist in my books. They played their classic hits Wild Child, Never, Alone, These Dreams, Crazy On You. I really loved when they played Barracuda as we used to play this riff with my olden garage days band "Metalloid." The sound with Heart is absolutely fantastic just like when I saw them at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. After they played their hits, they went on to play covers of The WHO Love Reign O'er Me, Led Zeppelin's Going To California.
I was hoping for them to play their version of Led Zeps Rock and Roll that they played in the 80's but I guess they are also winding down as they are almost at their end of their tour. If they ever tour on their own at a more intimate venue, I would definitely see them and who knows, they might hear my request to play Rock and Roll that they used to play in their 80's tour. Also Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop, Immigrant Song, Battle of Evermore or Stairway to Heaven, yes they did cover all these which is amazing, all of which is Led Zeppelin, my #1 influence playing the guitar. I was standing, singing, shouting the whole time and I am having a great time.
Then its time for another break as they started to dismantle Hearts equipments to make room for our main headliners. By this time the venue was really packed and buzzing with all the crowds. This is my que to hit the johns again, grab me a beer and hope to get back before the J'boys hit the stage. This time, I need to be very careful to get out from where we were staged at the lawn as not to step on someone’s foot or body.
I was in line at the concession when they dimmed the lights, and I heard the intro of AC/DC's Back In Black, and the crowd just went wild! I knew then that the J'boys are about to hit the stage as I've watched this scene on YouTube before where the band members gather around the camera and kind of go in circle, hands overlapping each other, getting ready to take on the crowd! I finally got my cup of beer and I carefully and hurriedly got back to my spot. It was amazing how the place was already packed all the way to the rafters, just a sea of heads everywhere.
The Journey boys came on. The intro for Never Walk Away played and AP came flying out and started belting. Everybody got up and now nobody is sitting, otherwise you cannot enjoy the show. They had the Revelation CD cover up on the screen. They went on to play Only the Young and at this time you could see them on the big screen. The Guitar God Neil started playing the Star Spangled Banner next. They have the wavy American flag the whole time on the big screen on this one. Then Stone In Love is up, the crowd is really pumped up. After SIL, Neal introduced Arnel to the people. Then they went straight to Ask the Lonely. Arnel is more energized and started to move around the stage from one end to the other. He was giving the people high fives. Then Arnel introduce Deen who started belting Keep On Running, this is quite a surprise for me as this was not played in Vegas. Deen is absolutely amazing singing and hitting them skins at the same time flawlessly. Arnel came back on and started to sing After All This Years, the crowd is somewhat tamed on this one but I still hear some who sings along that’s including me.
Then they went on to play "When You Love A Woman." This is quite a treat and the highlight of the night for me as this is one of my old-time favorites. Change For The Better was up and I was really totally dancing and rocking on this one as it was one that I could really relate to. Separate Ways was up and everyone was really up on their feet. Then Faith In The Heartland, I really believe that Arnel put justice to this song with such passion and emotion on the way he belts it. The stage dimmed and Arnel asked the crowd to put out their cell phones and lighters for the next song which is Lights! What a fantastic sight. I can really tell that I am not in the 80's anymore but pushing through the future! When I look all around me and all the way upfront towards the stage...whoaahh...a sight to behold...as if your in a different world with all those cell phone lights and it was just an amazing out of this world sight to behold! When the song ended, Arnel said he was glad to be home in San Francisco! Next song Jon played his Piano Sedgeway intro into Open Arms.
Next is the intro into Don't Stop Believing and again the crowd went wild. I'm talking about young kids, teenagers, the Journey era types, even the old ones which I believed get tagged along by their grand sons and daughters to support Arnel (Pinoys know what I'm talking about here, the Lolo and Lolas who was at the show to see Arnel, Lol), all the while seems almost everybody was singing and dancing! At the end they showed the Journey logo on the big screen with the "r" shaped like a 45 caliber gun that was used in one of the episodes of the Sopranos. Faithfully is up and you can see everyone is hugging and swaying into the music. It was then followed by Wheel In The Sky. You can see Arnel doing his signature "round and round" twirling and circling around and around thing and it was just great.
Then they played Escape next which again drives me ecstatic as again have not heard this live for quite some time. Anyway You Want It was icing on the cake for the night. The J'boys have done it again putting on a fantastic show that is entertainingly unique and one of a kind each and every night this guys hit the stage! They momentarily left as the stage was dimmed until the deafening magnitude of the crowd humming and buzzing asking for the guys to come on back on stage for a final encore!
The guys hurtlingly came back out to re-invigorate the roaring crowds and top off the night with Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'. Jon playing the harmonica at the intro. Arnel is sounding more energized than when he started the show. He absolutely like the rest of the band gave their all 100+%. After the song Neal gave Arnel a brotherly hug. Then Jon, Val, Dean, Neal & Arnel got together and made their final bow for the crowds who overwhelming showed their appreciation for the band for giving out another unforgettable fantastic live show!
To summarize the event, It was well worth the trip to see one of my all time best bands again after nearly more than 25 years when I last saw them in Oakland Coliseum Stadium at the "Day On The Green" back in July 27, 1980. And to top it off with one of my "Kabayan" (My fellow countryman) who happens to be a Pinoy Rocker like myself is just the "cream de la cream" of a show for me! To Neal, Val, Jon, Dean and now Arnel, you guys made this squeaky guy well oiled again! Will be looking forward for more great music from all of you! Just like my motto in life, "I will be rockin' and a rollin' until I go down under!
Hats off to Journey!
Art "Metalloid" Lloid
PS. Oh before I forget. I went to this concert sounding like Robert Plant...I woke up the next morning sounding more of Wolfman Jack! Lol!
My trip with my wife to see my High School heroes Journey with my fellow countryman Arnel Pineda handling the vocals at the Shoreline Amphitheater in Redwood City. I took a two day vacation (Friday and Saturday) from work and book a 2 night reserved accommodation using Orbitz.com to Pacific Inn at Redwood City close to where the venue is being held, about a 10-15 minutes drive to Shoreline Amphitheater. I also used a $35 discount coupon code I got from Google 'ing "Orbitz Coupon". If you ever happen to watch at this venue, I'd recommend this hotel, its close to cross street Woodside Ave and El Camino Real. The price is right also as I got a non-smoking suite with a full King bed with all amenities (fridge, microwave, coffee maker, aircon, electric range, iron and board, plus a Jacuzzi to boot. The breakfast is not shabby either and quite good with bacon, scrambled eggs, sausages, pan cakes, french toast, muffins, breads, bagels, cereals. They got coffees, hot chocolate fountain, fresh squeezed oj, milk. All this I booked after the discount taken off for a mere $108! Its quite impressive as the place is quite nice and quiet. This is the only hotel that also serves dinner 4 times a week, Mon-Thur, and I thought is quite a smart offer considering those days are the slowest.
We arrived in the Bay Area Friday afternoon and went straight to visit my Mom and Dad who lives in Hayward and afterwards went straight to San Francisco driving around to reminiscence the places that we used to frequent there as I was a resident there when I got here in the US back in 1978. We had a late dinner at Chinatown and went straight to Mitchell's Ice Cream Parlor late that night to have some hometown flavored treat. I had Ube flavor and my wife had Langka. Then went up Twin Peaks and enjoy the beautiful San Francisco skyline. This was a typical activity for us when we used to live in the area. Then its time to head back to the hotel to prepare for tomorrows jam.
Saturday, the day of the concert, September 27,2008. After being freshened up we had breakfast at the hotel reception area. Then we headed to Daly City to visit a couple of stores at the request of my better half. At around 3:00pm, we went to Goldilock's Restaurant to have a good old' Filipino lunch dish. I ordered a 'kalderetang kambing' and bopis (I was craving for this) with halo-halo for dessert. My wife had lumpiang sariwa and pansit malabon with taho for dessert. After we had our fill its time to head to the venue.
Before going to the venue I passed by a convenience store and grabbed me two 24oz bottles of NewCastle Brown Ale beer (In Newcastle, England the beer is often called 'Dog' (or simply 'Broon'). The 'Dog' name comes from the euphemism "I'm going to walk the dog" or "I'm going to see a man about a dog" - meaning "I'm going to the pub"). We got to the venue at 5:00 pm and the stream of cars are already non-stop from all directions. I settled my truck at the parking lot and opened my 1st bottle and chugged away. Then I grabbed the alum chair, blanket for my wife, and another bottle in tow and head straight towards the venue. By the time we got to the end of the line it was about 5:30 pm, just in time as they just started letting people in.
We are about 10 minutes away from the entrance and its time to drink my 2nd bottle while waiting in line. I was taking my sweet time to finish my drink as I was thinking that its just enough time to enjoy it all before we get to the mouth of the gates when suddenly this midteen aged event staff about half my age telling me
to finish my drink now as its not allowed inside. I told him that I should have enough time to finish it before I get to the entrance and there are trash receptacles along the line path. But he insisted that I need to finish it now. To make things worst is all this guys behind us started chanting chug chug chug chug...bottoms up...now I have no choice but to comply. By the way, its been decades since I drank like that. Anyway I'm set and I mean I'm set for this gig for good.
We got to the gate, I presented our tickets and they scanned it and off we go inside towards the lawn (which is the only available seating when I looked at TicketMaster for couples of 2 which I got late August). We went in and the place is really filling up and I intend to get a good sound and to have this is to get a spot close to the front dead center which we managed to do with a little twist and turn and leap and bounds we're at the spot where I wanted us to be.
Now for the show, its 7:00 pm and Cheap Trick takes the stage. I got up on my feet and started swaying, dancing and singing to the songs. They played a couple of my favorite from my old Vinyl LP Live at Budokan, that’s The Flame, Surrender, The Dream Police and others. Jonathan Cain played keyboard on a few of the songs. Dean Castronovo joined in to sing back-up vocals. Jonathan and Rick were fooling around and throwing a handful of guitar picks at each other,. I got to hand it out to CT, To Rick, Rob, Bun, they really set the crowd into gear for the next performers. They played a short but fun 45 minutes.
Then a break...went straight to the johns, came out straight to go in line at the concessions to pick up a cup of beer. Then back to the show just in time for Heart.
Heart - One word...Amazing, Ann belting out their classics like she did back in the early 80's is just fantastic and awe inspiring,, she has such an amazing pipes, you can tell its really live and not memorex. Nancy was great with her axe and that sexy slim bods, I tell you, she is the #1 best female guitarist in my books. They played their classic hits Wild Child, Never, Alone, These Dreams, Crazy On You. I really loved when they played Barracuda as we used to play this riff with my olden garage days band "Metalloid." The sound with Heart is absolutely fantastic just like when I saw them at Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas. After they played their hits, they went on to play covers of The WHO Love Reign O'er Me, Led Zeppelin's Going To California.
I was hoping for them to play their version of Led Zeps Rock and Roll that they played in the 80's but I guess they are also winding down as they are almost at their end of their tour. If they ever tour on their own at a more intimate venue, I would definitely see them and who knows, they might hear my request to play Rock and Roll that they used to play in their 80's tour. Also Black Dog, Misty Mountain Hop, Immigrant Song, Battle of Evermore or Stairway to Heaven, yes they did cover all these which is amazing, all of which is Led Zeppelin, my #1 influence playing the guitar. I was standing, singing, shouting the whole time and I am having a great time.
Then its time for another break as they started to dismantle Hearts equipments to make room for our main headliners. By this time the venue was really packed and buzzing with all the crowds. This is my que to hit the johns again, grab me a beer and hope to get back before the J'boys hit the stage. This time, I need to be very careful to get out from where we were staged at the lawn as not to step on someone’s foot or body.
I was in line at the concession when they dimmed the lights, and I heard the intro of AC/DC's Back In Black, and the crowd just went wild! I knew then that the J'boys are about to hit the stage as I've watched this scene on YouTube before where the band members gather around the camera and kind of go in circle, hands overlapping each other, getting ready to take on the crowd! I finally got my cup of beer and I carefully and hurriedly got back to my spot. It was amazing how the place was already packed all the way to the rafters, just a sea of heads everywhere.
The Journey boys came on. The intro for Never Walk Away played and AP came flying out and started belting. Everybody got up and now nobody is sitting, otherwise you cannot enjoy the show. They had the Revelation CD cover up on the screen. They went on to play Only the Young and at this time you could see them on the big screen. The Guitar God Neil started playing the Star Spangled Banner next. They have the wavy American flag the whole time on the big screen on this one. Then Stone In Love is up, the crowd is really pumped up. After SIL, Neal introduced Arnel to the people. Then they went straight to Ask the Lonely. Arnel is more energized and started to move around the stage from one end to the other. He was giving the people high fives. Then Arnel introduce Deen who started belting Keep On Running, this is quite a surprise for me as this was not played in Vegas. Deen is absolutely amazing singing and hitting them skins at the same time flawlessly. Arnel came back on and started to sing After All This Years, the crowd is somewhat tamed on this one but I still hear some who sings along that’s including me.
Then they went on to play "When You Love A Woman." This is quite a treat and the highlight of the night for me as this is one of my old-time favorites. Change For The Better was up and I was really totally dancing and rocking on this one as it was one that I could really relate to. Separate Ways was up and everyone was really up on their feet. Then Faith In The Heartland, I really believe that Arnel put justice to this song with such passion and emotion on the way he belts it. The stage dimmed and Arnel asked the crowd to put out their cell phones and lighters for the next song which is Lights! What a fantastic sight. I can really tell that I am not in the 80's anymore but pushing through the future! When I look all around me and all the way upfront towards the stage...whoaahh...a sight to behold...as if your in a different world with all those cell phone lights and it was just an amazing out of this world sight to behold! When the song ended, Arnel said he was glad to be home in San Francisco! Next song Jon played his Piano Sedgeway intro into Open Arms.
Next is the intro into Don't Stop Believing and again the crowd went wild. I'm talking about young kids, teenagers, the Journey era types, even the old ones which I believed get tagged along by their grand sons and daughters to support Arnel (Pinoys know what I'm talking about here, the Lolo and Lolas who was at the show to see Arnel, Lol), all the while seems almost everybody was singing and dancing! At the end they showed the Journey logo on the big screen with the "r" shaped like a 45 caliber gun that was used in one of the episodes of the Sopranos. Faithfully is up and you can see everyone is hugging and swaying into the music. It was then followed by Wheel In The Sky. You can see Arnel doing his signature "round and round" twirling and circling around and around thing and it was just great.
Then they played Escape next which again drives me ecstatic as again have not heard this live for quite some time. Anyway You Want It was icing on the cake for the night. The J'boys have done it again putting on a fantastic show that is entertainingly unique and one of a kind each and every night this guys hit the stage! They momentarily left as the stage was dimmed until the deafening magnitude of the crowd humming and buzzing asking for the guys to come on back on stage for a final encore!
The guys hurtlingly came back out to re-invigorate the roaring crowds and top off the night with Lovin' Touchin' Squeezin'. Jon playing the harmonica at the intro. Arnel is sounding more energized than when he started the show. He absolutely like the rest of the band gave their all 100+%. After the song Neal gave Arnel a brotherly hug. Then Jon, Val, Dean, Neal & Arnel got together and made their final bow for the crowds who overwhelming showed their appreciation for the band for giving out another unforgettable fantastic live show!
To summarize the event, It was well worth the trip to see one of my all time best bands again after nearly more than 25 years when I last saw them in Oakland Coliseum Stadium at the "Day On The Green" back in July 27, 1980. And to top it off with one of my "Kabayan" (My fellow countryman) who happens to be a Pinoy Rocker like myself is just the "cream de la cream" of a show for me! To Neal, Val, Jon, Dean and now Arnel, you guys made this squeaky guy well oiled again! Will be looking forward for more great music from all of you! Just like my motto in life, "I will be rockin' and a rollin' until I go down under!
Hats off to Journey!
Art "Metalloid" Lloid
PS. Oh before I forget. I went to this concert sounding like Robert Plant...I woke up the next morning sounding more of Wolfman Jack! Lol!
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Journey at LA Greek Theatre 9/30/08 Backstage
This video is just so cool, Ann Wilson with her pooch with a shirt that says
"Dog Food Sucks"
I bet this mutt gets sushis and caviars!
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Prepost of my Shoreline Amphitheater review
Just got back from Shoreline, the best show I've seen at this venue! Last time I was there was with the Allman Bros. Band way back when. Never seen this place as packed as this night. ..was at the lawn, front row dead center. Cheap Trick is great jammed with Jon Cain and Dean did back up vocals. Heart is as usual awesome...did thanks the people for being there inspite of the economy and gas being so high to be able to be on the show! Our J'boys would have blown the roof if there were any...absolutely made the place explode! The highlight of the night "When You Love A Woman" It was indeed another night for my record books.Only complain is the big screen. I think it was dialed too sharp as you can see double lines on Arnels face and the rest of the guys as if when you got your owm TV dialed all the way and it gives the detail a grainy look.I enjoyed my self this time as opposed to Mandalay when someone was shouting over my ears. This time I was the one shouting my heart out!
_________________________Turn Down The World Tonight
http://journeysarnelpinedabiodata.blogspot.com/
http://www.guitaristslair.blogspot.com/
_________________________Turn Down The World Tonight
http://journeysarnelpinedabiodata.blogspot.com/
http://www.guitaristslair.blogspot.com/
Thursday, September 25, 2008
Journey At Shoreline Amphitheater in Mountain View
2 days today 9-27-08, Me and my better half will see Journey again for the 2nd time this year.
I will give a full report as soon as I get back from the show.
I will give a full report as soon as I get back from the show.
Wednesday, August 6, 2008
I was reunited with my 80's band Journey with my fellow countrymen Arnel Pineda as the new frontman!
Live on July 18, 2008 at the Mandalay Bay Arena in Las Vegas, NV. They played lots of Classic Journey and stuff from the new Journey Revelation Cd.
An unforgettable show! One for my lifetime history books. Last time I saw Journey was at Day On The Green in Oakland Coliseum.
We traveled all the way from Santa Barbara, Ca. I took a 4 day off work. As soon as I got home 7/15 Tuesday were off to Vegas. We got there before midnight and had a late dinner at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Day of show 7/18 Friday,
Me and my wife got to Mandalay Bay an hour before the show starts. We saw the line just starting to build up. Outside the gate we were being entertained by this Go-Go Dancers dancing atop a long table and a lady is announcing on a mic that they are giving away free drink or beer who ever signs on to get the casinos players card. A few takers signs on and that made us chuckling and thought it was funny, only the wifey thinks its not funny having them girls dancing baring their you know what.
Someone announced that they will be letting people in in 15 minutes and that we should have our tickets ready on hand. This is my que to get my beer at the bar located at left of the entrance to the venue thinkin that it would be more expensive inside. I got a can of Heineken for $8 dollars (as all beer types are priced the same, I went for the one that would kick in right away).
Then finally as I was drinking my beer in line, they announced that they are letting us in, slowly we were creepin in the entrance which I recall 4-6 lines to check in. Someone wanted me to throw my beer (no cans allowed) so I quickly dranked it and tossed it in the garbage.
As soon as we got in we hit the Memento stand and grab a hold of 2 Journey Shirts 2XXL for $80. They were also selling "Limited Edition Revelation Cd signed by the band members I believed for $50 as I recall." I was tempted to grab one but this thought of I did not met the band to sign for it kept me at bay for doing it. (which wanting me to hit my head against a wall the day after! Lol, thinkin' for $50 bucks it was a steal!, I'll try to get one at Shoreline if its still available)
Anyway, after that went straight to the concession stand to grab 2 Buds in plastic bottles (cool) which I found out only cost $7.50 inside. (Oh well, at least outside I got Heineken which they don't carry inside, the bud stands out from the lite ones.
Now were on our way to our seats which is at the top of the section 112 row F seats 16&17. (Yep, we were up there which is the best available when I looked for ticks from ticketmaster.
1st up Cheap Trick with still half filled venue at 7:00 pm, I saw them last playing our local county fair in Santa Barbara county but I am familiar with the band as I lived the 80's and own a vinyl of their Budokan Live. They played their hits "I Want You To Want Me, I Can't Take It, The Flame, Surrender, Good night among others". They played for 45 minutes and hearing this classics gives me goosebumps, makes me feel I am being transported in time, really.
Before the finale Rick grab a handful of guitar picks and threw it to the crowd below him, did this 3x I recall. I really have to hand out to this guys for still having the original lineup, to Rick, Robin, Tom and Bun (did not have cigarette this time), they stand the test of time in rock. The only cons I got for the bands performance is their sound is kind of muffled? I have no idea if the sound engineers is doing it to them intentionally or its just that I've noticed that Nielsen got his stack of amp speakers occupying the left side of the stage with them open cabinets and I noticed on the right side is this stacked of amps on what appears to be inside this long stretch of cabinet that they could easily push in and pull out at a moments notice which made the sound kind of at bay. The roadies came in to fix the set for Heart which took half hour.
2nd up is Heart, (I have never seen them live but got their Dvd from Washington which they played Rock and Roll by Led Zep)Ann Wilson sounded great not as previously mentioned that her voice is harsh, (maybe she did have a sore throat moving from Utah to Tahoe that played a role from her recent previous performance). Her voice is stunning and just perfectly pitched and awesome. At start their sound is a bit too loud but got much better within the 3rd set and so on. Ann Wilson is a babe with the Acoustic on "These Dreams" (sends chills up and down me spine). Those two rectangular video screens with them rainbow colors atop them is pretty cool! I was hoping for them to play Rock and Roll by the mighty Led Zeppelin but Going to California set me back pretty cool.
Here is their setlist as I recalled:
1. Kick it Out
2. Straight On
3. Magic Man
4. Mistral Wind
5. These Dreams
6. Alone
7. Lay It On Me (by Who? not sure with title)
8. Barracuda
Encore
9. Going To California
10. Crazy On You
They played for a good 1 hour with the encore. Then another break to prepare the stage for our main headliner the Journey boys.
3rd is our boys JOURNEY, They started playing on stage around 9:40pm.
First Neal played with his guitar solo entrance Majestic on a dim lit stage. Then the stage lit up and out came Arnel wearing his Journey signature shirt with the Sargent patch on his left shoulder ready to take command of the show, that which he did! The crowd exploded with the now filled venue and they roared and everyone was on their feet. He opened up with Never Walk Away. Shouting, screaming, clapping, dancing and swaying. Young ones, Teens, Oldies like me relieving their glory days, gramps and grannies, It was all good. The exception is those girls behind us, their yelling were deafening and was ear shattering, with them shouting and screaming at the top of their lungs next right to my ears that rivals Arnels tenor highs. Arnel acknowledged the crowd "Good Evening Las Vegas, How you doin tonight!"
They then moved on to play Only The Young, people were singing and really getting into the groove. At end of song Neal said "How you doin Las Vegas!" Next was Neal's filler Revelation solo. Then on to Stone In Love. (Time to pop my last bottle of beer as I saved this one for our boys as this song brings memories back when we used to cover this song with my band Metalloid back when I was still living in the Bay Area). On to Ask The Lonely, I can't help myself but I was singing my heart out at this time and enjoying myself even more! On to their hit favorite After All These Years, Jon acknowledged quote "We'd like to take a moment to thank these amazing bands Cheap Trick and Heart..." Next up is Separate Ways, then another song from Revelation Change For The Better.
Next song Arnel shouts "PINOYs" then onto Send Her My Love, Arnel introduces the next song about San Francisco "Lights", almost all the crowds are really participating singing on this one! Neal ends the song with the signature sound "And the wind cries Mary... ubboo ubboo ubboooo." Jon plays with the keys...intro to Open Arms, time for the lovers to be close and cherish the moment, enclosed me wifey with me open arms.
Next up Don't Stop Believing, I love the way Arnel kind of twitched that part of the song and take it to a much higher level. This songs ending is the part where they showed that Journey sign where the r is shaped like a 45 revolver gun from the Sopranos. Next song was Wildest Dreams. Then it was Neal and Jon's time to mesmerize us with their mandolin and harmonica duet. Then its on to Wheel In The Sky, Arnel again doing his signature twist and turns, round and round and that helicopter with the mic boom stand.
Be Good To Yourself is up next and quickly transition to Any Way You Want It, the crowd senses that this might be the finale as everybody was up to their feet singing along and bobbing their heads to the tune! Then at the end Neal started to introduce the names of the band members and it the place feels like its gonna blow off the roof from the noise of the crowds!!! The band members one by one left the stage for a much needed breather as the stage went dimmed.
Then at the dead of the darkened stage, Arnel shouts...Are you ready to rock? Are you ready to rock! The crowd responded Yeaahhh!!! then the lights came on, and they opened their encore with "Escape" followed by Faithfully, by close to the end of the song Arnel got the crowd to sing Wooo...wooo...woooo...woooooo...heads swaying...arms swaaayin. Then I believe Jon got his keyboard on delay mode to let the sound just hang in the background and then the group went to take their bow (Arnel I believed said...You want us back Vegas? Thank you...well be back.)then one by one they left, while the crowd kept signing wooo...wooo...woooo...wooooo, the lights from the roof came on and it was our que to get out of dodge city and hit the parking lot.
Amazing outside the arena the people kept eminating the wooo...wooo...woooo sound! This show is really one for my history books that I can't get enough that I have to check them out again at Shoreline in Redwood city, Ca (could not get ticks to Greek in L.A)
Ps. I also would not like to forget Ross for his funny antics all the while at the show which keeps us grinnin and entertained and of course the man at the Skins' Dean, don't you think that I am not praising and honoring you, you are the heartbeat of this band and I know being a guitarist myself, you are responsible for the direction slow or speed, you steer the ship to the right direction! Kudos to Journey and for many more great tunes.
Art Lloid
_________________________
Turn Down The World Tonight
An unforgettable show! One for my lifetime history books. Last time I saw Journey was at Day On The Green in Oakland Coliseum.
We traveled all the way from Santa Barbara, Ca. I took a 4 day off work. As soon as I got home 7/15 Tuesday were off to Vegas. We got there before midnight and had a late dinner at Hard Rock Hotel and Casino.
Day of show 7/18 Friday,
Me and my wife got to Mandalay Bay an hour before the show starts. We saw the line just starting to build up. Outside the gate we were being entertained by this Go-Go Dancers dancing atop a long table and a lady is announcing on a mic that they are giving away free drink or beer who ever signs on to get the casinos players card. A few takers signs on and that made us chuckling and thought it was funny, only the wifey thinks its not funny having them girls dancing baring their you know what.
Someone announced that they will be letting people in in 15 minutes and that we should have our tickets ready on hand. This is my que to get my beer at the bar located at left of the entrance to the venue thinkin that it would be more expensive inside. I got a can of Heineken for $8 dollars (as all beer types are priced the same, I went for the one that would kick in right away).
Then finally as I was drinking my beer in line, they announced that they are letting us in, slowly we were creepin in the entrance which I recall 4-6 lines to check in. Someone wanted me to throw my beer (no cans allowed) so I quickly dranked it and tossed it in the garbage.
As soon as we got in we hit the Memento stand and grab a hold of 2 Journey Shirts 2XXL for $80. They were also selling "Limited Edition Revelation Cd signed by the band members I believed for $50 as I recall." I was tempted to grab one but this thought of I did not met the band to sign for it kept me at bay for doing it. (which wanting me to hit my head against a wall the day after! Lol, thinkin' for $50 bucks it was a steal!, I'll try to get one at Shoreline if its still available)
Anyway, after that went straight to the concession stand to grab 2 Buds in plastic bottles (cool) which I found out only cost $7.50 inside. (Oh well, at least outside I got Heineken which they don't carry inside, the bud stands out from the lite ones.
Now were on our way to our seats which is at the top of the section 112 row F seats 16&17. (Yep, we were up there which is the best available when I looked for ticks from ticketmaster.
1st up Cheap Trick with still half filled venue at 7:00 pm, I saw them last playing our local county fair in Santa Barbara county but I am familiar with the band as I lived the 80's and own a vinyl of their Budokan Live. They played their hits "I Want You To Want Me, I Can't Take It, The Flame, Surrender, Good night among others". They played for 45 minutes and hearing this classics gives me goosebumps, makes me feel I am being transported in time, really.
Before the finale Rick grab a handful of guitar picks and threw it to the crowd below him, did this 3x I recall. I really have to hand out to this guys for still having the original lineup, to Rick, Robin, Tom and Bun (did not have cigarette this time), they stand the test of time in rock. The only cons I got for the bands performance is their sound is kind of muffled? I have no idea if the sound engineers is doing it to them intentionally or its just that I've noticed that Nielsen got his stack of amp speakers occupying the left side of the stage with them open cabinets and I noticed on the right side is this stacked of amps on what appears to be inside this long stretch of cabinet that they could easily push in and pull out at a moments notice which made the sound kind of at bay. The roadies came in to fix the set for Heart which took half hour.
2nd up is Heart, (I have never seen them live but got their Dvd from Washington which they played Rock and Roll by Led Zep)Ann Wilson sounded great not as previously mentioned that her voice is harsh, (maybe she did have a sore throat moving from Utah to Tahoe that played a role from her recent previous performance). Her voice is stunning and just perfectly pitched and awesome. At start their sound is a bit too loud but got much better within the 3rd set and so on. Ann Wilson is a babe with the Acoustic on "These Dreams" (sends chills up and down me spine). Those two rectangular video screens with them rainbow colors atop them is pretty cool! I was hoping for them to play Rock and Roll by the mighty Led Zeppelin but Going to California set me back pretty cool.
Here is their setlist as I recalled:
1. Kick it Out
2. Straight On
3. Magic Man
4. Mistral Wind
5. These Dreams
6. Alone
7. Lay It On Me (by Who? not sure with title)
8. Barracuda
Encore
9. Going To California
10. Crazy On You
They played for a good 1 hour with the encore. Then another break to prepare the stage for our main headliner the Journey boys.
3rd is our boys JOURNEY, They started playing on stage around 9:40pm.
First Neal played with his guitar solo entrance Majestic on a dim lit stage. Then the stage lit up and out came Arnel wearing his Journey signature shirt with the Sargent patch on his left shoulder ready to take command of the show, that which he did! The crowd exploded with the now filled venue and they roared and everyone was on their feet. He opened up with Never Walk Away. Shouting, screaming, clapping, dancing and swaying. Young ones, Teens, Oldies like me relieving their glory days, gramps and grannies, It was all good. The exception is those girls behind us, their yelling were deafening and was ear shattering, with them shouting and screaming at the top of their lungs next right to my ears that rivals Arnels tenor highs. Arnel acknowledged the crowd "Good Evening Las Vegas, How you doin tonight!"
They then moved on to play Only The Young, people were singing and really getting into the groove. At end of song Neal said "How you doin Las Vegas!" Next was Neal's filler Revelation solo. Then on to Stone In Love. (Time to pop my last bottle of beer as I saved this one for our boys as this song brings memories back when we used to cover this song with my band Metalloid back when I was still living in the Bay Area). On to Ask The Lonely, I can't help myself but I was singing my heart out at this time and enjoying myself even more! On to their hit favorite After All These Years, Jon acknowledged quote "We'd like to take a moment to thank these amazing bands Cheap Trick and Heart..." Next up is Separate Ways, then another song from Revelation Change For The Better.
Next song Arnel shouts "PINOYs" then onto Send Her My Love, Arnel introduces the next song about San Francisco "Lights", almost all the crowds are really participating singing on this one! Neal ends the song with the signature sound "And the wind cries Mary... ubboo ubboo ubboooo." Jon plays with the keys...intro to Open Arms, time for the lovers to be close and cherish the moment, enclosed me wifey with me open arms.
Next up Don't Stop Believing, I love the way Arnel kind of twitched that part of the song and take it to a much higher level. This songs ending is the part where they showed that Journey sign where the r is shaped like a 45 revolver gun from the Sopranos. Next song was Wildest Dreams. Then it was Neal and Jon's time to mesmerize us with their mandolin and harmonica duet. Then its on to Wheel In The Sky, Arnel again doing his signature twist and turns, round and round and that helicopter with the mic boom stand.
Be Good To Yourself is up next and quickly transition to Any Way You Want It, the crowd senses that this might be the finale as everybody was up to their feet singing along and bobbing their heads to the tune! Then at the end Neal started to introduce the names of the band members and it the place feels like its gonna blow off the roof from the noise of the crowds!!! The band members one by one left the stage for a much needed breather as the stage went dimmed.
Then at the dead of the darkened stage, Arnel shouts...Are you ready to rock? Are you ready to rock! The crowd responded Yeaahhh!!! then the lights came on, and they opened their encore with "Escape" followed by Faithfully, by close to the end of the song Arnel got the crowd to sing Wooo...wooo...woooo...woooooo...heads swaying...arms swaaayin. Then I believe Jon got his keyboard on delay mode to let the sound just hang in the background and then the group went to take their bow (Arnel I believed said...You want us back Vegas? Thank you...well be back.)then one by one they left, while the crowd kept signing wooo...wooo...woooo...wooooo, the lights from the roof came on and it was our que to get out of dodge city and hit the parking lot.
Amazing outside the arena the people kept eminating the wooo...wooo...woooo sound! This show is really one for my history books that I can't get enough that I have to check them out again at Shoreline in Redwood city, Ca (could not get ticks to Greek in L.A)
Ps. I also would not like to forget Ross for his funny antics all the while at the show which keeps us grinnin and entertained and of course the man at the Skins' Dean, don't you think that I am not praising and honoring you, you are the heartbeat of this band and I know being a guitarist myself, you are responsible for the direction slow or speed, you steer the ship to the right direction! Kudos to Journey and for many more great tunes.
Art Lloid
_________________________
Turn Down The World Tonight
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