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Everything Else

 One Long Month Later…

It has now been a month since we lost the frontman of my favorite American rock band.

When I learned that Tom Petty had gone into cardiac arrest, I was absolutely inconsolable. But I didn’t take it like losing a celebrity. I took it like losing a close friend or a family member. Being a member of the amazing Tom Petty Nation! on Facebook (which he was VERY aware of) helped me really get to know Tom. I originally joined a week before my only concert of his, just to find out what to expect as for merchandise, setlists, etc. Long story short, I decided not to leave. Moving on.

Though I never met him, Tom had a personality unlike any other. A breathtaking, but sometimes questionable, sense of storytelling and songwriting got me through some rough times in my life. His often times twisted sense of humor on his SiriusXM show made me see the best in him and really feel close to him. Though he most likely never knew of my personal existence, (unless he saw a photo of Tiny Tom) he knew that all of us were out there. He just loved his fans with a passion.

I hate to say it, but because of his chain smoking, I knew from the beginning that we would lose Tom in the not too distant future. However, never in a million years did I think that he would pass a week after wrapping up the biggest tour of his career.

Mike, Benmont, Ron, Scott, Steve.. Hard as it is, I really hope you keep your fearless leader’s music alive for the rest of time. While we don’t know for sure what the future holds for The Heartbreakers, nobody is pushing anything right now. I’m still numb from this loss myself. Everybody needs to take their time. Whether your favorite song is Free Fallin’ or Crawling Back To You, whether you’re a fan or a Heartbreaker, we’re all in this together.

– Josh Dezern, 11/2/2017

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Concert Reviews

CONCERT REVIEW: Roger Daltrey kicks off five date tour in Clearwater

Rhythm guitarist and brother of Pete, Simon Townshend

If you’re not crazy for British rock legends The Who, but enjoy them for their hits, this is not really the kind of show that would be up your alley.

Longtime, and current, lead singer Roger Daltrey has done solo tours before, but none quite like this. The A Quick Run While Pete’s Away five date tour was announced back in August, and only features Daltrey with members of The Who’s backing band. Pete Townshend is on a yearlong sabbatical from The Who, as the tour name says, but there was still a Townshend onstage – – his little brother, Simon on guitar.

Around 7:30, a somewhat newcomer to the music world, Grammy nominee Leslie Mendelson, opened with selections from her 5+ year career and her new album, Love & Murder. One of these songs were created with help from the Grateful Dead’s own Bob Weir. Really.

“Roger and I go way back. Well, we actually do.” Mendelson bragged halfway through. She once played Baba O’Riley with The Who during a benefit gig for charity. “I was tossed a harmonica, and I said ‘But I don’t play it.’ And they said ‘Well, you do now.'”

“The New York weather is following me around!” she earlier joked while acting surprised about how Florida’s weather has suddenly become cooler. Following her 35 minute set with guitarist Eric Kimock, a brief intermission occurred, as she made her way near the Ruth Eckerd lobby to where two Daltrey shirts were being sold to sell and sign CD copies of Love and Murder. Fans were immensely impressed at this new talent, but at 8:21, the lights went down for the real deal. The Pinball Wizard and company walked out to Clearwater for the first time in eight years.

Following a few jokes of how forgettable the night may be if he forgot the words, the band ripped into the overture from The Who’s legendary 1969 rock opera, Tommy. Immediately following was their smash hit Pinball Wizard, also off of Tommy.

As the songs kept dropping, they got more and more obscure. 1981’s Another Tricky Day was dedicated to Donald Trump. “Nothing to do with me, but I’m sure he’ll relate to this song.” There were also some songs that were obscure enough to have never been played in front of a live audience, be it Who, Townshend, or Daltrey. Athena off of 1982’s It’s Hard, the second most recent Who studio album, hasn’t been played since the tour to promote that album.

But the biggest surprise was the debut, the literal live debut, of The Who’s 1975 album track, How Many Friends, which has never in written history been performed live by the band. “Way back when we recorded this in 1975, you even wondered, and I doubt many of us can, count on our friends.” Daltrey recalled. “I knew people with…millions of friends.”

Just about every song had the audience give at least a standing ovation, from the doo-wop style Daltrey earworm Days Of Light, to the song to thank us fans for being fans (Without Your Love), to the electrifying Baba O’Riley. The latter had every member of the audience frenetically howling out the words, as you would likely expect – – After all, it was The Who’s biggest 1970s hit. (with the possible exception of Who Are You, which was also performed to a standing crowd.)

Two songs from The Who’s 1971 live album, Live At Leeds were performed. In comparison to other Who tunes, Young Man Blues and Summertime Blues have faded away into obscurity, but you know what? Nobody seemed to care.

The night ended with Roger and keyboardist Loren Gold playing Always Heading Home, a brand new song from a “forthcoming album.” Needless to say, it’s never been played anywhere else before, at any time.

Daltrey is very openly involved in the Teenage Cancer Trust charity, which helps out teenagers with cancer. “At least, before they turn eighteen, and get moved in with old farts like me.” Daltrey pointed out. He went on to praise the Tampa Bay area for having three hospitals working together to fight teenage cancer, including Moffitt.

And just keep that in mind. The next time you buy something related to The Who, be it a ticket, a licensed shirt, or Roger’s album when it releases, there’s a good chance that at least a portion of your sale will go to the trust.

Frankly, they deserve it.

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Everything Else

Why Go To Epcot This Time Of Year?

Ah, Disney. The happiest place on Earth. Where you can take your kids to do nothing but ride rides, see an occasional (VERY occasional) show, and eat a burger and apple slices for $10.
Not this time of year.

Since 1995, Epcot has held the annual Food And Wine Festival, a fall event with kiosks around the world showcase. Each kiosk is labeled by country, and will serve small portions of three or four meals from that country. They also have celebrity chefs, special events, and concerts that you can attend for free.

The Food

A sausage wrapped scotch egg. Yes sir.
A limited time offer “glownut” from the new Light Lab.
A chocolate picante. (spicy chocolate) This is your excuse to come to the festival.

Food being served during this festival are not but limited to innovative and amazing. Some of the meals being served belong to a certain country, while others belong to themed cuisine. Not all of it is necessarily American, but regardless of its nationality, this is not a year to be forgotten.

With Epcot’s brand new Light Lab, which made its debut this year, you can order alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, including vanilla tonic water and cotton candy, all under blue lights. There is also, for a limited time, the Glownut, which is, you guessed it, a donut that glows in the lab.

I think the highlights of this whole festival, however, was the Sausage Wrapped Scotch Eggs, (you heard me) and the Chocolate Picante, which is literally spicy dark chocolate mousse.

The Music

Bassist of Toad The Wet Sprocket Dean Dinning.
Lead guitarist of Toad The Wet Sprocket Todd Nichols, who builds most of his guitars.

Lead singer of Toad The Wet Sprocket Glen Phillips

Epcot has its famed World Showcase with pavilions of various countries worldwide. One of them just so happens to be the United States, which involves a mini amphitheater. Usually, the American Music Machine, which is literally Disney’s edition of Pentatonix, comes out to do a show on the stage. But not always.

Since the 90s, the theater has had 35 minute long free concerts of many big names (to an extent) during their festivals. 9.9 times out of 10, you won’t see any Hall Of Famers, and if you do, they will more times than not, be on an Art Garfunkel level there. However, Little Richard (one of the few Hall of Famers to play), Simple Plan, Howard Jones, and a Monkees reunion featuring Micky Dolenz and the late Davy Jones (who was a regular at Epcot’s Flower and Garden Festival) in 2011 have been on the stage at one point or another. Then there are regulars who have been coming to the festivals since the beginning, such as Herman’s Hermits starring Peter Noone, Dennis DeYoung of Styx, and Big Bad Voodoo Daddy. 

But last year, they added some new acts. One of them was alternative 90s rock band, Toad The Wet Sprocket.

The All I Want performers have been on the road all year, and rocked Clearwater’s Capitol Theatre on Thursday night. “I can’t wait to get outta here so I can go ride Pirates of the Caribbean again, make up some lost time.” frontman Glen Phillips joked during their third set Saturday night.

The group flew right through six or seven hits per set, as their time was limited. But the entire lineup wasn’t present. Randy Guss, their longtime drummer, has been home with a few cracked ribs for awhile. Due to this, Josh Daubin from Beta Play, one of Toad’s many opening acts, is filling in for him this tour.

The third and final set did not involve the “grand fireworks finale” that Phillips promised, but it did feature the recent Architect Of The Ruin, and their hit Walk On The Ocean to cap it off.

Celebrity Chefs


I’ve met Restaurant: Impossible‘s Robert Irvine twice now, thanks to this festival. Nuff said.

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Concert Announcements

Billy Joel coming to Tampa

Source: http://www.tbo.com/events-tampa-bay/billy-joel-takes-requests-from-packed-house-at-amalie-arena-20160122/
Billy Joel on his last stop in Tampa in 2016.

Billy Joel is one of the most prolific, talented, and iconic artists of all time, and there’s nothing that you can do about that. Even though I’m (sadly) biased, in my book, either you love his music, or you’ve never heard it. But in spite of that, Florida is spoiled rotten by his live music. He’s been on the Billy Joel In Concert Tour since early 2014, where the first three stops were arenas and stadiums in Sunrise, Tampa, and Jacksonville, all cities in Florida. Since then, Billy has stopped in Miami‘s American Airlines Center in 2015, Tampa’s Amalie Arena in 2016, and Orlando‘s Amway Center in 2017. Additionally, since December 2014, the Piano Man has rung in the New Year annually in Orlando and Sunrise.

I saw Billy in Tampa in 2016, and of all the class acts I’ve been to, this one could not be topped by anything. Because it was his first show since the deaths of David Bowie and Eagles co-founder Glenn Frey, he played tributes to them both: A snippet of Rebel, Rebel, and then Desperado without his backing band, and Take It Easy during the long pause in The River Of Dreams. But now, after what seems like ten years, he’s coming back, two years later.

Billy Joel will be playing Amalie Arena in Tampa on February 9, 2018 for the third time in 4 years. Tickets go on sale on TicketMaster.com October 27, starting at $49.50. If you’ve never seen Billy, please go. I can assure you that you will have the best night ever. And also bear in mind that Billy reserves the front row seats for the real fans who get the cheap seats. So if you’re a risk taker, (and a hot chick) maybe you can try your luck and buy a nosebleed seat.

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Concert Reviews

CONCERT REVIEW: Jon Anderson’s Yes show no signs of perpetual change in Clearwater

Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman have the ultimate duel.

 

Yes feat. ARW rock Ruth Eckerd Hall on October 11.
Guitarist Trevor Rabin shredding out a solo late in the show.
Keyboardist Rick Wakeman with a keytar at the end of the main set.
Guitarist Trevor Rabin singing and playing one of his many electrics.
Keyboardist Rick Wakeman playing two of his synths at once.
Lead singer Jon Anderson with his acoustic guitar.
Lead singer Jon Anderson.
Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman have the ultimate duel.
Yes feat. ARW bid farewell to Clearwater.

It was only last year – – This past Saturday to be exact – – when prog legends Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, and Rick Wakeman brought Yes music to Clearwater. But this was Yes like you’ve never heard before. Steve Howe and Alan White were not present in any way. It was the three mentioned, along with Louis Molino III on drums, and from Jeff Lynne’s ELO’s backing band, lefty Lee Pomeroy on bass.

In April, rather than new music, the second US leg of their tour was announced, where they wanted to hit some towns they didn’t play last time around. But they must have loved Clearwater’s energy so much, they came back. Oh, and not to mention like, three other dates in Florida. (in order, Melbourne, Clearwater, West Palm Beach, and Miami)

Like last year, the show’s beginning at precisely 8:10 alerted us with a symphonic rendition of the main riff of Perpetual Change. Following the backing members, Rabin in his black t-shirt, and Wakeman in his wizard cape (because why the hell not?) walked out from opposite sides and hugged to the roar of the audience. The four ripped right into 90125‘s Cinema, and the night began.

In the middle of the song, Jon Anderson came fluttering out, completing the lineup. As he hopped onto his platform so he could reach the microphone, the opening riff of Perpetual Change could be heard.

Many changes were made from last year’s setlist to improve, or deteriorate, the fans’ wants. I’ve Seen All Good People replaced with the Fragile album track, South Side Of The Sky, and off their massive 1991 reunion album Union, Lift Me Up replaced with another Rabin-era song, Changes. Really, the only major blow was the removal of The Meeting, an Anderson Bruford Wakeman Howe song, which was replaced with I Am Waiting, off of 1994’s Talk.

But who’s anybody to complain? Anderson bolted out the 12 songs played in two hours, Rabin shredded out a solo running roughly four minutes near the end of Hold On, and Wakeman pounded out an organ solo just as long in the middle of their 20 minute 1977 epic, Awaken. And you can’t forget about the backing members either. Pomeroy got a number of bass solos, some of which could convince you that original Yes bassist, the late Chris Squire was present. Molino smashed out hits with an energy that greatly differed from what original drummer Bill Bruford or current drummer of Steve Howe’s Yes, Alan White had.

But the part of the show that was perhaps most unexpected was the jam session at the end of their main set. Following the end of their smash hit Owner Of A Lonely Heart, all five of the guys began to play solos, change key, and even stop to listen to the backing members. When both guys finished, they received a “thumbs up” of approval from Rabin. Last time around, Rabin and Wakeman simply walked off stage and into the first five or six rows of the audience. But hearing Yes simply jam out, and do a brief cover of Sunshine Of Your Love by supergroup Cream was better for a fan who just came for the music.

Anybody can run up and touch Rick Wakeman’s glittery cape, but not many get to hear Yes cover Cream.

“Some of these songs were written 42, 3 years ago,” Anderson stated following the end of South Side Of The Sky. “That’s before most of you were born!” Most of the fans in the house were either in their 30s and had grown up in the Rabin era, or in their 40s, 50s, even 60s, who got to know Yes during, or perhaps before, Wakeman’s time. There was also not a soul who grew up with Anderson’s replacements, Benoît David or Jon Davison.

The show wrapped up with an encore of Roundabout, which excluded Squire’s bass solo. It had just about everybody in the nearly sold out house on their feet, singing and clapping along to the kings of prog. Will the guys tour together again? It’s very likely – – With new music on the way, a Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame induction earlier this year, and a name change to Yes feat. ARW, (as oppose to simply ARW last year) perhaps this won’t be the end of the road.

And even if it is, there’s always Howe and White.

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Concert Announcements

Clearwater classic rock fans, get ready to have a hole in your wallet

Foreigner rocking the MidFlorida Credit Union Amphitheater on August 2.

 

Brought down about the cancellation of the Scorpions and Megadeth concert on Sunday? Well, here’s some good news. Another hard rock/heavy metal legend will be in the Bay area on his 2018 tour, and he just released a new album a few months ago.

Alice Cooper will give Ruth Eckerd Hall “a paranormal evening” on March 23, 2018. Tickets go on sale Friday at 10am on rutheckerdhall.com, and will start at $48.75. Or, perhaps you’re a big enough fan to pay $743.75 for the “front row insanity package,” which includes a post show meet and greet. Insanity indeed.

But that’s not all.

Only a few days before that, on March 18, Foreigner will also rock Ruth Eckerd with a Rock Symphony Orchestra. Tickets for that go on sale at a currently unknown time and date, as Ruth Eckerd has not officially announced the show yet, but it appeared in their 2017-18 season guide released today. However, when tickets go on sale, prices will start at $53.25. It seems like a lot, but if this show is anything like the breathtaking 40th Anniversary Tour stop in Tampa back in August, it will be worth every penny.

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Concert Announcements

The Moody Blues coming to Clearwater

When it comes to prog rock, it’s been a good year for Florida. We’ve gotten Steve Howe’s version of Yes in February, Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters in July, and next week we will get Yes featuring Anderson, Rabin, & Wakeman. But another prog group released a legendary album that turned 50 this year. They embarked on a tour promoting its birthday, but went no further southeast than Georgia. But they have added another leg.

The Moody Blues, along with “a Rock Symphony Orchestra,” will play the entire Days Of Future Passed album at Ruth Eckerd Hall on January 13. Tickets go on sale this weekend, and start at $68.75. Though The Moody Blues are down to three original members, now’s your chance to see them. After what happened this week in the music world, I think it’s safe to say that we should go to any older musician/band’s concert that comes to town that we love. Who knows? This could be the last time The Blues ever tour.

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Everything Else

Thomas Earl Petty: 1950-2017

To the late Tom Petty.

What can I say? You were one of my first inspirations to love music. You were also one of the best concerts I ever went to only months ago. I am speechless, numb, and gutted beyond words that you have left this world so soon. I wanted to see you at least one more time. But the Great Gig in the Sky now has one of the most legendary musicians of all time.

If only one knew the impact he had on me and millions of others. He was really the first rock and roller I enjoyed growing up. I am so thankful that I got to see him live with Joe Walsh before he passed. I had the time of my life that night. Sure, he was just a celebrity to some of you, but sometimes, a celebrity as Tom can have a massive effect on you as a person. I always knew that we’d lose him eventually, but never so soon.

As if this year wasn’t bad enough, the world is now a sadder and lonelier place, and everyone is going to miss you more than words can describe. Rest in peace.

Thomas Earl Petty: 1950-2017

– Josh Dezern, 10/03/2017

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Everything Else

And so begins the month of the concert…

Toad the Wet Sprocket making their EPCOT debut in October of last year
Grammy nominated singer/songwriter Leslie Mendelson will open for legendary singer of The Who, Roger Daltrey at Ruth Eckerd Hall on October 30

 

It’s October 2. Merry Christmas, y’all.

This is the month that I will be attending three different shows, two of which I have seen in the past. Here are what, where, and when they will be.

10/11: Yes featuring ARW, Ruth Eckerd Hall

10/21 or 10/22: Toad the Wet Sprocket, EPCOT

10/30: Roger Daltrey with Leslie Mendelson, Ruth Eckerd Hall

This month will involve part of two of my top 10s, along with a free show at Disney’s Food And Wine Festival that I may get to attend more than once.

I hope to see you there.

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Concert Announcements

Mike Love’s Beach Boys coming to Clearwater for the fourth time within four years

When someone asks me who my favorite composer of all time is, I usually say Brian Wilson – – the genius behind Pet Sounds, and the founding bassist of The Beach Boys, quite possibly America’s most beloved band. In spite of two dates at St. Pete’s Mahaffey Theater, Wilson (who now tours with original guitarist Al Jardine and frequent collaborator Blondie Chaplin) hasn’t been to Clearwater since his 2013 tour with Jeff Beck. But his cousin, original lead singer Mike Love, along with Bruce Johnston and the new incarnation of The Beach Boys, stop here consistently. And now, they’re back.

The Beach Boys will play Ruth Eckerd Hall on February 13, 2018, for the first time in fourteen months. Their last Clearwater shows were in December and February 2016, followed by January 2015. Tickets go on sale on rutheckerdhall.com this Friday at noon, and will range from $45-$75.