“Get on board, This train ain’t gonna stop/Where I’m going? I don’t know/Punch your ticket, it’s time to go”.

Smashing Pumpkins front man Billy Corrigan crooned  at Live 105′s Not So Silent Night. 11,000+ packed the ‘shark tank’ or better known by its demon name The HP Pavilion, in San Jose for an eclectic  lineup featuring The Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance, Broken Bells, The Black Keys, Phoenix, and Finish Ticket providing main support

Opening the nights festivities to a modest but devoted crowd was local band winner Finish Ticket. Young dance, pop band who are defiantly someone you want to check out it you are into that scene. Check out the Live 105 10 Questions with FINISH TICKET which should get you up to speed.

Broken Bells is the latest Danger Mouse collaboration project with James Mercer of The Shins doing the vocals/guitarsBurton plays organ, drums, piano, synths and bass. Check out Live105′s No Name talk with Broken Bells about about Nintendo, being nominated for a Grammy and their plans for 2011.
Watch the interview here >

The Black Keys were up next. A two man southern blues-rock band that are know for their intense live performances and they defiantly lived up to their reputations. They ripped through new cuts “Tighten Up” and “She’s Long Gone” (Brothers 2010) with an added keyboard and bass player before reverting back to a two piece drum/guitar to close out with blistering performances of “Your Touch” and “I Got Mine”.
Watch the interview here >

French alternative band Phoenix were up next. These guys made full use of the multi- level lighting rig as they began rampaging through their set with an intensity that seemed more appropriate for faster musical style. The sounded tight musically and the crowd sung along to the closer “1901″. I really thought drummer BLANK was trying to beat his fist through his snare as he pounded every note into unconsciousness.
Watch the interview here >

“What you are about to see go down on this stage is gonna blow your ass away”, the darkened stage lights up to reveal an American flag backdrop with a large spider across the surface. My Chemical Romance returns to the stage supporting their new release “Danger Days: The True Lives of the Fabulous Killjoys”. To be fair they played for less than an hour so this was more like a preview of their return but catch them on the ‘World Domination Tour’ which will return to the Bay Area on March 3, 2010 at the Fox theater in Oakland or click here for tour dates in your area

Gerard Ward declares, “We just made a video for this song in which we all die. This song is called Sing.” The new cuts were ok,  pop and dance then glam rock  but it was Gerard’s bright red hair that was off-putting .  From row 22 of the lower lever he kinda looked like the cartoon ball that bonces over the lyrics as you sing along. That kept me through songs like “Sing” and “Na Na Na”. Gone is emo rock opera uniforms and stage show of the Black Parade but that didn’t seem to bother the now packed arena as they cordially rocked along to the new tracks. The place explode as soon as the played the first notes of Teenagers and The Black Parade as the entire crowd lite up and sung every word almost threatening to overtake the PA but since the volume was cranked well above 11 most of the night, they didn’t have a chance.

My Chemical Romance Setlist:  Look Alive Sunshine / “Na Na Na” / Thank You For The Venom / Planetary (GO!) / I’m Not Okay (I Promise) / Sing / Teenager’s / The Black Parade / Helena / Cancer
Watch the interview here >

The Smashing Pumpkins were the nights headliners. Opening with the set with “The Fellowship”, the forth track off their 44-song project “Teargarden by Kaleidyscope”. The driving beat with a swirling synth and an instantly catch chorus “Are you with us or against us?/Are you with us or against us tonight?” was the surprise of the night. One of two new tracks, Freaks being the other, which can stand up with their hits any night. Of course a few of the classics were dusted off during their 50 minute set including “Today”, “Bullet with Butterfly Wings”, and an acoustic version of “Landslide” all of which had the crowd singling loud and proud.

Smashing Pumpkins Setlist: The Fellowship / Today / Ava Adore / Eye / Tarantula o / Drown / Freak / Landslide (Fleetwood Mac cover) / Stand Inside Your Love / Tonight, Tonight
Watch the interview here >

We thought we would take a walk down memory late for an update of NSSN by year:

98 Rancid Hole offspring Garbage Cake Everlast
1999 Bush 311 Foo Fighters Filter Blink-182
2000 Weezer Green Day Deftones AFI
2001 Linkin Park System of a Down. Sum 44. Puddle of MudD. AFI. P.O.D. Alien Ant Farm
2003 Outcasts Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Rancid The Offspring Jane’s Addiction, Iggy Pop.
2004 Modest Mouse Franz FerdinandThe Killers Interpol Muse Taking Back Sunday
2005 The White Stripes Death Cab for CutieHot Hot HeatCoheed & Cambria,
2006 The Killers, Modest Mouse, The Racauteers, the Shins, Silversten pickups
2007 Modest Mouse, Jimmy Eat World, Angels and Airwaves, Spoon & Paramore
2008 The Killers, Death Cab For Cutie, Bloc Party, Franz Ferdinand
2009 Muse, AFI, 30 seconds to Mars, Vampire Weekend, Metric
2010 Smashing Pumpkins, My Chemical Romance, Pheonix, The Black Keys, Broken Bells

Join ‘The New Growth in Music’ – Now available in the iTunes Store!
www.StubbleMusicZine.com

]]> http://stubblemusiczine.com/2010/12/13/live-105-nssn-2010/feed/ 0 http://stubblemusiczine.com/2010/11/27/ted-nugent-review/ http://stubblemusiczine.com/2010/11/27/ted-nugent-review/#comments Sat, 27 Nov 2010 23:22:07 +0000 Jeff http://stubblemusiczine.com/?p=5831

Ted Nugent w/Val Halla
8/19/10 @ The Catalyst
Santa Cruz, CA
By Jeff Longo
and Josh Kutras
__________________________________________________________________________________
“I always felt you mother-fuckers deserved me. Say, thank you Uncle Ted!

The faithful began lining up at the venue early. The line of fans was wrapped around the corner as they anxiously waited for the doors (bar) to open. Inside the stage was flanked by an anti-artillery machine gun,a 4ft grenade, some buffalo skulls with red glowing eyes, a metallic compound bow, and the largest American flag north of Tijuana. The lights dimmed and the show began with a ‘shock and awe’ cover of Star Spangled Banner. Here we go.

Pure American attitude screamed out of his signature Stars and Stripes Gibson Les Paul special as the place erupted. Age has clearly not had any affect what so ever on Uncle Ted. Long gone is the loin cloth wearing madman but that’s about it. Wielding his six string like a .50 caliber machine gun Ted stalked the stage like he was twenty, unleashing a full battery of classics right from the get go: ‘Stormtroopin’, ‘Wango Tango’, and ‘Free for All’.

“Wild” Mick Brown, founding member of Dokken, pounded on drums, matching the aggression and pace note for note, as well as journeyman Greg Smith of Alice Cooper, Rainbow, Alan Parsons, Blue Oyster Cult, on bass. The trio were flawless throughout the two-hour set as they hammered their way through Terrible Ted’s catalog of hits leading up to crowd favorites Cat Scratch Fever, Stranglehold, and Great White Buffalo.

In the first forty five minutes, Uncle Ted had only blasted through about four or five songs. This was mostly due to long interludes in the middle of every song where the Nuge makes outrageous claims and statements that were hilarious. Here are a few of our favorites:

“American soul music baby. Soul music. I’m a black mother-fucker, that’s what I am!”

“You can’t do this in Mexico! You can’t do this in Canada! You certainly can’t do this in San Francisco!”

“You got a great fucking state here. Too bad everyone in charge is a brain-dead soulless piece of shit cocksucker. Too bad.”

“Today I am sixty-two years clean and sober!” The crowd unanimously roared their approval. Saluteing with drinks held high.

“I always felt you mother fuckers deserved me. Say Thank you Uncle Ted.”

The reply was instant, deafening, and very slurred

“Thank you Uncle Ted!”

www.valhallaonline.com
www.tednugent.com
www.catalystclub.com

Written by: Jeff Longo and
Josh Kutras
Edited by: Jeff Longo
All Photos © 2010 Jeff Longo all rights reserved stubblemusiczine.com

Celebrating 20 years of touring, 311 brought their Fall 2010 tour to the House of Blues on Atlantic City’s boardwalk for a night full of positive energy and eclectic music. Placed somewhere in the broad spectrum of the ‘alternative rock‘ genre, 311 has been described as a fusion of rock, reggae, rap/hip-hop, funk, and jazz, with a continuously evolving sound. Their 2010 tour follows last year’s release of Uplifter (2009 Volcano) their ninth  studio album with number ten expected summer 2011.

Known for their live shows, 311 literally rocked the ‘House’ last night at the House of Blues to a packed audience at the two-floor, 2,300-capacity Music Hall. I saw 311 for the first time in 1999, at a small venue on South Street in Philly, and hardly ever miss them when they come around my way. Nineteen shows and 11 years later, they still rock just as hard! This show was unexpectedly reminiscent of my first time seeing 311, and faithful fans appreciate their line-up of intimate venues for the Fall tour.

Opening was The Movement, a Rock/Reggae/Hip-Hop fusion quartet out of Philadelphia, PA. A perfect choice to open for 311, The Movement readied the crowd with high energy and positive vibes, and drummer Gary Jackson played on a unique Rasta-style drum set. The band played a short set including tracks off their second and debut albums, Set Sail (2008) and On Your Feet (2004).

As the crowd chanted the now infamous “3-11-3-3-11”, the guys took the stage and opened with “Sick Tight”, a track off their 2001 album, From Chaos. Bassist P-nut showed off a bass guitar rocking green LED inlays, as he laid down the opening bass line of Sick Tight. Their 23-song set list kept the people bouncing with crowd favorites of 311 days of old and new, and extraordinary solos by drummer Chad Sexton, bassist P-nut, and the ever-evolving group drum jam during Applied Science. This time around, the guys added some tricks, showing off with a flawless cross-stage stick toss, mid-jam! “All Mixed Up“, a track off their 1995 breakthrough self-titled album, included a hazy, dream-like breakdown known as “All Re-Mixed Up” to the die-hards. Following was one of my favorite tunes, “Nix Hex”, a tasty jam full of jazzy licks by lead guitarist, Tim Mahoney. The floor of the balcony shook like an earthquake as fans jumped to the beat during “Freeze Time” and “Creatures“, as SA Martinez kept the crowd dancing with his slinky moves, funky rhymes, and DJ skills.

311 came through with a 3-song encore to finish the show. Lead singer and rhythm guitarist Nick Hexum dedicated “Down” to the old school fans, and the band closed with “Fuck the Bullshit“, a secret song off their debut album, Music. Nick bid farewell to the crowd as he proclaimed a long-time 311 motto, “Stay positive and love your life.”

*311 SET LIST*
1. Sick Tight
2. Freak Out
3. Prisoner
4. Plain
5. Beautiful Disaster
6. Wake Your Mind Up
7. Mix It Up
8. Lucky
9. Uncalm
10. Applied Science (with drum solo and group drum jam)
11. Purpose
12. Eons
13. All Mixed Up
14. Nix Hex
15. Freeze Time
16. Sun Come Through
BASS SOLO
17. What Was I Thinking
18. Amber
19. Jackpot
20. Creatures
Encore:
21. Livin’ & Rockin’
22. Down
23. Fuck the Bullshit

On 3/3/11, 311 will host a four night Caribbean cruise from Miami to Turks & Caicos for their biennial 311 Day Celebration with a ship full of 311 fans! The event is sold out, but a waiting list is available for cabins that may become available. For more information about the 311 Caribbean Cruise, visit http://www.311cruise.com, and to join the waiting list, visit http://www.sixthman.com/booking.

Also Check out:

880South
Established in 1998 as the funk-driven Floppy Rods, former members rejoined and exploded on the Bay Area alternative dub rock scene in the form of 880 South.  They’ve released two albums, 2005′s  “Beware” and more recently 2009′s  “Youth Bus Sessions” both on Dub Rock Records. This is good times Reggae Rock. Dub Rock. Reggae Soul and Rock N’ Roll. If Marvin Gaye’s ice cream melted on Bob Marley’s cone and dripped down Steely Dan’s hand that was holding a Sublime CD. 880 Floppy Rods are mentioned in The Expendables song “One Night Stand” (‘Come into my bed as we quickly undress/The Floppy Rods are bumping on my stereo‘)

WHOGAS
Reggae on the Rocks with a twist of funk.  This powerhouse trio is based out of Oakland, CA. recently won first place in northern California ‘s Battle Of The Bands, hosted by Emergenza Music Festival at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco. After winning in Northern CA, WHOGAS went on to perform at Hollywood ‘s famed Key Club. .  Following their highly anticipated debut album in February 2009 look for a new release in 2011 until then check out thier new single “Pick Me Up” available for as a Free download click here.

The HoldUp
The Holdup creates a new style by blending multi genre influenced production into each song. From Hip Hop, Reggae, Dub, Soul, Pop and Rock, you find each song different from the next with its own unique sound. In March 2009 the long awaited album “Stay Gold” was finally released on Dub Rock Records, and debuted at an impressive number 34 on the Top 100 Reggae Albums on iTunes.  “Good Times” the Single off the “Stay Gold” album has seen been on rotation on multiple college radio stations. In 2010 the HoldUp released  “Confidence” check it out.

Photos & Review by Alicia Longo
Edited by Jeff Longo

Sleep
9/12/10 @ Regency Ballroom
San Francisco, California
Written by  Josh Kutras
Photos by Raymond Ahner
Edited by Jeff Longo
___________________________________________________________________________

In 1993 Pearl Jam ruled the airwaves with their number 1 album VS, people were going to the movies to see Carlito’s Way in their flannels and torn jeans; and a Black Sabbath inspired trio out of San Jose CA called Sleep would forever change the face of heavy music with their ground-breaking release Holy Mountain. A sludge drenched, skull crushing, masterpiece of Toni Iommi riff worship played at quarter speed, that would ultimately go on to inspire it’s own worship (see Stoner Metal)

Seventeen years later guitarist Matt Pike, and bass player/vocalist Al Cisneros reunited for a ten day tour of the US performing Holy Mountain (Earache 1993) in its entirety.  Joining them will be Neurosis drummer Jason Roeder filling in for Chris Hakius. Stubble was there to witness and ultimately document this prestigious event on the first of two sold out shows at the Regency Ballroom in San Francisco CA.

Setlist-9/12/10
1. Dopesmoker Intro
2. Holy Mountain
3. Evil Gypsy / Solomon’s Theme
4. Dragonaut
5. Aquarian
6. Inside the sun
7. From Beyond
8. The Druid
Encore:
9. Over The Mountain (Ozzy Osbourne cover)

We arrived at the Regency Ballroom late missing the opener Thrones, because some stupid bitch of a twenty something girl was busy texting and riding in my blind spot making me miss my exit. There was a line from the front of the venue that stretched around the block and down the hills of SF, filled with the metal faithful drinking tall cans from paper bags and passing joints to and fro. When we got inside the theater it was packed, floor and balcony alike, a thick cloud of marijuana smoke hung loftily in the air above the crowd like a warning for an approaching storm of feedback laden doom. Behind the drum riser was a giant screen sporting a picture of the great Tony Iommi in a frilly outfit with his signature Gibson SG, the lights went down, the crowd went wild and out walked the architects of the modern stoner rock sound.

The trio walked to each of their spots on the stage sans instruments, and sticks and stood stoically staring into the crowd for what seemed like 5 minutes, the crowd alternated between cheering and standing quietly in anticipation. Then the marijuananaut, a man in astronaut gear and presumably very high, walked out and handed each member their given instruments, and then they began to tune up. This was classic Sleep, a band that was in no rush to get where they’re going, stoned into oblivion and running at their own pace. Matt Pike all tuned up and plugged in struck the opening chord of Jerusalem/Dopesmoker, a sound so fucking loud I began looking around at the structure of the Regency to see if I could spot any cracks, I mean I’ve seen Motorhead and thought they were the loudest but I do believe Matt Pike has them beat by leaps and bounds.

The hessian warriors belted out the first 10 or 15 minutes of Jerusalem/Dopesmoker with footage of the moon landing and close ups of buds playing behind them, hence bringing a visual to the idea that they were exploring space and time through doom and marijuana. When Jerusalem/Dopesmoker ended the crowd was going fucking apeshit and the cloud of pot smoke dawdling in the rafters had grown much larger, and much, much thicker.

The sheer volume of the band playing together was amazing and physically exhausting. It was much like exercising your ass off and feeling good yet a little spent; but this wasn’t over by a long shot, the night was young. The stoned messiahs then ripped into their seminal recording Holy Mountain, and holy shit! Breaking out Dragonaut, Some Grass, Evil Gypsy-Solomon’s theme, The Druid and more; the band was pussy tight (to quote the great Pantera) and the sound for as loud as it was, wasn’t muddy at all each instrument was clear, and fucking loud did I mention that? During the song Inside the Sun, the band took two pauses in the middle to let their instruments feedback, the first time for a minute or two and the second time for what I’m guessing is pretty close to five minutes, did they do that on purpose or were they just really high? Yes to both, it’s fucking stoner rock for Christ sake!

The show was amazing, I don’t know what else to say, except for oh yeah, for an encore they busted out Ozzy’s Over the mountain at about quarter to eighth speed, awesome. One of the best shows ever from one of the best bands ever, a lot of bands and artists these days claim underground and DIY while wearing their free converse, and doing interviews with Carson Daly; but Sleep is the real thing. A band that began their own movement, bucking all the trends, and gaining notoriety through word of mouth, touring and just kicking ass, true independents, trail and bowl blazers indeed. Days before I had seen Slayer/Megadeth perform both Seasons in the Abyss, and Rust in Peace in their entirety, and now the same for Holy Mountain, though this was more special as Sleep are not a functioning band year round, it was like Christmas for fans of heavy music and each gift opened was a new bike and a bb gun, or perhaps a jar of weed and bong would have been more appropriate for this occasion.

http://www.myspace.com/rifffilledland
http://www.myspace.com/variationsontheme
http://www.neurosis.com/
http://www.earacherecords.com/

Written by Josh Kutras
Photos by Raymond Ahner
Edited by Jeff Longo

Missing Link Festival
Mastodon, High on Fire, Valient Thorr, Baroness,
Black Cobra, Bison BC, Between the Buried and Me
5/8/10 @ Fox theater
Oakland, California
By Jeff Longo, Josh Kutras
& Alex Guzman
___________________________________________________________________________

The mighty Mastodon made another run thorough the Bay Area during their North American spring tour in support of their latest masterpiece ”Crack The Skye” (2009 Reprise Records). This time around they brought with them a diverse group of supporting acts including special guests Between the Buried and Me, Baroness and Valient Thorr. As if that lineup wasn’t already brilliant enough the metal gods shined their light on Oakland California on this particular evening to create the first annual Missing Link Festival, by adding underground metal legends High on Fire along with Black Cobra and Bison B.C . The two tribes collided and launched a sonic assault on the Bay Area.

The day was brutal starting with a trampling from Vancouver B.C. natives Bison B.C. Power duo Black Cobra shook the rafters of the Fox Theater with their rawkus set featuring songs from their new album ‘Chronomega (2009 Southern Lord) And the enigmatic Valient Thorr, never ones to disappoint, set the bar for the remaining acts with a dirty beer drenched set of crusty AC/DC inspired rock.

Valient Thorr Setlist
1. Disappeared
2. Tomorrow Police
3. Mask of Sanity

High on Fire threatened to bring the building down on the home crowd as they powered through some of their best material to date.  They unloaded on the crowd with cuts from the critically acclaimed ‘Snakes for the Divine’ (2010 Relapse). Stand out tracks were the 8 minute epics ‘How Dark We Pray’ and ‘Snakes for the Divine‘.

High on Fire Setlist
1. Frost Hammer
2. Devilution
3. How Dark We
4. Hung, Drawn and Quartered
5. Rumors of War
6. Fire, Flood & Plague
7. Snakes For The Divine

Baroness took the stage basked in a blue light, in keeping with the theme of their latest outing ‘The Blue Album’ (2009 Relapse Records) They ripped through a set of new and old, as the crowd sang along with every track. We at Stubble wish we could tell you how Between the Buried and Me were, however we were downing cold ones and watching the Sharks dispatch the Detroit Red Wings in the playoffs at the bar, sorry to all the BTBM fans. We have seen them before and they are amazing as I’m sure they were on this day as well.

Baroness Setlist
1. Isak
2. The Birthing
3. The Sweetest Curse

Mastodon took the stage as the crowd roared its approval for their crusty heroes. The headliners grabbed their instruments and struck the first notes of ‘Oblivion’ the opening track on their latest release, ‘Crack the Skye’ (2009 Reprise). They ran through their seven song opus with grace and ease. The acoustics in the Fox Theater are excellent and mixed to perfection with clean vocals, sharp guitars and thunderous drums. As the band wrapped up the final song ‘The Last Baron’ and began exiting the stage to ominous keys and a stunning set of visuals on the screen, singer/guitarist Brent Hinds picked up his microphone, slammed it down on stage and stormed off.

The filled to capacity venue cheered loudly and chanted for the foursome to return for an encore. They returned to the stage minus Brent Hinds, and picked up their instruments one more time. Singer/bassist Troy Sanders wholeheartedly thanked the crowd for their devotion to the band and for coming out for such a big event and staying to the bitter end. He asked the crowd if they wanted one more, and began playing ‘Blood and Thunder’ (2004 Leviathan) as a three piece.

Brent Hinds could be seen on the side of the stage halfway into the song with his guitar showing a young lady how to play the song, it was odd. They finished the song and made their way off stage to a huge round of cheers and drunken shouting. The lights came up and the show was over, only one song for the encore was definitely kind of weird, but their hour plus set was amazing so it wasn’t such a big deal. The show was scheduled to end at 11:30, so the plan from the outset had been to end with a three-song encore, but the crowd did not seem to notice much. Aside from that little hiccup it was an amazing day of underground music, all culminating with headliners Mastodon, who are not afraid to venture out into different territory and give the crowd a bang for their buck. If they are coming to your town go see them, if they aren’t buy all of their records you can; this band deserves your support.

Mastodon Setlist
“Crack the Skye” in its entirety
1. Oblivion
2. Divinations
3. Quintessence
4. The Czar
5. Ghost Of Karelia
6. Crack The Skye
7. The Last Baron
Encore
8. Blood and Thunder
9. Crystal Skull (NOT PLAYED)
10. Crusher Destroyer (NOT PLAYED)

Check out:
http://www.warnerbrosrecords.com/
http://www.blackdiamondskye.com/
http://www.mastodonrocks.com
http://highonfire.net/
http://valientthorr.com
http://www.myspace.com/yourbaroness
http://www.victoryrecords.com/betweentheburiedandme
http://www.southernlord.com/

Review by: Jeff Longo, &  Josh Kutras

All Photos © 2010 Jeff Longo and Alex Guzman StubbleMusicZine.com all rights reserved

‘Stubble Radio’ – Now available in the iTunes Store!

WASP
3/24/2010 @ the Avalon Nightclub
Santa Clara, California
by Jeff Longo
& Josh Kutras

Set List
1. Mephisto Waltz (intro)
2. On Your Knees / The Real Me (The Who cover)
3. L.O.V.E. Machine
4. Babylons Burning
5. Wild Child
6. Hellion/I Don’t Need No Doctor/Scream Until You Like It/I Don’t Need No Doctor
7. Arena Of Pleasure
8. The Idol
9. I Wanna Be Somebody
Encore:
10. Heaven’s Hung in Black
11. Blind In Texas

I got down to the Avalon in Santa Clara CA to see eighties metal band W.A.S.P. with middle of the road expectations. I must admit I’m not a huge WASP fan, not saying that I dislike them; just saying I only know a few songs from back when. Furthermore, a band like W.A.S.P. you have to see live anyway to fully appreciate; so middle of the road but… hopeful.

I arrived too late to catch local openers Bomb and Scary, but from what I heard from a couple of people at the bar they were very entertaining. We waited a good 45 minutes after supporting act Mystic Rage’s set was cut short before Mr. Lawless and company took the stage. The packed house went nuts as they opened with a medley of On Your Knees & a cover of the Who classic: The Real Me. So far so good. Next up 1984′s L.O.V.E. Machine and a new song Babylon’s Burning (2009 Babylon), it was very apocalyptic but rocked. The Avalon was at full tilt as fan favorites; Wild Child, I Wanna Be Somebody, I Don’t Need No Doctor, and Blind in Texas were sung loud and proud by the faithful.

Although known for their stage shows this was a stripped down set with no theatrics is sight. The new band was tight (Blackie is the only remaining original member), and the crowd was into to it but; they didn’t play Animal (Fuck like a beast). Huh? When you think of WASP that is the song that you think of right? Commercially, they were on the fringe of the L.A. hair metal scene that mainstreamed  Motley Crue, Quiet Riot, and Ratt, and in comparison only stepped into the spotlight for brief moments.   Not surprising since they personified (and embraced) more the sleaze side of metal therefore limiting broad appeal.   Those brief moments were hits like like Animal and The Who cover Real  Me.

I did a little research after the show and found a very interesting interview conducted by Norway’s FVN.no posted on Blabbermouth.com (in english) on October 2009 that may surprise you (I know I was).  In a nutshell, Blackie  refuses to play that song and has dropped the theatrics that made W.A.S.P. who they are due to …his religious faith.  Below are some excerpts (For full interview click Blabbermouth link)

On not playing Animal:

Blackie: “We haven’t done that song for several years. And it’s totally because of my religious faith, and it’s something that I don’t want to do anymore, and I will never play that song again. …So I’m looking at what I’m doing and I’m trying to create the best example that I can. I don’t want 13-year-olds going around singing that song. If that’s something they wanna do later in their life, that’s their business. But, like I said, it’s a question of faith and the religious conviction that I have.”

On things he may not be proud of doing in the past:

“Blackie: “You have to understand that I believe that I’ve been put here on this Earth to do a very specific thing. This album, ‘Babylon’, that we’re doing now really talks about what’s going on with the Book Of Revelation and the bible.
“Someone asked me the other day. They said, ‘Are you a rock and roll preacher now?’ I said, ‘No. But I am a messenger.’ And that’s what my job is. So everything I did up to this point has led me to where I am now.”

On playing a basic show these days:

Blackie: “What you’re saying is: Are you doing the blood anymore? No, I’m not doing it. I don’t need that anymore…the image of that early show spoke so loudly, people were listening with their eyes and not their ears. We did what we thought was abstract art and we were trying to make social comment within that, and no one was getting the social comment; they thought, ‘Oh, it’s a shock-rock band.’ We’ve never considered ourselves a shock-rock band, and to be honest, even to this day, I resent that; I don’t like being considered that. But I understand that the eyes are the dominant sense, and so if you’re going to try and get your message across, sometimes you have to simplify it to be able to do that.”

Huh? Are you kidding me?  Not that there is anything wrong with that but this is W.A.S.P. These guys  achieved fame being a booze, drug, and sex soaked decadent pseudo-evil hair rocker band, if you’re going to take a stand on a song then do it for all songs that fit the bill not just the one with the word fuck in it.   Listen everyone is entitled to change and revelation, but maybe he should start a new project not under the WASP banner.   Maybe Blackie Lawless (of W.A.S.P.)  and the Divine shredders.

Overall – It was still a GOOD show. Dont get me wrong they rocked the songs they did they play but in the end, it lacked a little bit of the original spirit of WASP (OK, a lot of it) . If you are a fan, I would definitely recommend you check them out. The Avalon is a great place to see a show. Prices reasonable, security and staff are approachable and keep a pretty clean house so no bullshit. Expect a thorough pat down upon entry:) Sound was awesome and perfectly mixed throughout the room. Lights are strong and bright but lacked  variety.

WASP Nation – For news, tour dates, album info, and merch

Avalon Night Club – For a calendar of upcoming events

Review by: Jeff Longo & Josh Kutras

Email the authors Jeff Longo or Josh Kutras

Josh Fischel
326/10 @ DiPiazza’s
Long Beach, California
By Jeff Longo

__________________________________________________________________________________
Josh Fischel is probably best know for his years fronting eclectic Long Beach dub/rock/funk band Bargain Music.   Since going on hiatus in 2007 you can find Josh performing the occasional acoustic show and collaborating with some of the biggest acts in the genre like  the Expendables, Pepper, and Slightly Stoopid.   Stubble was able to catch up with Josh at the infamous DiPiazza’s in Long Beach and we put together a couple of videos clips we shot at the show.    Find more on Stubble TV. Enjoy.

Set List
Racking Leaves on a Blacktop
Dear Abbey
Tim the Dinosaur
Ween medley
Hallelujah
Cant Stop Thinking About You
Two Then There’s One
Cripple Creek
Prince cover?
Black Eye
and a few I missed I am sure

Check out Josh atmyspace.com/joshfischel and Bargain Music at myspace.com/bargainmusic

By Jeff Longo

Furthur – Phil Lesh & Bob Weir

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I’m back in Asbury Park, NJ to see Phil Lesh & Bob Weirs’ latest venture Furthur at the town’s 3500 seat Convention Hall. Performing with Ratdog members Jay Lane on percussion & Jeff Chimenti on keys, Joe Russo of the Benevento/Russo Duo on drums, and John Kadlecik a founding member of the Grateful Dead tribute band Dark Star Orchestra on lead guitar. John who played the Garcia role in DSO handed in his resignation to join Lesh & Weir in Furthur.

Asbury Park’s Convention Hall is an aging box with lots of character. Dilapidated, in most places it would be in the wrecking balls sights. The announcement prior to the show that the fire marshal warns it was a non-smoking venue met with groans followed by letting us know that in case of emergency the exits around the perimeter would be clearly lit. I felt like I was taking off on a twin prop from a third world country.

With it being Phil’s night to pick the setlist Furthur opened with “Box of Rain” a song Phil wrote while his father was dying. On a very wet evening the guys showed they were well rehearsed, ready, and ripening to the challenge of meeting some high expectations.

“I Need A Miracle” was lively, Bob’s vocals sounded as good as I’ve heard him this decade. However, what goes on in the beginning of these shows’s with Bob and his equip/sound? I’ve noticed his setup isn’t always quite right or something keeps him fiddling about the first few songs of each show I’ve seen recently.

I was thrilled to hear the beginnings of Wang Dang Doodle, I figured they extend this Willie Dixon tune somewhere along the way. Maybe it was a sound problem or something but it seemed this song came to an abrupt end (did the sound quit?) with Phil trying to keep it all together leaning over playing a repetitive riff.

Which led into They Love Each Other, a favorite of mine, I had to close my eyes and listen – almost could hear Jerry’s voice channeling through JK – but not quite, Jerry had a quality that need not be replicated , however John sounded great . I leaned over to my quality bud Marlin and said I felt a Sugaree coming on this evening.

The band then rocked a “Beat it on Down the Line”, Bob’ vocals sounded great – came back with a “Candyman”, an inspired Estimated Prophet and my ringtone Cumberland Blues to close the set. These last two had all members kickin’ it. It was fun to see Phil & Bob enjoying themselves the sound problems seem to have been worked out and we were primed for what would turn out to be one of the best sets of music to come.

SET ONE:
Box Of Rain,
I Need a Miracle,
Wang Dang Doodle,
They Love Each Other,
Beat It On Down The Line,
Candyman,
Estimated Prophet,
Cumberland Blues

“Half–time in giant country” – Steal your face t-shirts with NY Giant logos abound and this Eagle fan had the pleasure announcing that the E-A-G-L-E-S were winning. It was about a 50 min set break which gave all plenty of time to refuel for the second set.

Lost Sailor opened the second set, not a favorite tune of mine but on this evening I bought it (one of the best versions I’ve ever heard live) A well received Saint followed.

Phil powered thru Mason’s Children laying down some amazing lead bass as he can do so well. As the beginning notes of Sugaree played the question was who will sing it? Bob took the spotlight and for me this was the only disappointment of the eve. We all want to see how John’s contribution on guitar will develop, but also what he can bring vocally is equally important.

As soon as it ended I bolted for the restroom and made it back before the first verse of a monumental Terrapin. Jay Lane and Joe Russo drove the train out of the station with thunderous engines powering a 26min version that solidified this line-up for me. Help is on the Way, a funkified Slipknot, and a rollicking’ Franklin’s Tower closed the second set.

Phil had to bring out the band to take a perfunctory bow so he could then get the crowd to quiet down for the donor rap. The final song would be the last of this short east coast swing. A US Blues encore gave all a great feeling and anticipation for the winter tour.

SET TWO:
Lost Sailor
Saint of Circumstance
Mason’s Children
Sugaree
Terrapin Station
Help is on the Way
Slipknot
Franklins Tower
E: Donor Rap
U.S. Blues

Keeping in mind this was ONLY the 9th live performance for this lineup, it does seem as if something organic could grow here. Somewhere during this evenings performance Phil turned and gave Jeff a fist bump and he then called John over for the same. Let’s hope there is more than comradely developing here. With the Rhythm section of Joe Russo and Jay Lane providing a different jumping off point for Phil (who is one of the most accomplished bass players in rock-n-roll, John Kadlecik easily up for the challenge of filling enormous shoes, Jeff Chimkent having all the tools to add 21century textures to an aging catalog, and Bob vocally sounding as good as ever, February could provide some special music. See you in AC!

Email the author:  Darryl Longo

Check out Phil Lesh & Friends www.phillesh.net

Check out the Official Furthur site – www.furthur.net

Mute Math
10/9/09 @ The Fillmore
San Francisco,

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San Francisco, ca – MUTE MATH is arguably one of the most innovative and progressive bands to emerge within the electro alternative scene in the last decade. Their unique sound and style is comprised of modern, almost urban computerized melodies, layered over unsubtle electric guitar, string bass, and quintessential rhythmic drum beats that combine to shatter the boundaries of what we know as traditional alternative rock and even electro alternative.

UPDATE: Mute Math have just announced 2010 North American Spring Tour dates supporting 30 Seconds to Mars

Stubble caught up with Mute Math in all their glory at the Fillmore in San Francisco. Currently on the road supporting new release Armistice (2009 Teleprompt/Warner Bros) which debuted at #18 on Billboard Top 200, #4 the Rock charts, & #3 on the Billboard Digital Albums and Billboard Alternative Albums charts the same week.

Amongst the mixture of youthful new Armistice fans and Reset EP veterans, no one could deny front man Paul Meany’s stage presence was charismatic and ethereal, yet warmly ordinary and down to earth as he connected on a more personal level by interacting graciously with enthused fans and occasionally allowing stage-front aficionados to play his keytar. The foundation of the evening and no doubt, the band as well, was with drummer Darren King, as he delivered his poundingly rhythmic beat with such clean conviction that it rightfully met its motion with just about every hand, head and foot in the place

An entertaining encore saw the band take on unforgettable form when Paul performed stage acrobatics and hand stands over his keyboard. While Greg Hill and Roy Mitchell-Cárdenas anchored the finale with taint-less guitar and stand up bass, Darren banged away at a water-covered snare, sending a menagerie of colorful glittery droplets skyward as they passed through stage lights on their way to musical heaven. With arms outstretched, the crowd astonishingly accepted Darren’s bass drum into their lifted hands but not long before he stepped atop it and floated amongst his worthy supporters as the show soon ended, unmuted.

Set List
The Nerve
*Backfire
Clipping
No Response
Armistice
Stare At The Sun (expanded)
Chaos
Plan B
Obsolete
Electrify
Odds
Noticed
Lost Year (expanded)
Burden
Typical

**Encore**
Pins and Needles
Spotlight
Reset (expanded)
Break the Same

In a live performance MUTE MATH undeniably commands your attention. Simply put they are mesmerizing, both visually and sonically.

For all thingsMute Math – www.mutemath.com
More great artists from Warner Bros Records – www.warnerbrosrecords.com
Check out Indie Label Teleprompt Records – www.teleprompt.com

Edited
by Jeff Longo
Photos by
Mike & Dave Goedde

Donavan Frankenreiter
7/24/09 @ the Stone Pony
Asbury Park, New Jersey
by Darryl Longo  &
Photos Austin Longo

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Donavon Frankenreiter headlined the Summer Stage at the Stone Pony in Asbury Park, on Friday July 24^th. However, DF’s first show of the day wasn’t on the Stone Pony’s stage. Through Twitter, a lucky few were notified of Donavon’s first set. Under a clear blue sky and on a borrowed surf board from artist/surfer Jay Alders, Donavon gave this desolate seaside town an example of world class surfing.

The Asbury Park surf was generous this day and the Pro-Surfing vet executed flawlessly on the stage he first called home. Donavon carved up the surf shredded his cut off jeans in the process and left them hanging on the tour bus for some lucky fan<. Later, in the evening, DF and his accomplished backing band performed on the Pony’s main stage and showed why his mellow/back, soul, whispering vocals have captivated a growing segment of the singer songwriter genre without becoming staid and stereotypical.

Setlist:
Pass It Around
Girl Like You
The Way It Is
Move By Yourself
What’cha Know About
Too Much Water
Sing A Song, Free
Swing On Down
Life Love & Laughter
Your Heart
That’s To Bad (Byron Jam)
It Don’t Matter E:
Call Me Papa>Simple Kind Of Man>Call me Papa

Fans took the cue as he opened with the title track to his latest release “Pass It Around” on Lost Highway Records. With catchy hooks and a subtle variety of styles Donavon quickly had the Pony audience his relaxed groove. The funky “Move by Yourself” finished with a little feedback (Donavon plays a left handed Strat strung to play righty and has sons named Hendrix & Ozzy) Switching gears DF went to the Acoustic during “What’cha Know About”. Eric Brigmond (keys) pulled out the Melodica during “Sing A Song” and the Accordion in “Free”.

Opener Gary Jules (known for his cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World”) joined the band for “Swing on Down”. “Life, Love & Laughter” had everyone singing along and encompassed the joy of live music and living in the moment.  Brigmond pulled out the trumpet to add a Mexican flair to “Your Heart”. That’s Too Bad (Byron Jam) pulled out all the stops and provided the best rock of the evening. A standard on the tour, DF gives some audience members a chance to sing the chorus on “It Doesn’t Matter”. On this night they didn’t disappoint, no sour notes were hit.

After a short break DF came back for an encore to perform “Call Me Papa” solo and acoustic. This almost lullaby written for his son, was an intimate moment for DF and his audience that began to build to a crescendo as the band rejoined him on stage and segued into a heartfelt version of Skynards’ “Simple Kind Of Man”. As his band mates left him alone with his people “Papa” returned and the gracious performer thanked Asbury Park for a great day. On a tour that spans the globe DF truly seemed at home with his fans in this quiet seaside town.

For updates, news, tour dates, etc – www.donavonf.com – Also check out LostHighwayRecords.com including artists Johnny Cash, Van Morrison, and Morrissey.