Took off a little early from work to meet up with a good friend for a highly anticipated evening at the Phoenix. We started out early in order to snag a good spot on the floor. Armed with two StubHub-purchased tickets (TM has basically gone into ticket wholesaling with policies that seem designed for the middlemen), we got to the Phoenix right at 7pm. Already there was a significant lineup, but still manageable.
Weathered an hour in mild conditions and headed on into the venue. Wasn't sure what to expect with the crowd and venue. Alot of couples and reasonably diverse age range with some that were about 10+ years older than me and a fair number that hadn't even been born when GnR made their extraordinary debut with Appetite for Destruction. Got a drink and tried to grab a sightline.
Opening act was a band called the Diemonds. Two guitars alternating lead and rhythm - one a black Gibson Les Paul and the other a generic flying V. The latter took most of the lead bits and dude was a talented albeit a little ... "intense" at times. Singer was a skinny raven-haired rocker chick sporting a pair of very short shorts. Unfortunately, I didn't know anything from this band, but enjoyed some decent riffs. After each song the singer would turn around and bend over for her water bottle - a little offside; not sure if that was necessary but I guess that's rock n' roll .... maybe. The diemonds played for 30 mins and made way for the next act.
Kobra and the Lotus were the next act; they took to the stage with the lead guitar sporting a pair of Ibanez guitars. I think the other guitar was a Jackson. Again, I was unfamiliar with their work. The singer was a curvy blonde with leather pants and alot of accessories including a dream catcher dangling from her hip. This lass was also sporting some face paint not unlike the white hand of Saruman from Lord of the Rings which was kind of an odd look. Their style seemed to be sort of power metal. I found the riffage lacking and the lead guitar had some tuning problems. Take a gander at: Welcome To My Funeral for a taste. After about a 45 minute set, the table was set and the crowd waited until the stroke of 11pm.
Slash and Myles Kennedy took the stage and launched right into their set with Ghost. Some eager youths lunged forward and it took me about half a song to regain my position. This kind of arseness would punctuate the night but I decided not to let that get in that way of a good time. I mean, there's Slash right THERE! Despite this the crowd response was very enthusiastic and supportive and Myles and the rest of the band were in synch and seemed to have their levels all set - definitely an advantage in having good roadies to do handle this. The sound was great.
Turns out this was the first night for the rhythm guitarist with the band and he did a great job. Additionally, the canadian bassist helped Myles out with the vocals for a song. All in all a tight group.
They played a number of GnR tracks including Mr. Brownstone, Rocket Queen, Night Train, Civil War, Sweet Child o' Mine and, of course, Paradise City. Also they played Slither (Velvet Revolver) and some other Snakepit material. There was likely one track from Slash's recent release but not entirely sure; got overly sidetracked taking photos.
Myles Kennedy was in a good form. I've heard a little bit from him before but he really really impressed me with his clarity and tone. And SO personable, he had the crowd (especially the young ladies) in his hand.
Slash was really really damn impressive. The guy deserves all the accolades. His sound is legendary and inimitable. He treated the audience with a PERFECT rendition of the national anthem (O' Canada) and the highlight of the night, for me, was the theme from the Godfather - wow, just absolutely scintallating.
There's a fundamental incompatibility between crowd surfing/moshing and taking photos/video in a floor-only event. Will be interesting to see who wins out. All you frat boys, your days are numbered; Don't bet against the iPhone/iPad!!
Highlights of the night: The theme from the Godfather, Mr. Brownstone, Civil War
Unfortunately, can't find an official setlist. Will post when it's available ...
My early candidate for concert of the year ...
