2008 is the Year of Rock

It's good to know when you are going to rock.

I think the Gods of Music must have understood my suffering last year - being stuck in Christchurch meant I missed on many great concerts in 2007, like Justin Timberlake and The Cure. And even when I tried to make the effort to go up to Auckland to go see Christina Aguilera, she got sick and had to cancel. Oh well, I have a cool ticket that has her name on it...

But this year is already looking a million times better. First up, in 9 days is the long awaited Bon Jovi concert. Darn, I am excited about that one - nothing like a classic 80's glam rock band playing in a big stadium. Even if they sound more like a country rock band these days. But I missed out on their spectacular concert at Mt Smart in 1995*, so hopefully this will make amends for that.

Next up we have the return of two guys I also wanted to see live previously; Tom Jones and Jimmy Barnes. Seriously. I've grown up on both singer's music (especially Jimmy) and I did intend to go to Tom Jones' concert at the Civic a few years back, but I believe I ended up having a gig that night so couldn't attend. Bummer. And as for Jimmy... well, I've pretty much always been in the right place at the wrong time (or vice versa - whichever you would prefer). So when I was told that both men were performing in Napier at this year's annual Mission Bay Concert... well, it was a no brainer. That should be a lot of fun.

And then of course in Easter is the big Rock 2 Wellington festival. Makes the Big Day Out look like the big piece crap that it is. Getting to see Lordi, Alice Cooper and KISS - let alone on the same night - is just an opportunity I couldn't pass up. And though KISS may continue to use the awful Tommy Thayer as an awful Ace Frehley impersonator, I'm excited to see them live again after all these if for only one reason: God Gave Rock'n Roll to You. Of course, they didn't play songs like that on the reunion tour, and from what I've read it has become pretty much the guaranteed set closer with this line up so that will make it all worthwhile. That and Eric Singer on drums. I've said it before and I'll say it again, he gets mad respect for me for doing double duty that night (he also plays drums in Alice Cooper's touring band). Eric Singer is cool.

And aside from my gigs with The Sound Workshop that seem to be happening every so often (I don't really mind being flown up to Auckland every so often) I'm planning a kid ego show. Yes that's right. I'll confirm date and venue at a later time, but just keep it in mind.

Hi Lou :-)

New BLog for New Year (and no, BLog isn't a typo)

Yes that's right, for 2008 I will use the term BLog. It's more fun. And you love it.

So what does 2008 mean for the mighty LOGMAN?
For a start, no more lousy Facebook. I do like some of the fun features - please don't get me wrong. Just Log doesn't enjoy receiving 10 spam messages a day from people that he hasn't had a real conversation with in about 2 years.

What else... lots of Kiss.
The band.
Get your mind out of the gutter!!!

But seriously, I had forgotten just how much fun that band is! I was the last of my circle to remain a fan (Warwick punked out by the end of 7th form, and Sam got too snobbish towards them by about 2000. Yes, Sam, I just called you a snob. But in the musical sense... and believe me, if I was going to allow anyone to be a music snob it would be you) but I guess I lost interest in them around 2003. I cranked up Alive! over the Christmas break and tried to play along, but couldn't remember much more than the basic riffs. And considering I used to know that album note for note, I think I best get my cool back and play some Kiss. Def looking forward to seeing them live again in March, even if it is without Ace.

And I'll probably post a review or 2 of the box sets I bought when I finally get a chance to see them. Just warning you all.

Oh and for the record, it is NOT my birthday this month. However, if you are silly enough to believe that when I deleted all my info off my old MySpace page, then you deserve to buy me presents for a mock birthday now.