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 :-)
