Concert Review: Black Sabbath - August 4, 2013

August 4^th, 2013 was the first and only time that I was able to see the legends of metal perform live. This concert was one of the rare times where I did an excessive amount of drinking (see Motley Crueat MSG). Normally, I am not a big drinker at concerts for several reasons, but on that particular afternoon, alcohol was in order and I consumed a lot of it. I was hanging in the parking lot with a friend from work and we decided to have some scotch before the show. And by some, I mean half a bottle each. Beers followed and by the time we went into the show, I was pretty lit.

I was extremely excited to witness Black Sabbath for the first time ever, but disappointed that it was only three out of four original members. It was well documented for that tour that Bill Ward would not be performing with the other members of Black Sabbath. There are several different stories as to why this happened and somewhere in the middle of all the stories is the truth. On that tour, Ozzy’s solo band drummer was behind the kit, and while he did an exceptional job, I still would have preferred to see Bill Ward.

We had lawn “seats” for this concert and due to getting in late, we were relegated to standing at the top of the lawn for the entire show. The acoustics at the top of the lawn are not the best and after quite a few drinks, the acoustics at the top of the lawn are even worse. I made the most of it, reminding myself that I was seeing a legendary band perform live.

After opening act Andrew W.K. (who I really didn’t watch), Black Sabbath took the stage to the opening notes of “War Pigs.” The crowd roared, I smiled and clapped my hands, and the night was off. “Generals gathered in their masses…!” Ozzy screamed out and the fans sang/screamed back. This was going to be a memorable night of heavy metal at its finest.

Sabbath created a stellar setlist that combined a creative mix of classic songs and new treats. They were touring behind their newly released album, 13, which I had grown quite fond of that year. The new record was classic Sabbath and felt like they could have been recorded during the band’s prime. There was even a bonus disc containing 4 additional songs for fans that wanted the deluxe edition (I did and I got it). 13 was a terrific album and the songs translated well in concert.

True classics were also given to us. “Snowblind,” “N.I.B.,” “Iron Man,” and “Children of the Grave” were all pulled out for that hot summer night. I was delighted to hear them all and amazed at how well this band performed live. Ozzy was old and survived a lot of self imposed damage to his body with drug and alcohol abuse. Tony Iommi was battling cancer and having treatments. And yet the band pressed on, performing incredibly well given the circumstances.

Each song sounded as grand as I remembered growing up. Hearing them live for the first time was the ultimate treat for me and I was so glad that I had made the decision to see Black Sabbath in concert. Although they did only perform a one song encore, it was their best known song by far, “Paranoid.” Naturally the entire audience screamed to the heavy metal gods when that was played, me included.

All in all it was a great night of heavy metal performed by the original masters. I can go to my grave content with the knowledge that I had seen Black Sabbath in concert. It is one of the true joys of my concert attending experiences.

 

Setlist

War Pigs

Into The Void

Under The Sword/Every Day Comes and Goes

Snowblind

Age of Reason

Black Sabbath

Behind The Wall of Sleep

N.I.B.

End of the Beginning

Fairies Wear Boots

Methademic

Rat Salad

Iron Man

God is Dead?

Dirty Women

Children of the Grave

Encore

Paranoid

My 10 Favorite Albums of 2010

It’s that time of year once again. The end of the year, where we pause to reflect on all that has happened over the last 12 months while pondering what the future has in store. And as I look back, it’s particularly nice to know that 2010 was another year filled with vast musical greatness. That’s what makes picking the 10 best albums of the year such a hard one.

After much thought, listening, re-listening, and deep scrutiny, I was finally able to come up with a list of my 10 favorite records. My choices are below. Feel free to leave a comment with what you felt were the best records of 2010.

10. The Movie We Are In – Pete Francis

Pete Francis was new to me this year. The singer/songwriter released a modern folk masterpiece in The Movie We Are In earlier in 2010. With a hybrid of acoustic folk and electric rock, The Movie We Are In is a fantastic and fun record. Lyrically, vocally, and instrumentally talented, Pete Francis is a musician that more people should be paying attention to. His lyrics are deep, his voice is excellent, and the music he creates is simply stunning. The Movie We Are In is a fine example of his work and an album worthy of adding to any music lover’s collection.

9. Time – The Rebellion

Canadian rockers, The Rebellion, released an exceptional album in Time this year. Blending the styles of Coldplay, U2, and The Fray, The Rebellion is a modern rock act worthy of recognition. Time, which is their debut album, is a showcase of just how grand the band is. With a modern sound worthy of everyday radio, powerful vocals, catchy hooks, and riffs that you will be singing along to, Time is worth seeking out.

8. Sting In The Tail – The Scorpions

In 2010, The Scorpions recorded what is reported to be their final album. The multiple guitar attack of Rudolph Schenker and Matthias Jabs decorates Sting In The Tail with color and style. Their finger picking is at its finest and the shredding solos performed by each of them helps to vibrantly color the record. Sting In The Tail is a fine record that has the The Scorpions going out on a high note. If this truly is the final piece of their legacy, it’s a good one to leave behind.

7. Easy Wonderful – Guster


This past fall, Guster returned to bless us with a new album. I was certainly happy that they did. Filled with the delightful sounds that I’ve come to expect from this band, Easy Wonderful was a breath of fresh air into the music scene. Guster sent us a beautiful piece of art that can be enjoyed for hours on end in Easy Wonderful.

6. 13 Arcane Hymns – The Unravelling


2 guys. 1 album. Simply amazing. 13 Arcane Hymns by The Unravelling rocks hard and heavy. It’s heavy metal for the new generation. It’s hard to believe that only two guys came up with such an amazing album. If you’re a fan of heavy, dark, rock, than 13 Arcane Hymns is a record you should own. With bold and beautiful music, lyrics that make you think, and lead vocals that range the spectrum like not many can, The Unravelling’s 13 Arcane Hymns is a solid album worth listening to over and over again.

5. Slash – Slash


Branching out with his first solo record, Slash, fans weren’t sure what to expect. The album is jam packed with guest vocalists (including Fergie, Lemmy, and Ozzy) and a lot of exceptional guitar work. Slash is a solo album done right. While Slash is the obvious centerpiece of this record, the wise decision to bring in multiple guest vocalists help push this disc over the top. It was a very unexpected treat in the 2010 releases.

4. Scream – Ozzy Osbourne


Ozzy Osbourne proves that he still has it and maybe never lost it on his latest record Scream. Released this summer, I had the opportunity to review Scream for Hard Rock Hideout and man was I impressed. I wrote that “Scream is an album that renews faith in the current state of rock and roll and solidifies Ozzy’s status as a rock god.” Those words are still true months later. Scream is an incredible album.

3. Lightning On The Strings, Thunder On The Mic – Gangstagrass

It’s bluegrass. It’s hip-hop. It’s Gangstagrass. One of the most unique records to be released in 2010, Lightning On The Strings, Thunder On The Mic is a magnificent album and a trailblazer for a new musical style. More than just a passing fad, Gangstagrass have pioneered a whole new genre that’s worth listening to. Lightning On The Strings, Thunder On The Mic is a unique experience that everyone will enjoy.

2. Social Code - Rock N Roll


Debuting with their first major label record this year, Social Code showed all the other newcomers how rock was meant to be played. Best described as dirty (or gritty) rock, Rock N Roll is a powerful album. Blending the styles of Hinder, Lynch Mob, and Papa Roach, Social Code is the real deal and Rock N Roll proves it. Bar jamming, foot stomping, good time hard rock is what Rock N Roll is all about. Social Code has my vote for best new band of the year, and Rock N Roll has my vote for best hard rock album of 2010. If you like rock, you need to pick up a copy of this record.

1. The Lucky Ones – Doug Keith


I was blessed with the gift of Doug Keith’s The Lucky Ones very early this year. When I reviewed this album back in February, I stated that if you purchased only one record this year, it had to be The Lucky Ones. That statement is still true in December. By far, the best album I have heard in 2010 (and I’ve heard a lot) is Doug Keith’s The Lucky Ones. A fantastic modern folk record that everyone needs to own and enjoy.

Friday's Rockin Roundup - Summer Heat Edition

The past few days here in New Jersey have been brutally hot. We’ve hit 90 or higher every day and what that means is that summer is here to stay. To me, summer means movies with my daughter, the occasional ice cream cone, baseball, concerts, and reading. The heat is part of the summer and something that I can adjust to, although I don’t prefer it. However, as I mentioned way back in February, I am not complaining about the heat this year. Not once. I am merely stating the fact that is has been hot outside.

The summer concerts are heating up too. Don’t forget that next week is your last chance to get service free tickets for select Live Nation shows. Visit www.livenation.com for more details. What concerts is cousin Ryo attending this summer? Currently I have the following scheduled: Iron Maiden, Kiss, and Rush. There’s an outside chance for Dave Matthews at Citi Field, and possibly OAR at the arts center. There may be a few more shows at the Starland, The Croc, or The Wellmont – we shall see. All in all it’s going to be a great summer. Enjoy the warmth and enjoy the concerts!

Here’s what rocked this week:

Gibson Guitar Is Having Gibson Days This Weekend
Gibson Guitar, the world’s premier musical instrument manufacturer and leader in music technology announced Gibson Days being held at participating dealers this weekend across the globe. On the last Saturday of every month, official Gibson and Epiphone dealers worldwide invite fans to come to their shops and celebrate Gibson Days. Every dealer gives the event its own very distinct touch while celebrating the many Gibson fans who participate and giving all guests the chance to “test drive” the world’s most popular guitar models by Gibson and Epiphone. Every participant receives a Gibson “fan” shirt and is eligible to enter to win an exclusive Gibson guitar. Check out their website for more information.

Ozzy Osbourne’s Scream
Over at Hard Rock Hideout, I had the chance to review the latest from Ozzy. While I admit, I’ve been disappointed with Ozzy recently, there is nothing disappointing about Scream. Head over to Hard Rock Hideout to read my review and find out why.

Death Of The Live Album?
This is a great article examining the question is the live album dead? I say no to that. DMB, OAR, and other jam bands are live album mavens, releasing them every other year, or in the case of DMB, every year. However, will there ever be another live album that sells 6 million copies? Well, the live DVD has kind of taken over as the live medium of choice. I say yes, though, a live DVD could sell that much.

For more live musings, friend sharing, and review reading experience, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Home Repairs Edition

Mrs. Vie and I have been living through some home repair for the last two weeks. A good friend of your cousin Ryo has been working on the house. Painting, new lighting, and new flooring have all been taking place these past two weeks. It’s been a challenge living through the repairs. Doors and handrails are constantly off and not where they belong. The floor has been nothing but plywood for the past two days. It’s rough, but when it is all finished, it is going to look gorgeous. That is going to make Cathy and I very happy. With a little luck, everything will be complete next week. I have my fingers crossed, because I would like to have my house back.

And while I was dealing with the constant thumping of hammers and nails, here’s what rocked this week:

Bret Michaels Hospitalized
We start on a sad note and with a prayer of hope for Bret Michaels. About a week ago he was rushed to the hospital with what turned out to be a brain hemorrhage. He has undergone emergency surgery and is in stable, condition. Doctors are very hopeful for a full recovery.

Growing up, Poison was one of my favorite bands, and they got me through some difficult times in my life. They also are responsible for a lot of joy in my life. In high school, I even performed in the lip synch as Bret Michaels. I am hoping that Bret will make a full recovery, but a surgery of this nature is very serious.

Here’s some news and commentary on Bret (from a couple of my favorite sites):

http://hardrockhideout.com/2010/04/27/bret-michaels-medical-update

http://www.bringbackglam.com/journal/2010/4/28/regarding-bret-michaels-were-being-watched.html


The Carnival Of Madness Tour
A brand new travelling hard rock tour has been announced! Shinedown, Puddle of Mudd, Chevelle, Sevendust, and 10 Years are teaming up to bring you the Carnival of Madness tour. With tickets starting at only $20, how can you not attend this show?

Ozzy Osbourne’s New Album – Cover Art
The cover art for Ozzy’s new CD (due on June 15th) has been released. It looks pretty cool to me. I will admit, I’m liking the new song, Scream, a lot. A real lot. This may be the first Ozzy album on a long time that I pick up.

A Nostalgic Review of Ace Frehley’s 1978 Solo Album
Heavy Metal Addiction posted this review of Ace’s first solo album. I know you can find a review of this album just about anywhere, but I like the nostalgic touch that HMA put on the review. I can relate to a lot of it, especially spending hours in a record store educating myself about music. This is a fun (and fond) read. Enjoy!

For more news, quips, head banging, and air guitar fun, you should follow me on twitter. www.twitter.com/ryovie

Friday's Rockin' Roundup - Championship Football Edition

This Sunday is championship Sunday in Ryo-land. The AFC Championship game puts the New York Jets against the Indianapolis Colts, while the NFC has the New Orleans Saints going up against the Minnesota Vikings. I always love championship Sunday. I’ve always felt that it’s the day for the true football fan. You get two great games, none of the hype of the Super Bowl, and it’s just pure fun.

As I do every year, I’ll be watching the games where I watch all my football, a nearby local watering hole that is my football home. We all look forward to the games, and this time of year when all of the teams that we regularly root for are out of the playoffs, it’s just about seeing good football, much like when we watch the college bowl games.

And after these games, there’s one more to go and then a week later, pitchers and catchers will be reporting for baseball spring training. Oh, those are magical words! I hope everyone enjoys their football or their whatever they do this Sunday. Have a great weekend everyone!

For more news, reviews, updates, banter, and unthoughts known, follow me on TWITTER.
www.twitter.com/ryovie

Here’s what rocked this week:

Coachella 2010
The Coachella lineup has been unveiled. The dates are set for April 16th – 18th to kick off the festival season. This looks like a great lineup once again. Faith No More, MGMT, Les Claypool, and The Dillinger Escape Plan jump out at me right away. If only California were a little closer to my New Jersey home. Well, one year I’ll make the trip out there for Coachella.

Free Music From The Smashing Pumpkins
As discussed a couple of months ago, the Smashing Pumpkins are offering free music as the tracks are finalized for their new album Teargarden by Kaleidyscope. This is a very cool offer, shades of Trent Reznor giving away an album last year. It helps bring more recognition to the Smashing Pumpkins, but it also helps Billy Corgan and the band share their music. The first two songs are available at their website now. Widow Wake My Mind is absolutely incredible.

Ozzy Book Signing
To help support the US release of his new autobiography, I Am Ozzy, Ozzy Osbourne will be doing a week’s worth of book signings in the states. Click the link for dates/times. I’m going to have to pick this book up and post a review. Reading the Ozzy snippets in The Dirt really make me wonder what this guy was like in the early days. I have a feeling this book will tell all.

Bruce Kulick Trailer for BK3
And finally there’s this little gem, a trailer helping to promote Bruce Kulick’s new album which is coming out on February 2nd. This is going to be one great album and I can’t wait to hear the whole thing. Once I do, you know there will be a review posted.