What an adventure! When we decided to go on this little “summer” series of concerts I knew it would be fun, but had no clue it would be this awesome.
We would definitely recommend if you want something unique as a vacation plan – this would definitely be something to consider.
Let’s go through each band – but first we must say that ‘all’ of the bands were so awesome and worth seeing. Such a variety, but at the same time, totally and completely entertaining and just breathtaking and awesome performances. Each performance had its moments and they all took us back to yester-year as they were mostly bands from our high school (for Lynda) and grade school (for Debbie). Here goes:
Motley Crue & Alice Cooper
For Motley it was their farewell tour – and they definitely put on a great show – lots of fireworks, stage presence – but we are curious as to why they are doing their farewell tour so early. Is this really the final tour – time will tell.
Not that we would use the word disappointing – rather ‘surprised’ that Tommy didn’t do the “drum” roller coaster routine that we have always seen. Their encore was also a little ‘flat’ for lack of a better way to describe it. Again, great show – just a little different then we expected.
Now let’s talk about Alice Cooper – Oh my goodness – he was simply awesome!! Just like back in the beginning of his Alice Cooper. He played all of his songs that made him “Alice”. The same great theatrics that made his show one of the best of it’s kind.
Rick Springfield & Pat Benatar
What can you say – Rick Springfield is always awesome. He has always been one of Debbie’s favorite performers ‘ever’. I just recently (about 3 years now) really got into his music live, so every time we see him now which is whenever we can he is just Rick… He knows how to control a crowd. You can’t help but get excited when he starts into his songs. He played most of them, but did share the concert with Pat & Neil so didn’t do ‘all’ of the songs we love, but it was sooooo entertaining. One of the only guys at almost 65 can take his shirt off at a show and drive the women wild.
I had never seen Pat Benatar before, but Debbie has – so I had no clue what I was in for and I have to tell you – it was really something else. Pat still has a voice that you can’t beat – it was also great to see her hubby (of 32 years). He is truly one of the best guitar players I’ve ever heard. They had actually invited Rick to tour with them, as they go back quite a way on their relationships. You may not know this, BUT when Rick started his career and wrote Jessie’s Girl his manager at the time basically told Rick that he was not a good enough guitarist to play the song on the album so Neil was asked to play the guitar on the song. Definitely a thumbs up on seeing Pat & Neil – and I hope they always tour together.
Styx, Foreigner & Don Felder
Holy cow – not even sure how to start writing about this concert – it was incredible music from the start with Don to the very bitter end with Styx playing Renegade!!! We had no clue what to expect from Don, but was over the moon with how great he is, actually has CD out (Road to Forever), the first CD in nearly 30 years.
Foreigner – we have both seen these guys before – but have to say they were as good, if not better, then we have seen. What energy Kelly Hansen is unparalleled and they have definitely give the band a new reputation as a huge presence currently, not just a band from the past trying to stay alive in concert. They are really entertaining and worth seeing. If you are not energized by their performance, well you’re not a true rocker!
Let’s jump into Styx performance – we have always both loved Styx even waaay back in the beginning of the bands history – I have always been enamored watching Tommy Shaw (I know I’m not alone with that). All band members are awesome and great – but Tommy trips my trigger. Debbie also, but not like me. We took about 400 pictures and I think about 100 of them were Tommy.
They always remind me of the days right out of high school when their lyrics were very ‘Crystal Ball’ focused – about the promise of tomorrow. Then there is Renegade – the whole place always goes wild on that song… Really all of their songs – we didn’t sit pretty much the whole concert – and I mean Foreigner through to Styx. Everyone seemed to know all the words to all the songs – always fun to be part of a 17,000 attendee singing group!
Highlights of the show – Tommy Shaw playing with Don for Hotel California
Factoid – Tommy Shaw & Don Felder collaborated in the writing of Wash Away the Pain – a really great song about emotional events in our lives – really worth checking out.
Boston & Cheap Trick
To be completley honest – we think Boston was one of the best concerts on our adventure. Unfortunately we never had the chance to see them in the beginning. Just realized they started their band the year I graduated high school – man, that long and haven’t seen them in concert! They were spot on with the song choice – a few news ones, they actually have a new album out. Man oh man – the songs just kept coming and the memories brought up were awesome.
Tom Scholz original member with the youngsters Gary Pihl, Tommy DeCarlo, Tracy Ferrie, Kimberley Dahme & Curly Smith with them. Their guitar harmony was SPOT ON. Their vocals were as spot on as they could be – the reason I say that is there will never truly be an equal to Brad Delp (with the high notes) but we though with the exception of a few of those high notes, Tommy was really awesome! The eneregy in the building was incredible, with eyes closed we were back in the 70’s.
If you really are a hard core Rock & Roller – you simply cannot miss this concert. If they come to your town it is a MUST, even worth the trip if it’s anywhere in your travel vicinity… With the fact that they have a new album out, they should be touring again next year (fingers crossed).
Dierks Bentley, Chris Young, Chase Rice
I (Lynda) just love country music – so to have Dierks (a Phoenix born artist, it is great to see he is from our home town) was a dream come true. His music was a complete mixture of his songs and you just can help but stand and dance during the entire show. He was so appreciative of the Phoenix crowd – it was actually the topping to our week of concerts in a way that is hard to explain… He even threw on a AZ Cardinals, Fitzgerald jersey, the crowd went crazy. He was so full of energy and enthusiasm it was contagious and made the experience even more exciting. If you are also from Phoenix, love country music and want an all-round emotional and butt kicking evening you simply can’t miss him.
He also had a great open band line-up. Chris Young, Chase Rice & Jon Pardi were also great – we definitely hoped for a full night of great country music, and that’s exactly what we got!
The event was held at our one and only Ak-Chin Pavilion – an outdoor venue that has a reputation of being hotter then – well you know what – when concerts are held in the summer… It sure was an extremely hot night, but we did not care.