Concert Reviews

KISS: THE END OF THE ROAD TOUR BALTIMORE SHOW REVIEW

Published

5 months ago

December 4, 2023

Ron

Well, all good things must come to an end. Tonight in Baltimore was the last time we will get to see KISS, and boy did they put on one hell of a show.

Opening up the evening was Amber Wild, who is fronted by Paul Stanley’s son Evan, with Marshall Via on guitar, Jake Massanari on bass, and Thomas Lowrey on drums. The band has a very 70s-inspired rock sound to them, with some hints of KISS in there, but you can tell they are not trying to be another KISS.

I’ve got to see KISS a few times over the years, but I’ve never seen the original lineup. This was my first opportunity to photograph the band, which felt somewhat surreal since, according to the band, this is mostly likely the last time the band will be touring. The KISS backdrop was in place, and the fan’s excitement was building for the curtain to drop. Before it dropped, I got to see Shannon Tweed walk past me.

There were these huge statue-like figures of the band members in the corners of the stage that looked awesome, and everyone was trying to figure out how to sneak one off the stage and take them home.

As the banner dropped, the band came down on platforms with so many fireworks and pyro. I’ve always been curious about how much KISS spends on each show just for the pyro/fireworks/confetti alone.

KISS opened up with “Detroit Rock City” and “Shout It Out Loud.” Trying to photograph KISS during those two songs was fun and nerve-wracking at the same time. It’s such an iconic band that’s in front of you and songs that you grew up listening to, but you know you need to focus and get some good shots as well.

KISS played an epic setlist with songs like “War Machine,” “I Love It Loud,” “Cold Gin,” and “Calling Doctor Love.” Of course, you know you’re going to get a killer bass solo from Gene with the iconic blood spit and “God of Thunder,” which raises Gene to the top of the arena. You also know you’re going to get “Love Gun” with Paul using a zip line to the B stage, and while he is there, they also played “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.” We also got to hear Eric come off the drums and play a little piano song called “Beth.” You also know that it’s not a KISS show without ending the night with “Rock and Roll All Night.”

This was such an epic show and a huge bucketlist band to be able to photograph. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, for sure. The fans that get to be in NY for the final two shows are in for one hell of a night, and as for us in Baltimore, we sold out the arena and made it one night that the band and the fans will remember forever.

If this truly is the end of the road for KISS, then Baltimore wanted the best, and they got the best. The hottest band in the world… KISS!

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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Concert Reviews

Sum 41 :Tour of the Setting Sum Baltimore edition

Published

2 days ago

May 1, 2024

Ron

Sum 41 came into Baltimore on their final tour, Bringing along with them The Interrupters and openers Joey Valence & Brea.

Joey and Brea opened up and I wasn’t quite expecting to hear the type of music they play. It’s a cool sorta tribute/Style of the Beastie Boys. They had super energy and was a fun way to open up the show.

The interrupters played next. They are a ska/punk band from LA. This band had super energy as well the guitarists were jumping all over the stage and singer Aimee was a bundle of joy to watch on stage such an amazing voice but also looks like she’s having so much fun on stage and interacting with the crowd .

This was my first and I guess last time I’ve seen Sum 41. I remember when “All Killer No Filler”album came out they were everywhere. My friends were into the punk scene and I checked them out. I loved the energy and remember watching a home video they sold with crazy antics and shooting water guns at drivers and cars.

The set list was a good mix of old and new with the latest and last album “Heaven x Hell” having a good chunk of that set list. I was happy to hear “Fat Lip” live and was blown away by them doing a few seriously metal songs. They did a cool version of “We Will Rock You” and did a cover of Social Distortions version of “Ring of Fire”.

The crowd was filled at pier 6. Young and old were among the crowd that were mostly ur late 30s punk kids and the new wave of punk kids. It was a super fun show and I’m glad to say I’ve seen Sum 41 play at least one show. If you get a chance to check them out while they’re on the final tour go do it, even if it’s just for a quick stroll down the nostalgia highway.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

YOU WANT BLOOD?YOU GOT BLOOD. THE BLOODIEST BAND IN THE WORLD…….GWAR

Published

1 month ago

April 1, 2024

Ron

GWAR invaded the Baltimore Soundstage once again bringing with them Fuming Mouth and Cancer Bats. Oh yeah and lots of blood.

Fuming Mouth opened up the set. Hailing from Massachusetts, Fuming Mouth got the crowd in a frenzy. Demanding the crowd to circle pit and do a wall of death. Singer/guitarist Mark Whelan also was wearing a GWAR shirt. Fuming mouth was fast and angry and got the crowd ready for the night.

Cancer Bats who come all the way from Toronto Canada were up next. This in your face hardcore band got the crowd right back into going crazy. Singer Liam Cormier was all over the stage. Cancer Bats did a kick ass version of Beastie Boys “Sabotage” and since this was the last show on the tour Sawborg Destructo from GWAR came out on stage sang “War Pigs” from sabbath before killing Liam.

GWAR was up next. This was the first time for us in Baltimore to see the newest addition to GWAR guitarist Grodious Maximus ( he’s not Pustulus). Of course when GWAR comes into town you know chaos and madness will ensue and there will be blood. While I was in the photo pit getting prepared for the onslaught of blood I was grabbed by the back of my hoodie by bonesnapper as he was battling against Sawborg and the blood went gushing all over my back.

GWAR always puts on a hell of a show and the fans came out in full selling out the soundstage. Lots wearing white shirts to keep as bloody souvenirs. There also was an appearance by jesus as this was the day before easter. GWAR played a good set mixed in with new and old songs, some I haven’t heard for a while.

The band always puts on a hell of a show. Blothar, Balsac, Jizmak, and Beefcake thrash and trash the stage always. Grodious was an amazing addition, not only did he slay on that guitar but was all over the stage and a few times jumped off stage to jump into the front of the crowd . Even Balsac joined in on the fun and made his was to the Merch area while the band was playing.

I love going to GWAR shows. It’s always a family reunion with fans of GWAR all reuniting for the enjoyment of horror and rock music. You never know who’s going to be there. Even President Joe Biden was there , he may have been a little confused and eventually annoyed GWAR enough that they took off his head and yes the blood hit the crowd.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

KK Priest comes to Baltimore and brings with them LA Guns and Burning Witches.

Published

2 months ago

March 16, 2024

Ron

It’s been 2 years since I got to see Burning Witches for the first time at M3, then a couple days later with The Iron Maiden’s and now Courtney Cox of The Iron Maiden’s is in the band permanently. I love the Burning Witches not only are the songs killer, the stage show is always fun but the ladies are so super nice and friendly to their fans. Guitarist Romana had recently hurt her back but when she got to Baltimore was able to sit on the stage and play for us which was awesome to see her out. I can’t wait for them to come back around many more times in the US.

LA Guns was up next and it’s still such a great thing to have Phil and Tracii Guns together on stage, adding Johnny, Ace, and Sean to the lineup makes me so happy and I think one of the better lineups the band has had. I love that Phil was supporting a “PornStatche”. LA Guns always puts on a great show and is a band that’s not to be missed.

I’ve been a huge Judas Priest fan for years but never got the chance to see when KK was in the band. Plus I’ve always been a fan of Priest even when “Ripper” was the singer. So I was super excited to finally get to see KK Priest. They played a good mix of original songs and Judas Priest songs. The stage show was amazing and damn can KK shred.

I don’t ever remember a tour with all the bands who played on the bill to each have such amazing lighting as a photographer we normally get a lot of dark atmosphere and makes it harder to get that shot. Each band lighting just got better and better. Such an amazing tour package and such a great night of rock. The Baltimore M3 crowd came out to support the music.