Daily Loaf

It’s depressing to think that much of the music I grew up with and love is now considered classic rock. The name “classic rock” evokes an image of elderly rockers, banging out overplayed tunes that can often be heard in the aisles of the local Publix. I suppose I take it a bit personally because I don’t think of myself as old. But, as my daughter once pointed out, most old people don’t. It’s a disturbing trend that goes right along with the recent revelation that my first car, a 1975 Mustang, is now considered an antique and items from my childhood show up on Antiques Roadshow from time to time. Maybe, when I finally give in to old age, these things won’t affect me so much. But don’t expect that to happen any time soon.

Friday night’s triple bill at the Ford Amphitheatre featured REO Speedwagon, Styx and Nightranger, all of whom qualify for the classic rock moniker. Still, despite this branding, these three bands managed to convince thousands of people to hand over their hard-earned money in exchange for a few hours of music and fun. In these tough economic times, that have seen the cancellation of many big name tours, this feat is one that should not be dismissed as a fluke or written off as a trip down memory lane. This was an old fashioned rock show that had the crowd on their feet dancing and screaming all night long. Even the weather held out and offered comfortable temperatures and a cool breeze.

Read the rest of this entry »

A quick breakdown of this holiday weekend’s most worthy concerts. For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Events page.

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 24
JJ Grey & Mofro w/Shooter Jennings/Earl Greyhound [pictured] A good ol’ boy from the backwaters of Jacksonville, JJ Grey is the creative force and frontman of Mofro, their music swamp-stomping, finger-licking, funked-out rock ‘n’ roll with a solid R&B groove marked by Grey’s husky soulful drawl. LA alt-country rocker Shooter Jennings (the sole spawn of country singers Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter) just released his first compilation, Bad Magick: The Best of Shooter Jennings and the .357’s, which includes select tracks from his first three studio albums, a few live recordings and a cover of Hank Williams Jr.’s 1976 single, “Living Proof.” And NY’s Earl Greyhound features afro-thrashing bassist/singer Kamara Thomas, who brings charismatic energy to the power trio’s fiery, heavy-handed blues rock. 8 p.m., The Ritz Ybor, Ybor City, $20.

Tom Goss w/Mara Levi Goss is an out-of-the-closet singer-songwriter who abandoned seminary school and impending priesthood to pursue social justice issues and his love of music. His vocals are high and pleasantly emotive, his acoustic pop touching and uplifting. He’s currently touring in support of his 2009 release, Back to Love.  4:30-6:00pm, Eckerd College, St. Petersburg,  free (students only). Read the rest of this entry »

All photos by Tracy May.

Bruce Springsteen is not a God. He’s not a hero.

He’s gone so far as to refer to that sort of misplaced adulation in his 1992 self-mocking “Local Hero,” a song where he jokingly refers to seeing himself depicted on a black velvet painting between other works of art that include a “doberman and Bruce Lee.”

No, Springsteen is none of those things. He’s first and foremost a man. An artist. A songwriter. A dad. A husband. A showman. An entertainer. All roles far more admirable, complex and endearing than a super-human force. While admiration and diehard dedication for the local boy from the “swamps of Jersey” hasn’t waned amongst his legions of passionate followers for the better part of three decades, it’s actually his normalness his followers are most drawn to. Sure, a lot of his detractors have poked fun at his “all-American, working man” image — an image concocted by the media in a feeble attempt to make that image his “gimmick.” Springsteen himself NEVER once came forth and begged for or pandered to that type of perception. Most of his nay-sayers have him all wrong … these are the same folks who’ve never taken the time to really listen to what the title track of his 1984 mega-selling Born In The USA is really all about. Many wrote it off as a flimsy, rah-rah paean to ham-fisted patriotism shtick, only proving how ill-conceived perceptions of Springsteen’s message can be. Read the rest of this entry »

Mary’s open suitcase lay flat on her bed, empty as the thoughts in her mind. He’d left three messages on her machine just that day alone. The light on the machine blinked incessantly, matching the pounding inside her chest. It was a situation she could no longer avoid dealing with. The ringing phone could be ignored but soon enough, she knew he’d be at her porch door. Then she’d finally have to let him know which way her decision swayed. Read the rest of this entry »

This summer, Depeche Mode and Aerosmith shared more in common than either the bands or their fans would probably care to admit. Both penciled in stops at the Ford Amphitheatre and were among the most anticipated big shows of the Bay area’s 2009 concert season. Both bands hit some pretty serious snags on the road. But where Aerosmith was de-railed by careless stage antics, Depeche Mode soldiered through throat problems, torn leg muscles, and even a malignant bladder tumor! This summer, the balls clearly belonged to the morose. (All photos by Tanya Taylor.)

A mostly-full Ford Amp cheered and sang along with Depeche Mode and a healthy, active Dave Gahan for nearly two hours this past Friday night. While the show didn’t offer the same people-watchers’ paradise as Slayer and Marilyn Manson did, there was a nonetheless interesting assortment of young hipsters, old DNA veterans clad in black vinyl, younger Castle-goers dressed similarly, and middle-aged women in mom-jeans who only wanted to hear the Violator singles.

I thought, however, the most interesting moment of the evening — the one that says the most about our music culture — came during the openers: Swedish trio Peter Bjorn and John. Read the rest of this entry »

Sex and rock ‘n’ roll go hand in hand, and when it comes to rockin’ and lovin’, no one does it better than The Boss. Any number of Bruce Springsteen albums will send you zooming off in your car to the nearest body of water, to put your hands all over your lover’s engine.  Below are the Rabid One’s Top 5 Sex in Springsteen Songs. Read the rest of this entry »

A quick breakdown of this holiday weekend’s most worthy concerts. For a more comprehensive schedule, check out our Upcoming Events page.

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 4
Depeche Mode (pictured) w/Peter, Bjorn and John English electronic music pioneers Depeche Mode have influenced anyone from Radiohead to Rammstein to Crystal Method, and are among the too-few bands that emerged from the 1980s with dignity intact and more than a just few charting singles (45 in the UK, 18 in the U.S.). I enjoyed a brief but torrid love affair with Violator in high school during a period when all the music I wanted to listen to had to be dark and intense and danceable. DM’s simple yet weighty lyrics — “Words are meaningless and forgettable” “Because when you learn / You’ll know what makes the world turn” “Never before is what you swore the time before” — were just what I needed at that moment in my life and to this day, frontman Dave Gahan’s affected vocals evoke very specific memories. The band just released their 12th full-length, Sounds of the Universe, and are supported this tour by Peter Bjorn and John (read my feature on PBJ here). 7:30 p.m., Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, $43.50-$83.50

REAX Rent Party w/Glasgow/Geri X/Nessie/Memphis Train Union/Will Quinlan & The Diviners/Military Junior/King of Spain/The Basiqs/Vera Violets/Life of Pi The print industry is experiencing some rather dark times right now, with newspapers across the country desperately trying to figure out how to survive in an era where the general public consume their news and information for free via the internet. Grassroots publications have been hit hardest, including Florida’s own REAX, which is hurting so bad it won’t go to press this month and is actively seeking donations of money and supplies to stay afloat. A bill of quality local acts have banded together to help by playing this benefit show, and the music ranges from the introspective roots rock of Will Quinlan & The Diviners, to the psychedelic fuzzed-out shoegaze of the Vera Violets, to the experimental dancetastic hip-hop of The Basiqs. Admission is cheap, so dig deep when the donation bucket is passed. 6 p.m., Crowbar, Ybor City, $5 (ages 18 & up) Read the rest of this entry »

So far, we’ve given you a heads up about a range of this fall’s best bets in music — Leonard Cohen, electronica artists from Paul Van Dyk to Junior Boys, Yo Yo Ma, a quintet of quality indie artists (The Decemberists and MuteMath, among others) who are not stopping in Tampa but at least gracing us with their presence in nearby Orlando, and a couple of worthy jazz shows. Here are rest.

The Big Drawers
We get most of the big tours in Tampa because we have the audiences and venues to support them. This fall is no exception and the biggest among them are longtime barn burners Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band (Sat., Sept. 12, Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, $36-$98); U2, the first band to play Ray Jay solo, i.e., not for any Super Bowl festivities. (Fri., Oct. 9, Raymond James Stadium, Tampa, $30-$250); and the queen of teeny bop pop herself, Miley Cyrus (Tues., Dec. 1, St. Pete Times Forum, Tampa, $39.50-$79.50). Read the rest of this entry »

Used to be you could hit an ’80s dance party nearly every night of the week in Ybor. New Wave, Dark Wave, glam and hair metal, synthpop, pop punk — pretty much any music from that era does well here, and we tend to get some high-caliber performers in addition to the wankers. Influential electro alt rockers Depeche Mode bring the final leg of their U.S. tour to Florida in support of their 12th and latest album, Sounds of the Universe. Frontman Dave Gahan should be in tip-top shape and fully recovered from the tumor removal that forced the band to postpone more than a dozen shows in May and June. (Fri., Sept. 4, Ford Amphitheatre, Tampa, $10-$83.50). British dance music twosome Pet Shop Boys have sold something like 100 million records worldwide, but will always be remembered in the states for their 1984 hit, “West End Girls.” (Thurs., Sept. 10, Tampa Bay Performing Arts Center, $39.75-$69.75). Read the rest of this entry »

It’s fitting that one of the most high-profile events of the fall arts season is a musical adaptation of Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, because lately it’s seemed we’ve all been headed down the rabbit hole. The No-Bama crowd calls for the truth about healthcare, but traffics in outright lies. The president says the so-called public option is a key aspect of his plan, then says it isn’t, then says it is. The St. Petersburg Times wins a Pulitzer for PolitiFact, then backs a mayoral candidate, Bill Foster, who believes in such “facts” as this statement: “None of Darwin’s theories can be replicated or proven in a laboratory…”
So what’s all this got to do with the fall arts season? Easy. If you’re starved for the truth, start listening to artists. Read the rest of this entry »

In a summer full of big concerts coming to the Tampa Bay area, one of the biggest never happened.

Aerosmith postponed their July 11 date at the Ford Amphitheatre due to Steven Tyler’s ripped quadricep. Eager ticketholders kept their fingers crossed for almost a month — until blown equipment and some uncoordinated dancing sent Tyler falling off a stage and onto his head and shoulder. Aerosmith canceled the rest of their tour, urging ticketholders to seek refunds.

Days after the cancellation announcement, video footage hit the internet showing Steven Tyler, arm in a sling, making a purchase at a liquor store in Massachusetts.

Tyler’s drug and alcohol addiction is a matter of public record. He and guitarist Joe Perry were nicknamed the Toxic Twins for their legendary on- and off-stage exploits before cleaning up and resurrecting the band’s stature in the late 80’s.

Is Tyler off the wagon? And if so, does that have anything to do with his fall in South Dakota? (Video of Tyler’s fall and liquor store purchase after the jump!). Read the rest of this entry »

Here’s some shots of Incubus lead singer Brandon Boyd from the band’s show this past Saturday, August 15, at Ford Amphitheatre.

Read the rest of this entry »

All photos by Mike Wilson.

Remember the days when you, a wide-eyed high school student, were starved for entertainment? Remember when going to a “rock concert” (a phrase that’s sadly, never really heard anymore) was a real event? The crowd at the Ford Amphitheatre sure remembered those days. And they got to relive them for one night this past Friday.

The mostly 35-plus crowd that packed Ford Amp to near-sellout capacity all seem to be there for the same reason: to re-live their youths and to cheer on bands that have dominated their CD collections for over two decades. The rare chance to see three bands on the same bill, each with the the ability to headline arenas in their own right was a real treat. Is it a sign of the lagging economy? Or a truly righteous move on the part of the bands to treat us, the concertgoers, to plenty of bang for our buck? In any case, what was promised was surely delivered on this hot, steamy summer night.

In a noticeable and welcome change of pace from the typical 1980’s multi-act bill, this show got off to a punctual and precise start. Tickets listed the showtime as 7 p.m., and lo-and-behold, the first band on the bill, Cheap Trick, hit the stage at 6:59. (Robin Zander pictured, more photos after the jump) Read the rest of this entry »

The Dave Matthews Band played the Ford Amphitheatre on Wednesday night and CL has all the best photos.

See the full gallery of shots after the jump:
Read the rest of this entry »

Back by popular demand, WMNF presents a screening of Academy Award-nominated director Kirby Dick’s documentary Outrage, about the secret life of politicians who lambaste the LGBT communities to which they secretly belong — including our own hometown hero, Charlie Crist (pictured). You can check out Joe Bardi’s review here. Proceeds benefit WMNF. Visit wmnf.org for more info. Weds., Aug. 12, 7 and 9 p.m., The Studio@620, 620 First Ave. S., St. Petersburg, $8 in advance, $10 at the door.

I will refrain from saying bad things about the mainstream-friendly Dave Matthews-fronted jam band because the fivesome does have musical chops, even if said chops are only appreciated by teenage girls, duty-bound jam fans and loyal radio listeners from the past dozen years. If you like DMB, anything else I write will offend you; if you don’t like them, then you’re probably not even reading this. Wed., Aug. 12, 7 p.m., Ford Amphitheatre, 4802 US 301 N., Tampa, $40-$75. – Leilani Polk

This month’s selection for Real Lives Movies (a monthly film series with a focus on Jewish culture, history and achievement) is The Jewish People: A Story of Survival. The PBS documentary by journalist Martha Teichner  examines rare photos and documents, and features interviews with noted historians about Jewish history, in a revealing look at a culture that has survived and thrived despite slavery, oppression and anti-Semitism. Visit gmkjc.org for more info. Wed., Aug. 12, 12 p.m., Golda-Meir/Kent Jewish Center, 1950 Virginia Ave., Clearwater, free.

UK alt rockers Coldplay have postponed their Tampa show (and only stop in Florida) for unexplained medical reasons. Here’s the official release from Ford Amphitheatre:

COLDPLAY
POSTPONES SHOW
AT FORD AMPHITHEATRE – TAMPA

Coldplay have been forced to postpone their show in Tampa on Sunday, August 9th for artist related medical reasons. Details of the rescheduled date will be announced as soon as they are available.

For more information go to www.livenation.com

I’m embarrassed to say I was actually looking forward to this show. Dratted balladeering Brits!

A quick breakdown of this weekend’s most worthy concerts beginning with Thursday, ’cause that’s when the weekend really starts, right? For a more comprehensive schedule of concerts, check out our Upcoming Events page.

Thursday, August 06
Hot Sun Quartet (pictured) As part of its Side Door Jazz series, the Palladium welcomes Hot Sun Quartet (aka Quarteto Sol Caliente), an instrumental ensemble that performs Latin-flavored jazz with two flamencoguitarists, a percussionist on congas, and a stand-up bassist. Thurs., Aug. 6, 7:30 p.m., Palladium Theater, St. Petersburg, $15.

So. Cal Punk Invasion w/Fear/Agent Orange/D.I./Total Chaos Plastic and fakery incites some pretty strong feelings of disgust and So-Cal is a hotbed of punkified antipathy. This bill spotlights some of the region’s finest. Fear has been rocking LA since 1977 and is credited with helping shape the sound of hardcore punk via thrashtastic, tongue-in-cheek songs about anything from beer to women to beef baloney; you may remember them from 1981’s punk documentary, The Decline of Western Civilization. Agent Orange hails from Orange County and gets props for being the first group to combine punk and surf rock. Fullerton’s D.I. features ex-Social Distortion drummer Casey Royer on vocals while Total Chaos out of Ponoma Valley is fronted by vocalist Rob Chaos, who’s also co-owner of Cali-based punk label SOS Records. Thurs., Aug. 6, 7 p.m., State Theatre, St. Petersburg, $23. Read the rest of this entry »

This just in from the Bruce Springsteen newsite: The Boss had added 25 dates to his current U.S. tour, including a stop at Tampa’s Ford Amphitheatre on Sept. 12; tickets go on sale July 24. Here’s the complete details, with the fluffery (gushing quotes from European press) edited out:

Bruce Springsteen & The Legendary E Street Band have added 25 new US concert dates to their 2009 ‘Workin’ On a Dream’ tour. Springsteen has now sold over 1.5 million concert tickets in 2009 alone, with the new dates expected to push that number over the two million mark. (Too see video of the band performing “The River” at 2009’s Glastonbury as well as the complete schedule of tour dates, click here.)

For more music coverage of all sorts, visit our music blog, TampaCalling.com.

Barbados native singer Rihanna is a Def Jam artist with the whole package — good looks, great voice and undeniable magnetism. She was propelled into stardom with five number one hits on the Billboard Hot 100, tying her with Beyoncé and Mariah Carey for the most by a female artist this decade. Her Grammy-winning single “Umbrella” featuring rapper Jay-Z has been covered and remixed by too many singers and DJs to name, and even made a MySpace star of singer-songwriter Marie Digby. No doubt she’ll bust it out at tonight’s NFL Pepsi Smash Superbowl Bash, probably on the cue of Jerry O’Connell, who’s hosting the live VH1 broadcast of the concert. Illinois pop-punk foursome Fall Out Boy and soft rockin’ LA trio Lifehouse round out the bill. Thurs., Jan. 29, 7:30 p.m., Ford Amphitheatre, 4802 U.S. 301 N.,Tampa, $20-$45. (Leilani Polk)

Plus more things to do today:

— All Star Poetry Slam (Super Bowl Edition). According to Lizz Straight, local spoken-word star and host of WMNF’s Poetry Is…, poets are coming in from all over the country for this slam. Super Bowl fans? Or maybe they’re coming for the cash-money prizes? Whatever the lure, this looks like a great night for spoken-word fans and for anyone seeking a dynamic alternative to mainstream Super Bowl entertainment. Tickets $12, live band, vendors, food and bar. 813-516-5012 or 813-380-0414.

— John Legend at Ruth Eckerd Hall.

— The Eagles at St. Pete Times Forum.

— Super Bowl Kickoff Party w. DJ AM & DJ Jazzy Jeff.

The Charles Fazzino Super Bowl Art Party, featuring 3-D art, helmet sculptures and commemorative paintings (like the one at left) by Fazzino. The perennial Super Bowl artist appears with Bucs quarterback Brian Griese at a fundraising reception for Griese’s nonprofit grief support organization for children and families, Judi’s House, founded in memory of his mother. Nuance Galleries, 804 S. Dale Mabry, Tampa, 6-9 p.m., 813-875-0511.

I just researched the ticket prices for the Counting Crows/Maroon 5 show at the Ford Amphitheatre on Fri., Oct 3 — info I needed for my blurb in next Wednesday’s MusicWeek section — and I’m ready for a nap. Exhausted, I tell ya.

Here’s my saga:

First I went to the Ford Amphitheatre website and clicked on the concert. Easy enough. Once there, I scrolled down to several icons that said “Buy Tickets.” Each of these required me to join the Live Nation Ticket Club and fill out some info. Pass. I scrolled down a little farther to an icon that said “Ticket Info,” but it was just general stuff about the box office and such.

I tried a few other clicks. My only conclusion was that you cannot find out ticket prices on the FordAmp website without joining a club.

So I called the general phone number. After waiting awhile, I got a woman in the box office who wasn’t sure why I could not get ticket info on the website. She quoted me ticket prices over the phone, adding that buying them at the box office window was the cheapest way.

In descending order, the prices went:

Read the rest of this entry »