I gave up concerts years ago--- I work around loud machinery all day and my ears can't take it any more.

I'll be there Parker, row 7, right in front of Alex.

You do have good taste....damn...

Kev

I live within walking distance. Have not seen so many mullets in one place since REO Speedwagon played here.

I'll be on the floor at the Rose Garden when Motley Crue takes stage, also Nikki Sixxe's new band ,Sixx A.M., Papa Roach, Buckcherry, and Trapt. It's called Cruefest! Out of State Man!

August 9 th.

Update.

Theres about 40 police officers along tenth ave just up the street from the ampitheater, police dogs, helicopter, everyones freaking out. All traffic is stopped and the cops have guns drawn..

Maybe Magicfly, The Brewer, or Parker must have met up and are on a Micro brew induced rampage......

Not really sure what happened. Cops went by the house at high speeds, sirens got further away and then closer again as they doubled back chasing a black SUV. Male driver about 48 years old, looks like hes been in the clink before....squeeled tires, hit brakes and lost control in my neighbors yard and then got out and tried to run. Police dogs took him down within a minute or two. Must have been chasing him for a while on the hiway, when he got off at the fairgrounds/amphitheater exit there were 10 cops behind him and several here within seconds. Idiot chose the wrong exit to make an escape, theres always a million cops here directing traffic for amphitheater events. Suspect must have been hit hard by the dogs...mud and scratches all over his half-bald head. Face was dirty and he was crying like a little girl.

News crews are still wandering around and the bag of evidence looked a little like a large quantity of meth and a pistol. Not sure though, had my spotting scope on the commotion but there were lots of cops huddled around the evidence.

They just now took the guy away in an ambulance and the news crews are mopping up while cops are combing through the truck with cameras and equipment. They are not in a hurry to tow the rig off. Still here as of 9:15

All in all, this live episode of "cops" was probably more entertaining than the Rush concert a few blocks away.

Passed on this one, two things need to happen before I see rush again.

1. Those dumb ass vending machines, need to be given the boot.
2. Geddy needs to learn how to sing again.

trust me, it pains me to say these things. Besides I stayed home to wrestle with the boys, and their already crashed out.

Tomorrow's my night ((((666))))

Mf

All hail the IRON MAIDEN!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

well last nights show was another great polished show by the canadian power trio!!! Pearts drum solo was refreshing and new. never tyer witnessing his work. geddys bass was thumping hard and precise. lifeson's playing was perfect escept for one minor glich that caught geddy's attention too. last night was the coldest temps i've ever experienced at a outdoor show. even geddy comented on the rather cool temp several times. it did not effect the bands ability to kick major ARSE!!!!!

IM is going to have a tough time out doing last nights show. but i guess i'll have to suffer through it....

Here's my report.

The Gorge sucks ass. Simple as that. But, I already knew that. Add to that very high winds and a band that wasn't too happy to be playing under SWAYING speakers, lights, etc, and the show sucked balls. Easily one of the worst Rush shows I've seen.

Day two in Vancouver was polar opposite. The band came out happy, in a good mood, and playing in a venue that was covered, no wind, etc. They came out and rocked. Good show.

I did the Gorge/Portland shows in 2002. Same thing. Sucked balls at the Gorge but totally rocked in Portland.

Screw the Gorge. The Christian Butt Rockers and the Boy Bands can have it. That place sucks.

In the end, I probably partied too much, slept too little and rolled in to town at 2:00 am last night. Was a good weekend.

Neil Pearts drum solo from sunday night at the CCA.

http://www.rushisaband.com/video.php?id=1492

The stuff that happens at about minute 5 just blew me away. None of that is pre-recorded and there's no pre-programmed stuff there. Every note was generated by Neil hitting/stroking/pounding something in that drum set.

He was using this long-pull, but extremely soft stroke on those electronic drums to get those long-lasting subtle tones that don't sound they came from a percussion instrument.

Directly tapping that same instrument produced a completely different tune.

Was cool to watch the first time, but on day 2, focused on the big screen to watch what he was doing.

The only drummer that I know that might be on parr with Neil is the dude from Dreamtheater. Mike Portnoy.

http://www.liveleak.com/view?i=53c_1179618070

668 - the neighbor of the beast!

PS My wife calls Iron Maiden (and others) "Man Opera"

Uhhh.

Wait a minute..........

He's got his "normal" drums and then he's got all kinds of "funky" stuff behind him. He had some sort of keypad type thing he was using, among other crap. Strange stuff to me. I ain't no drummer, so don't be lookin' at me!

His drum "circle" spins a 180 during his solo.

He only use his percussion toys for the solo.

All else are good old bangers.

Dear Neil,

You don't need any electronic hoodoo-voodoo. Electric drums are for boy bands.

Your friend,

Dan

Dear Neil,

Don't listen to Dan S. He's the guy in the crowd yelling "Get your f.cking jumbo jet out of my airport" (how's that for an obscure reference?)

But I am dedicating this post to him as this is #420!!!

Your pal,

Mike