KISS
TD BankNorth Garden in Boston, MA
October 5, 2009
KISS Live show review By DJ Sterling Golden
KISS Live Photos by Lena Lamoray
KISS never does anything in moderation. That's not what one expects from the group nicknamed "The Hottest Band In the World". When the KISS ALIVE 35 World Tour recently reached North America after a year and a half of performing to sold-out arenas and stadiums the world over, one had to know it would be one of their biggest, most impressive setups to date. The end result included a massive screen stretching across the wall of the stage like a movie screen that just got outed for steroid use. Said screen was anchored by an endless amount of smaller screens, all neatly wrapped in enough towers of flame and fiery explosions to level a small town.Â
Last night's show was the 10th time I've seen KISS. Just as they did at my first show in 1992, KISS held the standing-room-only crowd at TD Garden in their collective palm, treating the audience to a two-hour-plus set of hits and history backed by the aforementioned visual presentation. It's what the band is best known for in the live setting, and last night's show certainly reminded everyone why they are the unquestioned kings of the live concert experience. The set got off to a bombastic start, with their incredible cover of the Hollywood Stars' "King of the Night Time World" (thank you for sending this one their way back in '76, Kim Fowley), followed by "Deuce", a favorite dating back to the band's earliest days. Gene Simmons belts out the track with as much power and panache as he did when he was just a young, aspiring, twenty something Demon looking to attain rock 'n' roll stardom. Audience participation was rampant throughout the evening, as Paul Stanley -- the longtime star of the KISS center stage and the band's onstage emcee -- would lead the crowd through fist-pumping call-and-response sessions, punctuated by his acceleration above the audience from the main stage to a smaller stage in the back of the arena, to belt out "Love Gun" surrounded by some of his greatest admirers.
As Stanley made clear last night, KISS has never been a band who dealt with talking politics or preaching about the world's troubles. The music of KISS changed the world by providing music lovers with escapism in its purest, most basic form, better than any other band in history. In keeping with this ideal, the band turned TD Garden into a rock 'n' roll dance party, as fans of all ages and cultures filled the aisles, letting the music take over their minds and bodies. Tracks including new single "Modern Day Delilah" and classics ranging from "100,000 Years" to "Lick It Up" to the band's immortal anthem "Rock And Roll All Nite" provided the crowd with more than enough reason to forget their worries and concerns with everyday life and turn a Monday night into something resembling a late Friday night. Amidst showers of light and ivory confetti, KISS delivered what was, far and away, the biggest and best live concert event anyone in the Bean has ever experienced. Yes, that includes U2 and that silly giant crab they gave us at Gillette Stadium a few weeks ago. Sit down, Bono.
As exhibited onstage, the band's current lineup of Stanley, Simmons, lead guitarist Tommy Thayer and three-time KISS drummer Eric Singer is arguably the most musically dynamic KISS lineup since their acclaimed early 90's lineup (which, interestingly, contained a near-identical lineup; just swap out Thayer for Bruce Kulick). The overall musical performance was tight, precise, and more energetic than anyone could expect from a group whose members' age ranges from 48 to 60. In particular, Thayer and Singer impressed, the former exhibiting impressive guitar chops and the latter bashing the skins with ferocious execution. The snarling bass licks of Simmons showcased his underrated musical talent, while the golden voice of Stanley, while slightly weathered after over 35 years of performing, still showcased great range and brought chills up the spines of the beautiful cougars in the crowd who screamed ecstatically with every gyration of his hips and wiggle of his ass.
All of this comes during a tremendously exciting time for KISS. Their first new studio joint of original material in 11 years, Sonic Boom, drops this week exclusively at Walmart, amid huge anticipation and promotional hype. The band is fresh off receiving their long-deserved nomination into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Without a doubt, the world's ready to be KISSed like never before. If last night at the Garden was any indication, it's a KISS they will not soon forget.
Once again, the people of Boston have experienced firsthand why KISS are America's biggest band ever. The Bean has been conquered one more time.
http://www.lenalamoray.com/
http://www.lenalamoray.com/kissreview2009.html
Showing posts with label Live Concert Photos. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Live Concert Photos. Show all posts
Monday, October 5, 2009
Thursday, October 1, 2009
MIKA Live Photos & Review The Orpheum Theatre Boston, MA
MIKA
October 2009 Orpheum Theatre Boston, MA
Live Photos and Show Review by Lena Lamoray
I was first introduced to MIKA on THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW in 2007 and I have been hooked ever since. MIKA fills the void that is missing from music today. He is bubbling with charisma, flare and unabashed talent. His album LIFE IN CARTOON MOTION got my attention with LOVE TODAY and GRACE KELLY being my absolute favorites. THE BOY WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, his new album came out in September and is definitely worth owning so pick up both and go into a MIKA induced feel good coma.
It was my first time seeing him live and honestly I knew he was going to be good but he proved to be magnificent. You can tell MIKA puts his all into his live shows. Everything is carefully planned out from the stage sets to the black light make-up. I love it when artists put the time in and develop a live stage show that tells a story and leaves us eager to know how it ends. I can’t think of a show that I have ever seen that has pieced together a moon landing, a half naked astronaut, a teapot on steroids and a puppet show and made a magical evening out of it. MIKA was performing so hard during the first couple of songs that he split his trousers. Luckily, this isn’t a death metal show so a costume change in front of us was a welcome event. MIKA is a good looking man with a tall in shape physique that includes perfectly tousled hair, nice feet and did I mention his British accent. I can certainly see why women and men fawn over him. All that being said and I still have not even gotten to the best part of MIKA, his voice! To say this man can sing doesn’t do him justice. His voice is in the realms of FREDDIE MERCURY and GEORGE MICHAEL. His voice is just so pure and downright beautiful and he can pull it off live. In fact, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about his show at all. Everything was perfect and the show featured some of my favorite things; retro clothing, feather hats, costume changes, colorful sets, moons, confetti and of course, MIKA. He even invited the crowd to sing with him. Of course, my favorite performance was LOVE TODAY but perhaps that is because that was my introduction into the wonderful world of MIKA. One thing is for certain, when you see MIKA live you will leave feeling a million times better than when you went in. With all the bad things happening in the world today it is nice to take a break from them and go on a musical journey with a true inspiration. Thanks MIKA!
http://www.lenalamoray.com/mikareview.html
http://www.lenalamoray.com/
October 2009 Orpheum Theatre Boston, MA
Live Photos and Show Review by Lena Lamoray
I was first introduced to MIKA on THE GRAHAM NORTON SHOW in 2007 and I have been hooked ever since. MIKA fills the void that is missing from music today. He is bubbling with charisma, flare and unabashed talent. His album LIFE IN CARTOON MOTION got my attention with LOVE TODAY and GRACE KELLY being my absolute favorites. THE BOY WHO KNEW TOO MUCH, his new album came out in September and is definitely worth owning so pick up both and go into a MIKA induced feel good coma.
It was my first time seeing him live and honestly I knew he was going to be good but he proved to be magnificent. You can tell MIKA puts his all into his live shows. Everything is carefully planned out from the stage sets to the black light make-up. I love it when artists put the time in and develop a live stage show that tells a story and leaves us eager to know how it ends. I can’t think of a show that I have ever seen that has pieced together a moon landing, a half naked astronaut, a teapot on steroids and a puppet show and made a magical evening out of it. MIKA was performing so hard during the first couple of songs that he split his trousers. Luckily, this isn’t a death metal show so a costume change in front of us was a welcome event. MIKA is a good looking man with a tall in shape physique that includes perfectly tousled hair, nice feet and did I mention his British accent. I can certainly see why women and men fawn over him. All that being said and I still have not even gotten to the best part of MIKA, his voice! To say this man can sing doesn’t do him justice. His voice is in the realms of FREDDIE MERCURY and GEORGE MICHAEL. His voice is just so pure and downright beautiful and he can pull it off live. In fact, I have absolutely nothing negative to say about his show at all. Everything was perfect and the show featured some of my favorite things; retro clothing, feather hats, costume changes, colorful sets, moons, confetti and of course, MIKA. He even invited the crowd to sing with him. Of course, my favorite performance was LOVE TODAY but perhaps that is because that was my introduction into the wonderful world of MIKA. One thing is for certain, when you see MIKA live you will leave feeling a million times better than when you went in. With all the bad things happening in the world today it is nice to take a break from them and go on a musical journey with a true inspiration. Thanks MIKA!
http://www.lenalamoray.com/mikareview.html
http://www.lenalamoray.com/
Saturday, August 1, 2009
2009 CRUE FEST 2 Live photos MOTLEY CRUE GODSMACK COMCAST CENTER Mansfield, MA
2009 CRUE FEST 2
COMCAST CENTER Mansfield, MA
Live photos and review by Lena Lamoray
CRUE FEST returned this year with a second installment of new bands and the legendary rock darlings, MOTLEY CRUE. The Monster Energy Stage featured REV THEORY, 16 SECOND STARE, CAVO and SHRAM. The main stage brought us MOTLEY CRUE, GODSMACK, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, DROWNING POOL and CHARM CITY DEVILS.
The classic hard rock band from Baltimore, CHARM CITY DEVILS opened the main stage and played a tight set that started the night out right. They are signed to NIKKI SIX’s label, ELEVEN SEVEN MUSIC, for a good reason. Their music is a blend of classic, blues and rip roar n’ rock n’ roll.
These guys rock their tight pants and their guitar player, NICK KAY offered me up one hell of a handshake. DROWNING POOL is always a great band to catch live. I’ve seen them a few times and they always put on an energetic and pleasing show. I love the vintage style microphone that RYAN McCOMBS uses. DROWNING POOL has had their music featured in a bunch of films such as THE PUNISHER and more and just about every sporting event, especially the WWE. BODIES is the best rage ready rock hit for any event. I can honestly say that they are really just a bunch of laid back guys with really pleasant attitudes that just happen to put out music that will kick you in the ass. THEORY OF A DEADMAN remind me a lot of NICKELBACK but I think the pompadour sporting front man, TYLER CONNOLLY was having an off night because he was not pulling off some of his vocal ranges. I have never seen them live before but I have to believe he hits them a lot better on most nights. Someone get that man a cup of tea with honey! The band as a whole was good. GODSMACK is always a favorite in the Massachusetts area and the girls and guys (you know who you are) go crazy over SULLY ERNA perhaps because his name is so much fun to say. They have even invented a game that uses his name, odd I know. They brought back the use of the spotlight and that was well received. GODMACK loves their explosions! They sounded great and showcased their hits VOODOO, I STAND ALONE, STRAIGHT OUT OF LINE and more. Hopefully, we will have a new album in 2010.
The reason for the CRUE FEST 2 is of course MOTLEY CRUE. You want to talk about a stage set-up! The show opened to reveal a patient on a vintage hospital gurney being “cared” for by treacherous doctors. Then the band was revealed in a white padded room set where they performed the first song, DR. FEELGOOD and then the walls were lifted to showcase an elaborate stage with platforms and levels and dancing girls. MOTLEY CRUE certainly gives you your money’s worth with stage set galore. As a photographer you can not ask for anymore except of course for TOMMY LEE to be present. Damn, you sparklers and those overzealous hands of MR. LEE! This was my first time photographing MOTLEY CRUE and I really wanted to capture all of the members. Not to say that MORGAN ROSE didn’t do a great job. That guy is a true pro. He had little time to prepare but stepped up and filled some really, really big shoes. MOTLEY CRUE have been around since the early ‘80’s and still have withstood the test of time and remain relevant in today’s musical society. Many other bands have tried to be just like them but there will only be one MOTLEY CRUE that consists of VINCE NEIL, TOMMY LEE, MICK MARS and NIKKI SIXX. It is great to see MICK MARS performing and doing what he loves. He is certainly an inspiration to pretty much everyone. The live set highlights were KICKSTART MY HEART, WITHOUT YOU, SHOUT AT THE DEVIL, HOME SWEET HOME, GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS and more. MOTLEY CRUE live appeals to every sense, after all, no other band will ever sound, feel, look, taste and smell like MOTLEY CRUE.
http://www.lenalamoray.com/cruefest2.html
http://www.lenalamoray.com/
COMCAST CENTER Mansfield, MA
Live photos and review by Lena Lamoray
CRUE FEST returned this year with a second installment of new bands and the legendary rock darlings, MOTLEY CRUE. The Monster Energy Stage featured REV THEORY, 16 SECOND STARE, CAVO and SHRAM. The main stage brought us MOTLEY CRUE, GODSMACK, THEORY OF A DEADMAN, DROWNING POOL and CHARM CITY DEVILS.
The classic hard rock band from Baltimore, CHARM CITY DEVILS opened the main stage and played a tight set that started the night out right. They are signed to NIKKI SIX’s label, ELEVEN SEVEN MUSIC, for a good reason. Their music is a blend of classic, blues and rip roar n’ rock n’ roll.
These guys rock their tight pants and their guitar player, NICK KAY offered me up one hell of a handshake. DROWNING POOL is always a great band to catch live. I’ve seen them a few times and they always put on an energetic and pleasing show. I love the vintage style microphone that RYAN McCOMBS uses. DROWNING POOL has had their music featured in a bunch of films such as THE PUNISHER and more and just about every sporting event, especially the WWE. BODIES is the best rage ready rock hit for any event. I can honestly say that they are really just a bunch of laid back guys with really pleasant attitudes that just happen to put out music that will kick you in the ass. THEORY OF A DEADMAN remind me a lot of NICKELBACK but I think the pompadour sporting front man, TYLER CONNOLLY was having an off night because he was not pulling off some of his vocal ranges. I have never seen them live before but I have to believe he hits them a lot better on most nights. Someone get that man a cup of tea with honey! The band as a whole was good. GODSMACK is always a favorite in the Massachusetts area and the girls and guys (you know who you are) go crazy over SULLY ERNA perhaps because his name is so much fun to say. They have even invented a game that uses his name, odd I know. They brought back the use of the spotlight and that was well received. GODMACK loves their explosions! They sounded great and showcased their hits VOODOO, I STAND ALONE, STRAIGHT OUT OF LINE and more. Hopefully, we will have a new album in 2010.
The reason for the CRUE FEST 2 is of course MOTLEY CRUE. You want to talk about a stage set-up! The show opened to reveal a patient on a vintage hospital gurney being “cared” for by treacherous doctors. Then the band was revealed in a white padded room set where they performed the first song, DR. FEELGOOD and then the walls were lifted to showcase an elaborate stage with platforms and levels and dancing girls. MOTLEY CRUE certainly gives you your money’s worth with stage set galore. As a photographer you can not ask for anymore except of course for TOMMY LEE to be present. Damn, you sparklers and those overzealous hands of MR. LEE! This was my first time photographing MOTLEY CRUE and I really wanted to capture all of the members. Not to say that MORGAN ROSE didn’t do a great job. That guy is a true pro. He had little time to prepare but stepped up and filled some really, really big shoes. MOTLEY CRUE have been around since the early ‘80’s and still have withstood the test of time and remain relevant in today’s musical society. Many other bands have tried to be just like them but there will only be one MOTLEY CRUE that consists of VINCE NEIL, TOMMY LEE, MICK MARS and NIKKI SIXX. It is great to see MICK MARS performing and doing what he loves. He is certainly an inspiration to pretty much everyone. The live set highlights were KICKSTART MY HEART, WITHOUT YOU, SHOUT AT THE DEVIL, HOME SWEET HOME, GIRLS, GIRLS, GIRLS and more. MOTLEY CRUE live appeals to every sense, after all, no other band will ever sound, feel, look, taste and smell like MOTLEY CRUE.
http://www.lenalamoray.com/cruefest2.html
http://www.lenalamoray.com/
Monday, July 20, 2009
GREEN DAY & THE BRAVERY TD Banknorth Garden Boston, MA Live Photos & Show Review
GREEN DAY
THE BRAVERY
TD BANKNORTH GARDEN in BOSTON, MA
JULY 20th 2009
LIVE PHOTOS and REVIEW by LENA LAMORAY
Could there be any better way of spending your birthday than photographing GREEN DAY and THE BRAVERY? Of course not! What a show and what a great couple of bands. I have seen THE BRAVERY live and interviewed them the last time they toured the area and they were great then but even better this time around. I thought they sounded perfect and all of the members stepped it up. JOHN CONWAY found his groove behind his keys and SAM ENDICOTT brought forth that crazed dancing and swinging that he is known for. He has such a lanky frame that it just works for him. I can’t stress enough how great they sounded while performing some fan favorite tunes such as AN HONEST MISTAKE, TIME WON’T LET ME GO and BELIEVE. It is fantastic to see them on tour with GREEN DAY.
GREEN DAY is finally back with a new album and tour and it is about time. We have all been waiting for this punk rock phenomenon to resurface. Their album 21st CENTURY BREAKDOWN has already spawned hits and it has only been released for a few months. Seeing GREEN DAY live is like the ultimate fan party. They invited fans far up in the rafters down and others to join them on stage and partake in the stage show and crowd surfing. It is nice to see a band so high up on the food chain that doesn’t treat their fans as prey. Energy is an understatement of what each member of this band possesses. I have never seen so many jumps, leaps and stage hi jinks in my life. BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG, MIKE DIRNT, TRE COOL and crew did an exceptional job of bringing this rock opera to life. Who can’t appreciate such songs as AMERICAN IDIOT, BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS, WAKE ME UP BEFORE SEPTEMBER ENDS, WHEN I COME AROUND, KNOW YOUR ENEMY and more. Live GREEN DAY surpassed any expectations that I had of them. Don’t miss this tour!
http://www.lenalamoray.com/
http://www.lenalamoray.com/greendaylivereview.html
THE BRAVERY
TD BANKNORTH GARDEN in BOSTON, MA
JULY 20th 2009
LIVE PHOTOS and REVIEW by LENA LAMORAY
Could there be any better way of spending your birthday than photographing GREEN DAY and THE BRAVERY? Of course not! What a show and what a great couple of bands. I have seen THE BRAVERY live and interviewed them the last time they toured the area and they were great then but even better this time around. I thought they sounded perfect and all of the members stepped it up. JOHN CONWAY found his groove behind his keys and SAM ENDICOTT brought forth that crazed dancing and swinging that he is known for. He has such a lanky frame that it just works for him. I can’t stress enough how great they sounded while performing some fan favorite tunes such as AN HONEST MISTAKE, TIME WON’T LET ME GO and BELIEVE. It is fantastic to see them on tour with GREEN DAY.
GREEN DAY is finally back with a new album and tour and it is about time. We have all been waiting for this punk rock phenomenon to resurface. Their album 21st CENTURY BREAKDOWN has already spawned hits and it has only been released for a few months. Seeing GREEN DAY live is like the ultimate fan party. They invited fans far up in the rafters down and others to join them on stage and partake in the stage show and crowd surfing. It is nice to see a band so high up on the food chain that doesn’t treat their fans as prey. Energy is an understatement of what each member of this band possesses. I have never seen so many jumps, leaps and stage hi jinks in my life. BILLIE JOE ARMSTRONG, MIKE DIRNT, TRE COOL and crew did an exceptional job of bringing this rock opera to life. Who can’t appreciate such songs as AMERICAN IDIOT, BOULEVARD OF BROKEN DREAMS, WAKE ME UP BEFORE SEPTEMBER ENDS, WHEN I COME AROUND, KNOW YOUR ENEMY and more. Live GREEN DAY surpassed any expectations that I had of them. Don’t miss this tour!
http://www.lenalamoray.com/
http://www.lenalamoray.com/greendaylivereview.html
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