It is not very often that I travel so far to see a concert, but tonight's line of up and coming bands at The E -Center in Salt Lake City made me changed my mind really fast to embark on this amazing journey to Utah.
The Halloween Havoc Concert at the E Center in Salt Lake City featured Veteran rock band Korn, new rock sensation Sixx A.M., Australian rockers Airbourne, Operator, and Five Finger Death Punch.
Due to flight problems, and having a late dinner at Ruby's Tuesday, I missed opening act Five Finger Death Punch. It has been awhile since I have seen Korn perform. Last time was at the Mohegan in Ct, and I was surely looking forward to tonight's excellent line-up.
Considering it was a Full Moon and Halloween Havoc event, you just knew tonight’s performances were going to be over the edge with moshpits everywhere. It was kind of cool that the arena floor was general admission. It kind of reminded me of the DCU Center in Worcester.
One of the highlights of tonight’s concert was seeing the Australian band Airbourne perform. The band is currently in the U.S. performing a string of shows. Lead singer Joey O'Keefe and company transformed the E-Center in an Australian pub with their raunchy brand of rock and roll that reminds me a lot of Jet and AC/DC.
Airbourne's set consisted of mainly songs from their upcoming release on Roadrunner Records,” Running Wild" set to be released in early 2008. Their single,” Too Much, Too Young, Too Fast had the audience on their feet. Joey O'Keefe has a voice that is reminiscent of AC/DC's Bon Scott but with a grittier edge. The power chords of guitarist David Roads had that Ramones kind of vibe. Actually, Don Dokken's first band was called Airborne, so with a name like that you can't go wrong. I am looking forward to hearing more of them soon.
O'Keefe in action
One of the main reasons I went to Utah tonight was too see Sixx A.M. Every once in awhile, a band comes along that makes you stand up and notice. With the recent release of their soundtrack to the book,” Heroin Diaries", many people wondered if the hype of this band would deliver in a live concert setting. The answer is Yes. Earlier this week, Nikki Sixx announced that this would be the bands only live performance. Upon hearing that news, I knew right there and then, that this show was a must attend.
During the 80's, Nikki Sixx and Motley Crue controlled the metal genre. In 2007, it seems that the Motley Crue bass man has assembled the perfect musicians to create a whole new genre of material that is new and exciting.
The announcer of the concert told the audience that this was Sixx A.M.'s first concert appearance. But I remember on July 16, the band performed in Los Angeles, At Crash Mansion. He probably meant that this was Sixx A.M.'s first public appearance, as the Crash Mansion event was not open to the public and only for media and a few lucky my space fans.
Sixx A.M. Live - Life Is Beautiful
As the smiley logo on the drum kit glared onto the audience, Sixx A.M. hit the stage with a vengeance. Opening with the title track off of their new CD,"Heroin Diaries" sound track "X-Mas In Hell", the very tattooed bass man Nikki Sixx took full command of the audience as mosh pits began to unfold.
Highlights of the set included the catchy, bass driving "Pray For Me" Guitarist DJ Ashba showcased his punk rock roots cranking out the chords of this Sixx A.M. classic. You may remember DJ from Beautiful Creatures. Now he is working with Nikki Sixx, delivering a blistering performance here tonight in Utah.
Nikki seemed to be having the time of his life onstage with his new project. The energetic bass man assaulted his bass throughout his entire performance. I have seen the Crue many times, but tonight's Sixx A.M. performance had to be one of the most exhilarating performances from the bass legend ever. Nikki was just a ball of energy, never missing a beat from beginning to end. Although, the band only performed a short 40-minute set, it was definitely one of the most exciting new acts of the evening.
Singer James Michael's voice was flawless, and crystal clear, taking the audience through a wide range of emotions during,” Accidents Can Happen". Guitarist DJ Ashba took center stage on,” Intermission", shredding the guitar with exact precision.
I am not quite sure, who the drummer was for Sixx A.M. I know they have worked with different people, but he did a good job of holding down the rhythm section with Nikki. Just like Motley Crue had 2 female back-up singers, Sixx A.M. sported singer Pearl Aday, added to the line-up on backing vocals. Her voice kind of got lost during the mix, as James Michael's strong vocals ruled the night.
Sixx A.M. ended the night with the song that has recently sparked huge radio airplay,” Life Is Beautiful". The band performed an outstanding performance of their hauntingly beautiful hit, as James sang,” You Can't Quit Until You Try, You Can't Live Until You Die, You Can't Learn to Tell The Truth Until You Learn to Lie", rang from the rafters.
I surly hope that Sixx A.M. change their minds and tour this year. It would be a shame for a band that has so much creativity and so much to say, remain a radio non-live band.
The night seemed to be flying by, as Korn hit the stage at 10 P.M. I was curious to see the new line-up of Korn. As Joey Jordison is filling in for their drummer, and Clint Lowery just took a leave of absence a few day prior to tonight's event. So kudos are in order to guitarist Shane Gibson for doing a great guitar job tonight.
Opening with "Here To Stay", Korn's brutal onslaught raged. Singer Jonathan Davis grunge like vocals was ferocious. The floor became a brutal mosh pit, as "Dead Bodies Everywhere" blared through the amps.
It may seem odd for Korn to do a ballad, but "Kiss" is the closest song resembling a ballad that Korn has ever played. Although, the song has it's riveting moments, it was good to hear the vocal approach of Jonathan Davis on his song.
Joey Jordison gave a stellar performance. I missed the family Values tour with him, and was very impressed with his hard-hitting drumming.
Actually, this line-up of Sixx A.M. and Airbourne would make a great tour package.
Jonathan Davis doing what he does best
I am not sure if Nikki wants to take Sixx A.M. to the clubs, so an arena tour of this magnitude just might work, showcasing up and coming rock acts along with Veteran rockers Korn. Korn ended the night with the song,” Blind".
Korn Set List:
Intro
Here To Stay
Starting over
Fake
Dead Bodies Everywhere
Kiss
Faget
Coming Undone
Trash
Evolution
Falling Away From Me
Blind
Sixx A.M. Set List :
X-Mas In Hell
Pray For Me
Van Nuys
Accidents Can Happen
Heart Failure
Intermission
Life Is Beautiful
