Who thought It could Happen

Well, I always thought that George Michael would replace Freddie in Queen, but having seen Paul Rogers in MSG with the band, I have to admit that Paul pulled it off. First, as being one of the chosen ones to actually have been able to get tickets to the sold out show, I must say I was apprehensive at best. To me George M has the perfectly matched voice of Freddie. However after seeing the over 2 hr show at the Garden, I must admit that Paul did not try to copy Freddie in anyway, shape or form, and he still pulled off every Queen song and made it his own. The tribute to Freddie in "Bohemian Rhapsody", was to me as moving a tribute to him as one could get. To see him on the giant monitor playing the piano was sheer genius. Then to have Paul pick up after the guitar solo and close the song just proved that he did not try to substitute for Freddie, but pay homage to him instead.

Little Feat

Saw the Little Feat (http://www.littlefeat.net/) show and have to say that although I enjoy their catalog of songs, since I have seen them for the last 3 years, a part of their act is getting old. Yes, I still enjoy Fat man in a Bathtub, and Sailin Shoes, but when it comes to their signature song of Dixie Chicken they need to make a change. Don't get me wrong, it is still such a great song to listen to, but to stretch it out longer each year they play it to a point that it has turned into a 30 minutes jam is disheartening. I have nothing against jam bands even though I don't care for the Dead or Phil Lesh, but come on Feat - don't fail me now. Lets just go back to playing D.C. for the 19.5 minutes and maybe 12 bar solos for each and try to keep it under 22 min. But to play for over 30 min is taking it a bit far don't you think. And to think I will probably have to go through this again next year as they come every year to the venue I work at.

Peter Frampton

He still can "Make you feel like he does" (http://www.frampton.com/flash.html). After seeing Peter Frampton recently, the man still has it in him to take you back to the late mid 70's and gives you all the bang for your buck. His playing has not slowed up in the least, and he has become quite the showman. While his taste is a tad more eclectic, his classics today sound every bit the same as when captured on the multi-platinum Live album. He has a bit more jazz in him these days, but overall, still can raise the roof and get a grown man to cry with his speed and accuracy in picking the strings.

Rolling Stones

When my wife and I saw the Stones, we had the intimacy of a small club, (1700 seats), and the power of an arena in sound. Imagine if you can the Stones, playing in an old movie theater, complete with balcony. They outdid themselves yet once again in their performance. My only regret was they did not play Sympathy for the Devil. But all the other classic hits were there, live and in living color and in your face. Mick truly did look like a chicken strutting around the stage, and Keith and Ron played off each others licks all night long. Charlie back on the drums, looked just as refined as could be, and yet together they were, they are, and they always will be the Rolling Stones.

Brian Wilson show

http://www.brianwilson.com/
Saw Brian Wilson show where he performed the entire SMILE album. Needless to say it is a work of pure GENIUS. It was totally worth the 30plus years it took to complete. To me Brian is unequaled in the field of writing and producing harmonies and melodies that stick with you all of your life. Songs like "Heros and Villians" and "Good Vibrations" only go to prove what a master of his craft Brian is. Such intricate harmonies and overlays are his signature in both songs. The ability to take a song and include 4 Freshman harmonies, to a rock beat, are the cornerstone to Brian's success. One can only hope that he will continue to grace his fans with more shows for years to come.