Saturday, April 30, 2011

April 2011: System of a Down, Deftones, Record Store Day & Syft

04.13.2011: System of a Down with Gogol Bordello at Key Arena in Seattle, WA
OK, I was VERY disappointed that this show was no pro photographers at all. However, this rule provided some of the best entertainment that I've had at a concert. BUT this meant that Mike nor I got photo passes so I can't re-live this show through our photos. AND I still got a guitar pick even though I wasn't even close to the stage :)

The Story: We knew there were no photographers for this tour so when we saw a guy walk by with a tripod and camera gear, we watched. It took just a few minutes to see the guy get escorted to the rear of the floor surrounded by security. Then SOAD's personal security guard arrived along with their manager Beno (Beno brought me my pic). Mike asked him what was up.
Summary of Beno's reply: He asked the guy who he was and who gave him the photo pass.
Guys reply: Their manager.
Beno: Really, Who is their manager?
Guy: His name is xxxxx xxxxx (Not Beno)
Beno: Interesting, cause I'm their manager and I didn't give out any photo passes
Security: Escorts guy out of the building

This show was especially fun for me cause we brought the kids. Ryan and Elisa had a good time, but for the second time, Ryan fell asleep at a major, and loud, concert. I'm sure he was snoring the way he was sitting in his seat. He's also done that at an AIC concert at the Paramount. We were standing on the side and he sat on my feet and fell asleep for almost an hour. I don't know how he does it.

Both SOAD and Gogol left me wanting lots more. This was the second time I'd seen Gogol and they were just as much fun the second time around. SOAD was a first for me. I absolutely loved them. They didn't sing my favorite song, Vicinity of Obscenity, but they sang 29 songs total. 29!
Here are some snapshots: SOAD/Gogol

04.14.2011: Deftones at The Paramount Theatre in Seattle, WA
LOVE their energy. I still don't know enough of their songs, but you don't have to to enjoy this band.
Here are some of Mike's shots from the 2010 & 2011 shows: Deftones/Chino Files 2010/2011
I was excited to see Dillinger Escape Project open, but they played in the actual dark which really wasn't fun at all.

04.16.2011: Record Store Day with Duff McKagen's Loaded at Easy Street Records on Queen Anne in Seattle, WA
I had no idea that Easy Street had a stage behind the garage door at the back of the store. You literally stand between records to watch a band play. We love Loaded. Love the guys, love seeing them play any time we can. This is a band that we support big time. Please take the time to have a listen. Duff has been in Loaded longer than he was in GNR now. Pretty amazing.
Here are my photos: Duff McKagan's Loaded - Easy Street Records - Seattle 4/16/11
I also have several videos up from the show on my Youtube channel: stefferzz1970
This one was my favorite video showing the garage door going up:

04.29.2011 S.Y.F.T. CD release show at El Corazon in Seattle, WA
Syft are a local rock/metal band with a bunch of promise. The lead singer, Sean, is a very good front man. Great stage presence and he gets the crowd going. Technically they are a 4 piece but sometimes bring an extra guitar along.
Photos: S.Y.F.T. CD release party @ El Corazon 04.29.2011