BO BICE - Rock Log 091910

All day I wrestled with going to see 2005 American Idol runner-up Harold Elwin "Bo" Bice at the Wolf Den.  The dilemma morphed into a full-fledged conundrum when the rationale for going was the same for not going, that being "it's Bo Bice".  Ultimately I went, albeit solo.  I arrived four minutes before show time and got a good seat, stage right.  For those of you embarrassed to go to a restaurant by yourself, try saying "one, for Bice" to the hostess at the Den.

The show was a high octane blast on Mason-Dixon rock that actually set my foot a-tapping.  The first song was fitting, Take The Country Outta Me in which Bice held true to his roots proclaiming, "you can take me outta the country but you can't take the country outta me".  The concert was a mix of new and old stuff, but since I was unfamiliar with any of his stuff, it was all new.  Notable tunes included Wild Roses, Different Shades of Blue and The Real Thing.  Covers included Vehicle (Ides of March) and the encore Can't You See (Marshall Tucker), both done very well.

The band was tight with Rocky "Mask" Dennis on guitar, McLovin on keys, No Neck on drums and a young Michael Corleone on bass.  The centerpiece was Bice, who never let us forget that we are his family and he loves us.  Frankly, we loved him as he constantly played with his hair while prancing around in his Robert Plant nut-hugging dungarees.  A slew of 1978 prom queen runner-ups crowded the stage for the second half of the show.  I saw no celebrities of note.  Generally, every trip to the Den ends with a stop at Johnny Rockets.  However, I could eat nothing as I had already had a heapin' helpin' of humiliation with a side order of surreality. 

Overall, if asked to go again, I would.  Partly because it was good music and also because I am convinced that if the South should ever rise again, then the Confederacy will be led by General H. Bo Bice riding proudly atop his Southern Fried steed.  Three of five stars.

Rock on.

Vick

THE ZOMBIES - Rock Log 091110

Ventured out on Sat nite w/ Vick and another heterosexual male to the Den for the 60s group The Zombies.  I knew nothing of this group by name before we left although my rock & roll colleague was as excited as a 20 yr old on his first trip to a strip bar.  (It should be known that wedding anniversaries and kids sporting events come in a distant second to The Zombies).

The crowd was surprisingly large (mostly w/ raisins, blue hairs and a few walkers) but still quite crowded.  Robby Kreiger of the Doors fame sat very near us and was the only celebrity sighting of the evening.  The show started w/ three of the worst songs I could imagine – no one in the crowd moved.  I was ready to scalp 2XL (already done, if you haven’t seen him)  -  but we endured.   

I was glad we did, b/c the old boys kicked into gear and were actually quite good with only 2 original members.  Colin Blunstone, although a creepy looking dude, sounded great as lead singer at 65.  Rod Argent, another 65 yr old relic, pounded out the keyboards in impressive fashion.  The only other band member of note was the bassist, Jim Rodford, who played w/ the Kinks for 20 yrs. 

Although I didn’t know many songs – I did recognize old hits – “She’s Not There”, “Time of the Season”  & “Tell Her No”.  A surprise came when Argent talked of his solo stuff and played “Hold Your Head Up” – a true rock anthem.  Followed shortly by the story that Argent & Chris White penned “God Gave Rock & Roll to You” back in 1973 and while KISS is known for singing it, it was their song – so they jammed to that – The old folks actually moved to these tunes.

All in all, not my favorite show.  But if asked, I’d probably do it again – as they are very good musicians.

Randall