Yesterday was my 2nd Chris Cornell concert in the past 4 or 5 months. It was also my first affair at Massey Hall. I'll spare you great detail, but I had a great time. I took the GO train downtown right after supper and made my way to the venue. As I was waiting in line, I saw either Yogi Lonich or Peter Thorn run across the street - but, as they look so similar, I couldn't yell or chase after or anything pathetic like that.
Inside I was disappointed to see that the tour shirts were the same as his previous tour this year, except with different tour dates listed on the back. I eventually bought a hat with his signature embroidered on the front. I know I never wear hats, but I felt that I had to come away from the show with something. My seats were fairly decent, about a dozen rows back and off to the left side. The guitarist from Billy Talent walked past in front of me prior to the show and after showing some ID was allowed backstage.
Juliette Lewis and the Licks were the opening act. You may recognize the name from the actress who played Audrey Griswold in the National Lampoon Christmas Vacation movie. Well, apparently she also has a rock band that isn't half bad. Juliette had a Janis Joplin-ish voice that I was pretty impressed with. She was dressed a little like Karen O - catsuit, native headdress and kneepads - which didn't seem to fit with her sound but still made for a pretty decent opening act coming from an actress-turned-singer.
Chris Cornell was phenomenal. He played for about 2 hours, covering all stages of his career pretty evenly. Being his birthday, a number of fans had passed gifts up to the stage - ranging from long scrolled notes, flowers and scented candles. The candles were from me of course. Hahaha. During his solo acoustic performance of Doesn't Remind Me, his bandmates, Juliette Lewis and a number of friends came onto the stage with a birthday cake for him. It was a really nice moment. He continued playing throughout all of this. During Black Hole Sun, Chris signed an autograph for a fan in the front row - something I'd never seen before.
From what I can remember, the setlist looked a little like this (not in order) Temple of the Dog - Say Hello to Heaven, Hunger Strike Soundgarden - Outshined, Rusty Cage, Fell on Black Days, Spoonman, Burden in My Hand, Jesus Christ Pose, Black Hole Sun Solo work - No Such Thing, You Know My Name, Can't Change Me, Scar on the Sky, Billie Jean, Wave Goodbye Audioslave - Cochise, What You Are, Show Me How to Live, Like a Stone, Doesn't Remind Me, Be Yourself
After questioning whether or not to even go, I'm definitely glad that I did!
Moving right along, here is a little iTune lyrics game for those who are interested in that sort of thing.
Step 1: Put your MP3 player or whatever on random. Step 2: Post the first line from the first 20 songs that play, no matter how embarrassing the song. Step 3: Post and let everyone you know guess what song and artist the lines come from. Step 4: Strike out the songs when someone guesses correctly. Step 5: Looking them up on Google or any other search engine is CHEATING!
LiveJournal says I haven't updated in 7 weeks. Hmmm, seems the only updates that I do make are music related and only amuse myself. I think I'll make an effort to bring this old thing back.
Well, the last 7 weeks have seen me graduate, (proudly) cram into the century old Convocation Hall seats to watch Leslie graduate (with high distinction), witness my cousin tying the knot and, finally, begin my dreaded quest for employment.
The next 7 weeks will surely see a lot happening. Another Chris Cornell concert. A night out with some UOIT buddies. A farewell festivity for two fourths of the power couple. Installation of new laminate flooring in my bedroom, as well as a new front door and various attempts to make our house look nifty. Hopefully some interviews and hopefully some career leads.
All of these social networking websites really throw me off. I can't love them all evenly.
I need some new sandals, a pair of shorts, swimming trunks, sunglasses and maybe a pair of pants. The feeling of pulling on jeans that don't fit anymore makes me really anxious. Sort of claustrophobic. Ahh, confined spaces!
Last week, Tom Morello was in town and appeared on CBC's the Hour with George Stromboulopoulus.
I also saw him play an acoustic show at the Horseshoe Tavern as The Nightwatchman. While it was not the loudest or heaviest show I've seen, it was hands down the most enjoyable. The venue was so small and intimate - Tom spent a lot of the night interacting with the crowd.
The following are some pictures that I and others took from the show.
First of all, I'd like to draw your attention to some shakey footage from Rage Against the Machine's first show in more than 7 years. Ann Coulter really went to town on Zack's little tirade in the middle of 'Wake Up'. As much as I continue to love Audioslave, it is wonderful to see Rage back. It would really suck to see Tom, Brad and Tim part ways permanently. I'll be somewhat happy as long as that core sticks together.
The ending is amazing. From atop the speaker. "Wake up! How long? Not long. 'Cause what you reap is what you sow".
Sort of on the same topic, I'll be seeing Tom Morello performing as the Nightwatchman at the Horseshoe Tavern on the 16th of May. I'm really looking forward to that. If all goes well, I'll meet him and get a photo!
I've been having a great time away from school but have yet to get a lot accomplished. I should really start looking for work. My summer looks to be shaping up nicely, however - convocation on June 1st - for which I am really excited, the previously mentioned concert coming in two weeks, a trip in June (I think) to Montreal/Lake Placid/Syracuse and my cousin's wedding in July.
I'm officially fat. It isn't an overreaction anymore. I eat so ridiculously. Hopefully I can get my butt in gear and start exercising. With my laptop gone for the next three weeks, this is as good a time as any.
I slept for about 12 hours last night and it felt amazing! I had been up for about 32 hours. Pulled an all nighter to finish up my strategic management assignment and it was absolutely terrible. I struggled to drive home yesterday evening... doing my best to stay awake.
So, I feel great now. I just ate a huge sandwich for lunch and am (somewhat) refreshed to start working. I have 10 days left in my university undergraduate career! Feels mighty nice!
A fun concert is coming up this Saturday. I get to meet Sir Cornell and take in what looks to be a good show filled with old and new items from the Cornell catalogue. Jesus Christ Pose. Burden In My Hand. Hunger Strike. Outshined.
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ryangage's journal
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