All Concert Blog

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The concert was held at Revolution Live, which is a three level venue. I never saw so many New Englanders in the city of Fort Lauderdale in my life! It was like I was back in Boston again at either the Avon or the Avalon on Lansdowne St. If this is is the atmosphere that these three bands were trying to achieve, then they succeeded. I felt right at home.

Larry and His Flask opened. A 6-man self-described “hillybilly jamboree, they are a combination of punk rock, big band, Irish gig, Ska, and 30’s folk music. Each musician is versatily talented in his own right. All members are equal as they stand in line in front stage – the drummer/lead vocal in the center. Jeshua Marshall, also one of the vocalists played the double base with ferocity, verve, and pure joy. The band’s energy was infectious and go the crowd roaring with applause and dance. What I liked about this band is that they were real. Their love of the audience was sincere and not at all contrived.

Their ballad, “Slow It Down,” reminded me of Jeff Healey Band’s style. Much of their songs had a vocal harmony not unlike the sound of horn on an old train, which sounded really cool!

As always at these shows, there were tons of drunk fans, but it was early in the night.

The second band, Strung Out, sounded exactly like Papa Roach with a little Foo Fighters influence. This is an LA band. The band dressed all in black, with each band member donning short, cropped, brunette hair. They opened with complex guitar riffs remiscient of 80’s hair band music. If you want to listen to head banging jams, then this is the band for you. Once the band debuted, the mosh pits begain.

Even though there was a an 80’s guitar influence, the band is definitely considered speed metal/punk rock, and like their band title, they do look a little strung out. As I watched them perform, I surmised that being a rock star seems like such an empty existence. One only feels alive when performing onstage. It seems possible this rush could be an addiction for bands like Strung Out; hence, the name.

I wish I could say that the band felt genuine, but it didn’t. Although the lead vocalist shouted at the audience, it was only that – shouting at them, not connecting with them. They were not the most original sounding band either. Regardless of my critique, they did have a following, as segments of the crowd sang easily to their songs.

Stung Out’s music is definitely geared for radio stardom, or at least fifteen minutes of it. Their music and lyrics are laced with F-bombs and scream of defiance, anger, and in a strange way, celebration.

Towards the end of their set, Jason Cruz, Strung Out’s lead singer started the old familiar chant, “Let’s go Murphy’s,” which incited the crowd. Scruffy Wallace even joined him at the end to help sing their last song.

Throughout the set, I noticed the same black-haired mohawked boy getting grabbed by the security guards up front to land from his crowd-surfing, only to go back for more, like a thrilled kid riding a rollar coaster repeatedly. The mosh pit increased.

Finally, after much anticipation, the Drop Kick Murphy’s landed on stage beginning with the solo voice of a Celtic woman and slowly mixing in guitar and drums leading up in intensity as the tempo increased and the volume peaked. This was combined with the chant “Let’s Go Murphys!” The intro lasted a little too long, and I thought for a minute that I was at a Celtic Woman concert.

Scruffy Wallace’s bagpipe solo began with the printed backdrop of church stained glass and cloverleafs inscribed into the background. Finally the band joins in with such a beating tempo, that I could have easily run to the music. I realize that I was watching my hometown band; the same band who played this year’s Winter Classic and also during the Red Sox games leading up to the series that made history and reversed the curse!

With the vibration of the drums and bass pounding through my body, I realize, that Tim Brennan’s talent is really amazing! Who knew that playing the accordion would be so hip! The crowd jumped wildly to this Irish punk rock band. To be a fan, no matter what your national background, is to be part of the “Fighting Irish.” Most of their songs were from their new album, and at least two of them honored our troops overseas.

During the concert craze, I watched a girl with just a bra on, surf repeatedly on the crowd only to be carried down to the front pit, run to the side and go back into it again. I’ve now seen everything.

The latter part of their set featured more popular songs including “Tessie,” and “In the Streets of Boston.” All in all, I felt like I was back in Boston at a drunken Irish bar. I was even pulled up onstage with several other women, only to be pushed to the back of the stage. One woman tripped me. I fell to the ground in a panic. Luckily, Ken Casey was nice enough to lift me back up to my feet. Thanks, Ken! I love your band!

at the beautiful Sunset Cove in Boca Raton. Check out more pics at SFFP. Tell your buds. For real.

at the Hard Rock Live venue. Seven fights with quick finishes. The last fight was with Elijah McCall and Dieuly Aristilde was a great battle. More pics on SFFP. Check em out and tell a friend. Evander Holyfield and Shannon Briggs were also in attendance.

held at the Cruzan Amphitheatre at the South Florida Fair Ground. Congrats to all the participants. Check out more pics at SFFP. Tell your buds.

A night full of fast, really fast cars, bikes, buses, truck – JET trucks. Check out more pics in the SPORTS gallery on www.southfloridafreepress.com. Tell a friend.

played their first of 4 shows at Amercan Airlines Arena last night in Miami. They will culminate with a 3 set New Years Eve show, dont miss it. Check out other pics at www.SouthFloridaFreePress.com- tell a friend and Happy New Year.

and Dave Mustaine played for a sold out crowd at Revolution in Ft Lauderdale on November 25. They put on a fantastic set along with opener, Machine Head. Lets hear from you. Tell a friend, check out more pics at www.SouthFloridaFreePress.com.

Peace and Happy Thanksgiving.

performed at the Culture Room on Friday, Nov 20. Lisa Corrao and Daniel Reskin warmed him up, 2 funny locals. Check out more pics at SFFP. Tell a friend.

opened for Sevendust last night at Revolution in Fort Lauderdale. The Miami based band played an outstanding set. Check out more pics at SFFP and tell a friend

at Bank Atlantic Center, Gene Simmons and Paul Stanley were the original members who played. Ace Frehley and Peter Cris were not on hand. Check out more pics at South Florida Free Press. Tell your buds, See you at the next one.