Jim Price
Moderator
Joined: 07 Dec 2002
Posts: 4817
Location: Altoona, PA
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 Posted: Monday Apr 14, 2008 |
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NEW YEAR’S DAY WEEK/WEEKEND RECAP 1/7/08
HAIR FORCE ONE @ 30 SOMETHING, ALTOONA 12/31/07
While the name and the interior have changed, the New Year's Eve party remained the same at the new 30 Something Restaurant & Lounge (formerly City Limits), as New Year 2008 would kick off with another journey through the Decade of Decadence, courtesy of 80's hair-band specialists Hair Force One.
Thanks to cohort and 30 Something regular Erik, my New Year's Eve party contingent got to enjoy the New Year's Eve festivities at the tables in the former City Limits rear bar area, the new lounge setting. We arrived early and staked our territory, and loaded up on noisemakers, confetti spewing explosives, stringers and initial drinkables of the evening.
I would be witnessing a transition period for Hair Force One this night, as this would be my first chance to see the group with new bassist Peter Fitzwell, replacing the retired Iva Biggin. This was also to be the final show for departing lead guitarist Michael J. Cox, but I soon learned that the flu bug kept him bedridden this night. The group's other guitarist, Phillip DaPussee, would perform all guitar duties this night. Phillip, Peter, singer Victor Synn, keyboardist Roman Fyngerz and drummer G soon kicked off the last party of 2007 with Cinderella's "Gypsy Road," and almost immediately filled the dance floor. Dio's "Rainbow in the Dark" followed, and the party was on! Hair Force One kept the headbanger's ball rolling with another Cinderlla number, "Somebody Save Me," followed by Twisted Sister's "I Wanna Rock," Warrant's "Down Boys," Kiss' "Lick It Up," Def Leppard's "Rock of Ages," Jackyl's "I Stand Alone," Kiss' "Rock & Roll All Night" and Ratt's "Lay It Down."
So far, Hair Force One was sounding good. Victor Synn's voice was again in good form, showing ample range, power and grit. Philip was doing a good job on the guitar front; his solos coming off well. And Peter Fitzwell was clearly at home providing the bottom end to this 80's rocking party.
With just minutes remaining in 2007, Hair Force One started into their second set with AC/DC's "Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap," followed by the Van Halen spin on the Kinks' "You Really Got Me," Jackyl's "Down on Me" and Faster Pussycat's "Bathroom Wall." Then the moment everybody had been waiting for, as the seconds ticked down to midnight, and 2008 arrived amidst a cacophony of noisemakers, howls, screams, whoops, clinking bottles and glasses, and more. And with the arrival of 2008, the arrival of the midnight food spread! Sauerkraut, hot dogs, deli meats and cheeses, veggies, meatballs and other good stuff awaited as a line began to form outside the billiards room to load up on the edibles. Hair Force One resumed the music for a few more songs, performing Kiss' "Heaven's on Fire," Europe's "Carrie," Ozzy's "Crazy Train" and Tesla's "Little Suzi" before pausing for the official intermission.
One more chapter to this hair-metal blowout remained, and Hair Force One launched it with Motley Crue's "Girls Girls Girls." The dance floor was again quickly packed as the group continued with Twisted Sister's "We're Not Gonna Take It," Kix's "Blow My Fuse" and Poison's "Every Rose Has Its Thorn." The group then welcomed roadie, light tech and "metric ton of love" Heywood Jablome to the stage to howl out lead voice on the Beastie Boys' "Fight for Your Right (to Party)." After this, the group staged a contest onstage for the ladies of the room, inviting them to ply their skills in devouring uniquely-shaped and decadently-decorated lollipops. Contestant Number 4 won the suction stakes, although the entire stagefront 30 Something crowd were the real winners in observing this latest display of Hair Force One decadence. The music resumed with the Poison double-shot of "Talk Dirty to Me" and "Unskinny Bop," followed by Def Leppard's "Pour Some Sugar on Me" to close the set. But the 30 Something masses weren't ready to conclude their New Year's Eve celebration yet; and they demanded more. Hair Force One answered with a three-song encore, doing Guns N'Roses' "Welcome to the Jungle," Skid Row's "Youth Gone Wild" and Quiet Riot/Slade's "Cum On Feel the Noize."
Obviously, this party rode at a constant high from start to end, with band and crowd energy combining to keep the vibe charged through the duration. Hair Force One again successfully propelled another crowd across the threshold from old to new year, and it was another memorable and decadent blowout!
Here is some rough footage from Hair Force One's performance:
http://www.rockpage.net/users/jprice/video/MOV00264.MPG
It’s a full house at 30 Something as Hair Force One begins the party.
Hair Force One rocks in the New Year at 30 Something.
It’s thrills and spills early on during Hair Force One’s party!
Victor Synn of Hair Force One.
Hair Force One triggers some early dance floor action at 30 Something.
Behind the drum kit, G.
Phillip DaPussee of Hair Force One.
Victor Synn and Peter Fitzwell of Hair Force One.
Again, Phillip DaPussee of Hair Force One.
G.
Again, Victor Synn of Hair Force One.
Hair Force One packs the 30 Something dance floor.
Hair Force One’s “metric ton of love,” Heywood Jablome.
Again, Peter Fitzwell of Hair Force One.
Victor Synn assembles the female contestants onstage for a decadent Hair Force One contest.
Victor explains the rules of the contest and displays what the ladies will be sucking upon. (Come to think of it, shouldn’t The Grimm be doing a contest like this?)
On your marks! Get set! SUCK!
These ladies are displaying their best licks in Hair Force One’s contest.
Back to the musical action…G has company behind the drum kit.
Once again, Victor Synn of Hair Force One.
Once again, Peter Fitzwell.
Once again, Phillip DaPussee.
Victor Synn and partying fans.
Back at the JP table in the rear of the room, we were enjoying our own brand of decadence. Here, Brian puts a noisemaker to use.
Eric is obviously in the New Year’s party spirit!
Jager bombs!
Guv’nor Jesse, sporting some Elton John-like New Year shades.
Fellow broadcasters hanging out on New Year’s Eve; Yours Truly and the X-Man.
Jason finds himself a seat.
ROCK & RYE @ THE BELMAR HOTEL, ALTOONA 1/3/08
Recent wintry weather on a Sunday night had prevented me from seeing Rock & Rye perform at Pellegrine's, so I decided to make a point of catching the duo's weekly Thursday "acoustic intoxication" session at Altoona's Belmar Hotel.
I arrived a little late in the show, but still was able to see the last 45 minutes of their performance. Lead singer/guitarist Greg Burley and guitarist/singer Ryan Clark again entertained with their selection of rock, folk, blues and country favorites from the 60's to present. The duo fielded requests from the audience along the way, and honored requests for Denis Leary's "A**hole Song" and Lynyrd Skynyrd's "Free Bird," while guest Randy stepped up to fire off some harmonica during Neil Young's "Like a Hurricane." They also did selections from Stone Temple Pilots, Johnny Cash, Jimi Hendrix, David Bowie and Seven Mary Three during the time I was there.
As always, Rock & Rye kept the mood jovial throughout the performance, doing a good job on the music but never taking themselves too seriously. It was again a fun, laid-back good time.
Rock & Rye, with special guest Randy on harp.
ROB WALLACE & THE MESS/THE AVANT GARDE/BLACK RIVER CIRCUS @ ALDO'S, ALTOONA 1/4/08
Aldo's was my destination this Friday night for an interesting, multi-flavored triple-bill featuring Rob Wallace & the Mess, The AvantGarde and Black River Circus.
Sans bass player Ryan Wigfield, Cumberland's Rob Wallace & the Mess performed as the duo of namesake Rob on vocals and guitar and Mark Wigfield on drums, with Rob billing the roster as "Rob Wallace & Half the Mess." Rob's broad-sounding fuzz-guitar sound covered the gap well as the pair kicked off the night with hard-edged southern/country/blues-flavored songs, including several from their CD Infidelity in Hi-Fi such as "Harvestin' Time," "Somebody Else," "Cross that Mason-Dixon Line" and the rockabilly-geared naughty novelty bonus track "Dirty Girl," which got the stagefront crowd chuckling and cheering.
Rocking as a duo this night, Rob Wallace & the Mess.
Again, Rob Wallace & Half the Mess.
Next would be my first look at Hollidaysburg's The AvantGarde. Singer/guitarist John Brehm, lead singer/guitarist Rob Gray, bassist Ben Riden and drummer Adam Smith performed a set of melody-geared punk-rocking original songs. The group blended punk velocity with melody, often delivering crisp vocal harmonies as they performed such numbers as "Demoneyes," "Obsolete," "Reverse Cowgirl," the new song "Blue Collar Disco" and more. The AvantGarde executed their material tightly, and had fun with the audience along the way.
Ben Riden and John Brehm of The AvantGarde.
The AvantGarde.
Again, John Brehm of The AvantGarde.
Tom Noel (Chapter 5/Suicide Switch) chimes in with Ben Riden and The AvantGarde.
Adam Smith of The AvantGarde.
Black River Circus then ended the evening with their edgy rural roots-rock sounds. Singer/guitarist Luke Pfister, banjo player Kris Douglas, guitarist James McNulty, upright bass player Matt Wise and drummer Josh Ryan performed original songs such as "Cowboy Angel," "Diamond Lou," "The Capitol Hotel" and more. Black River Circus' mixture of country/bluegrass twang, punk-fueled rhythms, gritty vocals and blue-collar lyrics created a unique sound and vibe. Their wide expanse of sounds kept things interesting throughout the set, as the group frequently shifted musical gears from song to song. It all sounded good, and drew good response from the stagefront crowd as the set proceeded along.
Black River Circus closes out the night at Aldo’s.
Again, Black River Circus.
Matt Wise of Black River Circus.
Luke Pfister of Black River Circus.
Kris Douglas of Black River Circus.
Once again, Black River Circus.
Matt Wise and Luke Pfister of Black River Circus.
It all amounted to a good night of local original rock. Three bands brought three widely different sounds to the Aldo's stage, and all three put on good performances that won approval from the crowd. It was another strong showing for the area's original music scene, and again affirmed Aldo's role as being this town's premiere home for local original music.
PRIVATE PROPERTY @ THE VICTORY LANE SALOON, ALTOONA 1/5/08
The band formerly known as Bleech had returned to action recently with a new name, Private Property. The group returned to the Altoona area this night with a show at a room where Bleech had prospered locally before, the Victory Lane Saloon.
A good crowd was in place at the Victory Lane as I arrived towards the end of Private Property’s first set, but the majority of the crowd wasn’t in the best mood. The Pittsburgh Steelers were getting bounced from the playoffs by Jacksonville this night. Private Property now had their work cut out for them; trying to raise the spirits of dejected Steeler fans. They were up to that challenge.
Singer/drummer Bud Beals, bassist/singer Bill Haney and guitarist/singer Mike Harper finished up their first set with Eric Clapton’s “Cocaine,” the Rolling Stones’ “Sympathy for the Devil” and Jimi Hendrix/Bob Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower.”
After the first intermission, they returned to rock the house some more, kicking off the second set with Steppenwolf’s “Born to Be Wild.” Private Property then continued with classics from Chuck Berry, more Stones, the Troggs, Johnny Cash, Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Steve Earle, ZZ Top and AC/DC. All three band members took turns at singing lead, and all handled their vocal duties well. The Victory Lane crowd seemed to enjoy it thus far, with a few folks even getting up and cutting the rug along the way.
Private Property’s third set launched with Bachman Turner Overdrive’s “Takin’ Care of Business,” and stepped up the rock with tunes from Neil Young, Judas Priest, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Black Sabbath, Chuck Berry, Robert Palmer, AC/DC and more. The group broke out an original tune from their Bleech tenure, “Since You’ve Been Gone;” and brought back a Bleech tradition to end the night, doing Jimi Hendrix's "Voodoo Chile," with guitarist Mike unleashing a furious solo, feedback and distortion display that slammed the door on the night and left the Victory Lane crowd roaring approval.
As it turned out, Private Property apparently brought down the house! A few days after this show, bricks fell from the side of the Victory Lane’s 110-year-old building, forcing its closure, and a few weeks later, its demolition. So Private Property became the last band to perform at Victory Lane, and they can now say that they not only rocked the bricks off the building; they brought the house down! Way to go guys!
Private Property. Little did they suspect that they would be the final band to rock the stage at the Victory Lane Saloon!
Bud Beals of Private Property.
Again, Private Property.
Again, Bud Beals of Private Property.
Mike Harper of Private Property.
Slammin’ on those skins, Bud Beals of Private Property.
Once again, Private Property.
Again, Mike Harper of Private Property.
During “Voodoo Chile,” Mike Harper brings the feedback and distortion!
More wild guitar effects with Mike Harper of Private Property.
Again, Mike Harper of Private Property.
Going behind the neck, Mike Harper of Private Property.
BAD DAZE @ PELLEGRINE’S, ALTOONA 1/6/08
Bad Daze closed the book on another weekend with another wild and rocking party at Pellegrine’s.
It was a typical Sunday night at Pelly’s as I arrived during the second set, and Bad Daze had drawn some bodies onto the dance floor with tunes from Bryan Adams, Ozzy Osbourne, Eminem, Rage, Godsmack and Jimmy Eats World.
The third set kicked off with Poison’s “Talk Dirty to Me,” followed by Weezer’s “Beverly Hills,” and a guest appearance by Slacker Theory frontman Steve Danfelt on a rap number. The rock continued with Nickelback’s “Rockstar,” Tommy Tutone’s “867-5309/Jenny,” Disturbed’s “Sickness” and Drowning Pool’s “Bodies.” For the first time in a few months, the group broke out Overkill’s “Old School,” before finishing the night with Pantera’s “Walk.”
As always, Bad Daze packed the punch, with Rob, Kenny, Paul and Eric generating the excitement onstage, and the Pelly’s audience populating the dance floor for the duration. A good party, and a good close to the first weekend of the New Year.
Paul Rainey of Bad Daze entertains some company onstage.
Rob Carolus of Bad Daze.
Kenny Murdick and Rob Carolus of Bad Daze.
Again, Paul Rainey of Bad Daze.
Bad Daze, bringing the party in 2008!
Helping Bad Daze out on vocals, Steve Danfelt of Slacker Theory.
Steve helps Eric Wertz of Bad Daze behind the kit.
Again, Eric and Steve.
JP’s HAIKU
Private Property
Rocked Victory Lane Saloon
Brought down the building!
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