Just Announced: Mile High Line-Up

The full line-up for the Mile High Music Festival, coming to the Colorado mountains July 18 and 19 a few miles outside of Denver in Commerce City, has just been released.

Five stages will host 50 bands during the two-day festival, with music beginning at 11:15 am each day and going until 2 am on Saturday and 12:30 am on Sunday.

The awesome line-up for the Festival is currently as follows (not in order of appearance):

Saturday, July 18

TOOL
Widespread Panic
Incubus
Ben Harper & Relentless7
G. Love and Special Sauce
Big Head Todd & The Monsters
The Black Keys
Ani DiFranco
Matt Nathanson
Galactic
Paolo Nutini
Gomez
The Greyboy Allstars
Railroad Earth
India.Arie
Lyrics Born
Rocco DeLuca and The Burden
The Duke Spirit
needtobreathe
The Band of Heathens
Davy Knowles and Back Door Slam
The Northern Way (formerly Set Forth)
Lukas Nelson & the Promise of the Real
Rob Drabkin
Early Pearl

Sunday, July 19

Widespread Panic
The Fray
Thievery Corporation
3OH!3
Gov’t Mule
Gogol Bordello
John Butler
DeVotchka
Buddy Guy
Robert Randolph & the Family Band
Pepper
Jet
The Wailers
Matisayhu
Jack’s Mannequin
Guster
Mat Kearney
Dead Confederate
Jerry Joseph & The Jackmormons
Erin McCarley
Paper Bird
Honeyhoney
Joe Pug
Strange Condition
Electric Touch

MHMF always makes the Top Ten List for summer fun. You could see it all from backstage. If you're not already a BPD member, sign-up today.

Member Review: Wilco

Member BeerBellyBandit sent us this:

Wilco is something of a cult band: no hit singles, no massive record sales. But the group has garnered a devoted following through albums that have ranged from straight-ahead singer-songwriter Americana to more ethereal explorations of emotional tone and mood.

Last night found the group offering up songs from its upcoming Nonesuch release simply called "Wilco" while also dipping into rarely played material to delight its most hard-core fans.

Wilco is one of the few acts on the road with set lists that change nightly and last night's two hours +, 28 song performance truly was as far-ranging as rock can get. After an amusing introductory snippet of the theme from "The Price Is Right," the band hit the stage with the title-ish track from the new album, anchored by its refrain of "Wilco will love you, baby," then shifted into the older "A Muzzle of Bees."

The driving saloon-piano triplets of the "Blue Black Nova" gave way to acid-rock tide pool of "You Are My Face," the ache-laced "I Am Trying to Break Your Heart" and bittersweet yet hopeful "Shouldn't Be Ashamed."

Frontman Jeff Tweedy, who shared 2 beers with me backstage and serves as a musical tour guide rather than a showman, didn't have much to say early on. When he finally spoke to the crowd, pitching the tour programs filled with trivia tidbits, it was all tongue-in-cheek -- a contrast to the often layered, conflicted emotional content of most of the songs.

But Wilco is one of those bands that makes up for a lack of stage patter with those musical riches. One moment the group sounds like heirs to the legacy of the Grateful Dead or the Band, then it's delving into liquid Pink Floyd dreamscapes or unleashing unhinged, blistering yet steady cascades along the lines of Neil Young with Crazy Horse. Credit guitarist Nels Cline for sinewy and spiraling leads that fueled the fire as the band built to crashing crescendos.

Off-center country rock remains among the group's strongest offerings live, including "Handshake Drugs" and "You Never Know," and the playful Southern rock of "I'm the Man Who Loves You" closed out the main set.

Encore selections featured house favorites: the rollicking "Box Full of Letters," "Misunderstood," the almost-Eurotrashy epic "Spiders (Kidsmoke)" and the darn chipper "I Got You (At the End of the Century)."

After 2 beers with Jeff and one more with Nels, I was happy as a pig in sh*t to hang backstage and enjoy all the festivities. Here's the
set list:

Wilco (The Song)
Muzzle of Bees
A Shot in the Arm
At Least That's What You Said
Bull Black Nova
You Are My Face
I Am Trying to Break Your Heart
One Wing
In a Future Age
Impossible Germany
Shouldn't Be Ashamed
Sonny Feeling
Jesus, Etc.
Handshake Drugs
You Never Know
Hate It Here
Walken
I'm the Man Who Loves You

Encores:

The Late Greats
Box Full of Letters
Misunderstood
Spiders (Kidsmoke)
Hummingbird
Happy Birthday
Red Eyed & Blue
I Got You (At the End of the Century)
Monday
Hoodoo Voodoo

This is my third time using passes from BPD. You guys are solid, man. Thanks.

You are most welcome 3B. As we enter into July and August, some great shows will be happening. Wanna see 'em from the back? Become a member today.

Member Review: No Doubt

BPD member Stace wrote:

No Doubt came in strong, opening with their 1996 hit single Spider Webs. Nothing like kicking off a concert with 20,000 people singing with you, right? Gwen Stefani, who despite being 39, looks incredible and has more performance endurance than I have seen in other top artists. Gwen told the audience that No Doubt was there to get inspired for their next album, and they just wanted people to sing and have a good time. Well, myself and 20,000 others, certainly did. Gwen also thanked the audience, saying that she has no words to express how it feels playing in front of an audience this huge, who all sang the words to each of their songs.

No Doubt clearly loves what they do and their impeccable performance really displayed what a fantastic band they are. Gwen’s vocals were incredible, and they sounded better than their albums, which is not something I have ever experienced at a concert.

They were very appreciative too, calling out to fans with signs, pulling fans up on stage, grabbing fans cameras and taking pictures with them. Gwen even pulled one guy up on stage, telling him to “shut the f#@k up!” as he had No Doubt tattooed across his back. He looked as if he might have an aneurysm after Gwen gave him a big hug. She hugged every fan she pulled up. From what I hear of their other concerts, she is like this all the time – really relating to the fans and being very appreciative of their support. She even gets down in the crowd for some of the venues that have easy access back and forth.

I was surprised how accessible Gwen was backstage. Soaking wet, spent, she still found the time to answer my questions and endure my "gawking".

All in all it was amazing to see a band that I grew up with still kicking butt and remembering who made them. I would do it all over again and I can guarantee it will not be my last No Doubt concert.

BPD: You it!

Thanks Stace. We're so happy that you're so happy. You too can get backstage and meet your faves. Join BackstagePassDirect today.

Just In - Lollapalooza Schedule Announced

What may be THE festival of the Summer has released its daily schedule, and what a schedule it is with Depeche Mode, Ben Folds, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird, Thievery Corporation and The Gaslight Anthem. And that’s just the first day.

This year’s Lollapalooza, scheduled for August 7-9 at Chicago’s Grant Park, is surely not to be missed.

Friday – In addition to the bands and artists already mentioned for the festival’s first day, also expect Kings Of Leon, White Lies, Manchester Orchestra, Zap Mama, Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and The Knux among the acts scheduled for day #1.

For Saturday, how about the Beastie Boys, Ben Harper, TV On The Radio and Arctic Monkeys? The second day’s schedule also includes Ida Maria, Santigold, Perry Farrell, Coheed and Cambria and Animal Collective.

Sunday, Lollapalooza’s last day, includes performances by Lou Reed, Neko Case, Jane’s Addiction, Kaiser Chiefs, Vampire Weekend, Snoop Dogg, Sam Roberts Band, The Killers and Ra Ra Riot. Other bands acts scheduled for Sunday include Band of Horses, Cold War Kids, The Raveonettes and Dan Auerbach.

Let BackstagePassDirect make this the show of a lifetime for you with special No Restrictions backstage access for the full 3 days. Passes are awarded first come, first served. So don't delay. If you're not a member, sign up today.

Bonnaroo Day 3

This just in from BPD member StevieBoy:

I'm already too spent for words, but I've made it to the final day: Wilco, Elvis Costello, Springsteen. I'm jacked!!

I headed to the Which Tent where Booker T and the Drive By Truckers were playing. Booker T was not actually playing with the Drive By Truckers when I was checking them out but I think he came out moments after I left the stage to go see Raphael Saadiq at That Tent. Saadiq and his live backing band were amazing and had the entire crowd under the tent signing and dancing along to all of their songs.

One of the bigger acts I wanted to see all weekend was already playing at That Tent by the time I trucked over there. The artist, Jenny Lewis, had a huge gathering checking her out, including someone who was going to play the same stage later on: Elvis Costello. He ultimately joined Lewis to perform “Carpetbaggers,” which I'd actually suspected since the two worked together on that song previously.

I had a very tough time actually seeing her on stage, though, as there were so many people blocking the view, but her voice was strong and beautiful regardless. I envy all who could see Lewis and her band play, but I still feel fortunate to have been in attendance, especially when she covered the Traveling Wilbury’s “Handle With Care.”

With the performance time slots so close together, I had to make a quick choice of who I was going to check out next, finally deciding to head over to the What Stage to watch Wilco for a couple of songs and then return to That Tent for Elvis Costello.

Wilco was amazing and I really wish I could have seen more than I did. I enjoyed hearing “Handshake Drugs” as did thousands of others who flocked to the main stage to catch their performance. After soaking in a couple of tunes I made my way back to see Elvis Costello who stated his performance would include some special guests.

He played “Radio, Radio” as well as the Beatles’ “You’ve Got To Hide Your Love Away.” And his special guests wound up being Jenny Lewis and Allen Toussaint. Overall, Costello's set was strong and all of the fans were asking for more by the time it was over. Personally, I was thrilled to have heard “(What’s So Funny 'Bout) Peace, Love, and Understanding?” and "Veronica."

The Boss and band began at around 9:30pm to a full — and loud — house. This was the first time I'd ever seen Bruce Springsteen live and so I hardly kept my eyes off the stage.

I recognized a couple of songs but it became clear that I'm a novice when it comes to Springsteen’s catalog. I enjoyed hearing “Youngstown” as well as one particular track I never thought I would hear live in my life. Actually, it was a sign request — albeit an improbable one — but Springsteen apparently saw the humor in it and proceeded to play “Santa Claus Is Coming To Town.” It was more than I could have asked for.

People of all ages soaked in the almost three-hour set with some singing along and even more dancing and enjoyment of the cool evening. Springsteen admitted that Bonnaroo was only the second festival the band had ever played, their first being in Norway recently. Festival or not, The Boss played a full show complete with an encore as well as a great cover of Steven Foster’s “Hard Times Come Again No More.”

I laughed when Springsteen would ask the crowd if they were “all Bonnaroo’d out yet”. I was sure getting there, but I didn't let my heavy eyes prevent me from enjoying other tunes like “Glory Days,” “Dancing In The Dark,” and “Rosalita.” I later heard that it was quite rare to hear all three songs played live during the same show and I consider myself lucky to have done so.

Nine Inch Nails were another act I was pumped to see and apparently so was a major portion of the crowd who made it to the Which Stage before I did. I stood further away than I would've liked but I still enjoyed their awesome set, which included songs like “Terrible Lie,” “March Of The Pigs”, "I'm Afraid Of Americans,” “Burn,” and “Gave Up.” The showstopper, though, would have to be when Dillinger Escape Plan joined NIN on stage for “Wish.”

I'm outta gas. What a show!

Seeing shows like this from the back cannot be described. Find out for yourself. Join BackstagePassDirect today.

Miley's Fall Tour

Miley Cyrus, riding high on the success of her "Hannah Montana" film and soundtrack, has announced plans for a 45-date North American tour this Fall. The tour, which features her brother's band Metro Station as opening act, kicks off September 14 in Portland, Oregon and wraps up in Miami on December 2.

The tour is the teen star's first since the highly successful "Best of Both Worlds" trek in 2007-2008. That outing sold 994,665 tickets to 70 shows.

Is Miley hot? You bet she is! Here's the full schedule:


09/14/09 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena

09/16/09 Tacoma, WA Tacoma Dome

09/18/09 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena

09/20/09 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion At San Jose

09/22/09 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center

09/23/09 Anaheim, CA Honda Center

09/25/09 Glendale, AZ Jobing.com Arena

09/26/09 Las Vegas, NV Thomas & Mack Center

09/29/09 Salt Lake City, UT EnergySolutions Arena

10/02/09 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Omaha

10/03/09 Kansas City, MO Sprint Center

10/04/09 St. Louis, MO Scottrade Center

10/06/09 Auburn Hills, MI The Palace Of Auburn Hills

10/07/09 Columbus, OH Nationwide Arena

10/09/09 Des Moines, IA Wells Fargo Arena

10/10/09 Milwaukee, WI Bradley Center

10/12/09 Tulsa, OK BOK Center

10/15/09 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center

10/18/09 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

10/20/09 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena

10/21/09 Memphis, TN FedExForum

10/23/09 Birmingham, AL BJCC Arena

10/24/09 North Little Rock, AR Alltel Arena

10/27/09 Chicago, IL United Center

10/29/09 Minneapolis, MN Target Center

10/31/09 Louisville, KY Freedom Hall @ The Kentucky Expo Center

11/01/09 Lexington, KY Rupp Arena

11/03/09 Washington, DC Verizon Center

11/04/09 Philadelphia, PA The Wachovia Center

11/05/09 University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center

11/07-08/09 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

11/09/09 Boston, MA TD Banknorth Garden

11/12/09 Hartford, CT XL Center

11/15/09 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena

11/16/09 Indianapolis, IN Conseco Fieldhouse

11/18-19/09 Uniondale, NY Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

11/22/09 Greensboro, NC Greensboro Coliseum

11/24/09 Charlotte, NC Time Warner Cable Arena

11/25/09 Nashville, TN Sommet Center

11/28/09 Columbia, SC Colonial Life Arena

11/29/09 Atlanta, GA Philips Arena

12/01/09 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum

12/02/09 Miami, FL AmericanAirlines Arena

Backstage passes will be available for all stops on the tour. Sign up at BackstagePassDirect and request yours today.

Member Review: Face 2 Face with Elton John and Billy Joel

Sufu wrote us:

First off, the bad news: I didn't get to meet Elton John. The good news? I got about ten minutes one-on-one with Billy Joel.

He told me what it was like touring back in the 70s and how so much has changed since then. This was great for me since my band wants to go out on the road and he helped me understand what we should and should not expect. BJ was really, really great.

But on to the show.

It was everything I could hope for, a sing along to a barrage of timeless rock classics.The voices of both performers are as strong as ever, and the musicians behind each of them were equally worthy of the massive applause that each song received. With a total performance time of over three hours.

The cheering grew loud at 7:45pm as BJ made his way on from stage right, and EJ from stage left. Their pianos slowly emerged from underneath the stage, and for the next 20 minutes the two were seated across from each other as they played a brief, but intimate set of songs. EJ took the reins shortly after, breaking into crowd favorites like “Crocodile Rock” and “Rocket Man”. Elton’s set was of course largely piano driven, but there was plenty of guitar to be heard from Davey Johnstone, a great player who stole the set away into several periods of intricate solos. Drummer Nigel Olsson was all smiles as he pounded the skins with all the vigor of a man half his age. The positive energy and the feel-good mood that was so prominent on the stage didn’t take long to penetrate into the crowd; most fans were on their feet and there was plenty of dancing in the aisles and elsewhere to be seen. Elton’s piano licks were impressive to say the least, at times it seemed as if something was bound to explode. As for his attire, it was kept rather low key – low key for EJ, that is. Gold shoes, his trademark glasses, and a dragon embroidered jacket were all part of the evening’s wardrobe, but there were no flashy hats or constant changes in dress.

The crowd’s applause for EJ’s electric performance merged with the applause of greeting as BJ walked onto the stage and opened up the piano and keyboard driven instrumental half of “Prelude/Angry Young Man”. Starting his dialog with the crowd by introducing himself as his own father, BJ took the crowd for a wild ride of memorable hits, delivering each one with a deep passion in his voice. He took to his feet and played guitar during the catchy “We Didn’t Start the Fire”, and gave a particularly energetic performance of “It’s Still Rock and Roll to Me” by tossing his microphone stand clear above his head and later aiming it into the crowd in order to let one lucky female fan sing the final words to the song.

BJ departed the stage, but before too long both performers re-emerged and finished the evening off with an extended set of with vocal and piano harmonies. The stage was almost crowded as the backing bands for both musicians shared the platform, providing a very full and rich sound. Alternating each other’s hits and sharing the lead vocals of each song, both EJ and BJ enjoyed themselves as much as the crowd. Just when it felt like all the hits had been played, the two would rip into another sing along classic – a true testament to their enduring legacy as musicians. Finishing off with Elton’s “Candle in the Wind” and Billy’s “Piano Man”, the evening ended with the performers in a warm embrace to an effusive applause. It was a truly heartfelt performance, and by its end the entire arena was singing along and feeling the passion of the songs. Years have passed since EJ and BJ first made it big, but the music they created is timeless.

All words fail to express my gratitude to BPD for giving me this experience of a lifetime.

This concert season is just heating up and there are plenty of passes for great shows still out there. If you haven't become a member of BackstagePassDirect, sign-up today.

Big Green Winners

Every now and then, we like to place our fingers back on the pulse of the industry and see who is pulling in the big tour money. Usually, there are more than a few surprises on the list.

From tapping in to our network of concert promoters and venue managers, here's the most recent picture of who's pulling in the big green.

In reverse order from #20, they are:

20 James Taylor
19 New Kids On The Block
18 Slipknot
17 Celtic Woman
16 Yanni Voices: Live In Concert
15 Kings Of Leon
14 Jeff Dunham
13 Motley Crue
12 Lil' Wayne
11 Neil Young
10 Il Divo
9 Leonard Cohen
8 Nickelback
7 Kenny Chesney
6 Fleetwood Mac
5 The Dead
4 Bruce Springsteen & The E Street Band
3 Eagles
2 Britney Spears

Can you guess who's Numero Uno? Drumroll please.....................

1 Elton John / Billy Joel

Backstage passes to these artists and so many more are within your reach at BackstagePassDirect. Join today.

Member Review: Leonard Cohen

BPD member SuzieCalifornia recently wrote:

From the moment he ran onto the stage to the moment the last echoes of the sound of the band, crew, and him singing from the "Book Of Ruth" faded into applause and bows, Leonard Cohen held our hearts and souls in the palm of his hand. As a poet, singer, novelist, and song writer, Cohen has always delved into deep emotional waters, but when you see him in concert he not only tells you about those experiences, he becomes your guide through them.

Cohen's first book of poetry, Let Us Compare Mythologies was published in 1956 and his first recording,Songs Of Leonard Cohen, was released in 1967. Since then has released twelve books, fourteen albums, and been in front of audiences almost continually either reading or singing his work.

Last night, Cohen performed songs from nearly his entire repertoire of recordings for an audience that clung to each word he said and every note he and his band sang or played. Eager as a child and humble as a supplicant, Cohen stood before us with hat in hand (literally and figuratively) asking us to join him in celebrating something most of the world would have us deny - our emotions. He coaxed, teased, joked, and cajoled us into breaking down the walls the world builds around our hearts, while simultaneously providing the reassurance required to allow us to do so in public. Unlike those who would manipulate you with their music in order to make you react in a specific way, Cohen offered the audience the opportunity to feel whatever it was we needed in whatever amount we required.

You'd think that after months on the road performing the same songs over and over again they would reach the stage where the material becomes somewhat stale. Well, if it was the case, you couldn't tell it by the performance I saw as they attacked each song with a joy and enthusiasm that brought the audience to their feet time and time again. Songs like "Suzanne", "Bird On A Wire", "Famous Blue Raincoat", "Closing Time", and "Dance Me To The End Of Love", which audience members must have heard many a time before, sounded as fresh as if we were hearing them for the first time again.

Some concerts you attend you may remember a song or two in particular as highlights, while others are just a blur of excitement and noise. However once in a while you are fortunate enough to be part of an experience. Watching Leonard Cohen was one of those occasions. There were moments when the impulse to surrender to the wash of emotions being generated by listening to the music was so great that it was impossible not to just sit back and close my eyes and let myself go.

Leonard Cohen is seventy-five now, so who knows how many more times he's going to be motivated to tour again.......... and the 15 minutes he spent with me backstage were so filled with warmth, that I had to check to see if my feet were touching the ground.

None of this could have happened without the great people at BackstagePassDirect; kudos.

Suzie, you're most welcome.

Not a member yet? Join today!