First Fest Announced for 2011

Robert Plant & Band of Joy will headline the 2011 Telluride Bluegrass Festival. The lineup also features Emmylou Harris and The Decemberists.

The 38th annual event takes place June 16-19 at Telluride Town Park in Telluride, Colo.

The 2011 fest will feature a group listed as the Telluride House Band featuring Sam Bush, Béla Fleck, Jerry Douglas, Edgar Meyer, Bryan Sutton and Stuart Duncan.

Sam Bush Band, Béla Fleck & the Original Flecktones, and Edgar Meyer will also take to the stage individually.

The full list to-date:

Robert Plant & Band of Joy
Telluride House Band featuring Sam, Béla, Jerry, Edgar, Bryan & Stuart
Sam Bush Band
Béla Fleck & the Original Flecktones
Emmylou Harris
Yonder Mountain String Band
The Decemberists
Railroad Earth
Tim O'Brien Band
Edgar Meyer
Punch Brothers
Peter Rowan
Emmitt-Nershi Band
Tim O'Brien & Kevin Burke
The Infamous Stringdusters
Cornmeal
Michael Cleveland & Flamekeeper
Trampled by Turtles
Nora Jane Struthers & the Bootleggers

And many, many more still to be announced...

Please note that backstage passes for this fest will be valid for a single day only.  Request yours early.

Setlist: Heart

This setlist just in from BPD member RaphaelD:

Barracuda

Even It Up

Red Velvet Car

Straight On

These Dreams

Hey You

Alone

What About Love?

Crazy On You

Magic Man

BackstagePassDirect memberships for Xmas? You bet! Buy'em today.

Member Review: Black Crowes

Just Stooie sent this in:

This was, with a doubt, the best Black Crowes performance in years.

Two sprawling sets, the first all-acoustic, delivered as advertised: 1992's "Remedy," a No. 1 Billboard Album Rock Track, was served up out of the gate and instantly galvanized the crowd; the rarity "Tornado," fleshed out with a Floyd Cramer-esque piano lilt and extended lap-steel lead by guitarist Luther Dickinson from its 2-minute, 41-second recorded running time, delighted Crowes completists; the first of several covers, the Rolling Stones' languid "No Expectations," was a treat given the originators themselves rarely have performed the song live and the Crowes have the innate ability to fully inhabit the songs they choose to appropriate; and the gospel-revival breakdown added to concert staple "Thorn in My Pride" had the venue sounding and feeling more Sunday morning than Saturday night.

Considerable mention must also be made of the boundless energy and consummately tasteful drumming of Steve Gorman, who exerted as much effort bashing congas and other percussion in that first hour-plus set as his traditional kit.

The second set commenced after 10 p.m. with their unreleased hard-rock gem "Exit," and by evening's end (shortly before midnight), the repertoire would include more familiar radio tracks ("She Talks to Angels," "Hard to Handle"); a transcendental instrumental segue between Amorica's "Ballad in Urgency" and 'Wiser Time"; and the disparate encores of the Velvet Underground's "Oh! Sweet Nuthin' " and Little Feat's "Willin.' "

A brief Axl Rose-type moment threatened to disrupt the momentum of the gig's goodwill when, during the rendering of "And the Band Played On," Chris seemed intent on zeroing in on a disruptive attendee in the audience, but play on they did and without missing a beat.

Yes, it would seem the Black Crowes finally relented to give the people what they want ... and then said goodbye.

Set list:

Acoustic set:
Remedy, Hotel Illness, Whoa Mule, Tornado, No Expectations, Thorn in My Pride, Driving Wheel, Downtown Money Waster, She Talks to Angels, My Morning Song
Electric set:
Exit, P.25 London, Ballad in Urgency, Wiser Time, Oh Josephine, Stop Kicking My Heart Around, Hard to Handle, And the Band Played On
Encore:
Oh! Sweet Nuthin', Willin'

Thanks Stooie.

As we wind down 2010, we want to take this opportunity to tell each BPD member how much we appreicate you and how we are committed to working even hareder in 2011 to give you the best backstage experience possible.

Taylor Swift 2011 Schedule

Last year, when we first announced dates for Taylor Swift's 2010 tour, we weren't prepared for the deluge of backstage pass requests that came in.

A year later, we're prepared to deal with what lies ahead in 2011. It's one thing to sell out arenas in 5 minutes, but it's at an entirely different level when you sell out stadiums in that time, and that's what TS's Speak Now show is doing.

Need to Breathe is opening all US shows.

Although some of the venues have yet to be named, the dates are firm. Here's the whole shebang:

 04/23/11         Los Angeles, CA     Staples Center
 04/24/11         Los Angeles, CA     Staples Center
 05/27/11         Omaha, NE     TBA
 05/28/11         Omaha, NE     TBA
 05/29/11         Des Moines, IA     TBA
 06/02/11         Fort Lauderdale, FL     TBA
 06/03/11         Fort Lauderdale, FL     TBA
 06/04/11         Orlando, FL     TBA
 06/07/11         Columbus, OH     TBA
 06/08/11         Milwaukee, WI     TBA
 06/11/11         Detroit, MI     Ford Field
 06/14/11         Saint Paul, MN     TBA
 06/15/11         Saint Paul, MN     TBA
 06/18/11         Pittsburgh, PA     Heinz Field
 06/21/11         Buffalo, NY     TBA
 06/22/11         Hartford, CT     TBA
 06/25/11         Foxboro, MA     Gillette Stadium
 06/26/11         Foxboro, MA     Gillette Stadium
 06/30/11         Greensboro, NC     TBA
 07/01/11         Knoxville, TN     TBA
 07/02/11         Louisville, KY     TBA
 07/08/11         Charlotte, NC     TBA
 07/09/11         Atlanta, GA     Philips Arena
 07/10/11         Atlanta, GA     Philips Arena
 07/19/11         New York, NY     TBA
 07/20/11         New York, NY     TBA
 07/28/11         Grand Rapids, MI     TBA
 07/29/11         Indianapolis, IN     TBA
 07/30/11         Cleveland, OH     TBA
 08/02/11         Washington, DC     TBA
 08/03/11         Washington, DC     TBA
 08/06/11         Philadelphia, PA     Lincoln Financial Field
 08/09/11         Chicago, IL     TBA
 08/10/11         Chicago, IL     TBA
 08/13/11         Lexington, KY     TBA
 08/14/11         St. Louis, MO     TBA
 08/23/11         Los Angeles, CA     Staples Center
 08/24/11         Los Angeles, CA     Staples Center
 08/27/11         Los Angeles, CA     Staples Center
 08/28/11         Los Angeles, CA     Staples Center
 09/01/11         San Jose, CA     HP Pavilion At San Jose
 09/02/11         San Jose, CA     HP Pavilion At San Jose
 09/03/11         Sacramento, CA     ARCO Arena
 09/06/11         Portland, OR     TBA
 09/07/11         Seattle, WA     TBA
 09/16/11         Nashville, TN     TBA
 09/17/11         Nashville, TN     TBA
 09/21/11         Tulsa, OK         TBA
 09/24/11         Kansas City, MO     Arrowhead Stadium
 09/27/11         Denver, CO     TBA
 09/28/11         Salt Lake City, UT     TBA
 10/04/11         Little Rock, AR     TBA
 10/05/11         New Orleans, LA     TBA
 10/08/11         Arlington, TX     New Dallas Cowboys Stadium

Need we say don't delay? Request your backstage passes now.

Setlist: Brandon Flowers

BPD Member JustinCase sent us this setlist for the recent Brandon Flowers (Killers frontman) show he attended:

On the Floor
Crossfire
Magdalena
Bette Davis Eyes
Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts
Welcome To Fabulous Las Vegas
Was It Something I Said?
Hard Enough
Losing Touch
Swallow It
Playing With Fire
Encore:
Read My Mind
Only the Young
Mr. Brightside

Christmas is right around the corner and BPD memberships make great stocking stuffers. Buy some today.

Setlist: Ozzy

 

Member HellRazr sent us this list from a recent Ozzy show:

         1.Bark at the Moon
         2. Let Me Hear You Scream
         3.Mr. Crowley
         4. I Don't Know
         5.Fairies Wear Boots (Black Sabbath cover)
         6.Suicide Solution
         7.Road to Nowhere
         8.War Pigs  (Black Sabbath cover)
         9.N.I.B.  (Black Sabbath cover)
        10.Killer of Giants
        11.Shot in the Dark
        12.Rat Salad (Black Sabbath cover) (with guitar and drum solos)
        13.Iron Man  (Black Sabbath cover)
        14.Fire in the Sky
        15. Flying High Again
        16. Into the Void  (Black Sabbath cover)
        17. I Don't Want to Change the World
        18.Crazy Train

Encore:
        19. Mama, I'm Coming Home
        20. Paranoid (Black Sabbath cover)

Rush Rocks On

The Time Machine Tour returns in 2011, with Rush announcing a new North America run beginning in Florida.

Like Rush’s summer 2010 touring, the band will perform its 1981 release, Moving Pictures, in its entirety.

Billed as “An Evening With Rush,” the first new North American date is March 30 in Sunrise, Fla., at the BankAtlantic Center.

Here's the whole schedule:

Wed 03/30/11         Sunrise, FL     BankAtlantic Center    

Fri 04/01/11         Greensboro, NC     Greensboro Coliseum    

Sun 04/03/11         Nashville, TN     Bridgestone Arena    

Tue 04/05/11         Louisville, KY     KFC Yum! Center    

Wed 04/06/11         Toledo, OH     The Huntington Center    

Fri 04/08/11         Hershey, PA     GIANT Center    

Sun 04/10/11         New York, NY     Madison Square Garden Arena    

Tue 04/12/11         Chicago, IL     United Center    

Fri 04/15/11         Cleveland, OH     Quicken Loans Arena    

Sun 04/17/11         Auburn Hills, MI     The Palace Of Auburn Hills    
 
Fri 04/22/11         Baltimore, MD     1st Mariner Arena

Wanna hang with the legends? Don't be slow. Request your backstage passes now.

Member Review: KT Tunstall

BPD subscriber Blitzkrieg Betty sent us this:

Touring behind her new album Tiger Suit - and with a large tiger face on a black backdrop, 35-year-old KT Tunstall  worked through a 90-minute, 19-song set with energy, precision and a bit of humor.

"How you tonight?" she asked before her and her four-piece supporting cast kicked off with the tight rock pop of Glamour Puss, bringing to mind a bit of Sheryl Crow with a healthy dose of Melissa Etheridge.

In fact, one could see a lot of Etheridge circa Yes I Am in KT's performances, whether it was on the lighter, whistle-whetting (Still A) Weirdo or on the slow building False Alarm which earned a strong response after being deservedly fleshed out in the end.

Later on, Tunstall seemed a tad nervous in explaining the inspiration for Madame Trudeaux. Although not the same surname, the singer explained how friends told her of Margaret Trudeau's encounter with the Rolling Stones in Toronto in the '70s while her husband was Prime Minister. Describing Pierre Trudeau's wife as a "firecracker," Tunstall tore into the beefy, ballsy number perfectly.
   
Mick and Keith would have been proud.

Elsewhere, Tunstall stripped things down a little bit for the up-tempo vibe of Hold On but definitely hit gold when she nailed the simple but infectious Black Horse And The Cherry Tree from 2004's Eye To The Telescope album. Before the show, I asked her if that was one of her favorite tunes. She didn't give me a direct answer, but replied that it was "popular at jazzercise classes and number one on the line dancing charts".  I wasn't sure what she was trying to say but I thought it best to keep my mouth shut.

Not shy to deliver Tiger Suit, the singer performed every number off the record. But it wasn't always great. The Entertainer didn't fare nearly as well as the guitar-driven Difficulty and Golden Frames, the latter a murky, moody number in the vein of Chris Isaak's Baby Did A Bad Bad Thing.

After thanking the crowd for buying the tickets to the show at a time when money is tight for many, Tunstall closed out the main set with Fade Like A Shadow, a rather safe, radio-friendly pop number that paled compared to the rockabilly boogie flavor Come On, Get In possessed earlier in the night.

A quick three-song encore was highlighted not only by the finale Suddenly I See but a better than average reworked roots-y cover of A Little Respect by '80s British dance-pop act Erasure.

Thank you BPD for giving me this chance to be backstage with one of my favorite female artists.

Blitzkrieg Betty, thank you for your report.

We're glad you enjoyed KT's show.

If you haven't yet joined BackstagePassDirect, it's not too late. The new year is fast approaching and promises to provide many great concert moments.

Join today.

New Feature: Setlists

Readers of our blog know that we encourage our members to send us reviews of shows that they've seen thru us and to tell us about their backstage experiences. Based on the e-mails we've received, both members and readers enjoy this feature.

Today, we add another feature that we hope you'll like.

Sometimes, members are too shy to want to write reviews for us. But they've gone to the show and had one helluva time. Now, these members too can make a contribution to the BPD community. Beginning today, we'll start posting Setlists for artists that members have recently hung out with. In so doing, this will give other members who will soon be seeing the artist some sense of what tunes they can expect. Hope you all like it.

Today we kick off with a recent setlist from Adam Lambert (sent to us by member PigNSh*t):

         1.Voodoo
         2.For Your Entertainment
         3.Down The Rabbit Hole
         4.Ring of Fire (Johnny Cash cover)
         5.Fever
         6.Sleepwalker
         7.Whataya Want From Me (acoustic)
         8.Soaked
         9.Aftermath (acoustic)
        10.Sure Fire Winners
        11.Strut
        12.Music Again
        13. If I Had You (with band and dancer intro)
        14. Encore:
            20th Century Boy (T. Rex cover)

Clapton 2011 dates

Eric Clapton announces his initial 2011 North America dates detailing a West Coast run beginning late February and running into March. There could very well be more dates to come as the artist's "plate" is empty until his Euro tour kicks off in May.


Here they are:


Saturday, Feb 26 Seattle, WA Key Arena
Monday, Feb 28 Portland, OR Rose Garden Arena
Wednesday, March 2 San Jose, CA HP Pavilion
Thursday, March 3 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena
Saturday, March 5 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena
Sunday, March 6 San Diego, CA Valley View Casino Center
Tuesday, March 8 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater at Universal CityWalk
Wednesday, March 9 Los Angeles, CA Gibson Amphitheater at Universal CityWalk

Member Review: Ozzy Osbourne

Member 2By4 sent this to us:

Ozzy Osbourne, the 61-year-old former Black Sabbath frontman, reality TV star and Rock 'n' Roll's Prince of Darkness, showed off his funny side several times throughout his rambunctious two-hour concert.

But nothing beat the show's opening video montage, which placed Osbourne in scenes from various popular TV shows and movies, including Avatar, Jersey Shore, Twilight and Iron Man 2.

He even appeared as Beyonce in Lady Gaga's hit video, Telephone. Just so you know, Osbourne makes one butt-ugly woman.

It was a hilarious few minutes, which had the fans who took in the concert in stitches and screaming their approval.

But opening with such a bang meant Osbourne had a lot to live up to, and fortunately, Osbourne and his band were able to deliver.
  
Although it's difficult to pinpoint his true pinnacle moment (Osbourne has been lucky enough to enjoy several career resurgences over the years) the plain fact is Osbourne's best days are behind him.

He's still an entertaining figure - yelling obscenities at the audience, hopping frantically in one spot, that maniacal laugh - but after years of hardcore substance abuse (which he has since kicked), Osbourne moves as elegantly as an arthritic 92-year-old pensioner.

"Let the madness begin," declared Osbourne as he launched into his 1983 hit Bark at the Moon. Osbourne's voice sounded a little strained, but still good for his age and questionable mental health.

Though never professionally trained, Osbourne possesses an impressive vocal range and distinctive style.

That unmistakable helium-esque tone was still intact, even if he did have trouble hitting all the right notes.

One of the interesting things about Osbourne's career is that he's never really gone out of style. One could argue, he's never really been in style, but that's a whole other debate.

His popularity has never waned with hardcore fans, for whom Ozzy is the everyman hero (in black eyeliner.) His appeal crosses generations as shown by the age-diverse turnout.

Those who probably bought Black Sabbath's self-titled debut in 1970 were joined by teenagers and twentysomethings introduced to the metal guru by his MTV reality show, The Osbournes.

But no matter the age, everyone in the crowd happily stood and sang along to Osbourne's better known numbers such as Mr. Crowley, Suicide Solution and Black Sabbath favourites, Fairies Wear Boots and War Pigs.

Even newer tracks like Let Me Hear You Scream from his latest album, Scream, were greeted warmly.

Lead guitarist Gus G has the added pressure of being compared to some stellar musicians who have come before him in Ozzy's band - namely Zakk Wylde and the late Randy Rhoads.

But Gus G, who played guitar in the Greek metal band Firewind before joining Osbourne's group, held his own with some blistering solos and electrifying riffs.

The rest of the band - keyboardist/guitarist Adam Wakeman, bassist Rob 'Blasko' Nicholson and drummer Tommy Clufetos - were no slouches either and picked up the slack the few times Osbourne's vocals faltered.

Although this was hardly a show-of-the-year candidate, we all had a lot of fun.

I'd never watched a show from backstage before. It's really awesome since you get to see a lot more of what's really going on. Thank you so much BPD.

You're most welcome, 2By4. Glad you NJoyed.

We're starting to receive a lot of new dates for 2011. Act early to get backstage for your favorite shows.

Keith Urban Announces Huge 2011 Tour

Keith Urban is set to return to the road next summer, along with special guests, with a U.S. tour that will debut in Mobile, Alabama on June 16th, 2011.  “Get Closer 2011 World Tour” will have an all-new stage production that will feature Keith’s uniquely hard-charging, captivating live performances; concert events that critics have hailed as “one of the best reasons in the world to attend a live concert”. 

“Get Closer 2011 World Tour” will not only include songs from Keith’s catalogue of hits, including “Better Life”, “You’ll Think Of Me”, “Days Go By”, “Somebody Like You” and “Sweet Thing”, but will feature the debut of music from his just released sixth CD release Get Closer, including his latest “Put You In A Song”.  He recorded the album after losing most of the music equipment he owned to last spring’s flood, which caused more than $2 billion in damages in Nashville alone.

Through the years Keith’s spontaneity and captivating stage presence have resulted in one-of-a-kind concert experiences.  Whether closing his shows with a thru-the-audience trek to a waiting taxi cab outside the arena or signing and giving away a guitar while performing atop a seat back somewhere in the stands, Keith has given his audiences what one critic described as ‘a show which you’d be hard-pressed to top in country – or rock”. 

  Get Closer follows two previous consecutive Billboard country and pop #1 albums, as well as five previous CDs, all of which have been certified platinum or multi-platinum.

Earlier this year Urban picked up the best male video of the year award at the 2010 CMT Music Awards. He was also recognized as the favorite male artist at the People’s Choice Awards.

Here's the full venue list to date:

Thu 06/16/11         Mobile, AL     Mobile Civic Center    

Fri 06/17/11         Jacksonville, FL     Jacksonville Veterans Mem. Arena    

Sat 06/18/11         Tampa, FL     St. Pete Times Forum    

Thu 06/23/11         Columbia, SC     Colonial Life Arena    

Fri 06/24/11         Charlotte, NC     Time Warner Cable Arena    

Sat 06/25/11         Raleigh, NC     RBC Center    

Wed 06/29/11         St. Louis, MO     Scottrade Center    

Thu 06/30/11         Moline, IL     i wireless Center    

Thu 07/07/11         Hershey, PA     GIANT Center    

Fri 07/08/11         Boston, MA     TD Garden    

Sat 07/09/11         Uncasville, CT     Mohegan Sun Arena    

Thu 07/14/11         Newark, NJ     Prudential Center    

Fri 07/15/11         Philadelphia, PA     Wells Fargo Center    

Sat 07/16/11         Albany, NY     Times Union Center    

Tue 07/19/11         Columbus, OH     Nationwide Arena    

Thu 07/21/11         Cleveland, OH     Quicken Loans Arena    

Fri 07/22/11         Grand Rapids, MI     Van Andel Arena    

Sat 07/23/11         Auburn Hills, MI     The Palace Of Auburn Hills    

Thu 07/28/11         Washington, DC     Verizon Center    

Fri 07/29/11         Toledo, OH     The Huntington Center    

Sun 07/31/11         Fort Wayne, IN     Allen County War Mem. Coliseum    

Thu 08/04/11         Duluth, GA     The Arena At Gwinnett Center    

Sat 08/06/11         Nashville, TN     Bridgestone Arena    

Thu 08/11/11         Cincinnati, OH     U.S. Bank Arena    

Fri 08/12/11         Knoxville, TN     Thompson-Boling Arena    

Sat 08/13/11         Augusta, GA     James Brown Arena    

Thu 08/18/11         Tulsa, OK     BOK Center    

Fri 08/19/11         Kansas City, MO     Sprint Center    

Sat 08/20/11         Omaha, NE     Qwest Center Omaha    

Thu 08/25/11         Jonesboro, AR     ASU Convocation Center    

Fri 08/26/11         Tupelo, MS     BancorpSouth Arena    

Sat 08/27/11         Lafayette, LA     Cajundome    

Sun 08/28/11         Dallas, TX     American Airlines Center    

Thu 09/08/11         Buffalo, NY     HSBC Arena    

Thu 09/29/11         Seattle, WA     KeyArena At Seattle Center    

Sat 10/01/11         San Jose, CA     HP Pavilion At San Jose    

Sun 10/02/11         Sacramento, CA     ARCO Arena    

Tue 10/04/11         Fresno, CA     Save Mart Center    

Fri 10/07/11         Glendale, AZ     Jobing.com Arena    

Sat 10/08/11         Los Angeles, CA     Staples Center    

Tue 10/11/11         Denver, CO     Pepsi Center    

Thu 10/13/11         Milwaukee, WI     Bradley Center    

Fri 10/14/11         Rosemont, IL     Allstate Arena    

Sat 10/15/11         Minneapolis, MN     Target Center

Keith's popularity is such that although this tour was announced only a day ago, requests are already piling in. Make yours today. Visit BackstagePassDirect.

Robert Plant’s Band Of Joy Slots a January-February Run

Plant’s upcoming 2011 tour is being heralded as his first U.S. tour since Band Of Joy, co-produced by Buddy Miller, was released.

Plant is bringing the same great musicians who appeared on the album and in concert, namely Patty Griffin, Darrell Scott, Byron House and Marco Giovin.

North Mississippi Allstars appear on all of the following dates:

Tue 01/18/11 Asheville, NC Thomas Wolfe Auditorium

Wed 01/19/11 Pittsburgh, PA Petersen Events Center

Fri 01/21/11 Ann Arbor, MI Hill Auditorium

Tue 01/25/11 Boston, MA House Of Blues Boston Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino

Wed 01/26/11 Upper Darby, PA Tower Theatre

Fri 01/28/11 Mashantucket, CT MGM Grand At Foxwoods

Sat 01/29/11 New York, NY Beacon Theatre

Tue 02/01/11 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall

Wed 02/02/11 Raleigh, NC Memorial Auditorium

Fri 02/04/11 North Charleston, SC North Charleston Perf. Arts Center

Sat 02/05/11 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre

Mon 02/07/11 Charlotte, NC Ovens Auditorium

Tue 02/08/11 Nashville, TN War Memorial Auditorium

High demand for passes for these shows is assured. Get your requests in now.

New January Dates for Sarah McLachlan

Sarah McLachlan takes her play-and-chat concept into 2011 with new January dates for the U.S.

Going for an intimate vibe, the “Sarah & Friends” tour features McLachlan performing old faves as well as new songs plus occasional breaks to take questions from fans. A couple of McLachlan’s friends and band members – Butterfly Boucher and Melissa McClelland – also get a little spotlight action when they perform their own short sets.

Here's the itinerary:

Fri 12/31/10         Atlantic City, NJ     Caesars Circus Maximus Theatre   

Sat 01/01/11         Mashantucket, CT     MGM Grand At Foxwoods   

Sun 01/02/11         Concord, NH     Capitol Center For The Arts   

Wed 01/05/11         Akron, OH     E.J. Thomas Hall   

Thu 01/06/11         Buffalo, NY     Shea's Performing Arts Center   

Sat 01/08/11         Pittsburgh, PA     Heinz Hall For The Performing Arts   

Mon 01/10/11         Washington, DC     DAR Constitution Hall   

Tue 01/11/11         Boston, MA     The Opera House   

Wed 01/12/11         New York, NY     Beacon Theatre

Sarah is limiting access to backstage for these shows, so act quickly.

Member Review: Carrie Underwood

BPD member Idol Gossip writes us:

Carrie performed on a large stage that sported a circular lighting rig, a semi-circular video screen, a levitating and rotating platform, and eight band members including a fiddler, pedal-steel and banjo player.


Vocally, she hit her stride by the fourth song, the ballad, I Know You Won't, from her 2005 debut, Some Hearts, but attempts at musicianship, like playing an electric guitar during Some Hearts, just rang a little false.


Underwood rebounded by the next song, Just A Dream, donning a pink, sequined, long, puffy, skirt that didn't quite match her black leather bustier leftover from the first outfit, as she sat on swing tied to a cheesy looking tree branch which hung overhead.


By the next tune, the ho-hum Someday When I Stop Loving you, she'd lost the skirt but also some momentum but rebounded yet again with All-American Girl - which she changed to All-Canadian Girl - and strapped on an acoustic guitar.


"Hey, I changed the words around a little bit on this one," she said to applause.


Also noteworthy were So Small; the fiesty Undo It, Last Name, and Before He Cheats; sentimental fan favourite and her first single, Jesus, Take the Wheel, and What Can I Say, which was performed as a duet with opening act Sons Of Sylvia.


Each and every song showed off Underwood's powerful pipes.


She also donned a futuristic lit-up dress for Change and recreated the Grand Ole Opry for an electronic duet with Randy Travis on I Told You So as he appeared on video screens.


But there really is no way to describe the sight of Underwood on an electric blue truck - with her first name emblazoned in sequins on the back - as it slowly flew over the crowd for her cover of John Denver's Take Me Home Country Road and her own This Time.


To her credit, Underwood joked that in the early stages of putting her show together she told the producers that she was afraid of heights.


"I said, 'Whatever you doing don't put me in a flying truck,'"said the singer who was tethered to her microphone stand so she wouldn't fall off."I don't know what happened."


Neither do I, but the audience seemed to love it.


Backstage, I asked her about her Idol experience: "It never ceases to amaze me how one little decision to try out for a television show has lead me to all kinds of places", she answered.


Carrie continues to grow as a performer. Newly married, the world is hers to harvest.


SET LIST


Cowboy Casanova


Quitter


Wasted


I Know You Won't


Some Hearts


Just a Dream


Temporary Home


Someday When I Stop Loving You


All-American Girl


So Small


Country Roads Take Me Home


This Time


Undo It


Jesus, Take the Wheel/How Great Thou Art


What Can I Say (with opening act Sons of Sylvia)


Change


I Told You So (with a video of Randy Travis)


Mama's Song


Last Name


ENCORE


Before He Cheats


Songs Like These

Thanks for the report IG.

BackstagePassDirect members always have the best seats in the house. Sign up today and you can too.

Busy Garth

Garth Brooks is going to be very busy in December.

Brooks sold more than 140,000 tickets last Saturday morning and his benefit concert for Nashville flood relief ballooned from one show to nine.

The day's sales set a record for tickets sold in Tennessee, besting a concert held by Michael Jackson at Neyland Stadium in Knoxville that drew more than 72,000 fans.

Brooks initially retired about a decade ago to spend more time with his family, but demand for the best-selling solo artist in U.S. history remains high. The 48-year-old musician came out of retirement late last year, announcing a series of shows at the Wynn Resort in Las Vegas that quickly sold out.

The benefit concerts are his only arena shows this year and will include his wife, Trisha Yearwood, his full band and unnamed guests.

He'll now play six shows in nine days from Dec. 16-22 with two shows on Dec. 16, 21 and 22. Tickets were $25 apiece and he raised $3.5 million for The Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee.

May's flood caused more than $2 billion in damage in Nashville alone and 22 people were killed by flooding in middle and west Tennessee.

Nashville's music community was affected with the Grand Ole Opry house closed for five months and thousands of instruments were destroyed when a popular storage and rehearsal space where artists like Brad Paisley and Keith Urban housed their gear was swamped.

Passes for these shows are VERY limited. If you wait, you're too late. Make your request today.

Member Review: Phoenix

Member RaginCajun filed the following:

Led by vocalist Thomas Mars, Phoenix (with a small supporting cast) had the audience dancing and singing for much of the roughly 85-minute show. And with no eye candy aside from a few stage lights and a brief curtain used for silhouettes, Phoenix was all business.

Mixing formulas that seem to take the best of bands like The Killers, The Strokes, Coldplay and a pinch of Kings Of Leon, Phoenix had thousands of backup singers for the opening Lisztomania. Mars - whose stage theatrics amount to an occasional Daltrey-ish microphone swing - soon got down on the floor with fans near the front as guitarists Laurent Brancowitz and Christian Mazzalai propelled the song along.

Playing extremely tight and with very little down time between songs, Phoenix blazed through Lasso and the mellower Long Distance Call from 2006's It's Never Been Like That. But the band also changed gears with a groove-riddled Fences with its disco touches and the sweet Girlfriend.
  
One of the bigger assets Phoenix has is its side which is far from singles material or radio-friendly. Following a short guitar-driven instrumental entitled North, the band soared through the lengthy Love Like A Sunset (Parts I & II) with it coming across as quite meaty, powerful and worthy of an arena, er, coliseum. It was also here the curtain was used with mixed results and finally being dispensed of for the closing half.

That's not to say there's a touch of European adventure to their shows. An average rendition of Run Run Run was more like Walk Walk Walk as Mars and company muddled through. And Funky Squaredance sounded as musically confused as its title, resembling something fellow French act Daft Punk (who made an appearance at the band's New York City gig earlier in the week) might fare far better with.

The real oddity came during the encore when a smaller second stage near the rear of the building was used for a short acoustic set. The band had me sit on that stage, all alone, before they finally appeared. Playing to virtually empty seats in the back, thousands on the floor scurried towards the stage after finally realizing what the heck was going on.

Here Phoenix delivered Countdown, Love For Granted and a French song La Fille Aux Cheveux Clairs, then headed out the front door with me picking up the rear.

Wow, what a finale (for me, anyways).

BPD members really do have a good time. You can too. Sign-up today.

Bon Jovi Early 2011 Tour Dates

Already a top contender for ticket sales in 2010, Bon Jovi begins its 2011 US run on Feb. 9 in support of next week's release of a Greatest Hits CD which will also feature four new tracks – “The More Things Change,” “No Apologies,” “This Is Love, This Is Life” and “What Do You Got!” .

Here are the dates we've got so far:

Wed 02/09/11 University Park, PA Bryce Jordan Center

Fri 02/11/11 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center

Mon 02/21/11 Raleigh, NC RBC Center

Thu 02/24/11 New York, NY Madison Square Garden Arena

Fri 02/25/11 New York, NY Madison Square Garden Arena

Sun 02/27/11 Washington, DC Verizon Center

Tue 03/01/11 Boston, MA TD Garden

Wed 03/02/11 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center

Fri 03/04/11 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena

Tue 03/08/11 Chicago, IL United Center

Thu 03/17/11 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center

Sat 03/19/11 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

Tue 03/22/11 Salt Lake City, UT EnergySolutions Arena

When this is done, the boys are off on an extended Euro-tour so we won't see'em again for a while.

Make your pass requests at BackstagePassDirect.

Member Review: Widespread Panic

Long-time BPD subscriber Gavin88 writes:

Anyone who made it to the show was very lucky to experience one of the tightest groups in the music industry today in Widespread Panic. The band consists of John Bell (guitar/vocals), Dave Schools (bass), Todd Nance (drums), Domingo Sunny Ortiz (percussions), John Jo-Jo Hermann (keyboards) and Jimmy Herring (guitars) and the boys all hail from the fertile musical grounds of Athens, Georgia. Their dedication, work ethic and meticulous craftsmanship are apparent in every song that they play live. They seem more connected as a family rather than merely a rock band. Their connections echo across the stage between jamming band members while interlocked in a instrumental bonanza of interplay - making it all look effortless. Widespread Panic's music has an uncanny ability to make it's audience stand up and dance. Peace and happiness flows.

WSP is among the leading touring bands in the U.S. selling out venues in record time. Renowned for their live performances, the band refuses to play the same show twice. It's this organic spontaneity that keeps the electricity hanging in the air all night long. The band exalts and prides itself on the diverse musical influences of each band member. From southern rock, blues-rock, progressive rock, funk to hard rock genres. They throw it all into a blender on stage and create a surprising melange throughout their riveting set. You never know what is coming around the next corner or the next hanging note.

The dueling guitars of Jimmy Herring and John Bell were amazing in their structural nuances and free flowing beauty. "Proving Ground" and "Weak Brain, Narrow Mind" helped to showcase this nicely. The keyboards and percussion's rumbling downbeats warmed you completely through. School's pounding bass laid down the law at the get go, while Ortiz shaped the songs with his cowbell and conga flourishes. "Time Zones" led off beginning of the second set with authority. John Bell's soulful voice was thickly entrenched in some shadowy back bayou apparently not too far from "the crossroads" down south. "Wondering," "Traveling Man" and "Airplane" continued the journey in rousing fashion.

With encores of "Imitation Leather Shoes," "Up All Night," "Impossible" and "Heaven" to close out the first night and "Lets Get Down to Business," "Pigeons," "Cotton Was King," "Angels On High," "None of Us Are Free" along with "Waitin' for the Bus" and "Jesus Just Left Chicago" to close out the night they painted their entire musical canvas with rich colors and organic tonalities.

I'd never seen a show from the back before this one. Wow, "awesome" is the only word I can find. Thank you BPD.

You're welcome, Gavin88. We've heard from a few members over the last month who have seen WSP. Everyone agrees with you about the band and about how great it is to be in the back.

 To those of you who haven't joined us yet, what are you waiting for? Visit BackstagePassDirect today.

Jimmy Eat World Takes A Bite Out Of 2011

The pop punksters have been busy touring North America during the early fall and the current U.K. / Europe tour while the band’s sixth studio album – Invented – burns up the charts.

Now, Jimmy Eat World has announced the first leg of an early 2011 US tour. Expect more dates to be announced.


For now its:

January 28     Albuquerque, NM        Sunshine Theatre

January 30     San Antonio, TX            Backstage Live

January 31     New Orleans, LA           House Of Blues

February 2     Tampa, FL                        The Ritz

February 3      Ft Lauderdale, FL           Revolution

February 4      Orlando, FL                      House of Blues

February 5      Charlotte, NC                   Amos Southend

February 7      Athens, GA                       40 Watt Club

February 8      Richmond, VA                  The National

February 11    Atlantic City, NJ               House of Blues

February 12    Allentown, PA                  Crocodile Rock

February 13   Washington, DC               930 Club

February 14   Pittsburgh, PA                   Club Zoo

Get your passes to meet/see the band backstage today.

Member Review: Billy Idol + Slash

We unchained BPD's own Rich Smithy from his desk and sent him out into the great unknown to file this report:

When matched correctly, a double bill of equal star power can make for a music lover's ultimate night out filled with more bang for their buck. Such was the case of a tag team between punk powerhouse Billy Idol and metal guitar god Slash, who may have had slightly different styles at face value, but united under the shared ability to rock loud and proud.

The longtime Guns N' Roses, Slash's Snakepit and Velvet Revolver axe slinger started off the evening with a smattering of his two most popular acts' classics, alongside a plethora of tunes from a recently released self-titled solo CD. Though the oldies were much more appreciated by the sweaty masses, current cuts like "Ghost," "Back From Cali" and "Starlight" had no trouble showcasing Slash's jaw dropping fret work or the mighty presence of vocalist Myles Kennedy (also of Alter Bridge fame).

Those assets also helped transition the more familiar battle cries of "Sweet Child O' Mine" and "Paradise City" to current contexts, while also giving the next generation of attendees a taste of the six string slinger's glory days. But this was far from a nostalgia trip through previous band's hits as Slash's fresher tunes proved to be just as vital in hard rock clusters, while he continued to run circles around players half his age.

Speaking of teenagers trapped in an adult's body, the 54-year-old Billy Idol showed off an ultra-chiseled frame backed by intact charisma and vocal chops. Though he debuted a handful of yet to be released new tunes that tried too hard to recall his peak without the same infectiousness, at least there was plenty to love from his Generation X days through radio staples of the 1980s and '90s.

The band's "Dancing With Myself" served as an early example of the singer's Sex Pistols-infused fury, though solo cuts like "Flesh For Fantasy," "Sweet Sixteen" and "Eyes Without a Face" found Idol presenting his own hybrid of punk, glam and pop, backed by especially incendiary playing from longtime collaborator Steve Stevens (who could've skipped a self-indulgent guitar solo and encouraged the drummer to do the same).

Nonetheless, the well-preserved performer dabbled in his psychedelic side for a surprise (and downright smoldering) tag team with Slash for The Doors' "L.A. Woman," though Tommy James & The Shondells' "Mony Mony" unfortunately fell into the cheesier side of the cover mold. Instead, "Rebel Yell" and the acoustically introduced/eventually electrified "White Wedding" served as Idol's ultimate calling cards, reminding just how endearing those fist-pumpers remain, even if interest is thinner in newer tunes.

BTW, am having too much fun. Am not coming back = I quit!!

Sorry to lose you, Rich. Please know that your chains are waiting if you decide to return. Otherwise, send us a card now and then.

If you still haven't taken the next step and become a member, nowz a good time. Join us today.

H2O Now Frozen Over for Paisley

As any of his fans can tell you, Brad Paisley’s current outing is called the H2O World tour. But now with a fresh string of winter dates on the routing, the country star has tweaked the name to H2O Frozen Over Tour.

But Paisley’s sure to keep those audiences warm. With Darius Rucker continuing as special guest and Jerrod Niemann opening up the shows, Paisley’s tour is a sure bet to keep those arena temperatures fired up no matter what it’s like outside.

Here are all the new dates:

Thu 01/20/11              Green Bay, WI        Resch Center      

Fri 01/21/11         Fort Wayne, IN     Allen County War Mem. Coliseum    

Sat 01/22/11         Evansville, IN     Roberts Stadium    

Thu 02/10/11         Duluth, GA     The Arena At Gwinnett Center    

Fri 02/11/11         Birmingham, AL     BJCC Arena    

Sat 02/12/11         Lafayette, LA     Cajundome    

Thu 02/17/11         Hershey, PA     GIANT Center    

Fri 02/18/11         Roanoke, VA     Roanoke Civic Center    

Sat 02/19/11         Louisville, KY     KFC Yum! Center    

Thu 02/24/11         Orlando, FL     Amway Center    

Fri 02/25/11         Columbus, GA     Columbus Civic Center    

Sat 02/26/11         Nashville, TN     Bridgestone Arena

Brad passes always go fast, so don't delay. Go to BackstagePassDirect, sign-in, and make your request.

Member Review: Farm Aid

BPD member Slik77 send in this report:

Dave Matthews + Neil Young + John Mellencamp + Willie Nelson, + a dozen other front line performers. On top of that, another BPD member got totally toasted backstage, took off her top, took off her bra and swung it around like a lariat while dancing to the music.


Ya think I had a good time?


But I digress. When I saw Matthews before, he was backed by his entire band. But at Farm Aid there's no time for long sets or delirious jamming. So Matthews scaled it down perfectly by teaming up with guitarist Tim Reynolds. It gave Matthews enough instrumental fiber, while allowing him to better display his vocal range. As an example, he toned down his big band version of Bob Dylan's "All Along the Watchtower" infusing it with jazzy riffs instead. Matthews seems like a genuine, humble man whose personality fits perfectly with Farm Aid's idealism.


John Mellencamp brought his bar band energy to the event. Among the headliners, he had the most raucous, crowd pleasing set. Like Matthews, Mellencamp has surrounded himself with musicians worthy of their leader. Guitar player Mike Wanchic and Mellencamp's long-time violinist, Miriam Sturm, brought lightning to Mellencamp's thunder. His only questionable decision was performing "Cherry Bomb" a cappella. It's not a hymn, John, it's a rousing anthem and ought to be sung like one.


Neil Young looked 100-years-old until the onstage finale but his voice is ageless and unchanged. Uncompromising as always, he wasn't going to back down from telling harsh truths and discussed the plight of the American farmer more than all the other performers combined. But an artful preacher needs to know when to break into song, and Neil eventually got a bit windy. Still, you can't knock an original who has always been a thorn in the side of what is false and intolerable. And so it was that his performance of "Ohio" carried the same rocking rage it had 40 years ago. Sometimes, the same is exactly what the world needs.


Like Young, Willie Nelson, the godfather of Farm Aid, sounded like he'd always sounded. Both share the same gift - totally original voices. Yet Willie infused his standards with a freshness most of Young's songs lacked. And Nelson's guitar, which looked as weathered as the 77-year-old who was playing it, was like clay in an artist's hands.


Half way through the set, Willie was joined by his son, Lukas, who had performed with his own band earlier in the day. Unlike his father, the younger Nelson treated his guitar like a wild animal, coaxing out notes that would have made Stevie Ray Vaughn proud. His voice had the familiar reedy pitch of his father's, only a few octaves higher.


Norah Jones, who bridged the sets between stars like Kenny Chesney and super stars like Young and Matthews, is worth a footnote. As always, she was pitch perfect and flashed a luminous smile. Her music, though, seems more tailored to a bistro than Miller Park, Farm Aid's 2010 venue.


You can't knock the respect the performers brought to Farm Aid. No egos. No selfish CD promos. And when several shared the stage, as they did a couple times, they seemed like real friends.


Nonetheless, I wonder if the event needs a bit of a facelift after 25 years. A third of the crowd had left by the time Willie came on stage and the concert ended with a whimper instead of a bang. Maybe there should be fewer acts and more time on stage together. The fans who were rocking to Mellencamp and Matthews, didn't know what to do with Neil Young, so maybe the batting order could be adjusted. Leaving the biggest names for last is typical, but maybe all-day events need to mix things up.


Nelson, who had the final set, looked like he wanted to play all night but by then most of the other big names had called it a day. It would have been great to see them all on stage for one last blast.


But that's nitpicking. You can't find all that talent together this side of Woodstock in 1969. The cause is righteous and the music made you realize again how song can magically lift the spirits.

Farm Aid................what more need be said? Thanks, Slik77.

Best view, best shows. Our members get it all. Join today.

More "No Better Than This"

John Mellencamp expands his “No Better Than This Tour” that was to close in Chicago next month with all-new dates beginning in February of next year.

Billed as “an evening with,” the tour features John Mellencamp digging into his vast catalog of songs as well as tunes from his latest album.

Each concert is divided into three segments with the first showcasing Mellencamp performing acoustically while the second features the singer / songwriter fronting a small combo. The third promises to be a party with Mellencamp backed by his full rock band.

The newly announced leg of the tour begins in Lowell, Mass., at the Memorial Auditorium Feb. 3.

Even though it’s “an evening with,” there is an opening act of sorts, the film documentary “It’s About You,” shot on Super 8 film during Mellenamp’s 2009 tour of minor league baseball stadiums with Bob Dylan and Willie Nelson.

Produced by T Bone Burnett, the new album (yes, titled No Better Than This) sports a retro sound with Mellencamp recording the album in three historic locations in the American South – the First African Baptist Church in Savannah, Memphis’ Sun Studio and Room 414 of San Antonio’s Gunter Hotel where Robert Johnson recorded in 1936. Adding to the Americana vibe of the album, the sessions took place using one vintage microphone and were recorded on a 55-year-old mono tape recorder. Talk about getting back to basics.

All the backstage passes for October and November gigs are gone, but here are the new dates:

Thu 02/03/11 Lowell, MA Lowell Memorial Auditorium

Fri 02/04/11 Waterbury, CT Palace Theater

Tue 02/15/11 Washington, DC DAR Constitution Hall

Fri 02/18/11 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall

Mon 02/21/11 Philadelphia, PA Academy Of Music

Thu 02/24/11 Richmond, VA Landmark Theater

Sat 02/26/11 Columbia, SC Township Auditorium

Sun 02/27/11 Atlanta, GA Fox Theatre

Tue 03/01/11 Durham, NC Durham Performing Arts Center

Thu 03/03/11 Fort Lauderdale, FL Broward Center For The Perf. Arts

Fri 03/04/11 Clearwater, FL Ruth Eckerd Hall

Sat 03/05/11 Jacksonville, FL Moran Theater

JM is a perennial fave at BPD. So act quickly before they're all gone.

Member Review: Shakira

BackstagePassDirect member SudaSal sent us this:

Shakira's return to touring is to promote "The Sun Comes Out," which arrives Oct. 19. Shakira hasn't toured in four years, and the crowd was eager to see if she could still bring it live. The hip-shaking Columbian dynamo mixed rock, pop and dance music sung in English and Spanish for 90 minutes of foot stomping sizzle and flash.


When the lights went down, she appeared at the far end of the arena in a pink hooded dress. Opening with the ballad "Pienso en Ti" (from her 1996 debut, "Pies Descalzos"), Shakira moved slowly through the aisles toward the stage, touching hands as people reached out to her. The song, which translates to "I think of you," was performed entirely in Spanish, which she did frequently throughout the set, making it clear that despite her ambition to conquer the North American market, she is not forsaking her Spanish-speaking audience.


By the time she reached the thrust stage, she shed her dress for black lycra stretch pants and a gold sequined top, tantalizing in front of a digital screen two stories high. Moving into the bouncing, guitar-driven "Te Dejo Madrid" from her 2001 breakthrough "Laundry Service," Shakira raced around before stopping to jam a harmonica solo.


Breathlessly, she told the crowd: "I am here to please you. Tonight I am yours."


With the new album still weeks away, the night mostly was about hits, and all were crowd-pleasing. "Si Te Vas" was followed by "Whenever, Wherever" -- during which she brought four girls from the audience onstage for a hip-shaking lesson -- "Inevitable" and haunting acoustic versions of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" along with "Gypsy" and "La Tortura."


Her voice is a powerful instrument, effortlessly weaving through styles: Think Kylie Minogue and Ann Wilson with the gravitas of Kate Bush. But what sets her apart from today's pop singers, and what made Shakira stand out, is her great warmth and spirit of conviction. She seems happily lost in her music and eager to share it, like a yodeling muppet with a Eurail pass. When she smiles, people smile back; when she dances, people want to dance with her.


And whether belly-dancing or gyrating like Elvis, the girl knows how to move. "Ciega, Sordomuda," one of Shakira's infectious early hits, got them dancing. It was followed by the reggaeton thumping of new songs "Gordita" and "Loca" and the silly but entertaining "She Wolf."


When the barefoot singer returned for an encore, she thanked the crowd profusely, offering love and hope for the crowd. After a short ballad from the new album, "Antes de las Seis," she called in "Hips Don't Lie" (footnote: backstage, she asked me if I thought she ought to get her hips insured) and closed with the rousing 2010 World Cup anthem, "Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)," complete with Kiss-style confetti cannons.


If anything, her performance cemented Shakira's place as an arena-rock star. Her show is a magnificent parade of lights and music. I hada gr8 time.


Set List:
Pienso en Ti
Why Wait
Te Dejo Madrid
Si Te Vas
Whenever, Wherever
Inevitable
Nothing Else Matters
Gypsy
La Tortura
Ciega, Sordomuda
Underneath Your Clothes
Gordita
Sale el Sol
Las de la Intuicion
Loca
She Wolf
Ojos Asi
Encore:
Antes de las Seis
Hips Dont Lie
Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)

CMA Update

Whether or not she collects all nine of the awards she was nominated for, Miranda Lambert will take the stage at the 44th Annual CMA Awards one way or another as one of the performers at Country Music’s Biggest Night.

In addition to the 2003 “Nashville Star” finalist, the first round of performers for the award show includes the singer’s fiancé Blake Shelton along with Dierks Bentley, Kenny Chesney, Lady Antebellum and the pairing of Zac Brown Band with Alan Jackson.

Carrie Underwood and Brad Paisley will host the show for the third year in a row.

Lambert’s nine nominations earned her bragging rights for the most 2010 nominations as well as the distinction of making CMA history with the most nods for a female artist.

She’s competing for entertainer of the year, female vocalist of the year, album of the year (for Revolution) and musical event of the year (for “Bad Angel” by Bentley featuring Lambert and Jamey Johnson). Lambert is also up for single of the year (for both “The House That Built Me” and “White Liar”) and music video of the year (for both “The House That Built Me” and “White Liar”). Her songwriting talent was also recognized with a nod for song of the year (for “White Liar”).

Shelton has been nominated in the following categories: male vocalist of the year, single of the year (“Hillybilly Bone” featuring Trace Adkins), musical event of the year (“Hillybilly Bone”) and music video of the year (“Hillbilly Bone”).

Along with musical event of the year (for “Bad Angel”), Bentley was also nominated for male vocalist of the year and album of the year (for Up On The Ridge).

Chesney is nominated for musical event of the year for his performance of “I’m Alive” with Dave Matthews.

Lady Antebellum racked up five nominations this year including entertainer of the year, vocal group of the year, single of the year (for “Need You Now”), song of the year (for co-writing “Need You Now”) and music video of the year (for “Need You Now”).

Zac Brown Band is up for entertainer of the year, musical event of the year (for “Can’t You See” featuring Kid Rock), new artist of the year and vocal group of the year. Brown earned another nomination in the song of the year category for co-writing “Toes.”

Jackson earned a nod for musical event of the year for his collaboration with Lee Ann Womack on “Till The End.”

Although passes for this show are all gone, you can still see it on the small(er) screen Nov. 10, live on ABC

Member Review: Toby Keith

BPD member 0077 wrote:

Ostensibly, Keith is still on the road with his so-called American Ride tour - named after this 2009 album of the same name - but he opened his 90-minute set with Bullets In the Gun, also the title of his new disc due on Oct. 5.

The opening song came after what amounted to a car commercial for Ford trucks - his tour sponsor - as Keith first appeared lying in the back of one while a sign saying "Ford: Built Tough" appeared behind him for the entire show.
   
Still, Keith, actually toned down his legendary patriotic persona deleting such songs as American Soldier and Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (The Angry American) which have been wrapping up his shows.

Otherwise, it was pretty much party-hearty crowd-pleasing time all the time with light-hearted songs as Get Drunk And Be Somebody, Trailerhood, I Love This Bar (including a plug for his restaurant, Toby Keith's I Love This Bar and Grill), Weed With Willie (exactly what you think it's about), Beer for My Horses (with Willie Nelson contributing his vocals via video), and How Do You Like Me Now?!

Even when he slowed things down for a ballad like You Shouldn't Kiss Me Like This, he dedicated it to all "the ladies" in the audience for whom the first kiss is paramount.

"A five second kiss led to this three and a half minute song," explained Keith. "I don't mind if it's girl on girl," he encouraged two females near the front of the stage.

There was also lots of fireworks, explosions, confetti, and videos along with his ten-person band known as Easy Money.

It was 90-minutes of mindless fun I guess. I got the passes for my sister who thinks TK = God. I didn't even speak to him. But I did enjoy seeing the show from the back and watching how they made everything work.

The view from the back is something special, isn't it, 0077? It's a whole other show!

You can have it too. Join us at BackstagePassDirect today.

Attention All Gagaholics

Lady Gaga wraps up her 2010 US tour on October 2nd, appearing with Yoko Ono and the Plastic Ono Band in L.A. Then, she's off to dazzle Europe for the better part of 5 months.

But don't despair. BackstagePassDirect can now confirm we'll have passes for a whole buncha early 2011 US dates for the she-devil.

Here goes:

Sat 02/19/11 Atlantic City, NJ Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall

Mon 02/21/11 New York, NY Madison Square Garden Arena

Tue 02/22/11 New York, NY Madison Square Garden Arena

Thu 02/24/11 Washington, DC Verizon Center

Sat 02/26/11 Pittsburgh, PA CONSOL Energy Center

Mon 02/28/11 Chicago, IL United Center

Tue 03/01/11 Grand Rapids, MI Van Andel Arena

Fri 03/04/11 Buffalo, NY HSBC Arena

Tue 03/08/11 Boston, MA TD Garden

Thu 03/10/11 Columbus, OH Schottenstein Center

Sat 03/12/11 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center

Mon 03/14/11 Dallas, TX American Airlines Center

Tue 03/15/11 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center

Thu 03/17/11 Omaha, NE Qwest Center Omaha

Sat 03/19/11 Salt Lake City, UT EnergySolutions Arena

Tue 03/22/11 Oakland, CA Oracle Arena

Wed 03/23/11 Sacramento, CA ARCO Arena

Fri 03/25/11 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena

Mon 03/28/11 Los Angeles, CA Staples Center

Tue 03/29/11 San Diego, CA Viejas Arena

Thu 03/31/11 Anaheim, CA Honda Center

Wed 04/06/11 Austin, TX Frank Erwin Center

Fri 04/08/11 Houston, TX Toyota Center

Sat 04/09/11 New Orleans, LA New Orleans Arena

Tue 04/12/11 Sunrise, FL BankAtlantic Center

Wed 04/13/11 Miami, FL AmericanAirlines Arena

Fri 04/15/11 Orlando, FL Amway Center

Sat 04/16/11 Tampa, FL St. Pete Times Forum

Mon 04/18/11 Duluth, GA The Arena At Gwinnett Center

Tue 04/19/11 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena

Fri 04/22/11 Newark, NJ Prudential Center

Sat 04/23/11 Uniondale, NY Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum

Wed 04/27/11 Cleveland, OH Quicken Loans Arena

Many members were disappointed that they missed out for the Fall. Here's another chance; if you wait, it'll be too late. Go to BackstagePassDirect and request'em now.

Sara Bareilles is Numero Uno!

Sara Bareilles claimed the number one spot on the  Billboard 200 as her second album, Kaleidoscope Heart, moved 90,000 copies in its debut week to grab the top spot. Bareilles' first major label album, 2007’s Little Voice, entered the charts at number 45, selling only 16,000 copies, but built to platinum status from there.

Backstage passes are going fast, but they are still available for the following US dates:

Tue 11/02/10         Minneapolis, MN     Pantages Theatre   
      
Wed 11/03/10         Chicago, IL     House Of Blues   

Fri 11/05/10         Milwaukee, WI     Pabst Theater   
      
Sat 11/06/10         Louisville, KY     Bomhard Theater   

Tue 11/09/10         Boston, MA     House Of Blues Boston Presented By Foxwoods Resort Casino   
            
Wed 11/10/10         New York, NY     Webster Hall   
  
Sun 11/14/10         Lawrence, KS     Liberty Hall   
 
Mon 11/15/10         Denver, CO     Ogden Theatre   
  
Wed 11/17/10         Salt Lake City, UT     The Avalon Theater   

Fri 11/19/10         Boise, ID     Knitting Factory Concert House   
   
Sat 11/20/10         Spokane, WA     Knitting Factory Concert House   
   
Wed 11/24/10         Reno, NV     Knitting Factory Concert House   
  
Fri 12/17/10         Arcata, CA     John Van Duzer Theatre

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Member Review: Roger Waters/The Wall

BPD member Miasma files this report:

Welcome to the 30th Anniversary tour of The Wall, Pink Floyd's seminal 1979 double album which the British prog-rock act originally toured in 1980.


Certainly, Roger Waters, now 67, spared no expense in terms of theatrics and pyrotechnics which must have been mind-blowing for those in an altered state.


There was a large circular video screen, oversized inflatables representing the album's character "Pink," a school teacher, and others, and, of course, the large white brick wall on the stage and leading up into the stands on either side onto which words, images, video of the band, animation and graffiti were projected throughout two dazzling hours of music - basically The Wall's track listing from start to finish.


The wall also grew in size as the show progressed with workers adding small pieces of it like a puzzle all night long until the show's second half where it remained fully erect until, well, the very dramatic ending complete with red confetti.


A concept album/rock opera, The Wall was based on Waters' own childhood and early adulthood in England, losing his dad during WWII, abuse at the hands of his school teachers, an overprotective mother, and being deserted by his first wife.


Waters also showed pictures of people - soldiers, activists, and children - who had been killed in Iraq, along with firefighters who perished in 9-11. ("I would like to thank of all you have sent in your photos of your loves ones," said Waters in a printed statement that went up on the wall during a 20-minute intermission.)


NOW CHECK THIS OUT!! Before the concert began, Waters had me dress up as a homeless man wandering through the concert floor with a grocery cart carrying a placard that said, "No Thought Control," a line from Another Brick In The Wall as in "we don't need no thought control," as a police officer seemed to be ordering him off the premises.


To be a part of a production of The Wall was a highlight of my life. Nuff said.


After the intermission, during which a bagpipe version of Amazing Grace and other instrumental music was performed while more pictures of lost loved ones were projected, Waters and his musicians returned to perform the album's second disc in its entirety leading off with Hey You followed by Is There Anybody Out There?


But Waters only reappeared again during Nobody Home, on a living room set which sprang out of of the wall which saw him seated and watching TV while he sang.


The most political song of the night was Bring The Boys Back Home, during which images of war torn countries, starving children, and ravaged countryside were projected, while singer Wyckoff appeared perched on the top of the wall during Comfortably Numb, the stoner anthem from The Wall, which ended with more psychedelic visuals.


By the time the entire band - all dressed in black hoodies - finally came out from behind the wall for The Show Must Go On, In The Flesh and set highlight, Run Like Hell, there was so much fascist imagery, pictures of leaders like Adolf Hitler, Mao Tse-Tung and George Bush Jr., coupled with a remote-controlled black pig covered in slogans like “Trust Us,” and “Them Not Us,” floating over the audience, paranoia must have set in.


But not for me. I hadn't come down off of my cloud.


Thank you BPD. Watta night to remember.

Happy to make it happen for you, Miasma. That's what we do for members.

Want some? Join BackstagePassDirect today.

Into the Fall with DMB

A few months back, the Dave Matthews Band posted the following on their website:

"As we feel the excitement building for this summer, we wanted to let everyone know that after twenty years of consecutive touring, Dave Matthews Band will be taking 2011 off. We feel lucky that our tours are a part of so many people’s lives, and wanted to give everyone as much notice as possible. We’re excited to make this summer one of our best tours yet, and look forward to returning to the road in 2012.”

Well, that time is fast approaching. But rather than just biding their time, DMB has announced a round of fall U.S. dates, giving fans a few more chances to see the group live before they take the year off:

Tue 11/02/10             Buffalo, NY        HSBC Arena     

Wed 11/03/10         Uniondale, NY     Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum   

Fri 11/05/10         Albany, NY     Times Union Center   

Sat 11/06/10         Philadelphia, PA     Wells Fargo Center   

Tue 11/09/10         Boston, MA     TD Garden   

Wed 11/10/10         Boston, MA     TD Garden   

Fri 11/12/10         New York, NY     Madison Square Garden Arena   

Sat 11/13/10         New York, NY     Madison Square Garden Arena   

Tue 11/16/10         Atlanta, GA     Philips Arena   

Wed 11/17/10         North Charleston, SC     North Charleston Coliseum   

Fri 11/19/10         Charlottesville, VA     John Paul Jones Arena   

Sat 11/20/10         Charlottesville, VA     John Paul Jones Arena

BPD members have written to us to say what a treat it is to see Dave and the gang from the back. You can too. Make your requests early at BackstagePassDirect.

Member Review: Justin Beiber

BPD member Cheesesteak checks in:

Justin Bieber managed to be the center of attention and entirely superfluous all at the same time.


When he entered, in a man-sized metal gerbil ball, the mostly teenaged female crowd screamed.


When he sang, they screamed.


When he stopped, they screamed.


When he asked how everyone was doing, they screamed.


And on and on it went.


The fans had calmed somewhat by the time third track U Smile emerged from the enthusiastic cacophony, resulting in a surprisingly sweet singalong by fans who knew every word.


At the end of U Smile, a quiet coda stripped of the over-production that dogged most songs, Bieber proved he can still sing, delivering a pleasant straight-tone.


From a heart-shaped frame that eased out over the audience, he accompanied himself on acoustic guitar for Never Let You Go and Favourite Girl. He hit the most important notes in a slightly husky voice, far from the bubblegum boy-soprano on his studio albums. That touch of rawness bodes well for his maturing voice.


However, as a showman, he needs work.


He danced, moving more or less rhythmically to the music, but Michael Jackson he ain't.


Bieber foolishly covered Wanna Be Starting Something, but was shown up on the dance floor by his break-dancing back-up dancers and turned in his worst vocal performance of the night.


Earlier, he had looked awkward doing backflips on a harness in mid-air, after an admittedly super-cool vertical walk up a skyscraper prop.


His stage patter ("What's up everyone?") redefined banal. Time to replace the swagger coach with a staff writer.


The best piece of theatre came during One Less Lonely Girl, in which a dumbstruck teen was serenaded by Bieber on centre stage, then given a bouquet.


She was seated which was a good thing, because she likely would have keeled over, mouth still agape. When Bieber gave her a hug, she looked like she wouldn't let go.


But for tired traditionalists who believe concerts should be about performance, the show was abysmal. From both the back and the front, the sound system sucked. The bass was muddy, the vocals were mostly indistinguishable and the instruments little more than throbbing white noise.


JB knew this. When he came backstage, he was all pissy and nasty. I decided it was best to steer clear of him, rather than risk he might trun a mediocre night into Total Sh*t.


Thanks, BPD. I know you did your part. If only JB would have done his.

Sorry you're bummed, Cheesesteak.

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