Usually, when I travel it rains/snows/hails/hurricanes, but this time the sun was out for my entire long weekend.
Hit Harp & Fiddle for few drinks and watched the Flyers freeze the Pens before heading back East.
(The satisfaction didn't last long.)
Saw Kings of Leon at the ill-fated Spectrum. (A fan with a much better seat shot the video, but the show rocked from high above, too.
Follow the post for a review.)
Attended an annual event to watch others play Frisbeer, Rock Band and with fire. ("Adult" supervision was required.)
Watched "Le Scaphandre et Le Papillon," aka "The Diving Bell and the Butterfly." (The heartbreaking French film, based on this book, made me want to carpe diem.)
Went to Lake Marburg to soak in as much sun as possible. (Thanks to the SPF 45, I only got a little pink.)
Back to the main event: The Kings of Leon show. Let me tell you, I could have watched those Followill fellows all night long. (At least I get to stare at them on the cover of my Rolling Stone right now.)
Anyway, focusing on the music, I felt like rock 'n' roll returned Saturday night. I can't really name any other newer bands right now that are as authentically rock as KOL. (Having a piano, horn section or multiple synthesizers automatically makes an act alt/indie.) They're traditional Southern sound recalls Lead Belly and Muddy Waters at times. They stick with a standard four-man setup sans the bells and whistles. The sound at the Spectrum wasn't perfect, but the set was tight. It was also surprisingly "Only by the Night"-light. Check out the entire setlist here.
As you can tell from the video attached, it was loud. I haven't seen a crowd that into a concert in a while, and it was amazing. I've also never heard 20,000 people yell the word "Sex!" at the same time. (The happened during "Sex on Fire," of course.) Lead singer Caleb seemed a little surprised at the size of the room and the reception. He was very thankful to the crowd. He told the room that it was a moment the band would remember forever before breaking into the slower jam "Cold Desert." A few people actually help up lighters. I know I'll certainly remember that moment.
I love Kings of Leon! They are one of my new fav bands. I'm glad to hear you had a good time at the concert and they didn't disappoint. Next time they are in town I want to see them so give me a heads up;)