tour
Kid Rock offers $20 tickets
In a press release yesterday rocker Kid Rock announced his upcoming U.S. summer tour, and he’s offering cheaper seats and more.
The 42-year-old has set reserved and lawn seats at only $20, plus he’s arranged for lower prices for parking, merchandise, and more importantly beer.
Teaming with Live Nation, Kid Rock and his Twisted Brown Trucker Band will perform under the stars in amphitheaters across the country starting on June 28th at Jiffy Lube Live in Bristow, Virginia, winding down the tour on September 15th at the Live Nation Amphitheatre in Tampa, Florida.
Performing with Kid Rock will be one of two acts: Kool & The Gang or ZZ Top, both will be performing with Uncle Kracker.
ZZ Top photos Kool & The Gang photos
Kid Rock is partnering with Walmart and will be offering all-in $20 tickets – no fees, no parking charges, nada, at participating Walmart locations.
ZZ Top
Photo: Randy Miramontez
And if that wasn’t enough the Kid is reserving the first two rows for every show as free upgrades for lucky fans who will be selected at random.
Special $4 draught beers, value food packages, cheaper parking (where possible), free samples of Jimmy John’s sandwiches at select venues, free coffee at the end of the show, and $20 tour t-shirts will be available as well.
“Everyone knows the economy is still hurting people across the country, but I didn’t want that to be a reason why everyone couldn’t get out and enjoy themselves on a summer night, Kid Rock said in a statement, “So we’re going to throw the biggest and best party ever, with prices across the board that are reasonable and transparent. No hidden fees, no gimmicks. We’re not sparing any expense on this tour, we’re going over the top as always, but that doesn’t mean we’re going to ask the fans to pay more.”
Kool & the Gang
Photo: Randy Miramontez
Kid Rock is optimistic that he’s going to fill amphitheaters across the country saying, “If this works we’re going to play to packed houses of fans who appreciate what we’re doing. If it doesn’t, might be a long summer.”
Kid Rock explained that “someone has to go out there and fight these high prices and change things up, and I’m lucky enough that I can afford to take a pay cut. $20. Best night ever.”
The tour is in support of his 10th album, Rebel Soul. Kid along with Live Nation CEO Michael Rapino will be on Piers Morgan Live on April 12, to discuss the tour and this unconventional strategy.
And as always, Jim Beam and Harley Davidson will be sponsoring the tour.
Yes. Sacramento – you get a chance to take in the show on July 31 at Sleep Train Amphitheater. Currently Live Nation shows Sammy Hagar playing with Kid Rock at the Sleep Train Amphitheater.
Ohio Players frontman Sugarfoot dead at 70
Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner – Click for more images
I am extremely sad to report that Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner, the colorful and flamboyant lead singer for the Ohio Players, died yesterday at the age of 70.
UPDATE: In an official family statement released by Scott Hanover the family said, “Yesterday, Leroy ‘Sugarfoot’ Bonner passed away quietly in his hometown of Trotwood-Dayton, OH. While his family, friends, colleagues, and fans mourn his passing they celebrate fondly his memory, music, and legacy.”
The statement continued, “Humble yet charismatic, soft spoken and of few words, the weight of his thoughts, lyrics, and music has influenced countless other artists, songs, and trends. He will be missed but not forgotten as his legacy and music lives on. More details and an official historical perspective of his career will soon be forthcoming.
His Facebook page is available to all to post comments, reflections, and testimonials of this wonderful and gifted man: https://www.facebook.com/sugarfootsohioplayers.”
The Ohio Players were originally formed in Dayton, Ohio in 1959, and were known as the Ohio Untouchables. After a brief breakup the band regrouped in 1963 adding Leroy “Sugarfoot” Bonner on lead guitar and eventually he went on to front the band.
The band’s first big hit single was “Funky Worm”, reaching #1 on the Billboard R&B chart and made the Top 20 on the Billboard Hot 100 in the spring of 1973, selling over one million copies.
The band had seven Top 40 hits between 1973 and 1976 including, “Fire,” “Love Rollercoaster” and “Who’d She Coo?”
Recently the master of funk brought the Ohio Players to Thunder Valley Casino Resort (read review). Sugarfoot was helped onstage and appeared frail. However, backstage he was jovial and very friendly to the staff and fans as they lined up to meet the ‘70s icon.
Beach Boys Reunion Tour Comes to a Close
(LR) David Marks, Mike Love, and Al Jardine of the Beach Boys
Last year The Beach Boys announced a reunion tour that included the original surviving members Brian Wilson, Mike Love and Al Jardine, plus longtime members Bruce Johnston and David Marks, along with Jeffrey Foskett.
When they kicked off their 50th anniversary tour in Tucson on April 24, they brought with them a set list of 42 songs. By the time they played at the Hollywood Bowl in June their set list grew to 46 songs.
Obviously they were saving their best for last because when they played their final concert at London’s Wembley Arena on September 27, the set list was a whopping 55 songs!
Prior to the final show Love announced that he planned on touring as The Beach Boys with Johnston, leaving out Wilson, Jardine, and Marks. While some have feigned shock over the announcement, it should come as no surprise, since Love had been touring with Johnston, and his son Christian under The Beach Boy name prior to their reunion tour.
Mike Love of The Beach Boys at Thunder Valley Casino in 2011
Brian Wilson, who stopped touring with the group in 1965, said at their September 18 Grammy appearance, “I wouldn’t mind getting together with Mike and the guys and recording an exciting rock ‘n’ roll album.” There’s no word on whether or not that will become a reality, but odds are that it won’t materialize.
Wilson told CNN in September, “I’m disappointed and can’t understand why he (Love) doesn’t want to tour with Al, David and me. We are out here having so much fun. After all, we are the real Beach Boys.”
For their reunion The Beach Boys released a new album which included “That’s Why God Made the Radio”, beating The Beatles’ record for duration on Billboard’s top 10 chart (the Fabs’ top 10 hits spanned 47 years, seven months and three weeks, versus the Beach Boys’ 49 years and one week).
So what did they play for their final set?
| Set 1 | Set 2 |
| Do It Again Little Honda Catch a Wave Hawaii Don’t Back Down Surfin’ Safari Surfer Girl Please Let Me Wonder This Whole World Wendy Getcha Back Then I Kissed Her You’re So Good to Me Kiss Me, Baby Isn’t It Time Come Go With Me Why Do Fools Fall in Love When I Grow Up (to Be a Man) Dance, Dance, Dance Darlin’ Disney Girls It’s OK Cotton Fields Be True to Your School Ballad of Ol’ Betsy Don’t Worry Baby Little Deuce Coupe 409 Shut Down I Get Around |
Pet Sounds Add Some Music To Your Day Sail On, Sailor Heroes and Villains I Just Wasn’t Made For These Times California Dreamin’ California Saga: California In My Room All This is That That’s Why God Made the Radio Summer’s Gone Forever God Only Knows Sloop John B Wouldn’t It Be Nice Good Vibrations California Girls All Summer Long Help Me, Rhonda Rock and Roll Music Do You Wanna Dance? Surfin’ U.S.A.Encore Kokomo Barbara Ann Fun, Fun, Fun |
Jasmine’s in the air at the Fountains
Jasmine V – Click for more images
Jasmine Villegas, better known as Jasmine V. was at the Fountains at Rosevilleon Sunday in support of AT&T’s No Text On Board tour, as throngs of Jasminators (as her fans are known) turned out in support of their favorite pop singer.
The 18 year old Villegas is an up and coming R&B, pop singer and has made appearances in Justin Bieber’s music video for his hit single “Baby,” as well as the Kid’s Choice Awards. She’s also made a few appearances in Bieber’s most recent tour.
AT&T is using the No Text On Board Tour to get the word out about texting and driving. Their tagline is #itcanwait and you can take the pledge at itcanwait.org.
They can’t get the word out quick enough! I had several near misses on the way over to the fountains as people continue to text, use their phones, and do other idiotic things while driving. People, I’d like to get to where I’m going without having to perform numerous defensive maneuvers.
Jasmine’s brothers Jream Andrew and Justin
Since Villegas’ performance was scheduled at the last minute, the Fountains at Roseville, as well as local radio station 107.9 The End had very little time to get the word out. Not a lot of fans showed up, but the diehard fans who follow Villegas through social media were able to get the inside scoop as she tweeted;
“#SacramentoAreaJasminators my No Text On Board Tour sponsored by @ATT is coming to Fountains at Roseville Center 9/9 @2pm RT if u’re coming!?”
Jasminators greet their hero – Click for more images
As around 600 fans gathered around the stage Villegas’ older brother Jream Andrew was entertaining the crowd along with younger brother Justin, by asking the crowd questions about Jasmine such as;
“What was the title of Jasmine’s first music video?” – answer: “I Own This”
The first person to answer the questions correctly won a ticket to Paranorman, or a T-shirt compliments of The End.
Right away Villega’s invited a number of young ladies up onstage to dance to her hit “Werk.” She followed up with “Jealous,” as fans kept shouting out that they loved her.
Front row for these ladies – compliments of The End.
Villegas sang a song with her brother Jream and then Jream went solo with “Grillin.” There were a number of Jream fans with signs, as well as plenty of signs for Villega’s.
Villegas ended the set with “Just a Friend.” Afterward the fans were treated to a meet and greet.
It’s great that AT&T is sponsoring these types of events. Texting while driving is extremely irresponsible, selfish, and just downright stupid – so please don’t!
itcanwait!
WTF Department: Cher Lloyd booed offstage
Cher Lloyd – Click for more images
X-factor alum Cher Lloyd was recently booed off stage in London, at the annual V Festival at Hylands Park in Chelmsford.
Apparently the 19 year old Lloyd was only two songs into her set when the booing started. She left the stage in tears after someone threw a bottle that contained urine at the “‘Swagger Jagger’ singer.
You read that right ““ a bottle of friggin urine. WTF?
Come on people! Why the hell would someone throw a bottle of urine at somebody like Cher Lloyd, who is all of 5 foot nothing. Actually, what would make someone throw a bottle of urine at anyone?
The bigger question is why the hell was someone toting around a bottle of urine?
After a few minutes Lloyd came back out and told the crowd;
“It’s hard enough being up here, but it’s not nice having bottles of piss chucked at you.”
Taking to Twitter after the show Lloyd wrote, “Thank you so much for all the nice messages, shame that a couple of people had to ruin it. Unfortunately a glass bottle got thrown at me on stage. Tomorrow is another day, big love to my brats!!!”
Her fans are referred to as Brats.
Last year Lloyd admitted that she was afraid to leave her house due to the amount of negative criticism she was receiving. At the time she was quoted as saying, “I know people think I’m a bitch but they don’t realize I put on a massive front. When I go home and close the door I break down, phone my mum and dad and cry. It got to the point when I thought ‘Why am I doing this?’”
This year’s V Festival was headlined by The Stone Roses and The Killers, with other bands including Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, The Enemy, Example, Miles Kane and Frank Turner.
To whoever threw the bottle of urine ““ Piss off you wanker!
Cher Lloyd’s Debut Album Drops in October
Cher Lloyd – Click for more images
Brit teen pop sensation Cher Lloyd is putting the finishing flourishes on her highly anticipated U.S. debut, Sticks + Stones, which now has a new confirmed release date of October 2nd, push back from a September release date. The perky perfectionist wanted to ensure that no details were missed on Sticks + Stones for her fanatical U.S. fans. The American version of Sticks + Stones, released via Epic Records/Syco, will vary slightly from the 2011 U.K. version, which debuted at #4 in the U.K. The US album includes never-before-heard songs, as well as a few surprise guests. Cher explains that Sticks + Stones is “like a jukebox! Lots of different sounds and no two songs sound the same. I’ve put a lot into the album.”
Cher will make her second major U.S. TV appearance on the Today Show August 30th.
Clearly, the pint-sized pop-star is winning over U.S. fans by the masses, as further proven by her afternoon of fan-packed mayhem during a recent visit to West Hollywood’s Millions of Milkshakes. Police had to intervene as several thousand of Cher’s beloved “Brats” mobbed the streets for a glimpse of the saucy teen singer. (Take a look at the Brat Attack madness here: http://bit.ly/Nm5bBR) Cher’s mouth-watering milkshake is made from Oreos, marshmallows, banana, and caramel sauce–topped with whipped cream and a cherry–and, in homage to her beloved fans, the sweet treat is called the Brat Attack.
For those who can’t get enough from their new fave, Cher entertains more than two million Twitter followers who hang on her every word. And as Cher takes care to make sure every detail is perfect for the American release of Sticks + Stones in preparation for its October 2nd release, she gushes, “I can’t wait for everyone to hear the songs in full.” Fortunately for her Brats, the wait is almost over!
The End for Cher Lloyd and Her Brats
“Brats” waiting for Cher Lloyd – click for more images
Sing Inc. posing with Cher Lloyd
Cher Lloyd continued her radio show promo tour in support of her upcoming album Sticks and Stones, which is due out in September. Stopping at the Roseville Galleria she entertained close to 2,000 brats (as her fans are referred to).
Sacramento radio station 107.9 The End hosted the event with Christopher K., Dan Mason, Ashley Nickels, and the morning Wake Up Call’s Katie, Jason, and Gavin.
Chris asked the crowd how long they had been waiting, with some in the crowd screaming 8 hours!
As the mostly young female audience waited patiently for Lloyd, they were entertained by Sing Inc. Pop Academy, as an all-female crew took the stage singing a variety of hits such as Adele’s “Rolling in the Deep,” Kelly Clarkson’s “Good Girl,” and One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful.”
Cher Lloyd – Click for more images
The screaming started in earnest as the 19 year old Lloyd made her way to the stage from her, completely wrapped in all things Cher Lloyd, tour bus.
Starting off her brief acoustical set with Usher’s “OMG,” the brats made certain she knew they were there as they screamed, “‘I love you Cher’. After her first song Lloyd asked the crowd, “Hello, how are you?” which only caused the screams to jump up a few decibels.
Christopher K. taking photos with his fans
Lloyd continued on with only two more songs “Superhero” and “I Want You Back.’ During “I Want You Back,” you could hear most of the crowd singing and doing some serious grunting along with Lloyd.
As she finished her set Chris asked her a number of questions including how many tattoos she has, which is currently a total of 20, but she’s looking to do a complete sleeve on her arm.
You can see videos of her at the Galleria and her interview with Chris at The End Online.
You can pre-order her new CD due out on September 18th
Foreigners Flock to Thunder Valley Casino
Foreigner – Click for more images
Foreigner, everyone’s “Juke Box Hero,” performed to a sold-out crowd at Thunder Valley Casino Resort Friday night.
But was it really Foreigner, or just another cover band?
Foreigner was originally formed in 1976 by veteran English musicians Mick Jones and Ian McDonald, along with American vocalist Lou Gramm. In 1980 McDonald left the band, leaving Jones and Gramm as the only original members. 1990 saw the departure of Gramm, only to rejoin the group a couple of years later.
With Gramm’s on-again, off-again relationship, coupled with health issues, a joint decision was made and Gramm made his final departure. This paved the way for their current lead singer, Kelly Hansen, who joined the group in 2004.
With Gramm’s sound and Aerosmith’s Steven Tyler looks, Hansen has breathed new life into Foreigner, especially with the likes of Jeff Pilson (bass), Mark Schulman (plays some killer drums), Bruce Watson (lead guitar), Ollie Marland (keyboards), and Tom Gimbel (keyboards, guitar, sax).
Jeff Pilson, Bruce Watson, and Tom Gimbel
Hold up! What happened to the only founding member Mick Jones? Jones has been having health issues and rarely plays with the band, although he has been known to show up to a show or two. Watson was brought on board to fill in for Jones.
With no original band members, can this really be Foreigner, or is it simply a well put together cover band?
If you ask any of the 4,500 plus fans in attendance at Friday’s concert at Thunder Valley Casino Resort, you will get a resounding answer ““ “This is Foreigner!”
As soon as the band struck the first few notes of “Double Vision,” the crowd was on their feet, as Hansen ran onstage. Following up with “Head Games,” Hansen continued his high energy performance as Watson and Pilson joined in, jamming with one another as well as Hansen.
Roseville Area High School Choir – Click for more images
As they started “Cold as Ice,” the crowd brought it up a notch as did Hansen. The 51 year old Hansen, who has been known to climb stage scaffolding, rocketed off the stage, jumped the pit wall, and headed out into a sea of waiting foreigners. Most of the fans he passed had their hand up to give him a high-five, while others scrambled for their cameras.
Towards the end of the show and halfway through “I Want to Know What Love Is,” some members of the Roseville Area High School Choir came out on stage singing the chorus, as Hansen mingled with the choir and then headed back out into the crowd.
Ryan Spencer – WINNER!!
During the show fans could purchase Foreigner’s new CD, or DVD, Rockin at the Ryman from the Roseville choir, in addition to their purchase each fan received a ticket for a chance to win an autographed guitar signed by all the band members. Ryan Spencer who is a huge Foreigner fan, as well as a 96.9 The Eagle fan, ended up with the guitar.
This has been a good year thus far for Foreigner, at least in the movies, with several of their hits appearing in “Rock of Ages,” as well as the recently released “Magic Mike.”
Coming to Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s outdoor amphitheater next week is Steve Miller on Friday and Earth Wind and Fire on Saturday.
Bret Michaels Slaughtered by Night Ranger
Bret Michaels – Click for more images
Okay, maybe not Slaughtered.
It was an epic night Friday at Thunder Valley Casino Resort with Bret Michaels (Poison), Slaughter and Night Ranger providing over 4 hours of high energy entertainment.
While Bret Michaels was billed as the headliner, I do believe Night Ranger ruled the night with their intense, but fun loving, stage presence ““ more on that in a minute.
It was great to have the likes of Bret Michaels of Poison and Night Ranger’s guitarist Joel Hoekstra at Thunder Valley Casino the day after the new movie Rock of Ages premiered at theaters across the country. Music from Poison is featured in the movie and Hoekstra makes a cameo appearance. Hoekstra also stars in the Broadway hit Rock of Ages.
As over 4,000 fans filed into Thunder Valley Casino’s outdoor amphitheater, Slaughter took the stage kicking off this 4 hour extravaganza of hair flipping and high energy entertainment, with their hit song “Wildlife.”
As only true diehard fans can do in close to 100 degree weather, they rose up from the clutches of their nicely cushioned seats (ok, the bleachers ““ not so cushioned) to rock with the likes of Mark Slaughter (lead singer/guitar), Dana Strum (bass ““ makes sense with a name like Strum), Zoltan Chaney (drums), and Jeff “‘Blando’ Bland (lead guitar).
Slaughter – Click for more images
Within minutes into their set, the Slaughter crew were drenched in sweat and appeared to be totally into nothing but rocking and entertaining the crowd. Blando was the most energetic of the foursome, whipping his hair like it was 1999 and acting like he was still twenty-something.
The most violent award goes to drummer Chaney, who thrashed his drums to the point of having to pull out a wrench to fix one of his cymbals. The man was an animal!
While the entire crowd wasn’t on their feet during Slaughters performance, you could see them nodding their heads, pumping their fists, and just plain rocking out.
In between sets actor, stuntman, producer, director, and all around nice guy, Branscombe Richmond came out to joke around with the crowd and throw t-shirts at unsuspecting audience members.
Night Ranger – Click for more images
As Night Ranger stormed the stage it was complete bedlam on stage and off, with Hoekstra immediately flipping his blonde locs of hair while ripping away at his guitar, while off stage the entire audience jumped to their feet.
Starting their set with “Lay it on Me,” founding members Jack Blades (bass) and Brad Gillis (guitar), along with Hoekstra were going back and forth playing off of each other. Hoekstra and Gillis were the most animated of the three, as they were making faces at each other and constantly engaging the audience.
Drummer and founding member Kelly Keagy joined in the fun too, as Hoekstra, Gillis, and Blades all would work their way to Keagy.
As they played through hits like “Sing Me Away,” “Touch of Madness,” “Hearts Away,” and of course “Sister Christian,” they continued to interact with the crowd and each other. Hoekstra had a grin on his face almost the entire set, as did Blades and Gillis.
Jack Blades – Click for more images
Blades announced to the crowd that Gillis was celebrating his 55th birthday as he ribbed Gillis most of the night.
Night Ranger sounds just like they did years ago and they’ve maintained their high level of energy throughout the years. The addition of Hoekstra has added another, more theatrical, dynamic to their performances.
Prior to Michaels making his way on stage Richmond reminded everyone about Michaels ongoing battle with diabetes and how important it was to take care of yourself and get checkups on a regular basis.
It was a strange start as someone from Michael’s team came out and made some announcements regarding merchandise (nothing new here), but then after he yelled;
“The Party Starts Now!”
The audience ended up waiting for another 10 minutes before Michaels made it out on stage.
Sounding a bit off with Poison’s hit “Talk Dirty With Me,” Michaels had the crowd eating out of his hand. Wearing his signature bandana and long hair (come on! It’s gotta be a wig.) Michaels worked the audience like a true entertainer.
Bret Michaels – Click for more images
Thanking the audience for making the VH1 reality show “Rock of Love” the number 1 show on VH1 3 years running, Michaels started in with the theme song for the show, “Go That Far.”
Sounding much better after a few songs Michaels continued with a number of cover songs including Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Sweet Home Alabama,” Loggins and Messina’s “Your Mamma Don’t Dance,” and Kiss’ “Rock and Roll All Nite,” just to name a few.
He peppered in some Poison songs such as “Something to Believe in,” “Unskinny Bop,” and “Look What the Cat Dragged in”
While Michaels wasn’t Slaughtered by Night Ranger, I place him at a close second due to the number Poison hits he left on the shelf. Talking to a number of people after the show, they all agreed that Night Ranger won the night. However, all were in complete agreement that Michaels put on a high energy and entertaining show – so no, he wasn’t Slaughtered.
Coming to Thunder Valley Casino Resort’s Summer Concert Series on June 29th is Trace Adkins and June 30th is Gabriel Iglesias. Read all about Fluffy’s last visit to Thunder Valley Casino.
That was One Sorry Concert at PBP!
LMFAO - Click for more images
Matthew Koma - Click for more images
LMFAO brought their Sorry for Party Rocking Tour to Power Balance Pavilion on Wednesday, playing to 7,000 adoring fans, most dressed in neon green and yellow, with some donning an afro wig (shoot – can I say afro?).
Before LMFAO came out to party rock, there were several starters on tap. Leading off the charge was Matthew Koma, who didn’t do it for me. Let’s just say by the time he was done, I was in a coma (that’s a joke. I really wasn’t in a coma). Apparently he’s an American Idol fan, as he add some Phil Phillip type mannerisms during parts of his performance.
Eva Simons - Click for more images
Up to bat next was the very sexy Eva Simons who kicked some major butt. The Rhianna look-alike was energetic, sounded great, and looked even better! She sang several songs including her hit “Take Over Control” and her latest release “I Don’t Like You.” Expect to see bigger and better thing for Simons.
DJ Sidney Sampson brought his mixing skills as he weaved some great dance beats together, bringing much of the audience to their feet.
FM - Click for more images
If anyone’s seen Far East Movement (aka FM) before, you’ll understand what I mean when I say, they jumped up on stage. This crew has some wicked high energy and some real catchy tunes such as “Like a G6″ and “Round Round.”
With DJ Virman providing much of the tunes and Kev Nish providing lead vocals, FM energized the crowd in preparation for LMFAO as they bounce, hopped, skipped, and jumped on every inch of the stage. This included J-Splif and Prohgress who provided backup vocals and some entertaining moves.
In preparation for LMFAO’s appearance, several young ladies came out and threw flashing styrofoam glow-sticks to the audience. As I sat back and watched the audience you could see a sea of lime green as fans prepared themselves to party rock.
RedFoo - Click for more images
Prior to LMFAO making their appearance, a man dressed in the wildest glowing outfit sang ”Rocking the Beat” as the Quest dance crew did their thing. Berry Gordy’s son RedFoo and grandson SkyBlu (RedFoo is SkyBlu’s uncle) arrived on stage during “Rock the Beat” at the top of a two tiered stage, making for quite an entrance.
Dressed in their signature attire they started with “Sorry For Party Rocking” right out of the chute, causing the crowd to go absolutely crazy. As they were flying around the stage several members of their crew started throwing out beach balls, inflatable zebra’s, and palm trees.
There were several costume changes throughout the show, most notable was during “Put That A$$ to Work,” when several members of the crew came out in the most outrageous workout clothes imaginable. And yes, they were neon, bright, and way too revealing.
If you don’t like their music, don’t let that stop you from going to see a live performance. These two know how-to keep an audience totally engaged and completely entertained. It’s nothing but pure fun with a whole lotta neon – let’s not forget about the inflatable toys.
