Git yerself learned and listen to this interview with Dan Baird.
Read MoreMy 2018 Concert Rundown - by Kevin Montavon
Anyone who knows me, even on a casual basis, can tell you what my favorite pastime is. Here's a hint...it starts with "live" and ends with "music." I like, no, I love to go to concerts. Whether the venue is a tiny bar or a massive sports stadium, no matter if the band is an up-and-comer or a certified legend, the motto I live by is "Always go to the show." Or, more practically stated, as I have told many friends, "I don't see every show, but I see every one that I can.”
As an avid concertgoer, I keep track of shows, but only to a degree. I save ticket stubs, but not every concert requires tickets, or in many cases the venue just checks your name off a list. I have heard of people who meticulously keep track of all the shows they see, movies they watch, albums they listen to, etc. But who has time for that? In addition I suspect that the people who do this don't see as many shows as I do.
Enter modern technology. This past year, 2018, was the year I fully embraced the calendar in my phone. I kept track of every show I wanted to see, and if I ended up not going to a particular show, I removed it from the calendar. If I went to a multiple band show and missed any of the acts, I only listed the bands I saw. In the end I was left with an accurate look at a year in the life of a concert addict. Starting with Clutch on New Year's morning (they played Express Live for New Year's Eve 2017, taking the stage at 11:30 p.m. and playing until 1:00 a.m. on January 1st of this year); and ending with Colin Gawel and The Bowlers at the traditional December 23rd Woodlands Tavern gig, this year conveniently held at the easily manageable matinee hour of 4:00 p.m.; it was a typically full year.
It's always hard for me to choose highlights from a year's worth of shows. For me live music played well is a sublime experience in and of itself. But this year I can easily say that two nights of Pearl Jam in their hometown of Seattle was heads above all other shows, particularly Night Two, which has already attained mythological status among Pearl Jam fanatics. The Missoula, Montana Pearl Jam show a few nights later takes an easy 3rd place spot. Double doses of Clutch (previously mentioned New Year's show and a co-headliner stint at the InkCarceration Festival in Mansfield, Ohio), and Lucero (opening for Frank Turner at Express Live in June...where they performed their entire as-yet-unreleased album as their set; and a headlining show at Skully's later in the year, where they played a request of mine...a song they haven't played in a decade) were fitting, as the albums both bands released in 2018 were my absolute favorite offerings of the year.
The Rumba Cafe remains my favorite venue to see a band, anywhere. And this year at Rumba I was treated to face-melting sets from Dan Baird & Homemade Sin, Drivin' N' Cryin', American Aquarium, Brandy Zdan, and Aaron Lee Tasjan, who was the biggest surprise of the year. I had not seen him previously, and I knew he would be good, but I wasn't prepared for just how mind-blowing of a performer he is.
There's really far too many highlights to mention. You will also not be shocked to hear that I have zero plans to slow down any time soon. I already have Cher, Nick Mason's Saucerful Of Secrets, Kiss, and Iron Maiden on my calendar for 2019. Can't wait to see what other artists fill in all those other, as yet still blank, boxes. If you see me at a show in the new year, say hello, and let's rock!
Below is a list of all the bands I saw in 2018 (In many cases two or more bands were seen on one bill. This is a list of bands seen in total, and number of times I saw them):
Colin Gawel (5x)
Pearl Jam (3x) (click here to jump into Kevin’s excellent Pearl Jam Road Trip blog)
Trash Junkies (3x)
Clutch (2x)
James McMurtry (2x)
Jason Isbell & The 400 Unit (2x)
Lucero (2x)
Race Of Devils (2x)
A Perfect Circle
Aaron Lee Tasjan
Adam Kamm & The One Drops
Alice In Chains
American Aquarium
ASG
Berlin
Black Label Society
Black Spirit Crown
Blackberry Smoke
Bourbon Train
Brandy Zdan
Brett Michaels
Carach Angren
Corey Branan
Corrosion Of Conformity
Dan Baird & Homemade Sin
Dee Snider
Devildriver
Dokken
Don Felder
Drive-By Truckers
Drivin' N' Cryin'
Foghat
Frank Turner
Fu Manchu
Glenn Hughes
Goatwhore
Hall & Oates
Henry Rollins
Hiss Golden Messenger
Jake The Snake Roberts
John Moreland
Kingpin
Lita Ford
Lo-Pan
Magic Dick
Michael Schenker Fest
Moodshifter
Mr. Speed
Orphaned Land
REO Speedwagon
Satyricon
Sevendust
Sheryl Crow
Sleep
Snowblynd
Steve Earle
Styx
SubRosa
Suicidal Tendencies
Terry Davidson & The Gears
The Hold Steady
The Magpie Salute
The Shelter People
The Sword
Tool
Train
Tyr
Warrant
Willie Phoenix
Yes, featuring Anderson, Rabin & Wakeman
Hit and Run Interview with Dan Baird & Homemade Sin - by Colin Gawel
Former Georgia Satellites frontman and current Homemade Sin bandleader Dan Baird is back at it again. Zigging & zagging his way across the USA, bringing the most legit brand of American rock n roll you could ever wish to hear. I will be attending the show at Route 33 Rhythm and Brews on Saturday March 25th. I wish I could also attend Friday March 24 at the Beachland Ballroom in Cleveland and Sunday March 26th at the Southgate House Revival in Newport, Kentucky (right across the river from Cincy). Alas, that is just too much fun for a man of my age and responsibilities. YOU, however, should plan to attend all three. Loud guitars, catchy songs and looze booze should be flowing.
Dan was kind enough to answer a few of my questions from the Homemade Sin van as I was drinking Four String Brew in my kitchen listening to his latest record, So Low.
C.G. - Did you ever see Chuck live or meet him?
D.B. - Yes, I met Mr. Berry. Shook his hand backstage and ran like hell. Didn't want to find out if the rumors of his temper were true or not.
C.G. - What Chuck Berry songs have you covered live?
D.B. - I played bass in an all-Chuck band. Thirty tunes, the great 28 + a few.
C.G. - Whoa. Switching gears, you and Homemade Sin are a touring machine. Would a 20-year old Dan Baird believe you would still be playing roadhouse rock n roll?
D.B. - I might believe I'd be playing, but my 20-year old self would have been frightened of what shape I'd be in.
C.G. - What good books or shows have you been watching to pass the time on the road?
D.B. - Planet Earth 2. Listen to a Live Dead playlist from 67-72.
C.G. - What records have you been digging?
D.B. - I really like Super 8 Motel by Jason Isbell.
C.G. At what time everyday do you choose the night's set-list? Any method to your madness?
D.B. - I pick the set in the afternoon on the drive. We just started using one. Too many new songs, can't keep a lineup in my head.
C.G. - You guys were tight with The Replacements. What was you favorite record and did you enjoy the Mats bio Trouble Boys?
D.B. - Fave record is a tie:
Let It Be
Pleased to Meet Me
Yes, I read Trouble Boys. What a book. Not for the faint of heart.
C.G. - Final question from Biggie: Did Tom Petty nick the Georgia Satellites cover of "Something in the Air" for their greatest hits record?
D.B. - Tom asked us at a sound check if we were gonna record it. (Rick) Richards blurted out "Hell no."
Tom smiled and asked him if he could steal the arrangement, Richards said "Go right ahead."
Tom thanked him for his next hit.
Same thing with "Suspicious Minds" and Dwight (Yoakam).
Figure we threw away about 2 million records in hind sight.
Big thanks to Dan for answering this super fan's questions on short notice and make sure to visit his website and never miss a chance to see him perform live. - Colin G.
Click here for Dan Baird website. .
This band changed my life. - Colin G.
Dan Baird and Homemade Sin Scheduled to Perform Hellraisin' Rock n Roll, Wednesday, March 2nd, in Wapakoneta, OH
We have all seen the movie Roadhouse like 50 times, right? Well, Route 33 Rhythm and Brews in Wapakoneta, OH has much in common with the Double Deuce. Granted, the bouncers are less attractive, but the levels of boozin' and hell-raisin' are just the same. They also throw a pretty mean rock n roll party once in awhile.
On Wednesday, March 2nd, the great Dan Baird and Homemade Sin will be gracing the RT 33 stage as they tour America in support of their latest record, Get Loud! If you can get somebody to cover your shift Thursday morning, I highly recommend you Cbus folk make the short trip up RT 33 to Wapak to catch a small town rock n roll show that is sure to leave your big city slicker jaw agape.
Local celebrities Quinn Fallon (Dan produced some of his records) and Mike "Biggie" McDermott are rumored to be attending the show and spending the night at an undisclosed Indian Lake location.
Click here for more info on tickets and RT 33 Rhythm and Brews