Saint John's review of Lukather's show in Palatine
Posted: Wed Aug 20, 2008 2:03 amTito and I decided to go see Steve Lukather and his band last night. I have to start by saying that I was a bit apprehensive and had thoughts of Soul Sirkus running through my head. That band was utter shit and I was hoping that history wouldn't be repeating itself. A nice crowd of about 200+ settled in and watched the opening act...a local guitarist whose set we ate through. I give the appetizers 2 dongs down. Laughing
On to the show. Luke and his band came out and I must start by saying that I knew one song all night. It was a Tubes song that he wrote or co-wrote. Didn't matter. Lukather's band delivered big time. They jammed all night, were very tight and had some really cool grooves. He abvoided turning it into the Styeve Lukather show and jammed within the framework of the band. The guy is an amazing guitarist. He was clearly not as melodic as Neal and probably not as fast, but he did seem to be a better fit than Neal at playing heavier music. He seemed more comfortable and had some kick-ass jams. His band was fucking outstanding...these guys could really jam. Steve really seemed to enjoy what they were accomplishing out there.
There were a few people of interest there. I saw Joe vana and his nice looking family walk in with Frankie Sullivan of Survivor. Tito and I thought about going up to Joe, but he was with his family and a friend or two so we decided to leave him alone. Joe seemed to be enjoying the show as did his family. Frankie didn't stick around too long or he went backstage, I don't know. My guess is he got pissed about something
Another cool person to see was Andrew Blake the former lead singer of 7th Heaven. He was there with a few guys from his band and a few nice looking ladies...per usual. I had a few questions I wanted to ask him, but again decided that he looked busy enough.
The real highlight of the evening was the whacked out retard next to Tito. This guy looked like he just escaped from the asylum. He was out of rhythm, sweating profusely and clapped at the oddest times. I cracked up more than a few times at this fool. He did one of the loudest drum fills on his stomach I've ever heard, and ironically it was actually quite good!!! Other than that the guy was generally an obnoxious asshole that would probably best serve humanity locked up in a really dark place.
On to lipping...and believe me I was looking for it!!! Luke had cancelled 3 shows because of an illness and he admitted he was pretty beat up last night. His vocals were great...surprisingly good singer. I wanted so badly to belt out a "Lipkather!!!" but the guy kicked ass up there on vocals. These guys were what Soul Sirkus wasn't. They had direction, a variety of songs and sounds, and had chemistry. Soul Sirkus had none of those. Soto is a better vocalist than Lukather, but Lukather's band wins easily in every other category. Now, that's not to say they were more talented. It's just that Lukather's band seemed to have an identity and chemistry that SS never seemed to find. If you're into some really deep grooves, awesome guitar playing, heavy rhthym sections and some Rolie-like keyboard playing (at times), these are your guys.
Closing out the show, Luke admitted he was apprehensive about attendance and was glad to see the 200+ people there. He had to come out for 2 encores when it seemed like he only was prepared to do one. The crowd just kept screaming for more. He had some really hardcore fans there and had to wipe a tear from his eye the second time he came out. He said "I gotta admit. I wasn't expecting this. You guys are great, man." Very cool moment and you could tell it was sincere. I'm glad I went to the show. I had a great time, saw some fabulous musicians and one heck of a band. Luke stuck to his guns, too...no Toto songs (unless they were deep cuts that I didn't recognize). He also said that he loves the guys in Toto and the ending of their band was on GOOD terms. He respects them all and had a blast the 30 years he was with them. Called them his brothers and said he loved them. Again...seemed very genuine. I'd see these guys again in a second.
Saint John's overall score is 89 out a 100...a solid B+. These guys rocked.
On to the show. Luke and his band came out and I must start by saying that I knew one song all night. It was a Tubes song that he wrote or co-wrote. Didn't matter. Lukather's band delivered big time. They jammed all night, were very tight and had some really cool grooves. He abvoided turning it into the Styeve Lukather show and jammed within the framework of the band. The guy is an amazing guitarist. He was clearly not as melodic as Neal and probably not as fast, but he did seem to be a better fit than Neal at playing heavier music. He seemed more comfortable and had some kick-ass jams. His band was fucking outstanding...these guys could really jam. Steve really seemed to enjoy what they were accomplishing out there.
There were a few people of interest there. I saw Joe vana and his nice looking family walk in with Frankie Sullivan of Survivor. Tito and I thought about going up to Joe, but he was with his family and a friend or two so we decided to leave him alone. Joe seemed to be enjoying the show as did his family. Frankie didn't stick around too long or he went backstage, I don't know. My guess is he got pissed about something
Another cool person to see was Andrew Blake the former lead singer of 7th Heaven. He was there with a few guys from his band and a few nice looking ladies...per usual. I had a few questions I wanted to ask him, but again decided that he looked busy enough.
The real highlight of the evening was the whacked out retard next to Tito. This guy looked like he just escaped from the asylum. He was out of rhythm, sweating profusely and clapped at the oddest times. I cracked up more than a few times at this fool. He did one of the loudest drum fills on his stomach I've ever heard, and ironically it was actually quite good!!! Other than that the guy was generally an obnoxious asshole that would probably best serve humanity locked up in a really dark place.
On to lipping...and believe me I was looking for it!!! Luke had cancelled 3 shows because of an illness and he admitted he was pretty beat up last night. His vocals were great...surprisingly good singer. I wanted so badly to belt out a "Lipkather!!!" but the guy kicked ass up there on vocals. These guys were what Soul Sirkus wasn't. They had direction, a variety of songs and sounds, and had chemistry. Soul Sirkus had none of those. Soto is a better vocalist than Lukather, but Lukather's band wins easily in every other category. Now, that's not to say they were more talented. It's just that Lukather's band seemed to have an identity and chemistry that SS never seemed to find. If you're into some really deep grooves, awesome guitar playing, heavy rhthym sections and some Rolie-like keyboard playing (at times), these are your guys.
Closing out the show, Luke admitted he was apprehensive about attendance and was glad to see the 200+ people there. He had to come out for 2 encores when it seemed like he only was prepared to do one. The crowd just kept screaming for more. He had some really hardcore fans there and had to wipe a tear from his eye the second time he came out. He said "I gotta admit. I wasn't expecting this. You guys are great, man." Very cool moment and you could tell it was sincere. I'm glad I went to the show. I had a great time, saw some fabulous musicians and one heck of a band. Luke stuck to his guns, too...no Toto songs (unless they were deep cuts that I didn't recognize). He also said that he loves the guys in Toto and the ending of their band was on GOOD terms. He respects them all and had a blast the 30 years he was with them. Called them his brothers and said he loved them. Again...seemed very genuine. I'd see these guys again in a second.
Saint John's overall score is 89 out a 100...a solid B+. These guys rocked.
What have you done with him 
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