OT: Review - Firefest Day 2

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

Review of Firefest Day 2 for those of you who are interested.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------

I wrote to you yesterday about Firefest I and how it was emotionally uplifting with a few crazy bits added in. . Day two was the inverse- a lot of craziness with a few emotionally uplifting bitts chucked in.

The first hours were the British hours Jeff Osborne and the six man ban Burn drove up the M1 from Leicestershire bringing a contingent of their friendly local fans and some good down to earth British style melodic rock. Jeff seems the kind of bloke you wouldn’t mind running into the pub and sinking a few Boddingtons with. Solid good start to the day. David Readman followed, and his between song discussions of very British topics like “eating crisp butties” found me explaining to visitors to these shores exactly what he meant.(potato chip sandwiches) You can debate if his Sunday performance was strong as his Saturday performance, but undoubtably a few people will have been moved to check out his new CD.

Bring in the Swedes. H.E.A.T were last minute additions. If that didn’t make it hard enough, their lead singer had open heard surgery two days before departure. Too tough to give in, the band brought Eric from Eclipse and Pekka from Brother Firetribe to sing and put together a enjoyable performance heavy with cover songs, including “Living on a Prayer” and “Separate Ways”

Rox Diamond followed a two keyboard attack. Whether or not you thought they lit the world on fire, one had to admire how hard Paul Daniels works on stage. Best song of the set- as song called Joann off the new Powerdrive album.

Mitch Malloy was clearly considered the Jon Bon Jovi of the weekend, (especially by the girls, many of the jumping up and down screaming!) . His set with Tommy Denander on guitars was indeed musically impressive. Halfway through the set, I realised I have made a little mistake by not having some of this guys work in my collection- am rectifying. When you can hear the chorus of a MR song for the second time and you are already singing along, that’s good MR, and Malloy’s songs all reflected this integral quality.

Onto Comebackcorner. There are two types of comebacks : Scenario One: The comeback team runs on the playing field screaming and pumping their fists in the air, French kissing the cheerleaders, dumping Gatrorade on the coach before the coin toss, high-fiving the mascot and fans. Scenario Two has a banished and bruised hero, picked up by his first and best friends in the world , returning quietly through the castle gate triumphant to the joyous tears of his fans.

If you like scenario one- White Sister was your band. If you like Scenario Two its Steve Augeri and Tall Stories . If you appreciate that the juxtaposition of the two scenarios is simply a wonderful piece of art, you’d have cherished what was about to unfold.

White Sister.- It just reminds you of the good ole days in the 80’s when you were young. Listen to a little Cinderella, a little RATT, and a little White Sister, and man that LA strip hair metal makes you feel cool, you feel tough, you feel attractive to women. Time to hit the street .It works better than beer. Man, were these guys fun, Gary Brandon on the keytar, Dennis Churchill Dries on the vocals dusting of gems like “Don’t Make Him Right” and “April Your no Fool, dancing around the crowd, high fiving fans, getting them to sing along.

After that, could you get anymore of a different emotion? Enter Augeri and Tall Stories and comeback two. Augeri, clearly back, in good voice, confidently looking toward the future with his collegues from Tall Stories . Steve and Tall Stories delivered a strong performance covering songs from the first TS album and the upcoming TS 2 album. Tall Stories was always the band for the MR enthusiasts who wants to build a comprehensive, deep playlist, and seemingly, that contingent will not be disappointed by the apparent quality TS2 will offer.

If you want to know if Augeri can sing JOurney songs, he delivered a brilliant "Stone in Love" as a lead into "Something to Beleive in"

His first time back Steve was emotional: “please turn down these houselights to let me see these great people”. So were his fans- especially on the song “Stay with me” which for those who knew the whole story, was probably the most meaningful and moving song of the weekend. A little interlude of grown- up, uplifting emotion had magically punctuated the giddiness of day 2.

Okay back to the goofiness. Danger Danger !!! Bruno, Rob, Adam climbed on stage, joined by Ted P with his “boobies make me happy ”t-shirt. This was gonna be goofy and fun.. The crowd sang like crazies lipping highly intellectual lyrics like “ “Ole King Kong he had a thing for Blondes, the ladies were driving him mad.” And just like the old days this ole this man here started to wonder if the two twenty some rock chicks in the front row with me might be interested. (reality check: my avatar shouldn’t be Gin and Tonic Sky it ought to be Acid Rain Cloud, Id have no chance) . I did manage to have a debate with one of them over whether Poley should have sang “Old King Kong had a thing for bong or dong instead” on that song? . I made her giggle which made me feel young again- life was good – Heck I almost wanted to run out into the street and beat up Debbie Gibson and Duran Duran fans just like I did all them years ago ! Thanks to Poley and crew!!!!

Ex lead singer Paul Lain Joined Poley on stage for “Under the Gun” and they got along well- try that Journey!!! . Vaughn appeared on Monkey Business. Rob Marcello and Bruno were on fire as usual, and the band delivered the good news that they would be back with a new album and tour in 09. Bring it on, I think I’ll forget to grow back up this time.

No one was going to beat that Danger Danger performance, but Firehouse followed with a loud, melodic set which had the crowd whooping and singing.

A thoroughly fun and crazy day. Certainly melodic rock fans founds had found a Love of a Lifetime in some of the music today.

[Luvsaugeri]

Again, great reveiw. Thanks for taking the time to post it!

[Michigan Girl]

Again, great reveiw. Thanks for taking the time to post it!

+1, Thanks, Matt!!!

[Abitaman]

Ok, better thaqn OK!!!! Hopefully there will be some boots floating around or even better a live cd from the artists so those of us that were not there can enjoy it!!!

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

Ok, better thaqn OK!!!! Hopefully there will be some boots floating around or even better a live cd from the artists so those of us that were not there can enjoy it!!!

The TV cameras were recording everything. I know there will be a few official DVD's coming out . Hopefully the Danger Danger and Tyketto sets come out on DVD, they were something else !

[Arianddu]

Brilliant review! Wish I'd been there. Thanks for posting

[S2M]

AWESOME review Gin & Tonic......nice to hear that D2 was on point.

These two, not so much.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIecDK5o-T8&NR=1

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

AWESOME review Gin & Tonic......nice to hear that D2 was on point.

These two, not so much.....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bIecDK5o-T8&NR=1

Sheesh Louise...That is seriously fricken screwed up... .

[WykkedSensation]

White Sister were the band of the day, without a doubt.
Absolutely amazing. Better than they were in 87 supporting FM.
Remarkable performance.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

White Sister were the band of the day, without a doubt.
Absolutely amazing. Better than they were in 87 supporting FM.
Remarkable performance.

Certainly the pleasant suprise of the weekend. It would be a crime if we didnt hear a lot more from them over next year or two.

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

White Sister were the band of the day, without a doubt.
Absolutely amazing. Better than they were in 87 supporting FM.
Remarkable performance.

yup--check out the individual efforts.

23 year old drummer Jason Montgomery, back pocket memory at myspace

and Keyboardist, recent addition, Kyle Frost band at myspace.

Dennis and Rick have a band too--Tatooes and ------ can't remember. I'll find out.

they said they would like to ride this wave of momentum and record. yay!! I video-d APRIL. they asked someone to. so I did. I think it is ok except for the camera man getting in the way. i'll post it later.

Loud and Clear was amazing too. Jess Harnell! what a voice!! wow. he asked us if we really enjoyed the show. we said yes, both of them. he looks ???? we said Loud and Clear at the RockClub and the acoustic set the night before at the Rig. I said, are you going to sing for us again tonight?? he said, tomorrow--in the parking lot.

well, we never saw him in the parking lot but at the hotel later we called in our marker. he slings his arms around us, pulls us in under his cowboy hat and sings..................

Faithfully. how did he know?? cuz we were there to see Jeff and SA perhaps?? who knows. but wow.

yea, i cried. sue me.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

White Sister were the band of the day, without a doubt.
Absolutely amazing. Better than they were in 87 supporting FM.
Remarkable performance.

yup--check out the individual efforts.

23 year old drummer Jason Montgomery, back pocket memory at myspace

and Keyboardist, recent addition, Kyle Frost band at myspace.

Dennis and Rick have a band too--Tatooes and ------ can't remember. I'll find out.

they said they would like to ride this wave of momentum and record. yay!! I video-d APRIL. they asked someone to. so I did. I think it is ok except for the camera man getting in the way. i'll post it later.

Loud and Clear was amazing too. Jess Harnell! what a voice!! wow. he asked us if we really enjoyed the show. we said yes, both of them. he looks ???? we said Loud and Clear at the RockClub and the acoustic set the night before at the Rig. I said, are you going to sing for us again tonight?? he said, tomorrow--in the parking lot.

well, we never saw him in the parking lot but at the hotel later we called in our marker. he slings his arms around us, pulls us in under his cowboy hat and sings..................

Faithfully. how did he know?? cuz we were there to see Jeff and SA perhaps?? who knows. but wow.

yea, i cried. sue me.

Jess Harnell was certainly one of the coolest nicest guys there all weekend. As they say in Britain "a real diamond geezer"!!!

[WykkedSensation]

White Sister were the band of the day, without a doubt.
Absolutely amazing. Better than they were in 87 supporting FM.
Remarkable performance.

yup--check out the individual efforts.

23 year old drummer Jason Montgomery, back pocket memory at myspace

and Keyboardist, recent addition, Kyle Frost band at myspace.

Dennis and Rick have a band too--Tatooes and ------ can't remember. I'll find out.

they said they would like to ride this wave of momentum and record. yay!! I video-d APRIL. they asked someone to. so I did. I think it is ok except for the camera man getting in the way. i'll post it later.

Loud and Clear was amazing too. Jess Harnell! what a voice!! wow. he asked us if we really enjoyed the show. we said yes, both of them. he looks ???? we said Loud and Clear at the RockClub and the acoustic set the night before at the Rig. I said, are you going to sing for us again tonight?? he said, tomorrow--in the parking lot.

well, we never saw him in the parking lot but at the hotel later we called in our marker. he slings his arms around us, pulls us in under his cowboy hat and sings..................

Faithfully. how did he know?? cuz we were there to see Jeff and SA perhaps?? who knows. but wow.

yea, i cried. sue me.

The band that Dennis and Rick have is Tattoo Rodeo. They morphed into that band after White Sister's second release waaaaay back. Nothin special (musically) to be honest, and a different sound to WS.
I would be very suprised if WS don't reform fully, and do a new album real soon after the support they got at Firefest. The band were absolutely killer, and went down a storm.

Please post 'April', would dearly love to see it again.

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

White Sister were the band of the day, without a doubt.
Absolutely amazing. Better than they were in 87 supporting FM.
Remarkable performance.

yup--check out the individual efforts.

23 year old drummer Jason Montgomery, back pocket memory at myspace

and Keyboardist, recent addition, Kyle Frost band at myspace.

Dennis and Rick have a band too--Tatooes and ------ can't remember. I'll find out.

they said they would like to ride this wave of momentum and record. yay!! I video-d APRIL. they asked someone to. so I did. I think it is ok except for the camera man getting in the way. i'll post it later.

Loud and Clear was amazing too. Jess Harnell! what a voice!! wow. he asked us if we really enjoyed the show. we said yes, both of them. he looks ???? we said Loud and Clear at the RockClub and the acoustic set the night before at the Rig. I said, are you going to sing for us again tonight?? he said, tomorrow--in the parking lot.

well, we never saw him in the parking lot but at the hotel later we called in our marker. he slings his arms around us, pulls us in under his cowboy hat and sings..................

Faithfully. how did he know?? cuz we were there to see Jeff and SA perhaps?? who knows. but wow.

yea, i cried. sue me.

The band that Dennis and Rick have is Tattoo Rodeo. They morphed into that band after White Sister's second release waaaaay back. Nothin special (musically) to be honest, and a different sound to WS.
I would be very suprised if WS don't reform fully, and do a new album real soon after the support they got at Firefest. The band were absolutely killer, and went down a storm.

Please post 'April', would dearly love to see it again.

maybe. why didn't you come across the room and say HEY?? we came across the pond for crying out loud. sheesh

i'm not home yet. when I get there, i could possibly post it for you. possibly. if you say you're sorry.
ehehehehehehehe

[MCC620]

Review of Firefest Day 2 for those of you who are interested.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------
Mitch Malloy was clearly considered the Jon Bon Jovi of the weekend, (especially by the girls, many of the jumping up and down screaming!) . His set with Tommy Denander on guitars was indeed musically impressive. Halfway through the set, I realised I have made a little mistake by not having some of this guys work in my collection- am rectifying. When you can hear the chorus of a MR song for the second time and you are already singing along, that’s good MR, and Malloy’s songs all reflected this integral quality.


Onto Comebackcorner. There are two types of comebacks : Scenario One: The comeback team runs on the playing field screaming and pumping their fists in the air, French kissing the cheerleaders, dumping Gatrorade on the coach before the coin toss, high-fiving the mascot and fans. Scenario Two has a banished and bruised hero, picked up by his first and best friends in the world , returning quietly through the castle gate triumphant to the joyous tears of his fans.

If you like scenario one- White Sister was your band. If you like Scenario Two its Steve Augeri and Tall Stories . If you appreciate that the juxtaposition of the two scenarios is simply a wonderful piece of art, you’d have cherished what was about to unfold.

White Sister.- It just reminds you of the good ole days in the 80’s when you were young. Listen to a little Cinderella, a little RATT, and a little White Sister, and man that LA strip hair metal makes you feel cool, you feel tough, you feel attractive to women. Time to hit the street .It works better than beer. Man, were these guys fun, Gary Brandon on the keytar, Dennis Churchill Dries on the vocals dusting of gems like “Don’t Make Him Right” and “April Your no Fool, dancing around the crowd, high fiving fans, getting them to sing along.

After that, could you get anymore of a different emotion? Enter Augeri and Tall Stories and comeback two. Augeri, clearly back, in good voice, confidently looking toward the future with his collegues from Tall Stories . Steve and Tall Stories delivered a strong performance covering songs from the first TS album and the upcoming TS 2 album. Tall Stories was always the band for the MR enthusiasts who wants to build a comprehensive, deep playlist, and seemingly, that contingent will not be disappointed by the apparent quality TS2 will offer.

If you want to know if Augeri can sing JOurney songs, he delivered a brilliant "Stone in Love" as a lead into "Something to Beleive in"

His first time back Steve was emotional: “please turn down these houselights to let me see these great people”. So were his fans- especially on the song “Stay with me” which for those who knew the whole story, was probably the most meaningful and moving song of the weekend. A little interlude of grown- up, uplifting emotion had magically punctuated the giddiness of day 2.

Hey Matt, nice to meet you!

Mitch Malloy stole the day for me. Never expected that out of him given his change in musical direction after his debut cd. Tommy Denander, who I have heard so much about was amazing. It is definitely in my top 5. And mitch was just so nice after when I met him. He really had a blast being up there.

I knew nothing really of White Sister, but their sheer energy and the fans response was enough to pull me right into the frenzy. I will be going into the back catalog on this.

Your take on Augeri and Tall Stories ws perfect. Having had a ticket to see them open for Mr Big some 17 years ago, and due to circumstances beyond my control having to miss it, this set was the one I most anticipated. For me they did exactly what they needed to. And Steve was just on the money. It was truly a "coming home" moment for all of us that are huge fans of the man and his music.

Honorable mention to H.E.A.T who really brought it despite the loss to medical issues of their lead singer. To see Pekka from Brother Firetribe and Erik Martensson from Eclipse singing Separate Ways was a thrill.

truly a great weekend!

[Rocker Chic]

Ok, better thaqn OK!!!! Hopefully there will be some boots floating around or even better a live cd from the artists so those of us that were not there can enjoy it!!!

The TV cameras were recording everything. I know there will be a few official DVD's coming out . Hopefully the Danger Danger and Tyketto sets come out on DVD, they were something else !

Well, not everything... Tyketto was SUPPOSED to be filmed for a DVD release of their performance at the event, but the band decided not to participate for whatever reason. That was the main reason that they were booked to play again this year (they weren't filmed last year). So, I'm sure some were more than disappointed about that.

Debbie

[MCC620]

Ok, better thaqn OK!!!! Hopefully there will be some boots floating around or even better a live cd from the artists so those of us that were not there can enjoy it!!!

The TV cameras were recording everything. I know there will be a few official DVD's coming out . Hopefully the Danger Danger and Tyketto sets come out on DVD, they were something else !

Well, not everything... Tyketto was SUPPOSED to be filmed for a DVD release of their performance at the event, but the band decided not to participate for whatever reason. That was the main reason that they were booked to play again this year (they weren't filmed last year). So, I'm sure some were more than disappointed about that.

Debbie

oh maybe they declined because they were really The Vaughn Band...........most disappointing set of the weekend for me. Brooke's guitar and harmonies were sorely missed.

[WykkedSensation]

White Sister were the band of the day, without a doubt.
Absolutely amazing. Better than they were in 87 supporting FM.
Remarkable performance.

yup--check out the individual efforts.

23 year old drummer Jason Montgomery, back pocket memory at myspace

and Keyboardist, recent addition, Kyle Frost band at myspace.

Dennis and Rick have a band too--Tatooes and ------ can't remember. I'll find out.

they said they would like to ride this wave of momentum and record. yay!! I video-d APRIL. they asked someone to. so I did. I think it is ok except for the camera man getting in the way. i'll post it later.

Loud and Clear was amazing too. Jess Harnell! what a voice!! wow. he asked us if we really enjoyed the show. we said yes, both of them. he looks ???? we said Loud and Clear at the RockClub and the acoustic set the night before at the Rig. I said, are you going to sing for us again tonight?? he said, tomorrow--in the parking lot.

well, we never saw him in the parking lot but at the hotel later we called in our marker. he slings his arms around us, pulls us in under his cowboy hat and sings..................

Faithfully. how did he know?? cuz we were there to see Jeff and SA perhaps?? who knows. but wow.

yea, i cried. sue me.

The band that Dennis and Rick have is Tattoo Rodeo. They morphed into that band after White Sister's second release waaaaay back. Nothin special (musically) to be honest, and a different sound to WS.
I would be very suprised if WS don't reform fully, and do a new album real soon after the support they got at Firefest. The band were absolutely killer, and went down a storm.

Please post 'April', would dearly love to see it again.

maybe. why didn't you come across the room and say HEY?? we came across the pond for crying out loud. sheesh

i'm not home yet. when I get there, i could possibly post it for you. possibly. if you say you're sorry.
ehehehehehehehe

I appologise sincerely for not saying Hi to everyone who had made to trip over, especially you (creep creep). There was so much going on and my better half wanted some air after every band finished their sets.

Ya know i realllllly am so sorry for not saying 'Hi'.
Have i appologised enough d'ya think? I can beg if required

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

[

I appologise sincerely for not saying Hi to everyone who had made to trip over, especially you (creep creep). There was so much going on and my better half wanted some air after every band finished their sets.

Ya know i realllllly am so sorry for not saying 'Hi'.
Have i appologised enough d'ya think? I can beg if required

hmph

i did show the video to Dennis and Rick-they thought it was cool. I'll do it. when I get home. if I ever get home....

[DrFU]

[

I appologise sincerely for not saying Hi to everyone who had made to trip over, especially you (creep creep). There was so much going on and my better half wanted some air after every band finished their sets.

Ya know i realllllly am so sorry for not saying 'Hi'.
Have i appologised enough d'ya think? I can beg if required

hmph

i did show the video to Dennis and Rick-they thought it was cool. I'll do it. when I get home. if I ever get home....

Miss my roommate, Sistah Deb; no one fixed my tea for me this morning; bummer ....

In Or-frigging-lando headed out to act like a grown up. Bet this reception is nowhere near as fun as the ones we were at in Notts.

Wykked, you got no excuse; we went up and down those steps outside about a zillion times ...

[WykkedSensation]

[

I appologise sincerely for not saying Hi to everyone who had made to trip over, especially you (creep creep). There was so much going on and my better half wanted some air after every band finished their sets.

Ya know i realllllly am so sorry for not saying 'Hi'.
Have i appologised enough d'ya think? I can beg if required

hmph

i did show the video to Dennis and Rick-they thought it was cool. I'll do it. when I get home. if I ever get home....

Miss my roommate, Sistah Deb; no one fixed my tea for me this morning; bummer ....

In Or-frigging-lando headed out to act like a grown up. Bet this reception is nowhere near as fun as the ones we were at in Notts.

Wykked, you got no excuse; we went up and down those steps outside about a zillion times ...

[amaron]

Any word on a CD or DVD being released of the show? I'd love to hear TS.

[Gin and Tonic Sky]

Hey Matt, nice to meet you!

good to meet you as well . I will expect to see you all over here when they have Firefest VI (i really think it will happen)
Of course Im might see you all that side of the pond when when I fly home for Melodic Rock Fest 2 (when ever that happens)

[S2M]

Hey Matt, nice to meet you!

good to meet you as well . I will expect to see you all over here when they have Firefest VI (i really think it will happen)
Of course Im might see you all that side of the pond when when I fly home for Melodic Rock Fest 2 (when ever that happens)

Well, I'm definitely going to the next one...MRF, that is......I don't know about all that broomstick shenanigans, but I'm pretty fun to be around....

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

[Miss my roommate, Sistah Deb; no one fixed my tea for me this morning; bummer ....

In Or-frigging-lando headed out to act like a grown up. Bet this reception is nowhere near as fun as the ones we were at in Notts.

Wykked, you got no excuse; we went up and down those steps outside about a zillion times ...

yup yup sistah. i am home now too. back to the grind. I am soooooooooo not ready for my gig tomorrow--gotta practice!!! maybe I'll get to some posting sunday afternoon.

oh yeah, the tea. milk and 3 sugars. stir well. i t was my honor and priviledge to make tea 4U. (sounds like a song title, yeah?)

[DCD]

[

I appologise sincerely for not saying Hi to everyone who had made to trip over, especially you (creep creep). There was so much going on and my better half wanted some air after every band finished their sets.

Ya know i realllllly am so sorry for not saying 'Hi'.
Have i appologised enough d'ya think? I can beg if required

hmph

i did show the video to Dennis and Rick-they thought it was cool. I'll do it. when I get home. if I ever get home....

...it was...and cool to meet you guys! I have a great video I shot from the stage of the whole crowd, but my camers's dead and I left my charger cable in the dressing room damn it!...hope you make it home.

[DrFU]

[

I appologise sincerely for not saying Hi to everyone who had made to trip over, especially you (creep creep). There was so much going on and my better half wanted some air after every band finished their sets.

Ya know i realllllly am so sorry for not saying 'Hi'.
Have i appologised enough d'ya think? I can beg if required

hmph

i did show the video to Dennis and Rick-they thought it was cool. I'll do it. when I get home. if I ever get home....

...it was...and cool to meet you guys! I have a great video I shot from the stage of the whole crowd, but my camers's dead and I left my charger cable in the dressing room damn it!...hope you make it home.

Dennis! So cool to see you here! You guys did such an awesome show; everyone is still talking about it on various boards. Steve from ARfm pronounced White Sister and Loud and Clear as his personal favorites in a thread over there and lots of fans agree.

Deb, Graham, Jim, and I really enjoyed getting to talk with you guys at the after party.

I hope you find time to buy a new camera cable and post your video of the view from the stage; we'd love to see how it looked from there. From where we were, the energy level was incredible, and the noise deafening.

Hopefully Deb will get April posted soon...

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

[
Hopefully Deb will get April posted soon...

yeah yeah. I'm trying to find a setlist for tonight's gig so I'll know which ones to woodshed.

sheesh.......

[(Crazy)Dulce Lady]

ok--i'm on it.

I couldn't find the cable--I thought maybe it stayed behind in Nottingham to honeymoon with Denniis' cable.

loading to youtube now. soooooooooo slow..............back in a few.

[DrFU]

ok--i'm on it.

I couldn't find the cable--I thought maybe it stayed behind in Nottingham to honeymoon with Denniis' cable.

loading to youtube now. soooooooooo slow..............back in a few.

cool Chica, thanks!

http://uk.youtube.com/watch?v=dHRhFzSnN28