Soundwave 2012 - my annual review

[Geoff]

With every passing year there seems to be less and less interest in modern rock on this forum, but not from my end and one of the highlights of my year remains the Soundwave Festival in February. I know Tim (2) would lose sperm over the line-up, but not sure it would appeal to too many others here. But for info, this is who we had this year:

 

 

And this is how I spent my day:

Kill Hannah - did not get to see their full set like I'd have liked, as I needed to get to Steel Panther, but these guys were good. Nowhere near as "goth" as I thought they'd look. They just looked like a "normal," though particularly unattractive band. The songs I heard I liked. They're a good band and although not even on a similar planet, they've always reminded me a little of a modern version of mellower Vain. Good songs, wish I got to see the whole set.

 

Steel Panther - if Jesus descended from the stars and granted me a wish to see ONE active band at the moment, my pick would be Steel Panther. So to say I was looking forward to this is like saying there were a handful of attractive girls at Soundwave today. (For those not there it is incredible. Painful on the penis, seriously). Anyway, not only did they not disappoint, but they were even better than I could have hoped for. The dialogue between songs was impeccably hilarious and the songs were literally played to perfection. F*ck me these guys nailed every single second of their set. Killer tracklist with a heap of the best from the new one and a handful from the debut, closing with the monster 'Death to all but metal' (and opening with 'Eyes of a Panther,' to catch people unaware, lol). Yeah, call me biased if you must, but the crowd to see these guys (at 12:40pm! One of the first bands on) was HUGE - more than 10 times what I expected, and as far as I could see everyone LOVED what they saw. Couldn't believe the sing-a-longs and how many people knew the lyrics. It's sad that so many people on a website catering to this type of music are so negative towards these guys when they are flying the flag so delightfully and appealing to so many.

 

Lostprophets - after SP these guys were too bland to hold my attention for a full song so I went to seek the wristband for beer, got a couple of beers and caught a few songs. Luckily I caught 'Rooftops' and 'Last train home,' which are two great songs. The others were okay, but I only needed to see those two. They did okay. Wasn't engaged by them but there was nothing wrong with them.

 

You Me At Six - 2nd time I've seen these guys. Ironically, the first time I saw them I didn't know about their debut and they played a lot of songs I didn't know. This time, apparently they released a new album last September (whoops!) and I totally missed it. And you guessed, most songs came from that CD. I liked a couple of them, and they did play a few old tunes, but it was mostly from the new disc and for the most part I was unfamiliar with most the songs in this set. Solid band, but this wasn't one of my favourite sets, songwise.

 

A Day to Remember - pretty killer set, this one. And memorable too because the guys filming the set (rightly so) had a wild fascination with 3 blondes down the front who were up atop shoulders. We're talking 9's and 10's out of 10's here and they must have broken one down because one in a bikini top (the other in her bra) ended up getting her cans out and this kind of destroyed any "titty cam" I have ever witnessed in my life. Stunning girl, perfect norks. Ah, the memories. Oh, the band? Yeah, they were cool too. Very solid. The lead singer is about 5 foot and real dweeby looking little guy, but I do love these guys' balance of sheer power and melody. 2nd time I've seen these guys too and it was a great set - perfect set list too. And thankfully for dessert, the last clip the cameraman got was this girl getting her cans out one last time at the end of the set. Just stunning...

 

Four Year Strong - on record I kind of picture these guys as a 2nd rate ADTR and in concert that's about how it rolls too. The guitarist was trying way too hard to get the crowd involved but he was just trying waaaay to hard. The band, all with their beards, looked mega unappealing too and their set was just good, without being memorable or engaging, just like their CDs. Good, but not a fave by any means.

 

Kids in Glass Houses - really, really disappointing set. Firstly, tiny crowd. Amazingly tiny. I saw Houston Calls a few years back and I thought that crowd was small. The attention that these guys and Framing Hanley got today was amazingly minimal. Probably less than 100 people actually up by the stage, I would guess. And their set list was terrible. I only heard 'Matters at all' from their excellent 'Dirt' album and that was truthfully the only song I recognized. Even though I really dug half of their last CD, they did not play one of those 5-6 songs. Just all their shit ones. Though there was one other good song, from their debut, apparently. But overall, a really poor set, imo. Shame, because 'Dirt' was one of the best CDs I heard 2 years back.

 

In This Moment - awesome but extremely short set. Man this girl's norks are incredible. It doesn't matter what kind of face she has, or the fact that she cannot speak English (what the hell was she speaking??? I always thought Welsh was based on the English language?). But it doesn't matter. When you have a rack like that, nothing else really matters. Visually, the best band of the day as she looked awesome up there. But she was irritated with the sound and the band and it translated into a really short set. I only remember about 5 songs, all from the last album. All very good songs, but I could have done with twice the length of time they were out. I enjoyed when she was headbanging how she had to hold those puppies in for fear of them falling out. Even the sexy ladiez in the crowd were yelling 'Show us your tits!' lol.

 

Forever the Sickest Kids - I think Justin is probably the only other guy here who appreciates these guys, but man this was a highlight for me. Stupid band name, pretty childish image, some pretty juvenile lyrics, but none of it matter when you write songs and hooks this freakin' good. Flawless set because they don't actually have bad songs to chose from, even if they tried. Yeah, great energetic, friendly, personable and sincere band. They loved being there and it showed in a killer set.

 

Framing Hanley - man I felt for these guys. I was maybe about 10 metres from the stage here... TINY crowd. And a really young looking band too. I always assumed they were a little more, shall we say, mature? They mostly looked about 15 years old. lol. The lead singer was another shrimp, and pretty serious too. A few songs I didn't even recognise at the start, but they sounded amazing, and were one of the musically tightest bands I saw all day. They did play some killer tracks like 'Bittersweet Sundown,' 'Back to go again,' and the killer 'Hear me now.' But no 'Stupid Girl.' I assumed that was a "hit" for them. They played a great set, but the lack of audience was definitely playing on the lead singer's mind.

 

Jack's Manequinn - I went to eat and caught the end of this set. I think I did hear one of these albums once. Sounded pretty nice to be honest. Formed from the ashes of 'Something Corporate' they're the same kind of gig. I enjoyed this set more than KIGH to be honest.

 

The Summer Set - like SP and FTSK these guys played a flawless set list. Every song was a KILLER. I really like these guys but was definitely not expecting a set this good. Heaps of great songs, awesome hooks. Another genuine band, happy to be there and showing in their tunes. Female drummer looked pretty sexy too. Shame she was hidden. Another really tight set, and yeah, just loved every song.

 

The Used - 2nd time seeing these guys and I knew they'd not disappoint. Absolutely MASSIVE crowd - no idea what they were doing on a smaller stage playing 3rd last, as there were a heap more people watching (and actually enjoying) The Used compared to headliners, Angels and Airwaves. Anyway, another killer set and I really like this lead singer. A bit out there and crazily faithful to his wife which I recall from seeing them before. A stunning girl with a porn star rack - big and amazingly buoyant; these girls kill a man - flashed him from someone's shoulders when he mentioned it was his birthday. He told her to put them away or he'd tell her mum, and that she should bring her mum next time because she'd have bigger tits. Harsh... poor little slut. Another crazy stunning girl getting her cans out, though. The band? Yes, the band. Played a great set including a monster rendition of 'Pretty handsome awkward' which exploded the place. They played one new song of an album I cannot wait to hear this year, and it sounded great, of course. Another killer set. Great sound too.

 

Madina Lake - unfortunately a lot of this set overlapped with The Used and I only caught about 4 songs. Annoying considering I missed these guys once before due to stupid crowds lined up to get in and because they were early on I missed the set. I did like what I saw - they're a good band. Really wish I'd been able to see this full set. I don't know why they're so neatly dressed, though. Weird. But a good, tight band.

 

The Cab - these guys definitely inserted themselves on my research list. I have one okay album from them which admittedly came in a period when I had hundreds of CDs to listen to and I only heard this a couple of times. But there were some great songs coming out of the speakers during this set. I will really have to check them out. So I didn't know a lot of the songs, but it was a very good set.

 

Angels & Airwaves - not for me at all. Long, tossy "atmospheric" intros, samey songs, no heart... only bothered with about 3 or 4 songs before leaving early and requesting a lift home from my lovely wife. Not a bad band and if they were on in the middle of the day (where they deserve to be) I'd see them over lunch or in the beer queue, but they're not worth prolonging the day after 12 hours in a row on your feet, with a sweaty ballsack.

 

Overall, another killer day, living up to the anticipation easily. Highlights for me were Steel Panther, FTSK and The Summer Set, as well as ADTR and The Used. Framing Hanley and In This Moment were great too. Only real disappointment was KIGH to be honest. And as for the girls of Sydney... wow. They just blow my mind every year. No other event brings them out like Soundwave...

[heaven&hell]

Not a whole lot I'm interested in but seeing Alter Bridge and Steel Panther on the same would be awesome! By the way I love Steel Panther.

[Nightrain]

Panther sounds really fun there but I'm wondering how come this festival has Panther in it while the rest line-up is modern rock and modern metal ? if they also have Motley Crue, Crashdiet, Crazy Lixx, or The Poodles, then i'll understand, but it's kinda strange because usually the crowd that goes to Panther shows don't really dig the other bands, right ?

[JamesEagle]

 

In This Moment - awesome but extremely short set. Man this girl's norks are incredible. It doesn't matter what kind of face she has, or the fact that she cannot speak English (what the hell was she speaking??? I always thought Welsh was based on the English language?). But it doesn't matter. When you have a rack like that, nothing else really matters. Visually, the best band of the day as she looked awesome up there. But she was irritated with the sound and the band and it translated into a really short set. I only remember about 5 songs, all from the last album. All very good songs, but I could have done with twice the length of time they were out. I enjoyed when she was headbanging how she had to hold those puppies in for fear of them falling out. Even the sexy ladiez in the crowd were yelling 'Show us your tits!' lol.

 

Welsh? Aren't they from L.A.? Welsh based on English? I'm missing a gag here, aren't I?

 

But more importantly, you are spot on about the norks. Shame she didn't give them an airing.

[Geoff]

Wes, the Sidewaves show I'm seeing tomorrow night is Steel Panther and Alter Bridge alone, funnily enough. Due to public transport (and lack of interest, to be totally honest) I'll leave after Steel Panther, but hopefully I'll see a couple of songs from Alter Bridge.

 

Nightrain, it's just a hard rock/metal festival. I guess Steel Panther are the only band "popular" enough from "our" stuff to make it. Taking Dawn played last year as did Slash, and Van Halen were billed (but didn't show up). Aerosmith rumoured too. I'm sure Motley Crue and the like would be approached by the organizers. There just has to be some interest from the kids, I guess. That's why I'm so impressed that there is the appeal to get Steel Panther out here. Good luck to the doods.

 

James, wikipedia agrees with you. I SWEAR she said she was Welsh, lol. And I swear she wasn't speaking proper. That said, I didn't take my eyes off those norks for the time she was out there, so I might have missed stuff.

[TIM (2)]

Frankly If I could cherry-pick a modern line-up then most of the bands above would be in it! There can be no moaning that Australia don't get the best bands visiting, the only issue is that several of my faves all play at the same times! Stuff like Times of Grace, Machine Head, Trivium, Alter Bridge are the pinnacle of live music for me. And Steel Panther are pretty good too.

[Geoff]

Frankly If I could cherry-pick a modern line-up then most of the bands above would be in it! There can be no moaning that Australia don't get the best bands visiting, the only issue is that several of my faves all play at the same times! Stuff like Times of Grace, Machine Head, Trivium, Alter Bridge are the pinnacle of live music for me. And Steel Panther are pretty good too.

Yeah, backed about the bands playing at the same time. A part of me hopes they actually start bringing out less bands so I don't miss other great bands. I did see most of who I really wanted to see, but I bet Black Veil Brides, for one, are a billion times better live than on record. And Times of Grace I would love to have seen too. Even Trivium.

 

There is indeed no moaning from me about the quality of modern bands we get here, thanks to Soundwave. I just wish it translated to MHR/glam/AOR too.

 

Still, it's consistently been one of my favourite days of the year 4 years in a row now.

[TIM (2)]

but I bet Black Veil Brides, for one, are a billion times better live than on record.

 

 

Well that wouldn't be hard. I saw them at Download when it rained and their make-up ran. The singer looks like the main character in that animation film: Corpse Bride. His vocals were shit and he kept rolling on the ground like a lunatic. All very dramatic and odd. And shite. The music was okay though.

[Glen]

Steel Panther are immense live........I loved them when I saw them at Shepherds Bush in the UK.

 

For the record, you should try to see a bit of Alter Bridge....whether you like their music or not, Kennedy & Tremonti are amazing live.

[Nightrain]

Steel Panther are immense live........I loved them when I saw them at Shepherds Bush in the UK.

 

For the record, you should try to see a bit of Alter Bridge....whether you like their music or not, Kennedy & Tremonti are amazing live.

 

I must admit I hate most of Alter Bridge's song but I trust your opinion on Kennedy since I saw him myself with Slash couple years ago in Jakarta, he rocks big time, but although he can nail most of Axl original high notes in GNR tracks, his timbre is too shrilling to my ears, that's why Axl is irreplacable with his songs, the little raspy wail he has on his throat is too unique to be copied easily.

[Geoff]

Well folks, here's how the Sidewaves show played out. It was a double bill of just Steel Panther & Alter Bridge.

 

I had my transport timetables all set up and honestly thought I'd leave very early in the Alter Bridge set, so I would be able to get public transport home, which is SHIT during the week. However, big props to both bands and the organizers. I left the venue at 11pm, 26 minutes before my bus, and I had seen both bands without issue.

 

Steel Panther - for the record, SP did not technically open for Alter Bridge - it was a co-headlining tour and Alter Bridge opened for SP in Melbourne... I believe. That was the plan anyway, though having heard the bands last night it sounds like this was the first show. The show was completely sold out too, very early on.

 

Anyway, SP were immaculate again. Varied the set up quite a lot from Soundwave, which is always well appreciated. They were still funny as hell between tracks and having now seen a lot of bands live, they do put on as good a live show as I've seen. Even Satchel's solo was pretty cool - and the aftermath undoubtedly amusing. They may make jokes about Starr being 60 years old, and he looks about it, lol, but he is a killer frontman in every regard. I love thinking of the fact that he tried and failed with several 80's bands, but has now made it probably bigger than any of those already established bands. Nice how it turned out for the kid. Still amazed by the sing-alongs too, which seemingly featured every set of lungs in the whole place. Just loved it, and this was easily my favourite live performance I've attended.

 

Alter Bridge - well, after SP came out deadset to the second on time, AB followed not long after and I do love bands that don't f*ck around (*clears throat* Crashdiet) and keep the fans waiting. Nice job, both bands. Like I said above, this band really does nothing for me. I have heard all their CDs and even bought the 'III' album, but I don't "get" them. I don't even remotely know one of their songs - nothing ever stuck. But their set was musically pretty damn impressive. Good, tight band... but this still just sounds, to me, like dressed up grunge. Most songs are pretty slow paced, despite a good set of balls and I just wasn't being blown away by any choruses. Thankfully for me the place had cleared out a little bit after SP and I got better seats to myself, and it was a good time sitting there with beers watching a good band. But in the end they're just strong, good songs... but nothing special, imo. But good luck to them, and the crowd did love them too.

 

So in the end, even though the 2 bands are polar opposites, it seemed to be a pairing that pretty much everyone in the crowd enjoyed, so good job, everyone. Great night... I just wish SP has been 2nd so I still had that buzz at the end of the night that I had after SP finished.

[TIM (2)]

Well folks, here's how the Sidewaves show played out. It was a double bill of just Steel Panther & Alter Bridge.

 

I had my transport timetables all set up and honestly thought I'd leave very early in the Alter Bridge set, so I would be able to get public transport home, which is SHIT during the week. However, big props to both bands and the organizers. I left the venue at 11pm, 26 minutes before my bus, and I had seen both bands without issue.

 

Steel Panther - for the record, SP did not technically open for Alter Bridge - it was a co-headlining tour and Alter Bridge opened for SP in Melbourne... I believe. That was the plan anyway, though having heard the bands last night it sounds like this was the first show. The show was completely sold out too, very early on.

 

Anyway, SP were immaculate again. Varied the set up quite a lot from Soundwave, which is always well appreciated. They were still funny as hell between tracks and having now seen a lot of bands live, they do put on as good a live show as I've seen. Even Satchel's solo was pretty cool - and the aftermath undoubtedly amusing. They may make jokes about Starr being 60 years old, and he looks about it, lol, but he is a killer frontman in every regard. I love thinking of the fact that he tried and failed with several 80's bands, but has now made it probably bigger than any of those already established bands. Nice how it turned out for the kid. Still amazed by the sing-alongs too, which seemingly featured every set of lungs in the whole place. Just loved it, and this was easily my favourite live performance I've attended.

 

Alter Bridge - well, after SP came out deadset to the second on time, AB followed not long after and I do love bands that don't f*ck around (*clears throat* Crashdiet) and keep the fans waiting. Nice job, both bands. Like I said above, this band really does nothing for me. I have heard all their CDs and even bought the 'III' album, but I don't "get" them. I don't even remotely know one of their songs - nothing ever stuck. But their set was musically pretty damn impressive. Good, tight band... but this still just sounds, to me, like dressed up grunge. Most songs are pretty slow paced, despite a good set of balls and I just wasn't being blown away by any choruses. Thankfully for me the place had cleared out a little bit after SP and I got better seats to myself, and it was a good time sitting there with beers watching a good band. But in the end they're just strong, good songs... but nothing special, imo. But good luck to them, and the crowd did love them too.

 

So in the end, even though the 2 bands are polar opposites, it seemed to be a pairing that pretty much everyone in the crowd enjoyed, so good job, everyone. Great night... I just wish SP has been 2nd so I still had that buzz at the end of the night that I had after SP finished.

 

Nice line-up, SP and AB are probably two of the best live bands around at the moment, and Myles Kennedy is about the best rock vocalist on planet earth IMO...

[Geoff]

Well folks, here's how the Sidewaves show played out. It was a double bill of just Steel Panther & Alter Bridge.

 

I had my transport timetables all set up and honestly thought I'd leave very early in the Alter Bridge set, so I would be able to get public transport home, which is SHIT during the week. However, big props to both bands and the organizers. I left the venue at 11pm, 26 minutes before my bus, and I had seen both bands without issue.

 

Steel Panther - for the record, SP did not technically open for Alter Bridge - it was a co-headlining tour and Alter Bridge opened for SP in Melbourne... I believe. That was the plan anyway, though having heard the bands last night it sounds like this was the first show. The show was completely sold out too, very early on.

 

Anyway, SP were immaculate again. Varied the set up quite a lot from Soundwave, which is always well appreciated. They were still funny as hell between tracks and having now seen a lot of bands live, they do put on as good a live show as I've seen. Even Satchel's solo was pretty cool - and the aftermath undoubtedly amusing. They may make jokes about Starr being 60 years old, and he looks about it, lol, but he is a killer frontman in every regard. I love thinking of the fact that he tried and failed with several 80's bands, but has now made it probably bigger than any of those already established bands. Nice how it turned out for the kid. Still amazed by the sing-alongs too, which seemingly featured every set of lungs in the whole place. Just loved it, and this was easily my favourite live performance I've attended.

 

Alter Bridge - well, after SP came out deadset to the second on time, AB followed not long after and I do love bands that don't f*ck around (*clears throat* Crashdiet) and keep the fans waiting. Nice job, both bands. Like I said above, this band really does nothing for me. I have heard all their CDs and even bought the 'III' album, but I don't "get" them. I don't even remotely know one of their songs - nothing ever stuck. But their set was musically pretty damn impressive. Good, tight band... but this still just sounds, to me, like dressed up grunge. Most songs are pretty slow paced, despite a good set of balls and I just wasn't being blown away by any choruses. Thankfully for me the place had cleared out a little bit after SP and I got better seats to myself, and it was a good time sitting there with beers watching a good band. But in the end they're just strong, good songs... but nothing special, imo. But good luck to them, and the crowd did love them too.

 

So in the end, even though the 2 bands are polar opposites, it seemed to be a pairing that pretty much everyone in the crowd enjoyed, so good job, everyone. Great night... I just wish SP has been 2nd so I still had that buzz at the end of the night that I had after SP finished.

 

Nice line-up, SP and AB are probably two of the best live bands around at the moment, and Myles Kennedy is about the best rock vocalist on planet earth IMO...

Wow, big call mate. He seems like a nice genuine guy... but vocally? Not really my cup of tea at all. Still definitely has that grungy vibe, imo. And like I said, nice kid, but I actually saw him last year (fronting Slash's band) but if someone else had not made that link for me, I would have sworn black n' blue I'd never seen the guy in my life before last night. lol. Just that type of vocalist that does nothing for me, personally.

 

Starr probably has 20-30 years on him, but I'd take his vocals any day, personally. For his age, dude hits every note and nails every scream everytime.

[Glen]

Well folks, here's how the Sidewaves show played out. It was a double bill of just Steel Panther & Alter Bridge.

 

I had my transport timetables all set up and honestly thought I'd leave very early in the Alter Bridge set, so I would be able to get public transport home, which is SHIT during the week. However, big props to both bands and the organizers. I left the venue at 11pm, 26 minutes before my bus, and I had seen both bands without issue.

 

Steel Panther - for the record, SP did not technically open for Alter Bridge - it was a co-headlining tour and Alter Bridge opened for SP in Melbourne... I believe. That was the plan anyway, though having heard the bands last night it sounds like this was the first show. The show was completely sold out too, very early on.

 

Anyway, SP were immaculate again. Varied the set up quite a lot from Soundwave, which is always well appreciated. They were still funny as hell between tracks and having now seen a lot of bands live, they do put on as good a live show as I've seen. Even Satchel's solo was pretty cool - and the aftermath undoubtedly amusing. They may make jokes about Starr being 60 years old, and he looks about it, lol, but he is a killer frontman in every regard. I love thinking of the fact that he tried and failed with several 80's bands, but has now made it probably bigger than any of those already established bands. Nice how it turned out for the kid. Still amazed by the sing-alongs too, which seemingly featured every set of lungs in the whole place. Just loved it, and this was easily my favourite live performance I've attended.

 

Alter Bridge - well, after SP came out deadset to the second on time, AB followed not long after and I do love bands that don't f*ck around (*clears throat* Crashdiet) and keep the fans waiting. Nice job, both bands. Like I said above, this band really does nothing for me. I have heard all their CDs and even bought the 'III' album, but I don't "get" them. I don't even remotely know one of their songs - nothing ever stuck. But their set was musically pretty damn impressive. Good, tight band... but this still just sounds, to me, like dressed up grunge. Most songs are pretty slow paced, despite a good set of balls and I just wasn't being blown away by any choruses. Thankfully for me the place had cleared out a little bit after SP and I got better seats to myself, and it was a good time sitting there with beers watching a good band. But in the end they're just strong, good songs... but nothing special, imo. But good luck to them, and the crowd did love them too.

 

So in the end, even though the 2 bands are polar opposites, it seemed to be a pairing that pretty much everyone in the crowd enjoyed, so good job, everyone. Great night... I just wish SP has been 2nd so I still had that buzz at the end of the night that I had after SP finished.

 

Nice line-up, SP and AB are probably two of the best live bands around at the moment, and Myles Kennedy is about the best rock vocalist on planet earth IMO...

Wow, big call mate. He seems like a nice genuine guy... but vocally? Not really my cup of tea at all. Still definitely has that grungy vibe, imo. And like I said, nice kid, but I actually saw him last year (fronting Slash's band) but if someone else had not made that link for me, I would have sworn black n' blue I'd never seen the guy in my life before last night. lol. Just that type of vocalist that does nothing for me, personally.

 

Starr probably has 20-30 years on him, but I'd take his vocals any day, personally. For his age, dude hits every note and nails every scream everytime.

 

They are definite polar opposites and both bands have their strengths.

 

AB are definitely a more straight ahead hard rock outfit, but some of their ballads are awesome IMO, and 'Blackbird' is probably one of the greatest hard rock songs i have heard period. Immense chorus and solo.

 

Sounds like a great gig....im not jealous at all ;-))

[Geoff]

Well folks, here's how the Sidewaves show played out. It was a double bill of just Steel Panther & Alter Bridge.

 

I had my transport timetables all set up and honestly thought I'd leave very early in the Alter Bridge set, so I would be able to get public transport home, which is SHIT during the week. However, big props to both bands and the organizers. I left the venue at 11pm, 26 minutes before my bus, and I had seen both bands without issue.

 

Steel Panther - for the record, SP did not technically open for Alter Bridge - it was a co-headlining tour and Alter Bridge opened for SP in Melbourne... I believe. That was the plan anyway, though having heard the bands last night it sounds like this was the first show. The show was completely sold out too, very early on.

 

Anyway, SP were immaculate again. Varied the set up quite a lot from Soundwave, which is always well appreciated. They were still funny as hell between tracks and having now seen a lot of bands live, they do put on as good a live show as I've seen. Even Satchel's solo was pretty cool - and the aftermath undoubtedly amusing. They may make jokes about Starr being 60 years old, and he looks about it, lol, but he is a killer frontman in every regard. I love thinking of the fact that he tried and failed with several 80's bands, but has now made it probably bigger than any of those already established bands. Nice how it turned out for the kid. Still amazed by the sing-alongs too, which seemingly featured every set of lungs in the whole place. Just loved it, and this was easily my favourite live performance I've attended.

 

Alter Bridge - well, after SP came out deadset to the second on time, AB followed not long after and I do love bands that don't f*ck around (*clears throat* Crashdiet) and keep the fans waiting. Nice job, both bands. Like I said above, this band really does nothing for me. I have heard all their CDs and even bought the 'III' album, but I don't "get" them. I don't even remotely know one of their songs - nothing ever stuck. But their set was musically pretty damn impressive. Good, tight band... but this still just sounds, to me, like dressed up grunge. Most songs are pretty slow paced, despite a good set of balls and I just wasn't being blown away by any choruses. Thankfully for me the place had cleared out a little bit after SP and I got better seats to myself, and it was a good time sitting there with beers watching a good band. But in the end they're just strong, good songs... but nothing special, imo. But good luck to them, and the crowd did love them too.

 

So in the end, even though the 2 bands are polar opposites, it seemed to be a pairing that pretty much everyone in the crowd enjoyed, so good job, everyone. Great night... I just wish SP has been 2nd so I still had that buzz at the end of the night that I had after SP finished.

 

Nice line-up, SP and AB are probably two of the best live bands around at the moment, and Myles Kennedy is about the best rock vocalist on planet earth IMO...

Wow, big call mate. He seems like a nice genuine guy... but vocally? Not really my cup of tea at all. Still definitely has that grungy vibe, imo. And like I said, nice kid, but I actually saw him last year (fronting Slash's band) but if someone else had not made that link for me, I would have sworn black n' blue I'd never seen the guy in my life before last night. lol. Just that type of vocalist that does nothing for me, personally.

 

Starr probably has 20-30 years on him, but I'd take his vocals any day, personally. For his age, dude hits every note and nails every scream everytime.

 

They are definite polar opposites and both bands have their strengths.

 

AB are definitely a more straight ahead hard rock outfit, but some of their ballads are awesome IMO, and 'Blackbird' is probably one of the greatest hard rock songs i have heard period. Immense chorus and solo.

 

Sounds like a great gig....im not jealous at all ;-))

Oh, actually, speaking of ballads I just remembered. Kennedy did a ballad with just him on the acoustic. That was pretty freakin' awesome, I have to say, and I'd like to find that song for the Ipod. That was a real nice moment.

 

Speaking of ballads, Stix whipped out the piano for a stirring rendition of 'Weenie Ride' during SP's set. Freakin' hilarious, but awesome performance by Starr, and nice solo too.

[Glen]

Well folks, here's how the Sidewaves show played out. It was a double bill of just Steel Panther & Alter Bridge.

 

I had my transport timetables all set up and honestly thought I'd leave very early in the Alter Bridge set, so I would be able to get public transport home, which is SHIT during the week. However, big props to both bands and the organizers. I left the venue at 11pm, 26 minutes before my bus, and I had seen both bands without issue.

 

Steel Panther - for the record, SP did not technically open for Alter Bridge - it was a co-headlining tour and Alter Bridge opened for SP in Melbourne... I believe. That was the plan anyway, though having heard the bands last night it sounds like this was the first show. The show was completely sold out too, very early on.

 

Anyway, SP were immaculate again. Varied the set up quite a lot from Soundwave, which is always well appreciated. They were still funny as hell between tracks and having now seen a lot of bands live, they do put on as good a live show as I've seen. Even Satchel's solo was pretty cool - and the aftermath undoubtedly amusing. They may make jokes about Starr being 60 years old, and he looks about it, lol, but he is a killer frontman in every regard. I love thinking of the fact that he tried and failed with several 80's bands, but has now made it probably bigger than any of those already established bands. Nice how it turned out for the kid. Still amazed by the sing-alongs too, which seemingly featured every set of lungs in the whole place. Just loved it, and this was easily my favourite live performance I've attended.

 

Alter Bridge - well, after SP came out deadset to the second on time, AB followed not long after and I do love bands that don't f*ck around (*clears throat* Crashdiet) and keep the fans waiting. Nice job, both bands. Like I said above, this band really does nothing for me. I have heard all their CDs and even bought the 'III' album, but I don't "get" them. I don't even remotely know one of their songs - nothing ever stuck. But their set was musically pretty damn impressive. Good, tight band... but this still just sounds, to me, like dressed up grunge. Most songs are pretty slow paced, despite a good set of balls and I just wasn't being blown away by any choruses. Thankfully for me the place had cleared out a little bit after SP and I got better seats to myself, and it was a good time sitting there with beers watching a good band. But in the end they're just strong, good songs... but nothing special, imo. But good luck to them, and the crowd did love them too.

 

So in the end, even though the 2 bands are polar opposites, it seemed to be a pairing that pretty much everyone in the crowd enjoyed, so good job, everyone. Great night... I just wish SP has been 2nd so I still had that buzz at the end of the night that I had after SP finished.

 

Nice line-up, SP and AB are probably two of the best live bands around at the moment, and Myles Kennedy is about the best rock vocalist on planet earth IMO...

Wow, big call mate. He seems like a nice genuine guy... but vocally? Not really my cup of tea at all. Still definitely has that grungy vibe, imo. And like I said, nice kid, but I actually saw him last year (fronting Slash's band) but if someone else had not made that link for me, I would have sworn black n' blue I'd never seen the guy in my life before last night. lol. Just that type of vocalist that does nothing for me, personally.

 

Starr probably has 20-30 years on him, but I'd take his vocals any day, personally. For his age, dude hits every note and nails every scream everytime.

 

They are definite polar opposites and both bands have their strengths.

 

AB are definitely a more straight ahead hard rock outfit, but some of their ballads are awesome IMO, and 'Blackbird' is probably one of the greatest hard rock songs i have heard period. Immense chorus and solo.

 

Sounds like a great gig....im not jealous at all ;-))

Oh, actually, speaking of ballads I just remembered. Kennedy did a ballad with just him on the acoustic. That was pretty freakin' awesome, I have to say, and I'd like to find that song for the Ipod. That was a real nice moment.

 

Speaking of ballads, Stix whipped out the piano for a stirring rendition of 'Weenie Ride' during SP's set. Freakin' hilarious, but awesome performance by Starr, and nice solo too.

 

I love 'Weenie Ride'......what an AWESOME song!

 

My bet on the AB ballad would be either

 

In Loving Memory

Watch Over You

Wonderful life

 

Cheers

[TIM (2)]

Well folks, here's how the Sidewaves show played out. It was a double bill of just Steel Panther & Alter Bridge.

 

I had my transport timetables all set up and honestly thought I'd leave very early in the Alter Bridge set, so I would be able to get public transport home, which is SHIT during the week. However, big props to both bands and the organizers. I left the venue at 11pm, 26 minutes before my bus, and I had seen both bands without issue.

 

Steel Panther - for the record, SP did not technically open for Alter Bridge - it was a co-headlining tour and Alter Bridge opened for SP in Melbourne... I believe. That was the plan anyway, though having heard the bands last night it sounds like this was the first show. The show was completely sold out too, very early on.

 

Anyway, SP were immaculate again. Varied the set up quite a lot from Soundwave, which is always well appreciated. They were still funny as hell between tracks and having now seen a lot of bands live, they do put on as good a live show as I've seen. Even Satchel's solo was pretty cool - and the aftermath undoubtedly amusing. They may make jokes about Starr being 60 years old, and he looks about it, lol, but he is a killer frontman in every regard. I love thinking of the fact that he tried and failed with several 80's bands, but has now made it probably bigger than any of those already established bands. Nice how it turned out for the kid. Still amazed by the sing-alongs too, which seemingly featured every set of lungs in the whole place. Just loved it, and this was easily my favourite live performance I've attended.

 

Alter Bridge - well, after SP came out deadset to the second on time, AB followed not long after and I do love bands that don't f*ck around (*clears throat* Crashdiet) and keep the fans waiting. Nice job, both bands. Like I said above, this band really does nothing for me. I have heard all their CDs and even bought the 'III' album, but I don't "get" them. I don't even remotely know one of their songs - nothing ever stuck. But their set was musically pretty damn impressive. Good, tight band... but this still just sounds, to me, like dressed up grunge. Most songs are pretty slow paced, despite a good set of balls and I just wasn't being blown away by any choruses. Thankfully for me the place had cleared out a little bit after SP and I got better seats to myself, and it was a good time sitting there with beers watching a good band. But in the end they're just strong, good songs... but nothing special, imo. But good luck to them, and the crowd did love them too.

 

So in the end, even though the 2 bands are polar opposites, it seemed to be a pairing that pretty much everyone in the crowd enjoyed, so good job, everyone. Great night... I just wish SP has been 2nd so I still had that buzz at the end of the night that I had after SP finished.

 

Nice line-up, SP and AB are probably two of the best live bands around at the moment, and Myles Kennedy is about the best rock vocalist on planet earth IMO...

Wow, big call mate. He seems like a nice genuine guy... but vocally? Not really my cup of tea at all. Still definitely has that grungy vibe, imo. And like I said, nice kid, but I actually saw him last year (fronting Slash's band) but if someone else had not made that link for me, I would have sworn black n' blue I'd never seen the guy in my life before last night. lol. Just that type of vocalist that does nothing for me, personally.

 

Starr probably has 20-30 years on him, but I'd take his vocals any day, personally. For his age, dude hits every note and nails every scream everytime.

 

Yeah both are great singers, but I'd rate Miles Kennedy as good as anyone (I'm more biased because I don't really like Steel Panther's albums that much), he has an incredible range. Agree with Glen about "Blackbird", and other ballads like "Watch Over You" and "Ghost of Days Gone By" are utterly awesome IMHO...

[Geoff]

Just checked Youtube... yep, it was 'Watch over you.' Nice song.

 

I think they played 'Ghost of Days Gone By' too. That sounds pretty cool too. Who knows, I might whip out the 'III' disc again...

[TIM (2)]

Just checked Youtube... yep, it was 'Watch over you.' Nice song.

 

I think they played 'Ghost of Days Gone By' too. That sounds pretty cool too. Who knows, I might whip out the 'III' disc again...

 

Yeah good tunes. "Open Your Eyes" from the debut is my fave up-tempo song of theirs, and the most commercial (despite that album being their weakest IMHO)....

[Glen]

Just checked Youtube... yep, it was 'Watch over you.' Nice song.

 

I think they played 'Ghost of Days Gone By' too. That sounds pretty cool too. Who knows, I might whip out the 'III' disc again...

 

Yeah good tunes. "Open Your Eyes" from the debut is my fave up-tempo song of theirs, and the most commercial (despite that album being their weakest IMHO)....

 

'Watch over you' is on Blackbird, which I rate over III and the debut to be honest.

[bangerdave]

Just saw Steel Panther & Alter Bridge in Melbourne 29.02 at The Palace.Steel Panther put on a great show and gave me a few good laughs.They are great live and if you get a chance check 'em out.Alter Bridge just kicked total ass,they are such a tight unit live and Myles K.is brillant not to forget Mark T.what a amazing guitarist.This is one of the best gigs i have been to in years and having a few beers after the show with some Rush fans was a cool fanboy shit talk session.

[Geoff]

Just saw Steel Panther & Alter Bridge in Melbourne 29.02 at The Palace.Steel Panther put on a great show and gave me a few good laughs.They are great live and if you get a chance check 'em out.Alter Bridge just kicked total ass,they are such a tight unit live and Myles K.is brillant not to forget Mark T.what a amazing guitarist.This is one of the best gigs i have been to in years and having a few beers after the show with some Rush fans was a cool fanboy shit talk session.

Nice one, mate. Good to see someone else someone else got out there to take advantage of this awesomeness. For my curiosity, did Alter Bridge go on first and Steel Panther on second?

[bangerdave]

Just saw Steel Panther & Alter Bridge in Melbourne 29.02 at The Palace.Steel Panther put on a great show and gave me a few good laughs.They are great live and if you get a chance check 'em out.Alter Bridge just kicked total ass,they are such a tight unit live and Myles K.is brillant not to forget Mark T.what a amazing guitarist.This is one of the best gigs i have been to in years and having a few beers after the show with some Rush fans was a cool fanboy shit talk session.

Nice one, mate. Good to see someone else someone else got out there to take advantage of this awesomeness. For my curiosity, did Alter Bridge go on first and Steel Panther on second?

Steel Panther first & Alter Bridge on last and your right about the time slots for both bands being right on time,which is fine by me as i hate waiting around.