Roger Waters 2017 Concert Review (PICS!)

Hey friends!

Last night I saw Roger Waters of Pink Floyd for the 3rd time. This show was at the Palace of Auburn Hills in Detroit. I've seen a few shows there and now that the Pistons are leaving the venue, who knows if this might be the last time I'm touching that floor.

Anyway, I saw Roger back in 1999 for the IN THE FLESH tour and in 2010 for THE WALL LIVE tour. Both were great shows for different reasons. When I heard he was touring again, I was on the fence about going. It was my co-worker who brought up the idea and we just got tickets on a whim. We ended up getting his friend and my other fellow co-worker to go as well. And last week, Colleen and D decided to join us as well. Luckily we were all able to score floor tickets! This was probably the closest I've ever been to Roger when I've seen him live, and that was cool. I also was able to tailgate a bit and drink a few before going in. Usually I am the one driving (I'm a control freak). But this time I relinquished driving command to the younger folk and rode along. (Of course I shit my pants along the way, but I digress... I got there and back safe and sound) We drank a few and all laughed and lifted the spirits high before we went inside.

The first set was subdued, with most of it from Dark Side of the Moon, his new solo record, some Wish You Were Here stuff and even a Meddle tune!

Colleen, myself, Zillins, D and J.D. all enjoing some beers and the sun.

Opening video was about 20 minutes of this chick just sitting in the sand. Then abruptly the sky turned red and then the show began.

Breathe.

Wish You Were Here

Roger sings.

There was an intermission and then he opened the set by recreating the Battersea Power Station (from the ANIMALS album cover) and even launching out the PIG and doing some powerful political commentary from those songs. Then some more Darkside stuff and ending it off with three The Wall tunes. They made a giant prism using laser lights and then at the end, some confetti came down on the crowd. It was a great experience!

Some other shots from other folks in attendance: 

Overall, it was an excellent show. I didn't think the other two times I saw him could be topped but this came close. In 1999, I appreciated hearing more of his solo stuff.  In 2010, I saw my favorite album of all time performed with the complete stage show, but I was far away. This time I was close and the production values certainly were raised up. The politically charged nature of some of the songs certainly didn't provide any escapism from current feelings and events. And I could feel (and have been reading some) comments and vibes about hating that part of the show from some in attendance. To that I say, "Wow... do you even KNOW about the music you claim to love? Check out the lyrics..."

To me, it was great to see a dude using his art to make comments on the world. That is what art is all about, really. Showing what you see through your eyes. Its up to the observer to agree or disagree and that is fine. Art isn't escaping. Art is reflecting. Just depends if you want to pay attention to the message or gather one of your own or not. That is part of the gig, man. (But I'll tell you, I heard PLENTY of loud cheering during some of that anti-Trump stuff and that felt encouraging... much better than the anger and vitriol I read every day when I pick up the newspaper or read a comment thread.)

I've loved all three Roger shows for different reasons. But this time was excellent. The band hit their marks, Roger sang in great form and it was a spectacle of a show. It kind of sucks a little that it isn't the complete Floyd on stage doing these songs. There's always that air of slight disappointment in that. But this is as close as I'm going to get to it. And that is fine enough. I got the albums and now the memories. And that is all I need.

This aging greyed hardcore music fan just saw some of his favorite songs performed live again by the dude who wrote the majority of it. What do I got to bitch about? Not a damn thing!

While the show was great, the music was performed wonderfully and the stage show was exciting and great to be a part of, the best part was those I went with. We laughed and joked the whole time on the way, at the show and on the way back. We remembered Caleb, whose last conversation with me was about Floyd's music and got to spend it with his wife and feel his spirit there with us enjoying the show. I got to show my favorite music in a visual aspect to D, my love, who hadn't had the pleasure of connecting all of that yet. I haven't laughed that hard or smiled that big in quite a while. I got to chat with other Floyd fans around me and hear their experiences and share some of my own. Music connects people. That is the only true magic there is.

Sometimes, I feel really fucking old. On the way we were discussing bands we've seen live.  I didn't speak up because a lot of the bands I've seen are either broken up or dead. I was the oldest in our group there as well. I was the only one with us that was alive when "The Wall" fucking came out!! But to see my favorite music live, knowing it still connects... still feels relevant... still rocks... still brings the same feelings... still brings out the tears... makes it and myself, feel timeless and ageless.

Does it all still resonate? More than ever.

--T

Sharing Music Vol. 1

Music is my God. It has the power to hurt, help, heal and so much more. I thought I'd start a series of blogs showcasing some of my current favorite songs on my playlist. I'll try to pick lyric versions of the songs so that you can see the words that mean so much to me. Here we go:

"Wither" by DREAM THEATER



"Landslide" by FLEETWOOD MAC



"Digging in the Dirt" by PETER GABRIEL



"The Final Cut" by PINK FLOYD

Crowdfunding, Floyd and Other Such Things...

Hey folks. Just got done reading a great article by the great Amanda Fucking Palmer. Check it out HERE - She's got a book out this week and I'll get it when I can. Its called "The Art of Asking" and it discusses her days as a street performer, musician, artist and her recent crowd funding methods. I always love her music and read her blog weekly. I find her one of the "good guys," One of those folks who just inspire me and remind me of the path I am on.

Everything in the creative fields is in flux. Musicians can barely make it now. Filmmakers are constantly getting their films put online and stolen. I'm sure video games feel that to an extent too. Everything is out there and we're taking it. Giving nothing back. We keep ourselves amused and forget those who make it. It hurts someone like me, who look passionately at people like artists, musicians and filmmakers as they feel this struggle too. No one has an answer. We're all trying to figure it out. The big bands try things and get nailed for it. Anything new that is tried is immediately slapped down from the collective snark of the world.

It is with these fears that I sit in my little shallow part of the creative ocean, afraid to lift anchor and move to deeper waters. Because its a struggle. Its a hard life to make things work. How can little old me make ripples in the water and get people to see me? We're all trying to figure that out. And when we fail and drown, its embarrassing. But sometimes lightning strikes and we're given a thumbs up. Finally, a great idea and a proper decision made. I wrote STARSLAM, an erotic comic back in 2008 and pitched it at San Diego 2009 and it fell flat on its face. I shelved it. I brought it back as a webcomic. It didn't get the numbers. I was going to shelve it again but I felt strongly about the work. I knew this was a story that had to get out. If not for the world, but for me. I was reacting strongly against all the other porn comics I was seeing out there, and being hired for. I wanted to contribute GOOD pornography to the world. I felt the world needed it. But to put it out is a fear of exposure. Would people think me a freak? Would people percieve me differently? What about those close to me? I was fearful of all of it. People will laugh and think me different. But I took a shot anyway and tossed it on Kickstarter. I busked. I asked people. I just wanted to see who was out there and who would see me.

The response was overnight. I made the $300 I asked for within 24 hours. If I only got just that amount, I would have been happy. It wouldn't have covered my costs at all, but I would have accepted it. I always do. My pre-sales of any book I have ever done or released have never made more than $300. Never. I presell maybe 10-30 books when I release one. Never more than that. Today on the STARSLAM kickstarter, I am at $1,595... and I got 15 days left.

To someone like me, this is a massive success. So far I got 67 backers, about 95% of them are people I don't know and have never met. Maybe I never will in person. They are reaching out to me and saying "I like this guy. I like the idea. I want to read it." and they plunk their hard earned down to read my story and see my art. I'm damn grateful and goddamn proud of all of this. I'm in awe every morning when I wake up and check my email to see that there are new backers waiting. Someone else new found me and is backing me up. And I'm going to give my art to them. Its the give and take with artists and the observers that make art worth doing. There is no end all-be all meaning behind the art. Everything is about the person who comes to observe it and what they get out of it. But the reflection of trust and support to the artists effects us greatly, I assure. I am now proof of "success" with crowdfunding and I am gaining new confidence and new readers.

I hope folks get STARSLAM and they read it and fall in love with it. Because I got plenty more for them. I have other comics like Pleasant Life and Anna Pocalypse. I got years and years of blogs and podcasts. I have live appearances, Marvel-Dc-StarWars Sketch Cards, live art, old art... all cataloged and ready to be dissected by anyone who comes along and discovers me. I've been preparing for this moment. I've been slow burning myself for all this time and I'm ready for people to see it all.

I know that after the dust settles and STARSLAM is out in everyone's hands that its up to me to dream it up again. I will work on the next books, the next card set, the next con appearance. It will never stop. The climb continues. I have to make this career work. But the great push of support I've got for STARSLAM really has me jazzed for the future more than ever. I've finally done something right! I've opened myself up to the idea of crowdfunding and let go of the old ways of doing things. I no longer measure myself by those old standards. Its this, all the way. I will be out there supporting myself more. I will continue to work hard. I'll keep releasing, providing and sweating it all out. And giving my all in every project to come.

Why?

Because I don't know what else to do. Art and creativity is all I have. Its the only thing thats never let me down. Its all I am good at. I love the journey of improving and learning. I love finding new friends to support and learn with. This is the life I want. I will never stop going. I will die with a pencil in my hand.

I have you folks to thank. Let's keep rockin' and rollin'! We've got 15 days left on my STARSLAM KICKSTARTER so let's make it count! And for those of you out there with an idea and a fear like I had, forget it. Reach out and just ask the universe for what you want. Sometimes, if you are lucky, you'll get your answer.

_______

Okay, enough inspirational stuff. Lets get to my PINK FLOYD "THE ENDLESS RIVER" REVIEW! First off, admittedly, I am grading it on a curve... but I gotta say I loved it. I have listened to the lead single "Lounder than Words" about 20 times and it ranks among the best of the Gilmour-led era. I didn't get my hopes up too much with this album and it really is sort of like hearing demos recorded in 1993. And thats fine. Its an album you sort of have to turn on, dim the lights and just immerse in. A musical journey. But all the best Floyd songs are like that. If you are expecting quick .99¢ singles on Itunes, forget it. This is for album lovers. For hardcore Floyd fans especially. It calls back to all periods of Floyd history. You can hear bits of Welcome to the Machine or Atom Heart Mother in parts of it. Its even got an organ part recorded in 1968. It really is good. I've read bitchings online about how its a dissapointment or it sucks. To those folks, I feel pity for. I don't think anyone can enjoy anything anymore. The snark and the pre-judging have clouded their ability to simply just like something. It is sad to me. Would I rank THE ENDLESS RIVER among the Floyd's best? No. But I am damn grateful to have it. And I head an interview with Nick Mason where he's saying more is coming. Archival/Anthology type of stuff. It excites me.

Pink Floyd is my favorite band of all time. I never dreamed I'd get a new record from them at all. Its been 20 years since the last one. And although this was majorly made in 1993, it still feels fresh. It feels like music I enjoy today. I cannot stop spinning this disc and I'm sure as I keep dissecting it, I will get even closer to it. Thanks Dave, Nick and Rick for one last journey! This was an album release for me!! And im damn grateful.

Grade: A-

Lonely Week 3 - Kickin' Butt All Over!

Hey everyone! Back again. Been a busy week. Lots of working, late nights, changing sleep patters over and back again, but I'm good. I've been working on coloring for Starslam and the new Star Wars card set stuff. Busy all around and thats great! I also finished a small commission I decided to take on. I'm not currently doing many commissions but I accepted this one because it was for an owner of a recently deceased pet. I can relate and so it had to be done.

Some things I am excited about:

I am officially down 30 pounds now. I weighed in today and it was a genuine surprise! It feels good and I am going good on my path. I have now been free of soda at home for three months and drinking a ton of water. Eating lots of fruit at home as well. I need to do more veggies and soups from now on and start a walking regimine, but so far these minor changes in my diet have been working quite well. Imagine what would be happening if I went hardcore! Oh well. I'm going the extreme baby step route. Seems to work great for me.

I scored the Walgreens exclusive Boba Fett figure. I never really buy myself much anymore, but I got an affection for Boba Fett. So when I learned of this exclusive figure I decided to treat myself. They are quite beautiful!

Pink Floyd officially announced the release date for their new (and most likely their last) album, "The Endless River." It is coming November 10th. It mostly is 99% instrumental music, most of which was recorded for the "Division Bell" sessions in 1994. So it will feature keyboardist Rick Wright (who died in 2008), along with new material recorded by Dave and Nick. Roger Waters is not involved. Its a nice treat for a long time fan like me. A great swan song? We shall see. 

In other exciting music news (for me anyway), I got a surprise U2 album this week... and for FREE! I'm sure you all have heard about it by now. 

Of course, the loud bitchings of people "forced" to own the album created a large stink. But all they had to do was swipe/delete/problem solved. Meanwhile I am loving every track. So far, I'd rank it in my top 5 releases of the year in fact. What can I say? I am a fan and it was a definate treat. Sorry so many people feel otherwise. But I've ranted about this enough on my podcast recently that I won't get into it... (sigh)

Speaking of my Idiothead Morning Show Podcast (which you can subscribe to via Itunes), I am having a contest for episode #300. I am likely going to be recording it within the next two weeks. I am asking people to EMAIL ME A QUESTION RIGHT HERE to read on the show. And every person that asks a question gets entered into a drawing. And at the end of the show recording, I will draw a name and that person will win a copy of my 2014 ARTBOOK! "CAPTAIN'S LOG" Its called! So if you want a chance to win a free book, and get your question read live on the air, simply EMAIL ME A QUESTION!!! It can be about my work, my opinions on things in the world, advice, music, movies, etc. Anything really. Just ask anything and I will answer and you get an opportunity to win. HURRY! I will be recording episode #300 soon!!!

Lastly, wife is gone to Detroit for more training so I am working alone this week. She's coming back on thursday and we'll have Saturday night off together. Looking forward to it as we haven't seen each other much these last couple weeks. Gets lonely! Anyway folks, thanks for reading. Go out into the world and kick some ass!

Cheers, T

Lonely Week pt 1

Well the wife started training in Detroit for the new job, meaning she is gone there Mon-Friday. She's staying with her parents near there. They are very thrilled to have her. So much so, they installed cable in the second bedroom so she could watch TV! I guess after 15 years alone, they took some joy in having their daughter come back for a bit. Its only for 6 weeks, but I am glad they are spending time together. Meanwhile, I'm an hour and a half West, keeping the house together. I get Scott on the bus, play with James, do house errands and work and do Scotts homework with him when he returns. I get the kids to bed and then fight sleep to get work done.

Actually I am behind on a card set that is due on Monday. I should be working on it now but I am avoiding it by posting a blog. Aren't you lucky? :)

I watched Football on our bedroom TV (now in the living room... grrrrr...don't get me started) and watched some nice surprise upsets. Then the Lions played on Monday, kicking ass. They look really good and Stafford is looking quite mature and comfortable in his QB position. I hope it stays that way.

Today at the Iphone announcement, they dropped the major bomb, a surprise U2 album!

I've given it three listens and already reviewed it on the Morning Show Podcast if you care to know. Its a solid album and I like it better than the last one from 2009. Evidence leads me to believe there is more music to come, and this is part one of a two part album series from them. We'll see. Its just great to get a nice surprise of new music from my favorite bands this year. From U2 to the upcoming Pink Floyd. Its a bad year for me personally, but a GREAT year for my music!! 

Other things on my radar is the upcoming Amanda Fucking Palmer book, The Art of Asking.

I love her music and her blog/social media posts. And I was inspired by her continued success with crowd funding. All creative fields are sort of in flux with today's technology. And I know she's passionate about finding ways to LET PEOPLE fund her work. I look forward to reading this to maybe get some ideas myself. I sure could use them to find a larger reach. Once I get my personal ducks in a row, I need to start to tackle the mountain of delayed workload before me. And when I do, I need to find ways to ensure that I can get it out to people and make the most I can off of it. Because creation is not just my life blood, it is my job. And a Job has to bring something in to keep it afloat. I've done okay, but I know I can do better. The passion is there, but I need to refine the approach to business. I'll get on that soon. But first, more important things like Health, Finances and Family take first dibs.

And I gotta keep working on this shit because this week I accepted three more sketch card gigs. Big sets, BIG properties. Huge. Just when I thought I was out, they pulled me back in! Thats okay. It all goes to the big melting pot of experience, funds and (most importantly) fun!!

 Tomorrow is my son James T's 2nd bday. We plan to celebrate probably Saturday by taking the kids out to a bouncy playground called "Jumping Jacks." Should be neat. He's doing great. Lots of interactivity and talking. And Scott is reaching out with me and doing actual homework! He's improving too. Its great to see. I'm proud of both of them.

Anyway, I guess I'm burnin' daylight here. I gotta get these sketch cards done and out the door or else my editor will slice my balls off. Off to look up more Marvel reference I go!

Cheers, T

New Pink Floyd Album?????

Holy crap. HUGE NEWS in music for me. For those that know me, I am a MASSIVE Pink Floyd fan. Of course, being so comes with a lot of heart ache. There's various histories and breaks with the band and many incarnations of the band. But effectively the band ended after the 1994 tour for their last album, "THE DIVISION BELL." A great album btw. Even better, in 2005 they buried the hatchet with their old main songwriter Roger Waters and played Live 8... the first time they all shared the stage since 1981. It was a Floyd fan's dream come true. but in 2008, the dreams of a potential longform reunion, or any new material ended for good with the death of Keyboardist Rick Wright. I did go see Roger Waters perform THE WALL (my fav. album) in 2010. I also saw him in 1999. But I would have to be content with just solo material from the gang. As far as we knew, David Gilmour (my guitar idol) was working on a new solo record. Well, his wife dropped the bomb today that it is not a solo Cd, but a NEW FLOYD ALBUM!!! Don't believe me? News is HERE

To add to that, backup singers confirm it and tweet a pic of singing being done for the album:

Of course, nothing is "officially" confirmed, but it seems the cat has slipped a bit out of the bag. And since it was David's wife that jumped the gun, we have to assume that he gave her a wink to do the say so. Apparently reports say that its title is "THE ENDLESS RIVER" and will have unreleased Rick Wright material on it. Supposedly they are working on demos and stuff recorded during The Division Bell sessions. No word if Roger is on board but it he was I'd be A-Surprised as holy fuck and B-exploding with excitement. That would be the ultimate coup. but for now its a dream. But hey, if you told me yesterday that there was a new Floyd album in the works, I wouldn't have believed you.

Its weird. I took a break from Floyd for a while until recently. I put a mix on my ipod to work out to and I even attained a couple of the old trippy albums I was missing from my collection. I was enjoying them even today before I read the news. Also two days ago I watched an A&E Bio on Floyd which didn't tell me anything new, but it was fun to watch. My love of Floyd has always been there and I'm glad to see it rewarded with the potential news of a new recording!

Likely, this will be just reworked demos from the Division Bell and it will be nice to have. I highly, HIGHLY doubt this is a lead up to a new tour and Roger's involvement. But if it did, I don't care the cost. I don't care what I have to do, I am going. 10000000000000000000000000% going. I missed seeing them in 1994 like an idiot. I've regretted that ever since.

But hey, if this is indeed true, I am grateful for one last ride on the Floyd train. Fuckin A!!!

EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!

T