The 2008 concert season got off to a bit of a late start, much like the end of the 2007 season. For the first time in a nearly a decade, I went almost two months without going to a concert. I must be getting old. Still, there is nothing quite like the adrenaline rush you can get from an electrified crowd. You enter the club, or wherever you prefer your live tunes, and you can feel the buzz in the air. No matter how your day went, live music with a rocking band can turn the entire day around. This night was one of those times. How can you go wrong with Queensryche? It would be difficult too. Sure, the band could always be better, but that does not, and should not, take away from a good performance. Tonight was a good performance.
The show was a sell out. People were crammed inside the club elbow to elbow with barely enough room to lift your beer, that is, if you were lucky enough to make it to the bar. Despite the cramped quarters, there was a feeling of excitement, particularly by me. You see, I was lucky enough to score one of the last available tickets (blame it on my constant procrastination), and this was my first experience with Queensryche, live and in the flesh. I have been a fan of the band since I first heard Empire way back in 1990 (yes, I know I was little late to the party). Anyway, I never had the opportunity to see the live show until now. Of course, it is not all of the original members and they are not exactly in their prime.
Before we could get to the 'ryche there was one other performer to get through prior to their big entrance.
The time was 8:15 and Don Dokken took to the stage, wine glass in hand and acoustic guitar in tow. He was not alone; joining him on a twelve-string acoustic was Kelly Keeling. I'd never heard of him before, but a quick look at his credits finds a player who has performed on albums with Alice Cooper, John Norum, Michael Schenker Group, Trans Siberian Orchestra, and, of course, Dokken.
Anyway, the two went on to perform a 35 minute set of Dokken classics, separated by interludes of Don cracking wise. The jokes even started before they began playing. His target? Bret Michaels and Rock of Love. Don claimed to be able to find better looking women at the grocery store. He also said that one of his reasons for doing the tour was to see Queensryche every night for free! Not a bad deal if you ask me.
Article comments
1 - Krutic
Great review!
I saw them in Chicago at the House of Blues on Feb 1. The acoustics in the House of Blues aren't that great so the concert wasn't one of the better ones I've been to. Also they played some songs that I had never heard before so that was a bummer. My other complain was they didn't play Silent Lucidity - how can you not play your most famous song?!
Dokken was okay..I knew a lot of their songs so it kept my interest. I had actually seen Dokken a few years back when they opened for Scorpions and that was a far better Dokken (had the whole band). This time he was all unplugged and just seemed too mellow for a rocker.
All in all Queensryche did put on a good show but I'd like to see 'em again in a better setting with a better selection of songs.
2 - Paul Roy
Nice review Chris. You really captured the feeling that a live concert gives me too. There is no better natural high than when you first walk into that concert venue, and one of your favorite bands is only moments from taking the stage. Truly electrifying. Sounded like a pretty cool Queensryche setlist to me. Not just the usual hits.
3 - kenny
i was at the Dokken ,Queensryche show on feb 12th in tampa florida dokken was ok he sounded alittle raspy ....Queensryche tate was great with new guitarist stone .......one thing i forgot is to copy set list anyone have it from that night ???? it would be well appreaciated
4 - steve
How can you review Dokken and neglect to mention that silly bristle broom sitting on top of his head like a helment, or how Don sweats profusly under the lights but his plastic hair never gets damp, or how the faux hair close to his ears clumps together in a soggy mess. Don's wig is an integral part of the hilarity that is Dokken.