More or less, sure, who cares about the (sadly and aptly named) Gin Blossoms without Doug Hopkins, and the band never should have screwed him over so badly, but how are you gonna hear the songs otherwise? Also, Marshall Crenshaw had nothing but good things to say about Jesse Valenzuela, with whom he had a smash hit with”Til I Hear It From You”. So forgive, forget, and enjoy an old miserable experience at BB Kings on Tuesday .
Monday, Tuesday – Culture Club – Beacon Theatre – Boy George might not have the voice anymore (and though I personally liked it, his last solo album was a stiff), still that string of Culture Club hit singles have survived and even prospered. They might be part of a world gone by but they sound just terrific now: if they were a pop manifestation in 1983, in 2015 they sound like classic rock.
Tuesday – Rise Against – Central Park Summerstage – If what you want is politically charged hardcore, look no further. A terrific band who will blow the place up. Plus Killswitch Engage are worth showing early for.
Wednesday – Doyle Bramhall II – Highline Ballroom – Second tier jam session genius guitarist except he is really first tier but needs a band
Wednesday – The Smashing Pumpkins & Marilyn Manson: The End Times Tour – PNC Banks Art Center – Oh my goodness… and yeah I’m thinking the same thing but honestly both the last Smashing Pumpkins and the last Marilyn Manson albums were quite good so who knows right?
Saturday – Dr, John – Central Park Summerstage – The last time he performed here he cancelled at the last moment, this time we are hoping to finally get to hear his Louis Armstrong tribute live.
Saturday – SLIPKNOT: Summer’s Last Stand Tour – Jones Beach Lamb Of God opening, and when I saw LOG opening for Metallica years ago they were terrific.
Saturday – Steely Dan And Elvis Costello – PNC Banks Art Center – Helen Bach is catching em in Boston. I love em both, just not enough to go to Jersey.
Saturday – Beres Hammond – King’s Theatre – With Buju Banton still rotting in jail for nothing, the best Rastaman around.
