[Concert Review] Warped Tour 2017

Until GWAR signed onto the Warped Tour, I hadn’t been interested in attending the all-day pop rock and punk festival. Festivals are a convenient way to see twenty bands you’re halfway interested in seeing live along with two you want to see. It was a bummer finding out Anti-Flag and Suicide Machines were only for select dates. Was it worthwhile otherwise?
Sidenote: “Low priced” 32-ounce bottle of water for $5.50? More disgusting than GWAR! (Try $2.)

Average Rating: ★★☆☆☆ [2/5] [37 stars out of a 90 possible star rating]
Adjusted Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5] [my score]
WANNA SOAKED IN THE FULL DAY’S FESTIVITIES? KEEP ON READING!

[Applied Psychology] GUITAR WOLF’s Motivation

GUITAR WOLF’s concert in 2013 was a defining moment with my work ethic. Before that show, I was an unmotivated zombie that had dreams yet was blocked by my complaining. After seeing their work ethic, evident by the sweat soaking into the stage, something clicked! Eventually, I realized that only through full zealousness to your ideal work can you achieve anything other than an unfulfilled life. It wasn’t an overnight change, so let’s explore the details.

Concert Rating: ★★★★★ [5/5]
WANNA MUSE ON HOW CONCERTS AREN’T JUST RECREATIONAL DISTRACTIONS? KEEP ON READING!

[Concert Review] Robin Trower (2017)

What’s the point of going to a concert when you could watch a better quality version of the performance at your convenience? Shouldn’t closer camera angles, clearer sound, and not dealing with crowds be the superior choice? One advantage of attending live performances, even in balcony seating with heavy echo distortion, is having the time to thoroughly study the lessons of a genre. Robin Trower is full professor in the art of electric guitar solos.

WANNA READ MORE ABOUT WHAT I MEAN? KEEP ON READING!

[Concert Review] Rodrigo y Gabriela (2017)

How far off-script can you go? If you’re performing a cover song, do you keep the song strictly intact, or can you quote famous passages and improv the rest? Your answer might help determine how you’ll feel about seeing Rodrigo y Gabriela live. You might be distracted following along with the flamenco guitar duo’s casual interpretations of Metallica and Led Zeppelin covers. How about if that’s unimportant and you’re there to observe pure technical musicianship?

HOW ABOUT GOING OFF-SCRIPT AND READING SOME MORE?

[Concert Review] Xandria (2017)

When do you strike it out on your own? That question applies for entrepreneurial-minded people in any industry, really, especially those who don’t enjoy living under a boss, rules that aren’t their own, and all that. Conversely, when you’re under the tutelage of another, let’s focus on bands now, you can pick up on what works and what doesn’t work. Xandria may have jumped the gun too soon with this headlining endeavor for one reason.

WANNA READ ABOUT BUSINESS? THIS ISN’T A TRADITIONAL CONCERT REVIEW. KEEP ON READING!

[Concert Review] Testament, Sepultura (2017)

One problem with enjoying a wide variety of music is that inevitably two performers will play on the same night. Since I’ve seen both Testament and Acid Mothers Temple live, it was just more practical properly seeing Testament live since I already bought tickets, even though I’m a bigger AMT fan. As it turns out, Year of the Cobra was performing the same night, so regardless I would have been missing out. Was it worthwhile?

WANNA READ ABOUT THE REAL MVP? KEEP ON READING! ?

[Concert Review] Everclear, Fastball (2017)

If I could have told myself before getting tickets how disappointingly unprofessional Everclear act, along with how seeing them live would tarnish my opinions of their music, I might have passed. Might! It’d be unrealistic living in that idyllic world where I’d only see five-star bands because enjoying this world’s flavors includes seeing bands fall from grace. There was at least one upside to this overwhelming downside, as will typically happen in situations like this.

WANNA AVOID A CURVEBALL? KEEP ON READING! ?

[Concert Review] Sabaton (2017)

History classes bored me. If Sabaton’s lyrics were incorporated into educational materials, stories of decisive battles, pyrrhic victories, and almost mythical figures overcoming impossible odds would come alive! We might then more actively appreciate history or consult historical situations when considering future efforts. Sabaton celebrate those who gave their all while encouraging you to do the same through their upbeat performances. Not only do they motivate you to fight harder, they’d probably lend a hand!

WANNA GET MOTIVATED AND LEARN ABOUT HISTORY? KEEP ON READING! →

[Concert Review] Devils Hunt Me Down (2017)

Some small part of me didn’t want to write this. That part that doesn’t like stirring up trouble. I’ve thought about this Devils Hunt Me Down show during the week from different perspectives, and concluded that I should write about the majority good even if it means I have to cover the bad. In over five years of going to shows, this was the first time I’ve ever wondered: “am I in an unsafe situation?”

WANNA READ ABOUT AN UNSAFE VENUE? KEEP ON READING! →

[Concert Review] Seattle Video Game Orchestra And Choir (Sakura-Con, 2017)

If you have to start somewhere, when do the feedback floodgates open to allow for constructive criticism? Should polite proposals remain off limits until after an absolute amount of practice posts, pictures, or performances? Is it unfair to compare performers of amateur and mature skill? I appreciate the inclusivity of the Seattle Video Game Orchestra and Choir and I’m always inspired by anyone attempting to broaden taste. I just think some improvement could reliably impress.

Rating: ★★★☆☆ [3/5]
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