“…one of the reasons it passed so quickly for me was actually – I had a kid. He’s magic. And I’ve basically wanted to hang out with him so I’m sorry I disappeared.” Dido offering some explanation of why she’s not done a world tour for the past 15 years, and as an introduction to one of two encore songs – her very personal “Have To Stay” – in her performance at The Masonic in San Francisco on Wednesday night. I’m actually one of those people who have waited to see her for the past 15 years, so it was an amazing experience. Supporting her brilliant new album, Still On My Mind, Dido played many hits and lots of new music, and still left us all wanting more, even with a 20-song set. This was actually show #1 of 3 for me and Shelley (Mrs. Rock Subculture), as we took time to also catch the subsequent shows in both Portland and Seattle (mini reviews included below) as Dido wrapped up the U.S. leg of her tour in California and the Pacific Northwest. Hopefully it won’t be another 15 years for her to come around again, but it was well worth the wait. [Read more…]
Long Awaited Dido World Tour Begins, Supporting New Album “Still On My Mind”
Dido’s first world tour in many, many years kicked off in Prague this week. Supporting her amazing new album, Still On My Mind, this is her first global tour in 15 years. The tour reaches North America in Chicago in mid-June, and their are opportunities for fans to also buy tickets for a premium experience including meet and greet and an invite to the soundcheck. It’s been twenty years since Dido’s multi-platinum debut in 1999, No Angel (ultimately selling 21 million copies!). [Read more…]
Adam Ant at Silver Legacy Resort Casino | Reno, Nevada | 8/4/2018 (Concert Review + Photos)
“This next song I’ve been singing since I first came to the USA many years ago… it still means a great deal to me. It’s called Kings of the Wild Frontier.” Adam Ant with his amazing band, in front of an enthusiastic crowd at Silver Legacy Resort Casino’s Grande Exposition Hall in Reno, Nevada. Performing artists say things like that all the time, and a jaded concert-goer might consider it mere banter in-between songs. Not so, with Adam Ant. After performing that song on Saturday night – originally released early in the New Wave era way back in 1980 – Adam Ant paused for a moment as the heartfelt accolades of the fans in the room showered over him. For some reason, I happened to capture the moment in video on my iPhone from the video screen off to the side (iPhone video snippet here), and at the time and in review again going through my notes and videos I took another look and Adam Ant has so much emotion and gratitude on his face at that moment that it’s genuinely moving to, well, feel him “feel”. He brings so much to the stage with his concert and presumably touring in general these days that I felt so fortunate to just be part of this incredible show that brings his latest North American tour to an end. It’s definitely may favorite show of 2018 thus far, and I can’t imagine anything besting the experience. Truly an icon of music and pop culture for my generation, and I firmly believe his live shows today are the best he’s ever given his fans.
Adam Ant’s “ANTHEMS: The Singles Tour” 2018 in the U.S. Begins on Friday
After much success touring in 2017, Adam Ant will be bringing his “ANTHEMS: The Singles Tour” back to the U.S. starting this Friday in New Jersey. On this set of selected dates, it is expected that fans will be treated to the best singles including classics and B-sides as well as rarities and personal favorites. On tour supporting Adam Ant are the all-female band Glam Skanks. [photo above by Dave Newbold, provided by Adam Ant management] [Read more…]
Adam Ant Kicks Off 2017 With North American Tour; 35th Anniversary of “Kings Of The Wild Frontier”
80s music icon Adam Ant is celebrating the 35th anniversary of his landmark album Kings of the Wild Frontier with a newly remastered box set release, as well as a North American tour kicking off next month in Washington DC. With this new tour, Adam Ant will play the album in its entirety and in sequence. [Read more…]
Sarah McLachlan Concert Dates Beginning This Month For U.S. and Canada With Her “Shine On Tour”
Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Sarah McLachlan has announced concert dates for both the United States and Canada as part of her “Shine On Tour”. Her eighth studio album, Shine On, was released last month. The “Shine On Tour” begins later this month in Seattle. [Read more…]
Selah Sue’s North American Tour to Hit The Independent in San Francisco August 25th – Chance To Win Tickets from Another Planet Entertainment
Belgian singer-songwriter Selah Sue and her headlining North American tour is coming to the left half of the U.S. in coming weeks, before playing some dates and festivals abroad. Finding both critical and commercial success in recent years, the young artist will be bringing her unique mix of R&B, soul, and reggae to The Independent in San Francisco on August 25th, and Another Planet Entertainment has provided some tickets to give away for this upcoming date at one of the best intimate venues in the Bay Area. If you e-mail me your name and share this post on Facebook or tweet a link on Twitter, you will have a chance to win a pair of tickets to the upcoming concert in San Francisco. Entries must be received by Thursday, August 22nd. You can also still purchase tickets for this show for $15 – see www.apeconcerts.com. [Read more…]
Adam Ant and The Good, The Mad & The Lovely Posse at Balboa Theatre | San Diego, California | 7/17/2013 (Concert Review)
“This is a song for you young lovers out there. I was in love once. When I picked my guts up afterwards, I wrote this tiny little song, I hope you enjoy it; it’s called Wonderful.” A twisted sort of sentiment about his most mainstream song, New Wave icon and post-punk pioneer Adam Ant and The Good, The Mad & The Lovely Posse kicked on their 40-city North American tour in San Diego last night, at the classy Balboa Theatre. Adam Ant launched his first album in 18 years, Adam Ant is the Blueback Hussar in Marrying the Gunner’s Daughter, earlier this year. Somehow last night’s show felt even more spectacular than the one I caught in San Francisco last year. Adam Ant was like a rock star possessed; perhaps more confident and somehow… joyful? At one point deep into the set, he tossed his mic stand, which landed on his bass player’s effects pedals, completely shorting them all out. One of the stage crew came out and messed with it briefly, then unplugged it and plugged him directly into his amp… the relentless onslaught of music could not be stopped, or even paused due to technical difficulties… and the near sold out crowd was perhaps treated to a more raw version of what was planned. A lot of music acts continually reinvent themselves, over and over, sometimes to the point where they become a series of completely different artists. Adam Ant is different. He is today what he was more than 30 years ago, in terms of his identity, style, and sound. He has evolved, of course, but stayed true to what he was and has always been – one of those rare artists who maybe got it perfect the first time.