Playing on stage for nearly three and a half hours, with just two 2-minute breaks and almost no in-between song chit chat, The Cure was all about songs and performance at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Oahu last night, making the legendary band’s first ever concert in Hawaii maybe one of the best for those lucky enough to score tickets at the sold out arena. Last night’s rocking show was all about fan service, from the sprawling 38-song set list to the special meet and greet opportunity for those who were able to get one of the coveted front row seats on the floor; the decades old group that is impossible to categorize played a dream set of many of their seemingly endless catalog of hits, spanning their entire career. Though they’ve been one of my own favorite bands since the 80s, I haven’t seen them live since their Wish Tour in the early 90s. I’ve been to over 60 concerts so far this year and with that probably have seen sets by well over 100 artists, and I would definitely rank this as one of my Top Three shows so far in 2013. Having traveled special to the islands for this special concert event – part of their “The Great Circle Tour” – it was definitely more than worth it as it was an unforgettable experience.
The Cure Announce Special Concert in Hawaii Neil Blaisdell Center Arena in Honolulu on Hawaii for July 30th
Live Nation and BAMP Project today announced a special concert in Hawaii by Goth and Modern Rock icons The Cure. The Robert Smith fronted band will play the Neil Blaisdell Center Arena in Honolulu on Oahu on July 30th. Tickets will be on sale Friday, June 14th at 10 am at www.bampproject.com. Special front row seats will be offered with a portion of those proceeds for the ticket price to benefit the Hawaii Arts Alliance, which also include a meet and greet with Robert Smith. [Read more…]
Journey at Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu | Oahi, Hawaii | 12/14/2012 (Concert Review)
I was fortunate enough to see the second gig on Journey’s 2012 concert tour, which was at Stateline, Nevada in South Lake Tahoe (see prior review). As mentioned at the time, it was an unforgettable evening, and one of the best concerts of the year for me, and if I had the opportunity, that I’d like to see them again before year end. I was able to make that dream come true Friday night, this time seeing the second to the last show of 2012, and the second of three special concerts at the Neal S. Blaisdell Arena in Honolulu, Hawaii, on the island of Oahu. It was a much different show (more on that later), and just as enjoyable as the first, as the legendary band played pop and rock music standards that have stood the test of time for decades. Definitely a great send off to an amazing year for concerts.
Morrissey at Kaka’ako Beach Park Amphitheater | Oahu, Hawaii | 5/19/2012 (Concert Review)
After the previous night’s incredible Morrissey concert at the Castle Theater in Maui, I had such an amazing time I had zero expectations for anything remarkable happening with the show the very next day at the Kaka’ako Beach Park Amphitheater in Honolulu on Oahu. My feeling was that this second consecutive show would serve as more of a bonus or supplement to the first. And, again, all expectations were exceeded. Somehow I ended up in the exact same spot as I found myself the night before (front row pit, stage right), though I had encountered some unexpected challenges even getting to the venue with ticket in hand. A larger outdoor venue (compared with the small and intimate indoor theater the night before), it was an altogether different experience in many ways, and I feel so very fortunate to have been in attendance for two such outstanding shows. For me the highlight was a stripped down rendition of “Please Please Please Let Me Get What I Want”, which was so awesome, the woman standing next to me was literally in tears. Phenomenal show. [Read more…]
Morrissey at Castle Theater | Maui, Hawaii | 5/18/2012 (Concert Review)
“When was the last time, that you did something for the first time?” That was the question Morrissey posed to his audience, upon entering the stage, before tearing into one of my favorite songs of all time, “How Soon Is Now?” Morrissey has always been one to prompt both thought and action with his work, from introspective self awareness in general, to supporting his causes with his music, as with “Meat is Murder” (also on the set list tonight). And his work has always been complimented by his incredible live performances, filled with more reciprocal energy between the deep connection between he and his fans than you will find most anywhere else. And even among those shows, there was a remarkable spark in the air for those of us on a small island in the middle of the ocean to take part in this event. [Read more…]