Keeping up with the latest going on with Mike

Mike and Laura go to Florida (with the kids)
Late June, 2006

Mike and Laura go to Montreal (without the kids!)
Mid August, 2006

I went to more shows this Summer than any Summer of my life!
Here are ones that were worth remembering (or forgetting)!
 

Arctic Monkeys
One of the best shows of the Summer. Great Energy fun crowd. But didn't I see these guys back in the early 80s too?

The Streets
One of my favorites, but somewhat disappointing live show. Excellent "headphone band" can't quite translate it into a great live show.

The Sounds
Swedish Power Punk Pop at it's best. But again, didn't I see them in the 80s as well? I think they were called Blondie then!

Sonic Youth
Didn't I see these guys in the 80s? Yes! The same group, still together after all of these years and still going just as strong. Most packed show of the Summer.

System of a Down
Excellent show as part of Ozzfest. SOAD delivered live. Best Progressive and Political Metal band around.

Ozzy Osbourne
Although I've been an "early" Black Sabbath fan since the 70s, I've never seen them live. I guess this is 2nd best now. Didn't care for the solo music, but the Sabbath material was great.

Henry Rollins Band
Although I much prefer Rollins' spoken word material, the band was quite entertaining. Henry Rollins doesn't hold back one drop of energy. I saw Him with Black Flag back in the early 80s. After the show he was just hanging around outside on Lansdowne St. I got to meet with and chat for a bit. I told him I saw Black Flag in the winter back in the early 80s during a messy snowstorm. I couldn't remember the date or venue name. In 2 seconds he calmly says, "yes, I remember it well, it was at Streets, December 17th, 1981, great show."

X
The Original LA Punk band reunited for a tour (Or money?). The quality of their sound was in tact but Exene Cervenka wasn't quite as well preserved!

Asia
Yes, the first 80s "Supergroup" in its original format was unearthed for their 25th anniversary tour. Since I was a huge Yes and Emerson Lake and Palmer fan in the 70s I thought this may be the last chance to see some of these guys alive (I was generous on the photo I used here!). Fortunately for me, they are not only still at the top of their game musically, but rather than just play dreadful Asia songs, they decided to mix in tracks from their former bands. To hear originals playing "Roundabout", "Fanfare for the Common Man", "In the Court of the Crimson King" and even "Video Killed the Radio Star" in a club setting was unbelievable.
 

Snow Patrol
I used to like them a lot more before they suddenly became famous and the next Coldplay. Yuck. Very boring show, little stage presence, just one I'd skip next time around. Their latest CD is still great, but why listen to it when it's shoved down your throat on the radio constantly!

File these two shows under "What am I doing Here?"
 

The Wreckers
OK, I admit I am a Michelle Branch fan, but this new duo is just a bit too country for this city boy! This is an original photo taken by me!

KISS Concert, 2006
I must be losing it! Nick Lachey, Bo Bice, Ne-Yo? This was the low point of this Summer's shows!

Still to Come...
 

Imogen Heap

Ladytron

The Secret Machines

George Carlin
(Yes, he's still alive!)

Mike Meets "Lizardo"
Doesn't he look like the guy next door? What a freaky, yet very articulate guy. I guess people will do anything to get themselves into Ripley's Believe it or Not!