U2 finds riches and renewal via 'eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour' in Las Vegas

U2’s eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour is coming to the Forum in Inglewood, CA on Tuesday, May 15
and Wednesday, May 16. U2, from left, is The Edge, Bono, Larry Mullen Jr. and Adam Clayton.
 Photo by Danny North

If you caught U2's The Joshua Tree Tour 2017, you weren't alone. After all, the stadium-minded extravaganza featuring a complete performance of their 1987 masterwork grossed $316 million while selling 2.71 million tickets. This writer caught two of the 51 shows (the tour opener in Vancouver and their final U.S. date, a late September gig in San Diego featuring Beck as the opener) and they were both impressive.

Exactly one year after seeing U2 perform the kick-off to their previous tour in British Columbia, I found myself in Las Vegas at the decidedly more intimate T-Mobile Arena catching the sixth show of their eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour on a beautiful Saturday night (May 12, 2018).

Bono (pictured) and the other members of U2 will
bring high-tech visuals to arenas this spring and
summer. Photo by Danny North

This time around, U2 has opted out of performing at gigantic stadiums and is only playing smaller arenas en route to delivering an experience very different than what fans of the Irish quartet got last time around. Essentially, the new tour is a continuation and companion to U2's Innocence + Experience Tour in support of 2014's Songs of Innocence LP that wrapped up in December 2015 but only played out at 10 cities in the North America. Like the 2015 tour, the eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour features an impressive projection screen that runs the length of the floor bringing visual elements and band mates Bono, The Edge, Adam Clayton and Larry Mullen Jr. as close as possible to concertgoers in every part of the arena. The screen also is able to accommodate members of U2 actually performing and moving inside the high-def marvel — even interacting with animated images and those of their fellow band mates. Amazing.

All of the planning, 21st century technology and great sound systems in the world wouldn't mean a thing if U2 couldn't deliver artistically. A long-time fan of U2 (I first caught the band at the US Festival in May 1983 and have seen them dozens of times since), the band delivered a powerful and deeply affecting 130-minute concert event on May 12. Those wanting a nostalgic-centered show of hits will only be partially satisfied; about a half of the songs offered up in Las Vegas came from the band's two most recent albums (2014's Songs of Innocence and 2017's Songs of Experience). 

Bono, left, and The Edge seen on the massive projection
screen during the performance of the deep cut "Acrobat."
Photo by Robert Kinsler

And while there were certainly staples of the band's four-decade discography offered up (including "I Will Follow," "Beautiful Day," "Sunday Bloody Sunday" and "One"), there was a strong focus on deeper cuts from the past as well as recent gems that provided a magical experience for die hard fans. It was simply spellbinding to watch the band soar through "Acrobat," a nugget from Achtung Baby never before played live by the band until this tour's opening date in Oklahoma on May 2. "Staring at the Sun" — offered up during an acoustic set — was so beautiful and I marveled that the song hadn't been featured in a U2 set since 2001. 

The consequence of this calculated focus on deeper and newer cuts were long-time favorites such as "With or Without You," "Bullet the Blue Sky" and "Where the Streets Have No Name" were nowhere to be found. But there was such power in the set that such omissions didn't matter; in fact, they likely enhanced this night.

Special moments came early and continued through the fast-moving two-part concert. Bono opened the show, alone on the long ramp as he sang "Love Is All We Have Left," a foreshadowing of the wide-ranging themes of love, loss, family, faith and political turmoil that defined so much of the lyrical content to come. 

The Edge's guitar playing continues to astound, especially when heard in an expansive concert setting; his first major solo during "Lights Of Home" bolstered that song to be sure. And even his driving rhythm work was a wonder, notably on early favorites such as "I Will Follow" and "Gloria," the latter featuring his use of both ringing harmonics and even pounding on the guitar body for effect before unleashing another otherworldly lead foray. And, never to be overlooked, the signature drive of Clayton's driving bass guitar and Mullen Jr.'s solid drumming provided for nuanced and potent versions of the material all night. The house lights up, the band roared through "Beautiful Day."

U2 on the big screen. Photo by Robert Kinsler

Bono and The Edge took the lead in interacting with the video and animated images on the screen, which itself was positioned over a ramp that connected the main stage and a secondary stage toward the rear of the T-Mobile Arena. The use of the screen (which could be raised and lowered artfully) and ramp never negatively impacted the power of the set; a second focusing on Bono's youth in Dublin was empowered by paintings and old movies; the performance of "Iris (Hold Me Close)," a song for Bono's late mother, was especially poignant. Leading up to the song, Bono noted: "A story about a boy and his search for his mother...a household that never mentioned her name; her name was Iris." Bono's weighty vocals, Edge's shimmering guitar and sublime harmonies added up to one of the most special offerings of the concert.

"Sunday Bloody Sunday" also benefited from the stage production. All four members performed, lined up on the ramp an equal distance apart. The subsequent performance of a newer song, "Raised By Wolves," got a huge unprompted boost when a good share of the audience would sing the "Raised By Wolves" refrain. And capping up the mighty run, U2 leveled the arena with a rocking version of "Until the End of the World."

The second half of the concert was just as awe-inspiring, featuring a high-octane opening punch with "Elevation" and "Vertigo." An acoustic-styled set presented on the second stage included "Desire," the aforementioned "Acrobat," lovely "You're The Best Thing About Me" and "Staring at the Sun."

A view of the projection screen during U2's set on May 12.
Photo by Robert Kinsler

The band's focus then turned and remained focused on the world stage and current events, including troubling images of hate groups such as the KKK and Nazis marching in American streets. Some of the disturbing images were then offset by those seeking to fight back and finally a black & white image of Martin Luther King Jr. as the band led the audience through a spirited version of "Pride (In the Name of Love)." U2 continued to make points geared toward a more inclusive America, women's rights and undocumented refugees via a run of songs that included a fiery "American Soul" (complete with Bono using a bullhorn) and an inspired "One." The night ended with a gorgeous "13 (There Is A Light)," with Bono at the far end of the arena from his band mates before they came together to end a very special night.

U2's set list at T-Mobile Arena on Saturday, May 12, 2018
Love Is All We Have Left, The Blackout, Lights Of Home, I Will Follow, Gloria / Van Morrison's Gloria (snippet), Beautiful Day, The Ocean, Iris (Hold Me Close), Cedarwood Road, Sunday Bloody Sunday / When Johnny Comes Marching Home (snippet), Raised By Wolves / Psalm 23 (snippet), Until the End of the World, (Intermission - Hold Me, Thrill Me, Kiss Me, Kill Me), Elevation, Vertigo / The Jean Genie (snippet), Desire, Sympathy For The Devil (snippet) / Acrobat, You're The Best Thing About Me acoustic, Staring at the Sun acoustic, This Is Not America(snippet) / Pride (In the Name of Love), Get Out Of Your Own Way, American Soul, City of Blinding Lights
Encore: One / Invisible (snippet), Love Is Bigger Than Anything in Its Way, 13 (There Is A Light)

(Click Here to read my post that originally ran in The Orange County Register looking at "6 things to know about U2's eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour that comes to the Forum this week")

Robert Kinsler

U2’s eXPERIENCE + iNNOCENCE Tour

When: 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 15; 8 p.m. Wednesday, May 16

Where: 3900 W. Manchester Blvd.,  Inglewood

Tickets: $46-$176, plus fees

Information: ticketmaster.com

The Rolling Stones' "From The Vault: No Security - San Jose 1999" to be released on July 13, 2018

This sounds really amazing! Hope to see it and feature a review on this site soon...

EAGLE ROCK ENTERTAINMENT PROUDLY PRESENTS

THE ROLLING STONES

FROM THE VAULT: NO SECURITY – SAN JOSE 1999

CONCERT FILM OUT JULY 13 2018

“Stalking the bowels of an arena like the world's skinniest bullies, they prowled out in person, limbs twitching in that collective reflex of theirs … rock's barnstorming lifers…” - SF Gate / Chronicle

~PRE-ORDER AVAILABLE HERE~

~VIEW TRAILER HERE~

New York, NY (May 10, 2018)—On July 13, 2018, Eagle Rock Entertainment release From The Vault: No Security - San Jose 1999, the latest in the acclaimed and collectable From The Vault series. Mining the previously unreleased treasures of the band’s archive, this is a simultaneous release on DVD, Blu-ray, DVD + 2CD, 3LPand digital.

No Security captures a stand-out Stones show, with the band in searing form during the closing leg of their American tour in San Jose. Celebrating their return to the city that originally hosted them in 1965, the Stones played to 33,000 people over two nights – intimate by their current day standards. The band opened with “Jumpin Jack Flash”, hitting the stage with no security, no inflatables, no bells or whistles – just undeniable on-stage camaraderie - a tight-as-hell band delivering the ultimate rock show to their adoring fans. Treating the crowd to an up-close and personal experience on the B stage and leaving a frenzy in their wake, with Jagger pausing to take photographs of the crowd and high-fiving fans - it felt like a special night for both the Stones and the audience, “We’re here to have a good time” said Mick Jagger, and San Jose was excited to join the party.

The set list spans from the mid-sixties hit singles to the Bridges to Babylon album, including a bluesy, dramatic version of “Midnight Rambler”, a dark and swaggering “Out of Control”, and the rarely performed live, “Some Girls” and “Saint of Me”. The show was an electrifying, anthem-packed, cross generational hot ticket, concluding yet another chapter from the band that wrote the book on rock ‘n’ roll.

The No Security tour was a mostly arena-sized continuation of the Bridges To Babylon tour, which had grossed in excess of $274 million. No Security saw the Stones adopt a more stripped back approach, concentrating on the music and playing smaller venues, using fewer special effects and providing an unforgettable fan experience.

Track listing:

1. Jumpin’ Jack Flash
2. Bitch
3. You Got Me Rocking
4. Respectable
5. Honky Tonk Woman
6. I Got The Blues
7. Saint Of Me
8. Some Girls
9. Paint It Black
10. You Got The Silver
11. Before They Make Me Run
12. Out Of Control
13. Route 66
14. Get Off Of My Cloud
15. Midnight Rambler
16. Tumbling Dice
17. It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It)
18. Start Me Up
19. Brown Sugar
20. Sympathy For The Devil

2018 Doheny Blues Festival Preview

Buddy Guy "killing it" at Doheny Blues Festival in 2018.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Editor's note: Robert Kinsler recently was able to chat with Rich Sherman, president of festival organizer Omega Events, about the upcoming Doheny Blues Festival, coming to Sea Terrace Park in beautiful Dana Point, CA the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, May 19-20, 2018.

Jimmie Vaughan performing in
Dana Point in 2013.

Robert: "Doheny Blues Festival arrives in about a month. How is the planning coming along?"

Rich: "It's coming along great. Moving venues is not what we anticipated (the festival is coming from Doheny State Beach to nearby Sea Terrace Park). When we learned we couldn't hold it at our previous location, we met with the city right away. The city of Dana Point, area hotels and business leaders in town all wanted to keep the festival in the city.

"As it turns out, the venues (Doheny State Beach and Sea Terrace Park) are both about the same size. The layout will feel very similar. We'll have three stages with music, and all the craft beer locations and food booths that fans enjoy. Overall, the festival will feel very similar."

Robert: "I know the mix of artists has always been important. Talk a bit about this year's line-up of artists."

Rich: "When you start in January for a May festival, it's not ideal. We feel really great about the line-up given we got that late start. It's important to get great blues artists such as Buddy Guy and Jimmie Vaughan; we just felt to close the weekend with Buddy Guy was super important to us. We feel there is a great mix of artists. 

George Thorogood rocking at
Doheny Blues Festival in 2013.

"Even George Thorogood (whose blues album Party Of One was released in August 2017) extended his tour to perform at Doheny. 

Robert: "I'm a big fan of Larkin Poe (sisters Rebecca and Megan Lovell); tell me a little about how you came to bring them to the festival?

Rich: "Larkin Poe has been around for a couple of years, but in the last year kept doing tributes and making viral videos; they have covered Buddy Guy and all kinds of classic (blues) songs. They have just released a new album (titled Peach, released via Tricki-Woo Records on April 20). The album is similar to their videos, with a mix of blues covers and original material. Their story kind of reminds me of The Record Company (who thrilled the Doheny faithful on the Backporch Stage in May 2016)."

The California Honeydrops performing in Dana
Point in 2014.

Robert: "Another great young group is the California Honeydrops. Talk a little about what they bring to Dana Point?"

Rich: "They're just a party. Have to break up all the guitar players with some funk. They're great; they make you want to dance and smile.

"Anders Osborne is making his first-ever appearance at Doheny; and with Kim Wilson's Blues and Boogie, Vol. 1 and John Németh's Feelin' Freaky (produced by Luther Dickinson), we are featuring two artists who released two of the best blues albums of the year." 

Nikki Hill in 2014.

Robert: "I know it's a big deal for people who have been long-time concertgoers to think about going to a new site. What would you like to tell fans of your event, which has been in Dana Point since 1998?"

Rich: "It would be for folks to trust us. For those who think 'My festival is gone,' it's not. It has just moved up the street, and we are designing and re-imagining the festival. We are rebuilding the festival for another 20 years. It's a challenge. But those are the challenges we take on with every festival we produce.

"Our goal is to produce the best festival for all the people who will be there."






Here is the line-up for the upcoming Doheny Blues Festival:

Nathan James in 2010.

Saturday, May 19, 2018
George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Blues Traveler
Jimmie Vaughan
Anders Osborne
Eric Gales
Larkin Poe
Knock-Out Greg
Chris Cain and the All-Stars
Mitch Woods
Nathan James
Dany Franchi
Artur Menezes
The Silver Kings

Buddy Guy at Doheny Blues Fest
in May 2013.

Sunday, May 20, 2018
Buddy Guy
Eric Burdon and The Animals
Beth Hart
The California Honeydrops
John Németh Love Light Orechestra
Nikki Hill
Kim Wilson Blues All-Stars
Curtis Salgado / Alan Hager
Quinn Sullivan
Santos Y Sinners
Mercedes Moore




For more information on the Doheny Blues Festival, including how to get tickets, visit the official website here.

A special thank you to Bob Steshetz for all his wonderful photography!

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame: A Music Lover's Wish List

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 2018 Induction Ceremony premiered on HBO on Saturday May 5, with Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits, The Moody Blues, Nina Simone and Sister Rosetta Tharpe added to the museum's ranks.

Watching the event (and seeing the Cars and Moody Blues finally get a nod) got me thinking about a number of my own favorite artists who have not yet been honored with induction into the Cleveland, Ohio-based Rock Hall. The following is my list of 10 artists that are fully deserving of the honor.

Bad Company's Paul Rodgers
in Dana Point in May 2015.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

Bad Company –  Despite the obvious (and mandatory) inclusion of The Beatles and The Rolling Stones, I have often wondered if there has been a strong bias against British rockers. Just look how long it took for Electric Light Orchestra, Deep Purple, Moody Blues and solo careers of George Harrison and Ringo Starr to land a spot; no surprise my "wish list" of inductees includes a long line of groundbreaking and popular Brits. Eligible since the early 1990s, British supergroup Bad Company featured singer-songwriter Paul Rodgers and drummer Simon Kirke (of Free),  guitarist Mick Ralphs (of Mott the Hoople) and bassist Boz Burrell (of King Crimson); the strong quartet carved out a number of bona fide classic rockers including "Bad Company," "Good Lovin' Gone Bad," "Movin' On," "Feel Like Makin' Love," "Gone Gone Gone" and "Can't Get Enough." 


Big Star – Album sales aren't everything. Big Star's debut (#1 Record) was cursed with minimal marketing and distribution from Stax Records upon its release in 1972 despite universal praise from critics. A similar fate befell the group's equally-sterling second LP (Radio City). However, the Memphis rockers' legacy has continued to grow with every passing year; count R.E.M., Cheap Trick, the Posies, the Replacements and the Bangles among the many high-profile groups who have acknowledged the huge influence of Big Star on their music. The group's blend of Beatles-styled melodies and crunchy guitars sounds as contemporary today as it did 45 years ago. 

Boston – Not only do Boston's most enduring hits from the late '70s and early '80s ("More Than A Feeling," "Foreplay/Long Time," "Peace of Mind," "Smokin'," "Hitch a Ride," "Don't Look Back," "Amanda") remain great sounding staples on rock radio, but the band's textured and layered approach to multi-track recording continues to influence music makers across the spectrum today. 


Kate Bush - Decades before artists such as Björk and Florence Welch (of Florence + the Machine) impressed with a mix of song, dance and visual arts, English songstress Kate Bush impressed with her mastery of multiple art forms. At age 19, her 1978 single "Wuthering Heights" earned her the honor of being the first female artist to have a self-penned single atop the British charts. Other great songs have followed, including "Don't Give Up" (an enduring duet with Peter Gabriel), "Running Up That Hill" and "King of the Mountain."

Robert Smith of The Cure performing at the Pantages
Theatre in Los Angeles in November 2011.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The Cure – I could be wrong, but I don't think The Cure has ever even been nominated for admission into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame! Crazy when you gaze beyond the 30 million in album sales and consider the massive influence of Robert Smith's potent vocals and distinctive guitar work as well as the band's goth-rock stylings that laid the groundwork for a slew of descendants including the Church, the Smashing Pumpkins and Interpol.


Depeche Mode – If getting into the Rock Hall is all about album sales and longevity, credit synth pop pioneers Depeche Mode with more than 100 million albums dating back to the early 1980s. But more importantly, the group's groundbreaking blend of electronica and rock continues to impress and influence countless artists who came after (notably Nine Inch Nails). 


Devo – Formed way back in 1973 in Ohio, Devo's groundbreaking minimalist sound set the stage for Thomas Dolby, the Cars, the B-52's and many others. Look beyond the group's best known hits ("Whip It" and a cover of the Rolling Stones' "Satisfaction") and discerning listeners will be immersed in a mix of sci-fi themes, social commentary and a much-needed sense of fun.

Thom Yorke of Radiohead.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Radiohead – Although the English quintet Radiohead was nominated for inclusion in 2018 they didn't make the final cut. Radiohead (singer-guitarist Thom Yorke, bassist Colin Greenwood, lead guitarist-keyboardist Jonny Greenwood, rhythm guitarist Ed O'Brien and drummer Phil Selway) is widely acknowledged by discerning music fans and critics as one of the greatest alternative rock acts of the past 25 years. The band continues to push rock forward and has issued fantastic and groundbreaking music as far back as their 1992 single "Creep" (covered by everybody from Prince to Macy Gray!). Radiohead should be nominated and inducted without question in 2019.


The Smiths – Although the Smiths only recorded a handful of studio albums in the 1980s, the quartet's influence is massive. The widely-acknowdged founding father of Britpop, the Smiths' pioneering sound and style influenced a continuing wave of British greats including the Stone Roses, Oasis, Blur, Travis and Ride.

The Zombies performing in Beverly Hills, CA in 2015.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

The Zombies – English rockers The Zombies have been nominated several times dating back to 2013 but omitted in favor of the artistically-deficient likes of Journey, Cat Stevens and Bon Jovi. To be clear, the Zombies' were a key part of the seminal British Invasion and were the first rock band to masterfully blend melodic rock, baroque pop and jazz together successfully. Eligible since 1988, the Zombies' 1968 album "Odessey and Oracle" is one of the greatest albums of all time. To put it simply, it is criminal that the Zombies (who remain a top-tier live and recording act in 2018) are not in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

In addition to the aforementioned snubs, artists that I personally love and would like to see at least get a nomination include New Order, The Smithereens, Aimee Mann, The Monkees, Ten Years After and Peter Frampton for starters...

Robert Kinsler

'LIFE OF THE PARTY – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack' coming May 11, 2018

Here is a media release on a upcoming soundtrack coming out this Friday...

VARÈSE SARABANDE RECORDS PROUD TO RELEASE  

LIFE OF THE PARTY – ORIGINAL MOTION PICTURE SOUNDTRACK

 

Party-Filled Song Compilation Featuring Tracks From Cyndi Lauper, Meghan Trainor, The Sugarhill Gang, and more!

With Original Music by Fil Eisler

Varèse Sarabande is honored to announce the release of the LIFE OF THE PARTY – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack digitally and on CD on May 11, 2018. The album is a party-filled compilation of songs by artists including Meghan Trainor, Evie Sands, Cyndi Lauper, The Sugarhill Gang and Chick Norris with original music by Composer Fil Eisler (EMPIRE, THE TITAN).

Composer Fil Eisler and Director/Writer Ben Falcone where in agreement about the direction of the score from the beginning. “The conversations with Ben were always about story and character and about the mother daughter relationship between Melissa McCarthy’s character and Molly Gordon,” Eisler explained. “There is this woman who had been secure in her life for twenty something years suddenly being thrown out into a whole new world that she knew very little about. She feels vulnerable and naive in some ways but strong at the same time. We didn’t approach it from a comedic perspective at all.”

 

New Line Cinema’s comedy LIFE OF THE PARTY stars Melissa McCarthy under the direction of Ben Falcone.  When her husband suddenly dumps her, longtime dedicated housewife Deanna (McCarthy) turns regret into re-set by going back to college…landing in the same class and school as her daughter, who’s not entirely sold on the idea. Plunging headlong into the campus experience, the increasingly outspoken Deanna—now Dee Rock—embraces freedom, fun and frat boys on her own terms, finding her true self in a senior year no one ever expected

 

“The main theme, the ‘mother and daughter’ theme was basically the springboard for the whole score,” said Eisler. “It appears a few times but almost always in some new guise depending on the scene. It was really nice because there’s a hint of emotion in it, almost melancholy but a sort of resolve as well. It worked really well in the emotional scenes without pouring it on, and speeding it up turned it into this very upbeat triumphant cue when Melissa’s character is first starting to find her footing in college.”

 

Fil Eisler is one of today’s busiest and most diverse composers, with projects that range from big studio action pieces and comedies, to gritty independent films and hit television shows. Eisler recently scored Sony’s action thriller PROUD MARY starring Taraji P. Henson, AMC’s new comedy series, DIETLAND, starring Joy Nash and Julianna Margulies, and the Netflix sci-fi thriller THE TITAN, starring Sam Worthington

 

Eisler’s inventive scores and signature themes enliven some of TV’s most popular series and notable films. He composes for Fox’s Golden Globe-nominated drama series EMPIRE, where his tension filled orchestral cues provide a powerful contrast to the show’s hip-hop soundtrack, as well as Lifetime’s Peabody-winning seriesUNREAL, Bravo’s hit comedy drama series GIRLFRIENDS’ GUIDE TO DIVORCE, and Showtime's Emmy-winning SHAMELESS. Eisler was also both the composer and conductor for ABC’s breakout hit drama REVENGE.  In addition, In 2017 Eisler completed the scores for Netflix’s drama TO THE BONE starring Lily Collins andWarner Bros.’ hilarious film reboot of the fan-favorite series, CHIPS, starring Dax Shepard, Michael Peña and Kristen Bell.

 

 

Tracklist

 

1. Girls Just Want To Have Fun - Cyndi Lauper
2. First Day Of School
3. Oblivion - Five Knives
4. Apache (Jump on It) - The Sugarhill Gang
5.  
6. Stick Up - Chick Norris
7. The Mystery Guest
8.  
9.  
10. Woman Up - Meghan Trainor
11. Winning
12. Photo Album
13. Workin on My Tan B*tch - Blind Scuba Divers
14. Quitting School
15. Grizzled Wizzard
16. Grazing Razzles
17. Haircut For Jennifer
18. Party Plan
19. You’ve Got Me Up Tight - Evie Sands
20. Show Of Support
21. Cap Toss
22. Happy Deanna Theme Sketch
23. Mother Daughter V1 Theme Sketch
24. Mother Daughter v2 Theme Sketch

 

 

 

Warner Brothers & New Line Pictures presents LIFE OF THE PARTY in theaters May 11, 2018. Varèse  Sarabande is honored to announce the release of LIFE OF THE PARTY – Original Motion Picture Soundtrack digitally and on CD on May 11, 2018.

 

www.varesesarabande.com

 

Daryl Hall & John Oates, Train and Kandace Springs bring rock 'n' soul to Honda Center in Anaheim

File photo of Daryl Hall, left, and John Oates.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

A night of feel good rock 'n' soul delivered via two established hit makers and one rising newcomer made for a full night of fun at the Honda Center in Anaheim on Sunday night (May 6, 2018).

Performing a 90+ minute set stacked with audience favorites, Daryl Hall & John Oates delighted the Honda Center from the moment they took the stage, opening with the infectious "Maneater." Backed by a terrific six-member band, the famed duo offered their parade of hits with versions that were at times mostly-faithful to the radio versions but more often provided extended and playful extended takes bolstered by the instrumental firepower of the musicians on stage. So with "Maneater," an early standout was a dueling lead solos between Oates on electric guitar and long-time sax player Charles DeChant.

File photo of John Oates, left, with sax player Charles
DeChant. Photo: Kelly A. Swift

The lush vocal harmonies and more intricate guitar work and Hall's obvious talents as a soulful vocalist enhanced "Out of Touch." An especially potent version of the duo's 1983 hit "Say It Isn't So" featured some of Hall's most affecting lead vocals of the night; the track ended with an artful blend of Hall, Oates and Shane Theriot all offering up lead guitar work together.

A wide view of Daryl Hall & John Oates show during the
performance of "She's Gone" on May 6, 2018.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Material spanning from the early '70s to 2018 was featured this night. The duo's delightful cover of "You've Lost That Loving Feeling" (recorded by Hall & Oates in 1980) with both singers sharing lead vocal duties, and "She's Gone" (originally featured on the 1973 album Abandoned Luncheonette) were other early highlights of their set.

Reaching beyond their biggest hits, the duo reached back to their third album (1974's War Babies) to perform the rousing jazz-meets-rock track "Is It a Star?" Featuring all kinds of cool atmospheric guitar work and smooth sax textures, it was a definite sharp addition to the set list.

One of the things that has really set this summer tour apart was how Hall & Oates have really embraced the spirit of Hall's "Live from Daryl's House" TV series in the concert setting. Train's Pat Monahan (a previous guest on the popular series in 2010) joined the duo onstage for a mini-set that was an audience favorite. 

Recent file photo of Daryl Hall.
Photo: Kelly A. Swift

Kicking off this mini-set with their recent collaboration "Philly Forget Me Not," the single was even more impressive live with the mix of vocals than on the new recording. Next came the beautiful "Wait For Me," a lovely ballad featuring Monahan and Hall sharing lead vocals, with Hall's work on the grand piano anchoring the song. Finally, Hall introduced "Calling All Angels" acknowledging it as one of his favorite Train songs. The selection was powerful, complete with the sharing of voices and big choruses (locals love the song; "Calling All Angels" is played with a video montage of key moments in the team's history before every home game at Angel Stadium in Anaheim).

Then it was Hall & Oates and company in the limelight for several of their biggest hits including the dance-minded "Kiss On My List" and equally catchy "Private Eyes." The encore provided more highlights ("Rich Girl," "You Make My Dreams") for the enthusiastic audience.

Train performing "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)" at Honda Center.
Photo: Robert Kinsler

Train opened for Hall & Oates with a 65-minute set featuring some of the band's greatest hits, a forthcoming single ("Call Me Sir") and a faithful cover of Led Zeppelin's "Living Loving Maid (She's Just a Woman)." Among the best performances was the rollicking old-styled rocker "Save Me San Francisco, breezy folk rocker "Angel in Blue Jeans" and "Meet Virginia." Train closed out their set with the propulsive dance-rock track "Drive By" and introspective "Drops of Jupiter (Tell Me)."

Opening the night was rising singer-songwriter-keyboardist Kandace Springs, who blended R&B, jazz, pop and soul over 30 minutes. A guest on "Live from Daryl's House" in 2015, Springs delivered an impressive set of material where she was backed by a drummer and bass player. In addition to her own soulful songs, she offered up poignant covers of Bonnie Raitt's "I Can't Make You Love Me" and Roberta Flack's "First Time Ever I Saw Your Face." Learn more about Springs at her official site.


Daryl Hall & John Oates and Train are on tour now through the summer. For more information, visit the official Hall & Oates website here.

Review by Robert Kinsler