Tattered Sons

 I just wanna go to a concert.

Stop crying and throwing temper tantrums. America has opened up a little bit more. And guess what? Bands have concerts again now.

While you were at home pouting, watching another show on Netflix, I was out at Knoxville Harley-Davidson seeing Tattered Sons from southern Kentucky.

Photo credit to owner

With a 14-song setlist, there was plenty to bob your head to and sing along with--or just plain enjoy. This generous setlist allowed everyone to choose their favorites. My favorite original was "Walking Shoes" and cover, "For Whom the Bell Tolls." Other covers they played were "Mississippi Queen"--complete with cowbell--and "Come Together." 

They kept promising some good rock music; they delivered.

Derek Lester, bass
Photo credit Best Shots Photography

Tattered Sons wants to come to Knoxville as many times as possible. Do yourself a favor: turn off the TV, get out of the house, and go see them. 

Stairway to Zeppelin: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin

A piece of advice for those my age and younger: see as many tribute bands as possible. In that way, you can capture the way rock bands played when music was king, had substance, mystery. On the top of your list should be Stairway to Zeppelin: A Tribute to Led Zeppelin 

They graced us loyal, proud concert goers at Open Chord this past Saturday night, playing all the hits of Led Zeppelin. The hour-and-a-half long set did us lifetime Zep fans justice. Bottom line: you name the song, chances are they played it. From "Black Dog" to "The Immigrant Song" to "Ramble On" to "The Ocean" (one of my personal favorites), they kept us on our feet, at the edge of our seats, wanting more. 

In addition to his vocals effortlessly echoing those of Robert Plant, lead vocalist Phil Creamer continually fascinated me with swinging his hips, arching his back. Even at this writing, I'm still mesmerized.

Photo Credit Best Shots Photography

Add to that the audience participation. After all, we know all the words.

Photo Credit Best Shots Photography

Guitarist Paul O'Connor was unreserved in his charisma and talent...especially when they played "Dazed and Confused" (ie, the bow).

Photo Credit Best Shots Photography

Surely everyone who has listened deeply to Zep's songs like I have

loves their innovativeness in their music. Therefore, I won't sound strange when I say I like the thumping bass at the beginning of "Dazed and Confused," brought to us by bass player Eric Swanson.

Photo Credit Best Shots Photography

In case you're wondering, yes, they played "Stairway to Heaven." Something awesome about their cover of it is, they had drums through the whole song. Excellent work, Paul Scholten.


Photo Credit Best Shots Photography