New NEUZ

Joe Perry: The Concert Before

FAUX NEUZ attended the July 9, 2016 Hollywood Vampire Concert in Niagara Falls, New York, one day before viral video captured an ailing Perry walk off stage.   By Lionel Bachman. Published July 12, 2016. NIAGARA FALLS, NY - Cooper, Depp, Perry – The Hollywood Vampires.  A day before being captured on a viral video staggering off stage, Joe Perry took to the stage in Western New York with the Hollywood Vampires to perform a sold out show.  The band was in the middle of an aggressively scheduled tour - a tour with a lot of back-to-back dates without any time off between them – when the notorious Western New York weather tried its best to shut down the much anticipated show.  Moments before the show was to start, intense and intermittent heavy rainfall doused the audience, but even this couldn’t extinguish the mounting excitement within the large crowd to hear the band.   Likewise, the band wasn’t willing to back down either, and in harsh weather conditions other bands wouldn’t perform in, they rewarded those loyal wet fans with an electrifying performance. The Hollywood Vampires front man is the charismatic Alice Cooper, who’s voice strangely – like a fine wine (or cheese) - appears to be getting better with age.  Between a great set list of classic songs and enjoyably catchy originals, Alice recounts the storied past of a unique drinking club called the Hollywood Vampires.  Cooper, who’s shows like his voice draw fans like a magnet, is backed by an impressive cast of serious professional musicians, each with their own storied past.  On drums is the impressive former Velvet Revolver hitman Matt Sorum, hailing from the golden years of the Cult as well as the memorable Illusion line-up of Guns and Roses.  Stone Temple Pilot and groove genius Robert DeLeo’s bass keep the rocket flight on course.  Two other guitarists add to the sonic landscape – Alice’s lethal guitar virtuoso Tommy Henriksen and a man beyond introduction – Johnny Depp.  What can be said is Mr. Depp’s isn’t just a talented actor, but also a killer guitar master as well.  Armed with a cool metal front Dusenberg guitar, Johnny rips it up with several brilliant solos that easily persuade even hardened sceptics of his genuine guitar skills. While this was my first encounter with the Hollywood Vampires, it wasn’t the first time I had seen the eminent showman Joe Perry and enjoyed the insanely creative sounds from this guitar god.  Actually, I have seen him perform no less that ten times with Aerosmith over the years.  In fact, the first time I saw him was in Rochester New York in 1986. Later in the nineties I caught him a couple of times touring with Metallica, Warrant, and the Black Crowes.  Joe’s playing on his classics was impressive, enough to be designated a Guitar God, but he is one of those true players who continuously evolved in sync with the times – putting out new songs just as good as the old ones.  With only his hands, this time traveler could take you back in time with his numerous iconic licks, or to the future with some righteous riffs you’ve never heard before and wouldn’t forget.  As an amateur guitarist, collector, and fan of all things guitar, including Aerosmith, Joe has always been one of my favorite guitarists.  Beyond his incredible technique, intensely soulful chops and a tastefully melodic ear is a guy everyone likes, grew up with, so the viral video of Joe the next day was upsetting. While Joe appears to be in trouble in the viral video from Sunday, on Saturday he gave a rousing performance - effortlessly tearing through a number of songs while adding his own magic vibe.  No wall flower, that night a highly animated Joe smashed his white EchoPark guitar before a roaring crowd of fans.  Joe was Joe, just like I had seen him countless times before.  Everything was there – the sound, the attitude – 110% Joe.  For this reason, I couldn’t help but wonder if the nasty weather from the night before had gotten to him, or maybe the intense tour schedule.  As you know, you can’t kill Guitar Gods…or Hollywood Vampires.  FauX NeuZ wishes Joe Perry a speedy recovery.  Long live Joe Perry, and the Hollywood Vampires. * FAUX NEUZ allows stories to be reprinted, copied , or linked to others websites without any fees or charges as long as FAUX NEUZ is referenced as the source.

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