Concert Reviews

[Buckeye Randy]

Who: The Bouncing Souls
Where: The Agora (Cleveland, OH)
When: April 26, 2025

My first show of the year is the third show of the 2025 Bouncing Souls tour titled, 'EAST COAST F#CK YOU!'. The title of the tour sets an enthusiastic tone for the evening but the title also casts doubts of coming home with a T-shirt from the merch table. "Hey, look at Grandpa's shirt" (giggle). T-shirt or no T-shirt this evening, I'm stoked.

I've been a casual fan of The Bouncing Souls for over 25 years. It started when Akron's punk show on public radio would play tracks from '99's 'Hopeless Romantic' (shout out to Ron and Ed!). My fandom grew with the purchase of 2003's 'Anchors Aweigh' and continued as I bought others over the years. Since first being introduced, I've seen the band three times and all have been memorable from festival opener to club headliner. High energy by band and crowd.

This evening also promises to be memorable but for a completely different reason. It's the first show I've gone to with a non family member in over 15 years. Either I've been in a terrible rut or I've been happy with status quo. Regardless, I'm looking forward to an evening of fun with a co-worker and fellow lover of punk...though my junior by more years than I care to mention! The age difference is actually cool because it just adds to our collective knowledge.

The Bouncing Souls formed in 1989 and still include three original members. Greg Attonito on vocals, Pete Steinkopf on guitar and Bryan Kienlen on bass. The newbie is drummer George Rabelo (Hot Water Music) has been on board since 2013. The band has 12 releases since 1994 with five being on the famed Epitaph label. Solid credentials for a band with one foot in retro and the other foot planted firmly in being a viable force on the current music scene.

We arrived early to The Agora and took our place in a line that stretched down the sidewalk of Euclid Avenue. We 'enjoyed' the unseasonably frigid temps while waiting for doors to open as the line grew from tens of people to hundreds.

The Agora has been a part of Cleveland rock and roll for over 50 years and has resided at three locations. The current location (since 1986) on Euclid Avenue was built in 1913 and retains much of the ornate architecture even as it has changed ownership over the years. The building in an earlier life was home of the WHK radio studios and auditorium. It was there in 1951 that Cleveland disc jockey Allen Freed first coined the phrase "Rock-and-Roll". That adds a little historical significance as you get a wrist band and pass through the metal detectors. The venue is versatile as it can be changed from an entirely seated 2000 seat venue to a GA venue with no seating other than in the balcony. On this evening, it was General Admission and we staked our territory in the pit.

I'm not crazy about three openers but that's what we have tonight. The collective highlight was the timing of bands taking and leaving the stage, no delays. School Drugs opened with a smokin' version of "Sonic Reducer" by Cleveland's Dead Boys and memorable by the fact that all their songs were less than two minutes. Next up is Dave Hause and the lasting impression was coming off as a poor man's Springsteen. It fits the New Jersey vibe of the evening but not ideal at a punk show! H20 made tolerating the first two openers all worthwhile. They were incredible and I wish I would have familiarized myself with more of their material before the show. Highlights were "5 Yr. Plan" and "One Life, One Chance" but absolutely everything was solid. Well done!

Finally, the reason we are in Cleveland on a Saturday night. The house system played "Don't You (Forget About Me) by Simple Minds as The Bouncing Souls took their places on the stage. The energy level was exactly as anticipated when the band jumped into the opener, "East Coast F*ck You". All at once; moshing, body surfing and lots of us just happy to jump around or bop up and down. It's Saturday in Cleveland.

Honestly, I felt that the sound was a bit of a work in progress as the show settled in. There was nothing egregious and it may have been due to the acoustics particular to where we were standing. Regardless of any sound deficiencies, the band was energized and the setlist strong.

Over half of the 20+ songs played are ones that I consider my favorites. I could bemoan all the songs they didn't play but that's not fair to a band with such a deep catalogue. The front end of the evening following the opener included some of my personal essentials; "Hopeless Romantic", "Manthem" and "Kate Is Great". As a matter of fact, the band seemed to group fan favorites in clusters on more than one occasion. "The Gold Song", "Sing A Long Forever" and "Here We Go" were also rapid fire. One song that I wasn't sure we would hear was "Kids and Heroes" but it was included and in near perfect fashion I might add.

The show included an acoustic rendition of "Ghosts On The Boardwalk". Greg explained that a punk show should never be more than 45 minutes so they divide their show into two parts. Greg and guitarist Pete Steinkopf made the show personal by remembering some of their Cleveland memories from previous years. The crowd responded with cheers as different bands or particular shows were namechecked.

As the evening was drawing to a close, the band played their brand new song, "United". Most of the crowd seemed familiar with the song even though it was only released three days earlier. I'm not positive but I think "Lean On Sheena" is my all time favorite concert anthem. Everybody knows every word and the band is drowned out at times as the crowd shouts along. The show finishes with "True Believers" and this was also our predetermined que for a dash to the merch stand.

This essay will end the way it began; merch table dilemma. A merch stand can be stressful for a guy like me. I must make quick decisions on overpaying for things I might never see again or buy something I'll never wear. Compounding the problem is I'm a cheap bastard. On this evening, the decision predictably came down to a tour t-shirt with tour dates and tour name on it (East Coast F#CK YOU) or a simple black shirt with the band logo. I went with overpaying for a shirt with the time-tested band logo. A conservative decision for sure but I'll be able to wear this shirt around the Grandkids with no worries.

It was a great evening in 'The Land' and I look forward to my next show with The Bouncing Souls. Well Done!

[Trollheart]

Great review, Randy. Two questions: do Bouncing Souls get their name from the Beatles album, and is the Agora a play on agoraphobia? If so, cool, on both counts. You should do more of these; you have a music journalist's eye. Very enjoyable.

Though I am now past such activities (too damned expensive now anyway), here's a shortlist of bands and artists I did get to see before my life shrunk to the size of my house for 17-odd years.

LONDON: Hawkwind, Marillion and Manowar (1984)

SLANE: Bruce Springsteen, Queen

DUBLIN: Rory Gallagher, Peter Gabriel, Mama's Boys, BB King, Steve Earle, Chris de Burgh, Fleetwood Mac, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Status Quo ("End of the Road" tour - they're still going twenty years later!  ), Suzanne Vega, Marillion, Black Sabbath, Motorhead, Michael Schenker Group, Bon Jovi, Iron Maiden, Richard Clayderman, Elkie Brooks, Barry Manilow (took me ma, shut up), Nanci Griffith, Judie Tzuke, Bryan Adams - that's all that comes to mind.

I once won a ticket to see the reformed Eagles, gave it to my brother.
I'm furious I missed the chance to see Waits. I bought a ticket for my other brother for his birthday as he was a huge fan, but couldn't afford one myself, and was only sort of getting into his music at the time. Wasted opportunity.

[Buckeye Randy]

Two questions: do Bouncing Souls get their name from the Beatles album, and is the Agora a play on agoraphobia?

The Bouncing Souls got their name from an '80's advertisement for Doc Martens (shoes).  I always guessed that the name 'Agora' was based on the the gathering place of the same name in Athens, Greece.

Though I am now past such activities (too damned expensive now anyway)

I justify going to shows because I get free music now!  I get what you're saying, I'm not a fan of progressive pricing based on demand and shows having six different presales is sort of ridiculous.

here's a shortlist of bands and artists I did get to see before my life shrunk to the size of my house for 17-odd years.

Nice list!

[Buckeye Randy]

Who: Amyl and The Sniffers
When: May 13, 2025
Where: The Agora Theatre (Cleveland, Ohio)

Are you familiar with Australia's Amyl and The Sniffers?  They're certainly worth knowing because they seem to be hitting their stride and gaining momentum.  The band, fronted by the hyperactive Amy Taylor, have released three albums with the most recent being 2024's 'Cartoon Darkness'.   That album was top 10 in the UK and Australia and cracked the lower reaches of the US charts.

The band has also been getting live exposure the last few years by opening for some of the world's biggest concert draws.  They opened for the Foo Fighters on their '24 US tour, Smashing Pumpkins in '23 and they were on the European leg of the '22 Hella Mega Tour with Green Day, Fall Out Boy and Weezer.  I'm not sure how being at the bottom of a big bill equates to success but it is certainly good for getting your name out there.

 When this show was announced last November; my oldest son, my son-in-law and myself all thought this would be an excellent opportunity for a family outing and male bonding.  The three amigos ride again!  I delayed buying tix when the show was announced for a few reasons.  The show was six months away, The Agora is not at a tiny venue (capacity 2000) and I was in the middle of Christmas shopping.  When I went to buy tickets about two months ago...it was sold out...of course it was!  Not to be denied, I bought tix on the secondhand market for what amounts to nearly double the original price.  In this particular case, I do not care; the three amigos must ride.

After not being to The Cleveland Agora for what seems like waaay too long, this is my second visit in just over two weeks.  It's never a bad thing spending an evening at this historic venue in the badlands of what is known as Cleveland's Midtown district.  For those not in the know, this is the building that once housed the WHK radio studios and where the phrase 'rock n roll' was first coined by DJ Alan Freed.  Cleveland Rocks! (well, that's what the locals say)

 Coordinating a mid week concert with all of us having different work schedules and living nearly an hour from the venue is challenging.  Somehow, the plan comes together and we enjoy a couple beers and do some people watching before heading on into the Agora.   First things first, let's get some merch and we do this by waiting in the longest merch line I've ever seen...I mean ever.

Gear purchased, it's now time to rock and tonight's opener Sheer Mag is already a few songs into their set.  Security would not allow any more people into the pit area, the three amigos denied!  We improvised a 'Plan B' and shoehorned ourselves into the closest of four tiers just above the pit.

 Sheer Mag is a Philly based band with three releases and currently on Third Man Records (Jack White's label).  In the weeks leading up to this night, I prepped by familiarizing myself with Sheer Mag's material because it's always more fun when you know a few songs.  I must say that I was unexpectedly surprised because the band's sound was much punchier in a live setting.  It was a nice set of music and I see why they've received some love from the music press.

 All shows have a buzz before they start but some have an extra level of anticipation and the collective level of anticipation was very high on this evening.  I think the added juice was because most in attendance were seeing Amyl and The Sniffers for the first time.  There's something exhilarating about the unknown.

 The song "Destination Calabria" (Alex Gaudino) played as the band took the stage to wild cheers.  Amy waited until the crowd calmed down and then took a moment to talk with us. She said that she had been sick but was feeling much better and began jumping up and down and the band just watched as the energy built before launching into the opener,  "Control".   Following was "Security" and this is when the crowd really took on a life of its own as a moving mass with bodies being passed overhead.  It's allot of fun being witness when a band owns a stage and crowd the way that Amyl and The Sniffers did on this evening...and as I imagine they do most evenings.  The main reason is Amy Taylor, she's a true force of nature.  Dressed in black boots, stockings and sleeveless one piece that buttoned up the front, she raced about the stage playing to the song but also playing to the crowd.  She was exchanging high fives and encouraging fans while exchanging smiles with band mates and of course screaming out lyrics with conviction.  She was in her comfort zone and her comfort zone is pandemonium.

Lots of strong material loaded into the first half of the show.  Most notably "Chewing Gum" from the latest album and "Some Mutts (Can't Be Muzzled)" which sounds a little like "New Rose" by The Damned.  A personal favorite of mine is the non-album track from 2017, "Balaclava Lover Boogie".  It's about this time my attention was drawn to the entrance area of the pit which was at the bottom of a side staircase.  When a few people would leave the pit, the security would allow a few more to enter.  This tidbit was unbeknownst to most because there was no line waiting to get into the fray.  I got the attention of my amigos and into the pit we went.

My son-in-law disappeared into the mass of humanity and would not be seen again until the end of the show.  My son and I hung at the edge and were part of the bopping and swaying but no full contact slamming or moshing.   It was a great viewpoint for the second half of the show and the sound was noticeably better.   

The second half of the show featured their most popular songs highlighted by Dec Martens' guitar hero antics not always seen at punk shows.  The songs were separated by some sing-a-longs and shout backs with shirtless bassist Gus Romer along with some political enlightenment from Amy.  Rounding out the band is drummer Bryce Wilson who didn't miss a beat the entire evening.  Nearly all the songs were a highlight in one way or another.  I do have to mention the slightly rappy "Me and The Girls" that featured back-ups with some heavy phase.  I like that this band can change up the sound a little to fit the song, each song is unique.   Another that really stood out was the hard driving "Hertz" with its shouted vocals.   Like I said, everything was top shelf and a highlight at one level or another.

It would not surprise me at all if this band continues to grow and ends up playing bigger venues, I actually expect it.   It was a great show and I look forward to not only seeing the band again but I look forward to the next time the three amigos ride again.   Well Done!
 
Cleveland Setlist
1.      Control
2.      Security
3.      Freaks to the Front
4.      Doing in Me Head
5.      Got You
6.      Do It Do It
7.      Chewing Gum
8.      Some Mutts (Can't Be Muzzled)
9.      Balaclava Lover Boogie
10.  Starfire 500
11.  Guided by Angels
12.  Knifey
13.  Me and The Girls
14.  Jerkin'
15.  Tiny Bikini
16.  Facts
17.  U Should Not Be Doing That
18.  Hertz
Encore:
19.  Big Dreams
20.  GFY
21.  Old Man Emu

[Buckeye Randy]

Who: Alice Cooper
When: May 17, 2025
Where: Erie Insurance Arena (Erie, Pennsylvania)

Are there artists that you've seen multiple times?  Why do you keep going back? Is it that the new material never disappoints or is it because past performances keep calling you back for more?  With Alice Cooper, I have not two but three reasons.  First, Alice's albums the last 25 years have been (mostly) strong and the new material he chooses to play is always good.  Second, I'm always highly entertained at shows by Alice and seeing his head chopped off in a guillotine never gets old.  My third reason for going back time and again; Mrs. Buckeye loves Alice Cooper and she's a fun date. It's a Randyland trifecta! Three for three.

This was our first trip to the Erie Insurance Arena which besides hosting concerts is home of the Erie Otters (minor league hockey).  Apparently, this Alice show was originally planned to be at the smaller Warner Theatre (capacity 2300) which is across the street.  Those plans got nixed due to renovations at the Warner and the show was moved over to the larger venue which has a capacity of 9000.  That's quite a discrepancy in seating capacity and the solution is something I have not seen in many years.  The last time I saw a similar 'solution' was at the 20,000 seat Cleveland Coliseum in the 80's when it would transform into the 'Coliseum Theatre' with a capacity of 6000.

How does this transformation happen?  A curtain is hung that essentially cuts the arena in half. The half behind the curtain is left empty while in front of the curtain is the stage and the seating for the fans which is essentially is 1/3 of the arena capacity.  Why am I going into detail about all this?  Because buying tickets at this makeshift small concert hall totally sucked!!  Clearly, not a ton of time was put into diagramming this impromptu set-up into a user friendly format for buying tickets during presale.  Without exhausting details of my befuddlement and despair...it all ended reasonably well because we ended up with 7th row aisle seats.  I will say that an unexpected bonus to the experience was that tix were south of $100 a piece which is a bargain when seeing an inductee of the RnR HOF.

Before I say anything else I want to say that Erie has a lovely art/entertainment district.  The UPMC Park is home to the minor league baseball Erie Seawolves, next door is the Erie Insurance Arena which is home to hockey and and basketball teams plus across the street is the Warner Theatre.  There are dozens of bars and restaurants within a couple block radius plus tons of parking around the area.  After parking across from a predetermined bar/restaurant, we went into the packed establishment that was hopping with a live band playing at 6PM...yes, 6PM.  Erie Rocks! (apologies to Cleveland)
 
Is rock and roll scandalous and mischievous?  Ya know, real chicanery and skullduggery, the stuff of larceny and thievery.  What I'm really talking about are guys on street corners selling concert t-shits while asking passers by the question, "why pay $50 inside for what I got here for $20"? Are they legit??  We saw this street vendor before our pre gig snack of pizza and wings and then we see him again afterward albeit on a different corner.  We couldn't resist looking at what he was selling.

The t-shirt checked all the boxes.  The front is b/w with the tour name (Too Close For Comfort) with a skull in a top hat, the back is full color featuring Alice and his boa with the 21 tour dates of the second leg of this current U.S. tour.  My quality control director in bootleg t-shirts is Mrs. Buckeye who worked in the industry as a purchaser for several years with a company that did screen printing.  She looked at the brand of t-shirt, she stretched the ink to see if it was cured and says "looks good".  Discounted concert souvenir purchased, actual ownership of said souvenir to be determined. 

The show starts with a drop down newspaper banner that charges Alice with crimes against humanity.  Behind the banner is a silhouetted Alice Cooper who slices through the banner with his sword as the band bursts into "Lock Me Up" from the album 'Raise Your Fist And Yell'.  Following was "Welcome To The Show" from 2023 album ' 'Road' which I particularly like because Alice's recent material kicks ass!  Notice the openers are not from the 70's!

Afterward, songs from the '70's reigned in the following part of the set, "No More Mr. Nice Guy", I'm Eighteen" and "Under My Wheels".  The band was very rehearsed musically and also very choreographed.  The band consisted of Chuck Garric (bass), Ryan Roxie (guitar), Nita Strauss (guitar), Tommy Henriksen (guitar) and Glen Sobel (drums).  This is a slightly different cast than I saw in 2022 but still excellent.

There were five video screens behind the band encased in tall, arched doorways.  It gave a gothic dungeon effect.  Very nice use during the songs as the screens would show close-ups of band members or have something that fit the theme of the song.  I'm not a fan of one big video screen as a stage show but these tandem screens that often had different images were used along with smoke, balloons, bubbles and some moving stage parts plus a cast of characters taking the stage at times for an overall 'wow' factor.

What do you want from an a show by Alice??  A boa constrictor?  Yep, you got it during "Snakebite".  You want to see Alice in a straightjacket?  Yep, you got it in the "Ballad Of Dwight Fry".  You want to see him lose his head in the guillotine?  Yep, head sliced off with his daughter parading it around the stage afterward.  Alice wore at least six different costumes during the performance plus the world's coolest skull beltbuckle.

Honestly, I think this current live production is the best I've ever seen by Alice.  I'm not an expert because I've only seen Alice five times over the last 19 years and there are plenty of fans that have seen him a ton more than that.  Regardless of how many times, the songs that get the biggest responses speak for themselves; "Poison", "School's Out", "Billion Dollar Babies" and "Go To Hell".  Besides those those songs, my faves from the night include lesser known album tracks like "Be My Lover", "Lost In America" and "Welcome To My Nightmare".

The end of the show was "School's Out" and "Feed My Frankenstein" which featured a 12 foot tall monster chasing band members around the stage.  This seemed to only partially satisfy the crowd as they hung around waiting for more. I thought it was interesting that "Feed My Frankenstein" was the opener the last time I saw Alice and the closer on this night.  After leaving the arena we saw our t-shirt vendor again surrounded by fans buying concert shirts for $20. 

Pretty good night of rock n roll.  I didn't get lost in a strange city, we ate good food and enjoyed a great concert. That's a successful date night.  Well Done! 

Erie PA. Setlist
1.    Lock Me Up
2.    Welcome to the Show
3.    No More Mr. Nice Guy
4.    I'm Eighteen
5.    Under My Wheels
6.    Bed of Nails
7.    Billion Dollar Babies
8.    Snakebite
9.    Be My Lover
10.    Lost in America
11.    He's Back (The Man Behind the Mask)
12.    Hey Stoopid
13.    Drum Solo
14.    Welcome to My Nightmare
15.    Cold Ethyl
16.    Go to Hell
17.    Poison
18.    Guitar Solo
19.    Black Widow Jam
20.    Ballad of Dwight Fry
21.    Killer / I Love the Dead
22.    School's Out
23.    Feed My Frankenstein