Slipknot Ignited Aaron's Amphitheatre at Lakewood on July 26

Corey Taylor

Slipknot hurls together death metal, grindcore, rap and industrial punk with an intricate musicianship you’d expect from an orchestra.  The masked and costumed metal group’s Summer’s Last Stand tour was a highly-theatrical celebration that featured macabre figures striding, leaping and riding moving platform around a two-tiered stage, plenty of fire and lyrical brimstone. It was my first Slipknot concert and I had a blast!

Over their two decades together, singer Corey Taylor has become fond of referring to the band as his "crazy dream." But if Slipknot is what he sees when he turns in for the night, you wouldn't necessarily want to be sharing a room with him.  

The group is made up of members who wear a series of masks  – inspired by Taylor's love of horror films – which are said to reflect their various on-stage personas. In the early days, the masks also served to hide the band's identities, though this changed in 2010 when the group appeared unmasked at a press conference following the death of the group's original bassist, Paul Gray. Since then, the masks have been more about performance than protection.

Kate Pierson's Guitars & Microphones Tour Kicked off at Variety Playhouse on July 17

Kate Pierson opens the show with "Mister Sister."

Variety Playhouse was the place to be last Friday night for Kate Pierson's Guitars and Microphones tour.  Executive-produced by Sia, Pierson's solo debut album is a collection of songs about independence.  The collaboration also features the Strokes' Nick Valensi, songwriter Dallas Austin and producer Tim Anderson. 

It was quite fitting that Pierson kicked off  her set with "Mister Sister," an LGBT-rights anthem, as she announced plans to wed her partner Monica Coleman later this year.  

The Mike & Ruthy Band not only opened the show, they backed Pierson during her performance.

Barenaked Ladies Last Summer on Earth Tour with Violent Femmes and Colin Hay

Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre at Encore Park played host to the 2015 Last Summer on Earth Tour on July 12.  A group of great musicians playing, interacting and having fun with concert-goers who were there with the intention of having fun was memorable indeed. 

 

The music was brilliant, the venue was great and no one seemed bored. It was everything a summer outdoor concert should be. 

Colin Hay of Men at Work opened with a short set.  He was followed by the Violent Femmes.  Then, Barenaked Ladies took the stage ... the crowd roared. 

Why the name, Last Summer on Earth Tour?  "It is not a doomsday prediction; it's a call to action,” says Barenaked Ladies' band leader Ed Robertson in a press release. “We sincerely hope this won't be the Last Summer on Earth, but just in case, we're going to ROCK like it is!!"  

When all was said and done, I forgot just how much you smile at a Barenaked Ladies concert.  It was most refreshing to see performers onstage enjoying themselves just as much as those in attendance. 

Highlights below:

Hall & Oates Belted Out the Hits to a Sold-Out Crowd on July 10.

Performing to a sold-out Chastain Park Amphitheatre, Daryl Hall & John Oates were at their best. It is hard to believe they have been performing together for more than 40 years.  The soulful sound of  Hall’s vocals were pitch-perfect on a jazzy version of “Sara Smile,” and the pop favorite  “Did It In a Minute.”

The duo surprised us with older, lesser-known hits including “Las Vegas Turnaround” and “Back Together Again”. The dance party continued with an encore of “Rich Girl,” “Kiss On My List” and “Private Eyes.” Fun was had by all in spite of the sprinkle of rain.

Mutlu, a long-time friend of Hall & Oates,  opened the show.

Don't fret if you missed Friday's performance, rumor has it they will be back for Music Midtown in September!