How could I forget about the DJ Boy George gigs!

So I'm thinking really need to dig up the dates of when I saw Boy George DJing here in Toronto. There was club "Fluid" Summer 2001 (still need to confirm date Monday July 16th 2001), and later on there was "This is London" club April 20th 2007. (Somewhere in this crowd on this video). Both times I was with good friends. I remember leaving the Fluid gig and was right behind Boy as he hopped into a car and then us into a taxi heading home. We looked like we were following them, but were not, he was staying at a small quaint hotel near my home in Yorkville. It could have seemed like a Beatles film moment had he been looking out of his car. Second time with Scott and he has a better memory then me and reminded me of some cute moments while with his ex-girlfriend and her date as well.

There was a time when I had tickets to see him, only to get a refund as the show was cancelled as he could not get into the country at that time. I was so disappointed! I've been a fan since 1982 and followed Boy's solo career even to this day. It would be nice to meet with him sometime before I die, so he's top on my bucket list. David Bowie, Boy George and then Richard O'Brien.

I went to see the play "Taboo" in New York at the last show as well. What a grand production that was!

This is just me reminiscing.

Been a while

So, I have not forgotten about this space. I shall continue to share and update. Work and a busy live schedule tends to get in the way of things we'd like to do for leisure. I also have a side project with tumblr for the same topic called  Meeting Stardom naturally which enables me to do the same as here but with a more to the point method. Check out my Tim Curry and Phantom of the Paradise coverage there.

I've seen a  couple of shows this year since Kasabian back in March. There's been Skrillex at Fort York with Diplo and Pretty Lights which was the ultimate fun day/night this past summer for the Full Flex tour. Also, Madonna at Air Canada Centre in September with Paul Oakenfold opening which was originally supposed to be Nero. I worked at MAC Viva Glam Fashion Cares 25 and got to see Elton John, Scissor Sisters, Janelle Monae, plus a few others for a spectacular event. My musical taste has been leaning towards EDM more over the last few years. I missed out on a Diplo show last week at the Hoxton because I waited too long to purchase a ticket, only to find out it was sold out. I'm kicking myself for not getting it sooner. As for future shows...I hold tickets for some amazing artists such as Die Antwoord, Zedd, and Dethklok with a few other metal bands and then there's Lady Gaga for 2013.

When I have some more spare time I'll get this up to speed :)

Happy 50th Birthday Jim Carrey! I remember when...

I saw on the news this morning that today is Jim Carrey's birthday. He's 50 today. This is the perfect time to reflect back on my first memory Jim Carrey when I saw him as a child. My deceased Uncle Ron was a manager of bands, owner of a restaurant and much more in his long successful career. He had a restaurant in the70's called Cafe on the Park on Eglington Avenue West close to Yonge street. He used to book entertainment there as well. This is were my stories comes in. Jim Carrey performed to a small house of people in that restaurant back then. I barely remember the show as I was very young. For some reason I hung onto a little piece of paper he signed for me that day. Little did we know then that he was to become the huge success he is today. I've always enjoyed his art of comedy. He's accomplished so much and has a great talent. I feel very luck to have been able to see him do stand-up to an audience that was most likely around 100 people. I was hooked from then and have been following his career since. Happy Birthday Jim Carrey!   

Jim Carrey's official site

Jim Carrey's autograph. Stuck it on this Ace Ventura book a while back.

So I'm finally going to see Kasabian

March 29th I will be marking off another band on my music bucket list. The band is Kasabian and they will be playing at The Phoenix Concert Theatre. We are very lucky here in Toronto as we get to see them in a small venue, while they play stadium venues in other places in the world. They streamed a New Years Eve show Dec 31st 2011 from London's O2 arena which was brilliant and are featured in the British music news quite a bit. They have a new album out called Velociraptor. I've loved this band for many many years but never had the chance to see them when they've played here before. I'm psyched!

Kasabian official site
Kasabian tour website 

NME Kasabian news
Xfm Radio Kasabian news

Photo from Kasabian's official site

The end of 2011

It's the last day of 2011 and only a few hours to 2012. It's been a hard year for me personally but one thing I can look back on 2011 and remember are good shows. Didn't attend too much but what few I did were all really good. One particular artist I was trying to see was Skrillex. His show was sold out and he even did a smaller gig the same weekend but still could not attend. I'm really hoping I will get a chance to see one of his shows in the new year. The best show this year which ends up on top of best ever was Deadmau5 at The Rogers Centre in November. Below is a mini clip I took while up at the front on the floor. The show was taped and comes out on DVD in January 2012. The visual design team Martin Phillips and John McGuire certainly help out a great deal. Here's an article XL Video – Touring the Deadmau5 and check out the company's site XL Video. 

 

The shows and events 

• Janelle Monae @ Fairmount Royal York Hotel, Saturday March 12th (Bombay Bicycle Club)
• Tommy Wiseau & Greg Sestero screeening of "The Room" @ The Royal, Friday April 22nd 
• The Arctic Monkeys @ Kool Haus, May 21st
• Tim Minchin @ The Winter Garden Theatre, Friday June 3rd
• Beady Eye @ Sound Academy, Monday June 20th (Hippy Mafia)
• Dom @ The Garrison, Tuesday August 9th 
• Fan Expo, Friday August 23rd, meet the lovely and talented Junko Mizuno http://www.mizuno-junko.com/
• John Waters, This Filthy World @ Toronto Underground Cinema, Saturday August 27th
• Deadmau5 @ Rogers Centre, Sat November 5th (Crystal Castles & MSTRKRFT)
• Penn & Teller @ Casino Rama, Friday November 4th
• Russell Brand @ Casino Rama, Thursday December 8th

Oh Hi Tommy.

Tommy Wiseau and Greg Sestero

 

Tim Minchin!

Beady Eye at The Sound Academy

R.J. and me with Dom before the show.

Thanks for the song dedication Dom.

Arctic Monkeys at Kool Haus yet again.

Junko Mizuno with Custom Munny for me.

No photos were allowed at the show :( (Rue Morgue photo).

Penn Jillette (Penn & Teller)

Raymond Teller, the silent one (Penn & Teller)

 

Russell Brand performing at Casino Rama

Russell Brand crushed by a mob of fans

Well hello Russell Brand!

Winter and Spring shows 2011

Janelle Monae
Fairmont Royal York Hotel part of the Canadian Music Fest's Indie Awards Saturday March 12th 

By far Janelle is one of the best entertainers I've seen in a very very long time. She emits talent and pure energy. Her band plays along with her very well. You can truly say that everyone on stage is having a great time and wants everyone in the audience to feel that too. I met up with Janelle's guitarist Kellino Parker and a few of the band members for a little bit after the show. 


ArchAndroid Tour Set list

Overture
Dance or Die
Faster
Locked Inside
Call Me interlude
Smile
Sincerely, Jane
Wondaland
Hallelujah Chorus
Mushrooms & Roses
Jane's step show
Cold War
Tightrope

I Wish (encore)
Until You Come Back To Me (encore) Come Alive (encore)
-----

    Janelle painted this on stage during her performance

    Janelle and her dancers

    Janelle's reveal entrance onstage

    Guitarist Kellino Parker and me after the show

    Janelle Monae - Smile

    Janelle Monae - Sincerely, Jane

Tiesto 
Ricoh Coliseum Thursday April 21st

This marks my first time at very large venue for a DJ. What better DJ to see in a stadium atmosphere then DJ Tiesto. My friend and I went around the entire stadium and watched the show from different perspectives from our seats in the stands, up close at the side of the general admission, and all around the stadium. This is something you usually can not do at most shows which made it a treat to be able to have fun and wonder around.  

Tiesto doing his thing

 

Arctic Monkeys 
Saturday May 21st Koolhaus

Felt like a very short set, especially since they are putting out a new album next month in June making it there 5th. So they now have loads of material to select for their shows. After looking at the set list posted on setlist.fm I can see that it was a regular show. I guess I was distracted by the constant dripping of water from the ceiling in many spots on the floor and all the moving pushing and shoving that made me less focused on the show and the band on stage which was unfortunate. There was insane pushing, jumping, open pit ramming and a very sweaty crowd. The music does not fit the aggression from the mostly male fans participating in the open mosh pit. I got caught in it and almost ended up on the ground, luckily some good people caught me before I landed hard on the wet and dirty ground. 

Arctic Monkeys at The Koolhaus

   

Upcoming shows are:

Tim Minchin @ The Winter Garden Theatre Friday June 3rd

Beady Eye @ Sound Academy Monday June 20th

Deadmau5 @ Rogers Centre Sat November 5th

The 2000's

The following shows go up to the current date. I have a few shows that the dates are unknown and they are listed at the bottom. This covers the music minus some of the photos and stories that goes along with them. I'll be going into other areas eventually with non musicians. More videos and photos will be added at a later date. 

2000

• The Charlatans and Stereophonics Wed Apr 5, Warehouse
• NIN & A Perfect Circle Fri Apr 28, Maple Leaf Gardens
• Supergrass Tue May 9, Opera House
• Savage Garden Tues Aug 1, Molson Amphitheater
• Misfits Fri Oct 13, Warehouse
• Marilyn Manson Nov 18, Massey Hall - Saw before the show at The Edge

 2002

• The Charlatans Fri Jan 25, Kool Haus (The Warehouse)
• Gorillaz Sat Feb 23, The Docks
• Black Rebel Motorcycle Club Jun 06, Lee’s Palace

2003

• Jayne County and the Electric Chairs Vazaleen Shame Friday June 27, Lee's Palace
• Cradle of Filth Tue Aug 12, Guvernment
• Village People Thurs October 30, Ontario Place Atlantis

2004

• Jet (The Vines didn’t see left show) Mar 23, Kool Haus
• David Bowie w/The Polyphonic Spree April 1, Air Canada Centre
• Nina Hagen June 25, Vazaleen at Lee's Palace
• The Delays Mon Jul 19, Mod Club
• Franz Ferdinand w/The Delays Fri Oct 1, The Docks
• KMFDM Sunday Oct 17, Phoenix

2005

• Scissor Sisters Mon Jan 17, Guvernment - Met Paddy Boom and Del Marquis after the show. Paddy got my setlist signed by Jake and Ana.
• Ash & The Bravery Wed Apr 13, Opera House
• The Horrorpops Wed May 11, Cathedral
• Oasis Fri Jun 17, Molson Amphitheater
• The Tiger Lilies w/The Lollipop People Thurs Nov 10, Innis Town Hall U of T - Met after the show

Paddy Boom former drummer w/Scissor Sisters sporting the now trendy Canada Goose

   

Del Marquis bassist freezing outside with me

  

The Tiger Lillies put on a fun and unique show

   

 

2006

• Supergrass Mon Feb 6, Kool Haus
• Elefant w/Sound Team Friday May 12, Mod Club - Met after the show
• Noel Gallagher & Gem acoustic Jul 11, Toronto Danforth Music Hall
• The Tiger Lillies Nov 03 or 4, Harbourfront Centre Theatre - Met after the show

Guaranteed laughs from The Tiger Lillies

  

2007

• Velvet Revolver May 13, Kool Haus
• Gwen Stefani w/Akon May 30, Air Canada Centre

2008

• George Michael Thurs Jul 17, Air Canada Centre
• Virgin festival - Silverspun Pickups, Stereophonics, Paul Weller & Oasis Sept 7, Toronto Island Park
• Dandy Warhols Sat Sept 13, Kool Haus
• Shirley Bassey & Katy Perry part of Fashion (S)cares Nov 7^th Metro Toronto Convention Centre -Side note: I did makeup for Katy Perry's dancers.

2009

• K-OS May 9, Kool Haus
• The Doves Mon Jun 1, Kool Haus
• Wang Chung and ABC Jun 28, Toronto Pride Stage
• Beyonce Jul 20, Molson Amphitheatre
• Tool Wed Aug 5, Molson Amphitheatre
• Underworld Tue Aug 11, Kool Haus
• Creepshow Aug 28, CNE Bandshell
• Arctic Monkeys Tue Sept 29, Kool Haus
• Manic Street Preachers Sun Oct 4, Phoenix – Met band after show
• Kylie Minogue Fri Oct 9, Air Canada Centre

ABC - Poison Arrow

Manic Street Preachers - James

  

Manic Street Preachers - Nicky

   


2010

• MUSE w/Silversun Pickups Mar 8, Air Canada Centre
• Bobby McFerrin Fri Mar 26, Roy Thomson Hall
• Temper Trap w/The Kissaway Trail Mar 30, Mod Club
• Adam Lambert Sat Jun 19, Molson Amphitheatre - Got an autograph before the show.
• Keane Fri Jul 30, Molson Amphitheatre
• Lady Gaga w/Semi Precious Weapons Sun Jul 11, Air Canada Centre
• Scissor Sisters Tue Aug 31, Sound Academy (The Docks)
• The Drifters and Gloria Gaynor Sat Sept 4, CNE Bandshell
• Gorillaz w/N.E.R.D. Thurs Oct 14, Air Canada Centre

 Temper Trap - Love Lost

Adam signed my ticket stub after his Kiss 92.5 radio interview

  

Adam Lambert - Mad World

 

Scissor Sisters - She's My Man

 

N.E.R.D - The Man & She Wants to Move 

 Gorillaz - Punk

The following are unknown dates for shows in no particular order.

Ontario Place forum

• Coney Hatch
• Kid Creole and the Coconuts
• Kool and the gang
• Doug and the Slugs
• Dr Hook
• Peter Frampton
• Sheriff
• Sister Sledge
• Smokey Robinson
• Toronto
• Paul Young and the Royal Family 1983

Other venues unknown dates:

90’s

• Eddie Money Canada’s Wonderland
• The Cult of Sean Pierce after 1999, Silver Dollar
• Jack Off Jill Bar on Queen Street, The Rivoli?
• The Flaming Lips 1995? Opera House

00’s

• David Bowie much music lot, award show
• Stone temple pilots much music lot
• Aphex Twin opened w/ other artist. Toronto Guvernment (10 September 1997?) w/ Prodigy?
• Burton Cummings @ The Senator
• Foo Fighters @ Horseshoe
• Thom Yorke @ horseshoe
• Dandy Warhols Sept 8 2003 or Dec 3 2005, Opera House 
• Jackie Beat @ El Mocambo
• Kembra Pfahler of Voluptuous Horror of Karen Black @ El Mocambo