Charlie Daniels Band
Hank Williams Jr.
Little Feat

Bonner Springs, KS.
Sandstone Ampitheatre
Sunday, May 7th, 2000

I'm not sure how to even start this one as there were numerous circumstances which prohibited me from actually taking notes and making this a working trip. Especially considering that this was the first concert I took my entire family to, including wife, daughter and son, ages 12 & 10. I am pleased to say that it turned out great and the show was incredible as expected.

We had reserved seats just left of center about 70 yards from stage and were lucky enough to be surrounded by reasonably sane fans. Whiskey drunks to our right, stoners right behind us (i might add here that the gentlemen was nice enough after dark to ask if I minded if he lit a joint - I said 'carry on' and it was cool), an old man and lady to our left, and of course 'stander-uppers in front of us.

The weather was perfect with a little cloud cover and 70'ish. I'll tell you right now. I've been a fan of all three of these groups for quite a spell. To say I was hoping for a good jam would be the understatement of the century. It was 7pm when Little Feat took the stage and slowly grooved into "Rocket In My Pocket". Man oh man! I got all I was hoping for with Little Feat. I apologize for being behind, but I can't recall the name of the lady who is singing with Little Feat. The same gal on Neon Park (doh! brainfart). Anyway, she was awesome and sang about 3 songs. I was awed by the instrumental work of this band. After about three songs, they mellowed it down with "Willin" and in the middle of it, they did a brief segment of "Don't Bogart That Joint", which went right over my kids heads. (Thankfully.) They also did a great long version of "Dixie Chicken" and I chuckled as I heard some young 'obviously deprived' guy behind me say.."Hey, This band is doing other peoples songs".(Obviously a Garth fan) I wanted to slap him, but refrained and appreciated some jamming that many were paying no attention to. They finished up with "Let It Roll" and really got the crowd going. There was still daylight and Little Feat was no sooner done than the stage crews went at it! I love Little Feat and miss Lowell George greatly. Don't miss Little Feat if you have the opportunity to see them. Same old guys, honestly. With the exception of the late great George, it's all the originals.

The sun had just got down when the lights went out and the "Bama Band" appeared on stage and started jamming with "My Name Is Bocephus". After a minute or two, here came Bo with a #58 Kansas City Chiefs Jersey, an obvious tribute to his friend Derek Thomas who died last year from injuries sustained in an auto accident. I've seen Hank twice before, and once was very disappointed. It was the infamous 'threw up and get carried off stage' concert. But, guess what? Not this time. Hank Jr. flat out rocked Sandstone with a lot of nice comments about the Kansas City area and Chiefs and stuff like that. Hank did "Kawliga", "Old Habits", "If Heaven Ain't a Lot like 'K.C.", "Young Country" and a couple of others. He then pulled up a stool and grabbed an acoustic and played the "Blues Man" (lately released by Alan Jackson) During his solo set he also did, "Whiskey Bent & Hell Bound", "Country Boy Can Survive" and "All My Rowdy Friends Have Settled Down". The band returned and they did "All my rowdy Friends are Comin Over Tonight" and "Family Tradition". In pure Hank style, his last words were "You can kiss my ass!", a standard finish to most Bocephus Shows. Hank is straight and performing as good as ever. His vocals were great, especially during his solo acoustic set. I cut whiskey teeth with this guy. Catch Hank Jr. show when you get the chance.

I'm almost ashamed to admit that this was my first experience with the Charlie Daniels Band live. I'm, however, very pleased to say I sure as hell didn't regret it. Charlie is a 63 year old whirlwind who sounds as good as ever. He did exactly the same show as Michael B. describes in his CDB review. Only exception is, when he spoke of honoring the fallen greats, he played a song by each group...Marshall Tucker Band, Allman Brothers and Lynyrd Skynyrd. I haven't bought anything new by CDB for a long time, but I'm gonna have to get this new album. He played those two songs from it "Roaddogs" and "Sidewinder", which sounded enough like the Allman Brothers to make you smile. I was just simply amazed at the energy and composure of this Icon. Charlie is doin it his way and by God its a damn good way! And talk about an extrodinary band! There were so many shining moments during this show, including the point when my son said there sure was a lot of smoke and some of it "had a fart smell". I almost laughed my ass off. I was elated to hear Charlie do "Legend of Wooley Swamp" a long time favorite of mine. His instrumental work was brilliant, as was that of his two other guitarists. Mix that with a solid rythym, including those beautiful ivorys, and you've got one of the best sounding shows I've heard in a long time. Charlie Daniels is the consumate performer. He knows how to play, he has fun and he knows how to work a crowd too. I can't imagine missing another Charlie Daniels Band performance ever again. Keep on Jammin CDB!

Fog

Lynyrd Skynyrd

Country Stampede
 June 25, 1999
 Manhattan, Kansas 

If you've somehow dismissed seeing Lynyrd Skynyrd in concert because of the assumption that they couldn't possibly be the band they were, you're making a grave error. Before a crowd of 50,000 at the Country Stampede on June 25th at Tuttle Creek in Manhattan, Kansas, Lynyrd Skynyrd reminded everyone that they are still one of Southern Rock's greatest performers.

7:50pm: Sound check occurs at the huge outdoor setting, surrounded by trees and a mass of people. I notice many VIP seats are still empty and my hopes are high to swipe one! This is largely due to the fact the Skynyrd is the only rock act on an otherwise all-country bill.

8:10pm: As expected, the good seats are now full (wishful thinking before). As we celebrate my 38th birthday, my wife and I use my press pass to get just off stage left. I arrived too late to attempt visiting with the band members, which annoyed me greatly. The crowd is getting rowdy.

8:15pm: I see Skynyrd standing backstage with instruments in hand. Johnnie leads them on stage to a grateful applause. Without speaking a word, the show begins with "What's Your Name." Medlocke provides the lead, and he and Rossington share the lead on "Keep on Workin." After the two opening songs, Van Zant (I can't believe how much he reminds me of Ronnie) announces that "Skynyrds in the House." That they were! The crowd begins getting louder and, to my delight, Skynyrd launches into "You Got That Right" with Medlocke and Van Zant sharing the vocals. It sounds hauntingly like the original song. The tune ends, and Van Zant says "It's too quiet, you're making me a little nervous", obviously a total crock of crap but, it serves its purpose as the crowd gets loud. This band is anything but nervous, with all the confidence of the seasoned veterans they are. "Here's one to all the mamma's and mamma's to be", announces Van Zant as Gary begins the beautiful guitar intro to "Simple Man." Johnnie sings it beautifully and Medlocke and Rossington nail the guitar leads. On the final note Johnnie announces "God Bless the Simple Man." There's no need now to work the crowd, because they are now experiencing Lynyrd Skynyrd doing what they do best, but that doesn't stop the band and their front man from milking them for all their worth and they launch into "That Smell." Hughie takes the first lead, Gary the second and Ricky the end. They play a truly memorable rendition reminding those listening of what Ronnie was trying to say. Hughie is playing a melodic guitar riff. I originally believe it's maybe heading into "Call Me the Breeze," but to my surprise, they rip into "I Know a Little" and the crowd appreciates the tease.

Johnnie's vocals go out of the main P.A. toward the tail end of the song and I freak! Thank God for good sound techs, as they have him up in a hurry before the drum beat of "Gimme Three Steps" begins. The crowd is now ALL standing. Billy plays a great keyboard solo, followed by the four guitarists all standing shoulder to shoulder jamming in unison. Johnnie works the audience some more as they head into "Call me the Breeze." Billy's piano playing (shown up close on the Jumbo-tron) brings tears to my eyes and the four- guitar attack is again present on the lead section. The crowd is going wild. I've never seen so many rednecks in cowboy hats act this way with a rock band. You gotta love it! Hughie is now playing another mellow little guitar thing and I can't identify it; Ahhh, another tease; It's "Sweet Home Alabama" in disguise. As you can imagine, the crowd is now full throttle and so is the band. As the song ends, I predict it to be the last before the encore, and it is. The band raise their axes above their head and, without a word spoken, walk off stage. Here it comes, is there any doubt? The crowd ( at least the ones with any sense at all ) begin the chant. "Freebird, Freebird, Freebird." It echo's across the huge outdoor setting. After about 4 minutes, I peer backstage to catch a glimpse of Medlocke and Rossington exchanging smirks and I know what's coming. A stage hand sets a microphone stand at center stage displaying a rebel bandanna. The crowd is now in a frenzy and here comes the band. "Here's to all you Freebirds," exclaims Johnnie as the crowd goes nuts over Billy's piano intro. As he sings the first line of the anthem, Johnnie turns is back to the crowd and points toward the back of his jacket. It displays a picture of brother Ronnie Van Zant. The crowd erupts, and I'm reminded of just how important and special he was to Southern Rock 'n Roll. A classy display of remembrance from Johnnie. The cigarette lighters are now illuminating the audience. I actually have goosebumps as Gary plays that sweet mellow slide lead and Billy tenderly hits the ivory's. As Johnny finishes the last vocal part, he hurls the entire microphone stand across stage. It is caught in one hand by a stage hand. He thrusts it high above his head and the crowd is almost louder than the band with applause. Now the guitar attack! Ricky Medlocke has long been a favorite of mine, and he tears up the first lead segment with awesome energy. Hughie joins in for the duo-attack and they play it all to such perfection, I'm amazed.

By the way, you Leon fans should know, I noticed at least six hat changes during the show including a sailors cap, beret, ballcap, rebel cowboy hat and more. Interestingly enough, he wore no headgear during "Freebird." As the song ends in its classic, double-bang style, I'm simply at a loss for words. So much so, that I forget my plans to sneak backstage in an effort to meet the band as they come off stage. By the time I get it together, they are on the bus and headed down the road.

Though I'm thoroughly disgusted at myself, I'm grateful for the opportunity to see this band again. I also wonder how many old fans have dismissed the chance to see Lynyrd Skynyrd due to the line-up of members. Let me remind you, though there are only three original members still in the group, most of the additions could lead any band into stardom. In fact, many have! Please, do not pass up the opportunity to see one of the best shows I've seen in a long time. Lynyrd Skynyrd still Rocks The House!

Fog