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Pop Evil at Ohio Bike Week

In the weeks leading up to the event the published schedules all still read "national act to be announced".  Finally with less than a week left leading up to the event and to the great surprise of Pop Evil fans, the announcement was made that Pop Evil would take the stage in the west lot of downtown Sandusky, Ohio.  This would be the last stop for them on the tour before returning to their home town in Michigan for a short break to spend time with their families.  The late announcement didn't stop the fans from completely filling lot, even spilling out into the streets outside the fence around the lot and the stage.  While the members of the band still see themselves as somewhat of the underdogs as a newer rock band, that wasn't evident by the large and diverse crowd which turned out to see them play.

The band arrived early in the day on Friday and could be seen walking the streets of downtown Sandusky.  Even taking the time to checkout some of the custom bikes at Evil Iron Customs.  Bassist Matt DiRito even took one of the flame throwing red customs for a ride down the street.

  The band, led by lead singer Leigh Kakaty.

And other long-time member of Pop Evil, guitarist David Grahs who has been with the band since the beginning.

Bassist Matt DiRito who replaced Jamie Nummer in 2007 after leaving the band for personal reasons.

More recently, the band added two new musicians with guitarist Nick Fueling and drummer Chachi Riot.

The set was loud, powerful and crisp with awesome pyrotechnics which only added to the excitement of the evening.  Though there were certainly many Pop Evil fans in the crowd there were also many who were hearing these guys for the first time.  Singer Leigh Kakaty even pause for a moment to ask "What the hell is Pop Evil anyway?"  Proceeding to explain that it is all about just playing Rock and Roll!!  There is no question that the band has gained many new fans during this event.

It didn't take long at all for the crowd to respond as the band began playing.  And the band responded in kind playing one high energy tune after another.  Seems like they played every song in the book, if they had any other songs to play the set could have gone on all night, the audience certainly didn't want the show to end.

After the set, the guys returned to perform a four song encore set which included the new hit "Torn to Pieces" which singer Leigh Kakaty wrote for himself after losing his father.  And a song that he almost didn't release, but the fans are certainly glad he did.  The song has very powerful and emotional lyrics that all of us can relate to on some level.  The title has recently hit #1 on several charts.

Closing out the night with another high energy #1 hit "Trenches" not a single person in the crowd stood still as everyone in the lot began jumping, cheering and singing along with the band. 

Photo Courtesy of Pop Evil Facebook page 

After the set the band returned to the stage for a photo with the crowd, which is a sure sign that they enjoyed the evening as much as the fans enjoyed having them!

For more information and tour dates be sure to check out the bands Facebook Page (https://www.facebook.com/popevil)

Click here for more pics of the show (http://500px.com/csnprofessional/sets/pop_evil__ohio_bike_week_2014)

By: Craig Noce

Email: craig.noce@gmail.com

[csnphotography]

Rock on the Range 2014 Review

     Rock on the Range 2014, billed as not only the largest, but the greatest rock festival in America today.  Both the fans and the bands agree.  I spoke with several artists over the course of the 3 day event and one common thread with everyone was how awesome the festival is.  Many of the groups came early and stayed after their sets to do meet and greets with media, mingle with other artists, have a few drinks and even wander out into the crowd to catch a few sets from some of the other bands.  Most of the time the fans hardly noticed them.  It’s not very often this many bands can get together at one place all at the same time and the artists enjoy that as much as the fans.

     Over 70 bands came to Crew Stadium in Columbus, Ohio to play for a sold out crowd for the second year in a row, it was impossible to catch them all.  

 Guns N’ Roses

     Rumors and talk of a late start time began circling around right from the start, many were pleasantly surprised that the set actually kicked off on time. Axl Rose being the only original member of the band did not stop the show from being a great success.  Axl sounded great, better than many people expected, considering the rumbling and side conversations throughout the day leading up to the show.  Several people left early but from those who remained the band put on a great set, the sound was terrific and the crowd was fully engaged.

     Ron (Bumblefoot) Thal on double neck guitar is an extremely talented player and certainly one to keep an eye on.  I had an opportunity to sit down with Ron over lunch at the Thurman Cafe Thursday afternoon.  In addition to playing front and center for GnR, Ron was also in town to promote a line of hot sauces that he has developed with CaJohns Fiery Foods.  Ron headed over to the North Market to promote his line of sauces currently only available online. If you’re a fan a great sauces be sure to check out his website at www.bumblefoot.com.

     I also had an opportunity to catch up with DJ Ashba over at the Monster Energy Suit, recently married, we heard a little about the proposal he made during a controversial helicopter ride in Las Vegas, but you can read about yourself.  DJ, accompanied by his new wife both stuck around through the weekend and could be seen several times mingling with friends old and new near the lounge area and around the general stadium.

Slayer

     Undisputedly the greatest thrash metal band to ever hit the scene, they did not disappoint.  The sound was loud and powerful nothing less to be expected from a Slayer performance.  Often imitated but never copied, Slayer set the stage for all other thrash metal band to follow and led the way for an entirely new genre of metal. The stage set was amazing with the larger than life metal crosses suspended from the top of stage.  They played a very aggressive set that included some of their classic works like Chemical Warfare, fan favorite Reign in Blood to the newer work, with a traditional Slayer closing of Angel of Death, the fans were not disappointed as they began chanting "Slayer, Slayer" leading into the final set.  Slayer is one of the bands that every thrash metal fan must see at least once in their lifetime.  A spectacular addition to the billing.

 Five Finger Death Punch

     Definitely one of the best and most powerful performances of the weekend, they hit the stage full of energy and got the crowd going right out of the gate.  It was a hard core set which included one of the longest and craziest crowd surfing segments of the entire weekend, the stadium was packed.  It was obvious that by the looks on the bands faces that they were having as much fun as anyone in the crowd.  With a little goofiness, a lot of smiles and great interaction with the crowd, it was hard to tell who was having more fun.  These guys really love what they do and they appreciate the fans as much as the fans appreciate them. 

     Behind the scenes what many of the fans didn't know was that band, working with the group from Fuck Cancer spent some time back stage with a local cancer patient Jody as part of Fuck Cancers Dying to Live Dream program, Jody's last treatment was only days before the show and I ran into her backstage hanging out with the band and having a wonderful time.  She was looking well and in great spirits and excited to sit and just have fun with all the guys from FFDP.  It's the little things that go a long way, one couldn't help but feel the joy in the room.  It is a wonderful thing that the Fuck Cancer group is doing and the band was obviously proud to be a part of it.

Gemini Syndrome

     It was exciting to see the guys from Gemini Syndrome returning for a second year in a row.  I had the opportunity to catch last year’s show in the early hours on the Jägermeister Stage, and got to spend some time with the guys over the course of the weekend.  All the guys are pumped to be signing the new deal with Warner Brothers. 

     While last year’s set sounded great, this year they took it to a whole new level.  Upgraded to the larger Ernie Ball stage this year, they came out hard opening the set with a true crowd favorite "Pleasure and Pain" it was recognized immediately that Columbus had not forgotten about them, the crowd was at least 3 times the size of last year’s showing and the fans went crazy.   It was really great see the progress the band has made in such a short time, these guys are here to stay, if you haven't checked them out you really need to. 

     Gemini Syndrome will be touring with Sevendust throughout July and August 2014.  Don't miss them, you will not be disappointed.

Monster Truck

     Unfortunately I didn't get to catch the entire set but these guys are sure to be one of the big breakout bands to keep an eye on, with a mix heavy southern sounds and a hard core feel from Hamilton, Ontario.  I did have a chance to catch up with the drummer Steve Kiely later in the evening, a friendly, modest and down to earth guy, we talked a little bit about touring with Alice in Chains and Alter Bridge.  The band was planning to take a short break following a couple shows right after ROTR before expecting to go back on the road with Alice in Chains.  A talented bunch of guys with a great new sound, looking forward to seeing more of them and fully expect them back again next year on the larger stage.

Alter Bridge

  This was one of those better than expected sets, honestly I wasn't sure what to expect, but with front man Myles Kennedy on vocals and former members of Creed, these guys really sound great together.  Each member has voiced how great it is working together and how it provides them all with more creative opportunities than ever before.

        They play well and they sound great together.  It was a very impressive set with a lot high energy sound that the crowd just went nuts over.  The band sounded heavier than previous shows and the crowd loved it, they sure are moving in the right direction musically and by the reaction of the crowd I'd say they agreed. Looking forward to hearing a lot more from this group and I must say I truly enjoyed the heavier sound.

     The band will be heading out on a European tour next, returning the States later this summer, keep your eye out for new tour dates, this is another one you don't want to miss.

 Adelitas Way

     What a great, fun bunch of guys, ran into them several times before and after the set.  They sounded great on the main stage, the sound was powerful and the band gave it their all.

     The highlight of the set was when singer Rick DeJesus climbed off the stage to do some crowd surfing.

     Continuing the unique sound of the band after surfing safely back to the stage.  They really enjoyed hanging out and seeing all the other bands, old and new friends alike.

  The band is just finishing up in the studio so stay tuned for a new album release soon!!

 Crobot

   These guys seem to be the big hit this year from the Jägermeister Stage this group is sure to be the breakout of this year’s Rock on the Range.  Their set was short, sweet and loud, drawing one of the largest crowds to the Jägermeister Stage all weekend.

 Kill Devil Hill

     Definitely one the defining moments for me was not only seeing Rex Brown rip it up with his new band, but the unexpected guest appearance of Philip Anselmo on the final song "Mouth for War" followed up later in the weekend with a guest appearance of Rex joining Philip on stage with Down, for any true fan of Pantera this was not one you wanted to miss. 

     Catching up with them both backstage after the Kill Devil Hill set was a great personal experience for myself.  Rumors of a Pantera reunion are still floating around, but as Philip has said many times, without Vinnie there is no Pantera reunion or tribute tour ... but his door is open to the possibility, fans will just have to wait and see.

By Craig Noce

craig.noce@gmail.com