Melificent

Weekend Highlights: Rock ‘n Roll Road Trip

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Friday afternoon we started our road trip to see Muse (& U2) play Tampa’s Raymond James Stadium with some of our closest friends. I couldn’t have been more excited – it was my first live Muse experience and although I wish it would have been a headlining show, I was happy just to be in their presence for their 8-song set. They were mind-blowing. Matt Bellamy, if you are out there, I wouldn’t mind having your tiny powerhouse British babies. The set list was as follows:

Uprising
Map of the Problematique
Supermassive Black Hole
Hysteria
Undisclosed Desires
Unnatural Selection
Starlight
Time is Running Out

It was just incredible how much energy and passion they brought to the set despite being openers. They really gave it all they had and although we were one of the only people standing, screaming and dancing in our section, I had to smile when I overheard a few people commenting how “unreal” their performance was while waiting to buy merchandise. They are my beautiful little secret, but it still feels good to know that soon they will get the exposure they deserve. There are rumors that they will be headlining their first American tour sometime in 2010 and I really hope they make it down to South Florida because I plan on being front and center. I can’t tell you what a freaking tease their short set was – I was not ready for it to be over.

And for those non-believers, here is video footage of Map of the Problematique. I filmed their entire set, but this was one of the most steady mostly because I wasn’t the one recording – Elsie was sweet enough to take over for a bit so I could be a total fangirl.

Muse – Map of the Problematique from Melificent on Vimeo.

Oh yeah, U2 also played. They were OK I guess 😉

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No Doubt Concert

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I don’t even know where to begin with this review!!! It was easily one of the funnest (I know, not a word) nights I’ve had in a very very long time. I walked away to my car with two very aching feet and a big goofy smile on my face. I often feel like hitting the imaginary rewind button after shows, but this one definitely took the cake. I think I may even list it as my top concert of 2009 so far!

We got to the show early so that we could hang out with friends and tailgate a bit. We met some interesting characters, toasted under the Florida sun and drank entirely too much beer. While waiting outside, we were lucky enough to hear the band soundcheck a few songs such as Guns of Navarone, Rock Steady and New! I was thrilled! Shortly after, we went in to pick up our beautiful tour club tickets (along with other miscellaneous free goodies), checked out some merchandise and ate some grub before heading to our ridiculously awesome seats!

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Rock Steady

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Unfortunately, as excited as I am to see No Doubt tomorrow, this closes out my concert season until October (when I’ll be seeing MUSE!) which makes my little musical heart very sad. And I want to give my sincerest apologies for the lack of cute boy today as it is Hump Day, but like I said – I’ve been playing catch up since returning from California and am still kind of settling back into the routine (regularly blogging being part of it). Hopefully I’ll be able to post a review on Thursday, but it will most likely be posted a little later than usual! And I promise I’ll be updating daily next week and have plenty of eye candy to share come next Hump Day. Deal? Deal.

So now to the show! No Doubt will be bringing their marvelousness to the Cruzan Amphitheater tonight in West Palm Beach, FL. I was lucky enough to score 10th row and center tickets so I am beyond stoked! Although I find Gwen’s solo records to be really fun, there is nothing like good old No Doubt to me. I’ve been a fan since I was 14 years old and this will be my second time seeing them live. The last time I saw them was probably about 7 years ago so this has been a long time coming! Best part? I get to share it with a No Doubt virgin: my husband! I love attending concerts with people that have never seen the band play – their reactions are always so amazing (well, when the band is amazing) & fun to watch. We’ll also be tailgating prior to the show so if you are going, join in on the pre-party 😉

ps; I better see some vintage Gwen push-ups tonight!
pps; Why are these adorable tees not available on the tour????

Gavin Rossdale Concert

So this has been a pretty Gavin-centric week on Melificent, huh? I don’t hear any of you complaining so I’m going to carry on with what I thought about his show at the House of Blues Tuesday night. First off, can I express how much I loathe all Orlando venues? Every time I have gone to see a live act in any of their theme park venues, they do not allow any kind of cameras or video. I understand the video aspect, but cameras? C’mon man. It’s just silly at this point (so please excuse my crappy iPhone shots). Plus, the House of Blues decided to take themselves one more notch douchier by having us all wait in the torrential rain for the doors to open. Thanks for that, guys.

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However, the show was outstanding and more than made up for being sopping wet from head to toe. Gavin’s opening act, Nico Vega, was a pleasant surprise. This year, I have managed to experience some of the worst openers ever in the shows I have attended, so I can’t say I was expecting anything better this time around, but I was definitely proven wrong. Nico Vega’s front woman, Aja Volkman, has a voice that could power the entire venue. It’s just amazing. Plus, the small trio packs one hell of a punch when it comes to stage presence. I loved every second of her skirt-whipping and frenzied performance. Check out this neat video of Medicine Man as well as their self-titled album, Nico Vega, on Myspace Records.

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Melificent Concert Season Continues

Credit: Nick Leonard
Credit: Nick Leonard

Tonight both myself and my good friend, Bonnie, will be in Orlando, FL to see Gavin Rossdale perform at the House of Blues (which I hear is a great venue)! I am so ridiculously excited, you guys cannot fully comprehend. As you all know, I’ve been a pretty big fan of his since the Bush days and although I cannot say I adore his new solo material, I support him in whatever he chooses to do. I got to see Gavin perform last year also in Orlando, before his solo record was released and I had such a great time. I love that he manages to splice new material with old Bush material in all his shows. The 14-year-old in me is forever thankful.

So today’s post is short & sweet, but make sure you follow me on Twitter (@SoMelificent) tonight as I will be tweeting as much as possible (or until my iPhone craps out on me). Have a great Tuesday and I will have a very appropriate Hump Day post come tomorrow!