Tesla

Share

Recap and photos from Metal Mike Koreski in Grand Ronde, Oregon (8/6/21)

Concerts! Concerts! Concerts! If you’re reading this you’ve probably missed them as much as I do. Last night was my first show since February 2020. I don’t think I have gone that long without a concert for the last 15 years. Here’s some things to think about as bands hit the road again after being off for a good chunk of time….

I was really excited that Tesla was my first show back from the virus that at one time took every day life down to a snails pace…..musicians included. I mean, we heard them on several podcasts during lockdown, on Zoom jams as well, but no shows for them to promote or us to look forward too. I think it’s because of that daily scenario that the saying “the thought is better than the reality” came to mind for me in regards to last night.

Imagine my surprise as my roommate and I are watching the band assemble to each side of the stage getting ready to grab their gear and start the show. We see everyone but Frank Hannon. Then, when the band comes on stage….THERE’S NO FRANK HANNON!!!

Tesla 8-6-21 Grand Ronde OR

Of course, the shock is there, and the feelings of being super bummed. I mean, Hannon is a HUGE part of the band!! Besides the blistering solos he’s also a great vocalist in his own right, adding so much to the back ground vocals and occasional harmonies with Jeff Keith. We’re assuming the fill in was his guitar tech (the band and Hannons websites aren’t saying anything at this point about it).

He did an admirable job as make no mistake, he had VERY big shoes to fill. With it being only the second show of the tour after not playing live for 18+ months, that probably also played into him not quite as into the moment as the rest of the band, there were some songs where I could tell he was concentrating more on playing the part as it’s known for more than being on stage if that makes any sense. Truth be told, if you closed your eyes, you probably couldn’t tell the difference so he was great in stepping up in a crazy difficult situation!

Onto the show itself!!! Tesla opened with the face melter “Comin’ Atcha Live” then followed up with another face melter “Modern Day Cowboy.” Jeff Keith’s vocals were amazing which was so refreshing after hearing several veteran singers fall short these last couple weeks as bands are starting their on road lives again. Keith also was his usual on stage self, thanking the crowd for coming out several times while being really happy to be out there. He had to carry more of the load on stage being the focal point with no Frank, and he passed that task from the opening song.

Click Here to view more photos

Unlike the last time I saw them in 2019, there wasn’t a new album to promote so the set list, while short for my liking at one hour and 20 minutes, was mostly the songs you know them the most for.

A couple “treats” they threw in were “Breakin’ Free” from “Forevermore” in 2008, and a really cool version of “Paradise” off of “Great Radio Controversy” that had bassist Brian Wheat on the keyboards and both guitarists on acoustic guitars to start the song, then switch out later in the song.

After the show we ended up talking to someone who sat in back of us who claimed he was a friend of the Keith family who confirmed that Hannons absence was a Covid rumor that was most likely true, and during the bands sort of meet and greet before the show that fans who paid to watch the sound check (there wasn’t any actual meeting the band) had to mask up, etc.

I’m sure there will be more stories like this from shows as the touring machine cranks up around the world. Unless you live in a bubble (which many of us did last year), you’ve seen countless entertainers, sports figures and even Olympians come down with the virus.

As the band closed the night with “Little Suzi” and “Signs”, I was enjoying the moment. We’re still talking today about a band that broke in 1986, whose music doesn’t sound dated (in my opinion) and is performed to a fantastic level. After seeing so many 80’s based bands sounding awful on Youtube, it’s great to know Tesla is still delivering the goods. Jeff, Brian Wheat, Troy Lucketta, Dave Rude and the mystery guitarist provided great entertainment despite all the set backs facing the band as they start up again.

Best wishes for whatever is ailing Frank, and I’m definitely ready for their next go round!

Click Here to view more photos

Share

 
If you ever wanted a quick reference to where your favorite hair metal band got their start, check out this Hair Metal History Map put together by Phil D.
 
Phil writes… “I spent dozens of hours putting it together and now, I’m trying to share it with those who would appreciate it! It is a work in progress and I would love any suggestions or input!”
 
Band choices were made based on the look, subject matter, attitude, lifestyle, time period, influence, affiliated bands, radio/TV play, and Phil’s memory.
 
Click on any band photo to see where they are from. You can also click the ‘Timeline’ tab that will show the hair metal movement origins in 1977 and where it grew across the U.S. and Europe through 1994.
 
Thanks for the great work Phil!
 

Share

 
T.G.I.F. and Happy Birthday to Guns N’ Roses bassist Duff McKagan, who turns 52 today. Until this year, Duff was noted as former GnR bassist, but he’s back with Axl and Slash for a three-fifths reunion. Hopefully, Izzy Stradlin and Steven Adler are part of this before the first show April 8th in Las Vegas. Axl’s 54th birthday is tomorrow (Feb. 6th).
 
Former Tesla guitarist Tommy Skeoch is also celebrating a birthday today (He is 53). Skeoch joined Tesla in 1984 when they were known as City Kidd and left in 2006 due to substance abuse.
 
On this date in 1974, KISS kicked off their first North American tour in Edmonton, Alberta Canada; In 1998 Judas Priest singer Rob Halford announced on MTV that he was gay; and on this date in 1971, Black Sabbath started recording what would be their third album, ‘Master Of Reality.’ Forced to postpone four Canadian gigs after Ozzy came down with a serious case of sinusitis, the Sabbath tour will resume tomorrow night (Feb. 6th) in Tacoma, WA.
 
I was in Tacoma with my teenage son this past Tuesday for AC/DC. I hope to have as much energy when I hit my 60’s as Angus and the boys… what a great show. Click Here for a recap with photos. AC/DC is in Las Vegas tonight (Feb. 5th) and Denver on Monday. How convenient it would be to make the short trip to San Francisco and play the Super Bowl halftime show on Sunday… would much rather see that.
 
Enjoy the game and have a great weekend. Thanks for listening to METAL SHOP.
 
AC/DC Rock or Bust Tour Tacoma WA 2-2-16 Brian Johnson
 

80s Metal Trending

The accidental archivist revels in found sounds, movie soundtracks, spoken-word performances – and after dealing with his tensions of the 80s, explains why his brother isn’t talking to him [...]

Judas Priest's Metal God becomes the latest musician to be immortalised in six-inch plastic [...]

In a new interview with Chicago's Rebel Radio 92.5 FM, SOIL bassist Tim King gave an update on the band's recent and upcoming activities. He said (as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET): [...]

In a new interview with Metal Talk, MANOWAR bassist Joey DeMaio confirmed that there are still plans for the band to release a new studio album in the not-too-distant future. [...]

This is your chance to win Ozzy's complete solo discography on vinyl. Continue reading… [...]

McFarlane Toys has announced a new 6" scale "Music Maniacs" action figure of JUDAS PRIEST singer Rob Halford. Product features: * Incredibly detailed 6" scale figure featuring Rob Halford of [...]

West Coast thrash metal legends DARK ANGEL will embark on the "Extinction Level Event" North American tour this fall, their first domestic trek in over three decades. DARK ANGEL's first [...]

Black Sabbath may be no more, but there are still plenty of bands they’ve inspired out there [...]

With more than two decades performing together, acclaimed rockers ALTER BRIDGE show no signs of slowing down. Known for its memorable riffs, infectious vocal melodies and dueling guitar attack, the [...]

Early KISS producer Eddie Kramer has revealed that plans are afoot for the band to commemorate the 50th anniversary of its 1975 "Alive!" album with an expanded version, tentatively due [...]

Extended, remastered edition of 2003 release will appeal to fans of the Genesis co-founder’s playing and early solo songcraft [...]

Last month, ANTHRAX singer Joey Belladonna brought his "Joey's Jukebox" project to Bernie's Beach Bar in Hampton, New Hampshire. Video of the 64-year-old musician belting out karaoke-style covers of several [...]

Their best moments during a turbulent era somehow found a way to balance competing personalities and career objectives. Continue reading… [...]

In a new interview with Metalirium, MY DYING BRIDE guitarist Andrew Craighan spoke about the band's decision to recruit vocalist Mikko Kotamäki (SWALLOW THE SUN) to front MY DYING BRIDE [...]

The album's original producer says he spent 46 days working on the new collection. Continue reading… [...]

The Catacombs tour follows the release of the Queens Of The Stone Age: Alive In The Catacombs film and live album [...]

"Thank you for a lifetime of beauty, horror, love, power, happiness, melancholy." Soundgarden salute the "majestic brilliance" of Black Sabbath, and say they were "super bummed" at not being able [...]

Two of thrash's 'Big 4' go head to head for supremacy in this week's Chuck's Fight Club on Loudwire Nighs. Continue reading… [...]

Motley Crue's main songwriter says no one else has interpreted the song's lyrics like Parton. Continue reading… [...]

See where the "Somewhere in FL 2025" tour is headed. Continue reading… [...]

Soundgarden have posted a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath that also explains their absence at the Back to the Beginning concert. Continue reading… [...]

Soundgarden have posted a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath that also explains their absence at the Back to the Beginning concert. Continue reading… [...]

The stolen guitar had been played by Keith Richards, Mick Taylor, Jimmy Page and Eric Clapton [...]