ZZ Top and Joan Jett rock the Ironstone Amphitheater
By Sandy Carriger
Staff Writer
Saturday, August 14, a clear and mild
80 or so degrees, was perfect for attending the sold-out concert,
headlining ZZ Top, with opening act, Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.
Two legendary rock bands with unique styles had the crowd, both
young and old, at the Ironstone Amphitheatre partying their hearts
out!
Joan Jett is a rock pioneer who, in the '70s, formed the first all
girl punk rock band, The Runaways. Enter Joan Jett and the
Blackhearts, all dressed in black and punked out (looking a bit to
me like death warmed over). This woman of very small stature comes
bounding on stage, full of energy and belting out one of her
greatest hits. I'm not much of a punk rock fan, but it was evident
to me by the audience response, Joan does have a huge following.
Band members: Thommy Price, drums; Enzo , bass guitar;
Dougie
Needles, lead guitar; Kenny Laguna, keyboards and of course, Joan
on rhythm guitar all ooze with enthusiasm and got the audience
warmed up. Joan played many of her greatest hits; including Bad
Reputation, Cherry Bomb, Do You Wanna Touch Me (oh yeah), You Drive
Me Wild (the first song Joan ever wrote), School Days, the
infamous I Love Rock n Roll, Crimson and Clover and Everyday
People, to name a few.
The sun has set, there's a slight chill in the air, intermission
and then "that little ol' band from Texas" takes over the stage.
Legendary American blues rock band, ZZ Top, has been
entertaining us for over four decades with the same three original
band members Billy Gibbons, lead vocals and guitar, Dusty Hills,
bass guitar and Frank Beard on drums. The infamous bearded duo,
wearing "cheap sunglasses," hats and biker attire, bring on roars
of screams and applause (as well as over zealous fans’
undergarments tossed on stage). Their synchronized movements,
smoke, videos and assorted props add to their impressively
professional and fun performance.
The stage is set with an amazing drum ensemble adorned with silvery
skulls and on either side are faux speakers appearing to be stacked
like stairs leading to the sky. The trio opened with Got Me Under
Pressure, followed by a vastly recognizable compilation of hits,
I'm Bad, I'm Nationwide, Cheap Sunglasses, Someone Like You, Hey
Joe, Party on the Patio, Gimme all Your Lovin', Sharp Dressed Man,
Legs, Tush and many more. A costume change from leathers to denim
embellished with floral sequins, guitars covered with white fur
strummed during Legs, a red bandanna, cigar smoking, flask sipping
and sexy stage hand Ms. Ally Cat, were all part of this stage
production with a slightly comedic twist. Folks of all ages, shapes
and sizes were dancing in the aisles. We are mesmerized by Billy
Gibbons as he plays his guitar although it were an extension of his
arm...one handed, backwards, upside down, yet never missing a
chord. Mr. Gibbons is a man of many talents and Rock and Roll Hall
of fame inductee. He is not only an American musician, but also an
actor and car customizer, holder of 9 US patents! Unbeknown to
many, this group got its start touring with Jimi Hendrix under the
name Moving Sidewalks! The rest, of course, is history!
This was a really great concert with some excellent talent! The
Ironstone, as always, is a gorgeous and serene venue. My one
disappointment, upon departing the amphitheater, was the excess
garbage left behind by the audience. Come on people! You pay good
money to see some awesome talent in a beautiful setting and leave
the theater in that kind of squalor? That's what garbage cans are
for! Ya wouldn't do that in your living room? Or would you?
Photos by Sandy Carriger
There are only three concerts remaining in the line up for this
summer's 2010 concert series at the Ironstone Amphitheatre: B.B.
King, Al Green and Buddy Guy appear on August 20, Willie Nelson &
Family with LeAnn Rimes on September 12 and Sheryl Crow with G.
Love and Special Sauce on September 17. Tickets start at $45 for
general admission. For more information, please visit
www.ironstoneamphitheatre.net. On show days, the venue box office
will be open from 2pm through show time. Tickets are also available
through all Ticketmaster outlets, on-line at Ticketmaster.com and
call centers at 209-551-TIXS, 510-625-TIXS, 408-988-TIXS,
415-421-TIXS or 925-685-TIXS
Visit
www.ironstonevineyards.com for more information on concerts,
Museum, Jewelry Shoppe, Events and Weddings, Cooking and Baking
demonstrations at the Culinary Center, Tasting Room and Deli.
Back to Top
