May 9, 2004 - Hollywood, CA - Roxy Theatre
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General Information
Date: May 9, 2004
Location: Hollywood, CA
Venue: Roxy Theatre; 9009 Sunset Blvd.; Hollywood, CA 90069 [ Venue website ] Box Office Number: (310) 278-9457 Additional Info: Support Act: Gosling. According to KROQ Radio, only 60 tickets were made available to the general public. The other people were there be by invitation only. Velvet Revolver hit the stage around 10:15pm. They played until midnight.
Thanks to Mick Rockster for the scan.
Set List - Sucker Train Blues
- Spectacle
- Headspace
- Superhuman
- Crackerman
- Mr. Brownstone
- Fall to Pieces
- Big Machine
- Illegal i Song
- Do it for the Kids
- Set Me Free
- Used to Love Her
- Sex Type Thing
- It's So Easy
- Slither
Reviews (12) [ send in your own review/pictures of the Hollywood show ]
Thanks to Gregg: What power!!! I waited outside for hours without a ticket and somehow by mental will; I found myself 3rd row in front of Slash. Anyway, the band was in top form. From the opening of Sucker Train Blues, I was in awe. The sound was incredible and the new material is going to blow the fans away. This was supposed to be a warm-up show for the tour? I have no idea how this show at the ROXY could be topped.
Scott's voice was strong and direct cutting right to the soul. His stage presence is intense and mesmerizing. Scott even dive bombed into the crowd (twice on me). Slash was playing with a vengence. The sound he unleashed was bone chilling. Matt lead a thunderous backing on the drums. Duff, as usual dripping with sweat while working both sides of the stage was in top shape. Dave fits in as the final piece of this long awaited line-up. He seemed right at home rocking out with the fellas...
Every song had a fresh approach and the crowd couldn't get enough. The new stuff like Spectacle, Headspace and Big Machine let the public hear what they are in for when the album is released. Fall to Pieces was amazing with Scott's heartfelt lyrics. Set Me Free and Slither went over like a sledge hammer to the head. Throw in a few more new songs along with some great covers from GN'R and STP like Crackerman, Used to love her, Sex type, It's so easy, Brownstone...ending with Nirvana's Negative Creep, wow!
I have to say that after seeing over a hundred different bands live since the late 70's, this show is right at the top. I knew the show would be great, but it was great! I really hope they stay together a long time and give us fans what we have been dying for; the most powerful music and live shows in the past 20 years.
Oh, I didn't mention that after the show I was fortunate enough to hang out with the band. I chatted with Dave who was very pleased with the show. Matt, who just loved my Velvet Revolver shirt (free promo) was so nice and appreciative. I got to hang around Slash for some quality minutes. I had a moment to tell Scott how much I appreciated the show. I got to shake Duff's hand before he was off. Before the show I witnessed Duff talking to fans, then coming back 5 minutes later with a couple tickets for 2 lucky fans (how cool is that). I got a chance for autograghs, setlist, handshakes and just an unbelievable time hanging out with Velvet Revolver. The band is so friendly and available to their fans. Everytime I approached Slash he always remembered me (your 6th grade teacher friend) was just the nicest guy. Thanks Velvet Revolver, I can't wait until the Wiltern shows. For the lucky fans who see the show, get ready. You are going to leave shaking your head wanting more!
Also, thanks to THE ROXY for letting me into the show. The people there are top notch.
Thanks to Mademoisellana83: I attended the Velvet Revolver gig at the Roxy Theater in Los Angeles on May, 9 and I am still recovering from what I experienced there. First of all, the tickets were all sold out and so I went without any in hopes to buy some from scalpers or thinking that maybe I'll have some luck and the box office would distribute some tickets closer to the show.
I arrived at about 3:00pm and went straight to the Roxy. To my avail, there were a few diehard fans who looked too desperate for a ticket also and I thought, 'maybe the box office will open since so many want to catch the show.' On and on, I waited and chatted with a few folks. There was a big truck of the bands' instruments and the crew unloaded the mega expensive equipment for the nights show. As the day dragged and came closer and closer to the show I panicked, walked back and forth and thought,'it would be too painful if I missed the chance of a lifetime, to see my favorite musicians all on one stage.'
Then I heard some fans saying that the members are already at the Roxy hanging out and doing sound check. As I waited outside I heard the drums pounding and the sounds of an electric guitar crashing in my ears. I thought, 'damn, I really can't miss this tonight.'
I started getting very anxious and nervous to be left out in the cold while everybody that had the tickets would get inside in front of me and then I would start thinking, 'that could have been me, entering the Roxy confidently with a ticket to one of the most explosive bands on that stage.' So what do I do, I start walking to the left side of the Roxy and I spot a few crew members with Matt Sorum (drummer), I can't believe I saw Sorum with his blond, spiked hair perfectly waxed as if frozen, tattoos all over him and a typical rock outfit with a bunch of metal jewelry on him. I did not bother to come up to him because I did not want to make a scene; besides he was too busy at the moment. Anyways, since I saw Sorum, I had a good feeling that I could spot anyone in the band.
I decided to go check out the right side of the Roxy, where the Rainbow Bar and Grill is located and I could not believe my eyes who I saw. Right in the balcony of the Rainbow, there was Slash (guitar God, as I like to call him). He was sitting with a few fans and I had the courage to approach him and chat. I started walking fast, but at the same time I thought as if the ground was going to collapse under me, I was in complete shock. Finally I was came up and asked Slash if there was a chance for me to get tickets, Slash was cool and really wanted to help, but his immediate words were "I am sorry but the tickets are all sold out." I, of course, felt like a shotgun went into me when I heard this but I stayed cool and calm. Then I told Slash, 'Can you at least sign an autograph,' but felt uneasy when I entered the word at least because I felt as if I was being too demanding. The word just blurted out of my mouth and I only realized it later; give me a break I was so excited to meet Slash that nothing seemed to matter at the moment. Anyways, I thanked Slash who looked just as cool, calm and down-to-earth as he was 10 or so years ago and should I say as young as he did years ago. He had his signature curly mop hair in a low ponytail, wore big hoop earrings, jewelry, his rock outfit and a bunch of familiar tattoos, which seemed as if they were fading out.
I left, thinking that that was the last time that I would see Slash in person, but given my perseverance I decided to stay till the end to see if I had any luck or maybe a miracle would come my way. By this time, I did not know whether to be excited or disappointed or both. I met Slash and that covered the excitement part but I had no ticket to the show, and I was deeply disappointed. I felt like it was the end of the world, mainly because it was their first private show held for celebrities and a few diehard fans and also because it was the first time I could see them perform in person.
I waited, then suddenly one long-haired, tall guy from the Roxy comes up to me and tells me if I was the one who talked with Slash. I said yes, and then he took me inside the Roxy and told me not to worry. I came back outside and Slash's wife, Perla, comes up to me and happily hands me tickets to the show. At this point, I can't even describe the feeling in words that I felt; its too surreal, sort of a dream but one that came true. First of all, I could not believe that Slash even remembered that I did not have a ticket and it just shows that not all rock stars are egomaniacs and are too preconceived with their fame that they forget about their fans.
Its truly magical what Slash did and very considerate of him. Wow. What a genuine person and not just a rock star and so is his wonderful wife, Perla. Perla was just too excited to hand me the tickets and never would I have imagined that anything of this kind of nature would happen to me. I shook Perla's hand and thanked her. Some guy at the Roxy took a picture when I was standing next to Perla and I was in the middle of everything. I felt a shock wave and electric current inside me. Everything happened quickly just like in a dream. I tried to contain myself, but could not. Then a girl from San Clemente, who I was chatting with the first that I came to the Roxy and who had no tickets, took pictures of me and a close up of the autograph from Slash.
Finally, at doors opened at 8:00pm and I was now confident to have the tickets on me and as I stood there first in line, I watched a second line with diehard fans hoping to get tickets. I thought, 'that could have been me, but thanks to Slash, its not.' I got in and received a cool black, T-shirt with Velvet Revolver guys on the front and on the back it says, "Roxy May 9." Lucky for me it was my size. I went in hanged out and the curtains came up on the opening band, Gosling. I was too anxious too see Velvet Revolver and so was the hungry crowd and everyone stayed calm, until the big moment. Finally at around 10:00pm, the curtains slowly came up with a bang as the excitement among the crowds was building. As the curtain was going up I looked around on stage, while it was dark, I first saw Slash with his signature top hat and a mane of black, long curly hair, then saw Duff, Matt, Dave and Scott getting ready to start.
The band kicked off the show with "Sucker Train Blues" brash guitars and brawny drums as Scott jolted on stage with a vengeance wearing a policeman hat and totally dominating the stage with his grotesque, Cirque du Soleil type moves. Slash rocked out with his signature, ripping riffs and Dave kept things cool while Duff and Matt kept their raging rhythm section, loaded with spontaneously fast fills. The moment the first song kicked off the crowd went from calm to blazing explosive; it was a jungle at the Roxy. Following, "Spectacle" was on and it was quite a spectacle I can say. The transition from one song to the other only made a bigger scene and the crowds just kept on going. With such lines as "kick the town with broken bones, fight now, stand your ground," the words truly speak to themselves.
The transition to "Headspace" only created an explosion of screams as the song brought the freight-train velocity as Scott continued to dominate the stage with his dives. He was all over the place, twisting and turning like a rollercoaster ride. "Superhuman," only kept the crowd going strong and super. When the band hit "Crackerman," an old cover song of Stone Temple Pilots the crowd went wild and sang along to the first lines: Kickin' as I'm tryin' to sleep I got the mud beaneath my shoes /Rubber band, rubberband / Gun in hand, gun in hand I wanna use. The energy here was very ferocious. I thought 'This got to be a dream and I have to wake up.'
Just as I thought that, the band hit another song with an old favorite from Guns N' Roses called "Mr. Brownstone." When I heard the opening guitar riff and the beefy drums, I knew my dreams were all coming true. Personally I think Scott did a stellar job on "Mr. Brownstone" and made the song his own he did not try to imitate the way Axl Rose was signing it in Guns N' Roses. Perfect! With Scott's range, and intelligence "Mr. Brownstone" made my day. "Falling To Pieces" was a power ballad song with a twist because it had loud guitars. From a ballad to another monstrous hit "Big Machine" with tremendous drum and bass groove. The energy still going among the crowds as everyone is exhausted.
"Illegal I," featured aggressive fills and a punching, speedy snare drum intro. As with all the songs, Scott introduced them but Slash introduced "Do It For The Kids," and mistakenly said "Kid" instead of "Kids." The song is a thick rock. What can I say, the band definitely did it for the kids with all the excitement in the air. "Set Me Free," makes guitar virtuosity possible with a decadent guitar line creating images of atmospheric speed waiting to crash and burn, but still keep going at every twist and turn. With all the distortion, something had to slow down when the band started playing a cover song by Guns N' Roses called "I Used To Love Her." Again Scott did a wonderful job making the song his own as he stood by the bass drum and delivered the lines with freshness in his voice although by this time the band was exhausted.
During "Used To Love Her" Scott picked up a cowboy hat from a fan onstage and pranced around with it. Slash was running on stage all sweating and so was Duff and Dave, and Matt was just like a big machine waiting to explode. He pounded those drums with precision; a total pro. Another cover from Stone Temple Pilots was "Sex Type Thing." When "Its So Easy," came on, it was in the same range as the original when Guns N' Roses performed it.
Scott is such a pro; he can sing any song and twist it into his own work of art. He was stage diving and almost dived into the equipment. Somewhere along the gig he managed to change outfits and hits; what a showmanship. Now that's what a rock n' roll show should feel like. Toward the midway of the show the whole place was burning, hot and Scott started complaining about the AC and how the Roxy promised a new air conditioning system that worked for the show-nonetheless it was pretty obvious by the sweat that came off of my tank top and every one else in attendance that the Roxy's air conditioning was non-existent.
Like a true rock star, Scott was laying on stage for a few minutes and talking all kinds of crap about how hot it was, saying, "I feel like I am in a big asshole," and Slash jumped in to add "It's cooking." Regardless, the show went on with another rocker hit and a current single on the radio charts "Slither." "Slither" begins with a grappling guitar and brooding bass drilling steadily, with the band boasting "Hey, Hey, Hey," before erupting into a head banging rocker and Scott boasts infectious line that will surely be a concert sing-along. Slither is a class offering, an old school rocker song which twists and turns in the labyrinth of a dark world. Slither brings the best of both worlds of Guns N' Roses classic hit "Nighttrain" and STP's old vibe. The opening riff that drags steadily is played by all instruments, which make the sound juicy and full and slowly builds into a one monstrous, heavy rock hit, leading into the nucleus of the song-Slash's magnetic solo.
When the band performed "Slither" I knew this was something special, I knew that this band was going to be explosive. This band is the real deal, a rock group with not fluff. Shortly afterwards, the band played the last song of the night, a cover of Nirvana's "Negative Creep." Throughout the entire show, the band left the stage a few times for a few minutes but then came back and rocked the place again. Every time they set their foot on stage the crowd cheered as if it was the first time that they saw them. Their stage presence is just amazing; Scott was just on fire. The entire band was kept together, they had a total chemistry on stage, some sort of spark needed to keep the crowd going. If there was a perfect word to describe them its domination, they dominated the whole place.
Thanks to David: My buddy and I were lucky enough to get these tickets through ticketmaster's horrible system, but it was well worth the effort and every pretty penny.
We got to the venue at about 8:30pm and walked right in after we picked up our tickets at will-call. Right when we entered we were hit with the beautiful suprise of a free Velvet Revolver t-shirt -- I was already stoked. We had a couple shots of Jager and beer, while we watched the opening band's set (they reminded me of how Jet looks with a Beatle-esque melodic sound -- indie band). While the opener played, my buddy and I went to the left side of the stage to check out Duff & Dave's quiver of basses and guitars. While we were there we turned around to check out the VIP section where Ron Jeremy, Adrian Young (No Doubt), and that lead singer guy in "That Thing You Do," were all kickin' back and talking. As the opener's set wound down we made our way into the crowd following a waitress to the front center of stage. The curtains closed on the opener and the anticipation and the heat built...
With one girl, about 5'3", separating me from the stage, I couldn't complain. I had no idea where I was in relation to where the band would be when the curtain lifted and the show would start -- I thought that I would be in front of Duff or Dave. I had seen Slash a couple times at the Whisky and the Roxy before and had never seen any of the other guys, so I was hoping that I would be in front of Scott or Duff. So when the curtain finally lifted and the crowd cheered to an orgasmic level, "Sucker Train Blues" kicked in under blue lighting and Scott came out right in front of me. I was dead center right in front of the guy! I was so close that I could see the caps on the back of his front teeth and he was stepping on my hands.
Memorable moments of the show were: Scott stage diving and getting pushed back onto the stage where he would let his body fall each time onto the moniters (Iggy Pop-esque), right on his ribs (it looked like it hurt...); Slash talking to the crowd saying, "this is our first show..." while he introduced "Do it for the Kid" (Scott laughed at the fact that he didn't pluralize Kid(s)); Each time Scott anounced an STP song he would say,"This is by a band called ____(Insert a band name like the Beach Boys); Slash saying, "see if you recognize this one" and Duff starting into "It's So Easy"; Scott shaking my hand while singing "Set It Free"; Matt mouthing his drum beats and twirling his sticks; Scott wearing some guys cowboy hat during "Used to Love Her" and being adament about it getting back to him (very cool); Getting one of Slash's picks; the heat in the place (Scott voiced his opinion about the heat in the Roxy in the beginning of the show saying that the Roxy had promised a new air conditioning system that worked for the show -- it was pretty obvious by the sweat that came off of my wrung out shirt after that show and every one else in attendance that the Roxy's air conditioning was non-existant). Scott going off on the Press in the very beginning of the show; & Duff drinking O'doul's while the rest of the guys drank water and Gatorade. The sound wasn't great, being so close to the action, but the energy was definitely there. I guess I can sit back and listen to them at The Wiltern on June 8th. That is the closest to those guys I will come, until my band gets to play with them... I can't wait!
Thanks to Wendybird: The attempt to purchase tickets: I came to work on Saturday to buy tickets for the Wiltern June 8th at 10:00 a.m. and to get tickets for the Roxy at 3:00. I was able to score one GA ticket for June 8th. I then checked Kroq's website for any ticket info. They had something in there about that they were giving Velvet Revolver tickets away so I got directions and headed for Lakewood. I got there around 11:15 and there wasn't a huge line. I talked to some of the interns and they said they had around 50 pairs of tickets available so I thought that I might get lucky. I figured I could sell one ticket at face value to one of you and give the other one to one of my friends since I already purchased my ticket. Anyhow, tickets ran out about 7 people before me so I headed back to the office to try to get the Roxy tickets. I was on the phone with ticketmaster about 20 minutes before 3 and I kept refreshing online. Once the tickets actually went on sale and it was time to type the password my hands froze. I couldn't believe it. Needless to say I didn't get tickets. I stayed at work for another 1 and half to see if by some miracle someone had an extra ticket but no luck there neither.
Scoring the tickets: So I went home around 4:15 to finally rest a little and plan a strategy. I turned on the radio to 103.1 and took a nap. (FYI Camp Freddy takes over every Saturday from 6-8 p.m.) I was half asleep when I heard Matt and Dave talk about some party Matt was going to at 9:00. Anyhow, they were having some contest and giving out t-shirts but kept getting really bad callers. I decided to call just for the hell of it. When I called someone I think said wait a minute (it was really hard to hear) and you'll be on then I could hear them in the background. When they went to a commercial break (I think it was Matt at that point but I'm not quite sure) someone asked if I had the answer to the question. I replied hell no but I do have a question for you. Anyhow I asked if there was anyway that I could have a ticket for the Roxy gig and he seemed a bit shocked that I knew it was happening but told me "I'm sorry but it's all maxed out". I kept talking to him and finally he said "you know what you seem like a nice girl I'm going to hook you up." And then he mentioned something about his manager killing him. He told me he was going to give me Dave's ticket because Dave couldn't make it and then starting talking about how he goes to all of Dave's shows and that he even went to Vegas to see him. He was kinda pouring down the guilt really strong and then I think I asked Dave what was stopping him. He said something about being a married man and I think I said oh that's no excuse. Anyhow then Dave said, "hey do you want the ticket or not" and I said you don't have to ask me twice and I quickly shut the hell up.
Anyhow they started asking if I was hot and if I had hot friends. So I said I had tons of hot friends which is true. I only asked one of my friends to go but I pretty much knew she was going to flake. I didn't want to tell Matt I was a fatass or mention that I was the drunk bastard that got kicked out of the video shoot. I figured that wasn't going to help my case. But I did mention I was a freak. Anyhow he said he was going to put me on the list.
The anticipation before the concert: I initially planned to meet Ravens and Utero by 4:00 but as usual I was running really late. I had a ton of things to do before the concert and I couldn't find anything to wear. I finally got there around 6:50 and met up them in the front. This is where my paranoid self starting kicking in. I knew Matt had put me on the list but I kept thinking that maybe he forgot about me and then I would be pretty much screwed. Ravens already had her ticket and Utero was in the same boat as me. From the time we were waiting until the girl at the ticket box found my name written in red my heart was just racing. We all got in. I gave my extra ticket to the guy next to us who was waiting there for a long time. We were one of the first people to get in, it was so exciting. I got a shot and a drink and went strait to the front. It was awesome meeting everyone form the boards.
The concert: Once they finally went on it was just awesome. The only drawbacks to the concert were being pushed and kicked by the crowd surfer and the heat. I was so hot and sweaty that my hands were like prunes all wrinkled up. I definitely was not a pretty sight. Also there was this annoying pack of guys' one in particular with a white shirt that really kept getting on my nerves but back to the important stuff. The whole band sounded amazing despite the heat and the pushing I wouldn't have missed it for the world. I noticed how much soul Slash put into his guitar playing. When he did his solos under his hair I could see him close his eyes and really feel the music. And Scott as always was great. He exudes so much sexual energy it's hard to contain oneself. A couple of times I couldn't help myself and touch him (in the arms) but I really tried to refrain myself I don't really think he likes it. Towards the middle-end of the concert he was standing right over me and all I could see was his package in front of my face. I swear I felt a little awkward and a bit like a pervert but I quickly got over it. I have to say that this was by far the best concert I been to far surpassing U2's Elevation tour. The boys definitely delivered.
The after party: So after the concert ended almost everyone left and I was just hanging around hoping to get lucky again. The security started kicking everyone out and I asked one of the guys if I could just get a cup of water.(this is where my low cut shirt helped a little) He said "sweetie you can do whatever you want." Anyhow I was kicking it at the bar for a few more minutes and everyone was pretty nice. The bartender said to take as long as I needed so I did. So after I drank my two cups of water I went to the restroom to kill some more time and pray for some more miracles. In the restroom there was a girl (the soundpersons girlfriend/Vegas resident) who I can't for the life of me remember her name but she was really cool. I started talking about how much I love Velvet Revolver and...anyhow we chit-chatted for a while and then she said she was going to call one of her friends to see if they can get me an extra pass but she said if that didn't work we could get in through her boyfriend. We went outside to smoke for a few minutes and I really didn't think I was going to get in when we finished she called her boyfriend and said "walk with me, tonight you are my little cousin". They immediately recognized her and let us in. Slash was right there by the stairs talking to some people. I really didn't pay much attention who he was talking to I was just anxious to get up. Anyhow we went in and everyone was pretty much there except for Duff I didn't see him at all. She said something about being low in cash so I said "the least I could do is buy you a drink". When I was about to pay another struck of luck happened the bartender said they had an open tab. Now this never happens to me so I was excited. I'm usually a very expensive drunk so this was definitely my night. I tipped the bartender and relaxed. Like I mentioned before the only one I made an effort to talk to was Matt I just had to thank him. I did briefly meet Dave and Ron and I know there were a lot of other people who I couldn't recognize. My new cousin was really cool and she kept an eye out for me to make sure I was fine. When I finally left I was really tired I really wished I would have thanked her again. The funny thing is that it was barely like 1:15 or sometime around there and when I got in my car I didn't want to go home.I ended up going to my favorite places which pretty much sucked and then I went to a new place that one of the bouncers recommended on Santa Monica and Wilcox they had a band performing covers. They were pretty good. After I left there I went to go eat and met some newspaper journalist who said that he was going to hook me up for future musical events (hey you never know). I finally got home sometime around 3:30 and pretty much crashed.
Thanks to Smitty: All I can say is wow. This was my first time seeing anything to the likes of STP or G&R. I have been a long time fan, but never made it out to see them. Myself and buddy Vince were two of the few that actually got tickets off the web. I had been following the concert schedule religiously for the last few months and I vowed to not miss any west coast shows. We showed up to a huge line of people who were begging for tickets. I went up to will-call, and we waltzed right past everyone. We were then greeted by a beautiful brunette who handed us free shirts that are certain to be collector's items. After walking around the stage, having a beer and finding a Duff guitar pick on the ground, we were ready.
We jammed right up against the stage before the opening band started and decided that we weren't going to give up our spots no matter what.
When Velvet Revolver came on, I felt like all of my childhood dreams were coming true. All of the musicians that I had worshiped for so many years were finally on stage. When the intro for Mr. Brownstone was being played, I can honestly say that there was no other place in the world that I would have rather been. Slash was two feet from my face. I could watch him flip his pickup switches, twist his tone control knobs, and watch his fingers hit every fret. I think he drenched all of us with sweat by the time the night was over. As for Scott, he is out of control. Over the course of the night, he took it upon himself to crowd surf, borrow a cowboy hat from someone in the crowd, (which he made sure he gave back), crawl all over the floor, crack jokes and still sound as good as he did ten years ago. At one point, Scott leaned over the stage and grabbed on to my hand to hold himself up over the fans. To be that close to one of your idols is amazing. Duff, Dave and Matt never missed a beat. There was a definite synergy between everyone and there was a funny feeling in the air that almost made you think they had been playing together for years.
There was so much energy and intensity in the air. Everyone felt it, especially all of the G&R fans that have been thirsting for so many years for some kind of closure. We saw an older lady get escorted from the front because it was getting too rough, some drunk guy stage dive right on to the ground and a brawl almost break out to 'It's so easy'. You could tell that all the guys of Velvet Revolver felt invincible and the feeling was spreading over the crowd. Having witnessed all of this in one night alongside my best friend, I can conclude that was one of the best experiences of my life.
Thanks to Velvet RevolverRock: I attended the show at the ROXY and I am still recovering from what happened to me there. It was a miracle or good luck. First of all I went without tickets and arrived there at 3:00pm. When I came I chatted with some people who had no tickets and were hoping to buy some off of sellers on the street, that's what I was hoping for. I waited and waited, then I went to the back side of the Roxy building and saw Matt Sorum getting the instruments, of course I did not go up to him because he was busy. But what happened next is huge.
I went to the other side of the Roxy where the Rainbow Bar is located and there he was: Slash. I went up to him and chatted, got his autograph and asked him if there was any chance of me getting tickets. He was so nice and he really wanted to help but he said the tickets were all sold out. And so I thanked him and left happy but a bit disappointed. But I did not leave and I still waited in line. Now hold on tight because you won't believe what happenes next. I stand there in line talking to some guy that I met, he didn't have a ticket either.
And then, some guy from the Roxy comes up to me and says, Slash talked to you and I said yes. Then this guy takes me inside the Roxy and tells me that "don't worry, everything is well." Then the guy takes me outside and there is Perla, Slash's wife gives me the ticket to the show. She is very excited and happy and very helpful. She smiles, gives me a handshake and some guy that is one of their people takes a photo of me and Perla. Then suddenly everybody in line is coming up to me and talking and taking pictures of me, which I don't know what will happen to the pictures. I felt like I was famous or something.
I can't believe Slash did this for me, he is so generous. Finally the show started and it was just blazing, rocking fun. Everyone was jumping, everyone was sweaty. Scott was crowd diving and I was right infront of the stage. Awesome, I truly don't have any more words to say. This guys are going to kick some major ass and I hope they succeed.
Thanks to Jizzo: I got to the Roxy at 7pm. People were paying 100-150 dollars for tickets. The security told us to move away from the building. at about 8:50 they said limited tickets would be on sale. So I got in line, I missed the first 25 people who got in. But once a few vip's went, I see this women standing next to the will call window. I tell my friend, hey that's Christina Applegate, and my friends are like, I don't think it is. Well when I'm at the front of the line, the security guy is like, I need Christina Applegate's tickets. I glance over at her, pretty much in awe of her and she smiled at me like she was flattered. I ended up standing right next to her at the window and I wanted to get something signed, but I didn't have anything but a 20 and didn't want to ask her to sign it.
I pay 21 dollars for the ticket and another 3 for the 2 drink minimum.
I get inside, the opener played for about 15 minutes while I was inside. I go to take a leak, but I can't get into the bathroom because Matt Sorum was in there.
I end up standing to the left of center, pretty much directly in front of Duff's spot on stage. A curtain is down but you could here the tests and the unmistakeable riff of Mr Brownstone. At this point the place is really hot and everyone is sweaty.
The roadie comes on to the mike and says "the feel good band of the 04's, Velvet Revolver. They bust into Suckertrain Blues, Slash has the top hat on. Then they played Spectacle and Headspace, at this point the only song I knew was Headspace because of the lyrics.
Scott then talks about Superhuman being a track about fucking, cause everyone needs to fuck. Then Scott says we're gonna play a song by the Beach Boys, and the band busts into Crackerman. The song ends and the band starts Mr Brownstone. Brownstone is crazy, Scott is amazing on the end (Stuck it in the needle....)
Scott talks about writing good love songs, and that Mary is here tonight, and has his ring on her finger again (crowd applauses). The band starts Fall to Pieces. It has a classic Slash solo in it.
Big Machine was my favorite new song of the night. "We're all slaves to the Big Machine". I don't remember Illegal I, I had no idea what it was and I really can't remember anything special about it.
Slash takes the mike and talks about Do it for the kid, Scott corects him, saying its plural, kids. The song was really fast, with Scott speeding up the words.
Then Scott says you may of heard this song on the radio last summer, this is Set Me Free motherfucker. It's the normal Hulk version, but after the My Freedom part they play a bit more of the words and riff again.
The band takes a break, and then comes back and plays a 3 song encore of Used to Love Her, Sex Type Thing and It's So Easy. Used to Love Her is the really good, Scott just sings it mostly while sitting on the base drum. He introduces Sex Type thing as another love song and I think it was Duff who said that this is another one of Scott's favorites and then busts into Its So Easy.
There is another encore and I think this is when Scott talks about the Roxy lying to the band about the AC, and Scott says the band offered to pay to have one brought in. He says it's hot and sweaty like an asshole. Then he's like, a nice beautiful asshole.
Slither is the first song played during the last encore. It's an extended version with an extended intro and an extended solo and outro.
The last song the band plays is Negative Creep. The band is amazing on it, it's so fuckin heavy and there was nothing like Scott screaming, "I'm a negative creep, I'm a negative creep".
The show ends at this point.
These are a few things that also were said and happened but I can't place when it was done. In between one song Scott tells the crowd that the crowd doesn't need a break, because everyone out there is 21, 22 and 23.
He also went off on the media, saying he wanted to have them over to his house to ....(he pauses)... to have cheap sex.
Also during one of the new songs, Scott works his way to a railing behind the crowd and sings a few verses from behind the crowd.
If I think of more I'll add it.
Thanks to Brad: The show kicked ass!! I was there front and center. I flew in from Phoenix on about 2 hours notice of when I was finally able to score some tickets (this was a fortune for my broke ass, but was worth it because it's the only time I can see Velvet Revolver). Got my rental car, which I took some serious convincing because I'm only 20 and you have to be 25. Then drove to Sherman Oaks to pick up my tickets at this gas station were the person left them for me to pick up. Then drove right down to Roxy and got there at about 8:15. Opening band was okay.. didn't get booed off stage or anything, their lead singer just didn't seem confident. When the curtains raised for Velvet Revolver.. it was something I've never seen before.. real rock N' fucknroll stars... these guys really dominate a stage. I've seen a lot of concerts.. but nothing like this before. All the new songs were killer. Usually the crowd is dead for new songs that they don't know the lyrics to (ie GNR concert Madagascar & the Blues) but these songs were fucking good and the band knows how to fucking Rock. They did two encores... the crowd wasn't really giving them the proper begging for them to come back out though. Probably because everyone knew they were coming back out and it's kinda hard to chant Vel-vet Revolv-er. Scott did not dissapoint, he was all over the place, this guy knows how to front a Rock N' Roll band. He stared into my eyes a few times while screaming out the songs.. I could really feel him. Duff was Duff.. my girlfriend got him to look at her a few times.. she'd totally do him, which sucks. But about half way through the show Duff's wife came to the side of the stage and my girlfriend saw she had no chance. Dave and Matt just played up tempo and rocked. Slash was the man.. came out in the top hat (which I have a good picture of). Slash truly is the King. Rock N' Roll to the core. Towards the end Slash lit up a cig.. while he was soloing, the cigarette lit a couple of his hairs on fire.. but sweat dripped down and put it out... that was fucking cool. These guys are ready to rock.. I can't wait to hear the album and see how things turn out for them. They aren't comming back in subpar form.. they look better now than they did in the early 90's.
Some famous people that I saw at the show were Ron Jeremy, Steve-O from Jackass and Kelly Osborne. I'm sure there were more..one of Ron Jeremys ho's were standing next to me the whole time bitching about how she hated concerts.. that pissed me off a lot. Also I saw Perla after the show.. and I'm pretty sure I saw her give you two girls those wristbands.. if you were the two eating outside at the Rainbow.
Thanks to Chris Pepper: Went down there hoping to get in. There was not a big crowd outside at 7.30pm when I arrived. "Velvet Revolver" was on the marquee. They announced at 8.30 they would distribute approx. 50 tix or so. Some guy ended up selling me two tix for $100. The only two famous people I saw before Velvet Revolver took the stage was Ron Jeremy and Kelly Osbourne.
The only two songs I've heard from Velvet Revolver is Set Me Free and Slither. So other than the 2 STP songs and 3 GNR songs and Negative Creep, it was hard for me to recogize songs unless Scott introduced them. Those included Fall to Pieces, For the Kids, Superhuman.
The songs were all straight ahead hard rocking. Except Fall to Pieces which was a nice ballad.
Scott came out in shiny silver pants, black vest and policeman's hat. Slash came out w/ his signature hat. Scott, Slash and Matt were shirtless before the show was over. Duff is pretty buff. Scott looked very thin. And Slash was well Slash.
They sounded very tight. Rocked the whole night. Scott seemed very appreciative of the fans, but he sounded very annoyed by the press. Slash said a few things but very difficult to understand.
I thought they showed alot of energy last nite and were happy to be on stage together. It was great to see them live, however, it was very difficult to appreciate the songs live "before" the album was released. I've never really done this before with songs I've been anticipating via album and live versions. I found myself listening intently to the songs and not enjoying the live experience or I was enjoying the live experience and not listening to the song. This was very difficult to do. Though, it makes me very excited to hear the album.
Thanks to Chris: I could easily hear the walls tremble from the soundcheck as I sat in the patio of the Rainbow Bar & Grill next door. It was a beautiful sound, the sound of whaling guitars and booms of heavy bass and drums all syncapating together in unison. You could clearly hear the songs and what was being played.
My girlfriend and I both realized that this was the sound of new Velvet Revolver songs that we've never heard before and I looked to her and told her "you know we're one of the first fans in the world to be hearing this?!?!" It was quite magical and then it stopped and a few minutes later, all 5 guys walked out of the back door and Slash was w/ his wife, Perla and their two kids, Dave and Duff were together, Matt by himself and then later Scott walked out by himself.
Some fans rushed over to them and grabbed some photos and autographs. They were really cool about it!!!! They all got in their cars and took off some place. Slash however stayed w/ his family and friends and ate at the Rainbow. I saw him by the restroom and stopped to say hello and to tell him that I was extremely glad to see that he was back on stage again and that I was really thankful for blessing us w/ his song writing talent and that I couldn't wait to hear the new CD!! He was all smiles and threw a couple of thank you's my way.
Later, we went to get our tickets and realized that the whole line in front of the ROXY were all people who were hoping that some extra tickets would be released. Only 4 people total actually had tickets that they were picking up at will call. Everyone was begging to get in to see this amazing show.
I picked up my 2 tickets and went in and saw the opening band Gosling. They were ok but my mind couldn't get over wanting to have Velvet Revolver come out. They finally came out about 10:20pm and rocked the hell out of the place for about a good hour and 45 minutes. All I can say about the new album is that it smokes!!! Hard, heavy and no wimpy stuff!!!!
The only sort of mellow song they had played was actually one of the best songs of the night! Everyone has to get the new cd on the 8th of June!!! It was incredible because you don't know any of the songs, never heard them (except for a couple) and yet every song sounded just absolutely spectacular!! It reminded me of the first time I heard Appetite for Destruction or Core and you knew that it was just magical and special!
They also played Crackerman, Sex Type Thing and I thought one more STP song, but not sure? From the GnR side of things...Mr. Brownstone, Used to Love Her, and I think 2 more songs from GnR but not too sure? They did 2 encores and the final one ended w/ them playing "Slither" and Nirvana's "Negative Creep". What an incredible day and experience. They are worth every penny that you have to pay to see them!! Now I'm wired and can't go to sleep but hey...I just saw Velvet Revolver!!!
Thanks to DeanPage: Fuck, I just got back from Velvet Revolver's surprise show at The Roxy!! Holy fuck they rocked so hard! There could not be a smaller, loud, sweaty rock n' roll venue to see such a loud, sweaty rock n' roll band, it was beyond perfect! Their first show as a warm-up to their first tour! Songs you guys would recognize: Crackerman (STP), Mr. Brownstone (GNR), Sex Type Thing (STP), It's So Easy (GNR), Used To Love Her (GNR), Set Me Free (Velvet Revolver), Slither (Velvet Revolver). And so many amazing new songs!! Some really killer tunes in there. One of them really stood on it's own, it's called "Fall To Pieces" and it was truly epic!! If this world has any sense to it, this will be a classic hit for the ages!
Scott Weiland was ridiculously cool as always. Man, that guy was just all over it! He's one of the last true rock stars. His voice was perfect, his stage presence is just on fire (if you've never seen STP live, you don't know what you're missing!). And he was running throught the audience and shit. Slash is fuckin' back!!!! He looked awesome, exactly the same as always, had the top hat, and just wailed like no other! Every time he soloed it just resonated in me! They were really together and very very fuckin heavy. They just owned us all. The sound was huge! Especially in such a small little room with only about 150 people or so.
On top of all that, I got in free! (one of the head roadie security guys just gave us free tickets out of the blue, most likely because the girl I was with is gorgeous and it is her birthday) And they gave us all free really kick ass t-shirts. The coolest band shirt I've seen in a long time and it has all the info of the show on the back so it's really one-of-a-kind!
Some celebrities that were right by me were Jerry Cantrell, Ron Jeremy and Kelly Osbourne. I'm sure there were more, but I didn't notice. That's my 3rd time seeing Cantrell in person. Ron Jeremy looked even more grotesque in real life, as did Kelly Osbourne. She was standing directly next to me outside after the show. I could hear all her conversations and shit, pretty trippy. Unfortunately, I didn't pimp-slap her like I'm sure you wished I did (I was thinking about it though ). But I did talk to her a little, and she was actually really nice.
God damn what a night!! I've truly witnessed the inception of a great band (I also saw the gig where the GNR guys decided to become a band together 2 years ago, when they jammed with Steven Tyler).
I did think of Axl though, and I fuckin missed his ass on the GNR tunes (although Scott was fantastic on them).
Sorry if I'm rambling. I'm still high and full of energy.
Thanks to Devin: The whole night me and my buddy were right in front of Slash! And during the first song Scott W. jumped on the speakers next to me and hit me in the head hard with the mike, what a fucking night! Asked Slash for a pick nods his head, hold on and comes back durrining there set and hands me and my buddy one! Fucking awesome, later he lit a few cigs, asked him for one and he comes back and gives his to us after a few puffs... Last few songs Scott grabs a scarf and twists it around his neck a few times and dancing around and tossed it to me! Nice to see an awesome show at a small venue without some security guard and a rail between you and the band and the stage was less than waist height, right there with no BS! Just fucking killer show! Others spotted at the Show: Ron Jeremy (Porn Star) Kelly Osbourne (Of course Ozzys Kid).
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