Those that know me understand that I have a wide range of musical tastes, but the common denominator is musicianship. IMO, Dream Theater sets the bar in the Progressive Metal genre, and the easiest way to summarize them is simply this: They can play anyone else’s stuff, but very few, if any, can play their stuff – at least without a whole lotta effort. I’ve had the great fortune of not only experiencing these guys on stage, but also off-stage; and they are quite simply refreshing people! My good friend Greg Hosharian is a professional composer and keyboardist who had the priviledge of touring with Dream Theater last year, during which he befriended Jordan Rudess.

Jordan is to keyboards what Jimmy Page is to guitars. He is regarded by most as the best in the business (today)… Talented beyond belief, yet Humble beyond expectation. It was great seeing him and the other DT guys after the show! Special thanks to Jordan’s keyboard tech Robert Dorion for making it happen and inviting us to hang out on the tour bus (VERY NICE). I think Greg and I were the last to leave the after show party somewhere around 3A? A very good night… What about the concert? Nothing short of another remarkable performance!

Click Here to Expand/Collapse some Concert Pics…

Here is the Spring ‘08 game plan as of now… Turns out two of my favorite bands are playing in Los Angeles in the month of May: Dream Theater and Rush, and yes, I will partake! The common denominator between these groups is longevity and virtuosity… In my opinion, Dream Theater sets the bar musically and for live performance today (that is, unless Led Zeppelin hits the road again!). Ironically, both bands have just released compilation/greatest hits albums which I’d strongly recommend checking out: Dream Theater Greatest Hit & 21 Other Cool Songs; Rush provided a cool iTunes compilation for early takers of their 2008 Snakes & Arrows tour… doesn’t appear in the normal iTunes catalog unfortunately.

 On the Jazz front, Hiromi is back on the road as is Chick Corea – I plan to take in both of those shows somewhere between here and Europe during 2008! Also planning to see the Stone Temple Pilots show in LA – seems that everyone is coming out of retirement these days!

I did my best to keep my excitement about this event subdued because it didn’t feel right setting too many expectations. Consider: It could have been a limited set as the accompanying artists were anything but trivial… and Led Zeppelin’s previous cameos since breaking up were, in Mr. Plant’s words, atrocious. Such was my contemplation as I sat in a British queue in bloody cold weather to pick-up my ticket the evening prior (the security around this event is a story in and of itself). But alas, the O2 is in LONDON so liquid therapy was available to combat the elements. Fast forward to the gig…

My intrepidation was furthered in the opening seconds of “Good Times Bad Times”. As you may have read, microphone feedback plagued Robert Plant as he assumed the position, and the band honestly appeared a little dazed and confused… BUT about a minute into the opening number, this incredible energy took over like afterburners on a jet… no joke. The body language changed, the mix was dialed in, and they didn’t stop to refuel for two of the most unforgettable hours I’ve ever experienced.

Honestly, I can’t bring myself to write a detailed “play by play” as many of you have requested because I now realize that, for me, Monday night was about an opportunity to release emotions I’ve harbored for way too many years (waiting for THIS to FINALLY happen). I also believe that’s what it was about for the band as well… coming full circle.

Beyond virtuosic musicianship, Led Zeppelin conveyed tremendous humility and moving expression throughout their performance… They not only played for the audience, but for one another; and of course, Ahmet. Most touching of all was the emotion expressed to and from Jason Bonham – nuf said.

For those still insistent on the details, here’s the BBCs take:

And, here’s the most accurate review I’ve read thus far (and I think the musicians amongst you will appreciate the overtones)

Rolling Stone Review

To top things off, my concert mate and newly made friend, Matteo and I were extended an invitation to the “after party” through a strange but welcomed twist of events. And this was a proper party! We took advantage of the open bar and food until 4A? What I know is that the sun was rising by the time I stumbled back into my hotel, and a 24-hr “recovery period” was required before attempting to put this together…

My final answer? The most riveting, energizing, and moving (rock) concert I’ve ever experienced.