Ed Kowalczyk, former lead singer of post grunge band “Live,” is now enjoying a solo career that led him to play the Labatt’s Concert series in Lockport, NY this past Friday. Ed was the main singer/songwriter of Live and in 2010 came out with his first solo CD called “Alive.” He played some cuts off of that, a few new songs called “I’m the Proof” and “rise,” and the songs that made Live a formidable band in the 1990’s.
Opening up with the Live hit “All Over You,” it was from that point Ed had the audience’s attention and didn’t let it go from start to finish. His voice was very strong and pure, the Live songs were very true to the original versions. Kowalczyk’s solo stuff also sounded very good, too bad he only played 3 songs outside of the heavy dose of Live cuts. I’m sure most fans didn’t mind as the whole history of Live was covered. In fact, during the encore the band added two songs that weren’t on the set list: “Shit Towne” and “Turn my Head.” Ed pretty much handled a guitar during most of his set while singing acapella for a few songs. The band did a great job with the impromptu songs aforementioned above.
It was a very quick set as Ed and his band said very little and let the music do the talking. I was surprised how good the show was and Ed gave a very energetic and heartfelt performance. One of the hidden gems of the summer so far!
Set List:
All Over You (Live cover)
The Great Beyond (Live cover)
The Distance (Live cover)
Selling the Drama (Live cover)
I’m the Proof (new song)
Zion
The Dolphins Cry (Live cover)
The Beauty of Grey (Live cover)
Heaven (Live cover)
Grace
White Discussion (Live cover)
I Alone(Live cover)
Encore:
Rise (new song)
Turn My Head (Live cover)
Lakini’s Juice (Live cover)
Shit Towne (Live cover)
Lightening Crashes (Live cover)
We would like to thank LaBatt Concert Series Organizer Kathy Paradowksi for credentials to cover the 2012 season.
