Blue Oyster Cult performed a short set that contained some of their best hits and a rare cut. The band would bring the crowd at Artpark who gathered on Tuesday August 6, 2013 to a cheering ovation during arguably their three most commercially successful songs in “Burning for You”, “Godzilla”, and “Don’t Fear the Reaper.” Eric Bloom’s intro into Godzilla is a timeless classic. When he talks about how “dinosaurs used to walk the earth but were all wiped out by a meteor and we all know that at least one survived,” the crowd knows what is coming and begins their “Godzilla” chant and seeing Blue Oyster Cult perform these three songs alone is worth the price of admission.
When a true classic rock band hits the stage, still displaying the sound and energy that they had in days gone by, we can all feel young again – if only for a night.
The “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys,” 38 Special, led by Don Barnes, delivered more than 90 minutes of nostalgia-inducing hits from their catalog spanning over 30 years, with power and precision. The crowd erupted in cheers as the first chord of “Rockin’ Into The Night” hit and 38 Special took the stage. Right from the start, it was one of those shows that just cooked from the word “go” and after more than 30 years of touring and recording, they sound just as good, if not better, than they ever have. Barnes’ vocal range is still impressive and he can still play a solid guitar. The band appreciates the fans as much as they do each other. The energy was high all night long and every song was another chance for the crowd to sing along. “Lewiston, New York!” Barnes shouted, “the place to be on a Tuesday night!” After ripping through “Rough Housin'” and “Back Where You Belong,”Barnes stopped to thank fans for supporting the band all these years and continued on with “Wild-Eyed Southern Boys” and went right into a clever medley of “Live For The Music”, “Back to Paradise,” “Somebody Like You”, “Honky Tonk”, “Teacher, Teacher”, “You Keep Runnin’ Away”, “Second Chance” and “Like No Other Night.” Thanking the crowd yet again, they continued on with “Last Thing I Ever Do.” Guitarist Danny Chauncey played the first of many short solos flawlessly and proved to be as solid as the band’s live show. Prior to “Fantasy Girl,” Barnes asked, “How many of you guys brought your fantasy girl here tonight?” “How many of you girls are certain you are a fantasy girl?” “If I’d Been the One” from Tour de Force followed then “Trooper with an Attitude,” from the 2001 comedy Super Troopers which led right into the band’s first top 10 hit “Caught Up in You,” which closed out the set.
Low lights and rising smoke led into the sound of thunder and the opening chords of “Chain Lightning” as they returned to the stage for a 3-song encore which included “Hold On Loosely,” and a surprising cover of CCR’s “Travelin’ Band.” The audience gave a well-deserved ovation to the southern rockers.
Tonight was just one of those shows that leaves you wanting more while knowing that you got more than your money’s worth. Aside from a few wrinkles, you’d never know that they were a classic rock band. Like a fine wine they only get better with age. Their showmanship, songs and genuine enthusiasm for what they do resonates with music fans of all ages. 38 Special plays rock and roll the way it should be – with unobstructed passion and heart.
Blue Oyster Cult Set List:
The Red & The Black
Golden Age of Leather
Burnin’ For You
ME262
Then Came the Last Days of May
Godzilla
(Don’t Fear) The Reaper
38 Special Set List:
Rockin’ Into The Night
Roughhousin’
Back Where U Belong
Wild Eyed Southern Boys
Live for the Music
20th Century
Paradise
Somebody Like You
Honky Tonk Dancer
Teacher Teacher
You Keep Runnin’ Away
Second Chance
Like No other Night
Last Thing I Ever Do
Fantasy Girl
If I’d Been the One
Good Time Tonight
Just Got Paid
Trooper With An Attitude
Drum Solo
Caught Up In You
Encore:
Chain Lightning
Hold On Loosely
Travelin’
We would like to thank Maria Hays for her assistance in helping BackstageAxxess review the show.
