Rock Show Critique

ZZ Top file photo: J. Ritz (2013)

Concert Review
ZZ Top
Tonnage Tour
Tuesday In The Park
Artpark Outdoor Stage
Lewiston, NY
Tuesday June 6, 2017
Review: Joseph Suto

It seems whenever the Artpark season kicks off in the first week of June we seem to face out of season, atypical weather. Such was the case Tuesday evening as the 2017 season kicked off with the Texas threesome ZZ Top. A steady but light rain along with cooler temps dominated from just a few songs into opening act Austin Hanks set all the way through the majority of ZZ Top’s brief 75-minute set. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Tool
Blue Cross Arena
Rochester, NY
Tuesday May 30, 2017
Review: Joseph Suto

If you listened to some of the fans before Tool’s sold-out show at The Blue Cross Arena Tuesday night, you’d think you were in for a religious experience. Many who had seen the band before said it was the best concert they’ve ever seen. The concert only took ten minutes to sell out the day the tickets were put on public sale. Tool’s last area appearance was at the arena in Buffalo back in 2002. All this as the diehards are still awaiting the arrival of the band’s fifth studio album. They have not released an album since 2006’s 10,000 Days. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Todd Rundgren
Riviera Theatre
North Tonawanda, NY
Wednesday May 10, 2017
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

Just when you think you figured Todd Rundgren out he throws you a curveball. Rundgren is back out on tour again this time in support of White Knight, his latest album. Wednesday evening marked the third time he has performed at the Riviera in under two years. Somehow Rundgren has managed to top himself at each successive show. The first two shows were geared towards his best-known songs and greatest hits. This time around he brought a vastly different type of show. Those who expected it to be a hits laden show were in for a big surprise. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Jack Russell’s Great White
Venu
Buffalo, NY
Thursday May 11, 2017
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

A small crowd gathered at Venu Thursday evening for Jack Russell’s Great White. Russell, the original voice of the hard rock blues band is one of the most recognizable voices from the MTV era. Despite the size of the crowd it did not deter the band or the fans from having a blast. Russell noted a few times at how great he thought the crowd sounded. Continue reading →