Category Archives: concerts

We Interrupt Vacay for…Paul McCartney!

“What if it rained?  We didn’t care.”– “My Valentine,” Paul McCartney.

I’ve seen some great concerts this year. Gregg and I kicked off the summer concert-going season with the Stones and just saw David Gilmour at Madison Square Garden. But sadly, once again, one of my all-time favorites, Paul McCartney, wasn’t playing in our area.  I frequently check his tour schedule as we’ve traveled to see him, most recently to Orlando in 2022.

So, imagine my surprise and excitement when I recently checked his website and saw that he was playing in San José, Costa Rica on November 5th.  Gregg and I were going to be in Costa Rica then! But we were staying on the other side of the country. Sigh. I did some research and found out that the Estadio Nacional was about a 4–5-hour drive from our resort.  That was doable! There was NO WAY I was going to miss him!  When I proposed the idea of going to the concert to our friends that we were vacationing with, thankfully they were as excited to see him as I was!  We hired a driver and made the trek across the country to San José.

San José was a big city and the traffic was brutal.  The ride there ended up taking 6 hours. Our driver Don was very patient the entire way and as the stadium came into view, we hopped out of the car as quickly as we could to get in line. We ran up to the first gate we saw and tried to enter the stadium.  UGH, the entrance for our section was on the other side of the stadium! They told us we had to walk around the entire building.  You couldn’t enter and walk around on the inside; it didn’t go all the way around.  So, we started walking. Briskly. As we went, we dodged the street vendors selling ponchos and concert t-shirts; the aroma of grilled skewered meats and the sounds of “carne” filled the air. As we were walking in, we heard Paul coming on – he was singing “A Hard Day’s Night.” We got to our seats during the second song, “Junior’s Farm.” There was no time for food, beer, or a bathroom break.  We had to see Paul!

Rain began to fall, and as we stood at our seats screaming our heads off, I was surprised that the Costa Rican crowd wasn’t as vocal as us. Everyone was singing, bopping their heads, and tapping their feet, but only occasionally stood up and danced, at least in our section.  But the phone lights came out for “Let it Be” and “Hey Jude” just like in Philly.

He played for about 2 and a half hours, somewhat shorter than his U.S. shows, but we were told that concerts typically end at 10 p.m. at the stadium. All in all, it was a solid set that featured Beatles’ faves, classic Wings’ hits, and a good number of newer songs. He’s recently been including tributes to John Lennon and George Harrison, and he included them. There were a few songs I could have done without, namely, “Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite” and “Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da.” I would much rather have heard “Elenore Rigby” or something from Venus and Mars.  It’s my favorite Wings album and he rarely plays anything from it.  One song glaringly missing from the setlist was “Yesterday.” He almost ALWAYS plays it. Not sure why he didn’t but I sure missed hearing him sing it.

All in all, I am soo glad that we went to the show. I might not have many more opportunities to experience the pure joy that a McCartney concert provides. 

I found the setlist from the show somewhere online in case you’re wondering what he played; a total of 37 songs!

1. A Hard Day’s Night

2. Junior’s Farm

3. Letting Go

4. Drive My Car

5. Got To Get You Into My Life

6. Come On To Me

7. Let Me Roll It

8. Getting Better

9. Let’ Em In

10. My Valentine

11. Nineteen Hundred And Eighty-Five

12. Maybe I’m Amazed

13. I’ve Just Seen A Face

14. In Spite Of All The Danger

15. Love Me Do

16. Dance Tonight

17. Blackbird

18. Here Today

19. Now And Then

20. New

21. Lady Madonna

22. Jet

23. Being For The Benefit of Mr. Kite

24. Something

25. Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da

26. Band On The Run

27. Get Back

28. Let It Be

29. Live And Let Die

30. Hey Jude

31. I’ve Got A Feeling

32. I Saw Her Standing There (DEBUT)

33. Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band (Reprise)

34. Helter Skelter

35. Golden Slumbers

36. Carry That Weight

37. The End

Foo Fighters Open MSG with Epic Show

Besides not seeing my family during COVID-19, the one other thing that I missed TERRIBLY was going to concerts. You see, I am somewhat of a concert addict.  There’s just a rush that I get when I’m singing along live with one of my favorite bands. So when I heard that Foo Fighters were going to reopen Madison Square Garden on June 20th – the first full capacity show since the world shut down in March 2020 – I just HAD to go.

Getting tickets was no small feat and I was unsuccessful on the day of the sale. I checked Ticketmaster over, and over, and over again, up until a couple days before the show with no luck. Reluctantly, I caved and bought tickets off StubHub. There was no way I was gonna miss this show!

As I rode up to New York, my anxiety was setting in…what if the vaccine wasn’t as effective as they said, what if I got sick from being near so many people…I was trying hard not to panic. 

Once I got through security and into MSG, my anxiety turned to excitement.  I was actually at a concert again! Everyone around me loved Foo Fighters too! I felt a comradery that I hadn’t felt in over a year and it felt wonderful!

The energy in the room was palpable and the band couldn’t have opened the show with a better song than “Times Like These.” Everyone was rocking out and singing along and as I sang, “it’s times like these you learn to live again,” I almost had a tear in my eye.   I truly felt like I was living again.

The band had as much fun as the fans as they ran through lots of hits but also a few deep cuts and new material off of Medicine at Midnight. Some show highlights included a surprise appearance by Dave Chappelle who sang Radiohead’s “Creep,” a rendition of the Bee Gees’ “You Should Be Dancing” which will appear on their recently announced July Record Store Day Drops release, and a turn on drums by Dave while Taylor sang Queen’s “Somebody to Love.” The three hour show ended with “Everlong.”  

They certainly brought rock and roll back to the Garden!

A Look Back at 2019

It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 6 years since we opened!  We’re so grateful for the support of our customers and because of you, we had a great 2019. We thank you for allowing us to bring music into your homes and hearts!

As 2019 comes to a close, we look back at some of the in-store events we planned for YOU this past year.  As we continue to cultivate a community of music and movie lovers, we look forward to hosting up-and-coming bands, indie filmmakers and artists in 2020 too!

Music

Georgia-based singer/songwriter and troubadour, Adam Klein

Record Store Day celebration in association with WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia featuring live performances by Three Fourteen, Eddie Everett & Kevin Tarzanin

Open Mic Events with host Peter Kardas

Band Fan Nights on the Big Screen

Movies

Remember the 27 Crusaders – Produced by Character Driven Productions and Thistle Dew Studio

Show Us Ur Shorts in Association with FirstGlance Films

More

Colors of Life and Love Book Signing

Record Store Day 2019 – April 13th

Vinyl Revival Parties on Record Store Day with

Live Music, Exclusive Releases, Swag and Snacks

Vinyl Revival is proud to be participating in Record Store Day, an international day to celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store, on April 13, 2019.  Vinyl Revival will stock a selection of titles that are Record Store Day exclusive, limited edition and first releases.  As part of the Record Store Day celebration, there will be free in-store performances in association with WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia featuring musicians Kevin Tarzanin and Eddie Everett.  There will also be a performance by Vinyl Revival favorites, Three Fourteen. Vinyl Revival will give out free Record Store Day promotional materials with purchases and provide light refreshments and drinks for shoppers during extended store hours from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Vinyl Revival and WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia have programmed live entertainment for customers’ shopping enjoyment which will be broadcast live to the net during store hours on Record Store Day. Performing is vocalist and bass player Kevin Tarzanin from the reggae/ska band Bullbuckers, drummer Eddie Everett from Eddie Everett’s Academy of the Sweet Beats and the reggae and blues-influenced rock jam band, Three Fourteen.  Along with their originals, Three Fourteen plays songs by their favorite artists such as The Grateful Dead, Bob Dylan, Bob Marley, and many other rock groups.

Three Fourteen will play at 1 p.m. and Eddie and Kevin will play at 2:30 p.m. Music and merchandise by the performing bands will be available for sale at Vinyl Revival.

Additionally, Vinyl Revival will host a book signing with T.L. Wahid, creator of Colors of Life and Love.  Featuring real people and real photos, the adult coloring books promote well-being and living well.

For a complete list of titles being released for Record Store Day 2019, visit http://recordstoreday.com/.

 

Concert Queen Strikes Again…and Again…and Again…

For me, summertime means concert time! One of my favorite things to do is see live music and I recently had two weeks of one great show after the other.  It started with U2 and ended with Dr. Dog.  Here are a few highlights and my most loved moments from each show.

My whirlwind of concerts started with U2.  It was a nice treat to see them at the Wells Fargo Center after seeing them outdoors last year for the Joshua Tree tour.  Their outdoor shows are epic but I prefer the intimateness of their indoor shows.  The production, as always, was incredible.  The band was tight and Bono’s voice was beautiful. They played a lot of new material from Songs of Experience which I happen to love, especially the danceable “The Blackout” and the rockin’ “American Soul,” but they threw in a few gems like “I Will Follow” and “Gloria” for the old-timers too.  Overall, it was an incredible show especially for long-time fans like me who continue to follow them and keep up with their latest releases.

Two days later, I made the trek up to Toronto to see one of my all-time favorites – Robert Plant. He didn’t stop in Philly this tour so I planned a road trip to see him at the outdoor waterfront Budweiser Stage. Sheryl Crow opened the show with lots of energy and many of her hits then Robert Plant and the Sensational Space Shifters hit the ground running, opening with “The Lemon Song.”  It was a Zep fan-heavy crowd, so this song was a huge hit with everyone. They went on to play a really nice mix of new songs from Carry Fire, some Zeppelin songs and even “In the Mood” from The Principle of Moments, which pleasantly surprised me.  He rarely plays 80’s material so it was a real treat to hear that one.

A few days later I was back in Philly and at the Mann Music Center to see Roger Daltrey perform Tommy with the Philadelphia Chamber Orchestra.  Tommy has always been one of my favorite Who albums so I was happy to see Roger perform these great songs once again.  I felt that the rock opera really came alive with the addition of the orchestra.  The overall sound was so rich and the violinist who played at the end of the “Baba O’Riley” finale was amazing! Roger was pretty amazing too!

Capping off this stretch of concerts was hometown rockers, Dr. Dog.  This is one band that gives an incredible live performance!  I never tire of seeing them live. Touring in support of their new album, Critical Equation, the guys performed a nice mix of old and new songs and kicked off the set with a crowd favorite, “Shadow People.” Festival Pier was a nice venue choice for the group too as their music has a cool party vibe.

Next up, I’ll be seeing Foo Fighters then I’m sure I’ll hit a few more shows over the summer – Xponential Festival, possibly Jethro Tull at the Mann in September, maybe a 104.5 Summer Block Party.  There are so many good concerts.  I hope that my pocketbook can handle it!

It’s a Party on Record Store Day

Vinyl Revival Parties on Record Store Day with Live Music,

Exclusive Releases, Swag and Snacks

 

Vinyl Revival, 35-37 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA, is proud to be participating in Record Store Day, an international day to celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store, on April 21, 2018.  Vinyl Revival will stock a selection of titles that are Record Store Day exclusive, limited edition and first releases.  As part of the Record Store Day celebration, there will be free in-store performances in association with WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia.  Participating musicians include The Transmission NOW and Fred Mascherino from Taking Back Sunday/The Color Fred/Terrible Things. Vinyl Revival will give out free Record Store Day promotional materials with purchases and offer complimentary light refreshments and drinks for shoppers during extended store hours from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

Vinyl Revival and WPHL-dB URock Radio Philadelphia have programmed a slate of live entertainment for customers’ shopping enjoyment which will be broadcast live to the net during store hours on Record Store Day. Performing is guitarist and singer Fred Mascherino from Taking Back Sunday/The Color Fred/Terrible Things.   Mascherino has played in several popular alternative/indie Philadelphia bands, toured with The Vans Warped Tour and played with The Lemonheads and Josh Eppard from Coheed and Cambria to name a few. Also playing are The Transmission NOW, a powerful Lehigh Valley based edgy punk band made up of members from Vertigo Society, Imidazole, Digger, The Long Morrow and Cordova.  Their latest album, Happy Hour, was released in July 2017.

Music and merchandise by the performing bands will be available for sale at Vinyl Revival. Stay tuned for performance schedule!  More bands TBA.

For a complete list of titles being released for Record Store Day 2018, visit http://recordstoreday.com/.

Vinyl Revival is located at 35-37 N. Lansdowne Ave., Lansdowne, PA 19050.  For more information or to sign up for their e-newsletter, visit www.vinylrevivalrecords.com, follow them on Facebook or call 610-284-3537.

2017 in Review

Thanks to all of our customers, 2017 was another great year!

Not your ordinary record store, Vinyl Revival offers music, movies and more!  Here’s a look back at some of last year’s events.

Music

Record Store Day celebration with live performances by The Wiretappers, The Sean Taylor Experience, Danny Varughese, Feenix, MLC, Big Terrible

Third Man In Concert

Bobby Messano Concert

Three Fourteen Concert

Movies

After Dark Japan Night Japanese Cinema

The Cut:  The Journey of the Men and Women of Duffy’s Cut

Art-Centric Documentary Screening Series

Beside Bowie:  The Mick Ronson Story

Duffy’s Cut Documentary

More

La Giara Book Signing with Minas

Direct-to-Vinyl Field Recordings

Confessions of a Teenage Disc Jockey – T. Morgan Book Signing

Thanks for supporting our indie record store!

We look forward to offering a wider variety of new and vintage vinyl and becoming Delco’s go-to spot for alternative music and movie experiences.

Rent the Vault

A Lucky Little Lady in the City of Brotherly Love

 

robbykrieger

I don’t know how I missed the news about Robby Krieger playing Ardmore Music Hall on April 23rd but when I heard that he was doing a show for the Doors’ 50th anniversary, I knew that I had to try and get tickets.  I went online, and naturally, it was sold out.  Disappointed, I thought I’d try my luck at the door the night of the show.  Arriving before doors opened, I bypassed the line to ask security if they released any last minute tickets.  They hadn’t but the guard kindly pointed us in the direction of someone who was selling two tickets.  Jackpot!  Gregg and I were able to take the tickets off his hands.

The tickets were general admission so we proceeded to the floor area, parking ourselves about 10 feet from the stage.  Robby and his band, which included his son Waylon on vocals, opened the show with “Break On Through” and proceeded to play a great number of songs off of The Doors’ first album plus not often heard titles like “Spanish Caravan.” They concluded, not surprisingly, with “The End.”

Robby seemed to be in good spirits; he told stories about some of the songs that he wrote including “Light My Fire” and “Twentieth Century Fox”, which he wrote for his wife (they’re married for 45 years now), he talked about Jim and Ray’s favorite songs, and even joked with the crowd after being booed for wearing a Joe Namath jersey, saying, “At least it’s the right color.”  The over two hour show was the last one of the tour so I was thrilled that I was able to see him play live. Absorbing the essence of The Doors, I felt wonderfully connected to the songs and the original band members.

My amazing night got even better after the show when Robby autographed my newly acquired Doors’ Record Store Day album.  I now have a beautiful new treasure in my rock and roll collection!

Record Store Day 2017 – April 22nd

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Vinyl Revival Celebrates Record Store Day with 

Live Music, Exclusive Releases, Swag and Snacks 

Vinyl Revival, 35-37 N. Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, PA, is proud to be participating in Record Store Day, an international day to celebrate the culture of the independently owned record store, on April 22, 2017.  Vinyl Revival will stock a selection of titles that are Record Store Day exclusive, limited edition and first releases.  As part of the Record Store Day celebration, there will be free in-store performances by Big Terrible, the Funky Rebels, MLC (Mid-Life Crisis), and The Wiretappers, free Record Store Day promotional materials with purchases, plus complimentary light refreshments and drinks during store hours from 10 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.

            In celebration of Record Store Day’s 10th anniversary, Vinyl Revival has programmed a slate of live entertainment during store hours for customers’ shopping enjoyment. A wide variety of genres including singer-songwriter, hard rock, alternative and classic rock covers will be performed by several groups throughout the day.  Musicians include The Wiretappers, a mandolin and guitar trio playing both originals and covers, the acoustic duo MLC playing cover songs from the Lumineers to Rod Stewart,  the Funky Rebels, a newly formed band comprised of musicians  who met at World Cafe Live’s weekly Philly Rising open mic night who will blend the rap, pop punk and singer-songwriter genres, and closing out the day’s events will be  blues-soaked heavy rock by Philadelphia power trio, Big Terrible.  Since their formation in 2006, Big Terrible has been a stand out in the local hard rock/indie scene due to their expert technical skills and good ole-fashioned songwriting.  Their most recent album, Monument was released in March 2015 and is an addition to their impressive collection of releases such as Rotten City in 2013 and Face the Stone in 2009.

Music and merchandise by the performing bands will be available for sale at Vinyl Revival. For more information and the performance schedule, visit http://vinylrevivalrecords.com/.

For a complete list of titles being released for Record Store Day 2017, visit http://recordstoreday.com/.