December 2006 News

RIVER ROCK SHOW THEATRE
The RIVER ROCK CASINO RESORT
Richmond, Dec 16, 2006 - 90% capacity.
I have ‘lived’ with JOAN JETT throughout her career. By lived, I am referring to Joan’s role as a generational icon. However, when Terry, my co-reviewer, suggested we go to Joan’s upcoming concert, my response was more apathetic than reverential. Well, thank you Terry, for reminding me how influential and important JOAN JETT is to music, and to me.

As with every review I write, there are the requisite superficial observations. The audience age demographic was generally in the 30 - 50 age range with occasional children and young adults thrown in. Number of goofy hats: 2, although the men wearing them can be forgiven as they were truly avid and loyal fans of Joan. I noticed a predominance of the colour red in the audiences wardrobes - generally all in good taste save for one dreadful red plaid lumberjack coat. And of course, the all-important black leather ensembles were present.

The venue was a pleasant surprise. I have never been to a casino theatre and I have to admit that the River Rock Casino and River Rock Show Theatre was very impressive. The approximately 900 seating venue was comfortable and every seat had an excellent viewing vantage. The stage was of a good size and the acoustic/sound quality was exceptional. None of the dreaded feedback or sound delays were present. The theatre staff and ushers were professional, friendly and extremely accommodating.

JOAN JETT and her producer recant their journey through the music industry, from selling records out of his Cadillac to scoring their #1 hit, "I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll."

A more in-depth look into the musical career of JOAN JETT. From being rejected by every major label to performing her #1 hit to sold-out audiences. For years, her producer’s beloved Cadillac served as a touring vehicle and record label headquarters.

Teaser of JOAN JETT’s new music video, "Change the World."

Watch the debut of JOAN JETT's new music video, "Change the World."

Hear a roundtable discussion about the coolest music of 2006. Little Steven talks with Underground Garage DJs JOAN JETT, Bill Kelly, Kid Leo, Ko Melina and Handsome Dick Manitoba from New York; Martin Lewis and The Mighty Manfred from Los Angeles, Kim Fowley from the deserts of California and Andrew Loog Oldham from Bogota in South America! Plus, we will be counting down the "Coolest Songs Of The Year" as voted upon by the audience of the Underground Garage. Airs 3 pm - 6 pm ET.

EPISODE 1:
Wake up! Here's a first hand look at Girl in a Coma. These three Latinas are buildin' tons of buzz on the underground scene with their unique mixture of Morrissey meets Bjork . Find out how they built their style, where they look for inspiration, and why their music is blowing up MySpace. Best of all, tune in to see a legendary Jam session with the #1 queen of rock, JOAN JETT!

Click Here to Preview!

So as I'm sure you already know, I was late to this show too. When I got to the venue I had asked the box office girl if the Riverboat Gamblers had gone on yet (since they were who I was there for) and she said no. "Great" I thought, "I've actually made it on time for once." WRONG! I got to the stage and started watching the band. My plus one asked who they were and right on time they end a song and say, "Thanks everyone. We're The Riverboat Gamblers and this is our last song." The box office girl lied! So I had to push my way through the crowd to attempt to get pictures since I knew that security wouldn't let me in the press pit. I managed one photo. Sorry! I'm a little upset that I didn't get to catch the full set since I've heard many, many great things about The Gamblers--a lot of it via Mike from The Street Dogs.

The one song I heard was great though. I guess I'll have to catch them next time.

I found out after the fact that the Eagles of Death Metal Josh Homme of Queens of Stone Age's side-project. If you haven't seen or heard of them, I'll just say... wow... There isn't much that I can tell you without actually seeing them for yourself. It's quite an experience. Most notably, the singer resembles a hillbilly version of The Fonz, and all the women's panties strung with care from the drum set. As a whole, the band is a gas, and very concerned that the ladies in the audience are doing alright. I'd have to say that I rather enjoyed them. Even if their down-and-dirty-southern-rock sound isn't your cup of tea, they're absolutely worth seeing just to witness the spectacle for yourself.

Rock n' Roll owes a huge debt to JOAN JETT. She has sung its praises for decades and led one generation after the next to pick up a guitar- or at least to put another dime in the jukebox. Even this far into her career she's still all about the music. Why else would she bring on tour with her two bands known for their show-stealing performances? Eagles of Death Metal and Riverboat Gamblers may not be household names (yet), but the ferocity of their live shows indicates the same kind of longevity Jett has enjoyed.

A preshow interview with Riverboat Gamblers let me in on some inside info: half of 'em had colds and they all were exhausted from two consecutive overnight drives between gigs. "Last night's show was in Alabama. That's, like, 800 miles!" frontman Mike Weibe revealed to me while nursing a sore throat with some hot tea. Guitarist Freddy Castro spent the hour between soundcheck and set time curled up in a ball on a comfy chair in their dressing room, so sick he could hardly speak. Why do I tell you this? Because if you had seen the no holds barred performance the Texas punks gave you never would have known they felt so shitty! That is the extent of the importance this band puts on their 30 minutes onstage.

Using the House of Blues stage as a springboard, Weibe catapulted his body into the air countless times. He spun his microphone, walked along the crowd barricade and generally blew the roof off of the place. The band charged through another show-stealing set that included "On Again Off Again," and "True Crime." Ever grateful to be on a tour with a pair of fantastic bands, Weibe tried on an evangelical voice and announced to the crowd, "I've got some good news for you... Eagles of Death Metal, or EDOM as I like to call them, are up next. And, wait, there's more good news, boys and girls. After that, we've got JOAN JETT!"