Ben & Henry Sir at The Underdog December 26th 2022

This is another hard review to do, as it was only 4 months later that Ben passed away (April 2023). This show I believe was the second time that Ben and Henry performed on Boxing Day, making it a tradition that sadly won't be happening anymore. Ben of course is or was the lead singer and guitar player and songwriter of his band Worst Days Down and his brother Henry (Evan) Sir is a comedian. I had never seen Henry perform, so I was looking forward to seeing this show. I've been following Henry on Instagram for a while now and thought I need to see him as all his clips on Instagram are awesome. And Ben, well he is a friend and a very talented musician. The show was only about an hour long with both brothers performing, with Henry starting with a 15 minute set of stand up comedy that was fucking hilarious. He had the crowd in stitches. I had tears rolling down my cheeks I was laughing so hard. Ben then played a couple of songs and then the both of them playing a couple cover songs together. There was some good banter between the two of them. Just a really fun evening, just wish it was longer. A good turnout for the show even on Boxing Day. I got to talk with Ben before and after the show, and of course getting a huge hug and embrace from him, because that's the kind of guy he was. Just an awesome man. He introduced me to his brother whom also is a very nice gentleman. I was hoping this would become part of my Xmas tradition getting to see these guys play together every year on Boxing Day. If you get the chance to see Henry Sir perform, I highly recommend checking him out. This was the last time I got to talk to and see Ben Sir. Miss you Ben. Rest In Peace my friend!

Chixdiggit Live in Edmonton December 10th 2022

Myself, Cuz and A-Bomb went to the triple bill of Chixdiggit, Real Sickies and Julius Sumner Miller at The Buck. This was a late afternoon show of three pop punk bands. The show started with a Calgary band called Julius Sumner Miller. I had never heard or seen the band before, but man, they were great. Loved the energy and sound of these guys. Lead singer Darren Ollinger was awesome, great energy from him. He spent most of the show on the dance floor singing like a maniac and interacting with the crowd. Would most certainly go see them again. Julius Sumner Miller.

Next up was Edmonton punkers Real Sickies. This would be my 8th time seeing the band play live. As always, they put on a great show. Real Sickies.

Closing out the night was another Calgary band Chixdiggit. This would be my 3rd time seeing them perform. Thier set was good, though the Xmas theme of the songs and banter got old in a hurry. And there was one very annoying big bastard at the front of the stage that got more annoying as the set went on. All and all a fun night out. Have to say my favourite band of the triple bill was Julius Sumner Miller. Good times!!! Chixdiggit.

T-shirt.

Mike McDonald & Dove Live in Edmonton November 19th 2022

This was a fun free show to see on a Saturday afternoon at the Cask & Barrel in downtown Edmonton. Mike McDonald and Dove from Jr. Gone Wild. This was the first show of Mike's and Dove after Jr. Gone Wild went on hiatus at the end of July. Mike of course is the guitar player and lead vocalist of JGW and Dove is the bass player of JGW. This show was the two of them telling road stories and playing tunes from Mike's solo music and some JGW songs. This was the 11th time I have seen Mike perform solo. Half way through the show Quentin Herbert joined Mike and Dove for a couple of songs, Quentin played drums for JGW for the past few years. So it was three quarters of JGW on stage, so that was cool. A very fun afternoon of music and beers. I went to this show with Buzzard and Cuz. Good times!!!

Starcrawler Live in Edmonton October 29th 2022

Night two of a Starcrawler weekend. Same venue and pretty much the same opening bands as the night before. I think there was one different band. Still wasn't much of a fan of the openers other then Calgary band Exit Division. This show was an 18 plus only show, so no kids this time. Lots of people in costumes again. The show was supposed to be at a church but was moved to The Foundry On Whyte, same place as Friday nights show.

This would be my fourth time seeing Starcrawler in concert, and like the night before, the band kicked ass. Pretty much the same setlist as the Friday show if I remember correctly. I really need to do my reviews in timely matter. Six months later it's hard to remember all the details. I do recall from this show lead singer Arrow de Wilde commenting on how much the band have enjoted their time in Edmonton and Canada and how friendly everyone is. Arrow went on to say you Canadians would do anything we ask. She then went on to say "sing O' Canada" for me. And sure enough the whole audience sand the national anthem for her. Can't say I have ever seen that happen at a show before, so that was cool. Also during the show guitarist Henri Cash wandered off the stage while playing and went down the stairs of the venue on to the street. I was lucky enough to be standing by the stairs and got a few pictures of him coming back up the stairs. All and all this show was amazing. Such a great band to see live. Good times!!! Starcrawler.

T-shirt.

Starcrawler Live in Edmonton October 28th 2022

I was quite excited to see the Los Angeles band Starcrawler come back through town for not one but two shows on Halloween weekend at the small intimate venue The Foundry On Whyte. The first show on Friday night would be my third time seeing the band. I went to this show with A-Bomb and Cuz. Starcrawler were on the road promoting their latest release "She Said". The show was all ages which meant there were some kids at the show all dressed up in Halloween costumes, parents dressed up as well. Felt kind of weird to see a bunch of little kids at a Starcrawler show. By the time Starcrawler came on, a lot of the kids were gone, which was cool by me. There were a bunch of bands opening the show, most of them I didn't care for. Opening bands were Edmonton bands Robin Cisek, Stem Champ, Tebby & The Heavy and Calgary band Exit Division. I didn't mind Exit Division, a young band but seem to have a good thing going. Exit Division.

After a whole bunch of bands that I didn't really care for it was time for Starcrawler. Because it was Halloween weekend the band were all in costumes. Again Starcrawler were amazing live, the new music from She Said sounds better live then on the album. They mixed their set well with songs from all three of their releases. The band was in fine form and lead singer Arrow de Wilde was in fine form. She has got one of the beast screams in rock n' roll right now. It was a high energy hour long set. They even did the Ramones song "Pet Sematary". Really enjoyed their set and wish it had gone on longer. Good times!!! Starcrawler.

After the show I even got to meet Arrow de Wilde.