All photography by TAMARA LEE ©2011

Following Guns ‘n Roses’ long awaited show at the Pacific Coliseum last week, a friend asked me if I thought it had really been Axl on stage; or some really good Axl impersonator. Hard to say. All the press was asked to shoot back at the soundboard (mid-stadium) and short of a $4000 lens that could investigate his pores, I was at a loss. Additionally, he was wrapped up in highly inconspicuous (yet fashionably rockin’) attire that may have suggested he was actually an Axl-like CIA plant, out on some sort of head-banging spy-mission. Welcome to the Jungle, indeed.

Though one thing I can say beyond doubt is it sure sounded like Axl, and man did he sound good! When comparing with other 90′s anthem bands that use sing alongs to hide their whiskey-weathered vocals (Hetfield, I’m looking at you); Axl proved that he can still wail with the best of ‘em. What’s more, he showed energy like a young lad; feverishly running across the gargantuan stage and never missing a note; stopping only to strike the occasional pose. The other guys did well also, even if not one of them were from the original deal. So, real Axl or not, the performance came off quite like we had always imagined it would. And considering that his very loyal fanbase has been known to riot from time to time, well… wise move, Rose… wise move.

SEE FULL GALLERY HERE

3 of our favorite mmmagnificent shows in 2011: Metric, Miami Horror, and Man Man!

We caught Metric at Squamish Music Festival last August, and it was hot, hot, hot! Emily Haines did an acoustic set earlier that day at a side stage and then rocked the main stage right and proper! Sexy, sultry vocals backed by a formidable band proved strong artistic talent and set the crowd on fire. A definite fave of 2011!!

SEE METRIC GALLERY HERE

Miami Horror emerged all the way from “Down Unda”; from Australia to Vancouver’s Fortune Sound Club last spring, and showed us the long trip was worth the travel! This disco-pop outfit brought crazy stage antics and a dance party so wild it was practically unprecedented. This show was a can’t-miss party that was well worth wading through hyperactive fans to get the shots.

SEE MIAMI HORROR GALLERY HERE

Have you heard of Man Man? I hadn’t, and so this was one of those shows that fell into the I’m shooting because of their name category. This is always precarious, but fortunately they did more than impress. This alternative (and somewhat strange) collective used unusual style, sounds and even instruments to make music that speaks to the sub-conscience. And they were equally impressive with their show, from their wacky appearance to a volcano of energy ridden performance; they converted my ‘unknown’ to a ‘loyal fan’.

SEE MAN MAN GALLERY HERE

photos by: Tamara Lee

Last Thursday night a modest crowd came in from the cold to experience Canadian roots/reggae trio Bedouin Soundclash. Despite the sparseness, they warmed up the audience right; with high energy rhythms and soulful melodic lyrics. Above all, they played with just the heart that their fans expected.

VIEW GALLERY HERE

Musicview has been to many dozens of concerts this year, spanning from East Coast to West Coast to down South to… okay, nothing North. There has been attack-hugging by cultish fans, crushing mosh pits, lost lenses, broken lenses, injuries, crawling around on beer slicked floors, and facing the heat of pyro-technics; all to nail “that perfect shot” for the music fans. And now, as the year closes to an end, it’s time to look back and remember what is rated as the most memorable of 2011! Each week we will pick one to two favs for your viewing pleasure- so stay tuned!

#1 – GIRL TALK

We caught Girl Talk at Live at Squamish last August. Ever seen him live? The thing about Girl Talk is not his incredible imagination, resulting in the most adventurous and creative mash-ups that you have heard. It is not that he catches you completely unawares when he brings you from disco to hip hop to bollywood to classic 70′s rock on a dime. Yes, this makes for an unforgettable musical adventure, but the real treat is the colossal variety, which means it appeals to everyone. Yes! No matter what your musical interests, he has something in his bag of tricks that you will like. The imminent result is a raging party filled with anyone from your friends to your grandma, and the kitchen sink. And at Squamish, he did not disappoint! He brought freaks in costumes to the stage; filled the air with grafitti and lights; and let loose, creating a sea of fanatical fun. First up, top 2011 concert, Girl Talk.

VIEW GALLERY HERE

The Godfathers of Metal reared their legendary heads

amidst spikes, chains and large burning flames. They sacrilegiously appeared last Sunday before a modest but enthusiastic crowd, proving that they are as bad-ass as they ever were.

FULL GALLERY HERE.