Photos by: CatMax Photography, LLC

Photos by: CatMax Photography, LLC

Review by: Ellen Eldridge

I really forgot to pay too much attention to the opening act, Polica, because I was taking in the cool night air and the ambiance of the amphitheatre. I eagerly anticipated The Smashing Pumpkins’ set and wondered inwardly if the band would play “Soma,” the one song I longed to hear live. I did tune in to the visual display of a monochrome light setting for each song. Red, yellow and blue lights took turns bathing the band. By the last song of the set I sort of slapped myself for not realizing sooner the dual drummers battling out the rhythm of the evening. I made a note to myself to check Polica out online.

From the immediate cheers at the drum roll for “Cherub Rock,” I knew I wasn’t alone in not recognizing the first song played. Solo founding member and frontman Billy Corgan enjoyed himself playing the 1993 hit by strumming the chords of his guitar in time with the cymbal crashes like he was playing air drums on his guitar.

After starting the main riff for “Bullet with Butterfly Wings,” Corgan spoke to some people seated in the orchestra section below the stage. He declared, “To the people in the expensive seats, I don’t mix the band,” and advised disappointed fans to take it up with the sound guys. I’m still unsure what happened because from just a few rows farther out everything sounded great.

During this third song it occurred to me the reason so many people prefer the live show to watching videos on YouTube or even streaming the sound through an amazing stereo: the exchange of air between those affected by songs of rage and heartache in the immediacy of the moment. Standing there singing along to the lyrics “despite all my rage, I am still just a rat in a cage,” brought back memories of high school, college and adolescent turmoil.

A cover of David Bowie’s “Space Oddity” gave Nicole Fiorentino a spotlight with backup vocals on the countdown. The crowd was either introduced to Bowie or reminded of why he is so influential.

During “Disarm” the background screen toyed with images of tornado like funnel clouds as audience members braced themselves for the possibility of rain. A moving version of “Tonight Tonight” really drove home the idea of experiencing The Smashing Pumpkins reformed after a hiatus, and in the glow of the 2012 release many fans from the height of the band’s career might not know. Personally, I started to remember and relive The Smashing Pumpkins when the band released its reissue of Gish and Siamese Dream in deluxe boxed sets.

After the song, Corgan addressed the entire crowd for the first and pretty much last time (he did announce that the encore was the final song as it ended the set). “Good evening” Corgan started as he then referenced Hotlanta and rambled a bit saying things like “drink up and party down” and “that’s what you guys do in the South—get drunk and make a baby.” His banter went over well with the crowd, and when Corgan continued to say that though he is 46 years old, he is still a surprise to his parents. Corgan thanked the Lord for “not raining on us,” which occurred to me as a bit presumptive.

When Corgan started to announce the next song in dedication to those fans “on drugs,” I became curious as to whether or not The Pumpkins would play a song from the 2012 release, Oceania. Though I loved The Smashing Pumpkins throughout their early career, I fell out of touch and didn’t even realize they had reformed until I heard they were coming to Atlanta. “Oceania” has been described by Corgan as a song about alienation in love and in culture, but that really encompasses much of the thematic content across albums as far back as Gish to me.

Sitting in that audience Friday night, absorbed by the cool breeze and the alcohol on its breath, I took in the solace of heartbreak as it permeated the night over a sprawling nine-minute song. That relenting of anger heard in songs like “Bullet with Butterfly Wings,” was replaced by forgiveness and a relinquished sense of release. Much like the growing up many fans must have done after the popular Mellon Collie and Infinite Sadness and between the fan base dividing Adore—that really started the spiral toward the Pumpkins’ breakup—and the present.

In acknowledgement of that juxtaposition the crowd was reawakened by “Zero,” a song that originally released right around the time I graduated high school—never letting on that, I too, felt that I was on a sinking ship. Listening to Corgan cry out that “Emptiness is loneliness…and God is empty just like me,” reminded me and possibly others in the audience that so much has changed; we really have grown up. The rage has dissipated into calm acceptance of what isn’t and quiet pride for what is. The irony of feeling an epiphany of coming full circle and rocking out to the encore, “Today,” made me smile in reflection as I sang along in my mind to the opening lyrics “Today is the greatest day I’ve ever known,” because, seriously, today is all we ever had and ever will have. The subtle implications toward suicide served as a catharsis to those who’ve truly grown up with The Smashing Pumpkins. Behind his rage, Corgan had a great time alongside his fans.

Photos and Review by: Catrina Maxwell of CatMax Photography, LLC

As you walked into the Tabernacle you could feel the excitment of the sold out crowd. Every inch of this venue was packed. We were able to score a seat on the very top level of the Tabernacle. I had never sat that high up in this venue. It felt as if you were almost over the top of the stage looking down. Phoenix opened the show with a song off their new album Bankrupt! called “Entertainment”. The crowd lit up with the stage and began to sing along and dance to each song the band threw out to them. After a few songs they kicked into “Love Like A Sunset”. Towards the end of the song, Thomas Mars (lead vocals) laid down on the the stage with his head on the monitors looking very comfortable as the band kicked into a long electronic solo. The venue lit up and it suddenly felt like you were at a rave. There wasn’t one person sitting in their seats, there was too much energy filling the room for that. When they kicked into 1901 Thomas stepped out into the first couple rows and started singing the lyrics with the crowd.

Once the band finished 1901, they said “goodnight” and walked off the stage, but the excited crowd was not alright with that. They demanded the band come back out by clapping and chanting “Phoenix, Phoenix!”. Eventually Thomas and Laurent Brancowitz (guitar) returned to the stage and performed an acoustic version of Countdown. The encore also included Rome as the final song of the night where Thomas jumped out and crowd surfed to the soundboard saying thank you over the mic. Once he arrived back to the stage a fan had given him a French flag so he threw his mic down and draped it over his mic stand. If you have never been to a Phoenix show you really need to experience this excitement; I don’t think one person left the Tabernacle last night dissatisfied.

Photos and Review By: Catrina Maxwell of CatMax Photography, LLC

Just as the rain started to fall Ted Nugent took the stage at the Verizon Wireless Amphitheater at Encore Park in Alpharetta, Georgia. He was up to his usual self not holding anything back. If you were offended I’m sure he would have showed you the exit sign. He rocked through the hits like “Cat Scratch Fever”, “Strangle Hold” and many more. Next up, REO Speedwagon, who have been playing there rock ballads since 1967 and the rain wasn’t dampening this crowd from dancing and enjoying the hits. At times I felt like I was at a senior prom as couples danced and kissed their way through “Can’t Fight This Feeling” and “Keep On Loving You”. The last act of the night were The Styx. They came out and lit up the stage with their energy and excitement. It was obvious these guys knew how to entertain a crowd. Lawrence Gowan (keyboards) did not stand still for one second; he had that keyboard spinning round and round as he played and singed. It was nice to see Chuck Panozzo join the band on stage for this show and the crowd was pleased to see him as well. The amphitheater did not sell lawn seats for this show and thankfully so as it poured rain through the entire show, but all the seats were full and this sold out crowd wasn’t worried about the rain as they rocked through the night with three legendary bands.

Photos by: CatMax Photography, LLC, Review by Gini Strobel

Friday night, we crossed our fingers that the rain would stay away from Gladys Knight’s performance at Wolf Creek Amphitheater. The weather held out for opening acts: Milkshake and Howard Hewett, and they both livened up the crowd with fun and danceable tunes. The VIP reserved tables became the ultimate dance party. Cocktails were flowing, fans were dressed to the nines, and everyone was feeling good- it looked like a commercial for a spirits company. Monica Pearson hosted the evening and it was nice to hear that familiar voice once more.

Unfortunately, the rain moved in, but like true music fans, the Atlanta crowd broke out their umbrellas and danced in the rain. Gladys Knight hit the stage, and she looked stunning. Dressed in a sparkly red number, Gladys was a show-stopper. At almost 69 years old, Ms. Knight is drinking from the Fountain of Youth! She looked flawless and fit. She sounded young and fresh. The seven-time GRAMMY award-wining artist is a legend for obvious reasons. She danced across the stage while belting out favorite hits and it looked effortless. They certainly don’t call her the “Empress of Soul” for nothing! Her voice is so smooth and so strong and it has an energy that singers strive to achieve.

While Wolf Creek Amphitheater is one of Atlanta’s newer venues, you can immediately tell that the staff is well-seasoned in hospitality. Friendly-faces lit up the venue and it was one of the most welcoming experiences that I’ve had in a while. This summer, Wolf Creek is hosting Mint Condition (June 1st), K-Ci & JoJo (August 3rd), and Avant (September 7th). Be sure to pack your coolers, this venue allows you to bring your own alcohol and snacks!

Photos by Catrina Maxwell with Photography, LLC

Rihanna sold out Philips Arena with her Diamonds World Tour show on April 22nd in Atlanta, GA. The amped up crowd included Atlanta natives T.I. and Young Jeezy. As the black curtain around the stage dropped from the top of the arena the fans went wild, screaming and throwing their cameras in the air. Rihanna opened the show dressed in all black and sitting on her knees singing “Mother Mary”. After the first song she disappeared and the stage came alive with “Phresh Out the Runway” where Rihanna came out onto the stage in a large coat and back-up dancers. The arena was full of energy as Rihanna continued to perform her hits such as “Umbrella”, “Please Don’t Stop The Music” and “Diamonds”.

Photos and Review by: Catrina Maxwell of CatMax Photography, LLC

Eric Clapton is considered one of the most influential guitarists of all time. He left no doubt that he still has loyal fans by the sold out crowd at the Arena at Gwinnett Center Wednesday night March 27th. Everyone was pretty chill throughout the show, mostly sitting as Clapton rolled through 40 plus years of hits.

Traveling with Clapton is talented songwriter and musician Mr. Paul Carrack who has shared his talents with The Eagles, Ace, Squeeze, Nick Lowe and many other bands. Eric turned the stage over to Nick a couple times during the show where he performed “How Long” and “Tempted By The Fruit Of Another”. About half way through the show Clapton took a seat to perform a few songs including “Layla” which turned into a jam session with the band. 

Clapton took to his feet towards the end of the show and so did the fans. Once he left the stage the arena was filled with cell phone flash lights, making it look like a bunch of fireflies buzzing around the arena. After much cheering and chanting, he returned for an encore including ”Sunshine Of Your Love” and “High Time”. Eric Clapton didn’t have much to say to the crowd during his performance, but then again what more needs to be said when you can play a guitar like he can?

Photos and Review by: Catrina Maxwell with CatMax Photography, LLC

The energy of the sold out crowd in The Macon Coliseum when Elton john opened the night with “Bitch is Back” was electric. Elton John continued to entertain the crowd by dishing out the hits such as “Tiny Dancer,” “Candle in the Wind,” “Rocket Man,” and many more. Through out the show Elton would stand up and look out to the crowd asking them to get louder by waving his hands over his head. Elton took a break towards the end of his set to introduce his band and back-up singers. Rose Stone from Sly and the Family Stone as well as Rose’s daughter are two of Elton’s four back-up singers. Just when the night seemed to have climaxed the security guys suddenly allowed people in the first ten rows to push their chairs out of the way and stand against the stage while Elton was belting out “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.” Just after that I looked around as the band kicked into “Crocodile Rock” and people were dancing in the aisles and in their seats. It was like a party with 8,000 of your friends. Everyone was really enjoying the moment and taking it all in as he finished the night with “Saturday Night Is Alright For Fighting”. After the last song you would think someone like Elton would run off to his tour bus, but he didn’t as I was about to walk out of the coliseum I turned around to see him back on the stage gathering flowers from his fans and signing autographs. This man is amazing and a true legend in his own right!

Imagine Dragon Tabernacle

Photos and Review by: Catrina Maxwell with CatMax Photography, LLC

Imagine Dragon sold out the Tabernacle, but after seeing Nico Vega I think they had a part in selling out that venue as well. I had never heard of the band Nico Vega before and as I entered the press pit I wasn’t sure what to expect. As soon as Aja Volkman took the stage, she owned it with her energy and excitement, not to mention her strong vocals. I was impressed at the voice that came out of this little women.

Once Imagine Dragon took the stage the fans were ready for the large drums to kick in. You could feel the energy in the room as Dan Reynolds ran onto the stage and starting pounding on a large stand up drum. Dan really keep the crowd by playing songs from their debut album “Night Visions”. During “Underdog” they band release a bunch of white beach balls with glow sticks in them, the crowd began crowd surfing and bouncing the beach balls all around the venue. I think everyone left there a bigger fan after seeing these bands, I know I sure did.

Photo and Review Credit: Catrina Maxwell with CatMax Photography, LLC

The xx filled the Tabernacle with their indie pop sound for a sold out crowd of excited fans on February 2nd. I wasn’t sure what type of crowd would be at this show, but upon arrival I realized there was a very wide range of fans from younger to older. The electronic sound started with the opening act Austra. Once The xx took the stage, the crowd went wild as Romy Madley Croft(vocals and guitar) began singing Angles with the crowd.

Fans felt the energy throughout the show and were up dancing to the sounds of The xx. Oliver Sim (vocals and bass) and Romy kept the crowd alive while Jamie Smith (electronics) kept the energy going in the room. Oliver and Romy both stopping to thank the crowd throughout the show, you could tell they really appreciated their fans.

The London based band has been creating music since 2005 and currently has two albums out, xx(2009) and Coexist(2012). The xx is not slowing down they have dates all over the United States, Canada, Australia and more through August.