Concert Report: Last Saturday in DFW

[Zzzptm]

My son's band got a gig supporting a young, talented guy who does a tribute to both Johnny Cash and Elvis Presley. The kid is only 19 and can cover both artists uncannily well, he's the real deal.

Anyway, the gig is billed as "A Tribute to Johnny Cash and Elvis". No promise of impersonations other than in vocal stylings. No worries, the tickets sell well and it's gonna be a big gig for the kid and my son's band. My wife and I buy tickets because this is gonna be WAY better than watching a kiddie soccer game.

We get there and there's new information: "Opening Act: Stonehaven."

Uhhhhh... Stonehaven?

The hall is filling up with people my age on up to my parents' age, not a lot of stoner rock fans in that crowd... Maybe like, uh, counting myself and my wife... five?

The opening act was good, even though their lead vocals weren't coming through in the mix. But the crowd kept complaining that they were too loud. It was a classic case of "If it's too loud, you're too old." And the "too old" crowd complained enough that Stonehaven got the hook halfway through their slotted time. My wife and I felt bad for them, they deserved better. We bought a t-shirt.

Once the 19-year-old singer took the stage, the mood got a lot more happy and loving. Wisely, my son's band turned it DOWN on the volume and a good time was had by all. This kid is incredible, especially so given that it was his first concert outside of his high school talent show. Enjoyed/10, will see again. I suggested that he do a cover of "Peace in the Valley", since many have said that the ultimate version would be combining Johnny Cash's verses with Elvis' chorus, and this kid could do just that.

If we see Stonehaven again, we hope it'll be with a more metallic crowd, and I'm not talking about hip and joint replacements!