FANZEYEVIEW
Chickenfoot - Get Your Buzz On.......Live DVD (Review by Dave Evans)
When it was announced that vocalist Sammy Hagar, guitarist Joe Satriani, bass player Michael Anthony and drummer Chad Smith were releasing an album, I had to admit I was a little sceptical of them pulling it off. The ‘Supergroup’ as we know it has had a rough press over the years, and the idea that four top musicians of varying musical styles could ‘gel’ in a proper band format was far from a given. Yet in 2009 Chickenfoot released their self titled debut album, and to the joy of everyone listening - they had more than pulled it off, they had indeed released an album of quality and integrity. More importantly they had released a ‘band’ album. The fears that it would merely prove to be a showboat for Satrianis guitar wizardry and Hagars larger than life persona were blown away in an instance. So this DVD is for all those fans who bought the album, and who perhaps missed out when Chickenfoot played a solitary live date in the UK in 2009.
So does it live up to the high expectations, do Chickenfoot perform like a ‘band’, do the songs stand up live, and as fans do we get treated to the show of our lives?. Well, the DVD starts off with the band and crew embracing in a group hug - this ‘band of brothers’ moment certainly bodes well for a show of commitment and unity.
Chickenfoot hit the stage with ‘Avenida Revolution’ - the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix (where this DVD was predominantly filmed during the summer of 2009) is bathed in red, as are the band when they hit the stage, Hagar dressed casually - looking very much the veteran ‘surf dude’ with goatee. Satriani, Anthony and Smith all have Chickenfoot motifed equipment- just in case we are in any doubt who they are. It is immediately apparent that the band, yes ‘band’ are relaxed and committed to the cause, Smith with his Bad Co t-shirt pummelling his modest drum kit - adding a heavier bombast of sound than on record, and Satrianis guitar playing is as you would expect- sublime, this is one cool character, giving nothing away from behind his wrap around shades. Anthony adds his customary bass guitar runs towards the songs end. The band are relaxed, on fire and all fears of an ego-tripping exercise- well they’ve long since vanished. This is a rock show- good and proper.
The momentum is turned up a notch further with ‘ Sexy Little Thing’ a cheeky, saucy little number - if ever you want to witness your musical heroes just having a blast then check this number out. The band have managed to make the theatre look like a small club venue such is their warmth, and none more warm than the grinning Anthony who as well as acting as the metronome for Satriani manages to effortlessly improvise - and provide immensely impressive backing vocals for the perennially cheeky and mischievous Hagar, who himself cant help but act the loon behind the more sensible Satriani. This is not disrespect - this is friendship at its best, musicians visually comfortable with each other.
The joyful element of the band is evident again with ‘Soap On A Rope’ this song grooves so hard the bands collective euphoria is there for all to see, the band are by now- loose, and in the ‘zone’. You can even see Anthony pumping his fist in delight, as if to say - “I cant believe I get to do this for a living!!!”. You have also by now forgotten that Satriani is a virtuoso guitarist, as he is firmly rooted in the whole band feel, and loving it - perhaps because the pressure is taken off his slender shoulders and shared out within the band. But its not all about fun-time rock, as Chickenfoot have the ‘serious message’ songs as well - none better demonstrated by; ’My Kinda Girl’ a song that sings the praises of single mothers, this is probably my favourite form the album, as it shows a deeper side to the band as songwriters, and indeed live it is delivered with respect and passion. This straight ahead rock song demonstrates once again Anthonys immense backing vocals - he really is underrated as a vocalist, and Satrianis mix of soulful and complex guitar playing really has to be seen to be believed.
The ’serious’ side of the band continues with ’Down The Drain’ Hagar announcing; “when things get a little rough - it all goes…….down the drain”. This sombre message is however punctuated by some seriously amusing ’dad dancing’ by Hagar - certainly feeling the heavy groove laid down by Satriani, Hagar taking the opportunity to say hello to the front row whilst Anthony and Satriani jam out some cool as hell licks between them. Leading to the a predictably frantic ending of controlled power and dynamics. Smith hammering every last bit of sense out of his kit. By contrast ‘ Bitten By The Wolf’ (a track released on the vinyl version of the album) - sees Chickenfoot revert to ‘acoustic mode’ , a seated - yes seated Hagar , Satriani on acoustic guitar and Smith on bass drum and tambourine, slow proceedings down to slower pace - with the sound of the Delta Blues. Whilst some of the momentum may have been lost - it does demonstrate the musical ability of the assembled musicians. Any band worth its due has to be able to strip away the gloss and affects in order to truly impress. The song eventually progresses to see some handy Slide guitar work form Satriani. The band are seasoned performers and know how to pace things, and return to full throttle with Smith enquiring; “Do you feel like screaming?” and the audience duly comply with cries of “oh yeah”, this joyful banter is a precursor to, yes you’ve guessed - ‘Oh Yeah’. Hagar visibly feels the ‘fun‘ - as do the rest of the band, prowling the lip of the stage just to check everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. Satrianis grove- ridden lick is bouncier than a beach ball on a trampoline. This is Chickenfoot doing what they do best - showing us just how to make it all look so ‘easy’. What seemed quite a cavernous venue - now seems like your living room, such is the warmth and intimacy of the band!!.
Just like the aforementioned ‘My Kinda Girl’, ‘Learning To Fall’ is one of my personal favourites from the album, and its performed with such passion that the hairs on my arms do indeed stand on end. These days mobile phones have replaced the proverbial lighters as the choice of arm waving fans, and here they seem like a thousand fire flies circling the theatre. For all Satrianis technical wizardry, its when he’s at his soulful best that he impresses me the most - and demonstrating how to reign it in perfectly here. beautiful and sublime - a real highlight for me personally. Somehow Satriani manages to segway his distorted feedback into ‘ Get It Up’, himself and Smith indulging in a brief - but well deserved ‘jamming’. There really is an true telepathic understanding going on here - that belies the time they have been playing as a band. Indeed Satrianis only real previous ‘band’ experience was a stint in Deep Purples live band - replacing the errant Richie Blackmore. The improvisational side of the band rears its head again with a teasing snippet of Led Zeppelins ‘Immigrant Song’. The stage by now overhung by an illuminated Chickenfoot lighting rig descending like a UFO.
The main set ends with the coupling of ‘Turnin’ Left’ and ‘Future In The Past’. The former sees some furious guitar and drumming from messers Satriani, Anthony and Smith. The sound is perfect, and respect must go to director Daniel E. Catullo 111, who with 16 state-of-the-art hi-definition cameras situated in the theatre has managed to capture one of the best live concerts I’ve seen since Whitesnakes ‘Live In The Still Of The Night’ it has the feel of the perfect rock concert, no fussy editing, no clever or edgy shots, just straight down the line - well lit stage dynamics.
Fittingly the main set draws to a close with ‘ Future In The Past‘, as Hagar puts it; “…we didn’t even have any songs... me and Joe got together for 2 days, we had some ideas - before Michael and Chad came out- we had so much fun making this record…..this is the last song we wrote..” And an inevitable crowd sing- a - long ensues, its quite a poignant euphoric moment, a moment of realisation for the band as to what they have achieved in such a short time?. Interestingly we also get a glimpse of Satrianis effects pedals - a whole set of them on board, how he never misses a note or hits the wrong trigger is testament to his skill as a guitarist. For the first time Hagars fingers get itchy and we are treated to some impressive ‘axe duelling’ between the pair. This triumphant ending is a teaser for the mayhem to ensue in the ‘encore’…
…..First up is a song dear to Hagar's heart, ‘Bad Motor Scooter’ from his days as part of the mighty Montrose. The Red Rocker is seated on the lip of the stage initially bathed in red with his lap-steel guitar, sliding his way through every motorbike ‘revving’ sound possible, perfectly recreating the songs intro. The band proceed to make this classic song very much one of their own. Satriani - who in his black Chickenfoot robe resembles a cross between a monk and a Jedi Knight - and the band absolutely giving it every ounce of sweat. But just as you think these veterans are all spent…..’My Generation’ gets the Chickenfoot treatment. The Who are a band who would have had an affect on all the assembled members here, Smith doing his best ‘Moon the Loon’ impression, Anthony rolling off Entwistle-esque bass runs with ease, and Satriani the ‘mad monk‘ doing his level best to kill his Ibanez guitar in true Townshend fashion. The ecstatic crowd are left with a slightly predictable ‘Star Spangled Banner’ and a drum-kit trashing courtesy of one of the happiest men alive.
“That’s the way rock n’ rolls supposed to be played” proclaims an exhausted Hagar…..and he’s not wrong….for over 90 minutes we have been treated to some of the best rock music known to man, Chickenfoot have delivered a concert filled with passion, class and raw energy, and as rock concert experiences go - this is up there with the best of them. Chickenfoot are four legendary musical ‘individuals’ who became a ‘band’…….what a ‘BUZZ !!!!’.
Concert Tracklisting: Avenida Revolution / Sexy Little Thing / Soap On A Rope / My Kinda Girl / Down The Drain / Bitten By The Wolf / Oh Yeah / Learnin’ To Fall / Get It Up / Turnin’ Left / Future In The Past. Encores - Bad Motor Scooter / My Generation
The DVD / Blu ray also offers up an very generous 60 minutes of ‘Extras’, here we see Chickenfoot in virtually every rock n’ roll scenerio known to man. Never before seen backstage footage, surprise guests, spoof interviews with Spinal Taps Nigel Tufnel. Jamming with personal heroes. Attending the ‘Hall Of Fame’ etc. There is no doubt here who the jokers of the pack are. Chad Smith for one is more than happy to send himself up in order to hit the streets for a bit of ‘market research’ amongst other things. It seems Chickenfoot are happiest when they are playfully winding each other up, and it’s a joy to behold seeing them in an environment away from the live stage. Their interaction with their family and fans backstage is equal parts hysterical and heart warming. It seems however famous these individuals may seem, fun, friendship and a real love for the music is what drives them forward, not money or egos.
The DVD / Blu-ray also includes a band Photo Gallery, and the packaging also includes a lavish black and white booklet full of band shots.
“Get Your Buzz On - Live” is released on DVD / Blu ray in the UK on April 26th on Eagle Rock Entertainment.
All LIVE CHICKENFOOT photos courtesy of Christie Goodwin ©
So does it live up to the high expectations, do Chickenfoot perform like a ‘band’, do the songs stand up live, and as fans do we get treated to the show of our lives?. Well, the DVD starts off with the band and crew embracing in a group hug - this ‘band of brothers’ moment certainly bodes well for a show of commitment and unity.
Chickenfoot hit the stage with ‘Avenida Revolution’ - the Dodge Theatre in Phoenix (where this DVD was predominantly filmed during the summer of 2009) is bathed in red, as are the band when they hit the stage, Hagar dressed casually - looking very much the veteran ‘surf dude’ with goatee. Satriani, Anthony and Smith all have Chickenfoot motifed equipment- just in case we are in any doubt who they are. It is immediately apparent that the band, yes ‘band’ are relaxed and committed to the cause, Smith with his Bad Co t-shirt pummelling his modest drum kit - adding a heavier bombast of sound than on record, and Satrianis guitar playing is as you would expect- sublime, this is one cool character, giving nothing away from behind his wrap around shades. Anthony adds his customary bass guitar runs towards the songs end. The band are relaxed, on fire and all fears of an ego-tripping exercise- well they’ve long since vanished. This is a rock show- good and proper.
The momentum is turned up a notch further with ‘ Sexy Little Thing’ a cheeky, saucy little number - if ever you want to witness your musical heroes just having a blast then check this number out. The band have managed to make the theatre look like a small club venue such is their warmth, and none more warm than the grinning Anthony who as well as acting as the metronome for Satriani manages to effortlessly improvise - and provide immensely impressive backing vocals for the perennially cheeky and mischievous Hagar, who himself cant help but act the loon behind the more sensible Satriani. This is not disrespect - this is friendship at its best, musicians visually comfortable with each other.
The joyful element of the band is evident again with ‘Soap On A Rope’ this song grooves so hard the bands collective euphoria is there for all to see, the band are by now- loose, and in the ‘zone’. You can even see Anthony pumping his fist in delight, as if to say - “I cant believe I get to do this for a living!!!”. You have also by now forgotten that Satriani is a virtuoso guitarist, as he is firmly rooted in the whole band feel, and loving it - perhaps because the pressure is taken off his slender shoulders and shared out within the band. But its not all about fun-time rock, as Chickenfoot have the ‘serious message’ songs as well - none better demonstrated by; ’My Kinda Girl’ a song that sings the praises of single mothers, this is probably my favourite form the album, as it shows a deeper side to the band as songwriters, and indeed live it is delivered with respect and passion. This straight ahead rock song demonstrates once again Anthonys immense backing vocals - he really is underrated as a vocalist, and Satrianis mix of soulful and complex guitar playing really has to be seen to be believed.
The ’serious’ side of the band continues with ’Down The Drain’ Hagar announcing; “when things get a little rough - it all goes…….down the drain”. This sombre message is however punctuated by some seriously amusing ’dad dancing’ by Hagar - certainly feeling the heavy groove laid down by Satriani, Hagar taking the opportunity to say hello to the front row whilst Anthony and Satriani jam out some cool as hell licks between them. Leading to the a predictably frantic ending of controlled power and dynamics. Smith hammering every last bit of sense out of his kit. By contrast ‘ Bitten By The Wolf’ (a track released on the vinyl version of the album) - sees Chickenfoot revert to ‘acoustic mode’ , a seated - yes seated Hagar , Satriani on acoustic guitar and Smith on bass drum and tambourine, slow proceedings down to slower pace - with the sound of the Delta Blues. Whilst some of the momentum may have been lost - it does demonstrate the musical ability of the assembled musicians. Any band worth its due has to be able to strip away the gloss and affects in order to truly impress. The song eventually progresses to see some handy Slide guitar work form Satriani. The band are seasoned performers and know how to pace things, and return to full throttle with Smith enquiring; “Do you feel like screaming?” and the audience duly comply with cries of “oh yeah”, this joyful banter is a precursor to, yes you’ve guessed - ‘Oh Yeah’. Hagar visibly feels the ‘fun‘ - as do the rest of the band, prowling the lip of the stage just to check everyone is singing from the same hymn sheet. Satrianis grove- ridden lick is bouncier than a beach ball on a trampoline. This is Chickenfoot doing what they do best - showing us just how to make it all look so ‘easy’. What seemed quite a cavernous venue - now seems like your living room, such is the warmth and intimacy of the band!!.
Just like the aforementioned ‘My Kinda Girl’, ‘Learning To Fall’ is one of my personal favourites from the album, and its performed with such passion that the hairs on my arms do indeed stand on end. These days mobile phones have replaced the proverbial lighters as the choice of arm waving fans, and here they seem like a thousand fire flies circling the theatre. For all Satrianis technical wizardry, its when he’s at his soulful best that he impresses me the most - and demonstrating how to reign it in perfectly here. beautiful and sublime - a real highlight for me personally. Somehow Satriani manages to segway his distorted feedback into ‘ Get It Up’, himself and Smith indulging in a brief - but well deserved ‘jamming’. There really is an true telepathic understanding going on here - that belies the time they have been playing as a band. Indeed Satrianis only real previous ‘band’ experience was a stint in Deep Purples live band - replacing the errant Richie Blackmore. The improvisational side of the band rears its head again with a teasing snippet of Led Zeppelins ‘Immigrant Song’. The stage by now overhung by an illuminated Chickenfoot lighting rig descending like a UFO.
The main set ends with the coupling of ‘Turnin’ Left’ and ‘Future In The Past’. The former sees some furious guitar and drumming from messers Satriani, Anthony and Smith. The sound is perfect, and respect must go to director Daniel E. Catullo 111, who with 16 state-of-the-art hi-definition cameras situated in the theatre has managed to capture one of the best live concerts I’ve seen since Whitesnakes ‘Live In The Still Of The Night’ it has the feel of the perfect rock concert, no fussy editing, no clever or edgy shots, just straight down the line - well lit stage dynamics.
Fittingly the main set draws to a close with ‘ Future In The Past‘, as Hagar puts it; “…we didn’t even have any songs... me and Joe got together for 2 days, we had some ideas - before Michael and Chad came out- we had so much fun making this record…..this is the last song we wrote..” And an inevitable crowd sing- a - long ensues, its quite a poignant euphoric moment, a moment of realisation for the band as to what they have achieved in such a short time?. Interestingly we also get a glimpse of Satrianis effects pedals - a whole set of them on board, how he never misses a note or hits the wrong trigger is testament to his skill as a guitarist. For the first time Hagars fingers get itchy and we are treated to some impressive ‘axe duelling’ between the pair. This triumphant ending is a teaser for the mayhem to ensue in the ‘encore’…
…..First up is a song dear to Hagar's heart, ‘Bad Motor Scooter’ from his days as part of the mighty Montrose. The Red Rocker is seated on the lip of the stage initially bathed in red with his lap-steel guitar, sliding his way through every motorbike ‘revving’ sound possible, perfectly recreating the songs intro. The band proceed to make this classic song very much one of their own. Satriani - who in his black Chickenfoot robe resembles a cross between a monk and a Jedi Knight - and the band absolutely giving it every ounce of sweat. But just as you think these veterans are all spent…..’My Generation’ gets the Chickenfoot treatment. The Who are a band who would have had an affect on all the assembled members here, Smith doing his best ‘Moon the Loon’ impression, Anthony rolling off Entwistle-esque bass runs with ease, and Satriani the ‘mad monk‘ doing his level best to kill his Ibanez guitar in true Townshend fashion. The ecstatic crowd are left with a slightly predictable ‘Star Spangled Banner’ and a drum-kit trashing courtesy of one of the happiest men alive.
“That’s the way rock n’ rolls supposed to be played” proclaims an exhausted Hagar…..and he’s not wrong….for over 90 minutes we have been treated to some of the best rock music known to man, Chickenfoot have delivered a concert filled with passion, class and raw energy, and as rock concert experiences go - this is up there with the best of them. Chickenfoot are four legendary musical ‘individuals’ who became a ‘band’…….what a ‘BUZZ !!!!’.
Concert Tracklisting: Avenida Revolution / Sexy Little Thing / Soap On A Rope / My Kinda Girl / Down The Drain / Bitten By The Wolf / Oh Yeah / Learnin’ To Fall / Get It Up / Turnin’ Left / Future In The Past. Encores - Bad Motor Scooter / My Generation
The DVD / Blu ray also offers up an very generous 60 minutes of ‘Extras’, here we see Chickenfoot in virtually every rock n’ roll scenerio known to man. Never before seen backstage footage, surprise guests, spoof interviews with Spinal Taps Nigel Tufnel. Jamming with personal heroes. Attending the ‘Hall Of Fame’ etc. There is no doubt here who the jokers of the pack are. Chad Smith for one is more than happy to send himself up in order to hit the streets for a bit of ‘market research’ amongst other things. It seems Chickenfoot are happiest when they are playfully winding each other up, and it’s a joy to behold seeing them in an environment away from the live stage. Their interaction with their family and fans backstage is equal parts hysterical and heart warming. It seems however famous these individuals may seem, fun, friendship and a real love for the music is what drives them forward, not money or egos.
The DVD / Blu-ray also includes a band Photo Gallery, and the packaging also includes a lavish black and white booklet full of band shots.
“Get Your Buzz On - Live” is released on DVD / Blu ray in the UK on April 26th on Eagle Rock Entertainment.
All LIVE CHICKENFOOT photos courtesy of Christie Goodwin ©
