**Pictures Added** Memphis - Artist Den

No Kid Rock show is ever the same. Last nights live concert for Artist Den was no exception. Kid Rock rocked out an exceptional and unique show. This was our second Kid Rock show this week, as we attended his phenomenal performance in Chicago just this past Saturday. The two shows were distinctively different but both equally exhilarating and inimitable.

We got to Graceland at approximately 4:00 pm and instantaneously lurched into the line of Kid Rock enthusiasts who had also won tickets for the show. I didn’t count but I would guesstimate that there were roughly 15 people in line ahead of us. The murmur in line was that the individuals at the immediate front had been in line since noon. While waiting in line we met an array of interesting people who had flocked in from afar to see the awe-inspiring high-energy performance. A local Memphis fireman named Chris kept us company for much of our wait time and offered us several suggestions for eateries and things to do while in Memphis, a gesture that was deeply appreciated.

They started checking people in immediately at 6:30 pm, but not a minute sooner. When it was our turn to check in we were frightfully awakened by the terror of our name not being included on the list that they had at their table. Luckily, the confusion did not seem exclusive to our situation and other Kid Rock Congregation members seemed to be having similar frustrations. The staff from the Artist Den was surprisingly accommodating and did not postpone us long. I quickly scurried for my cell phone and pulled up the confirmation email and after briefly taking down my name and email they allowed us to pass through without issue.

After checking in we walked a short distance through a beautiful display of Graceland’s outdoor Christmas decorations until we reached the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum where the concert was to be held. The door was locked and the fifteen or so aficionados were already lined up, as before in the check-in line, plus a slight few extra that had sneaked by us while we handled our concern of absence from the list. Once we were settled in line the remaining fanatics flocked in behind us. Doors were set to open at 7:00 pm and there was no sign of mercy from that plan. As the Memphis temperature had dropped well below averages for this time of year we were all growing restless and antsy to get inside. Starting from the front and roving throughout the line, we heard murmurs and roars of anticipation. Kid Rock chants became eminent, especially in the front of the line where security officials were in plain view inside of the building.

Just after 7:00 pm the doors were opened and we were allowed to enter. The venue was very small. As we strode into the building we passed through a makeshift hallway off stage left, which was neatly but tightly lined with production trunks. Halfway down the hallway or so the sound technician was set up but without room to even sit down with the excited fans coming through. Once we rounded the corner of the small hallway we made our claim up front stage left. We looked down and noted a set list placed on the amplifier. Soon after a gentleman came out and removed this list, when questioned by another audience member he explained that the set list was from a plan made earlier in the day. A few minutes later he returned and put up a new set list, which remained stagnant and was used as the exact template for the show.

People continued to trickle into the venue right up until show time. Shortly after 8:00 pm a representative from Artist Den appeared on stage and introduced him self and the Artist Den. He explained to the crowd that for mere kicks Kid Rock wanted everyone to pretend it was in fact ‘Saturday night’ not Monday. This was the one and only illusion of the night and it was used to enhance the opening of the show.

After a brief introduction from the chap with Artist Den, the arena bellowed with enthusiasm and excitement as Kid Rock and The Twisted Brown Trucker Band took to the stage. Kid Rock opened with gusto exclaiming enthusiastically “Memphis, its Saturday Night!” Immediately following his passionate statement, he and his band broke into the song God Bless Saturday. The small crowd was transfixed, myself included 

Following the opening song, in true Memphis spirit Kid rock began to sing the blues, the Rock Bottom Blues that is. With the tight knit space that the venue offered, the intimate aroma in the room and given we were in Memphis this Kid Rock gig would not have been complete without this song.

 After that, Kid Rock took it back old school and played Wasting Time. Kid and the band appeared to immensely enjoy playing this particular song.

Afterward, Kid Rock and the band took a few moments to collect themselves and take a drink of water. Early in the concert Kid Rock elucidated that the whole band had been sick for nearly a month and jokingly muttered that anyone who was there was chancing catching a cold.

Before starting the next song Kid Rock rationalized that “after 40 years of smoking and drinking, it’s time to Slow My Roll.” His impeccable vocal presentation of this song was accompanied by a gleaming smile. Kid Rock seemed to take this song particularly near to his heart even after having released it over a year ago and certainly having performed it abundantly. 

Immediately upon finishing, the band began to dish out the melody of the song Purple Sky. Kid Rock pointed to the sky and got the crowd involved and having fun. Lights flooded the stage and portrayed different shades of pinks, blues and purples during the song and offered a calming environment through the venue. 

During the show we were standing immediately in front of Jason Krause (Guitarist in the band). At one point he leaned over slightly and muttered to us, “You guys are really close…this is kind of weird.” 

The next song that Kid Rock impeccably executed was What I Learned Out On The Road. Anyone who has ever heard this song must appreciate the tempo variance of soft county and hard rock all in one melody. Seeing this performed live was bewildering. As anyone who has seen a Kid Rock performance will tell you, ‘Kid Rock gets into his music,’ this song was no exception to that. 

Next, the band began to play one of my personal favorite songs, Cowboy intertwined with Lay It On Me. Portrayed, as a more of a country tune than on his albums, Kid Rocks abilities to sing variants of music was evident.

Kid Rock took a moment to talk to the audience and justified to everyone, “No matter what your going through…the lease that each of us can do is give a damn!” Then he and the Twisted Brown Trucker Band began to play his newest single Care. It is more than obvious that Kid Rock really does ‘give a damn’ and he really does ‘care.’ Most individuals already know this, but during the tour he is currently on, he is gifting nearly $400,000 to various charities.

Switching from serious to light hearted, Kid Rock took a moment to ponder and then asked the crowd “How can I pull this one off?” He then told the audience that he would play the PG version of his getting old song since it was for television. So he began, “…I guess I’m Frickin’ Forty…” But then, about two-thirds of the way through the song he ‘slipped’ and bellowed “… Bruce Springsteen’s Fuckin’ sixty-two…” with a goliath smirk on his face.

Getting into ‘party mode,’ Kid Rock started into his famous rendition of 3 Sheets to the Wind. Every time I see Kid Rock perform this is always the highlight of the night. His talents as a musical sensation shine while he goes from playing a lead guitar solo, to scratching on the turntables (while doing a shot of Jim Beam of course), and to playing an amazing drum solo. Being from the Detroit area as he is, I deeply appreciated when he played a portion of the legendary Motor City rock classic Cat Scratch Fever.

Then, the band began to play Bawitdaba. Just before getting to the vocal opening everything stopped and Kid Rock snickered into the microphone. He said something to the tone of “This was not intended for a small room like this, there’s supposed to be strippers and explosions…oh well (with a colossal smile).” Looking down he roared boisterously “…My name is Kid…” He pulled off the song masterfully with the same vigor and passion you would expect at a sold out Detroit - Comerica Park concert.

To slow things down the band worked into their Caribbean version of All Summer Long. The enchanting percussion-heavy ensemble encompasses the use of bongo drums, a sit atop drum and maracas (played by Kid Rock himself). I have seen this rendition of the song played in all three shows I attended this year and I believe it to be a brilliant reformation of an already remarkable tune.

Bringing things back up to speed, Kid Rock asked the crowd, “Who’s ready for a revival?” Our response was a boisterous exclamation. Kid Rock and the band began playing Rock N’ Roll Jesus. The energy in the room was flabbergasting, but that ’s not surprising because of course much of the crowd was made up of the Kid Rock Congregation.

To keep things going, Kid Rock dove into true Graceland spirit playing a portion of an Elvis Presley historic song Burning Love. From the sounds of things not only was the room filled with Kid Rock followers but also with Elvis enthusiast.

Calming down just a notch but warming up for his big-finish, Kid Rock began singing Only God Knows Why. The classic Kid Rock jingle kept fans enthusiasm up and on their toes for the big finish.

Before beginning his final song of the night, Kid Rock took a moment to boisterously ask the spectators a question from his heart, “Do you believe, that you live in the greatest country in the world?” Automatically, cheer and shouts were eminent throughout. Then, with the patriotic ovations still roaring in, the strumming of the guitar began. Kid Rock and The Twisted Brown Trucker Band finished the night with their recent patriotic single Born Free. Hitting every note with perfection Kid Rock concluded the evening impeccably.

After finishing the final song Kid Rock graciously signed a few autographs on the laminates that were given out to each patron attending the show, but politely he murmured to the eager crowd that he could not sign them all. Kid Rock exited while Graceland shook with the excitement of fans applauding and shouting their admiration. 

Having been to two shows of Kid Rock’s this past few days and having been front row for both shows I am extraordinarily delighted. I cannot say that I am able to pick a favorite show between the two but both tie in rank as, number one, favorite performances that I have attended. The night was historic for me and is something that will be unforgettable. The countless hours spent waiting in lines this past week paid off and proved to be more that worthwhile in the end.

Look out February 24, 2012 for the release of the Artist Den show on local public television.

No Kid Rock show is ever the same. Last nights live concert for Artist Den was no exception. Kid Rock rocked out an exceptional and unique show. This was our second Kid Rock show this week, as we attended his phenomenal performance in Chicago just this past Saturday. The two shows were distinctively different but both equally exhilarating and inimitable.

We got to Graceland at approximately 4:00 pm and instantaneously lurched into the line of Kid Rock enthusiasts who had also won tickets for the show. I didn’t count but I would guesstimate that there were roughly 15 people in line ahead of us. The murmur in line was that the individuals at the immediate front had been in line since noon. While waiting in line we met an array of interesting people who had flocked in from afar to see the awe-inspiring high-energy performance. A local Memphis fireman named Chris kept us company for much of our wait time and offered us several suggestions for eateries and things to do while in Memphis, a gesture that was deeply appreciated.

They started checking people in immediately at 6:30 pm, but not a minute sooner. When it was our turn to check in we were frightfully awakened by the terror of our name not being included on the list that they had at their table. Luckily, the confusion did not seem exclusive to our situation and other Kid Rock Congregation members seemed to be having similar frustrations. The staff from the Artist Den was surprisingly accommodating and did not postpone us long. I quickly scurried for my cell phone and pulled up the confirmation email and after briefly taking down my name and email they allowed us to pass through without issue.

After checking in we walked a short distance through a beautiful display of Graceland’s outdoor Christmas decorations until we reached the Elvis Presley Automobile Museum where the concert was to be held. The door was locked and the fifteen or so aficionados were already lined up, as before in the check-in line, plus a slight few extra that had sneaked by us while we handled our concern of absence from the list. Once we were settled in line the remaining fanatics flocked in behind us. Doors were set to open at 7:00 pm and there was no sign of mercy from that plan. As the Memphis temperature had dropped well below averages for this time of year we were all growing restless and antsy to get inside. Starting from the front and roving throughout the line, we heard murmurs and roars of anticipation. Kid Rock chants became eminent, especially in the front of the line where security officials were in plain view inside of the building.

Just after 7:00 pm the doors were opened and we were allowed to enter. The venue was very small. As we strode into the building we passed through a makeshift hallway off stage left, which was neatly but tightly lined with production trunks. Halfway down the hallway or so the sound technician was set up but without room to even sit down with the excited fans coming through. Once we rounded the corner of the small hallway we made our claim up front stage left. We looked down and noted a set list placed on the amplifier. Soon after a gentleman came out and removed this list, when questioned by another audience member he explained that the set list was from a plan made earlier in the day. A few minutes later he returned and put up a new set list, which remained stagnant and was used as the exact template for the show.

People continued to trickle into the venue right up until show time. Shortly after 8:00 pm a representative from Artist Den appeared on stage and introduced him self and the Artist Den. He explained to the crowd that for mere kicks Kid Rock wanted everyone to pretend it was in fact ‘Saturday night’ not Monday. This was the one and only illusion of the night and it was used to enhance the opening of the show.

After a brief introduction from the chap with Artist Den, the arena bellowed with enthusiasm and excitement as Kid Rock and The Twisted Brown Trucker Band took to the stage. Kid Rock opened with gusto exclaiming enthusiastically “Memphis, its Saturday Night!” Immediately following his passionate statement, he and his band broke into the song God Bless Saturday. The small crowd was transfixed, myself included 

Following the opening song, in true Memphis spirit Kid rock began to sing the blues, the Rock Bottom Blues that is. With the tight knit space that the venue offered, the intimate aroma in the room and given we were in Memphis this Kid Rock gig would not have been complete without this song.

 After that, Kid Rock took it back old school and played Wasting Time. Kid and the band appeared to immensely enjoy playing this particular song.

Afterward, Kid Rock and the band took a few moments to collect themselves and take a drink of water. Early in the concert Kid Rock elucidated that the whole band had been sick for nearly a month and jokingly muttered that anyone who was there was chancing catching a cold.

Before starting the next song Kid Rock rationalized that “after 40 years of smoking and drinking, it’s time to Slow My Roll.” His impeccable vocal presentation of this song was accompanied by a gleaming smile. Kid Rock seemed to take this song particularly near to his heart even after having released it over a year ago and certainly having performed it abundantly. 

Immediately upon finishing, the band began to dish out the melody of the song Purple Sky. Kid Rock pointed to the sky and got the crowd involved and having fun. Lights flooded the stage and portrayed different shades of pinks, blues and purples during the song and offered a calming environment through the venue. 

During the show we were standing immediately in front of Jason Krause (Guitarist in the band). At one point he leaned over slightly and muttered to us, “You guys are really close…this is kind of weird.” 

The next song that Kid Rock impeccably executed was What I Learned Out On The Road. Anyone who has ever heard this song must appreciate the tempo variance of soft county and hard rock all in one melody. Seeing this performed live was bewildering. As anyone who has seen a Kid Rock performance will tell you, ‘Kid Rock gets into his music,’ this song was no exception to that. 

Next, the band began to play one of my personal favorite songs, Cowboy intertwined with Lay It On Me. Portrayed, as a more of a country tune than on his albums, Kid Rocks abilities to sing variants of music was evident.

Kid Rock took a moment to talk to the audience and justified to everyone, “No matter what your going through…the lease that each of us can do is give a damn!” Then he and the Twisted Brown Trucker Band began to play his newest single Care. It is more than obvious that Kid Rock really does ‘give a damn’ and he really does ‘care.’ Most individuals already know this, but during the tour he is currently on, he is gifting nearly $400,000 to various charities.

Switching from serious to light hearted, Kid Rock took a moment to ponder and then asked the crowd “How can I pull this one off?” He then told the audience that he would play the PG version of his getting old song since it was for television. So he began, “…I guess I’m Frickin’ Forty…” But then, about two-thirds of the way through the song he ‘slipped’ and bellowed “… Bruce Springsteen’s Fuckin’ sixty-two…” with a goliath smirk on his face.

Getting into ‘party mode,’ Kid Rock started into his famous rendition of 3 Sheets to the Wind. Every time I see Kid Rock perform this is always the highlight of the night. His talents as a musical sensation shine while he goes from playing a lead guitar solo, to scratching on the turntables (while doing a shot of Jim Beam of course), and to playing an amazing drum solo. Being from the Detroit area as he is, I deeply appreciated when he played a portion of the legendary Motor City rock classic Cat Scratch Fever.

Then, the band began to play Bawitdaba. Just before getting to the vocal opening everything stopped and Kid Rock snickered into the microphone. He said something to the tone of “This was not intended for a small room like this, there’s supposed to be strippers and explosions…oh well (with a colossal smile).” Looking down he roared boisterously “…My name is Kid…” He pulled off the song masterfully with the same vigor and passion you would expect at a sold out Detroit - Comerica Park concert.

To slow things down the band worked into their Caribbean version of All Summer Long. The enchanting percussion-heavy ensemble encompasses the use of bongo drums, a sit atop drum and maracas (played by Kid Rock himself). I have seen this rendition of the song played in all three shows I attended this year and I believe it to be a brilliant reformation of an already remarkable tune.

Bringing things back up to speed, Kid Rock asked the crowd, “Who’s ready for a revival?” Our response was a boisterous exclamation. Kid Rock and the band began playing Rock N’ Roll Jesus. The energy in the room was flabbergasting, but that \’s not surprising because of course much of the crowd was made up of the Kid Rock Congregation.

To keep things going, Kid Rock dove into true Graceland spirit playing a portion of an Elvis Presley historic song Burning Love. From the sounds of things not only was the room filled with Kid Rock followers but also with Elvis enthusiast.

Calming down just a notch but warming up for his big-finish, Kid Rock began singing Only God Knows Why. The classic Kid Rock jingle kept fans enthusiasm up and on their toes for the big finish.

Before beginning his final song of the night, Kid Rock took a moment to boisterously ask the spectators a question from his heart, “Do you believe, that you live in the greatest country in the world?” Automatically, cheer and shouts were eminent throughout. Then, with the patriotic ovations still roaring in, the strumming of the guitar began. Kid Rock and The Twisted Brown Trucker Band finished the night with their recent patriotic single Born Free. Hitting every note with perfection Kid Rock concluded the evening impeccably.

After finishing the final song Kid Rock graciously signed a few autographs on the laminates that were given out to each patron attending the show, but politely he murmured to the eager crowd that he could not sign them all. Kid Rock exited while Graceland shook with the excitement of fans applauding and shouting their admiration. 

Having been to two shows of Kid Rock’s this past few days and having been front row for both shows I am extraordinarily delighted. I cannot say that I am able to pick a favorite show between the two but both tie in rank as, number one, favorite performances that I have attended. The night was historic for me and is something that will be unforgettable. The countless hours spent waiting in lines this past week paid off and proved to be more that worthwhile in the end.

Look out February 23, 2012 for the release of the Artist Den show on local public television.

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