Band:Megadeth Album:Greatest Hits: Back to the Start Record Company:Capitol Records Writer: Mark Carras MP3: Holy Wars Click Album Cover To Buy Now

Many of you have said how cool you think it is to work for Abrasive Rock and get all the free Cds, DVDs, and concert tickets. However, let me fill you in on something. Most of the Cds are total crap, most of the DVDs are garbage, and most of the time we are left at will call with no tickets. We drive for two hours just to go back home empty handed. It sucks, but we do it anyways because we are just masochists, I guess. Why do I mention this? Because this was another time we were left with nothing. The problem is you never have even a clue as to who dropped the ball. I have heard of promoters losing guest lists in hopes that you just buy a ticket. Many really crappy bands work for those same promoters and lose your name because you won't put their Korn clone band on your site. Then there are tour managers who just don't give a shit because they feel (and look) like they've been rode hard and put away wet. Lastly it could be press agents who are overworked trying to run 20 different projects at once. Sure there are people who make money in this industry. In fact some are fucking rich as hell because of it. Most are overworked and under paid and because of this shit happens. Well, something happened this time too (hence the reason for this rant). So how did we get these photos and this review done? A good friend from the band Dog Bone Sanctuary had some tickets from his paying gig at the local radio station. Then Alexi from Pivotal Rage Records said he had an extra photo pass for us. The super cool thing about this is that Pivotal Rage Records is also Pivotal Rage webzine. That's right kiddies, we got help from a competing webzine! How fucking metal is that? SO make sure and stop by Alexi's website and let him know what happens when you save the day for Abrasive Rock. Horns to you and Kevin of Dog Bone Sanctuary for being so goddamn fucking metal and helping us out!

Anyways, so I am running (as fast as an old fat dude can run) to the stage so I can start shooting photos as fast as I can. Kevin (being in much better shape than me) finds out that we need to get a wrist band to get to that area of the arena. So I get my wrist band and get down in front of the stage a few songs into Nevermore's set. I hit the floor running and start pushing my camera to it's limits shooting as fast as I can. The band is on fire and I have never seen them look so damn happy. They play an explosive set and I must say that Steve adds something to the band that has never been there before. Warrel seems more healthy than ever and the band just destroys. I really wish I would have seen more of the set, but what I did see was great. I am happy to report that we missed Bobaflex. This band drives me nuts and I really dreaded having to endure their set.

Next up was Life Of Agony. Most of the people there simply hated them, but I loved their River Runs Red album from the early 90's and was glad to see them. Other than the singer, they seemed ready to kick some ass. Keith was either higher than a kite or has burned too many brain cells already. I hope he was just high, because if he is like that sober, then there is no hope he can pull his head out of his ass. For the first couple songs he wasn't in time, in key, or even singing the correct lyrics. He found his place after a few songs and did OK from then on, but this band used to be an amazing band live and now Keith just doesn't seem to have it in him. I was excited to see them live, but as a fan I was a little disappointed.

Next up was Fear Factory. The band played a very interesting mix of their entire career. I swear there were at least two songs from every album. Well, except for Digimortal. Thankfully they only played one song from that album and it seemed like one of the better ones as it didn't annoy me (can't remember what song as I have only listened to that album a few times and that was years ago). The crowd went nuts when they played material from the first album, so it seems there were some hardcore fans of the band in the audience. The crowd even reacted well with the new song despite the album only being out for a couple weeks. Christan seems to be doing great on the guitar and has nothing to prove to anyone from this point on. New bassist Byron Stroud is as amazing as expected from a seasoned veteran of Strapping Young Lad, Zimmer's Hole, Devin Townsend, Caustic Thought, Unit: 187, Physicist, and who knows what else. They were talking about coming around again in the fall or winter, and I hope to make it. This band is far from gone.

The crowd was going nuts for Anthrax and the band kept them waiting just long enough. They came out with all guns blazing and put on the most energetic show of the day by far. These dinosaurs were moving around like they were in their 20's and everyone seemed impressed as hell. I can't think of a single song (from the Joey era) that I didn't hear. It was a long set, but it didn't drag one bit. I hope this reunion lasts for a long time. The only thing that would have made it better was if Jon Bush was up there, too. Maybe we can get him for that tour with Judas Priest that was just announced?

Last up was Megadeth. Up until this moment the standard rule of 'Photos can only be taken from the pit for the first three songs' was ignored by everyone. Security was more relaxed than I have ever seen them and everyone just acted like they were there to have a good time. So by the time Dave and company came on stage I stopped paying attention to how many songs we were into the set. So if you noted Dave motioning for security to remove a photographer from the pit that night, that was me. When I saw his subtle hand single to security I looked around and noticed I was the only photographer in the pit. So I high tailed it out of there just in time to meet a not so happy member of the Megacrew giving me the 'you're cut off' sign. One of the reasons I stayed too long was I was simply having too good of a time watching the band. With the pyro going off, the Megadeth classics being played with precision, and being able to be right up front without getting squished to a pancake, I was in my own little world. So sorry for wearing out my welcome like that. I hope I didn't step on anyone's toes or burn any bridges. Zach wanted to leave early, so we didn't catch the entire set, but from what I did see the new guys played great! My only problem was that the new bassist and guitarist looked either very tired or very bored. Dave needs to light a fire under their asses and remind them that playing great is fine, but they need to put on a show as well.

Overall I have to say that this is the best package tour I attended all Summer! The ticket prices were low, the line up was great, and fans were treated better than is normally seen in a situation like this. Hell, even the merch was cheaper than I have ever seen for a show this big. $20 for a shirt is about a third of what I am used to at least. I have heard some 'Official Rumors' that next year is already planned and if you missed this year you should make sure you attend next time around. I am not sure how something this great can keep going. Someone has to be losing money on this and we need to make sure their investment pays off. Thanks Dave, as always you are a stand up guy that always keeps in mind where your paycheck comes from. This fan will do everything I can to spread the word that Gigantour should not be missed!

Band:Megadeth Album:Greatest Hits: Back to the Start Record Company:Capitol Records Writer: Mark Carras Click Album Cover To Buy Now

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