Just got back from the big Velvet Revolver concert here in Edmonton. Megan and I decided a while back that this would be one show we’d regret not going to if we didn’t get tickets and boy were we right. It was awesome! The Bear (local rock station) had people calling in after, and one guy said “that’s the way a rock show is supposed to be done.” I couldn’t agree more.

First things first – I absolutely love Scott Weiland. That guy was born to perform. And I don’t know why people get so excited about Usher and his moves, Scott is pretty damn unique himself. You can’t help but watch him and because he has so much energy on stage it just drains you! He swings and twirls and sings his heart out, the way it should be done.

What can you say about Slash? The guy is a crowd pleaser. And he saved the hat until the very end, which was kinda cool actually. He brings the catchy sounds to the music, and well, you gotta love Slash! The other “main” guy, as I would call them, is Duff McKagen, also formerly of GNR and he too looks, walks and talks like a rock star. Slash, Duff and Scott all bounce all over the stage, but at one point they played side by side. At that moment it was like “wow, this is the real deal!” Not to take anything away from Matt Sorum and Dave Kushner, but when I think Velvet Revolver, I think Slash, Scott and Duff, and they delivered.

The stage was quite impressive, and the lights must have cost a fortune. I am quite young, and I haven’t been to many concerts, but I’d say that me seeing VR must have been like the first time people saw KISS on stage. Just totally different than anything you’ve seen before. I’ve never seen such lights and energy! They had two big screens on either side of the stage that alternated between cameras taping the stage and some stock footage, most of it either the VR girl, or DNA, which was kinda odd – haven’t figured out why they’d show the double helix at a hardcore rock and roll concert.

And of course, there were all the other crazy antics you’d expect from a rock concert. Lots of noise, drunk people, hot girls, girls flashing the entire crowd, security guards chasing people, you name it. They were even searching people at the door, pat downs and everything. The one thing I was surprised to see was so many young people. Three Days Grace opened, so that might have something to do with it, but I expected to see a mostly older crowd out to see Slash and the boys.

Regardless, it was an awesome show! I’ve had their album Contraband for a while now, but I am very glad we went to see them live tonight, it was intense!