COMSTOCK ROCK FEST CONCERT REVIEW ON ROCK N ROLL UNIVERSE

Lineup: Cheap Trick (Headliner) , Joan Jett, Eric Sardinas, UFO, Full Circle

Comstock, Nebraska is located in the central part of Nebraska. And for the past few years on the third week of July this little town of one hundred and ten people swells into the thousands for this annual four day rock fest. Many great bands have graced the stage in the last few years including: Ted Nugent, REO Speedwagon, Grand Funk Railroad, Jackyl, 38 Special, Lynyrd Skynryd and many, many others. This year I made my first trip to Comstock for day three of this year's star studded lineup.
The day began with Denver Colorado based Full Circle. They're a five piece band that reminded me a lot of such great bands as Judas Priest and Queensryche. Their vocalist had a hell of a set of pipes on him and the rhythm section was tight as nails.
They played a sixty minute set of all original music. Good stuff, very heavy, yet very melodic. And their vocalist didn't sound like the Cookie Monster when he sang so that's always a plus. Full Circle was a great way to warm up the very small crowd that was there at this point. They're a band that should be kept an eye on as I expect great things from them in the future.

Next up was the band I was there to see besides Cheap Trick. And that band was the legendary UFO. I hadn't seen them live since my first concert in 1979. And boy were they worth the wait! Opening with the underrated "Mother Mary,"The UFO gang ripped through a sixty minute set that was nothing short of Euro- Metal heaven. Vocalist Phil Mogg looked and sounded great. Long time keyboardist/guitar player Paul Raymond is the only other member of the band besides Mr. Mogg that still remains from the bands classic late 70's lineup. Vinnie Moore took over for Michael Schenker a couple years ago on guitar, and he does an excellent job of covering Michael's solos , yet putting his own touch into the songs. His solo on the show closer "Rock Bottom" was jaw dropping to say the least. Jeff Kollman did an admirable job standing in for my bass playing hero Pete Way. The band's new drummer is none other than Jason Bonham. The guy's playing really drives the band. Jason came out and sound checked his own drums. While doing so he played the now famous drum intro to "Rock And Roll" by Led Zeppelin. You could have closed your eyes and sworn his old man was on stage! UFO put on a very energetic set that was well worth the long years of waiting to see them live again. It was also good to have them do a couple of tunes off of last year's brilliant 'You Are Here' album. Sure, they left out "Doctor, Doctor" and "Lights Out" from their set, but for this old die hard fan the set list was just fine.

The surprise of the day came next. Eric Sardinas took the stage next and got the crowd going crazy to his brand of electric blues. I have to admit I'd never heard any of his music before this day but before his sixty minute set was over he turned me into a major fan. Eric's playing and showmanship have to be seen and heard to be believed. His set was ended by Eric lighting his guitar on fire and smashing it on stage, making the now swelling crowd cheer on his every move. When you get a chance check Eric out live. He truly is well worth seeing. Just imagine Johnny Winter on steroids and you'll get what I mean.

Joan Jett was a last minute cancellation for last years Comstock fest, and after sitting through her seventy five minute set I had wished she would have cancelled again. Man does that lady have an attitude problem! She yelled at the monitor mixer dude during sound check. She yelled at her stage manager during her set. She yelled at her drummer after the fourth song. And she chewed out her keyboard player also. And speaking of her keyboard player, what's with this guy's look? Hey Joan, does your dad need a job that bad? This guy looks so out of place on stage it really takes away from bands "Punk" image. I saw Joan live a couple years back and wasn't impressed then and wasn't impressed on this hot July Night. If I don't ever see her live again it will be none too soon.

Saturday's headliner was my favorite all time band, Cheap Trick. What I wanna know is: Do these guys ever put on a bad show? Hitting the stage with "Hello There," the pride of Rockford, Illinois had the crowd dancing and singing along right from the start. It's hard to believe these guys have been around for some thirty plus years. It's very evident that they really enjoy themselves on stage after all these years. And live is where it's at for them. The CT boys tore through a power packed set that included "Big Eyes," "Southern Girls," "I Want You To Want Me." and their set closer "Surrender," in which Rick Nielsen pulled out his now famous five neck guitar. Robin Zander's vocals still sound great and Bun E Carlos still pounds away on the drums like a madman. It was a real treat for me to hear Tom Petersson step up to the mic and sing "I Know What I Want." Cheap Trick played a seventy five minute set that left the crowd and myself wanting more. But hey, there's always next year's Comstock Fest. Just don't invite Joan Jett and let her ruin what was a great day of Rock and Roll.

UFO set list: Mother Mary, Let It Roll, When Daylight Goes To Town, I'm A loser, Only You Can Rock Me, Baby Blue, Cherry, Love To Love, Too Hot To Handle, Rock Bottom

Cheap Trick set list: Hello There, Big Eyes, If You Want My Love, Southern Girls, Best Friend, I Want You To Want Me, I Know What I Want, Voices, Never Had A Lot To Lose, The Flame, Out In The Streets (70's Show Theme) Surrender
Encores: Dream Police, California Man, Good Night Now