Gregg Allman + Tift Merritt @ Grand Rex, Paris June 29 2011

Gregg Allman + Tift Merritt @ Grand Rex
Paris June 29 2011

Tift Merritt

Gregg Allman

First show on the European Tour for Gregg Allman & Band. He hasn't been in Paris for a very long time nevertheless it's far from being full.
Very different atmosphere compare to yesterday when we saw Brian Setzer at the very same place.
Tonight people will remain seated in the very confortable "sofas" of the Grand Rex.
First we have American Folk girl Tift Merritt for a short set. If you like Emmyllou Harris or Joni Mitchell her music is for you, great voice.

Then we have Gregg Allman and his musicians, he's playing most of the songs on hammond organ and the rest on acoustic or electric guitar.
He looks a bit frail but the voice is good. Each musician is perfect in their own field specially the guitar player.
He's playing a few new songs and some classics from The Allman brothers Band (see setlist below for details).
Can't say that it was wild as most of the songs are medium tempo, maybe a bit too slow for me.
Not a bad show but it could have been a bit better with more up-tempo tunes.
For the Encore people rushed to the stage for the last two songs, Gregg came down the front to shake hands with the audience.
Nice night out if you wanted to enjoy a gig confortably seated.

Merchandising & setlist

"Midnight Rider":

Brian Setzer + Imelda May @ Grand Rex, Paris June 28 2011

Brian Setzer + Slim Jim Phantom & Imelda May @ Grand Rex
Paris June 28 2011

Imelda May

Very busy week in Paris, almost 2 or 3 interesting shows on the same day, tonight we had to chose between Iron Maiden, Arcade Fire & Brian Setzer featuring Slim Jim Phantom plus support slot Imelday May.
We couldn't miss rock'n Roll guitar slinger Brian Setzer.
The Grand Rex is one of my favorite concert hall in Paris , it's cosy & beautiful.

New sensation from Ireland Imelday May is opening, retro & rockabilly, perfect support band for Brian Setzer.
Most of the audience has already left their seats when she's taking the stage for a cool rock set.
Nice voice & nice poses too.

Last time we saw Brain Setzer was with The Stray cats @ Zénith (click for review & Pics) on their farewell Tour.It ended up badly as they left the stage before the last song as someone threw a switchblade-...comb on stage and Brian didn't like it.

Brian Setzer rocking

For the first part of the show Brian is playing his songs with his band (bass & drums + acoustic guitar player on a couple of songs).

There's a Riot going on !

For the second part of the show, there's a different band playing featuring Slim Jim Phantom on drums & another bas player: most of the set is Stray Cats songs: all the hits & more
This time and unlike Ringo Starr's gig a couple of days ago there are NO dull parts, it's rocking from the first song to the last.
Brian solo songs are great (i'll get the setlist soon) and of course Stray Cats songs are classics.
Brain's guitar playing is still the same and as usual he's smiling for the whole set.
Even if you don't know all the songs you can't help clapping your hands or stomping your feet as all the songs are very groovy.

With Slim Jim Phantom

On your Feet or...

...On your Knees !

SETLIST: (Thanks to ISA)
Setzer+Hatton+Levy
1-Ignition
2-'49 Mercury Blues
3-This Cat On The Hot Tin Roof
4-Drive Like Lightning
5-8 Track

Band + Mac Kendree
6-Slow Down/Prison Folson Blues
7-Put Your Cat Clothes On
8-Blue Moon Of Kentucky

Setzer+Hatton+Levy
9-Pickpocket

Setzer+Phantom+D'Rozario
10-Rumble In Brighton
11-Runaway Boys
12-Sexy+17
13-Stray Cats Strut

Band + Mac Kendree
14-Red Hot
15-Blast Off
16-Hillbilly Jazz Meltdown/Fishnet Stockings

All Musicians
17-Encore 1: Rock This Town
18-Encore 2: 7 Nights To Rock

For the last part of the show both bands are joining in for some more Stray cats songs and covers including "Rock this Town" here on video.
One of the best gig for 2011 so far.

Goodbye Paris, France.

Brian & Slim Jim together again.

Rock this Town:

Arcade Fire @ Zénith June 28 2011

Arcade Fire @ Zénith, Paris June 28 2011

All Pics (C) Motley Mime

SETLIST: (TBC) click on links for videos
1) Ready to start
2) Keep the cart running
3) Neighborhood#2
4) No cars go
5) Haity
6) Empty room
7) Intervention
8) Rococo
9) Vampire/Forest Fire
10) The Suburbs
11) Month of may
12) Rebellion
13) We used to wait
14) Neighborhood #3
15) Neighborhood # 1
Encore
16) Wake Up
17) Sprawl II (another recording)

Iron Maiden @ Bercy, paris June 27 2011

Iron Maiden @ Paris Bercy June 27 2011

(c) all Pics "Motley Mime"

SETLIST: (click on links for videos)

1. Satellite 15... The Final Frontier
2. El Dorado
3. 2 Minutes to Midnight
4. The Talisman
5. Coming Home
6. Dance of Death
7. The Trooper
8. The Wicker Man
9. Blood Brothers
10. When the Wild Wind Blows
11. The Evil That Men Do
12. Fear of the Dark
13. Iron Maiden
Encore
14. The Number of the Beast
15. Hallowed Be Thy Name
16. Running Free