Ted Nugent/The Raskins - Atlanta Symphony Hall, Atlanta Ga 7/16
By Leslie Elder Rogers
Tonight, Atlanta Symphony Hall was in store for a hell of a show. It was a scene I hadn’t covered from before so I wasn’t completely prepared for the differences that I was faced with. Shooting from the sound board at the very rear of the venue would prove to be a challenge not just because I didn’t bring the best gear for this type of range, but also because I am shorter than most people I had to attempt to see over and around…with a camera. I hear that hind sight is 20/20. Tonight taught me that very thing. Even so, I was fortunate to be here and witness such amazing talent tonight.
This was the final performance given by The Raskins during The Sonic Baptizim Tour as the opening act for Ted Nugent himself. What an amazing show this was set up to be. Brothers Logan and Roger Raskin have been composing and performing their own music since they were seven years old. They were introduced to music from birth with their father being heavy in the Broadway scene and mother being a world renowned jazz singer. They were destined for great things and are currently proving that they are ready for just that.
As they came on stage, I couldn’t help but feel a slight Steve Perry vibe just from appearance alone and then came the voice, amazingly dominant and solid penetrating through the audience. I wasn’t expecting quite this magnitude of strength but it was a welcome sound that obviously intrigued us all.
Their set list was not lengthy but it was powerful enough to make a statement. They gave everything they have as they performed “Save Me Now” which introduced us to their style in a big way right from the start. As they continued, we got a taste of their spin on “The Breakup Song (They Don’t Write Em’), originally by the Greg Kihn band. They did a fantastic job. Logan has an outstanding vocal range with high notes that might just shatter glass. As I looked around the room, it seemed that everyone in attendance was enjoying their sound. They continued with “What About Us” and “On the Radio”. Logan and Roger have complete control as they command the stage. Logan is quick and energetic as he runs excitedly across the stage and often finds himself denying gravity with his leaps and jumps. “We had it All” was impressive, and is further proof of the creativeness between these two brothers. The career ahead of them is without limits. One of my favorite performances of the night was their cover of “Heartbreaker” originally by Pat Benatar. It was refreshing to hear the song from male perspectives with the tone and musicality that they provide. What a way to finish strong tonight. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for these guys.
With all that said, the atmosphere tonight was quite different than the ones I’ve attended in the past. Mostly because of the venue in which the concert was taking place. A symphony hall is typically a place of solemnness and quiet demeanor where respectful attention is paid to the contributors and talent and included in tonight’s talent was political views and opinions about gun rights, etc. It was an interesting experience to say the least. Though I came tonight to see what The Raskins had to offer, I was able to catch a bit of what “The Motor City Madman” had to offer as well. I was extremely excited for this because he was a huge influence on my late brother in his musical endeavors when he was young. I realize there is an enormous amount of controversy that surrounds him as a person in regards to his views on such things as I above mentioned but as far as his talent musically, there is no way to deny that the man is a master on guitar.
He’s a fighter. He’s a hunter. However; tonight, he came to the stage bringing with him his many years of experience in music which has solidified an incredible career that dates back to his youth. Amongst his several interludes of discussion that revolved around his upbringing and fearless ways, he gave us his amazing sound, no holds barred. His guitar whined and moaned and hit chords that only a dominating force like Ted could fulfill. Tonight, a great set list was provided to the avid fans and listeners. We were taken down many branches of memory lane as he started off with “The Star Bangled Banner”; his tribute to the country he proudly represents. He continued on with many others such as “Snakeskin Cowboys”, and “Wang Dang Sweet Poontang”. People seemed to be loosening up finally as I watched a few start to dance in front of their seats. Once he started into “Hey! Bo Diddly/Johnny Be Goode”, the crowd’s excitement grew stronger. With facial expressions, smiles, and grimaces placed perfectly within His set list was a deliberate attempt to instigate arousal and it worked. Without surprise, he encompassed astounding guitar solos between songs and during. You can’t expect any less from the man who so wickedly brings us “Cat Scratch Fever” with all of its’ harmonious and strategic guitar riffs. As the night came to an end, “Stranglehold” was thrown upon the crowd and without question, this song is a favorite of many. Age does not hinder him as he continues to provide great entertainment because tonight made 6533 concerts. That isn’t bad for a good ole’ Detroit born boy who was born in 1948. As he stated many times tonight, you never forget where you’re from. It was a “high on liberty, stoned on freedom” kind of night as Ted so eagerly put it. A whirlwind of ass was kicked tonight.
The Raskins –
Band Website @: http://theraskins.com/home/
Facebook @: http://facebook.com/TheRaskins
Twitter @: https://twitter.com/TheRaskinTwins
YouTube @: http://www.youtube.com/TheRaskinBrothers
Instagram @: http://instagram.com/theraskins
Video for “Never Too Late”@
https://vimeo.com/177583041/aad19586b2
Purchase @
http://itunes.apple.com/album/id1134168093?ls=1&app=itunes
Ted Nugent –
Website @: http://www.tednugent.com/home/
Facebook @: https://www.facebook.com/tednugent
Twitter @: https://twitter.com/tednugent
YouTube @: https://www.youtube.com/user/tednugent
