It’s been a long time, but I’m going to start writing again. Might as well start with some recaps of 2024, including live shows. It’s been a great year for live music. In no particular order, here are some of the highlights of my year:

George Lynch

I’ve been a fan of George Lynch (Dokken, Lynch Mob, KXM, Sweet N Lynch, and many others) since the mid-80s. Dokken was one of my favorite bands as a teenager, and they were a big influence when I first started playing guitar. When I saw he was coming to central Florida, I couldn’t pass up the chance to see a long time hero. He was great! He did a good mix of Dokken and Lynch Mob material, with Lynch Mob being the primary set. The band sounded really good, his singer was outstanding, and the openers AON and a Stones tribute were fun as well. The singer from AON did a few of the Dokken songs with George Lynch. The Mount Dora community center was a great place to see a show, too. Very comfortable, every seat is good and the sound was excellent.

Uriah Heep with Saxon

I’ve been a fan of Uriah Heep for a while, and I had a chance to see them in early 2020. I passed up that show and then covid hit… so when I saw they were coming back to the Plaza I had to go see a legendary band. I like Saxon as well, although Power and Glory is the only record of theirs I own so I’m not super familiar with the catalog. Both bands were good. Saxon brought the old school, classic metal vibe in spades. They did exactly what you expect and want them to do. They sounded fantastic. Heep has such a deep catalog it’s not surprising they played a whole show of hits. Is it just me or does Mick Box remind you a little bit of Jerry Garcia? Nice to see the whole band smiling. It lost a little something live compared to the records, but I still enjoyed it. I had no idea previously, but Rick Wakeman’s son plays keyboards for Uriah Heep. How cool is that?

Joe Satriani / Steve Vai

Continuing the theme of guitar heroes, I had to go see Satch and Vai together. I’ve seen Steve Vai a few times and he’s always incredible. Probably my single favorite guitar player ever. Satch was a big influence when I was a teenager, and I still like his music a lot. His latest album Elephants From Mars is really good. They were fantastic. So much energy, joy and fun. Both bands rocked and grooved, and it was one of my highlights of the year. I hear they’re touring together as a band in 2025 so I can’t wait for that.

Brothers Osbourne

I’m a big fan of the Brothers Osbourne’s “Port Saint Joe” record, and in particular the slow country epic “Weed, Whiskey and Willie.” It’s such a great song. I wasn’t sure what to expect seeing them live, but they blew me away. Great show, excellent performances, and a crowd that was super into it. Highly recommended if they come your way in a venue like House of Blues. I don’t think it would have come across the same in an arena.

The Aristocrats

They put the FUN in FUsioN. Such an incredible group, and I was so heartened to know that an oddball group like this can regularly tour and draw a good crowd in a city like Orlando.

Toronzo Cannon

As the end of the year neared, I actually went to a few shows with family. First, we went to the local blues mecca The Alley in Sanford, FL to see Toronzo Cannon. I used to play with Toronzo at the BLUES, Etc. open mic in Chicago. Every Wednesday for a year and a half, I was there. It was great to see Toronzo with a successful touring career in blues, and I was really happy to be able to see him again. Raw, gut-bucket, real Chicago blues.

Kacey Musgraves

To wrap up the year, we all went to see Kacey Musgraves at the Kia Center (arena). I’ve been a fan of her since her first album. I think she’s a great writer. I’ve been really into her latest album Deeper Well. While I’d probably have preferred to see her in a smaller venue, she did make the most of the arena and put on a great show. Half was on the main stage, and half was on a small acoustic circle in the middle of the floor.

Wrapping Up and Looking Towards 2025

I did see a few other shows this year, but these are the highlights. It was a great year for live music, and in 2025 I’ve already got tickets to see:

• Kansas at the House of Blues
• Rick Wakeman at the Plaza (I recently read his biography Grumpy Old Rock Star and it’s fantastic)

The Aristocrats are coming back to Orlando, so while I don’t have tickets, I need to see if the date will work for me, that would be high on my list. They’re incredible.