Master Index |
| Thursday, July 2, 2009 Summerfest Harley-Davidson Stage Summerfest Grounds Milwaukee, WI Opening for Judas Priest [View all Summerfest shows] |
Sound: Clearwing Operated by Kevin Messerschmidt with George "Poodnix" Batayias and Al Williams Stage Tech: Colleen Evans |
| SET LIST: Headbanger's Ball - Medley Unchained - Van Halen Fallen Angel - Poison Pour Some Sugar on Me - Def Leppard Separate Ways - Journey Metal Health - Quiet Riot Talk Dirty to Me - Poison Sister Christian - Night Ranger Wild Side - Motley Crue Up All Night - Slaughter Shakin' - Eddie Money Foreplay/Long Time - Boston Living on a Prayer - Bon Jovi Still of the Night - Whitesnake Wanted Dead or Alive - Bon Jovi Don't Stop Believing - Journey Wanted Man - Ratt Crazy Train - Ozzy Osbourne Enter Sandman - Metallica For Whom the Bell Tolls - Metallica Fade to Black [Exerpt] - Metallica |
PHOTOS:  The Big Gig |
| A Word from Josh: Fraught with its own challenges and opportunities, Summerfest is such a unique gig. It's almost like playing on another planet. Sure, those are the same old Pie guys playing the same old Pie tunes on the same old Pie instruments... but it's all taking place in a bizzaro universe that is hard to wrap your brain around. The scope of this show was mind-boggling, certainly the biggest taste of the "big time" that a cover band like us is ever going to have and I think we rose to the occasion in typical Cherry Pie style. Circumstances dictated that we had to set up our excessive amount of stage equipment, something that normally takes two hours, in merely 20 minutes. There is a bit of irony in playing through one of most powerful sound systems to one of the biggest crowds in our careers without the benefit of any kind of sound check or even a decent opportunity to check if our hair looks OK. But such is the trial by fire that is Summerfest. Ask several musicians about their Summerfest experiences and you are bound to hear a familiar refrain... "Getting to and from the stage is Hell, but playing on it is Heaven." Indeed, this was a very special show for us. We seemed to be well-received by the massive crowd which had gathered to see metal legends Judas Priest. A few of the more hard-core Priest fans, apparently craving nothing but pure testosterone, actually booed us (a Cherry Pie first) when we started playing "Sister Christian" but were subsequently drowned out by the rest of the crowd as they sang along to the chorus. Our set bridged from the day into evening and they even had us on the big video screens which was pretty darn awesome. John worked the mic with his usual expert charm and helped thousands of potential new fans get an idea of what Cherry Pie is all about. We really appreciate all the hard work put in by the staff at the Harley stage who helped us deal with the challenging circumstances and allowed us to put on the best show we could. It would be awesome if we could work with them again next year. --Josh Were you at this show? Would you like to comment on it? Bhupendra: "This was the first time I saw Cherry Pie. I must say...you guys are absolutely brilliant!!! You are excellent musicians and sure know how to reach out to the crowd. I am definitely coming to whichever pub you ply in Milwaukee." Angela: "awesome show see you soon." Nikki: "I was at your summerfest concert and this was the first time I had seen or heard your band. I think it was the best show I have ever seen!!! I had so much fun and will definately be at your next concert near our area. I had taken my daughter to her first concert, and she loved you guys! Can't wait to see ya all at the Kenosha county fair!!" FAN!: "Loved you guys! Loved seeing you up close and personal on the big screens too. U Looked like rockstars" Misty: "It's not everyday we get to stand within thousands of people singing along to favorite 80s covers from "Sister Christian" to "Bang Your Head"! Thanks to Cherry Pie, we got to... and you worked your A*SES off to entertain the CRAP out of even the most reluctant of heavy metal hard heads. It was a GREAT show, THANKS!" That guy: "I was there, you guys were awesome. Did you get to meet Judas Priest ?" Barb: "I've seen you twice before, but never at Summerfest. The energy there felt SO different - to see you on a huge stage, huge crowd of people, 3rd row view. AMAZING. I didn't stay for Judas, too hard for me... but The badass Judas fans could've been a bit more welcoming, in my opinion. Music is music. It's a shame that some of them had to resort to throwing drinks on stage and acting like juveniles, all because some of your songs were "softer". I for one, enjoy the Journey, Eddie Money, Def Leppard songs over the Priest songs anyday. And by the way, I hadn't seen one of your shows since Rico left... but honestly your new drummer holds his own. Phenomenal work! Thankyou for making Summerfest a memorable experience this year!" the guy in the crowd: "I thought the show was pretty awesome, but I guess some other people didn't... That was pretty dumb of them too, but whatever. I enjoyed the show. :D" Kelly: "It was a rough crowd, but as usual I thought you guys did GREAT and as always HOT !! :) Can't wait to see you at State Fair." Linda & Trish: "As always, you ROCKED it!!!!" Jeff: "Up until the Wisconsin State Fair of 2008 I was a Cherry Pie virgin. Since then I have seen them several times but never in a venue as large as summerfest. To see the size of that crowd on a beautiful summer night while the sounds of the 80's hair bands were being played was nothing short of awesome. Nice job guys, I will see you at the Budwiser Pavilion on the 8th!!!!!" Jennie: "This was culture shock for me. Last year Summerfest show was amazing, great crowd. Might have been better to open for Whitesnake instead of Priest. I took it very personal when the crowd was so judging and the true Pie fans there could not get even close and enjoy the show together as usual. But it was great to see you on the Harley stage!! You guys deserve it!" 12 Ring: "I enjoyed your show but thought you could have come up with a better play list considering who was coming up next. Your song list includes AC/DC, Metallica and Iron Maiden which would have fit better than the lighter side. I was the one that flipped you off but, I will come to see you the next time you are in Appleton. Overall, I enjoyed the show. Rock Hard, Ride Free." Dana: "Great show as always guys! Wish I could of stayed longer but I had front row for Whitesnake and I was getting pissed off at the Priest fans booing you! What a bunch of ass wipes LOL!! See you at the State Fair!! Luv Ya!" |
HOME | SCHEDULE | JOURNAL (PHOTOS & VIDEOS) | SONGS
© 2009 Cherry Pie