The Signature LIbrary Blog

The Signature Library’s Top Ten Concerts of 2011

Bryan — Sun, 25 Dec 2011 00:21:32 +0000

A concert is more than just listening to live music, for me it’s about an experience. From the artist to the venue and it’s audience, they all play their role in making for an unforgettable live music experience. This year saw personal favorites like Pearl Jam celebrate their 20th anniversary, My Morning Jacket hit the road with their best live album yet, and old favorites like GnR and Peter Gabriel back and as good as ever. From Los Angeles to Nashville, I saw shows that were big and small, almost 50 in all. Narrowing my list down to 10 was very difficult, with great shows like Robert Plant’s Band of Joy and the Foo Fighters secret gig at The Troubadour being left off the list. They were great, but these 10 were better…

1. Pearl Jam 20 Festival – Alpine Valley, Wisconsin, September 3rd & 4th 2011

Forget about the show of 2011, this epic weekend for die hard Pearl Jam fans such as myself was complete with everything a fan could ask for, nostalgia (Temple of The Dog reunion set), favorite opening acts from their past tours performing alone and with Eddie Vedder, and most of all, a deep choice of tracks from their catalogue spanning twenty years. This destination weekend was all that it was billed as and more. Pearl Jam doesn’t do anything half assed and they really went all out for their 20th anniversary shows. Holding the epic weekend in Alpine Valley, Wisconsin was a perfect setting for the crowd of almost 75,000 to gather and be a part of Pearl Jam history.

2. Neil Young’s Bridge School Benefit – Shoreline Ampitheater Mountainview, Ca, October 22nd & 23rd 2011

This was my 6th time attending Neil & Pegi Young’s annual Bridge School concert at the Shoreline Ampitheatre just outside beautiful San Francisco. The annual weekend festival which takes pace typically on the third weekend of October, features a hand picked lineup that is always eclectic, and always loaded with talent capped off with the man himself Neil Young closing each night. This artists and audiences are all there to support a great cause with Pegi Young’s realized Bridge School, making for an incredible vibe between the artists and the audience. This year was the 25th anniversary of The Bridge School concerts and the lineup featured Norah Jones, Mumford & Sons, Beck, Arcade Fire, Tony Bennett, Dave Matthews, Foo Fighters, Eddie Vedder, Carlos Santana and Neil Young. This year, there were so many incredible moments of duets ; from Beck & Neil singing the classic acoustic tale Pocahantas to Dave Matthews, Tim Reynolds and Marcus Mumford tearing through Dylan’s “All Along the Watchtower”

3. Neil Young – Massey Hall, Toronto, May 10th & 11th 2011

Anytime Neil Young returns to his former hometown of Toronto it’s a special reunion amongst Canadians. However, when Neil plays the iconic Massey Hall in Toronto it usually means you can expect bone chilling moments in “The House that Neil Built.” Neil and filmmaker Jonathan Demme collaborated once again, (Demme filmed Neil’s Heart of Gold in 2006) to create another installment of Neil’s trunk series featuring his latest “Le Noise” tour over these two very special nights at Massey Hall in Toronto. No band, no back up singers, just Neil, a few guitars, a piano and pipe organ that is over a century old. The film is yet to come out, but when it does make sure you check it out for some of the most haunting versions of classic songs like “Cortez the Killer” to new classics like the 10 min plus version of “Walk with Me”, Neil Young does not dissapoint.

4. Paul Simon – The Ryman Auditorium, Nashville, May 19th 2011

Another incredible singer/songwriter, the legendary Paul Simon was back on the road this year touring on a new album “So beautiful or so what.” The new material worked well with the classic songs in Paul’s set. With an incredible live venue at The Ryman auditorium in Nashville, this night was extra special as Rock n Roll legend Don Everly and local Nashville guitar legend Jerry Douglas joined Paul Simon on stage. Don & Paul sang the Everly’s classic “Bye Bye Love”

5. Peter Gabriel – Molson Apitheatre, Toronto, June 22 2011

I’ve been a longtime fan of Peter Gabriel’s music. From the early days of Genesis to his solo career spanning 5 decades. When I heard about his latest incarnation of his classic catalogue being presented with an orchestra, I hesitated for a moment, and then when out and bought his album “Scratch my back” which featured Gabriel doing an eclectic choice of cover songs (from Bowie’s “Heroes” to Arcade Fire’s “My body is a cage” that were backed by an incredible orchestral arrangement. This was enough to convince me this concert would be something completely different and not too be missed. My assumption was correct, as Gabriel and his New Blood Orchestra as they are called, delivered haunting renditions of Gabriel classics like “Red Rain” and “Biko.” Peter Gabriel’s music was never this powerful and engrossing live except maybe during his epic theatrical days of Genesis, which was just before my time. You could even see smiles of enjoyment and surprise cracking through Gabriel’s intense presence in front of his New Blood Orchestra. Every moment of this show seemed like musical perfection, the highs and lows of the orchestra set against Gabriel’s ethereal voice and profound lyrics. It was a magical summer night on the waterfront at Toronto’s Molson Ampitheatre.

6. Portishead – Sound Academy, Toronto, Oct 9th & 10th 2011

There aren’t many bands that are still active that I have yet to see live in concert. Somehow, the band Portishead has eluded me for the last 2 decades and many fans in North America, as the band has toured very little in North America during their career spanning back to the days of the early 90′s. In 2011, original members Adrian Utley, Beth Gibbons and Geoff Barrow finally announced a brief North American tour that would see them play two nights at Toronto’s Sound Academy. A small club venue for an indie band who sonically could fill any room, but appropriately has selected an intimate setting for their intensely intimate sounds. The hypnotic voice of Beth Gibbons is unmistakeable and a one in a million, and to finally hear her voice live singing classic songs from my youth like “Wandering Star” just blew me away.

7. My Morning Jacket – Madison Square Garden, NewYork City, December 14th 2011

My Morning Jacket was my last concert of 2011 and it was only fitting that this show take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden. MMJ has been on a torrid touring pace with their new exceptional album “Circuital” which was recorded as a live album in a Louisville school gymnasium. MMJ is as good a live band going and can play any song and make it sound like it’s theirs. For instance on this incredible night at MSG, My Morning Jacket delved deep into the sounds of Harlem, NY and introduced musician Brian Jackson on flute as they covered the Harlem great Gil Scott Heron’s timeless classic “The Bottle.” Hearing this cover selection just reaffirmed my love for MMJ as the greatest live band touring today.

8. Chris Cornell – Lakewood Civic Auditorium, Lakewood, Ohio, December, 3rd 2011

2011 has been a bit of a flashback from my youth, seeing the likes of many of my favorite bands return with nostalgia for their now much older fans. As far as nostalgia goes, Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell gave us all the nostalgia he could summon. Beginning with the reunion of the seminal alternative rock band Soundgarden, to the historical reunion and rare treat of seeing Temple of the Dog reuniting at the Pearl Jam 20 festival weekend in Alpine Valley, Wisconsin. And if that wasn’t enough C.C. for you? Cornell played to concert halls all over North America with just his guitar, his “Jesus Christ Pose” look and the incomparable rock voice that he was blessed with. The setlist drew from Cornell’s entire career from material with Soundgarden, Temple of the Dog, Audiosalve, to his solo works and even a selection of covers that could be the best part of the show. Much like his Seattle friend and peer Eddie Vedder has done, Cornell has matured and grown so much as an artist that his talents can be felt in any setting, however this intimate setting may be most fitting for the delicate sounds of Chris Cornell.

9. Guns n Roses – Copps Coliseum, Hamilton, Ontario, November 28th 2011

It’s hard to imagine Guns n Roses sounding the same as their original Appetite for Destruction lineup once sounded in the late 80′s, but don’t assume anything with Axl Rose. Though the bands lineup has changed completely other than frontman Axl Rose, the GnR live show of 2011 felt like the early days. I had seen Axl’s previous GnR tours in 2009 and 2002 and those shows were not even close to the level of this current GnR Chinese Democracy tour. Axl is in top form, his voice is flat out amazing singing classics like “Civil War” “Estranged” and epic versions of “November Rain” and “Don’t Cry” and his band which looks like the Use your Illusion tour stage with multiple guitarists, DJ Ashba, Tommy Stinson and Ron “Bumblefoot” Thal nailing every guitar solo. Of course, you can’t replace a Slash or a Duff, but these guys are more than formidable and are the new GnR, so don’t knock it if you haven’t seen it. Some of the newer material from Chinese Democracy is the best part of the show, songs like “Sorry” continuing where Axl’s epic songwriting left us after songs like “Estranged.” Let’s hope Axl and co. keep this GnR redux going.

10. Larry Graham – B.B.Kings, New York City, June 3rd 2011

I flew in to New York City in June to catch a very rare set from the Bass legend who is responsible for the “Slap” bass technique; Larry Graham. The Sly and the Family Stone original member and key influencer in the sounds of funk acts like Prince, Larry Graham packed the intimate room at B.B. Kings in New York City to a sweltering level. The entire audience was filled with funkateers who made the night even more enjoyable with the incredible sing along to the Graham solo classic “One in a Million You.” Graham also made an epic entrance that night walking through the supper club with his brass section leading the way to the stage. When Graham started rolling through hits from Sly & The Family Stone , you could feel his baselines shaking the entire room, thunderous rolling baselines that will make even the most uncoordinated white person move in rhythm.

Honorable Mention goes to…

11. Eddie Vedder – Fox Theater, Detroit, June 26th 2011

Having seen Eddie Vedder countless times on his solo treks over the last few years, this year my fellow Vedder disciple and I wanted a new experience with his new material from his latest solo project “Ukulele Songs.” That experience came at Detroit’s landmark theater; The Fox. An amazing theater with incredible acoustics, Eddie was on his A game in this storied sports town and reminded me why I had just driven 5 hours to see him, yet again.

The Signature Library’s Top Ten Best & Worst Signers of 2011

Bryan — Fri, 23 Dec 2011 18:46:30 +0000

2011 saw some rare occurrences in the world of collecting signatures. From Madonna stopping to sign for hundreds of fans, to reclusive artists like Sade and Axl Rose going back on the road and giving some autograph collectors the long awaited opportunity to meet these legendary entertainers. However, for every shockingly good moments, there comes a shockingly bad moment in autograph collecting; like witnessing a young and ungrateful Justin Bieber blowing off just a few fans backstage at the Grammy awards who asked for his autograph. Watching the Kings of Leon rolling with a security detail like President Obama. For the most part, the trend stays the same when it comes to collecting autographs; the entertainers who have been around and made a real impact with real talent seem to understand the “game” autograph collecting has become. Whereas the newcomers, overnight stars like “the Biebs” have a hard time adjusting to the ever demanding effort to sign an autograph.

The Signature Library’s Top Ten Best Autograph Signers list of 2011

1. Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp Signing for The Signature Library in 2011

Not only is Johnny Depp a unique actor and talent, but his generosity and consistently accommodating personality in public is truly unique in this day and age of Celebrity worship. Depp always has gone out of his way to sign autographs and take photos with whomever asks, no matter how large the size of a crowd, or if you are lucky enough to meet Johnny alone, he treats everyone with respect and as an individual; which clearly puts Johnny Depp at the top of my list.

2. Bono

Bono is all smiles signing autographs in Toronto 2011

Rock Stars are on a different level of adoration from their fans, and there is no bigger Rock Star in the world than Bono. Wherever Bono goes (and he does go EVERYWHERE) he loves to meet his fans and take the time to give them a moment of happiness, whether it’s fulfilling an autograph request or a hug from a gushing girl, Bono is there playing the Rock Star. This year I witnessed Bono practically standing on his SUV a la MJ signing a plethora of autographs. Bono has worn this Rock Star good guy crown his entire career and let’s hope he never relinquishes it.

3. Lady Gaga

She may be young in terms of her “stardom” but Lady Gaga has an old soul, and in my opinion comes from another era of the likes of anti establishment acts from the likes of Elton John and Alice Cooper to Iggy Pop. Gaga’s appeal has quickly become universal and her treks around the world have exposed her to rabid fan adoration. Her fan base is as loyal to Gaga as she is to them, consistently going out of her way like Muhammad Ali (the greatest signer of all time!) to make sure every fan has the opportunity to meet her. The day after this years past Grammy awards, Lady Gaga was taping the Jay Leno show. When she arrived at the NBC studio gates there were approx 50 fans hoping to just see Gaga as she drives past security. Well, Gaga made there day as she stopped her car, got out and signed autographs and took pictures with every single person. Then she did it again on her way out, this time for a crowd of approx 100 people. There were no cameras or media there, this was Gaga being herself, grateful, appreciative and respectful. What a revelation.

4. Roger Waters

The Pink Floyd frontman has been back on the road with his epic Wall tour that has already covered the globe once and Roger is having such a good time that he’s gonna give us classic rock fans an encore this summer at iconic baseball stadiums across the USA. On the road is where Roger has in his words been “besieged” by autograph collectors and dealers. Yet, this hasn’t stopped him from signing for his fans, it’s just made Roger care even more about autographs it seems. He genuinely is an easy going guy when it comes to signing autographs. Roger has always been incredibly accommodating to his autograph suitors be they fans, collectors or dealers. It’s not surprising that Roger wrote a diatribe about autograph requests on his current tour diary on Facebook. What is surprising is that he cares enough to explain himself and to let those untactful autograph suitors know how he feels. Thank you RW.

5. Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie

It’s hard to imagine a famous star couple like Brad and Angelina having energy left over after eluding the paparazzi to make time for their adoring fans; however they seem to always make a point of signing an outrageous amount of autographs when out in public. What makes this such a feat that puts Pitt and Jolie at #5 on this list is that they don’t just look at the paparazzi and autograph collectors as the same “annoying” legion of street zombies out to get them. Brad and Angelina clearly see the autograph collectors as supporters and have really gone out of their way to sign as much as they can when they can, to make it easier on themselves and their fans. This is the right way of handling the autograph/fan requests. Biebs and other “overnight sensations” take note.

6. Clint Eastwood

Clint Eastwood's flawless signature

With Marlon Brando and Paul Newman gone, it is the legendary and iconic filmmaker and actor Clint Eastwood who holds the title of the “King of Hollywood.” Clint has been at the top of his game in the last decade, achieving recognition amongst his peers and audiences that he never really had until the early 90′s. Clint Eastwood’s torrid pace of filmmaking over the last decade has made Clint Eastwood more accessible to autograph collectors and Clint has consistently obliged the many suitors with his distinguished signature.

7. Derek Jeter

It’s unquestionably an aberration for me to put a professional athlete in the Top Ten Signers list, especially under the current climate of today’s sports stars who are spoiled, ignorant, rude and disrespectful. I’m not just making a generalization here, I can form this opinion based on my in person experiences with these so called “professional” athletes. However, my experiences with the Yankee Captain Derek Jeter have been quite contrary to the majority of the aforementioned athletes of today. Derek Jeter understands what it means to represent the Yankee pinstripes and despite some extra curricular autograph signings, Derek does good by his title as Yankee Captain and Yankee legend. This year Derek took the time to listen to my request on behalf of young boy who really could use a pick me up, and a signature from Derek would do wonders, but DJ went above and beyond and took the time to deliver a personal message to the boy. Could you see Lebron James doing that? Of course not. It’s good to see, there’s still some good guys left in the world of Sports.

8. Axl Rose

Seeing the name Axl Rose on any Top Ten list in 2011 may come as a surprise, but Axl is back and delivering the GnR classics on a rare World Tour from his long awaited release of Chinese Democracy. Axl Rose has long been regarded amongst autograph collectors and fans as somewhat of a recluse, rarely making a public appearance over the last 15 years. Often labeled incorrectly by the press, and deemed an “#%#hole” by people in the industry, Axl has taken on an almost mythical legend. On tour, Axl is rarely seen in public until the last minute at 11pm when he takes the stage with his current GnR bandmates. What people don’t see is how cool a dude Axl can be if you are lucky enough to catch up to him in person. This year, I was fortunate to meet Axl and though it can be incredibly difficult to see Axl in person, he didn’t disappoint on stage and off.

9. Sade

Much like Axl Rose, Sade has been regarded as one of musics royal recluses. Sade rarely goes on tour and is seen very little in public. Therefore, when Sade announced she would be touring again in 2011, the long awaited opportunity was afforded to those autograph collectors and fans to hopefully meet the legendary singer. Just like Axl Rose on tour, Sade was very difficult to meet in person, not being seen in public until taking the stage. When I finally met Sade in person, the moment was as precious as her voice and her quiet politeness was every bit as soothing as her music.

10. Madonna

Another surprising name to see grace the Top Ten Best Signers list this year, but when Madonna attended the Toronto Film Festival in 2011 she for whatever reason (self serving promotion or to spite the media or to recover from a bad publicity mistake over receiving the wrong type of flowers from a fan at the Venice film festival) decided to stun a crowd of hundreds at her red carpet premiere by stopping to sign for hundreds of fans and autograph collectors. This rare occurrence in the autograph world is the equivalent of a lunar eclipse.

The Signature Library’s Top Ten Worst Autograph Signers list of 2011

1. Justin Bieber

How can this be? The Biebs doesn’t sign autographs ? When you think of Justin Bieber you can love him or hate him, but you probably can’t imagine him ignoring his “Beliebers” for an autograph request? Well, having been in Justin’s presence backstage at The Grammy’s in 2011, I witnessed Justin turning down a fan one on one. What stood out was that Barbara Streisand stopped to sign an autograph in front of me just after JB had said no. There’s something wrong with this picture.

2. Kings of Leon

The band that consists of brothers and a cousin had a quick rise to commercial popularity; which is a difficult feat for any rock band these days since Rock radio is practically extinct. Given the success these Okies have had, one would think they are a humbled bunch of guys . Not the case with these self proclaimed “kings” , although their entourage and security detail is fit for a “King” these brothers and cousin are more like the aforementioned professional athletes of today.

3. Lebron James

Speaking of the Athletes of today, there is none more vilified than Lebron James. Deservedly so, as Lebron has brought the villain role on himself. Everyone has seen his ignorance and disrespect illustrated by his most pathetic “television event” to announce his signing with the Miami Heat. What you see on the tele is what you get in person. Lebron has followed in the footsteps of many other basketball players who seem to be the “worst” of the four major sports when it comes to signing autographs.

4. Mick Jagger

Over the last few years Mick Jagger has practically introduced a no signing policy in public. Once an avid signer, Mick has had a change of heart about being approached in public for an autograph. Whether you are a fan or an autograph entrepreneur Mick doesn’t seem to care. Perhaps Mick, who is a savvy businessman sees his signature as a commodity and doesn’t want to give it away anymore.

5. Arcade Fire

This is a case of a young band still adjusting to their massive success in a relatively short span. Arcade Fire has been on the road non stop since over their first few years of their young and promising career. However, since their recent Grammy award garnered them commercial appeal, their fans have grown and their faces are now recognizable to many.

6. Arnold Schwarzenegger

Arnold didn’t have a year to remember and subsequently has become increasingly less accommodating to autograph suitors. Arnold is a politician so maybe he needs to rethink his position towards those asking him for a simple autograph.

7. The Black Keys

Another young rock band that has had a quick rise in commercial popularity and seem to resent those who ask for signatures as a statement that they are indeed “Popular.” Is it too Hipster to sign autographs? or is it just an Akron, Ohio thing? (Lebron James also comes from Akron, Ohio)

8. Prince

This should come as no surprise as the man in purple, remains a complete non signer year after year throughout his long and storied career. Prince just doesn’t acknowledge autographs or those asking for one. This has been his long standing approach which has actually deterred practically 100 % of all autograph collectors. Even inside a private party, saying hello to Prince is considered a “no no” by Prince and his security. Does this surprise you?

9. Gene Simmons

There aren’t many celebrities that have an ego the size of Gene. It’s apparent that Gene uses all his love for himself, therefore he has none left for anyone else. Not only is Gene anti signing autographs but he proudly acts like a rude and obnoxious Boss that you wanted to take down. The irony is nobody really cares about Gene Simmons autograph.

10. Ringo Starr

Really Ringo should be #1 on this list every year from 2008 when he proclaimed he would no longer sign autographs when asked from here on out. Ringo has stuck to his words and has not wavered. Since Ringo is the first celebrity that I have ever heard of holding a press conference to announce he “no longer signs autographs” , as Ringo explains in this video.

Neil & Pegi Young’s 25th Bridge School Benefit with Arcade Fire, Beck, Carlos Santana, Dave Matthews, Eddie Vedder, Mumford & Sons & more

Bryan — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:43:37 +0000

Neil Young told a story on Sunday night on stage at his hometown annual Bridge School Benefit about how it all got started. He said it was 25 years ago, He and his wife Pegi were in their kitchen and Pegi just turned to Neil and said “we should start a school for Ben” (Neil & Pegi’s son who was born with Cerebral Palsy). Neil replied “how we gonna do that ?” and Pegi’s response then was “we’ll put on a concert with your friends…we’ll call Bruce” Neil chuckled and said sarcastically “ya honey, we’ll just call Bruce.” They did call Bruce Springsteen and he said yes right away and here we are 25 years later. An amazing weekend of music featuring an annual changing eclectic mix of artists, with rare moments where musicians play with other musicians and an epic encore with all the artists accompanying Neil Young for an emotional performance of The Youngbloods classic “Get Together” from the 60′s.

This Years special 25th anniversary featured a superb lineup with Arcade Fire, Foo Fighters, Dave Matthews & Tim Reynolds, Eddie Vedder, Mumford & Sons, Beck, Norah Jones, Carlos Santana and Tony Bennett. Each artist performs for an average set time of 35 min, with Neil Young often sitting in with each artist to perform a cover song or a classic Neil Young song like when Arcade Fire sang “Helpless” with their fellow Canadian.

It was a magical weekend of great music, great people, all their for an incredible cause that is truly inspiring. I had a chance to meet and spend some time talking to many artists who I truly admire. Here’s a few of my favorite pics from backstage this weekend…

Dave Matthews& guitarist Tim Reynolds and their security dog!

Beck backstage

Win Butler & Regine Chassagne after their Saturday night debut at Bridge

Eddie Vedder backstage at Bridge School

Norah Jones & I with an incredible photo of Bill Graham and Jack Nicholson in the background

Marcus Mumford of Mumford & Sons after performing an amazing set at Bridge

Hometown legend Carlos Santana backstage at Bridge School

Portishead live & backstage in Toronto : A Signature Library exclusive

Bryan — Tue, 11 Oct 2011 22:52:00 +0000

Growing up in the peak of my teenage years in 90′s I spent a lot of time seeing “alternative” acts perform their now classic albums live. It’s hard to believe that by now most of the albums from my youth are already considered “classic” and have been romanticized in recent years with several bands revisiting their “transcending” LP with re issues and concerts as a reminder of what once was. Nostalgia in music is always a good thing in my opinion, because for whatever reason anything that had an impact or made people stop and listen is worth revisiting and re introducing. In the case of a stellar band born in the 90′s “alternative” scene called Portishead, it is more of a re introduction than it is a revisiting of the past. Portishead was one of the few bands that I never had a chance to see live. Despite being relatively a reclusive band and having a very minimal tour schedule over the last 15 years, it is almost shocking to think how could I have missed one of the most groundbreaking and influential albums of the 90′s being performed live in the 90′s? The album is ironically titled “Dummy.”

I am so grateful to bands like Portishead for not only keeping it together as a band, but to have the appreciation and adoration for their earlier work as much as their fans, giving those who missed it the first time around 13 years ago, a second chance. Seeing songs like “Mysterons” and “Sour Times” performed live in 2011 is remarkable, because we’re all getting another chance to go back to the future with an indelible band like Portishead. Lead singer, Beth Gibbons voice live in 2011 is as youthfully pure and poetically haunting as it sounds coming of my turntable. Portishead in 2011 consists of the same group of incredible musicians as when they began; Geoff Barrow, Adrian Utley & Beth Gibbons.

Portishead backstage with Bryan at the Sound Academy in Toronto 2011

After the two Toronto shows I had the good fortune of spending some time with the band backstage and was not surprised to see how relaxed and friendly everyone was to me and with one another. There aren’t many bands that have been able to stay together long enough to revisit the past the way they introduced us to the future. Portishead, I thank you.

Soundgarden Like it Loud & Live at Ottawa Bluesfest 2011

Bryan — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 23:54:30 +0000

Immediately next to the stage The Flaming Lips were playing on, was another main stage right next door, as if they were suburban houses. On that stage was the evenings headliner, Soundgarden. After preparing my shoulders to do some more tripodics I set my camera to HD video and began to (annoy some people behind me) and film a majority of Soundgarden’s classic tracks from their third show of their reunion tour in Ottawa, Canada.

Soundgarden played 19 songs, with many of the songs being classics from the 90′s, including Black Hole Sun

One of the first comments lead singer Chris Cornell told the audience was how “He told the band Canada was the best place to start a tour..” and Chris continued by asking the crowd to not prove him wrong.” While Chris Cornell stood near seasoned drummer Matt Cameron, both bassist Ben Shepherd and guitarist Kim Thayil bookended the return of Soundgarden. While their tour is short and selective, you can bet Soundgarden will be adding many shows after they put out new material; which the band has said they plan to do following this month long tour.

To view more HD videos of Soundgarden from the Ottawa Bluesfest

The Flaming Lips onstage & backstage at the Ottawa Bluesfest 2011 Part

Bryan — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 20:12:22 +0000

While located on the east coast (Toronto) during my summers, The Signature Library has been traveling to several cities for live concerts of our favorite touring acts; while always meeting up with the band/artist to sign one of a kind memorabilia for The Signature Library. This past week, The Signature Library music caravan made the trek to Ottawa for the first time ever, to attend one evening at the Ottawa Bluesfest held at the LeBreton Flats in downtown Ottawa. The lineup for the night was The Flaming Lips followed by Soundgarden. As soon as we parked our car backstage, The Flaming Lips had already begun their set. We spent the first part of our time catching up with the members of Soundgarden, (who we recently had met just prior in Toronto) and had all four members autograph more of the bands vinyl catalogue. As we sauntered into the spacious and comfortable crowd for The Flaming Lips, we noticed people were actually filming the show with a tripod setup! Which is what my shoulders felt like after filming this Flaming Lips encore performance of Do You Realize in its epic entirety.

After The Flaming Lips set we quickly caught up with frontman, Wayne Coyne
Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips backstage with Bryan From The Signature Library

Wayne Coyne autographs Flaming Lips albums backstage for TSL

The night was just getting started. As the confetti was sprayed into the air for the Lips big finale, a guitar with heavy rock chords began to be heard as the evening’s headliner Soundgarden had quietly appeared on stage at the second of Lips last lick. Stay tuned to The Signature Library Blog for some incredible HD concert footage of Soundgarden classics in their entirety from the Ottawa Bluesfest 2011.

Soundgarden reunion photo kicks off 2011 tour in Toronto

Bryan — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 17:22:33 +0000

Bassist Ben Shepherd & Guitarist Kim Thayil with The Signature Library in Toronto 2011
After a 14 year hiatus (excluding last year’s Lollapallooza appearance) , Chris Cornell and Matt Cameron were able to bring bassist Ben Shepherd & guitarist Kim Thayil out of hiding (in Seattle) to reform one of the greatest rock bands of my generation; Soungarden. The last time I saw Soundgarden play live was at the 1995 Reading festival in England. The last time I saw Ben & Kim in person was in Barrie, Ontario in 1994. Back then Soundgarden stayed at 3 star motel in Barrie, Ontario. This past week, Soundgarden arrived at an upscale boutique hotel in Toronto a few days ahead of their Saturday night concert to stage a few days of rehearsals at The Molson Ampitheater. I was fortunate to once again see Ben & Kim in person and after a 16 year wait and have them sign their classic album “Superunknown”
The band was in good spirits in the days leading up to the first gig in over a decade, which went off like the surreal lightning in the backdrop of Lake Ontario. Read about the show details and see the setlist

James Taylor signs autographs in Toronto as he leaves to perform at the BlackCreek Summer Music Festival 2011

Bryan — Sat, 25 Jun 2011 22:38:27 +0000

James Taylor helps kick off the summer concerts in Toronto with a sold out show tonight at the BlackCreek Summer Music Festival held at York University’s Rexall Tennis Center. As the legendary singer/songwriter departed his hotel for an early soundcheck today, he mentioned that he was “looking forward to playing the new tennis center venue.” James Taylor, as he often does, took the time to autograph many classic records from his vast catalogue for The Signature Library. Much like his music, JT was as mellow as they come when he went for a stroll down Toronto’s Bloor St West, going unrecognized in a hat and green shirt.
James Taylor signs his albums for The Signature Library during a tour stop in Toronto

Jermaine Jackson salutes his brother Michael Jackson while in Toronto for the 2011 IIFA Awards

Bryan — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 21:40:10 +0000

On the weekend that is the anniversary of Michael Jackson’s tragic passing, Michael’s brother Jermaine Jackson happens to be in Toronto this weekend paying tribute to his late brother at the 2011IIFA awards. When I learned of this “Bollywood” tribute with Jermaine in my hometown city (where I spend my summer) I made a point of seeking out Jermaine to show him the vast collection of memorabilia Michael had autographed for me and discuss with him all the wonderful traits that his brother possessed. Jermaine is much like his brother, soft spoken, humbled by the adoration and radiating with positive energy. Even dressed like his brother in a sharp tailored suit with an armband around his jacket sleeve and a large gold pin with the initials MJ clipped to his suit pocket. When Jermaine recognized the signature from his brother on a “Thriller” album hanging in the restaurant (Wabora) of the hotel where he was staying while in Toronto, a beaming smile of pride came over Jermaine’s face. I found this moment to be extremely surreal as the hair on my arms began to stand up. I could feel the same feeling I used to have every time I talked to Michael or was in his presence. I was honored to have the opportunity to share my stories about Michael with Jermaine while he looked at some of the autographs Michael gave to me. View some of the Michael Jackson Collection from The Signature Library
Jermaine Jackson poses with Bryan of The Signature Library & one of his many signed Michael Jackson pieces

Read the full story about Michael Jackson and Bryan of The Signature Library

Peter Gabriel gives Hank the Dog & The Signature Library a Toronto exclusive

Bryan — Wed, 22 Jun 2011 19:44:32 +0000

On the night before Peter Gabriel and his New Blood Orchestra play a rare live concert in Toronto, the iconic rock star went for a casual dinner in Toronto’s Little Italy neighborhood. Accompanied by a few friends, Gabriel dined on College street at the trendy new eatery “Franks Kitchen.” These days the 61 year old Peter Gabriel can walk down any street in any city and stay relatively under the radar. That is until The Signature Library and its Celebrity sniffing Doggie Hank tracked down Gabriel walking on College st in Toronto last night. When Gabriel exited the restaurant he was more than happy to meet Hank and autograph several of his classic albums for www.thesignaturelibrary.com
When I introduced Hank, Gabriel was quite intrigued about Hank’s celebrity encounters and asked if he had met any other musicians. I then told Gabriel about his legendary encounters with Robert Plant and Paul McCartney (Gabriel seemed honored to be in such company.) After we took a picture together, Gabriel wanted to make sure Hank was looking at the camera! As you can see in the picture below, Hank could step in for Kate Moss at the drop of a milk bone cookie.
Peter Gabriel poses with Hank & The Signature Library