I must start off by saying this show was a not just a bass musicians dream come true, but anyone who appreciate great music. This show consisted of arguably the three most talented bass players in the world; Jeff Berlin, Stu Hamm, and Billy Sheehan. These three bass players are known for different styles of playing, all worked so very well together. Their styles integrated well with one another and it helped that they are all fans of each others playing. John Mader was on drums and Jude Law rounded out the guitar playing

The show started off with the Jeff Berlin and Stu Hamm playing the “Star Spangled Banner” with Billy Sheehan providing the vocals. Jeff is a polished Jazz musician. He was very appreciative of the fans that came out especially in the weather that the area is been having lately. He did a lot of improvisation. He did touch on two covers (Eric Clapton’s “Tears in Heaven” and Soul Asylum’s “Run away Train”). A very cool light show accompanied “Tears in Heaven.” Jeff also provided some humor between songs which lightened the crowd. Stu Hamm kept the crowd going and turn up the intensity a bit with his faster pace playing. Some of the songs Stu played were “Terminal Beach”, “Outbound”, “Nostalgia”, and “Lonestar”. 

I would say the crowd was most excited when it’s “Hometown Son” Billy Sheehan took the stage. Billy absolutely took over the crowd with his thunderous playing and his ferocious stage presence. He attacked that stage and left no prisoners. Some of the songs Billy played were: “Don’t look Down”, “Taj”, “Leadboots”, “Shyboy”, “Addicted to that Rush”, and a Kings X cover “Goldilox.” I thought his take on his former band Mr. Big’s “Addicted to that Rush” was as is good as it gets!! Billy had a lot of fans in the audience but his biggest fan was also there, his Mom! It was a nice gesture by Jeff Berlin when all three came back out to thank Billy’s mom for showing up and said “You are tonight’s star Mrs. Sheehan! When all three came out, they played Spinal Tap’s “Big Bottom”, a cool funky version of Jimi Hendrix’s “Purple Haze,” and then ended the night with Eric Clapton’s “Crossroads.”

All in all a great night of music was provided by all three bass players and the people who showed up were treated to just that, a great night of music. The band came out to greet fans and sign items. It was great to see that these fine musicians are still in touch with their fans. If the three biggest names in Bass could find the time to meet with their fans, there is no reason why other musicians couldn’t follow suit (especially the young bands starting out). At the end of the night, as I was talking to some friends outside the club, way after the meet and greet was over, the four of us were approached by Stu Hamm himself. Stu asked us for backup as a “drunk fan” approached him in the bathroom and said to Stu “you blew me off when I tried to talk to you”, and some other choice words. We couldn’t believe that after he spent time with his fans that some drunken guy would say such stupid things. I thought he was joking until the guy actually walked out and tried to rationalize his take with Stu. And Stu, being the pro he is, did rationalize with him and “thank god” the guy left and went to his car. People like that ruin for the rest of us. Stu, for one, Buffalo is not a representation of that “ASS” and we were very appreciative of you even considering taking the time to show your support of the fans. We hopefully will see you again on this tour back in Buffalo in the future!!!

P.S. Thanks to Erin and Danette at Monarch Music for allowing us to interview Billy and to do a review the show!!   www.myspace.com/billysheehan