John Carpenter Live at the Masonic Temple, Detroit 7/15/16

FINALLY! After seeing all the other posts with amazing photos and videos, it was finally my turn to go and see horror icon John Carpenter's much talked-about Live Retrospective show in Detroit. I snuck out of work early and headed up (couldn't play Cleveland, John??). After the three-hour drive, I arrived at the Masonic Temple, completely amped to take in the night's festivities.

The show started with a viewing of the Carpenter classic, Escape From New York on the big screen. The added audience participation throughout the film made for a really fun viewing. Especially when an entire audience "hisses" when Snake Plissken enters during the fighting ring scene and then goes crazy cheering when Kurt Russell, Tom Atkins, Donald Pleasence, Lee Van Cleef, Adrienne Barbeau, Ernest Borgnine, Isaac Hayes and Harry Dean Stanton all appeared. It was hilarious. "You are the Duke. A-number one!"

After the film, John and the band took the stage and and proceeded to play a mix of original music from the Lost Themes and Lost Themes II releases as well as the rich catalog of Carpenter horror scores that made him famous. Each of his classic horror scores were accompanied by clips of the respective films projected onto the screen behind them and made for a rich viewing experience. I actually found myself repeatedly ignoring the band performing and just watched the classic scenes from each film with a wide smile on my face. Hopefully, a testament to Carpenter's iconic visual horror mastery and marriage of image and sound. 

Instantly recognizable tracks were played from Assault on Precinct 13, Big Trouble in Little China, Christine, Escape From New York, The Fog, Halloween, In The Mouth of Madness, The Prince of Darkness, and crowd-favorite They Live. And every track was played to perfection. It was absolutely incredible...

And I was even able to make a little movie of one of his classics (holding a phone steady for four minutes was not easy)!!

While at the show, I was also able to score some great swag, too. All part of the VIP ticket package, I got a really cool Carpenter Live shirt and an insanely awesome They Live poster, signed by John Carpenter himself! And it all came in a nice silk-screened tote...

I also picked up the new Assault on Precinct 13/The Fog and Halloween/Escape From New York 12" singles from Sacred Bones Records (both are still available on their site). And both have been spinning nonstop on my turntable since I got home this morning at 3am. Yeesh...

Without a doubt, this was an incredibly cool show. I have only heard positive reviews from other shows and the Detroit show was no different. There are a few stops left on the tour, so if you have the chance, GO SEE IT. You won't regret it!!