I was a bit surprised when I saw that John Carpenter was heading back out on the road for another tour, this time in support of his newest release, John Carpenter Anthology (Movie Themes 1974-1998). When I saw the tour schedule, I noticed that again like last year, he was not stopping anywhere in Ohio (what the hell, John!?!?). The closest stop was Detroit, a nice three hour drive from the Cemetery. And after going back and forth, I eventually decided to check it out again, this time with Mrs. Highbury along for the ride. We don't get out to that many shows anymore, but for John Carpenter, we would make an exception! We both hopped into the car and made the quick-ish drive over to Detroit, ready to experience an amazing show. We arrived at the Majestic Theatre 30 minutes before the doors opening, only to have to sit outside in frigid temperatures for over an hour. And furthermore, my camera was denied access to the show, so I could only shoot with my phone. But even with all that, the show was incredible and we had an amazing time. Carpenter and his band came out and flawlessly cranked through his massive library of iconic horror film soundtracks and even included a few of his original compositions from 2015's Lost Themes. Of course, if you have seen my post from last year's show, you'll quickly notice a LOT of similarities between that show and this one. A lot of the same songs and accompanying film clips that played behind the band played on this tour, too. But honestly, hearing live versions of utter Carpenter classics like Halloween, The Fog, Escape From New York, Big Trouble in Little China, They Live and especially Ennio Morricone's epic title track for The Thing is an opportunity that I just couldn't pass up...
And with a painfully steady hand, I was able to film the final track in their incredible set...
We really, really enjoyed this show. And even though it was very similar to last year's tour, I'm still glad I went, especially so that Mrs. Highbury could experience it. And she loved it, too. We were both happy that we made the journey. And of course, we couldn't make it through the whole show without a stop off at the merch table. I ended up picking up a John Carpenter autographed vinyl copy of his new Anthology (Movie Themes 1974-1998) and an INSANELY cool Escape From New York shirt. And then I had to go back and buy an Anthology screened tote bag to carry it all in...
I've been spinning Anthology nonstop since I got home, and I highly recommend picking up a copy! Especially for that slightly more guitar heavy version of The Thing and for Christine. And obviously for Halloween and Assault on Precinct 13. And definitely for The Fog and In The Mouth of Madness. But mostly for They Live and Escape From New York. Yeesh. Carpenter's Anthology Tour continues on, heading toward the East Coast, so get out and see him if he's playing near you. Or even if not! It is well worth the trip!
I just caught wind of this one over at Blumhouse. Night Birds are a punk band that have been on my radar for a few years now, but this killer 2013 punk cover of the Carpenter classic is totally rad! You are the Duke of New York. You're A number 1!
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...
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!!
A cold, weathered hand pierces the rust-laden earth of a late autumn night. Reanimated decay becomes the evening's guide. Masked faces bask in the fiery glow of a jack-o-lantern's illumination. A lifeless finger points the direction toward the next porch-lit house. For this is the night of ghouls and goblins and tricks and treats. This is the night of Hallowe'en...
