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The Dixie Dregs : Dawn of the Dregs Tour


cygnify
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I was a bit surprised my search of the forum didn't find a dedicated thread for this incredible instrumental fusion band - though I would imagine most musicians on this board would be familiar with their greatness (you'll find plenty of references in several threads on Fusion/Dream Theater/Deep Purple, etc.) They just kicked-off their reunion tour "Dawn of the Dregs" and I had the opportunity to see them opening night this past Wednesday. Back in the early 80's when I was getting into Rush, I had an uncle that also got me into some fusion bands - including The Dixie Dregs. Certainly they're not for everyone, but for me, as a young drummer, the instrumental mayhem was so inspiring - Rod Morgenstein ignited my drumming passion nearly as much as Neil. Imagine my surprise when The Steve Morse Band (a legacy band of the original Dregs) opened for Rush on the Power Windows tour. It was clearly evident the appreciation the bands had for each other. I'd seen them 3-4 times back in the 90's and in 2000 (opened for Dream Theater on one occasion, special guests at G3 another time; as well as their own tour.) I met Rod a few times (once at Thoroughbred drum show) - always a super nice guy and easy to engage in drum talk with!

 

Anyway, the opening night show was great - the original line-up from Stand Up is back; though I do miss Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu) on electric violin (he is superhuman) and Dave LaRue (bass virtuoso), it was great to see Allen Sloan and Andy West back with them - and they are no slouches! While there were some opening night jitters all around, Rod has not missed a step - and is very sharp behind the kit. Steve is just unreal - a true master and possibly the greatest guitarist on the planet. Though I will say, his arthritis is clearly affecting his picking and you have to wonder if some of his grimaces are from pain. Word was he almost had to withdraw from the last Deep Purple tour due to severe arthritic pain (reminds me of Alex on the R40 tour; though Steve was still hitting every note!) If you have a chance to see them, don't miss it!

 

For the un-initiated:

 

http://dixiedregs.com/about/

 

A small article with Steve Morse, describing the tour - I also can't help but feel a strong connection in tone to the reasons for Rush's retirement

 

http://thezebra.org/...ving-the-dregs/

 

Tour dates:

 

Wed 2/28 Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre

Thu 3/1 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Fri 3/2 Augusta, GA – Bell Auditorium

Sat 3/3 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage

Mon 3/5 Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall

Tue 3/6 Durham, NC – Carolina Theater

Wed 3/7 Washington, DC – Lincoln Theater

Thu 3/8 Wilmington, DE – The Grand Opera House

Fri 3/9 Collingswood, NJ – Scottish Rite Auditorium

Sat 3/10 Newton, NJ – Newton Theater

Mon 3/12 Port Chester, NY – Capitol Theatre

Wed 3/14 Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse

Thu 3/15 Huntington, NY – The Paramount

Fri 3/16 New York, NY – The Town Hall

Sat 3/17 Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater

Sun 3/18 Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall

Mon 3/19 Boston, MA – Wilbur Theater

Wed 3/21 Albany, NY – The Egg

Thu 3/22 Pittsburgh, PA – Carnegie Music Hall

Fri 3/23 Cleveland, OH – Kent Stage

Sat 3/24 Chicago, IL – The Vic Theater

Wed 4/11 Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater

Thu 4/12 Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place

Sat 4/14 Boulder, CO – Boulder Theatre

Tue 4/17 Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theater

Wed 4/18 Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre

Thu 4/19 Fresno, CA – The Tower Theater

Fri 4/20 San Juan Capistrano, CA – The Coach House

Sat 4/21 Agoura Hills, CA – The Canyon Club

Sun 4/22 Phoenix, AZ – Scottsdale Center for the Perf. Arts

Wed 4/25 Dallas, TX – House of Blues

Thu 4/26 New Orleans, LA – House of blues

Sat 4/28 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage

 

A few pictures I took opening night

 

 

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad352/cygnify/IMG_2579_zpsrprxelw6.jpg

 

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad352/cygnify/IMG_2565_zps3bubznf2.jpg

 

Steve Morse's opening night setlist (They didn't play the last song, Gina Lola Breakdown)

 

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad352/cygnify/Steves%20Setlist_zpsoturgx2m.jpg

 

A couple videos I took on my phone (partial songs)

 

Odyssey

http://youtu.be/t_XrKZ9mQrM

 

Cruise Control (with drum solo)

http://youtu.be/LCNE6VBejcY

 

Assembly Line

http://youtu.be/dXK1Mo1ZjO4

 

Wages of Weirdness

 

http://youtu.be/LEMvuVag1gw

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Loves me some Dregs but I'm having cataract surgery at the time they're in my area. :banghead:

 

Towards the end of the tour, they're playing 6 nights in a row. That's brutal for some old guys.

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I was a bit surprised my search of the forum didn't find a dedicated thread for this incredible instrumental fusion band - though I would imagine most musicians on this board would be familiar with their greatness (you'll find plenty of references in several threads on Fusion/Dream Theater/Deep Purple, etc.) They just kicked-off their reunion tour "Dawn of the Dregs" and I had the opportunity to see them opening night this past Wednesday. Back in the early 80's when I was getting into Rush, I had an uncle that also got me into some fusion bands - including The Dixie Dregs. Certainly they're not for everyone, but for me, as a young drummer, the instrumental mayhem was so inspiring - Rod Morgenstein ignited my drumming passion nearly as much as Neil. Imagine my surprise when The Steve Morse Band (a legacy band of the original Dregs) opened for Rush on the Power Windows tour. It was clearly evident the appreciation the bands had for each other. I'd seen them 3-4 times back in the 90's and in 2000 (opened for Dream Theater on one occasion, special guests at G3 another time; as well as their own tour.) I met Rod a few times (once at Thoroughbred drum show) - always a super nice guy and easy to engage in drum talk with!

 

Anyway, the opening night show was great - the original line-up from Stand Up is back; though I do miss Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu) on electric violin (he is superhuman) and Dave LaRue (bass virtuoso), it was great to see Allen Sloan and Andy West back with them - and they are no slouches! While there were some opening night jitters all around, Rod has not missed a step - and is very sharp behind the kit. Steve is just unreal - a true master and possibly the greatest guitarist on the planet. Though I will say, his arthritis is clearly affecting his picking and you have to wonder if some of his grimaces are from pain. Word was he almost had to withdraw from the last Deep Purple tour due to severe arthritic pain (reminds me of Alex on the R40 tour; though Steve was still hitting every note!) If you have a chance to see them, don't miss it!

 

For the un-initiated:

 

http://dixiedregs.com/about/

 

A small article with Steve Morse, describing the tour - I also can't help but feel a strong connection in tone to the reasons for Rush's retirement

 

http://thezebra.org/...ving-the-dregs/

 

Tour dates:

 

Wed 2/28 Clearwater, FL – Capitol Theatre

Thu 3/1 Ponte Vedra Beach, FL – Ponte Vedra Concert Hall

Fri 3/2 Augusta, GA – Bell Auditorium

Sat 3/3 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage

Mon 3/5 Charleston, SC – Charleston Music Hall

Tue 3/6 Durham, NC – Carolina Theater

Wed 3/7 Washington, DC – Lincoln Theater

Thu 3/8 Wilmington, DE – The Grand Opera House

Fri 3/9 Collingswood, NJ – Scottish Rite Auditorium

Sat 3/10 Newton, NJ – Newton Theater

Mon 3/12 Port Chester, NY – Capitol Theatre

Wed 3/14 Ridgefield, CT – Ridgefield Playhouse

Thu 3/15 Huntington, NY – The Paramount

Fri 3/16 New York, NY – The Town Hall

Sat 3/17 Woodstock, NY – Bearsville Theater

Sun 3/18 Derry, NH – Tupelo Music Hall

Mon 3/19 Boston, MA – Wilbur Theater

Wed 3/21 Albany, NY – The Egg

Thu 3/22 Pittsburgh, PA – Carnegie Music Hall

Fri 3/23 Cleveland, OH – Kent Stage

Sat 3/24 Chicago, IL – The Vic Theater

Wed 4/11 Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater

Thu 4/12 Des Moines, IA – Hoyt Sherman Place

Sat 4/14 Boulder, CO – Boulder Theatre

Tue 4/17 Santa Cruz, CA – Rio Theater

Wed 4/18 Sacramento, CA – Crest Theatre

Thu 4/19 Fresno, CA – The Tower Theater

Fri 4/20 San Juan Capistrano, CA – The Coach House

Sat 4/21 Agoura Hills, CA – The Canyon Club

Sun 4/22 Phoenix, AZ – Scottsdale Center for the Perf. Arts

Wed 4/25 Dallas, TX – House of Blues

Thu 4/26 New Orleans, LA – House of blues

Sat 4/28 Atlanta, GA – Center Stage

 

A few pictures I took opening night

 

 

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad352/cygnify/IMG_2579_zpsrprxelw6.jpg

 

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad352/cygnify/IMG_2565_zps3bubznf2.jpg

 

Steve Morse's opening night setlist (They didn't play the last song, Gina Lola Breakdown)

 

http://i951.photobucket.com/albums/ad352/cygnify/Steves%20Setlist_zpsoturgx2m.jpg

 

A couple videos I took on my phone (partial songs)

 

Odyssey

http://youtu.be/t_XrKZ9mQrM

 

Cruise Control (with drum solo)

http://youtu.be/LCNE6VBejcY

 

Assembly Line

http://youtu.be/dXK1Mo1ZjO4

 

Wages of Weirdness

 

http://youtu.be/LEMvuVag1gw

 

OMG! You made my night! I have the fuckking flu and couldn't make it to that Bowie Tribute tonight in SF but this is incredible news!! This is also one of my all time favorite bands!!! Seen them many years ago. They RULE!!!!

 

Rod is one of the greatest drummers on the planet.

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I was planning on Collingswood but a fallen tree has scuttled that luxury.

 

I am sorry to hear that!!! Hope you pull through! Hope there isn't much damage.

 

The weather is nasty everywhere. It hailed golf balls here for 30 minutes!

 

Be safe!

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I keep asking them for a date in toronto on their Facebook page, but no luck so far...it would be awesome to see them here. I honestly don´t know their material in detail, but everything I heard so far, I liked A LOT.
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What is the best release? A starting point,perhaps.

 

You absolutely must get:

 

Free Fall

What If

Night Of The Living Dregs

 

I'd also add:

 

Unsung Heroes - incredible studio effort packed with great tracks

Bring 'Em Back Alive - Live album; excellent overview of eras and they kill it live

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What is the best release? A starting point,perhaps.

 

You absolutely must get:

 

Free Fall

What If

Night Of The Living Dregs

 

I'd also add:

 

Unsung Heroes - incredible studio effort packed with great tracks

Bring 'Em Back Alive - Live album; excellent overview of eras and they kill it live

 

Agreed!

 

"Modern Industry" is an odd one. Eric Johnson is on a track. Some Doobies too.

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What is the best release? A starting point,perhaps.

 

You absolutely must get:

 

Free Fall

What If

Night Of The Living Dregs

 

I'd also add:

 

Unsung Heroes - incredible studio effort packed with great tracks

Bring 'Em Back Alive - Live album; excellent overview of eras and they kill it live

 

Agreed!

 

"Modern Industry" is an odd one. Eric Johnson is on a track. Some Doobies too.

 

You mean "Industry Standard"

 

Yeah, that's a good disc - Assembly line is one of my favorite Rod drum tracks. They experimented with a couple vocalists for a couple tunes though, so it kinda breaks the instrumental vibe.

 

I still think the Live album is the best introduction - sort of a greatest hits and has extended solos, etc.

 

Here's a live video from 2001 - they played mostly Dregs but also a couple solo efforts (including a Mahavishnu tune from Jerry Goodman!) Unfortunately the guitar was way too low in the mix on this one - but it's still alot of fun

 

http://youtu.be/hI5ZQTrFFqU

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What is the best release? A starting point,perhaps.

 

You absolutely must get:

 

Free Fall

What If

Night Of The Living Dregs

 

I'd also add:

 

Unsung Heroes - incredible studio effort packed with great tracks

Bring 'Em Back Alive - Live album; excellent overview of eras and they kill it live

 

Agreed!

 

"Modern Industry" is an odd one. Eric Johnson is on a track. Some Doobies too.

 

You mean "Industry Standard"

 

Yeah, that's a good disc - Assembly line is one of my favorite Rod drum tracks. They experimented with a couple vocalists for a couple tunes though, so it kinda breaks the instrumental vibe.

 

I still think the Live album is the best introduction - sort of a greatest hits and has extended solos, etc.

 

Here's a live video from 2001 - they played mostly Dregs but also a couple solo efforts (including a Mahavishnu tune from Jerry Goodman!) Unfortunately the guitar was way too low in the mix on this one - but it's still alot of fun

 

http://youtu.be/hI5ZQTrFFqU

 

Hahaha! That is so funny! Yes! "Industry Standard." I had a senior moment last night. "Modern Industry" is a great tune by Fishbone!

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What is the best release? A starting point,perhaps.

 

You absolutely must get:

 

Free Fall

What If

Night Of The Living Dregs

 

I'd also add:

 

Unsung Heroes - incredible studio effort packed with great tracks

Bring 'Em Back Alive - Live album; excellent overview of eras and they kill it live

 

Agreed!

 

"Modern Industry" is an odd one. Eric Johnson is on a track. Some Doobies too.

 

You mean "Industry Standard"

 

Yeah, that's a good disc - Assembly line is one of my favorite Rod drum tracks. They experimented with a couple vocalists for a couple tunes though, so it kinda breaks the instrumental vibe.

 

I still think the Live album is the best introduction - sort of a greatest hits and has extended solos, etc.

 

Here's a live video from 2001 - they played mostly Dregs but also a couple solo efforts (including a Mahavishnu tune from Jerry Goodman!) Unfortunately the guitar was way too low in the mix on this one - but it's still alot of fun

 

http://youtu.be/hI5ZQTrFFqU

 

Maybe you can help me out. I saw the Dixie Dregs at The Edge in Palo Alto. They were off the charts! Literally! I can't remember the year. It could be this tour! Anyway they were amazing! I can't wait for Santa Cruz!! Thank you for posting this thread!!!!

Sadly I missed the VIP Platinum upgrade.

 

It's ok I'll live! I have their autographs on a very rare cd I bought off of their website decades ago!!! Steve even did his "guitar" doodle under his name!

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"Modern Industry" is an odd one. Eric Johnson is on a track. Some Doobies too.

 

 

Eric Johnson isn't on 'Industry Standard'. The credits are listed here.

 

Mind you, Eric Johnson did make a guest guitar and vocal appearance on the song 'Distant Star' from the Steve Morse Band's 1985 album 'Stand Up' here.

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Maybe you can help me out. I saw the Dixie Dregs at The Edge in Palo Alto. They were off the charts! Literally! I can't remember the year. It could be this tour! Anyway they were amazing! I can't wait for Santa Cruz!! Thank you for posting this thread!!!!

Sadly I missed the VIP Platinum upgrade.

 

It's ok I'll live! I have their autographs on a very rare cd I bought off of their website decades ago!!! Steve even did his "guitar" doodle under his name!

 

That's a tough one, man. The internet archives for old Dregs information is pretty sparse! Though my search did find Dregs dates at the Edge in Palo Alto on the 1994 (September 25, 1994) and 1999/2000 tours (exact date not mentioned). Those would have been the tours with Dave LaRue on bass, T Lavitz on keys and Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu) on violin (incredible!). They played the Icon in Palo Alto in 2002 and again in 2003. I read that Steve Morse Band also played at the Edge a couple times.

 

I was also searching for an old Dregs show I saw in Orlando in 1994 - at "Jani Lane's Sunset Strip". A gig as sweet as cherry pie; RIP Jani.

 

The first time I met Rod Morgenstein was at the Thoroughbred drum expo in 1994 (Tampa, FL). At some point I was caught in the middle of a discussion between Rod, Steve Smith, Mike Portnoy, and Sheila E. It was unreal. Second time I met him, the Dregs were opening for Dream Theater (2000) (this was also the second time I met Portnoy.) Anyway, both times, Rod was very easy to relate to and just talk drums. Super cool dude. He's teaching at Berklee now.

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Maybe you can help me out. I saw the Dixie Dregs at The Edge in Palo Alto. They were off the charts! Literally! I can't remember the year. It could be this tour! Anyway they were amazing! I can't wait for Santa Cruz!! Thank you for posting this thread!!!!

Sadly I missed the VIP Platinum upgrade.

 

It's ok I'll live! I have their autographs on a very rare cd I bought off of their website decades ago!!! Steve even did his "guitar" doodle under his name!

 

That's a tough one, man. The internet archives for old Dregs information is pretty sparse! Though my search did find Dregs dates at the Edge in Palo Alto on the 1994 (September 25, 1994) and 1999/2000 tours (exact date not mentioned). Those would have been the tours with Dave LaRue on bass, T Lavitz on keys and Jerry Goodman (Mahavishnu) on violin (incredible!). They played the Icon in Palo Alto in 2002 and again in 2003. I read that Steve Morse Band also played at the Edge a couple times.

 

I was also searching for an old Dregs show I saw in Orlando in 1994 - at "Jani Lane's Sunset Strip". A gig as sweet as cherry pie; RIP Jani.

 

The first time I met Rod Morgenstein was at the Thoroughbred drum expo in 1994 (Tampa, FL). At some point I was caught in the middle of a discussion between Rod, Steve Smith, Mike Portnoy, and Sheila E. It was unreal. Second time I met him, the Dregs were opening for Dream Theater (2000) (this was also the second time I met Portnoy.) Anyway, both times, Rod was very easy to relate to and just talk drums. Super cool dude. He's teaching at Berklee now.

 

Amazing post!!

 

Sorry I've been under the weather. Great work dude. It was surely 2000! I know Dave was on bass for that show! Incredible!!!

 

ROD RULES!!!!

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I saw them back when Andy West first played with them. Love The Dregs. I had no idea they were touring. This might draw me out to my first concert since R40.
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I saw them back when Andy West first played with them. Love The Dregs. I had no idea they were touring. This might draw me out to my first concert since R40.

 

Andy West Is playing with them on this tour!! (See the pictures above) Don't miss them!!

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I saw them back when Andy West first played with them. Love The Dregs. I had no idea they were touring. This might draw me out to my first concert since R40.

 

Andy West Is playing with them on this tour!! (See the pictures above) Don't miss them!!

 

Right. That’s why I said “first”. :)

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I was planning on Collingswood but a fallen tree has scuttled that luxury.

 

I am sorry to hear that!!! Hope you pull through! Hope there isn't much damage.

 

The weather is nasty everywhere. It hailed golf balls here for 30 minutes!

 

Be safe!

 

No worries. We lucked out with the damage. Stuff happens, The music budget is going to take a hit for the immediate future is all.

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I was planning on Collingswood but a fallen tree has scuttled that luxury.

 

I am sorry to hear that!!! Hope you pull through! Hope there isn't much damage.

 

The weather is nasty everywhere. It hailed golf balls here for 30 minutes!

 

Be safe!

 

No worries. We lucked out with the damage. Stuff happens, The music budget is going to take a hit for the immediate future is all.

 

That totally sucks my friend.

 

My budget was hit fuckking hard back in 2015 thanks to alimony. But it will never stop me from ROCKING!!!!

 

As a matter of fact, I am actually better off financially with alimony. The EX is the one on a budget now!!!!

 

I'm spending all of my money on ME!

 

ROCK AND ROLL UNTIL I DIE!

 

THE UNIVERSE RULES!

 

ROCK FOREVER!

 

Glad you are GOOD!

 

BE WELL!

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You will bounce back my friend.

 

When I found out how much I had to give up to keep my house and pay a non working woman in California in alimony I truly had suicidal thoughts.

I truly did.

But I knew that I was better than that negative crap in my head.

I have wonderful girls.

Amazing parents.

Great friends.

Concerts.

Drums

Writing!

Sports!

For some reason this fuking place! LOL! This is the only social media I am on. LOL!

 

Even the Rush Forum has helped me.

 

Crazy as it is!

 

We all go through shit. But we must get through it.

 

I'm rambling in public.

 

I'm an idiot.

 

But hey I feel comfortable here.

 

Nite!

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I can't wait to see The Dixie Dregs In Santa Cruz!!!

 

It's pure happiness for me.

 

Perhaps one day I will be with a woman again.

But for now I have ROCK AND ROLL!

 

Rock And Roll doesn't cheat on me.

Rock and Roll doesn't fight with me.

Rock And Roll doesn't get sick.

Rock And Roll doesn't spit in my face.

Rock And Roll will always have grace.

Rock And Roll will never lie to me.

Rock And Roll will always set my soul free!

Rock And Roll will never say sweet little lies.

Rock And Roll will never have tiny spies.

Rock And Roll will never be too tired.

Rock And Roll will always make me high!

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