VinFast Ditches IPO, Chooses SPAC-tacular Merger for a Zippier Ride to the Public Market

“Phish Makes it Rain: Jam Band’s Flood Relief Concert a Whirlwind of Wizard of Oz Winks, Water Droplets and Classic Wails”

TLDR:
– Phish staged a benefit show in Saratoga Springs, New York, to support flood recovery efforts in Vermont and surrounding areas, incorporating a Wizard of Oz theme into their performance.
– The band delivered a mesmerizing performance, showcasing their musical prowess and on-the-spot creativity, leaving the audience inspired and hopeful.

On a night that coincided with the 84th anniversary of The Wizard of Oz’s premiere, Vermont jam band Phish channeled a tad of Oz magic to stage an unforgettable evening of hope and solidarity. The benefit show in Saratoga Springs, New York, was one of two organized in light of the devastating flash floods that swept Vermont and surrounding areas in July. Phish, known for their playful personalities, sprinkled their performance with iconic film themes and even dressed the part – drummer John Fishman made a splash in a Lisa Simpson-inspired dress, replete with blue droplets representing flood recovery.

Phish kicked off the evening with the vivacious “Kill Devil Falls” and “The Moma Dance,” setting the stage for a mix of classic and new tunes. The audience was treated to the second release of “Ocelot” this year, a spectacular high point that had fans buzzing. Bassist Mike Gordon’s song “Mull” and the Phish staple “Punch You In The Eye,” performed with the band’s signature intricate weaving, were other noteworthy additions to the setlist. Lighting designer Chris Cloda and visual artist Andrew Giffin conjured up stunning visuals that amplified the mesmerizing performance of “Sand,” and a cover of The Velvet Underground’s “Rock and Roll.”

Guitarist Trey Anastasio surprised everyone with his impromptu incorporation of the Wizard of Oz theme “Munchkinland” into “Sand.” This spontaneous decision sparked excitement and curiosity among the audience and online viewers, adding an unexpected twist to the performance. The second set saw Fishman sporting a Lisa Simpson dress and a munchkin ponytail, keeping with the Wizard of Oz theme. The song combination of “Evolve,” “A Wave of Hope,” and “Simple” resulted in 45 minutes of dark and exploratory improvisation, demonstrating the band’s adeptness at on-the-spot creativity.

The energy surged to a climax as Phish launched into “Fuego,” followed by an explosive performance of “Chalk Dust Torture,” featuring an outro that quotes “Munchkinland.” This brought the Wizard of Oz theme full circle, drawing cheers and applause from the audience. For the encore, Phish chose “Wading in the Velvet Sea,” a somewhat ironic choice for a flood relief fundraiser, but its poignant lyrics struck a chord with the audience. The band wrapped up the show with “Say It To Me S.A.N.T.O.S.,” leaving the crowd inspired and hopeful.

As the audience dispersed to the familiar strumming of “We’re Off to See the Wizard,” the spirit of the show remained palpable. Phish’s Flood Relief Benefit Show was not just a night of entertainment, but also a testament to music’s power to uplift spirits and rally support for a cause. For those who didn’t catch the performance live, free streaming is available, along with the chance to enjoy Phish’s unique blend of music and humor while supporting a noble cause. It was indeed a night where music, philanthropy, and a bit of Oz magic collided, offering a glimmer of hope amidst the devastation of the floods.

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Not in This Lifetime: Guns N’ Roses Prove They’re More Classic than Antique in Saratoga Spectacle

TLDR:
– Guns N’ Roses put on a three-hour set full of bombastic riffs and attitude, showcasing their enduring legacy and proving they are still a significant force in rock and roll.
– Frontman Axl Rose’s voice was in good shape, and Slash’s guitar solos were a standout, leaving the crowd wild with excitement.

The Saratoga Performing Arts Center was recently a witness to a spectacle that could only be described as – “Guns N’ Roses showing the kids how it’s done.” Frontman Axl Rose, notorious for his sense of time that seems to operate in a parallel universe, took the stage at exactly 7:25 PM. Perhaps he’s finally downloaded a clock app.

The three-hour set, full of bombastic riffs and attitude, was a reminder that the band is not just a group of geriatric rockers trying to make a quick buck. They proved to be a vibrant force in rock ‘n’ roll, with all the booming riffs and badass attitude that made them one of the most important acts of the past 40 years. If you were looking for a perfunctory cash grab, you should’ve gone to the bingo night down at the local pub.

The evening kicked off with “It’s So Easy,” a cheery opener that set the mood for a night of surprising, yet seamless musical blend. The way Slash and Duff McKagan put their own stylistic imprint on the GN’R track “Chinese Democracy,” a song that emerged during their 21-year hiatus from the band, was even odder. Following it with a rendition of “Slither,” the hit 2004 single from Slash and McKagan’s mid-aughts band Velvet Revolver? It was like trying to find a coherent plot in a David Lynch movie.

Despite his dysphonia, Rose’s voice was in good shape, belting out songs with a force that could rival a freight train. The 61-year-old frontman continued to run, dance and move across the stage with the energy of a toddler on a sugar rush. It was clear that while Axl Rose may have made nice with his bandmates, elements of his volatile nature were still in play.

Slash’s guitar solos were the star of the show, with the crowd going wild for his performances on “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “Civil War,” and “November Rain.” Imagine the frenzied response if he’d busted out “Free Bird.” The chemistry between Slash and second guitarist Richard Fortus was as palpable as the tension in a Tarantino flick as they traded lead turns on “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door.”

Before Guns N’ Roses took the stage, the audience was warmed up by rising hard-rock band Dirty Honey. Fronted by Niskayuna native Marc LaBelle, the band delivered a performance that felt like a lovingly crafted homage to an Aerosmith album that never was. Their set included a scorching take of “Won’t Take Me Alive,” a promising indicator of their forthcoming album. After all, who needs a heater when you’ve got those fiery riffs?

In conclusion, Guns N’ Roses’ performance at Saratoga Performing Arts Center was a testament to their enduring legacy. With a sold-out crowd roaring all night long, it’s clear that their music will continue to resonate with fans. And as for the band itself? They proved that they’re still a significant force in rock and roll, capable of delivering a performance that could blow your socks off, even if they are of the compression variety.

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Delaware Ruling Exposes SPAC Scandal: The Smoke, Mirrors, and Pinball between 26 Capital and Okada Manila

TLDR:
– Hedge fund manager Alex Eiseman secretly received 60% of Jason Ader’s stake in 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a SPAC attempting to merge with Okada Manila casino.
– Ader sold a portion of his SPAC stake for $25 million, leading to a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office questioning the deal.

Well, folks, here’s a tale that proves once again that high-stakes finance can be just as thrilling as any spy movie. 26 Capital Acquisition Corp., a special-purpose acquisition company (SPAC) backed by gaming industry analyst and investor Jason Ader, tried to merge with a ritzy casino in the Philippines, the Okada Manila. But the courts have called ‘game over’ on that plan, due to some sneaky double-dealing that smelled fishier than a seafood buffet on a hot day.

Here’s the deal: A Manhattan hedge fund manager, Alex Eiseman, was hired by Universal Entertainment Corp., the Japanese company behind Okada Manila, to find a SPAC to acquire the casino. But Eiseman, instead of doing his best Vanna White and finding the best deal possible, decided to go for a bit of personal gain. Our judge, J. Travis Laster, ruled that Eiseman got 60% of Ader’s stake in 26 Capital – a deal that was kept as secret as grandma’s biscuit recipe. Universal and the SPAC’s shareholders were left in the dark until the pretrial discovery phase of the Delaware case.

As if it couldn’t get more interesting, Ader didn’t even wait for the ink to dry on the deal before selling another slice of his SPAC stake for a neat $25 million. That’s a lot of chips to put on red. The judge noted this, along with the fact that Ader and his mother pocketed the sum. Ader insists the payout was proper, but there’s a separate lawsuit by the billionaire’s family office he sold to, questioning the deal.

Despite all this drama, the shares of 26 Capital SPAC are down only 3% since the judge’s ruling, sitting at $11.15. Ader, in a statement as well-crafted as a poker face, said they were disappointed with the ruling, but would explore all available strategic options. Meanwhile, Eiseman seems to be playing his cards close to his chest, declining to comment on the case and stating he will tell his side of the story in a New York fraud lawsuit brought about by the casino owner.

Universal Entertainment Corp. has pulled up the drawbridge on the SPAC deal, and their lawyer, Grant Mainland, has stated that they’re ready to defend themselves if 26 Capital pursues monetary damages. All in all, folks, it’s a high-stakes game of cat and mouse that shows us, once again, that in the SPAC market, what you see isn’t always what you get. As the Securities and Exchange Commission gears up to vote on new SPAC rules to improve transparency, let’s hope this sorry saga serves as a cautionary tale. After all, casinos are for gambling, not the stock market, right?

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“Move over, Iron Man: How Glaam Corp’s real-life Tony Stark is remixing the future”

TLDR:
– Glaam Corp is a versatile technology company with a wide range of interests and ambitions, from consumer goods to renewable energy.
– They are determined and resilient, always ready to overcome challenges and make a mark on the world.

Well folks, here we are again, circling back to the high-tech titan that’s been making waves in the market. Glaam Corp, the technological equivalent of a Swiss Army Knife, continues to stand out like a neon sign in a blackout. They’re a company that’s been messing around with everything from consumer goods to healthcare, all the way to renewable energy. Yes, folks, they’re like one of those kids who can’t decide what to be when they grow up.

Amusingly, Glaam Corp’s idea of a good time involves overcoming challenges. Their resilience and determination are as steadfast as a stubborn mule on a hot summer day. It’s like they’re saying, “Oh, you’ve got a problem? Hold our beer, we’ll solve it.” Like some sort of technological superhero, minus the cape and the spandex.

And you’ve got to love their ambitions. They’ve got a roadmap for the future that’s more packed than a clown car at a circus. They want to leave an indelible mark on the world, maybe even solve the age-old problem of misplaced keys. Let’s hope they’re not planning on implanting GPS devices in our fingers, though. I’d hate to have to explain that one to my chiropractor.

Now, if you’ve got a penchant for keeping yourself informed, there’s a newsletter you can sign up for. Don’t worry, it won’t cost you a dime. You can fill your brain with the latest daily SPAC news while you toast your English muffins in the morning. And who knows, maybe you’ll even learn something. But remember, while the newsletter is free, they’re not sending it to you out of the goodness of their hearts. Information is the currency of the modern world, and they’re just trying to keep your attention longer than a toddler at a toy store.

So, there you have it. Glaam Corp, the company that’s not afraid to wade through the mud and tackle the twin demons of innovation and design. The question is, are they onto something great, or are they just tech world’s version of a magic show – full of smoke and mirrors? Only time will tell. For now, let’s just sit back, relax, and wait for the next chapter in the Glaam Corp saga. I can hardly wait.

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Better.com Sinks from Billion-Dollar Baby to Mortgage Misfire: CEO’s Controversial Behaviour Not Helping the Cause

TLDR:
– Better.com, once valued at $7.7 billion, now faces financial troubles, PR nightmares, investor regret, and a lawsuit.
– CEO Vishal Garg’s controversial leadership style and the company’s $1 billion losses add to the challenges the company is facing.

Oh, the saga of Better.com, a once-golden child of the mortgage industry, now a financial cautionary tale. At its peak, Better.com was the darling of investors like SoftBank and Goldman Sachs with a whopping $7.7 billion valuation. Fast forward a couple of years — a few SEC inquiries, mass layoffs, and the sort of PR nightmares that would make even the most hardened crisis manager wince — and the company is now a poster child for the classic rags-to-riches-to-rags tale.

Speaking of PR nightmares, CEO Vishal Garg might be the poster child for that one too. Known for his brash leadership style, he’s collected an impressive array of headlines. Memorable moments include calling his employees “dumb dolphins,” firing 900 workers on a Zoom call, and bringing a hatchet to the office as a gift for an executive who had laid off employees. Not exactly the sort of team-building activities recommended in management handbooks.

Investors, unsurprisingly, are less than thrilled. Despite the company’s optimistic talk about future growth, the murmurs are far from positive. The CEO’s reputation seems to be catching up with him, and several investors have expressed regret over their association with Better.com. Yet, some backers, like Kamran Ansari, remain staunch supporters of Garg, lauding his no-nonsense approach to business even in the face of dwindling support.

Financial woes are also piling up for the company. Despite a $500 million cash injection from SoftBank, Better.com has lost more than $1 billion over the last two years. Even more concerning, in the first quarter of 2023, the company lost $89 million — a significant hit for a company generating only $21 million in revenue.

But wait, there’s more. The company is currently dealing with an outgoing executive’s lawsuit, claiming Better.com misrepresented the financial health of the company to investors ahead of its SPAC. And though the SEC announced they would not bring an enforcement action against the company, the agency made it clear that this doesn’t mean Better.com has been exonerated.

While Better.com remains optimistic about its future as a publicly traded company, there are plenty of signs that point towards rough sailing ahead. But hey, in the world of business, stranger things have happened. After all, who would have ever predicted that a company offering pre-approved loans in minutes would run into financial trouble?

To cap it all off, Garg seems to have a cozy financial cushion in the form of a $41 million loan from the company, a sum that Better.com is considering “partially forgiving” when the SPAC merger is finalized. If that’s not a cherry on top of this financial rollercoaster, I don’t know what is.

So, what does the future hold for Better.com? Only time will tell. But if history is any indication, it might be a good idea to buckle up for a bumpy ride.

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“Party’s Over, Startups: 2023 Proxy Season Brings Major Audit Aches and Lots of Homework”

TLDR:
– Tax authorities are cracking down on transfer pricing and profit shifting, requiring companies to ensure transparent practices and thorough documentation.
– The 2023 Proxy Season highlights the need for strong internal controls, particularly in areas such as revenue recognition, lease accounting, and equity accounting. Investing in upgrades to internal controls is increasingly popular.

The COGS Cops are coming! And no, this isn’t the premise for a new action-packed comedy about an elite force of accountants. It’s a stark warning to companies engaging in transfer pricing and complex multinational businesses. These guys mean business, and they’re out hunting for tax violators like a vegan searching for the last tofu burger in a barbecue.

The launch of their campaign is not some lighthearted PR stunt. It’s as serious as a heart attack, or a sudden audit. It’s a reminder that tax authorities are now sporting night vision goggles, actively seeking out those who play fast and loose with terms like ‘arm’s length’. They’re no longer turning a blind eye to profit shifting. In other words, it’s no longer a free-for-all at the international tax buffet.

Here’s some free advice: Check your transfer pricing practices. Ensure they’re as transparent as your grandma’s cellophane-wrapped cookies. And for goodness’ sake, document everything. It seems the era of corporate tax leniency has gone the way of the dodo and the dinosaur – extinct! So, you might want to invest in a good internal review or two, basically anything that can help spot potential issues and take corrective actions. Because these COGS Cops aren’t easily fooled, and they’re not known for their light touch.

Meanwhile, in a plot twist that surprises no one, the 2023 Proxy Season reporting has highlighted the need for a proper handle on internal controls. It’s not exactly party time for audit committee chairs or the CFOs and accounting teams facing the enormous task of fixing these issues. Let’s just say it’s like trying to undo the chaos caused by a toddler in a toy shop.

Leading the charge in the restatement stakes are the usual suspects – revenue recognition, lease accounting, and equity accounting. These areas are like the unholy trinity for IPO / SPAC startups. Investing in upgrades to internal controls over financial reporting is becoming more popular than a politician promising lower taxes.

More importantly, never underestimate the power of a well-crafted internal audit roadmap. It’s like a well-oiled compass in a world of financial fog. And in the midst of all this, remember that speed-to-market reporting can quickly go from enthralling to excruciating. We’ve learned this the hard way, through a series of unfortunate accounting events, failed audits, and resultant shattered dreams.

So, as we gallop towards the end of the year, prepare for some more fun and games. Expect more scrutiny from the SEC and an increased oversight from the PCAOB, especially as IPOs and SPACs mature. The million-dollar question is, will the business plans pan out or will they crumble like an overbaked financier cake? And will the funding and accounting keep up, or will they be left behind like a runner with a bad stitch? Only time will tell.

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Target Global’s Got 99 Problems But a Deadline Ain’t One

TLDR:
– Target Global Acquisition has extended their deadline to find a suitable company for a merger, showing their determination to find the perfect match.
– The company is committed to excellence and their unwavering pursuit of a business combination that meets their high standards and investor expectations.

It seems like Target Global Acquisition is playing a high-stakes game of musical chairs, and they’ve just hit the pause button. Who can blame them? The company, a master of the corporate equivalent of speed dating, has extended its deadline to shack up with a suitable company and make their relationship public. Now, they have a romantic rendezvous set for October 13th, or so they hope.

It’s an interesting plot twist in the soap opera of corporate mergers. If they can’t find their soulmate by the said date, they have promised to do the honorable thing and give the money back to the investors. It’s like an episode of The Bachelor, only with balance sheets and shareholder meetings.

The company has shown that this isn’t a one-off case of cold feet. They have the option to extend the deadline six more times if things don’t go as planned. It’s a clear sign of their unwavering determination to not settle for less, even if it feels like they’re trying to find a unicorn in a horse fair.

Target Global Acquisition is also planning to make a grand gesture, like throwing $90,000 into their escrow account. It’s like saying “I love you” in corporate language. Clearly, they believe in this venture and are ready to put their money where their mouth is. If they do find their corporate soulmate, the money will be returned to them. It’s their way of saying, “We may be taking our time, but we’re serious about this relationship.”

This latest move from Target Global Acquisition is more than just an extension of time, it’s a declaration of their relentless pursuit of greatness. They are not just looking for a suitable partner, they’re looking for the perfect match. A business combination that aligns with their high standards and meets the expectations of their investors. It’s like a corporate Cinderella story in the making.

The business world is waiting with bated breath for the announcement of Target Global’s big match. The suspense, the intrigue, the speculation – it’s the stuff of a financial thriller. Until then, we can only imagine the kind of innovative breakthroughs and collaborations that this quest might lead to.

In the grand scheme of things, this extension is a testament to Target Global’s commitment to excellence and their determination to find the perfect match. It’s like they’re saying, “We’re in this for the long haul, and we won’t settle for less.” Their unwavering commitment to their investors and the pursuit of the perfect business combination sets them apart from the rest.

So there it is, folks. The courtship continues. Who will be the lucky company to win the heart of Target Global Acquisition? Only time will tell. Until then, stay tuned for more updates, as we witness the transformative journey of Target Global Acquisition unfold right before our eyes.

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Fast and Curious: VinFast’s EV Hype Train Leaves Station, Stock Soars Despite Tepid Car Reviews

TLDR:
– VinFast, a Vietnam-based electric vehicle company, saw its shares soar 830% after going public via a SPAC IPO, making it the third most valuable car company on paper.
– The surge in stock prices was due to a limited number of available shares causing an imbalance in supply and demand, rather than the company’s performance or sales figures.

Imagine this. You’re a new kid on the block, and on your first day, you topple the school’s big guns. That’s what VinFast, a Vietnam-based electric vehicle company, did when its shares soared a staggering 830% after going public via a SPAC IPO earlier this month. Despite modest sales figures and unfavorable reviews, VinFast was riding a financial high, making it the third most valuable car company on paper, only trailing Tesla and Toyota. Poor Ford and General Motors were left in the dust, wondering how the new kid got so popular so quickly.

But here’s the catch. The surge wasn’t because they had a shiny new line-up of vehicles or overwhelming sales. Oh no, they expect to sell a paltry 50,000 vehicles this year, and let’s just say the reviews of their cars wouldn’t be winning them any awards. MotorTrend kindly suggested they “return to sender.” VinFast’s success was not due to any spectacular performance but a limited number of available shares causing an imbalance in supply and demand. You see, the founder, Pham Nhat Vuong, holds 99% of VinFast, having issued a mere 1% of the shares to the public.

So, we have the float of just 7.2 million shares available for the public to trade, causing stock prices to skyrocket. It’s a bit like a rare coin gaining value because there aren’t enough of them to go around—a classic case of scarcity increasing value. But one mustn’t forget, the coin’s real value is only what someone is willing to pay for it.

Now, this is where it gets interesting. The stock, like any commodity with a low float, is prone to high volatility. And it’s also more susceptible to drastic price changes because it doesn’t take much buying or selling pressure to shift the scales. In fact, VinFast experienced a 26% fall Tuesday, and the stock could continue its downward spiral as more shares enter the market. This is especially likely with several lockup agreements with insiders and the SPAC sponsor set to expire, which would result in selling off millions of shares.

And let’s not forget VinFast’s expansion plans. They need fuel to power their journey into the US market, and by fuel, I mean cold hard cash. The company had reported having about $160 million at the end of March, so they might just be tempted to take advantage of the recent spike in their stock by selling shares at current prices.

Short-seller Jim Chanos, however, isn’t biting the VinFast bait. He labeled it a “$200 billion meme stock,” suggesting VinFast’s luck would run out before they hit 40K units. But given the low float and high volatility, it seems unlikely that short-sellers are queuing up to bet against the company just yet. So, for now, it seems VinFast is enjoying its time in the sun. But as we all know, the weather can change pretty quickly on Wall Street. Only time will tell if VinFast is a one-hit-wonder or if it has the stamina to run with the big dogs.

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Rockin’ Resilience: ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd’s Boom-Fest, Defying Time and Loss at SPAC

TLDR:
– ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd gave powerful performances, paying tribute to their fallen bandmates and proving that classic rock is still alive.
– The concert showcased meticulously crafted Southern rock, with a moving rendition of “Tuesday’s Gone” and a set-closing anthem of “Free Bird”.

This past Friday night, the Broadview Stage at SPAC turned into a battleground; a sonic slugfest between two rock titan behemoths. On one side, the Texas trio, ZZ Top, the other, Southern rock stalwarts Lynyrd Skynyrd. This co-headlining spectacle was aptly named the “Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour”. And folks, let me tell you, it was a night that would’ve given Beethoven a run for his symphonies.

ZZ Top came out swinging, opening the concert with a punch from their 1983 chart topper “Got Me Under Pressure”. The crowd, having their eardrums rocked by the new bassist, Elwood Francis, wielding a custom “High Selecta” 15-string bass guitar like a Viking with a war axe. The fact that he only used three strings through the performance only adds to the mystery. It’s like a chef making a gourmet meal using just a microwave.

Now, not to forget, ZZ Top’s bandleader, Billy Gibbons, was practically exuding coolness from every single pore, while Frank Beard was hammering out heart-stopping beats. They paid tribute to their fallen comrade, Dusty Hill, and Jeff Beck through a video montage during “16 Tons”, a cover of Merle Travis’ song, that had the audience in a reverential silence. Powering through a sixteen-song set, ending with the sultry “La Grange”, they proved that even after five decades of touring, they’re not even close to their final note.

On the other side of the stage, Lynyrd Skynyrd, who apparently have been going through members like Spinal Tap goes through drummers. The fact that there are no original members left didn’t detract from their performance. They were there to honor the spirit of the music and the legacy of their fallen bandmates, and they did just that. The crowd, or as they like to call themselves, “Skynyrd Nation”, didn’t seem to care who was on stage as long as the music kept playing.

Their fourteen-song setlist was a testament to meticulously crafted Southern rock, made even more poignant with the replacement of the Confederate flag with the state flag of Alabama. Their moving rendition of “Tuesday’s Gone”, a tribute to the late Gary Rossington, and their set-closing anthem “Free Bird”, served as a touching tribute to all the fallen members of the band.

The evening kick-started with Uncle Kracker, who’s gone from Kid Rock’s DJ to adult contemporary radio regular, not a bad career move. His eight-song set left the crowd, though sparsely filled at the time, clamoring for more.

Despite a storm warning that had fans sheltering in their cars before the concert, and the doors opening later than expected, the SPAC staff were proficient in handling the eager crowd. It just goes to show, even Mother Nature can’t stop the power of rock and roll. The “Sharp Dressed Simple Man Tour” proved that classic rock is still alive, still kicking, and still has a lot to offer.

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“Dirty Honey Sweetens the Deal, While Guns N’ Roses Shoot Off-Key in Epic Nostalgic Night”

TLDR:
– Dirty Honey captivated the audience with their energetic performance, showcasing a blend of 80s hair band nostalgia and contemporary rock.
– Guns N’ Roses’ performance fell short, with Axl Rose struggling to capture the raw vocal energy of his youth, leaving the audience with mixed emotions.

In a world where rock often plays second fiddle to kale-smoothie-sipping pop stars and techno beats, it was a mild shock to see SPAC turn into a time warp, catapulting more than 20,000 rock gluttons into the heart of the 1980s. You’d think it was the Guns N’ Roses show with the name in large, emboldened letters on the marquee. But who really rocked the boat was the opening act – the lesser-glorified Dirty Honey.

Now, here’s the scoop. Dirty Honey, fronted by Nippertown’s own Marc LaBelle, enamored the crowd with their electrifying performance, effortlessly oscillating between scorching guitar solos and thunderous drums in a tight 45-minute set. You could almost smell the burning rubber as they took us on a high-speed chase down the memory lane of 80’s hair bands, but with an updated GPS that navigates us back to contemporary rock.

As the sun set, anticipation swelled for the long-awaited performance by Guns N’ Roses. Unfortunately, nostalgia can sometimes be a double-edged sword, or in this case, a slightly out-of-tune guitar. The legendary Axl Rose, once a symbol of raw vocal energy, seemed to stumble rather than strut through the set. His renditions felt more like weary tributes to his youthful self, as if someone had replaced his flamethrower with a Bic lighter.

Despite the rocky road, the setlist was a rollercoaster that zigzagged through the band’s illustrious career. From the raw intensity of “Welcome to the Jungle” to the poignant strains of “November Rain”, it was a nostalgic feast. Yet, the haunting strings of “Patience” followed by “Paradise City” served as a sobering reminder that time indeed waits for no man, not even a rock legend.

The night ended on a bittersweet note, leaving the audience with a cocktail of emotions – an exhilarating high from Dirty Honey’s performance and a mellow low from Guns N’ Roses’ less-than-stellar show. Yet, this is the beauty of rock and roll. It is a genre that celebrates both its past and its present, reminding us that while legends may age, their legacy continues to resonate through the chords of those who carry the torch forward.

So, when the dust settled and the echoes of the concert faded into the night, it was clear that while Guns N’ Roses may have been the headlining act, it was Dirty Honey that left an indelible mark on the audience. They proved once again that the heart of rock and roll still beats strong, even in a world that seems to have forgotten its rhythm.

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