Meeting Richie Sambora (Bon Jovi) & Orianthi Panagaris

Last July I had the opportunity to meet Richie Sambora, former guitarist of the world famous rock band Bon Jovi and Orianthi Panagaris who has played guitar alongside some of the biggest names in the music industry including Michael Jackson, Prince and Alice Cooper. I've been a big fan of Orianthi ever since I first saw her in Michael Jackson's This Is It film when I was just eleven years old. Watching Orianthi play guitar alongside one of my all-time favourite singers Michael Jackson was what inspired me to learn guitar. I was completely mesmerised watching her perform and wanted to one day play guitar with the skill and talent that she has!

Orianthi & I

Around this time last year, I heard that Orianthi would be joining Richie Sambora on his tour of the UK and Europe. The best part was that the final show of the tour would take place here in Scotland! I'd previously seen Orianthi perform live with Alice Cooper and was extremely hyper that I might actually get to see her live in concert for the second time! I was also extremely delighted about the prospect of seeing Richie Sambora in concert as I've always loved Bon Jovi-who doesn't?! For me, it was one of those win-win situations.

One of my biggest dreams was to one day meet Orianthi. With this in mind my lovely Mum managed to get in contact with a member of her team who kindly arranged for me to meet with Orianthi prior to the show in Glasgow! I cannot begin to describe just how excited I was!

On the day of the show my Dad and I were also invited to watch Richie and Ori's pre-show sound check. By the time we arrived at the venue that day there was a huge queue of people also attending the concert spanning right up the street. As we walked past them, I could feel the infectious buzz coming from those waiting. 

After letting the appropriate people know that we'd arrived, we were then escorted inside to watch the sound check. I'm extremely interested in what goes behind the scenes at events such as concerts and loved every second of it watching all of the comings and goings happening around me. Instruments were being tuned, the merchandise stall was in the process of being set up and the lighting was being adjusted. So much work goes on behind the scenes to make each show run smoothly and to the perfection that we the audience see. We're all unaware of just how much time, hard work and effort each member of the crew puts into every show. Without them there would be no show! From spending such a short period of time in that environment it was evident that both the crew as well as the band are extremely close. I can only imagine that whilst on tour everyone becomes like an extended family.

After a short wait both Richie and Ori arrived at the venue in time for sound check. They appeared on stage from the darkened wings and began to set up their guitars with the help of the guitar techs. Once organised, Orianthi looked in my direction and waved! It was one of those exciting moments in life where it all seemed like a dream. Even if I hadn't actually met her, having Orianthi wave in my direction would have made my night!

Watching sound check was such a cool experience-it was like having your own private concert! During sound check they performed a bunch of songs by some of the biggest names in the music industry. I can't remember the exact list of songs they performed however, I'm pretty sure it included numbers from artists such as Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder and The Beatles.

We were then taken backstage towards the end of the band's sound check. As you can probably imagine at this exact moment I was rather excited! I'd wanted to meet Ori for years and the moment was finally going to happen!!!!

We waited in the hallway outside of the dressing rooms whilst Ori got ready for the show. I'd never properly been backstage before, so I really enjoyed soaking everything in. For whatever reason I had always imagined backstage areas to be quite glamorous (I have no idea why to be honest!). However, it wasn't at all what I expected. I liked it though, there was a nice buzz about the place.

After waiting for a few minutes, a small crowd of people appeared at the other end of the hall. It took a few moments for my brain to click and for me to realise that there, at the other side of the corridor was Richie Sambora himself! He immediately came right over to me and started chatting. Richie was such a lovely, genuine and down to earth type of guy! He certainly wasn't one of those rockstars/celebrities that couldn't care less about their fans. I wish I could tell you more of what he said but I had one those star struck moments-typical me!

I had my photo taken with Richie but didn't realise until later on that our camera had decided to play up and didn't save the photograph which was frustrating-but at least I have the memory! Before bidding us farewell and heading to his dressing room, Richie gave me a big hug and shook hands with my Dad! What a special moment!

Before long one of the dressing room doors opened and out came Orianthi! Both Dad and I shook hands with her and she then gave me a big hug! Ori was seriously one of the loveliest people I've met! I felt at ease chatting with her, which was lovely as I really got to enjoy the time I spent with her. It wasn't one of those moments that I had gotten so hyped up about, my mind went blank and then all seemed liked a blur afterwards. Instead, I can replay the moment in my head, recalling every detail and remembering the exact conversation.

I really admire Orianthi's sense of style and one of the first things I really noticed was her outfit which you'll be able to get a glimpse of in the photo I have added to this post. She was even wearing one of her famous hats that I'd admired in so many of her photographs posted on Instagram. But before I could even mentioned how much I love her style, she complimented my outfit and hat!

I chatted with Orianthi about her time touring with Alice Cooper, I'd seen them live in Edinburgh almost two years before. She told me about one of their shows (which funnily enough I happened to have watched footage of on YouTube) where during School's Out, Alice and the rest of the guys in the band all appeared wearing blonde wigs similar to Ori's hair. It was interesting to hear her account of what happened, as I often watch concert videos and wonder what it's like from the musician's point of view.

Orianthi even told me about some of the new musical projects she'd been working on such as recording at the legendary Abbey Road Studios and her greatest hits album which at the time was just weeks away from being released in Japan. She also told me a little bit about the new album that both her and Richie are currently working on, which of course I can't wait to hear as it sounds like it'll be right up my street!

I brought along my copies of Orianthi's albums in hope that she would sign them for me. Kindly obliging, she turned to me and thanked me for supporting her work and purchasing her albums. Meeting someone who I really admire and having them thank me for my support really meant a lot! It's lovely to hear directly from the artist that they appreciate their fans support. Before making our way to our seats to watch the show, I then had my photograph taken with Ori. Fortunately, the camera decided to cooperate this time-phew!
This just so happened to be the final show of Richie's tour of the UK and Europe and it was great end to the tour I must say! Richie played a range of songs from his time as a member of Bon Jovi and also performed material from his solo albums. Together, they even performed a song named "You Don't Wanna know" which featured as one of the tracks on Orianthi's latest album "Heaven In This Hell". As you can imagine there was some amazing guitar solos which of course I could happily sit there and listen to for days without end. And of course, I can't forget the amazing Glasgow audience who love to have a good time!

At the end of the show one of the roadies came and found me with a Richie's copy of the show's set list that he had on stage with him for me to keep. I've never had the opportunity to stand at the front of the stage at a concert before because of my health. Due to that I've never had the opportunity to catch a plectrum from the band or a copy of the set list. As you can imagine I have and will continue to treasure the set list and plectrums I received that evening as memento from the amazing night that I had.

I highly doubt that Richie, Ori or any or their wonderful team will ever come across this post but if they do, I just wanted to say a huge thank-you to each and everyone of them for making my dream come true! They were all so sweet and kind and really made me feel special! I also owe a huge thank you to my amazing Mum as without her this would never have happened!

Orianthi: Heaven In This Hell Album Review

I've been deliberating for the past little while on what album I should choose to write my first ever review on. Eventually, inspiration struck and I finally decided upon reviewing one of Orianthi Panagaris' albums, Heaven in This Hell. Both her music and incredible talent has played a huge part in my life by inspiring me to learn guitar and more recently bass. Seeing Orianthi play on Michael Jackson's This Is It film for the first time back in 2009 really blew me; I was in awe and immediately wanted to play guitar just like her. Last year one of my dreams came true and I actually got to meet with Orianthi before one of her shows with former Bon Jovi member, Richie Sambora! Perhaps I might write about meeting them both sometime in the not so distant future.



Orianthi & I last year

As a solo artist I'd love to see Orianthi recieve more recognition, particularly here in the UK. With that in mind I decided to write my first review on her latest album named Heaven in This Hell which was released back in 2013.  

Orianthi's previous album titled Believe which was released in 2010 featured a more mainstream pop/rock sound. Believe had some really catchy songs including "According To You" which (I think!) was really popular in the US and Australia. The album also included a guitar instrumental track; a duet with Stevie Via named "Highly Strung".

Heaven in This Hell on the other hand has a more heavy rock/blues sound flowing through the album. Each track showcases Orianthi's amazing guitar playing which of course, I just can't get enough of!

My favourite tracks from Heaven in This Hell consists of songs such as You Don't Wanna Know, which I heard Ori perform live on tour with Richie Sambora last year, Frozen and Better With You.
The album starts off with it's title track Heaven in This Hell, a heavy rock song with one of those outstanding guitar solos as it approaches the last two minutes or so. You Don't Wanna Know then follows as the second track in the playlist. Like I said above this is one of my favourite tracks on the album. I love that this particular track has a strong acoustic sound throughout it. Previously, I'd never actually heard any of Ori's solo material live so hearing it performed on tour last year was absolutely brilliant!
Next on the album is "Fire" which just so happened to be one of the first songs from Heaven in This Hell that I ever heard. "Fire" is another heavy rock track filled with some awesome riffs and guitar solos. It was released on an EP a good few months in advance of the album's release date featuring four new tracks from what was at the time soon to be released album.
If You Think You Know Me is another great song from this fantastic album. I read an interview from around the time "Heaven In This Hell" was released and Orianthi mentioned that the track was one that she wanted to be able to play live. Believe it or not, the very first time I listened to that specific song, that was one of the first thoughts that came to my mind. I could completely imagine it being performed live. There are just some songs out there that you hear and know would sound great in concert.

As the album goes on How Do You Sleep?, a blues inspired track begins to play. As someone who plays bass guitar, I'd say that blues is definitely one of my favourite styles to play. Blues in my opinion is one of the most relaxing genres to play, it really gives the musician the opportunity to portray emotion in their music.
One of my favourite songs in the album, Frozen just so happens to come next. Frozen is a great rock song, which I love to sing along to (as you do!). If you love to listen to Orianthi's amazing guitar solos, then you'll definitely love this song!
Following the loud, heavy rock sound featured in "Frozen" we have the opportunity to wind down after the rush of adrenaline and excitement from the pervious tracks. "Rock" is a relaxed, country number that reminds me of warm summer days. I must admit I'm not the biggest fan of country music but this track is most definitely an exception. I really love how songs/music such as "Rock" can take you to another place and help you forget the craziness of the world around you for a little while.
The album continues with a ballad "Another You" which features a powerful guitar solo approaching the end of the song. I love listening to guitar solos, particularly solos performed by Orianthi. So as you can imagine; I just can't get enough of her music!
"Heaven in This Hell" draws to a close with the final three tracks which are named "How Does That Feel?", "Filthy Blues" and "If You Were Here With Me". However, a Deluxe Edition of the album was also released on iTunes which had a couple of bonus tracks. The bonus songs include the brilliant rock track "Sex E Bizarre" a duet with rock legend and lead singer of Aerosmith, Steven Tyler. Then of course there is one of my favourites "Better With You" a pop song which I just can't help but love! "Better With You" is another of those catchy songs that you find yourself singing along without thinking. Finally, there is also a radio mix of "Another You" included.
Overall, "Heaven In This Hell" in my opinion is a great album featuring some brilliant songs. The album includes a wide variety of genres and style so there's something in there that'll appeal to almost everyone! I'm pretty sure her music and guitar playing has and will continue to inspire young girls out there to pick up a guitar and rock out!