On a clear summer evening in Manhattan, the Summer of Discontent Tour rolled through The Rooftop at Pier 17, bringing with it a dose of Punk, Celtic folk, and rebellion. With the East River, Brooklyn Bridge, and a setting sun and a glowing full moon like a second stage backdrop, Dropkick Murphys, Bad Religion, and The Mainliners gave New York City a triple threat of grit, melody, and meaning.Continue reading
The first time I saw Ghost was April 23, 2016, at the Rialto Theatre in Tucson. Even then, they went big, full church set, stained glass, smoke curling across the stage, and a performance that felt more like a ritual than a rock show. Nine years later, after chasing them across three states, this Phoenix stop marked my fifth Ghost concert, and I walked out feeling the same thing I felt the first time: totally blown away. Continue reading
Sacramento’s newest venue, Channel 24, had eluded me until the final two nights of Primus’s Onward & Upward Tour came to town… What a great and rare experience! The intimate venue is mostly GA, except for a small number of seats that populate the second and third levels of the balcony area. What you got was a rare up-close and personal show of one of the most influential nineties Indie/Alt Rock bands still touring. The trio consists of bassist/vocalist Les Claypool, guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde, and this tour features the newly acquired drummer John Hoffman, the “Chosen One,” from over 6000 applicants from around the world! Continue reading
Wheatland, California’s Toyota Amphitheatre saw Volbeat’s “Greatest Of All Tours Worldwide” make its long-awaited tour stop. The crowd ranged from young to old and represented all the different styles of metal. You couldn’t tell if they were there for the retro vibe of Volbeat or the latest and greatest from Lzzy Hale and company of Halestorm. The foreboding clouds did nothing to deter the crowds, and the crowds showed up early, openly embracing the incoming inclement weather.Continue reading
There’s something about the open air at Jones Beach Theater that always make shows seem so damn huge. Pantera brought their summer tour to Long Island with support from Amon Amarth and Shock Narcotic. The night had a sense of sadness as the metal community was collectively mourning, following the death of Ozzy Osbourne, who was honored throughout the show.Continue reading
St. Louis has been under a heat advisory. The heat and humidity have conspired to create an oppressive feeling simply by leaving the house. It hurts to breathe. The car feels like hell on earth. Is there a better way to take in a Death Metal show? It’s time to put on your cargo shorts and get to it.Continue reading
Greece was witness to Iceland’s current music export since Bjork. Kaleo known for their crossover radio hit “Way Down We Go,” they made a stop in Athens, Greece at Technopolis, a former industrial plant which now serves 4000 fans at every show during the summer season, this night being no different, a packed facility.
Athens Greece had their own version of July 4th, especially since the U.S Independence Day was not theirs and all the bands were from The U.K. or a British Commonwealth. Continue reading
05.07.25-Warsaw Theater- Brooklyn, NY
I was gifted the opportunity to catch the second coming of the Napalm Death, Melvins tour package known as The Savage Imperial Death March Part II, but still sad I missed part I with Melt Banana. I love that band! The leg of the tour that I was able to partake in had Dark Sky Burial (Napalm’s Death’s bassist Shane Embury’s project), and Titan To Tachyons (featuring members of Imperial Triumphant) open Brooklyn’s recently renovated Warsaw theater.Continue reading
I love that every couple of years. Baroness does a small venue tour, it feels more connected to their base, and there is nothing better than seeing one of your favorite bands in an intimate room, singing along with a packed crowd. If you were a fan of early Baroness, this was your tour to see them play both Red and Blue Album (both released on Release Records) front to back. Many songs and interludes have never been performed live before.