In this day and age there are so many ways to find new bands and music to listen to. You can wind up adding dozens of new artists to your playlists in a single day, and of course you want to see them live as soon as possible. If you’re an avid concert goer like myself, you can sometimes have a hard time keeping track of what tours are coming. New bands that you just discovered could have just played your local venue the other week, of maybe they are an opening act on a major tour that you didn’t realize. This has happened to me on many occasions, and I facepalm every time I realize I missed a new band I wanted to see. Well, I finally had to chance to check a few bands of my bucket list when the Deathless Tour was announced. Set it Off was coming to Riverside Municipal Auditorium and bringing Crown the Empire, DeathbyRomy, and Caskets with them. Three of these bands I have unfortunately missed every time they come to town, but not this time!

Opening the night was Caskets. This band was introduced to me by a friend when we were going for a drive. He turned to me and went “I know you’re gonna love this,” turned up the radio, and with the first song I was hooked. I eagerly awaited my chance to experience this band live. Opening with “Drowned in Emotion,” I was taken back when vocalist Matt Flood started singing. He sounded exactly like he does on record. His voice carries so much emotion with it that you can feel the heartache in the words he sings. Flanked by guitarists Craig Robinson and Benji Wilson who intertwine their melodies to harmonize with Flood’s vocal range, and then add punch and drive to take the song to a rocking level. Drummer James Lazenby is the perfect timekeeper for the band. He knows exactly when to push the tempo of the song when needed, and pulls back to play in the pocket to mix in with the rest of the band. For being the opening band on the tour, fans could be seen singing with each song played like “Believe,” “Hold Me Now,” “In the Silence,” “Guiding Light,” “Lost in Echoes,” and “Glass Heart.” The energy of the crowd was already at a high as Caskets finished their set, and we were all ready for more music still to come.

Up next was a band experience that I feel most of the crowd was not ready for but was won over by them almost instantly. DeathbyRomy hit the stage with an in your face attitude and dark gothic energy. DeathbyRomy is singer Romy Flores. Flores started the set out wearing a big oversized coat, almost acting as a barrier from truly connecting with the artist. None the less, she was all over the stage, and making sure each and every patron was paying attention to her. About a third of the way through the set, Flores disrobed out of the coat to reveal a bondage-esque body suit with fish nets. It was at this moment that Flores revealed her true energy on stage and opened herself up to be taken in by the crowd. Seeing her now performing in this new outfit, it felt like a metamorphosis of her persona. From being closed off and reserved, almost hiding your true nature and not wanting to be seen in the coat. To being in a revealing outfit, finally taking those steps out of the closet to be who you were always meant to be. This only amped up Flores’s stage presence as she became more seductive on stage. Even her guitarist Jayden Hammer and bassist Cheska Zaide went through an outfit metamorphosis opening themselves up to be seen by the screaming crowd. DeathbyRomy had fans captivated throughout the entire set with songs like “Vicious Bliss,” “City of Angels,” “I Feel Like a God,” “I Kill Everything,” “Hellhound,” “Crash,” “Saint,” “2, 4, 6, 8,” “No Mercy,” and ending with “Day I Die.” With the final song Flores jumped into the mosh pit to get even closer with her fans. Whether you were familiar with DeathbyRomy before the show or not, they certainly left a lasting impression on everyone.

The next band to hit the stage was the only one on this tour that I had seen before. Crown the Empire has always been a solid act, and I feel they continue to get better with every new show I see them at.  Opening this set with the song “DOGMA,” vocalist Andy Leo was more than ready to be on stage singing and performing for Crown’s fans. Starting the song off almost crooning into the microphone, building anticipation for the high energy that Crown is known for. It was when the song hit its chorus that Andy went off hopping and dancing around the stage. Guitarist Brandon Hoover plays with a crunchy distortion sound to his guitar. Layered with bassist Hayden Tree, the two craft fast paced rhythms that adds texture to Leo’s vocals. Drummer Jeeves Avalos can be seen pounding away on his kit with such powerful energy he probably doesn’t need to have his kit mic’d. The double bass beats that he plays is the shot of adrenaline that the moshers need to open the circle pit to its biggest size of the night. Getting the second longest set of the night, Crown the Empire made it count with songs like “Black Sheep,” “Zero,” “What I Am,” “In Another Life,” “Superstar,” “The Fallout,” “Blurry (Out of Place),” and ending with “Makeshift Chemistry.” This was my fourth time seeing Crown the Empire, and each time I grow more and more of a fan of these guys. They bring a fun charismatic energy that connects with every fan in the crowd.

You’d think after three high energy bands the crowd’s energy might be starting to wane, but you could see the desire in their eyes as we awaited our headliners. A voice came over the speakers counting down the band about to hit the stage from 30 seconds, all the while illuminating the drum set as it looked like it sat in the mouth of a carnival built in hell. Once the count down reached zero, the crowd erupted as Set it Off kicked their set into high gear with “Parasite.” Vocalist Cody Carson was quick to get the audience involved with the show. Constantly pumping his arm up and down directing the crowd to follow suit, and like an orchestra following their conductor we all happily complied. Guitarist Zach DeWall plays with levity to his style that adds brightness to Set it Off’s sound. DeWall’s riffs are what help define the band as pop rock. Drummer Maxx Danzinger has his kit sitting right in the mouth of the devils carnival’s entrance. Not wanting to be lost in the back of the stage of this three piece band, Danzinger adds big movements to his playing to make sure he is entertaining the audience just as much as the rest of the band. For the song “Partners in Crime” Romy Flores of DeathbyRomy joined the band on stage for a feature. On the album this song is co-sung by Ash Costello, but Flores makes it her own live adding more personality to the tune.

During “Ancient History” an air mattress was tossed on top of the crowd. Before anyone could realize what was going on, Cody Carson jumped on the mattress. Completely standing up and riding the mattress like it was an oversized surfboard, fans ran down to the floor to add to the sea of people surfing him across the venue. Even drummer Maxx Danzinger had a moment to shine outside of the drum kit taking over vocal duty for “I’ll Sleep When I’m Dead.” Set it Off was nothing but fun and excitement with every song they played that night like “Wolf in Sheep’s Clothing,” “Fake Ass Friends,” “Lonely Dance,” “The Haunting,” “Evil people,” “Kill the Lights,” “Forever Stuck in Our Youth,” “Hypnotized,” “Win Win,” “Swan Song,” “Killer in the Mirror,” “Why Worry,” and ending with an encore of “Punching Bag.”

For a tour with three bands that I have had on my bucket list for a while, there can be some expectations that my mind sets for me that you never know if the bands will live up to. And I am happy to say each band crushed and exceeded those expectations. I could not ask for a more heartfelt connection with Caskets music. DeathbyRomy brought a dark perversion to the crowd and wound all of us around her finger. Crown the Empire continues to put on an outstanding live show filled with high energy whether they are headlining or a support act. While Set it Off sent us all home with a huge smile on our faces. Their music just incites fun, and you can’t help but jump and dance to it. There are only a few stops left on this tour. But you need to make it a mission to not miss the next time any of these four bands come to your town. You won’t regret it.

On the evening of April 9th at The Echo, Madds Buckley and Addison Grace led a vibrant lineup that also featured Isabel Pless. It was an empowering evening for anyone who has felt marginalized for being different. Isabel Pless captivated the audience with her emotionally charged performances, Addison Grace electrified the crowd with his dynamic energy, and Madds Buckley showcased her musical prowess alongside a refreshing sense of humor.

Isabel Pless opened the show, demonstrating her songwriting talents with carefully chosen lyrics. Though she remained mostly stationary on stage, her passion was palpable, especially when performing "Little Life." Her expressions and vocal delivery filled the room, conveying frustration yet whimsy with lines like “when you realize you're just some guy and this is such a little life.” She shared personal stories, including how therapy improved her life, adding depth to her performance. Another standout moment was her rendition of "Bechdel Test," a relatable anthem for navigating life's complexities, highlighted by vivid lyrics such as “But there's a game of Operation in my skull.” In addition to her musical talents, Pless also showcased her hat-making skills, selling unique creations post-performance. Her future in music seems promising.

Addison Grace made a memorable entrance, reminiscent of a cinematic scene. Having been intrigued by his song "White Lies," I was eager to see him perform live. His execution of "White Lies" during the set was impeccable, with perfectly timed movements and expressive gestures enhancing the lyrics. A touching moment occurred when he dedicated a song to a couple in the audience, spreading joy and connection. His performance of "Slime!" was particularly electrifying, with the audience actively participating. Grace's ability to convey a range of emotions through his expressions and movements added layers to his performance, especially when his smiles radiated genuine warmth. His fearless engagement with the audience, including humorous anecdotes about a song inspired by his roommate titled "Makes Me Sick," showcased his charisma and stage presence.

Addison's set was more than just a musical event; it was a celebration of individuality, resilience, and shared human experiences. The artists, through their distinct styles and messages, created a space where everyone felt valued. Their courage and authenticity resonated with the audience, offering support to the LGBTQ+ community and highlighting universal themes like the appreciation of anime. With each act bringing something unique to the stage, the lineup was cohesive yet diverse, ensuring a memorable experience for all who attended.

To conclude the night, Madds Buckley took the stage, her name illuminating the backdrop and setting the tone for her segment. Her setlist was a compelling mix that included "Love After You," "Ambrosia Wine," "Dogbird," "I Wanna Be in Love Again," "Driver's Seat," "Reach," "Little Big Boy," "Brother," "Wine and Wheat," "The Red Means I Love You," and the crowd-chosen "Hating Halloween."  Madds shared how her passion for anime, notably My Hero Academia, has significantly influenced her music. Fans of the anime could likely deduce the character inspiration behind "The Red Means I Love You" just from the lyrics alone. Her onstage movements during this song, reminiscent of the character's gestures, added a playful layer to her performance. "Driver's Seat" stood out as an emotionally charged piece, with Madds's powerful delivery and on-stage dynamism painting a vivid picture of longing and unfinished stories, leaving the audience to imagine their conclusions.

"I Wanna Be in Love Again" resonated deeply, encapsulated by Madds's emotive smile as she sang about second chances and the bitterness of past experiences. It's a relatable anthem, especially potent for young listeners navigating love and loss. Madds's lively sense of humor and striped outfit echoed the vibrancy of her performance, ensuring the night was not only about music but about creating memorable moments.  Her song "Dogbird" was particularly haunting, lingering in the minds of the audience long after the performance ended.

Missing this concert meant missing an extraordinary collective experience. It was a night that affirmed everyone's worth and shared the universal experiences of love, loss, and belonging. The artists, through their music, offered empowerment to the LGBTQ+ community and celebrated the universal appeal of anime, showcasing their bravery and authenticity. The diverse yet cohesive lineup ensured that while there were common threads, each performance stood out, making it an unforgettable evening for all who were there.

As the Sunset Strip continues its relentless march toward modernity, bulldozing history with each towering high-rise and trendy apartment complex, there remains a stalwart bastion of rock 'n' roll defiance: the iconic Rainbow Bar & Grill. For over half a century, this legendary haunt has stood as a beacon of hope for those who refuse to let the spirit of rock die amidst the gentrification and commercialization of Hollywood's once gritty heart.

Sunday evening, as the rain threatened to dampen spirits, the Rainbow celebrated its 52nd anniversary in grand style, offering up a feast of free music to the faithful who braved the elements to pay homage to the enduring legacy of this hallowed venue.

The festivities kicked off with Shark Island, a band steeped in the vintage metal vibes that have long been the lifeblood of the Sunset Strip. Their forthcoming album, "Memento Mori - Live on the Sunset Strip," recorded at the venerable Whisky A-Go-Go, promises to be a testament to their enduring presence in the Hollywood rock scene.

Following suit was Powerman 5000, delivering their signature blend of infectious industrial metal to a now-capacity crowd. Frontman Spider's quip about being the "youngest" lead singer in attendance only added to the electric atmosphere, as the band proved that age has done little to dim their metallic fire.

But it was Faster Pussycat who truly stole the show, their sleaze rock anthems reverberating through the night air as the sun dipped below the horizon. With a lineup of fresh-faced guitarists channeling the swagger of their '80s predecessors, the band proved that classics like "Bathroom Wall" and "House of Pain" are as potent today as ever.

And then came the moment everyone had been waiting for: the return of Sebastian Bach. With a voice that defies the ravages of time, Bach commanded the stage with the authority of a true rock 'n' roll icon, belting out classics like "What Do I Got to Lose" and "Big Guns" with the vigor of a man half his age.

While Bach rightfully basked in the spotlight, it was a missed opportunity for his talented bandmates, who remained largely in the shadows throughout the performance. Nevertheless, the evening concluded on a high note with the timeless anthem "Youth Gone Wild," leaving the crowd buzzing with adrenaline and anticipation for the aftershow festivities.

As the night wore on and memories were made over shots and beers, it became abundantly clear why the Rainbow Bar & Grill remains a mecca for music lovers the world over. So if you've yet to make the pilgrimage to this immortal palace of rock, do yourself a favor and experience the decades of history baked into its hallowed walls firsthand.

I love going to the Renaissance Faire. It’s a reason to dress up in garb, buy beer or mead, and get drunk with your friends. There is mutual camaraderie with everyone around, and you’re all there to lose all inhibitions and just enjoy yourself. Wait… Sorry. I meant to say, I love going to an Alestorm concert. It’s a reason to dress up in garb, buy beer or mead, get drunk with your friends, and lose all inhibitions with fellow drunk fans in the crowd. At an Alestorm concert it is Pirate Party Time, and your only job is to have fun. Coming to the Observatory in Santa Ana on their Tour of The Dead Marauder and bringing with them Elvinking and Glyph. It felt like I stepped into a Renaissance Faire when I entered the venue seeing everyone dressed up for this show. Beer was flowing and the crew was singing jaunty tunes waiting for the show to start. I knew it was gonna be a good time.

Opening the show was an intergalactic power metal band known as Glyph. These alien rockers from outer space crash landed on Earth only three weeks ago. Luckily, these hitch hiking alien musicians were picked up by Alestorm for a tour. Vocalist R.A. Voltaire embodies the essence of Ronnie James Dio in both vocal power and height. Guitarist Rob Steinway meshed his playing with powerful chugs and driving weedly weedly guitar lines. Keyboardist Jeff Black armed with a keytar added the mythical flavor to Glyph’s overall sound. While bassist Darin Wall looked like he was ready to go to battle with the Vikings armed with his axe. Glyph played songs like “Honor. Power. Glory.,” “A Storm of Crimson Fire,” “March of the Northern Clan,” “When the World was Young,” “Defy the Night,” and “Volarad.” Voltaire kept making it a point that on his planet “You only sing if you know the words. Otherwise, it’s your job to enjoy yourself.” This was the perfect sentiment to start the night, as it helped kick start the party aspect of the entire show. Beer was flowing, and fans were moshing even harder to the music, which helped elevate Glyph’s stage presence.

Up next was a more fantasy driven band with Elvinking. Vocalist Damna presented himself to the crowd donning an antler crown. His silhouette casting a haunting glow like the deer demon from the movie Antlers. It was when he sang that the warmth from his voice helped to cast a glistening glow into the venue. Flanked by guitarist Headmatt and Aydan who mix angelic riffing with heavy rhythms. Bassist Jakob and drummer Symohn are the backbone of the band with a powerful low end that helps to drive the songs and the moshers to keep the pit spinning. Elvinking’s secret weapon lies in violinist Lethien, who is blended into the songs well enough. But it’s the moments the band lets the violin stand front and center that adds so much whimsy to the music. Lethien was the key to being transported to the fantasy world Elvinking creates with their music and stage persona’s. With songs like “Rapture,” “The Hanging Tree,” “Draugen’s Maelstrom,” “Pagan Revolution,” “Silverseal,” “Moonbeam Stone Circle,” “Pagan Purity,” “Bride of the Night,” “The One We Shall Follow,” “The Wanderer,” “The Divided Heart,” and ending with “Elvenlegions,” I know the music I am bringing to my next D&D campaign to help cast us into a different world.

As we eagerly awaited our headliners, the bar was attacked with patrons demanding more beer! As a giant 10 foot duck was inflated at the back of the stage, the crowd cheers’d for the duck, and pounded one back. This alone got me excited for the shenanigans that were going to be an Alestorm concert. Opening their set with “Keelhauled,” vocalist and keytarist Christopher Bowes launched into an accordion sounding intro to the song and the fans drank it up. Launching into the lyrics, Bowes sings with a tropey pirate inflection to his vocals that just helps elevate how much fun the band is having. Guitarist Máté Bodor and bassist Gareth Murdock infuse heavy, folk, and power metal rhythms with a pirate twang that lets you imagine you were sailing with Blackbeard on the seven seas. Drummer Peter Alcorn rips on the double bass creating a galloping rhythm that you can’t help but run into the mosh pit to. While keyboardist Elliot Vernon’s synth just adds more enthusiasm to the music. Even bringing out guest vocalist Barbara Blackthorne for the songs “Voyage of the Dead Marauder” and “Zombies Ate My Pirate Ship.” Her vocals were so powerful that she sounded like a siren captivating the crowd and drawing them into their death.

For being a band that describes themselves as pirate metal, they honestly look like a bunch of frat guys who lucked out and got a record deal. Wearing dolphin shorts, snakeskin pants, kilts, tank tops, backwards hats, and sweatbands. I feel I walked into a 90s teen comedy version of a college party. Regardless, this only added to the party nature of the show. With fans tossing around a child’s duck pool floaty that would constantly make its way onto the stage and be worn by the band members before being thrown back to the crowd. Even the crowd surfer’s felt more like they were swimming through the sea of the crowd before toppling over the barricade. The crowd stayed rambunctious throughout the set and security didn’t even both to stop the fun, with songs like “No Grave but the Sea,” “The Sunk’n Norwegian,” “Alestorm,” “Under Blackened Banners,” “Hangover,” “Uzbekistan,” “Mexico,” “Big Ship Little Ship,” “Nancy the Tavern Wench,” “Rumplekombo,” “P.A.R.T.Y.,” “1741 (The Battle of Cartagena),” “Shit Boat (No Fans),” “Drink,” and ending it with “Fucked with an Anchor.” With the final song, Bowes even jumped into the crowd, surfing into the sunset of the show.  

As the lights came on, and people tried to compose themselves, you could see the drunken glaze over many people’s eyes. Alestorm sings many songs about getting drunk, and the fans love to let themselves live those lyrics during the shows. Normally security is quick to push everyone out of the venue, but even they could tell people needed a few extra minutes to recompose. Nonetheless, there was not a single drunken face of disappointment to be found. We got to meet intergalactic beings known as Glyph. Travel through the forests of the world where Elvinking lives. Sailed the seven seas with the most fun pirate metal band in all the lands and survived to tell the tales. This night was not a night to be a normal human with limits. This was a night to be the fantasy being you always dreamed of. The one who can take on any challenge, travel across any world, out drink anyone under the table. This night we raged! And the next day we dealt with the hangover.

Industrial music has always been a personal favorite of mine. Though I do tend to have my specific tastes in bands that I like, and don’t branch too far outside of them usually. This tends to be more on the industrial metal side of things, as heavy guitars just sound like angels to my ears. I know I need to invest more time into the history of industrial music and give more chances to the people that pioneered the genre. So, when I heard that Gary Numan was coming to the Observatory in Santa Ana, I knew this would be a great opportunity to take in the music of a legend in the genre. He just got off a tour with Ministry as a support act, and this night was for him to headline and give us everything he has to offer.

The only opener for this show was an artist known as I Speak Machine. Vocalist and music programmer Tara Busch has brought an avant garde show to the unsuspecting people of Orange County. While Busch was dressed in a Russian-esque military attire, she was projecting propaganda onto a backdrop behind her. Though this may not have been the type of music that people may have been expecting, Busch was there to command the stage. Performing with confidence, vigor, and a passion for the art she was creating. Whether this was your cup of tea of not, Busch was putting herself on the line for the crowd and she wasn’t holding anything back. There were times that Busch was singing with such power, that you could hear her raw vocals overpowering the speakers, and she had a beautiful operatic sound to it. But it was channeled through a synthesizer and effects to modulate the voice and create a more electronic experience. I Speak Machine is definitely not commercial or for everyone, but if you are looking for an artist that takes chances and prioritizes emotion and feelings over traditional music structure, I would recommend checking them out.

Finally, it was time to experience an artist that I have heard people talk so highly about. He’s been mentioned to me as someone who steals every show he’s on, no matter if he’s headlining or a support artist. That’s a lot to live up to, but within the first moments of “Everything Comes Down to This,” I could already see why people praise this man. Gary Numan is an enigma on stage filled with charisma. The way he moves and undulates on stage captivates any onlooker. He rarely removes the microphone from its stand, instead choosing to use the entire microphone stand as an extension of his body and part of the performance. The mic stand becomes his dance partner for the night as they waltz across the stage. Though Numan would step out from behind the mic from time to time, and that’s when the crowd would bath him in cheers and admiration. As Gary Numan has been creating music for multiple decades, you could hear the evolution and difference between the songs as they were influenced by the decade they were written in. With songs like “Halo,” “The Chosen,” “Metal,” “Films,” “Pure,” “Love Hurt Bleed,” “Is The World Not Enough,” “Down in the Park,” “The Gift,” “Cars,” “Haunted,” “Pray for the Pain You Serve,” My Name is Ruin,” “A Prayer for the Unborn,” and coming back for an encore with “Here in the Black” and “Are ‘Friends’ Electric?” It was a career spanning night of industrial heritage.

I have been listening to Gary Numan quite a bit on Spotify leading up to this show so I could be more familiar with the music. Bottom line, he is an artist that must be experienced live. If you’re a new listener like me, just taking in the music through some headphones, you won’t be disappointed. The man knows how to create musical pleasure. But if you want to truly experience the artistry and emotions in the music, it must be experienced live. The songs take on a whole new life for themselves this way. This was the last stop of his latest tour, but he is no where near being done. I know I will be at this next show, and I recommend you do yourself a favor and be there too.   

“Who is Uli Jon Roth”?  This is what I hear from my friends whom have sadly not been privy to the German masterful guitar virtuoso I have known and loved since my teenage years. First discovering his intricate & mesmerizing solos with a lesser known German band at that time,, the Scorpions.  Uli had replaced guitarist Michael Schenker, who left Scorpions to join British rockers UFO in 1974. The Scorpions put out 4 studio albums with Roth including one live album, Tokyo Tapes, and they were all masterpieces thanks to the captivating presence and technical prowess of one of the most prolific guitarists of the 1970’s.  

On April 10th, fans from all over Northern California welcomed Uli John Roth and his band to the Sacramento area for an evening of that I call ‘metaphysical metal,’ on their Interstellar Sky Guitar World Tour. Every time Uli performs, he immediately connects with the audience in such a way that it feels like we had all experienced  a spiritual retreat. The evening started off with a very special first set of Uli’s solo work beginning with “Amadeus” and “Rondo Alla Turca” (a Mozart cover).  ”The Triumph Of Spring” (a Antonio Vivaldi cover) was also a truly magical and transonic experience. During his  first set of two that evening, fans were treated to amazing visuals on a LED screen depicting metaphysical images with nods to greats like Jimi Hendrix, Martin Luther King, Jr., and of course Mozart.  There also were many images of Mother Nature's Earth and all it’s beauty, space and human rights, and all the visuals were spectacular and mind blowing.

After a brief intermission, fans were relaxed (yet pumped) for the second set as we about to hear a marathon of Scorpions classics.  Progressing back in time with “ Electric Sun”, this Scorpions classic pushed the metal boundaries as one of the first “metal” bands to arise in the early 1970’s.  The Scorpions were special then, but not the arena rock Scorpions that they evolved into in the 1980’s. ”Sun In My Hand” was the first of two tracks off of In Trance followed by “Longing For Fire”, both stunningly masterful. ”We’ll Burn The Sky” from Taken By Force is a favorite of mine that I actually played at my wedding - truly unforgettable.  Roth’s band are a superior bunch of musicians with Nikias Turmann on Bass guitar and vocals was dreamy and spot on.  His stellar performance shined in songs like “In Trance” and “Pictured Life”  where the keys were perfectly blended by virtuoso Corvin Bahn.  Jamie Little was the second half of the rhythm section behind the drums, and the second guitar duties and vocals were handled perfectly by David Kiosinski who tackled songs like ‘Catch Your Train” and “The Sails Of Charon”.  Uli Jon Roth dazzled us with his artillery during “Sky Guitars” where all his custom guitars were front and center.  Most of these were custom made with several unique frets and bejeweled with precious gems they are simply stunning to the naked eye.

Throughout set two, we were once again were treated to a spiritual  and visual experience. Uli John Roth Is a poignant contributor and integral part of rock and roll history. Often left off the list of world’s Greatest Guitar players, Uli John Roth is a grossly under rated guitarist  with over 50 years of musical genius and is certainly on my list of top 5 Guitar players of all time.  My friends who said “Who is Uli Roth” now have been schooled in the best rock and roll there is.  Don’t miss the Interstellar Sky Guitar Tour when it rolls through your town. It’s truly life changing.

Between You and Me closed out their Sh!t Yeah Tour at Chain Reaction alongside Young Culture, Homesafe, & Not My Weekend and their finale was simply dramatic on all levels. It's safe to say Between You and Me knows how to pick a lineup and make every show they play count and the concert (as one might expect) had a lot of iconic moments for all who attended. It was definitely a special show and one I'll never forget.  Let's dig in!

At the beginning of the concert, the place was already packed. So you know everyone was ready for when the opener Not My Weekend hit the stage. This is one of those bands that easily has the energy, charisma, and talent to headline their own tour. Having them play first almost feels like a crime (but someone has to do it). The lead singer Patrick Gilchrist has a really cool aesthetic as well, he came out wearing the kind of goggles you see on various anime characters such as Haruko from Fooly Cooly and Syaoran from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles etc. Meanwhile, band member Kyle Roy was showing support for Homesafe by wearing a Homesafe T-shirt. You could tell from how the band interacted with the audience such as Patrick thanking everyone for getting there early that the band really appreciates their fans. The set had a lot of energy to it with the lead singer jumping around and a fair share of crowd surfers.  The set featured songs such as "Overload", "Shut.up", "When You're Around", "Hurricane Weather", "Otherside", "Lightning" and "Knock Me Out". Most of these songs can be found on their latest album Shimmer Season.

There was one point during the set where Patrick made an anime reference that had everyone raising their hands in the air.  The energy during "Otherside" was something else and was a refreshing experience. At a certain point during their set, one of the band members from Between You and Me came up on stage with a shoe with alcohol in it and gave it to Kyle to drink.  While Kyle was drinking it the guy from Between You and Me and Not my Weekend's drummer Deven were smiling and cheering, so as weird as the moment sounds, it was surprisingly wholesome. Basically when touring with an Australian band expect the unexpected. Overall with the whole band smiling and having fun on stage, it was one of those experiences where it's impossible not to have a good time. Joy is contagious.

The next band to hit the stage was Homesafe and you could tell that they leveled up since their show on tour in Los Angeles. They looked like they were having a lot of fun on stage. There were so many iconic hair flips and jumping around on stage, that the energy even had the audience dancing. Between You and Me even jumped on stage and sang during one of Homesafe's songs. Their songs performed that night were "Permanent Resolution", "Relapse", "Hourglass", "Sry2Say", "Vanilla-Scented Laser Beams", "Save Me", "With You", "Hold On", and "Guts".  Their song "Save Me" is a very relatable one to anyone who's ever been stuck in the same routine and felt alone.   Meanwhile "Sry2Say", "Permanent Resolution" and "Hold On" can all be found on their latest EP, What Did You Find Out? which came out last month. A lot of their music has a relatable getting through life despite it all feeling to it. And honestly a lot of sick guitar parts.

The final band to hit the stage before Between You and Me was Young Culture. Young Culture is one of those bands that always puts on an insane enough set that if you didn't know there was a band after them, you'd think they're the headliner. Their lead singer Alex knows how to perform on a stage like he owns it.  They had the whole audience clapping and singing along. Alex even jumped into the pit during a song. There were even moments where Kyle from Not My Weekend was crowd surfing during Young Culture's set and another moment where the legendary shoe was brought out. You could really tell that all the bands love each other. Songs performed include "Party Girl", "Drift", "Tattoo", "Not in Love", "Jesus", "Better Off as Friends", "Hailey Beverly 2016", "Shiver", "Kinda Over it", and "Holiday in Vegas".  "Holiday in Vegas" and "Not in Love" were especially fun to see live and had everyone jumping around. You could feel all the excitement from the crowd surfers too. At times even there were multiple crowd surfers on stage and Alex crowd surfing was an iconic moment.

Finally, it was time for the headliner to hit the stage and everyone was hyped for Between You and Me. If you wanted to capture sick audience reactions, this was the best set to do it. There were constant crowd surfers and multiple on the stage multiple times. A lot of jumps from the band members on stage and in a sense, all chaos broke loose but in a good way. At one point during the set, the lead singer of the band Jake Wilson is seen wearing a pair of sunglasses shaped like hearts on stage. We even had a bunch of balloons come out of nowhere and them floating through the crowd. The songs played during this legendary set were "Dakota", "Supervillain", "Nevermind", "In The Middle", "Yeah", "Pleased to Meet You", "Move On", "Goldfish", "All-Star" (cover from Shrek), "Overthinking", "Kill My Vibe", "Better Days", "Go To Hell", "Butterflies" and for their legendary encore "Deadbeat".

The audience waved their hands in the air and sang along to "In The Middle". The energy was electric during "All-Star". "While Better Days" was one of those songs that emotionally gets you. They had a touching speech before getting into their song "Butterflies" and in a sense all the balloons floating in the air in a way felt like they resembled butterflies. Although one of the most epic moments during that was when they had the audience all come up on stage and dance along. Another sick moment during the end was all the other bands coming up and performing with Between You and Me on stage. However, the most interesting moment that I've never seen happen at a show before was when two of the band members got into a big blow-up pool and proceeded through the power of the audience to crowd surf in the pool back to the stage. They also crowd-surfed outside of the pool as well. Needless to say, the bands brought a big sense of community that night and it was an unforgettable experience.

In an era where music videos can transcend the very fabric of reality, Billy Squier's "Rock Me Tonite" stands as a beacon of hope for future generations looking to harness the unparalleled power of dad dance moves and the flamboyance of aerobics chic. With every pirouette and masterfully awkward sway, Squier reminds us that in the '80s, the closer your dance resembled a distress signal to nearby ships, the more prodigious your rock status. The pièce de résistance? A wardrobe seemingly stolen from a blindfolded costume designer during an electrical outage at a spandex factory. One simply cannot look away from the dizzying array of pastel explosions and wardrobe malfunctions waiting to happen – a sartorial spectacle that raises the bar for cheesy clothing enthusiasts across timelines. Indubitably, "Rock Me Tonite" is not just a video; it's a dance, a dream, a dizzying skirmish against the mundane – a heroic declaration that yes, you too can rock ‘n’ roll all night, provided you have the audacity to wear clothes that scream louder than your guitar.  That said, Billy Squire is truly one of my all time favorite guitarists and I will give him a mulligan on this 1984 video monstrosity.

- Matthew Belter

On March 24, 2024, the iconic walls of the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles vibrated with the pulsating rhythms and electrifying energy of KMFDM, one of the pioneering forces in the industrial music scene (or what I refer to as the 'Ultra Heavy Beat'. This exclusive photo gallery captures the raw intensity and dynamic performance of the band, as they enchanted their audience with a mix of classic hits and fresh tracks. Each image is a testament to the band's enduring influence and unique ability to fuse art with sound, offering fans both old and new a visual feast that complements the sonic explosion of the night. Step inside the heart of the action and relive the unforgettable moments of KMFDM's latest triumph in the City of Angels.

- Chris Loomis

In January 2024, Lynch Mob kicked off their The Final Ride farewell tour, celebrating the band's 35-year legacy.  They made a stop at The Coach House in San Juan Capistrano on Easter Sunday March 31 to say thank you and farewell to the South Orange County fanbase. In October 2023, George Lynch stated "After 35 years since the inception of Lynch Mob, I feel the time is right to let this chapter of my musical life fade off into the sunset.”

The band hit the stage early on this night at 8:00pm and played a blistering 90-minute set that highlighted all the Lynch Mob hits as well as select Dokken classics. The current band consists of vocalist Gabriel Colón, Jaron Gulino on bass, long time drummer Jimmy D’Anda and of course Mr. Scary himself George Lynch. The band opened with "Lightnin' Strikes Again" from the Dokken album Under Lock and Key then into the Lynch Mob classic “River of Love”.

Lynch wore an Eddie Van Halen baseball cap for several songs as a tribute to the late axeman (who was without a doubt one of the greatest to ever strap on a guitar). Lynch changed between 3 different guitars throughout the show and proved without a doubt that at 69 years old he can still rip out solos like nobody’s business. Vocalist Gabriel Colón showcased his wide range of vocal talent throughout the night just nailing every song. While he does not sound exactly like Don Dokken or any previous Lynch Mob vocalists, he just has a range that works perfect for this band and all the songs. Definitely the youngster in the band, Colón also brought some great energy to the live show. Jaron Gulin (former Tantric bass player) also brings a bit of youth and attitude to the stage with his thumping bass lines while his rhythm partner Jimmy D’Anda remains one of the most animated hard-hitting drummers in the business. This guy is just pure fun to watch – from his comical facial expressions to his technique and movements, he is just absolute fire . . . and a true gentleman as well.

Without a doubt one of the highlights of the night was the instrumental “Mr. Scary” from Dokken’s 1987 release Back for the Attack as were the last two songs of the set “It’s Not Love” and of course Lynch Mob’s biggest hit “Wicked Sensation”.

The The Final Ride farewell tour is set to wrap up in March 2025, who knows what that means as far as seeing George Lynch play live, so get out there while you still can and catch Lynch Mob rip up the stage. Thanks George for all the memories, killer riffs and magical solos!

Lynch Mob Setlist:

Lightnin' Strikes Again (Dokken cover) | River of Love | For a Million Years | No Good | Testify | When Heaven Comes Down (Dokken cover) | Paris Is Burning (Dokken cover) | Time After Time | The Hunter (Dokken cover) | Rain | Mr. Scary (Dokken cover) | Dance of the Dogs | It's Not Love (Dokken cover) | Wicked Sensation