Memorable Live Performances

LIVE SHOW REVIEW: IRON MAIDEN, MEGADETH & ANTHRAX

When a legendary band comes to town, it’s wise to go see them. Even more so when you add two other legendary bands making an absolutely stacked and perfect lineup. On Sunday, September 27th, at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles, Iron Maiden along with Megadeth and Anthrax absolutely made their presence known in among the sold out crowd. 

Opening the evening at little after 6:00pm, New York’s own, Anthrax took the stage to a rousing reception to the many thousand already there and immediately launched into “Caught In A Mosh.” Songs like that are quite the pit starter. In fact throughout their entire set, the pit did not let up. “Madhouse” was delivered in grand form. “Metal Thrashing Mad” followed. Anthrax surely had the crowd getting more and more energized and roaring. When they got to “It’s For The Kids” which was the first single from their new album, Cursum Perficio, it was very refreshing and great to hear a new song. So much so that having it sandwiched between two cover songs really felt kind of weird. Maybe it’s just me but, playing covers when you have a wealth of great material doesn’t entice me at all. Yes I know “Antisocial” and “Got The Time” are “hits” for the band but, let’s be honest, it’s taking away from more great music we all would want to hear. Closing out their set was an extended version of “Indians.” The band was firing on all cylinders and were great to watch. Lead Guitarist Jon Donais, really deserves a standout mention. He absolutely killed it on the songs, solos, and genuine energy. Just gonna put this out there, how about Shadows Fall on tour with Anthrax?!

Direct support for the show was Megadeth. Before this goes any further, I have to note that this slot should have gone to Anthrax. Sorry but, Megadeth just doesn’t have it anymore. Don’t worry I’m not talking about their individual playing abilities. Dave Mustaine and company can absolutely still shred. And this evening they surely did that part great. The voice, stage presence/energy and production are just not there. Even the way their set began was bizarre. Not sure if this is playing into the narrative of media or something else but opening with “Mechanix (aka The Four Horsemen) and “Ride The Lightning,” while looks and sounds cool in theory, just feels like trolling. The rest of the set was filled with classics like “Hangar 18,” “Symphony Of Destruction” and a stellar instrumental performance of “Tornado Of Souls.” A new song in “Let There Be Shred” which is a really cool song instrumentally fit well in the set. As said above these guys are great players but let’s get someone else in to sing. It’s time! If this next couple years are to be the retirement tour, go out on top with someone who can really let you go out with a bang!

Iron Maiden. That’s it. That’s the review. All you need to know is Iron Maiden. Kidding of course. What a show this was. From set list, playing/singing, production, and performance, just WOW! It’s been twenty six years since I last saw Iron Maiden. When I went it was the reunion with Bruce Dickinson and Adrian Smith with Halford solo opening and Queensryche as direct support. This evening just like that one, was amazing.

What a great way to open the set then with “Murders In The Rue Morgue,” “Wrathchild,” “Killers,” and “Phantom Of The Opera.” I like to think of this as a tribute to late Paul Di’Anno. Those first two albums still cause the volume to be turned up!!! From there an exquisite barrage of “The Number Of The Beast,” “Infinite Dreams,” “Powerslave” and “2 Minutes To Midnight.” The visual aspect during these three were a show of its own too. Side Note: Hey Guns N Roses!!! You need to hire who Iron Maiden did for theirs! Then right smack in the middle of the set, not only does it go epic and amazingly theatrical, we get “Rime Of The Ancient Mariner.” At this point it’s been a great show even though Rime did feel like it dragged a bit. Thankfully the band brought it all back up with “Run To The Hills.” Next up “Seventh Son Of The Seventh Son” had the crowd in a frenzy. Pits aplenty were everywhere on the floor! The next three songs to close out the main set not only are Maiden classics but, a trifecta of amazement. “The Trooper,” “Hallowed Be Thy Name” and “Iron Maiden.” Each song delivered a performance that any band would strive to aim for. The way the crowd and band connected with these should be studied in the best way possible. There’s nothing like hearing 30,000 plus people singing along. Speaking of singing along. When the encore came, I’m pretty sure the general area of BMO Stadium could hear it too. Closing out the night with “Aces High,” “Fear Of The Dark” and my all time favorite Iron Maiden song, “Wasted Years,” was exhilarating! “Wasted Years” last is just simply divine!

Bruce, Adrian, Steve, Dave, Janick and Simon were on fire for two hours. Tours and shows like this are a reason to celebrate the love of music and the bands. Iron Maiden has been consistently great for fifty years now. Let me say that again, 50 Years! The appropriately named Run For Your Lives tour is going to go down in Maiden history as one of their best. Making it a legendary night. Remember, when the opportunity comes to see three legendary bands on a night, GO!!!

Overall Rating: A

Iron Maiden: A / Megadeth: B- / Anthrax: A

By: Brian Lacy

SET LISTS:

ANTHRAX:

01) Caught In A Mosh

02) Madhouse

03) Metal Thrashing Mad

04) Antisocial

05) It’s For The Kids

06) Got The Time

07) Indians

MEGADETH:

01) Mechanix

02) Ride The Lightning 

03) Hangar 18

04) Let There Be Shred

05) Poison Was The Cure

06) Tornado Of Souls

07) Symphony Of Destruction

08) Peace Sells

09) Holy Wars/The Punishment Due

IRON MAIDEN:

01) Murders In The Rue Morgue

02) Wrathchild

03) Killers

04) Phantom Of The Opera

05) The Number Of The Beast

06) Infinite Dreams 

07) Powerslave

08) 2 Minutes To Midnight 

09) Rime Of The Ancient Mariner

10) Run To The Hills

11) Seventh Son Of The Seventh Son

12) The Trooper

13) Hallowed Be Thy Name

14) Iron Maiden

ENCORE:

15) Aces High 

16) Fear Of The Dark

17) Wasted Years

MEMORABLE LIVE PERFORMANCES: STONE TEMPLE PILOTS- DEAD AND BLOATED WITH CHESTER BENNINGTON (2001)

Twenty five years ago, the Family Values Tour was on the road. The lineup for that year was headlined by Stone Temple Pilots along with Linkin Park, Staind, Static X and Deadsy. The tour took place during the fall of 2001.

During the tour in Toronto, STP brought out a special guest in Chester Bennington of Linkin Park to join them for “Dead And Bloated.” Seeing and hearing both Scott and Chester on this song sounds so good. And the performance aspect of it is stellar. The look of excitement on Chester’s face while getting to perform with STP is quite something to see. As things would play out later on down the line, Chester wound up fronting STP for a brief moment in time.

Enjoy this memorable moment from 2001!

Stone Temple Pilots- Dead And Bloated with Chester Bennington (Live 2001: Toronto, Ontario, Canada):

MEMORABLE LIVE PERFORMANCES: LINKIN PARK- WITH YOU AT ROCK AM RING 2026

Twenty five years ago at the Rock Am Ring festival in Germany, Linkin Park stole the show. They began their set that day with the song “With You” and in their own way, lured the thousands in attendance to turn their attention to the stage with the way they kicked it off. This 2001 performance became one of those of monumental significance.

Now in 2026, Linkin Park returned to Rock Am Ring as headliners and celebrated that significant moment in grand fashion by opening their most recent set the same way. The intro that DJ Joe Hahn starts creates a wave of excitement then the rest of the band runs on stage and singer Emily Armstrong hits her scream into gear just like Chester Bennington did in 2001. To pay homage to the night as well, even her jacket resembled that of Chester’s.

“With You” is a gem in the bands catalog. It’s great they brought it into their new live sets. The rest of the setlist for the show is great. Enjoy this very memorable set!

Linkin Park- With You: Live At Rock Am Ring 2026:

Linkin Park- With You: Live At Rock Am Ring 2001:

MEMORABLE LIVE PERFORMANCES: THE SMASHING PUMPKINS AT PINKPOP 1998

The Smashing Pumpkins are truly one of the most prolific bands of the last almost forty years. There is no denying the impact, influence and creativity that this band has had on so many.

Back in 1998, The Smashing Pumpkins released their album, Adore. While at the time, it divided the fan base, over time, Adore has become one of the bands most personal and intimate albums. While it may be a departure for some, Adore, actually harks back to the origins of the band, when they were more post-punk based. Funny enough too, the electronic elements on the album, was a precursor for what was to come in rock music.

The live performances during this time were something interesting and special. Drummer Jimmy Chamberlain was such a tour de force on drums that, the band recruited powerhouse Kenny Aronoff to play drums along with a couple other percussionists to make the sound come alive.

Let’s flashback to the summer of 1998, two weeks before the release of Adore. On June 1, 1998, The Smashing Pumpkins took the stage at the Pinkpop Festival in the Netherlands. The Pumpkins were selected to step in for Pearl Jam. This live performance was one of those shows that has gone on to live in infamy. The Smashing Pumpkins set blended their new darker electronic sound and incorporated some quite fun new orchestral style elements into the songs.

Enjoy this very memorable Smashing Pumpkins live show!

The Smashing Pumpkins- Live At PINKPOP, 1998:

LIVE SHOW REVIEW: MELTED BODIES AT OBLIVION LA

Late last summer when I went to see Reba Meyers play a solo show, the direct support band that evening really caught my ears. It was one of those moments when you hear a band you know nothing about and it just makes sense. That band was Melted Bodies and I just got the chance to see them again and good golly were they just as awesome. 

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LIVE SHOW REVIEW: FAILURE AT ZEBULON

As Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kellii Scott took the stage to a roaring applause inside the very intimate Zebulon, the room with the high ceilings suddenly became a full of individual space capsules as each person was ejected into the wonderful world that is the band, Failure. Not many bands can create such an individual feeling amongst a sea of a couple hundred people but, Failure can. For the next hour and a half, this beyond influential and inspirational trio hit every note, melody, chord and rhythm with such a a visceral intensity that sent chills and joy through us all. While it has been a minute since Failure has been on stage, and one for me to see them as well, this evening showed why they are one of the best to ever do it.

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LIVE REVIEW: NINE INCH NAILS AT HONDA CENTER

Everyone has that one band they absolutely love. That one band that every time they come to town, you drop what you are doing to go see them live. Since the year 2000 when I first saw my all time favorite band, Nine Inch Nails live, I have made it a point to be at every single Los Angeles area show they have done since as well as a few others outside of the area. Last year I had the chance to attend both nights of the Peel It Back tour. I even remember telling my friends I was with, if this tour does a second round, I have to go, this was too damn good not to see again. And low and behold not long after the first leg wrapped up, the second leg was announced. Of course this one had to be in Orange County but, it’s Nine Inch Nails, and I’ll make the trek. After this show, my total of seeing Nine Inch Nails is up to twenty two times and I’m not even close to being done seeing them. This night at the Honda Center not only was astoundingly sublime but, filled with great memories to last a lifetime (wink wink).

The way the show starts on the small B stage is something really special. The stripped down piano version of “Right Where It Belongs” is devastatingly stunning. Then you add in a bit of my all time favorite song in “Somewhat Damaged” and it’s a recipe for greatness. The emotional weight of both those songs are enough to bring tears to your eyes, as it did Trent. Then moving into a partially solo/acoustic performance of “Ruiner” was something else as well. That song in particular sounded so good with just a piano. Then to close out that section with “Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)” remix really gets the crowd’s energy pumping as Trent and band made their way to the main stage. The space in between was filled with a glorious Josh Freese drum solo section that included a snippet of “Getting Smaller” (which I hope that song makes its way into future set lists). Josh is so special in Nine Inch Nails. If you’ve seen NIN before you know what I mean. The second act on the main stage was just an onslaught of heavy classics like “Wish,””March Of The Pigs,” “Gave Up,” “Heresy.” One of the coolest moments was when “The Frail” was used as the transition out of “March Of The Pigs” into “Reptile.” Wow! What a seriously surreal section of the show. The seemlessness of the way those two songs meld together should be studied. Then we moved back to the small stage for the “Remix” section of the show. The way these remixes hit the audience is wild. If you’ve never been to a rave, this is a small glimpse into the fun you could be having. “Vessel,” and “Closer,” got the crowd jumping and dancing. Then you got hit with the How To Destroy Angels song “Parasite” and that in itself was a treat. This remix version is quite the jam. Closing out this section was the newest song “As Alive As You Need Me To Be.” This song I can’t get enough of. Watching all the camera angles this evening and how Trent, Atticus and BoyzNoize manipulate the sounds was exciting and inspiring. Sure certain parts were on tape but the live remixing really takes things to a whole other level. Now back to the main stage and more awesomness as “Mr. Self Destruct” erupted with such a loud pop that you couldn’t tell if it was Josh’s drums or the audience. The rest of the set was just choice cuts like “Less Than,” “The Hand That Feeds,” and “Head Like A Hole.” I’m personally glad to see “The Perfect Drug” still in the set. This song was for years not played live and in the last few years and tours, it’s been a prominent staple! Plus getting to watch Josh Freese on drums during that drum break is so exquisite. And as always, “Hurt” closed out the show.

The production for this show is something else. The tight camera angles mixed with the lights and visuals makes for a very intense visual show. Then you add in the music, lyrics and vocals, and it just comes together so perfectly. I’ve seen this show three times now and this one just might been the best one. I’ve seen Nine Inch Nails twenty two times now and this was one of the best tours I’ve ever seen. The addition of Stu Brooks to the band brought even more life and energy to the band live. As good as Alessandro was at his instruments his lack of energy on stage always seemed to be a damper. Stu on the other hand moves around and you can see/hear the vitality in him as the songs are played. This lineup of Trent, Atticus, Robin, Josh and Stu is one that I hope stays for a long while. Nine Inch Nails are one of the best live bands of all time. Each tour evokes something different as it should. The sheer intensity you get from a NIN show is unlike anything else. Even the most casual fan will walk out of the show a full fledged fan. The albums and songs are timeless and will be for generations to come. Who knows how much longer Trent will keep going. I surely hope he’s not done yet. Nine Inch Nails are more than just a band. If you are like me, it means so much more. Plus, we still need a full on tour for The Fragile! Just putting that out in the universe to make happen!! What a night and show. If you’ve never seen Nine Inch Nails, make a point to rectify that! You won’t be sorry!

Overall Grade: A

By: Brian Lacy

Setlist:

01) Right Where It Belongs (Acoustic, with Somewhat Damaged Outro)
02) Ruiner (Partially Acoustic)
03) Piggy (Nothing Can Stop Me Now)
04) Wish
05) March Of The Pigs
06) The Frail
07) Reptile
08) Heresy
09) Copy Of A
10) Gave Up
11) Vessel (with BoyzNoize- Remix)
12) Closer (with BoyzNoize- Remix)
13) Parasite (How To Destroy Angels Cover- with BoyzNoize- Remix)
14) As Alive As You Need Me To Be (with BoyzNoize- Remix)
15) Mr. Self Destruct
16) Less Than
17) The Perfect Drug
18) I’m Afraid Of Americans (David Bowie Cover)
19) The Hand That Feeds
20) Head Like A Hole
21) Hurt

MEMORABLE LIVE PERFORMANCES: TOOL- CRAWL AWAY 2025

During Tool’s most recent tour in Australia, the band pulled out songs they haven’t played live in years. I don’t just mean like 5 years. We are talking 20 years plus. Songs that fans all over the world have been anticipating to make it in the set list for years. One of those that was played just so happened to be “Crawl Away.” “Crawl Away” is in my top 5 favorite Tool songs of all time. I absolutely love this song. And of course they bring it out and play it in Australia. Fun fact, “Crawl Away” up until this point had not been played live in 26 years. Yes that’s right TWENTYSIX YEARS! Up until November 22, 2025, the last time Tool played “Crawl Away” live was August 8, 1998. That’s just absurd and way to long to go without playing this song! So, here it is, “Crawl Away” LIVE for the first time in 26 years! Thankfully someone in the audience filmed it. Sorry Maynard but, this was a necessary filming!

Tool- Crawl Away (Live In Australia, 2025: First Time In 26 Years):

MEMORABLE LIVE PERFORMANCES: ALICE IN CHAINS WITH JAMES HETFIELD

The year is 2006 and Alice In Chains have begun their triumphant return. Getting out there and bringing the songs we all know and love back to life was one of those things that the universe got right. When this all started going again, you could tell that the fans were really glad to have Alice back. Granted the late Layne Staley was not a part of this but, William DuVall has truly shown he is up for the job and does a stellar job. During Alice In Chains summer festival run in Europe back in 2006, the band welcomed a very special guest to join them on stage for “Would?” That guest was the one and only James Hetfield of Metallica. This version of “Would?” is fantastic and will give you chills for sure. I still hope for the day we can get a Metallica and Alice In Chains tour! Can you imagine the how awesome that would be? I sure can! Enjoy this really memorable performance!!

Alice In Chains w/ James Hetfield- “Would?”:

COLLABORATIONS: SOULFLY & GREG PUCIATO- RISE OF THE FALLEN

I’ve been on a bit of a Soulfly kick as of late. I’ve got something really cool coming up that is Soulfly related but, you’ll just have to wait a moment for that! Part of what put me on this kick was my podcast co-host Justin doing a full Soulfly rewind review (which will be out on Sinisterreviews.wordpress.com shortly) and I went back through a few a few of my favorites. Also, Soulfly’s thirteenth studio album, Chama, comes out 11.24.25!! One of the albums I went back to was their seventh album, Omen. This record is an interesting one for a myriad of reasons. Logan Mader who would tour with Soulfly during the first album was the producer/engineer/mixer. Prong’s Tommy Victor lends his superb and very underrated guitar work to the song “Lethal Injection.” And the reason for this article is Greg Puciato of Better Lovers/The Black Queen/Killer Be Killed/ex The Dillinger Escape Plan, guests on the song “Rise Of The Fallen.” This track is a banger for sure. It’s got a really cool groove to it along with some great worldly textures and then you add in Greg’s vocals both aggressive and melodic and the combination is gold. Listening to this song you can hear how and why Killer Be Killed was formed. Max and Greg work like peanut butter and jelly! The picture at the top is of Greg and Max from the studio! And to end it on a positive note, this collaboration has happened live as well and it’s straight up vicious.

Soulfly with Greg Puciato- Rise Of The Fallen (LIVE):

Rise Of The Fallen (Album Version):