Live Show Review

LIVE SHOW REVIEW: FAILURE AT THE BELASCO

There are a handful of bands that I have on my short list that when they come to play in Los Angeles, I go! These few bands have had a massive impact on my life and there’s a certain feeling that comes from seeing and hearing them live. Failure is one of those bands. Ever since I heard them in the mid/late 90’s I’ve been fully entranced by their music. Fantastic Planet as we all know is an absolute masterpiece but, all their albums are masterful. Seeing Failure live is an otherworldly experience. And on this night on a gloomy October Los Angeles night at The Belasco, Failure transported the entire audience into space.

At lift off Ken Andrews, Greg Edwards and Kellii Scott blasted off their set with “Crash Test Delayed” from their new album, Location Lost. The way this song set the tone for the night was delightful. Then the crowd instantly erupted as the first notes of “Saturday Savior” began and just when you thought it was safe to take a breath, “Sergeant Politeness” caused even more of an explosion. The next part of the set was a treat as “Princess,” “Macaque,” and “Screen Man” made up a trifecta of classic awesomeness. Any chance to hear songs from Comfort is always a great time. The more “raw” and “punk” side of early Failure is quite the listening experience. The song of the night for me was “Counterfeit Sky” from their amazing comeback album, The Heart Is A Monster. It’s one of my all time favorite Failure songs. It’s everything you love about the band in one song. Live this one went into the stratosphere. Then “A Way Down” brought us back to earth and we went for a ride with Failure into a very new wave/post punk treat.

This year is the thirtieth anniversary of Fantastic Planet and of course no Failure set can be complete without a chunk of the album played. The last four songs of their set “Solaris,” “Smoking Umbrellas,” “The Nurse Who Loved Me,” and “Another Space Song” were a lesson in songwriting, sonic exploration and performance. Especially the latter. For their encore, they retuned to the stage with a rousing crowd applause and then hit us all with “Headstand” from their album, Wild Type Droid. Then a giant sing along with ”Stuck On You” filled the Belasco. To end it all was the epic “Heliotropic.”

For eighty minutes during Failure’s set, the world stood still and those of us in the audience were transported to another place. Across sixteen songs there was an excitement from stage to audience that only a Failure show can bring out. It would’ve been great if they played for two hours but, this short but oh so sweet set was incomparable. It didn’t matter if you were a new fan or a long time one, everyone here was just there for one reason and one reason only. share the world of Failure.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Failure Setlist:

01) Crash Test Delayed
02) Saturday Savior
03) Sergeant Politeness
04) Princess
05) Macaque
06) Screen Man
07) Undone
08) Counterfeit Sky
09) A Way Down
10) Solaris
11) Smoking Umbrellas
12) The Nurse Who Loved Me
13) Another Space Song
ENCORE:
14) Headstand
15) Stuck On You
16) Heliotropic

LIVE SHOW REVIEW: STICK MEN AT THE BAKED POTATO

Being able to have an eclectic experience with music is truly a gift. Weaving in and around different styles, genres, and sounds makes for a truly immersive environment. Which brings me to a recent show I went to that was all of the previously mentioned and more. At The Baked Potato in Studio City/Hollywood, Stick Men performed a set that was truly unique and quite a bit of a trip into a different world.

Stick Men is a trio featuring King Crimson’s Tony Levin and Pat Mastelotto with Markus Reuter. Together they make music that feels part film score, part avant-garde, part progressive rock and part jazz. This evening at the legendary Baked Potato, Tony, Pat and Markus were celebrating the group’s new album, Let’s THRAK Again, a tribute to King Crimson’s ’90s landmark album, THRAK.

Throughout the bands set, you felt like you were swept away by the rhythms and dissonance. Being all instrumental, your imagination has the ability to run wild and free. Each piece lent itself to a remarkable story. The playing abilities of all three was astounding. Music like this is not easy and yet at the same time felt almost improvised. That feeling is something that truly makes music special. Amongst the sold out crowd, you could sense that those there were swept away by it all too.

When the opportunity comes to explore your musical tastes, go and see what comes of it. Shows like this and bands like Stick Men, show there is a wealth of more to discover. And what a great place to start than with King Crimson.

Overall Rating: A

By: Brian Lacy

Stick Men- Let’s THRAK Again:

https://stickmen.bandcamp.com/album/lets-thrak-again-reel-one

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

LIVE REVIEW: GUNS N ROSES AT ROSE BOWL

The last time Guns N Roses played the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, California, it was 1992. Fast Forward thirty four years and here they are again. It’s unmistakable the influence Guns N Roses has had on musicians and bands for over forty years now. The debut, Appetite For Destruction is still very much talked about.The Use Your Illusion albums have gone on to live in infamy for their great songs, arrangements and who can forget those videos (“You Could Be Mine,” “Don’t Cry,” “November Rain” and “Estranged”). And then there is Chinese Democracy. I’m probably one of the few out there that enjoy it. Take away the over produced aspects and some of the electronic elements, a couple songs and you’ve got one hell of a good album with some spectacular songs (“Better,” “Street Of Dreams,” “There Was A Time,” “Sorry,” “Madagascar,” and “Prostitute”). It’s been since 2021 when I saw GnR last, and on a whim myself and my friend Justin of Sinister Reviews, decided to head out to the Rose Bowl to see what Guns N Roses are up to.

At about 7:50pm, as the sun was almost completely set, the house music turned off, the lights off and the roar of tens of thousands of people, Guns N Roses took the stage and immediately made sure we knew where we are with “Welcome To The Jungle.” Still one of the best track one’s of all time. Over the course of the next three hours and twenty eight more songs, you knew you were in for a night. Jumping into “Bad Obsession” next was a treat. Such a good bluesy number to get things shaking a bit more as “It’s So Easy” and “Mr. Brownstone” were right after. One of the highlights of the show was when they played “Chinese Democracy.” The newer arrangement on the song plus this band, really makes this song shine. Another big highlight was “Don’t Cry.” What a song it still is and this evenings performance of it was top notch. A slew of other classics and fan favorites like “You Could Be Mine,” “Rocket Queen,” “Think About You,” “Civil War,” and “Yesterdays” were played. The three newer songs they played “Hard Skool,” “Nothin'” and “Atlas” sounded good and are definitely from the Chinese Democracy era. The encore was just a sweep of hits from “Sweet Child O’ Mine,” “November Rain,” “Nightrain” and of course “Paradise City.”

There is one aspect of this whole night that has left a bit of a sore spot with me. I’m not saying this wasn’t a really good show but, the inclusion of SEVEN COVER SONGS is too much. While I get to a point the need to play “Live And Let Die” and “Knockin On Heaven’s Door,” there is no need for anymore than that. Yes, The Spaghetti Incident exists and yes they have been playing covers since their start but, come on already. I’m sure the majority of people in the audience would have rather heard “Pretty Tied Up,” Locomotive,” “Dust N Bones,” Coma,” “Dead Horse” or like me more from Chinese Democracy, over a The Damned cover, one from Rose Tattoo (wish you a speedy recovery Angry Anderson), two Black Sabbath covers and “Slither” from Velvet Revolver. Thats five songs right there that should have been original songs. Instead of Duff singing a cover, let him sing his song “So Fine.” What’s so hard about that?! You wrote the songs! PLAY THEM!!

Axl still sounds good. While there are certain higher notes he can’t hit anymore (and he still tries), it’s nice to know he still has the passion and care to want to deliver. The songs though that featured a lower register vocal, sounded amazing. When they got to “Estranged” that’s when you could really tell how good this side of Axl still is. “Estranged” has been my favorite Guns song since I was eight years old, and to still be able to hear it live and this damn good, made my night. Just a thought, if it’s too much for Axl to hit all these notes across a three hour show, consider shortening the show! I mean it would still be a great show and then you get two openers that are really good on and you have yourself a stellar night. The band was on fire all night. Slash did Slash things and sounded great. Duff was right in the pocket all night and added a great rhythmic flair. New drummer Issac Carpenter was superb. He actually plays more like Steven Adler than any other drummer that’s sat back there. But it’s two other members that really need to get the due respect they deserve. Dizzy Reed is a gem in the band. His piano/keyboards add the right amount of texture and dynamic to the songs. There’s really a special charm with Dizzy. As well as longtime guitarist Richard Fortus. What a talent too. Great playing, great style and swagger. He fits in this band like a glove. Plus he kind of looks like Izzy Stradlin, bonus for everyone missing Izzy.

I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention that Ice Cube was the opening act. I don’t know whose idea that was (probably Axl, as he was always a fan) but, come on! Know your audience. The Black Crowes have been out with you for a few shows, they would’ve been a better choice. That’s not to say Ice Cube wasn’t good. He was fine. He did his thing up there and a chunk of the crowd was dancing and shaking their asses a bit. It’s just this wasn’t the right time or audience for that.

Guns N Roses are not about to go anywhere. It’s great to have them back and out there. Now it’s time to really work on some new music. The want is there and if done right, this could be quite the record. GnR still knows how to put on a great show. The Rose Bowl was filled with people of all ages and from different generations which makes it more fun to share the night with. Provided they aren’t obnoxious or drunk. Let’s hope that the next time Guns N Roses comes through, things are a bit different. And while they’re at it, let’s ditch the silly background images playing behind the band Pretty sure most were from five years ago too. Just show the band, that’s what the people want to see!

Overall Rating: 8.5/10

By: Brian Lacy

GUNS N ROSES SETLIST:

01) Welcome To The Jungle
02) Bad Obsession
03) It’s So Easy
04) Mr. Brownstone
05) Slither (Velvet Revolver Cover)
06) Chinese Democracy
07) Live And Let Die (Wings Cover)
08) Nice Boys (Rose Tattoo Cover)
09) Yesterdays
10) Shadow Of Your Love
11) Double Talkin’ Jive
12) Hard Skool
13) Estranged
14) Knockin On Heaven’s Door (Bob Dylan Cover)
15) You Could Be Mine
16) Nothin’
17) Junior’s Eyes (Black Sabbath Cover)
18) Sabbath Bloody Sabbath (Black Sabbath Cover)
19) Rocket Queen
20) Don’t Cry
21) New Rose (The Damned Cover- Duff Singing)
22) Think About You
23) Atlas
24) Civil War (with snippet of Jimi Hendrix “Voodoo Child”)
25) Slash Guitar Solo
26) Sweet Child O’ Mine
27) November Rain
28) Nightrain
29) Paradise City

LIVE REVIEW: NONPOINT, SPINESHANK & (HED) PE

Living nostalgia is quite a head trip. The recent Even More Outta Control tour has been almost like a blast from the past. On one hand you have two bands, Nonpoint and (Hed) PE, that have been consistently out there with new albums and tours. Then you have a band, Spineshank, that has come back to celebrate an absolute classic album in The Height Of Callousness. The three of these bands together came up at or around the same time and on this tour, have been able to transport the audience back to a raucous time!

First up was (Hed) PE who were celebrating their second album, Broke, being twenty five years young. No matter the time or lineup over the years for Hed, they have always brought it. And this night was perhaps even a few notches above that. As soon as the band hit the stage, the crowd welcomed them with a roar of noise as they began their Broke centric set with “Jesus (of Nazareth).” Then came “Killing Time” and the entire venue including the staff were deeply rocking out. With this being on the “hits” from the record, it’s no wonder it got a huge crowd pop. The next few songs kept the crowd bouncing and moshing. Quite a fun sight to see especially when “Feel Good” was played. To end their set the always fun “Bartender” went over very well. The crowd singing back during the chorus felt like it was back in the early 00’s again. What a great set by (Hed) PE. Probably one of the best I’ve ever seen them.

Next up in the direct support slot was Spineshank. Since they have been back, they’ve been on the road constantly. During that time Spineshank have made sure to emphasize the impact their second album, The Height Of Callousness had and continues to have on kids these days. Their set while it was celebrating the album, only had a handful of songs from the record with the other half coming from their third album, Self Destructive Pattern. The choice of songs from both records really hammered home how heavy and hard Spineshank is. Songs like “Asthmatic,” “Synthetic,” “New Disease,” “Smothered,” and “The Beginning Of The End” sounded great and throughout the crowd participation really made the melodic parts soar. One of the fun things to see was drummer Tommy Decker still having the cool put the stick behind the head swing. Such a signature move. To close out their set, it almost seemed like they took a shot of adrenaline because “The Height Of Callousness” and “Dead To Me” haven’t sounded that good for a long time. I’ve seen Spineshank a couple times since their recent reunion and this was the best of the ones I’ve seen.

Headling the night was Nonpoint. If you’ve never seen Nonpoint live, you’ve been missing out. The sheer amount of off the wall energy is infectious as well as invigorating. While it had been a moment since I’ve seen them live, the moment they kicked things off with the one / two punch of “Ruthless” and “The Wreckoning” that was enough to know to prepare for absolute fun. Throughout their set, the entire audience, even myself, were caught in the wave of jumping and bouncing to quite the soundtrack. Songs like “Chaos And Earthquakes,” “Buscandome,” “Dodge Your Destiny,” and “My Last Dying Breath” were absolute highlights during the set. A mini set of songs from their debut album, Statement, transported everyone back to the year 2000 as “What A Day,” Victim,” “Endure,” and “Mindtrip” rocked the house. Two new songs “Is It” and “Red Yeti” from their upcoming album, The Last Word (out 9/20), showed there is no stopping Nonpoint! And of course to close out the night was the ferocious “Bullet With A Name.” What a set from Nonpoint.

This entire night was exciting, energetic and full of absolute fun. Concerts like this are what makes fans come to shows. A great lineup, a great venue (El Corazon in Seattle), great company, and the notion that you will have a great time. While it felt like a nostalgic blast, this show also had a crowd that spanned different ages and generations. To be able to connect with younger fans through music, especially older albums, truly shows how powerful music is and why it is a necessity. All three bands have new music coming soon and those are sure to be on my list to watch out for. What a night for live music and for Nonpoint, Spineshank and (Hed) PE!

Review By: Brian Lacy
Venue: El Corazon- Seattle, WA

(HED) PE SET LIST:
01) Jesus (Of Nazareth)
02) Killing Time
03) Waiting To Die
04) Feel Good
05) I Got You
06) Bartender

SPINESHANK SET LIST:
01) Asthmatic
02) Synthetic
03) Violent Mood Swings
04) Smothered
05) Beginning Of The End
06) New Disease
07) The Height Of Callousness
08) Dead To Me

NONPOINT SET LIST:
01) Ruthless
02) The Wreckoning
03) Buscandome
04) Is It
05) Red Yeti
06) Chaos And Earthquakes
07) Dodge Your Destiny
08) Breaking Skin
09) Mindtrip
10) What A Day
11) Victim
12) Endure
13) My Last Dying Breath
14) Bullet With A Name

LIVE REVIEW: THE PRETTY RECKLESS AT THE WILTERN

For quite a while now, The Pretty Reckless have been a really great rock band. One of those bands that has not gotten the due they deserve. Now five albums deep and showing all the signs of a well oiled rock band, they arrived in Los Angeles on sizzling Friday July 31, 2006 to a sold out Wiltern Theater.

At 9:00 the lights went down and a roaring crowd got louder and louder as Logan Nickolic (guitar), Jaime Perkins (drums), Mark Damon (bass) and the absolutely underrated Ben Phillips (lead guitar) took the stage. Then one of the loudest indoor audience pops I’ve heard in a long time exploded as singer Taylor Momsen hit the stage. Without a second more to wait, The Pretty Reckless stormed into a stirring performance of “Death By Rock And Roll.” The next batch of songs went back to their first two albums and upped the stakes of the evening. Just as you thought it was going to hit a more mellow tone in the set, the fantastic and heavy “For I Am Death” made the walls of the Wiltern seem like they were shaking. The onslaught of great rock continued with bangers “When I Wake Up” and Love Me” both and the former from the new album, Dear God.

Then came the moment when the show went for a more solemn tone as “Devil In Disguise (Michelle’s Song)” was played. It’s one of those songs that when you know what it’s about, really hits different. Then the vibe picked up with the title track off the record as well as two more songs from the new album. Then came a trifecta of absolute unbridled rock with “Make Me Wanna Die,” Heaven Knows,” and “Going To Hell.” Each of these songs had the crowd eating out of the bands hands. The fun jamming during the songs really helped to showcase the band as great players and how damn good they are. The way the crowd sang back at the right moments was astounding. For the encore the very melodic rocking song “About You” was played with special guest guitarist Pat Smear.

The Pretty Reckless are truly a great band that deserve more recognition for being a great rock band. They have a no frills approach to their music and songs that makes the music speak for itself. Taylor Momsen has a terrific rock n roll voice and can wail like the best of them! The band definitely needs more recognition as well. One of the tightest bands I’ve heard and seen. Each plays with a vigor that emits heavy rock. Ben Phillips especially needs to be on the lists for rock guitar players!! The Pretty Reckless are here and are guaranteed to put on one hell of a great rock show!

Overall Rating: 9/10

Review and Photos By: Brian Lacy

The Pretty Reckless Setlist:

01) Death By Rock And Roll
02) Since You’re Gone
03) Follow Me Down
04) Miss Nothing
05) For I Am Death
06) When I Wake Up
07) Love Me
08) Devil In Disguise (Michelle’s Song)
09) Dear God
10) Dark Days
11) Spell On You
12) Make Me Wanna Die
13) Heaven Knows
14) Going To Hell
ENCORE:
15) About You (with Pat Smear on Guitar)

The Pretty Reckless Photo Gallery:

LIVE REVIEW: BUSH AT VENTURA COUNTY FAIR

When the chance to see a band you’ve been into for well over thirty years in your “backyard,” you make that happen! On Wednesday night July 29, 2026 around 7:30pm at the Ventura County Fair, Bush took the stage set against the ocean and coastal backdrop of Ventura, California.

Opening the set was the always fun and classic “Machinehead.” Personally I’ve always thought this song has a great impact and energy to be a choice opening song. Then came “Bullet Holes” one of their newer songs from excellent album, The Kingdom. This is another great riff song and you might have heard it in John Wick 3! Next up was from their most recent album, the quite good, I Beat Loneliness, the anthemic “We’re All The Same On The Inside.” It was funny to watch crowd go absolutely silent because they weren’t familiar with these songs. Pretty much anything after Razorblade Suitcase was the cut off point for probably 99% of the crowd. Yes, myself and friend/podcast co-host Justin were the 1% that DID know these songs. Then back to a song some knew in “The Chemicals Between Us.” If you haven’t listened to the underrated The Science Of Things album, you should change that. The Land Of Milk And Honey” was next off their new album. This one was quite the live song that really upped the level than the studio version. From there a large crowd pop hit as the heavy distorted intro riff of “Everything Zen” launched like a rocket. Followed by two more newer really solidly good tracks from The Art Of Survival. “Identity” and “May Your Love Be Pure. A fun sing-along with the crowd came with “Glycerince.” I know that songs is super played out but, when you see it played live and the crowd sings it really loud back, that truly shows how timeless it is.

The next five songs were all from their latest three albums The Kingdom, The Art Of Survival and I Beat Loneliness. “Heavy Is The Ocean” is a fantastic song. While it is a track one (from The Art Of Survival), putting it in the latter part of the set was a real treat. “More Than Machines,” “Human Sand” and “Flowers On A Grave” rocked with the latter song leading Gavin from the stage all the way to the bleachers to sing with the crowd. Closing out the main set was “I Beat Loneliness” and if you haven’t heard this song, thats another one to rectify. What a song and what a way to end that part of the set. After a short breather, Gavin returned to the stage alone to begin a solo version of the classic “Swallowed” from my all time favorite Bush album, Razorblade Suitcase. The new arrangement adds to the already “heavy” nature of the song. To end the night out were classic crowd favorites “Little Things” and Comedown.” The latter of which has become quite the end of the show song with extended bridges and outros that show off how terrific the band of Chris Traynor, Corey Britz and Nik Hughes are.

Bush is still one hell of a live band. They are still putting out quality albums and songs that deserve your attention. I’m not kidding. Go check out the three newest albums, and you can thank me later. Even now as I write this, It’s still a bit of a trip to have seen Bush at the Ventura Fair. Gavin Rossdale sounds amazing. His voice like him hasn’t aged! The amount of energy he’s had from the beginning to now is passionate. One of the things about Bush now that I really like is that they don’t rest on the nostalgia of the band. As you can see there are only a handful of classic songs played and the majority was all new. And when you have albums and songs like they have put out the past few years, it’s best to keep it that way. I look forward to what comes next from Gavin, Chris, Corey and Nik.

Overall Rating: A

Overall Rating For The Crowd: C_ People need to actually care about the band you are seeing live!

Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy

BUSH SETLIST:

01) Machinehead
02) Bullet Holes
03) We’re All The Same On The Inside
04) The Chemicals Between Us
05) The Land Of Milk And Honey
06) Everything Zen
07) Identity
08) May Your Love Be Pure
09) Glycerine
10) Heavy Is The Ocean
11) More Than Machines
12) Human Sand
13) Flowers On A Grave
14) I Beat Loneliness
ENCORE:
15) Swallowed
16) Little Things
17) Comedown

BUSH PHOTO GALLERY:

LIVE REVIEW: THE BLACK QUEEN AT CATCH ONE

After seven years away, The Black Queen made their triumphant return to the stage. The wait for this bands return was well worth it. It’s crazy to think too, that it’s been ten years since their debut album, Fever Daydream, was released. This tour is a celebration of the release of their debut as well as the unveiling of a new live lineup that is truly special.

Los Angeles is a haven for live music and home to some of the most fun venues in the country. The first time I saw The Black Queen ten years ago, was at Catch One. And now for their return they played there again and it felt just right.

As the clock struck midnight, the lights went down and the start of the intro music began to intoxicate the audience. Then Greg, Steve and Danny took the stage to a rousing applause and roar from the crown and instantly began with the great “Ice To Never.” From there it was just an incredible onslaught of banger after banger featuring “Secret Scream,” “The End Where We Start” and “That Death Cannot Touch.” The trifecta of those songs is enough to make one’s head explode with excitement. The crowd singing along too was astounding. “Maybe We Should/Non- Consent” and “Strange Quark” delivered a great sensual performance that fit the vibe on such a special way. “Distanced” was a treat too as that song has a really cool ambience that is moody in the best way. The songs from the bands second album, Infinite Games, sounded bigger than before, especially “Thrown Into The Dark.” Closing out their great set was the fantastic “Apocalypse Morning.” This song is one of my all time favorite end of album songs. The live version of this song is absolutely epic. You have to see it live to know!

The Black Queen’s return to the stage is one of those very welcoming moments. The time away has given their albums, especially Fever Daydream, to reach new heights and acclaim. The addition of Danny Lohner to the live lineup was such a great idea. He adds so much extra to the songs with the instrumentation, arrangements, as well as stage presence. Watching Greg Puciato sing his heart out next to Danny Lohner and guitarist Steve Alexander is a sight to see. The energy of all three on stage emits to the audience and makes for a complete show. Greg sounded great. The way his vocals hit is otherworldly.

Looking around the crowd throughout the show, you could tell there was an excitement in the room. Having The Black Queen back on stage is/was very much needed. I genuinely hope this live lineup stays together. There’s something special about this. And the addition of drummer Chris Pennie will absolutely put it over!

When The Black Queen comes through your town, I urge you to go. You’ll definitely thank me after!

Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy

The Black Queen Photos (I was experimenting with lighting, sorry for the quality. I was also enjoying the show too much):

The Black Queen Setlist:

01) Ice To Never

02) Secret Scream

03) The End Where We Start

04) That Death Cannot Touch

05) Maybe We Should/Non-Consent

06) Strange Quark

07) Distanced

08) Even Still I Want To

09) Thrown Into The Dark

10) Taman Shud

11) One Edge Of Two

12) Now, When I’m This

13) Apocalypse Morning

LIVE REVIEW: POISON THE WELL & CONVERGE AT THE BELASCO

When this tour was announced it was an absolute no brainer that this was a must go. I mean, Poison The Well, Converge, The Armed and The Barbarians Of California all on one tour! Yes please!

On a quite perfect Wednesday spring night, Poison The Well, Converge and more rolled into the Belasco Theater in Los Angeles, CA, and made sure to let everyone in the downtown area know they were in town.

As the clock hit 7:00 pm, the lights went down and The Barbarians Of California took the stage and immediately went into their blend of hardcore and punk. Their infectious energy radiated through the audience for the next thirty minutes. There is an absolute fun aspect to this band that really helps to ignite the crowd and spirit of the night.

Next up was The Armed. If you haven’t had the opportunity to check out this band live, you are truly missing out. The Armed, like the Barbarians, are a fun band that demands your attention. For the next thirty minutes, The Armed blazed through their set with reckless precision that left you wanting more. I’ve had the pleasure of seen them a few times now and this might have been the most exciting show I’ve seen of theirs.

Converge! What else can be said about this band that hasn’t been said before. This band is legendary for a reason. For the next hour, Converge, delivered a set that was as brutal and beautiful as it was pummeling and destructive. Riding high off their new album, Love Is Not Enough and their upcoming other new album, Hum Of Hurt, there was no stopping Jacob, Kurt, Nate and Ben on stage. Ripping through new songs like the title track, “Bad Faith,” “To Feel Something” as well as “Hum Of Heart” and “Death In Bloom,” these new songs have fast become live fan favorites as well as future set staples. The classic songs like “Dark Horse,” “Eagles Become Vultures,” “Concubine” and “Conduit” sounded even more ferocious with age. This set and tour shows why Converge are the blueprint for so many hardcore/metal bands today.

When it was time for Poison The Well, the energy in the Belasco shifted from a very intense energy into a very welcome burst of explosive fire as “Botchla” opened their set. From that point it was game on. The band is on tour now promoting their fantastic comeback album, Peace In Place. The new songs like “Thoroughbreds,” “Everything Hurts,” and “Wax Mask” sounded gargantuan and very urgent, especially “Everything Hurts.” The choice classics played like “Ghostchant,” “Slice Paper Wrists,” “For A Bandaged Iris,” “Crystal Lake” sounded violent and crisp. The band themselves had a sense of joy while playing. Watching Chris, Ryan, Jeffery, Vadim and Noah on stage was inspiring to see as they, like Converge, created a blueprint within hardcore.

This tour was one of those that if you didn’t go to, you missed out. This was one of those lineups that showcased the old school and new school in the best way possible. Each band delivered the goods the best way they can. Having this show in the middle of the week was also a welcome break to all of life’s craziness. We need more events like this to help us all!

What a night!

Review/Photos By: Brian Lacy

The Armed Setlist:

  1. All Futures
  2. Everything’s Glitter
  3. Grace Obscure
  4. I Steal What I Want
  5. Night City Aliens
  6. Fortune’s Daughter
  7. Liar
  8. Big Shell

Converge Setlist:

  1. Love Is Not Enough
  2. Bad Faith
  3. Eagles Become Vultures 
  4. Dark Horses
  5. Under Duress
  6. Conduit
  7. Hum Of Hurt
  8. Amon Amok
  9. Distract And Divide
  10. To Feel Something 
  11. Doom In Bloom
  12. The Broken Vow
  13. We Were Never The Same
  14. I Can Tell You About Pain
  15. Concubine 

Poison The Well Setlist:

  1. Botchla
  2. Zombies Are Good For Your Health
  3. Slice Paper Wrists
  4. Thoroughbreds
  5. A Wish For Things That Work
  6. For A Bandaged Iris
  7. Everything Hurts
  8. 12/23/93
  9. Letter Thing
  10. Ghostchant
  11. Parks And What You Meant To Me
  12. Crystal Lake
  13. Artist’s Rendering Of Me
  14. Loved Ones (Excerpts From Speeches Of How Great You Were, And Will Never Be Again)
  15. Nerdy

CONVERGE PHOTOS:

Poison The Well Photos:

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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