“Summer Tour” 2026

Atomic Rule, The Virgos, Mistress, Cactus Cathedral
Saturday, July 11th 2026
The Song & Dance, Syracuse, NY

Our Score 4 out of 5 Stars

Atomic Rule and Company brought their thunderous durge to the intimate Song and Dance music venue in Syracuse, NY on Saturday night as part of the groups on going summer tour which runs through mid-July.  For those not familiar with the band Atomic Rule is the newest musical offering from former Every Time I Die guitarist Andy Williams, bassist Travis Bennington (Eternal Sleep), Vocalist James Henderson and filling in on drums for this run of shows from the band 68′ is Nikko Yamada. The four band line up featuring The Virgos, Mistress and Cactus Cathedral was a sonic assault on the senses as each act brought their own unique interpretation of what’s become known as “Doom Metal”.

Upon descending the marble stairs leading to the Song and Dance Music venue we were quickly descended from a rather unassuming upper lobby down to a dimly lit, red carpeted subterranean lower lobby complete with its own lighted marquee and heavy double doored entrance which. The vintage roaring twenties esque aesthetics only added to the underground venue mystic.  Once in side the mid-sized venue looked as though it would be the perfect host for the evenings festivities with a low stage set up and open floor plan allowing concert goers to be up close and personal with the performers..

Kicking off the night were a local act by the name of Cactus Cathedral. The three piece power trio performed a blistering thirty minute set of what could be described as sludgy rock. The bands set featured all original material from the bands fairly deep catalog. Cactus Cathedral percussive sound was a solid mixture of overdriven bass and heavy drums complemented by a number intricate guitar solos and unique vocal passages.

Mistress, a five piece funeral doom band from Boston, Massachusetts would follow laying down a feedback filled performance that did not seem to impress nor be the intention of its members. Technical issues aside the band presented rather stiff as each member stood fairly stoic and still through out the half hour set which included tracks from the recently released “Promo” EP. Had the groups set gone off without any issues I would like to think that the performance would have been a bit more lively however that may not be the m.o. for those in the “funeral doom” genre.

“Pennsylvania’s Heaviest Band” The Virgos would take the stage next and almost instantly kicked things in to overdrive mode. The groups sound is a mixture of fast, riff fueled instrumentation which sets a rhythmic foundation for frontman/guitarist Andy Saba’s psycho-billy like vocals. If that name sounds familiar you may know Andy from his previous work in groups such as Bad Seed, Harms Way and Nails. Saba along with bassist Danni Crockett and drummer Eli Gerrity could possibly live up to their moniker as the evenings set was plenty heavy and consisted of a variety of songs from the groups three albums (including my personal favorite “Demolition Dan” from the “Road to Noxen” live album). The trio demanded the crowds attention for every minute of their set and those demands were met with an awe struck crowd frothing for more.

Atomic Rule would close out the night by taking the stage which was now set against a giant image of Thulsa Doom from the classic 1982 film “Conan the Barbarian”. After making brief mention of the characters stylish haircut the band immediately launched into the track “Lizard” subsequently pummeling the crowd for next thirty plus minutes. During that time the band performed a handful of songs from their two Ep’s (The Golden Rose and With Skull Crushing Force) before closing out the night with a bombastic version of Soundgarden’s “4th of July”. Though the six song set was brief in time the band made up for it by giving everything they both physically and sonically.

Having come a long way since debuting at “Bliss-mas 2025”, Atomic Rule in one year has experienced set backs and line up changes including one just prior to this tour with the addition of Nikko Yamada on drums. Where lesser bands would have faltered Atomic Rule has persevered. It is very obvious the love of the music and performing is what drives the band and it clearly shows more and more each time I see them. From performing initially without a vocalist to now seeing the band fronted by James Henderson this is Atomic Rule in its complete form. Atomic Rule will be out on tour through July and we highly recommend you get out to one of their shows as you won’t be disappointed.

Atomic Rule Set List:

1. Lizard
2. Thoth-Amon
3. Neptunium
4. Song One
5. Bone Lady
6. 4th of July (Soundgarden Cover)

For more info on Atomic Rule visit their official site by clicking here.

“Gor Gor Strikes Back Tour”

GWAR, Soulfly, King Parrot
Saturday, March 30th 2026

Our Score: 4 out of 5 Stars

Everyones favorite Intergalactic crack-heads…Gwar landed in Buffalo, New York, on March 30th where they headlined a sold out show at the intimate Town Ballroom. The latex clad aliens are currently traveling the US on their “Gor-Gor Strikes Back” tour, marking their 40th anniversary since being awoken from their frozen slumber. Supporting them on this run is the Australian grind-core act King Parrot and former Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera’s Soulfly.

Right from the start, the show was full of energy as the sold-out crowd was ready to go from the second the venue doors opened. Australian export King Parrot would take the stage and instantly pummeled the senses of the quickly growing crowd. The groups set was packed with fast and heavy riff-age which worked the crowd into several impressive circle like pits which still continued to whirl as the sets closing notes echoed through the venues tiers.

Soulfly would hit the stage next capitalizing on the intensifying energy of the now at capacity room. Veteran frontman Max Cavalera immediately endeared himself to the Buffalo crowd as he took the stage sporting a bright red Buffalo Bills football jersey. The groups signature Brazilian infused groove was superbly held down by Max’s son Zyon who dominated the drums with speed and precision over the course of the bands 40 minute set.

The next time the lights went out the sold out crowd roared as it was now time for the almighty Scumdogs of the Universe to decimate the stage and, decimate they did! Those standing within a fifty foot radius were almost instantly covered in Gwar’s signature multi-colored spew as the band launched into their opening number “Fuck This Place”. “Crack in the Egg” would be performed next and featured the birth of Baby Gor-Gor from a large smoldering egg. This would not be the only time during the night that fans would be visited by special guests. Also stopping in to greet the crowd and (meet their maker) were former President Clinton and current President and First Lady Trump. We were also introduced to Gwar’s newest nemesis Rexor Terror-saur who made several appearances through out the evening. The set was a great mixture of classic Gwar numbers like “Have You Seen Me”, “Saddam a Go-Go” and “Hail, “Genocide!” coupled with newer tracks like “El Presidente” and “Tyrant King”. If that wasn’t enough fans were given a three song encore which included a cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club” before closing out the night with the bands signature song “Sick of You”.

Whether you are a long time devoted scumdog or a Gwar newcomer the “Gor-Gor Strikes Back” tour has something for you. From stunning visuals and a hysterical tongue and cheek story line to thunderous instrumentation and witty lyrics Gwar puts on a show that grabs all your sense and rips them from your body making for a unique immersive concert experience.

The “Gor-Gor Strikes Back” tour will be running through April, ending in Charlotte, NC on 4/29. If you get the chance we highly recommend sacrifcing yourself to the lords of Scumdogia.

GWAR Setlist:

1. Fuck This Place
2. Crack in the Egg
3. Eighth Lock
4. Have You Seen Me?
5. Tormentor
6. Hate Love Songs
7. Lot Lizard
8. Saddam a Go-Go
9. I’m in Löve (With a Deåd Dog)
10. Metal Metal Land
11. El Presidente
12. Tyrant King
13. Hail, Genocide!
14. Gor-Gor

Encore:
15. Mother Fucking Liar
16. Pink Pony Club (Chappell Roan cover)
17. Sick of You

Special thanks to Jason Forsyth for his coverage of the show.

HERSHEY, PA, March 13, 2026 — When Andy Robbins from Palladium Entertainment contacted me about interviewing Brit Floyd founder and musical director Damian Darlington, I was intrigued. I’ve seen Brit Floyd several times over the years and have always been impressed by their musicianship and faithful recreation of Pink Floyd’s music. Still, with some recent lineup changes, I was curious whether the band would still capture the same magic.

From the opening notes of “In the Flesh?” it was clear the answer was yes – and then some. The band sounded tighter and more balanced than I remembered, with every member locked into the music and moving seamlessly from one moment to the next. The production itself was spectacular. Brit Floyd has always delivered strong visuals, but this year’s laser and video show was on another level. The sound mix was equally impressive – clear, powerful, and well balanced, with the kind of deep bass that gives Pink
Floyd’s music its full weight.

The evening felt less like a tribute and more like a celebration of the music created by the legendary Pink Floyd lineup – Nick Mason, Roger Waters, Richard Wright, Syd Barrett, and David Gilmour. The band opened with material from The Wall, moving through crowd favorites such as “Another Brick in the Wall, Parts 1 & 2,” “Hey You,” and “Young Lust,” while also reaching back to songs from Meddle and A Momentary Lapse of Reason. After intermission, the show shifted gears with “Breathe (In the Air)” and a powerful sequence of songs from The Dark Side of the Moon, including “Time,” “Money,” and “Us and Them.”

The 2026 lineup features founding members Damian Darlington on guitar and vocals, Ian Cattell on bass and vocals, and Rob Stringer on keyboards and vocals, joined by Jamie Humphries on guitar, Randy Cooke on drums, Rhiannon Dewey on saxophone and percussion, and backing vocalists Lilian Ximenes, Shannon Fayth, and Hannah El-Ayadi. Together, the expanded lineup captures the layered studio sound that made Pink Floyd so distinctive.

The night closed with “Wish You Were Here” and a soaring performance of “Comfortably Numb,” which brought the audience to its feet. The band returned for an encore with “Run Like Hell,” sending the Hershey crowd home energized.

For a few hours at Hershey’s Giant Center, Brit Floyd transported the audience back to a time when albums were immersive musical experiences rather than simply collections of songs. If you haven’t seen them live, it’s well worth the trip. Brit Floyd doesn’t just perform Pink Floyd’s music – they recreate the entire experience.

• PAUL McCARTNEY – Got Back!
• Casey’s Center
• Des Moines, Iowa

Though I don’t remember it, my father told me that I watched the Beatles first appearance on “The Ed Sullivan Show” in February 1964 with rapt attention.  My father wrote poetry and he often wrote about day to day things that he found interesting.  There was a children’s program in Cleveland hosted by a gentleman who called himself Barnaby and one poem described my youthful frustration as the show was apparently pre-empted by a message from the President of the United States – “it seems that Mr. Kennedy was on instead of Barnaby.”  I make this point because I truly can’t remember a time in my life where the Beatles were not present.  The first record I ever purchased with my own money (.69¢ if I remember correctly, money made by collecting glass soda bottles and returning them to the store – was “Hello, Goodbye.”  So when I learned that Paul McCartney was coming to the Midwest, I made sure to buy tickets the day they went on sale!

Kicking off the show with a rousing rendition of “Help!,” McCartney immediately made the legions of Beatles fans happy, kicking off a nearly three-hour show that featured no less than (21) Beatles songs, from their very first song, made when they called themselves the Quarrymen, “In Spite of All the Danger,” to their last, the Grammy award winning “Now and Then.”  Throw in a plethora of his music with the band Wings and his solo material, and you found yourself treated to a performer who, at age 83, rocks like a man a third his age.

McCartney was assisted by a great back up band, many of whom, like drummer Abe Laboriel, Jr and guitarist Rusty Anderson, have played with him for decades.  Add to this a first rate light and video show and you instantly know why the man sells out everywhere he goes.

I have to say I was moved to tears during “Now and Then.”  For those who don’t follow the news, this was a song written and recorded on a homemade tape by John Lennon.  It was one of three songs that the surviving Beatles (Paul, George Harrison and Ringo Starr) worked on in 1995 for their “Beatles Anthology” specials.  Due to technological difficulties, they were unable to produce a decent version of the song.  However, in 2023, technology caught up and the song was recorded.  To me, “Now and Then” was a on John wrote TO Paul, telling his old mate through song what he meant to him and his life.  When finished, Paul thanked John “for writing such a beautiful song.”  Another emotional highlight was his tribute to George Harrison, which included Paul playing “Something” on the ukelele.

This was the 7^th time I’ve seen McCartney live – dating back to my first time on July 4, 1990 at RFK Stadium in Washington D.C.  The highlight that night was Macca singing “Birthday” to America!  Each time the show has been amazing, with McCartney mixing Beatles, Wings and solo songs each time, making each show fresh and new.

The Paul McCartney – Got Back tour recently concluded the U.S. leg of the tour.  But if I know Paul – I mean, I don’t but you get what I’m saying – I’d look for him back on the road sooner then later.  If you’ve never seen him live, I urge you to find the nearest venue and buy a ticket.  If you’ve already seen him…see him again!

SET LIST

Help!, Coming Up, Got to Get You Into My Life, Drive My Car, Letting Go. Come On to Me, Let Me Roll It, Getting Better, Let ‘Em In, My Valentine, Nineteen Hundred and Eighty-Five, Maybe I’m Amazed, I’ve Just Seen a Face, In Spite of All the Danger, Love Me Do, Dance Tonight, Blackbird, Here Today, Now and Then, Lady Madonna, Jet, Being for the Benefit of Mr. Kite!, Something, Ob-La-Di, Ob-La-Da, Band on the Run, Get Back, Let It Be, Live and Let Die, Hey Jude.  ENCORE:  I’ve Got a Feeling, Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, Helter Skelter, Golden Slumbers, Carry That Weight, The End.

HERSHEY, PA – September 20, 2025

When the Slayer flag rose, you could feel the energy shift in the crowd. Fans of all ages shuffled side to side, trying to capture an unobstructed photo of the iconic logo. As the lights cut out, a short video began to play showing highlights from Slayer’s early years. Vintage images of the founding members appeared as they spoke about the band’s origins. Multiple clips of Kerry King, Tom Araya and the late Jeff Hanneman played as they reflected on how Slayer began and what the band meant to them. Additional clips of Gary Holt and Paul Bostaph, the current guitarist and drummer, explained Slayer’s influence on the thrash genre and how they became members of the band. 

The lights went dark, before Delusions of Saviour could be heard from the speakers as the stage was set for the band. 

As the song faded, the crowd grew quiet with anticipation. Slayer took the stage as the opening of South of Heaven. Those iconic lyrics every Slayer fan knows echoing through the arena to start the night belted out of the crowd as the lights went bright. “Before you see the light you must die” The band wasted no time after showing what they were there to do – play fast and hard. No time was wasted as they trashed through the tracks Repentless, Disciple, Die by the Sword, and Jihad before Tom took a minute to check in with the crowd. 

The crowd would need for the consistent onslaught of fast paced head banging brought by the songs War Ensemble, Chemical Warfare, and Reborn. For me, one of Bostaph’s best moments can be heard through the complex transitions in Chemical Warfare. The pace shifted after Reborn to the slower chugs of Mandatory Suicide. Born of Fire followed which lit up the stage with an amazing pyrotechnic display. 

After that, Araya took a moment to respond to a fan yelling out their love for the band. He smiled and reminded everyone that the band loved their fans and were just as grateful to be there and have the amount of support that has shown for them. He then dedicated the next song to his wife of 30 years, one of Slayer’s love songs, Dead Skin Mask. The song was accompanied by disturbing visuals behind Holt and King as they traded riffs and solos as masters of horror sounding metal. Spirit in Black and Hate
Worldwide pushed the guitarist whammy bars to the limit before the band slowed the pace back down into melodic chugs of Seasons in the Abyss. 

Turning 40 this year, Hell Awaits was performed with more ferocity than its studio version I believe. As Araya proved he could still scream with the demonic speed that built Slayer’s legacy. While Gary Holt rips heralding solo’s, at one point one handed, as flames erupt behind him. 213 from the album Divine Intervention followed, before taking fans back to the 1980s with Slayer’s classic thrash sound with Postmortem. 

The venue fell silent again as inverted crosses started to burn. Bostaph produced the thunderous bass and rolls while Holt and King unleashed piercing guitar cries before the legendary riff echoed between them for Reign in Blood.  Flames burst from the set as the crowd chanted the infamous lyrics along with the band. King transitioned everyone seamlessly into Black Magic. A song I believe he played better than the original studio version. You could hear the years of experience he has gained playing that song. Slayer
closed the night with one of their most scrutinized yet defining songs, Angel of Death.  The production team also deserves credit for elevating the show. Pyrotechnics during songs like Jihad, War Ensemble, Born of Fire, and Hell Awaits were flawless. Slayer demands fire, and they delivered plenty. The visuals of gore, war, and some of the iconic Slayer artwork were blended perfectly. Dead Skin Mask and Mandatory Suicide standing out among the rest. The audio team kept the sound crisp and balanced, while the lighting crew matched every moment with flawless timing and color synchronization.  After a 20-song set, I believe Araya’s smile says it all. Slayer’s return to touring is fueled by their genuine love for playing for their fans. Add in the fact that they still sound incredible while delivering a visually stunning show, and it was truly an unforgettable experience. 

I remember being 15, listening to my first Slayer CD Decade of Aggression and telling myself this was a band I needed to see live. After 20 years, multiple worn-out Slayer shirts, and endless anticipation, I finally saw why Slayer is more than just a band for so many people. It was music to filter the hate through. A different road to take. It was F****** SLAYER!

Johnathan Perambo is a Field Reporter, Journalist, and Schuylkill County Slayer fan. I can be reached at jperambo@yahoo.com with any questions.

Photo credit by: Aaylan Zapotoczny

• LIVE     Collective Soul   Summer Unity Tour with Our Lady Peace +  Greylin James Rue      
• Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO   
• August 12, 2025

Originally scheduled for June 16^th, Mother Nature did not cooperate that night and after Special Guests Greylin James Rue and Our Lady Peace performed, the skies opened with a long steady rain and after an hour or so, the show was cancelled.

Rescheduled for August 12^th, we all tried it again, and this time the hot August night was a success and very entertaining for the crowd, although it seemed that there were not quite as many attendees, probably due to the change of date of course.

Greylin James Rue – from Los Angeles, this Model, Actor, Musician opened with a short set of tunes, best of them being Steve’s House.  Hints of Morissette for me…..

Our Lady Peace – Canadian Alt Rockers – Multi Platinum award winners now for over 30 years.  Cool moment, the re-do of the song Whatever…originally used by WWE Wrestler Chris Beniot, proceeds from the songs play are now donated to suicide prevention initiatives.

Collective Soul – For me, the highlight of the evening was this bands performance.  It seemed many attendees agreed with me as there was a noticeable exodus after their set, which consisted of a couple of newer songs and the hits like “Shine”, “The World I Know”, “December”, “Where The River Flows” and “Run”.   Formed in 1992 by brothers Ed and Dean Roland in Georgia, on this night, the band was spot on with the music and the overall show performance.

LIVE – While I have always enjoyed the “hits” of LIVE, I really wasn’t aware of some of the other songs from their playlist but did enjoy everything that they played.   Formed in 1984 as LIVE, the band has gone through some changes to get to their current lineup.  Front man, Ed Kowalczyk, the last of the original members, is a great showman, and keeps the repertoire moving thru their set.   Throwing Copper remains their biggest selling album with hits such as “I Alone”, “All Over You”, “Selling the Drama” and “Lightning Crashes”.

Overall, a great night of music.   (Starlight, as always, is a top notch venue)

Rating; 4 out of 5     

• Happy Together Tour – 2025
•    Kauffman Center – Kansas City, Missouri
• August 22, 2025

I was born in 1960.  So I’ve had the amazing opportunity of listening to music for almost seven decades.  And while I will always maintain that the 1970s was the best decade for film, you can’t compare any other decade to the 1960s when it comes to music.  Rock and roll.  Pop.  Soul.  We had it all together on the same radio station.  So when a band or performer from that decade comes to town I do my best to attend.  But when FIVE groups come to town, you cant keep me away.  This past Friday the latest version of the popular Happy Together Tour hit Kansas City and I was not disappointed.

The Cowsills (l-r) Susie, Paul, Bob.

Staring the show were the Cowsills, a band so popular in it’s day that they served as the inspiration for the popular television series, and recording act, the Partridge Family.  Brothers Paul and Bob, along with little sister Susie, had a great set, ending with a raucous audience sing-along of their huge hit “Hair.”  I also learned something new when they sang the theme from the television show “Love, American Style.”  I was today years old when I learned that they sang the song.

They were followed by the Vogues, whose harmonies on such hits as “Five O’clock World” and “Come a Little Bit Closer” were as pure as the day they were recorded.    Next up was the great Gary Puckett who, at age 82 still has a powerful voice.  Again, the audience joined in happily as he led them during “Woman, Woman.”

Jay and the Americans were next.  I had forgotten that they sang “Only in America,” a song I always loved listening to as a boy.  Jay Reincke hit all the notes on Cara Mia,” a great tribute to the band’s original lead singer, Jay Black, who passed away in 2021.  All of the groups had a distinctive sound during their heyday and it was their voices that shined on this evening, none more so then the next act, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Little Anthony.  At age 84 his voice was as soft and sweet as when he released his first hit, “Tears on My Pillow” in 1956!

Closing the show were the Turtles, whose hit song gave the tour it’s name.  Fronted by Ron Dante, the band brought the crowd to their feet repeatedly with hits like “Elenore” and “You Baby.”  Fun fact:  the most popular record of 1969 was “Sugar, Sugar,” by the Archies, a popular comic book series that became an animated show I watched faithfully as a kid.  I was taken back to Saturday morning when Dante did the song.  I wish I had been closer to the stage because I would have yelled, “Now do Bang Shang-a-lang!”

“Sugar, Sugar”

The show ended with all of the groups returning to the stage for a mini-medley that had the crowd on their feet clapping and singing along.  To paraphrase another 60s band, the Beatles, “a splendid time was indeed guaranteed for all!”

SET LIST:  COWSILLS – Indian Lake, The Rain, the Park & Other Things, Love, American Style, Hair.  THE VOGUES – Five O’clock World, My Special Angel, Turn Around, Look at Me, You’re the One.  GARY PUCKETT – Lady Willpower, Over You, Woman, Woman, Young Girl.  JAY AND THE AMERICANS – Only in America, Let’s Lock the Door (and Throw Away the Key, “Cara Mia, Come a Little Bit Closer, This Magic Moment.  LITTLE ANTHONY:  Tears on My Pillow, Shimmy Shimmy Ko Ko Bop, Hut So Bad, Goin’ Out of My Head.  THE TURTLES – She’d Rather Be with Me, You Baby, It Ain’t Me Babe, Sugar, Sugar, Elenore, Happy Together.  

• HERB ALPERT AND THE TIJUANA BRASS
• Kaufman Center, Kansas City, Missouri
• August 5, 2025

The decade of the 1960s gave us some great music.  The Beatles.  The Supremes.  The Doors.  Their sound changed the industry forever.  You wouldn’t know it by listening to today’s music, but when I was a kid instrumental music – loud horns and sweet strings with no or minimal vocals – ruled the airwaves.  Al Hirt.  Sergio Mendes and Brasil ‘66.  But the king, at least in my house, was Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass.  At age 90, Alpert and the Brass took over the Kaufman Center and had the crowd on their feet for two solid hours.

Accompanied by vintage film clips, the show began with the great Louis Armstrong, no slouch on the trumpet himself, introducing the band.  As the opening notes of “The Lonely Bull” began, the crowd roared.  Something about a trumpet that gets your blood flowing.  At age 90, Mr. Alpert could have been excused for taking the occasional break.  But he played every note as strong and as sweet as if he was still in his 30s.  In between songs he addressed the audience and even invited questions.  He told some great stories, from how the “Whipped Cream and Other Delights” came to be to how he met his beautiful wife of 52 years, vocalist Lani Hall, who joined him on stage later in the show for a medley of some of the songs she did as the lead vocalist for Sergio Mendes and Brasil ’66, including “The Look of Lovke” and “Fool on the Hill.”

Before introducing Ms. Hall, Mr. Alpert choked up when talking about his dear friend Sergio Mendes and gave a loving tribute to songwriter Burt Bacharach, who penned his #1 hit “This Guy’s in Love with You.”   I’m not sure if Mr. Apert knew it or not, but Bacharach not only grew up in Kansas City but lived about 20 blocks from where the Kaufman Center now stands.

As the band played hit after hit (“Tijuana Taxi,” “A Taste of Honey,” “Rise”) the crowd clapped along, giving many of the numbers well deserved standing ovations.  The music brought back so many great memories for my wife and myself.  As we left I noticed several young children among the capacity crowd and each one I asked, “did you like it?” gave a resounding “yes!”

The tour runs through January 2026.  If you have the opportunity to see Mr. Alpert and the Brass, I urge you to take it.  For information on upcoming shows, please click HERE.

SET LIST

The Lonely Bull, Work Song, Whipped Cream, Spanish Flea, Lady Fingers, Lollipops and Roses, Bittersweet Samba, Mexican Shuffle, Tangerine, I’m Getting Sentimental Over You, Love Potion No. 9, This Guy’s in Love with You, a medley of songs with Ms. Hall, Rise, A Taste of Honey, Smile, What Now My Love, A banda, Tijuana Taxi. 

PHILADELPHIA, PA – May 23, 2025  

It was more than just a concert. It was a full-blown sonic and visual experience as Metallica stormed Lincoln Financial Field Friday night on the first of two dates in their much-hyped “M72 World Tour.” With over 50,000 multi-generational fans in attendance, the night was a blistering showcase of the band’s enduring power and their willingness to evolve even four decades into their career. 

Three-story-high, cutting-edge LED screens transformed the entire stadium. Suddenly, every seat was the best seat in the house. These visuals didn’t just support the performance—they became part of the story. 

Metallica kicked off the evening with “Creeping Death,” a Biblical tale turned metal classic that hit like a thunderbolt. From there, the setlist traveled through time, covering all eras of their discography. Staples like “Harvester of Sorrow,” “Fuel,” and “Sad but True” kept the old-school faithful happy, but it was the inclusion of newer tracks like “If Darkness Had a Son” and the title track “72 Seasons” that added freshness to the show’s familiar formula. 

The 2023 album 72 Seasons served as both a thematic and sonic backbone of the concert. As front man James Hetfield has explained, the title refers to the first 18 years of life—72 seasons of formative experiences. The maturity and introspection of this theme could be felt throughout the night, especially in darker, emotionally heavier songs like “The Day That Never Comes” and “Orion,” the latter an instrumental tribute to late bassist Cliff Burton that remains hauntingly beautiful. 

The emotional peak of the night may well have been “Seek and Destroy.” All four members—Hetfield, Lars Ulrich, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo—clustered together in the Snake Pit, recreating the gritty intimacy of their garage days. The moment was raw, real, and exhilarating. For fans close enough to reach out and touch Hetfield, it was unforgettable. 

The musicianship was flawless. Hetfield’s voice is still a thunderous growl, Ulrich’s drumming sharp and relentless, Hammett’s solos blistering, and Trujillo a force of nature on bass. Pulling off a production of this size night after night isn’t just about the band—it takes a massive effort from a tight-knit touring and local crew, and Metallica made sure to tip their hats to them. 

While the show leaned heavily into the darkness that has always defined the band’s aesthetic, the atmosphere was anything but depressing. There’s a strange kind of joy that pulses through a Metallica crowd—a intense sense of unity forged through shared struggles and triumphs. When Metallica launched into ‘Nothing Else Matters,’ the stadium was transformed. Tens of thousands of cell phone lights flickered to life, dancing like a sea of fireflies in the dark, casting a soft, ethereal glow over the crowd. It was a moment of collective stillness, as if time paused and 50,000 hearts beat to the same melody. 

If the first night of Metallica’s Philly takeover was any indication, this isn’t a nostalgia act on autopilot—it’s a living, breathing, headbanging beast of a band that still has a lot to say. And on this night in South Philly, they said it loud and clear. 

Photo credit by: Aaylan Zapotoczny 

Walter Zapotoczny is an author, historian, and local music fan. He can be reached at mail@wzaponline.com. 

HERSHEY, PA – May 9, 2025
Under the glow of lasers and the pulse of perfectly synced sound, Brit Floyd returned to the Hershey Pennsylvania at the Giant Center on Friday night treating a crowd of 3,500 to a mesmerizing celebration of Pink Floyd’s legacy. The evening marked the 50th anniversary of the iconic Wish You Were Here album, and the band delivered a show as ambitious as the music it honored.

Getting ready for sound check, musical director Damian Darlington was on stage making some last-minute adjustments to the lighting rig. “I am a perfectionist,” he said underscoring what sets Brit Floyd apart: a deep, almost obsessive commitment to accuracy and atmosphere.

From the first note, it was clear—this wasn’t just a tribute; it was a resurrection. Brit Floyd’s signature production values were on full display, from the award-winning laser and light show to the massive circular screen projecting original Pink Floyd visuals. Every beam of light, every ripple of color, was intricately programmed and timed to match the music, making for a completely immersive experience.
The band launched into Wish You Were Here, including “Shine On You Crazy Diamond,” “Have a Cigar,” “Welcome to the Machine,” and of course, the hauntingly emotional title track. The audience was spellbound, erupting into applause and standing ovations throughout the night.

Bass player Ian Cattell anchored the sound with his signature blend of finesse and power, switching seamlessly between his new headless Washburn Status and his classic Fender Precision. Cattell also handled lead vocals on several tracks, channeling the spirit of the original performances with both reverence and originality. Damian Darlington, switching effortlessly between lead guitar and lap steel, delivered soaring solos that drew waves of applause and cheers from the crowd. Edo Scordo added his own guitar wizardry, while Ryan Saranich’s saxophone solos soared—each note delivered with expressive nuance and impeccable control, adding depth and emotion that resonated throughout the arena.

The show’s emotional peak came during “The Great Gig in the Sky.” Canadian Idol winner Eva Avila, joined by former Pink Floyd backing vocalist Machan Taylor, stunned the crowd with a vocal performance that built from delicate to explosive. Their harmonies brought the house to its feet, a truly magical moment in a night full of them

Keyboardist Matt Riddle and drummer Arran Ahmun laid down a flawless rhythmic foundation, faithfully channeling the spirit of Pink Floyd’s Richard Wright and Nick Mason. The backing vocalists Eva, Machan, and Genevieve Little enriched the soundscape with lush harmonies. Together, the ensemble embodied what Rolling Stone has dubbed “the world’s premiere Pink Floyd experience.”

At the end of the show, Damian’s guitar solo of “Comfortably Numb” had the crowd on their feet asking for more. If the roar of the Hershey audience was any indication, that legacy is alive and well. And for one unforgettable night, Brit Floyd made sure no one forgot what made Pink Floyd’s music so transcendent in the first place.

Photo credit by: Aaylan Zapotoczny

Walter Zapotoczny is an author, historian, and local Pink Floyd fan. He can be reached at mail@wzaponline.com.

“10,000 Volts” Tour

Ace Frehley

Thursday, August 22nd 2024
Chevy Court @ The New York State Fair
Syracuse, NY

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Ace Frehley continued his “10,000 Volts” Tour with a stop at the Chevy Court as part of the annual New York State Fair Concert. The event held in Syracuse, NY is a multi day event featured music, rides, animals and exhibits from all over the Empire State. Frehley a native New Yorker was a fitting and welcome addition to this years concert line up which also featured Joan Jett and the Blackhearts, Dropkick Murphys, Blue Oyster Cult and Jackyl to name just a few. The New York State Fair offers something for everyone so if you are in the area at the end of August and are looking for something to do to cap off your summer the New York State fair is a great choice!

SetList:

1.) Shock Me
2.) Deuce
3.) Cherry Medicine
4.) Rock Soldiers
5.) Love Gun
6.) 10,000 Volts
7.) Rocket Ride
8.) Parasite
10.) New York Groove
11.) Detroit Rock City
12.) Rip It Out
13.) Cold Gin
14.) Ace Frehley Guitar Solo
15.) Shout It Out Loud

Encore:
16.) Rock and Roll All Nite

“Smoke and Fiction” Tour 2024

X, Dead Rock West

Thursday, Sept. 26th 2024
Water Street Music Hall, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Legendary Los Angeles punk band X brought their unique blend of musicality to the Flower City on Thursday evening for a nostalgic walk through the bands 40 plus year career. The band which formed in 1977 and is made of up bassist John Doe, Vocalist Exene Cervenka, Guitarist Billy Zoom and Drummer DJ Bonebreak announced in June of this year that their latest album titled “Smoke & Fiction” and its subsequent tour would also serve as the bands farewell. Despite the thought of this being the last time fans would get to see the long standing punk staple perform the mood and energy was high as fans made their way into the historic venue.

Opening up the evening was the acoustic duo “Dead Rock West” which consists of Vocalist Cindy Wasserman and Guitarist/Vocalist Frank Drennon. The duo performed a unique blend of alt rock tinged country western that resonated through out the medium sized venue. The bands set clocked in at just under an hour and featured a variety of songs from the groups 5 studio albums. Though the music’s subtle cadence might not be what you would normally associate with a punk show the duo showcased a very polished and enjoyable sound and performance which earned them an ample response from the growing crowd.

Headliners “X” would take the stage next performing a blistering 23 song set that touched on all aspects of the groups career. The band opened up the evening with “Your Phone’s Off the Hook, But You’re Not” from the 1980 “Los Angeles” album followed by “In This House That I Call Home” which comes from the “Wild Gift” album. As the night progressed Exene and John would take brief moments to address the crowd however, the focus was certainly more centered around the music more than the fact this would be the bands last time in Rochester. As the energy in the room continued to build the band tore through a mixture of long standing live staples such as “Breathless”, “The Hungry Wolf” and “White Girl” while also mixing in newer songs like “Water & Wine”, “Ruby Church” and “Smoke & Fiction”. Though there were a couple points in the evening where songs needed to be stopped and re-started the band played the small hiccups off as if they hadn’t even happened with each prospective member retaking their spots and paying little to no attention at all to what had just happened.

Ekene and company began to bring the night to a close via fan favorites such as “Los Angeles”, “Sugarlight” and their unique version of the Doors classic “Soul Kitchen” fans were left asking for more as the band left the stage while the the rawkus tones of “Nausea” still echoed through Zoom’s lone guitar amp. After a brief pause Doe and Cervenka would return for the first of three encore songs performing an acoustic duet of “See How We Are”. The rest of the band would l=them come back to the stage to perform “Come Back to Me” before ending with the Sax and Xylophone tinged “I Must Not think Bad Thoughts”.

The evening was everything a fan of X could have asked for and possibly a touch more as each of the bands four members (all in their late 60’s and early 70’s) continue to perform at a level higher than other bands half their age. With tour dates running through the end of October fans still have just a few more chance to see one of the last great punk bands from 80’s before they put an end to their impressive career. Get out there and catch one of these shows as you won’t be disappointed!

SETLIST:
1.) Your Phone’s Off the Hook, But You’re Not
2.) In This House That I Call Home
3.) We’re Desperate
4.) I’m Coming Over
5.) Adult Books
6.) Water & Wine
7.) Sweet Til the Bitter End
8.) White Girl
9.) Breathless (Otis Blackwell cover)
10.) Ruby Church
11.) True Love
12.) The Hungry Wolf
13.) Smoke & Fiction
14.) Flipside
15.) The Unheard Music
16.) Los Angeles
17.) Sugarlight
18.) Soul Kitchen (The Doors cover)
19.) Motel Room in My Bed
20.) Nausea

ENCORE:
21.) See How We Are (John and Exene acoustic)
22.) Come Back to Me
23.) I Must Not Think Bad Thoughts

We’ve all had that moment in life, you hear about a party that you don’t think you’re cool enough to go to, or you don’t get the invite, or maybe you just hear about it after the fact. Whatever the reason, it has free booze, free food, cool celebrities, a pool, a concert, and it’s all on a rooftop. It’s the kind of party Hollywood glamorizes in various films as a place to rub elbows with greats. Well, at San Diego Comic-Con (SDCC), for several years now, it’s been Fandom’s annual party. MediaMikes was lucky enough to join the Fandom party for the first time as they celebrated their 20th anniversary.

While one of the most difficult parties to get into at SDCC, the entertainment company still makes it accessible to regular people, whether by invite, social media, or pure chance (like us). While not invited, MediaMikes managed to score some passes at a Fandom panel. That means, if you’re attending future SDCC’s, you should attend as many Fandom panels as you can. This year’s Fandom party was a breathless display of amazing cosplay, a gorgeous view of the Gaslamp district atop the Hard Rock hotel, demos for “Dragon Age: The Veilguard,” and of course, a raucous set by Jason Derulo with various celebrities scattered about the crowd, including Colin Kaepernick, Kevin Durand, and others.

If you couldn’t make it, we took several photos you can enjoy below, but if you want to be part of the excitement, keep track of Fandom on social media, keep an eye on the news leading up to SDCC 2025, and of course, just like we did, try and stump a panel of Fandom experts. A big thank you to Fandom for throwing a party that has become one of the many crown jewels of SDCC, we hope to see you next year.

• REO Speedwagon  – Night Ranger   
• Starlight Theatre Kansas City, MO  

I have mentioned before but it behooves me to remind everyone that I was once a DJ on a top 40 radio station in the 80’s and I cut my teeth on both of the bands I’m writing about.  The nostalgic night had me smiling and singing along the entire show.

Night Ranger – Jack Blades – Kelly Keagy – Brad Gillis – Eric Levy – Keri Kelli

Kicking it off with (You Can Still) Rock in America, Night Ranger kept the hits coming with Sing Me Away, Sentimental Street, When You Close Your Eyes and closed their set with Don’t Tell Me You Love Me, and of course, Sister Christian.   Bonus:  Jack Blades threw out a couple of Damn Yankees tunes: Coming of Age and High Enough!

REO Speedwagon – Kevin Cronin – Bruce Hall – Dave Amato – Neil Doughty – Bryan Hitt

There is a unique reoccuring weather element to an REO concert in Kansas City, I’m sure you get the hint….

An amazing evening with one of my favorite bands.  Growing up in Central Illinois in the 70’s, REO Speedwagon was on my radar early.  The band formed in Champaign at the University of Illinois in the late 60’s, grew a dedicated following in the 70’s and went stellar with the success of the album “Hi Infidelity” in 1980.

Opening the show with Don’t Let Him Go, the band then jumped into Music Man, Take It On the Run and Keep Pushing, which got the sold out crowd up and singing along with every word.   Throwing in Live Every Moment and Tough Guys as the rain began a brief downpour, most fans stayed in their seats and Cronin noted their dedication.

Slowing down a touch for Can’t Fight This Feeling and Poor Man, the moonlight returned and with a brief moment of encouragement about the state of the world, and especially the United States, Cronin reminded everyone we are in this journey together and need to work to get along.  Golden Country followed and was a special part of their set, followed by Time For Me to Fly.  Then came the history lesson…

Kevin Cronin recalled their performance at Kaufman Stadium in the 70’s, the “tornado” show, another storm at another show, they seem to bring the rain and this appearance continued the tradition.  Rocking into the familiar synth siren of Ridin The Storm Out had the Starlight crowd on their feet and the encore set of Keep On Loving You and Roll With The Changes closed the show.

Concert rating:  On a scale of zero to five stars, REO Speedwagon/Night Ranger receives ★★★★★

U.S. Summer Tour 2023

Baroness, Portrayal of Guilt, Gozu,

Sunday, June 2nd 2024
Essex, Rochester, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Progressive heavy metal-ers Baroness made a stop in Rochester, NY at the newly opened Essex music venue for a night of thunderous guitar driven music. The show is one of a handful of dates making up the Georgia based bands Summer tour and is support of their most recent studio release titled “Stone”. Along with the evenings headliner were Portrayal of Guilt and Gozu who each took their turn at filling the air of the dimly lit, industrial venue which served as a near perfect location for the nights sonic festivities.

Taking the stage first were Boston, MA natives Gozu. The band consisting of vocalist/guitarist Marc Gaffney, guitarist Doug Sherman, bassist Joe Grotto and drummer Seth Botos performed a brief set which oozed forth a sonic dirge of fuzz driven stoner rock that had those in attendance slows nodding their heads in a eerie cadence as the bands dual guitar attack ripped through the venues front of house speakers. The band played performed tracks from their five album catalog including tracks from their most recent release “Remedy”. Fans who made it out to the venue early got a real treat as Gozu’s performance was a perfect blend of melodic psychedelia.

Next up was the black metal band Portrayal of Guilt. Hailing from Austin, TX the three piece group couldn’t have been more different from the other bands on the bill as their intense attack and abstract song structure was much more aggressive than I think some fans were ready for. Vocalist/guitarist Matt King was all business as his guttural vocal style socked listeners in the gut while the bands instrumentation finished them off with a bludgeoning knockout blow. Though personally I didn’t find anything particular appealing about the bands sound or performance they did receive a sizable amount of applause at the close of their set.

After a minimal set change Baroness would take the stage next performing a 13 song set made up of tracks from the bands expansive catalog. “Last Word” from the recently released “Stone” album would kick things off by setting the foundation for fans favorite like “A Horse Called Golgotha” and “March to the Sea”. The blend of guitar and vocals provided by John Baizley and Gina Gleason worked flawlessly together and only seem to get better as the set progressed in to tracks like “Chlorine and Wine” and my personal favorite “Shock Me”. Equally impressive was the bands rhythm section which features Sebastian Thomas on drums and Nick Jost on bass and keyboards. Much like the duo of Baizley and Gleason both Jost and Thomas are keyed in to one another on such a high level that they could easily be considered one of the best rhythm sections out there. The frantic “Borderlines” and the overdriven “The Sweetest Curse” would close out the main portion of the evenings set however after a short pause the band would take the stage for two final songs. Before ending the night John Baizley would thank the crowd for their continued support and dedication to the band which goes back to the bands early days. The band then closed out the night with the always popular “Take My Bones Away” a track which had the crowd singing along to nearly every word and “Isak” an older number that’s notes and lyrics seemed to hauntingly hang in the air as the closing sounds rang out and the band exited the stage.

It was surprising to hear that Baroness was returning to the area so soon as we were lucky enough to catch them in late November about and hour north of Rochester in Buffalo, NY so to be able to see them again so soon and with a new set of openers was certainly something the crowd (myself included) were not complaining about. I felt the second time around the package of opening bands far surpassed that of the previous run and Baroness only continues to impress me each time I am able to see them. With shows running through the end of June you will certainly want to get a ticket for this show as you will not be disappointed.

Baroness Setlist:

1.) Last Word
2.) Under the Wheel
3.) A Horse Called Golgotha
4.) March to the Sea
5.) Green Theme
6.) Beneath the Rose
7.) Chlorine & Wine
8.) War, Wisdom and Rhyme
9.) Shock Me
10.) Borderlines
11.) The Sweetest Curse

Encore:
12.) Take My Bones Away
13.) Isak