“Break a Leg Tour”
Foo Fighters, Royal Blood
Date: Thursday, July 16th 2015
Venue: Citi Field, Flushing, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Foo Fighters made their way to the Big Apple on July 15th and 16th where they set up shop at the home of the New York Mets, Citi Field located in Flushing, NY. What was originally scheduled as the only NY area show for the Grammy Award winning band it quickly sold out back in December which prompted the band to add the July 15th show making this a two night stand for the band. Two nights in one area can be a blessing or a curse to some bands as often times a bands show is fairly similar night after night. For the Foo Fighters it proved to be a blessing as though there were some similarities that carried over from the previous night’s show there were enough differences to make it a great evening of music for those who attended both shows and for those lucky enough to get tickets during the initial on sale date.

With a venue this big I was really skeptical that it was in fact going to be filled to full/near capacity levels. As the opening act Royal Blood hailing from the UK took the stage it further enforced this thought as people seemed quite slow to file into the venue. Consisting of just two member’s bassist/vocalist Mike Kerr and drummer Ben Thatcher the duo laid down an impressive sound that instantly grabbed my attention and kept it for their entire set. Having known very little about the band prior to seeing their performance I became an instant fan after about 2 songs. Thatcher’s proficiency on the drums gives the band a tightness that is showcased beautifully by the wall of sound provided by Mike Kerr. The band did a great job in the opener role and I certainly would love to see them out on their own in the near future.

After a tolerable set change the Foo Fighters would take the stage and remain there for almost 3 hours. Just prior to the curtain dropping it was as if the flood gates had opened as the venue was filled with probably one of its largest crowds ever for the still fairly new stadium. Perched upon a mobile stage of his own Dave Grohl proved to be the consummate professional as he didn’t allow a recently broken leg to hinder the night’s performance. (Grohl broke his leg after falling from the stage during a performance in Sweden) The band was in top shape as they blasted through a string of hits including “Everlong”, “Learn to Fly” and “Big Me” to name just a few. Sprinkled between the bands signature classics were a select few of cover songs ranging from a wonderful rendition of Queen’s “Under Pressure” to Bad Brains “How Low Can a Punk Get” and “The Regulator” which featured guest appearances by Bad Brains members Dr. Know and Darryl Jenifer.

The crowd applause for the evening seemed to come and go in waves as the largest applauses definitely occurred more during performances of the bands back catalog as opposed to material from the bands more recent albums “Wasting Light” and “Sonic Highways”. On a personal note probably my favorite performance of the night aside from an abbreviated performance of the Kiss classic “Detroit Rock City” was that of the song “Dear Rosemary” which provided a spot on pairing of both Grohl and drummer Taylor Hawkins vocals with Hawkins providing the vocals which were performed on the album by Husker Du front man Bob Mould.

There were certainly many highlights of the evening’s performance and the band did a spot on job of giving the fans their money’s worth however I think there were several points of the show that were a bit too drawn out causing a loss of some of the crowds energy. I think the show also could have benefited from a bit more visibility from the other members in the band. At times it was as if members Pat Smear, Chris Shiflet, Nate Mendel, Taylor Hawkins and Rami Jaffee were just playing character roles in the Dave Grohl show. With those guys being all such great players it was a shame they didn’t get more of the lime light. Despite a few small negatives the band still put on a great performance none the less and If Foo Fighters are in your area do yourself a favor and try to get to one or more of these shows as the band will be on tour both in the states and overseas through November.

Foo Fighters Set List:
1.) Everlong
2.) Monkey Wrench
3.) Learn to Fly
4.) Something From Nothing
5.) The Pretender
6.) Big Me
7.) Congregation
8.) Walk
9.) Detroit Rock City/ Jail Break/ School’s Out Medley
10.) Cold Day in the Sun
11.) My Hero (acoustic)
12.) Time Like These (acoustic)
13.) Under Pressure (Queen)
14.) All My Life
15.) These Days
16.) Outside
17.) Breakout
18.) Dear Rosemary
19.) Breakdown (Tom Petty)
20.) White Limo
21.) Arlandria
22.) How Low Can a Punk Get (Bad Brains)
23.) The Regulator (Bad Brains)
24.) This Is a Call
25.) Best of You

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses
Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Orlando, FL
July 18, 2015

Our Score: 5 out of 5 stars

The Legend of Zelda: Symphony of the Goddesses was a delicious meal for the ears and eyes. The concert started off softly, drawing you in with the subtle sounds of Zelda. Of course, they saved some of the best songs for last.

A live orchestra and chorus performed in sync with clips from various Legend of Zelda games, such as Twilight Princess and Majora’s Mask. For added effect, live cameras would occasionally pan into orchestra pit to feature an instrument soloist. Also, they featured video clips where the games’ creators, such as Shigeru Miyamoto, sharing the delight they’ve had in creating the Zelda games.

The only downside was that sometimes the audience would get overly excited at the beginning of certain, popular songs and start loudly clapping and cheering. This, sadly, would overwhelm about 20-30 seconds of the song. While I was a little disappointed to miss the start of the song, I had to admit the music deserved the applause.

Regardless of the occasional crowd noise, this show is a must see for the avid Legend of Zelda fan. A live orchestra that is playing Zelda music? It was everything that I imagined.

NEW YORK, July 16, 2015 /PRNewswire/ —  David Gilmour has announced that his new solo album Rattle That Lock will be released worldwide on Friday, September 18, 2015 on Columbia Records.  The album will be available for preorder and the first single, also titled “Rattle That Lock” will be released on Friday, July 17, 2016.

Additionally David Gilmour’s first North American dates in ten years were announced today.  The “David Gilmour Live 2016” concert  appearances will take place in March & April with stops in Los Angeles, Toronto,Chicago and New York. Ticket buyers will be among the first to receive the new album, as every ticket purchased online will include a Rattle That Lock CD.

The “Live 2016” appearances will be David Gilmour’s first live concert dates since the “On An Island” tour in 2006, and will follow his UK and European tour this September/October. All tickets for the North American Tour dates go on sale Friday, July 17, 2015 (exact times listed below).

March 24, 2016 – Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles – on sale 12pm (PST)
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/0B004EE9EA7F4F7C

March, 31 2016 – Air Canada Center, Toronto – on sale 10am (EST)
http://www.ticketmaster.ca/event/10004EEADDA29010

April 8, 2016 – United Center, Chicago – on sale 12pm (CST)
http://www.ticketmaster.com/event/04004EEAA319243C

April 11, 2016 – Madison Square Garden, New York – SOLD OUT

Tickets can be purchased at Ticketmaster.com, at all Ticketmaster outlets, or by phone.

Rattle That Lock is David Gilmour’s fourth solo album and follows his 2006 #1 in the UK record On An Island. The primary lyricist for the new album is Gilmour’s long-term writing partner, Polly Samson, and it is co-produced by David Gilmour and Roxy Music’s Phil Manzanera.  Rattle That Lock‘s striking cover has been art directed by Dave Stansbie from The Creative Corporation under the creative directorship of Aubrey Powell from Hipgnosis.

RATTLE THAT LOCK tracklisting:

1. 5 A.M. (Gilmour)
2. Rattle That Lock (Gilmour/Samson/Boumendil)
3. Faces Of Stones (Gilmour)
4. A Boat Lies Waiting (Gilmour/Samson)
5. Dancing Right In Front Of Me (Gilmour)
6. In Any Tongue (Gilmour/Samson)
7. Beauty (Gilmour)
8. The Girl In The Yellow Dress (Gilmour/Samson)
9. Today (Gilmour/Samson)
10. And Then…..(Gilmour)

The title track, “Rattle That Lock”, will be heard for the first time on BBC Radio 2 in the UK on Friday, July 17and will be available immediately to download and stream worldwide. The song begins with the four notes, created by Michael Boumendil, which precede announcements at French SNCF railway stations which Gilmour recorded on his iPhone at Aix-en-Prevence station.  Samson’s lyrics are inspired by Book II of John Milton’sParadise Lost, which is also featured in her recent acclaimed novel, The Kindness.  The single also features The Liberty Choir and singers Mica Paris and Louise Marshall.

www.davidgilmour.com

David Gilmour Official Store
http://smarturl.it/DGintntl

iTunes
Standard Album – http://smarturl.it/RattleThatLock
Deluxe Album – http://smarturl.it/RattleThatLockDLX

Amazon
Standard CD – http://smarturl.it/RattleThatLockAmz
Deluxe CD + Blu-Ray – http://smarturl.it/RattleThatLockAmzDLX
Vinyl LP – http://smarturl.it/RattleThatLockAmzV

As much as I admire many of the actors, musicians, ball players and others that I’ve grown up watching, I’ve only cried at the death of four of them:  John Lennon, because it was so senseless; Roy Scheider, because he was my friend; Ron Santo, because he was my first “idol” and Harry Chapin… just because.

When I was 13, Chapin’s song Cats in the Cradle came out.  It struck a chord in me that I never forgot.  It was almost like Harry was singing about my father and me.  My son is going to be 31 later this month, and that song still rings true.  Where I was once the little boy that wanted to spend more time with his dad, now I’m the father who has to accept that my son now has a family of his own.  As I got older I became a fan of Harry Chapin’s music and I was crushed when he was killed 34 years ago today, July 16, 1981.

Today, Harry’s music is still being played, the torch being carried by his brothers Tom and Steve and the members of Harry’s band.  I recently asked drummer Howie Fields and bass player “Big” John Wallace a few questions about Harry Chapin and his music.

Mike Smith:  What were your musical backgrounds before joining up with Harry?
Howie Fields: Drum lessons at age 15 followed by a parade of teenage basement and garage bands playing Beatles, Stones. Rascals, Dylan, Kinks, Hollies, Who, etc. Better bands WITH PAY in my college years leading up to my entry into Harry’s band in 1975.
John Wallace:  I started out as a vocalist in the Grace Church Choir in Brooklyn, New York, where I met Harry and the other Chapin brothers.  I dabbled with the bass guitar in my teen years and my first public appearance on bass was in my teens when Harry asked me to perform his songs with him in people’s homes in Brooklyn. Fast forward approximately 10 years when he asked me to join his band.

MS:  When did you join the band?
HF: 1975
JW: I was a founding member, 1972.

MS: How was Harry to work with – was he open to collaboration when working out his songs with the group?
HF:  That ran the gamut. Sometimes Harry would run down a new song or two and ask us to come up with some ideas during concert sound checks (which he rarely attended) and at other times he would come in with a song and have very precise ideas. The rest of the time it would be pretty equitable collaboration in the recording studio.

MS:  Is there a favorite song you enjoyed playing live?
HF:   “Mercenaries,” “Odd Job Man,” “The Mayor Of Candor Lied”
JW:  Too many to choose from.

MS:  Do you have a favorite memory you’d like to share?
HF:   Quite notably for me, within the run of the show (NOTE – in early 1975 Harry and the band performed on Broadway in a show titled “The Night That Made America Famous” with words and music by Harry.  The show went on to earn two Tony Award nominations), was the night of March 1, 1975. Both Saturday performances were completed and Harry entered the band dressing room and asked Big John if he would come with him to attend the Grammy Awards ceremony at The Uris Theater for which he had one extra ticket and for which he had been nominated as Best Male Vocalist for “Cat’s In The Cradle”. He was also performing the song that night but John politely declined. Harry then put the ticket up for grabs and only after it appeared no one else was taking, I found myself in a cab with Harry, his wife Sandy, and his dad Jim, rushing over to the Grammy’s which had already begun. We entered the building and as we approached the doors leading from the lobby into the actual theater, a young usher (about 20) noted that Harry was overburdened with a guitar (not in its case), a leather bag, and one or two other items. He offered to take the guitar which Harry gladly gave up and then, somehow, as the usher was holding the guitar and at the same time attempting to open the door to the theater for us, he simultaneously dropped the instrument and tripped in such a way that one of his feet came down right on the guitar. So…there the guitar lay…smashed on the ground. It happened in a nano-second and it wasn’t pretty. All I remember at that point was Harry putting his arms around this devastated and horrified kid, saying “Don’t worry about it bro”. He could be like that.

MS:  Harry was killed on his way to perform at a benefit concert.  Did that show ever go on?
HF:  No, that show did not occur but one year later the band plus Tom Chapin did a memorial show on the same stage in Eisenhower Park in Long Island.

MS: Are you amazed that, three decades after he passed away, Harry’s music continues to gain new fans?
HF:   I am, as it’s pleasantly remarkable to me that Harry’s music has endured AND in many circles/families has been passed down to younger generations. The variety of age groups are evident at many of our concerts.

Rock and roll fans take notice:  I first “met” Howie when I was working on a screenplay about Harry’s life.  I contacted Howie and asked him if he had any idea what the set list was at Harry’s last show.  He sent me a copy of it.  Not a list of the songs, but a copy of the actual set list.  Howie runs a web site called “Rock Paper” and I’ll let him tell you about it:

HF:   Rock Paper is a business I have had going for over 20 yrs. It’s an archives of rock music and its two main entities are a complete archives of Rolling Stone magazine, whereby ANY article, record review, concert review, advertisement EVER published in the magazine can be located. Rock Paper has over 10,000 back issues o the magazine going back to the issue #1 (1967). There are also thousands of other back issues available of other classic rock magazines….Crawdaddy, Circus, Creem, etc, etc, etc,

It also has an archive of concert ads cut from newspapers from NYC & the UK.

You can search for whatever you’re looking for at www.RockPaper.net.

“Music=Love Tour”
Heart
Date: Tuesday, June 30th 2015
Venue: The Oncenter Crouse Hinds Theater

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

2013 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductees Heart made a stop at the Crouse Hinds Theater in Syracuse, NY on June 30th as part of the groups 2015 Music=Love tour. The group fronted by sisters Ann and Nancy Wilson performed a stellar 90 minute set which featured songs from the groups 40+ year career. The near capacity crowd instantly took to their feet with the band opening number “Magic Man” which instantly set the tone for the evening’s performance. As the set progressed both Ann and Nancy took turns at the mic introducing the numbers and giving some background on some of the more personal songs.

Songs such as “What About Love”, “Straight On” and “Barracuda” all received tremendous praise however it was songs like “59 Crunch” and a cover of The Sonics song “The Witch” where you saw the band really stretch its legs and get down and dirty. The band performed relatively flawless throughout the initial 15 song set after which they left the stage briefly only to return and treat the appreciative crowd to a 3 song encore consisting of “Immigrant Song”, “No Quarter” and “Misty Mountain Top” all Led Zeppelin classics.

Along with Ann and Nancy members Ben Smith, Craig Bartock, Chris Joyner and Dan Rothchild all brought their A game this evening. Don’t let the fact that the band which was formed in 1973 fool you as they pack just as much punch now as they did then. Possibly even more! The group will be on tour through the beginning of December with both standard and VIP ticket packages available. We definitely recommend you check them out if they are in your area. You won’t be disappointed.

Set List:

1.) Magic Man
2.) Heartless
3.) What About Love
4.) Kick It Out
5.) Straight On
6.) Love Alive
7.) 59 Crunch
8.) There’s the Girl
9.) Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters
10.) These Dreams
11.) Alone
12.) Dear Old America
13.) The Witch
14.) Crazy On You
15.) Barracuda
16.) Immigrant Song
17.) No Quarter
18.) Misty Mountain Top

Dustin Bates is the singer for the Columbus, Ohio based rock band Starset a band whose debut album “Transmissions” spawned the break out hit “My Demons” long before there was ever actually a real band. Media Mikes spoke with Dustin recently about the creation of the album, the formation of the band and the group’s current tour with the recently reformed Breaking Benjamin.

Adam Lawton: Can you give us some background on the band and “The Starset Society”
Dustin Bates: I actually created the “Transmissions” album before there was even a band. We had the song “My Demons” out on the radio before we ever had out first rehearsal. We did that because the record was done based upon the philosophy and the narrative of “The Starset Society”. I sort of incorporated their outlook into the record almost as a marketing device for their society. We are not the only tool being used to promote the society as they are using a variety of other media such as graphic novels and video. It’s cool to be a part of that and to be able to incorporate that into our record.

AL: Was then always the idea to adopt Starset as the band’s name?
DB: Exactly! The actually name itself sort of harkens back to the narrative. Starset is a non-rotating planet that is involved in all of this. The planet does rotate around the sun making a portion of the planet inhabital called the Starset region because there is always an eternal sunset there. The way that this plays into the narrative will be told in the first graphic novel.

AL: Does the band have any hand in writing the graphic novel?
DB: That is something separate. We mention the novel and the other forms of media being used so that people can dig more into what we as a band are a part of. We realize this can all be a bit confusing so we try to inform everyone of how things all go together.

AL: Can you tell us a little more about the album done prior to there actually being a band?
DB: I did the music based on the inspiration of the narrative. There is also another story line that is more of a love story so I tried to give the music a human element that people could relate to as there is a lot of science, technology and future type elements. I was very careful to not go too far. Once I had that done I reached out to various friends to help me record this. I was able to bring on Rob Graves to produce and he really helped me obtain the cinematic level of sound that I wanted to create. I knew early on that Starset needed to have a soundtrack to a sci-fi movie which was created by a rock band. Rob was the perfect guy for that. We sent the song “My Demons” to radio and it started to get really positive reactions. I knew very quickly that I needed a band and a record label. Since getting both of those things we have practically been on the road non-stop ever since. That was about a year and a half ago now.

AL: The album has quite a number of musical layers. Where did you start when you were writing the record?
DB: It was different for each song. Some started out more traditional with the melody and lyrics while some started with the music and after I had the lyrics I threw all the music away and rebuilt it so it had a cinematic vibe. I usually do write the melody of a song before the lyrics. I generally have ideas already for the other layers such as the strings and what not but until we get the actual players in there that’s when things come to life. We had an actual quartet come in and play all the orchestral parts on this record.

AL: Can you tell us about your current tour with Breaking Benjamin and what the band has planned for the rest of the year?
DB: It has been pretty busy for us with touring. We just recently got off of tour with Halestorm and the Pretty Reckless and now we are out with Breaking Benjamin through August. They are one of my favorite bands from when I was younger so it’s really great to be able to be out here with them. After this run wraps up there’s a possibility of going overseas and being out on the road for the rest of the year. Between all of that the Starset novel will be coming out this winter.

Phinehas
“Till The End”
Artery Recordings
Tracks: 13

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

La Mirada, California’s Phinehas is back with a brand new full length record titled “Till The End”. The album features 13 tracks of searing metal-core goodness and serves as the follow up to the bands 2013 release “The Last Word Is Yours to Speak”. This is the bands first release since signing to Artery Recordings and also the first to feature Daniel Gailey on guitar.

From the second the albums opening track “Dead Choir” opens till the closing notes of “Till The End” ring out Phinehas deliver. Vocalist Sean McCulloch provides the perfect blend of guttural screamed verses and melodic infused chorus giving each of the 13 tracks that make up the album multiple levels of appeal. Guitarist Daniel Gailey fits right in with the band and showcases his talents on all the tracks but for me really stood on tracks such as “White Livered” and “Forever West”.

The rhythm section of the band consisting of Bryce Kelly on bass and Lee Humarian on drums provide and extremely well executed level of tightness that elevates the album to the next level. A perfect example of this is the track “Illiaster (More Than Skin)” which features an intricate arrangement with multiple time signatures. The band shows a different side of themselves on the track “Seven” which features a rolling acoustic riff and subtle verses which gives way haunting choruses before ending in the bands thunderous signature roar.

The latest offering from Phinehas is an album you can throw on and listen to over and over again without it becoming stale or repetitive. The band used its time wisely between releases and the work certainly shows on “Till The End” fans of the band and the metal-core genre will certainly want to grab a copy of this album.

Track Listing:
1.) Dead Choir
2.) White Livered
3.) Truth Be Told
4.) Non
5.) Forever West
6.) Tetelestai
7.) Coup de Grace
8.) Omnis
9.) Seven
10.) Iliaster (More Than Skin)
11.) Evening Grey and Morning Red
12.) Moriar
13.) Till The End

Starset
“Transmissions”
Razor & Tie
Producer: Rob Graves
Tracks: 14

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“Transmissions” is the debut release from the Columbus, Ohio based rock band Starset. The album features 14 immense tracks which fill the listener’s ears time and time again with something new. Produce by Rob Graves (Red, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster) and released via Razor & Tie “Transmissions” is a unique experience the runs the gambit of musical styles.

The album starts off with a somewhat cryptic and distorted message which instantly sets the stage for what’s in store with the preceding tracks. From there the track “Down With The Fallen” kicks off and shows it’s self as one of the albums stronger tracks. Former Downplay vocalist Dustin Bates does a nice job blending the transitions between the melodic and overdriven vocals which define the groups sound. As the album progresses listeners are bombarded with distorted guitars and catchy choruses that with ease get stuck in your head.

The album’s first single “My Demons” is a perfect example of this and also another personal highlight. Though I felt some of the album was a bit overdone it wasn’t enough to completely lose my attention or make me skip ahead to the track. If you’re a fan of rock music with orchestral arrangements and a variety of spacey samples then you will certainly want to check out “Transmissions

Track Listing:
1.) First Light
2.) Down With The Fallen
3.) Halo
4.) Carnivore
5.) Telescope
6.) It Has Begun
7.) My Demons
8.) Antigravity
9.) Dark On Me
10.) Let It Die
11.) The Future Is Now
12.) Point of No Return
13.) Rise and Fall
14.) Let It Die (Maniac Agenda Remix)

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Lynch Mob
“Rebel”
Frontiers Music Srl.
Producers: George Lynch, Chris Collier
Tracks: 11

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Lynch Mob are back with a brand new album titled “Rebel” which features 11 tracks from the former Dokken guitarist George Lynch and his band which features vocalist Oni Logan, bassist Jeff Pilson and drummer Brian Tichy. This will be the bands 8th studio album and the follow up to the groups 2014 release “Sun Red Sun”.

Ever since the group’s reunion in 2008 Lynch Mob has continued to once again grow with each album they release and “Rebel” is no exception. The albums opening track “Automatic Fix” is a perfect example of that as its pure rock and roll with elements of vintage heavy metal ala Iron Maiden and Judas Priest.

Other notable tracks from the album are the trudging d-tuned “Sanctuary”; the effects fueled “Dirty Money” and the ballad like “The Ledge”. While the album certainly is a rock album at times I found it to be a little softer than I was expecting. Though that’s certainly not a bad thing as I think the different styles will appeal to a wider range of listeners it’s just not what I envisioned at first listen.

Track Listing:
1. Automatic Fix
2. Between the Truth and a Lie
3. Testify
4. Sanctuary
5. Pine Tree Avenue
6. Jelly Roll
7. Dirty Money
8. The Hollow Queen
9. The Ledge
10. Kingdom of Slaves
11. War

The Rolling Stones
June 27, 2015
Arrowhead Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri

They bill themselves as “The Worlds’ Greatest Rock and Roll Band,” and last Saturday night the Rolling Stones more then lived up to that title as they entertained more than 50,000 people at Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City on their 15-city “Zip Code” tour.

Opening the show with “Start Me Up,” the band instantly brought the crowd to their feet. Not sure if it was for the song itself of the fact that every Chief kick-off begins with that song during football season. The next two hours were filled with hit after hit. In fact, with the exception of the song “Doom and Gloom,” from the new 50th Anniversary Compilation Album entitled “GRRR!,” the band played nothing but hits.

As in other cities on the tour, the Stones took on-line requests for this show, with the winning song being “Street Fighting Man.” Lead singer Mick Jagger was in great voice. I’ve seen every US tour since the 1981 “Tatoo You” tour, and Jagger sounded as strong on Saturday as he did three decades ago. Musically the band was as tight as ever, with Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood trading guitar licks, while Wood chain-smoked the entire show. Richards was also in top form vocally, taking the lead on “Before They Make Me Run” and “Happy.” Drummer Charlie Watts kept the beat going and bassist Daryl Jones, who has been playing with the band since Bill Wyman retired in 1993, laid down great line after line.

See the photo below? I’ve always said that if I was abducted by aliens and they asked me what rock and roll was that I would just show them this photo. If they don’t understand it from then they never will!

SET LIST: Start Me Up, It’s Only Rock ‘n’ Roll (But I Like It), Tumbling Dice, Doom and Gloom, Beast of Burden, Kansas City, Bitch, Wild Horses, Street Fighting Man, Honky Tonk Woman, Before They Make Me Run, Happy, Midnight Rambler, Miss You, Gimme Shelter, Jumpin’ Jack Flash, Sympathy for the Devil, Brown Sugar. ENCORE: You Can’t Always Get What You Want, (I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction.

“Super Monster Sex Action Tour 2015”
Rob Zombie
Date: Friday, June 19th 2015
Venue: Tag’s Summer Stage, Big Flats, NY

Our Score: 4.5 out of 5 stars

The macabre entity known as Rob Zombie brought his band of merry maniacs to the Tag’s Summer Stage on June 19th as part of his “Super Monster Sex Action Tour” where he performed for a near capacity crowd. Though the front man pointed out that he was a little under the weather you would have never noticed as he and his band blasted through 17 songs which spanned not only Zombie’s solo albums but also some of his work with his previous band White Zombie. Though foreboding skies seem to loom over the head Mother Nature played nice providing a great experience for concert goers.
Flanked by longtime band members Piggy D and guitarist John 5, and basked in glowing red lights amidst a smoke filled stage the man himself Mr. Rob Zombie appeared before the anxious crowd for what would be his first ever appearance at the Tag’s Summer Stage. Not one to disappoint or waste time Zombie and company blasted through songs like “Superbeast” and “Living Dead Girl” which gave way to such classics as “More Human Than Human”, “Meet the Creeper” and the always present “Thunder Kiss ‘65”. In what appeared to be a much more scaled down stage show compared to previous tours the band which was rounded out by former Marilyn Manson drummer Ginger Fish on drums proved that they could perform equally, if not better without the various stage props and gimmicks. The band had a great mix of sound coming through the PA which captured each instruments sonic element pairing nicely with the shows red/blue/green visual elements.

Having seen Rob and his band in a number of different incarnations and venues dating back to some of his early solo performances a lot has changed however one thing seems to always remain a constant. Each time Rob Zombie takes the stage he does not disappoint and this night’s show was no different. A great sound and performance along with the perfect mixture of both new and old material making up the set list made for an enjoyable night of rock and roll.

Set List
1.) Teenage Nosferatu Pussy
2.) Super-Charger Heaven
3.) Superbeast
4.) Get Up (I Feel Like Being a Sex Machine)
5.) Living Dead Girl
6.) Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown
7.) Drum Solo
8.) More Human Than Human
9.) Sick Bubble-Gum
10.) Pussy Liquor
11.) Meet the Creeper
12.) Never Gonna Stop (The Red, Red Kroovy)
13.) Blitzkrieg Bop
14.) Thunder Kiss ‘65
15.) We’re an American Band
16.) The Lords of Salem
17.) Dragula

“Transgender Dysphoria Tour 2015”
Against Me!, Frank Iero & the Cellebration, Annie Girl & the Flight
Date: Wednesday, June 24th 2015
Venue: Town Ballroom, Buffalo, NY

Our Score: 4 out of 5 stars

Against Me! made their way back to the quaint Town Ballroom located in Buffalo, NY as part of their ongoing Transgender Dysphoria tour. Along for the ride this time around were San Francisco, Bay Area native Annie Girl & the Flight and former My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero and his band the Cellebration. Despite the show being mid-week the venue was near capacity with a crowd set to give their all.

Taking the stage first would be Annie Girl & the Flight. The bands sounds were a mix/match of styles ranging from experimental garage rock to modern folk. The group performed songs off their self titled debut as well as songs from their latest EP “Bodies. It was hard at times to figure out which direction the band would go in next however the uncertainty made for an interesting listening experience as the band showed off an impressive range that kept listeners on their toes.

Former My Chemical Romance guitarist Frank Iero would be up next with his group “Frank Iero & the Cellebration”. As the band took the stage they were greeted with tremendous applause and instantly launched in to their 30+ minute set which was made up of songs from the groups “Stomachaches” album was high energy from the word go. The band took little time in between songs packing as much music as they could into their brief set which acted as the catalyst that upped the night’s energy.

Against Me! would close out the night with an impressive set of 20+ songs that band blasted through in rapid fire succession. Front woman Laura Jane Grace commanded the microphone like a true professional and really shined on songs such as “Black Me Out”, “Thrash Unreal” and “FuckMyLife666”. Another stand out of the nights set was the bands rendition of The Replacements song “Androgynous” which Laura and drummer Atom Willard performed a few months ago with Miley Cyrus and Joan Jett for Cyrus’s Happy Hippie Foundation. Despite front woman Grace appearing a bit tired (no doubt from her relentless tour cycle) the band sounded killer as always which made for a really great night of music.

If you for some reason or another have yet to catch an Against Me! show over the past year or so then what are you waiting for? There are still plenty of opportunities as the band will continue to tour the States through July before heading to Europe where they will be through August only to come back for another round of shows in the U.S. which run through September.

Against Me! Set List:
1.) I Was a Teenage Anarchist
2.) Walking Is Still Honest
3.) Cliché Guevara
4.) You Look Like You Need A Drink
5.) White Crosses
6.) Dead Friend
7.) Pints of Guinness Make You Strong
8.) Unconditional Love
9.) FuckMyLife666
10.) The Ocean
11.) T.S.R. (This Shit Rules)
12.) Drinking With the Jocks
13.) Bamboo Bones
14.) Transgender Dysphoria Blues
15.) Because of the Shame/Thrash Unreal
16.) Black Me Out
17.) True Trans Soul Rebel
18.) Tonight We’re Gonna Give It 35%
19.) Androgynous
20.) Don’t Lose Touch
21.) Sink Florida Sink

Tremonti
“Cauterize”
FRET12
Produced by: Michael “Elvis” Baskette
Tracks: 10

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

Creed/Alter Bridge guitarist Mark Tremonti is back with his second solo offering titled “Cauterize”. Being released via FRET12 the sophomore solo release is the follow up to Tremonti’s successful 2012 debut album “All I Was”. Michael “Elvis” Baskette is once again behind the control desk lending his hand production hand to the 10 blistering tracks which make up “Cauterize”

Fan’s looking for the next chapter of Tremonti look no further as “Cauterize” picks up where “All I Was” left off. Though I found a few of the songs to be a bit repetitive one thing the album clearly isn’t lacking in is attack as each of the albums 10 tracks certain go for the throat. The albums opener “Radical Change” is a perfect example of that as are “Cauterize” and “Arm Yourself” to name just a few. Probably my favorite track off the album was “Flying Monkeys” which features a really cool trudging guitar and bass line mixed with just the right amount of drums and Tremonti’s haunting vocals that get stuck in your head almost instantly. The addition of Wolfgang Van Halen on bass seems to have strengthened the bands bottom end considerably while rhythm guitarist/backup vocalist Eric Friedman and drummer Garrett Whitlock put in another round of solid performances which continue to compliment Tremonti’s lead work.

Even though I found the first half of the album to be a bit redundant as a whole “Cauterize” is a rawkus 10 track release that fans of Tremonti’s previous works will certainly enjoy. If you haven’t already check out Mark’s first solo offering I recommend starting their and then moving on to this release as both are a touch heavier. To get around the albums early repetitiveness just throw it on shuffle and be prepared to rock.

Track Listing:
1.) Radical Change
2.) Flying Monkeys
3.) Cauterize
4.) Arm Yourself
5.) Dark Trip
6.) Another Heart
7.) Fall Again
8.) Tie The Noose
9.) Sympathy
10.) Providence

The Pittsburgh, PA based punk rock band Anti-Flag recently released a brand new album (their 10th all together) chocked full of politically fueled anthems titled “American Spring”. The album features 14 brand new tracks along with guest appearances by Tom Morello and Tim Armstrong. Media Mikes had the chance to speak with Chris No.2 recently to discuss the new release, the groups tour plans and the idea behind the groups strong political approach.

Adam Lawton: What can you tell us about the new album “American Spring”?
Chris No. 2: “American Spring” is our 10th record and our first after the 20th anniversary of the band. I think we worked harder on this latest record than any other Anti-Flag record. It’s a
tremendously personal record for us. We focused on using empathy as the key to
live above racism, sexism, homophobia and corporate waged war in 2015.

AL: Can you tell us about the guest’s performances on the album and how
those came about?
C#2: Our very old friend / former record producer Tom Morello is on the track “Without End”. He put down this epic space vide solo which is really great. Tim Armstrong from Rancid sings verse 2 of the song “Brandenburg Gate”. Both of those guys being a part of the album is the result of having some very talented friends who we both admire for their talents and humility. We called them and asked if they, as important people in our lives, would appear on an important album for us and thankfully they both said yes.

AL: Some bands tend to shy away from various topics such as politics however you have always been very vocal towards it. What is it about these topics that inspires you to write your songs around them?
 C#2: It’s our only inspiration. We want people to know they’re not alone. There are a lot of us concerned with more than just ourselves. These songs are for those people.

AL: Are you ever worried that the subject matter of your songs may turn away listeners who maybe are as in touch with the current political climate?
C#2: Nope. There are plenty of bands out there for people to listen to if these songs don’t happen to be for them.

AL: You guys just wrapped up a run of shows in April. What are the bands plans going into the rest of the year?
C#2: Our goal is to play every city Anti-Flag has ever played as part of the touring for the “American Spring” album. We will be on the road indefinitely so we hope to be able to see everyone out there.

Rated: Unrated
Studio: Shout! Factory
Run Time: 60 min
Format: CD/DVD/Blu-Ray

Our Score: 3 out of 5 stars

“A Little Bit of Me: Live In L.A.” is the latest live release from singer/songwriter Melissa Etheridge. The performance was recorded on December 12th 2014 at the historic Orpheum Theater in Los Angeles during the last show of Etheridge’s “This is Me” Tour. The package is being released via Shout! Factory and is available on both DVD/CD and Blu-Ray/CD combo’s and Deluxe Digital Edition formats.
2 time Grammy Award winning singer/song writer Melissa Etheridge is back with a brand new concert performance release, Her first new live release since 2001’s “Live and Alone”.

Though “A Little Bit of Me: Live In L.A.” clocks in at just 60 minutes the 13 tracks that make up the set list are pure magic. All the hits are here including “I Want To Come Over”, “Come To My Window” and “I’m The Only One” along with several new tracks from Etheridge’s most recent studio album “This Is M.E.” including “Take My Number” and “A Little Bit of Me”. Though I found the sound and picture to be really great on the Blu-Ray edition I was a little underwhelmed that the entire concert only ran 60 minutes. With Etheridge’s last live release clocking in at over 2 hrs. and packed with bonus footage there was certainly something’s left to be desired. Don’t get me wrong the behind the scenes footage and interviews with the band are ok but nothing that hasn’t already been done.

If you are a long time Melissa fan and have to have everything she release to fulfill your collection then this release is certainly for you. I think this also would make a great piece to have if you saw one of the shows from this tours run. However if you are really looking for a more complete M.E. package then dig into her expansive back catalogue as there are several options that will probably be able to fit what you are looking for.

Track Listing:
1.) I Won’t Be Alone Tonight
2.) I Want To Come Over
3.) Chrome Plated Heart
4.) Take My Number
5.) Come To My Window
6.) Ruins
7.) A Little Bit of Me
8.) If I Wanted To
9.) Meet Me In The Back
10.) Bring Me Some Water
11.) I’m The Only One
12.) Like The Way I Do (Bonus track on Blu-Ray, DVD and Deluxe Digital Edition)
13.) Monster (Bonus track on Blu-Ray, DVD and Deluxe Digital Edition)