Concerts, Kataklizmic Design, Media, Photo Galleries, Reviews

REVIEW: Dashboard Confessional Impassion Fans at Sold Out 20 Year Celebration at The Van Buren (2-7-20)

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PHOENIX — 20 years ago, Dashboard Confessional was started as a side project of Chris Carrabba, the lead singer and guitarist who also fronts Further Seems Forever. In those 20 years, Dashboard Confessional has been a soundtrack for many; the songs for triumph in the high moments, and the songs for the low moments to help them rise back up. The tour that brought Piebald and Dashboard Confessional to The Van Buren on this night was a celebration of these moments and memories that these fans had gathered to relive.

Piebald

First out onto the stage was Piebald. Much like recently reunited The Format – who, coincidentally enough, they opened for during the final tour as a band – Piebald went onto a hiatus after one final show in 2008, though they have played a handful of one-off shows since then. Frontman Travis Shettel, guitarist Aaron Stuart, bassist Andrew Bonner, and drummer Luke Garro released a Christmas album titled A Christmas (seven-inch) Adventure. It is a vinyl of three Christmas songs, an odd choice for a band that seems to pride itself in being quite odd, so perhaps it’s a perfect choice for them.

Dana Bollen (Hype, Tour Mgr, Merch), Piebald
Photography: Andrew Marshall © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

As the show started, it quickly became quite apparent how differently these guys do things. As the first song started, suddenly a head popped up over the crowd: Dana Bollen, who would play the role of hype man/tour manager/merch guy. Throughout the set, he would go from standing on the barricade, flailing his arms around to get the crowd pumped, up to the stage to play some excellent cowbell, succeeding to inspire the crowd to flail along with him when he returned to the barricade. It was a genius touch, and a memorable addition to their excellent show.

At home on stage, Shettel bantered, at one point hosting an impromptu Q&A session with a crowd that was enjoying their quirky performance. At one point someone yelled out, “You’re my favorite!” to which Shettel pointed at them and exclaimed, “You’re MY favorite! OUR favorite, actually!”

Travis Shettel (Vocals, Guitar), Piebald
| Photography: Andrew Marshall © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

All of the songs they played were 12 years old, but yet felt so new. Piebald has managed to make their music sound timeless. Times have changed, and now the lyrics to the song “The Monkey Versus the Robot” have a much different and deeper meaning; one that anyone and everyone who works a 9-5 grind has felt at some point: “Work should not control our every minute, Eat to work, sleep to work, live to work, work.”

It is not unusual to attend a show and find yourself confronted with a band trying entirely too hard to relate to you and the crowd around you, forced dialog and ham-fisted lyrics. Piebald is none of these things. Rather, they are a quirky band that is at home playing songs that aged beautifully, with the rare ability to walk onto a stage in front of an audience who made up of many who may never had heard of them, and win them over in under 45 minutes.

As Piebald cleared the stage and the preparations were finished for Dashboard Confessional, the lights dimmed and “Sweetness” by Jimmy Eat World started playing. A casual observer would have assumed that the crowd was there for a Jimmy Eat World concert with the reaction the song generated. The crowd gleefully and loudly followed the lyrical instructions to “Sing it back,” demonstrating that there truly is never a bad time to play a Jimmy Eat World song.

Dashboard Confessional 

To attend a Dashboard Confessional concert is to realize that your neighbor is probably going to spend a good deal of the show singing at the top of their lungs. That’s ok, because you likely will be doing the same at some point. This is the magic of Dashboard Confessional: Chris Carrabba is the rare songwriter who can encapsulate not just the words of the moments in life that we all have, he manages to paint a masterpiece with the music behind it.

Jim Adkins of Jimmy Eat World has a similar talent, and it could be argued that if everyone from this generation were to compile a soundtrack of their lives, it is likely they would have at least one song from these two bands on it. They have mastery of their lyrics and music, and we are an awestruck audience that has not fully realized how lucky we are.

Chris Carrabba (Vocals, Guitar), Dashboard Confessional
| Photography: Andrew Marshall © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

To call what was experienced on this night a concert does not quite do it justice, as it was really a journey through space and time with each song. “Vindicated,” a song from the soundtrack of the 2004 movie Spider-man 2, took us into the past, though it doesn’t feel like that song can get its drivers license this year. Carrabba was a skillful guide through the trip, knowing exactly when to step back from the microphone to allow the crowd the opportunity to belt out their favorite lyrics – saying at one point they sang beautifully – and when to step in and to tell a story before the next stop in this fanciful tour.

Scott Schoenbeck (Bass), Dashboard Confessional
| Photography: Andrew Marshall © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

Halfway through the set he traded his electric guitar for an acoustic and performed alone onstage. Carrabba is an extraordinarily talented guitar player, bringing quite a few guitars on tour and often switching up during the show, but his mastery shines the brightest when he plays acoustic. His vocals were also on full display, holding a note for a superhuman length of time, holding until the cheers finally drowned him out.

Chris Carrabba (Vocals, Guitar), Dashboard Confessional
| Photography: Andrew Marshall © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

As the rest of the band rejoined Carrabba, he introduced them as Scott Schoenbeck on the bass, Armon Jay also on the guitar, Chris Kamrada on the drums, and Dane Poppin who alternated between the keyboard and guitar. The journey that Carrabba took the audience on would look drastically different without the band, which he introduced twice during the show.

Dashboard Confessional
| Photography: Andrew Marshall © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

The reluctant, final stops on this journey included a rendition of “Hands Down” that felt something akin to a religious experience, with almost every person in the venue singing out as loudly as they possibly could. It was a celebration of Dashboard Confessional – a celebration of two decades worth of music and meaning, of memories, and of the songs that seemed to know what we needed to hear when we didn’t know ourselves. It was also a sold-out crowd saying “Thank you” to Carrabba in a way that means the most to an artist: by knowing every single word of every single song and serenading him throughout the show. The tour ends on 3/28 in Nashville, TN at the Ryman Auditorium.

Photo Galleries

Photography: Andrew Marshall

View Separately:
Dashboard Confessional | Piebald

Dashboard Confessional & Piebald – The Van Buren 2-7-20

Photography © Andrew Marshall
All Rights Reserved

Adrenaline PR, Live Nation, News, Tours

Megadeth and Lamb Of God Announce Massive 2020 Co-Headline Tour Across North America

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Two of the biggest bands in heavy metal – Megadeth and Lamb of God – will be joining forces on a co-headline tour across North America this year, presented by SiriusXM. And to add to the firepower of this already formidable tour, Trivium and In Flames are joining, making this the must-see heavy music package of the year. Tickets will go on general sale Friday, February 14 on LiveNation.com. (Tour dates below)

Megadeth
Megadeth

Megadeth, fueled by Dave Mustaine’s triumphant return to the stage following his diagnosis and recovery of throat cancer, will embark on their first North American tour since 2017.

Speaking on the epic announcement, Megadeth’s leader and frontman, Dave Mustaine says, “Hello me! I’m back again, better than ever and coming to a town near you with Lamb of God, Trivium and In Flames. If you want high octane metal madness this is the tour for you.”

Lamb of God

Lamb of God released their first new music in five years last week with the single “Checkmate.” The track is the first to be released from the band’s self-titled eighth studio album, due out May 8, which is one of the most anticipated and important metal records of the year. Commenting on their upcoming co-headline run, Mark Morton, lead guitarist of Lamb of God, adds, “The world has never needed heavy more than it does today and top to bottom, this tour delivers! Lamb of God has toured with and been friends with all of these bands for years, but for all of us to be on the same bill is something extra special. Come early and stay late. This is the metal tour of the year.”

Trivium’s Matt Heafy adds, “We are happy to be a part of the biggest real metal tour of the year. This tour is the main event and represents heavy metal and the culture that goes with it.“

With In Flames singer, Anders Fridén stating, “We were honored to be asked to join this package. We were actually supposed to take this summer off, but of course we couldn’t say no. After playing shows with all of these guys for years, 2020 is going to feel like a kick ass reunion. See you on the road, Jesterheads!”

Produced by Live Nation, this epic 55-city tour will stretch across summer and fall, kicking off June 12 in Bristow, VA, and hit every region of the U.S. before wrapping November 13 in Reno, NV. Multiple Canadian shows are scheduled as well. See full itinerary below.

Tickets and VIP packages for all four artists go on sale to the general public beginning Friday, February 14 at 10 a.m. local time here. Citi is the official presale credit card of the tour. As such, Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets & VIP packages beginning Tuesday, February 11 at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, February 13 at 10 p.m. local time through Citi Entertainment®. For complete presale details visit their website.

Megadeth and Lamb of God North American Tour Dates

Summer 2020

  • 6/12 – Bristow, VA @ Jiffy Lube Live
  • 6/13 – Charlotte, NC @ PNC Music Pavilion
  • 6/14 – Raleigh, NC @ Red Hat Amphitheater
  • 6/16 – Virginia Beach, VA @ Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
  • 6/17 – Wantagh, NY @ Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
  • 6/18 – Camden, NJ @ BB&T Pavilion
  • 6/20 – Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
  • 6/21 – Boston, MA @ Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion
  • 6/23 – Syracuse, NY @ St. Joseph’s Heath Amphitheater at Lakeview
  • 6/24 – Providence, RI @ Bold Point Lake Amphitheater
  • 6/28 – Burgettstown, PA @ S&T Bank Music Park*
  • 6/29 – Toronto, ON @ Budweiser Stage
  • 7/1 – Detroit, MI @ DTE Energy Music Theater
  • 7/2 – Mount Pleasant, MI @ Soaring Eagle Casino Amphitheatre
  • 7/3 – Indianapolis, IN @ Ruoff Music Center
  • 7/5 – Atlanta, GA @ Ameris Music Center
  • 7/7 – Cincinnati, OH @ PNC Pavilion
  • 7/8 – Cleveland, OH @Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
  • 7/10 – Chicago, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago, IL
  • 7/11 – St. Louis, MO @ Chicago, IL @ Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis, MO*
  • 7/12 – Nashville, TN @ Nashville Municipal Auditorium
  • 7/14 – Rogers, AR @ Walmart AMP*
  • 7/16 – Austin, TX @ Germania Insurance Amphitheater
  • 7/17 – Houston, TX @ The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
  • 7/18 – Irving, TX @The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory+
  • 7/20 – Albuquerque, NM @ Isleta Amphitheater
  • 7/21- Phoenix, AZ @ Isleta Amphitheater
  • 7/23 – Irvine, CA @ FivePoint Amphitheatre
  • 7/25 – Auburn, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
  • 7/26 – Portland, OR @ Moda Center
  • 7/29 – Salt Lake City, UT @ USANA Amphitheatre
  • 7/30 – Pocatello, ID @ Portneuf Health Trust Amphitheatre
  • 8/1 – Concord, CA @ Concord Pavilion

Fall 2020

  • 10/2 – West Palm Beach, CA @ iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
  • 10/6 – Birmingham, AL @ Oak Mountain Amphitheatre
  • 10/7 – New Orleans, LA @ UNO Lakefront Arena
  • 10/9 – Corpus Christi, TX @ American Bank Center Arena
  • 10/11 – El Paso, TX @ Don Haskins Center
  • 10/14 – Springfield, MO @ JOH Arena
  • 10/16 – Kansas City, MO @ Sprint Center
  • 10/21 – Columbus, OH @ Schottenstein Center
  • 10/23 – Huntington, WV @ Mountain Heath Arena
  • 10/24 – Bethlehem, PA @ The Wind Creek Event Center
  • 10/27 – Quebec City, QC @ Centre Videotron
  • 10/28 – Laval, QC @ Place Bell
  • 10/30 – St, Paul, MN @ Armory
  • 10/3 – Green Bay, WI @ Resch Center*
  • 11/2 – Omaha, NE @ Baxter Arena
  • 11/3 – Sioux Falls, SD @ Denny Sanford PREMIER Center
  • 11/5 – Denver, CO @ Pepsi Center
  • 11/7 – Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay Events Center
  • 11/10 – Spokane, WA @ Spokane Arena
  • 11/11 – Nampa, ID @ Ford Idaho Center Arena
  • 11/13 – Reno, NV @ Reno Events Center

*on sale starts 11 a.m. local time
+on sale starts 12 noon local time

Tickets for this gargantuan tour package are bound to fly out when they go on sale on Friday, February 14. Grab yours before they’re all gone!

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Live Nation, News, Tours, Tracks

Melanie Martinez Unveils Headline Tour And New Song

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Atlantic recording artist Melanie Martinez has announced today’s release of a new song and an extensive leg of her world tour. “Copy Cat (Feat. Tierra Whack)” is available now at all DSPs and streaming services here. “Copy Cat” will be featured on her first project since 2019 album K-12, an EP entitled After School which is due for release this Spring. Tierra Whack is the first artist to be included as a feature on a Melanie Martinez track.

“I’m so thrilled to be releasing this song with the most magical artist and insanely gifted lyricist, Tierra Whack,” says Martinez. “This song was written years ago and from an empathetic perspective, even while in a very hurt place. We’re all told that imitation is flattery to ease the pain that the ego feels when other people get credited for our ideas and our work. But being human includes feeling a multitude of feelings, and naturally this song came about when expressing those very raw emotions. I hope this song can not only bring comfort to anyone experiencing that feeling but also remind them to empathize with people who are just doing what society has conditioned them to believe will make them successful.”

Martinez is “the sweetest, realest, most genuine person I’ve ever met,” says Tierra Whack. “After dropping ‘WHACK WORLD,’ she was one of the first people to reach out and immediately show love. So excited to share our new song together!”

Melanie Martinez
Photography: Brian Zuniga

Martinez has further announced plans for a major North American headline tour, produced by Live Nation – her biggest and most adventurous stage production thus far. (Tour dates below.)

Dates begin June 3rd at The Armory in Minneapolis, MN and then continue through late July. Highlights include Martinez’s appearance at Bunbury festival, and her eagerly anticipated debut performances at New York City’s legendary Radio City Music Hall (June 24th) and Los Angeles, CA’s historic Greek Theatre (July 17th). Martinez has partnered with PLUS1 for the “K-12 Tour” to support crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ youth through the Trevor Project for her US dates, and local organizations working to support and empower the health and wellbeing of LGBTQ communities for her Canadian dates. For more information about PLUS1, click here.

Fan presales begin today at 2PM (local) and tickets go on sale to the general public starting Thursday, February 13th at 10 am (local). To get tickets and see the full list of tour dates, click here. Citi is the official presale credit card of the K-12 Tour. Citi cardmembers will have access to purchase presale tickets for select shows beginning Tuesday, Feb 11 @ 10am local time until Wednesday, Feb 12 @ 10pm local time through Citi Entertainment®. For complete presale details visit Citi Entertainment.

Both “Copy Cat (Feat. Tierra Whack)” and the upcoming tour follow the phenomenal success of Martinez’s internationally acclaimed album and accompanying full-length film, K-12, available now at all music retailers and streaming services. Hailed by Forbes as “a perfect conceptual album in the streaming age,” K-12 entered the SoundScan/Billboard 200 at #3 upon its September 2019 release – the multi-talented pop phenomenon’s highest chart placement thus far. In addition, K-12 debuted at #1 on the “Alternative Albums,” “Soundtracks,” and “Vinyl Albums” charts, as well as #2 on “Pop Albums” and #3 on “Top Albums.” Internationally, K-12 made top 10 debuts in Canada, Australia, Ireland, Netherlands, UK, New Zealand, and Spain.

Produced by Michael Keenan with the exception of one song produced by Kinetics & One Love, K-12 marks Martinez’s long anticipated follow-up to her RIAA platinum certified, 2015 debut album, Cry Baby. The new album further serves as a soundtrack companion to an eerily enchanting musical film, written, directed, and starring Martinez. K-12 is streaming now at DSPs and Martinez’s official YouTube channel, where it has earned close to 43 million views to date. Praised by Billboard as “a visual dream world of the 24-year-old’s own making… a whimsical, highly dramatized version of school life, filled with pastels, magic, oversized hair bows and babydoll dresses,” the film is also available on iTunes, Amazon, Amazon Prime, Google Play, Fandango Now, Vudu US, Comcast Cable, Cox Cable, Microsoft Store US, and Stingray/Qello.

In addition to today’s premiere of “Copy Cat (Feat. Tierra Whack),” last week saw Martinez unfurl a series of compelling new videos for songs featured on K-12, including “Orange Juice,” “Detention,” “Teacher’s Pet,” “High School Sweethearts,” and “Recess,” all of which are written and directed by Martinez and streaming now via YouTube. K-12 also includes the previously released “Lunchbox Friends” and “Show & Tell” videos, which have contributed to driving Melanie’s YouTube channel to the precipice of 10 million followers.

Widely applauded for her remarkably creative live performances, Martinez further introduced K-12 to the world with a visually stunning presentation of the album’s “Strawberry Shortcake“ on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live!, streaming here.

Meanwhile, Martinez is currently traveling Europe on her epic “K-12 Tour,” with remaining dates set for Germany, France, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. From there, Martinez returns to the US for a series of already sold out “K-12 Tour” dates beginning March 17th at Anaheim, CA’s House of Blues and continuing through the month. Naaz will support on all European dates, and Sub Urban will open the March US dates. For complete details and additional information, visit here.

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Melanie Martinez World Tour 2020

  • FEBRUARY
  • 10 Frankfurt, DE Jahrhunderthalle
  • 12 Cologne, DE Palladium
  • 13 Paris, FR Olympia Theatre
  • 15 Tilburg, NL 013 Poppodium
  • 17 London, UK O2 Academy Brixton
  • MARCH
  • 17 Anaheim, CA House of Blues – Anaheim
  • 19 Oakland, CA Fox Theatre
  • 20 Las Vegas, NV Pearl Concert Theater
  • 22 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre
  • 23 Salt Lake City, UT The Union
  • 25 Seattle, WA Paramount Ballroom
  • 26 Garden City, ID The Revolution Center

NEW K-12 Tour Dates

  • JUNE
  • 3 Minneapolis, MN The Armory
  • 5-7 Cincinnati, OH Bunbury Music Festival *
  • 6 Sterling Heights, MI Michigan Lottery Amphitheater at Freedom
  • Hill
  • 7 Columbus, OH Express Live! **
  • 9 Chicago, IL Huntington Bank Pavilion
  • 10 St. Louis, MO Saint Louis Music Park
  • 12 Cleveland, OH Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
  • 13 Toronto, ON RBC Echo Beach
  • 14 Montreal, QC M. TELUS
  • 16 Washington, DC The Anthem
  • 17 Moon Twp, PA UPMC Events Center
  • 19 Boston, MA Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion
  • 20 Philadelphia, PA The Met
  • 21 Asbury Park, NJ Stone Pony Summerstage
  • 23 Wallingford, CT Oakdale Theater
  • 24 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
  • 26 Raleigh, NC Red Hat Amphitheater
  • 27 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
  • 28 Nashville, TN Nashville Municipal Auditorium
  • 30 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
  • JULY
  • 1 Miami, FL Bayfront Park Amphitheater
  • 2 Tampa, FL Yuengling Center
  • 7 Independence, MO Silverstein Eye Centers Arena
  • 8 Rogers, AR Walmart AMP
  • 9 Irving, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
  • 11 Sugar Land, TX Smart Financial Centre
  • 12 Austin, TX ACL Live at The Moody Theater
  • 14 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Federal Theatre
  • 15 Fresno, CA Saroyan Theater
  • 17 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
  • 18 San Diego, CA Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
  • 21 Portland, OR Theater of the Clouds
  • 22 Vancouver, BC Orpheum
  • 23 Redmond, WA Marymoor Amphitheater **
  • 25 Salt Lake City, UT Sandy City Amphitheater **
  • 26 Denver, CO The Fillmore

* FESTIVAL APPEARANCE
** NOT PRODUCED BY LIVE NATION

Melanie Martinez Online:

Website | Instagram | YouTube
Facebook | Twitter


Featured photo (top) by Brian Zuniga


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Live Nation, News, Publicists, Tours

International Icon Janet Jackson Announces Black Diamond World Tour 2020

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Miss Janet Jackson kicks off her Black Diamond World Tour this summer to arenas across North America. The outing will feature an all-new production featuring new music from her highly anticipated, forthcoming album Black Diamond, set for release this year. Performing songs from her 12 multi-platinum albums including a special performance of Rhythm Nation 1814, which recently marked its 30th Anniversary.  (Tour dates below)

Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off June 24th in Miami and will visit major cities across the U.S. and Canada including Atlanta, Philadelphia, Toronto, Dallas, and many more. The run will also feature shows at New York’s legendary Madison Square Garden and STAPLES Center in Los Angeles. European dates and the rest of the world soon to be announced.

Tickets go on sale to the general public starting Thursday, February 13th at LiveNation.com

Janet Jackson

Janet Jackson is one of the most influential entertainers of the modern era. Her music has won her five GRAMMY® Awards, two Emmy Nominations, a Golden Globe Award and a nomination for an Academy Award along with dozens of American Music Awards, MTV Video Music Awards and Billboard Music Awards. She has received accolades as an actress as well including the NAACP Best Supporting Actor award.  Janet, a Rock and Roll Hall of Fame inductee, is also a published author, dancer, businessperson, philanthropist, in addition to being one of the biggest-selling artists in popular music history. With sales of over 185 million records worldwide, Janet Jackson stands as one of the best-selling artists of all time with a string of hits that have left an indelible impression on pop culture. Her music and artistry opened doors through which other top artists have followed, many acknowledging her impact on their musical perceptions.

Black Diamond 2020 Tour Dates

Wednesday, June 24, 2020Miami, FLAmerican Airlines Arena
Friday, June 26, 2020Orlando, FLAmway Center
Saturday, June 27, 2020Tampa, FLAmalie Arena
Monday, June 29, 2020Atlanta, GAState Farm Arena
Wednesday, July 1, 2020Nashville, TNBridgestone Arena
Friday, July 3, 2020New Orleans, LAEssence Festival*
Sunday, July 5, 2020Greensboro, NCGreensboro Coliseum Complex
Tuesday, July 7, 2020Washington, DCCapital One Arena
Thursday, July 9, 2020Philadelphia, PAWells Fargo Center
Friday, July 10, 2020Pittsburgh, PAPPG Paints Arena
Sunday, July 12, 2020Newark, NJPrudential Center
Tuesday, July 14, 2020New York, NYMadison Square Garden
Friday, July 17, 2020Mashantucket, CTThe Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resort Casino*
Saturday, July 18, 2020Boston, MATD Garden
Tuesday, July 21, 2020Buffalo, NYKeyBank Center
Wednesday, July 22, 2020Toronto, ONScotiabank Arena
Friday, July 24, 2020Detroit, MILittle Caesars Arena
Saturday, July 25, 2020Cincinnati, OHCincinnati Music Festival*
Monday, July 27, 2020Chicago, ILUnited Center
Tuesday, July 28, 2020Cleveland, OHRocket Mortgage Fieldhouse
Friday, July 31, 2020St Louis, MOEnterprise Center
Saturday, August 1, 2020Louisville, KYKFC Yum! Center
Monday, August 3, 2020Dallas, TXAmerican Airlines Center
Wednesday, August 5, 2020Houston, TXToyota Center
Friday, August 7, 2020San Antonio, TXAT&T Center
Sunday, August 9, 2020Phoenix, AZGila River Arena
Monday, August 10, 2020San Diego, CAViejas Arena at Aztec Bowl San Diego State University
Wednesday, August 12, 2020Los Angeles, CASTAPLES Center
Saturday, August 15, 2020Anaheim, CAHonda Center
Monday, August 17, 2020Sacramento, CAGolden 1 Center
Tuesday, August 18, 2020San Jose, CASAP Center at San Jose
Thursday, August 20, 2020Portland, ORModa Center
Saturday, August 22, 2020Vancouver, BCRogers Arena
Sunday, August 23, 2020Tacoma, WATacoma Dome

Janet Jackson Online

Website | Facebook | Instagram
Twitter | YouTube


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News, Tours

The Format’s Comeback Sells Out, Sparks Outcries – Ticket Sites are Backed Up and Too Slow

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JANUARY 26, 2022 UPDATE:

All scheduled shows have been cancelled.

The Format - A message from Sam & Nate
The Format – A message from Sam & Nate | Click to enlarge

Wait, Wait, Wait

APRIL 6, 2021 UPDATE: Although millions of people are getting vaccinated every day, the band is feeling uncertain about this summer so they’ve decided to push the reunion shows to next March and April, 2022.
More Details Here

JUNE 11, 2020 UPDATE: In the interest of following government guidelines and keeping everyone safe, The Format has moved the reunion shows from this July to next July 2021.
More Details Here

MARCH 12, 2020 UPDATE: Due to concerns related to the coronavirus, The Format has decided to move their upcoming shows to this July.
More Details Here

Original Article

On February 4th, 2020, exactly 12 years to the day after The Format shocked music fans with the announcement of a hiatus, they caused a scene with another announcement: they would be playing five shows in three cities in the spring of 2020. 

The Format was born in Arizona, formed by friends and classmates Nate Ruess and Sam Means, and it could be argued that they are a quintessentially Arizona band. It would hard, if not impossible, to find an Arizonan who did not hear the song “Tune Out” and nod in weary understanding when hearing the lyrics, “The 51 is backed up and too slow,” quite possibly while they were sitting on the aforementioned 51 – which is, unsurprisingly, even more backed up these days 17 years after the song was released. 

The Format with their live band at Tucson’s KFMA Day 2005
Nate Ruess, Mike Schey, Don Raymond, Marko Buzard, Adam Boyd, Sam Means
Photography: Katherine Amy Vega © All Rights Reserved.

There was some rumbling on social media about the concerts listed at first: two in New York, Two in Chicago and only one in their hometown. The belief was that there should be at least two here in Phoenix – after all, it is their hometown. 

Once the presale went live it became very apparent that The Format was greatly missed by their adoring fans. The website was overwhelmed, causing massive headaches for those trying to buy the limited presale tickets. The demand was so intense and the presale sold out so fast that an extra show was added in each city: now there were three in New York and Chicago and two in Phoenix. 

The decision was also made to move the sale from the TicketWeb platform to Ticketmaster, likely due to the latter having a better architecture to handle the expected flood of diehard fans trying to snag the very limited tickets. 

The name Ticketmaster — to anyone who enjoys live music at all — is a four-letter word. In recent months, there have been many major shows that sell out very quickly, only to have massive amounts of tickets pop up in the secondary market at obscene prices. 

The 2017 Metallica scandal is still fresh in the minds of many; the scalping of 4,400 tickets per show by design – benefiting the band, companies and individuals involved at the cost of alienating the fans that were left out in the cold or with lighter wallets than they would have if the company had played fair.

For that reason – and many others – it is not hard to feel an added layer of trepidation and frustration when waiting in the queue for tickets – after all, how many bots and scalpers are you fighting to get in to see your favorite band? 

Unfortunately for many fans of The Format, today would not be an exception. 

At 12 noon, the floodgates opened and many fans found themselves staring at their screens in disbelief. The queue for the second show at the Van Buren – a venue that has a capacity of 1,800 – showed that there were 2,000+ people in front of anyone not there in the first minute of the tickets going on sale. 

At 12:10 a link suddenly popped up at the bottom of the screen for those in the queue. Just above it the announcement read, in not so many words: Yeah, ok, we should have led with three shows. We just added another one.

By 12:20 everyone in the queue for the newest show at The Van Buren was getting messages that the third show was sold out, and minutes after, the first tickets showed up on resale sites for predictably obscene amounts. The band may have found, to their surprise, that they were a far, far bigger deal than they realized they would still be after 12 years. 

Adding extra shows can result in diminishing demand as each show is added. However, in this case there was no slowdown from the first show to the third — a sign of how well-loved they are even after all this time away.

February 27 Update

NYC + Phoenix: The Format has launched a scalper-free ticket exchange with Lyte for the shows at The Bowery Ballroom + The Van Buren: HERE

As the day wore on and more people on social media got angrier and angrier about the tickets being scooped up by scalpers, The Format posted an acknowledgement on their Facebook page. The below is part of their statement:

“We’ve seen a bunch of folks posting and saying that scalpers are taking all of the tickets. We want to let you know that we are working with the venues to scour every ticket purchase and make sure that they go to our true fans…not scalpers. We’ve already cancelled a bunch of purchases and made tickets available again.”

February 27 Update

NYC + Phoenix: The Format has launched a scalper-free ticket exchange with Lyte for the shows at The Bowery Ballroom + The Van Buren: https://lyte.com/theformat/

The Format will forever be a cherished band and a staple from the young adulthood of many that grew up here in Phoenix and elsewhere. Their return from hiatus, however long it may last, is a welcome and exciting one, and their willingness to listen to their fans and address an issue that is causing anguish among their potential concert-goers is refreshing. To the few that managed to snag tickets, congratulations are in order. The message to the band from the fans, including this writer, is clear:

Welcome back. We’ve missed you.


The Format released its 2007 live DVD/documentary Live at the Mayan Theatre for the first time ever to listen to on Spotify, Apple Music, Amazon, and more, as well as to watch on Amazon Prime Video and The Format YouTube channel.  

The Format Online

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Instagram | YouTube

Featured photo (top) December 17th, 2004 at Body Soul
by Katherine Amy Vega
© All Rights Reserved

BMG, News, Tracks

LÉON Returns With Stunning Pop Ballad, “In A Stranger’s Arms”

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LOS ANGELES — Building off the success of her self-titled debut album, LÉON delivers a gorgeous new ballad in the way that only LÉON could. “In a Stranger’s Arms” is a soft pop, forlorn lullaby about the metamorphosis that happens after moving on from heartbreak and the willingness to take a risk and start over ‘in a stranger’s arms.’ The warm track is oddly comforting and glimmering with both melancholia yet hopefulness. Listen here.

New Album Expected Later This Year via Léon Recordings / BMG

The critically acclaimed Swedish artist also plans to release her sophomore full-length studio album later this year through LÉON Recordings, her imprint partnership with BMG.

“LÉON’s smoky vocals and
soaring compositions cut right to the emotional core.” – TIME

“Instantly catchy” – Billboard

Since releasing her career debut single in 2015, LÉON has consistently delivered with every release, demonstrates her knack for crafting emotive, tender, and unforgettable pop songs. The songstress has amassed over 400 million total global streams and is a regular critic’s favorite in the press, racking up praise from the likes of Vogue, Glamour, In-Style, The Fader, and more. In addition to making her late-night television debut on The Late Late Show with James Corden, she has sold out many headline shows worldwide and performed at U.S. festival staples including Coachella, Bonnaroo, and Lollapalooza.

“LÉON is unstoppable” – Clash

According to LÉON, “Over the past few years, I’ve learned how to go with my gut and steer the wheel myself. If it doesn’t feel right to me, I don’t pursue it. In the end, I stand behind the music I make, and I’m in control.”

“An essential listen.” – W Magazine

In 2020, LÉON shows no signs of slowing down. Stay tuned as she continues to evolve and embarks on the next chapter in her career, with more surprises for her fans along the way.

“Like the other mononymous Swedish pop icon [Robyn], LÉON
couples danceable beats and thoughtful lyrics.” – UPROXX

LÉON Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Instagram | YouTube

Listen to LÉON’s Self-Titled Debut Album:

Spotify | Apple Music | Google Play | Amazon Music
Deezer | Pandora | YouTube



Albums & EPs, News, Speakeasy PR, Tracks

Grey Daze Set April 10 Release for Eagerly-awaited Album, Amends

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MARCH 24, 2020 UPDATE: With an abundance of concern for those that need to spend time with their loved ones over the coming weeks due to Covid-19, the band and label came to the difficult decision to postpone the album’s release. More Info Here

PHOENIX — Grey Daze, Chester Bennington’s pre-Linkin Park band, release Amends, the Phoenix-born band’s eagerly-awaited album featuring newly recorded music with re-mastered vocals from the group’s long out-of-print, and largely undiscovered, catalog, on April 10 via Loma Vista Recordings.

New Single & Music Video for “Sickness” Released

Accompanying the album announcement, Grey Daze have simultaneously released a second single from the 11-song collection, premiering “Sickness” today via Annie Mac’s BBC Radio 1 show (“Hottest Record”). A video for the track has also been released, with band founder and drummer, Sean Dowdell, explaining: “This is loosely based on a true story from when Chester was 15-years-old. He was being bullied at school and one day suffered a real beating. That was the day I assumed a role as protector and almost older brother figure to Chester that has lasted since, even after his passing.”

Amends is the origin story of one of modern rock’s most recognizable voices and also a full circle moment among friends. The album is the fulfillment of a planned Grey Daze reunion that Chester had announced prior to his untimely passing. The remaining band members – Dowdell (drums), Mace Beyers (bass) and Cristin Davis (guitar) – along with Talinda Bennington (Chester’s widow) and his parents, made it their mission to see the project through with assistance from Tom Whalley, the founder of Loma Vista Recordings and former Warner Bros. Records Chairman during Linkin Park’s tenure at the label.

Dowdell, Beyers and Davis selected the tracks from the band’s mid-90s, but largely unknown, catalog and re-recorded the music in 2019 to accompany Chester’s re-mastered vocals. Produced by Jay Baumgardner, several musicians leant their time and talent to the album, including Korn’s Brian “Head” Welch and James “Munky” Shaffer, Paige Hamilton (Helmet), Chris Traynor (Bush, Helmet, Orange 9MM), LP, Jasen Rauch (Breaking Benjamin) and Ryan Shuck (Orgy).

Earlier this week, Dowdell and Talinda Bennington spoke with Rolling Stone about the project, discussing how it came to fruition and the emotions of sharing this album with the world.

“He wanted to do Grey Daze again because the music was awesome, he loved it back then, and he was excited to be able to create,” Talinda shared in the Rolling Stone piece. “Doing it now that he had all this experience under his belt – he had accomplished so much and come so far since then – he was excited about it. I can hear him now. He’s like, ‘F**k yeah!’”

Dowdell appears on both KROQ (Los Angeles) and KUPD (Phoenix) this afternoon to discuss Amends and how meaningful this release is to both the circle of people who were intimately involved but also to the millions of fans who have been waiting to hear Chester’s voice once again.

“We started Grey Daze in 1993, the band ended up breaking up in 1998,” explains Dowdell in a recently released documentary. “Fast forward to 2015, Chester’s on the road and says, ‘I think we should put Grey Daze back together.’ Obviously, what happened, happened and Chester was tragically taken from us. Of course, as soon as he passed, it was like ‘oh my God, I lost my friend, my friend’s wife is now a widow and my friend’s kids are now fatherless.’ There were all of these emotions. About six or seven months later, I started some conversations and said I really want to finish this album. We’re not going to accept mediocrity, we’re going to do our friend proud, we’re going to make sure Chester is proud and we’re going to make sure this is something he would have been elated to put out.“

Amends is available in a variety of collectible formats with several iterations available exclusively via the band’s website. The CD comes as a 16-page case-bound book; a first pressing, ruby red vinyl variant exclusive to the band’s webstore; and a numbered deluxe edition featuring both a CD and LP, which includes the first ever disc tray designed for vinyl, as well as a 60-page book with never-before-seen photos and 180g red and white splattered vinyl. Digital and other standard versions of the album are available here.

Pre-orders include instant downloads of “What’s In The Eye” and “Sickness.” A CD single is also available today at independent record stores nationwide, featuring both new singles “What’s In The Eye” and “Sickness,” as well as a $3 off coupon for the full album.

Amends Track Listing

  1. Sickness
  2. Sometimes
  3. What’s In The Eye
  4. The Syndrome
  5. In Time
  6. Just Like Heroine
  7. B12
  8. Soul Song
  9. Morei Sky
  10. She Shines
  11. Shouting Out

About Grey Daze


Grey Daze formed in 1992. The Phoenix-based band went on to independently release two albums: Wake Me (1994) and no sun today (1996). Grey Daze parted ways in 1998, with Chester serendipitously auditioning for the Los Angeles band Xero, who later became Linkin Park.

In 2017, Chester announced Grey Daze’s reunion, which would see the band re-working and re-recording a collection of songs they had started two decades earlier. The project was shelved in July 2017 but with the blessing of Chester’s widow, Talinda, and his family, Grey Daze regrouped and finished the album. 

Amends represents an important yet unheard chapter – the origin story of one of modern rock’s most recognizable voices – and also a full circle moment along friends.

Grey Daze Is:

  • Chester Bennington (vocals)
  • Sean Dowdell (drums)
  • Mace Beyers (bass)
  • Cristin Davis (guitar).

Grey Daze Online

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Instagram | YouTube


Adrenaline PR, Albums & EPs, Music Videos, News, Tours, Tracks

Lamb of God Releases First New Music in Five Years, “Checkmate,” from Upcoming Self-Titled Album, Due Out May 8

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Lamb of God has revealed a brand new single and video, “Checkmate,” from the band’s first release in five years, and the first to feature new drummer Art Cruz. The self-titled Lamb Of God is due out May 8 via Epic Records.

Watch “Checkmate” Now Here

“‘Checkmate’ brings together all the components of the Lamb of God sound that we’ve been developing over the last two decades, but with the ambition and ferocity that comes with the start of a new chapter for our band,” says guitarist Mark Morton. “Re-energized and reignited, this is Lamb of God 2020. We’ve never been more excited.”

The fact that the band’s eighth studio effort would warrant ‘self-titled’ status is a testament to the band’s pride and satisfaction with these songs and this period in their creativity.

“Putting only our name on it is a statement,”
Vocalist D. Randall Blythe says.
“This is Lamb Of God. Here and now.”

A true collaboration between all members of the band, Lamb of God’s eighth studio album is an amalgam of each individual’s contributions, blended to create a singular style. Guitarists Mark Morton and Willie Adler fuel the album with a mountain of riffs, taking what Lamb of God are known for, and unbelievably, upping the ante to new levels. The rhythm section of John Campbell, looming large as a rhythmic shadow, and drummer Art Cruz, who makes his studio debut with Lamb of God here on this record, underpin the proceedings with passion, sweat and expansive dynamics. Vocalist D. Randall Blythe is as angry, insightful, and informed as ever. Never one to shrink from facing the darker aspects of our nature head-on, Blythe delivers with no punches pulled, and as only he and Lamb of God can in 2020.

In celebration of the release of “Checkmate” and the announce of the new album, Lamb of God will appear at a special show at the House of Vans in Chicago on February 14. The event is free and fans can RSVP beginning at 12 noon CST today at the House of Vans website here. The event will include a photography exhibit featuring photos from D. Randall Blythe that will be included in the new Lamb of God album artwork. Harm’s Way will open the show.

In the midst of writing the ten songs that appear on Lamb Of God, the group hit pause on the works-in-progress to man the stage as main support Slayer’s “The Final Campaign.” After months of playing their best-known songs nightly, Lamb of God returned to the new tracks and began to work with longtime producer Josh Wilbur (Korn, Megadeth, Gojira, Trivium). Special guests Jamey Jasta (Hatebreed) and Chuck Billy (Testament) also make appearances on Lamb Of God.

Pre-order/Pre-Save Lamb Of God Here

Lamb of God

Lamb Of God Tracklisting

  1. Memento Mori
  2. Checkmate
  3. Gears
  4. Reality Bath
  5. New Colossal Hate
  6. Resurrection Man
  7. Poison Dream (feat. Jamey Jasta)
  8. Routes (feat. Chuck Billy)
  9. Bloodshot Eyes
  10. On The Hook

The Richmond, Virginia, quintet propelled heavy metal into the new millennium two decades ago with the prophetically titled New American Gospel. They followed with 2003’s As the Palaces Burn, which made the Rolling Stone list of the Top 100 Greatest Metal Albums of All Time. Ashes of the Wake, released in 2004, was the first Lamb of God album to be certified gold by the RIAA, as was 2006’s Sacrament, which also made a Top 10 Billboard 200 chart debut. In 2009, Lamb of God released Wrath, their first with Wilbur at producer, and earned the number one album spot on Billboard’s Hard Rock, Rock, and Tastemaker charts, with a number two position on the Billboard 200.

Those number one positions were repeated with 2012’s Resolution, which swung effortlessly between thrash, traditional metal, sludgy doom, with flashes of crust punk swagger and bravado. Lamb of God’s last album, VII: Sturm und Drang (2015) made its debut on the Billboard 200 at number three and finished number 2 in the world charts, reaching Top 5 in five countries and six addition Top 15 positions.

In 2020, Lamb of God is re-energized and unrelenting, ready to lay claim to the metal throne.

Lamb of God Tour Dates

2/14- Chicago, IL @ House of Vans *Headline show

European Tour with Kreator and Power Trip

  • 3/27 – Stockholm, SE @ Fryshuset Arenan
  • 3/28 – Copenhagen, DK @ Forum Black Box
  • 3/30 – Oulu, FI @ Club Teatria
  • 3/31 – Helsinki, FI @ Ice Hall Black Box
  • 4/2 – Kraków, PO @ Tauron Arena
  • 4/3 – Berlin, DE @ Columbiahalle
  • 4/4 – Oberhausen, DE @ Turbinenhalle
  • 4/5 – Wiesbaden, DE @ Kulturzentrum Schlachthof
  • 4/7 – Zurich, CH @ Samsung Hall
  • 4/8 – Munich, DE @ Zenith
  • 4/9 – Ludwigsburg, DE @ MHP Arena
  • 4/11 – Hamburg, DE @ Sporthalle
  • 4/14 – Barcelona, ES @ Razzmatazz
  • 4/15 – Madrid, ES @ Sala Riviera
  • 4/17 – Paris, FR @ L’Olympia Bruno Coquatrix
  • 4/18 – Saarbrücken, DE @ Saarlandhalle
  • 4/19 – Brussels, BE @ Ancienne Belgique
  • 4/21 – Bristol, UK @ O2 Academy Bristol
  • 4/22 – Manchester, UK @ Manchester Academy
  • 4/23 – Glasgow, UK @ O2 Academy Glasgow
  • 4/24 – Birmingham, UK @ O2 Academy Birmingham
  • 4/25 – London, UK @ O2 Academy Brixton
  • 5/9 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville *US Festival

Lamb of God Is:

  • D. Randall Blythe – Vocals
  • Mark Morton – Guitar
  • Willie Adler – Guitar
  • John Campbell – Bass
  • Art Cruz – Drums

Lamb of God Online

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram


Featured photo (top) by Travis Shinn


Concerts, Kataklizmic Design, Media, Photo Galleries, Reviews

REVIEW: Horrorpops Deliver Psychobilly Rock from Denmark to a Sold Out Nile Theater (2-1-20)

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Mesa, AZ — Hailing from Denmark with a sound that blends punk and rockabilly into something wholly unique, Horrorpops steadily built a following over the course of their three albums in the mid-2000’s (2004’s Hell Yeah!, 2005’s Bring It On, and 2008’s Kiss Kiss Kill Kill). Just as they were reaching their apex, the band went into a period of inactivity. They released no new albums, and aside from a few shows here and there, they didn’t even play live that often. While the band may have gone on a brief hiatus, it didn’t stop their fan base from growing. With the announcement of a new tour, shows instantly began to sell out, and one of those sold out shows was Nile Theatre (“The Nile”). Kicking off the previous night in San Diego, The Quakes and Franks & Deans will accompany the Horrorpops for the entirety of the 13-date tour. 

Robert DeTie (Vocalist, Bassist), Franks & Deans
| Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

Franks & Deans

“We’re Franks & Deans, and we’re here to fuck up your grandmother’s favorite music!” Wearing matching tuxedo t-shirts and playing matching sea-foam-colored instruments for a set comprised of punk covers of old standards (okay, and the theme song to the 1967 Spider-Man cartoon), Las Vegas’ Franks & Deans opened the night. Comprised of bassist Robert DeTie, guitarists Hoss and Sampson, drummer Cam Callahan, and burlesque dancer and hula-hoopist Nickole Muse, they were an immediate shot of adrenaline the moment they came through the door. 

Nickole Muse (Burlesque, Hula Hoop) with Franks & Deans
| Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

Their sound – two parts punk and one part bar band – started the show off with the exact right kind of fun party music atmosphere you’d want on such a night. While their set may have been built around songs from the various classic Vegas performers. “This next song is by my favorite member of the Rat Pack: Mike Ness!” The Social Distortion’s frontman’s misattribution as a member of Sinatra’s Rat Pack was a running joke throughout their set, with other Rat Pack “members” including The Reverend Horton Heat and Dead Kennedys’ Jello Biafra. As they mentioned during the closing of their set, they have a regular Wednesday night Weenie Roast residency at Double-Down Saloon in Vegas. For any AZ residents who find themselves visiting Sin City mid-week, it’s a worthwhile stop. 

Franks & Deans, Nickole Muse (Burlesque, Hula Hoop)
| Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

The Quakes

Fronted by founding member and guitarist Paul Roman and backed by slap bassist Wes Hinshaw, and drummer Juan Carlos, Arizona’s own The Quakes played second. Thirty-year veterans, the band’s sound can best be described as neo-rockabilly. Roman played with the furious intensity of Johnny Ramone from the Ramones classic-era. If Roman’s guitar is punk-rock fury, then the rhythm section of Hinshaw and Carlos served as the perfect anchor, both keeping pace and holding the track together. 

The Quakes
| Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

From their blistering take on the Stone’s “Paint It Black” to open, their 13-song, 30-minute set was a musical buzzsaw. “I Miss You” by the band’s 2005 album Psyops drew a huge crowd reaction. The Quakes have a three-prong attack and seem to intuitively feed off of each when they’re on stage. 

Juan Carlos (Drums), The Quakes
| Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

Horrorpops

With the stage set up with white sheets and assorted decorative skulls, you could feel the building excitement for the Horrorpops. With a legitimate max capacity crowd of long-time fans, many of whom were seeing the band for the first time, anticipation built to a fever pitch just as the lights went black. The reaction from the audience to darkness alone is the kind of pop some bands would kill to have. Henrik Stendahl was out first, taking his place behind the drums. He was quickly followed by guitarist Kim Nekroman, looking cool as ever. Arriving last, you realize immediately exactly what kind of icon Patricia Day has become, as she was greeted like psychobilly royalty. 

Patricia Day (Vocals, Standup Bass), Horrorpops
| Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

Picking up her massive stand-up bass, adorned with buzzards and a black skull and crossbones, and went right into “Julia” off of Hell Yeah! One crowd favorite was followed by two more: “Thelma and Louise” from Kiss Kiss Kill Kill and “Kool Flattop” from their debut. The opening trio hit hard, and by the time the band paused and Patricia Day addressed the crowd for the first time, you could feel the crowd needing to take a breather. 

“I can only think of one thing… okay two things,” Patricia told the crowd. “1. Why the hell did we stay away for so long? The second is that the greatest show we ever played was right here in Arizona! Anyway, it’s been too long!” Too long it may have been, but you’d never know it had been that long. Even with several years off from regular touring, the band showed no sign of rust, on just their second night of the tour. From the opening chords of “Julia,” they sounded just as tight as ever.

Kim Nekroman (Guitar), Horrorpops
| Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

The band was on a tight schedule because The Nile had to close at midnight, and their set didn’t start until 10:45, which left them only 75 minutes. The time constraints didn’t detract from their set but instead gave it a blazing intensity. Somewhat ironically during “Hit ‘N’ Run” from 2005’s Bring It On!, Day casually dodged a beer can launched at the stage, with her nonchalant dodging being noticed and vocally appreciated by the crowd. Day’s stage presence combines punk-rock bravado with a kind of effortless grace. She took a brief moment to give her own appreciation: “Thank you so much for singing loud and oh-so-fucking proudly!” 

Patricia Day (Vocals, Standup Bass), Horrorpops
| Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

While Horrorpops has a particular aesthetic that combines elements of goth with classic rockabilly, with a sound that incorporates both in a punk-rock blender, what often gets lost is that their song-writing revisits so many classic themes. Day and Nekroman are married, and many of their songs, as noted by Day, are love songs because even psychobilly punk rockers need love. 

If their songs were about love, the show – and presumably the entire tour – is a love song to performing live. With Paul Roman from the Quakes joining them on guitar and Nekroman taking over bass duties from Day, they launched into crowd favorite “Psycho Bitches Outta Hell,” as they were also joined on stage by Kelly (their merch girl) who did a synchronized dance routine with Day. 

Horrorpops, Kelly (Merch)
| Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

At this point, time was starting to run out on the night, so the band improvised. “This is the time in the set when we would normally yell ‘Goodnight!’ and leave the stage and make you clap for us so we can come back out and play more songs that we already planned on playing, but we’re on a tight curfew tonight…” The lights were briefly turned out, as the band stayed on stage. The crowd relished the chance to play along with this joke, chanting “One more song!’ before the lights were promptly turned back on. “Alright, we will!” They closed out the night with “Walk Like a Zombie” and “Miss Take.” “We got time for one more song, and then it’s curfew!”

They closed their set with “Where I Wander,” took a bow, and exited the stage almost perfectly at midnight. The set may have been a tight 75 minutes, but they gave the crowd everything they had. And their adoring fans, so many who have waited years to finally see them live, gave it right back. Though Horrorpops may be from Denmark, they have a clear love for Phoenix. Hopefully it won’t be another ten years before they return!

View Setlist

Photo Galleries

Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo

View Separately: Horrorpops | The Quakes | Franks & Deans

Horrorpops, The Quakes, and Franks & Deans – Nile Theater 2-1-20

Photography © Reagle Photography
All Rights Reserved

Albums & EPs, Live Nation, News, Tours, Tracks

Grammy-Nominated, Multi-Platinum Selling Band Incubus Announce Summer 2020 North American Tour With 311

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Today, multi-platinum selling band Incubus has announced they will be hitting the road this summer on their upcoming North American amphitheater tour. Produced by Live Nation, the tour will kick off July 15 in Auburn, WA and will travel to 35+ cities across the country before concluding September 5 in Noblesville, IN. The Grammy-nominated band will be joined on the trek by alternative rock stalwarts 311, who are celebrating their 30th Anniversary in 2020 (and will play all 50 U.S. States over the year) and Badflower, who recently had two #1 songs at Rock Radio. This summer marks the first time in 20 years that Incubus and 311 have toured together. The band also announced the release of their highly anticipated new EP, Trust Fall (Side B), in April 2020. Pre-save the EP HERE.

Tickets On Sale To The General Public Starting February 7 At LiveNation.com

Incubus 2020 Tour Poster
Click to Enlarge

Fans can gain first access to the artist presale beginning tomorrow, February 5 at 10am local through Thursday, February 6 at 10pm local. Tickets for the tour will go on sale to the general public starting Friday, February 7 at 10am local time HERE. Pre-order the new EP, Trust Fall (Side B), with your ticket purchase and receive the new music directly to your email inbox the day it comes out in April 2020. Until then, you can listen to the new single, “Our Love” HERE.

Please note: EP price includes all applicable taxes and fees. Download instructions will be sent via email on release date (4/17/2020). Orders placed after the release date will receive download instructions within 1-3 business days after purchase.

Meet & Greet Upgrade

Incubus

Fans can also upgrade their tickets to include a meet & greet with Incubus, invitation to the Incubus pre-show jam session, option to watch the entire Incubus set from the side of the stage, and more. Visit HERE for more information. Fans can also purchase 311 VIP Packages starting Wednesday, February 5 at 10am local HERE, which include a chance to meet the band and/or watch 311 from side-stage. A complete list of tour dates can be found below.

Incubus’ upcoming EP release, Trust Fall (Side B), will include their recently released single “Our Love” – Listen HERE. On the track, the band lock into an irresistible intergalactic groove, orbiting a funky bass line and percussive bounce. Sinewy and spacey guitar gives way to wistful acoustic strumming. Frontman Brandon Boyd’s voice lifts off on a hypnotic chant before a searing solo. Meanwhile, the visual transports the musicians to a new galaxy altogether. After crash landing on a remote planet, Boyd connects with his bandmates. They jam in a psychedelic desert underneath a bright sun before slipping into a wonderland populated by mushrooms with a Fungus Amongus flare. Watch the song’s music video HERE.

The EP will also include last year’s “Into The Summer,” which clocked upwards of 1 million views on the official music video as it attracted critical acclaim. Not to mention, they performed it live on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. In addition to features from Billboard and KERRANG!, who raved that the track has “got a great chorus, and the guitar work has a spacey Ratatat-ish vibe,” Forbes noted, “Incubus have grown into a true legacy act, a band that has headlined festivals and arenas around the world, that have a dedicated following that eagerly awaits each new song, like “Into The Summer” and that a generation of fans have grown up with.”

Incubus 2020 Tour Dates with 311 & Badflower:

DATECITYVENUE
July 15, 2020Auburn, WAWhite River Amphitheatre
July 17, 2020Concord , CAConcord Pavilion
July 18, 2020Irvine, CAFivePoint Amphitheatre (on sale beginning 11am local time)
July 19, 2020Chula Vista, CANorth Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 21, 2020Phoenix, AZAk-Chin Pavilion
July 22, 2020Albuquerque, NMIsleta Amphitheater
July 24, 2020Salt Lake City, UTUSANA Amphitheatre
July 25, 2020Denver, COFiddler’s Green Amphitheatre*
July 26, 2020Bonner Springs, KSProvidence Medical Center Amphitheatre*
July 28, 2020Dallas, TXDos Equis Pavilion
July 29, 2020Austin, TXGermania Insurance Amphitheater
July 30, 2020Houston, TXThe Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
August 1, 2020Atlanta, GACellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood
August 2, 2020Tampa, FLMIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
August 4, 2020West Palm Beach, FLiTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
August 6, 2020Charlotte, NCPNC Music Pavilion
August 7, 2020Bristow, VAJiffy Lube Live
August 8, 2020Virginia Beach, VAVeterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
August 11, 2020Saratoga Springs, NYSaratoga Performing Arts Center
August 12, 2020Holmdel, NJPNC Bank Arts Center
August 14, 2020Mansfield, MAXfinity Center
August 15, 2020Hartford, CTXFINITY Theatre
August 16, 2020Gilford, NHBank of New Hampshire Pavilion
August 18, 2020Burgettstown, PAS&T Bank Music Park
August 19, 2020Darien Center, NYDarien Lake Amphitheater
August 21, 2020Syracuse, NYSt. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview
August 22, 2020Wantagh, NYNorthwell Health at Jones Beach Theater
August 23, 2020Camden, NJBB&T Pavilion
August 26, 2020Cleveland, OHBlossom Music Center
August 28, 2020Tinley Park, ILHollywood Casino Amphitheatre – Chicago
August 29, 2020Clarkston, MIDTE Energy Music Theatre
August 30, 2020Cincinnati, OHRiverbend Music Center
September 1, 2020Maryland Heights, MOHollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis
September 2, 2020Rogers, ARWalmart AMP (on sale beginning 1pm local time)
September 4, 2020Nashville, TNBridgestone Arena
September 5, 2020Noblesville, INRuoff Music Center

*not a Live Nation date

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About Incubus:

Since first coming together in 1991, Incubus – Brandon Boyd (Vocal), Mike Einziger (Guitar), Jose Pasillas II (Drums), Chris Kilmore (Keyboard/DJ) and Ben Kenney (Bass) – have consistently elevated themselves and alternative music to new creative heights. The California band’s sales eclipse 23 million albums worldwide to date with multi-platinum and platinum certifications from around the globe.

Most recently, 2017’s 8 bowed at #4 on the Billboard Top 200, marking their fifth consecutive Top 5 debut on the respective chart. 2019 saw them celebrate the 20th anniversary of their triple-platinum classic, Make Yourself, with a sold-out tour. Additionally, they maintain their status as a streaming phenomenon, averaging 4.1 million monthly listeners on Spotify and clocking over 1 billion-plus streams. They continue their next chapter in partnership with ADA Worldwide, plotting more music for 2020.

About 311:

311 was formed in 1990 in Omaha, Nebraska by singer/guitarist Nick Hexum, singer SA Martinez, guitarist Tim Mahoney, drummer Chad Sexton and bassist P-Nut. The band now resides in Southern California. 311 mix rock, rap, reggae and funk into their own unique hybrid sound – and have developed a reputation as one of the most entertaining & dynamic live bands in the U.S.

2020 will mark 21 consecutive summers for 311 to headline the US. 311 plan to play all 50 U.S. States in 2020 in celebration of their 30th Anniversary. 311’s celebratory live shows & incessant touring schedule have earned them a massive grassroots following nationwide.

311 have so far released 13 studio albums, selling over nine million albums in the U.S. alone. 10 consecutive albums reached the Top 10 on the Billboard Top 200 Album Charts and they’ve had nine Top 10 radio hits, including three #1’s. Their list of hits includes “Down,” “All Mixed Up,” “Amber,” “Love Song,” “Come Original,” “Beautiful Disaster,” “Don’t Tread on Me,” “Hey You” and “Sunset in July.” 311’s feature film ENLARGED TO SHOW DETAIL 3 was screened in 240 cinemas nationwide March 11, 2019. More 311 info via their official website.

Incubus Online:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Featured photo (top) by Julian Schratter

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