Circa Survive Reissues Blue Sky Noise on Limited Edition Vinyl

Psychedelic post-hardcore group Circa Survive will be reissuing their major label debut Blue Sky Noise on vinyl via Hopeless Records on March 20th. The album had a big debut landing on numerous Billboard charts including #1 Billboard 200, #1 Tastemakers, #3 Top Rock Albums, #11 Top Current Albums, #11 Top Album Sales, and #17 Vinyl Albums. The band will be celebrating the 10th anniversary by hitting the road with Polyphia and Gouge Away in tow on their Blue Sky Noise 10 Year Anniversary Tour that will kickoff on release day (dates below).

The limited edition commemorative vinyl reissue is an exclusive three LP set of the remastered version of Blue Sky Noise and fan favorite Appendage. This edition also includes previously unreleased demos from the Blue Sky Noise studio sessions called Appendage II. The vinyl reissue is limited to 4,000 units and features brand-new expanded packaging, triple gatefold jacket with the collection pressed on pink, yellow, and blue vinyl. Each album will include a seeded wildflower download card that is fully-plantable and biodegradable. In addition, a dollar from every album sold will be used to plant a tree through a donation to One Tree Planted. Learn more about One Tree Planted at OneTreePlanted.org. Preorders are now live and can be placed here.

Blue Sky Noise LP1

Side A

  1. Strange Terrain
  2. Get Out
  3. Glass Arrows

Side B

  1. I Felt Free
  2. Imaginary Enemy
  3. Through The Desert Alone

Blue Sky Noise LP2

Side A

  1. Frozen Creek
  2. Fever Dreams
  3. Spirit Of The Stairwell

Side B

  1. The Longest Mile
  2. Compendium
  3. Dyed In The Wool

LP3

Side A – Appendage

  1. Sleep Underground (Demo)
  2. Stare Like You’ll Stay
  3. Everyway
  4. Backmask
  5. Lazarus

Side B – Appendage II

  1. 100 Steps (Demo)*
  2. At A Loss (Demo)*
  3. Blank Slate (Demo)*
  4. New Sun (Demo)*
  5. Resentment (Demo)*

*Previously Unreleased

Circa Survive Tour Dates:

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About Circa Survive:

Circa Survive emerged from the Philadelphia suburb of Doylestown and quickly made a name for themselves in the indie music scene in a little over two years with the release of their 2005 debut album Juturna and sophomore album On Letting Go, both released on Equal Vision. Their major label debut Blue Sky Noise was produced by David Bottrill (Tool, Muse, The Smashing Pumpkins), mixed by Rich Costey (Rage Against the Machine, The Mars Volta, Deftones), and released via Atlantic Records in 2010. After parting ways with Atlantic Records, the band’s fourth album Violent Waves was independently released in 2012. Their fifth album Descensus was released on Sumerian Records in 2014 and their most recent album The Amulet was released via Hopeless Records in 2017. 

Circa Survive Is:

  • Anthony Green (vocals)
  • Colin Frangicetto (rhythm guitar, backing vocals)
  • Brendan Ekstrom (lead guitar)
  • Nick Beard (bass, backing vocals)
  • Steve Clifford (drums, percussion). 

Circa Survive Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Instagram | YouTube


Featured photo (top) by Hayley Rippy


REVIEW: Tsunami Bomb Returns to Yucca to Throw Down with Death By Stereo (1-25-20)

Tempe, AZ — Near the geographic heart of Tempe sits an ancient strip mall, a dinosaur of a building that time seems to have forgotten. On the Eastern end of that building is a sign that simply says “Hu’s Yucca Tap Room.” Below that sits two sets of doors. The doors to the left take you into a bar where the walls are green, the paneling is wood, and the president is Nixon. The doors to the right take you into one of the most legendary live music venues in all of Phoenix. It could be considered sacred ground of sorts — a place where the music scene flourished and where thousands of shows have been held. On this night, 4 punk bands were scheduled to perform — Tsunami Bomb, Death by Stereo, Toxic Energy, and The Venomous Pinks.

There is a certain charm that the Yucca has. It will never win awards for the most beautiful venue in Phoenix, but that’s ok because it doesn’t need to. There is a level of access to the band that does not exist in every venue — no barrier between the crowd and the stage: As the band loads their equipment onto the stage, they must pass through the area where the audience stands, walk up four steps at the front, and work on setting up only feet away from those waiting in anticipation for the upcoming set. There is an intimacy that is taken for granted; a closeness that could feel claustrophobic if one allowed it to. On full display is the part of the grind that the general public rarely considers, much less sees. The band — and anyone helping them — must set up the stage, transporting the equipment from a parking lot and then back out after the last note is played; a labor of love that is rarely recognized as such by many.  

The Venomous Pinks

The Venomous Pinks started the night off with a bang. They were the only Arizona band playing that night, and are also one of the very few Arizona bands that are comprised entirely of women. They are massively talented and extremely underrated, a diamond in the rough. Comprised of Drea Doll, who is the lead vocalist and guitar, Gaby Kaos on the bass, and Cassie Jalilie on the drums, they started the show off with “Never Say Never,” from their EP Exes & Whoas!, released in 2014. They immediately kicked the energy level up to 10, getting the crowd energized and set the tone for quite a show.

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

Halfway through the set, Doll and Kaos talked about the music video they had just shot for their newest single “I Want You,” which is also the name of their newest album. They admitted they were a bit nervous while shooting it, but they were pleased with the overall result. The song is a cover, originally done by Joan Jett & The Blackhearts, and they nailed it in no small part due to the fact that Drea Doll has a voice that is reminiscent of Jett herself.

To say The Venomous Pinks are fun would be an understatement. They are loud, in your face, and incredibly talented. They are opening for the Adicts on 2/11/20 at the Marquee Theatre — a show that promises to be one of the best of the year. Even if you cannot make that show, follow them on social media and catch them at an upcoming show. 

The Venomous Pinks Online:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Toxic Energy

The next band up was one from Orange County — one of the three bands carrying on the long tradition of Southern California punk. Toxic Energy is normally a five-piece band, but tonight their usual drummer had the flu and could not join them. Chris McBride, normally on the guitar, filled in and put on a clinic on the drum kit. Lead singer Greg Dickson — flanked by guitarist Brent Waterworth and bassist Brian Jones — started the set off by expressing gratitude to the fans, to the Yucca Taproom, and to all of the other bands playing that night.

That was the calmest moment of the set. As soon as he finished speaking, the music and mosh pit started. Dickson prowled the stage, seemingly trying to make eye contact with each and every audience member. He sings not with just his mouth, but his entire body. It would be hard not to feel a bit tired for him watching the performance, but it would also be very hard not to dive into a mosh pit and get to know your neighbors a bit better. At the risk of overusing this term, this band truly is a must-see.

Toxic Energy
| Photographer:
Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

As the set ended, Dickson and his bandmates gathered at the edge of the stage to take a photo of the crowd and thank everyone for coming. Dickson shook the hand of every person who was by the stage, thanking each of them personally. It is a bit of an enjoyable juxtaposition: one moment you are being sonically assaulted by a bone-jarringly loud, hyperactive front man, the next he is shaking your hand and quietly thanking you for the support.

Toxic Energy Online:

Bandcamp | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Death by Stereo

As Death by Stereo set up, they joked with members of the audience, bantering with people they recognized from previous shows. Death by Stereo is made up of guitarists Dan Palmer and JP Gericke, bassist Robert Madrigal and drummer Mike Cambra, with founder Efrem Schulz as the lead vocalist. They were laid back, easy-going, and then the music started and the Yucca felt like the Tardis — far bigger on the inside, expanding due to the frenetic, explosive, incredible wall of sound that Death by Stereo provides. You do not listen to this band; rather, you experience them. The mosh pit was churning, heads were banging, and the band could have powered a small town with their outpouring of energy.

Death By Stereo
| Photographer:
Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

Mid-show, Schulz mentioned that Death by Stereo was formed 21 years ago. He also talked about his love for the Yucca, exhorting the exuberant crowd to keep going to venues like this, to keep the punk music scene alive. It was an over the top, incredible performance, punctuated by Schulz jumping on top of the bar, running to the sound booth and then into the crowd. It should also be noted that he did all of this with a wired microphone, leading to an unspoken team effort of the crowd holding the cord over their heads, as if it was crowd surfing. Seemingly as quickly as it started, the set ended, and much of the crowd moved outside to cool down a bit before Tsunami Bomb took the stage to close the night out.

Death By Stereo Online:

Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Tsunami Bomb

Tsunami Bomb formed in 1998, at about the same time Death By Stereo did, but they took a 10 year break before reforming in 2015. They came back with a new lead singer, Kate Jacobi, who jumped right in, joining bassist Dom Davi, keyboardist Oob Sparks, drummer Gabe Lindeman, and guitarist Andrew Pohl. Sparks was unable to join the band for this tour, something that Jacobi told the crowd early on, leading to chants of “We love Oob!” at the conclusion of one of the songs.

Tsunami Bomb
| Photographer:
Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

Tsunami Bomb was a bit of a welcome slowdown after Death by Stereo, though slowdown is a bit of a relative term. There were moments where it was obvious that they missed Sparks, but they powered through, delivering a solid set to an adoring crowd behind Jacobi’s incredible vocals. Toward the end of the set, Jacobi was handed a shoe that someone had lost in the mosh pit, followed by a phone. Fortunately, both owners were quickly found, though it was never explained how someone didn’t notice they had lost a shoe, and, after a couple more songs, the show drew to an end. Before leaving the stage, they, like the bands before them, expressed gratitude for all involved – the venue, the other bands, and most importantly, the fans.

Tsunami Bomb
| Photographer:
Rodrigo Izquierdo © All Rights Reserved
Band Photo Gallery

The night ended, reluctantly it seemed, and the stage was cleared once again. The bands lingered outside, not ready to leave, not quite yet. There were the fans to talk to — the ones who stopped to thank them for an incredible show, the ones who would be back the next time they were in town, and the ones who will help keep this incredible music scene alive in Phoenix. 

Tsunami Bomb Online:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter

Photo Gallery

Photographer: Rodrigo Izquierdo

View Separately: Tsunami Bomb | Death By Stereo | Toxic Energy | The Venomous Pinks

Photography © Reagle Photography
All Rights Reserved


My Chemical Romance Finally Reveal Full U.S. Tour After Teasing Fans With Cryptic Clues

Embed from Getty Images


This morning, My Chemical Romance announced an intensely anticipated 18-date U.S. arena tour — their first in nine years. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 31 at noon local time — find them here. Tour dates below.

Ever since My Chemical Romance (“MCR”/”My Chem”) started trickling out international tour dates following their sold out Los Angeles reunion show on December 20th, 2019, fans in the States have been on the edge of their seats and scouring the internet for any clues they can dig up — even analyzing the source code of the band’s website.

The disciples of the legendary emo/pop punk/post-hardcore group (the “MCRmy”) were quick to pick apart visuals they found in photos and the multi-cam full show posted on YouTube, comprised of a compilation of fan footage. They found a symbol on frontman Gerard Way’s jacket, which they learned was a sigil.

This behavior of MCR fans is clearly no secret to the band, and they put quite a bit into generating hype with media crafted to keep their fans anticipating what is to come. Amidst all of the taunting clues, those with knowledge of the occult, witchcraft, angels, and magic have been able to lend their knowledge to the fanbase. Many have speculated that considering all of the new branding and merch we have seen, there must certainly be a new album in the works. In the band’s videos, they have noted a star of which they believe the 5th point represents what would be the band’s 5th studio album — but this is purely one conjecture of many.

My Chem really started letting the cat out of the bag yesterday afternoon, when they posted a video that fans picked apart, just as they had been with other mysterious videos posted on Jan. 19, Jan. 16, and Jan. 9. By now, they were quick to recognize the sigils that flashed in the footage like subliminal messages, and they got to work deciphering them straight-away. It did not take long at all for the community to discover that they were U.S. cities.


Meanwhile, there were also allegedly leaks from a Houston radio station and a Dallas venue, which further cemented the belief that a tour announcement was impending.

Last night, a tweet requested that their audience visit their YouTube or official website at 8:35am PST/11:35am EST.

This morning, a cinematic video with the reveal was posted to YouTube at the promised time, and the suspected tour was confirmed.

The MCRmy’s theory was validated, but their hunger for more is insatiable after years grieving over the loss of the band since their hiatus beginning in 2013. Fans want a new song, a new music video, a new album… They want My Chemical Romance fully resuscitated.


North American Tour Dates

  • Sept. 9 – Detroit, Mich. @ Little Caesars Arena
  • Sept. 11 – St. Paul, Minn. @ Xcel Energy Center
  • Sept. 12 – Chicago, Ill. @ Riot Fest
  • Sept. 14 – Toronto, Ontario @ Scotiabank Arena
  • Sept. 15 – Boston, Mass. @ TD Garden
  • Sept. 17 – Brooklyn, N.Y. @ Barclays Center
  • Sept. 18 – Philadelphia, Pa. @ Wells Fargo Center
  • Sept. 20 – Atlanta, Ga. @ Music Midtown
  • Sept. 22 – Newark, N.J. @ Prudential Center
  • Sept. 26 – Sunrise, Fla. @ BB&T Center
  • Sept. 29 – Houston, Texas @ Toyota Center
  • Sept. 30 – Dallas, Texas @ American Airlines Center
  • Oct. 02 – Denver, Colo. @ Pepsi Center
  • Oct. 04 – Tacoma, Wash. @ Tacoma Dome
  • Oct. 06 – Oakland, Calif. @ Oakland Arena
  • Oct. 08 – Los Angeles, Calif. @ The Forum
  • Oct. 10 – Sacramento, Calif. @ Aftershock Festival
  • Oct. 11 – Las Vegas, Nev. @ T-Mobile Arena

International Tour Dates

  • March 20 — Ascot Vale, Australia @ Download Festival
  • March 21 — Parramatta, Australia @ Download Festival
  • March 25 — Western Springs, New Zealand @ Outer Fields at Western Spring
  • March 28 — Osaka, Japan @ Intex Osaka
  • March 29 — Hibino, Japan @ Download Festival
  • June 18 — Milton Keynes, U.K. @ Stadium MK
  • June 20 — Milton Keynes, U.K. @ Stadium MK
  • June 21 — Milton Keynes, U.K. @ Stadium MK
  • June 23 — Dublin, Ireland @ Royal Hospital Kilmainham
  • July 04 — Bologna, Italy @ Sonic Park Fest
  • July 06 — Bonn, Germany @ Kunst!rasen
  • July 11 — Moscow, Russia @ Park Live


My Chemical Romance Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | YouTube



Disturbed Confirm 31-Date The Sickness 20th Anniversary Amphitheater Tour With Very Special Guest Staind And Bad Wolves

This morning, two-time Grammy nominated and multi-platinum band, Disturbed confirm their extensive 31-date The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour throughout North America, co-produced by Frank Productions and Live Nation. The amphitheater tour, with very special guest Staind and Bad Wolves, celebrates the two-decade anniversary of the band’s seminal album, The Sickness.

On this tour, the band will perform songs off the album, as well as tracks from their most recent studio release, Evolution, and their extensive catalog. The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour will run from mid-July through mid-September, with dates in cities including Tampa, Toronto, Cincinnati, Phoenix, and Irvine (full dates below).

Tickets will go on sale Friday, Jan. 31 at 10am local time (with the exception of the Rogers, AR show which will go on-sale at 12pm local time) here. Select presales will begin Tuesday, Jan. 28. Special VIP, meet & greet, and merch bundle packages are available for all dates – more info here. Disturbed’s tour will also be a part of Ticket to Rock 2020, an exclusive ticket package at select Live Nation amphitheaters across the country—additional details to be announced, for more info go here.

Disturbed Tour Dates:

  • May 01 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach (FM99 Lunatic Luau)
  • May 2 – Charlotte, NC – Epicenter Festival
  • May 9 – Daytona Beach, FL – Welcome to Rockville Festival
  • May 16 – Camden, NJ – BB&T Pavilion (MMR*B*Q 2020)
  • May 24 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion (97.1 The Eagle presents BFD 2020)
  • June 5 – Nurburgring, DEU – Rock AM Ring Fest
  • June 7 – Nuremburg, DEU – Rock IM Park Fest
  • June 9 – Bremen, DEU – Bremen Buergerweide
  • June 11 – Nickelsdorf, AUT – Nova Rock Fest
  • June 12 – Interlaken, SWI – Greenfield Fest
  • June 14 – Donington, UK – Download Fest
  • June 16 – Gdansk, POL – Ergo Arena
  • June 17 – Hannover, DEU – Swiss Life Hall
  • June 19 – Copenhagen, DNK – Copenhell Fest
  • June 20 – Dessel, BEL – Graspop Fest
  • June 21 – Landgraaf, NLD – Pinkpop Fest
  • June 24 – Stockholm, SWE – Grona Lund Tivoli
  • June 25 – Oslo, NOR – Tons of Rock Fest
  • June 27 – Seinajoki, FIN – Provinssi Fest
  • July 15 – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre*
  • July 16 – Cadott, WI – Rock Fest
  • July 18 – Grand Rapids, MI – Upheaval Festival
  • July 21 – Alpharetta, GA – Ameris Bank Amphitheatre*
  • July 23 – Tampa, FL- MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre*
  • July 24 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre*
  • July 26- Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live*
  • July 29 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center*
  • July 30 – Mansfield, MA – Xfinity Center*
  • August 01 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium*
  • August 02 – Hartford, CT – XFINITY Theatre*
  • August 04 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Saratoga Performing Arts
  • Center*
  • August 06 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones BeachTheater*
  • August 08 – Syracuse, NY – St. Joseph’s Health Amphitheater at Lakeview*
  • August 10 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater*
  • August 11 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage*
  • August 13 – Burgettstown, PA – S&T Bank Music Park*
  • August 15 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
  • August 16 – Clarkston, MI – DTE Energy Music Theatre*
  • August 20 – Tinley Park, IL – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre *
  • August 21 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center*
  • August 23 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center*
  • August 26 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP*^
  • August 27 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion*
  • August 29 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater*
  • August 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Ak-Chin Pavilion*
  • September 01 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*
  • September 02 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre*
  • September 04 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre*
  • September 05 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre*
  • September 09 – West Valley City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre*
  • September 11 – Ridgefield, WA – Sunlight Supply Amphitheater*
  • September 12 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre*

*The Sickness 20th Anniversary Tour with very special guest Staind and Bad Wolves

New Music Video

Disturbed also share a new music video for “Hold on to Memories” directed by Matt Mahurin, who also directed their “Sound of Silence” music video. The video is inspired by the Mexican holiday “Día de Muertos,” a day of remembrance and celebration of loved ones who have passed, with which it shares the sentiment that as long as we keep their memories with us, a piece of them is still alive. Watch the music video for “Hold on to Memorieshere:

The band previously shared their live video for “Hold on to Memories,” directed by Rafa Alcantara. The video captures a moment during Disturbed’s live show where the band perform alongside a video collage of their favorite memories, with photos and videos of their friends and families, both here and gone. Watch the live video for “Hold on to Memorieshere:

Disturbed have continued their record-breaking streak at rock radio, claiming the title of “2019’s Most Played Artists” in the Active Rock format. The band earned their seventh consecutive #1 on the Mediabase Active Rock Chart and Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Songs Chart with their latest single “No More,” an achievement unmatched by any artist in history. Disturbed have earned ten #1 singles on the chart, including “A Reason To Fight,” the track that initially broke the record earlier this year. “No More” is the third top-charting single from the band’s #1 album, Evolution (Reprise Records).

About Disturbed:

Disturbed are one of the most successful rock bands in modern history. The multiplatinum-selling quartet accomplished the rare feat of achieving five consecutive number one debuts on the Billboard Top 200. That accolade historically elevated them to rarified air alongside Metallica, the only other hard rock group to do so in the history of the chart. Immortalized (2015) received a platinum certification and spawned the triple-platinum crossover smash “The Sound of Silence,” which garnered a nomination at the 2017 GRAMMY® Awards in the category of “Best Rock Performance.

Since their formation in 1996, the band has sold 16 million albums globally and scored twelve No. 1 singles at Active Rock Radio. Their quadruple-platinum 2000 debut, The Sickness, formally announced their arrival as hard rock leaders, with that status solidified by subsequent GRAMMY® Award nominations as well as gold-, platinum- and double platinum-certified records, as well as countless sold-out shows around the globe. Named “Best Rock Artist” during the 2017 iHeartRadioMusic Awards, Disturbed continue to boldly forge ahead with the release of their aptly titled seventh offering, Evolution.

Disturbed Online:

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Instagram | YouTube



REVIEW: Motion City Soundtrack Turn Up The Charm at The Van Buren (1-22-20)

PHOENIX — Imagine you’re in your teens during the early 2000’s, public school is the definition of a living hell, and one of the only things keeping you going day after day are the sweet sounds of whining pop punk vocalists leaking in through your earbuds. Sound familiar? This was a very real scenario for many people back in the days when Motion City Soundtrack were first gracing the music scene with their lyrically intelligent and synth-laden brand of pop punk. Many of those same people, among legions of others, were in attendance at their show in downtown Phoenix, supported by Doll Skin and Mom Jeans, and they were still as young at heart for their love of pop punk as they were back in the good old days.

Doll Skin

Kicking off the night were the incomparably talented band, Doll Skin who got their start right here in Phoenix. What they lack in size they most certainly make up for in aggressively inviting energy and excitement that most bands could only dream of achieving on their own. The charisma pouring from each member on stage, especially lead vocalist Sydney Dolezal, is something that cannot be easily described without witnessing it for yourself first. Doll Skin is a band that knows how to kick off a party and with songs like “Love is Dead and We Killed Her” and the excellent Florence + The Machine cover of “Shake It Out”, it’s very easy to see why.

Sydney Dolezal (Vocals) & Nicole Rich (Bassist), Doll Skin
| Photographer:
Andrea Stoica © All Rights Reserved

Mom Jeans.

Given the unenviable task of having to follow Doll Skin, Berkeley, California band, Mom Jeans took the stage with an undeniable sense of pure joy erupting from their faces. This is a band that truly loves what they do and that love is very contagious to members of any audience lucky enough to catch them. It’s incredible watching a band with only two studio albums to their name pump up a crowd so much with instant classics like “Now This Is Podracing”, “Death Cup”, and obvious crowd favorite, “Shred Cruz”. The mood was set for an exciting night ahead but no one could’ve prepared themselves for what came next.

Mom Jeans
| Photographer:
Andrea Stoica © All Rights Reserved

Motion City Soundtrack

By the time Motion City Soundtrack took the stage, one might assume that most people would’ve been easily exhausted from dancing to all the other great music preceding them. This was definitely not the case though considering the audience full of that many diehard fans crammed to capacity inside The Van Buren’s acoustically pristine walls. Motion City Soundtrack sounded more energetic and polished than ever by the time their turn to play came along. This is a band that has truly come into their own over the years and there’s no sign of them losing that momentum for the remainder of their reunion tour.

Justin Pierre (Vocals, Guitar), Motion City Soundtrack
| Photographer:
Andrea Stoica © All Rights Reserved

Lead vocalist Justin Pierre’s quirky and painfully honest lyrics still continue to ring true for the armies of screaming fans who have had them committed to memory for over a decade at this point. The loyalty of their fan base is certainly not to be underestimated; as with the help of Justin’s beautifully gifted voice, it’s highly likely that many of the audience members were able to train themselves to sing in key along to the band’s music over the years — a truly incredible feat that made the concert experience all the more enjoyable and fun.

The rest of the band had no shortage of energy either, and anybody who struggles with maintaining optimum energy levels during their 9-5 desk jobs would benefit greatly from learning their secrets. This was especially true for keyboard player, Jesse Johnson, who would regularly thrash around on stage at his own wild pace. At one point that daredevil even held a handstand on top of his instrument for no less than 5 seconds. The movements were as fluid, crazy, and natural as they’ve been since the inception of the band and it was a beautifully refreshing thing to behold.

Jesse Johnson (Keys), Motion City Soundtrack
| Photographer:
Andrea Stoica © All Rights Reserved

Justin graciously thanked the audience for attending and supporting live music more than once throughout their set. This was another highlight of the show because he came off like an approachable, friendly person, which only confirms everything most people have already heard about him. Throughout the show he’d go back and forth with audience members shouting random things at him like “I named my dog after you!” which prompted him to ask, “Is your dog HERE? I’d like to meet him!” It was incredibly endearing and is something that other bands should definitely take notes on. After ripping into timeless classics like “Everything Is Alright”, and “L.G. FUAD”, the band continued tapping into people’s nostalgia with perfect renditions of “Hold Me Down”, “Make Out Kids”, and “This Is For Real”.

Capping off the night with an encore of “The Future Freaks Me Out”, this only solidified their legacy as an endlessly fun, receptive, and crowd-pleasing band.

Photo Gallery

Photographer: Andrea Stoica

Photography © Andrea Stoica.
All Rights Reserved.

TOOL wins GRAMMY Award®: Best Metal Performance (“7empest”)

LOS ANGELES – TOOL has won a GRAMMY Award® for Best Metal Performance (“7empest”). Danny Carey (drums) and Justin Chancellor (bass) accepted the awards at today’s Premiere Ceremony in Los Angeles.

“7empest” is from the band’s fifth studio album: Fear Inocolum (RCA Records). The 10-song collection arrived in late August, debuting at #1 on Billboard’s Top 200.

Critically, the album was met with equal enthusiasm. NPR said “Fear Inoculum was worth the 13-year wait,” The Atlantic dubbed it “precise and devastating,” Revolver declared it “a masterpiece that will be dissected for years to come” and Entertainment Weekly said the collection is “deeply satisfying, both as a distinct artistic statement and as accidental fan service to a base that expects nothing less than unflinchingly unique artistic statements.”

The Los Angeles-based band has previously won three GRAMMY Awards®: Best Metal Performance (1998, “Ænima”), Best Metal Performance (2002, “Schism”) and Best Recording Package (2007, 10,000 Days).

TOOL Tour Dates:

  • January 28 Atlanta, GA State Farm Arena
  • January 29 Nashville, TN Bridgestone Arena
  • January 31 Memphis, TN FedEx Forum
  • February 1 New Orleans, LA Smoothie King Center
  • February 14 Perth, Australia RAC Arena
  • February 17 Sydney, Australia Qudos Bank Arena
  • February 18 Sydney, Australia Qudos Bank Arena
  • February 20 Brisbane, Australia Brisbane Entertainment Centre
  • February 22 Melbourne, Australia Rod Laver Arena
  • February 23 Melbourne, Australia Rod Laver Arena
  • February 28 Auckland, New Zealand Spark Arena
  • February 29 Auckland, New Zealand Spark Arena
  • March 9 Spokane, WA Spokane Arena
  • March 11 Portland, OR Moda Center
  • March 12 Eugene, OR Matthew Knight Center
  • March 14 Boise, ID Ford Idaho Center Arena

TOOL Is:

Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Featured photo (top) by Travis Shinn

Kane Roberts Announces Director’s Cut of “Beginning of the End,” ft. Alice Cooper, Alissa White-Gluz

Guitarist Kane Roberts has announced a special upcoming director’s cut of his video for the song “Beginning of the End,” featuring appearances by the legendary Alice Cooper and Arch Enemy vocalist Alissa White-Gluz

Watch the original video for “Beginning of the End” here

“Beginning of the End,” which appears on last year’s The New Normal, is a powerful track that required equally powerful voices and personalities to bring it to life. 

“When Alice Cooper and Alissa White-Gluz both agreed to be in our ‘Beginning of the End’ video, I was blown away,” Roberts says. “Once the shock wore off, I realized I’d created the perfect storm. There was so much electricity in the air that it was obvious there was no safe place on the set, and the job was to capture it all in camera! As expected, their performances were truly iconic and I believe we created something both original and powerful.”

Alice Cooper and Alissa White-Gluz Comment on Collaboration

Roberts’ musical co-stars were equally enthusiastic about the collaboration on “Beginning of the End”: 

“I go out of my way to work with Kane any time I can,” Alice Cooper says. “He’s truly a great guitarist with the brain of THANOS!” 

Adds Alissa Gluz-White, “Working with Kane for ‘The Beginning of the End’ was interesting and challenging. To establish oneself in a song alongside Alice Cooper is no easy task! I feel we created a narrative in the song that just begged for a storybook type of video, so we got together and did that too!” 

Most widely known for his work with Alice Cooper the mid to late ‘80s, Roberts’ studied Contemporary Music and Liberal Arts/Humanities at the New England Conservatory of Music in Boston. Roberts’ resume includes a variety of work with high-profile artists including Rod Stewart, Alice Cooper, Steve VaiDesmond ChildKISSDiane WarrenBerlinGuns N’ Roses and more. He has also written and/or recorded music for films such as Light SleeperPenelope Spheeris’ Decline of Western CivilizationFriday the 13th IV Jason Lives, and John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness

In addition to his musical career, Roberts has in acted in several films, including Wes Craven’s Shocker and John Carpenter’s Prince of Darkness. Along with director Mike Goedecke, Roberts also created a rollercoaster of a sci-fi short film, Embryo, which features an engaging story, stunning special effects and evocative soundtrack.

Alicia Keys Announces Long-Awaited Return to Touring with Alicia – The World Tour

Today global music icon and 15-time GRAMMY Award winner Alicia Keys announced ALICIA – THE WORLD TOUR, her highly anticipated return to the stage. Keys will bring her repertoire of worldwide hits to iconic venues across North America and Europe, including a stop at the legendary Radio City Music Hall in Key’s hometown of New York City. The celebrated singer/songwriter/producer will visit major cities on both continents including London, Paris, Berlin, Atlanta, Toronto, Chicago, San Francisco, Los Angeles, and more on the tour produced by Live Nation.

ALICIA Album Artwork

The tour announcement comes fresh off Keys’ exciting news to fans last night that her forthcoming seventh studio album ALICIA is set to be released worldwide on March 20, via RCA Records. Keys also gave fans a first-look at the album’s stunning artwork. Pre-sale for the album is set for Friday, January 24, in celebration of Alicia’s birthday on January 25.

Keys released the anthemic “Underdog,” the album’s new single, earlier this month to critical acclaim (“A be-jewelled slice of pop-soul with a gently euphoric feel” – Clash).  The track became the most added song at US top 40 radio upon its release. Previously released singles include “Time Machine” and “Show Me Love,” which earned Keys a record-extending 11th number 1 on the Billboard Adult R&B Songs airplay chart.

In addition to new music, Keys will be bringing her classics – from “No One” to “If I Ain’t Got You” to “Girl on Fire” – to life in a special multi-media, artistic experience on the ALICIA – THE WORLD TOUR stage each night. A meditation on love and life, the show will be a true celebration, filled with the magnetic energy that only live music can create.

American Express® Card Members can purchase tickets to the tour before the general public, beginning Wednesday, January 22nd at 10am local time until Sunday, January 26th at 10pm local time across Europe and the US (timings may vary in Europe). Tickets go on sale to the general public on Monday, January 27th from 9am local time.

Keys will be returning to host the Grammy Awards on Sunday, January 26th, airing on CBS.  She will release her book More Myself on March 31, via Flatiron Publishing.

European & North American Tour Dates — CLICK TO ENLARGE

North American Tour Dates:

Date City Venue
Tuesday, July 28, 2020 Jacksonville, FL Daily’s Place
Thursday, July 30, 2020 Atlanta, GA Cadence Bank Amphitheatre at Chastain Park
Sunday, August 2, 2020 Nashville, TN Ascend Amphitheater
Tuesday, August 4, 2020 Charlotte, NC Charlotte Metro Credit Union Amphitheatre
Wednesday, August 5, 2020 Baltimore, MD MECU Pavilion
Friday, August 7, 2020 Washington, DC The Theater at MGM National Harbor
Sunday, August 9, 2020 Philadelphia, PA The Met
Tuesday, August 11, 2020 Boston, MA Rockland Trust Bank Pavilion
Thursday, August 14, 2020 New York, NY Radio City Music Hall
Sunday, August 16, 2020 Toronto, ON Budweiser Stage
Tuesday, August 18, 2020 Detroit, MI   Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
Wednesday, August 19, 2020 Cincinnati, OH PNC Pavilion at Riverbend Music Center
Friday, August 21, 2020 Cleveland, OH Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica
Tuesday, August 25, 2020 Chicago, IL Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island
Wednesday, August 26, 2020 Kansas City, MO Starlight Theatre
Thursday, August 27, 2020 Denver, CO Bellco Theatre
Sunday, August 30, 2020 Seattle, WA WAMU Theater
Monday, August 31, 2020 Vancouver, BC Pepsi Live at Rogers Arena
Wednesday, September 2, 2020 Portland, OR Theatre of the Clouds at Moda Center
Friday, September 4, 2020 San Francisco, CA The Masonic
Tuesday, September 8, 2020 Los Angeles, CA Greek Theatre
Friday, September 11, 2020 San Diego, CA Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
Saturday, September 12, 2020 Phoenix, AZ Arizona Federal Theatre (Comerica Theater)
Tuesday, September 15, 2020 Houston, TX Smart Financial Center at Sugar Land
Wednesday, September 16, 2020 Dallas, TX The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory
Saturday, September 19, 2020 Orlando, FL Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
Sunday, September 20, 2020 Tampa, FL Hard Rock Event Center
Tuesday, September 22, 2020 Miami, FL Hard Rock Live Arena



The Venomous Pinks Release New Single: Cover of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ “I Want You”

Tempe, AZ all-female punk rock trio The Venomous Pinks has released a new single and music video, a cover of Joan Jett & The Blackhearts’ “I Want You,” which will appear on the band’s upcoming album of the same name.

Buy / Stream Now:

Amazon | Apple Music | Spotify

“From poppy sensibilities to heavy riffs, the new new track “I Want You” from The Venomous Pinks is the perfect soundtrack to your weekend.”- New Noise Magazine

Check out the video, starring dominatrixes Soma Snakeoil and Lady Scorpius here:

Guitarist and vocalist Drea Doll says, “I Want You is an in-your-face, unapologetic, punk rendition of Joan Jett & the Blackhearts’ timeless classic. We set out to infuse our unique style and uncontrived attitude to change up the cover while lovingly nodding to its original roots.”

About The Venomous Pinks

If members of Bikini Kill and TSOL musically collided in a Russ Myer movie, the soundtrack scoring the scene would be orchestrated by The Venomous Pinks. Hailing from Mesa, Arizona the three-piece trio creates an unapologetically, uniquely addictive, in-your-face punk sound, that instantly makes the soul hurt so good, you can’t help but yearn for more.

Newly signed to Die Laughing Records, music is the religion they worship, and their church is the road. Having formed in 2012, they have blasted their way from the garage and into the spotlight, shredding the stage with some of punk rock’s finest bands, such as: Bad Religion, Iggy Pop, Anti-Flag, The Bouncing Souls, just to name a few. Even though they have been touring all over the country, they have street cred to back them since their loyalty to their local roots runs deep.

“The Venomous Pinks are a punk band. Not a “girl” band or a “chick” band, but a punk band.”- New Times

Upcoming Shows

The Venomous Pinks Online:

Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter


Derek Sanders (of Mayday Parade) Announces First Solo EP, My Rock and Roll Heart

Los Angeles, CA — Derek Sanders, the frontman of beloved Tallahassee emo/alternative band, Mayday Parade, has announced the release of his first solo EP, My Rock and Roll Heart, out on Friday, February 14 via Rise Records. 

New Record Features Acoustic Covers of Songs by
Something Corporate, Saves the Day, and More

Comprised of five stripped-back covers of tracks from Jimmy Eat WorldSomething Corporate, Saves The DayThe Juliana Theory, and local Tallahassee band Goodbye Love, the acoustic EP acts as a snapshot of songs that inspired Sanders to become a musician. The first single, Sanders’ stunning version of Jimmy Eat World’s “A Praise Chorus,” debuted today and includes a guest feature from fellow Tallahassee native, Daniel Lancaster (Stages and Stereos). 

“When I started getting into music, I got an acoustic guitar when I was ten years old. I spent all of my time with that guitar, just learning to play and writing my first songs. I’ve been in so many bands since then, and it’s cool to go back to playing acoustic and singing the way it all started,” Sanders says of the EP. 

Listen to “A Praise Chorus” (Jimmy Eat World Cover)

The official lyric video can be viewed here:

Stream the track, and digitally pre-order the EP here

My Rock and Roll Heart Track Listing:

  1. But Lauren
  2. Rocks Tonic Juice Magic
  3. A Praise Chorus
  4. Punk Rock Princess
  5. August In Bethany

The track listing of My Rock and Roll Heart is all music that Sanders loved as a teenager, anchored by the “But Lauren” cover, which he gifted to his wife for Valentine’s Day in 2017. The song was originally recorded by Sanders’ favorite local band, Goodbye Love. The group was the brainchild of Mike Hanson, who had been in several Tallahassee bands throughout the years, and whose music served as a major source of inspiration to Sanders.

For Sanders, the EP is not only a chance to cover a song by one of his heroes, but also to expose people to the track for the first time. “This was before the internet, and Mike never really broke out of Tallahassee,” he says. “It’s such a shame his music never had a chance to do more than it did, and it’s cool that people will be able to hear it through me.” 

Considering that “But Lauren” was an impactful song for him in high school, Sanders looked for other songs from that time in his life to round out the record.

“All of the songs on the EP are ones I was listening to at 15 or 16 years old,” he says. “I was like, ‘I gotta do a Saves The Day song, I have to do a Jimmy Eat World song.’ It was very nostalgic.” 

Limited Headline Tour Begins in February – Tickets on Sale Today

Despite already having a successful career in the music industry, Sanders isn’t slowing down anytime soon. In support of My Rock and Roll Heart, he will play a limited run of headline shows in the U.S. next month in OrlandoAtlanta, and Nashville. A full list of dates is included below, and tickets go on sale today at 10am local time HERE 

U.S. Headline Tour Dates

  • February 15 – Orlando, FL @ Will’s Pub
  • February 16 – Atlanta, GA @ Vinyl
  • February 17 – Nashville, TN @ The High Watt


Follow Derek Sanders:

Website | Twitter | Instagram | Facebook

Follow Mayday Parade

Website | Facebook | Twitter
Instagram | YouTube
Spotify | Apple Music

Featured photo (top) by Lupe Bustos


News & Reviews from the Fiery Mosh Pits of Arizona