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Featuring Special Guests Simple Plan, Fefe Dobson, And We The Kings
Music icon Avril Lavigne, an eight-time GRAMMY® nominee and diamond-certified artist, has thrilled fans by announcing the 2025 extension of her blockbuster Greatest Hits Tour. Produced by Live Nation, the newly added 19-date run begins on Sunday, May 18, at the Avenir Centre in Moncton, NB, and spans cities across the U.S. and Canada. Highlights include a massive stadium show at Hersheypark Stadium in Hershey, PA, and a highly anticipated stop at Madison Square Garden in New York City. The tour concludes on Friday, June 27, at Bethel Woods Center for the Arts in Bethel, NY.
Joining Avril on this leg of the tour are several notable acts. Simple Plan will accompany her for all U.S. dates, while Fefe Dobson joins the Canadian stops. Additionally, We The Kings are set to appear on select dates across both countries.
Fans can expect a powerhouse setlist featuring Avril’s biggest hits, including the multi-platinum anthems “Complicated,” “Sk8er Boi,” “Girlfriend,” and “Here’s to Never Growing Up.” These timeless tracks, alongside others from her groundbreaking career, promise an unforgettable live experience.
Ticket Information
Tickets go on sale starting with an artist presale on Tuesday, December 3, at 10 AM local time. General sales begin Friday, December 6, at 10 AM local time through AvrilLavigne.com. Fans looking for an elevated experience can purchase VIP packages, which include perks like premium seating, access to the pre-show “I’M WITH YOU” Hospitality Lounge, and exclusive merchandise. Details are available at VIPnation.com.
Avril Lavigne: The Greatest Hits 2025 Tour Dates:
Sun May 18 – Moncton, NB – Avenir Centre +
Tue May 20 – Halifax, NS – Scotiabank Centre +
Sun May 25 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheatre *
Tue May 27 – Saratoga Springs, NY – Broadview Stage at SPAC *
Wed May 28 – Syracuse, NY – Empower Federal Credit Union Amphitheater *
Fri May 30 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden *
Tue Jun 03 – London, ON – Canada Life Place +
Thu Jun 05 – Niagara Falls, ON – Fallsview Casino Resort +
Sat Jun 07 – Hershey, PA – Hersheypark Stadium *
Sun Jun 08 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center*
Tue Jun 10 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center *
Thu Jun 12 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre – St. Louis *
Tue Jun 17 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park *
Wed Jun 18 – Charleston, SC – Credit One Stadium *
Fri Jun 20 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre *
Sat Jun 21 – Hollywood, FL – Hard Rock Live at Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino *^
Mon Jun 23 – Jacksonville, FL – Daily’s Place *^
Thu Jun 26 – Burgettstown, PA – The Pavilion at Star Lake *
Fri Jun 27 – Bethel, NY – Bethel Woods Center for the Arts *
Sun Jun 29 – Burls Creek, ON – Burl’s Creek Event Grounds~ (visit AllYourFriendsFestival.com for ticket details)
*With Simple Plan and We The Kings +With Fefe Dobson and We The Kings ^ No We The Kings ~Festival Date
A Legacy of Success
Avril Lavigne continues to make history as one of the most influential artists of her generation. With over 50 million albums sold worldwide, including 12.5 million in the U.S., her impact on music and culture remains unparalleled. Earlier this year, she completed a sold-out run of North American dates and headlined major festivals across the UK and Europe, including a celebrated debut at Glastonbury.
From her record-breaking debut album Let Go to her latest release, Love Sux, Avril’s catalog has earned her a place among the best-selling Canadian artists of all time. Her accolades include eight GRAMMY® nominations, ten JUNO Awards, and inductions into both the Hollywood and Canada Walks of Fame.
For more details and a full list of tour dates, visit AvrilLavigne.com.
After performing The Black Parade album in its entirety at the most recent When We Were Young Festival, My Chemical Romance (Gerard Way, Ray Toro, Frank Iero, and Mikey Way) will be celebrating The Black Parade this coming summer.
Photo credit: Chapman Baehler
The seminal album was named one of Rolling Stone’s “500 Greatest Albums of All Time.” The band will be performing the full album in only 10 cities across North America, produced by Live Nation, with each show featuring a different hand-selected artist as the opening act.
Tickets go on sale this Friday, November 15, 2024 at 10:00am local time – get your tickets HERE.
Chandler, AZ — On an unseasonably warm mid-October evening, Aesthetic Perfection brought their signature blend of dark electronic and industrial sounds to the Wild Horse Pass Festival Grounds. Aesthetic Perfection is celebrated for their intense performances and thought-provoking lyrics, and on this summery evening, the band delivered an unforgettable performance while opening for Twin Temple and Till Lindemann.
Founded by Daniel Graves – who is still the lead vocalist nearly 25 years after the band first came into existence – Aesthetic Perfection has a contagious energy. Graves noted several times that they weren’t very well-known, but that mattered very little to the audience. After all, what is there not to like? Graves is indomitable onstage, a whirlwind of sound and fury, mixing his nearly non-stop movements and animated expressions with a voice that switched between a vocal-fried metal growl and smooth as butter – something one would expect to hear in a Top 40 song from back when Casey Kasem was hosting the show.
Graves was joined onstage by NOIZITH who switched between the guitar and keyboard throughout the night. NOIZITH was known as PYRCE until recently, and before that, Julia Pierce from the band Cherri Bomb. NOIZITH is an incredibly talented artist, moving from rock to being a DJ and then stepping in to play with Aesthetic Perfection. Playing a sleek black Schecter guitar, NOIZITH made the remarkable look almost routine. Pacing from side to side, posing occasionally, and doing some dancing while shredding, it would be hard to picture another artist who could play off of Graves and his energy any better.
Rounding out the band was drummer Brooke Colucci, known better as “Rock Angel” to many fans who followed her on social media as she went from a 15-year-old phenom to a touring drummer at only 21. Formerly the drummer for the band Plush, Colucci made a name for herself with her drum cover of Tool’s “46 & 2” on YouTube. Colucci was the only one of the trio to stay stationary, in no small part due to the difficulty of moving a drum kit around the stage.
The seven song setlist included a new single “Into the Void,” from the 3 song Bad Vibes EP. Casual goth/industrial music fans may note there is an undeniable Nine Inch Nails influence in the song – with perhaps some Marilyn Manson mixed in there for some good measure. They would be right, as the song was mixed by Sean Beaven, who mixed the aforementioned artists as well.
Graves also made sure to mention the heat – which has stuck around, refusing to leave, much like the first clingy middle school boyfriend who just doesn’t get the damn hint – you know the one. He noted how little it bothered him, as he is a goth who grew up in the deserts of Southern California. This, of course, was tied to the song “Summer Goth,” which has an unexpected yet very welcomed reggae feel to it until you get halfway through and the breakdown reminds you that you are, indeed, at an Aesthetic Perfection show. The song’s vibes felt especially appropriate for the atmosphere of the outdoor concert.
The final songs of the short setlist included “Gods & Gold,” “S E X,” “TOXIC,” “Rhythm + Control,” and “Love Like Lies.”
Aesthetic Perfection “Fall Goth Tour 2024” dates
Aesthetic Perfection may not exactly be a household name for the casual music lover, and this is unfortunate. If you see them on the bill, make sure to check when they’re hitting the stage, get there a bit early, and be prepared for a sonic delight. Graves, NOIZITH, and Colucci are dark, charming characters, and they will absolutely win you over by the end of the show, even if you have never heard of them. This was the case this evening, with the audience eagerly raising their hands into the air at the behest of Graves, gladly posing for a photo behind the band before their set’s finale.
Mesa, AZ — Arizona’s metal scene is thriving, yet it often flies under the radar, deserving far more recognition. While other genres may get more press, the crowd for Leprous’s concert at The Nile Theatre, with support from Fight The Fight and Earthside, proves that the scene is absolutely thriving. The concertgoers on Saturday night demonstrated a scene that formed a tight-knit community, united by their shared love of the music. There was a sense of camaraderie and belonging among fans at the show. The crowd was filled with passionate fans who turned out for Leprous but gave the same love to New England’s Earthside and Norway’s Fight The Fight. The crowd at The Nile was alive, in the moment, and metal A.F.
Fight The Fight
Touring in support of their new album Shah Of Time, Fight The Fight delivered on their unique blend of heavy metalcore and elements of alternative metal and rock. From the opener of “Serpent in the Sand,” the band’s sound was driven by the chugging guitars of Amok and Lord who provided a force throughout their entire set.
The rhythm section of bassist HM and drummer Bjørn Dugstad Rønnow created the foundation on which the whole band shined, with both really showing out on “Alien” and “12800.” Combined, the band allowed Lars Vegas’s catchy, melodic vocals, which shifted effortlessly from heavy verses into cinematic heights, especially on the band’s closer: “In Memory.”
New England’s Earthside was up next. Their sound is a modern twist on vintage progressive rock with each song in their setting displaying their complex compositions, intricate musicianship, and a blend of heavy and atmospheric sounds.
Their five-song set was an experience, powerful and dazzling. Pulling heavily from last year’s Let the Truth Speak, the first four songs (“We Who Lament,” “Pattern of Rebirth,” “Watching the Earth Sink,” and “Let the Truth Speak”) showcased the band’s incredible interplay of music and showmanship. Their closer of “The Closest I’ve Come,” the lone song performed from their debut A Dream in Static, left the crowd fired up for more while amped for Leprous’s set.
The lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted in a roar as Norwegian progressive metal band Leprous took the stage. The first time they played Arizona, there were 29 people at the show, singer Einar Solberg told the crowd.
In the years since, the band has built a rabid following that turned out, and it’s clear that the Arizona crowd is some of their most hardcore. The band’s intricate compositions, technical prowess, and emotional depth were unleashed in a live, unfiltered experience across their 15-song set, and the opener “Silently Walking Alone” from the recently-released Melodies Of Atonement showed exactly why the Norwegian powerhouse is so loved.
Their set was a marvel, as each member is a superstar presence in their own right. Solberg’s distinctive vocals, which soared above the dense sonic landscape, achieved Freddie Mercury-esque heights, while the rhythmic patterns of Baard Kolstad provided a complex foundation for the band’s musical exploration. On highlights of the night like “On a Sunken Ship” and “Unfree My Soul,” the intricate instrumentals filled the air with technicality and emotion.
With each song, the Leprous’s emotional intensity grew. Each song in their set delved into themes of introspection and vulnerability, connecting with the audience who responded with pumped fists throughout. Solberg would climb on top of the speakers at the front, ascending like a God-like figure to deliver a powerful and expressive performance that conveyed the raw emotion behind the lyrics.
“Faceless,” also from the new album, featured a fan choir made up of a few of Arizona’s most die hard Leprous fans. Sharing that moment with the fans was a magical moment of the night, as it showed how seamless the connection between band and their fans has become, eliminating the idea of “us” and “them” and instead creating a moment of “we.”
The rest of the set, with “Slave,” “From the Flame,” and “Atonement,” built on this moment. Even as the final notes of “The Sky is Red” faded out, the energy in the room made it clear the night was not over. When the band returned to the stage, they gave the fans three choices: “Stuck,” “Rewind,” and “Castaway Angels.” While any would have made for an unimaginably powerful closer, it was clear the crowd wanted “Castaway Angels,” and the band absolutely delivered. As the final notes faded, the riotous crowd erupted in applause for each member as they exited the stage, with everyone emotionally spent by the moment and yet not ready to call it a night. It was a moment, testament to the unforgettable performance we had all just witnessed.
Leprous may have first played Arizona in 2016 to just 29 people, but after Saturday’s truly immersive and powerful experience they gave to everyone in attendance, it’s clear they’ve found a home away from home at The Nile in Mesa. However, with the ever-growing passion of their fanbase, it’s hard to imagine the theater will be able to contain them the next time they return.
LINKIN PARK—Mike Shinoda, Brad Delson, Phoenix, Joe Hahn, alongside new members Emily Armstrong [of critically acclaimed band Dead Sara] as co-vocalist and Colin Brittain [songwriter/producer for G Flip, Illenium, One OK Rock] as drummer—share their first brand new music in seven years.
FIRST NEW MUSIC IN SEVEN YEARS “THE EMPTINESS MACHINE” — LISTEN HERE
The iconic band has shared a deluge of treats for fans:
A new single and video (premiering today at 4pm PT/7pm ET) for “The Emptiness Machine,” plus a global livestream performance (available only for 24 hours), and the launch of 6 upcoming arena shows in Los Angeles, New York, Hamburg, London, Seoul,and Bogota as part of the “From Zero” World Tour.
Stay tuned for the premiere of a Joe Hahn-directed video immediately following the livestream HERE!
LP Underground fan club exclusive pre-sales start September 6 and general on-sales September 7. Go to LinkinPark.com for more info.
LOS ANGELES, NEW YORK, HAMBURG, LONDON, SEOUL & BOGOTA ARENA SHOWS ON SALE BEGINNING SATURDAY: HERE
These surprises herald the arrival of LINKIN PARK’s first album since 2017, FROM ZERO, on November 15. Pre-order/Pre-save the album HERE (via Warner Records).
Linkin Park with new members and Apple Music host Zane Lowe
Tomorrow, Friday September 6th, the band joins long-time friend and Apple Music host Zane Lowe for an in-depth candid conversation about the incredible legacy of Linkin Park, the 7-year long journey to new music and their excitement for the future. Fans can tune in at 6AM PT to watch the full interview HERE.
NEW ALBUM FROM ZERO
FROM ZERO album artwork
From Zero Tracklist
From Zero (Intro)
The Emptiness Machine
Cut The Bridge
Heavy Is The Crown
Over Each Other
Casualty
Overflow
Two Faced
Stained
IGYEIH
Good Things Go
Without expectations, Shinoda, Delson, Farrell, and Hahn quietly began meeting up again in recent years. Rather than “trying to restart the band,” their instinct was to simply spend more time together, and reconnect with the creativity and camaraderie that has been at the core of their friendship since college. During this time, they invited various friends and cohorts to join them in the studio; among the guests, they found a special kinship with Armstong and Brittain. A natural chemistry drew these musicians back into its gravitational pull as they logged more and more hours in the studio. It was the sound of lifelong musicians rediscovering the uncontainable energy of a new beginning once again. Over this season, FROM ZERO was born.
About the new era, Shinoda stated, “Before LINKIN PARK, our first band name was Xero. This album title refers to both this humble beginning and the journey we’re currently undertaking. Sonically and emotionally, it is about past, present, and future—embracing our signature sound, but new and full of life. It was made with a deep appreciation for our new and longtime bandmates, our friends, our family, and our fans. We are proud of what LINKIN PARK has become over the years, and excited about the journey ahead.”
Right out of the gate, “The Emptiness Machine” channels the DNA of LINKIN PARK, harnessing the band’s explosive energy and retaining the hallmarks of their instantly identifiable and inimitable sound. A chameleonic and catchy anthem, Shinoda’s hypnotic melodies hand off to Armstrong’s blistering chorus, over distorted riffs and head-nodding drums.
Shinoda elaborated, “The more we worked with Emily and Colin, the more we enjoyed their world-class talents, their company, and the things we created. We feel really empowered with this new lineup and the vibrant and energized new music we’ve made together. We’re weaving together the sonic touchpoints we’ve been known for and still exploring new ones.”
Ultimately, with FROM ZERO, the band is looking to harness the purest energy of their past, present, and future. The new era has officially begun.
“FROM ZERO” WORLD TOUR 2024
September 11, 2024 | Kia Forum – Los Angeles, CA
September 16, 2024 | Barclays Center – New York, NY
September 22, 2024 | Barclays Arena – Hamburg, Germany
September 24, 2024 | The O2 – London, UK
September 28, 2024 | INSPIRE Arena – Seoul, South Korea
November 11, 2024 | Coliseo Medplus – Bogota, Colombia
“The Dandy Warhols dove right into a 90-minute set of hypnotic psychedelia that collectively mesmerized the 1,500-capacity crowd at NYC’s Webster Hall.” – NYS Music
Celebrates Their 30th Anniversary With Live Shows, Parties and Events
Presale: Thursday, August 22nd (10AM local) Onsale: Friday, August 23rd (10AM local)
AUGUST 21, 2024 (Portland, OR) – “They tell me it’s been 30 years, but it feels like about six… Maybe seven,” says Courtney Taylor-Taylor of THE DANDY WARHOLS about their upcoming 30th anniversary as a band. “Well, I guess we’ve had a pretty long run.”
With a career that started in 1994 in Portland, OR, The Dandy Warhols are celebrating an impressive milestone of three decades as a band. With thirteen studio albums under their belt and countless tours crisscrossing the globe, their constantly evolving sound continues to enthrall audiences without losing steam. Their latest critically hailed album ROCKMAKER featured guests Frank Black of the Pixies, Slash of Guns N’ Roses, and Debbie Harry of Blondie and stands as one of their best-reviewed albums to date.
So, to celebrate this landmark, The Dandy Warhols have announced a string of December festivities that include live shows in Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland, and Tacoma, a fan party in their home studio in Portland, and a co-hosting engagement in which they will co-host as master of ceremonies for the Little Clouds Records showcase (who were responsible for the recent re-pressing of the band’s catalog)!
December 2 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Moroccan Lounge – Tickets
December 3 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Moroccan Lounge – Tickets
December 4 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Moroccan Lounge – Tickets
December 6 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club – Tickets
December 7 – San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s 365 Club – Tickets
December 11 – Portland, OR @ Mission Theater / Little Clouds Showcase* – Tickets
December 12 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom^ – Tickets
December 13 – Portland, OR @ Fan Party @ Odditorium% – Tickets
December 14 – Tacoma, WA @ Spanish Ballroom – Tickets
December 15 – Tacoma, WA @ Spanish Ballroom – Fan Brunch% – Tickets
* The Little Clouds Showcase will be co-hosted by The Dandy Warhols (no performance), featuring sets by LSD & The Search For God (headliner), Sun Atoms (direct support featuring Peter Holmström from The Dandy Warhols), and Tremours (opener)
^ A DJ set by Zia McCabe (a.k.a. DJ Rescue) follows the Dec. 12th show, one floor below in Lola’s Room. Free to all ticket holders.
% Fan meet & greet party (no performance)
About The Dandy Warhols
Described by The Arts STL as “a kaleidoscope of sound and style as only The Dandy Warhols can bring with their infectious and psychedelic vibes that can’t be pigeonholed into a single genre, so don’t even try,” ROCKMAKER delivered a spellbinding album that The Spill Magazine called “a sonic evolution for The Dandy Warhols, characterized by a deliberate emphasis on guitar riffs over chords and melodies.” Vanyaland adds, “The Dandy Warhols have never been ones to fall in step, so it’s little surprise that their new LP ROCKMAKER doesn’t necessarily meet or exceed expectations as much as set its own bar.”
Their enthralling live shows continue to captivate their fanbase, allowing everyone the chance to celebrate their anniversary. On the band’s recent stop at Boston’s Royale, the Boston Globe hailed, “the band wrapped its audience in a sonic blanket that had an almost narcotic warmth at times.” Parklife DC said of their Washington, DC show, “The quartet maintained their classic psych rock roots but dove into even a grittier edge that borders on post-punk and even goth.” The Spill Magazine says about the Toronto show this past March, “The Dandy Warhols electrified the Toronto stage with a performance that exuded sheer power and badassery right from the get-go… Their unparalleled talent and chemistry create an experience unlike any other.”
The Dandy Warhols is: Courtney Taylor-Taylor (vocals, guitar), Peter Holmström (guitar, keyboards), Zia McCabe (keyboard, bass, percussion), and Brent DeBoer (drums, backing vocals).
The Dandy Warhols New Album: ROCKMAKER
Their latest album ROCKMAKER was released on March 15, 2024 via Sunset Blvd and was produced by Peter Holmström and Courtney Taylor-Taylor. Celebrated British DJ and producer Keith Tenniswood (David Holmes, Primal Scream, Rotters Golf Club) of Two Lone Swordsmen mastered the record, and acclaimed British producer Jagz Kooner (Massive Attack, Kasabian, Garbage) mixed it.
PHOENIX — Halestorm and I Prevail brought their co-headlining tour to Arizona Financial Theatre last Friday night, delivering a night of unforgettable performances. With Halestorm taking the final slot this evening, the packed crowd was treated to a high-energy show. Hollywood Undead and Fit for a King added their own powerful sets to the lineup, making the night a standout for rock and metal fans.
Fit for a King
The mindblowing evening started with the American metalcore band from Tyler, Texas, Fit for a King (FFAK). The band members—Ryan Kirby (vocals), Bobby Lynge and Daniel Gailey (guitars), Ryan “Tuck” O’Leary (bass), and Trey Celaya (drums)—have been melting faces since 2007. They played a blistering eight-song set that fired up the crowd, even igniting a circle pit among the general admission audience in front of the stage.
Up next was the American rap rock band, Hollywood Undead, formed in 2005 in sunny Los Angeles, California. The current lineup includes Jorel “J-Dog” Decker (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Dylan “Funny Man” Alvarez (vocals), George “Johnny 3 Tears” Ragan (vocals, bass), Jordon “Charlie Scene” Terrell (vocals, guitar), Danny Murillo (vocals, keyboards, guitar), and finally, Matt “The Cat” Oloffson (drums).
They recreated the “Cali” vibe with four light-up palm trees on stage, two trash fire barrels, and a cardboard sign hanging from the keyboard with “Hotel Kalifornia” handwritten on it. Hotel Kalifornia is their most recent album, released in August of 2022.
Hollywood Undead’s twelve-song set kicked off with “California Dreaming,” and by the third song, the fully-engaged crowd headbanged to “Riot” with contagious energy spreading like wildfire. The band threw beach balls into the crowd, which bounced above the audience as they rocked out. Right before starting the song, “Comin’ In Hot,” they brought up an eleven-year-old girl from the audience to jam on stage with them. Concertgoers sang and danced along to their cover of Neil Diamond’s “Sweet Caroline,” and Hollywood Undead wrapped up their set with “Bullet” and “Undead.”
I Prevail
The third band to take the stage was I Prevail, a rock band from Southfield, Michigan. The current band members are Brian Burkheiser (clean vocals), Eric Vanlerberghe (unclean and clean vocals), Steve Menoian (lead guitar), Dylan Bowman (rhythm guitar, backing vocals), Gabe Helguera (drums), and Jon Eberhard (bass, keyboards).
They rose in popularity in 2013 after releasing a metal cover of Taylor Swift’s “Blank Space” on YouTube. Since then, they have released three studio albums, with their single “Bow Down” earning a Grammy nomination for “Best Metal Performance” in 2019, and their album Trauma receiving one for “Best Rock Album” that same year.
When they took the stage, the venue shook—like literally shook. It made eardrums buzz, hearts race, and it knocked old confetti from past concerts down from the rafters to gently fall onto the crowd below.
I Prevail started with a video of an anonymous speaker talking about fear before starting “There’s Fear in Letting Go.” Vanlerberghe told the crowd that it’s been ten years since the band dropped their cover of Swift’s song, and they hate singing it, but they added it to the setlist for the fans. Everyone cheered and threw up their horns.
Before playing “Breaking Down,” Vanlerberghe got personal with the audience, talking about how he is doing well in therapy and to talk to someone if you need to. That mental health is important. I Prevail gave the crowd everything they had, just as they promised.
Halestorm
Wrapping up the heavy metal night was Halestorm, the American rock band from Red Lion, Pennsylvania, formed in 1997 by lead vocalist and guitarist Lzzy Hale and her brother, drummer Arejay Hale. Other members include Joe Hottinger as guitarist and Josh Smith as bassist.
Grammy-Award winning Halestorm introduced their set with Lzzy singing an a capella “Raise Your Horns” before launching into “I Miss the Misery.” She shows no reserve for showcasing her unparalleled vocals, with an almost-menacing, growling belt prominently featured from start to finish. She figuratively blew the roof off the venue, jaws dropping, during the “I Get Off” interlude of Heart’s “Crazy On You.”
Lzzy addressed the crowd: “It’s for all the letters that you’ve given me, all of the love online, you guys just standing out here singing every word. I can’t believe it, man, I can’t believe it. It blows my mind. So, this one is for all of you tonight, this is called, ‘Familiar Taste of Poison’”. They played the long-beloved song from their first album, self-titled Halestorm.
Also in support of mental health, Halestorm has teamed up with the mental health organization Sound Mind Live to encourage fans to pledge their support, helping to fund free mental health programs that will be available to communities across the country.
The band members’ percussive skills were on display as they played a taiko-style mid-set drum ensemble. Lzzy’s in-your-face stage presence admirably dominated throughout the night, and she delighted with moves such as a backbend contorting her body down to the floor as she shredded on her guitar.
Vanlerberghe rejoined the stage to sing the duet of “can u see me in the dark?” with Lzzy. Halestorm wrapped up the night with “Mz. Hyde” and “The Steeple.” Fans were left with ringing ears and giant smiles as all departed the venue into the blazing Phoenix night.
PHOENIX — Arizona weather has been chaotic recently. We’ve had our sweltering days, relentless in the waves of heat emanating from every direction, making residents want to stay inside and bask in the glory of central air. Recently, with the monsoons, we’ve even been granted some of that humidity we’ve all heard so much about but rarely experience. We needed a reprieve from this heat and occasionally muggy air. Seeing Fitz and The Tantrums’ recent performance at the Arizona Financial Theatre was a spiritual amnesty — a stay of execution from excessive heat, if you will.
Fitz and The Tantrums
“We’re Fitz and The Tantrums! Now, get your hands in the air!”
Fitz and The Tantrums’ arrival on stage seemed perfectly timed, as the seats had just completely filled, and the general admission around the stage had swelled to occupy every inch of space. The band’s dynamic hybrid of neo-soul and indie pop was the ideal remedy to combat the steamy temps and stifling air, a refreshing breeze that cools the body and revitalizes the soul.
The band opened with “Sway” and “Heaven,” letting the audience fully feel the moment, come alive, and cosmically link with the music. The energy was immediate, like an electric current surging through the crowd, passing from one person to the next. In those two songs, there was a moment of magic as the crowd began to dance. In the pit, they moved in unison, and it continued, like the wave at a sporting event, rising through the crowd and bringing those in the seats to their feet as they began to move.
What makes Fitz and The Tantrums so appealing and beloved by their audience — which ranged from young children to adults who have followed them for the entirety of their 17 years of existence — is their ability to blend old and new sounds into something wholly unique. For example, I noticed a family in front of me with three kids, approximately five to early teens, all of them overjoyed and grooving to every song, never once sitting down during the set. Each song seamlessly combines elements of classic soul, funk, and jazz, evoking an auditory experience that is both timeless and undeniably fresh. — a perfect cocktail of nostalgia with a modern twist.
As they powered through the next few songs — “OCD,” “Good Intentions,” and the relentless pop of “123456,” accompanied by the most enthusiastic, theatre-wide clap-along anyone has ever witnessed — they built momentum, with the band visibly feeding off of the crowd’s energy. Multi-instrumentalist James King, bassist Joseph Karnes, keyboardist Jeremy Ruzumna, and drummer Blair Sinta kept the heat up so that co-lead vocalists Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs, leading the clapping, could cook. Their cover of The Eurythmics “Sweet Dreams (Are Made of This),” originally released on their Live in Chicago album, was a delightful mid-set surprise.
With “Out of My League,” the band really hit the gas, urging the crowd to “lift a big heart into the sky.” The audience responded majestically, with both hands flying to the sky to form a field of swaying hearts, moving back and forth as if the music was the winds blowing them to and fro. Just as Fitz and the Tantrums got those symbolic hearts swaying and their literal hearts thumping, they built a giant backing-vocal ensemble from the crowd with “Moneymaker.”
In a personal moment, Fitzpatrick spoke about his wife, a native of Gilbert, and the time they spend in the area, visiting her family during holidays, signifying how much Arizona means to him and is in his heart, like a second home. Phone lights illuminated the theatre for “I Just Wanna Shine,” creating a sea of light. “All the Feels,” “The Walker,” and “Moneygrabber” propelled the show into the home stretch. After a moment when Fitzpatrick and Scaggs reflected on their journey as a band across the past 17 years, they led the show to a triumphant close with “Hand Clap.”
Right now, Arizona may be sultry on its best days and searing (mostly) on its worst, and Fitz and The Tantrums brough love and cool vibes to refresh us all.
The queen of Christmas and best-selling female artist of all time with over 200 million records sold Mariah Carey has announced her highly-anticipated annual Christmas extravaganza is back and going national! Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time will visit 20 cities across the country, kicking off on November 6 visiting Los Angeles, Houston, Atlanta, Philadelphia and more before wrapping up on December 17 in her hometown of NYC.
Produced by Live Nation, this tour marks Carey’s grandest holiday spectacle to date and is the first of many surprises she has in store to celebrate the 30th anniversary of her legendary album ‘Merry Christmas’ and its record-shattering single “All I Want For Christmas Is You.” The show will feature the global superstar’s timeless holiday classics alongside fan-favorite chart-toppers, promising an unforgettable festive experience.
Tickets
Tickets will be available starting with Verizon presale (details below) beginning Tuesday, August 6. Additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general onsale beginning on Friday, August 9 at 10 AM local time at LiveNation.com.
VERIZON PRESALE: Verizon will offer a presale for the Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time tour through Verizon Up. Customers will have access to purchase presale tickets for these dates beginning Tuesday, August 6 at 10 AM local time until Thursday, August 8 at 10 PM local time. For more details, visit Verizon Up.
VIP TICKETS: Fans can also purchase VIP Packages, which may include premium tickets, access to the pre-show VIP Lounge, exclusive VIP merch item & more. VIP package contents vary based on offer selected. For more information, visit VIP Nation.
“Mariah Carey’s Christmas Time Tour” Dates
Wed Nov 06 | Highland, CA | Yaamava Theater
Fri Nov 08 | Los Angeles, CA | Hollywood Bowl
Wed Nov 13 | Greater Palm Springs, CA | Acrisure Arena
Fri Nov 15 | Phoenix, AZ | Footprint Center
Sun Nov 17 | Austin, TX | Moody Center
Tue Nov 19 | Houston, TX | Toyota Center
Thu Nov 21 | Dallas, TX | American Airlines Center
Sat Nov 23 | Atlanta, GA | State Farm Arena
Mon Nov 25 | Nashville, TN | Bridgestone Arena
Wed Nov 27 | Rosemont, IL | Allstate Arena
Fri Nov 29 | St. Louis, MO | Enterprise Center
Sun Dec 01 | Washington, DC | Capital One Arena
Tue Dec 03 | Philadelphia, PA | Wells Fargo Center
Billie Eilish continues to dominate the music scene with her unique sound and chart-topping hits. However, there are many other artists making significant strides with their new releases. Here are five mainstream artists you should definitely check out, spanning a range of genres and styles, most of who have recently released fresh tracks.
1. Sabrina Carpenter
Sabrina Carpenter has been steadily rising in the pop music scene, and her recent releases are a testament to her growth as an artist. Her fifth studio album, emails i can’t send, released on July 15, 2022, debuted at number 23 on the Billboard 200, marking her highest entry on the chart to date. The album featured singles like “Vicious” and “Nonsense,” the latter peaking at number 56 on the Hot 100 and achieving Platinum certification. Following this, she embarked on the Emails I Can’t Send tour in September 2022.
In March 2023, Carpenter released a deluxe edition of the album, with the single “Feather” becoming her highest-charting song, reaching number 21 on the Hot 100 and number one on the US Pop Songs chart. She performed at high-profile events like the 2023 MTV Video Music Awards pre-show and Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve 2023. Her involvement in Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour as the opening act for several international shows further solidified her growing stardom. Recently, she released the single “Espresso” on April 12, 2024, which became her first top-10 hit on the Hot 100, peaking at number four, coinciding with her performance at Coachella 2024.
Renee Rapp, known for her Broadway roots in Mean Girls: The Musical, has made significant strides in her music career. She recently reprised her role as Regina George in the musical film adaptation of Mean Girls, released in theaters on January 12, 2024, and on streaming on March 5, 2024. However, Rapp has expressed her intention to focus solely on her music career due to the anxiety she experienced in the acting environment.
Rapp’s debut extended play, Everything to Everyone, released in November 2022, was followed by a deluxe version in February 2023. Her debut studio album, Snow Angel, dropped on August 18, 2023, and a deluxe version with additional tracks, including a remix of “Tummy Hurts” featuring Coco Jones, was released in November 2023. She has been actively touring, with her Snow Hard Feelings tour, supported by Alexander 23 and Towa Bird, showcasing her dynamic stage presence and deep connection with her audience. Rapp’s music blends pop and R&B influences, creating a sound that is both contemporary and timeless.
WILLOW has continued to evolve her sound and artistic persona. In February 2022, she withdrew from Billie Eilish’s Happier Than Ever, The World Tour due to production limitations but quickly bounced back by featuring on Camila Cabello’s track “Psychofreak” in April 2022. Her fifth studio album, COPINGMECHANISM, released on October 7, 2022, features collaborations with Yves Tumor and showcases a bold dive into alternative rock with singles like “Maybe It’s My Fault” and “Hover Like a Goddess.”
WILLOW’s recent releases continue to push boundaries. Her first single since COPINGMECHANISM, “Alone,” came out in November 2023, followed by “Symptom of Life” in March 2024 and “Big Feelings” in April. She announced her sixth studio album, empathogen, which was released on May 4, 2024. With a unique blend of punk, metal, and introspective lyrics, WILLOW’s new work explores themes of identity and self-discovery, solidifying her place as a dynamic force in the music industry.
Chappell Roan has been steadily carving out a niche for herself with her vibrant and catchy pop tunes. After moving back to Los Angeles in 2022, Roan worked a series of odd jobs before signing a publishing deal with Sony. Her independent single “Naked in Manhattan,” released in March 2022, was praised as a “queer girl bop” by NPR, highlighting her tender and nostalgic lyrics. Following this, she joined Olivia Rodrigo’s Sour Tourand Fletcher’s Girl of My Dreams Tour, gaining significant exposure.
Roan’s subsequent releases, including “Femininomenon” and “Casual,” showcased her versatility and willingness to experiment with different sounds and themes. Her debut headlining tour, Naked in North America, in early 2023, was a hit, featuring themed stops and drag queen openers. Roan’s first full-length album, The Rise and Fall of a Midwest Princess, released in September 2023, further established her as a rising star. Following the album’s release, she embarked on the Midwest Princess Tour, which saw her performing across North America and internationally. Her latest single, “Good Luck, Babe!”, released in April 2024, has already garnered significant attention, debuting at number 77 on the Billboard Hot 100 and achieving 7 million streams in its first week. Roan’s growing popularity on Spotify and high-profile performances, including at Coachella, mark her as an artist on the rise.
Olivia Rodrigo burst onto the scene with her debut single “drivers license,” and she hasn’t slowed down since. Her Disney+ documentary, Olivia Rodrigo: Driving Home 2 U, detailing the making of her debut album Sour, was released on March 25, 2022. Rodrigo received seven nominations at the 64th Annual Grammy Awards, winning Best New Artist, Best Pop Vocal Album for Sour, and Best Pop Solo Performance for “drivers license”.
Rodrigo’s second album, GUTS, released on September 8, 2023, debuted atop the Billboard 200 and was acclaimed as the most critically acclaimed album of 2023 by BBC News. The album’s lead single, “Vampire”, became her third single to debut at number one on the Billboard Hot 100, making her the first artist to debut the lead singles from two career-opening albums at No. 1 on the Hot 100. Following the success of GUTS, Rodrigo announced her GUTS World Tour, which runs from February to October 2024. She also released a deluxe version of the album, GUTS (Spilled), in March 2024. On April 13, 2024, Rodrigo made a special guest appearance at No Doubt’s Coachella show, where she performed the band’s 2000 single “Bathwater” alongside them. Rodrigo’s music continues to capture the angst and emotions of youth, solidifying her place as a pop icon for a new generation.
Billie Eilish’s Latest Release: Yeah…We Couldn’t Ignore This One
You didn’t think we’d skip over Billie Eilish’s new album, did you?
On April 8, 2024, Billie Eilish announced her third studio album, Hit Me Hard and Soft, which was released on May 17, 2024.
This album marks Eilish’s highest-performing album yet, with 339,000 units earned and over 193 million streams.
This album is incredible.
Despite a close race with Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department, Eilish’s album debuted at number two on the albums chart. To support the album, she announced the Hit Me Hard and Soft: The Tour, which will cover North America, Oceania, and Europe from September 2024 to July 2025.
While Eilish and Swift continue to dominate the charts, these five artists are proving that there is plenty of fresh talent in the music industry. Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp, WILLOW, Chappell Roan, and Olivia Rodrigo each bring something unique to the table, offering new music that is well worth a listen. Whether you’re into pop, rock, or something in between, these artists have something for everyone.
Honorable Mentions
For those interested in more emerging artists making waves with their recent releases, here are a few to check out:
Featured photos (top, from left to right) by Anthony Arquier (WILLOW), Unknown (Sabrina Carpenter, Renee Rapp), Ryan Clemens (Chappell Roan), Nick Walker (Olivia Rodrigo)
News & Reviews from the Fiery Mosh Pits of Arizona
