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PHOENIX — M83, an electronic group from France named after the galaxy Messier 83, performed at The Van Buren with experimental artist Rachika Nayar opening the show in a line-up consisting of only the two acts. The night of focus here is April 10, which was the original tour launch date scheduled in Phoenix and became the second night after it sold out, resulting in an add-on of April 9.
Opener Rachika Nayar, a composer and producer from Brooklyn, New York, set an ambiance that helped prime the audience for the vibes of M83. With the stillness of the crowd that portrayed an uncertainty of how to behave during this sensory electronic set, and a respectful patience, the performance came across almost like a pre-show DJ set.
Nayar has a muted stage presence, and she remained stationed at her equipment throughout the set, not speaking until the end when she expressed gratitude in an unassuming tone and wished a friend in the audience a happy birthday.
Touring in support of Fantasy,which was released last month, M83 opened with the deeply relaxing and ethereal “Water Deep,” continuing with the chill vibes emanated by Nayar, unlike many other acts that will typically burst onto a performance as they start their set.
Fronted by 43-year-old Anthony Gonzalez, M83 has existed for about 24 years. Gonzalez is not a glamorous showman, yet his prowess shines for him. More than just a singer, he is a renaissance man responsible for lead vox, guitar, synths, keys, bass, percussion, mixing, arranging, and producing.
M83 transitioned to a danceable energy with the upbeat title-track from Fantasy, which was the 8th song in a setlist of 20 (including the encore). “Fantasy” hearkens back to the primary energy of the Junk album — a personal favorite that I have kept on heavy rotation after being lucky enough to experience it live on their April 13, 2016 tour stop at Comerica Theatre (which, while I knew of M83 before that point, was what impacted me so much as to cement me as a fan).
It was during “Fantasy” that Joe Berry stepped away from the synthesizers and pleased the crowd with the EWI. The stage lights brightened and bathed the band in many more colors, and it was especially in that moment that the slow-roll of the night proved worth the wait. Though I may be biased as a sax player myself, I am confident in my opinion that anyone would be in agreement that the show really gets ripping once Berry starts wailing on the saxophone.
Kaela Sinclair commands attention as the siren of a soprano vocal that is a signature and integral part of M83’s sound. You can also catch her sultry, haunting, and powerful vocals outside of M83 as a solo artist.
The band’s show ebbs and flows from there, following “Fantasy” with “Laura”, which channels the 80s prom night air that much of M83’s music exudes. Afterward, they brought some of their highest energy with “Don’t Save Us From the Flames.” “Noise” from 2003 release Dead Cities, Red Seas & Lost Ghosts served as a segue to “Wait” from Hurry Up We’re Dreaming (2011). Delightfully, “Solitude” from Junk was next, and the bopping “Sunny Boy” from Fantasy after that.
The tracks that go heavier on the guitars for a dramatic electronic-meets-rock sound are absolutely soul igniting. The live band is rounded out with Julien Aoufi on drums, the skills of guitarist Théophile Antolinos, and bass rhythms from Clément Libes. These 3 musicians were shrouded in smoke and lights in the background as the front of the stage was filled with the synths and keyboards, along with Gozales, Sinclair, and Berry.
It comes as no surprise that the crowd’s energy climaxed during the encore as the group launched into the highly recognizable “Midnight City”, which has received heavy radio play since its release in 2011. If you are a regular listener of ALT AZ 93.3, you’ve heard it a lifetime’s worth. One can only long for more of M83’s superior tracks to hit the mainstream to give respite from the overabundance of formulaic, forgettable, and overplayed tracks of other artists that pervade popular music today.
This night of music was nourishing to the spirit with a perfect blend of chill time and outright fun, which was quite apparent by the invigorated energy that was effortlessly perceptible from the crowd leaving the venue following “Outro.”
Burning Hot Events highly recommends catching this tour. There is ample opportunity to do so, as it has just started, and the band has dates scheduled all across North America up through May 16th. Check out the tour dates here:
If you’re a fan of The Postal Service’s iconic hit “Such Great Heights,” you’ve probably heard countless covers of the song over the years. But have you ever heard a cover of a song that completely transforms it into something new and exciting? That’s exactly the case with Joy Kills Sorrow’s bluegrass version of this hit. This rendition, which was released on their EP Wide Awake in 2013, deserves your attention if you haven’t heard it yet.
What is particularly impressive about this cover is how effortlessly the band took an electronic indie-pop hit and made it their own, infusing it with their signature Americana sound that is a refreshing departure from the original. Fueled by Jacob Jolliff’s intricate mandolin playing and lead singer Emma Beaton’s soaring vocals, the song was transformed into a foot-stomping bluegrass number that’s impossible not to dance along to.
Right from the beginning, the mandolin and banjo (played by Wes Corbett) take over, providing a lively and instantly engaging introduction. While staying true to the melody and lyrics, the band injects their signature style, adding instrumental breakdowns and harmonies that showcase their musical prowess. Beaton’s vocals add a touch of sweetness and vulnerability to the already poignant lyrics. As the song progresses, each instrument takes its turn to shine, from the rhythm of Matthew Arcara flatpicking the guitar, to the harmonies of Zoe Guigueno and her upright bass. You can feel the energy building up, culminating in a triumphant ending that will leave you with chills. The result is a cover that’s just as catchy and memorable as the original, but with a new energy and vibrancy that’s impossible to resist.
What makes this cover so successful is that it doesn’t try to imitate the original, but rather reinvents it completely. It manages to capture the essence and emotion of the song while putting a new spin on it. Overall, Joy Kills Sorrow’s bluegrass cover of “Such Great Heights” is a testament to the power of musical creativity and innovation. It proves that good music can transcend genres and styles, and that sometimes the most unexpected artist can surprise you. So, if you haven’t given it a listen yet, it’s high time that changes.
Even die-hard The Postal Service fans will find themselves tapping their feet along to this bluegrass rendition. If you haven’t heard Joy Kills Sorrow’s cover of “Such Great Heights” yet, do yourself a favor and give it a listen. Although Joy Kills Sorrow disbanded after performing their last show in 2014, their legacy includes a stunning example of how a great cover can take a beloved song and elevate it to new heights.
Ben Gibbard Returns with a “Double Feature” Performance
Speaking of The Postal Service… lead vocalist Ben Gibbard is making a comeback to Arizona and other cities (listed below) with a “double feature” show that is sure to delight. As part of the “Give Up & Transatlanticism 20th Anniversary Tour,” The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie will be co-headlining, and Gibbard will be at the forefront of it all.
The tour runs in September and October of this year. Arizona Financial Theatre, one of the iconic spots to host this show, is set to witness an unforgettable night of music that showcases the evolution of the creative genius of Gibbard and his bandmates. (Fun fact: Jenny Lewis of The Postal Service is also a solo artist, actress, and was the lead singer, rhythm guitarist, and keyboardist for the indie rock band Rilo Kiley.) It goes without saying that Death Cab for Cutie and The Postal Service carry energies that leave fans yearning for more. But, to have both bands share the stage on a joint tour is something else entirely.
Back in 2003, The Postal Service and Death Cab for Cutie became musical sensations that rocked the world with Gibbard at the helm. The Postal Service’s debut album, Give Up, and Death Cab for Cutie’s fourth studio album, Transatlanticism, showcased the range of Gibbard’s vocal and songwriting abilities. It’s been twenty years since those albums’ releases, and that is all the more reason to celebrate. The “Give Up & Transatlanticism 20th Anniversary Tour” is, therefore, more than just a tour. As each band performs their respective albums in their entirety, it’s a trip down memory lane accompanied by heart-thumping instrumentals and performances that leave concertgoers reveling in nostalgia.
With Gibbard headlining, The Postal Service & Death Cab For Cutie: Give Up & Transatlanticism promises to be a night to remember. Get your tickets now!
The Postal Service & Death Cab for Cutie 2023 Tour Dates
September 8 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena
September 9 – Kingston, RI – The Ryan Center
September 10 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl
September 12 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall
September 13 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall
September 14 – Washington, DC – Merriweather Post Pavilion
September 17 – Detroit, MI – Meadow Brook Amphitheater
September 20 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden
September 21 – Philadelphia, PA – The Mann Center
September 24 – Minneapolis, MN – Armory
September 26 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
September 27 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom
October 3 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
October 4 – Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea Ballroom at The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
October 7 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
October 10 – Berkeley, CA – Greek Theatre – UC Berkeley
CHTHONIC will play Megaport Festival‘s main stage today, April 1, and metalheads all over the world can watch the livestream online at 21:00(GMT+8) = 09:00(EST). (Invitation link below.)
Click the link above on April 1, 2023, and the livestream link will be on the page you are directed to.
About CHTHONIC’s Newest Music Video
After a five year wait for new music from CHTHONIC, the band premiered the music video for their new single “Pattonkan” March 1 at Knotfest. “Pattonkan“ was then released on all digital platforms on March 2.
Although the song “Pattonkan” is completely in Taiwanese, English subtitles are available on YouTube:
CHTHONIC’s lead vocalist and sitting member of Taiwan’s Parliament, Freddy Lim,hasinvested most of his time in parliamentary works, yet inspirations for music have still popped up from time to time when he felt depressed. However, he didn’t have time to sit down quietly and write them down. “I feel anxious sometimes, there are so many things I want to do, but I feel I don’t have sufficient time in my life to do everything,” he said. “How would those who came before us think of us in Heaven if we don’t move forward?”
With such emotions in mind,Lim once met Mr. Kao Ying-chieh（高英傑, son of an indigenous victim of Taiwan’s White Terror authoritarian period Kao Yi-sheng（高一生, and his family. Lim listened to him telling the story of how his father advocated for democracy and was eventually executed, and read the over 60 letters that Kao Yi-sheng sent to his family before he was executed.
“The very strong emotional bonds between Kao Yi-sheng and his wife, as well as with his children were an inspiration to me,” Lim said. “As long as we don’t give up, defend the people and land we love, and move as hard as we can, we’re on the right track.”
Guitarist and backup vocalist Jesse Liu, who co-composed the music, said that they first wrote a lot of complicated stuff, but later simplified it as the emotions flew. “We found that the simplified version actually really hit the spot!” So the new song was born.
The title “Pattonkan“ is the indigenous Tsou name for “Yushan（玉山）” or “Jade Mountain”. Jade Mountain is the highest peak in northeast Asia, and considered as a sacred mountain to the Taiwanese. The name “Pattonkan” is meant to be a reminder of the inspiration for the song. The line 風起田地 過溪山野 吾魂四時看顧守護 actually echoes a line in Kao Yi-sheng’s final letter “田地和山野都有我的魂守著”, meaning that his soul will safeguard the fields and mountains of Taiwan.
CHTHONIC worked with film director Hung Po-te once again for the music video for “Pattonkan”. The actors in the video are the same ones that acted in the videos for “Kaoru“, “Defenders of Bú-Tik Palace“, and “Millennia’s Faith Undone“. Hung Shih-hsun acted as the male lead Tsing-guan, and Wang Ting-chu acted as his wife Kaoru. The actress who played the daughter in the music video of “Millennia’s Faith Undone (the Aeon’s Wraith Version)” appeared as an adult. Lee Hsueh, who played a role in the movie Untold Herstory also appeared in the video.
The painting that appeared in the “Pattonkan” video is Looking at Jade Mountain from Alishan by Chen Cheng-po （陳澄波）. Chen Cheng-po and Kao Yi-sheng were both key players during the 228 Massacre. Chen was executed openly in the street, while Kao was arrested and executed years later. The production team decided to make it more powerful artistically through the connection of the painting and music.
The director, Hung Po-te, pointed out that previous videos in the same series gradually turned from the husband Tsing-guan’s perspective to his wife Kaoru’s. This time, he wished to show the kid Kiku’s perspective. The child’s story was inspired by that of Kao Yi-sheng’s daughter Nana. After Kao was executed, his family was still under long-time surveillance and repression by the authoritarian regime. Nana, who dreamed of becoming a singer, became a controlled “toy” for high-ranking officials.
Band lead and bassist Doris Yeh is very supportive of the director’s interpretation of the storyline.
“The song is not about praising a hero, but to see a family through a person, and see a generation of people through a family,” Yeh said. “This is a song that’s full of brevity, yet also sorrowful.”
About CHTHONIC
While Taiwan is considered home of Austronesian peoples and a mystic island nation in the Orient, the image of Taiwan also encompasses advanced technologies, modern cities, and upholding human rights and progressive values. The metal band CHTHONIC has given the best interpretation of the contrasting images of the country.
CHTHONIC’s lyrics are inspired by Taiwanese mythology, folk stories, and history, and their music incorporates elements of traditional Taiwanese folk music, enka, and sorrowful melodies from Taiwanese opera, accompanied by traditional Taiwanese musical instruments, such as hena, zheng – also known as “box zither” – and pgaku flute. Elements from contemporary symphonic black metal, melodic death metal, blood-boiling riffs and solos are also integral parts ofCHTHONIC’s music . Critics have tried to label CHTHONIC’s music as black metal, death metal or folk metal, but CHTHONIC has opted for simply “metal” for its simplicity and authenticity.
From the festivals Fuji Rock and Summer Sonic in Japan, to Ozzfest in the US, to Download festival in the UK, and Wacken Open Air (WOA) in Germany, CHTHONIC has been to major music festivals around the world, and has had toured hundreds of shows in Europe, North America, and Asia. They have also worked with many internationally renowned artists. Lamb of God’s Randy Blythe, Trivium’s Matt Heafy, guitarist Marty Friedman, Japanese folk singer Hajime Chitose, and Hong Kong diva Dennise Ho have all appeared in CHTHONIC’s works.
In Taiwan, several of CHTHONIC’s albums have been on the pop-music charts, and the band has been awarded the “Golden Melody Award” – the Taiwanese version of the Grammy Award. Besides being CHTHONIC, band members are also active in different fields: Doris Yen, the bassist and the band leader, has been advocating for women’s rights, acted in movies, and has curated major rock music festivals. Drummer Dani Wang is working in music education to bring up younger generation musicians, Guitarist Jesse Liu and the keyboard player CJ Kao are involved in the production of many albums from Taiwanese bands. Lead vocalist Freddy Lim is active in public affairs relating to human rights and social justice issues, and now he is a member of the Taiwanese parliament, elected in 2016, and re-elected in 2020.
With exception of its earlier works, CHTHONIC’s albums – including Seediq Bale (2007), Mirror of Retribution (2009), Takasago Army (2011), and Bú-Tik (2013) – were all released worldwide, with positive feedback from music critiques.
Since the Lim was elected, CHTHONIC continues to operate, but in a low-profile manner, without tense performance, and they still released the album Battlefields of Asura and won another Golden Melody Award. In 2019, CHTHONIC worked with an orchestra to perform in the “Taiwan Victory Live” concert on Ketagalan Boulevard in front of the Presidential Office in Taipei, which attracted an audience of over 50,000 and from which a live album was released.
Tempe, AZ — It was 2017 when Alter Bridge last took the stage at the Marquee Theatre. As the pandemic subsided, they released new music with Pawns & Kings in October last year and set out on a North American Tour. On this night the stop in Arizona included opening sets by Wolfgang Van Halen’s Mammoth WVH and Pistols At Dawn. Although the popular music scene seems to have forgotten how to play guitars, rest assured that the great American guitar heroes are alive and well in the rock world.
In fact, the night opened with a shredding solo from 22-year-old phenom, Will James, that brought the house down just minutes after the lights went down. The second act delivered the Van Halen 2.0 guitarist that wowed the world when he played his father’s solos at the tribute shows for the late Taylor Hawkins of Foo Fighters. And the icing on the cake was rock royalty, Mark Tremonti! Fans who love heavy guitar played by virtuosos were in their glory at this show and the decibels were sufficiently over 100dB as prescribed to make sure you heard and felt the music. The vocalists of the night were in top form for this show too as expected, but Myles Kennedy of Alter Bridge was beyond outstanding and proved that he is arguably one of the best singers…ever. Some of his melodies that soared into the stratosphere brought cheers from the audience that rose above the volume of the PA system.
Sometimes the opening band makes you scratch your head and wonder why they are there, but Pistols At Dawn complemented the essence of Alter Bridge perfectly. They formed in Atlanta in 2015 and shuffled through several lineup changes while recording and releasing singles and a 7-song EP. Last year, the latest incarnation recorded their debut album Ascension on Megaforce Records with producer Sylvia Massy (Tool) and founding members Devin White (guitar) and Adam Jaffe (drums). The band was reinvented with additions of Cris Hodges (vocals), Sean Benham (bass), and the young Will James (guitar) mentioned above.
Ascension has an epic big production sound, which is typical and possibly necessary to complement their contemporaries, but their short set of five songs sounded better live than on the recordings. Hodges, with his day-glo sneakers and open sided muscle shirt, entertained while delivering a flawless performance. Burning Hot Events spoke with him after their set about his upcoming tour with Ugly Kid Joe and Fozzy, and he mentioned that he’ll be back in town for U-Fest as a guest singer for Chester Bennington’s former band Grey Daze.
They confirmed it on Instagram saying, “After many requests to perform live, we finally said yes! We will honor our original intention while still paying homage to Chester, by bringing in guest vocalist Chris [sic] Hodges @hodgesofficial to perform with us.” Before joining Pistols At Dawn, Hodges fronted a Linkin Park tribute band called In The End and guitarist James was playing his signature green neon-light guitar in a Bon Jovi tribute band called Shot Thru The Heart. They advanced from tribute band to touring with Alter Bridge shows. Dreams do come true.
You’d have to admit that you had your doubts when his dad let him play bass in the mighty Van Halen, but Wolfgang has won over all of the naysayers. When we finally heard him play guitar and sing, and then found out that he also played everything including drums, bass, and keyboards on the debut Mammoth WVH album, we all realized there is something really special in this kid. He inherited that captivating smile from his mother, Valerie Bertinelli, and a broad appreciation and mastery of music from the late Eddie Van Halen. But now he is blazing his own trail and there were no Van Halen songs in the set (or technically we can say that they were all “Van Halen” songs since he wrote every one of them).
In the music video for “Don’t Back Down”, they show four clones of Wolfgang playing all of the instruments, and while that would be awesome to see live, they had to get some hired guns to cover the parts that he didn’t play live. The guitarist on his right was Frank Sidoris who many in the audience recognized from Slash’s band with Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators. Ron Ficarro (I Am Ghost, Falling In Reverse) played bass, and Garrett Whitlock (who Wolfgang had played with in the band Tremonti) joined as the live drummer, and lastly the charismatic Jon Jourdan (To Whom It May) joined as a third guitarist. So Wolfgang didn’t get to play drums or bass on any songs, but he did play a little bit of keyboards in addition to his guitars.
The 8-song set flew by leaving the crowd wanting more, but they were at least able to include their first two singles which both went to number 1: “Distance” and “Don’t Back Down,” which closed their set. We were also treated to a new song that had just been released last week called “Another Celebration At The End Of The World” – a true crowd pleaser that drives hard and included a finger tapping speed solo that garnered a round of applause mid-song.
Alter Bridge
This four-piece leviathan keeps building on their foundation of stellar musicianship and rock-solid songwriting. It’s a full-on blitzkrieg from the top of the setlist with “Silver Tongue,” from the latest Alter Bridge release, Pawns & Kings to the closer “Rise Today” from the Blackbird LP.
Had it really been 6 years since they last came to town? Their loyal fans showed up in droves to welcome them back from the silence of the pandemic, and it was great to see them back on stage where they belong!
It was a packed house and they may have actually outgrown this midsize theater, but it proved to be the perfect intimate setting to showcase highlights from their 7 studio albums (note that no songs made the setlist from The Last Hero or Walk The Sky). It’s not unusual for bands to tell every city that they are the best audience, but Kennedy seemed to genuinely appreciate the fan engagement on this night and gave a heartfelt thank you to the Phoenician crowd.
Tremonti is the guitar hero and Kennedy is the vocal maestro, however they each showed their prowess at switching roles. Tremonti sang harmonies all night and then took center stage to sing the melancholy “Burn It Down” and did an incredible job. Most loyal followers were not surprised knowing that he sings lead in his self-titled band Tremonti and also on his incredible Mark Tremonti Sings Frank Sinatra solo album (seriously check this out if you haven’t heard about it).
And on the flip side, Kennedy is relegated to being “just” a phenomenal frontman singer when he is touring with Slash, but in Alter Bridge he contributes to the six-string shredding too. These dual talents shone brightest on the song “Blackbird.” He started the song in silhouette against beams of amber lights emulating angelic wings. An homage of the familiar chords of The Beatles’ “Blackbird” ushered in the somber chords of the title track from the Alter Bridge 2007 album of the same name.
The song begins delicately but ultimately crescendos into a symphony of sound bathed in violet lights as Kennedy plays the most soulful guitar solo of the night and then tosses the reins to Tremonti who adds his stamp of originality for this rock anthem. Few songs are truly “moving.” This is one. The ending was so powerful that it felt like the final encore as the crowd shouted their approval.
The four new songs were heavy. “Silver Tongue” and “Holiday” carried the traditional flame of fast and furious, while “Sin After Sin” was best received and had that epic slow march of classic metal. The title track, “Pawns and Kings” is a great song with meticulously crafted lyrics, but for some reason it didn’t resonate live (possibly the newness needs to become more ingrained or maybe it was the strobe lights aimed at the audience throughout the song).
There was a brief respite from the onslaught of loud guitars with a two-song acoustic set that was just stellar. For “Watch Over You,” Kennedy was alone on stage with his Taylor acoustic guitar and a microphone. With each lyric of the song he emoted the feelings of loss of a friend that is just beyond helping. You can’t “phone in” the vocals on a song like this, stripped down to just a guitar/vocal, you have to “feel” the emotions and Kennedy made us feel it too.
For the second acoustic song, Tremonti commandeered his Taylor acoustic guitar with the cutaway neck as they went back to their first album for the song “In Loving Memory.” Another beautiful song. Cheers arose as Kennedy held the soft falsetto note for 14 seconds effortlessly. Two guys in unassuming black T-shirts held the reverent gaze of everyone in attendance who came to rock-out, but communed in this peaceful moment. All hell would soon break out again with the aggressive Alter Bridge rockers “Isolation” and “Metalingus.”
After a 15-song set, they bowed and expressed their heart-felt gratitude to the fans who came out on this night to cheer them on. They left the stage, but the house lights refused to come up and the people began to chant “AL – TER – BRIDGE!” They wasted no time getting back on stage and began some banter with the audience. They apologized to one guy that wanted to come up and play drums with them, but offered maybe next time. Then some guy named Al got the coolest birthday present as Alter Bridge and all of us sang “Happy Birthday” to him.
To close the night they chose two iconic songs. First was “Open Your Eyes,” which is the first song that really put them on the map with heavy rotation on MTV (it was much later when most of us learned that Kennedy was that guy from the audience that got up and sang with Steel Dragon in the movie Rock Star). Kennedy let the audience chime in on the signature falsetto melody in the bridge and then proceeded to show everyone how it was really done…so impressive. The choice for the song to close the night was “Rise Today,” which most succinctly defined the Alter Bridge sound. The energy was still high and Tremonti banged his head all night (if not for his military haircut, his hair would have been flying all evening).
One last shout out to the rhythm sections for all three bands that aren’t as much in the spotlight, but contribute so much to the sound and presence of the stars they support. Brian Marshal (bass) and Scott Phillips (drums) have been working with Tremonti since their commercial success with Creed and they were absolutely phenomenal all night. It’s funny how you just expect them to be perfect so you might only notice their passionate playing if there were mistakes…and there were no mistakes that I noticed. They deserve all of the recognition as key components of Alter Bridge!
As the house lights came on and the recorded music came up, was that Frank Sinatra singing as the audience shuffled out? Or could it have been Tremonti?
The Smashing Pumpkins are hitting the road again in 2023 with their upcoming North American tour, “The World is A Vampire”. This tour promises to be an unforgettable experience for fans across the country, featuring special guests such as Interpol, Stone Temple Pilots, and Rival Sons. The tour will also include NWA champions, adding another layer of excitement to an already thrilling event! Wrestling fans can catch their favorites in action in most of the cities on the tour. Dates listed below.
The general on-sale starts on March 31 at 10am local time at LiveNation.com, so mark your calendars and get ready to snag your tickets. This is an event you won’t want to miss!
The Smashing Pumpkins | Photography: Paul Elledge
As if that wasn’t exciting enough, The Smashing Pumpkins have also released a new single called “Spellbinding”, building even more anticipation for their highly anticipated third and final act of rock opera ATUM, set to be released on May 5. Fans can now preorder a special edition box set of the album here.
ATUM was written and produced by frontman Billy Corgan over the past 4 years. ATUM is the sequel to 1995’s Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness and 2000’s Machina/Machine of God, and it consists of 33-tracks in 3 acts. 22 tracks have been released to date, and the single “Beguiled“ continues to climb charts.
For those unfamiliar with the bands joining them on tour, here’s a quick rundown:
Interpol is an American rock band known for their indie sound and melancholic lyrics. They’ve been around since the late ’90s and have a loyal following across the world.
Rival Sons is a blues-rock band from California known for their powerful vocals and guitar riffs. They’ve been rocking the music scene since 2008 and show no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
Stone Temple Pilots, on the other hand, need no introduction. A true classic ’90s band, their unique sound and dynamic frontman made them a staple of that decade’s music scene.
With each of these artists bringing their unique styles to the stage, “The World is A Vampire” tour is shaping up to be a truly unforgettable experience. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of it!
The Smashing Pumpkins Tour Dates:
07/28 – Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan
07/30 – Las Vegas, NV – The Chelsea at the Cosmopolitan
08/01 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre*
08/03 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre*
08/05 – Auburn, WA – White River Amphitheatre*
08/06 – Bend, OR – Hayden Homes Amphitheater*
08/07 – Wheatland, CA – Toyota Amphitheatre*
08/09 – Irvine, CA – FivePoint Amphitheatre*
08/10 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre*
08/11 – Highland, CA – Yaamava’ Resort & Casino**
08/13 – Albuquerque, NM – Isleta Amphitheater^
08/15 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion^
08/16 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP^
08/17 – Huntsville, AL – The Orion Amphitheater^
08/19 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre^
08/20 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre^
08/22 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion^
08/24 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center^
08/25 – Gilford, NH – Bank of New Hampshire Pavilion^
08/30 – Wantagh, NY – Northwell Health at Jones Beach Theater^
08/31 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live^
09/02 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage^
09/03 – Ottawa, ON – Canadian Tire Centre^
09/06 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre^^
09/08 – Franklin, TN – FirstBank Amphitheater^
09/09 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center^
^ w/ Interpol & Rival Sons * w/ Stone Temple Pilots & Rival Sons **w/ Stone Temple Pilots ^^ w/ Interpol
Fans of Motion City Soundtrack, get ready to celebrate! It’s been nearly 20 years since the iconic American rock band released their debut LP, I Am the Movie. To commemorate this special anniversary, Motion City Soundtrack is releasing a limited-edition vinyl version of the band’s first full-length LP. This exclusive release comes in a super tasty tangerine and milky clear version that is perfect for any record collector’s display.
Motion City Soundtrack’s ‘I Am The Movie’ limited Edition tangerine and milky clear vinyl
But that’s not all! Stay tuned for even more limited-edition variant colors to be announced soon.
Whether you’re a long-time fan of Motion City Soundtrack or a newcomer just discovering the band’s music, this special vinyl is sure to be a worthwhile addition to your collection. Motion City Soundtrack’s debut EP captured the hearts of music lovers around the world with its energetic, catchy, and heartfelt tracks. From the high-energy opener “Cambridge” to the uplifting closer “A-OK,” every song on the album tells a unique story while showcasing the band’s distinctive sound.
It’s hard to believe that I Am the Movie was released two decades ago, but its impact on the music industry continues to be felt today. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate this milestone with the limited-edition vinyl release of the album. So head on over to https://bit.ly/3JSk2IL to pre-order your limited-edition tangerine and milky clear vinyl copy of I Am the Movie today!
Avenged Sevenfold just announced the first leg of their North American “Life Is But A Dream” tour, and it will feature special guest Alexisonfire, adding even more fire to the already hot stage. The tour kicks off on July 18 in Camden, NJ, and will include stops in cities like Montreal, Tinley Park, Minneapolis, Vancouver, and more. Tour dates are listed below.
Avenged Sevenfold is one of the most iconic names in modern rock and metal music, known for their thrilling performances and powerful lyrics. And just when you thought you’d have to wait another lifetime before seeing them live again, the band announced the tour with much fanfare. But that’s not all! Along with the tour, Avenged Sevenfold also surprised their fans by releasing their first single in seven years, “Nobody,” which is already receiving rave reviews. The band also announced the release of their eighth album, Life is But A Dream, which drops on June 2.
Watch the “Nobody” Music Video:
If you’ve never seen Avenged Sevenfold live, you’re in for a treat. The band is known for their high-energy performances, mind-blowing pyrotechnics, and jaw-dropping musicianship. And with special guest Alexisonfire joining the tour, the experience promises to be even more unforgettable. Music touches our souls in so many ways. It has the power to take us on journeys we never knew existed and connect us all on a level that surpasses any language barrier. These are two bands that have impacted the music industry and listeners across the globe.
Avenged Sevenfold, also known as A7X, hails from Huntington Beach, California. The band was formed in 1999 and has captured the hearts of metal lovers worldwide. Their hit songs include “Hail to the King,” “Nightmare,” and “Bat Country.” A7X is known for their intense guitar riffs and provocative lyrics that delve into themes of death, love, and war. Their music is a cathartic release for anyone who enjoys hard rock and metal.
Alexisonfire is a post-hardcore band from St. Catharines, Ontario, Canada. They formed in 2001, and became known for their unique combination of punk and screamo. The band’s music is an embodiment of the emotions we face as individuals trying to navigate life’s challenging moments. Their hit singles include “This Could Be Anywhere in the World,” “Young Cardinals,” and “To a Friend.”
While Avenged Sevenfold and Alexisonfire have different styles, their music is a reflection of society and the challenges that come along in life. Whether you are headbanging to A7X or listening to Alexisonfire with empathetic ears, both bands will leave you feeling a little less alone in this world.
Avenged Sevenfold and Alexisonfire have made their respective marks on the music industry, and their music will continue to be enjoyed by generations to come. They are a testament to the power of music and how it can transcend boundaries and touch souls.
Make sure to mark your calendars for Thursday, March 30, when general ticket sales become available at 10AM local time on LiveNation.com.
Don’t miss out on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to experience Avenged Sevenfold and Alexisonfire at their finest. With a new album, a killer single, and a tour that promises to be legendary, Avenged Sevenfold is ready to rock the world once again!
First Leg “Life is But A Dream” North American Tour Dates:
The 26th annual Arizona Bike Week at Westworld of Scottsdale is just around the corner and if you love music, you don’t want to miss it! With an incredible line-up of performers, this event promises to be a memorable experience for all who attend. Incredible performers scheduled for AZ Bike Week include Dierdre (3/29), Billy Idol (3/30), Megadeth (3/31), and Jesse Money (daughter of classic rock icon Eddie Money) and Staind (4/1), and Megadeth (4/2).
One of the highlights of this year’s event is the participation of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teens. This program provides teens with a creative outlet through multiple programs, including music, art, and dance. The teens will perform live in the HandleBar Saloon, showcasing their talent and passion for the arts.
And that’s not all – you can also catch many more live music acts performing in the RockYard and the HandleBar Saloon over this 5-day even, including: Southbound Rider Band (tribute to the Allmand Brothers Band), Texas Hippie Coalition, Ripple Affect, Kelsy Karter & The Heroines, Skarlett Fever (classic rock cover band), Drop Diezel, Color of Chaos, School of Rock Sugar Skulls, Stereo Rex, and Whiskey’s Quicker.
But music is just one aspect of the AZ Bike Week experience. The event features a variety of activities including a bike show, demo rides, vendors, raffles, stunt shows, contests, Miss Arizona, rally girls, Mister Arizona, and more.
So mark your calendars for March 29-April 2 and head to AZBikeWeek.com for the full schedule and line-up. Whether you’re a fan of classic rock, heavy metal, or country, Arizona Bike Week has something for everyone. See you there!
Two of the biggest names in the music industry, Godsmack and Staind, have announced a co-headlining 2023 tour. Produced by Live Nation, this 25-city tour is set to kick off on July 18 at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in St. Louis, MO, and will take the bands across the U.S. with stops in Pittsburgh, PA; Salt Lake City, UT; Las Vegas, NV, and more before wrapping up in Austin, TX, at the Germania Insurance Amphitheatre on August 31.
Both bands have established themselves as heavy hitters in the rock scene over the last two decades, captivating audiences with their unique style and intense performances. With multiple platinum-selling albums and countless hits, including Godsmack’s “I Stand Alone” and Staind’s “It’s Been A While,” fans can expect to be transported to a world of pure rock and roll energy.
Although the Godsmack and Staind co-headlining tour won’t be making a stop in Arizona, fans can catch live performances before the tour launches – from Staind on Saturday, April 1 at Arizona Bike Week 2023, and Godsmack at 98KUPD’s UFest on May 6, 2023.
With tickets going on sale at Ticketmaster on Friday, March 31 at 10 AM Local Time, make sure to get yours early as this tour is sure to sell out fast. Don’t miss your chance to witness a once-in-a-lifetime performance from two of the best in the business. Get ready to rock!
Godsmack and Staind 2023 Tour Dates:
Tue Jul 18 – St. Louis, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
Thu Jul 20 – Raleigh, NC – Coastal Credit Union Music Park at Walnut Creek
Fri Jul 21 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
Sat Jul 22 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
Tue Jul 25 – Bangor, ME – Maine Savings Amphitheater
Fall Out Boy is set to hit the stage for their highly anticipated “So Much for (Tour) Dust” North American summer tour. The band, which has been making waves in the music industry for over a decade, plans to bring you their latest music from their 8th studio album, So Much (for) Stardust. The album was released on March 24, 2023, a staggering five years after their previous album, M A N I A.
Fall Out Boy ‘So Much (for) Stardust
The tour will launch in the Chicago-band’s hometown and Wrigley Field. Fans across the country have been eagerly awaiting the release, and now they’re finally getting their chance to hear the new tracks live. And the best part? They won’t be doing it alone. Bring Me to the Horizon will join them on most tour dates. And, on select shows, you can catch other incredible acts like Alkaline Trio, New Found Glory, Four Year Strong, The Academy Is…, Royal & The Serpent, Games We Play, Daisy Grenade, and Carr.
For the Phoenix tour date, the band will be taking the stage on June 30th at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre. It’s just one of the many shows the outdoor venue has planned for its jam-packed summer schedule.
If you’re a fan of the band, you won’t want to miss out on any of the action. Head over to https://bit.ly/3lDcodj more details on the “So Much for (Tour) Dust” North American summer tour.
With their combination of punk rock, pop and emo influences, Fall Out Boy is sure to bring you an unforgettable experience that you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendars and get ready to rock out with one of the biggest bands in the world!
Fall Out Boy Summer 2023 Tour Dates:
June 21* – Chicago, IL – Wrigley Field
June 23* – Maryland Heights, MO – Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
June 24≠* – Bonner Springs, KS – Azura Amphitheater
June 27 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
June 28 – Dallas, TX – Dos Equis Pavilion
June 30 – Phoenix, AZ – Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre
July 1 – Chula Vista, CA – North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 2 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium
July 5 – Mountain View, CA – Shoreline Amphitheatre
July 7 – Salt Lake City, UT – USANA Amphitheatre
July 9≠ – Englewood, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre
July 11 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP
July 13 – Somerset, WI – Somerset Amphitheater
July 15 – Cincinnati, OH – Riverbend Music Center
July 16 – Noblesville, IN – Ruoff Music Center
July 18 – Cuyahoga Falls, OH – Blossom Music Center
July 19 – Bristow, VA – Jiffy Lube Live
July 21 – Charlotte, NC – PNC Music Pavilion
July 22 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater
July 24 – West Palm Beach, FL – iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
July 25 – Tampa, FL – MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre
July 26 – Atlanta, GA – Lakewood Amphitheater
July 29 – Clarkston, MI – Pine Knob Music Theatre
July 30 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage
August 1 – Forest Hills, NY – Forest Hills Stadium
August 2 – Boston, MA – Fenway Park
August 4 – Darien Center, NY – Darien Lake Amphitheater
August 5 – Holmdel, NJ – PNC Bank Arts Center
August 6 – Camden, NJ – Freedom Mortgage Pavilion
≠Non-Live Nation date
*Alkaline Trio as direct support; all other dates feature Bring Me The Horizon as direct support
News & Reviews from the Fiery Mosh Pits of Arizona
