As we look forward to the upcoming Shania Twain tour, I want to let you know what to expect. Shania Twain, often referred to as the “Queen of Country Pop,” is known for her energetic performances and captivating stage presence. Twain’s concert is a mix of her greatest hits, spanning her successful career that has produced numerous chart-topping songs. From “Man! I Feel Like a Woman!” to “You’re Still the One” and “From This Moment On,” she delivers a setlist that appeals to both long-time fans and newcomers alike.

Shania Twain is able to engage the audience effortlessly, as she connects with her fans, making them feel like they are a part of the show. Her warm and charismatic personality shines through, creating a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

In terms of production value, Shania Twain’s concerts are often visually stunning. Elaborate stage designs, mesmerizing lighting effects, and high-quality visuals enhance the overall experience. Twain and her band deliver tight and polished performances, ensuring that the music sounds exceptional throughout the show. Another notable element of Twain’s concerts is her willingness to experiment with different genres and styles. She seamlessly incorporates elements of pop, rock, and even dance into her country sound, appealing to a diverse range of music enthusiasts. This versatility adds an exciting and unexpected dimension to her live performances.

Shania Twain’s concert is energetic as she is known for leading the crowd in a sing-along or dancing across the stage, her enthusiasm is contagious. Fans can expect a high-energy performance that will have them on their feet and singing along to every song.

Overall, a Shania Twain concert promises an entertaining and memorable experience. With her infectious charisma, impressive vocals, and a catalog of beloved hits, she knows how to put on a show that leaves the audience wanting more.

We all hope to see you at a Shania Twain concert with us.

by Adam Bielawski

The Anthrax 40th Anniversary tour brought Chicago a bit of East Coast to West Coast heavy metal.  A chilly night in streets in Chicago near Cermak and Halsted and one of the newer venues called the Radius. The vehicle parking situation was not too bad getting in, however the $40 parking was a bit excessive. I wonder if the real financial make out here was the parking which probably took in more than a thousand cars. Although there was street parking if you were willing to walk a block or two. Walking into the Radius through security was pretty quick and right into the merchandise booths of some great looking shirts. The lineup tonight was Exodus, Black Label Society and Anthrax.

The show started promptly at 6:30 as the Bay Area thrashers, Exodus, hit the stage. My eyes were immediately focused to guitarist Gary Holt’s black and red trimmed guitar labeled Officer Hold with a police shield.

Gary Holt throughout the show went through various guitars which were just as impressive. Exodus has been in the business for over 40 years with almost dozen albums, the latest being Persona Non Grata (2021) and tour. Part of heavy metal history is that Metallica’s guitarist Kirk Hammett was one of the founding members of Exodus. The roster changed over the years but Steve “Zetro” Souza (vocals), Gary Holt, Tom Hunting (drums), Jack Gibson (bass), and Lee Altus (guitar) have kept Exodus on the heavy metal charts and tours for the past 40 years. For 45 minutes Exodus brought this fierce metal family to the circle pit with their classics Blood In, Blood Out, A Lesson in Violence, and The Toxic Waltz. A note, recently in the new season of the Netflix series Cobra Kai Bonded in Blood was mentioned. How awesome is that! Make some noise!

An intro Whole Lotta Sabbath a mix of Led Zeppelin and Black Sabbath as the curtain came down to the guitar heavy metal greatest front man, Zakk Wylde and Black Label Society (BLS). Wylde’s stance playing a guitar is what metal is all about. Black Label Society formed in 1998 and went through several cast members.

Tonight we seen the talents of Dario Lorina, John “J.D.” DeServio, and Jeff Fabb, bringing a powerful and memorable experience for fans of heavy metal music. Wylde and Lorina went through many guitar changes but the focus ceter states was always Zakk Wylde performing solos an singing with aggressiveness such as Suicide Messiah. During the show here at the Radius, Zakk introduced a member of the Chicago Chapter of BLS, who came out on stage with a loud speaker and sang along. BLS’ guitar riffs are very much blues-inspired with high energy making it natural metal. The show concluded with Stillborn a known single by all these BLS family also known as the Doom Crew.

The Anthrax 40th Anniversary tour was a celebration of the band’s illustrious career in thrash and heavy metal genre. Anthrax fans were treated to a night of high-energy, heavy metal mayhem as the band played some of their biggest hits which included Caught In The Mosh, I am The Law, Bring the Noise and Indians. Lead singer, Joey Belladonna brought his A-game to on vocals. Scott Ian (guitar) and Frank Bellow (bass) were full of energy performing and taking leaps like back in the 1980s. The fans who came out were thrashing, singing every lyric and head banging along to every song. The average age of attendees was over 40 or 50, I am sure there will be some hurting necks.

That said, Anthrax, Black Label Society, had more than your average young moshing friends out at this show. The stage production was impressive, featuring 40 years of album covers, stunning lighting and special effects that added to the overall experience. Overall, the Anthrax 40th anniversary tour was a triumph, a testament to the band’s longevity and enduring popularity. Fans left the show feeling energized and inspired. Closing out the concert with Rainbows, originally put down on vocals by Ronnie James Dio, the heavy metal classic, “Long Live Rock and Roll.” I am already looking forward to for next time Anthrax visit Chicago to perform live in concert.

Caught In the Mosh

Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter| Instagram |

by Shayna Moskowitz,

On October 18, 2006 Iron maiden returns to Chicago for an almost sold-out show at the Allstate Arena. The metal maniacs that have been around for over 26 years has recently released their newest album to the US this past September, “A Matter of Life and Death”, and performed the entire album from start to finish for their Chicago performance. In fact, Iron Maiden only performed 8 US shows for their newest album, and Chicago was their second to last stop before they head to Japan and Europe. Lucky Chicago Maiden fans got to experience an amazing performance by Bruce and fellow bandmates, but this show seemed to cause more controversy between die-hard older Maiden fans than it did joy that they are still performing live.

Iron Maiden only performed three older songs off of previous albums before “A Matter of Life and Death”, and only during their encore of their performance. This seemed to have some of their older fans in an uproar, since the entire show was in fact a performance of their entire newly released album. I listened to numerous fans complain that the band should have done a lot more “older songs” for their show instead of their entire new album. Regardless of the fact that they still had their multiple action drawn background changes from song to song, and even though Eddie came out of a full size army tank truck big enough to almost engulf the stage, some older Maiden fans were not happy with the show due to the band not playing all of their old hits. It seems, in my opinion, that since they did not bust out the entire “The Number of The Beast” album, that they have now dropped in their live performance giving abilities by their 26-year old fan base.

I did, however, think that the show was fantastic. Bruce Dickinson – vocals, was as lively as ever by singing each song crystal clear amidst running all over the stage with energy like a teenager and singing songs theatrically by using his hands like an orchestra conductor in time with the musicians as he sang. Before performing “Out of The Shadows” Bruce announced to the arena that the next song “is about love, about waking up and realizing you love someone.” Honestly, the entire band seemed as if they hadn’t formed 26 years ago, it was if they were a fresh new metal band just newly formed with the excellent energy level every band member had during their performance. Bruce Dickinson also thanked the crowd for buying their newest album prior to their encore, regardless that the older Maiden fans seemed to only come alive during their older songs being performed during the encore.

The younger crowd at this show seemed to love the fact that Maiden played their newest album, and considering how long they have been producing albums, I frankly think that it is awesome that a 26-year old band can attract so many new younger fans! Iron Maiden has also definitely not changed their music-style, regardless of the fact that they have produced 16 albums, something that is quite impressive in this day and age where numerous older metal bands frequently seem to “grow stale”, and create un-original albums just for the sake of generating more profit for their pockets. For those fans that complained about the show, I feel that these fans need to realize that the band is still very strong musically, and they are still able to almost sell out shows due to their ability to produce quality albums, not quantity in album production with a desire to change their music style to attract a “new fan base”, like several older metal bands have done in the last decade. Older Maiden fans still got their original Iron Maiden, they just got to see them perform a new album out of the 16 original albums they have created, as opposed to repeating history and replaying songs that have been performed live numerous times over the years. Their new album performance also seemed quite fair to play, especially in appreciation to their newer fan base, that weren’t even probably born when Maiden first released their 1980 album “Iron Maiden”! Overall this show was another great Maiden performance, and the older fans that felt it was not “up to par” to their expectations, they need to get over it, and appreciate the fact that these metal masters are still alive and kicking, as well as still producing amazing albums.

Website |Facebook | YouTube | Twitter| Instagram |

Chicago Theatre – Chicago, IL – September 29, 2006

by Adam Bielawski

Macy’s tagged this year’s Glamorama as “Chicago fashion revolves around the Glamosphere, the multi-culti, global fusion of fashion and music featuring Gammy-award superstar Beyoncé Knowles.” So true, as Chicago’s elite, celebrities and fans flooded State Street in front of the Chicago Theatre. Many arrived to catch a glimpse of high fashion in Chicago as well as to be a small part of the festivities for the night. The elite of Chicago came dressed up for the occasion to experience the vision that only Macy’s Glamorama can present. The choreographed Macy’s Glamorama 2006, hosting fashion, music and Beyoncé Knowles. The seats were hot and sold out. Eager fans waited outside as stretch limousines approached to drop off the celebrities and the lucky who had tickets. Ticket sales were to benefit the Auxiliary Board and Evening Associates of the Art Institute of Chicago. Over the past several years, Glamorama has raised almost $2 million for the Art Institute, funding special events and community outreach programs in Chicago.

The red carpet festivities kicked off the event hours before any celebrities walked the floor. Camera crews, celebrity journalists and photographers lined up on one side, to prepare for anyone who walked Macy’s Glamorama 2006 Red Carpet. The red carpet show was MC’d by InTouch’s magazine fashion expert Bobbie Thomas, who herself was dressed up for the occasion meeting and interviewing guest that walked the carpet. The red carpet brought the movie, music and television talents such as Tyler Florence (Food Network), Lauren Holly (actress), Michelle Williams (Destiny’s Child), Tommy the Clown, Ozomatli (Grammy Award Winners), Rockmond Dunbar (actor) and the Knowles Family including Tina, Solange and Beyoncé Knowles. While the celebrities took pictures and talked, a friend of mine had a brief vibe going with Rockmond Dunbar about the winning show “Prison Break.” The question raised, “How the hell the FBI can’t find you, but you can find another convict on a motorcycle?” Dunbar with excitement replied, “Man, we were shocked as well when we read the script, who’s going to believe this stuff. But the episode was great.”

Just a few weeks back, Macy’s took over Chicago’s Department giant, Marshall Fields. The Chicago Icon’s doors officially closed on Friday, September 8, 2006 and opened back up on Saturday, September 9, 2006 as the new Macy’s on State Street. Protesters paced up and down State Street , however, the shoppers won as a flood of people came to opening day to Macy’s, not only to check out the conversion but to get the first store discounts.

Glamorama kicked off with a video narrated by Beyoncé herself, introducing Macy’s Glamorama 2006 and letting everyone know that they are about to see a show of shows, from today hottest designers and the latest trends to hit Macy’s. Glamorama is home to Chicago and nowhere else, featuring spectacular theatrical effects, rock concert lighting and sound, and beautiful models and clothes which can only be explained as astonishing. Some of the named designers that were part of the Glamorama were, Just Cavalli, Tuleh, Badgley Mischka, Moschino, Peter Som, Marc Jacobs, Ralph Lauren, Temperley London, D&B Dolce & Gabbana and Beyoncé and Tina Knowles, House of Deréon collection. Models walked out, step by step, with pure confidence as they hit the stage at the Chicago Theatre. One by one, enough time to touch and go and give the people a taste of what’s coming and the photographers a quick eye to the camera.

In addition to the fashion show, Ozomatli gave us song and introduction the audience to designer lines. Giving the audience a beat and some groove to the models walking up and down the stage. Ozomatli molded the runway models into their act, singing and dancing as the models walked presenting the clothes. Our next performer was Tommy the Clown, brining his famous road show, “The Battle Zone”, to this Chicago audience. Putting style of hip-hop and krunk urban beat and dance with his young crew giving dance moves with precision and fast pace. Tommy the Clown, before leaving the stage, gave some words about his show and the reason why the show exist. It helps bring awareness that violence is not a way out and to show parents and youths in urban areas that there is much more through the arts. The finale of the Macy’s Glamorama 2006 was Beyoncé line of clothes, The House of Dareon. Beyoncé Knowles closed Glamorama with dazzling performance with models taking control of dance and music. As Beyoncé shook and made everyone feel the Vibe, the models walked, danced and performed, presenting the House of Deréon. Beyoncé concluded Glamorama with her latest hit, “Déjà vu” and finale song to close Macy’s Glamorama 2006 with “Crazy In Love.”

Macy’s Glamorama 2006 was sensational and eye-catching. The models were fabulous, the musical acts were impressive and shows theatricals were breathtaking.

• Macy’s Department Store
• House of Deréon
• Beyoncé Knowles’ Official Website
• Beyonce Knowles Gallery

Adam Bielawski captured Post Malone with opener Swae Lee at The Allstate Arena.

A black curtain covered the stage, anticipation was getting heavy from a packed outdoor stadium of metal fans, all were waiting for a band that I and thousands were here to see. The lights went black and the first hard note pulsed out as the curtain fell. The front man, with red hand print on his face, was dead center and his band in tune, this is Five Finger Death Punch (FFDP or 5FDP) going into Lift Me Up! A hard punching bass note that gets the fans pumping with their fists and heads in heavy metal motion. Tonight performing on their summer/fall tour in Chicago in support of the current album “And Justice for None” is the band Five Finger Death Punch.

During most of the night this house of FFDP at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre was always on it’s feet. The pavilion pit, lawn and seated people were all in unison as Ivan Moody belted out, “It ain’t no mystery, I’m all I have left, I’m pushing back running you over….” I was waiting for Rob Halford to come out as he did in the Revolver Golden Gods Awards in 2013.

The set design had a huge skull with baseball bats as the cross and bones of a pirate flag. This was directly above and behind Jeremay Spensor and his drum set. Spencer made up as a skeleton, the costume he has worn for many years. On bass is Chris Kael who is a monster on stage, standing tall and the longest beard in metal. Pounding out bass notes that put you in a heavy metal frenzy. On guitar is Jason Hook playing hard with several electric guitars throughout the night, some that light even lit up with lasers. During a few songs, Hook even pulled out an acoustic guitar to slow things down and make us think. Now one of the powerhouses of heavy metal vocals is Ivan Moody. A showman with a deep voice who will hit power notes and melodies as well as bring it down to horror in screams. Then you have the one and only Zoltan Bathory who is the founding member of this great band on guitar. Sometime during this concert, Moody defines how the two met with monologue just before the song Burn MF. “..long time ago and far far away. There’s a guy the Zoltan. ‘You gotta come check my band.’ over time and time, you talked me into it. I said OK. What are they called? ‘Five Finger Death Punch!'” All the FFDP fans go wild in cheers. “Holy… Walmart is going fuckin hate us.” Then Five Finger Death punch goes int to the song Burn MF.

“...long time ago and far far away. There’s a guy the Zoltan. ‘You gotta come check my band.’ over time and time, you talked me into it. I said OK. What are they called? ‘Five Finger Death Punch!'” All the FFDP fans go wild in cheers. “Holy… Walmart is going fuckin hate us.”

~Ivan Moody (2019)

During the performance the stage seemed like the fires from hell. The stage was lit up with flame just about every song. If you were close enough you would feel the heat. The view of the full stage from further back was a sight for eyes with a giant teethed skull engulfed with flame and visuals on screen during sets.

Over the years I have heard and read various articles of the negative writes ups of this band. However, many online magazines that favor metal the reputation of FFDP exceeds all the major outlets with tremendous favor. This band may sound pissed off, even the recent song which was the first release of their new record, “And Justice For None” titled “Sham Pain” has lyrics that infuse this scenario about major media outlets and their negativism of FFDP. All that said, looking around in this stadium, which has to be to capacity, only shows the greatness of Five Finger Death Punch. The fans are here and there is nothing that can be said of this band that is not at it’s best.

Ivan Moody of Five Finger Death Punch

“…who cares what you think. One, Two, Three Fuck You!” ~Ivan Moody jumps into song with Jason Hook. His guitar lighting up the show with laser lights thrown through the stadium from his freaking guitar. I guess all he wanted was laser lights and it was done.

Five Finger Death Punch on many occasions is known in bringing up the children on stage to introduce to the audience who will become the new generation of heavy metal. Tonight Ivan Moody noted that they had too much pyrotechnics on stage and it was not safe. Moody states with laughter, “I’m not going to jeopardize your kid.” I am sure you can find numerous Youtube videos and FFDP official video concert of this event.

Ivan Moody goes into answering the question which is on the ears of all FFDP fans? What is going on with him, Ivan begins, “As you all know. The last couple of years…my life’s been hell… I been a shit show.” sarcastically going, “… you almost died!,” “What I’m trying to get at is.. I want you to understand something this is factual, not fabricated, I was pronounced dead for 3 minutes. True story. When I woke up first thing out of my mouth is, ‘Please don’t tell my band.’ I am lucky enough to have band mates and friends who stood next to me throughout this. And to have the greatest motherfucking fans on earth. Thank you for your love. I don’t give a shit what anyone tells you. Sometimes we all get lost on the wrong side of heaven.”

Jason Hooks of Five Finger Death Punch

Some of the highlights of the show were the set up of an acoustical set with Jason Hook and Moody.

“We have the greatest mother fucking fans on earth. Thank you for your love,” notes Moody. Then Hook and Moody go into “The Other Side of Heaven.” This was more of a sing-a-long with the fans. Everyone sang word for word. This song is a solemn moment for band, with their own experiences as well as who the video is dedicated to, our Veterans. The video for “Wrong Side of Heaven” featured our veteran soldiers who return from horror of war, and each have their own event in life. During the song Ivan Moody goes back into dialogue before mashing into “Remember Everything.”

During the show aside from Hook playing several guitars, Moody would change his shirt multiple times. Then just before the song “Under and Over It” he comes out with a baseball bat. Again this was a heavy metal loud monent with fans. Ivan controlled the stage, as he did for all the songs, back and fort. Taking that bad and pointing it to the stage. Finally he gave the the bat up to a fan. The engagement between all of the band with people was something to look forward when coming to a FFDP concert. Fire, lights and confetti, that is the experience. I and this stadium of fans had this night was awesome and heartfelt. A break off from real life during the week. The sweat that this band dedicates to a great concert is something to believe in.

Chris Kael of Five Finger Death Punch

Till the next time we see Five Finger Death Punch. It’s just “Never Enough.”

Five Finger Death Punch is Zoltan Bathory, Ivan Moody, Jeremy Spencer, Jason Hook and Chris Kael.

Five Finger Death Punch Chicago Setlist

• Lift Me Up
• Trouble
• Wash It All Away
• Jekyll and Hyde
• Bad Company
• Never Enough
• Wrong Side of Heaven
• Remember Everything
• Coming Down
• Burn MF
• Gone Away
• Under and Over It
• The Bleeding

Jeremy Spencer of Five Finger Death Punch

FFDP  songs were sung and repeated by fans word for word. This shows you the love people have for this band called Five Finger Death Punch. As the song ends cheering, clapping and horns do not stop. “Are you not entertained. When I say Five Finger, you say,” Death Punch three times, … we’ll see you next time.” As the close comes to the end the speakers play “The House of the Rising Sun” with Ivan singing the first bar and “…you guys have a great fucking time.” The band went out shaking hands with fans and throwing out picks and drum sticks. FFDP were gracious to the fans. Following up with the socials which blew up within the FFDP realm of the net. Good Night from Chicago.

Learn more about Five Finger Death Punch | Five Finger Death Punch at #UnRatedMagazine

by Adam Bielawski

Like a Sinatra song, “When I was 25…”, hence is the feeling when I experience Megadeth. The past, memories, nostalgia, being old (or is that politically incorrect), the events in my life. I remember the day when I never used to get spammed; email from only a few classmates, how about the ones who even knew what e-Mail was, college is a beautiful thing, the years were 1992 – 1996. Back then it was even proper to spell it as email till some marketing yuppie said you have to use it correctly as e-Mail. I also remember the release of Megadeth’s Peace Sells album, not CD, album, and how I waiting in line at Kroozin Music Record store on the side west side of Chicago, these are the days when I was a teenager. My Levi’s denim jacket, my Iron Maiden’s Trooper patch covering the back, long hair, and a new band I just discovered a few months before with my friends, Megadeth. Oh yes, Denim and Leather, they go together. Now, who said that? Metal was and there was no other music that mattered. Those were my teenage years and the 1980’s. The 1990s brought many new things for me, a sailor in the U.S. Navy, going to college, the movie’s Dumb and Dumber and Friday, and then the most explosive invention of my time, the introduction to the general public, the Internet and the World Wide Web. These were the days when there fewer than 5,000 websites and even fewer actual domain names, this was the time that I discovered the World Wide Web and the Internet scene, but you know who else was there? Megadeth, the website Megadeth Arizona, created by a fan and quickly adopted by Dave Mustaine and Megadeth. First musical artist, in my personal opinion (I have not researched the fact), to actively promote online the latest CD at that time (Youthanasia, 1994), if there were any other artists who promoted through a national label let me know. For now, Megadeth was the band that took on the new Internet frontier, a pioneer and a forefather of what is known as Thrash metal, as well as one of the few who adopted the web as renegades do. First to conquer, first to build, first to be vanquished and dispelled; without the renegades and thinkers of our time, there is nothing.

Megadeth performed as the headliners for Gigantour 2006, in Chicago at the Congress Theatre on September 22, 2006. Still going strong, holding speed and paving the way as a politically controversial artist in Rock. Will Dave Mustaine, and Megadeth currently consisting of Glen Drover (guitar), Shawn Drover (drums), James Lomenzo (bass), ever be recognized as Rock and Roll Hall of Famers? Someday recognition will be upon Megadeth. As for now, there is no complete movie, documentary or history of metal without Dave Mustaine. Seeing Megadeth and reliving metal thrash the way it should be. Maybe a bit older and a bit sober. Today, I don’t head to the front, but kick it in the back, a bit further, so I can experience the person and the band I have listened for over 20 years. All of us have a few artists that no matter what, make us feel drive, power, and invincibility.

Gigantour 2006 brought to metal thrash fans the new breed and the old; co-headlining with Megadeth were Lamb of God, which brought a long set within the domain of the Congress Theatre as well as Gigantour as well as Arch Enemy with Angela tossing some sex appeal in black metal, Overkill, Into Eternity, Sanctity, and The SmashUp of which all made up a great bill of thrash and death metal. Lamb of God complemented the tour very well with its complex guitar riffs and lyrics addressing politics and religion as Megadeth has and done for more than 20 years. Randy Blythe, the vocals behind Lamb of God, is a frontman that carries thrash metal as a sword and the fans come to see them play. Moving and interacting with the moshers, indulging a couple of Budweisers, and noting, “Don’t take some of the shit too seriously.” Opeth received very good feedback from the concert viewers, the progressive death metal band from Sweden articulated over fifteen years of touring and their music. A bit melodic I thought, as seeing Opeth for the first time, however hitting notes punctually, vocals by Mikael Akerfeldt were crisp, overall the sound was flawless and eerie. Arch Enemy a favorite of many, also has roots from Sweden plus a strong foundation of members for various death metal groups with moderate fame. The front person of Arch Enemy, since the dawn of the millennium, blond bombshell Angela Gossow has created a hard edge and a bit of sexuality for the fans. Angela did not originally spawn as the original vocal talent, however, since on or about 2001, there was no turning back and Angela has been the hard death metal voice of Arch Enemy. The Years of Decay by Overkill is the album that I most recognized, I knew of Overkill way before the disc, however that was my first real purchase of anything by Overkill, and catching the New Jersey thrashers as another band I am very happy to state I have seen live. Bobby Ellsworth screeching voice on Elimination to this day makes me blurt out “Elimination.” Into Eternity, these Canadians have been making a name as a progressive thrash metal band for much of the decade, releasing a new album in October 2006, The Scattering of Ashes. Sanctity and The SmashUp are very much worth mentioning, however, I could not make the acts as they started at 4:30 pm in the afternoon. Hey some of us are slaves to the corporate world. What a buzz kill.

Megadeth performed the new and the old leaving out Anarchy in the UK and one or two other songs from previous sessions. Either an interview or something I read mentioned that Dave does not perform the song due to larger awareness, maturity as well as a change of thought. Nothing wrong with that and I understand and recognize it. As many past closings of Megadeth, the final song usually opens with the voices of thrashers on the scene chanting “Megadeth, Megadeth”, this night being a Friday night at the Congress in Chicago. Now entering with his shirt disrobed, Dave Mustaine, and Megadeth give praise and thanks for all that came to see Megadeth play. Jumping into the final set, Holy Wars, as the mosh put now burns with fury, the finale is complete. The rest of the band exits, while Dave Mustaine personally thanks and says his parting comments and till I see Megadeth again.

Website | Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram |

Mommy’s Little Monster was the opening set for the multiple sold out shows dates at the House of Blues in Chicago. Many ask, “how the hell is Social D able to sell out three nights at the HOB with almost no tour publicity.” Well they did it, and will continue. The loyal base of Social Distortion fans will not have it any other way. HOB was packed, sweathy and hot. The weather in Chicago during the week reaching temperatures in the 90’s, which were only worse in-doors. With several hundred punk rockers, young and old. You would think today that the likes of mohowk wearing punks were a thing back 20 years ago, however the dance in the mosh pit watching the punks wear their colors proud. Aside from the flamboyant punkers you had the traditional Social D hard core greased back 50’s style fans mixing with the rest of us. Tension could be felt with anticipating SD fans ready to hear the punk rock and rockabilly melodic sounds of the one and only Mike Ness and Social Distortion. Consisting today of John Maurer on Bass, Charlie Quintana on drums, Johnny Wickersham on guitar. Coming out dressed in black and wearing a brim hat, that is Mike Ness. Full power as the new punks moshed in the pit of the House of Blues. Leading right after Mommy’s Little Monster straight into the classic history song, “1945.”

The tattooed Mike Ness welcomed all to the show and introduced some new songs of what Social Distortion is all about. Around for 24 years, where their beginnings in Orange County, California started in a garage. Mike Ness and Social D did it their way and it was a fitting introduction into a new song called ?I Don?t Follow?, immediately followed by another called ?Angel Heart?. As the fans listened the mosh pit held up a bit to intake the new music that was coming from Social D. The music made up of simple chords that output pure rock and roll. Songs that you can sing along and possibly even associate with at times. Life is not that easy, seems to be the theme of many of the popular catalog of Social D. The basics of hitting the hard road and seeing live pass you by as you are born to loose. That is what much of Social D has been over the years, but things change and people mature, Mike Ness even feels that life is worth living today.

Supporting the hanging logo, which has been the trademark of Social D; a skeleton with a martini glass made the background behind the drum set. A life long prominent visual face of Social Distortion. Since their debut with “Mommy’s Little Monster” in 1983 the band had a few line up changes and recordings between albums lasted nearly 5 years. A follow up to “Mommy’s Little Monster” was “Prison Bound,” released in 1988. After a long hard fight with heroin addiction by Mike Ness himself. Kicking the habit and jumping back quickly in 1990 with a self-titled release with the popular hit “Ball and Chain.” During this time many screamed that Social D Sold Out but we heard this many times before as individuals grow and mature in their arts.
Mike Ness spoke with the fans about the times he had and the many years of Social Distortion. Bringing up the youngest of the new SD fans out of the audience from all 3 nights. Proving to everyone that old school meets new school and as long as new fans continue to grow, so will Social Distortion. Presenting the youngsters that ranged from the age of 10 – 14. This was the intro to the new titled song that we might see in the new album sometime in 2003.

Stopping to dedicate a song for departed Dennis Danell, life long friend of Mike Ness, guitarist from the inchoation of the band. Dennis died at 38 at the end of February of 2000. Mike Ness stated, “Remember to tell the ones you love, cause they may not be there tomorrow,” the intro to a the song called “Don’t Take Me For Granted.” Unfortunately, this was not the only dedication, a reminder of departed Ramones members was the song “Blitzkrieg Bop”, Dee Dee Ramone departing in the early June of 2002 and Joey Ramone who departed in April of 2002.

What would be a punk rock show with out a couple of fans getting a bit out of hand? Thursday and Friday night brought just that, as several fights broke out by young ladies in the audience. Unfortunate injury did occur and no one wants to see things like this happen, the security at the House of Blues contained the incident quickly and the show continued to rock the house. No one likes to see injury and enjoyment of all because an elbow comes at you on accident and maybe someone sees it differently. We must think before acting aggressively.

Twisting the final songs of each night, making each night unique at a Social D show. “Ring of Fire” a very popular hit and brought the punk rockers to full tilt as the old fifties song played. Originally conceived by the one and only Johnny Cash, and to mention others like Elvis, proved that there is not race in music, the love of music brings us all together. “Round and round she goes” and Social Distortion continues to punk, rock and roll.

Social Distortion Photo Gallery (credit: Morgan Weinert 2005)

Website |Facebook | YouTube | Twitter | Instagram |