Rock music has been the heartbeat of generations, defining rebellious spirits, and inspiring millions across the globe. Within this realm, certain bands have risen to iconic status, leaving an indelible mark on music history. From electrifying performances to timeless hits, these bands have shaped the very essence of rock and roll. Here, let’s delve into the realms of five of the world’s greatest rock bands, each with a legacy as enduring as their music.

1.    The Beatles: Pioneers of Pop-Rock Revolution

The Beatles revolutionized the music industry with their innovative sound, infectious melodies, and groundbreaking songwriting. From the early days of “Love Me Do” to the experimental masterpiece “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band,” their influence continues to resonate across generations. Their ability to evolve and experiment with different musical styles ensured their relevance in an ever-changing musical landscape. Their impact extended beyond music, influencing fashion, culture, and even politics, making them true cultural icons of the 20th century.

2.    Led Zeppelin: Masters of Musical Alchemy

Led Zeppelin’s fusion of blues, rock, and folk created a sonic landscape unlike any other. With virtuosic musicianship and mesmerizing performances, they crafted epic anthems like “Stairway to Heaven” and “Kashmir,” cementing their status as rock gods. Their albums were sonic journeys, each song a masterpiece of composition and performance. Led Zeppelin’s influence extended beyond rock, inspiring genres as diverse as heavy metal and folk rock, leaving an indelible mark on the musical landscape of the 1970s and beyond.

3.    AC/DC: Thunderstruck and Unstoppable

AC/DC’s raw energy and relentless riffing have made them a powerhouse in the world of rock. With iconic tracks such as “Back in Black” and “Highway to Hell,” they embody the essence of pure, unadulterated rock and roll, electrifying audiences worldwide. Their live performances are legendary, with Angus Young’s electrifying stage presence captivating audiences for decades. AC/DC’s music is timeless, transcending generations and continuing to inspire new generations of rock enthusiasts with their signature sound and unapologetic attitude. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a newcomer to their music, you can show your love for AC/DC with authentic merchandise like AC/DC T Shirts from backstageoriginals.com, celebrating the legacy of one of rock’s greatest bands.

4.    Queen: Champions of Theatrical Rock

Queen’s theatrical flair and genre-defying sound pushed the boundaries of rock music. From Freddie Mercury’s unparalleled vocal range to Brian May’s soaring guitar solos, their anthems like “Bohemian Rhapsody” and “We Will Rock You” remain timeless classics. Their ability to blend elements of rock, opera, and pop resulted in a catalog of music that defies categorization. Queen’s impact on popular culture is undeniable, with their music being featured in countless films, commercials, and sporting events, ensuring their legacy lives on for generations to come.

5.    Rolling Stones: Rock’s Eternal Bad Boys

The Rolling Stones epitomize the rebellious spirit of rock and roll. With their swaggering attitude and blues-infused rock, they’ve captivated audiences for over half a century. Hits like “Satisfaction” and “Paint It Black” continue to resonate with fans old and new, solidifying their status as rock royalty. Despite lineup changes and decades in the spotlight, The Rolling Stones have maintained their edge, continuing to tour and release new music to critical and commercial acclaim. Their influence on rock music cannot be overstated, with their rebellious spirit inspiring generations of musicians to push the boundaries of the genre.

191 Toole Avenue

Tucson, AZ 

March 29, 2024

by Mary Andrews 

Victoria Canal made her first visit to Tucson, Arizona on her tour promoting her most recent EP release, Well Well. 191 Toole is a relatively small venue and as soon as Canal took the stage she coined the show a ‘living room’ concert. She seemed to be awestruck by the landscape she has seen since she has been in Arizona. She presently lives in London. Needless to say, there is a big difference in the scenery. As in most living room concerts, the atmosphere was relaxed and friendly.

Multi-instrumentalist, Lucy Clearwater performed a 30 minute set singing her self-penned songs from her upcoming EP release, April. Clearwater is a consumate singer/songwriter whose set was a prime example of an intimate yet dynamic acoustic performer. She is touring North America alongside her BFF, Canal. As an old soul and world traveler, Clearwater’s songs are emotional and vulnerable. She is well worth checking out if she is in your area of the world.

Canal casually saundered on stage followed by Clearwater and her bass player. She starts playing keyboards, but she is just as comfortable donning her guitar early in the set. Her voice was commanding yet vulnerable at times quickly engaged the crowd.

The show is all about her songwriting. Canal introduces each song with a story of how she came to write the songs.Her songs address issues such as depression, grief, body dysmorphia, and queerness. Sbe has a way of softening the heavy topics. “Braver” is about her mother, who grew up in Alabama and Georgia but emigrated to Spain. “You’re braver than I’ve ever been,” the chorus runs, and Canal spoke about how her mother not only moved to a country whose language she couldn’t speak but also broke off an engagement in order to marry the first man she met in Spain, Canal’s father. 

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While introducing “Yes Man,” Canal mentioned that she wrote the song while on a writing retreat in Spain with Chris Martin, the lead singer of Coldplay. He gave her the task of writing a song on his Veillette Gryphon guitar in the time it took for him to do his daily laps of the pool. Canal accomplished the task very well.

“She Walks In” addresses body image and body dysmorphia. Around the most brutal lines of the song, “I’m ugly and nothing will fix it, I’ll never be pretty to you.” Canal seemed unable to sing at moments. 

During most of the set, Canal is very relaxed onstage, feeding off the energy of the fans. She encouraged audience members to hug single members in the crowd (And they did just that). Canal’s default sound is a whispery head voice, but at times, she sang with loud, wide, pain-filled wails. iIf the song touched something unexpected inside her, the crowd was very aware of Canal’s feelings.

Canal created an atmoshere of self acceptance.Throughout the night she took every opportunity to speak to her audience. She touched upon her struggles with her body image and that it helps to know that many people are struggling with it too. She performed an encore per request from her audience after she jokingly said she hadn’t prepared an encore but would “pull one out of my ass and come back if you want me to.” Canal’s lyrics and dynamic vocals  truly made her stand out on stage. If you have the opportunity to experience Canal’s concert, please go.

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Feb. 17, 2024

Silver Legacy

Reno, NV

On February 17, 2024, I had the opportunity to take my wife to see Air Supply in concert. Prior to the show, I was unaware of the band’s immense popularity in the Philippines. In an interview, they expressed their deep connection with the country, stating that they have become a part of the Filipino DNA. Therefore, it was no surprise that the Philippines was chosen as the location for the world premiere of “All Out Of Love the Musical”, an original musical based on the band’s classic love songs. It took six years to bring the production to the stage, but they felt that it was the perfect medium to showcase their music.

Russell thinks that Filipinos’ emotional and passionate nature makes them excellent singers.

Inigo Pascual and Miguel Odron remake Air Supply’s classic hits “All Out of Love” and “Lost in Love” as part of Tarsier Records Air Supply Reimagined Project.

They were amazed by the number of remakes of Filipino songs that have been released. They enjoy hearing others perform their songs in a different way than the original recording and find it comforting.

I believe that the reason why Filipinos hold a special place in their hearts for this particular show is because there are always a large number of Filipinos in attendance. At one point during the show, after the third song was played, the performers asked if there were any Filipinos in the audience, which was met with a resounding response of laughter. Looking around, I noticed that most of the people sitting near and around me were indeed Filipinos. The show itself was quite enjoyable, with the performers treating the audience as if they were in their own living room. Additionally, many of the fans were able to get up close and personal with the band during the show.

For some background Air Supply is a soft rock formed in Australia in 1975.  They met a chords try out for Jesus Christ Superstar. And at the tryout they became friends and know they had something why could work with.  Over the years they have had many session player but Air Supply is really the same two guys Graham Russel and Russell Hitchcock.

They claim they have never had a fight. And I really believed that by how they interacted with each other during the show.  And as they get closer to their 50th anniversary their shows became more magical with each performance.

https://www.facebook.com/inyourfacephotography/videos/807103341439801

The setlist were the following:

Sweet Dreams

Even the Night

Just As I Am

Every Woman

Here I Am

Chances

Goodbye

I Can’t Wait Forever

G’s Spot

Two Less Lonely

The One that I Love

Lost in Love

Making Love

“It was a wonderful night, closing out with “Without You” and “All Out of Love”, after hearing all of their hits. Even if you don’t know all of their songs, I’m sure you’ve heard them time and time again. Just a friendly reminder that their 50th anniversary is coming up and they are going on tour. If they come to a city near you, be sure to check them out.

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Avenged Sevenfold

Rocket Mortgage Field House

Cleveland, Ohio

March 9, 2024

By Andrew Latshaw

Looking back to the year 1999 in Huntington Beach, California, that is where this musical journey began. The original lineup consisted of M. Shadows (vocals), Zacky Vengeance (guitar), The Rev (drums), and Matt Wendt (bass). While the band formed in 1999, it would not be until 2001 when they exploded onto the scene with their debut album titled “Sounding the Seventh Trumpet”.

I remember hearing them for the 1st time shortly after I left college, and my initial take was that they reminded me of Dio’s solo work, and when I learned that it was this new band called Avenged Seven-Fold, I was enthralled! Over the years, I never was able to catch them live, but I did always have a tape or CD of theirs in my rotation. They were great for road trips; I loved their evolving sound that would teeter between rock and metal.

As the guys were gaining popularity and recognition, they lost the Rev to an accidental overdose in 2009. Not only was the Rev their drummer, but he was also the original drummer, and one of the beloved founding members. While this cataclysmic event shook them and the music scene to its core the show must go on, as they say… and it did in fact go on! Fast forwarding to 2024, this was a big night for me! Not only was this the first time I was able to catch them live, but I was also there to photograph them!

The openers on the night of the show at the Rocket Mortgage Field House, in downtown Cleveland, Ohio was Sullivan King and Poppy. I was not sure what to expect from either of them, having never heard of them. Sullivan King started his set by carrying a torch back and forth across the stage a couple of times before getting into his set. He struck me as a DJ more than anything. Playing some original mixes, and also playing some songs that were songs that were cut and pastes of other songs and artists. I personally do not care for that, and it kind of hit me in the feels when he used a small sample of Linkin Park’s “in the end” toward the end of his set. I love Linkin Park, and that just did not set well for me.

Up next was Poppy. I was not sure what to think of her set really. There were a few of her fans throughout the arena. While her set was extremely high energy, and rhythmic, I am sad to say that I may be getting too old to understand what she was trying to convey… I did not really understand the point she was making. She had a guitarist, and a drummer backing her up on the massive stage wat was set up there at the arena. Due to the 7ft tall stage it literally engulfed her and was hard to follow her as she danced and moved around.

I cannot stress enough, please check these people out on YouTube and other streaming services! This is purely my opinion, and I never mean to persuade someone to ignore or miss out on something that you may in fact love to listen to! Unfortunately for me, I was there for Avenged Sevenfold, and their start time could not get there soon enough for me!

I am not sure how many readings this know, but when you photograph a concert at a larger venue, industry standard is you are allowed 3x songs from the pit in front of the stage. There are some that are different, there are some you are only allowed to shoot from the soundboard, AKA front of house. After Sullivan King’s fist 3x was done, I checked my gear and walked around talking to the concert goers around the concourse! I was curious who they were here to see, what songs they were looking forward to hearing and so forth. I did the same for when Poppy was playing. I watched some of her set, and back to the crowd!

While I was walking around, I was reminded of the power of music, and not just the power but the majestic possibilities of music. As I walked around the arena, I saw people as young as 4yrs old, and one guy who described himself as and I quote: “The oldest child you will ever meet stuck in the decaying body of an old geezer!” he said laughing! He was running around on a scooter, and I asked him if he was worried that he would get hurt if the show got rowdy, he said: “I am not worried at all! Things get too excited; I will run some Mother F**kers over!” then he beeped his scooter horn! I could not help but laugh hysterically! I fist bumped him and then moved on to talk to some others. I loved seeing the age range of the people and fans! The crowd was so diverse in age, race, and every other category you can imagine… it was truly a beautiful site to see!

The time had come for Avenged Sevenfold to take the stage. I ran to security to get my gear and get suited up for the headliner of the night. While I was preoccupied with my gear, I heard the others talking about Matt wearing a mask on stage. I thought to myself that does not seem likely… I did not think that they were in that sort of stage presence. As the show started, sure enough Matt was wearing a ski mask. It was black and embroidered across the forehead in a small white font: “I LOVE YOU” and then on the bottom, covering he throat it said in a larger font: “NOBODY”. I will say that it made for some interesting pictures.

After the initial befuddlement of the mask, it hit me… 25yrs that Avenged Sevenfold has been around, and 22yrs of listening to them, I was finally there and experiencing these amazing musicians live, in person, and I was not dreaming! They opened their set with the house speakers playing Nightcall (Kavinsky song) as the guys were getting into place. Matt sat way back on the stage, in the center in a wingback chair for most of the 1st song of their set which was “Game Over” and then he finally came to the front of the stage where the 15x photographers clambered to get their stills of him in that mask.

After “Game Over”, they went seamlessly into “Mattel”. At the back of the stage, there was this huge screen with a projection of a house on it. During their performance of “Mattel”, the house was seen burning and consumed by the flames. Trying to combat the stage of pictures, I did not have the mindset to try to understand the meaning of the burning house. I will say that the visuals of this in person were pretty awesome!

The 3rd song of the night, and our final song in the pit was “Afterlife”. The guys took turns walking up to the front of the stage, to give the fans a closer look at them. The screams from the crowd were overwhelming and deafening! There were points where I felt the percussion of the music, but all I could hear were the fans! This was just so fantastic to feel and experience in person!

You hear people today saying that they can feel the vibe, or people were vibing… standing there in the pit at Rocket Mortgage Field House, I felt that arena on another level… I felt the pure and raw emotions that this crowd had for these men! The overwhelming feeling of the atmosphere there on the floor was immeasurable to say the least!

“Afterlife: had reached its end, and as the wave of photographers were trying to get out of the pit to be compliant of the rules and respectful to the band and venue… it hurt me to hear them start playing “Hail to the King”! I love that song; I would say that is my favorite song of their entire catalog! I missed most of it having to stow my gear to go watch the rest of the show.

Overall, I would say that it was an awe-inspiring performance! The guys in A7X were as lively and energetic as ever! People have said over the years that anticipation makes the heart grow founder… I waited 22yrs to see these guys and it was astonishing to finally check A7X off my list of my “Must See Shows!”

My contact there at the arena, she and her two assistants were professional, and accommodating! They got the wrinkles of the behind-the-scenes issues ironed out with quickness! I have photographed the arena for Hockey and Monster Jam events in the past, never have I shot a concert there to this point, and they made it seamless for us! I do hope to be invited back!

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Tempe, Arizona

March1-2, 2024

By Mary Andrews – photo and words

Photos of Larkin Poe by  C. Elliott

This was the inaugural edition of the Extra Innings Festival occurring the weekend after the Innings Festival. It’s no surprise that another weekend was added since the last six years have been so successful for the festival in Arizona. The weather has been perfect for the last two weeks.  And don’t forget to check out week one coverage..

Extra Innings had opportunities to see MLB legends Adrian Gonzalez, Ryan Braun, Tim Raines, Rollie Fingers and more. There was also a live talk show, “Off the Mound With Ryan Dempster,” in which the World Series champion hosted interviews and performances from surprise guests.

The fans have been very receptive to the festival with its close proximity to Arizona State University. Here are some of the special moments of the Extra Innings Festival.

Chris Stapleton headlined Friday night. He began his set with “White Horse” playing his electric guitar as he stood at the front of the stage. He followed with “Parachute” and “Second One to Know.” He addressed the crowd, “Hello Arizona. Welcome, thank you for being here with us tonight.”  Stapleton is usually a man of few words and this seemed like the longest speech that he has ever delivered. 

He performed “Starting Over,” “Millionaire,” and “Hard Livin.” The fans were mesmerized by the country crooner throughout the set as he delivered many brilliant guitar solos along with 20 favorite Stapelton tunes. And let’s not forget his performance of “Tenneessee Whiskey.”

 For a complete set list:

Charley Crockertt brought his classic country sound to his set to the delight of the country fans. Strange to think the singer has released 12 albums in eight years with his latest album being The Man From Waco in 2022. His set included covers of Buck Owens’ “Act Naturally” and Ernest Tubb’s “Just a Drink Away.” Both songs blended seamlessly with Crockett’s original tunes. He packed many songs into his short set that seemed to be timeless and ageless. 

Setlist: 

Elle King brought her country and pop vocals to a scorching mid-day set. She dressed in a red skirt outfit that mused of a flirtiness to the large crowd. She pulled out her popular “Ex’s & Oh’s” in the middle of the set along with Stevie Nicks’ “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around,” and “Drunk (And I Don’t Wanna Go Home)” were offerings from her 13 song set. Evidently country music is not a new genre for King, but she has evolved into it since her big single “Ex’s & Oh’s” in 2015, as evidenced by her latest release Come Get Your Wife. Even though she is more country now, she still has her ‘rock ’n roll’ edge fans have come to love from the singer.King is a strong woman in the country genre breaking down the doors of bro-country. 

Setlist: 

Ryan Bingham had fans craving for his brand of country rock. The field was packed to capacity as Bingham took the stage. His grins throughout the set garnered the crowd’s attention and added to their mood. His songs are personal and politically charged. The audience sang along and were fully engaged throughout the show. Bingham encouraged as much audience participation as possible, and one couldn’t help but oblige.  He kicked off the set with “Nothin’ Holds Me Back.” “The Weary Kind” and “Hallelujah” were included in the offerings of the night. Setlist

Dave Matthews Band was in the headlining spot of the Extra Innings Festival on the second Saturday. One thing that fans can depend on is that no DMB show is ever the same. If you saw their previous Innings Festival show in 2020, there was very little repetition.  

DMB performed hit songs as well as some covers. Who would have thought Matthews would cover David Bowie’s “Let’s Dance” or Billy Preston’s “Will It Go Round in Circles?” That they did and much more. The band performed multi-genre of music. Matthew’s music crosses many generations of fans as seen in the crowd. 

Their special guest, Jennifer Hartswick ,trumpeter and vocalist from Trey Anastasio Band, made the evening very special, even by DMB’s standards. Hartswick joined the band for “Jimi Thing” marking her first ever collaboration with the band. She completed the threesome of the band’s other brass including trumpeter Rashawn Ross and saxophonist Jeff Coffin. They transitioned into a cover of ZZ Top’s “Cheap Sunglasses” and after continuing on with “You & Me,” Matthews stopped to acknowledge Hartswick and thank her for sitting in with the band. 

The band tours throughout the summer and it’s well worth catching their show! Setlist

The Innings Festival and the Extra Innings Festival were very special this year and left the fans craving for next year’s festivities.

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After a 26 year touring hiatus, Perry Farrell, Stephen Perkins, and Peter DiStefano kick off the 15-city tour, entitled, “Horns, Thorns en Halos Farewell Tour,” and stopped at The Salt Shed in Chicago on February 26th.  In a mesmerizing live performance, Porno For Pyros proved why they are revered icons of alternative rock. Perry Farrell’s charismatic stage presence and distinctive vocals captivated the audience, while the band’s tight musicality created an electrifying atmosphere. The setlist flawlessly blended their hits with deeper cuts, showcasing the depth and evolution of their sound over the years. The Farewell Tour wasn’t just a goodbye; it was a sonic journey through the band’s illustrious career, leaving fans with lasting memories of a night filled with nostalgia, energy, and the raw magic that defines Porno For Pyros.

30 years since their self-titled album, the band has also begun to debut new music including a new ocean conscious single “Agua” releasing on November 16th – pre-save HERE. 

There are still two dates left to catch the tour:

Fri Mar 08 – New York, NY – Manhattan Center Hammerstein Ballroom

Sun Mar 10 – Montclair, NJ – The Wellmont Theater

Porno for Pyros – OFFICIAL WEBSITE

Mary Andrews

February 23-24, 2024

Spring training has ensued once again in Arizona. C 3 Presents has continued to offer music and baseball in the sixth annual Innings Music Festival with big name entertainers and baseball stars in Tempe. The weather was perfectly temperate and the musical acts were scorching.The attendence on Friday was packed, while Saturday left room to move around with ease. 

The festival happened to open at the same time as Arizona’s Cactus League Spring training. Fans were able to see MLB legends Matt Kemp, Andre Ethier, and Luis Gonzalez practicing. Ultimately, it was a win-win for players and fans alike.

Here is some of the best of the best musical acts of the first weekend.

Red Hot Chili Peppers headlined opening day with a crowd pleasing finish to the first day. Drummer Chad Smith set the tone for the set as he banged a gong to get  started. The set was filled with hits as returning lead guitarist John Frusciante, bassist Flee, and lead singer Anthony Kiedis graced the stage. Frusciante fulfilled his reputation as on of the best guitarists in the business as he played electifying instrumental jams throughout the set. “Snow( Hey Oh)” was a fine example.

Flea leaped through the air in his purple shirt with musical chops that added to the intensity of the band’s performance.

Flea and Frusciante were head to head several times during the set seemingly challenging each other with each’s groove. Kiedis had his own swagger with his commanding vocals as the crowds joined in singing their familiar songs.

Set list: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/red-hot-chili-peppers/2024/tempe-beach-park-tempe-az-6badceb6.html

Even though Greta Van Fleet has matured as the years have past, they still have that young boy aesthetic, facial hair and all. Josh Kiszka’s vocals seem to favor Robert Plant’s voice. That said, his vocals are impressive. The band totally performs to impress their young crowd especially seen with brother Jake on lead guitar. 

311 had the fans singing their faces off as they danced in place when lead singer Nick Hexum hit the stage with “Beautiful Disaster.” The set was hot in more ways than one.

Setlsit: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/311/2024/tempe-beach-park-tempe-az-6badceae.html

The Beaches’ all girl alternative rock band was a pleasant surprise in the afternoon set. Bassist Jordan Miller had a perfect voice to expose their music to the crowd with harmonies presented by the rest of the band. Highlights included “What Doesn’t Kill You Makes You Paranoid” and”Everything Is Boring.” They are presently on their ‘Blame My Ex’ tour. 

Set list: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/the-beaches/2024/tempe-beach-park-tempe-az-7bad228c.html

Phantogram gave fans a splendid set in the afternoon. The band is listed as a duo, but the show is definitely led by Sarah Barthel doing vocals, guitars, keyboards, and synthesizers. Barthel takes command of the stage from start to finish. Electronic rock never had so much energy. The red-haired singer dances, spins and throws her hair about as she sang the songs “Don’t Move,” “Mouthfull of Diamonds,” and “You Don’t Get Me High Anymore.” The set left the crowd wanting more. 

Set list: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/phantogram/2024/tempe-beach-park-tempe-az-1badc94c.html

Macklemore was the highlight of Saturday’s fare. His present tour is dubbed the ‘Ben’ tour. That happens to be the title of his latest album. Five minutes late, the rapper ran on the stage singing “Chant” from his latest album with a cavacade of support performers including background singers, dancers and musicians. 

His energy was infectious and the crowd was thrilled to experience Macklemore. “Thrift Shop,” “No Bad Days” and “White Walls” followed. Fans were eager to sing along. Maclemore informed the crowd he and his family had been in the Phoenix area for the entire week and took in some of the local sights. He also discussed struggling with addition in the past and mentioning that the fans with addition problems were not alone. There seemed to be an intimacy Maclemore had with such a huge crowd.

Set list: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/macklemore/2024/tempe-beach-park-tempe-az-63ad3e77.html

This was the second appearance for Young the Giant at the Innings Festival and again they were a welcome sight. The first song of the set was “Wake Up” and was a crowd pleaser. Sameer Gadhia, the band’s lead singer. guided the band through songs from their latest album “American Bollywood.” Fan favorites like “Cough Syryp” were also performed.

Set list: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/young-the-giant/2024/tempe-beach-park-tempe-az-6bad3e76.html

Hozier was Saturday’s headlining act. He is on his ‘Unreal,Unearth’ World Tour promoting his new album of the same name. He stepped out on a blue darkened stage and started performing “DeSelby (Part 1) and (Part 2). Then he slid into the more familiar “Jackie and Wilson.” Hozier has a commanding stage presence. Other songs included tracks from his three studio albums. “Cherry Wine” and “Take Me to Church” were among the songs included in the set. Hozier is adorned with incredible vocals, stage presence, and musical talent. Well worth attending.

Setlist: https://www.setlist.fm/setlist/hozier/2024/tempe-beach-park-tempe-az-7bad3e70.html 

It was a great weekend of great vibes and rock music during this two day weekend. New this year: Innings Festival will continue next weekend with an Extra Innings Festival with Chris Stableton and Dave Matthews Band headlining. We will report on this next week.

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Gov’t Mule,

Fox Tucson Theatre

Tucson, Arizona

February 22, 2024

Review and photos by Mary Andrews

Gov’t Mule’s return to Tucson was sold out weeks in advance. The show was a resounding sucess as anticipated by their faithful fans. The band emerged as a Southern rock and blues jam band in the 1990s after guitarist, Warren Haynes, splintered off the Allman Brothers band. They have been performing across the world every since. 

The band, in addition to Haynes, consists of Matt Abts on drums, Danny Louis on keyboards, guitar, trumpet and vocals, and Kevin Scott on bass. There was also a special guest appearance by electric banjo player, Ryan Cavanaugh, considered to be the most versatile banjo player in the country. https://www.ryancavanaughbanjo.com/about The entire band excels at playing, especially playing live, and improvising around fixed compositions. Their songs are long, and the players improvise and focus on playing.

The blues and classic rock is a major influence on Haynes. 

Their set consists of less songs, but the songs are longer, filled with extensive instrumental selections and improvisation. They opened the set with “Bad Little Doggie” and they cruised along during the first set of the evening with the highlight being “Time to Confess.” The second set was like an entire new concert beginning with “Unring the Bell” from the High and Mighty album.The entire show was a look back at the Mule’s entire career.

“Stone Cold Rage” was more laid back than the original recording with more improvisation by the band. “Endless Parade”was soul music at its best. The songs had the fans on their feet and dancing in the isles for the entire show. 

The tour is promoting their new album release, Peace. . . Like a River, and they were happy to introduce new tunes from the album. Selections included “Dreaming Out Loud,”  “Same as It Ever Was.”and “Gone Too Long.”  The songs are familiar yet fresh and appealing. 

The encore was “Soulshine” a song written by Haynes and Greg Allman and was a pure crowd pleaser. The show seemed to be over as soon as it began. The show was on fire and Tucson is ready to have the band back again. It was a pleasure to have two full sets from ‘the Mule.” 

Setlist

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The Kills’ live performance was an electrifying testament to the raw, unbridled energy that defines their unique sound. Alison Mosshart and Jamie Hince, the dynamic duo at the heart of the band, commanded the stage with magnetic charisma. On this Valentine’s Day, 2024, at The Vic Theatre in Chicago, Mosshart’s vocals, a perfect balance of sultry and gritty, intertwined seamlessly with Hince’s masterful guitar work.

The setlist was a journey through their discography, from the edgy garage rock of “No Wow” to the haunting allure of “Black Balloon.” The Kills’ stage presence was minimalist yet potent, creating an intimate connection with the audience. The chemistry between Mosshart and Hince was palpable, translating into a performance that felt both raw and refined. The night was a sonic exploration, leaving the crowd immersed in the enigmatic allure of The Kills’ rock and roll mystique. #MindBlown

Their new album, God Games is out now!

The Kills —> Official Website

Prepare for an upcoming sonic journey as Porno for Pyros, the alternative rock powerhouse, gears up for an electrifying live performance at the Salt Shed in Chicago on Monday, February 26th for their Horns, Thorns, en Halos Farewell Tour. Fronted by Perry Farrell, the charismatic voice behind Jane’s Addiction, the band promises an immersive experience filled with their signature blend of psychedelic rock and avant-garde elements. With a reputation for captivating stage presence and a diverse musical repertoire, Porno for Pyros is set to deliver a setlist that spans their influential discography. Expect a fusion of infectious rhythms, Farrell’s distinctive vocals, and a visually stunning stage production. As anticipation builds, fans can anticipate a night that transcends the ordinary, as Porno for Pyros prepares to ignite the stage with their unique and unapologetically bold musical style.

Stay tuned for full coverage from non-other than UnRated Magazine.