Hot stuff, can’t get enough / Hot stuff, play it rough, yeah / I gave you love / Because music is want I want / To keep my body always moving / Yeah, shake it up, hot stuff / Every day, I get another dose / I can’t stand it when the music stops / Hot stuff / Everybody out on the dance floor / You know what I’m talking about / Music make you forget all your trouble / Make you sing and make you tell the whole wide world / So what? Hot stuff
Hot, hot, hot. This planet, town, and our canyon is getting too hot. It’s a bit scary and a drag. So why not find some other “hot stuff” to get excited about? Like a hot record or two or three?
And mom got a hot new red car…ok let this music do the talking and jump in a lake.
Well they’re sure keen on dancin’ / Those Hollywood kids / Those Hollywood kids got it made / When they act, big doors open / Those Hollywood kids / Those Hollywood kids got it made / So let’s party, Dustin Hoffman / Those Hollywood kids / Those Hollywood kids got it made / Oh how the sun sets on my Boulevard / But leaves quite a shadow to fill
Oh how the sun sets on my Boulevard / But leaves such a shadow to fill
So mom has been here over a week. It’s been wonderful to have her, and to also have my daughter Zoe around. At the same time, having family with you is like looking in the mirror. Even when you like what you see, at a certain point it can get tiresome.
Last night mom and I had dinner on PCH with Zoe on the way to dropping her off in Malibu. As it turns out, warm nights on the roads in Malibu are wild. There was a huge car crash and we were diverted way up into the Malibu hills.
Let me tell you / The truth is in the eyes ’cause the eyes don’t lie, amen / Remember, a smile is just a frown turned upside down my friend / So, hear me when I’m saying / Smiling faces, smiling faces, sometimes, yeah / They don’t tell the truth / Smiling faces, smiling faces tell lies and I got proof / (Beware) beware of the handshake / That hides the snake (can you dig it, can you dig it?)
Picked up Elly at the Burbank airport last night. Mom is 87 years old. I don’t believe you would know it? Family members have called her the “energizer bunny!” She came bounding off that plane ready to grab her bag and hit the canyon.
At 87, mom’s big news is she’s in love. Yep, I’m here to report love will keep ya young. Got a couple Sidels smiling.
Back to what feels like the longest and hottest weekend in history.
Sunday’s sold-out So Much for (Tour) Dust concert featuring Fall Out Boy, Bring Me The Horizon, New Found Glory, and Royal and The Serpent at the BMO Stadium in Los Angeles was nothing short of spectacular. With an impressive line-up of talented bands and one electric atmosphere, this mega-concert was a treat for fans of the rock genre here in the City of Angels.
The opening act, Royal and The Serpent, set the tone for the night with their high-energy performance. Their incredible stage presence and catchy tunes had the audience on their feet and dancing along. Lead singer Ryan Santiago’s theatrical performance was particularly impressive, drawing comparisons to legendary performer Freddie Mercury in many unique ways—a super fun band and I’m excited to see where they go from here.
Next up was New Found Glory, a band that has been in the music scene since the late ’90s. Their set took the crowd on a nostalgic trip down memory lane, playing some of their greatest hits like “All Downhill From Here” and “My Friends Over You.” The band’s energy and enthusiasm were infectious, and the audience sang along to every word. One of my favorites from their set was a Go West cover, “King of Wishful Thinking.” Brilliant.
The third band to take the stage was Bring Me The Horizon, who brought a heavier sound to the show. The band’s dynamic performance, led by frontman Oliver Sykes, was electrifying. Their setlist included a mix of old and new songs, with hits like “Teardrops,” “Drown,” and “Throne,” getting the crowd jumping and singing along throughout their jam-packed 11-song set. At one point during the show, Sykes leapt off the stage and made his way back to the far reaches of the Stadium with fans in hot pursuit. BMTH loves their fans, and this gesture by Oli highlights that in spades!
I told you when I met you / I was crazy / Cry for us all, Beauty / Cry for Eddie in the corner / Thinking he’s nobody / And Jack behind his joker / And stone-cold Grace behind her fan / And me in my frightened silence / Thinking I don’t understand
I feel like I’m sleeping / Can you wake me? / You seem to have a broader sensibility / I’m just living on nerves and feelings / With a weak and a lazy mind / And coming to people’s parties / Fumbling deaf dumb and blind
Heading into the July 4th holiday weekend, a few things come to mind.
Let’s just be grateful for the cookies that we got. And happy for those who may have gotten a sweeter batch. There is always a sweeter cookie.
Long weekend always make me edgy. It stems from my days owning nightclubs and bars.
I’m happy to report some days it’s just enough to listen to a new song or see a dress created by my daughter or watch my boy throw a pitch. No matter what the prize.
Love and Rockets, the iconic British alternative rock band, recently performed in Los Angeles at what may have been their final show ever. The concert was held at the historic Ace Hotel in DTLA, with an excited crowd eagerly awaiting the arrival of their musical heroes. The opening band, Automatic, set the stage for a night of unforgettable music that, start to finish, had fans out of their seat dancing to the beat for nearly 3 full hours.
Automatic’s opening set was a refreshing mix of edgy post-punk with driving rhythms and catchy melodies. The band’s energy was infectious, and the crowd responded with enthusiasm to every song. The trio (Izzy Glaudini, Halle Saxon, Lola Dompé) showcased their talent with tracks from their albums Signal (2019) and Excess (2022) including “Calling It” and “Suicide in Texas,” both of which were crowd favorites. These ladies rocked the Ace and were truly a breath of fresh air in a cookie cutter world filled with the same ol’ same ol’. I’m excited for their continued success and upward trajectory in the not so distant future.
As the stage was set for Love and Rockets, anticipation grew among a now packed audience. The band emerged to thunderous applause and launched into a captivating rendition of “I Feel Speed” off their 1989 self-titled LP. The synergy and stage presence between band members Daniel Ash, David J, and Kevin Haskins was palpable, their chemistry honed over decades of playing together both with Love and Rockets as well as Bauhaus was on full display. After just one song, fans in attendance knew this show was going to be something special.
Inside every man / Lives the seed of a flower / If he looks within he finds beauty and power / Ring all the bells, sing and tell the people everywhere that the flower has come / Light up the sky with your prayers of gladness and rejoice for the darkness is gone / Throw off your fears let your heart beat freely at the sign that a new time is born
What’s the difference? If I was to guess it would be the little things in life? I don’t know, but I do like using a “question” as a muse for a playlist. Flipping through my crates, I came across my old Smiths albums. I remember hearing “What Difference Does It Make?” on Rodney on the ROQ. Thinking back it was a fascinating time in music.
The punk movement I adored as a teenager had essentially faded, replaced by new wave, which had it moments. California hardcore punk was still fun—and then there was this new music called rap. By this time I was a hip art student at UCLA. I found myself making blacklight graffiti paintings for the coolest underground nightclub in the Hollywood scene. The Rhythm Lounge played only rap and ’80s dance records (like Tyrone Bronson’s “Sticky Situation”).
And if the way I hold you, can’t compare to his caress / No words of consolation will make me miss you less / My darling, if this is goodbye, I just know I’m gonna cry / So run to him before you start crying, too
And make it easy on yourself / Make it easy on yourself / ‘Cause breaking up / Is so very hard to do / Oh baby, it’s so hard to do
The cold and gloom continues into this second week of June. Fuck this shit, we’re driving to the desert tomorrow for some much needed sunshine.
This week I’ve been dealing with deep personal issues. After some meditation I’ve come to the current conclusion my feelings are all connected to the impermanence of life. Sometimes old childhood scars can cause a pain or ache. If I take those feelings in stride, I can, “make it easy” on myself.
Avenged Sevenfold with special guests Falling in Reverse brought their explosive live show to the masses to the City of Angels on June 9th, 2023, delivering a night of high-octane rock that left the crowd speechless when the dust finally settled. Fans from all over the world, along with A7X friends and family, celebrated the triumphant return of one of the world’s most influential metal bands of our time and their first ever live performance at the Kia Forum in Inglewood. It was a show for the ages, kicking off their 2023 Life Is but a Dream Tour.
It’s been far to long since Avenged Sevenfold graced the stage here in Los Angeles, and lots have changed in the music business since that time including how we listen to music, where we buy it, and an ever increasing belief in music where “one size fits all.” Fortunately for us, A7X still holds true to a lifetime of unconventional approaches to the business and a constantly evolving sound that continues to push the envelope of musical boundaries. Their Friday night homecoming would highlight this premise in spades and the importance of this band in the industry today. Let’s dig in.
Falling in Reverse opened the show with a bombastic set that was full of energy and intensity. Their signature combination of punk, metal, and pop elements energized the crowd from the moment they took the stage. Lead vocalist Ronnie Radke’s charismatic stage presence was on full display as he engaged the audience with his unique vocals and commanding stage presence. The band played several fan favorites, including “Losing My Mind,” “The Drug in Me is You,” and “Popular Monster” which had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. My only concern with their abbreviated set: I wanted more!
For your pleasure / In our present state / Part false part true / Like anything
We present ourselves / The words we use tumble / All over your shoulder / Gravel hard and loose / There all night lying / With your dark horse hiding / Abhorring such extremes / You’re rubbing shoulders / With the stars at night / Shining so bright / Getting older
Oh man, once again music is here to save my soul. Forces have been at bay, fucking with me.
I’ve been edgy and depressed. Missed a couple of live shows and found it hard to keep my eyeballs on my desk. With growing pains all around, I managed to get to a turntable and spend a couple late night hours spinning some gems.
The House of Blues in San Diego was alight with energy and enthusiasm as metal fans gathered for a night to remember. Stryper, the iconic metal band known for their powerful music and unwavering faith, took the stage and delivered an unforgettable performance. From the thunderous opening notes to the final encore, Stryper’s concert was a testament to their musical talent, showmanship, and connection with their fans. After 40+ years, this band continues to get better with age.
Stryper’s unique style, powerful music, and devout Christian faith have made them one of the most beloved metal acts of all time, and their performance in San Diego didn’t disappoint. As typical with Stryper shows, the HOB was packed with fans eagerly waiting for the band to take the stage. From the moment the lights went down around 8pm, the energy in the room was palpable, and the crowd erupted with fists in the air as the band finally appeared on stage.
Stryper opened with “Sing Along Song,” a brilliant track off their 1986 album, To Hell With The Devil. Lead vocalist Michael Sweet delivered an outstanding vocal performance, hitting every note with precision and power. His vocals were complemented by the impressive guitar work (and background vocals) of Oz Fox, Perry Richardson’s driving bass lines, and of course brother Robert Sweet’s percussion genius behind the skins. These four complement each other in so many ways that are highlighted in an incredible stage presence that is second to none.
My my my I’m so happy / We gonna join the band / We are gonna dance and sing in celebration / We’re in the promised land
Oh, there is a train that leaves the station / Heading for your destination / But the price you pay to nowhere has increased a dollar more / Yes, it has! / And if you walk you’re gonna get there / And though it takes a little longer / And when you see it in the distance you will wring your hands and moan
Yesterday was the son’s last day of 9th grade. Unlike his “idelic rock ‘n’ roll dad,” Jonah is not very sentimental.
Oh, that feeling of racing home to drop the needle on Alice Cooper, throwing on my favorite t-shirt, and heading to the school yards to party with my crew.
Iconic rock band The Sisters of Mercy took the stage at the legendary Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, and the sold-out show was truly a night to remember. From the moment the band stepped on stage, it was clear that they were here to deliver a performance that would be talked about for years to come. When the dust settled (and after an unannounced special guest appearance), the show ended up being that and a whole lot more. The Sisters are back and better than ever.
Wednesday’s 22-song setlist was a tour de force of The Sisters of Mercy’s greatest hits, featuring fan favorites like “Marian,” “Dominion / Mother Russia,” and “More.” Each song was delivered with raw power and emotion, as singer Andrew Eldritch prowled the stage with his trademark baritone growl. In addition, fans got to hear a handful of previously unreleased tracks including one of my new favorites, “Don’t Drive on Ice.” It’s an instant classic and one fans have been praising it since it was first performed live in April of last year.
Eldritch was a commanding presence throughout the performance, delivering his trademark vocals that were both haunting and powerful. His distinctive style has influenced countless musicians over the years, and it was clear that his fans still held him in the highest regard. The audience sang along with every word, their passion and devotion evident in every shout and fist pump. By the way the crowd was reacting, you might have thought they were magically transported back to 1984 during the First, Last, and Always Tour. Truly incredible.
The Belasco in Los Angeles was incinerated on May 17th as industrial rock heavyweights KMFDM and special guests Chant took the stage for an unforgettable night of mind melting music that challenged the brain and stirred the soul. The sold-out show was a celebration of all things loud and aggressive, and fans from all walks of life were fired up to see Sascha Konietzko and company light up the stage in the City of Angels. Pound for pound, one of the best live performances I have seen in 2023.
Chant kicked off the night with their heavy, tribal sound, drawing the crowd in with driving rhythms and hypnotic vocals. The band’s intense energy was infectious, and it didn’t take long for the entire audience to be swept up in the pounding beats. Frontman Bradley Bills commanded the stage with his presence and soaring vocals, delivering a performance that was equal parts raw power and emotional intensity.
As the night went on, the energy in the room only continued to build. When KMFDM took the stage, the crowd erupted into an instant frenzy. The band wasted no time launching into their signature blend of industrial metal, punk, and techno, delivering hit after hit with relentless energy and precision. Singer Sascha Konietzko was a force to be reckoned with, prowling the stage and growling out lyrics with a ferocity that left no doubt about his dedication to the music and fans. This was gonna be fun!
