Author Archives: Matthew Belter

Dream Theater unleashed a prog-metal masterclass at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood on Saturday night, igniting their 40th Anniversary Tour with a sonic vengeance. The reunited quintet—featuring the triumphant return of drummer Mike Portnoy alongside James LaBrie, John Myung, John Petrucci, and Jordan Rudess—delivered a sprawling, jaw-dropping set that blended vintage classics with razor-sharp precision, proving why they remain titans of the genre. Under the venue’s pulsing lights, fans were swept into a whirlwind of intricate riffs, soaring vocals, and mind-bending time signatures, marking a night that redefined anniversary celebrations with unrelenting energy and nostalgia-fueled fury.

The second that Bernard Herrmann’s “Prelude” spilled out of the speakers, dripping with cinematic swagger, you knew Dream Theater was about to blow the roof off. As lights dimmed and the curtain dropped, we were off to the races with John Petrucci’s all too familiar riff on “Metropolis Pt. 1.” It hit like a lightning strike, and singled these prog-metal kings were taking the City of Angels by storm and were not going to be messing around. What would span three epic hours, they unleashed a sonic assault on a now capacity crowd, proving to all in attendance why they still reign supreme.

Petrucci’s guitar on Saturday night was a true magic carpet ride—shredding intricate riffs one minute, then melting hearts with solos that hit you right in the feels. Jordan Rudess worked the keys like a mad genius, splashing “Overture 1928” with vibes so lush you could swim in ‘em. And Mike Portnoy? That dude’s legendary drumming was a full-on spectacle—hypnotic beats morphing into explosive chaos. Catchy? Hell yeah—this was a masterclass with a pulse.

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The House of Blues transformed into a vibrant time capsule on Saturday night, as ’80s new wave icons Howard Jones and ABC were set to take the stage for a sold-out show brimming with excitement and neon-lit nostalgia. Fans from every generation, from lifelong devotees to curious newcomers, filled the iconic venue, ready to celebrate the timeless energy of an incredible era in music. After a brilliant set by ABC, the night took an unexpected turn when a significant gas leak at the Anaheim GardenWalk forced the evening to unravel in ways no one in attendance could have anticipated. What began as a celebration of music and memories quickly became a surreal and chaotic experience that left many wishing they could rewind the night in its entirety.

Opening for Howard Jones and ABC was the true Godfather of ’80s music, Richard Blade. He has been involved with New Wave music since its inception and is known for promoting bands like Billy Idol, Duran Duran, and Depeche Mode during tenures on the World Famous KROQ and Video One. Blade’s 45-minute set included a history of 1st Wave music, highlighting the importance of bands like Kraftwerk, OMD, and U2. He shared stories about each band and showed original videos, which engaged the audience and encouraged crowd participation. Like many, I had actual goosebumps throughout his New Wave history lesson and couldn’t help smiling and dancing the whole way through.

After a brief intermission, Blade one again took center stage and introduced a band that really needed no introduction, the legendary ABC. The 13-song masterclass opened with a bang as the unmistakable synth intro to “When Smokey Sings” filled the air. Fry, clad in a slick gold suit that shimmered under the lights, walked out to deafening cheers. His commanding presence and smooth baritone instantly captivated the now packed room. Though four decades removed from the release of their iconic album The Lexicon of Love, Fry proved he still commands an undeniable aura of charm and sophistication.

ABC’s performance on Saturday night was tight, polished, and every bit as lush as one would hope. Supported by a talented ensemble of amazing musicians, the sound was clean, layered, and provided a perfect balance between the nostalgic warmth of the ’80s production style and a crisp modern edge. Songs like “(How to Be a) Millionaire” and “Tears Are Not Enough” had the crowd swaying and singing along, their infectious melodies rekindling memories for long-time fans and introducing newcomers to the magic of ABC. “Poison Arrow” was one of my favorites from the set and was absolute perfection.

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The House of Blues in Anaheim vibrated with raw energy on a frosty night as guitar legend, activist, and father Tom Morello took the stage for a gripping 21-song set in front of a near capacity crowd on the Gardenwalk in Anaheim. The packed venue raged with anticipation and were all drawn together for an evening of fiery riffs, thunderous percussion, and unapologetic passion. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a seismic experience, a sweaty, joyous communion between performers and crowd that turned the intimate venue into ground zero for pure musical resistance.

Seven Hours After Violet kicked off the night with a bang, their haunting yet hard-hitting sound laying the foundation for what was to come. This up-and-coming band (led by legendary System of a Down Bassist Shavo Odadjian) brought a fascinating mix of dreamy, reverb-soaked melodies intertwined with grittier, alt-rock rhythms.

Lead singer Taylor Barber held the crowd’s attention with soaring vocals and raw emotion, while the tight rhythm section brought songs like “Sunrise” and “Radiance” to life. Especially memorable was their closing track, an anthemic “Feel” that crescendoed into a wall of sound, leaving the crowd begging for more. The band’s chemistry was palpable, and their energy super contagious, making them the perfect warm-up for what was about to come.

The roar that greeted Tom Morello as he stepped onto the stage was deafening, and for good reason. The living legend wasted no time, launching into “Soldier in the Army of Love” with the kind of precision and power that only years of mastery can bring. More incredible was watching his son Roman playing alongside his pops for what can only be described as memorable and jaw-dropping. This guy is amazing, and well on his way to his own incredible success in the family business as his career takes off. It was so fun watching him play with a reckless abandon that and reminded me of Tom’s start 30+ years ago here in So Cal. Watch out for Roman Morello, this young man is definitely going places!

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On January 23, 2025, the walls of the House of Blues shook under the force of pure heavy metal mayhem. Metal Allegiance, the ultimate supergroup of metal luminaries, delivered an unbelievable performance that set Anaheim ablaze on a chilly Thursday evening in downtown Disney. The air was electric as a near sold-out crowd was ready to immerse itself in a night of unrelenting energy, metal fellowship, and sonic thunder. From the first crushing riff to the final encore, this wasn’t just a concert—it was a communion of metalheads paying tribute to the genre that defined a generation.

The evening began with three heavy hitters that each brought something different to the Metal Allegiance bill. Lost Legacy opened and immediately roared to life with raw power, delivering a set packed with fiery intensity and booming riffs that reminded me of classic ’80s metal, reminiscent of bands like Krokus and Accept. Wicked was up next, and they didn’t just take the stage—they owned it. Their sound and look took me back to Poison’s early days, and I just couldn’t get enough of it. Ottto wrapped up pre-festivities and shook the House of Blues with a crunchy metal that was a perfect segway to the night’s main attraction. By the time their final note rang out, the crowd was whipped into a frenzied storm of headbanging, fully primed for the spectacle that was about to unfold—the mighty Metal Allegiance.

When the lights dimmed and Metal Allegiance stormed the stage, the energy in the room surged to another level. Opening with the ferocious “Pledge of Allegiance,” they immediately set a tone of unrelenting aggression and technical brilliance. The chemistry among the lineup of seasoned legends was impossible to ignore—each member brought their unique talents to the forefront, creating a synergy that no single metal band could replicate.

Alex Skolnick was a runaway highlight, his guitar wizardry leaving the crowd utterly spellbound. Whether shredding through face-melting solos or locking into chugging rhythms, his performance was a masterclass in guitar heroics. There were jaw-dropping moments during tracks like Van Halen’s “Light up the Sky” where his dexterity and fluidity had the audience scrambling to capture videos of his epic EVH solo. I love the passion Skolnick plays with—simply an incredible guitarist and even better person off the stage.

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The Helping Hands Concert & Auction held at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood on Friday night, was a truly unique benefit show infused with musical brilliance and heartfelt generosity. This year’s event, MC’d by none other than Jimmy Kimmel, honored two incredible charitable organizations—Montana Pool Service, founded by Pearl Jam’s very own Jeff Ament, and Homeboy Industries, led by Father Greg Boyle. Those lucky enough to attend this star-studded event were treated to live sets by Metallica, Sammy Hagar & Friends, and SistaStrings. The crowd, a mix of rock purists and charity supporters, was electric, creating an ambiance charged with insane energy and a one-of-a-kind communal spirit.

From the moment the first note rang out from SistaStrings opening set, YouTube Theater immediately proved its reputation as one of the most state-of-the-art venues on the planet today. With its impeccable acoustics and sleek design, every sound resonated by sisters Chauntee and Monique Ross immersed the ever growing crowd into the very core of their performance that evening. While only playing five songs, their set was just what the doctor ordered as the theater began to fill. It included a number of their hits including “Beautiful Reckoning” and Goodbye,” along with an incredible cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”

Next up was Sammy Hagar & Friends and they immediately kickstarted the night with an ass-kicking performance that was nothing short of brilliant. This “Best of All Worlds” lineup featured bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani, and drummer Kenny Aronoff. True to form, Sammy Hagar cranked up the energy to eleven as he worked through a dynamic selection of his hits that spanned his legendary 50+ year career.

The 10-song set opened with Van Halen’s “Good Enough,” and it was immediately clear that this band was ready for business on Friday night. Renditions of Montrose’s “Rock Candy” and Hagar’s 1982 classic “Heavy Metal” were sheer perfection, while Chickenfoot’ s “Big Foot” and “Oh Yeah” were jaw droppers for sure. The performance ended with “I Can’t Drive 55,” and capped off arguably one of the best Hagar shows I have seen in years. This guy is legend.

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Some bands crank out hits, and others create memories—Night Ranger does both. With their recent high-octane performance at the City National Grove in Anaheim, the legendary rockers delivered a show packed with energy, nostalgia, and musical precision that left fans screaming for more after the final bow on Thursday night. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first chords blasted through the venue, it was clear this wasn’t just a replay of past glories; it was a celebration of timeless rock done right. Simply put, it was Night Ranger at its finest.

Launching into the set with “You Can Still Rock in America,” Night Ranger immediately set the tone for the night—a love letter to ’80s rock, but with a vitality that felt very much alive in the here and now. The crowd, a mix of die-hard fans and new generations experiencing the band for the first time, roared their approval as the anthem filled The Grove’s intimate, yet electric atmosphere. You could tell that this show was going to be something special, as each band member was all smiles from ear to ear the moment they took the stage. It was the quintessential definition of stage presence, and one mastered over countless decades of touring around the world.

Jack Blades, the band’s charismatic frontman and bassist, worked the crowd masterfully, balancing powerhouse vocals with playful banter that made everyone in the room feel like part of the show. I’ve always been a fan of Blades incredible vocal range, and it was on full display and in perfect pitch all night long. Brad Gillis, Night Ranger’s original guitar wizard, was also in top form, shredding in ways that were both technically breathtaking and emotionally charged. His solos throughout the evening were a jaw-dropping highlight, an electrifying exchange of skill and passion that underscored why he is so beloved by so many, all around the world.

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Under the dazzling lights of the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA, heavy metal legends Judas Priest and Swedish powerhouse Sabaton delivered a relentless barrage of metal mastery that left the near-capacity amphitheater begging for more on Tuesday night. The double-bill was a celebration of pure, unadulterated rock, filling the venue with an energy that was pegging a “10” from the moment the first chord was struck. It was a night where leather, studs, and the universal language of headbanging united fans throughout southern California and beyond!

Sabaton kicked off the evening with their signature blend of power metal and historical storytelling as only they can do. Opening with the explosive “Ghost Division,” the band immediately set the tone for what would be a one killer performance. Frontman Joakim Brodén owned the stage with a presence that was both commanding and engaging, his voice soaring over the crowd with a clarity that was as impressive as it was powerful. The band’s set was a carefully curated journey through their discography, with standout tracks like “The Last Stand,” “Carolus Rex (Swedish Version),” and “Primo Victoria.”

Throughout Sabaton’s 12-song set, there was complete engagement from the crowd as they were dazzled with tracks that spanned their 25-year journey across the sonicsphere. Guitarists Chris Rörland and Thobbe Englund delivered blistering solos that showcased their technical prowess, while the rhythm section kept the audience’s pulse racing with the thundering bass of Pär Sundström and the insane drumming of legend Hannes Van Dahl. The show ended with one of my favorite Sabaton tracks, “To Hell and Back,” which was simply awesome—and a great way to end their set as they took one final curtain call for the evening.

As the stage was reset for Judas Priest, the anticipation in the air was almost tangible. When the lights dimmed and the killer riffs of “Panic Attack” echoed through the theater, the crowd erupted in a roar that could only rival a 747 at nearby LAX. Rob Halford, the Metal God himself, emerged in a blaze of glory, his operatic voice as fierce and formidable as ever. Halford’s vocal acrobatics were nothing short of awe-inspiring, effortlessly hitting notes that seemed to defy the limits of human potential (which he’s done so effortlessly for well over 50 years).

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On Tuesday night, the legendary Iron Maiden took the stage at the Kia Forum with the Mongolian rock maestros The Hu as their electrifying special guests, delivering a concert experience that left no soul in Inglewood untouched. With the venue packed to its capacity of nearly 17,000+, the air was electric as fans from all around the world gathered to witness a night of pure heavy metal magic as their Future Past Tour rolled through Southern California.

Kicking off the evening, The Hu set the tone with their unique fusion of traditional Mongolian music and modern rock. Their performance was a captivating blend of throat singing, horsehead fiddles, and roaring guitars that left the growing the crowd mesmerized. While the stage was dark and moody for the majority of the abbreviated 6-song set, they literally crushed their set including powerful renditions of “Yuve Yuve Yu,” “Wolf Totem,” and “This Is Mongol.” Throughout, many of The Hu’s hardcore fans were enthusiastically chanting along with the band, making their show a truly communal experience. The Hu’s musicianship and sonic delivery was on point, proving that their rising star in the rock world is well-deserved.

As the lights dimmed and the iconic sound of UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” rocked Kia, Maiden fans went into a frenzy and anticipation of the show’s inevitable start. As Maiden fans are accustomed to, the stage design was nothing short of epic, featuring amazing graphics, pyrotechnics, and a full size “Eddie’” that added a dramatic flair to the night. Opening with the thunderous “Caught Somewhere in Time,” Iron Maiden immediately had the audience in the palm of their hands.

Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals and Steve Harris’s galloping bass lines immediately drove the crowd wild while the three headed guitar-monster consisting of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janik Gers were on full display throughout the 15-song set. And let’s not forget Nicko McBrain on the drums—all I can say is wow, this guy is pure legend.

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Under the vibrant lights of the Kia Forum, a musical spectacle hailed as the Popular MonsTOUR II unfolded in front of 6,000+ fans and was nothing short of an electrifying. Featuring Ronnie Radke and his band Falling In Reverse, the evening provided an explosive energy that engulfed Inglewood, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of rock and hip-hop. (Yes, you heard that correctly.) A convergence of diverse musical talents, each act brought its own unique flavor, creating a dynamic fusion that hit home for the raucous crowd looking to burn off some energy on a cool Thursday night in the City of Angels.

Opening the night, Jeris Johnson injected a surge of raw energy with his signature blend of rock and modern pop sensibilities. Donning what looked to be some type of crazy animal pelt, his set was a quick but entertaining featuring tracks such as “Welcome to Valhalla,” “My Sword,” and cover of Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose.” Jeris’s charismatic stage presence was a masterclass in engaging an ever-growing crowd, leaving a lasting mark on all who witnessed this killer performance.

Next up, Tech N9ne took the stage (with a full band) and unleashed once again a torrent of lyrical prowess. His “chopper-style” delivery and unmatched flow dazzled Technicians crowding the barrier with hits such as “Einstein,” “Caribou Lou,” and “E.B.A.H.” Tech N9ne’s command over the stage was immediately evident, as he effortlessly melded intense beats with emotionally charged verses, creating an electrifying atmosphere that was simply second to none. Tech’s set, although abridged, was my favorite of the evening and highlighted his true artistry in spades.

Dance Gavin Dance followed, weaving a tapestry of intricate melodies and powerhouse vocals that captivated the Forum. With tracks like “Synergy,” “Carve,” and “We Own the Night,” they showcased their signature post-hardcore flair, blending soaring choruses with infectious hooks. The interplay between Andrew Wells and Jon Mess was a sight to be seen with their dynamic vocal exchanges nothing short of mesmerizing. Their 8-song set left the audience dripping in sweat and screaming for more as they took their final curtain-call of the evening.

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The Intuit Arena in Inglewood, CA, was engulfed in a storm of metal mayhem on September 14th as Slipknot, Knocked Loose, and Vended delivered an unforgettable night of raw energy and sonic brutality. The second consecutive night of the Here Comes the Pain Tour proved to be more than just a concert; it was a visceral experience, a communal gathering of metalheads who came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Slipknot. From the first crushing riff of “(sic)” to the final blistering encore of “Scissors,” the evening was packed with metal mayhem at its finest—providing fans with arguably the best metal performance in Southern California this year (and it wasn’t even close).

Vended kicked off the night, setting the stage with their intense and electrifying performance. As the sons of Slipknot members Corey Taylor and Shawn Crahan, Griffin Taylor and Simon Crahan led the band with a commanding presence that stunned the senses of an ever growing crowd. Vended tore through a setlist that included tracks “Serenity” and “Asylum,” captivating the audience with their raw, unpolished sound and passionate delivery. The crowd absolutely loved this band, moshing and headbanging to an abbreviated 6-song set. As a newcomer to the Vended, I was absolutely impressed by their ability to hold their own on such a prestigious stage. I look forward to seeing them live as a headliner in the not so distant future.

Next up were Knocked Loose, who delivered a punishing set that left no room for breathers. With Bryan Garris at the helm, the band unleashed a sonic assault that had the crowd surging forward, eager to participate in the chaos. Tracks “Mistakes Like Fractures” and “Suffocate” turned the Intuit arena into a sea of bodies, the intensity of the music mirrored by the frenetic energy of the fans. Knocked Loose’s performance was a testament to their reputation as one of the most ferocious live acts in the hardcore scene. They wrapped a 14-song set with “Everything is Quiet Now,” and placed a huge exclamation point on what turned out to be one fucking incredible show.

The anticipation reached its peak as Slipknot finally took the stage. The lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted into a deafening cheer, the air thick with anticipation. As the first notes of “(sic)” rang out, it was clear that the metal juggernauts were back and ready to deliver one of their trademark explosive performances. Clad in their iconic masks from 25 years prior, Slipknot unleashed a relentless barrage from its self-titled LP Slipknot, which they played in its entirety. Each song was accompanied by a spectacular visual display including trademark smoke and lighting effects that heightened the intensity of the performance.

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On Friday night, the YouTube Theater in Los Angeles roared to life as metal titans Megadeth, Mudvayne, and All That Remains took the stage for a night that fans will remember for years to come. The Destroy All Enemies Tour delivered a blistering showcase of raw talent, heavy riffs, and sheer energy, leaving the sold-out crowd breathless and begging for more. The best metal show I’ve seen so far in ’24 and it wasn’t even close…

Kicking off the evening, All That Remains set the tone with an explosive performance that had the crowd on their feet from the first note of “Now Let Them Tremble.” The metalcore veterans unleashed a powerful set, including fan favorites like “This Calling,” “Two Weeks,” and their latest single “Let You Go.” Phil Labonte’s commanding presence and the band’s tight musicianship ignited the audience, setting the stage for what was to come.

Next up, Mudvayne stormed the stage with their signature chaotic energy, sending the audience into a frenzy. From the opening bassline of “Dig” to the haunting melodies of “World So Cold,” every song was a visceral experience. Chad Gray’s theatrical performance and the band’s electrifying presence had fans screaming along to every word. Tracks like “Death Blooms” and “Happy?” showcased Mudvayne’s unique ability to blend aggression with melody, making for an unforgettable set that fans would not soon forget.

As the anticipation reached its peak, Megadeth emerged, greeted by deafening cheers from the packed house. Dave Mustaine and company wasted no time, launching into “The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead,” which immediately set the tone for their powerhouse performance. The thrash legends delivered a masterclass in metal, ripping through classics like “Sweating Bullets,” “Trust (my favorite),” and of course, “Symphony of Destruction.”

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Wednesday night’s Shinedown concert at Yaamava was nothing short of electrifying. From the moment the lights dimmed to the final encore (and everything in between), this amazing theater was charged to the brim with nonstop energy and excitement that only Brent, Zach, Eric, and Barry can deliver. The band’s dynamic 2-hour performance left a lasting mark on the near capacity crowd, delivering a night of unforgettable music that had fans from all over Southern California on their feet all night long. The Sound of Madness was definitely in full effect at San Manuel.

I don’t know about you, but I was not always a Shinedown fan. I knew of the band for many years, but never dug into their music until a good friend suggested I listen to “Call Me.” I was immediately hooked and quickly became a fan. My love for the Shinedown only intensified when I dug into their amazing background story, only to find that many of their songs were directly focused on mental health, the band always looking to raise awareness for mental well-being and suicide prevention. I finally took the time to catch one of their live performances and, like many, finally became hooked, never looking back.

Wednesday’s show kicked off with a powerful rendition of “Devil,” setting the tone for an evening’s high-octane performance. In typical fashion, Brent Smith was all over that stage, interacting with fans right up front as well as those in the back of the theater. As typical at Shinedown shows, he asked fans to connect with others around them with a “high-five,” building the community they would share for the next few hours. Shinedown’s 15-song setlist featured a perfect blend of their greatest hits and fan favorites including “State of My Head,” “45,” and “Sound of Madness.” Each song was delivered with precision and passion, showcasing the band’s musical prowess and ability to connect with the audience on a deep, emotional level.

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