Author Archives: Matthew Belter

PALM DESERT, CA | Under the desert stars in the Coachella Valley, Duran Duran transformed Acrisure Arena into a pulsating time machine, delivering a 2.5-hour spectacle that was equal parts nostalgia and cutting-edge artistry. From the moment the lights dimmed, the sold-out crowd knew they were in for one unforgettable night. The low desert energy was pegging at an 11 as Simon Le Bon, Nick Rhodes, John Taylor, and Roger Taylor took the stage. The arena immediately erupted into a sea of absolute ’80s bliss, signaling the beginning of one incredible performance that lifelong fans like me would not soon forget.

I’ve been a Duran Duran fan for as long as I can remember. Back in 1981, when I was just 11, my grandfather took me to Licorice Pizza in San Bernardino to buy my very first 45, “Planet Earth.” I played that single nonstop until the following year, when I discovered what would become my favorite Duran Duran album, Rio. My mom got me a super-sized poster of the band, which I proudly displayed on my bedroom wall, and from then on, I was hooked. Duran Duran became my gold standard for bands, and they single-handedly ignited my lifelong passion for music.

Before diving into my review of Duran Duran’s concert, let me set the stage. This was my first experience attending a live show at Acrisure Arena in Thousand Palms. As someone who usually photographs live music professionally, it was unusual for me to watch without being behind the lens. On top of that, this marked the tenth time I’d seen Duran Duran perform since my teenage years. Honestly, I had been anticipating this particular night for some time, knowing it would be my final show of 2025. But I couldn’t help but wonder how it would compare to the countless other bands I’ve seen over the year. Now, let’s see how things unfolded.

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In the pulsating heart of Los Angeles’ underground music scene, where beats once echoed through warehouses and transformed nights into euphoric odysseys, Ron D. Core carved his legacy.

A trailblazer in the world of electronic music, Ron’s journey began in the early days of DJing, where his raw passion for sound collided with the burgeoning rave culture of the 1990s. As a pioneer of hardcore and techno, he didn’t just spin records—he shaped a movement, becoming a revered figure in a scene that redefined the boundaries of music and community.

But Ron’s influence didn’t stop at the turntables. As the owner of Dr. Freecloud’s Record Store, a haven for vinyl enthusiasts, he has been instrumental in preserving the soul of analog sound in an increasingly digital world. From the gritty warehouses of LA to the resurgence of vinyl as a cultural touchstone, Ron’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and an unwavering love for the tangible magic of records. Join us as we delve into his extraordinary journey, exploring the evolution of electronic music, the enduring allure of vinyl, and the insights of a man who continues to inspire generations of music lovers.

Can you take us back to the moment you first fell in love with music?

I was around 6 or 7 years old when I got my first records and actually started listening to music. Full credit really goes to my father who was a pretty big record collector back in the ’70s. His collection gave me exposure to so many different types of music. And then of course, there was this babysitter we used to have. She loved music and used to give me records to help me build my collection. Both of these experiences fueled my love for music and initial addiction to vinyl.

What drew you to electronic music specifically?

While in high school, I dabbled in a lot of music and found myself liking too many things. In my early years, I was more of a metalhead—I was really, really big into ’80s metal. Then towards my junior year, I started to hang out with a different group of friends that were more into industrial music.

My love of electronic music was a direct result of those industrial roots. I was really into industrial at the time, which wasn’t dance friendly, along with early techno and house. Those were essentially the three genres that were available to us in the ’80s. And many today probably would find it shocking that the dancing actually started with just small handful of genres.

But industrial eventually turned dance friendly, morphing into EBM—which is the acronym for Electronic Body Music. And that finally pushed me over the edge into all the electronic and dance stuff because they were starting to make really cool industrial sounds while simultaneously putting a dance beat behind it. The EBM and the danceable industrial stuff ultimately drew me into collecting 12-inch vinyl.

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The air inside the House of Blues Anaheim crackled with excitement on Thursday night. Hundreds of fans from all over the Southland lined up early to experience a shared history, one brought to life by three titans of the ‘80s new wave and synth-pop scene—Howard Jones, Haircut One Hundred, and the legendary KROQ DJ (and new wave music historian), Richard Blade. The evening wasn’t just a concert; it was a time capsule unlocked, a vibrant celebration of melodies that have defined a generation—my generation. And it didn’t take long for the sold-out Anaheim crowd to ride that magic carpet back in time to a place in history where all that mattered was the music itself.

KROQ’s legendary DJ Richard Blade kicked off the show in fine fashion and primed the capacity crowd, spinning a masterful set of era-defining tracks that seamlessly transitioned the audience from the present day back to the neon-soaked dance floors of their youth. Whether you were a fan of synth pop, darker wave, or anything in between, Blade pulled out all the stops to energize Orange County.

He spun tracks from heavyweights like O.M.D., Tears for Fears, The Cure, and of course Depeche Mode, while simultaneously sharing stories of old from the glory days of KROQ here in Southern California. And just when you thought it could get no better, out comes Terri Nunn from Berlin. Just incredible (and she looked amazing)! Her smile and presence alone was a significant nod to the evening’s authenticity, setting the stage for a night of pure, unadulterated musical joy.

First to the stage were Haircut One Hundred, and any notion that this would be a simple trip down memory lane was immediately dispelled. With frontman Nick Heyward at the helm, his boyish charm seemingly untouched by time, the band launched into an 8-song set bursting with infectious energy that engulfed the House of Blues.

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Sunday night, Ghost transformed San Diego’s Viejas Arena into a cathedral of rock, delivering a performance that was equal parts theatrical spectacle and musical triumph. As part of their Skeletour World Tour 2025, the band showcased their latest album, Skeletá, alongside fan-favorite classics, creating a killer setlist that was both fresh and nostalgic.

From the moment Papa V Perpetua and the Nameless Ghouls took the stage, the energy in the room was sheer fire. Fans, many dressed in face paint, robes, and even full papal regalia, celebrated the band’s unique blend of heavy metal and dark, satirical pageantry. Ghost didn’t just play a concert; they orchestrated a Sunday night ritual that left the capacity crowd in complete and total awe.

Sunday’s ritual opened with the haunting strains of “Peacefield,” the first track from Skeletá, immediately immersing the audience in Ghost’s dark and atmospheric world. The band followed with “Lachryma,” another new track that showcased their ability to blend haunting melodies with heavy riffs. The crowd erupted as the band transitioned into “Spirit,” a fan-favorite from Meliora, with Papa V Perpetua commanding the stage like a true rock-and-roll messiah.

As a long-time fan, two songs stood out as personal highlights of the evening: “Cirice” and “He Is.” “Cirice” was a masterclass in musical storytelling, with its haunting guitar intro giving way to a powerful, almost operatic performance. The way Papa V Perpetua delivered the song’s emotional weight was nothing short of mesmerizing, and the crowd’s energy during the chorus was electric.

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The Summer of Loud Tour roared into Irvine’s Great Park on July 5, delivering a seismic showcase of metal’s finest with a rotating roster of powerhouse headliners. Killswitch Engage set a fierce standard with their razor-sharp precision and anthems that demanded every fist in the air, while Parkway Drive’s cinematic intensity turned the stage into a coliseum of metalcore grandeur. I Prevail’s blend of crushing riffs and melodic hooks brought a dynamic energy that had the crowd roaring back every lyric, and Beartooth’s unrelenting charisma provided the perfect, high-octane finale.

Each band brought its unique brand of chaos and catharsis, creating an unforgettable experience that pushed fans to the limit. With its relentless energy and unparalleled diversity, the Summer of Loud Tour was a masterclass in the sheer power and passion of live music, leaving every attendee at Great Park Irving screaming for more.

Kicking off Summer of Loud beneath a golden Californian sun, Kingdom of Giants seized the stage with a six-song set that instantly electrified Irvine. Every thunderous riff and razor-sharp vocal from Dana Willax radiated both precision and anguish, captivating the ever-growing crowd.

Tracks like “Bleach” and “Wayfinder” balanced hard-hitting aggression with surprising emotional depth, while Willax’s unstoppable energy surged through growing mosh pits on the left and right of the stage. As the set ended, the audience wasn’t merely warmed up; they were awakened, fully primed for a day of metal madness that promised to reverberate long after the lights dimmed.

When Alphawolf exploded onto the stage, the day’s intensity reached new, dizzying heights. With an unrelenting ferocity, the Tasmanian wrecking crew tore into anthems like “Akudama” and “Creep”, transforming Great Park into a swirling cauldron of chaos. Lochie Keogh prowled the stage with a magnetic presence, his guttural roars sparking a tidal wave of movement in the pit, where bodies collided in perfect, anarchic harmony.

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Amid the sprawling energy of Cali Vibes 2025, the Boomyard carved out its own soulful and electrifying sanctuary within Marina Green Park. While the festival’s main stages boomed with headliners and massive crowds, Boomyard offered something entirely different. Its essence lay in its vibrance and intimacy, creating a haven where reggae, dancehall, and Caribbean rhythms were celebrated in their purest form. Pulsing beats, swirling colors, and a tight-knit community of music lovers left attendees not just dancing but feeling wholly connected to the culture.

The Boomyard’s lineup was nothing short of stellar, starting with standout performances on the Vibes stage on both Saturday and Sunday. Mystic Marley delivered a set steeped in tranquility yet filled with power, her soulful voice weaving threads of her family’s legendary lineage into the present. Her performance was a beautiful reflection of what modern reggae can be, blending thought-provoking lyricism with melodies that spoke to the heart.

BLVK H3RO, meanwhile, charged onto the stage with a bold and uplifting energy that was impossible to resist. With a captivating presence, he seamlessly mixed modern dancehall with traditional reggae roots, offering songs that were as infectious as they were inspiring. His performance felt deeply rooted in positivity, and fans left his set as if walking on air.

Beyond the headliners, Boomyard ensured its authenticity with an eclectic range of artists and DJs who brought their own flavor to this haven. Blakkamore & Yungg Trip had the crowd entranced early on, blending smooth rhythms with rhythmic storytelling, creating a set that felt both nostalgic and fresh. Chi Ching Ching brought a high-energy party vibe, with his crowd-pumping anthems sparking endless waves of dancing and sing-alongs.

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Sunny skies kissed by ocean breezes, reggae beats floating through the air, and an electrifying vibe set the scene for an epic weekend as Cali Vibes took over Marina Green Park in Long Beach, CA, on June 6th and 7th. Nearly 50,000 fans gathered by the shore to witness show-stopping performances from headliners like Kid Cudi, Stick Figure, Rebelution, and Dirty Heads, while legends like Cypress Hill, Pepper, and Fortunate Youth ignited the crowd with their unmatched energy. The grooves didn’t stop there—with the soulful rhythms of Boomyard courtesy of BLVK H3RO and Mystic Marley, Cali Vibes delivered magic at every turn, cementing its place as the West Coast’s unrivaled reggae-rock festival.

The opening day of Cali Vibes ignited Long Beach with an unstoppable energy, thanks to powerhouse performances by Stick Figure and Dirty Heads. Dirty Heads paid homage to their Huntington Beach roots with a high-octane set that had the crowd jumping, swaying, and belting out every word to hits like “Medusa” and “Vacation.” The air buzzed with unity as fans danced under the stars, turning the night into a joyous celebration of music and connection.

Stick Figure kept the momentum soaring, delivering a soul-stirring performance that blended reggae grooves with a modern edge. Scott Woodruff’s magnetic stage presence mirrored the crowd’s chilled-out vibe, creating an effortless bond between artist and audience. Highlights of the set included the unforgettable “Choice is Yours” and “World on Fire,” but the true show-stealer was Cocoa the Tour Dog, whose cameos sent waves of delight rippling through the audience. It was a night that epitomized the spirit of Cali Vibes—music, movement, and moments to remember.

Day two of Cali Vibes brought the heat with Kid Cudi and Rebelution delivering performances that were nothing short of spectacular. Rebelution kicked things off by guiding the crowd through a vibrant mix of beloved classics and fresh new tunes, their polished yet playful energy setting the perfect tone for the weekend vibes.

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On Saturday afternoon, the Cruel World Festival returned to Brookside at the Rose Bowl, bringing together an extraordinary mix of legends for a rainy day of dark, nostalgic delight. Headliners New Order, Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, and The Go-Go’s were what first drew the crowds, but from the moment gates opened, it was clear this festival was about so much more than just its top billing.

Fans endured steady showers to bask in the glow of unforgettable performances, from synthpop powerhouses to gothic rock kings and everything in between. It was a show for the ages and one I’m glad I get to experience every May here in Southern California.

The undeniable crown jewel of the day was Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark (OMD), whose set exemplified why they’re considered synthpop pioneers. Andy McCluskey was unstoppable, twirling and thrusting with contagious energy that had even the dampest attendees moving. Whether it was the rarely played “Joan of Arc (Maid of Orleans)” or fan-favorite “Electricity,” the band’s live sound was both nostalgic and refreshingly alive.

And when Paul Humphreys took center stage to sing “(Forever) Live and Die”, well, that was was pure magic. But it was the show-closing “Enola Gay” that solidified their place as the best set of the day. Rain or no rain, the estimated 50,000 fans erupted in synchronicity as the iconic synth riff echoed against the gray skies of Pasadena. It was an emphatic reminder of why OMD remains so loved by fans all around the world.

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On Saturday night, the House of Blues in Anaheim transformed into a fiery haven for thrash metal maniacs as the 40 Years of Blood tour tore through town, celebrating the past, present, and future of thrash. Headlined by Bay Area legends Exodus, this sold-out show was a thunderous tribute to their groundbreaking debut album, Bonded by Blood, which turned 40 this year. From Gary Holt’s first blistering note, the night was a relentless assault of mosh pits, electrifying riffs, and raw, unfiltered chaos. By the time the dust settled, Anaheim was left in ruins—and we wouldn’t have it any other way.

The night kicked off with Nukem, San Diego’s thrash metal wrecking crew, who wasted no time whipping the crowd into a frenzy. Known for their lethal mix of aggression and precision, Nukem ripped through tracks from their album The Unholy Trinity, closing their set with the aptly titled “Nukem All.” Circle pits erupted, crowd surfers launched themselves into the void, and vocalist/guitarist Steve Brogden delivered ferocious vocals that set the perfect tone for the carnage to come. Short but impactful, Nukem left the crowd hungry for more.

Next up was the thrash juggernaut Hirax, hailing from nearby Cypress, CA. Led by the ever-charismatic Katon W. De Pena, these old-school warriors brought the 1980s straight to the stage with crowd favorites like “Black Smoke,” “Drill Into the Brain,” and the blistering “Bombs of Death.” De Pena was a force of nature, diving into the audience not once but twice, all while belting out vocals as fans carried him across a sea of raised fists. The band’s chemistry and ferocity were undeniable, and by the end of their set, the energy in the room was absolutely nuclear.

If anyone could match the momentum Hirax left behind, it was the Bay Area titans Death Angel. Directly supporting Exodus, they delivered a performance that balanced thrash fury with heartfelt gratitude. Frontman Mark Osegueda, who’s been pulling double duty with Kerry King’s new project, was a whirlwind of energy and charisma. Between songs, he connected with the crowd, expressing his deep appreciation for their unwavering support.

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