Author Archives: Matthew Belter

Last Friday night’s REO Speedwagon show was nothing short of spectacular and renewed my faith that good-old fashioned rock and roll music is alive and well in 2023. Joined by Sir, Please, Kevin Cronin and company transported fans back in time with 16 classic tracks that had everyone in attendance singing and dancing all night long. It was the perfect setlist to welcome in the new year at Yaamava Theater, one of the newest and coolest live music venues in Southern California.

Looking to start out 2023 with a bang, I decided to hit up Yaamava Theater for the first time and rock out with arguably one of the most prolific and long-standing classic rock acts on the planet, REO Speedwagon. Joined by thousands of REO faithful, I made my way through the beautiful Yaamava Casino and entered the theater for what I anticipated to be one hell of a rock and roll show. Fans were smiling, beer was flowing, and I knew Friday’s show would be one for the ages. Let’s dig in.

Kicking off the festivities in Highland was a killer quartet from Agoura Hills known affectionately as Sir, Please. While their unassuming nature might catch you off guard, this band of brothers brought their “A” game to with a killer set that blended their own hits with classic covers in a fun and funky way that really hit home with the masses. While they only had time for a handful of songs, I was blown away by tracks like “Different,” “Dance With Me,” and “If I Run.” I’d seen Sir, Please many years ago at one of their first performances and they have really evolved into a well-oiled machine with a super clean sound, unique style, and amazing stage presence. Catch em’ if you can live as these cats are poised for greatness in the not-so-distant future.

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On a chilly evening in Anaheim, Social Distortion turned up the heat in front of thousands of rabid fans at the world-famous House of Blues. Mike Ness and company blew the doors off the joint with a 17-song set that had the capacity crowd singing, dancing, and moshing all-night long. It’s what one would expect at a Social D show, and highlighted why this band is so beloved and appreciated here in the OC.

For many, Social D is the epitome of the local punk rock scene in OC. Most shows are sold out immediately and fans wait for hours to grab rail positions in order to be up close and personal with Mike Ness and the boys. Well, that script got flipped on Monday night—for the very first time, I was front and center for my first Social Distortion show. Let’s dig in.

Opening the night was a killer band from So Cal called Greg Antista & The Lonely Streets. From the jump, their set was raucous and upbeat, priming the pump for the headliners which were about an hour and a half from liftoff. As Greg Antista took the stage with a huge grin, I knew the set would be special—and it ended up being that and a whole lot more. The band as a whole killed their set with a reckless abandon, rarely seen from openers. Closing my eyes, the band had a Ramones type of sound that l really loved. I’ll definitely be digging into this band more in the not-so-distant future and recommend you do the same.

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It was the final stop on W.A.S.P.’s 40 Years Live World Tour 2022, and it lived up to all the hype and then some in front of a sold out crowd in Los Angeles on Sunday night. Joined by hometown heroes Armored Saint, both bands crushed their respective sets and highlighted why each are still at the pinnacle of their game some four decades later. This was metal at its finest in the City of Angels, and a perfect performance to wrap up an insane year of concerts here in Southern California.

I’ve been following W.A.S.P. and Armored Saint since I was a teenager, and they are still just as relevant today as they were back then in the heyday of metal here in Los Angeles. On a chilly Sunday evening, both bands left it all on the table as they wrapped up their 40 Years Live World Tour in front of a capacity crowd at The Wiltern Theater. Each set was sonically amazing and transported me back to a time when all that mattered was the music.

Opening Sunday’s show was none other than the mighty Armored Saint. I’ve seen this band many times over the years, but this particular show was by far the best I have ever seen them live. They took the stage with a reckless abandon and had the pedal to the metal throughout their 11-song set. John Bush’s vocals were spot on, and his typical high intensity performances paled in comparison to the supercharged version we saw on Sunday night.

The Sandoval Brothers (Phil, lead guitar and Gonzo, drums) were simply incredible and were nicely complemented by vicious rhythms of guitarist Jeff Duncan. And I’d be remiss not to mention the bad ass mother fucker on bass, Joey Vera. His energy was pegging at 11 all night long and such a joy to watch.

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The Trinity of Terror Tour rolled through Southern California on Wednesday night and set the YouTube Theater ablaze with four full hours of metal mayhem courtesy of Motionless in White, Ice Nine Kills, Black Veil Brides, and special guests Atreyu. It was pound for pound one of the best metal shows I have seen this year and fired on all cylinders in front of a packed house in Inglewood. This show was special and the tour separated itself positively from others in the metal genre this year. Let’s dig into the devilish details.

As 2022 is finally coming to an end, its easy to look back upon the shows I have attended throughout the year and make judgements as to which ones made the grade and others which may have fell short of my lofty expectations. While live music in general is trending up, some tours took it to a whole new level this year. The Trinity of Terror was just such a tour and quite honestly packaged what might have been some of the best metal performances I have seen this year. Let me explain.

Typically, a headliner may bring out a solid band on tour and then fill in with a few local bands as filler. I have nothing against these types of lineups, but they leave something to be desired and quite frankly never hit the mark. And when you analyze it from a fan perspective, many just avoid those bands and make their way into the arena just prior to the main acts. The Trinity of Terror Tour was the complete opposite. All of the named bands are spectacular in their own right, and it was awesome to see a near packed house before the first act even took the stage. Incredible.

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Judas Priest has been riding the wind since 1969 and have been screaming for vengeance (and breaking the law) ever since. The metal god Rob Halford broke out the major firepower on Monday night in front of a near-capacity crowd in Ontario, crushing an 18-song set that would make any Priest fan drool. The thousands in attendance were hell bent for leather from the very first note, and were living after midnight when the dust finally settled. This was metal mayhem at its finest, and one of the finest live metal performances I have seen in 2022!

Fresh off their induction in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, Judas Priest graced the stage of the Toyota Arena on Monday for what ended up being one kick ass rock and roll show for the ages. Joined by the legendary Queensrÿche, fans from all over southern California rocked out to nearly 3 full hours of jaw dropping, in your face metal that transported fans back to a time where all that mattered was the music. It was horns up, barricade crushing insanity in the IE, and a show that had been circled on my calendar for nearly a year. Let’s dig in.

Up first was one of my favorite bands of all-time, Queensrÿche. While I have seen this band well over 30 times, I go into each performance knowing that the set I am about to catch will somehow be unique or different. Monday’s show was no exception. The boys kicked things off with their very first single, 1981’s “Queen of the Ryche.” While classic for sure, it never gets old and is always a fan favorite. Next up was the “Warning,” and I’m here to say Todd La Torre nailed the vocals on it with precision and accuracy. Good lord, this man has some pipes.

It was also great seeing Michael Wilton (guitar) and Eddie Jackson (bass) ripping it up on stage with smiles ear to ear for the entire set. Their musicianship is simply incredible and are best in class in my opinion. And let’s not forget about Mike Stone (guitar) and Casey Grillo (drums). These cats are sonically amazing and are such an integral part of the current lineup. Queensrÿche wrapped up their set with “Screaming in Digital” and “Eyes of a Stranger,” and they crushed em’ both. While it was a limited set—8 songs in all—it hit on all cylinders and was a perfect segue to Monday’s headliner, the mighty Judas Priest.

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Fans of progressive music were treated to one hell of a show on Saturday night as Dream Theater’s John Petrucci blew the roof off of one of Southern California’s premier concert venues, the Anaheim House of Blues. Joined by former Dream Theater drummer Mike Portnoy and Flying Colors bassist Dave Larue, Petrucci crushed an 11-song set that highlighted why he is considered by many to be one of the most talented guitarists on the planet today. 

I’ve been a fan of progressive music as far back as I can remember. Bands like Yes and Rush were always on my shortlist of favorites growing up, and it was an easy jump to the new wave of prog with bands such as Queensrÿche and Dream Theater. Listening to these legends touched my soul as the musicianship of these acts was second to none. On Saturday night, I was treated to an extension of those legacies as Dream Theater guitarist John Petrucci headlined his first ever solo tour here in Anaheim. Let’s dig in.

Opening for John Petrucci on Saturday was an all-female thrash band from the ’80s called Meanstreak. While these ladies haven’t toured in quite some time, you never would have known by the amazing chemistry each exhibited on stage during their 45-minute set.

I was immediately captured by their opening song “Giant Speaks,” and held captive until their final curtain call after they offered Anaheim “The Dark Gift.” Walking away from the pit, I couldn’t help but smile as I’m rarely dazzled by opening acts. However, these ladies—Bettina France (vocals), Martens Myung (bass), Yael Rallis (drums), Marlene Portnoy (guitar), and Rena Sands (guitar)—were solid on all levels and their musicianship was second to none.

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Please don’t hate me, but I left my 18th floor balcony and dove into the ocean prior to Blue October’s near sell out at the Anaheim House of Blues on Thursday night. Joined by Beatnik Bandits, congratulations were definitely in order as Justin and company had the place feeling like home throughout an incredible 21-song set—and oh my my was it a special one. I hope you’re happy with the review and photos, and dare I say it, this is what I live for.

I’ve seen Blue October countless times over the years, and I can honestly say that each and every show is a unique and special experience for me. From killer merch tables to beautifully curated setlists, fans always walk away smiling when they see the band live. Add special VIP meet and greets (which typically include a killer soundcheck experience), and their shows rocket to a whole new level. Thursday’s show in Anaheim was no different as fans from all over the country gathered to rock out to one of the premier live acts on the planet.

Kicking off the festivities at the House of Blues was none other than Texas’ very own, Beatnik Bandits. While I can honestly say I’ve never heard of this band before, I became an instant fan after their opening set on Thursday. Some might describe their unique brand of music as “folksy” or “Americana,” but to me their sound was 100% kickass, take no prisoners rock and roll. Christian Sparks and company exploded a powder keg in front of Blue October’s faithful, and in return gained a ton of new fans and immediate respect during their abbreviated opening set. Catch these cats live when you can—they’re definitely on the rise and a band that needs to be on your radar if they are not already.

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What could be better on crisp fall weekend than drinking a few cold beers, hanging out with a few of your closest friends, and rocking out to some killer live music? Well, that’s exactly what happened on Saturday night as Shinedown’s Planet Zero World Tour dropped into the Honda Center and literally “Cut The Cord” in front of thousands of their closest fans. Along with Jelly Roll, John Harvie, (and a few thick blunts), this show had all the fixings’ for one hell of a party in Anaheim, CA. From my vantage point, this was a pure and simple rock ’n’ roll revival—584 days in the making.

For those who know me, there’s no surprise that I’m a huge fan of live music. Metal, rap, rock, I love it all. And when one gets the opportunity to cover a show that combines many of the genres I love into one incredible bill, I am down times 100. On Saturday night, the stars aligned in Anaheim as Shinedown, Jelly Roll, and John Harvie combined forces for one incredible night of music mayhem. This 3+hour show had me on the edge of my seat from the opening salvo of John Harvie’s “A Little Bit Longer” to Shinedown’s final curtain call, “Sound of Madness.” Let’s dig in, shall we?

Up first on Saturday night was Nashville native John Harvie. While I’ll admit I’ve heard very little from this up and coming singer / songwriter, it was easy to understand why Shinedown added Harvie to this lineup. From the opening notes of “A Little Bit Longer,” it was clear that this set was going to be special and not just “filler’” prior to the main event. Throughout Harvie’s 8-song set, he immediately captivated the general admission pit with tracks like “Haunt Me,” “My Name (In Your Mouth),” and one of the only songs I had heard previously, “Beauty in the Bad Things.” There was a connection with the fans that very few new artists are able to make, and I am excited to see where that bond leads Harvie on his journey.

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I don’t know about you, but I love a good old-fashioned rock and roll show. On Saturday night, the Scorpions provided just that (and a whole lot more) in front of a near capacity crowd at Viejas Arena. Joined by Thundermother, both bands crushed incredible sets that highlighted why live music is alive and kicking here in the USA. For the thousands in attendance, it was one incredible night of metal mayhem that rocked San Diego, well… like a hurricane!

Saturday evening’s Scorpions show was on my radar for quite some time. I’ve seen them countless times over the years and know that this legendary band always gives fans 110% during each and every performance. Scorpions shows are magnificent to say the least and include amazing set lists, incredible stage presence, and of course that unmistakable sound that is often imitated (but never duplicated) even to this day. These cats from Hanover have been kicking ass and taking names for over 50 years, and still perform with a reckless abandon that most up and comers can only dream of.

Opening on Saturday night was an all-female quartet from Sweden called Thundermother. While there have been many variations of this band over the years, the current lineup consists of original guitarist Filippa Nässil, Guernica Mancini (vocals), Majsan Lindberg (bass), and Emlee Johansson (drums). Their motto of “Thundermother don’t just play rock ’n’ roll. Thundermother are rock ’n’ roll!” initially seemed a bit arrogant and over the top to me. However, after seeing their opening set in front of their loyal fans, I can honestly say that phrase may have been the understatement of the year.

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The first of two sold out Iron Maiden shows was nothing less than spectacular for the 10,000+ in attendance in Anaheim on Wednesday night. It was if someone flipped a switch and miraculously transported fans within the Honda Center, well… Somewhere Back in Time. This performance had everything one would expect at an Iron Maiden show—amazing pyro, a killer set list, unbridled energy (courtesy of Steve, Dave, Adrian, Bruce, Nicko, and Janick), and of course—EDDIE! Combine that with the most rabid and insatiable metal fans on the planet, and this show had all the ingredients necessary for a powder keg of TNT to be detonated within the heart of Southern California. For many, it was Maiden’s best live performance in over a decade. For me, it was a dream come true.

For those that know me, it’s no surprise that Iron Maiden is one of my all-time favorite bands. I’ve been a fan since I was introduced to Piece of Mind back as a teenager in 1983, and there was no turning back from that point forward. That album changed my life, and my appreciation for what I consider true Heavy Metal. Many have asked me where my obsession with Iron Maiden actually came from. Maybe it was Steve Harris’s unmistakable baselines? Maybe it was Bruce’s high-pitched screams? Maybe (just maybe) it was Maiden’s unmistakable imagery. While I’ll probably never be able to pinpoint it, I’m sure it was all of the above and so much more over lifetime of killer albums and amazing live shows with a band that I consider true rock royalty.

Kicking off the festivities on Wednesday night was none other than Trivium. Hailing from Orlando, this killer quartet has been kicking ass and taking names since 1999, and their opening set at Honda Center was no exception. As lights dimmed, Matt Heafy walked out center stage, threw up some “horns” to the thousands now in attendance, and immediately stuck out his trademark tongue as the band launched into “Silence in the Snow.”

Lighting was eerily moody throughout Trivium’s abbreviated 7-song set, but Heafy, along with Corey Beaulieu (guitars), Paolo Gregoletto (bass), and Alex Bent (drums) pulled from the pain and gifted the masses one incredible opening set. My favorites from the evening included “The Heart From Your Hate” and “Strife,” while others gravitated toward “The Shadow of the Abattoir.”

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These sure are crazy times we are living in. However, Redheads in Southern California were feeling like they were on top of the world Saturday night when Sammy Hagar & The Circle took the stage on a muggy and overcast evening at FivePoint in Irvine. In tandem with George Thorogood & the Destroyers, this rock party was simply bad to the bone on so many levels. 

I have been a huge Sammy Hagar fan my entire life. From Montrose to his solo career to Van Halen and beyond, this cat has been taking names and melting faces since 1972, and he’s still at the top of his game. Joined by The Circle (featuring Michael Anthony, Vic Johnson, and Jason Bonham), the band came to party on Saturday night in front of a hometown crowd. While a bit overcast and muggy, the Santo shots started early and were poured often, and didn’t stop until the night’s final curtain call. Let’s dig into the night’s festivities, shall we?

Opening up for Sammy Hagar & The Circle was Chris Trapper (a killer singer /songwriter from Boston, MA) along with legendary George Thorogood & The Destroyers. Trapper’s 4-song set was brief, and those who were lucky enough to get there early were treated to some amazing music by a man and his guitar. I don’t always find openers terribly compelling, but there was something about Trapper on stage all by his lonesome that touched my soul. Songs like “The Accident,” “This Time,” and “F%&k It” demonstrated in spades why Sammy brought him out on this tour. I look forward to digging into Chris Trapper a little more in the not so distant future. Well done.

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With nearly 35,000 packed into Petco Park in San Diego, fans finally got to let loose and rage to some of the biggest bands on the planet including Def Leppard, Mötley Crüe, and Poison. It was as if the metal gods from above provided a portal back in time where the only thing that mattered was the music. Add fish nets, big hair, and of course ice-cold beer, and this one had all the makings for one incredible party under the stars in the 619. And after waiting nearly 2 years for this one to roll into town, I can honestly say The Stadium Tour delivered on all cylinders and kicked some major ’80s ass.

Taking the pole-position at Petco were LA rockers, Classless Act. While many say that the opening slot on any major tour is a thankless task, their performance on Sunday was simply magnificent. Led by frontman Derek Day, this five-man wrecking crew turned some heads with a killer set that highlighted why this band is so fricking awesome. Watching Dane Pieper (guitar), Griffin Tucker (guitar), Franco Gravante (bass), and Chuck McKissock (drums) light up songs like “This is For You” and “Haunting Love” was a real treat. And of course, Derek’s on-stage antics and killer vocals were second to none. For me, Classless Act’s performance on Sunday was one of the best, and shame on you if you came late and missed it.

Next up was Joan Jett and the Blackhearts. Joan has been melting faces since her start in The Runaways in 1975, and her set on Sunday was a testament to how bad ass she really is. Donning her signature leather under a scorching San Diego sun, Joan and the Blackhearts ripped the cap off a 12-song set including standards such as “Cherry Bomb” (The Runaways cover), “I Hate Myself for Loving You,” and “Bad Reputation.” All sounded phenomenal live and showcased why she is still considered “The Queen of Rock and Roll.” In my opinion, she’s still tops in class and one of my all-time favorites, bar none. Long live Joan Jett!

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Fans of ’80s synthpop were in for a special treat Wednesday night when Soft Cell dropped by the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, California for one of their first stateside shows in over 20 years. Best known for their hits “Tainted Love” and “Say Hello Wave Goodbye,” Marc Almond and company put on an amazing 2-hour show that had the packed house singing and dancing all night long. 

I’ve been a Soft Cell fan for the better part of my life and was thrilled to hear earlier this year that Marc Almond and David Ball would be once again joining forces to celebrate the 40th anniversary of their Non-Stop Erotic Cabaret. Synthpop aficionados and ’80s nerds like me understand the importance of this album, and to see it performed live in its entirety would be a dream come true. That happened on Wednesday night. One caveat however, Ball was unable to join Marc Almond on stage as part of the US tour due to doctors’ orders due to ongoing physiotherapy. Traveling was just not in the cards. While disappointing (to say the least), the show went on with their full touring band including Grammy winning producer Philip Larson filling in on keyboards for David.

For those in attendance, there was no opening band—Wednesday’s performance was unapologetically 100% Soft Cell. Act I featured ten songs including new tracks, B-sides, and classics alike. Marc Almond bookended the first set with two Soft Cell tracks including “Torch” and “Martin.” Both were beautifully recreated and sounded amazing. However, my favorites from this set were two newer tracks, “Bruises on All My Illusions” and “Nostalgia Machine.” If you weren’t paying attention, you would have never known that these songs were just released in May of 2022 off their latest album, Happiness Not Included. They sounded so good and had that vintage Soft Cell sound we all know and love.

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