Author Archives: Special to TVD

TVD Live Shots: Hirie with Signal Fire and Mr. Mota at XL Live, 10/22

By Special to TVD | Published: October 30, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: TODD JUDD IN HARRISBURG, PA | Hirie’s Phases Tour Phase III kicked off with an unforgettable performance at XL Live in Harrisburg, PA, delivering a night of sweet island reggae infused with love, positivity, and vulnerability. The show was brilliant on so many levels, blending upbeat rhythms with deeply personal lyrics that took the audience on a journey of resilience and growth—with a killer setlist that seamlessly wove together fan-favorite classics and fresh tracks from her latest album, Phases, Hirie and her extraordinary band created an energetic and emotional atmosphere that had the crowd singing, swaying, and smiling all night long.

The evening began with an electrifying set from Mr. Mota, a Colorado-based band that brought a unique fusion of reggae, rock, grunge, and blues. Their feel-good anthems, such as “Touch the Sky” and “Stuck in ‘82,” had the audience grooving from the start, while new tracks like “On My Mind” showcased their evolving sound. Frontman Max’s versatile voice and Rosen’s standout guitar work made their performance unforgettable.

Next up was Wilmington, DE’s own Signal Fire, whose laid-back, rootsy reggae vibe set the perfect tone for the night. With Sean’s soothing vocals, Kenneth’s impressive drumming, and Tristan’s mesmerizing saxophone solos, the band captivated the crowd and built anticipation for the main act.

When Hirie finally took the stage, the energy in the room was electric. She opened with “I’m High,” a track from her new album, setting the tone with smooth reggae rhythms and her effortlessly chill vocals. The crowd was immediately hooked, swaying and singing along as she transitioned into “Boom Fire” and “Elevation.” The connection between Hirie and her fans was palpable, with the audience belting out lyrics and dancing to every beat.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots:
When We Were Young Festival at the Las Vegas Fairgrounds, 10/18

By Special to TVD | Published: October 27, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: CODY CRULZ IN LAS VEGAS, NV | Under the crisp Las Vegas sun, the When We Were Young Fest 2025 brought together fans of emo, punk rock, and hardcore for a day of unforgettable performances. With four stages and a lineup of iconic bands, the festival was a celebration of the music that shaped generations. From emotional anthems to chaotic pits, the day was packed with energy, nostalgia, and moments that will live on in fans’ memories forever.

The day kicked off at the Ghost Stage with The Amity Affliction, whose anthems of heartache and resilience energized the early crowd. Singer Joel Birch delivered raw emotion, giving fans hope through their powerful lyrics. Over at the Main Stages, The Story So Far brought their signature blend of Pop Punk and angst, with Parker Cannon leading the crowd in a cathartic singalong.

Yellowcard followed, delivering summer anthems like “Ocean Avenue” with Ryan Key’s soaring vocals and Sean Mackin’s iconic violin melodies. Their set was a core memory in the making, perfectly capturing the festival’s nostalgic spirit. Simple Plan kept the energy high, playing hits like “Addicted” and “Welcome to My Life,” while surprising fans with Travis Clark of We The Kings for “Where I Belong” and a Scooby-Doo-themed performance of their iconic theme song.

Taking fans back even further, The Starting Line transported the crowd to the early 2000s with their Drive-Thru Records-era classics. Closing with “Best of Me,” their set was a heartfelt reminder of the band’s pivotal role in shaping the Pop Punk scene.

The energy shifted as Knocked Loose unleashed mayhem on the crowd. Bryan Garris’s piercing vocals and the band’s crushing breakdowns turned the pit into chaos, culminating in a wall of death that left no one unscathed. Meanwhile, All Time Low brought a lighter vibe to the Seven Eleven Stage, celebrating the release of their new album Everyone’s Talking. With hits like “Weightless” and “Dear Maria, Count Me In,” plus a guest appearance from Blackbear for “Monsters,” their set was a highlight of the day.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots: Matisyahu with the Aaron Dugan Band at Brooklyn Bowl, 10/14

By Special to TVD | Published: October 22, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: TODD JUDD | Matisyahu’s Ancient Child Tour is a masterclass in live performance, blending hip-hop, reggae, and soul into an unforgettable experience. Following the release of his eighth studio album, Ancient Child, Matisyahu took the stage at the Brooklyn Bowl in Philadelphia, delivering a show that radiated energy, love, and spirituality. With a setlist featuring new tracks alongside fan-favorite classics, Matisyahu and his incredible band created a dynamic and immersive atmosphere that left the audience breathless at shows end. It was one of the best shows I’ve seen all years and that’s saying something.

The night began with the Aaron Dugan Band, featuring longtime collaborator Aaron Dugan on guitar, One Hemyah on drums, Jason Alexsandre on keys, and Ben Zwerin on bass. Their flawless performance set the tone for the evening, showcasing their mastery of jazz, dub, and reggae influences. It was a perfect fit to get the crowds juices flowing and Aaron knocked his set clean out of the park.

As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, Matisyahu took the stage, opening with “Pro-cess,” the first track from Ancient Child. The hip-hop-inspired beat had the audience dancing and vibing immediately, with Matis seamlessly blending singing and rapping.

The set continued with “Rockets” and “Crosswinds,” where the band truly shone. Matisyahu’s powerful vocals, beatboxing, and mixer effects elevated the performance, while Dugan’s intricate guitar work added depth and texture. A highlight of the night was “Son Come Up,” a collaboration with Matisyahu’s son Laivy, who joined him on stage. Their chemistry and Laivy’s impressive vocals brought an extra layer of heart to the performance, making it a standout moment.

The crowd erupted with joy when Matisyahu transitioned into the classic hit “Sunshine.” Fans sang along to every word, proving that while the new material resonated deeply, the older songs still held a special place in their hearts. The energy remained high with tracks like “Rockin’ Tempos” and “Ritual,” where Matis explored themes of resilience, inner strength, and boundary-setting. His passion and emotion were palpable, captivating the audience with every note.

Posted in TVD Philadelphia | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots:
UB40 with The English Beat at the Orpheum Theater, 10/2

By Special to TVD | Published: October 9, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: MANUEL GAY | Los Angeles reggae fans were treated to an unforgettable night of music on October 2, as the legendary UB40 brought their timeless sound to the historic Orpheum Theatre. Joining them was none other than The English Beat, another iconic band from Birmingham, making this a double bill of pure ’80s magic. From the moment the first note hit, the evening was a celebration of reggae, ska, and the enduring power of music to unite and uplift.

The English Beat (known in the US under this name to avoid confusion with another band) may not have had the same longevity as UB40, having split in the early ’80s, but their impact during their short run was undeniable. The audience’s enthusiasm when they took the stage was so undeniable that you could have mistaken them for the headliners. Singer-guitarist Dave Wakeling, the sole remaining original member, leads this version of the band, now billed as The Beat starring Dave Wakeling, and they are a well-oiled machine.

Their forty-five-minute set was packed with fan favorites, including “Rough Rider” and “Ranking Full Stop,” which had the entire venue dancing. They also performed a couple of tracks from Dave’s side project, General Public, including the 1984 hit “Tenderness.” Back-up singer Antonee First Class added a unique touch by improvising a cappella melodies between songs, creating a seamless flow to the set.

Dave took a moment to pay tribute to former band members who have passed away over the years before delivering a heartfelt rendition of “Can’t Get Used To Losing You.” The band closed their set on a high note with their hit “Mirror In The Bathroom,” which sounded absolutely incredible live and left the crowd buzzing.

Posted in TVD Los Angeles | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots:
The Dandy Warhols
with Kula Shaker at the Observatory, 10/2

By Special to TVD | Published: October 8, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: SEAN McCRACKEN | If you’re looking for a night of electrifying music, nostalgic vibes, and a journey through the realms of psychedelic rock, then this review is for you. On Thursday, October 2nd, The Dandy Warhols headlined an unforgettable show at The Observatory, with support from the equally mesmerizing Kula Shaker.

The evening was a perfect midweek escape, offering fans a chance to immerse themselves in the kaleidoscopic sounds of two iconic bands that have mastered the art of blending retro influences with modern energy. From Kula Shaker’s trippy visuals and hypnotic grooves to The Dandy Warhols’ crowd-pleasing anthems and magnetic stage presence, this was a night that reminded everyone why live music is such a powerful experience. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a curious newcomer, this show had something for everyone, and it’s worth reliving every moment.

The night kicked off with Kula Shaker, who set the tone with their signature blend of psychedelic rock and Indian-inspired melodies. As the lights dimmed, the stage came alive with a swirling psychedelic background projected across the screen, creating an otherworldly atmosphere that immediately drew the audience in. The visuals weren’t just confined to the screen; they were superimposed across the stage, enveloping the band in a vibrant, trippy glow that perfectly complemented their sound.

Kula Shaker’s 14-song setlist was a mix of fan favorites and surprises, showcasing their ability to transport listeners to another dimension. They opened with the ethereal “Hey Dude,” a track that set the mood with its dreamy instrumentation and haunting vocals. The crowd swayed along as the band transitioned into “Knight on the Town,” one of my favorites from their set.

Posted in TVD Los Angeles | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots:
Super Legends Cruise,
9/12–9/14

By Special to TVD | Published: September 29, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: SEAN McCRACKEN IN ENSENADA, MX | On September 12th, the Super Legends Cruise, hosted by Concert Cruise Events, set sail from Long Beach to Ensenada, Mexico, delivering an unforgettable experience for music lovers. This three-day extravaganza, the largest of its kind, featured two sold-out ships and a star-studded lineup of legendary performers. With non-stop events, live music from iconic artists, and after-parties that stretched into the early hours, the cruise was a dream come true for fans of funk, soul, reggae, and more. From surprise performances to intimate moments with the artists, the Super Legends Cruise offered something for everyone—and next year promises to be even bigger.

The weekend began with a surprise performance by MC Magic on the Pool Stage, setting the tone for an unforgettable journey. War followed with iconic hits like “Lowrider,” “Summer,” and “Friends,” energizing the crowd. One Way kept the momentum going before reggae veterans Big Mountain took the stage in the Liquid Lounge Theater, getting everyone up and dancing.

Sheila E. brought her signature energy and rhythm back to the Pool Stage, delivering a dynamic set filled with dancing and excitement. Tierra closed out the main performances in the Liquid Lounge Theater with a show that left fans feeling like they were part of something truly special. The night continued with after-parties, including a DJ set by ODM from Lighter Shade of Brown in the Atrium, keeping the festivities alive until the early hours.

Saturday kicked off with the Funky Brunch in the Sunset Dining Room, where Aalon “Original Gangster” provided the perfect soundtrack for breakfast and mimosas. By noon, the Pool Stage came alive with Tierra warming up the crowd. A super set followed, featuring Club Nouveau, GQ, Thee Midniters, and Sly, Slick & Wicked, all delivering high-energy performances that had fans dancing and singing along. Ozomatli took things to the next level with an electrifying set that ended with the band playing horns and drums among the crowd, creating a magical moment of connection.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots:
David Lee Roth at Humphrey’s, 9/8

By Special to TVD | Published: September 15, 2025

IMAGES AND WORDS: GREG VITALICH | If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to step into a time machine and land smack in the middle of the 1980s rock ‘n’ roll scene, David Lee Roth’s show in San Diego was your answer.

On a crisp night in San Diego, David Lee Roth, backed by an incredible band and five powerhouse backup singers, delivered a high-energy, nostalgia-packed performance that celebrated the glory days of the mighty Van Halen. With a setlist of 18 iconic VH classics, Roth proved that even at 70 years old, he’s still the ultimate showman, bringing swagger, humor, and a whole lot of fun to the stage by the bay. This was Diamond Dave at his finest, and this was one hell of a show!

From the opening notes of “Panama,” the energy at Humphrey’s was 240v plug and play electric. Roth and his band tore through a setlist that was a dream come true for any Van Halen fan including “Runnin’ With the Devil,” “Dance the Night Away,” and one of my all-time favorites off 1984, “Hot for Teacher.” The crowd erupted as deeper cuts like “Drop Dead Legs” and “Romeo Delight” showcased the band’s versatility and Roth’s ability to keep the audience engaged and electrified.

Roth’s latest band was nothing short of spectacular. Al Estrada on guitar delivered a masterclass in channeling the late, great Eddie Van Halen, nailing every riff and solo with precision and passion. His performance on “Mean Street” and “Unchained” was jaw-dropping, earning him thunderous applause from the crowd. The rhythm section, featuring Ryan Wheeler on bass and Francis Valentino on drums, kept the grooves tight and the energy high all night long. All three are studs and well worth the price of admission alone.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots: Yungblud with Sawyer Hill at the Moody Theater, 8/30

By Special to TVD | Published: September 4, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: DANA WALSH in AUSTIN, TX | If you’ve ever wondered what it feels like to be struck by lightning, let me tell you—it’s a lot like being at a Yungblud show. On August 30th, the British rockstar turned ACL Live at the Moody Theater into a chaotic, electrifying storm of raw energy, emotional connection, and pure rock ‘n’ roll madness. From the soulful grooves of opener Sawyer Hill to Yungblud’s explosive stage presence, this wasn’t just a concert—it was a full-blown experience. The kind that leaves you drenched in sweat, hoarse from screaming, and wondering how you’ll ever top a night like this. Buckle up, because this show was a wild ride from start to finish, and you’re going to want to relive every moment.

On Saturday night, Yungblud rolled into town and unleashed a lightning storm at ACL Live at the Moody Theater. The energy was already buzzing, and opening the night’s festivities was Sawyer Hill and his band—an alternative rock group from Arkansas that’s been making waves across the Southern states since Sawyer was a teen.

The fans were fired up and ready to rock—and they did just that. As soon as Sawyer started singing, you could feel it deep in your chest. His voice is powerful, low, and gritty, and his tone grabs you instantly. It was unreal. The band played with a soulful groove that got the whole room moving.

One standout track for me was “Firestarters.” It had a sultry tone but still packed a punch. Moody and full of grit—it was a favorite. They also played several fan favorites and even broke out a unique, soulful version of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues.” It was unlike any version I’ve heard before, and it was perfect for Sawyer’s voice. Imagine that!

Posted in The TVD Storefront | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots: Pantera with Amon Amarth and King Parrot at the KIA Forum, 8/27

By Special to TVD | Published: September 2, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: CHRIS LOOMIS | The Kia Forum shook like never before when Pantera stormed the stage on August 27, proving they still reign as the undisputed kings of groove-metal and that their fury has lost none of its bite. This wasn’t just a concert, it was a full-on celebration of the Abbott brothers, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, gone too soon but cemented as the creators of Pantera’s resilience and longevity. The packed arena filled with a raw, aggressive aura made sure the energy never dipped for a second even as openers King Parrot and Amon Amarth destroyed the stage.

Back in 2014 timeframe, King Parrot caught the attention of Phil Anselmo and the band has had several touring opportunities with Anselmo’s various bands as a result. Led by vocalist Matt Young, these Australian grindcore masters were the perfect band to open this show with their onslaught of heaviness. The appetizer has been served, Amon Amarth up next.

The Swedish melodic Death Metal Vikings, Amon Amarth have been a touring machine the last few years as the last time they played the Kia Forum was in December 2022 as a headliner. The band hit the stage opening with “Guardians of Asgaard” then the Viking knights appeared for “Shield Wall.”

Vocalist Johan Hegg greeted the Los Angeles crowd and the band played all the hits including the crowd favorite “Put Your Back Into the Oar” that had most of the standing room only floor sit down and row like they were crossing the Klarälven river in Sweden. The band ended with Hegg slamming his larger than life “Thor hammer” onto the stage and a killer rendition of “Twilight of the Thunder God” ended their time onstage.

Posted in TVD Los Angeles | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots: Slightly Stoopid with Iration
and Little Stranger at the Great Park, 8/15

By Special to TVD | Published: August 20, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: SEAN McCRACKEN | On Friday, August 15, Slightly Stoopid turned Great Park Irvine into a sun-soaked celebration of music, community, and good vibes. Supported by Iration and Little Stranger, the evening felt more like a laid-back festival than a traditional concert. With the scent of ganja in the air and a crowd ready to dance, the night was a perfect blend of reggae, alternative, and hip-hop, showcasing the unique sounds of each band while creating a collective experience that left everyone smiling. From the playful energy of Little Stranger to the smooth grooves of Iration and the genre-defying jams of Slightly Stoopid, this was a night to remember for fans of feel-good music.

The evening began with Little Stranger, an alternative/hip-hop duo originally from Philadelphia, PA, now based in Charleston, SC. Known for their playful lyrics and infectious energy, the duo wasted no time getting the crowd moving. Their set included fan favorites like “Simply Business,” “Coffee and a Joint,” and “Sunburn.” The audience was fully engaged, dancing and singing along to the duo’s creative and upbeat tracks.

A standout moment came during “Coffee and a Joint,” when the air filled with smoke, perfectly complementing the song’s laid-back vibe. The duo’s chemistry and charisma were undeniable, and their ability to connect with the audience set the tone for the rest of the night. They were even joined by Kyle McDonald of Slightly Stoopid for a collaborative performance of “Way of the Ghost,” which was a highlight of their set. Little Stranger’s unique blend of alternative and hip-hop, combined with their playful stage presence, made them the perfect opening act for the evening.

Next up was Iration, the Santa Barbara-based band known for their smooth fusion of reggae and alternative rock. Their laid-back sound was the perfect follow-up to Little Stranger’s high-energy set, and the crowd swayed along to hits like “Automatic,” “Summer Nights,” “Turn Around,” and “Reelin.”

Posted in TVD Los Angeles | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots: BeachLife Festival
Day Three, 5/4

By Special to TVD | Published: May 14, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: DANIEL GRAY | The beginning of May means it’s time to hit the beach—Redondo Beach, that is—for the annual BeachLife Festival, a three-day celebration of music, art, and beach life culture. The 6th annual BeachLife Festival took over Redondo Beach from May 2–4, 2025, delivering a first-class festival experience under the warm California sun. As one of the premier festivals in the country, BeachLife once again exceeded expectations with a spectacular lineup and unforgettable vibes.

Day three of BeachLife Festival started a bit gloomy and overcast weather-wise. But that in no way affected the performances or the crowd’s enjoyment. Kicking things off at noon on the Hightide stage was Lily Meola. The Maui-native brought her own sunshine and being the opening act didn’t stop her from walking through the center ramp and interacting with the crowd.

Next, it was the Lowtide stage for Big Head Todd and the Monsters. This veteran band out of Colorado was a great contrast to Meola. Namesake Todd Park Mohr provided ripping guitar work, and Jeremy Lawton on lap steel guitar made sure the audience was awake and moving.

Marcus King continued the guitar work at 2:20. Hailing from South Carolina, King’s soulful voice and soaring guitar playing, combined with Drew Smithers’ incredible slide guitar, brought more and more people to the Hidetidestage. More than one audience member walked away in awe of what they heard and saw, and more than a few were still talking about the performance at the end of the evening.

Posted in TVD Los Angeles | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots: BeachLife Festival
Day Two, 5/3

By Special to TVD | Published: May 13, 2025

WORDS AND IMAGES: CHRIS LOOMIS | The beginning of May means it’s time to hit the beach—Redondo Beach, that is—for the annual BeachLife Festival, a three-day celebration of music, art, and beach life culture. The 6th annual BeachLife Festival took over Redondo Beach from May 2-4, 2025, delivering a first-class festival experience under the warm California sun. As one of the premier festivals in the country, BeachLife once again exceeded expectations with a spectacular lineup and unforgettable vibes.

The 2025 edition of BeachLife featured headlining sets from Lenny Kravitz, Sublime, and Alanis Morissette, as well as performances from Aloe Blacc, Train, The Pretenders, Jackson Browne, The Beach Boys, and many more. The festival curates an eclectic lineup spanning rock, indie pop, country, new wave, punk, reggae, and everything in between, making it one of Southern California’s premier music events.

The festival grounds were set up with four stages strategically placed to maximize the experience. The Hightide and Lowtide stages hosted the larger, well-known acts, while the Speakeasy stage offered intimate acoustic performances from punk legends and indie artists. The Riptide stage mixed established artists with up-and-coming acts. What sets BeachLife apart is that the Hightide and Lowtide stages never overlap performances, and each artist gets a full 60 minutes on stage, eliminating the tough decisions of choosing between acts.

Gates opened at 11:30 AM on Saturday, and Tomorrow’s Bad Seeds kicked off the day at noon to a light crowd. By 2:00 PM, when Sugar Ray hit the Hightide stage, the area was already jam-packed. Frontman Mark McGrath knows how to work a crowd, and the band, decked out in all-white suits, opened with a cover of Ginuwine’s “Pony.” Their set was full of hits, including “Fly,” “Someday,” and “Every Morning.” Hailing from nearby Newport Beach, Sugar Ray is the only band to have played every BeachLife Festival since its inception.

Posted in TVD Los Angeles | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots: BeachLife Festival
Day One, 5/2

By Special to TVD | Published: May 12, 2025

Gates opened at 1:30 PM on Friday, and husband-and-wife folk duo Shovels & Rope kicked off the music at 2:20 PM with a low-key set of folk-infused rock and roll with a country flair. Over on the Speakeasy stage, Phantom Planet delivered the first up-close, intimate performance of the weekend. Meanwhile, old-school hip-hop trio Digable Planets brought the funk to the Lowtide stage, with Butter Fly, Doodlebug, and Ladybug Mecca trading rhymes. Their set closed with the Grammy-winning single “Rebirth of Slick (Cool Like Dat).”

Posted in TVD Los Angeles | Leave a comment

Exclusive Book Excerpt: The Music Never Died: Tales from the Flipside by Mark Swartz

By Special to TVD | Published: September 18, 2024

In his new short story collection The Music Never Died (Verse Chorus Press), author Mark Swartz envisions alternate fates for artists who died young. While most of these “Tales from the Flipside” concern a single artist—Biggie, Jimi Hendrix, Amy Winehouse, Gram Parsons—this one presents a parallel universe where jazz and hip-hop artists are locked in a Cold War. Trumpeter Lee Morgan and DJ Jam Master Jay of Run-DMC represent A New Hope.

The Flipside is a cramped used record store beneath Times Square. Everything you’d ever want to hear is here, and then some. Albums are arranged alphabetically and divided by genre. Over the years, the territory occupied by any given genre expands or contracts. Rock splits into classic and punk. Hip-hop arises and quickly occupies a sizable expanse. Easy listening fades. Country shrinks and grows and shrinks again.

These fluctuations are the product of tastes and trends, as well as ineffable qualities like genius, romance, and myth. The dead, especially the young dead, loom large here.

Whom the gods love dies young, wrote Menander in ancient times, and hoo doggie, did the gods love them some jazz or what? And they sure must have had some special affection for hip-hop, too. Across the bay from Jazz Island stood the city-state of Hiphopabad, with the impregnable Thugz Mansion at its center.

Both nations exist in the Flipside, which maps exactly onto the record store that bears its name. The continental drift of genres across crates mirrors territorial skirmishes and international intrigue in their world. This is the unauthorized account of how Jam Master Jay claimed the Flipside crown and the part played by Lee Morgan in his ascension.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | Leave a comment

TVD Live Shots:
The Summer of ’99
and Beyond Festival
at Glen Helen Amphitheater, 8/31

By Special to TVD | Published: September 9, 2024

WORDS AND IMAGES: CHRIS LOOMIS | The summer of 2024 ended in epic fashion on Labor Day weekend as the reunited Grammy Award winning rockers Creed headlined The Summer of ’99 and Beyond Festival with eight other bands at the historic Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino, CA on Saturday August 31. Touring for the first time in over a decade, Creed is selling out dates across the country with 3 Doors Down and Finger Eleven but on this day in California, Creed corralled several additional bands that have been special guests on the tour in various cities and the show was a day long celebration and no doubt the largest of the 40-date tour.

It was a hot one with temperatures right at 100 degrees, but the performances were hotter as Verve Pipe, Vertical Horizon, Dorothy, Fuel, Hinder, and Daughtry were the added guests to this show which made it a must see to end the summer. With doors at 1PM, the music started at 2PM and for the next nine hours, Glen Helen was rocking like the summer of 1999.

Melodic Rock veterans Verve Pipe kicked off the day of music in solid fashion as the band took the stage with all members in all white outfits as vocalist Brian Vander Ark and his brother on bass Brad Vander Ark led the band through a short set that included hits “Photograph” and “The Freshmen” as the Verve Pipe diehards braved the mid-afternoon heat—a successful start to the day. Vertical Horizon served up a bit of alternative rock with a country song mixed in next with original vocalist Matt Scannell sounding fantastic.

The incredibly beautiful Dorothy and her soaring voice delivered a bit more of an upbeat set followed by Fuel who took the oomph up a notch as frontman Aaron Scott prowled around the stage as founding guitarist Carl Bell shredded through the hits that included “Shimmer” and “Hemorrhage (In My Hands).” Now, as killer as all the bands have been up to this point the highlight of the early afternoon was Finger Eleven as these guys played the most powerful and energetic set so far as they blasted through 35-minutes of beautiful chaos. With Scott Anderson’s powerful vocals and the insane guitar antics of James Black and Rick Jackett—especially Jackett who constantly looks like he is in a battle with his guitar—Finger Eleven infused a new energy into the day.