You’re just too good to be true / Can’t take my eyes off of you / You’d be like Heaven to touch / I wanna hold you so much / At long last, love has arrived / And I thank God I’m alive / You’re just too good to be true / Can’t take my eyes off of you
Grateful the heatwave in LA broke. As the seasons roll by I’ve learned to appreciate shit. My rock ‘n’ roll journey, the people I’ve met, my groovy pad in the canyon, and most of all my cool chick.
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.
I almost called it a day so many times / Didn’t know what it felt like to be alive / Until you been a friend to me / Like nobody else could be
Keep my hands on the wheel now, mama / I’m gonna honestly try / She looked past the scars and the burned-out eyes / And could see I’m no easy ride / She’s just the kind who might get you to buy / Some strange religion
I’m keeping it quick. My wife called and said the power might go out. It’s hot, I mean it’s real fucking hot like we’ve never felt up here in Laurel Canyon.
A question for a sweltering Indian summer day—are you rooting for the cowboys or the indians?
Got struck by the first volley / Of the war in the corps / Never held my service / Send ’em a wire, give ’em my best / This ammunition never rests / No one serves coffee, no one wakes up
Stop breathin’, stop breathin’ / Breathin’ for me now / Write it on a postcard / Dad, they broke me / Dad, they broke me / Stop breathin’, stop breathin’ / Breathin’ for me now
As I said last week, “It’s warm, let’s be lazy. Captain, please drive the boat.” In this lil column I’ve mentioned many times that I’ve never been comfortable with long holiday weekends. Here in LA they tend to start upon waking up on Friday mornings.
As I see it there are only two options: sit in traffic or kick back and try to relax. Both will need to be done to music. Here are some of the songs I’ve turned onto this summer.
Time for livin’, time for givin’ / No time for makin’ up a monster to share / Time for livin’, time for givin’ / No time for breakin’ our own fairytale
Ain’t, ain’t, ain’t nobody’s got to spell it for me / Ooh, ain’t nobody got to yell, I can see / Ain’t nobody got to think, I can hear / But if I have to, I will yell in your ear / Aah, ooh
Time for livin’, time for givin’ / No time for runnin’ over anyone / Let’s share time for livin’, time for givin’ / No time for passin’, done the fun
Just as summer seems to have started, it’s time for LA kids to head back to school. Personally I feel like jumping on a fishing boat and heading out to sea.
It’s likely not gonna happen for a couple weeks. Honestly, there is nothing like setting to sea with studding captain at the helm.
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.”
Once upon a time, not too long ago, we took a day out in Manchester / We all fall down, there’s not enough hours in the day / Played a bit of football, fell into the union / Barged our way into the toilet with the kung fu king
There’s not enough hours in the day / I remember seeing someone dressed in a suit, looking like a lunatic / And we all fall down, there’s not enough hours in a trip
Growing up Jewish on the east side of Manhattan, our family went to the theatre. I’ve always had a soft spot for 1960s Broadway musicals. I’ve always wanted to do a modern take on A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.
The musical tells the bawdy story of a slave named Pseudolus and his attempts to win his freedom by helping his young master woo the girl next door. The plot displays many classic elements of “farce,” including puns, the slamming of doors, cases of mistaken identity (frequently involving characters disguising themselves as one another), and satirical comments on social class. The title derives from a line often used by vaudeville comedians to begin a story:
“A funny thing happened on the way to the theater.”
Eyes lit on sharp threats from dark lips / The lights press the soft skin to rough hands / Eyes lit on sharp threats from dark lips / The lights press the soft skin to rough hands
I’ve gotten into the habit of posting lyrics on this, my Idelic Hour column. Honestly having a deadline to write a few words every week can be daunting on a Friday morning. Often I’m just using all the gas in my tank to close the work week in good order.
Last week my daughter Zoe was my “Idelic” muse. This week it’s my son Jonah. Tomorrow he turns 16. I’m certain 16 is a magical and tumultuous age. This curly haired athlete looks like a spartan warrior. We love him so.
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.
Now that you’ve found your paradise / This is your kingdom to command / You can go outside and polish your car / Or sit by the fire in your Shangri-la / Here is your reward for working so hard / Gone are the lavatories in the back yard / Gone are the days when you dreamed of that car / You just want to sit in your Shangri-la
Put on your slippers and sit by the fire / You’ve reached your top and you just can’t get any higher / You’re in your place and you know where you are / In your Shangri-la / Sit back in your old rocking chair / You need not worry, you need not care / You can’t go anywhere / Shangri-la, Shangri-la, Shangri-la
Nothing is ever truly perfect than a sunny, clear Friday morning in July. Well, let’s call it pretty fucking good. The weather in LA these past few weeks has actually been pretty ideal. Today we’re as lucky as we’ll let ourselves feel. Jonah went surfing with friends. Kid is turning 16 next weekend. I tired to take his photo but he said no and shushed me into the house for fear his buddies would see old rocker dad.
Meanwhile I’m absolutely over the moon to share my daughter’s new music project L’ESPIRAL. Over the past couple of years I’ve watched and listened to my lil “wild flower” turn her poems into songs and become quite the singer. Today’s debut release is a cover celebrating the one year anniversary of Sinéad O’Connor’s passing. Maybe it’s the Sidel way of ushering in a new “season of the witch.” Our country, our planet, needs you (females) to take charge!
I went to the market to realize my soul / ‘Cause what I need I just don’t have / First they curse, then they press me ’til I hurt / Rudie can’t fail / Okay! Okay!
So where you want to go today? / Hey, boss man! / You’re looking pretty smart / (Chicken skin suit) with your chicken skin suit / You think you’re pretty hot / (Pork pie hat) In the pork pie hat
Rudie can’t fail / Rudie can’t fail
I never seem to tire of cool rock bands like The Clash. Maybe that’s why, instead of relaxing on a Thursday evening, I’m up listening to old records, soothing myself with cool tunes, and creating this radio hour. I’m almost there. Where there is… might be at a relaxing poolside in a cozy lawn chair.
The Rolling Stones delivered a masterclass in rock ‘n’ roll at SoFi Stadium on night one of a two-night visit to Southern California supporting their 2024 Hackney Diamonds release. From the moment Mick Jagger strutted onto the stage, clad in an eye-catching sequined jacket, to the first strains of “Satisfaction,” the band captivated a multi-generational audience with their timeless energy and magnetic stage presence. This show wasn’t just a concert; it was a testament to the enduring power of rock music and a vivid reminder that the Stones (at 60+ years as a band) in are still very much the Kings of Rock and Roll.
Opening Wednesday’s show at Sofi was Grammy nominated artist The War and Treaty. This husband and wife duo that has been blazing trails and making music since 2014, and they were a perfect fit to kick things off in SoFi. My favorites from the set were “Called You By Name,” “All I Wanna Do,” and of course my favorite “Blank Page.” While many classify the band as country, I walked away feeling they were a hybrid of that along with rock and blues. Their sound was amazing and left me wanting more when their eight song set ended. It was a perfect primer for what was next to come, The Rolling Stones.
The Stones 20-song setlist on Wednesday was a carefully curated journey through the band’s extensive catalog, kicking off with the unmistakable riff of “Start Me Up.” The crowd erupted, and from that point on, the energy in the stadium never waned. As Jagger emerged center stage (flanked by Keith Richards and Ronnie Wood), you could tell the Stones would be on point with an incredible energy and sonic presence that is truly second to none. At 80 years young, Mick Jagger has more stamina and energy than most bands in their early 30s and it isn’t even close. That’s not a brag, but fact.
Key moments from the evening included rousing renditions of “Tumbling Dice,” and “Paint It Black” (one of my all-time favorites). Another highlight was “Gimme Shelter,” which featured a killer duet with background vocalist Chanel Hayes. These two walking out hand in hand were simply amazing. And who can argue with one of the most recognizable Stones tracks of all time, “You Can’t Always Get What You Want”? This one seemed to feature the entire group and highlighted to everyone in attendance what incredible stage presence this band actually has as a whole.
Could I write a requiem for you when you’re dead? / “She had the moves, she had the speed, it went to her head” / She never needed anyone to get her round the track / But when she’s on her back / She had the knowledge / To get her into college / But when she’s on her back / She had the knowledge / To get her what she wanted
The stars of track and field, you are / The stars of track and field, you are / The stars of track and field are beautiful people.
Best to my British friends on tomorrow’s soccer match. I had recorded the game the other day and watched in bed after a long day of music business hustle. As my wife and kitty softly crashed, I laid back and watched the English football team hang on to a 1-1 tie.
Even though this game had been played hours prior, I tapped into the feeling of British origins of hope and suspense. In a small way I was walking a tightrope between glory and gloom.
Eighty minutes into the match, coach Gareth Southgate took a leap of faith and subbed a young player for team captain and “futbol” legend Harry Kane. As the game approached its climax, I found myself reflecting on the unpredictability of sports, much like the thrill of non Gamstop casinos UK, where the unexpected can happen at any moment. At ninety minutes, Ollie Watkins became a legend! It’s only soccer, but it’s nice to know a prevailing wind can change.
The recent sold-out concert featuring Foreigner, Styx, and John Waite at the Honda Center in Anaheim was a night to remember, a true celebration of classic rock that brought together fans from all walks of life. The evening was filled with legendary hits, epic performances, and unforgettable moments as each band took to the stage to deliver a show that highlighted their enduring appeal and musicianship. This event not only showcased the bands’ iconic songs but also their ability to connect with the audience through music that has withstood the test of time. Pound for pound, one of the best rock shows I have seen in 24’ and it’s really not close.
John Waite kicked off the night, setting a high bar with his impeccable vocals and charisma. The 8-song set comprised classics from his solo work, The Babys, Bad English, and even a few covers. His renditions of hits like “Missing You” were poignant and powerful, reminding everyone why he’s considered one of rock’s great voices.
And Waite’s not just an amazing vocalist, but a consummate storyteller too which bleeds out on stage during every performance. And if you haven’t seen his 2022 documentary, John Waite – The Hard Way, you absolutely should. It’s one of the best I have seen in years and highlights in spades why John Waite is so loved by so many all around the world. Waite has always been one of my favorites, and his incredible performance didn’t disappoint on Friday night.
Styx took the stage next, igniting the venue with their dynamic presence and intricate musical arrangements. Their 11-song set was a perfect blend of rock anthems and ballads, with highlights including “Come Sail Away” and “Rockin’ The Paradise, and “The Best of Times.” The band’s energy was infectious, compelling everyone to stand, sing, and celebrate the timeless nature of their music.
Fell into a sea of grass / And disappeared among / The shady blades / Children all ran over me / Screaming tag / Hey you are the one
He trips her as her sandals fail / She says “Stop I’m a girl / Whose fingernails are made of mother’s pearl” / Yellow buttercup helicopters / Orange buttercat chasing after / The crazy bee mad about somebody
Me and my girlfriend / Don’t wear no shoes / Her nose is painted pepper sunlight / She loves me / I mean it’s serious / As serious can be
I kept my nose to the grindstone and worked hard this week. After last night’s Presidential debate it’s very clear that our future is uncertain. Today I am going to thank my lucky stars and surround myself with amazing songs, cool old friends, and family.
I’m just gonna let “summertime roll” and paint my nose with pepper sunlight.
