Category Archives: TVD Los Angeles

TVD’s The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

After nine days I let the horse run free / ‘Cause the desert had turned to sea / There were plants and birds and rocks and things / There was sand and hills and rings

The ocean is a desert with its life underground / And a perfect disguise above / Under the cities lies a heart made of ground / But the humans will give no love

You see I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name / It felt good to be out of the rain / In the desert you can’t remember your name / ‘Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain / La la la la la la…

La la la la la la La la la la la la. I’m driving through the canyon. Maybe I’ll head south or to Texas for SXSW? Likely Santa Calrita chasing baseball dreams.

Spring is trying to break. Clocks have pushed and birds are chirping. Although these days are indeed strange, we’re gonna drive like hell, reciting positivity and making new friends.

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TVD’s The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

I don’t understand, I am afraid of me / No one gave me boundaries / They always said that I was free / I just need someone to get a hold of me / Tell me where I’m going wrong / Tell me I’m the special one

So I should come into your life? / Come into your life / Come into your life / Stay a little while / Stay a little while with me / Learn a useful lesson / Before I fly

All my love letters sound like T. Rex songs / “To my dear old self, I’ll ride a white, white swan” / All my love letter’s sound like T. Rex songs / “To my dear old self, I’ll ride a white, white swan”

We’re fighting a wicked cold bug in the canyon. Slept through last week’s deadline. It’s been wet. Very wet. Strange times. Despite having to bid farewell to some, we’re making new friends. Birds and bees are buzzing around and frogs have moved into our backyard.

Did you know “frog-speak” refers to the vocal communication used by frogs for various purposes like mating calls, territorial disputes, and distress signals.

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The Best of The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Life is a wheel that drives me mad / Trying to find my way / Life is a wheel don’t know where I’m bound / Sometimes I’ve had to say

Where can I hide / Where can I hide / Where can I hide / When so many times I’ve failed

Growing up Jewish, an offspring of the “old country,” and a touch privileged in New York City, I have eaten at the The Russian Tea Room many times. It was often said often said that the Tea Room’s Chicken Kiev was better than the best in Kiev. The Tea Room was simply one my favorite fancy restaurants growing up. After my high school graduation, the Sidels dined there for lunch. I have never been to Russia or Kiev. From the look of things, I likely never will?

On occasion I do pop by Grandma’s Russian Deli in Studio City for the most authentic and excellent borscht and chicken. Borscht is a winter routine I developed at Teresa’s in New York’s lower east side. The day I stumbled into Grandma’s, the woman who runs the spot was very flirty and intrigued. She took no time in talking to me in her tongue, curious about my heritage and delighted by my request for black bread and a greasy patio pastry to go with my soup.

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TVD Live Shots: Cali Vibes Boomyard Stage
at Marina Green Park, 2/16–2/18

LONG BEACH, CA | Nestled within the vibrant and sprawling festival grounds of the Cali Vibes festival in Long Beach, the Boomyard stage emerged as a pulsating heart for reggae purists during an incredible 3-day event. While diverse sonic experiences ebbed and flowed across the festival’s expansive stages (The Vibes and The Greens, to be specific), Boomyard upheld the glorious traditions of roots reggae, offering an authentic, undiluted vibe that was both nostalgic and freshly invigorating. For many in attendance, the Boomyard stage’s uniqueness was the highlight of the festival, and the performances solidified it as one of the most incredible parts of Cali Vibes in 2024.

The Boomyard stage played host to a bevy of artists who championed the spirit of reggae, infusing Long Beach with the soul of Kingston. Protoje, with his lyrical prowess, enraptured the audience, invoking a sense of unity and consciousness reflective of reggae’s golden era. Stonebwoy brought an electrifying energy that had the crowd swaying to the rhythm of his beats, while Krossfayah’s set was a masterclass in blending classic reggae soundscapes with contemporary flair.

Close behind these towering performances were the bright sparks of talent that ignited the stage’s truly unique atmosphere. Acts like Eli-Mac, Karbon, and BLVK H3RO infused the venue with their raw, vibrant energy, signaling a promising future for the genre. The young Kailash earned his stripes among the reggae titans with a memorable performance, while Mystic Marley continued her family’s legacy, weaving her unique voice into the tapestry of sounds that her forebears helped popularize globally.

The atmosphere around Boomyard spoke volumes about its distinctiveness within the Cali Vibes Festival. It was where traditional Jamaican reggae fans found their sanctuary; a congregation of people mirroring the consistent rhythm of the music with their unwavering engagement. Euphoric roars harmonized with the beat drop as the audience cherished every note played. This one stage captivated the essence of reggae culture, fostering an infectious energy that was excited, rooted, and incredibly engaged.

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TVD Live Shots: Cali Vibes at Marina Green Park, 2/16–2/18

LONG BEACH, CA | Overlooking the rolling waves of the Pacific, the Cali Vibes festival in Long Beach unfurled its sonic tapestry on President’s Day weekend in what could only be described as a colossal celebration of rhythm and community. With a lineup that read like the who’s who of reggae, hip-hop, and rap, the festival drew crowds of 50k+ per day, creating a pulsating mosaic of sound against the LBC’s serene beachfront. Headliners for the 3-day event included Stick Figure, Slightly Stoopid, and Ice Cube along with a special performance on Saturday night from Gwen Stefani.

The Cali Vibes festival, a veritable celebration of reggae music and culture held in the heart of Long Beach last weekend, was an experience that transcended the ordinary. This event not only showcased an exceptional lineup of artists but also created an atmosphere of unity and positivity that resonated deeply with every attendee. The festival perfectly encapsulated the spirit of California—vibrant, diverse, and undeniably cool. From the pulsating rhythms echoing through the air to the throngs of people swaying in harmony, the Cali Vibes festival was an unforgettable immersion into the soulful world of music and one that attendees would never forget.

Cali Vibes typically brings in a “who’s who” of musical diversity and talent, featuring an array of both renowned and emerging artists. The festival boasted performances from reggae, rock, hip-hop, and afrobeat genres, offering the audience a rich and eclectic musical experience. The crowd was treated to sets from big names like Gwen Stefani, Slightly Stoopid, and Sean Paul. In addition, the soulful melodies of Stick Figure and Iration, as well as the infectious beats of Shaggy and Sublime with Rome, contributed to the vibrant atmosphere. Notably, Ice Cube, The Pharcyde, and The Roots also graced the stage, while Protoje and Kabaka Pyramid’s danceable hits left the Boomyard audience in awe. Here are a few of my favorite performances:

Damien and Stephen Marley: Damien and Stephen returned to The Vibes stage with their reggae roots, infusing the beach air with positive vibrations and profound messages encased in their legendary lyrics. Their embodiment of the spirit of reggae was a poignant reminder of the Marley legacy, lifting up festivalgoers with tracks both old and new. Their amazing set was hands down my favorite performance of the weekend.

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TVD Live Shots: Porno for Pyros with Tigercub and Glossy at the Belasco Theatre, 2/18

WORDS AND IMAGES: DANIEL GRAY | It was a rainy Sunday night in downtown Los Angeles, but that didn’t stop Porno For Pyros from setting The Belasco on fire. (Figuratively, of course.) The packed house was there to see the group in what was billed as their farewell tour: Horns, Thorns, En Halos. Even though it was touted as such, it was a joyous occasion. Before the show, smiles could be seen on everyone’s faces all throughout the venue in anticipation as to what was to come.

Porno For Pyros brought along two opening bands (both three-piece) that were appreciated by the audience and seemed to fit The Belasco well. The first was Los Angeles-based, Glossy. They describe themselves on Instagram as, “3 smelly mfs scarin Karens on the west coast.” Next up was Tigercub from Brighton, UK. Jamie Stephen Hall, vocals and lead guitar, James Allix, drums, and Jimi Wheelwright, bass, were a bit more melodic than the opener and had the crowd ready to go for the headliners.

But let’s face it, the crowd was on hand to see Perry Farrell on vocals, Peter DiStefano on guitar, Mike Watt on bass, and Stephen Perkins on drums. They burned through (another fire pun) a sixteen-song set with most coming from their two studio albums. Rounding out the band on stage were touring keyboardist Robin Hatch and backup singer Etty Lau Farrell (Farrell’s wife). Farrell entered the stage with a bottle of red wine in his hand and while he took periodic swigs, this wasn’t a wine sippin’ type of show.

The alt-rock veterans brought the energy, the groove, and the power. Farrell was in fine form and voice. DiStefano showed his range whether it was using a bow on the opener, “Orgasm,” or wailing on “Meija” right after. Perkins laid down beats that propelled the band the entire night. Even sitting down, Watt thundered on bass in a way that matched the stormy evening outside.

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TVD’s The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

You said somethin’ / You said somethin’ / You said somethin’ / That was really important

The truth is I have nothing to complain about. I’d like to, but today . . . nada.

Last night when I cut this Idelic Hour episode I noticed it was 2/22. Made me think of shooting craps with my dad. The old man loved the sharp pocket knives and the “hard four.”

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TVD Live Shots: Tool with Elder at Crypto.com Arena, 2/15

WORDS & IMAGES: CHRIS LOOMIS | Progressive metal juggernauts, Tool made a triumphant return to their home base in Los Angeles for back-to-back nights at Crypto.com Arena (formerly Staples Center). The band delivered a 2-hour masterpiece each night with the Tool Army packing the world-famous venue from the floor to the rafters.

For those who don’t know, a live Tool show is a sonic experience not soon to be forgotten including cutting edge music coupled with an incredible visual journey taking fans through each song in its entirety (via large video screens and killer laser arrays). Band members have little to no stage lights directly on them, allowing the fans to fully absorb the visuals and sound without focusing on the band members themselves, resulting in the ultimate band encounter that is truly second to none.

Tool is out on the road once again supporting their critically acclaimed fifth full length studio album Fear Inoculum, released back in August 2019, with this run most likely being the last in this touring cycle. Opening the show were Massachusetts based progressive/psychedelic rockers Elder. They dropped a killer 30-minute set that gave Los Angeles a sonic-boom of musical soundscapes. These guys are super tight and should definitely be checked out—a perfect fit to open a Tool show.

After a brief intermission, it was on to the main attraction, Tool. Continuing to open the show with the title track “Fear Inoculum,” the band took the stage and the song’s slow haunting beginning eased the crowd into the show as the song builds into an intense, pounding rocker as Maynard James Keenan was his ever-elusive self, prowling the riser behind the stage, belting out his vocals—sporting a blonde mohawk and blacked out eyes—sounding magnificent. At the end of the first song Keenan reminded the fans about putting their phones away for 2-hours and stay in the moment and to be connected with the live experience. Most fans complied with the request, and it was certainly a nice change to see a live show without a sea of cell phones in the air all night.

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TVD’s The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Does it hurt to fall in love so easy / Does it hurt to fall in love so fast / Does it hurt you to find out / Thirty-second hand

Is it such a big task / Such a big task / Are you too proud to ask / Remember last one was your last

It’s too early to run to momma / It’s too late to run like hell / I guess I would tell ya / ‘Cause I don’t want to ask / That this one be your last

And this one child is killing you / This one’s your last chance / To make this last one really the last / Oh are you too proud to ask / Is it such a big task / Remember last one was your last

Hope you all had a nice Valentine’s. Mine is always about love songs of all types.

When I owned restaurants in the ’90s I would create a mixtape with the goal that Al Green’s “Let’s Stay Together” would play shortly after a romantic dinner. After decades of Valentine’s listening, I still believe that Green’s magic is the greatest love song of all time. 

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TVD’s The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

There’s a world out there I’m running from / Full of plastic cards and chewing gum / The best of you, the worst of me / Leaves everything the same

I can’t take the light face to face / I spent my whole life moving in place / To live and die by a blinking star / Due north, only where you are

On a Spanish dune / We’ll turn to the moon / I’m here for now and I’m calling out

After this week’s “biblical” downpour in LA, I’m happy to report your humble Idelic host has not washed away. I just checked the garage and it seems my vinyl is also intact.

It’s a bit chilly for LA but to recap, it’s a clear beautiful morning in the canyon. We have electricity, internet, and therefore music. Some excellent coffee so…

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TVD Live Shots: John 5 with Jared James Nichols and The Atomic Punks at the Observatory OC, 1/26

John 5’s recent show at the Observatory OC in Santa Ana was nothing short of a masterclass in guitar wizardry and captivating showmanship. From the very first notes of “Season of the Witch,” it was clear that the NAMM packed audience was in for a night of electrifying music on what turned out to be a beautiful night here in central Orange County. From top to bottom, John 5 put on an amazing show, leaving no doubt why he is considered one of the most talented guitarists on the planet today. His performances are not to be missed, and this one was one of the best I have seen (bar none) in years.

Opening for John 5 on Friday night was none other than The Atomic Punks, a Southern California based tribute to early Van Halen. Considered to be one of the most authentic tributes to David Lee Roth era VH of all-time, these cats put on a headline type show that brought out the inner rocker in everyone attending. Classics like “Panama,” “So This is Love,” and “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘bout Love” were all sonic perfection coupled with spot-on stage antics that had the crowd wondering if this was actually Van Halen in its prime. My favorite moment of the night was watching Punks guitarist Frankie Lindia crush EVH’s legendary guitar solo “Eruption” in a way that few have ever been able to capture. His recreation of this classic was truly magical and literally brought tears to my eyes.

Next up was another up and coming guitar heavyweight, Jared James Nichols. Good lord, this guy can play. Known for his “pick-less” guitar playing technique, Jared crushed a 12-song opening set that left little to the imagination for the ever growing crowd here at the Observatory. I’ve seen JJN’s live performances before and can honestly say he took this one to a whole new level. Blues infused hits like “Easy Come, Easy Go” and “Skin ‘n Bone” were cooked to perfection and had the crowd screaming for more all night long. But it was Nichols impeccable cover of Alice in Chains’ “Man in the Box” that stood out for me. He took an already classic song and placed his own indelible stamp on it in a way I might have felt impossible. Respect.

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TVD’s The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

We hear them sayin’

How you get a rude and a reckless? / Don’t you be so crude and feckless / You been drinking brew for breakfast / Rudie can’t fail (no, no)

We reply

I know that my life make you nervous / But I tell you I can’t live in service / Like the doctor who was born for a purpose / Rudie can’t fail (ok)

I went to the market to realize my soul / What I need I just don’t have (oh no) / First they curse, then they press me ’til I hurt / They say, Rudie can’t fail

First you must cure your temper / Then find a job in a paper / You need someone for a savior / Rudie can’t fail

I’d say thank god it’s Friday, but I missed my TVD deadline. It’s a slightly chilly but clear Saturday morning in the canyon. It’s “Grammy Week,” filled with a number of events and parties. A week of industry schmoozing that really kicks the people who work in the music bizz into gear.

Of course technology (aka streaming) has changed many things, but happily some things remain the same. As I’ve said many times over many years, my journey is about great songs and the cool people I’ve met. If this week has any indication, 2024 will be filled with both of them.

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TVD Live Shots:
Metal Allegiance with Dieth, Held Hostage,
and Quor at the House
of Blues, 1/25

Metal Allegiance, the star-studded supergroup featuring metal heavyweights such as David Ellefson, Alex Skolnick, Mike Portnoy, and Mark Menghi, delivered a seismic performance at the Anaheim House of Blues on January 25. The band, known for its exceptional fusion of thrash, groove, and traditional heavy metal, crushed a 19-song set that torched a packed house deep in the heart of Orange County. This was by far the best show during the 2024 NAMM week and far exceeded expectations from both new and established fans alike.

The Metal Allegiance project (celebrating its landmark 10th Anniversary) stands as a testament to the enduring impact and influence of an amazing group of legendary musicians. With members hailing from iconic bands such as Megadeth, Testament, Dream Theater, Exodus and more, Metal Allegiance represents a convergence of immense talent, experience, and passion for metal music. This amalgamation of virtuosic musicianship and diverse influences infuses their live shows with an unparalleled dynamism and raw energy.

Thursday’s show kicked off with an electrifying performance by the San Diego-based band Quor. Despite being unfamiliar with their music, I was blown away by their captivating opening set, setting the stage for what was to come. Held Hostage then took the spotlight, delivering a scorching set that ignited the House of Blues. Prior to Metal Allegiance taking the stage for their 10th anniversary show, the supergroup Dieth, featuring vocalist Guilherme Miranda, drummer Michał Łysejko, bassist David Ellefson, and guest guitarist Jadran Gonzalez, delivered an awe-inspiring performance, seamlessly leading into the main event.

As the concert unfolded at the Anaheim House of Blues, Metal Allegiance wasted no time in igniting the stage with their explosive presence. The crowd was immediately engulfed in a sonic maelstrom as the band launched into their setlist with unrelenting force with “The Accuser.” Alex Skolnick and Andreas Kisser’s scorching guitar solos, coupled with Mark Menghi’s thunderous bass lines and Mike Portnoy’s drumming mastery, formed a formidable sonic foundation that reverberated throughout the venue.

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TVD’s The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

I wake up early in the morning / And I’m up until the dawn / And it’s only getting harder / For me to carry on / So I’ll Go to California / And I hope I get there soon / I’ll just sit next to the ocean / Underneath the yellow moon

Indeed there is nothing like a full moon over the city of Los Angeles. Last night’s hung low and wise. This morning was chilly but here comes the sun, and a couple of warm low hanging suns.

Cool bands are in today. The Smile, Ty Segall, Ekkstacy, Future Islands, Bill Ryder-Jones, and BRMC dropping cool vinyl. Justice and Tame Impala bring an electro clash, psyche-pop platter to the party. I can’t believe January is all but dust. Jonesing for longer days so…

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TVD’s The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Your daddy, he’s an outlaw and a wanderer by trade / He’ll teach you how to pick and choose, and how to throw the blade / He oversees his kingdom, so no stranger does intrude / His voice, it trembles as he calls out for another plate of food

One more cup of coffee for the road / One more cup of coffee ‘fore I go / To the valley below

Out of my head this morning. Up to wee hours battling tech issues on my computer. I’ve always dreamed of getting back to cutting the Idelic hour at a radio station. I loved that feeling of broadcasting, completely alone at a radio station in the middle of the night. Dropping records for imaginary truckers on speed or lovers driving fearlessly into the desert night.

What that has to do with my broken laptop? Dunno? But to have resiliency in 2024 means something. Especially when it come to music and the business of it.

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  • SUPPORTING YOUR LOCAL INDIE SHOPS SINCE 2007


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