Category Archives: TVD Los Angeles

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

I’m on the outside looking inside / What do I see? / Much confusion, disillusion / All around me

I talk to the wind / My words are all carried away / I talk to the wind / The wind does not hear / The wind cannot hear

Spent last weekend bombing back and forth to Vegas. First time I’ve seen my dad for a few years. Ol’ Kenny got to see young Jonah crush a baseball. The two seemed to enjoy their brief encounter. It made the long drive worth it. Hours of Idelic songs, traffic lights and pavement. By the time we reached LA, wind gusts were blowing close to 40 mph.

Are we just “dust in the wind?” At times, maybe so. In the meantime I choose to allow myself the joy of baseball and rock ‘n’ roll. I had such a “breezy” time cutting this show’s “fall ball” records.

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Wednesday’s highly anticipated Volbeat / Municipal Waste show at the Hollywood Palladium was one hell of a rock and roll party. Fans drove in from all parts Southern California (and beyond) to enjoy their favorite bands at one of the southland’s most legendary venues. Both Volbeat and Municipal Waste electrified a near-capacity crowd with killer sets that satisfied even the pickiest of fans in attendance. Ladies and Gentlemen, live music is back in the City of Angels!

I’m not sure who paired Municipal Waste with Volbeat on their 2021 Fall Tour as these two bands (and fan bases) could not be more different. My initial thoughts were that this tour would be fraught with peril based on what I knew about the bands, coupled with dramatic social media reactions I had been monitoring for weeks leading up to the show. However, I was pleasantly surprised after the dust had settled on Wednesday evening that this strange combination of bedfellows actually worked. Here are some of my impressions.

First up at the Palladium were thrash metal legends, Municipal Waste. I’m honestly not a huge fan of the genre, but their show gave me something to consider as they literally crushed an abbreviated set in front of a tightly packed GA floor. Circle pits started early and continued often through rippers like “Mind Eraser,” “Headbanger Face Rip,” and “The Art of Partying.” These songs flipped a switch in their fans, and sheer madness ensued. Much respect to Municipal Waste on their amazing performance Wednesday night—I’m your newest fan.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Take my hand and take my heart / I shiver when you’re near / Deliver me from everything that drives me, oh my dear

Accelerate your pain / White knuckles on the wheel again / Shut your mouth, let’s move on out of here / Just try and keep it light / Or someone may get hurt tonight / Don’t talk that way, don’t talk that way, don’t talk that way

Hold it there a second / Let me dump this stupid pride / I’m ready for you sweetheart / Now my mind is open wide

Cutting it short to hit the road. I’ve got the Sidels packed in the car, and it’s off to Vegas to play baseball and see family.

I hope to bank some fond memories and give my grumpy old man a big hug and as much love as I can muster.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Load up on guns, bring your friends / It’s fun to lose and to pretend / She’s over-bored and self-assured / Oh no, I know a dirty word

Hello, hello, hello, how low / Hello, hello, hello, how low / Hello, hello, hello, how low / Hello, hello, hello

With the lights out, it’s less dangerous / Here we are now, entertain us / I feel stupid and contagious / Here we are now, entertain us / A mulatto, an albino, a mosquito, my libido / Yeah, hey

Hello, hello, hello. I saw an article last week celebrating “the inside story” of Nirvana’s Nevermind at 30. It brought back a flurry of memories, most centered around Small’s, my bar in Hollywood (circa 1989-91).

Okay, forgive my boast, but if there was an epicenter for grunge rock, that would be Small’s in Hollywood. We played the “Smells Like Teen Spirit” advance cassette weeks before the video release. That summer, I’d often play the song twice in a row to satisfy the many rockers who came to the bar specifically to hear “the new song from a group called Nirvana.”

Smalls hosted every major band of the era, save Nirvana. (I wouldn’t call Kurt much of a social animal.) Aside from the shy Kurt & Co., everyone was there drinking at the bar or doing drugs with the owner in my office across the street.

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“Saturday night’s rare live performance at YouTube Theater in Los Angeles was truly one for the ages. It had everything fans would want in a Devo show (and more) including a killer setlist, multiple costume changes, and even a pre-show sighting of Fred Armisen (a true Devo-tee).  Fans from around the world donned their Red Energy Domes and Yellow Radiation Suits, coming together for one night to celebrate the music of a band that, 40+ years later, stayed true to its roots and lifelong fans. 

Devo is arguably one of the greatest rock and roll bands of our time (or any other).  Founded back in Akron, Ohio in 1973, they have evolved (or devolved, based on one’s point of view) over a storied career that changed music as we know it forever. Devo’s amazing musicianship, targeted satire, and love for one another has withstood the test of time. And four-decades later, these Spudboys are still doing what they love—on their terms.

On Saturday night at the newly minted YouTube Theater, Devo put on a musical clinic for the thousands in attendance under the sloping roof canopy of SoFi Stadium in Inglewood. Founding members Mark Mothersbaugh (vocals/keyboards/guitar), Gerald Casale (bass/keyboards), and Bob Mothersbaugh (guitar), along with Josh Freese (drums) and Josh Hager (keyboards/guitar) electrified the Devo faithful with a 16-song setlist comprised of covers, classics, and a few surprises—including a Booji Boy sighting!

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

I’m a teenage Jesus superstar without a mighty cross to bear / And when mom complains about my hair / I say hey mom I just don’t care

I’m in hell and the angels cry cause I’m trying to sell my soul / And when mom complains about my clothes / I say hey mom leave me alone

Come on little girl, it’s gonna be alright / Come on little girl, it’s gonna be alright / I got one thing on my mind girl / I got one thing on my mind and I don’t care

I’m a teenage Jesus superstar

Summer’s official end came this week. Yesterday a daunting red sunset filled a smoky sky. For those who follow the stars, Mercury went into retrograde. I guess keeping my stars in line has been on my mind. I always loved the idea of “a star”—movie star, rock star, film star.

East River Pipe sang, “You’re a superstar in France.” The Vaselines’ line, “I’m a teenage Jesus superstar”—a pretty bold statement from the Scottish teenagers. Many decades of rock ‘n’ rollers crying out with the same claim.

“You just don’t understand.”

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Now it is 1984 / Knock-knock at your front door / It’s the suede denim secret police / They have come for your uncool niece

Come quietly to the camp / You’d look nice as a drawstring lamp / Don’t you worry, it’s only a shower / For your clothes, here’s a pretty flower

Die on organic poison gas / Serpent’s egg’s already hatched / You will croak, you little clown / When you mess with President Brown / When you mess with President Brown

California Über Alles / California Über Alles / Über Alles California / Über Alles California

In light of 2021, it’s hard to imagine knocking ex-California “Gov” Jerry Brown. Jello Biafra’s politics have always been absurd, but I cherish the two Dead Kennedys shows I saw upon moving here in the early ’80s. At times I’ve felt the passion and fury of those shows. Tuesday’s recall election brought memories back of that large pack of Nazi skinheads confronting Fishbone (DK’s opener). Mayhem broke loose and all us there (DKs, Goldenvoice, and friends) ran from backstage to stand our ground.

That’s kinda what happened last Tuesday. It’s not like I rant about politics online but…FUCK YOU!!!!

“NAZI PUNKS FUCK OFF!”

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Simply put, 2021’s BeachLife Festival was quite possibly one of the finest multi-day musical events I have ever been to. Allen Sanford and his amazing partners put on a clinic on HOW to run a festival: an amazing lineup, incredible culinary options, and most importantly a noticeable care and concern for all festival attendees. This three-day event didn’t disappoint and will go down as one of the most incredible live music festivals in the US this year, bar-none.

It’s been a while since I’ve attended a multi-day music festival and wasn’t sure walking in that I was ready for such an event. I’d already hit a few small shows (both indoor and out) since many of the Covid restrictions were lifted, but this one was obviously different—3 days, 4 stages, and over 50 bands performing in front of sellout crowds each day. As I grabbed my media credentials on day one, it was instantly obvious that BeachLife was going to be special. I knew it because everyone I encountered on the their staff was friendly, smiling, and eager to make my stay a special one. And it wasn’t because I was a media representative, they were like that with EVERY guest that walked through the turnstile.

The next thing I noticed was that the BeachLife grounds were laid out in a way that made it EASY for concert-goers to bounce between stages. There were no mile long hikes, but simple walks that allowed everyone to take in any or all of the musical acts slated for the day. In addition, there was plenty of room for guests to spread out, feel safe, and enjoy their family and friends while jamming to the incredible lineup across four stages: Hightide, Lowtide, Speakeasy, and the Riptide. And if breaks from the warm Redondo Beach sun were warranted, guests could easily find a wide range of tasty food and beverages along with shaded areas to cool off before the next set.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

As a child I was known for make believin’ / All alone I created fantasies / As I grew people called it self-deceiving / But my heart helped me hold the memories

As I walk through the world I find around me / Something new yet familiar’s in the air / I feel it everywhere / Like a child’s eyes on a Christmas night / I’m looking at you now / Findin’ answers to my prayers

I’ve been having weird dreams all week. Sometimes they make sense, sometimes they are clueless and disorienting. In the music business I’ve heard the expression, “living the dream.” Maybe I am? Maybe I have? I think I will today.

It’s hot and dry in Los Angeles. Please be safe.

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The Metal Tour of the Year featuring Megadeth, Lamb of God, Trivium, and Hatebreed was one of the most incredible shows I have been to in the past five years (and I’ve been to plenty). The lineup was a ferocious blend of new and old metal that left nothing to the imagination at a sold out FivePoint Amphitheater in Irvine, CA.  Based on the way each band played, you never would have guessed that most were on a Covid induced hiatus for the better part of two years.  Each left it all on stage for the thousands in attendance and ultimately scorched the earth beneath them when the dust finally settled on Wednesday evening.

I don’t know about you, but I had The Metal Tour of the Year circled on my calendar for quite some time.  As the date approached, I started see other bands cancelling tours and hoped that would not be the case for Five Point’s first true metal show of the year.

Although huge fans of Megadeth, Lamb of God, Trivium, and Hatebreed, I’d never had the chance to catch any of them live and knew this might be my only chance to catch them together on one killer bill. Luckily for me (and the thousands of rabid fans just like me), the Metal Gods ultimately came through and Wednesday’s metal extravaganza went off without a hitch on a spectacular night under the stars.

Taking the 6PM slot and first up on stage was Bridgeport, Connecticut’s very own, Hatebreed. Jamey Jasta and Company immediately launched into an 11-song set that was pure adrenaline and then some. For me, the highlight of their set was a killer rendition of Slayer’s “Ghosts of War” along with two of my favorites, “Last Breath” and “I Will Be Heard.” Such a good band and one worthy of major metal respect.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

If we tell you that you’ve got two days to live / Then don’t complain, ’cause that’s one more than you’d get in Zaire / So don’t hang around and be foolish / Do something constructive with your weekend

From Monday morning I work for Friday nights / Collect my wages, then try to paint on the smell of soap / ‘Cause tonight I get ready early / Score what I need and go pick a girl up

It seems like ages since we had some fun / Here comes the weekend – I get to see the girls / Long live the weekend, the weekend is here

Labor Day weekend has always had a strange aura. My “internal time-clock” seems to have set itself at childhood.

My parents would send us to the “beach” for the summer. Careless days of slow summer fun would start the weekend and quickly fade before returning to the dirty humanity of a hot city. Dark, cooler evenings and the excitement of a new chapter. Possibilities permeate the air.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

The sound of strangers sending nothing to my mind / Just another mad mad day on the road / I am just living to be lying by your side / But I’m just about a moonlight mile on down the road

Made a rag pile of my shiny clothes / Gonna warm my bones / Gonna warm my bones / I got silence on my radio / Let the air waves flow / Let the air waves flow

Some musicians just simply deserve a standing ovation. Charlie Watts was one of those players. As I came to the final song for this week’s Idelic Hour, I just stood up—my instincts had my fingers flipping through crates and reaching for one of the first albums I purchased. It was 7th grade, fall of 1974.

I believe I bought Hot Rocks at Marlboro Books on 86th Street just below Lex. By spring I had my first pair of Rolling Stones tickets. I invited my friend Jeff Sampson. He was the biggest and toughest kid in the middle school. As I recall, Jeff wasn’t the biggest music fan but he knew The Rolling Stones were playing and the Hells Angels would be there, so he was game for the danger.

We were sitting on the side of stage, last row of the lodge (red seats), waiting for the Angels or the Stones to show when Jeff leaned over and told me to slowly turn around and check out the man standing behind us. I turned and my eyes focused in disbelief as adrenaline rushed through my veins. It was Mick Jagger looming over me, giant Jackie O shades and a hooded cape. As I turned back to Jeff he calmly asked me…

“Are The Rolling Stones standing behind us?”

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An open-air triple header featuring Rise Against, the Descendents, and The Menzingers took Southern California by storm under a star filled night in Irvine, CA. This trio of punk rock heavyweights brought their A-game to a nearly sold-out show at Five Point Amphitheatre for what was for many their first night of live music in nearly two years. Fans were on their feet and screaming for more throughout a three hour show that left little to be desired for all ages in attendance.

If you are a fan of punk rock, there was no better place to be on Saturday night than Five Point Amphitheater for what would end up being a one incredible mosh-pit under the stars. Although I’m not a huge punk rock fan, I walked away mesmerized by three uniquely different bands, each bringing something special to a near packed house deep in the heart of Orange County.

Opening up for Rise Against were two incredible bands, The Menzingers and the Descendents.  I’d never heard The Menzingers before and was literally blown away by their on-stage presence coupled with a killer sound that captured me from the very first note. Their energy was off the charts, and they definitely loved being on stage in front of the ever-growing crowd. Next up were OG punk legends—and Southern California natives—Descendents. This band has been flying the punk rock flag for almost 45 years and their killer set was everything I could have dreamed of (and more). They slayed 24 of their classics in ways that most bands half their age could only dream of doing.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Pray my hands, pray my voice / Give the reason, take away / Make believe an order for to stay

Lighting one up like I used to / Dancing all alone like I used to / Giving it up like I used to / Falling in love I like I used to

Open my heart like I used to / Making out long like I used to / Holding hands openly, rights to / Taking what’s mine like I used to

The summer of 2021 is a history lesson in the making. Some of us had some R&R and beach time. Some of us traveled. God knows, maybe we’ll all be in search of the summer of 2019. Two lives—one before and one after—the teens. Speaking of teens, Jonah (mask and all) skated into 8th grade.

This week’s Idelic Hour muse came out of a dozen eggs left in our fridge by our house sitter. Both Susan and I cracked open eggs with double yolks. In fact, 3 double yolks in all. We hear it means good luck and great change.

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If you haven’t seen Beartooth live, you are missing out on one of the most killer bands to grace the stage over the past decade. Caleb Shomo and company blew the roof of the Anaheim House of Blues on opening night (post Covid lockdowns) and left nothing on the table in front of a raucous Southern California crowd. It was truly a magical experience for the thousands in attendance on Monday evening and definitely a show not soon to be forgotten.

I don’t know about you, but I have missed live music.  February 2020 was my last indoor rock and roll show, and I’ve been dreaming about its return ever since. When I finally started to see shows being scheduled here in Southern California, I crossed my fingers that Beartooth might be an option for my personal return to live music. On Monday August 16, that dream became a reality in front of a sold-out crowd on what ended up being an unusually steamy Southern California evening.

As I made my way through the crowd to take my familiar spot in the photo pit, I couldn’t help but enjoy the thousands of smiling faces (a majority wearing masks) ready for their first taste of live music post Covid.  Beers were flowing, high-fives were given, and mosh-pits were in full effect as opening acts Wage War and Dragged Under fired up the now packed venue. Although both bands performed short sets, each gave it their all and rewarded the growing crowd with amazing performances that had everybody smiling ear to ear. Plain and simple, both acts were bad ass and perfect choices to kick the show into overdrive.

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