Category Archives: TVD Los Angeles

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.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

You always act so stupid / You always talk so dumb / But this is partytime / And you’ve got to say its better than a war / This is partytime / And its better than a cold bath with someone you dislike / This is partytime / And its good to drink for free when you haven’t any money / This is partytime / Oh, she might just possibly take me home

Right on cue, fall seems to finally have come to Southern California. This said, it’s mostly just the angles of the sun and moon. After a gloomy Friday we’re back to sensational weather. We still have watermelon in the fridge.

Call it baseball weather with old friends, new artists, songs, and fall baseball.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

John the baptist was the opening band / That no one paid to see, except you and me

His cousin Christ / He was strange but he was nice / They tried to kick his ass / He didn’t fight back

We all die / When it’s our time

Fall has officially come. In many parts it means a change in the seasons. Here in LA, it’s really summer until Halloween. That said, the angle of the sun changes and so does the vibe. It’s the sentimental season—a great time for watching sport. Whether you fancy baseball, football, soccer, surfing, fishing, bike riding, or just a walk. Let’s get out there and get active. If you want to support your favorite sports teams by placing bets on them, you may explore gaming platforms like ufabet เว็บตรง.

Also, it’s a Jewish tradition to pray for friends and family who are no longer. So, per that tradition, I started this week’s episode with my sadly departed pal Richard Swift. The rest of this Idelic episode features mostly new songs and young bands. I listened back this morning and I’m impressed.

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The air inside the House of Blues Anaheim crackled with excitement on Thursday night. Hundreds of fans from all over the Southland lined up early to experience a shared history, one brought to life by three titans of the ‘80s new wave and synth-pop scene—Howard Jones, Haircut One Hundred, and the legendary KROQ DJ (and new wave music historian), Richard Blade. The evening wasn’t just a concert; it was a time capsule unlocked, a vibrant celebration of melodies that have defined a generation—my generation. And it didn’t take long for the sold-out Anaheim crowd to ride that magic carpet back in time to a place in history where all that mattered was the music itself.

KROQ’s legendary DJ Richard Blade kicked off the show in fine fashion and primed the capacity crowd, spinning a masterful set of era-defining tracks that seamlessly transitioned the audience from the present day back to the neon-soaked dance floors of their youth. Whether you were a fan of synth pop, darker wave, or anything in between, Blade pulled out all the stops to energize Orange County.

He spun tracks from heavyweights like O.M.D., Tears for Fears, The Cure, and of course Depeche Mode, while simultaneously sharing stories of old from the glory days of KROQ here in Southern California. And just when you thought it could get no better, out comes Terri Nunn from Berlin. Just incredible (and she looked amazing)! Her smile and presence alone was a significant nod to the evening’s authenticity, setting the stage for a night of pure, unadulterated musical joy.

First to the stage were Haircut One Hundred, and any notion that this would be a simple trip down memory lane was immediately dispelled. With frontman Nick Heyward at the helm, his boyish charm seemingly untouched by time, the band launched into an 8-song set bursting with infectious energy that engulfed the House of Blues.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

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.”

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Inn í þig / (ÞAð er) svo gott að vera (hér) / En stoppa stutt við

Ég flýt um í neðarsjávar hýði / (Á hóteli) / Beintengdur við rafmagnstöfluna / (Og nærist)

Tjú, tjú / Tjú, tjú

En biðin gerir mig (leiðan) / Brot (hættan) sparka frá mér (og kall á) / Ég verð að fara (hjálp)

Tjú, tjú, tjú / Tjú, tjú, tjú / Tjú, tjú, tjú, tjú, tjú

Ég spring út og friðurinn í loft upp

Much of what I love about music is beyond explanation—magical. Somehow a song can bring me back to a place and time. I’m not too sure who hipped me to Sigur Rós. Funny, it might have been Beck. It was around the time I was his A&R man. I remember Sigur had a small slot at Coachella. I was excited to see them.

I remember it was a beautiful warm spring night in the desert. In truth, I was a bit surprised to come upon Jónsi, a skinny boy singing to a small crowd. My posse of beautiful festival friends I dragged across the field—we were totally interested in the textures and sound of this music. I believe I told them to meet me at the bar in the VIP.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

You picked me up / Oh, yes you did / When nobody else would / I know you did / And you did things / For me, my baby / That nobody else could / I know you did

It’s another hot one here in LA. Actually at 90 degrees, we’re on a cooling trend. After two short weeks it’s like…I’m getting my pencils sharped and notebooks organized for a busy, busy fall. The trick is to be happily working away. Honestly those summer cucumbers and watermelon help.

Per tradition, September marks the beginning of school and triggers the time for young bands to release new songs. So, with that in mind…

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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.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

I met a girl who sang the blues / And I asked her for some happy news / But she just smiled and turned away / I went down to the sacred store / Where I’d heard the music years before / But the man there said the music wouldn’t play

And in the streets, the children screamed / The lovers cried and the poets dreamed / But not a word was spoken / The church bells all were broken

And the three men I admire most / The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost / They caught the last train for the coast / The day the music died

I guess one could say, “Any day is a good day to release a new song.”

Honestly, I’m a bit stumped on what to report this week. I did give a nod and a wink at this week’s stack of new vinyl. This Idelic Hour set shows that even in dark times, music thrives.

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“This was the first CD I ever owned!” one concertgoer gushed with wide-eyed excitement as The Fray delivered a set steeped in nostalgia at The Wiltern.

On the first of two nights in Los Angeles on their “How to Save a Life: The 20th Anniversary Tour,” from the first shimmering chords of “She Is” to the triumphant encore, the Denver band reminded fans why their songs have soundtracked so many pivotal moments over the last two decades. Celebrating their greatest hits and guiding the crowd through a carefully curated musical journey, this performance felt like a heartfelt gift to the fans who have supported them since their beginnings in 2002.

Even as a casual listener over the years, it wasn’t until I stood in the crowd that I truly understood the depth of The Fray’s catalog of iconic songs. Each song felt instantly recognizable yet somehow fresh, from the soaring choruses of “Over My Head (Cable Car)” to the hauntingly tender notes of “Fall Away” to personal favorite “You Found Me,” all of which had the sold out crowd—myself included—belting along as if the songs had never left us.

Singing the first bellowing notes of “Look After You,” lead singer Isaac Slade paused to invite special guest and opening act Landon Barker to the stage. Son of Blink-182 drummer Travis Barker, it was clear Landon was no stranger to the spotlight as he strode back and forth, matching Slade’s unwavering emotion. Garnering hundreds of millions of views on TikTok for lip syncing to The Fray’s iconic tracks, this was a full-circle moment that allowed the 20-year-old song to bridge generations, connecting the band’s longtime fans with a younger audience in a shared celebration of music.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

The dancing days of late summer are here!

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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.”

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

We’re bound to wait all night / She’s bound to run amok / Invested enough in it, anyhow / To each his own / The garden needs sorting out / She curls her lips on the bow / I don’t know if I’m dead or not / To anyone

Come on and get the minimum / Before you open up your eyes / This army has so many heads / To analyze / Come on and get your overdose / Collect it at the borderline / And they want to get up in your head

‘Cause they know and so do I / The high road is hard to find / A detour in your new life

I guess we never really know where we “land.” On any day, really, anything. For today, I’m gonna try to enjoy a summer’s day. I’ll keep drinking specialty coffee, eating cucumbers and melon.

Uncle Barry is in town and he’s taking us to a Dodgers game.

This bunch of songs is a bit all over the place. Bunch of new jams, a few from 2010, an ’80s or two, and a couple of oldies in dedication to love birds hearing wedding bells.

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Sunday night, Ghost transformed San Diego’s Viejas Arena into a cathedral of rock, delivering a performance that was equal parts theatrical spectacle and musical triumph. As part of their Skeletour World Tour 2025, the band showcased their latest album, Skeletá, alongside fan-favorite classics, creating a killer setlist that was both fresh and nostalgic.

From the moment Papa V Perpetua and the Nameless Ghouls took the stage, the energy in the room was sheer fire. Fans, many dressed in face paint, robes, and even full papal regalia, celebrated the band’s unique blend of heavy metal and dark, satirical pageantry. Ghost didn’t just play a concert; they orchestrated a Sunday night ritual that left the capacity crowd in complete and total awe.

Sunday’s ritual opened with the haunting strains of “Peacefield,” the first track from Skeletá, immediately immersing the audience in Ghost’s dark and atmospheric world. The band followed with “Lachryma,” another new track that showcased their ability to blend haunting melodies with heavy riffs. The crowd erupted as the band transitioned into “Spirit,” a fan-favorite from Meliora, with Papa V Perpetua commanding the stage like a true rock-and-roll messiah.

As a long-time fan, two songs stood out as personal highlights of the evening: “Cirice” and “He Is.” “Cirice” was a masterclass in musical storytelling, with its haunting guitar intro giving way to a powerful, almost operatic performance. The way Papa V Perpetua delivered the song’s emotional weight was nothing short of mesmerizing, and the crowd’s energy during the chorus was electric.

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Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

I’m a sailor on this dark and dreadful sea / And I need courage just the same as you need me / And I’ve been fishing for a cup of sympathy / But I keep getting waves that just won’t let me be

And I’m gonna be late getting home tonight / If the tide won’t come in / And I’ll be tired from the journey / But I’ll be seeing you again / Thank God for you and me and the deep, deep blue sea

It’s a hot August day. I’m back from my trip, jet lagged, happily working away, eating cucumbers and watermelon.

Here’s a bunch of new songs I’ve been peeping and a few oldies. Hi to all who have shown me their warmth and affection.

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