Radiating energy, charm, and nostalgia, Jesse McCartney concluded Part 2 of the All’s Well Tour at The Fox Theater on Friday night.
Rising to stardom in the 2000s with his debut album Beautiful Soul, McCartney is now celebrating two decades of feel-good tunes and a remarkably successful career. From his early days of opening for the The Backstreet Boys and New Kids On The Block to demonstrating his acting skills on screen and even voicing popular animated characters, the triple threat musician has defied stereotypes of a typical teen star.
Treating fans to a well-curated setlist spanning his career—from beloved early hits “Leaving” and “Right Where you Want Me” to newer tracks “Wasted” and “Faux Fur”— each note was delivered with passion, connection and warmth.
Showcasing not only his evolution as an artist but also his maturity, the singer’s newest tracks from his 2024 EP “All’s Well” feature themes of growing up and parenthood—providing continued relatability with an audience that has aged alongside the Grammy-nominated singer.
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.
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.
Under the dazzling lights of the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA, heavy metal legends Judas Priest and Swedish powerhouse Sabaton delivered a relentless barrage of metal mastery that left the near-capacity amphitheater begging for more on Tuesday night. The double-bill was a celebration of pure, unadulterated rock, filling the venue with an energy that was pegging a “10” from the moment the first chord was struck. It was a night where leather, studs, and the universal language of headbanging united fans throughout southern California and beyond!
Sabaton kicked off the evening with their signature blend of power metal and historical storytelling as only they can do. Opening with the explosive “Ghost Division,” the band immediately set the tone for what would be a one killer performance. Frontman Joakim Brodén owned the stage with a presence that was both commanding and engaging, his voice soaring over the crowd with a clarity that was as impressive as it was powerful. The band’s set was a carefully curated journey through their discography, with standout tracks like “The Last Stand,” “Carolus Rex (Swedish Version),” and “Primo Victoria.”
Throughout Sabaton’s 12-song set, there was complete engagement from the crowd as they were dazzled with tracks that spanned their 25-year journey across the sonicsphere. Guitarists Chris Rörland and Thobbe Englund delivered blistering solos that showcased their technical prowess, while the rhythm section kept the audience’s pulse racing with the thundering bass of Pär Sundström and the insane drumming of legend Hannes Van Dahl. The show ended with one of my favorite Sabaton tracks, “To Hell and Back,” which was simply awesome—and a great way to end their set as they took one final curtain call for the evening.
As the stage was reset for Judas Priest, the anticipation in the air was almost tangible. When the lights dimmed and the killer riffs of “Panic Attack” echoed through the theater, the crowd erupted in a roar that could only rival a 747 at nearby LAX. Rob Halford, the Metal God himself, emerged in a blaze of glory, his operatic voice as fierce and formidable as ever. Halford’s vocal acrobatics were nothing short of awe-inspiring, effortlessly hitting notes that seemed to defy the limits of human potential (which he’s done so effortlessly for well over 50 years).
I was a city child with a dead-end smile / And a worm’s-eye point of view / Oh I knew my way, I was a back-street stray / And I had my eyes on you
Now I got this friend and he’s a screwdriver-jiver / You know, some kinda automobeat on the street / And he has converted me to rock ‘n’ roll
I just want to dance to / Honaloochie boogie yeah / Get in time, don’t worry ’bout the shirt shine / Honaloochie boogie yeah / You sure started somethin’
Now my hair gets longer as the beat gets stronger / want to tell Chuck Berry my news / I get my kicks outta guitar licks / And I’ve sold my steel-toed shoes
“My hair gets longer as the beat gets stronger.” I would have thought it was obvious that I used to tag band names and lyrics on the desks at Trinity School in NYC. It’s truly incredible that was a half century ago.
I’m almost in shock looking at my last sentence. I’m back in LA sitting at my desk in my cozy canyon garage office. Monday and Tuesday found me walking the streets of the Big Apple. The weather and combo of old and new friends was perfect. I took it all in like a rocker.
On Tuesday night, the legendary Iron Maiden took the stage at the Kia Forum with the Mongolian rock maestros The Hu as their electrifying special guests, delivering a concert experience that left no soul in Inglewood untouched. With the venue packed to its capacity of nearly 17,000+, the air was electric as fans from all around the world gathered to witness a night of pure heavy metal magic as their Future Past Tour rolled through Southern California.
Kicking off the evening, The Hu set the tone with their unique fusion of traditional Mongolian music and modern rock. Their performance was a captivating blend of throat singing, horsehead fiddles, and roaring guitars that left the growing the crowd mesmerized. While the stage was dark and moody for the majority of the abbreviated 6-song set, they literally crushed their set including powerful renditions of “Yuve Yuve Yu,” “Wolf Totem,” and “This Is Mongol.” Throughout, many of The Hu’s hardcore fans were enthusiastically chanting along with the band, making their show a truly communal experience. The Hu’s musicianship and sonic delivery was on point, proving that their rising star in the rock world is well-deserved.
As the lights dimmed and the iconic sound of UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” rocked Kia, Maiden fans went into a frenzy and anticipation of the show’s inevitable start. As Maiden fans are accustomed to, the stage design was nothing short of epic, featuring amazing graphics, pyrotechnics, and a full size “Eddie’” that added a dramatic flair to the night. Opening with the thunderous “Caught Somewhere in Time,” Iron Maiden immediately had the audience in the palm of their hands.
Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals and Steve Harris’s galloping bass lines immediately drove the crowd wild while the three headed guitar-monster consisting of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janik Gers were on full display throughout the 15-song set. And let’s not forget Nicko McBrain on the drums—all I can say is wow, this guy is pure legend.
Under the vibrant lights of the Kia Forum, a musical spectacle hailed as the Popular MonsTOUR II unfolded in front of 6,000+ fans and was nothing short of an electrifying. Featuring Ronnie Radke and his band Falling In Reverse, the evening provided an explosive energy that engulfed Inglewood, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of rock and hip-hop. (Yes, you heard that correctly.) A convergence of diverse musical talents, each act brought its own unique flavor, creating a dynamic fusion that hit home for the raucous crowd looking to burn off some energy on a cool Thursday night in the City of Angels.
Opening the night, Jeris Johnson injected a surge of raw energy with his signature blend of rock and modern pop sensibilities. Donning what looked to be some type of crazy animal pelt, his set was a quick but entertaining featuring tracks such as “Welcome to Valhalla,” “My Sword,” and cover of Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose.” Jeris’s charismatic stage presence was a masterclass in engaging an ever-growing crowd, leaving a lasting mark on all who witnessed this killer performance.
Next up, Tech N9ne took the stage (with a full band) and unleashed once again a torrent of lyrical prowess. His “chopper-style” delivery and unmatched flow dazzled Technicians crowding the barrier with hits such as “Einstein,” “Caribou Lou,” and “E.B.A.H.” Tech N9ne’s command over the stage was immediately evident, as he effortlessly melded intense beats with emotionally charged verses, creating an electrifying atmosphere that was simply second to none. Tech’s set, although abridged, was my favorite of the evening and highlighted his true artistry in spades.
Dance Gavin Dance followed, weaving a tapestry of intricate melodies and powerhouse vocals that captivated the Forum. With tracks like “Synergy,” “Carve,” and “We Own the Night,” they showcased their signature post-hardcore flair, blending soaring choruses with infectious hooks. The interplay between Andrew Wells and Jon Mess was a sight to be seen with their dynamic vocal exchanges nothing short of mesmerizing. Their 8-song set left the audience dripping in sweat and screaming for more as they took their final curtain-call of the evening.
Everybody’s talkin’ at me / I don’t hear a word they’re sayin’ / Only the echoes of my mind / People stoppin’, starin’ / I can’t see their faces / Only the shadows of their eyes / I’m goin’ where the sun keeps shinin’ / Through the pourin’ rain / Goin’ where the weather suits my clothes / Bankin’ off of the northeast winds / Sailin’ on summer breeze / And skippin’ over the ocean like a stone
Greetings from Wilton, CT. Jumped a red eye east to celebrate my cousin’s wedding and mom’s 89th!
In the past I’ve often enjoyed cutting the Idelic Hour from the road. For inspiration, I pulled out an old IH from a NYC stay some years back. I dug it so much I decided to splice a chunk of the songs into this week’s episode.
I woke up this mornin’ with the sundown shinin’ in / I found my mind in a brown paper bag within / I tripped on a cloud and fell an eight miles high / I tore my mind on a jagged sky / I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
Yeah, yeah, oh, yeah / What condition my condition was in
I pushed my soul in a deep dark hole, and then I followed it in / I watched myself crawlin’ out as I was crawlin’ in, yeah, yeah / I got up so tight, I couldn’t unwind, I saw so much, I broke my mind / I just dropped in to see what condition my condition was in
There are many moments when I feel I am slowly falling apart. I’ll put my iPhone on a shelf, table, or counter—and can’t find it. So I’m walking in circles thinking—WTF am I doing?
Then again, when I actually look back at the last couple of weeks, I am truly amazed that I live a life filled with cool people and great songs. In fact I’ve been so busy it’s been hard to get The Idelic Hour out my door.
This week is 95% all new releases. Thank you and my lucky stars.
Daddy’s telling lies / Baby’s eating flies / Mommy’s on pills / Baby’s got the chills
I’m friends with the President / I’m friends with the Pope / We’re all making a fortune / Selling Daddy’s dope
Sitting here in Queens / Eating re-fried beans / We’re in all the magazines / Gulpin’ down Thorazines
Do you guys use Flipboard? Fewer and fewer magazines are on it. It seems like publications worth reading want $9.99. I do like the feel of Flippin through a series of interests upon awaking, but one thing is for sure, my clipboard certainly does lead down a variety of paths.
College basketball, transfer portal, soccer news, Trump crimes, and Russia. I mean WTF are Russians thinking? Ugh, god help us.
P!NK transformed Dodger Stadium into a spectacle of acrobatics, heartfelt banter, and electrifying tunes as she brought her Summer Carnival Tour to Los Angeles on Sunday night.
Kicking off the evening, Irish rock band The Script delivered a high-energy performance filled with classic hits “Breakeven” and “Hall of Fame” as well as a taste of the tunes from their 2024 album, Satellites. Parading across the stage, lead singer Danny O’Donoghue got the audience’s vocals thoroughly warmed up as the crowd filed in.
Next up: Sheryl Crow. Exuding comfortability on stage, the nine time Grammy award winning artist performed her chart-toppers including “All I Wanna Do” and “Soak Up The Sun.” A soundtrack to the ’90s, it was evident that many in the audience enjoyed reminiscing with her tunes. However, that didn’t stop the younger generations also bopping along to Crow’s timeless tracks.
As the lights dimmed and the audience hushed, it was time for P!NK to take the stage. Known for her incredible vocal control and undoubtedly catchy beats, P!NK has continuously delivered number one hits since her debut in 2000.
Emerging from a pair of lips hung high on the stage, P!NK wasted no time in showcasing her aerial skills. Opening with the fitting tune “Get The Party Started,” the singer flipped her way down to the ground on a bungee style mechanism as the crowd watched on in awe.
The Intuit Arena in Inglewood, CA, was engulfed in a storm of metal mayhem on September 14th as Slipknot, Knocked Loose, and Vended delivered an unforgettable night of raw energy and sonic brutality. The second consecutive night of the Here Comes the Pain Tour proved to be more than just a concert; it was a visceral experience, a communal gathering of metalheads who came together to celebrate the 25th anniversary of Slipknot. From the first crushing riff of “(sic)” to the final blistering encore of “Scissors,” the evening was packed with metal mayhem at its finest—providing fans with arguably the best metal performance in Southern California this year (and it wasn’t even close).
Vended kicked off the night, setting the stage with their intense and electrifying performance. As the sons of Slipknot members Corey Taylor and Shawn Crahan, Griffin Taylor and Simon Crahan led the band with a commanding presence that stunned the senses of an ever growing crowd. Vended tore through a setlist that included tracks “Serenity” and “Asylum,” captivating the audience with their raw, unpolished sound and passionate delivery. The crowd absolutely loved this band, moshing and headbanging to an abbreviated 6-song set. As a newcomer to the Vended, I was absolutely impressed by their ability to hold their own on such a prestigious stage. I look forward to seeing them live as a headliner in the not so distant future.
Next up were Knocked Loose, who delivered a punishing set that left no room for breathers. With Bryan Garris at the helm, the band unleashed a sonic assault that had the crowd surging forward, eager to participate in the chaos. Tracks “Mistakes Like Fractures” and “Suffocate” turned the Intuit arena into a sea of bodies, the intensity of the music mirrored by the frenetic energy of the fans. Knocked Loose’s performance was a testament to their reputation as one of the most ferocious live acts in the hardcore scene. They wrapped a 14-song set with “Everything is Quiet Now,” and placed a huge exclamation point on what turned out to be one fucking incredible show.
The anticipation reached its peak as Slipknot finally took the stage. The lights dimmed, and the crowd erupted into a deafening cheer, the air thick with anticipation. As the first notes of “(sic)” rang out, it was clear that the metal juggernauts were back and ready to deliver one of their trademark explosive performances. Clad in their iconic masks from 25 years prior, Slipknot unleashed a relentless barrage from its self-titled LP Slipknot, which they played in its entirety. Each song was accompanied by a spectacular visual display including trademark smoke and lighting effects that heightened the intensity of the performance.
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?
