Category Archives: TVD Los Angeles

The atmosphere on Saturday night (12/16) was absolutely electric as fans from all over the southland came together to experience an incredible performance by Queens of the Stone Age at the legendary Kia Forum in Inglewood. Led by Josh Homme and his talented bandmates, they delivered a mesmerizing 20-song set that seamlessly blended newer tracks with beloved classics, creating what many called “a show for the ages.” There final US stop on their 2023 The End is Nero Tour was hailed as their best performance this year, solidifying their status as a once-in-a-generation band and emphasizing their immense importance in the music industry.

Taking the stage before Queens of the Stone Age, the sensational band Spiritualized delivered a performance that left no room for disappointment. As they launched into their opening song “Hey Jane,” the crowd was instantly captivated by their distinctive trademark sound. Led by frontman Jason Pierce, the band mesmerized the audience with an awe-inspiring 8-song opening set. Their ethereal melodies and haunting vocals created a transcendent musical experience that seemed to transport listeners to another dimension (with me being one of them). The spellbound audience was entranced by Spiritualized’s ability to craft sonic landscapes that truly took their fans on a journey beyond imagination.

Now, let’s dive into the much-anticipated performance by Queens of the Stone Age. Although I had never witnessed their live show before, I had heard nothing but rave reviews, so my excitement was palpable as the moment arrived. Following a brief 20-minute break, the stage burst to life as the band finally unleashed their signature energy and intensity. The first chords of “No One Knows” ignited the crowd into a frenzy of exhilaration, and there was no turning back from that point forward. Josh Homme took command of the stage, delivering powerhouse vocals and blistering guitar riffs that sent electrifying waves surging through the Kia Forum. It clear to the 10,000+ in attendance that this was going to be one kick ass show.

Read More »

Playful, charming, and a straight up joy to watch, The Struts delivered their final performance of their Remember the Name Tour at The Wiltern on Sunday night.

Formed in 2012, the British rock band came up with their name during an early rehearsal, with lead singer Luke Spiller noting “I was just moving around and somebody was like, ‘you strut around a lot.’ From then on, we knew we had a great name. We couldn’t believe it hadn’t been taken.”

Waiting for the band to take the stage, I began chatting to some dedicated fans who were buzzing with excitement, exclaiming “It’s their last show, it’s being live-streamed, AND we’re front row. This is going to be a good one!”

Living up to their name, their dynamic performance was effortlessly enchanting from the first note, opening with 2014 hit “Dirty Sexy Money.’”Parading (or, rather—strutting,) across the stage, the four-piece band played 17 mesmerizing songs in total from their discography, each showcasing varying elements of their raw talent. Whether it was a shattering guitar solo or a crowd call and response, the audience was undeniably immersed in the production.

Read More »

Depeche Mode, a legendary force in the ’80s electronic music scene, embarked on their highly anticipated 2023 Memento Mori tour earlier in the year. Their journey brought them to the iconic Pechanga Arena in San Diego on December 8th, marking one of their final stops on this extraordinary world tour. As a lifelong admirer of their music, I was thrilled to witness their performance, surpassing all my expectations and more. The band’s captivating 23-song set took fans on a mesmerizing journey through time, allowing us to relive what many consider the pinnacle of musical greatness. It was truly an unforgettable experience and one of the best concerts I have seen this year.

Looking back to the early ’80s, there are few bands that have had a greater impact on my life than Depeche Mode. It was back in 1984 when I stumbled upon Some Great Reward at Licorice Pizza, and from the very first listen, I was completely captivated by their sound. Over the years, my devotion to the band has only grown stronger. I proudly own every album they’ve released; I’ve had the privilege of attending their electrifying live performances more than 20 times, and I even bear the iconic Violator rose tattooed on my arm as a permanent symbol of my fandom. To say I’m a die-hard fan would be an understatement.

Taking the stage before Depeche Mode on Friday night was a sensational band hailing from Edinburgh, Scotland, known as Young Fathers. While I hadn’t yet witnessed their live performance or listened to their music, my pre-show research assured me that their opening set would be worth every penny of the ticket price. And boy, was I spot on. These guys brought an incredible amount of energy to the Pechanga stage, delivering electrifying hits like “Rain or Shine,” “I Saw,” and “Toy.” Observing Young Fathers in action, it crossed my mind that these immensely talented gentlemen could potentially become the next big sensation in the indie music scene. Only time will reveal their destiny, but one thing is certain: Young Fathers were absolutely mind-blowing.

Read More »

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

The Idelic “Golden Showers of 2023 Hits” continues: Sufjan Stevens, PJ Harvey, Steve Mason, Jana Horn, Corey Hanson, Susanne Sundfør, Paper Idol, Jessie Ware, Water From Your Eyes, Lil Yachty, yeule, Corinne Bailey Rae…

Sleaford Mods, The Dare, A. Savage, The Brian Jonestown Massacre, Mannequin Pussy, Trash Day, Queens Of The Stone Age, Shame.

Read More »

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

I’ve been hit by the bus of love / That falling brick of you, yeah / Baby, when there’s tears in your eyes / You don’t have to lie / You don’t need to hide from me / I don’t want you to say anything

I see myself in you / I see myself in you / I see myself in you

You cut me like a deck of cards / You broke for the fire escape / Baby, we’re running out of time (running out of time) / I can be that guy / Who you cower behind (who you cower behind) / I don’t want you to say anything

I see myself in you / I see myself in you

Yep, it’s that week when all bloggers gather up their pebbles and present their favorites for the year. My annual “Golden Shower of Idelic Hits” is more a year end “count around” than count down.

This said, I do group them by show. Why hold the suspense? This episode is my top 20 of 2023 favorites. I put the set together in no order, other than my #1 closes the set.

Read More »

The House of Blues in Anaheim became a sanctuary for metalheads as it played host to a night of unadulterated brutality. Friday’s gig featuring thrash metal legends Exodus, Fit for an Autopsy, Darkest Hour, and Undeath was a sonic assault that left the near-capacity crowd begging for more. The show was executed flawlessly and was what everyone needed after the long Thanksgiving holiday filled with food, friends, and festivities. One of my top 10 metal shows in 2023 and that’s saying something.

Kicking off the night was Undeath, a rising force in the world of death metal. Their setlist was a relentless barrage of guttural vocals, intricate guitar work, and pummeling drums. The band commanded the stage with an intensity that captivated the audience from start to finish. Tracks like “Lesions Of A Different Kind” and “Acidic Twilight Visions” showcased their ability to seamlessly shift between blistering speed and bone-crushing heaviness. Undeath left no doubt that they are a force to be reckoned with.

Next up was Darkest Hour, a band that needs no introduction. With their melodic yet ferocious brand of metalcore, they ignited the crowd into a frenzy. Vocalist John Henry’s commanding stage presence and emotive vocals were a highlight of their performance. The band flawlessly executed their setlist, including fan favorites like “With a Thousand Words to Say But One” and “Amor Fati.” The crowd responded with mosh pits and devil horns in the air, echoing the passion that Darkest Hour brought to the venue.

Fit for an Autopsy took the stage and unleashed a sonic assault that shook the very foundations of the building. Their blend of crushing deathcore and introspective lyrics struck a chord with the crowd. Vocalist Joe Badolato’s guttural growls combined with the intricate guitar work of Patrick Sheridan and Tim Howley created an atmosphere of pure aggression. Songs like “The Sea of Tragic Beasts” and “Two Towers” had the crowd headbanging in unison, fueling the energy in the room to a boiling point.

Read More »

The Darker Waves Festival kicked off with a bang on November 18th under the radiant California sun at Huntington Beach, creating an electrifying experience for devotees of darker ’80s genres. This inaugural event magnetized an impressive crowd of nearly 50,000 fans from around the globe, making it, well, a global phenomenon! Over 30 bands ignited three stages, delivering performances that will continue to resonate in the hearts of attendees for years to come. It was an unforgettable spectacle that set the bar sky-high for future festivals here in Southern California and beyond.

The moment C3 Presents unveiled the Darker Waves Festival back in June, my excitement skyrocketed. The prospect of seeing iconic ’80s bands like New Order, Tears For Fears, and the B-52’s performing live on a stage in Huntington Beach was exhilarating. These bands were the soundtrack of my youth and the idea of witnessing them perform live, right here in my home turf, was thrilling. So, let’s dive deep into the magic that this extraordinary festival conjured.

The lineup for Saturday’s event was an impressive showcase of talent featuring legendary acts Tears For Fears and New Order as the headliners. Thirty-two performances, spread across three stunning stages—Darker, Waves, and Tiki—were every bit as entrancing as anticipated. A skillful mix of classic synth-pop hits with innovative post-punk tracks created a compelling ambiance that kept the crowd captivated during the entire 10-hour festival. In all, it was a well-choreographed lineup that meet and exceeded even the pickiest of festival goers in Surf City USA.

Since the event concluded, I’ve had many reach out inquiring about my thoughts on the standout performances from Saturday’s lineup. Having been fortunate enough to witness most of these acts live (some for the first time), I must admit, it’s a tough call. Each performance was unique and memorable in its own right—that’s the beauty of live music. However, here are my top three picks from the festival.

Read More »

Gracing the stage of The Roxy Theatre, 33 year old singer-songwriter and musician Barns Courtney treated fans to a rowdy night of entertainment. With his songs being used in everything from movies to television to video games, chances are you’ve had the pleasure of listening to the indie rock artist’s addictive tunes.

The final show in the Supernatural Tour which spanned Canada and the US, Courtney opened the night with 2019 bop “Fun Never Ends,” immediately captivating the crowd with his sprightly moves and raspy tone. Despite signage in the theatre calling for no stage diving, the English-born artist couldn’t resist jumping into the audience, at one point being held up by the crowd as he sang 2017 release “Kicks.”

Affirming to the fans he had only one song left, Courtney performed his claim to fame track “Fire,” with the band swiftly thanking the audience and leaving the stage. Immediately met with murmurs questioning whether there would be an encore, fans excitedly chatted about the awe-inspiring performance they had just witnessed.

Read More »

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Freddie’s dead / That’s what I said / Let the man rap a plan said he’d see him home / But his hope was a rope and he should’ve known / It’s hard to understand / There was love in this man / I’m sure all would agree / That his misery was his woman and things / Now Freddie’s dead / That’s what I said

Everybody’s misused him / Ripped him up and abused him / Another junkie plan / Pushin’ dope for the man / A terrible blow but that’s how it goes / Freddie’s dead on the corner now / If you wanna be a junkie, wow / Remember Freddie’s dead

2023 is not quite done for new songs, but for this Idelic “free form jock” I’m starting to gather up pebbles for my year end countdown of 2023 favorites.

Traditionally “blogger/critics/best-ofs” come after turkey week, so while our canyon still shines blue and clear, I’m dropping an old school themed “free form” FM radio set. Originally my muse was an old Undertones song from the ’70s punk era, but I was driving to a gig and I heard the voice of Jim Ladd on Sirius radio. Jim was shaken—he had just found out that night that this would be his last “Deep Tracks” set on Sirus.

Read More »

The House of Blues in Anaheim, a venue celebrated for its intimate atmosphere and eclectic musical lineup, was vibrant with excitement on Thursday night. The occasion? A rare, seated concert featuring one of alternative rock’s most cherished groups, Blue October. Accompanied by special guest Veers, this sold-out event highlighted the broad appeal of Justin Furstenfeld and his band, extending well beyond the confines of Southern California. The concert was an astounding experience on numerous fronts, leaving fans awestruck long after the final note had been played.

Veers, an emerging band, had the honor of being the opening act for Blue October on Thursday night. Their 40-minute performance was a perfect fusion of traditional and contemporary rock that pushed boundaries and exceeded expectations. Under the leadership of guitarist and lead vocalist Andrew James, Veers demonstrated their musical finesse with tracks from their maiden album, Universe Reversal. Despite their impressive performance, the stage lighting occasionally fell short, casting shadows over their stellar set. However, if you’re on the hunt for a new perspective on rock and roll, give Veers a listen—they could just be the next big thing.

As the star attraction of the night, Blue October was simply spectacular. Renowned for their deeply emotive lyrics and vibrant performances, they lived up to every expectation. Frontman Justin Furstenfeld exuded charisma on stage, forging a deep connection with the audience through his sincere performances of tracks such as “Into the Ocean” and “Hate Me.” Across the span of the 21-song set, Justin enriched the concert experience by sharing memorable moments from the tour and the stories behind his songs, adding an extra layer of intimacy to the performance for the enthralled, capacity crowd of nearly 2,000 attendees.

Read More »

WORDS AND IMAGES: CHRISS LOOMIS | The highly-anticipated “Machine Killer Tour” featuring Static-X, Sevendust, and Dope took the stage at the House of Blues in Anaheim on October 31, 2023. The concert, held on Halloween, was a thrilling spectacle of industrial metal and nu-metal music that captivated the audience from start to finish. The 2200-capacity music hall was filled with fervent fans who were treated to a memorable night of heavy riffs, thunderous percussion, and powerful vocals. Despite being a weekday show, the energy and enthusiasm were palpable, making it a resounding success.

Now five years into version 2.0, Static-X headlined the Machine Killer North American tour when it stopped in Anaheim on Halloween night at House of Blues along with Sevendust, Dope, and Lines of Loyalty. A nu-metal party right out of 1999 with this lineup, and they rocked Anaheim like never before and then some—a night not soon to be forgotten for sure.

Lines of Loyalty, this magnetic rock trio out of Kenosha, WI kicked off the night in fine fashion and successfully lit the metal fuse to ignite the House of Blues in preparation for the upcoming 1-2-3 punch of nu-metal.

Dope took the stage led by frontman Edsel Dope and played a short but ferocious set of powerful metal anthems fueled by piss and vinegar. The set kicked off with the recent “Blood Money,” then you got all the Dope hits you would expect and the crowd was intensely giving Edsel tons of energy as they sang every word. With Acey Slade on guitars for this tour, the band delivered “Bitch” as well as the medley “Die, Boom, Bang, Burn, Fuck” which gave you a little of all your favorite Dope songs. The band ended the set with the Dead or Alive cover “You Spin Me Round (Like a Record).” Now half-way through the night band-wise, the crowd was PUMPED for Sevendust.

Read More »

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Taking it all the right way / Keeping it in the back / Taking it all the right way / Never no turning back, never need no / Never no turning back

Flying just a sweet place / Coming inside and safe / Flying just a sweet place / Never been known to fail, never been no / Never been known to fail

What to do “après that big day?” “Après Halloween,” “après album release,” “après ski?”

I’m not saying 2023 is over for new music, but I feel it’s time to relax and dig into some old soul tunes. Some obscure, some comfort food.

Of course, congrats to all artists releasing new music. Dig in.

Read More »

The North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre in Chula Vista came alive on Thursday night as fans poured in from all over southern California for an unforgettable night with Avenged Sevenfold and Atreyu. This show was rescheduled from a last-minute cancellation earlier in the month (due to M. Shadows’ illness) and ended up being the final stop of their North American tour. The atmosphere was electric and charged with anticipation as the venue filled up for what many fans arguably believed was A7X’s most electric performance over the last few years. When all the dust finally settled after a stellar cover to cover performance, I agreed with their sentiment 110%. To date, this show sits atop the altar of rock as my favorite live performance in 2023, bar none.

On June 2, 2023, Avenged Sevenfold released their 8th Studio Album, Life Is But a Dream. From the moment it dropped, strong emotions began to swirl within the Deathbat community. Some absolutely loved the album, while others felt it was a complete disaster. After careful consideration (and countless spins on the record player), I can honestly say Life is But a Dream might be their best overall album in the band’s storied 20+ year history. To the naked eye, it is not what it seems initially, yet everything you would expect from a band that has always lived by a different set of rules—on their terms. And on Thursday night, A7X brought it to life for its legions of fans.

Atreyu, the first to hit the stage, immediately set the tone with their high-energy performance. Their song choices were a perfect blend of old favorites and new tracks, pleasing both long-time fans and newcomers. What immediately stood out in their 13-song set was how much fun this band had playing for its fans. Led by frontman Brandon Saller, Atreyu went scorched Earth, cranking out hit after hit including “Falling Down,” “Ex’s and Oh’s,” and “Warrior.” Dan Jacobs and Travis Miguel brought their signature sound on the guitar, while bassist Marc “Porter” McKnight and drummer Kyle Rosa kept the low end in fine form. My favorite moment came when McKnight leapt into the pit and lunged into the crowd during “Right Side of the Bed.” The fans’ faces were those of pure joy and set the stage for what was about to come, Avenged Sevenfold

Read More »

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

Out in the streets / The modern vampire prowls / He’s been spreading disease / All around

There’s an epidemic / If you don’t believe me / You ought to take a look / At the eyes of your friends

When someone tempts you / You can’t refuse / It’s getting colder and you know / You got nothing to lose / You need it / Know you got nothing to lose / You need it

As days shorten, the sunsets in our canyon seem to disappear at slightly different angles. The moon has been full and bright as evenings give off a different hue of light.

Halloween’s coming. Here’s a set of songs fit for that late October dusk.

Read More »

An Australian national treasure, Matt Corby took to the stage at The Fonda Theatre on Sunday night promoting his 2023 album Everything’s Fine.

Born in Australia myself, I’ve been a fan of the singer and songwriter since he first appeared on Australian Idol in 2007. Perhaps it’s his nostalgic songs (highly recommend checking out older hits “Resolution” and “Brother” as a gateway into his velvety discography of tunes) and the fact the crowd was vibrating with accents from the homeland or his classic Aussie banter, this was truly one of my most unforgettable concert experiences to date.

Joined by a three-piece band, Corby’s music is best described as a blend of soulful indie/folk/rock. It’s soothing, yet also belt-worthy at times and always vocally impressive. “I’ve got chills” was a phrase spoken multiple times by concert goers nearby. Opening with 2023 release “Carry On,” Corby went on to play a set of 15 songs each as powerful and emotive as the next. Stopping to address the audience in-between songs, the artist apologized for canceling his LA show earlier this month, “I had the laryngitis, I’m sorry!”

Read More »