Publication Date November 13, 2026
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November 13, 2026UncategorizedTOTAL MADNESS
Coming to Hollywood Bowl
November 13th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
When you talk tinsel town, you talk about everything under the lights. Music that is right up our alley in Socal, and there is no bigger show than the one just announced today.
It’s music you can skank to and dance the night away. It’s two-tone meet third wave and what a lineup to see your favorite ska bands under the stars at the iconic Hollywood Bowl! Madness, Goldfinger, The Mighty Mighty Bosstones, Dance Hall Crashers and Reel Big Fish!
Starting off with two-tone royalty, Madness set the bar. It’s a total dance craze with hits like “Our House,” “One Step Beyond,” “Night Boat to Cairo,” “Bed and Breakfast Man,” and “Baggy Trousers.
MADNESS literally set the standard for what being a Rude Boy or Girl was all about! When you think ska, they are the benchmark!
The ’90s followed with ska-core juggernauts the Mighty Mighty Bosstones and their mega-hit “The Impression That I Get.” That song was and remains everywhere.
Dicky Barrett will be behind the mic again, we’ll see who is ready to skank!
The night will just get Better and better with Goldfinger dropping “Here in Your Bedroom,” “Superman,” and “99 Red ballons.” While Danc Hall Crashers will get us “Lost Again” with “Go”.
Then again, the return of Reel Big Fish will have Aaron Barrett dropping uber-hits like “Take On Me,” “Sell Out,” and just maybe “She Has a Girlfriend Now!”
These ska bands from two different eras will set this show apart from any we have seen in recent memory. It’s time o dust off your fedoras, creepers, doc martens and plaid everything and get ready to dance, dance, dance!
Tickets for this mega event go on sale Tuesday November 17th at 10 a.m. (Local Time).
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SID 261115 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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November 12, 2026UncategorizedELAVATE FROM THE NORM
Live from Sphere Las Vegas
November 13th, 2026 by Stuart Karpel
It is a blessing that we have been able to witness amazing performers from across the world come together through music and share a piece of their upbringing. While we have quite the roster in the USA, Canada has produced some of the biggest talents we know today: Metric, Sum 41, simple Plan, The Weeknd, Celine Dion, Alanis Morissette, Joni Mitchell, Neil Young, Arcade Fire, Avril Lavigne, Bryan Adams, Drake… the list goes on and on.
One band we all know and love from the Great White North is Rush. Alex Lifeson, Geddy Lee, and Neil Peart have given us decades of music to appreciate, and despite Peart’s passing, Rush is not slowing down anytime soon.
Rush has played every major stage on the globe, but it is time to invade one of the newest venues drawing THE biggest names in music – you can now add Rush to the list of artists playing a residency at The Sphere in Las Vegas. Rush will camp out in Sin City in May and June of 2027. These performances will be the chance of a lifetime, so do not delay making your plans.
Seeing Lee and Lifeson live is like no other; from the immense energy the band presents, to the progressive sci-fi rock sound they’ve represented through their 19 studio albums.
The dedication from the band has earned them a deeply devoted following, even after losing a key member of their group.
Neil Peart’s passing in 2020 will never be forgotten and his musical intellect, charisma, and dedication to the millions of fans will always be cherished and remembered. Undoubtedly, his legacy carries through the band today and fans who were fortunate to witness his playing live likely consider him the best drummer of all time.
While it’s important to reflect on our past, it’s just as important to look towards the future. Fortunately, there is plenty to look forward to when it comes to the band’s upcoming shows, especially in this “atmoSphere.”
Due to the advanced technology within this venue’s creation, the visually appealing presentations that go along with every show are a perfect match for the unique performances of the band. Fans can expect an amazing show with incredible music performed by legends of rock.
Whether you’re excited to listen “Tom Sawyer,” “YYZ,” “Freewill,” “Limelight,” “Closer to the Heart,” or “2112,” get your tickets ASAP because you don’t want to regret this opportunity of catching rock history in a location like no other!
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SID 261113 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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November 12, 2026Uncategorized2027 North American Tour
November 12th, 2026 by Jimmy Alvarez
The year was 1988 when the trajectory of music would be changed forever. Like everything else in life, it started off small and non-suspecting. The change came in the form of a band from Sacramento, California called Deftones!
The band was first categorized as an alternative rock band, but as their signature sound unfolded, they were part of launching a new dawn – a genre called nu-metal. “Adrenaline” was their ’95 debut album that gave us “Bored” and “7 Words.”
It wasn’t until the new millennium, Y2K – that’s 2000 if you were too young for that insanity. Nevertheless, the world was about to see what the future would bring with the band’s junior album “White Pony” and their mega-hit, “Change (In the House of Flies).”
Since then, they have delivered a sound that is uniquely Deftones. Songs that made them international sensations include, “My Own Summer (Shove It),” “Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away),” “Passenger,” “Ohms,” and more recently “My Mind is a Mountain,” and “infinite source.”
The band recently electrified fans at their annual Dia de los Deftones festival at Petco Park in San Diego. The band is just as solid as ever with Chino Moreno behind the mic, Stephen Carpenter on guitar, Frank Delgado on keys / turntables and Abe Cunningham behind the drum kit.
When you go to the live shows you will also experiece Fred Sablan on bass, Lance Jackman also on lead guitar and Shaun Lopez on rhythm guitar. Their collective sonic vision is on full display each time they take the stage.
Their legion of loyal followers went ballistic when they got the news about the band’s 2027 North American tour.
The tour begins May 5th in Dallas and crisscrosses North America making a stop at the iconic Hollywood Bowl on May 18th. The tour will wrap up on June 20th at Toronto’s RBC Amphitheatre. Support for the tour will be provided by Knocked Loose and julie.
If you are part of the Deftones Army or a devout music fan – you can purchase tickets via band presale starting on November 17th (click below). General sales begin November 19th at 10 a.m. (local time).
If you like your music soft and melodic, this tour isn’t for you. Then again, if you like it loud, in your face and able to peel your face off – yeah, go see Deftones!
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SID 261112 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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November 11, 2026UncategorizedTwilight of the Punks Tour is Coming to SoCal
November 11th, 2026 Story by Traci Turner
Fall Out Boy has announced the Twilight of the Punks Tour, a 36-date run across Europe, the UK, and North America that the band is billing as its biggest headline tour yet.
Southern California gets two stadium nights: August 17th at San Diego’s Petco Park, and August 21st at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium.
The tour arrives in the band’s 25th year with a lineup built for lifelong pop-punk fans. The Offspring and The Story So Far play every North American date, and Good Charlotte joins all but two.
Both SoCal shows double as hometown nights for The Offspring, who formed in Garden Grove in 1984 and have been part of the region’s punk story ever since. Expect the crowds at Petco Park and Dodger Stadium to turn out for them as much as for the headliners.
This is Fall Out Boy’s first tour through the SoCal region since 2024, when the band played Anaheim’s Honda Center.
It’s also their first San Diego stop since 2023, when the So Much For (Tour) Dust run played Chula Vista’s North Island Credit Union Amphitheatre. Their last stadium visits to both cities came in 2021, on the Hella Mega Tour with Green Day and Weezer.
Right before the tour announcement Fall Out Boy released a fresh single, “ACES.” The single is the band’s first new original song in over three years and was produced and mixed by longtime collaborator Neal Avron.
No album has been announced yet, but the timing leaves room for more.
The tour doesn’t start until May 17th in Prague – that’s plenty of runway for additional music to arrive before fans fill Petco Park and Dodger Stadium, and a good bet that “ACES” won’t be the last new song in the set.
Tour support includes a few heavyweights: The Offspring, Good Charlotte and The Story So Far.
The artist and Spotify presales are on now in select markets, and the general on sale begins November 12th at 10 a.m. local time.
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SID 261113 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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November 11, 2026UncategorizedLINEUP ANNOUNCED
November 11th, 2026 by Traci Turner
The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival announced their 2027 lineup, dubbed “The return to innocence,” and Tame Impala, Dua Lipa, and SZA top the bill.
The annual music and arts festival will be held at the Empire Polo Club in Indio like usual and continues to cover two weekends: April 9th-11th and April 16th-18th, 2027.
Coachella always gives us a stacked line up, so let’s take a look see…
Friday has Dua Lipa, the first solo female British artist to headline; the return of the legend that is Madonna; our guys in Social Distortion; the Swedish pop star who is on fire right now, Zara Larsson; the polka dot, black and white adorned group you have been seeing everywhere, Angine de Poitrine; plus Mike D 5D (Beastie Boys Mike D) , The Damned, Steve Lacey, Blackpink’s JISOO, Kehlani, Violet Grohl, and Leon Thomas.
Tame Impala tops Saturday and the day hosts another high demand singer-songwriter, Phoebe Bridgers; one of our favorite bands, Weezer; super talked about artist, Role Model; the return of Måneskin; plus Tiësto, Martin Garrix, and Adéla.
Sunday ends the weekend with SZA as headliner, and Don Toliver, Pennywise, Lambrini Girls, Sublime’s Jakob Nowell and THE CASTLE, Dom Dolla, Kygo, The Neighbourhood, and Becky G rounding things out.
Make your annual pilgrimage to the desert for Coachella 2027 by getting passes this Friday at noon PT. The tickets that went on sale in May sold out in hours, so do not hesitate!
If you just can’t get over to Indio, Coachella extended its deal with YouTube and will livestream the event.
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SID 261113 | JIMMY ALVAREZ | EDITOR [...]
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November 11, 2026UncategorizedLive from In-N-Out Burger Sound Space at
November 11, 2026 Review by Stuart Karpel
Last week, the In-N-Out Sound Space at the KROQ Studios was the place to be. The evening air ran cold but between the warm In-N-Out burgers, animated conversations amongst fans, and phenomenal music played by one of the hottest bands out there, the vibes were red hot.
Fans shared stories of past experiences with Cage the Elephant, ranging from memories of their first listen, their current favorite tracks, and the last Cage show they attended.
The outdoor courtyard of the KROQ Studios was packed with super fans, making it obvious no one would need assistance remembering lyrics during the performance.
After polishing off their fresh burgers and fries, fans eagerly gathered in the In-N-Out Sound Space, filling every gap in the room. No one wanted the show to start sooner than the person next to them.
But before the concert could officially kick off, Kevin Ryder and Megan Holiday were joined by brothers, Matt and Brad Shultz for a quick chat.
With their history, they were like old friends just catching up before they took the stage.
Then the band took a short intermission and came back under the warm stage lights, more than ready to give the excited fans what they had been waiting for. In addition to the many indie rock tracks fans already love, they intended to share the recently released singles from their upcoming album, “Dying in Reverse.”
The first track of the 12-song setlist, “Beaches in Tennessee,” had every fan moving their feet to the fast-paced introduction. The song’s eerie lyricism focusing on the viewpoint of a surveillance state was reminiscent of a banger song from Cage’s early years. It gave fans exactly what they wanted to hear after waiting two years for this project, which will be released on February 5th, 2027.
Next up was the first track off their most notable album, the Grammy-nominated “Melophobia.” The song “Spiderhead” was a perfect fit for the beginning half of their setlist, keeping up with the fast-paced track before it.
“Cold Cold Cold” was up next and as soon as the catchy melody of Brad Shultz’s guitar took over the room, and lead singer Matt Shultz called out, “Doctor!” everyone in the Sound Space pulled out their phones to capture this memory for a lifetime. “Shake Me Down” followed, the phones stayed out, but the singalong got even louder than before.
A track from their 2011 album, “Thank You Happy Birthday,” was played with every ounce of energy the band had. It’s a unique skill to be able to control your crowd at ease, whilst playing an emotional song that touches on memories of struggle. The stop-and-go rhythm of the soft guitar riffs into a heavy drop of electric guitar and drums was well-exemplified to this point.
What no one expected hear next was the band’s new song, “Dying in Reverse.” While this was their first time playing this song live, superfans had already learned every word of it. Just as it felt like another example of a new song from retro-styles of their first couple albums, the reaction it received likely accomplished the band’s intention of reinventing themselves.
The death-to-ego mentality of the lyricism as well as the feeling of saying “goodbye” that this song represents seemed to resonate with fans in the Sound Space as everyone swayed their arm side-to-side in harmony with the song’s somber sound.
Up next came the songs “Make it Easy” and fan favorite and KROQ classic “Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked.” While fans likely resonated with the themes of hardship, it was as if those in attendance weren’t just singing along, rather they were pleading to be heard.
The audience got up close and personal with Cage when they reached “Telescope,” and Brad jumped into the audience to sang with the fans. At one point he even grabbed the phone of a fan recording him, creating an inevitably viral video and surely a heartfelt moment for the crowd.
As the band played one of their most notable tracks, “Cigarette Daydreams,” fans in the Sound Space belted cheers of excitement and every person in the room knew the lyrics to the song as it became a singalong.
Despite the show coming to an end, the consistent singalong throughout continued as the final track of the setlist, “Come a Little Closer” came next. It’s a classic last song for a Cage the Elephant concert and the fans were all for it. Even those who’d consider themselves “new-ish” fans could sing every lyric of the song’s infamous chorus.
The night ended with a fantastic anthem, a “thank you” to KROQ and the fans who came to watch, and a loud ovation from the crowd that represented a massive “thank you” back towards the band.
Fans grabbed their concert posters on the way out the door and shared their favorite parts of the night, eventually becoming a cherished story rather than just a memory that’s justifiably worth having bragging rights over.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by @sklarbarberio on IG
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SID 261112 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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November 9, 2026UncategorizedAn Epic Fundraiser for T.S.O.L.’s
MIKE ROCHE
November 9th, 2026 Review by Kevin Gomez
A dozen of the biggest bands in punk gathered Saturday at the Garden Amphitheater to support Mike Roche, founding bassist of Huntington Beach’s legends, T.S.O.L. Roche has been living with Parkinson’s disease since 2017, when symptoms first appeared.
Tickets were completely sold out, with all ticket sales and donations will going directly to Roche. Vendors were ready for this one – Only the main stage was being used, which means shortened sets with early bands getting 20 minutes, while even the evening’s headliners were only playing for 40 minutes.
Rad The Impaler at GARDENAMP
Still, with a compromise of shorter set times, it really did feel like experiencing more than a normal festival with multiple stages and overlapping schedules.
ORANGE COUNTY | CALIFORNIA
Photo by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
Dissension’s set seemed to set the tone for the rest of the day. The band started off blindingly fast and hectic, with “Number One” followed by “Sandbagged Again.”
The band kept it heavy and fast for “Child Soldier” and “Silverado Park.” They finally finished their 20-minute set with “Pushing Through.”
Love Canal pulled in a solid set opening with, “Got Yer Number.” Their guitarist Eric VonArab said he used to live with Roche a lifetime ago.
He said if he only had a $1.49 in his pocket, he’d buy a chicken meal and split it with him, reflecting – that is the kind of guy Roche is.
T.S.O.L.’s Greg Kuehn joined Love Canal on piano for “Need to Know.”
Death by Stereo wasted no time getting into “No Cuts, No Butts, No Coconuts” with singer Efrem Schulz exploding onto the scene immediately going into a one-armed windmill as drummer Mike Cambra wailed away.
Photo by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
Schulz really let his voice shine on “Flawed Theology.” SSD’s legendary frontman, Springa took lead vocals for a take on their song “Boiling Point,” leading to the day’s first mosh pit.
They closed out with “Lookin’ Out For #1,” which saw dueling guitar solos first from JP Gericke, then mustached fan favorite, Dan Palmer.
Mainliners hail from and look like they hail from Hollywood, big Social Distortion vibes, like Greasers from the ‘50s.
And yet, looks can be deceiving as the instead of rockabilly, they hit you with pure unadulterated California hardcore.
Photo by Todd Markel Rock Images
Starting with “Life’s Alright,” an intense pit broke out. Lead singer Cash Mathieu is all style as he belts out songs like “Diana” and “Thunderbird.”
The band played a cover of Shane MacGowan and the Popes’ “That Woman’s Got Me Drinking.” They closed a high-energy set with “No Mas Tequila.”
Photo by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
Manic Hispanic has one of my favorite sets all day, going into “Wasted” and “Mas Chingones” with Schulz, pulling double-duty leading vocals. Gilbert Pichardo took over lead on “Chancla Abuser,” enduring child abuse at the hands of a Latina with slipper in hand.
Pichardo got inspired and jumped off stage straight into the pit (and me) slam dancing for “Pinche Pinche” as Schulz filled in for Louie Perez, III, who unfortunately was absent Saturday. They played “Barrio Hero,” dedicated to their beloved bassist, “El Oso from Fullerton.” They closed on “Paisa,” their take on Rancid’s “Timebomb,” which got the whole crowd skanking.
Guttermouth launched into “Baker’s Dozen,” then thrashed through “Lucky the Donkey” and “1-2-3 Slam” with great guitar from Matt Wills and long-haired Justin VanWesbroak.
Photo by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
They played my favorite song again, “Perfect World” transitioning seamlessly into “Asshole,” with A.J. Condosta putting on a drum clinic showing precision and timing. Condosta kicked into the drum beat intro for “Lipstick,” their usual closer.
Adolescents were in the running for tightest-sounding band all night. I think this may be my favorite set I’ve ever seen the Orange County icons play. Like his Death by Stereo counterpart Efrem, Mike Cambra was playing double-duty on drums for Death by Stereo and now again.
Photo by Todd Markel Rock Images
I really like what Cambra and Brad Logan on bass bring to the Adolescents live performances. Saturday was no exception. Tony Reflex sang “Queen of Denial” through gritted, snarled teeth. Logan annihilated the bass on the conclusion of “Who is/Self.”
The band tore through “Rip It Up” like a well-oiled machine. Cambra had really impressive drums on “Kids of the Black Hole.” The most vicious pit thus far that night erupted as the band closed with “Amoeba,” with Springa once again returning to assist with vocals.
One of the most anticipated bands of the night, particularly as this was largely a T.S.O.L. crowd was Change Today, featuring Joe Wood on lead vocals and T.S.O.L. guitarist Ron Emory. The first half of the band’s set saw covers off the “Change Today” album including “American Zone,” “Red Shadows,” and “Flowers by the Door.”
Photo by Todd Markel Rock Images
The next part of their set saw Emery taking on lead vocals with Kuehn on keys, T.S.O.L. drummer Antonio Val Hernandez and special guest, Jay Bentley on bass. They played “Property is Theft” and the crowd got rowdy for “Abolish Government / Silent Majority.”
Emory asked if there was anyone who wanted to come up and sing “Code Blue,” their final song, which Rob Simundson gladly took over.
The Vandals kicked things off with “Wanna Be Manor,” going into “Superficial Love.” Singer Dave Quackenbush said they were celebrating the 30th anniversary of their album “The Quickening” by playing “Marry Me,” which was the first time in 23 years.
Photo by John Gilhooley Studios
Joe Escalante led bass backed by guest drummer, Erik “Smelly” Sandin for “Urban Struggle” creating absolute havoc. It seemed like people were crawling on top of each other, as fans stagedove like torpedoes into the crowd. They played the holiday classic, “Oi to the World,” and fan favorite, “Now We Dance.”
To send them off, Quackenbush switched to guitar as Warren Fitzgerald took on vocals for an enthusiastic rendition of “I Have a Date.”
To watch Joey Castillo, drummer for the Circle Jerks, play is to watch a master at work on “Deny Everything” and the hectic “Letterbomb.” A frenetically busy drum opening from Castillo for “Under the Gun,” not included on their setlist. I swear, by the song’s conclusion I saw smoke emanating off all four members as they delivered with a scolding intensity. An absolutely brutal pit broke out for “Wild in the Streets.”
Photo by John Gilhooley Studios
Keith Morris sang “you’re not gonna make it” on “I and I” with such vitriol from the back of his throat against Zander Schloss’ commanding bassline.
They played their rendition of the Morris-penned “Wasted,” and then continued the tradition with a cover of “Nervous Breakdown” obliterating everything in its past.
Photo by Todd Markel Rock Images
Pennywise jumped right into “Wouldn’t It Be Nice” before guitarist Fletcher Dragge dedicated “Rules” to Roche.
Dragge later pointed to Roche, who was standing side stage, and said, “He’s the reason I’m in a fucking band.”
Photo by Todd Markel Rock Images
Drummer Byron McMackin steamrolled through “Straight Ahead” and “You’ll Never Make It” while singer Jim Lindberg spit out lyrics like a machine gun.
Dragge said, “They’re all fucking thieves. They’re all fucking liars. Fuck them, and “Fuck Authority.”
Photo by John Gilhooley Studios
Bob Gilmore from Pulley sat in on drums for “Broken.” Bassist Randy Bradbury played fast and with purpose on “Pennywise” before leading the iconic intro for “Bro Hymn.” The band invited everyone to come up on stage, including El Hefe.
The Offspring took the stage with Dexter Holland saying he thought these were old school fans in the crowd: “You didn’t come here to hear ‘Get a Job.’”
Photo by John Gilhooley Studios
As they have been doing in other cities, they decided to play a mostly punk, mostly old set of their first two albums, opening with, “Session” and “We Are One.”
Photo by John Gilhooley Studios
Most of these songs were ones not played live in decades. Holland said, “No, we need to go older,” and they played “Elders” off their self-titled debut.
What seemed like the heaviest pits of the night detonated into absolute bedlam as the band played “Bad Habit” with Holland singing, “When I go driving I stay in my lane” unleashing hell onto the Garden Amp crowd.
Photo by Todd Markel Rock Images
“You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” absolutely hit, with Jonah Nimoy, filling in for Noodles, doing him proud with a shredding solo on “The Kids Aren’t Alright.” The band left everything they had for “Self-Esteem.”
What an amazing night of music honoring a truly incredible pioneer in this game. The influence Roche and T.S.O.L. had on generations of fans, and continues to have, was on full display tonight.
I’m glad the community could come together to support a wonderful cause.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Todd Markel Rock Images
John Gilhooley Studios
Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
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SID 261111 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR [...]
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November 9, 2026UncategorizedNEW ORDER
Announces 2027 U.S. Tour
November 9th, 2026 by Traci Turner
Newly crowned Rock and Roll Hall of Famers, New Order will hit the US for a 2027 tour with just a few dates shared for now. The English synth rockers will visit the South in March 2027, but we expect some West Coast dates to be added.
This week, New Order frontman Bernard Sumner will attend the Rock Hall of Fame ceremony, representing Joy Division and New Order for the bands’ joint induction. Then he will jet off to South America with the crew for dates in Brazil, Chile, Argentina, Peru, and Columbia.
In March, New Order will kick things off in Austin, hit Fort Worth, Houston, New Orleans, and Nashville, then close the leg out in Miami.
Unfortunately, the “Blue Monday” legends may be missing a few members. While Sumner is still handling vocals and guitar, Phil Cunningham has guitar and keyboards, and Tom Chapman handles bass, founding members Stephen Morris (drums) and Gillian Gilbert (keyboards) are expected to sit things out. The husband-and-wife duo have taken a hiatus as Gilbert undergoes cancer treatment.
The limited tour will have rotating support from Future Islands, Zachery Allan Starkey, and DJ Arthur Baker.
This is the band’s first tour in the US since 2023, although they did play Cruel World last year. In addition to “Blue Monday,” we can expect other classics, like “True Faith,” “Bizarre Love Triangle,” “Age of Consent,” “Temptation,” “Regret,” “Ceremony,” and “The Perfect Kiss.”
Tickets for these dates will have various presales this week with the general on sale starting Friday at 10 a.m. local time.
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November 8, 2026UncategorizedTHE UNSTOPPABLE TOUR
Electrifies San Diego
November 6th, 2026 Review by Jimmy Alvarez
Coming off an electrifying night in Anaheim, UB40 brought its Unstoppable tour down the I-5 South to San Diego’s North Island Open Air Amphitheatre. This night would prove to be a little different than most: One, it was Halloween night; and two, there was rain, thunder, and lightning! The backdrop for this performance would be very memorable!
As we pulled up to the venue, we ran into a few people walking in, no different than any other show, but their stories would prove to be a microcosm of the band’s career. As you would expect, since the venue is adjacent to San Diego State University, there were lots of teenage kids floating about dressed as doctors, nurses, ghosts, and goblins. But that’s not the story; the story was hearing from fans what the band meant to them.
For example, Dave and Mary Sanchez just pulled in from Phoenix. When asked why they drove out that far, they said they met on Halloween night, 1983. They fell in love with the band and their Elvis cover of “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You” was their first dance as man and wife. So, as Mary put it, “Damn right we’re gonna be here tonight!”
CAL COAST CREDIT UNION OPEN AIR THEATRE
San Diego, California
October 31st, 2026
The weather did not detour fans as they showed up in droves. As we waited for the show to start, fans started to line up against the barricade, and story after story was told about what UB40 meant to all.
One guy, who only said his name was Brandon, said when he was in college, he had a tragedy fall on his family, and was far from home and had to wait to see what the news was if the news would be OK or if would be devasting. The guy in the room across the hall was always playing reggae music, and he had a song on repeat. It was catchy and kept repeating the words. Eventually he got the news that all would be OK, the song was “Johnny Too Bad” by UB40. He said it was a way for him to thank the universe and pay homage to the band that got him through a dark moment in his life. The stories kept coming, and eventually so did the rain.
Finally, it was time for the show, and the opener was Gramps Morgan. Sadly, I can’t say I was familiar with him or his music, and thankfully for me, that would quickly change. As the set started, we had no idea where the vocals were coming from, and out from the rear of the stage came the large Jamaican man that had a booming voice; it was like the voice from above.
He opened with “Positive Vibration,” and immediately segued into “If You’re Looking for Me.” I guess I must have been living under a rock because as I looked back at the crowd, countless fans were singing every word to the song.
He said he was from the islands by way of Nashville, and I have to say, what a presence he had! What made it for great entertainment, he kept going back and forth with a Jamaican accent to sounding like Johnny Cash; AND he was funny. I loved his song “Don’t Put Water in My Whisky,” which made everyone laugh.
He sounded fantastic, that voice was so striking, and he was a great storyteller. He paid homage to Harry Belafonte with a snippet of “Day-O (The Banana Boat Song).”
I really wish I could catch him doing a full set because he was that entertaining. He played a few other songs that made the crowd cheer, “Down by the River,” “Feels So Right,” and yes, a classic country cover of Kenny Rogers “The Gambler.” I have never heard that song delivered like that and it was amazing! Before we knew it, Gramps Morgan said goodnight and the crowd started to fill in, ready for UB40.
By now the rain was a little heavier and steady, but it did not adversely impact the festive atmosphere. Then it was time, out came UB40 and the crowd erupted. Opening with “One in Ten,” UB40 displayed that signature sound that has captured the hearts and souls of fans worldwide.
Lead singer Matt Doyle belted out classics in such a soulful way fans were mesmerized – a Jimmy Cliff cover followed “Many Rivers to Cross,” followed by a Temptations cover, “The Way You Do the Things You Do,” followed by “Homely Girl.”
Doyle welcomed everyone to the show and dove into the hit parade, “Sing Our Own Song,” “Rat in Mi Kitchen,” another Jimmy Cliff cover “Many Rivers to Cross,” and “Cherry Oh Baby” off “Labour of Love.”
As the crowd cheered founding member Robin Campbell thanked everyone again for coming out and said they had played San Diego many times but not on a night like this.
He introduced the band, drummer Jimmy Brown, then vocalist Gilly G and his son Matt Campbell… and with a great comic delivery he paused looked at all the other guys in the band and said, the rest are ancient which drew a large laugh from the crowd.
The next hit parade took off with “Kingston Town,” and the Neil Diamond cover everyone in the house knew, even security, “Red Red Wine!” Doyle was on fire, and so was vocalist Gilly G, the duo knew how to deliver on this classic UB40 set and their lifetime fans recognized how special these songs are.
As the rain got a little stronger, so did the force of the music, almost as if it willed the rain to tame itself for a little longer. Mother nature cooperated and it was time for everyone’s favorite Al Green cover, “Here I am (Come and Take Me)” followed by Shania Twain’s “You’re Still the One.”
That was such an emotional moment, some fans were in tears as they took in the timeless classic and followed with “Impossible Love.”
As the night was coming to an end, the most appropriate song of the night closed the show, “(I Can’t Help) Falling in Love with You!”
As I looked back on the crowd, I spotted Dave and Mary, and waved to them, Mary in tears waved back and shouted “They’re playing our song!”
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Green-Eyed Blonde Photography
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November 6, 2026UncategorizedLive from Bridgestone Arena – Nashville
November 5th, 2026 Review by Traci Turner
Three Days Grace’s Alienation Tour stopped in Nashville and melted everyone’s faces off. Three incredible bands, scads of pyro, plus a costumed mosh pit of characters.
The night was my introduction to The Funeral Portrait, and I already look forward to seeing the Atlanta band again. Lee Jennings is an engaging frontman who speaks from the heart, performed some epic combat maneuvers, and made me crave more of their catalog.
They kicked the evening off with their hugely popular cover of Tears for Fears’ “Mad World” followed by “Holy Mind.” By “Generation Psycho,” I was hooked and “Blood Mother” sealed the deal. Jennings had everyone take out their phones and light them up during “Voodoo Doll” and it showed the venue was nicely packed already.
Donning a cowboy hat, Jennings asked, “Is it cool if we get a little y’all-ternative with you?” He told the story of a record exec telling him he would need to lose 100 pounds to be successful as a frontman. In response the band and the audience raised middle fingers in that exec’s honor.
“Holy Water” was followed by the live debut of “My Future Prediction,” their newest song, which will drop on Friday. “Dark Thoughts” and the My Chemical Romance-ish “Suffocate City” closed their set.
When the arena darkened, I PREVAIL was shown in bold red letters on a black screen behind the stage. Red lights began flashing, a thundering bass riff began, and the band walked out. Then frontman Eric Vanlerberghe growled, “Nashville, turn it the fuck up!”
What followed was a screaming, howling, epically loud set with a crap ton of pyro. I Prevail launched into “NOW” and “Bow Down” before Vanlerberghe asked to see the mosh pit. As it was the day after Halloween – at least, I assume that’s why – a group was dressed in various costumes that included a hot dog, a pickle, a bottle of Fireball, and Pikachu. He said it was time to get the pit moving and that brought “Self-Destruction.”
The thundering drums in “There’s Fear in Letting Go” were super impressive and Vanlerberghe once again checked on the pit, joking, “The pit has been too chill! What are you doing, Pikachu? Pooh? Teletubbies? Whatever!” He said, “Some of you are thinking ‘I am sick of this screamo shit. I’m here for Three Days Grace.’” But the crowd screamed in support and kept it up for “Choke.”
After “Hurricane” and “Bad Things,” there was a snippet of Metallica’s “Sad but True,” and Vanlerberghe yelled, “Get your fists in the mother fuckin’ sky!”
He intro-ed the next song, “This next one is a newer one about the weather. It’s called ‘Rain.’” Gabe Helguera’s drumming blew me away on this one, and an epic drum solo followed.
After “God,” Vanlerberghe growled, “We’ve got two more song and they are ass beaters, baby!” They then released all the things – lights, fire, fog, screams to go with “Violent Nature.”
In the middle of their closer, “Gasoline,” Vanlerberghe stated, “We’ve got two more minutes. Get on your feet; love me or hate me, you will respect me. Get up!” The few remaining sitters complied.
I Prevail. Ok, I get it. Respect.
While it already felt like we experienced a full rock show, there was still the headliner to go. I last saw Three Days Grace in 2023 with Matt Walst as the frontman, but on that night, they brought former frontman Adam Gontier onstage to sing a few songs. After that show, Gontier rejoined the band and he and Walst share singing duties – it works.
As the humungous white words, “LET’S FUCKING GO,” flashed on the black screen, Three Days Grace almost seems more subtle in their entrance, but once the lights hit, the screams started and “Dominate” got things going.
As “Animal I Have Become,” began, the fans started screaming in appreciation. Walst and Gontier traded vocals and covered the full stage, getting the crowd into the singalong. Gontier visited each band member, making funny hand gestures in front of guitarist Barry Stock, who always amazes me.
It was at this point I looked at the drummer and went, “Wait a sec! That’s Shaun!” TDG drummer Neil Sanderson was injured last month and underwent surgery last week for a ruptured tendon in his left bicep. Despite this, he was still onstage playing keyboards and providing background vocals. But behind the kit as he heals is former Breaking Benjamin drummer, Shaun Foist, who appeared to be having an absolute blast.
“So Called Life” and “Break” were next, after which Gontier gave details on Sanderson’s injury, then said the next song was about feeling like a machine going through the motions,” “I Am Machine.”
Gontier stopped to give the history of the band, their childhoods in Canada, their albums, his departure in 2013, and said, “But these guys kept going, they kept it alive, and I am so grateful. We would not be here if not for Matt and the guys.” This led to “The Mountain.”
Last year TDG released “Alienation,” their first album with the two singers. After they did a single from it, “Kill Me Fast,” Gontier said it had been written in the Nashville area, where he now lives. But he said it was time to go back to the oldest TDG song, and that it “can be an anthem about breakups, or drugs,” “I Hate Everything About You.”
Walst announced it was time to go back to the 2000s, “when shit was still good,” there were no smart phones, and we had CDs. A medley of the frontmen’s solo tracks, “Gone Forever,” “Porn Star Dancing,” and “I Don’t Care” provided a party and when it ended, Walst told Gontier, “These are our people!”
The mosh pit was crazy during “Time of Dying,” but then the band slowed things down. Gontier spoke of their Canadian childhoods in a tiny town with “only one of everything.” He said there were three things to do there: sports, drugs, or music. He joked that they had dipped into some of the other, but “luckily we are here to do this.” He invited a special guest out – his cousin, Saint Asonia bassist, Cale Gontier.
What followed was an emotional rendition of “Don’t Wanna Go Home Tonight” complete with a video montage of childhood photos, early touring images, and a lookback and the band’s entire history.
Things got changed up as the band moved to an acoustic portion, complete with camp chairs around a firepit and a starry sky behind them. “Lost in You” was done with them sitting around the camp fire and Gontier said, “This is how it all began; sitting around together singing.”
As much as I adore “Pain” as a rock song, the stripped down version was lovely. “Lifetime” was introduced as a “song for everyone who has lost somebody,” and we were instructed to light up the arena with our phones. “Let’s light this up for everyone looking over us from heaven,” exclaimed Gontier.
To wrap the simpler set portion up, the lights went off and Gontier was spotlighted on the stage walkout as he sang a portion of 3 Doors Down’s “Here Without You” acapella before having the crowd assist.
We were back to the full band rock show with “World So Cold” and “Just Like You,” which included The Funeral Portrait’s Jennings onstage to be a vocal trio. Once again I noticed Foist smiling brightly behind the kit, spinning his drumsticks in between hits.
Following “Mayday,” Walst gave the order we had to follow: “I know it is Sunday, but let’s party like it’s Saturday. Call your boss and say ‘I was partying with TDG, so fuck off!’”
“The Good Life,” “Painkiller,” and “Never Too Late” were crowd pleasers with what seemed like the entire arena singing along.
After leading the packed venue in a “Riot!” call and response, Walst yelled, “Keep that mosh pit going. Keep the crowdsurfing going. Let’s. Start. A rrriiiioooootttt!” Obviously, “Riot” wrapped the set.
An absolutely amazing night of growls, screams, green hair, fire, and riots (the good kind). Plus, some fantastic fucking music, courtesy of Three Days Grace, I Prevail, and The Funeral Portrait. The Alienation Tour marches west and will stop in SoCal November 20th at Viejas Arena in San Diego, and November 22nd at the Intuit Dome in LA.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Stephanie Pepper Photography
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November 6, 2026UncategorizedLive from The Constellation – Santa Ana
November 5th, 2026 Review by Amaris Becker
The show was sold out weeks ago. Grohl was on the bill. Everybody in the Constellation Room on Thursday knew all about her roots, but that was not the topic of conversation. People were there to hear Violet Grohl play her new album on shuffle.
The Constellation Room at the Observatory holds around 250 people. It may be a venue too small for her last name, but it fits her. Her debut album, “Be Sweet to Me,” which dropped in May, and during 12-song set, she went through the length of her catalog and then one.
Suzy Clue opened dressed as an airline stewardess with 2000s emo bangs, circa Britney Spears in the “Toxic” video, and most of her stage presence mimicked that era. She embraced the party girl sex symbol of her idol. She wanted the room to want her, and by the end of her set they did.
She played into a fan onstage, blowing her hair back. She sold underwear at her merch table. Tequila went around. A man came out of the audience claiming to be her biggest fan and then played her next song on guitar perfectly.
By the end the audience was on the stage, her now instrument-less guitarist was riding on a man’s back, and they danced until the mics were turned off.
Thirty minutes later Violet Grohl came out in a black maxi skirt and a long-sleeve shirt and did almost none of that.
She opened with “Bug in the Cake,” into “THUM” and “Last Day,” then “Cool Buzz” and “Stimulant Breakfast.” She announced every song by name and kept the audience interaction minimal, the occasional thank you for coming, that she was honored to be here. There was a vibe to her, something close to too cool to be here, mysterious, but it worked.
Her music is not music you dance to. That was her opener. This is music you sway to. “Big Memory” and “Mobile Star” are where you can hear exactly why she gets filed under shoegaze, layered and distorted vocals. “Swallowtail” came next and kept the same energy. She introduced her band mid set.
“Pool of My Dreams” got the biggest response of the night and deserved it. “Sun Is Blind,” still unreleased, came as a treat and made the case better than anything else in the set that she knew how to perform. By “Applefish” the phones were up and videos were being taken, which they mostly had not been until then, and the whole front of the room was mouthing the words. “595” came next, and she closed with “Plastic Couch.”
Some fans up front were head banging and what I found interesting is the taller audience members hung back. You don’t need to be upfront to make eye contact with the band in that venue. I went in worried that a good portion of them were only there to catch a glimpse of a famous man’s DNA. She has her own following, and it showed.
People told me they had attended her LA show as well. Somewhere in the middle of the set a voice yelled, “You’re so cool, Violet!” A little later another one yelled, “You’re good at this, Violet!”
At one point, somebody yelled, “Fuck you, Violet!” which in a room that size has to be a compliment. She did not take the bait on any of it. A true professional, she just kept going.
There was a stark contrast between her and the opener. Suzy Clue was all energy and extroverted, Grohl stayed mysterious and let her voice stand for itself.
She may have had doors open for her but they stayed open for a reason, and her sold-out shows prove it.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Todd Markel Rock Images
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November 5, 2026UncategorizedThe Offspring & .48 Special
Headline Rock 2 Freedom at The Wiltern
November 5th, 2026 Review by Michelle Pase
When you think of In-N-Out Burger, a few things probably come to mind. Incredible burgers, fresh-cut fries, and a company with an incredibly loyal following. But at the Wiltern, In-N-Out showed off another side of its personality, and it absolutely rocked.
Company president Lynsi Snyder traded the boardroom for the stage, add in a seriously talented employee band, a former guitarist from Korn, and punk rock legends The Offspring, and you had the makings of one unforgettable night.
The sixth annual Rock 2 Freedom benefit brought together more than 1,900 guests for a sold-out evening featuring In-N-Out’s company band, .48 Special, and Southern California punk rock favorites, The Offspring. Presented in partnership with KROQ, the show benefited Slave 2 Nothing, In-N-Out’s charitable foundation supporting organizations fighting substance abuse and human trafficking.
By night’s end, the event had raised an impressive $978,850. Along the way, it delivered a genuinely entertaining rock show with some a few surprises few saw coming.
KROQ personality Megan Holiday hosted the festivities, bringing her familiar enthusiasm to the evening.
Holiday also shared her personal experiences with addiction and recovery, discussing her Life of the Party charity and adding another meaningful connection to the cause.
The crowd was a lively combination of In-N-Out employees, company leadership, families, and longtime Offspring fans. It felt part company celebration, part punk-rock concert, and part fundraiser. Somehow, the combination worked beautifully.
First up was .48 Special, In-N-Out’s employee band, led by company president and owner Lynsi Snyder.
Now, corporate bands can be a mixed bag. Sometimes they’re entertaining simply because it is fun watching coworkers cut loose. Other times, they turn out to be surprisingly talented.
.48 Special was firmly in the latter category.
Opening with Korn’s “Blind,” the band immediately made it clear this wasn’t going to be a collection of predictable party covers. Better yet, former Korn guitarist Wes Geer joined them onstage, giving the opening number some additional firepower.
Their ambitious 17-song set pulled from an impressive range of rock heavyweights, including Alice in Chains, Nirvana, Rage Against the Machine, Deftones, Led Zeppelin, Van Halen, and the Red Hot Chili Peppers. Multiple employees took turns in the spotlight, demonstrating legitimate musical chops and an obvious love of performing.
These weren’t abbreviated renditions, either. The band tackled full songs, including Led Zeppelin’s “Kashmir,” complete with a live string section. It was an impressive production that went well beyond anything you’d expect from a company house band.
But the music was only part of the surprise.
The performance featured elaborate aerial acts, choreographed dance numbers, and fire performances that wouldn’t have seemed out of place in a Cirque du Soleil production. During Van Halen’s “Hot for Teacher,” the dancers brought a little extra attitude and playful heat to the stage.
And right in the middle of the action was Snyder herself.
She wasn’t content to simply stand behind a microphone or play a few basslines. Snyder sang, played bass, danced, performed aerial routines, and participated in the fire acts. She genuinely looked like she was having the time of her life. This while alongside her husband Sean who shredded on the guitar.
Watching the president of a major American corporation completely embrace her inner rock star, surrounded by employees doing the same, was one of the most entertaining aspects of the evening. In-N-Out has always had its own distinctive culture, but this was a side of the company most customers probably never imagined.
Still, Rock 2 Freedom had a purpose beyond the entertainment.
Throughout the evening, Snyder spoke about the foundation’s mission and the devastating effects of addiction and human trafficking. One particularly moving moment came when she explained that In-N-Out restaurants stock Narcan, a medication capable of reversing opioid overdoses and train their employees to administer it.
She then introduced videos featuring employees describing occasions when they had actually used Narcan to save customers’ lives. It was a powerful reminder that the company’s commitment to fighting addiction extends well beyond financial contributions.
Fundraising activities included raffles and auctions, with prizes ranging from an In-N-Out Cookout Truck experience featuring more than 300 burgers to two first-class Disney Aulani vacation packages, each bringing in more than $25,000. An Offspring experience featuring a band-signed Ibanez guitar and meet-and-greet also raised $20,000!
Then it was time for The Offspring.
Few bands have played a bigger role in bringing Southern California punk rock into the mainstream. With decades of hits behind them, Dexter Holland and company had plenty of material to keep the Wiltern rocking.
Opening with “Come Out and Play,” the band immediately had the crowd singing along. “All I Want,” “Want You Bad,” “Bad Habit,” “Gotta Get Away,” and “The Kids Aren’t Alright” kept the energy high, delivering the familiar combination of fast guitars, infectious hooks, and punk attitude.
Holland sounded terrific, balancing the band’s aggressive material with his trademark humor. Longtime guitarist Kevin “Noodles” Wasserman was absent while addressing a serious medical issue, with band member Jonah Nimoy handling guitar duties.
The group also brought along its enormous inflatable half-skeletons, complete with smoke pouring from their mouths, adding another layer of theatrical fun to the performance.
The general admission floor was filled with enthusiastic fans dancing, jumping, and singing throughout the set. There wasn’t much of a traditional punk pit, although our staff photographer made an unsuccessful attempt to get one going. Hey, you can’t blame a guy for trying.
Naturally, “Pretty Fly (for a White Guy)” and “You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid” brought big reactions, but the closing “Self Esteem” delivered one of the night’s most memorable moments.
In typical Offspring fashion, Holland stopped the song before its familiar breakdown to get the crowd fired up. This time, he joked that the folks at In-N-Out, a company known for its Christian values, had politely requested that the band avoid certain language whenever possible.
The comment drew plenty of laughs before Holland turned the song over to the audience for a massive singalong. It was classic Offspring: funny, irreverent, and just mischievous enough to keep everyone smiling.
By the time the final notes rang out, Rock 2 Freedom had delivered far more than an entertaining concert.
Since its founding in 2016, Slave 2 Nothing has awarded more than $23 million to organizations helping people affected by substance abuse and human trafficking. In-N-Out covers the event and foundation operating expenses, allowing 100 percent of the money raised to support the charitable mission.
Perhaps the biggest takeaway, beyond the music, was the impression left by the people behind the event. Every In-N-Out representative I encountered was welcoming, enthusiastic, and genuinely invested in making the evening special. From the production to the performances and fundraising, the entire night was exceptionally well executed.
It’s easy for a corporation to talk about family, community, and giving back. It’s something else to see those values demonstrated through its employees, leadership, and the lives their efforts have touched.
Rock 2 Freedom delivered a terrific night of music while raising nearly a million dollars for people who could genuinely use the help.
And somewhere between the Korn covers, flying company president, and a theater full of people singing “Self Esteem,” In-N-Out reminded everyone that sometimes doing something good can also be a heck of a lot of fun.
SHOW PHOTO GALLERY
by Shane Pase Photogrpahy
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