Concert Reviews

DROPKICK MURPHY St Patrick’s Day Tour: Warren Ohio

Published

12 months ago

March 13, 2024

It’s March, and there are just a handful of things that come to the front of your brain, no matter who you are. People tend to think of Spring, the weather finally breaking and warm weather on the horizon. We also have one of the more loosely celebrated holidays which consists of green tinted beer, foods that heavily involve potatoes, and all around shenanigans. That’s right, I’m talking about St. Patrick’s Day, and what good is an Irish celebration without some good old fashioned pub brawling music? Well, Warren Ohio gained just that as the Packard Music Hall was one of the first stops on DropKick Murphys St. Patrick’s Day Tour, with assisting artists Pennywise and The Scratch.

DropKick Murphys, an American Celtic Punk Band from Quincy Massachusetts formed back in 1996, and despite having been through a handful of various members, have been going strong ever since. With their upbeat energy and love of interaction with their fans, the band certainly knows how to give their fans, Irish or otherwise, a fantastic experience. Their setlist, not always

in the same order, but loosely the same, will always show that the band keeps it unique and one of a kind for their shows, and for that I genuinely applaud them. However, one can always expect to see some fan favorites, such as “Rose Tattoo”, “ Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya” and no matter the show, the ending hit favorite “I’m Shipping Up To Boston”.

Another thing I always love highlighting when covering a Dropkick show is The Claddagh Fund, which is a charitable foundation which was founded by the bands frontman and only remaining original member, Ken Casey, back in 2009. The mission of the charity is to help various organizations who support veterans, children, and addiction. The charity follows and honors the three attributes that go along with the infamous Claddagh Ring, Friendship, Love, and Loyalty.

This is something that solely stands out at the band’s show, with its own separate merch and information table aside from the straight band merch line. I highly recommend taking the time to check it out next time you’re needing a charity option for an event.

Overall I think it’s safe to say that kicking off the few weeks leading up to St. Patrick’s day for those that made it to the show, and to anyone who is able to catch any of the remaining performances, I highly recommend it. Don’t see a show coming near you? You’re in luck, as the band is offering tickets for a livestream this coming Sunday, for one of their shows in their home state of Massachusetts, as they’ll be performing in Boston from the 15th-17th, including two different performances on St. Patrick’s Day at the MGM Music Hall At Fenway. I don’t recommend missing the shenanigans, it’s going to be one hell of a banger!

About Author

Shelby Tyce

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Concert Reviews

MARTY FRIEDMAN LIVE DRAMA TOUR 2025: RAMSHEAD ON THE STAGE

Published

2 weeks ago

February 10, 2025

Ron

Marty Friedman is on tour right now with his Live Drama 2025 and he brought Patrick Kennison and Nikki Stringfield on tour with them.

Nikki and Patrick opened up the show with an amazing acoustic set, I’ve got to see both of them many times with their other bands but this was the first time seeing them perform together and it was magical. I loved the way they not only complemented each other vocally with harmonies and more but just the feeling of love on the stage as well. We got to hear some great songs like “Where Demons Lie” and “Numbered” which is about addiction issues and dedicated to Layne Staley. We also got to hear an Iron Maiden cover “Aces High”.

Marty and his band came out on stage and if you’re into high energy and some mind blowing shreds, this is a tour for you. I love that Marty’s band is backed by some amazing Japanese musicians and probably one of my favorite drummers Chargeee, (he’s Insane while playing the drums: he’s like the live action version of Animal from the muppets)

I loved that Marty is from the area and was talking to his band mates about it and the laurel area. There was one time when Marty’s guitar player Naoki played the lead that Marty was supposed to play then they had an argument all in Japanese (the one time I wish subtitles was a real thing) the other band mates gave him the finger then Marty started to shred.

I just the energy that’s on the stage it doesn’t stop and it’s so infectious. The crowd at rams head on the stage were in full capacity for the show and ready to rock and roll with Marty.

We got to hear some of the softer more romantic side of Marty and the band when they played a few songs off the “Drama” album which was fun as well.

It’s insane to watch someone like Marty shred in a small intimate venue, you really get to see how amazing he really is and the passion he has for his craft.

About Author

Ron

Ron has keen eye for new talent, a love for the underground, and a tremendous passion for music of any genera. You’ll probably bump into him at a horror convention or some seedy club checking out the next need-to-know band.

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Concert Reviews

APOCALYPTICA PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2: DC SHOW REVIEW

Published

2 weeks ago

February 9, 2025

Ron

Apocalyptica is on tour now with Nita Strauss on their PLAYS METALLICA VOL 2.

Nita opened the show and as always put on an amazing show, it’s fun to see Nita on these solo tour when she’s not touring with Alice Cooper. You get to see her shine even more and just put a clinic on with shredding on the guitar. I’ve seen Nita a few times but this night was a little extra special, she brought out Kasey Karlsen of the band Deadlands out to sing a few songs which was great cause normally there’s no vocals at her shows.

This was my first time being able to not only see Apocalyptica but also photograph them. I’ve always been a huge fan of their music and loved the 2 Metallica albums as well. I figured this was more than likely the only way I’ll get to hear Metallica play is with Apocalyptica playing them.

We got to hear an amazing mix of songs throughout Metallica’s career. Opening up with “Ride the Lightning” and “Enter Sandman” you knew you were gonna rock out.

The band is amazing, such awesome and jaw dropping skills on those Cellos. There’s something magical about musicians that come from Helsinki and the Finland area. Eicca Toppinen, Paavo Lotjonen and Perttu Kivilaakso are insanely talented but also demand the stage so well and bring in that comedy as well.

We also got to hear songs like “Creeping Death”, “The Call of Ktulu” “St Anger”, “Blackened” “Master of Puppets”, “Nothing else Matters” and ending the night with “Seek and Destroy” and “One”. This was such a great night in a cool setting at Warner Theater in DC. I loved the atmosphere and the blending of not only music with classical and metal but also the crowd was as diverse as well.

If you get a chance to go out and see this tour, you must you won’t be disappointed.

About Author

Ron

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Concert Reviews

NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS 9

Published

3 weeks ago

January 31, 2025

Ron

ITS THAT TIME OF YEAR AGAIN WHEN THE POWERS TO BE GATHER FOR THE MOST BAD ASS OF TIME. YES ITS THAT TIME FOR ANOTHER NIGHTMARE AFTER XMAS.

OF COURSE YOU HAVE SPELLBOOK AND WRATH OF TYPHON ON THE BILL, AND HEADLINING PRINCE DIAMOND (This year doing an all Mercyful Fate set) WE ALSO GOT SABBATH WARLOCK AND ZAUBEREI AS WELL.