Concert Reviews

FREAKS ON PARADE 24

Published

5 months ago

September 15, 2024

Ron

It’s that time again, for some fun, some heat and some Zombie. Bringing along with the ride is Alice Cooper, Ministry and Filter.

Filter opened up and it’s been a while since I’ve seen the band play. Richard now with his gray hair is looking much more like his brother Robert aka T2000. Of course when you go see Filter play you’re going to hear “Hey Man, Nice Shot”, but it was also great to hear “Trip Like I Do”, and “Take a Picture”. Filter opened up the show with a kick ass performance and got the crowd pumped for more.

Ministry was up next and I was super excited to see them during the daylight to get some amazing photos of Al Jourgensen. Ministry opened up their set with 3 songs off the latest album HOPIUMFORTHEMASSES with “B.D.E.” , “Goddamn white trash” and “just stop oil” but of course we got to hear some classics like “Thieves”, “Stigmata” and “Jesus Built My Hotrod”. Ministry put on an amazing show and I heard people in the crowd that haven’t seen them yet say they enjoyed them and will go see them again.

Next up was The Prince of Darkness himself Mr. Alice Cooper. If you haven’t had the chance to see the Coops yet you’re missing out his puts on a hell of a show every night and still looks and sounds amazing . There is a reason almost every theatrical band has said that Alice was an inspiration for them. Not only is Alice amazing but his band is stellar. Guitarist Ryan Roxie and Tommy Henrisken are stellar with Nita Strauss bringing that extra bad ass to them and beauty. Bassist Chuck Garric is always fun to watch and is such a great guy and drummer Glen Sobel is a beast on those drums and I love that Alice Cooper’s wife Sheryl still comes out on stage to execute him. We get to hear amazing songs like “No more Mr nice guy”, “Hey Stoopid” “Poison” “Feed My Frankenstein” and even got to hear “Snakebite” which Cooper had his beloved snake wrapped around him while he sang the song.

Rob Zombie was the headliner and I was excited to see the return of Riggs and Blasko to the band since the early 2000s. Rob always put on a hell of a show with amazing sets and video screens everywhere and fire, balloons and even some raining sparklers (which he did on the 2nd song while we were still in the photo pit for). It’s always tough to photograph zombie and jiffy lube because it’s a higher stage than most and then adding all the props and ego-boxes makes it tough but fun. Zombie played 4 songs of Hellbilly Deluxe, 3 from sinister urge and a few new ones but as always he played some white zombie with “Thunder Kiss” and “More Human”.

Rob always puts on a hell of a show it’s a fun rock and roll party. With this lineup this year it’s such a great tour.

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

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

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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.