Concert Reviews

KISS: THE END OF THE ROAD TOUR BALTIMORE SHOW REVIEW

Published

1 year ago

December 4, 2023

Ron

Well, all good things must come to an end. Tonight in Baltimore was the last time we will get to see KISS, and boy did they put on one hell of a show.

Opening up the evening was Amber Wild, who is fronted by Paul Stanley’s son Evan, with Marshall Via on guitar, Jake Massanari on bass, and Thomas Lowrey on drums. The band has a very 70s-inspired rock sound to them, with some hints of KISS in there, but you can tell they are not trying to be another KISS.

I’ve got to see KISS a few times over the years, but I’ve never seen the original lineup. This was my first opportunity to photograph the band, which felt somewhat surreal since, according to the band, this is mostly likely the last time the band will be touring. The KISS backdrop was in place, and the fan’s excitement was building for the curtain to drop. Before it dropped, I got to see Shannon Tweed walk past me.

There were these huge statue-like figures of the band members in the corners of the stage that looked awesome, and everyone was trying to figure out how to sneak one off the stage and take them home.

As the banner dropped, the band came down on platforms with so many fireworks and pyro. I’ve always been curious about how much KISS spends on each show just for the pyro/fireworks/confetti alone.

KISS opened up with “Detroit Rock City” and “Shout It Out Loud.” Trying to photograph KISS during those two songs was fun and nerve-wracking at the same time. It’s such an iconic band that’s in front of you and songs that you grew up listening to, but you know you need to focus and get some good shots as well.

KISS played an epic setlist with songs like “War Machine,” “I Love It Loud,” “Cold Gin,” and “Calling Doctor Love.” Of course, you know you’re going to get a killer bass solo from Gene with the iconic blood spit and “God of Thunder,” which raises Gene to the top of the arena. You also know you’re going to get “Love Gun” with Paul using a zip line to the B stage, and while he is there, they also played “I Was Made for Lovin’ You.” We also got to hear Eric come off the drums and play a little piano song called “Beth.” You also know that it’s not a KISS show without ending the night with “Rock and Roll All Night.”

This was such an epic show and a huge bucketlist band to be able to photograph. It was a rollercoaster of emotions, for sure. The fans that get to be in NY for the final two shows are in for one hell of a night, and as for us in Baltimore, we sold out the arena and made it one night that the band and the fans will remember forever.

If this truly is the end of the road for KISS, then Baltimore wanted the best, and they got the best. The hottest band in the world… KISS!

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

1 day 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 days 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

2 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.