311. Concert Review with special guests AWOLNATION and Blame My Youth

311. Concert Review with special guests AWOLNATION and Blame My Youth
Peoria Civic Center Theater
Peoria, Illinois
Wednesday, September 20th, 2023

311.

Nick Hexum of 311.

 

 

311. was formed over 33 years ago. They formed in Omaha, Nebraska even though they have a SoCal sound.  Their sound has roots in Reggae, Punk, and Rock. The band consists of vocalist and guitarist Nick Hexum, bassist Aaron “P-Nut” Willis, drummer Chad Sexton, lead guitarist Tim Mahoney, and vocalist and turntablist Doug “SA” Martinez.  Named after the police code for indecent exposure in Omaha. The band has one of the longest running original lineups. They have taken over the date March 11th as their day with album releases occurring on that day as well as celebratory concerts. Their live show is one of the most dynamic and entertaining.

311. fans come from all over and travel to see them whenever and whereever they can. In July, they played Red Rocks. Ten of their albums have reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 Sales Chart and nine of their singles have reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Alternative Radio Chart – “Amber,” “All Mixed Up,” “Come Original,” “Creatures For Awhile,” “Hey You,” and “Sunset in July,” along with #1 singles “Down,” “Love Song,” and “Don’t Tread On Me.”

Special guests AWOLNATION and Blame My Youth joined 311. on tour. AWOLNATION is the project of Aaron Bruno who is the vocalist and composer. Their most notable song, “Sail” is from their 2010 album Megalithic Symphony. The song has been certified Diamond (excess of 10 million) by the RIAA in the United States and several times platinum all over the world.

Blame My Youth is the project of Sean Van Vleet who has written songs for alternative rockers, All Time Low, PVRIS, The Score, Fitz & The Tantrums. Blame My Youth‘s first single “Right Where You Belong” was released on the Bill & Ted Face The Music soundtrack that received a Grammy Nomination.

Blame My Youth‘s Sean Van Vleet was living up to the name. Throwing around middle fingers like glitter and being on the hunt for a good time. The songs in the set had great lyrics and sound like “Stupid Human”, “Prizefighter”, “Tentacles” and “They Only Love You When You’re Dead”.

The lyrics to “They Only Love You When You’re Dead”

They only love you if you’re 27
When you go to heaven
Cause you die on your back
With a bottle in your hand, yeah

The band definitely gained fans this evening. It is exciting to see them at their start of their career. Their website: Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

Blame My Youth

Blame My Youth

 

 

AWOLNATION took the stage with lots of LED lights behind and to the sides of the band. Aaron Bruno wore a Hawaiian shirt and trousers, looking like a middle aged dad on vacation. The rest of the band looked almost like his kids who were on vacation with him (see pictures below). The songs are electronic, alternative rock and have a sing along and dance along beat. Aaron Bruno was running around the stage with so much energy and singing.

Their complete setlist:
1. People
2. Kill Your Heroes
3. Run
4. The Best
5. Radical
6. Handyman
7. Passion
8. Sound Witness System
9. Hollow Moon (Bad Wolf)
10. Pacific Coast Highway in the Movies
11. Sail

AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION

 

 

AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION

 

 

AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION

 

 

AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION

 

 

AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION

 

 

AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION

 

 

AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION

 

 

AWOLNATION

AWOLNATION

 

 

311. took the stage after a short break. Their stage had led panel behind the drum kit with two smaller led panels to each side. Fans who purchased the VIP seats got to go up onto the stage and watch the first 3 songs from the side stage. For a band where the members are in their fifties, they looked really good. Especially vocalist/guitarist Nick Hexum. He was mesmerizing moving around the stage. He seemed especially fit. For a lot of fans, when 311. comes onto the stage, that is the time to light their joints or smoke their vapes. Highlights of the show were P-Nut’s bass solo with his lighted fret marker bass and then drummer, Chad Sexton’s solo. Chad Sexton’s drum kit utilized traditional drum kit along with electronic drums and lots of effects cymbals(cymbals with holes). The band thanked the crowd for over 30 years of allowing them to spread a positive message.

The full song list:
1. Beautiful Disaster
2. Freeze Time
3. Do You Right
4. Prisoner
5. Come Original
6. Taiyed
7. What The ?!
8. All Mixed Up
9. Bass Solo
10. What Was I Thinking?
11. Lovesong (The Cure cover)
12. Stainless
13. Don’t Stay Home
14. Applied Science
15. Random
16. Hydroponic
17. You Wouldn’t Believe
18. Amber
19. Down
Encore:
20. Feels So Good

311.

Nick Hexum of 311.

 

 

311.

S.A. Martinez of 311.

 

 

311.

Nick Hexum of 311.

 

 

311.

S.A. Martinez of 311.

 

 

311.

Nick Hexum of 311.

 

 

311.

P-Nut of 311.

 

 

311.

S.A. Martinez of 311.

 

 

311.

Chad Sexton of 311.

 

 

311.

Tim Mahoney of 311.

 

 

311.

S.A. Martinez of 311.

 

 

311.

Nick Hexum of 311.

 

 

311.

Click to find out more about 311. Tour

 

 

 

                                

Sources: setlist.fm, wikipedia.org,bigpicturemedia

Avatar Concert Review with Orbit Culture and The Native Howl

Avatar Concert Review with Orbit Culture and The Native Howl
Sunday, September 17,2023
The Castle Theatre
Bloomington, Illinois

Avatar Tour

Avatar Chimp Mosh Pit Tour

 

 
Avatar is a Swedish Metal band that is having a stellar year. They recently reached their first number one song on the Billboard Mainstream Rock Chart. “The Dirt I’m Buried In” is from their ninth album Dance Devil Dance which was released in February. The single rose to number one on its 31st week making it the longest trek to a number one in twenty years.

The band has also been immortalized in history by having a fossil from southern Sweden named after them. The fossil is named Ophiocoma Avatar discovered by Dr. Ben Thuy. The fossil is a brittle star and the Avatar brittle star is by far the oldest known of this type of brittle star that can see with their entire body surface.

Avatar Brittle Star

Avatar fossil brittle star

 

The band brought openers, The Native Howl who are described as Thrash Grass so a blend of Thrash Metal and Bluegrass. That describes exactly what music the band is making. The Native Howl is from Leonard, Michigan and their band consists of guitar, bass, drums and banjo. Missing was the mandolin but the electric guitar fills in for the mandolin parts. They covered “Man of Constant Sorrow” the song made famous from the movie, O Brother, Where Art Thou? a gem from the Coen brothers. The Grammy award winning song was penned and sung by bluegrass legend Dan Tyminski in the movie. The Native Howl gained a bunch of new fans in an area where country, rock and metal music are listened to by many in the area.

The Native Howl

The Native Howl

 
The Native Howl

The Native Howl

 
The Native Howl

The Native Howl

 
The Native Howl

The Native Howl

 

Orbit Culture is a fairly new band and I had not seen them or heard them before now. I have to say that their music was really great metal. It made you want to get up and bang your head the entire time. Their songs, “From The Inside” and “Vultures of The North” really spoke to me. Their entire set got the crowd going.

For more on Orbit Culture find them online: Orbit Culture

Orbit Culture

Orbit Culture

 

 

Orbit Culture

Orbit Culture

 

 

Orbit Culture

Orbit Culture

 

 

Orbit Culture

Orbit Culture

 

 

Orbit Culture

Orbit Culture

 

 

I first saw Avatar in 2014 at Rock On The Range.  They always make a great impression wherever they perform.  In addition to their fantastic music, Avatar’s music videos are some of the best in metal.  You can see their creativity in the music videos.  The band has headlined The Castle Theatre several times before. Their metal circus show has become more entertaining with more elaborate and well thought out showmanship. They have gained new fans with their song “The Dirt I’m Buried In”  getting serious airplay.  Avatar set the stage with two side curtained areas where band members walked out of and sophisticated lighting. The band came onto the stage in their classic red and black carnival outfits.  Avatar had some small pyrotechnics during their set. Johannes went out into the crowd and onto the balcony and made a balloon animal dog and then played his trumpet.  A set of balloons were gifted and each one popped during the show. Guitarist, Jonas Kungen Jarlsby came out on stage in full King regalia during the song “A Statue of The King”.  A streamer gun was used to playfully shoot streamers into the crowd.  

Avatar

Avatar

 

 

The full setlist:
1. Dance Devil Dance
2. The Eagle Has Landed
3. Valley of Disease
4. Chimp Mosh Pit
5. Paint Me Red
6. Bloody Angel
7. For The Swarm
8. Puppet Show
9. When the Snow Lies Red
10. Do You Feel In Control
11. Black Waltz
12. Tower
13. Colossus
14. Let It Burn
15. A Statute of The King

Encore:
16. The Dirt I’m Buried In
17. Smells Like A Freak Show
18. Hail The Apocalypse

The night was long but went by in the blink of an eye. It was truly an entertaining and imaginative show.  I cannot wait to see how Avatar grows bigger and bigger and puts on more elaborate shows.  

Catch them on tour: AvatarMetal.com

Avatar

Avatar

Avatar

Avatar

Avatar

Avatar

 

 

Avatar

Avatar

Avatar

Avatar

 

 

Avatar

Avatar

Avatar

Avatar

 

 

Avatar

Avatar

 

 

Avatar

Avatar

 

 

Avatar

Avatar

 

 

Avatar

Avatar

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
 

 

                                

sources: wikipedia.org, setlist.fm

Judas Priest Gallery – 8/22/18 at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater – Tinley Park, IL.

Judas Priest continues touring in support of their fantastic recent album Firepower. For this leg of North American touring, the British rock legends have joined forces with other rock legends, Deep Purple, for a joint headlining tour. Each act plays approximately 75 minutes, with Priest opening the shows.

Bestrocklist covered Judas Priest’s Firepower headlining tour earlier this year, and that coverage can be found here: https://bestrocklist.com/judas-priest-bring-firepower-to-hammond-in-gallery-and-review/

While the set was shorter this time around, it didn’t lack…uh…firepower!

GALLERY BELOW SETLIST

  1. Firepower
  2. Grinder
  3. Sinner
  4. Lightning Strike
  5. Bloodstone
  6. Turbo Lover
  7. Guardians/Rising From Ruins
  8. Freewheel Burnin’
  9. You’ve Got Another Thing Coming
  10. Hell Bent For Leather
  11. Painkiller
  12. Metal Gods (Encore)
  13. Break-in’ The Law
  14. Living After Midnight

Black Label Society with Corrosion of Conformity and Telekinetic Yeti Concert Review

Black Label Society with Corrosion of Conformity and Telekinetic Yeti Concert Review
Monarch Music Hall
Peoria, Illinois

Black Label Society

Black Label Society

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Label Society came back to the area and brought the long running metal band Corrosion of Conformity and newcomers Telekinetic Yeti. This week there was a great rock show every other night at Monarch Music Hall. Black Label Society fans were out with their cuts and patches. I saw some of the oldest band t-shirts tonight with Iron Maiden, Pantera, and everything in between.

Iowa band Telekinetic Yeti started the night with a muted first song. The two piece band was surprisingly talented. About the third song, they really woke up and started wailing. A self described Stoner Rock band released their album Abominable in March 2017. The album is a great debut and received rave reviews.

For more about Telekinetic Yeti, visit their website: Telekinetic Yeti

Telekinetic Yeti

Telekinetic Yeti

Telekinetic Yeti

Telekinetic Yeti

Telekinetic Yeti

Telekinetic Yeti

Telekinetic Yeti

Telekinetic Yeti

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Conformity of Corrosion has been around since 1982. They have had different lineups over the years but have recombined with the original band members. Their staying power is a testament of their talent. Their lastest album came out January 12, 2018 No Cross No Crown. I will admit that I had not seen C.O.C. before and I was missing out. Guitarist Woody Weatherman was having a great time just playing a show. Vocalist, Pepper Keenan, who was founding member and guitarist of the supergroup, Down, sounded great singing. Pepper mentioned that they like touring with Black Label Society because of the fans. They played a great set that included all fan favorites, “Vote With A Bullet” “Albatross” and “Clean My Wounds”

Keep up with Corrosion at their website: C.O.C.
 

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

 

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

 

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

 

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

Corrosion of Conformity

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Black Label Society was formed by Zakk Wylde in 1998. Zakk Wylde was born Jeffrey Phillip Wielandt and is best known as the guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. Zakk is one of the best guitarists of our time and it is always great to see him live. He has taken his Viking roots to heart wearing a Viking kilt to shows and labeling a lot of their products with Norse mythology. The band is a mix between Black Sabbath and Ozzy. Black Label Society has a cult like following. With the meet and greet fans of the band labeled as Family O’Doom in their respective town chapters. They are a fan club and not an actual motorcycle club even though several of them do ride.

You can catch Corrosion of Conformity and Black Label Society at a few more dates this summer.

Corrosion of Conformity

Black Label Society tour dates

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                

Stone Sour Photo Gallery Spring Fling 18

Stone Sour Photo Gallery Spring Fling 18
Peoria Riverfront
Peoria, Illinois

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Josh Rand

Josh Rand

Roy Mayorga

Roy Mayorga

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Roy Mayorga

Roy Mayorga

Christian Martucci

Christian Martucci

Johny Chow

Johny Chow

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Johny Chow

Johny Chow

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Josh Rand

Josh Rand

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Johny Chow

Johny Chow

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

Christian Martucci

Christian Martucci

Corey Taylor

Corey Taylor

                                

Judas Priest Bring Firepower to Hammond, IN. – Gallery and Review

JUDAS PRIEST

4/6/18 – Horseshoe Casino – Hammond, IN.

By Bradley Todd 

            For fuck’s sake, how is it that Judas Priest is not in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Hall of Fame already? This is the thought that is running through my mind as the band launches into the fourth song of their set, Sinner, from 1976’s Sin After Sin album, at this Friday night show at Hammond, Indiana’s Horseshoe Casino, which is a Chicago venue for all intents and purposes.

All the ingredients for admission are there: the band has had incredible longevity – just about 50 years; they have a big, amazing catalog of music that includes iconic hit songs (Breaking The Law, You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’, Living After Midnight) that have stood the test of time and are known by even non-fans, and have sold millions of albums; they have influenced countless other hard rock and metal musicians with their musical and artistic style, which, by the way, has helped define an entire genre of music – Heavy Metal; oh, and they have one of the greatest hard rock/heavy metal singers of all time…and that’s not hyperbole, just fact! So seriously, WTF?

Well, none of the above affects the proceedings in the heartland on a Friday night one bit, as Priest and their large crowd of followers have come to rock. And rock they do. The tour is in support of Judas Priest’s 18thstudio album, Firepower, and they show that they aren’t just resting on their laurels by playing three tracks from the new release. But the rest of the setlist (see full setlist below) serves as a career retrospective of sorts, including catalog deep cuts like the aforementioned Sinner, and Grinder, The Ripper, and Saints In Hell…in addition the to hits, of course. The only thing that bothered me about this set is that it completely ignores Priest’s last two albums, Angel of Retribution, and Redeemer of Souls. And this is a shame, for those albums are freakin’ great all the way through and, along with Firepower, are clear proof that Judas Priest is not an oldies act out on a money grab tour. But they didn’t consult me on the setlist!

The current touring version of the band has two original members in it: singer Rob Halford, and bass player Ian Hill. Original guitarist, Glenn Tipton, announced shortly before the tour started that he was bowing out of touring, due to the progression of symptoms of his Parkinson’s Disease. He has been replaced on the tour by the band’s album producer, Andy Sneap. The touring lineup is rounded out by drummer, Scott Travis, who, while not the original drummer, has been behind the kit for longer than any other Priest drummer (29 years), and guitarist, Richie “Falcon” Faulkner. Faulkner has been with the band several years now, coming on to replace the other original guitar player, K.K. Downing, who retired from service in 2011.

While it’s disappointing not to see Glenn Tipton up there performing (though he has made a couple appearances at a few previous shows on this tour playing a few songs, like he said he might), the proceedings don’t feel melancholy at all, but more like the Priest machine marching on in honor of the music. And the band does honor Tipton by featuring him on the giant video screen behind them. Andy Sneap does an admirable job of filling in for Tipton, playing solid rhythm but also getting some solo spots…about four or five, I think. It also seemed that the band has given Sneap a child’s size leather jacket to wear… but it doesn’t stop him from hitting all the right notes. The rest of the band runs like the well-oiled machine you would expect if you’ve seen them on any of their last couple tours.

While not the darling of the music industry the way it was in the 80’s, this heavy metal music of Judas Priest does not get old for me, nor for the rest of this crowd, who sing along, headbang, and play air guitar throughout the band’s set, which lasts about 1 hr. and 45 min. Travis is solid and steady on the drums, displaying flair, whipping hair, and a frequent smile. Ian Hill takes his familiar position back from the front of the stage, where he rocks from side to side, thundering his bass notes which occasionally shake the venue’s foundation like an earthquake. While I initially rolled my eyes at the announcement of a replacement for K.K. Downing, a few albums and tours later Richie Faulkner has really come into his own, winning the Priest faithful over. He’s energetic, photogenic, engaging, and most importantly, a blazing six-string gunslinger. If it wasn’t going to be K.K., Priest couldn’t have found a better replacement, and this is proven true as Faulkner is almost the most exciting thing going down on the stage this night.

But this night belongs to the Metal God, singer Rob Halford. It’s all been said about Rob before, but respect compels me to say it here again: the dude is unreal. Born with a gift of a truly searing metal voice, he’s been blessed with another gift of it lasting so long, as he’s now in his mid 60’s. He roams the stage, working the crowd up, blasting out notes and screams like the heavy metal ambassador he is. He is a treasure to this band, and I consider it a blessing to see/hear him. Do I sound like I’m gushing? Good, because I am. Metal God, indeed.

SETLIST   (** FULL GALLERY BELOW**)

  1. Firepower
  2. Running Wild
  3. Grinder
  4. Sinner
  5. The Ripper
  6. Bloodstone
  7. Lightning Strike
  8. Saints in Hell
  9. Turbo Lover
  10. The Green Manalishi
  11. Evil Never Dies
  12. Some Heads Are Gonna Roll
  13. Breaking The Law
  14. Hell Bent For Leather
  15. Painkiller
  16. Hellion/Electric Eye
  17. Metal Gods
  18. You’ve Got Another Thing Comin’
  19. Living After Midnight

Red Sun Rising Concert Gallery

Red Sun Rising Photo Gallery
Nutcracker 2017
Limelight Eventplex
Peoria, Illinois
 

Red Sun Rising

Red Sun Rising

Mike Protich of Red Sun Rising

Mike Protich of Red Sun Rising

Ricky Miller of Red Sun Rising

Ricky Miller of Red Sun Rising

Dave McGarry of Red Sun Rising

Dave McGarry of Red Sun Rising

Mike Protich of Red Sun Rising

Mike Protich of Red Sun Rising

Ryan Williams of Red Sun Rising

Ryan Willaims of Red Sun Rising

Ricky Miller of Red Sun Rising

Ricky Miller of Red Sun Rising

Mike Protich of Red Sun Rising

Mike Protich of Red Sun Rising

Pat Gerasia of Red Sun Rising

Pat Gerasia of Red Sun Rising

Dave McGarry of Red Sun Rising

Dave McGarry of Red Sun Rising

Ryan Williams of Red Sun Rising

Ryan Willaims of Red Sun Rising

Mike Protich of Red Sun Rising

Mike Protich of Red Sun Rising

Pat Gerasia of Red Sun Rising

Pat Gerasia of Red Sun Rising