Buckcherry Concert Review with Blacktop Mojo and Sumo Cyco
Sunday, May 1, 2022
The Castle Theatre
Bloomington, Illinois
Buckcherry at The Castle Theatre
Buckcherry made their return to The Castle Theatre in Bloomington-Normal, Illinois. The band is on their HellboundTour which goes across the country and then caps off in New Zealand and Australia. It is truly crazy that Buckcherry has been around for twenty-three years. Their ninth album, Hellbound, was released June 25, 2021. The band’s current lineup consists of Josh Todd, vocalist, Stevie D., guitarist, Kelly LeMieux, bassist, Francis Ruiz, Drummer, and Billy Rowe, guitarist.
Support for this tour comes in the form of Sumo Cyco, a rock band from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The band was formed in 2011 and has three albums. The band is considered punk-metal and fits well with Buckcherry. The vocalist, Skye Sweetnam, has a strong rock voice as well as a growl. The band gave a solid rock performance and got the crowd in the mood.
Skye Sweetnam of Sumo Cyco
Sumo Cyco
Sumo Cyco
Sumo Cyco
Blacktop Mojo is the second band to support Buckcherry on the Hellbound tour. Blacktop Mojo is one of my favorite bands. Their eponymous fourth album was released on August 13, 2021. I consider it one of the best albums of 2021. Blacktop Mojo is described as Texas Grunge. They have some Southern Rock sounds as well as Grunge sounds. On this latest album, the song Stratus Melancholia sounds like an Alice in Chains song. You should try to make every effort to see this band live.
The band was in great form tonight and they won over the crowd with their Texas Grunge.
Their setlist consisted of:
All Mine Now
Strike Me
Do It For The Money
Bed Tundy
Latex
Tush, ZZ Top cover
Lay It On
Wicked Woman
Any Way The Wind Blows
Blacktop Mojo
Blacktop Mojo
Blacktop Mojo
Blacktop Mojo
Blacktop Mojo
Blacktop Mojo
You can find all good things about Blacktop Mojo on their website: Blacktop Mojo
Buckcherry is one the hardest working bands out there. They are gracious, friendly, and know how to rock. They are the epitome of a modern rock band. The proof that Rock is not dead. Perhaps what is really dead is the band that shows up late, high, and cannot remember their songs and are only in it for the sex, drugs, and money. Those bands are still out there trying to ride the wave of fortune from thirty years ago. Evolve or die.
Buckcherry fans come from all walks of life. There were doctors, families, grocery store workers, tow truck drivers, and everyone in-between in the crowd. They started with the high energy song “5 4 3 2 1” that really gets the crowd in a mood. Josh’s voice was a little hard to hear for the first two songs. Perhaps because those are new songs, the mix needed some tweaking. As the night went on, there was no problem with the sound.
The setlist consisted of “Lit Up”, “Sorry” and new songs “So Hott”, “Gun” and the weirdest sing-along song, “Crazy Bitch”. It is a sight to see your grandma singing along to “Crazy Bitch” but there are always several at a show that sing it at the top of their lungs. Really, it doesn’t matter who it is. Everyone sings alongs to “Crazy Bitch” when it comes on. The song is 4 X Platinum certified. It is hard rock’s equivalent of “Sweet Caroline”!!
Their complete setlist:
5 4 3 2 1
So Hott
Ridin’
Out of Line
Lit Up
Hellbound
Porno Star
The Way
Too Drunk
Sorry
Gluttony
Gun
Crazy Bitch
————-
encore
Say Fuck It
The band always delivers a great show. You can catch them on the Hellbound Tour near you. See all their dates on their website: Buckcherry Website
Shinedown with The Pretty Reckless Concert Review
Peoria Civic Center
Peoria, Illinois
Saturday April 9th 2022
Shinedown
Shinedown and live rock is back! It has been 584 days since they last toured. They are joined on the Planet Zero tour by The Pretty Reckless and DIAMANTE. Shinedown’s album ATTENTION ATTENTION was recently certfied gold by the RIAA. They will be releasing their seventh studio album Planet Zero April 22nd. Their lead single “Planet Zero” was the band’s 18th Active Rock Radio #1 hit. The latest single “The Saints of Violence and Innuendo” seems to be a statement on social media or maybe its just about a dystopian, fictional world. Fans are highly anticipating their new album. It is to be a “a critical yet optimistic look at the fractures and frays of a society that has undergone many challenges in recent years, the album is part social commentary and part in-depth exploration of the human psyche.” in an article on Blabbermouth.
The video for “Planet Zero” features the Invisible House in Joshua Tree that you can actually rent on AirBnB. It is visually stunning and reminiscent of The Matrix.
DIAMANTE is the mononymous band of Diamante Azzura Bovelli. The Mexican-Italian-American brings a hard pop rock dynamic to the tour. Her independent, sophomore album American Dream is set for release on May 7, 2022. DIAMANTE teamed up with Howard Benson and Neil Sanderson to create this album “bringing my stories to life and pushing me to embrace my vulnerabilities.” according to her Spotify bio. DIAMANTE got the crowd in the mood to rock out. Her voice is pure and the songs are definitely catchy. She performed “American Dream”, “I Love Myself for Hating You”, and had a sing along with the Goo Goo Dolls cover of “Iris”. She is a beautiful woman and was held the audience’s full attention. She was dressed in a white, sequined leotard similar to a Cirque Du Soleil performer. After her set, she met with fans in person and posed with pictures with them as well as autographed whatever they wanted.
DIAMANTE
DIAMANTE
DIAMANTE
DIAMANTE
DIAMANTE
DIAMANTE
The Pretty Reckless is a rock band consisting of former model, actor, singer Taylor Momsen (Gossip Girl, How The Grinch Stole Christmas), Ben Phillips lead guitarist, Jamie Perkins drums, and Mark Damon bassist. The Pretty Reckless has been out of touring and really the public eye from 2016 until their release of Death by Rock and Roll released on February 12, 2021. Taylor reminded us that she was in Peoria in 2014. I was lucky enough to see them then in Peoria in 2014 and also at Rock On The Range. I did miss their live performances. It was the first time seeing the band for many fans. The Pretty Reckless music consist of hard rock anthem songs with captivating lyrics and melodies and screaming guitars. Taylor talks about how writing that album and getting back to music helped save her from a deep depression in an interview in Nylon Magazine.
Taylor Momsen is a hypnotic performer. She was dressed in a black leather black mini-dress with a black leather jacket and knee-high platform boots. She walked up and down the long stage almost like walking a catwalk but singing the entire time. Her voice was magnificent. Her Mezzo-Soprano voice is strong and contradicts her thin frame. The tone and pitch were amazing. Plus, the songs rocked on every level. When you hear songs like “Going to Hell” and “Death by Rock and Roll” and “Only Love Can Save Me Now” once, you can sing along and then they become an ear-worm that you will be humming for days. The only bad thing about the set was that it was too short. We could have spent a lot longer time with The Pretty Reckless.
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The Pretty Reckless
The stage was set with a pair of thirty-foot LED screens in the back that were angled to a point so they could be seen by each side. There was long and wide catwalk with two small platforms on either side at the end. The screens parted with a hieroglyphic image of SD and out walked the band shrouded in shadows. All the members walked to the end of the catwalk, greeted the crowd and then walked to their respective instruments. Shinedown started the night with their new song, “The Saints of Violence and Innuendo” The first song burst out with a bang with fireworks and fire. The pyrotechnics were underneath the wide catwalk and shot straight up. It was hot!
In addition to ATTENTION ATTENTION the album being certified gold, Shinedown has also released ATTENTION ATTENTION the movie. Brent Smith wanted to let us all know the movie was out on the streaming service of your choice. The setlist contained “45”, “Enemies”, “Bully”, “Unity”, “Simple Man”, “Second Chance” and so on. After two hours, we could have stayed even longer to hear all the songs that we love. Shinedown is an anomaly in the hard rock world. They sing about addiction, bullying, suicide, and love and all without expletives. Shinedown fans were varied in age from five years old to retiree age. Everyone singing along with passion and adoration.
I have seen Shinedown many times and their performances gets better and better with each tour. Brent Smith spoke to the support that they get from their fans and he made it a point to communicate that they are ‘besides themselves with gratitude’. In that spirit, we felt valued as fans and did feel like we were personally responsible for their success. Every T-shirt, cd, meet and greet, download helps them to provide amazing shows. If you are a fan, do not miss Shinedown if they come to your area. If you are not a fan, you will be after attending one of their shows. Find out where on their website: Shinedown.com
Starset Concert Review with The Word Alive and Another Day Dawns
The Castle Theatre
Bloomington, Illinois
Friday November 30th 2021
Starset
Starset is a progressive hard rock band from Columbus, Ohio formed by vocalist, Dustin Bates. They are touring in support of their fourth studio album, Horizons. The band was formed in 2013 and their first album, Transmissions, was released in 2014. Starset has grown to be a popular band drawing fans of all ages.
A show that happens on a Tuesday is usually not well attended in the quiet twin cities of Bloomington-Normal. The Castle Theatre is a small venue that has a capacity of about seven hundred people. Starset fans traveled to see the show aka live “demonstration” and packed The Castle. Starset, from the beginning, shared the story concept of The Starset Society created them to spread the message they received from space. They are a unique band with a unique story and a catchy sound. The band had an eat and greet with fans where they hang out and eat food with them before doors so their fans have the best positions in the venue. While I did not attend the eat and greet, I have heard that the band is very personable and perform an acoustic set. Their fan interaction is one of the reasons for their success.
The night was slated for a total of four bands however All Good Things had to bow out of the tour due to someone contracting Covid. We all keep thinking that we are post-Covid however Covid still abounds. I am thankful that we can still gather and see a live show.
The night started with Another Day Dawns. They are a very good band from Lehighton, Pennsylvania. The band is a blend between grunge and metal. The band has a solid fan base and was one of five finalists in the nationwide competition NeXt2Rock hosted by Cumulus Media. They performed great and were happy to meet with fans after the show. Honestly, they fell into a number of great, touring bands who all seem very similar. They do rock. Find out more about Another Day Dawns here: Another Day Dawns website
Another Day Dawns
Another Day Dawns
Another Day Dawns
Another Day Dawns
The second band in the lineup was The Word Alive. They are a metalcore band formed in Phoenix, Arizona. The band had toured extensively and I first met them on Warped Tour. The touring band consists of vocalist Telle Smith, guitarist Zack Hansen, bassist Tyler William Ross, and drummer Mat Madiro. The band came out with blue makeup across their faces in a horizontal line about 2 inches under their eyes. Telle came out wearing an orange jumpsuit. They released their sixth album, Monomania on February 21, 2020. The Word Alive songs are a supportive for those fans who suffer from depression and just life in general. Their predominant song, Life Cycles, “I’d rather die for what I believe, than live a life without meaning”. Dare I say that they are a modern emo band.
The stage transition between The Word Alive and Starset took a while. The venue had to bring in extra power earlier to keep the lights on during the show. There were small risers and the backdrop were led panels that crossed the entire stage. There were laser lights crossing the stage and fogger jets. The band consists vocalist Dustin Bates, bassist Ron DeChant, guitarist Brock Richards, drummer Adam Gilbert, Cellist Zuzana Engererova and violinist Siobhán Cronin. The band started with the song “The Breach” and the screen behind them had cartoon versions of the band. The band was dressed in dystopian, sand colored gear and each member had three red dots on their left temple. Those dots are how they controlled by the evil powers in their story. The story the band tells is one that both astronomy and sci-fi geeks can love. In addition, their music is really catchy and I found that I knew most of their setlist from hearing them on the radio.
Parts of the show had the screen on the back showing dystopian society images while projected members of the band singing or playing. It was a high production show in a small venue. You cannot get that value from another band out there. Starset had their own intermission where a regular band has a drum solo, they had a reset transmission. After their reset, the band returned in white space suits and their stage backdrop moved to space.
Starset
Starset
Starset
Starset
Starset
The complete setlist:
Intro
The Breach
Where The Skies End
Infected
Carnivore
Let It Die
Trials
Manifest
Echo
Monster
Point of No Return
————————–
It Has Begun
Earthrise
Satellite
Devolution
Richochet
Die For You
My Demons
Frontman, Dustin Bates, thanked the audience and explained how they have evolved. He wanted the band to be part hard rock metal, one part symphonic, and one part cinematic. The fans support make all that possible. The merch they had ranged from the standards T-shirts, albums, posters to the special signed jacket and guitar.
You can attend the demonstrations yourself and see the amazing show.
See where on their website: Starset Online
Ayron Jones with Hounds Concert Review
The Castle Theatre
Bloomington, Illinois
Friday November 5th 2021
Ayron Jones
Ayron Jones is a guitarist and singer from Seattle, Washington. If you have not heard of him, please take a moment and stop and listen to this amazing artist. His music style is a perfect almagmation of grunge, rock, and blues. Since he is fairly new to the national and international music scene, I was able to see his show at The Castle Theatre. The intimate venue has hosted amazing artists since its reopening over ten years ago.
The show happened on a Friday in November was brisk with a crispness to the air. After a long week of work, the fans were ready to rock out. These fan were not going to miss Ayron Jones after hearing him on Sirius Octane or Spotify. His song “Take Me Away” grips you immediately and pulls you into wanting to know more about him and his story. Then you listen to the other tracks on his album Child of The State and you hear those grunge and Hendrix influences from Seattle.
Hounds, a band from St. Louis opened from them. They are the winners of the Top Golf’s 2019 “Who Will Rock You?” contest. Their sound is trippy, pyschedelic rock and they did a solid job opening. Technically, they sounded very good. I think that the fans wanted something a little harder to get them in the mood on a Friday but the band has some great, catchy songs. Their album, Cattle In the Sky is out now. Hounds website: houndsounds.com
Hounds
Hounds
Hounds
Hounds
Hounds
Ayron Jones’ band members joining him are bassist Bob Lovelace, drummer Bobby Jimmi and guitarist Matthew Jacquette. Bob Lovelace was a ball of energy and jumping off the drum riser and hyping up the crowd. Bobby Jimmi started the show by taking off his shirt and getting down to business. Matthew Jacquette was the handsome one with a dazzing smile and micro braids that he threw around while headbanging with.
Blacktop Mojo with The Holdouts Concert Review
Crusens
Creve Coeur, Illinois
Blacktop Mojo
Blacktop Mojo brought their show to Central Illinois after a long break due to the pandemic. The band has been busy working during their time off. The band released on their eponymous album that came out Friday, August 13, 2021. Every week since the album has come out, I have listened to it. Needless to say it is an awesome album that everyone should add to their playlist.
Click to buy Blacktop Mojo album 4
Rock and Roll: räk-en-rōl
I Popular music usually played on electronically ampliflied instruments and characterized by a persistent heavily accented beat, repitions of simple phrases, and ofte country, folk, and blues elements
II To move or get going
When you hear Blacktop Mojo, their music is pure Rock and Roll.
The open was a local country rock band that has a shotgun shell in their logo, The Holdouts. At first when I heard them, I thought it Blacktop Mojo and Matt James has cut his beard but it was the singer from the holdouts. They were a blend of modern country rock and older country and the two piece are pretty good musicians.
The Holdouts
The Holdouts
The Holdouts
The venue is a pretty large bar with a stage at one end and three different bar areas and a large covered patio. The crowd was mixed between older people out celebrating birthdays, regular bar patrons, older fans who had not seen the band and their adult children who were as excited to see Blacktop Mojo as their parents. It was a crisp fall night as the smell of weed wafted through the air mixed with the fall leaves.
Blacktop Mojo did not keep the fans waiting and took the stage as soon as their gear was set. The band consists of vocalist frontman Matt James, drummer Nathan Gillis, bassist Matt Curtis and guitarists Chuck Wepfer and Malcolm Booher who joined this tour in place of Ryan Kiefer. Do not worry, the band states that Ryan Kiefer is still a member of the band.
Chuck Wepfer of Blacktop Mojo
Matt James of Blacktop Mojo
Matt Curtis of Blacktop Mojo
Matt James of Blacktop Mojo
Blacktop Mojo
Chuck Wepfer of Blacktop Mojo
Matt Curtis of Blacktop Mojo
Blacktop Mojo
The band was nearing the end of their tour and so their show was a well-oiled machine. The energy from the start to finish was so rocking. The band and the fans were there to throw down.
Their setlist was heavy on their fourth album and I was extremely happy about that. Their were some songs from their album Under The Sun that they really had not toured with since the pandemic hit. Not everything was bad from the pandemic. Matt explained that the song “Bed Tundy” was a result of watching too many serial killer documentaries. They also performed their old hits and sounded so good on “Burn The Ships” and “Come Get Your Coat” and their power ballad “Anyway The Wind Blows”. I should add that song to my best songs for having sex list. Missing from the setlist was their cover of Aerosmith’s “Dream On”.
The Full Setlist:
Wicked Woman
Lay It On Me
End of Days
Bed Tundy
Do It For The Money
The Void
It Won’t Last
Come Get Your Coat
Burn The Ships
All Mine Now
Rewind
Tail Lights
Where The Wind Blows
____________________
Encore:
My Girl
Why
Tush
Get out and see a live show by Blacktop Mojo. You can stay up to date on their tour dates on their website: Blacktop Mojo
Soul Asylum Concert Review with Local H
August 20, 2021
The Castle Theatre
Bloomington, Illinois
Soul Asylum
Soul Asylum was formed in 1981 and the band is from Minneapolis, Minnesota. They are best known for their Grammy award winning song “Runaway Train”. The song was released on their album Grave Dancers Union which has been certified triple-platinum. Back in 1992, MTV was a cable channel and they played music videos on it. They also did interviews and special acoustic recordings. The video for “Runaway Train” featured photos of runaway or missing youth and asked them or anyone who had seen them to call a special number. Back then, the only phones were corded and you had to pay to make long-distance calls (calls outside of your town). There were also payphones where you could pay to call someone. And you paid by the minute to talk. I digress. “Runaway Train” was both haunting and helped some missing children be returned home.
The Castle Theatre is a small, live venue in the mid-size community of Bloomington-Normal, Illinois with a combined population of around 100,000. Just prior to this show, the venue instituted a Covid policy that patrons must be vaccinated or negative tested prior to show. Most patrons are happy to comply so that we can all get back to live shows.
The original billing included Juliana Hatfield, formerly of The Lemonheads band and The Juliana Hatfield Three that were very popular in the early 1990s. Juliana Hatfield had to bow out from tour due to unforseen circumstances.
Local H, an alternative band from Zion, Illinois. They are best known for their angsty song “Bound for The Floor” aka “The Copacetic Song”. The song is still heard today on the radio everywhere and it is such an earworm, you are singing along before you know it. Local H has been at The Castle Theatre before. I interviewed them in 2014 and you can check out the old interview here: Local H Interview
Local H started the night. The duo consists of vocalist/guitarist Scott Lucas and drummer Ryan Harding. They both come out on stage and Scott says pretty softly into the microphone, “We’re Local H” then starts playing. The energy level was listless. The sound of the guitar was a little shallow. And I thought to myself, ‘Oh no! They’re washed up. Maybe they’ve gotten too old.’ The crowd was muted in their reaction too. Then, they played “Bound For The Floor” and the floodgates opened. The sound was better, Scott Lucas was interacting with the crowd and changed into a fireball of energy. It was like a different show after that. Scott even gave us feedback while playing. I have not seen that in a live show for decades.
Ryan Harding of Local H
Scott Lucas of Local H
Ryan Harding of Local H
Scott Lucas of Local H
Ryan Harding of Local H
Scott Lucas of Local H
Local H
The main event was Soul Asylum. Soul Asylum currently consists of vocalist Dave Pirner, guitarist Ryan Smith, touring bassist Jeremy Tappero and legendary drummer Michael Bland. Michael Bland is best known as the original drummer for Prince. He has been with Soul Asylum since 2004 and he has also worked with Nick Jonas & the Administration.
You may be waxing nostalgic and looking to see Soul Asylum to break out your Doc Martens and favorite flannel shirt. As long as you wash your flannel regularly, that is perfectly cool. (Because in the old days, grunge artists were pretty grungy and so were the fans.) The band took the stage in unassuming dress and not much branding other than Soul Asylum on the drum kit. No one needs to worry about Soul Asylum being washed up. They sound as good as twenty-nine years ago if not better because of better equipment. The band performed hits like “Somebody to Shove” “Black Gold” and then went right into “Runaway Train”. Soul Asylum also gave us some feedback during the show. They also performed newer songs of “Got It Pretty Good” and “Hopped Up Feelin'”. There was no lack of music from their lengthy catalog.
Soul Asylum released their album Hurry Up and Wait April 17, 2020 and really only recently started touring in support of the album. The album is a great rock album that contains poignant lyrics and strong guitars. The sound is a mix between folk, classic rock and even some grungier sounds. Like the band and their fans, their music has grown up and is more mature. For more on their tour, check out soulasylum.com
Badflower Concert Review with Dorothy and Dead Poet Society
August 19, 2021
Illinois State Fair Grandstand
Springfield, Illinois
Badflower Tour 2021
The Illinois State Fair has always brought in great acts and this year was no exception. The lineups included, Sammy Hagar (which unfortunately was cancelled due to weather), Kane Brown, I Love The 90s Tour, Bret Michaels, and George Thorogood. Badflower with Dorothy and Dead Poet Society appeared on Thursday, August 19th.
It was a hot and humid Midwest day. The weather did not keep the fans away. In addition, the fair also tested fans for Covid prior to entry if they were not previously vaccinated. The future of live shows are going to be through vaccination or testing requirements. They also had a free vaccine tent for those who wanted it. Badflower has already gained diehard fans who traveled from far and wide just to see them. I had previously seen them live at Spring Fling in Peoria, Illinois in 2019 at their set right before headliners, Incubus.
Dead Poet Society began the night. They are a rock band from Boston, Massachusetts who met while at Berklee College of Music and Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. The band consists of vocalist Jack Underkofler, guitarists Jack Collins, bassist Taylor, and drummer Will Goodroad. I was pleasantly surprised by their ethereal sound which was similar live to Badflower but their sound also reminded me of Royal Blood. They had a short set but it was filled with quality, catchy songs. The band had previously toured with Badflower and a lot of their fans were fans of both. Learn more about Dead Poet Society on their website.
Dead Poet Society
Dead Poet Society
Dead Poet Society
Dead Poet Society
Dead Poet Society
Dead Poet Society
Dorothy was the second band to take the stage. I have heard Dorothy before on the radio and in commercials. I was looking forward to seeing them live for the first time. The hard rock band is from Los Angeles, California. Dorothy consists of vocalist Dorothy Martin, drummer Jason Ganberg, guitarists Devon Pangle and Eli Wulfmeier, and bassist Eliot Lorango. Their album, ROCKISDEAD, catapulted them into fame and features hard rocking songs like “Missile”, “Wicked Ones” and “After Midnight”. Their second album, 28 Days in The Valley, was co-written and produced by Linda Perry.
Vocals started off kind of strained but probably attributed to the humidity and the dust in Central Illinois. As the evening went on, Dorothy Martin sounded phenomenal and is a band that you do not want to miss. What you probably do not realize is the whole band is very talented. I was in awe of guitarist, Devon Pangle and his amazing playing. Dorothy asked the crowd about their life goals. She talked about surviving addicition and admitted she was addicted to Xanax for ten years, she is an alcoholic and almost died twice. She reminded us that if she can make it, then we can too. The band played “Medicine Man”. Dorothy announced their new album will be call Gifts From The Holy Ghost. For more about Dorothy go to their website here: https://dorothyonfire.com/
Dororthy
Dororthy
Dororthy
Dororthy
Dororthy
Dororthy
Dororthy
Badflower is a band was formed in Los Angeles, California. When I had previously seen Badflower and at the time, I did not understand their appeal. I was not familiar with them at all. Then, I started listening to their music and it hooks you. The band consists of vocalist/guitarist Josh Katz, lead guitarist Joey Morrow, bassist Alex Espiritu and drummer Anthony Sonetti.
There have been comparisons of Josh Katz to Kurt Cobain. I did not understand that comparison until seeing them tonight live. His lyrics are a brutally honest dialog in the head of a generation. He can say these things in a poetic way with a passion that is soul-stirring and emotive. You probably have heard Badflower songs like “The Jester” and “Ghost” on the radio but you need to listen to “Family”, “Daddy” and “30” to really gain an understanding of the genius that is Badflower.
The band started the night with “Soap”, “Drop Dead”, and “30”. Josh Katz’s voice starts with a beautiful falsetto and in the next moment will blow you away with powerful screams. The die-hard fans in the audience were treated to the live debut of “Don’t Hate Me” as well as a new song that was just released while the band was on stage “F*ck Boi”.
Josh asked the crowd who had seen the band before and about half the crowd said they had not seen them before. He joked that you may have though they were bigger based on their radio play but you were just getting in on them early. It is always good to know a band before they get too big to afford their shows.
Their website: Badflower. You can pre-order their album This is How The World Ends that is out on September 24th. You can also see them on their remaining tour dates.
Pop Evil The Versatile Tour with Zero 9:36 and Brkn Love Concert Review
The Castle Theatre
August 4, 2021
Bloomington, Illinois
Pop Evil at The Castle Theatre
Live concerts in a post-Covid 19 world are coming back but there is not a lot to choose from. Fans have to go to a huge venue, festival and have to travel hours away if you do not live in a major city. So many bands are choosing livestreams or to just continue working on their music at home. While livestreams are better than nothing, they are not the same as singing along in the dark with a drink next to your friends.
We have to extend our gratitude to everyone who is choosing to perform live music and the venues that survived. So when my favorite local venue puts on a rock show, I am going to attend.
Thank you Pop Evil for bringing the shows to the smaller markets. Pop Evil is a band that grinds the concert circuit and gains their devoted fans one small town at a time. Their sixth studio album, Versatile, was released on May 21, 2021. Versatile features their hit song “Breathe Again” which was an The band is from Muskegon, Michigan and was formed in 2001. In that time, they have had hits with “Trenches”, “Monster You Made”, “Deal With The Devil”, “Torn To Pieces”, “Waking Lions”, and “Breath Again”. They always bring stellar bands on every tour. This year they brought BRKN LOVE and Zero 9:36.
BRKN LOVE is the band created by Toronto singer and guitarist Justin Benlolo. Band members consist of Canadians and New Yorkers. The band released their eponymous debut album in 2019 for Spinefarm Records. When Justin was thinking about creating a band, “It’s alternative, but it’s also heavy. I try to get right to the point. There are so many of these kids still showing up to shows and moshing to real rock music. That’s refreshing. There’s sitll a place for something authentic. That’s what I want to provide.” ~Spotify Posted by BRKN LOVE
The band sounded like pure rock music. The singer, Justin, screams with the best of them. Some of the guitar riffs reminded me of Hendrix. There has been a resurgence of heavy rock in the past few years with bands like Joyous Wolf, Dirty Honey, Them Evils and now BRKN LOVE. Their stand out song is “Flies In The Honey” and the track is a standalone hit. The crowd was ready to rock and the band gave the crowd what they wanted.
BRKN LOVE Band
BRKN LOVE Justin Benlolo
BRKN LOVE Justin Benlolo
ZERO 9:36
If you are rock music fan, I know that you have probably heard the song “Adrenaline” by Zero 9:36. The song is almost an anthem of those who suffered in isolation during the Coronavirus pandemic. Zero 9:36 is Matthew Cullen from Langhorne, Pennsylvania. He is a rapper but firmly trenched in rock. Listening to him rap, his voice is reminiscint of Eminem. Someone even mistakenly thought Eminem was a guest on one of his songs but it was actually Zero rapping.
Zero 9:36 was only partially known by the fans in attendance. The crowd was older for a Wednesday night show. Many of the songs the band performed were decidely rock based. There was only a little rapping and the setlist was pretty short. Regardless, the final song performed was “Adrenaline” and it reminded us that we are coming out of this pandemic. Zero greeted fans after the show and many were lined up to buy his merch and take a picture to post (including myself).
Zero 9:36
Zero 9:36
Zero 9:36
Zero 9:36
Zero 9:36
Pop Evil
Pop Evil always puts on an energetic show. The stage was set with the drum kit on a pretty large riser high and center with stairs up to each side for different band members to go up and stand next to the drum kit. The backdrop is the artwork featured on the Versatile album cover designed by Pedro Correa. Their name Pop Evil appears across the bottom of the riser with VI in red to highlight that Versatile is their sixth studio album.
Right before the tour commenced, long-time bassist, Matt Dirito, left the band.
On Instagram, he writes, “So long, but not goodbye.”
“The time has come for me to part ways with Pop Evil. The decision has been made that I will not be joining them on their upcoming tour, or any future tours. Walking away from something I’ve helped build is not easy- but it is the best thing for the band, myself and our respective futures.”
“Pop Evil will continue on and so will I, just not together. The details surrounding my departure are only known by a few people, and respectfully it will remain that way. Having the opportunity to meet so many fans across the world is something that has made a lasting impression on my heart. I would have loved to play for you all one more time, and I am sorry that it did not work out that way.”
“I would like to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your endless support and love. I wish Pop Evil nothing but success in all of their future endeavors and I am thankful for the time (2007-2021) that I was able to be part of it.”
~Matt Dirito
Even though his presence was missed, the talented bassist Joey “Chicago” Walser of Devour The Day has joined this tour. The show must go on.
Due to immigration delays due to Covid, the drummer, Hayley Cramer, had just joined the band a few days prior this show. Bloomington fans was lucky to be able to see her play after she finally was able to travel United States from the United Kingdom.
The band started the show with the high energy “Deal With The Devil”. This was the first hard rock show in the area and the crowd was ready to rock. The band went on to perform “Let The Chaos Reign”, “Torn To Pieces”, “Survivor”, “100 in a 55” and “Footsteps”. Hayley on the drums was ferocious. Leigh sounded strong and the rest of the band sounded great together.
They only performed one cover song for the evening, “For Whom The Bell Tolls” (Metallica) and were joined by BRKN LOVE singer, Justin Benlolo. Their rendition put an operatic quality to the song and was pretty amazing.
Vocalist, Leigh Kakaty, told us the story about meeting Dave Grahs in a women’s dressing room about thirty years ago. He told Leigh he needed better clothes if he wanted to be a rock star. Tonight he did not need women’s clothes to be a rock star. Dave was sporting a large Mohawk and reminded me of the indigenous peoples tribe of the same name. The guitarist was dressed all in black and looked the part of the rock star.
The night continued and the final song was “Breath Again” and everyone sang along because they felt that sentiment in their souls. After the pandemic and with the Delta variant threatening the livelihood of so many, people just want to go back to normal. They want their live music!
Pop Evil
Pop Evil
Pop Evil
Leigh Kakaty of Pop Evil
Hayley Cramer of Pop Evil
Nick Fuelling of Pop Evil
Dave Grahs of Pop Evil
Hayley Cramer of Pop Evil
Joey Chicago Walser
Pop Evil at The Castle Theatre
p.s. One way to support live shows is to buy the merch if you can afford it. The prices have gone up but the bands cannot continue without your support. They get paid a nominal amount to perform in the smaller markets but the best way they earn a living is through the merchandise or album sales.
Whether you want to get ready for the World Cup or the Super Bowl, here are the songs you can rock out to to get in the mood to be legendary on the field or court or cheer on your favorite team. These are the best rock songs for a sporting event, the big game, or the match.
20. Legendary by Welshly Arms
Welshly Arms is an American Rock band from Cleveland, Ohio. The song is about the struggle to get to the top and doing anything to get there.
“This is what we came for
And we couldn’t want it anymore
Could never turn back now
Got to leave it all on the floor”
19. Strike Back by We As Human
The now defunct band We As Human was a Christian metal band with heart. They were discovered by the Christian band, Skillet’s leader, John Cooper. This song is not so Christian but it makes the list by being a kick-ass song about fighting against a foe. The former singer and songwriter, Justin Cordle, also penned the new hit, Judas by Fozzy.
18. Face To The Floor by Chevelle
Chevelle is a band of brothers from Chicago, Illinois. Brothers, Pete and Sam Loeffler are joined by their brother-in-law, Dean Bernardini. This song was a statement about Bernie Madoff and one of the largest Ponzi schemes in history. He stole millions and Chevelle wrote this song as a reaction.
17. I Will Not Bow by Breaking Benjamin
Released by Breaking Benjamin August 12, 2009, the song has been certified double platinum. It was used at the end credits of the movie Surrogates starring Bruce Willis. The song lyrics say “I will not bow, I will not break, I will shut the world away, I will not fall, I will not fade, I will take your breath away”
16. White Flag by Bishop Briggs
Bishop Briggs is the stage name for Sarah Grace McLaughlin, a British musician. Her sound has been described as Indie Rock. This track is about perserverence in fight and never giving up. The song shows up in Shadow of The Tomb Raider and also Wrestlemania’s Women’s Main Event.
15. Take It All by Pop Evil
Pop Evil is a band that has many tracks about persevering so it was hard to choose just one. If you need motivation, you can listen to “Trenches”, “Last Man Standing, “Be Legendary”, ” Waking The Lions” and others I am forgetting now. Pop Evil just keeps getting better over time and I am sure they will create more inspiring music.
14. You’re Going Down by Sick Puppies
Sick Puppies is an Australian Rock band and this song was sung by their former Shimon Moore. Recently, Shimon Moore, created a new band called Screaming At Demons. Sick Puppies still survives with bassist, Emma Anzai, as the only original member from when the band formed in 1997. This track was used by WWE when it was released in 2009.
13. The Final Countdown by Europe
With a keyboard riff that is unforgettable, this song is one that marching bands play at almost every game. It is another one of those songs that gets into your ear and does not let go. Most recently, it was featured in a Geico commercial where the band plays during the countdown of a lunch room microwave.
12. Rock You Like a Hurricane by Scorpions
Many sports teams use the song as their anthem. The song was written by Klaus Meine, Herman Rarebell, and Rudolf Schenker. Scorpions are a German rock band best known for their song “Wind of Change” that signaled the collapse of the Soviet Union during the cold war.
11. Fight The Good Fight by Triumph
Triumph is a band that was compared to Rush perhaps because they are a metal band from Canada but they are a powerhouse in their own right. Another rock anthem that gets the crowd on their feet and the athletes excited.
10. Glory by The Score
This song had been featured in a Dude Perfect video. The Score is an alternative rock band from New York City. Glory is the perfect rock anthem for any sports match or fight.
“(Oh-ohh-oh) I’m victorious
(Oh-ohh-oh) It’s my time
(Oh-ohh-oh) There’s no stopping this
‘Cause I was born for this
I do it for the glory”
9. Born For Greatness by Papa Roach
A track off their eight studio album, Crooked Teeth, that was released in 2017. The song is instantly a hit with infectious lyrics and a catchy refrain. Active since 1993, Papa Roach with Jacoby Shaddix and Jerry Horton still leading the way with an amazing amount of great music.
8. Missile by Dorothy
Dorothy is an American rock band from Los Angeles. This song was featured in the ad for Call of Duty: Infinite Warfare. The lyrics are referring to something other than a sporting event but they tune is catchy and you can extrapolate to make the lyrics fit.
I am a missile
I am the fire
Love is destruction
But this war is mine, this war is mine
7. Centuries by Fall Out Boy
Centuries by Fall Out Boy has been used in ESPN college football coverage, WWE, and in Chicago at numerous sporting events. The song has the melody from the song “Tom’s Diner” by Suzanne Vega. The “doo doo dodo” was recorded by singer Lolo specifically for the track. The song is on the album American Beauty/American Psycho which debuted at number 1 on Billboard 200.
6. Crazy Train by Ozzy Osbourne
This song was released on the debut solo album Blizzard of Oz from Ozzy Osbourne and is considered a guitar riff great from the late Randy Rhoads. If we listen the lyrics, the song is a statement on war.
Millions of people living as foes
Maybe it’s not too late
To learn how to to love
And forget how to hate
5. Thunderstruck by AC/DC
Released in 1990. Thunderstruck is from the album The Razors Edge by Australian metal band, AC/DC. The song is played at every sporting event. You recognize the singing part where the crowd is singing, “thunder, ahhhh-ahhh-ahh”. The video is a surreal scene where the crowd almost looks like they are cheering on a gladiator match at the Coliseum in Rome. But it’s the band peforming with Brian Johnson singing and Angus Young doing his famous duckwalk.
4. Hit Me With Your Best Shot by Pat Benatar
In the 80s, there is Eye of The Tiger by Survivor and this song is the second most played. It launched Pat Benatar and has stood the test of time by being played at most sporting events. While the songwriter, Eddie Schwartz said the song can be taken metaphorically.
3. Eye of The Tiger by Survivor
Ah, is there another song that defines the Eighties and triumph over an opponent? Nope. The song was the theme song for the movie “Rocky III”. It was certified platinum and received airplay durin the entire decade. Now to this day, if you hear this song, you want to get up and do some shadowboxing in your seat as if you could be a prize fighter.
2. Welcome to The Jungle by Guns N’ Roses
If you have been alive the past thirty years, you may have heard this song at any event. The track was released in 1987 on the album Appetite For Destruction. One of the greatest rock songs of all time, the song shows Los Angeles as a gritty, dirty city where you can get anything but it will bring you down.
1. We Will Rock You by Queen
I do not think I have been to single sporting event where this song was not played. Its played at football games, baseball games, basketball games and everywhere. The rock anthem gained resurgence after the blockbuster movie, “Bohemian Rhapsody” spotlighted the legendary life of Freddie Mercury.
Regardless of what event you are at, these songs will get you in the mood to battle the other team. Are there other rock songs that should be included?
Watch all the videos here. There are some crazy hair in some of the older videos.
I Prevail The Trauma Tour Concert Review with Issues and Justin Stone
Cefcu Center Stage, Peoria Riverfront Park
July 16, 2019
Peoria, Illinois
I Prevail
I Prevail headlines the second show of the Summer Sonic Jam brought by 105.7 The X Rocks and Inked Entertainment. There was a threat of rain during showtime but by the time the opener reached the stage, the weather turned to what Illinois is known for in the summer, hot and humid. The weather did not deter the growing fans of I Prevail. The band have just returned for the second American leg of The Trauma Tour from Europe and some sold out shows there. The band posted on social media the massive crowds at Nova Rock in Austria and Rock Am Ring in Germany and their warm reception at both. Their second full length album, Trauma (Fearless Records) released March 29, 2019, reached 14 on Billboard 200. The album is aptly named Trauma and the songs are a mix of acknowledgement of depression and songs about perserverence and dare I say it, prevailing in their art.
Justin Stone a rapper from Columbus, Ohio started the night with some sick rhymes. He did not have a hype man but came on stage with a drummer and himself. Justin is a guest on I Prevail’s song, “Rise Above It”. Justin Stone has a presence that is larger than his young age. Oh, and he has abs so maybe that adds to his charm. He has a lot of albums and his newest album is being released August 2nd. This guy is always hustling and he gave away shirts after his set. He also posed for pictures with all the fans. You can see everything Justin has going on at Facebook: Justin Stone
Click to view Justin Stone Photo Gallery
Issues is an electronic metalcore band from Atlanta, Georgia. The band had a great set. It was my first time seeing the band without vocalist, Michael Bohn. Michael has a new band called WildHeart where he is a drummer not the vocalist. Issues has been a constant of the alternative metal scene. Their vocalist, Tyler Carter, is a vocal supporter of the LGBTQ community as he came out as bi-sexual. Their merch even has a pride flag with the band name on it. Fans are ardently waiting for their new album. The band released a new single, “Tapping Out” about facing their personal demons. Their new album is set for release in November.
Click to view Issues Photo Gallery
I Prevail is a metalcore band from Detroit, Michigan. Clean vocalist, Brian Burkheiser, was on hiatus with a vocal injury the last time the band was in Peoria. While guitarist Dylan Bowman filled in for him, Brian and his vocal ability was missed tremendously. The band recently released their video for “Breaking Down” and the portrayal of the emotions in it grab you whether you suffer from depression or know someone who does. Watch it here:
This was my sixth time seeing I Prevail. I have been a passionate supporter of the band since they were playing to fifty people in a bar. The band sounded great and have honed their live show. The songs consisted of a lot of tracks from the Trauma album and a few from their older catalog as well.
The setlist:
Bow Down
Scars
Rise Above It
Gasoline
Hurricane
Lifelines
Stuck in Your Head
Face Your Demons
Deadweight
Goodbye (Interlude)
Paranoid
Low
Every Time You Leave
DOA Encore:
Breaking Down
Come and Get It
Before the song “Breaking Down”, Brian Burkheiser talked to the crowd and told them that he struggled with depression and that talking about our problems can help. The band said in an interview with Billboard.com that their focus is going to be on cutting the drama from their lives. As they grow and mature as people and a band, I am excited to see how they evolve in the future.
