2018

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 13, 2018

ALTER BRIDGE TO RELEASE CAREER-DEFINING CONCERT

LIVE AT THE ROYAL ALBERT HALL

WORLDWIDE ON SEPTEMBER 7, 2018 VIA NAPALM RECORDS

Pre-Order Of Various Audio And Video Configurations Now Available at

http://smarturl.it/LiveFromTRAH & www.alterbridge.com

After 14 years performing together, five full-length studio albums, and countless sold-out shows around the globe, there aren’t many items left on a band’s bucket list. For Alter Bridge, one of the remaining list items was crossed off in October 2017 when the band performed two sold-out shows at London’s iconic Royal Albert Hall backed by the 52-piece Parallax Orchestra led by conductor Simon Dobson. Those career-defining shows were captured and combined in the upcoming Napalm Records worldwide release Live At The Royal Albert Hall on September 7^th.

“I think out of all the years of doing this [music], this experience is the top two or three highlights without a doubt. It’s something that none of us are going to forgot,” explains Myles Kennedy in a recently released trailer that can be seen here:

Live At The Royal Albert Hall is a 21-song collection that features some of Alter Bridge’s biggest hits, fan favorites and even a couple of rarities including “Words Darker Than Their Wings” – a song the band had never played live previously. Songs like “Before Tomorrow Comes,” “Ghost Of Days Gone By,” “The Last Hero,” and “Broken Wings” all find new life with the unique arrangements presented by Dobson and the Parallax Orchestra performing alongside the band. The pre-order for the release is live and fans can order various audio and video configurations including Blu-Ray, DVD, CD and Vinyl as well as other unique bundles with exclusive content. The pre-order is currently live here:http://smarturl.it/LiveFromTRAH and at www.alterbridge.com. A portion of the proceeds from all sales will go to the Future Song Foundation; an organization that Myles Kennedy is closely involved with. The first track released from the collection is the band’s chart-topping single “Addicted To Pain.”

The track listing for Live At The Royal Albert Hall is:

Slip To The Void 12) The Last Hero
Addicted To Pain 13) The End Is Here
Before Tomorrow Comes 14) Words Darker Than Their Wings
The Writing On The Wall 15) Waters Rising
Cry Of Achilles 16) Lover
In Loving Memory 17) Wonderful Life/Watch Over You
Fortress 18) This Side Of Fate
Ties That Bind 19) Broken Wings
The Other Side 20) Blackbird
Brand New Start 21) Open Your Eyes
Ghost Of Days Gone By

Alter Bridge burst onto the music scene in 2004 with the release of their gold-selling debut, One Day Remains. In 2007, the band released Blackbird, the album that elevated the band’s profile worldwide. The epic solo in the title track “Blackbird” was voted “Greatest Guitar Solo Of All Time” by Guitarist Magazine. ABIII was released in 2010 and the single “Isolation” gave the band their first #1 single. In 2013, the band reached an elevated creative and critical plateau with Fortress. It bowed at #12 on the Billboard Top 200, moving over 30,000 copies first-week and earning unanimous tastemaker praise. The record garnered perfect scores from Total Guitar and KERRANG! as well as acclaim fromBillboard, The Guardian, Loudwire, Ultimate Guitar, and many more. In between sold out tours in Europe and North America, the guys appeared on VH1 and graced the cover of Classic Rock Magazine who labeled Fortress, “The best thing they’ve ever done,” while Eddie Trunk called it, “A top 10 album of the last 10 years.” 2016’s The Last Hero gave the band their first Top 10 album since their debut. Alter Bridge has appeared on The Tonight Show and Jimmy Kimmel Live and their music has been used by the WWE, Major League Baseball and NASCAR to name a few.

ALTER BRIDGE line-up:

Myles Kennedy on vocals/guitars

Mark Tremonti on guitars/vocals

Brian Marshall on bass

Scott Phillips on drums

For more info visit:

www.alterbridge.com
www.facebook.com/alterbridge

Billboard Gets Rocked | June 2018

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 11, 2018

A look at the top 10 songs on Billboard’s Mainstream Rock Chart. This video covering the week ending June 29, 2018.

Mainstream Rock is a music chart in Billboard magazine which ranks the most-played songs on mainstream rock radio stations, a category that combines the formats of active rock and heritage rock.

Photos: REAL FRIENDS at Warped Tour in St. Louis, MO 7/3/2018

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 10, 2018

New Real Friends album Composure coming July 13th.

llinois rock-group REAL FRIENDS have released their newest single “Unconditional Love” off of their upcoming third studio album Composure, set to release on July 13 through Fearless Records. The catchy single, which further showcases their sound change, can be checked out here. Pre-orders for Composure are available here. The band is currently on a headlining run on the Vans Warped Tour to help promote the release.

The singles off of Composure have been making a big impact, with “From The Outside” reaching 445k views and 470k streams, “Smiling On The Surface” hitting 195k streams and 75k views, and 2017’s Get By amassing a staggering 1.8 million streams and 288k views on Youtube and Spotify respectively

Real Friends are currently on the road with Warped Tour through the summer. Click on any photo below to open the gallery and scroll below the photos to hear the new song “From The Outside”.

Photos of Real Friends at Warped Tour.

All photos taken by Luke Spencer

in St. Louis, MO on July 3rd, 2018.

Thrice To Release New Album Palms on September 14; New Music Video For “The Grey” Available Now

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 10, 2018

THRICE TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM PALMS ON SEPTEMBER 14

VIDEO FOR “THE GREY” PREMIERES TODAY

BAND SET TO TOUR THIS FALL WITH THE BRONX AND TEENAGE WRIST

Thrice has announced a September 14th release date for their new album Palms. The album is the first Epitaph release for Thrice, who are widely regarded as one of the most innovative rock bands of their generation.

Co-produced by Thrice and Eric Palmquist and mixed by John Congleton, Palms encompasses everything from viscerally charged post-hardcore to piano-driven balladry. The most sonically expansive album so far in the band’s 20-year-history, Palms follows the critically acclaimed To Be Everywhere Is to Be Nowhere (released via Vagrant Records in 2016).

Also today, Thrice has shared their video for their previously released single, “The Grey.” The deeply evocative visual for the song, directed by Daniel Carberry, follows two young women as they attempt to break away from confinement.

This fall, Thrice will embark on a headline tour with The Bronx and label mates Teenage Wrist. Tickets for all tour dates are available at http://www.thrice.net/tour

THRICE PALMS TRACKLIST

1. Only Us

2. The Grey

3. The Dark

4. Just Breathe

5. Everything Belongs

6. My Soul

7. A Branch In The River

8. Hold Up A Light

9. Blood On Blood

10. Beyond The Pines

THRICE TOUR DATES:

Sept 20 San Diego, CA – House of Blues

Sept 21 San Diego, CA – House of Blues

Sept 22 Tempe, AZ – Marquee Theatre

Sept 24 Austin, TX – Emo’s

Sept 25 Houston, TX – House of Blues

Sept 27 Fort Lauderdale, FL – Revolution Live

Sept 28 Orlando, FL – House of Blues

Sept 29 Atlanta, GA – The Buckhead Theatre

Sept 30 Charleston, SC – The Music Farm

Oct 02 Raleigh, NC – The Ritz

Oct 03 Richmond, VA – The National

Oct 04 Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore

Oct 06 Philadelphia, PA – Electric Factory

Oct 07 Boston, MA – House of Blues

Oct 09 Detroit, MI – St. Andrew’s Hall

Oct 10 Cleveland, OH – House of Blues

Oct 12 Chicago, IL – House of Blues

Oct 13 St. Louis, MO – The Pageant

Oct 14 Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works

Nov 02 San Francisco, CA – The Regency Ballroom

Nov 03 Portland, OR – Roseland Theater

Nov 04 Seattle, WA – Showbox SoDo

Nov 06 Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex

Nov 07 Denver, CO – Music Summit Hall

Nov 09 Milwaukee, WI – The Rave

Nov 10 Cincinnati, OH – Bogart’s

Nov 11 Lawrence, KS – The Granda

Nov 13 Dallas, TX – House of Blues

Nov 14 Albuquerque, NM – El Rey Theater

Nov 16 Las Vegas, NV – House of Blues

Nov 17 Anaheim, CA – House of Blues

Nov 18 Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern

-All shows with The Bronx and Teenage Wrist as support

Big Adventure: Music, Comedy & Comic Con Festival Debuts in Orange County on Nov 3-4 (Empire Of The Sun, Modest Mouse, Patton Oswalt, Jim Jefferies & many more)

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 9, 2018

ALT 98.7 PRESENTS BIG ADVENTURE

**Music * Comedy * Cosplay * Gaming * Sci-Fi * Fantasy * Comic Con Festival**

Set For Saturday, November 3 & Sunday, November 4

At The OC Fair & Event Center in Orange County, CA

Music Performances By

Empire Of The Sun, Modest Mouse, Phantogram, Cold War Kids,

What So Not, Rusko, Feed Me, Bro Safari & More

Plus Comedy Sets By Patton Oswalt, Jim Jefferies,

Kristen Schaal, Rhys Darby, Natasha Leggero & Many More

Alt 98.7 Pre-Sale Begins Thursday, July 12 at 10:00 a.m. PT

General Early Bird Tickets On Sale Friday, July 13 at 10:00 a.m. PT

Gear up for the must-see event of the year happening this fall, Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure — a brand-new music, comedy, cosplay, gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, and comic con festival, coming to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4. Serving as a celebration of pop culture and fandom of all sorts, Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure is a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, set to immerse attendees in a world where comics, sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming collide with music and comedy.

During the day, attendees will have the opportunity to see some of their favorite cast members and special guests during the TV, Film, Gaming, and Comic Book panels, participate in interactive fan experiences, VR, laser tag, table top and video gaming, and tech demos, and visit the artist alley where some of the comic book industry’s top artists and creators will be speaking about their craft, selling artwork, meeting fans and signing autographs. In the evening, the focus will shift to live performances, when fans will witness sets from acclaimed comedians including Patton Oswalt and Jim Jefferies, along with some of today’s top alternative and dance music artists including Empire Of The Sun, Modest Mouse, Phantogram, Cold War Kids, What So Not, Rusko, and many more, spread across three entertainment stages.

Produced by Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure will also boast a massive comic con exhibitor village, a marketplace with a variety of handmade and exclusive items, carnival rides and games, and wandering cosplay performers.

“More than just a comic con, more than just a festival, Big Adventure really is a one-of-a-kind celebration of pop culture and fandom in all forms,” says Big Adventure co-producer Rob Tweedie. “I’ve waited in my fair share of comic con lines over the years, sometimes even overnight. I love the tangible, face-to-face fan experience and the freedom to be yourself that the cons offer. Our goal is to combine that great sense of wonder and community with the excitement and energy of an outdoor festival to create an authentic entertainment event that is truly unique and out-of-this-world. Big Adventure has been a passion project for us at SGE for a while and we’re buzzing with excitement to see it come to life with all of you.”

Gear up for the must-see event of the year happening this fall, Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure — a brand-new music, comedy, cosplay, gaming, sci-fi, fantasy, and comic con festival, coming to the OC Fair & Event Center in Costa Mesa, CA on Saturday, November 3 and Sunday, November 4. Serving as a celebration of pop culture and fandom of all sorts, Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure is a one-of-a-kind entertainment experience, set to immerse attendees in a world where comics, sci-fi, fantasy, and gaming collide with music and comedy.

During the day, attendees will have the opportunity to see some of their favorite cast members and special guests during the TV, Film, Gaming, and Comic Book panels, participate in interactive fan experiences, VR, laser tag, table top and video gaming, and tech demos, and visit the artist alley where some of the comic book industry’s top artists and creators will be speaking about their craft, selling artwork, meeting fans and signing autographs. In the evening, the focus will shift to live performances, when fans will witness sets from acclaimed comedians including Patton Oswalt and Jim Jefferies, along with some of today’s top alternative and dance music artists including Empire Of The Sun, Modest Mouse, Phantogram, Cold War Kids, What So Not, Rusko, and many more, spread across three entertainment stages.

Produced by Synergy Global Entertainment (SGE), Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure will also boast a massive comic con exhibitor village, a marketplace with a variety of handmade and exclusive items, carnival rides and games, and wandering cosplay performers.

“More than just a comic con, more than just a festival, Big Adventure really is a one-of-a-kind celebration of pop culture and fandom in all forms,” says Big Adventure co-producer Rob Tweedie. “I’ve waited in my fair share of comic con lines over the years, sometimes even overnight. I love the tangible, face-to-face fan experience and the freedom to be yourself that the cons offer. Our goal is to combine that great sense of wonder and community with the excitement and energy of an outdoor festival to create an authentic entertainment event that is truly unique and out-of-this-world. Big Adventure has been a passion project for us at SGE for a while and we’re buzzing with excitement to see it come to life with all of you.”

The performance lineup for Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure is as follows (subject to change):

Live Stage: Empire Of The Sun, Modest Mouse, Phantogram, Cold War Kids, Echos, Nvdes, Allie X, and Party Nails

Comedy Stage: Patton Oswalt, Jim Jefferies, Baron Vaughn, Emo Philips, Hari Kondabolu, Kristen Schaal, Maria Bamford, Natasha Leggero, Rhys Darby, and Ron Funches, hosted by April Richardson and Marcella Arguello

Dance Stage: What So Not, Rusko, Bro Safari, Feed Me, Bonnie X Clyde, Luca Lush, Party Thieves, Ducky, Nitti Gritti, and Chime

A preliminary list of participating comic companies include Skybound, Kodansha Comics, Boom! Studios, and Top Cow Productions. Comic artists will include Andrew Robinson, Andy Belanger, Chris Burnham, Ivan Brandon, Matt Hawkins, Nick Dragotta, Andy Kuhn, Robert Wilson IV, Ande Parks, Brent Schoonover, Farel Dalrymple, Jai Nitz, Justin Greenwood, Matt Horak, Matt Wilson, Matthew Southworth, Morgan Breem, Ramon Villalobos, Brian Level, Tess Stone, Tim Doyle, and many more to be announced.

A limited number of Alt 98.7 pre-sale tickets for Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure will be available on Thursday, July 12 at 10:00 a.m. PT. Visit www.ALT987.com for more information and how to obtain presale passwords.

General tickets for Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure go on sale Friday, July 13 at 10:00 a.m. PT at www.BigAdventureFest.com, with Early Bird Single Day tickets starting at $39.50 (plus fees) and Early Bird Weekend tickets starting at $69.50 (plus fees), while supplies last. A limited number of Single Day and Weekend VIP packages will also be available for purchase:
VIP Lounge + Festival Admission Starting at $99.50

One VIP festival admission ticket (Saturday or Sunday)
Dedicated VIP entry lane into Big Adventure festival
Big Adventure VIP laminate
Limited edition poster

*Priority access to comedy show seated ticket raffle, located inside the VIP area
***VIP Lounge package does not guarantee seating within the comedy shows, however it does give you a better chance to grab a ticket to the show from the comedy show tickets area by entering the comedy show seated ticket raffle, located inside the VIP area

Access to Big Adventure VIP Lounge which includes:
– Comfortable areas to hang out and relax
– Giant games and photo op areas
– Viewing area of The Hangar Music Stage
– Access to Baja Blues Beach Club with bar and food available for purchase
– VIP restrooms
Weekend VIP Lounge + Festival Admission Starting at $198.50

One VIP festival admission ticket to both Saturday and Sunday
Dedicated VIP entry lane into Big Adventure festival
Big Adventure VIP laminate
Limited edition poster

*Priority access to comedy show seated ticket raffle, located inside the VIP area
***VIP Lounge package does not guarantee seating within the comedy shows, however it does give you a better chance to grab a ticket to the show from the comedy show tickets area by entering the comedy show seated ticket raffle, located inside the VIP area

Access to Big Adventure VIP Lounge which includes:
– Comfortable areas to hang out and relax
– Giant games and photo op areas
– Viewing area of The Hangar Music Stage
– Access to Baja Blues Beach Club with bar and food available for purchase
– VIP restrooms
Ultimate VIP Comedy & Panel Preferred Seating + VIP Lounge + Festival Admission Starting at $249.50

One VIP festival admission ticket (Saturday or Sunday)
Dedicated VIP entry lane into Big Adventure festival
Big Adventure VIP laminate
Limited edition poster
Big Adventure sponsorship swag bag with cool stuff

Priority line for entry into daily panels with VIP seating within rows 1-2
Priority line for entry into comedy show with VIP seating within rows 1-2
*Seating is available on a first come, first served basis. Ultimate VIP seating closes 5 minutes prior to show start time. Don’t be late!

Access to Big Adventure VIP Lounge which includes:
– Comfortable areas to hang out and relax
– Giant games and photo op areas
– Viewing area of The Hangar Music Stage
– Access to Baja Blues Beach Club with bar and food available for purchase
– VIP restrooms

Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure is proud to partner with the following sponsors in its inaugural year: Angel City Brewing, Corona, Kraken Rum, Cosmic Fog, Rockstar Energy Drink, Musicians Institute, Mike’s HARDER, and D-Link.

For more information on Alt 98.7 Presents Big Adventure, visit:
http://www.BigAdventureFest.com
http://www.facebook.com/bigadventurefest
http://www.instagram.com/bigadventurefest
Tweets by BigAdvFest
Hashtag: #BigAdventureFest

Photos: Evanescence & Lindsey Stirling at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in St. Louis, MO 7/7/2018

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 9, 2018

This is a unique experience to say the least. When the announcement was first made and accompanying YouTube videos from Lindsey Stirling were posted, a lot of potential for creativity came flooding to everyone’s minds.

When Lindsey took to the stage it wasn’t long before the floor was filled with dancers surrounding her and orchestral players on both sides. It became more elaborate as the performance went on, even including an on stage costume change behind tombstones (yes, I typed that correctly).

The first set of photos below are of Lindsey’s performance. Click on any photo below to open the gallery and scroll below the photos to continue reading and for Stirling’s music video “First Light”.

After a set change and even more musicians took to their orchestral (at least 25 by my count), we were presented with Evanescence slowly setting up. Amy Lee sat at the piano and opened the evening that would lead to amazing re-imagined performances of Evanescence’s biggest songs. Saying this was a unique concert is an understatement. Having thousands of people sitting and watching video boards of birds flying while the band played is something I will not forget anytime soon. The edge and anger of Evanescence’s style was changed to something soothing and much of it was seamless.

The tour is still going and tickets are available online through LiveNation. You can find tour info on Evanescence’s Facebook page.

Click on any photo below to open the gallery of Evanescence’s performance and scroll below to watch the music video for “Hi-Lo” live.

Photos: STORY OF THE YEAR at Warped Tour 2018 in St. Louis, MO 7/3/2018

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 7, 2018

Photos of Story Of The Year at Warped Tour.

All photos taken by Luke Spencer

in St. Louis, MO on July 3rd, 2018.

This was the only tour date on Warped for Story Of The Year, which makes sense as it’s a hometown show for the band. Promoting their new album Wolves, Story Of The Year made a special appearance for this final run of Warped Tour after a long tour earlier this year. The band performed on the main stage of Hollywood Casino Amphitheater and even though there were some audio issues int he beginning, it did not affect the overall performance.

It’s rare that we see St. Louis band’s make it big and continue to have a following, so it was nice to see the guys perform to a good crowd on a special occasion. You can find more info on Story Of The Year on their Facebook page here: Story Of The Year on Facebook.

Click on any photo below to open the gallery and scroll below the photos to watch the music video for “Bang Bang”.

Interview with Trevor Phipps of UNEARTH at Warped Tour 2018

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 7, 2018

An interview with Trevor Phipps of Unearth at Warped Tour 2018 in St. Louis, MO. Trevor talks Warped Tour, the upcoming album Extinction(s), bands he loves on Warped, memories of Vinnie Paul, and more.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_SJrQM02n9I

Unearth is an American metalcore band from Boston, Massachusetts. Formed in 1998, the group has released six studio albums.

Click here for Unearth’s Facebook page.

Interview with DOLL SKIN at Warped Tour 2018

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 6, 2018

“Yeet or be yeeten.” – Doll Skin

Interview with Doll Skin in St. Louis, MO talking about Warped Tour, Corey Taylor, Creeper, touring in Europe, yeeting & more.

Doll Skin on Facebook

Doll Skin is an all-female rock band from Phoenix, Arizona. The band is made up Meghan Herring (drums/vocals), Sydney Dolezal (lead vocals/rhythm guitar), Nicole Rich (bass), and Alex Snowden (lead guitar). Their sound is a blend of punk, metal, alternative & pop. Doll Skin has been compared to bands ranging from The Donnas to The Go-Go’s and to The Runaways.

Photos: MAKEOUT at Warped Tour in St. Louis, MO 7/3/2018

By

Luke Spencer

-

July 6, 2018

Photos of MAKEOUT at Warped Tour.

All photos taken by Luke Spencer

in St. Louis, MO on July 3rd, 2018.

The pop-punk (and all capitalized) band MAKEOUT performed in the afternoon on the owly.fm stage. While the heat was getting to everyone in attendance there was still a good amount of people wanting to hear from these Rhode Islanders. Their album The Good Life was released in September 2017 and is available now.

The band will be performing through the summer on Warped Tour. You can find more info on their Facebook page here: MAKEOUT on Facebook.

Click on any photo below to open the gallery and scroll below the photos to watch the music video for “Crazy”.