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Babymetal – The Other One | Album Review

This is the most ambitious Babymetal album and also I feel their best. Think of the tracks on The Other One as parallel worlds that Babymetal exist in. That idea along with a more mature and dynamic-sounding final product makes The Other One stand out. The Kami Band does a great job supporting Su and Moametal. There is variety in speed and energy which I think suits the album’s direction. Songs like Divine Attack and Maya have a fantastic build-up. The big hooks are here WHILE not JUST being hooks and choruses. There are many layers to an album like this, and it’ll require a few listens to take everything in, but it’s worth the time wave. 8/10

Babymetal – The Other One | Album Review
Babymetal – “Divine Attack”

Babymetal (Japanese: ベビーメタル, Hepburn: Bebīmetaru) (stylized in all caps) is a Japanese kawaii metal band consisting of Suzuka Nakamoto as “Su-metal” and Moa Kikuchi as “Moametal”. The band is produced by Kobametal from the Amuse talent agency. Their vocals are backed by heavy metal instrumentation, performed by a group of session musicians known as the “Kami Band” at performances. The band’s unique sound combines elements of heavy metal and J-Pop, creating a style that is both energetic and catchy.

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QUEEN + Adam Lambert Return for The Rhapsody Tour Across North America

Having first launched their universally acclaimed Rhapsody Tour with 25 epic shows across North America in 2019, Queen + Adam Lambert are bringing their highly acclaimed production, now expanded and updated, back to where it first began. After a 4-year long hiatus, Sir Brian May, Roger Taylor and their exceptional frontman Adam Lambert have announced they will set out on a spectacular North America run this fall. Produced by Live Nation, the tour kicks off on October 4 at Baltimore’s CFG Bank Arena making stops in Toronto, New York, Boston, Philadelphia, Chicago, Dallas, Denver and more before concluding at BMO Stadium in Los Angeles. See full routing below. 

Brian May says, “Our last tour featured our most ambitious production ever. So we decided to rip it apart and get even more ambitious. Watch out world.” 

And Adam Lambert says: “I can’t wait to tour North America one more time with the Rhapsody tour alongside the two unbelievably talented legends that are Brian May and Roger Taylor.” 

Queen + Adam Lambert’s 150-minute career-spanning set list celebrates the band’s extraordinary back catalogue, lining up wall-to-wall immortal anthems like “We Will Rock You”, “Don’t Stop Me Now”, “Radio Ga Ga”, and “Somebody To Love” alongside classic deep cuts and vintage fan favourites. Featuring a dazzling state-of-the-art stage design, incredible special effects and set pieces, this sense-swamping extravaganza has been blowing critics and fans away the world over. 

As with last year’s UK and European dates, the 2023 North American tour will see Queen + Adam Lambert supported on stage by their regular band members, long-serving Queen keyboard player and musical director Spike Edney, bass guitarist Neil Fairclough and percussionist Tyler Warren.  

Having extensively toured over the last few years, the Rhapsody show is forever evolving. But it remains at heart a tribute to Freddie Mercury’s majestic legacy, a confirmation of Brian and Roger’s undimmed musical prowess, plus a magnificent showcase for Adam’s vocal skills and electrifying stage charisma, all of which adds up to a glorious full-blooded celebration of one of the greatest songbooks in rock history. Read more on the story of The Rhapsody Tour so far, including the special performance opening the Platinum Jubilee concert with the late Queen herself tea cup tapping to the beat of “We Will Rock You” HERE

TICKETS: Tickets will be available via a general onsale beginning Friday, March 31st at 10AM local time at LiveNation.com.  

Queen + Adam Lambert appreciate that it is an enormous task to try and stop scalpers from taking advantage of fans wanting to purchase tickets for the tour. In an effort to help minimize resale and keep ticket prices at face value for fans, the band are collaborating with the venues’ ticketing partners to restrict the ability to transfer tickets for The Rhapsody Tour so that they may only be transferred between fans at the original price. 

Fans will still have protection against unforeseen circumstances. Those who purchase tickets and are no longer able to attend their show will be able to sell their tickets at the price they paid using a face value ticket exchange, including the Ticketmaster Face Value Exchange – which is free to use for buyers and sellers. More information on how the Ticketmaster Exchange works is available here

Unfortunately, the states of NY, IL, and CO have laws in place which protect ticket scalpers – these laws prohibit artists from being able to restrict the transfer of their tickets to face value exchanges only. For shows in these states, Queen + Adam Lambert strongly encourage fans to only buy or sell tickets to one another on face value exchanges. More information can be found here, with more details to follow in the coming weeks.  

QUEEN + ADAM LAMBERT THE RHAPSODY TOUR 2023 DATES:  
Wed Oct 04 – Baltimore, MD – CFG Bank Arena 
Sun Oct 08 – Toronto, ON — Scotiabank Arena 
Tue Oct 10 — Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena 
Thu Oct 12 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden 
Sun Oct 15 – Boston, MA – TD Garden 
Wed Oct 18 — Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center 
Mon Oct 23 — Atlanta, GA – State Farm Arena 
Wed Oct 25 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena 
Fri Oct 27 – St. Paul, MN – Xcel Energy Center 
Mon Oct 30 — Chicago, IL – United Center 
Thu Nov 02 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center 
Sun Nov 05 — Denver, CO – Ball Arena 
Wed Nov 08 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center 
Sat Nov 11 – Los Angeles, CA – BMO Stadium 

Depeche Mode’s New Album ‘Memento Mori’ is Now Out

Depeche Mode 2023

The wait is over: Depeche Mode has released its eagerly anticipated 15th studio album Memento Mori, available on 2LP vinyl, CD, cassette, and digital as of today, March 24, via Columbia Records.

Early reaction to Memento Mori has been unanimously positive, with The New York Times citing the band’s “exquisite darkness,” Rolling Stone praising the album’s “characteristic musical beauty and lyrical depth,” and the Associated Press raving “The music is staring lovingly into the abyss and asking it to love it back… Depeche Mode might be facing their own mortality but their power as musicians stretches into infinity.” In the UK, the Guardian hailed the return of “the biggest cult band in the world” and lauded the album’s “perfect blend of ominous mood, electronic textures that range from intense to ethereal,” while the NME and Uncut labelled Memento Mori “majestic” and “their most powerful work this century, respectively.

Produced by James Ford, with additional production work by Marta Salogni, Memento Mori’s gestation took place during the early stages of the Covid pandemic, resulting in themes inspired directly by that period. The album’s 12 tracks chart a vast expanse of moods and textures, from its ominous opening to its closing resolve—running the gamut from paranoia and obsession to catharsis and joy, and hitting myriad points between. 

Depeche Mode kicked off its Memento Mori World Tour last night with a sold-out show at Sacramento’s Golden 1 Center. Due to popular demand, the tour recently added dozens of new dates, including a new Fall leg of North American shows. The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2020 inductees’ 19th outing and first in more than five years, the Live Nation-presented tour has gotten underway with a limited North American run featuring stops at New York’s Madison Square Garden, Chicago’s United Center, and Toronto’s Scotiabank Arena. The band will then embark on a European stadium tour on May 16, with noted stops including the Stade de France in Paris, two shows at Berlin’s Olympic Stadium, Milan’s San Siro Stadium, and London’s Twickenham Stadium. 

Following the end of the European summer run, the recently added leg of the tour brings the band back to North America in the fall, stopping in Mexico City for three nights at Foro Sol before returning to the US and Canada. Newly announced tour stops include Austin’s Moody Center, Vancouver’s Rogers Arena, additional New York City shows at Madison Square Garden and Barclay’s Center, Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena and more, concluding with a multi-night run in Los Angeles at the Kia Forum and Crypto.com Arena.

Reception to the Memento Mori tour has been overwhelming with shows quickly selling out across Europe and North America, and over two million tickets already sold. The 81 date tour is on track to be one of Depeche Mode’s largest to date and is also well on its way to being one of the largest worldwide tours of 2023. 

Having sold more than 100 million records and played to more than 35 million fans worldwide, Depeche Mode remains an ever-evolving and singularly influential musical force. An indelible inspiration to fans, critics and artists alike, Depeche Mode continues to forge ahead, with the Memento Mori album and tour representing the opening of the newest chapter of a peerless and ongoing legacy.

Memento Mori Tour 2023
March 23 – Sacramento, CA – Golden 1 Center 
March 25 – San Jose, CA – SAP Center 
March 28 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum 
March 30 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena 
April 2 – San Antonio, TX – AT&T Center 
April 5 – Chicago, IL – United Center 
April 7 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena 
April 9 – Quebec City, QC – Videotron Centre 
April 12 – Montreal, QC – Centre Bell 
April 14 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden 
May 16 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome 
May 18 – Amsterdam, NL – Ziggo Dome
May 20 – Antwerp, BE – Sportpaleis Antwerpen 
May 23 – Stockholm, SE – Friends Arena 
May 26 – Leipzig, DE – Leipziger Festwiese 
May 28 – Bratislava, SK – Národný Futbalový Štadión 
May 31 – Lyon, FR – Groupama Stadium 
June 2 – Barcelona, ES – Primavera Sound Festival 
June 4 – Dusseldorf, DE – Merkur Spiel-Arena 
June 6 – Dusseldorf, DE – Merkur Spiel-Arena 
June 9 – Madrid, ES – Primavera Sound Festival 
June 11 – Bern, CH – Stadion Wankdorf 
June 14 – Dublin, IE – Malahide Castle 
June 17 – London, UK – Twickenham Stadium 
June 20 – Munich, DE – Olympiastadion
June 22 – Lille, FR – Stade Pierre Mauroy 
June 24 – Paris, FR – Stade de France 
June 27 – Copenhagen, DK – Parken 
June 29 – Frankfurt, DE – Deutsche Bank Park 
July 1 – Frankfurt, DE – Deutsche Bank Park
July 4 – Bordeaux, FR – Matmut Atlantique 
July 7 – Berlin, DE – Olympiastadion 
July 9 – Berlin, DE – Olympiastadion
July 12 – Rome, IT – Stadio Olympico 
July 14 – Milan, IT – San Siro 
July 16 – Bologna, IT – Stadio Renato Dall’Ara 
July 21 – Klagenfurt, AT – Wörthersee Stadion ‘
July 23 – Zagreb, HR – Arena Zagreb 
July 26 – Bucharest, RO – Arena Națională 
July 28 – Budapest, HU – Puskás Aréna 
July 30 – Prague, CZ – Letňany Airport 
August 2 – Warsaw, PL – PGE Narodowy 
August 4 – Krakow, PL – Tauron Arena
August 6 – Tallinn, EE – Tallinna Lauluväljak 
August 8 – Helsinki, FI – Kaisaniemen Puisto 
August 11 – Oslo, NO – Telenor Arena
September 21 – Mexico City, MX – Foro Sol 
September 23 – Mexico City, MX – Foro Sol 
September 25 – Mexico City, MX – Foro Sol 
September 29 – Austin, TX – Moody Center 
October 1 – Dallas, TX – American Airlines Center
October 4 – Houston, TX – Toyota Center 
October 7 – New Orleans, LA – Smoothie King Center
October 10 – Orlando, FL – Amway Center 
October 12 – Miami, FL – Miami-Dade Arena 
October 15 — Atlanta, GA — State Farm Arena
October 19 – Nashville, TN – Bridgestone Arena 
October 21 – Brooklyn, NY – Barclays Center
October 23 – Washington, DC – Capital One Arena 
October 25 – Philadelphia, PA – Wells Fargo Center 
October 28 – New York, NY – Madison Square Garden 
October 31 – Boston, MA – TD Garden
November 3 – Montreal, QC – Centre Bell 
November 5 – Toronto, ON – Scotiabank Arena
November 8 – Detroit, MI – Little Caesars Arena
November 10 – Cleveland, OH – Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse 
November 13 – Chicago, IL – United Center
November 16 – Denver, CO – Ball Arena
November 18 – Salt Lake City, UT – Vivint Arena
November 21 – Edmonton, AB – Rogers Place 
November 24 – Vancouver, BC – Rogers Arena 
November 26 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena
November 28 – Portland, OR – MODA Center
December 1 – Las Vegas, NV – T-Mobile Arena 
December 3 – San Francisco, CA – Chase Center 
December 6 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena
December 8 – San Diego, CA – Pechanga Arena
December 10 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
December 12 – Los Angeles, CA – Kia Forum
December 15 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena
December 17 – Los Angeles, CA – Crypto.com Arena

Electric Callboy Releases Live Video for “Hypa Hypa”

Electric Callboy

After the release of their internationally successful album, 2022’s TEKKNO (which hit #1 on the German album charts!), Electric Callboy have now earned a Gold Award for selling 200,000 units of the single “Hypa Hypa”! As a “thank you”, Electric Callboy released a live video – “Hypa Hypa (Lanxess Arena 2023)” – last week from their recently sold-out show in Cologne. Watch the clip now here: https://youtu.be/gLRWgxnOW84

Electric Callboy comments: “What an unforgettable experience we had in Cologne at Lanxess Arena! A kick ass show and a Gold Award for our single ‘Hypa Hypa’. From the bottom of our hearts, we want to thank every single one of you for all your support during the last 13 years! From little youth centers to big festivals and arenas…we enjoyed every moment of this journey and we are so happy to share all this with you!

Because your lovely support and your motivational feedback makes all this possible in the first place!

We look forward to many more shows and good times with you!

Much love from Castrop-Rauxel!”

Dennis Moll (A&R Century Media) adds: “When we had our first meeting back in February 2020, it was full of doubt and insecurity about what the next steps were going to look like. And all of a sudden, we’re able to present them a Gold Award at a sold-out arena show. I think there is barely any band that has worked harder and has grown bigger during a pandemic – and therefore, no one else that deserves this more than they do. Congrats guys – the rainbow in the sky is the limit!! Let’s fuckin go!!”

Additionally, Electric Callboy has been nominated in 3 categories at this year’s Heavy Music Awards: Best International Artist, Best International Live Artist, and Best Video. The awards will take place on May 26th at London’s OVO Wembley Arena. For voting and more info, please visit: https://vote.heavymusicawards.com

To hear the latest from Electric Callboy: a special TEKKNO (Tour Edition) release is available today (March 24th) via Century Media Records. Featuring the full TEKKNO album, plus 5 live tracks that were recorded on their sold-out 2022 European tour, TEKKNO (Tour Edition) can be streamed and purchased here: https://electriccallboy.lnk.to/TEKKNOtouredition – where the record is available in the following versions:

–Standard CD jewel-case
–Transparent light blue-lilac marbled LP
–Ultra clear-red splattered LP available from Bravado (band exclusive; limited to 1000 copies)
–Yellow-black marbled LP available from CM Distro (limited to 500 copies)
–Digital album

TEKKNO (Tour Edition) track-listing:
1. Pump It
2. We Got The Moves
3. Fuckboi
4. Spaceman
5. Mindreader
6. Arrow Of Love
7. Parasite
8. Tekkno Train
9. Hurrikan
10. Neon
11. Pump It (Live)
12. Hate/Love (Live)
13. Spaceman (Live)
14. We Got The Moves (Live)
15. Hypa Hypa (Live)

Electric Callboy are currently on the road as part of their “TEKKNO World Tour 2023”; see below for all dates! Tickets can be purchased at: https://www.electriccallboy.com/#tour

TEKKNO WORLD TOUR 2023 – EUROPE

SPECIAL GUEST: Holding Absence / Blind Channel

SUPPORT: Future Palace

Mar. 24, 2023 – SE-Stockholm, Fryshuset Klubben# (Sold Out!)

Mar. 26, 2023 – FI-Helsinki, Vanha Ylioppilastalo# (Sold Out!)

Mar. 27, 2023 – FI-Helsinki, Vanha Ylioppilastalo# (Sold Out!)

Mar. 30, 2023 – DE-Munich, Olympiahalle#

Apr. 1, 2023 – DE-Leipzig, Quarterback Immobilien Arena# (Low Tickets!)

Apr. 14, 2023 – AT-Vienna, Gasometer (Sold Out!) *

Apr. 15, 2023 – HU-Budapest, Barba Negra * (Sold Out!)

Apr. 20, 2023 – DE-Hamburg, Barclays Arena *

Apr. 21, 2023 – DE-Frankfurt, Festhalle * (Low Tickets!)

Apr. 22, 2023 – CH-Zürich, The Hall * (Low Tickets!)

Apr. 28, 2023 – LU-Esch-Sur-Alzette, Rockhal *

Apr. 29, 2023 – FR-Paris, Olympia * (Low Tickets!)

May 1, 2023 – UK-London, Eventim Apollo * (Low Tickets!)

#=Special Guest: Holding Absence

*=Special Guest: Blind Channel

TEKKNO WORLD TOUR 2023 – EUROPEAN FESTIVALS

June 9, 2023 – AT – Nova Rock

June 11, 2023 – GB – Download Festival

June 15, 2023 – DK – Copenhell

June 16, 2023 – NL – Pinkpop

June 18, 2023 – FR – Hellfest

June 23, 2023 – DE – Full Force Open Air

June 30-July 1, 2023 – CH – St. Gallen Festival

July 2, 2023 – FI – Tuska Festival

July 22, 2023 – DE – Deichbrand Festival

Aug. 10, 2023 – DE – Rocco del Schlacko

Aug. 11, 2023 – DE – Taubertal Festival

Aug. 13, 2023 – BE – Alcatraz Festival

Aug. 18, 2023 – AT – Frequency Festival

Sept. 23, 2023 – DE – Escalation Fest – Oberhausen Rudolf Weber Arena

Nov. 5, 2023 – NL – The Rock Circus, Brabanthallen

TEKKNO WORLD TOUR 2023 – NORTH AMERICA

Aug. 25, 2023 – Portland, OR – Roseland Ballroom

Aug. 26, 2023 – Seattle, WA – The Neptune Theater

Aug. 28, 2023 – Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades

Aug. 29, 2023 – Santa Ana, CA – The Observatory

Aug. 30, 2023 – Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco Theatre

Aug. 31, 2023 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren

Sept. 2, 2023 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot

Sept. 3, 2023 – Denver, CO – The Fillmore Auditorium (upgraded / new venue!)

Sept. 5, 2023 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore (upgraded / new venue!)

Sept. 6, 2023 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues

Sept. 8, 2023 – Alton, VA – BLUE RIDGE ROCK FEST

Sept. 9, 2023 – Mckees Rocks, PA – The Roxian Theatre

Sept. 10, 2023 – Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall

Sept. 11, 2023 – Montreal, QC – M Telus (upgraded / new venue!)

Sept. 13, 2023 – Boston, MA – Big Night Live `

Sept. 14, 2023 – Philadelphia, PA – Brooklyn Bowl

Sept. 15, 2023 – New York, NY – Palladium

TEKKNO WORLD TOUR 2023 – AUSTRALIA 

Nov. 25, 2023 – AU-Perth – Metropolis

Nov. 27, 2023 – AU-Adelaide – Hindley Street (upgraded / new venue!)

Nov. 29, 2023 – AU-Melbourne – The Forum (Sold Out!)

Nov. 30, 2023 – AU-Sydney – Roundhouse (Sold Out!)

Dec. 1, 2023 – AU-Brisbane – Eatons Hill Hotel (Sold Out!)

Nothing More Reveal New Version of “Best Times” feat. Lacey Sturm

Photo credit: Ana Santos

3x Grammy-nominated NOTHING MORE, lauded as one of mainstream rock’s most powerful and distinctive acts, have teamed up with rock singer/songwriter Lacey Sturm (Flyleaf) who is featured on a new version of the single “BEST TIMES” from NOTHING MORE’s 2022 album SPIRITS via Better Noise Music. “BEST TIMES (Feat. Lacey Sturm)” is out today (March 24), across all digital platforms and the group has also shared its music video, seen streaming below or HERE.

The music video for “BEST TIMES (Feat. Lacey Sturm)” was directed by Michael Lombardi (The Retaliators, Papa Roach, The HU) and takes an inside look at a couple’s relationship and how life’s ‘best times’ can sometimes pass us by without being acknowledged and is a reminder to appreciate those moments as they occur.

“This song is a real special one,” reveals NOTHING MORE frontman JONNY HAWKINS. “It’s definitely one of the most positive feel-good songs we’ve ever written and it obviously stands out on the album by being that ray of hope too. I didn’t think it could get any better, but when we thought about featuring another singer and Lacey’s name came up it was a no-brainer. She’s been a shining light and is one of those singers that makes you feel and believe every word out of her mouth whether you agree with it or not. We knew her voice would take it over the top… and that’s exactly what she did! We couldn’t be more proud to have her collaborate with us on this and to get it out to the world for everyone to feel and embrace when you need a song to help get you through.”

STURM comments: “I connected with Jonny’s story about his family struggles with his mother and sister. I love the painful beauty in any art that comes from wrestling with mental health and addiction. I’ve always looked for common ground with artists who deal with suicide prevention. My own struggle against self-destruction is also a struggle to not tear my loved ones apart. There is a perspective shift in this song. Like a suffocating cloud, the heaviness of life turns to thankfulness and even joy over what matters most. Pain and loss can turn the lights on inside us, allowing us to see the good, all the ‘Best Times,’ we couldn’t see before. I’m relieved to be reminded by this song to remember what matters most and find gratitude. I need it.”

NOTHING MORE will bring their riveting live performance to virtual audiences on Sunday, April 9 as they’ve partnered with VEEPS to host a livestream show from their headlining NYC tour stop at Irving Plaza. Tickets for the livestream event are on-sale now HERE. The stop is part of NOTHING MORE’s “SPIRITS 2023” U.S. tour which stretches from March 31 in Richmond, VA until the band’s featured set at Sonic Temple festival in Columbus, OH on May 28 and features supporting acts Crown The Empire and Thousand Below. The rock quartet will then make their way overseas to hit several of the top rock festivals across Europe including Hellfest (France), KNOTFEST (Italy), Graspop (Belgium) and more in addition to a newly added headlining show in London, UK on June 19 at O2 Islington Academy. Find all upcoming shows and tickets, plus VIP upgrade options at https://nothingmore.net/tourdates.

NOTHING MORE will be bringing copies of their debut graphic novel, “SPIRITS VOL.1,” (Z2 Comics) on upcoming tour dates for fans to purchase along with fulfilling all online pre-orders. The puzzle box narrative was written by Dan Watters (King Diamond’s Abigail, Lucifer, Azrael) and illustrated by Christian Rosado. Adhering to the themes of NOTHING MORE’s recent SPIRITS album, “SPIRTS VOL. 1” follows the lives of four individuals from 1952 to modern day, and examines how the unexpected manifestation of their spirit types alter and shape their destinies for a greater purpose. The spirit types were formed from the results of taking the band’s own meta-personality “SPIRITS TEST” released concurrent with the new album. Reserve your copy now HERE.

NOTHING MORE GLOBAL TOUR DATES
3/31   Richmond, VA – The National #
4/1     Myrtle Beach, SC – House of Blues #
4/2     St. Petersburg, FL – Jannus Live #
4/4     Harrisburg, PA – HMAC # **SOLD OUT**
4/5     Toronto, ON – The Danforth Music Hall #
4/7     Philadelphia, PA – TLA # **SOLD OUT**
4/8     Worcester, MA – The Palladium #
4/9     New York, NY – Irving Plaza #
4/11   Evansville, IN – Victory Theatre #
4/12   Dubuque, AL – Five Flags Civic Center #
4/13   Clive, IA – Horizons Event Center #
4/15   Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore #
4/16   Omaha, NE – The Admiral #
4/17   Denver, CO – Ogden Theater #
4/19   Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex #
4/21   Calgary, AB – The Palace Theater #
4/22   Edmonton, AB – Midway #
4/24   Vancouver, BC – The Commodore Ballroom #
4/25   Boise, ID – The Knitting Factory #
4/27   Seattle, WA – Neptune #
4/28   Portland, OR – The Roseland Theater #
4/29   Spokane, WA – The Knitting Factory #
5/1     Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades # **SOLD OUT**
5/2     Sacramento, CA – Ace of Spades #
5/3     Los Angeles, CA – The Belasco #
5/5     San Diego, CA – Observatory Northpark #
5/6     Phoenix, AZ – UFEST 2023 @ AK Chin Pavillion (with Godsmack, I Prevail) 
5/26   Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre
5/27   Moline, IL – The Rust Belt
5/28   Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple 
6/8     Gdansk, PL – Mystic Festival
6/10   Nickelsdorf, AT – Nova Rock 2023
6/11   Hradec Kralove, CZ – Rock for People
6/16   Clisson, FR – Hellfest 2023
6/17   Dessel, BE – Graspop Festival
6/19   London, UK – O2 Islington Academy
6/21   Wetzikon/Unter-wetzikon, CH – Heavy Load Festival Wetzikon 2023
6/24   Hockenheim, DE – Download Festival
6/25   Bologna, IT – KNOTFEST Italy 2023
6/29   Lisbon, PT – Evil Live Festival
6/30   Viveiro, ES – Resurrection Fest 2023
# with Crown The Empire & Thousand Below

NOTHING MORE are known for building unapologetically massive anthems from catchy hooks and utilizing thought-provoking emotionalism and rich melodicism throughout their music. Named as one of “22 Artists Shaping the Future of Rock,” alongside Nine Inch Nails, Twenty One Pilots and Bring Me The Horizon via Kerrang!, NOTHING MORE have garnered over a half dozen Top 10 singles at Mainstream Rock Radio, three Grammy Award nominations, 120 million video views and nearly 700 million combined streams across Spotify, Apple, Amazon, Pandora and Deezer.

On their new album SPIRITSNOTHING MORE documents the tumultuous time the world experienced over the past two years capturing the desperation and isolation of lockdown, the spiral of substance abuse, the pain of broken relationships, and survival in self-reliance.

FOLLOW NOTHING MORE
Website | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | TikTok
Apple | Spotify | Deezer | Amazon | Pandora | YouTube

Final Lineup Announced for Monsters of Rock Cruise 2023

Monsters of Rock Cruise, the world’s premier hard rock and heavy metal experience at sea, has announced the final lineup for its eleventh annual voyage coming up next month.

The five-day/five-night full-ship music charter will set sail April 29th – May 4th aboard Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas® and depart out of Port Canaveral, Florida. Dubbed They Came From Outer Space, this year’s voyage includes two days at sea full of music and eventsperformances from over 40 artists on multiple stagesstops at two ports (Puerto Plata, Dominican Republic and the Private Isle of Labadee)photo experiences with artiststheme nights, and special events with the world’s best rock community (including a hotel takeover pre-party just for cruisers).

With less than 40 days out, limited cabins are still available. For more info and booking, visit MonstersOfRockCruise.com and follow @MonstersOfRockCruise on Facebook and Instagram, and @MonstersCruise on Twitter.

Headlining MORC ’23 is America’s blue collar rock band and a celebration of one the greatest spirits of rock and roll, TESLA, who will be joined on the lineup by legendary guitarist Michael Schenker, Winger, QueensrÿcheExtreme, Vandenberg, Autograph, Burning Witches, Chez Kane, D-A-D, Dirty Looks, DORO, Faster Pussycat, Great White, Hardcore Superstar, Joel Hoekstra, Junkyard, KIX, Lee Aaron, Liliac, Loudness, Mac Sabbath, Nestor, Reckless Love, Rhino Bucket, Rose Tattoo, Shiraz Lane, Stryper, Ted Poley, Tora Tora, Treat, Tyketto, Tyler Bryant & The Shakedown, Vain, WIG WAM, and Dueling Pianos. Plus, since going on-sale last March, MORC ‘23’s lineup has added Stephen Pearcy (the voice of Ratt), Sweden’s ECLIPSESOTO, former WASP guitar slinger Chris Holmes with his band Mean ManThe Cruel IntentionsSoto / Bieler, Spike (singer and founder of The Quireboys, bringing an acoustic storytellers set to the cruise), and Karaoke Madness with Brian and Izzy.

Now set to join Eddie Trunk (VH1, SiriusXM) with cruise co-hosting duties (including moderating Q&A’s and activities specifically designed to bring the party up a notch) will be comedians Jim Florentine and Don Jamieson (former hosts of VH1 Classic’s hit show That Metal Show), as well as pioneer rock radio DJ Nikki Blakk, veteran rock musician Keith Roth (SiriusXM’s Ozzy’s Boneyard and Hair Nation co-host), and Metal DJ Will.

In addition to performances, MORC ‘23 will host interactive events between artists and cruisers, including Artist/Cruiser Q&A sessions, Gong Show Karaoke, “So You Think You Can Shred,” Cooking with Rock Stars, a new cast of Painting With Rock Stars, Rockers vs Average Joe’s pickup basketball match, and Comedy Punchlines and Backlines.  

Royal Caribbean’s Mariner of the Seas

Cruisers will return to the newly amped up Mariner of the Seas®, providing more ways to play, delicious new dining concepts, and a few surprises to thrill even the boldest cruisers. Spanning the length of Deck 5 and offering quick access to all performance venues, as well as a hot spot for cruisers to connect, the Royal Promenade features restaurants, coffee bars, and shopping. Other activities aboard the ship include boogie boarding or surfing the waves at the FlowRider® surf simulator, challenging yourself on the rock-climbing wall, soaking in one of the many hot tubs and pools, or pampering yourself in the world-class Vitality℠ Spa. New attractions to the ship include: Sky Pad® (a bungee trampoline experience that launches you sky high for gravity-defying fun combined with virtual reality headsets), The Perfect Storm℠ waterslides (plunge down three stories of twisting, turning thrills on these dual high-speed race slides until you hit the bottom), Laser Tag (grab a blaster, choose a side and gear up for a stellar glow-in-the-dark time in this bots versus aliens battle for the last planet), and the Escape Room (team up with fellow cruisers to find hidden clues and crack secret codes in your quest to rescue a time-traveling scientist). Plus, Mariner of the Seas® has not one, but two huge music venues inside the ship. Click here for a full list of things to do on Royal Caribbean’s Voyager-class cruise ship. 

The first port stop on MORC ’23 is the breath-taking beauty that is Puerto Plata. Dominican Republic’s oldest city in the north and a tourism pioneer, Puerto Plata is nestled by the ocean with a mountainous backdrop. The city offers a lively pier (known as the Malecon), colorful shops, and opulent homes from the 1800s. Whether you prefer to spend the day traveling 2,600 feet above sea level in a cable car or hike majestic trails – both options are available if you choose to visit Monte Isabel de Torres. If the ocean is calling your name, visit Sousa Beach where you can sunbathe, swim, snorkel, or grab a bite to eat at a nearby restaurant. For those of you who want to experience the culture of the Dominican Republic, consider staying in town to explore the unique architecture, enjoy delicious Dominican cuisine, or shop for keepsakes to remind you of the amazing experiences you had in Puerto Plata. Click here for a full list of shore excursions.

Next up is the Private Isle of Labadee, the ultimate private destination for cruisers, offering adventure, exploration and relaxation amongst its many bars and pristine waters. Vacationers can amp up the adrenaline on the Dragon’s Tail Coaster, a thrilling 30-mile-per-hour ride with incredible views of the island. For more action, adventurous passengers may choose to strap on a helmet and harness and soar 500-feet down on the Dragon’s Breath Flight Line, the world’s longest zip line over water. In addition, there are plenty of exciting options to choose from, including wave jet rides, parasailing, snorkel safaris, kayak tours, and much more. Looking for the ultimate way to relax? Consider booking a Barefoot Beach Cabana, which has several types of cabanas with privacy options, or being close to the action, there is sure to be something for everyone.

With a myriad of events, activities, and music to keep fans entertained day and night, MORC ’23 promises to be a fantasy camp, personal paradise, and the vacation of a lifetime for hard rockin’ music enthusiasts.

About Monsters of Rock Cruise:

A leader in cruise charter innovation, Monsters of Rock Cruise (MORC) has sailed over 30,000 passengers in the last ten years. The principals of MORC have deep roots in the music industry, providing world-class cruise ship production management for celebrities and musical artists for decades. MORC has set the industry standard for themed music cruises and fan experiences and has played a key role in the development of ground-breaking theme cruise concepts. Click here for exclusive MORC merch (including T-shirts, hoodies, patches, and more). For more info, visit MonstersofRockCruise.com and follow on FacebookInstagram, and Twitter.

Is Fall Out Boy Overrated?

With Fall Out Boy about to release their latest album So Much (For) Stardust, everyone seems to have an opinion on the once-labeled emo group. Is Fall Out Boy overrated?

Click here for a similar video asking
Is Bad Omens Overrated?

Fall Out Boy is an American rock band formed in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, in 2001. The band consists of lead vocalist and guitarist Patrick Stump, bassist Pete Wentz, drummer Andy Hurley, and guitarist Joe Trohman.

So Much (for) Stardust is the upcoming eighth studio album by American rock band Fall Out Boy. The album is set to be released on March 24, 2023 on Fueled by Ramen and DCD2. The album reunites the band with producer Neal Avron, who last produced Folie à Deux (2008), and also marks the band’s return to their original record label Fueled By Ramen, which last released Take This to Your Grave (2003). The first single from the album, “Love from the Other Side“, released on January 18, 2023 alongside the official announcement of the album.

Click below for Fall Out Boy music:
“Dance, Dance” = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C6MOKXm8x50
“Love From The Other Side” = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oBrkbWSB3Ls
“My Songs Know What You Did In The Dark (Light Em Up)” = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LkIWmsP3c_s
“Sugar, We’re Going Down” = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uhG-vLZrb-g
“Uma Thurman” = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VTxYQL2SbA
“Young And Menace” = https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtVFTuIZFYU

Nita Strauss Drops New Single “Winner Takes All” Feat. Alice Cooper

Fresh off the news that she would be returning to her role as guitarist with the legendary Alice Cooper, Los Angeles-born guitar hero and musical force of nature Nita Strauss has just announced her brand new single “Winner Takes All,” featuring none other than Cooper himself. Listen here

Today, Cooper will be interviewing Strauss about their duet on his syndicated radio show Nights With Alice Cooper.

“When we were working on the music for this album, there was no question that I wanted to create a song to collaborate with my longtime boss and friend, the legendary Alice Cooper,” Strauss exclaims. “I think the track accomplishes what we set out to do — showcase Alice’s voice and signature style on the backdrop of a heavy, modern rock track. After many years of lending my style of playing to Alice’s music on stage, it was truly an honor to work together and hear his voice on one of my songs!”

Stay tuned for more new music from Strauss.

NITA STRAUSS + ALICE COOPER ON TOUR:
4/28  — Mount Pleasant, MI — Soaring Eagle
4/29 — Youngstown, OH — Covelli Centre
5/2 — Fort Wayne, IN — Allen County War Memorial Coliseum
5/3 — Milwaukee, WI — Miller High Life Theatre
5/6 — Bemidji, MN — Sanford Center
5/9 — Champaign, IL — State Farm Center
5/10 — Louisville, KY —  Louisville Palace Theater
5/13 — Knoxville, TN — The Tennessee Theatre
5/14 — Spartanburg, SC — Spartanburg Memorial Auditorium
5/15 — North Charleston, SC — North Charleston Performing Arts Center
5/17 — Shreveport, LA — Shreveport Municipal Auditorium
5/18 — Biloxi, MS — Beau Rivage Theatre
5/20 — Daytona Beach, FL — Welcome to Rockville*
WITH DEF LEPPARD + MOTLEY CRUE:
8/5 — Syracuse, NY — JMA Wireless Dome
8/8 — Columbus, OH — The Ohio State University Ohio Stadium
8/11 — Fargo, ND — Fargodome
8/13 — Omaha, NE — Charles Schwab Field Omaha
8/16 — Tulsa, OK — Skelly Field at H.A. Chapman Stadium
8/18 — El Paso, TX — Sun Bowl Stadium

CO-HEADLINE “FREAKS ON PARADE” TOUR WITH ROB ZOMBIE:
8/24 — Dallas, TX — Dos Equis Pavilion
8/26 — Tampa, FL — Mid-Florida Credit Union Amphitheatre
8/27 — West Palm Beach, FL — iTHINK Financial Amphitheatre
8/29 — Raleigh, NC — Coastal Credit Union Music Park @ Walnut Creek
8/30 — Virginia Beach, VA — Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheatre
9/1 — Tinley Park, IL — Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre
9/2 — Des Moines, IA — Wells Fargo Arena
9/5 — Clarkston, MI — Pinke Knob Amphitheatre
9/6 — Toronto, ON — Budweiser Stage
9/8 — Scranton, PA — The Pavilion @ Montage Mountain
9/9 — Wantagh, NY — Northwell Health Theatre @ Jones Beach
9/10 — Hartford, CT — XFINITY Theatre
9/12 — Nashville, TN — Bridgestone Arena
9/15 — Bonner Springs, KS — Azura Amphitheatre
9/16 — Englewood, CO — Fiddler’s Green
9/19 — Ridgefield, WA — RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheatre
9/20 — Auburn, WA — White River Amphitheatre
9/22 — Concord, CA — Pavilion
9/23 — Anaheim, CA — Honda Center
9/24 — Phoenix, AZ — Ak-Chin Pavilion

Follow Nita Strauss:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Sleeping With Sirens Announce Family Tree US Tour with Dayseeker & MAGS

Sleeping with Sirens
Photo Credit – Nick Stafford

Pop-punk titans Sleeping With Sirens have today announced their upcoming Family Tree Tour across the United States with Dayseeker and MAGS as support. Having recently toured across Australia, Europe and wrapping up their UK tour tonight, this new run of shows begins on May 16 in Little Rock, AR, and wraps up in Riverside, CA on June 2. Pre-sales with VIP begin tomorrow, Wednesday 2/22 at 10 am, and general pre-sales start Thursday, 2/23 at 10 am. Tickets go on sale to the general public this Friday, 2/24 at 10 am (all times local). For VIP package and ticket information, please click here.

Family Tree Tour Dates
May 16 – Little Rock, AR @ The Hall*
May 17 – Mobile, AL @ Soul Kitchen Music Hall*
May 19 – Daytona Beach, FL @ Welcome to Rockville**
May 21 – Charlotte, NC @ Fillmore
May 22 – Silver Springs, MD @ Fillmore
May 23 – Reading, PA @ Reverb
May 25 – Nashville, TN @ Marathon Music Works
May 26 – Columbus, OH @ Sonic Temple**
May 27 – Ft. Wayne, IN @ Clyde
May 28 – Des Moines, IA @ Wooly’s
May 30 – Grand Junction, CO @ Mesa Theater
June 1 – Sacramento, CA @ Ace Of Spades
June 2 – Riverside, CA @ Riverside Municipal
* No Dayseeker
** Festival

COMPLETE COLLAPSE
SLEEPING WITH SIRENS
Track Listing:
1. Tyrants
2. Complete Collapse
3. Crosses (feat. Spencer Chamberlain of Underoath)
4. Family Tree
5. Let You Down (feat. Charlotte Sands)
6. Be Happy (feat. Royal & The Serpent)
7. Us (feat. Dorothy)
8. Ctrl + Alt + Del
9. Bloody Knuckles
10. Mr. Nice Guy
11. Apathetic
12. Grave

Follow Sleeping with Sirens:
Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes Galleries Will be on Display this Summer

Chad Smith painting (photo provided by Relevant Communications and
The Road Show Company)

Fans of Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith will be able to see his artistry in a whole new way during Punk Rock & Paintbrushes pop-up gallery exhibitions held at festivals this spring and summer. Smith leads the list of talent contributing original paintings that will be on display at both BeachLife Festival, held May 5-7 in Redondo Beach, California as well as Summerfest in Milwaukee June 22-24, June 29-July 1 and July 6-8.

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes has a mission to show the intersection of music and art by  producing onsite art exhibits at various galleries and music festivals around the world and showcasing musicians’ creativity in a whole new light, as expressed through their original artwork.

For Chad Smith, already a successful member of the Red Hot Chili Peppers who have sold 80 million albums, six Grammy Awards and induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, he went from the drum kit to canvas in 2015 with his first collection of artwork titled “Parallax” featuring 13 visuals on canvas created from rhythm. Using drumsticks that light up, much like a painter would use brushes with oils, Smith constructed the visuals through his movement behind the drums. His work in this rhythmic art form has continued ever since, having showcased more than 80 new works of art to the world.

I work with people who want to grow; the Chili Peppers are open to new directions and as an artist, it’s the best creative situation to be in. It’s simple: I love what I’m doing and I’m really lucky. I got pretty good at the music thing,” says Smith.

In addition to Chad Smith, some of the participating artists for the upcoming BeachLife and Summerfest galleries will include Pennywise’s Jim Lindberg (also a partner in the BeachLife Festival team), LAW’s Jakob Nowell, The Revivalists’ Andrew Campanelli, Strung Out’s Jason Cruz, professional skateboarder Steve Caballero and Tiffany Anastasia Lowe, granddaughter of Johnny Cash.

Punk Rock & Paintbrushes  is also teaming up with a nonprofit at each event to raise funding and awareness for these important missions. The BeachLife gallery will put a focus on the Surf Rider Foundation while the Summerfest gallery will support Didi Hirsch Mental Health Services.

Any attendees with tickets or weekend passes to either event will be able to see the Punk Rock & Paintbrushes pop-up galleries. Find more information and tickets for BeachLife here and more information and tickets for Summerfest here.

Find out more about Punk Rock & Paintbrushes:
Website