April 2017

Tesla Thrill Sold Out Hard Rock Rocksino !

Tesla's Jeff Keith live on stage. — Tesla’s Jeff Keith live on stage.

Northfield, Ohio- The eighties powerhouse Tesla did a one off from their US Tour supporting Def Leppard to delight a sold out crowd at the Hard Rock Rocksino last night . The band has always had drawing power playing on a strong reputation of spectacular live shows and performances and last night was no different . I have been a fan since their heyday and have seen them on several occasions through out the years but last night but quite honestly the best show I have ever seen of theirs.

The night started out started out with ” MP3″ one of their newest songs and continued with a plethora of hits including an almost note for note recreation of their ” Five Man Acoustical Jam ” album from years ago .Other songs included ” The Way it Is ” , ” Signs”, ” Paradise ” and ” What You Give ” .

One of the best received songs was of course ” Love Song ” followed up by ” Little Suzi” and ” Modern Day Cowboy ”

The band is a solid unit featuring skilled musicians playing well written material.No special effects needed here and no auto tune either , singer Jeff Keith’s vocals are still strong thirty years later. The current members of the band are,

Frank Hannon – lead guitar, bass, mandolin, keyboards, backing vocals (1981–1996, 2000–present)
Brian Wheat – bass, keyboards, backing vocals (1981–1996, 2000–present)
Brian Wheat
Jeff Keith – lead vocals (1984–1996, 2000–present)
Troy Luccketta – drums, percussion (1984–1996, 2000–present)
Dave Rude – guitar, bass, backing vocals (2006–present)

Music industry talent runs in Jeff’s family as his brother is noted rock photojournalist James Bruner who I have had the fortune occasion to work with from time to time.

Brian Wheat

The chance to see a band with most of their original line up in tact , with the ability to still play the songs with vigor and passion of an upcoming artist is becoming a rare commodity these days. My suggestion if Tesla is coming to a city anywhere near you , run dont walk and get to a show as soon as possible because this band continues to kick major A**.

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Blues Traveler Rock The Kent Stage!

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Kent, Ohio- The historic Kent Stage played homage to the delta blues , old fashioned rock n’ roll and modern American songwriting last weekend when seminal 90’s band Blues Traveler made a stop in Kent, Ohio. The venue was packed with all ages being present from teens to folks well into their 60’s and 70’s .Someone once said good music is good music no matter what your age. I was highly anticipating this show as I have never seen the band before but did have on occasion to meet John Popper ( lead singer and harmonica player ) at some events over the years and I remarked that I hope to see them someday and last weekend was that someday.

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The band took the stage to the shouts , claps and whistles from the fans cheering on one of their favorite bands. The set started with ” Things Are Looking Up” and continued on with ” Castaway ” and many many more .One of the most popular Blues Traveler songs is ” Hook ” to which it was a standing ovation. I am really glad they decided to tour in our area as this has been on my bucket list a long time and they did not disappoint.

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Currently, the group comprises singer and harmonica player John Popper, guitarist Chan Kinchla, drummer Brendan Hill, bassist Tad Kinchla, and keyboardist Ben Wilson. Tad Kinchla and Ben Wilson joined the band following the death of original bassist Bobby Sheehan in 1999.

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A special note for Gene Evaro Jr, who is on tour with Blues Traveler and di a great job getting the audience warmed up and put on a great show. His style is hard to describe but the words ” modern retro ” is as close as we can get . All in all it was a great night of music and if you see Blues Travelers coming anywhere near you , make sure you catch them live.

From last night in Kent Ohio , Gene Evaro Jr — Gene Evaro Jr

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Photo of the day ! Gene Evaro Jr

Skid Row delights Cleveland Crowd !

Northfield , Ohio- The late 80’s ,early 90’s powerhouse band Skid Row brought the noise last night to Northfield’s Hard Rock Rocksino and the fans could not have been happier. There was a charge in the air and I even saw people putting on concert shirts over their regular shirt just like the old Richfield Coliseum days.The band had many hits in their career and last night proved they still have the metal and drive to put on a stellar show .

Detractors like the profess it is not the original band line up and I have the perfect response for that .Do you still have the same job at the same company you had 20 years ago.Life happens and people move on so just sit and enjoy the music and be happy that the majority of the band is the same , after all how many still live, work , love the same thing we did so many years ago .

The night started of with ” Makin A Mess ” and did not let up for 13 more songs. The hits included ” 18 and Life ” ,” Big Guns”, ” Piece of Me ” ,” Slave to the Grind “.

The encore brought out two of my favorite songs ” I Remember You ” and ” Youth Gone Wild ” albeit very few youths were in the audience including myself .

The bands current line up includes Rachel Bolan – bass, Dave “The Snake” Sabo – guitar, Scotti Hill – guitar, Rob Hammersmith – drums ZP Theart – vocals . I had the awesome opportunity to interview Rob a few years ago for another publication . He puts his all in all that he does.

This is one of the hardest working bands I have ever seen , touring the world and giving the music to the fans who definitely need the break from the rigors of life is just for a few hours to relive they glory days of youth. If you see them coming to a venue near you I highly recommend going.

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The Dead Daisies Announce The Dirty Dozen Tour 2017

THE DEAD DAISIES’ awesome live juggernaut is set to storm into North America in August for a dozen prime live dates as part of their Live & Louder World Tour, in support of the release of their landmark ‘Live And Louder’ album on Spitfire Music/SPV/eOne on May 19^th. Heralded “The Dirty Dozen Tour”, the trek is set to kick off in Chicago, IL on August 10^th and will wrap in Las Vegas, NV on August 27^th.

“The Dirty Dozen Tour” is inspired by the classic 1960s movie of the same name. “Rehearse them, Excite them, Arm them – then turn them loose on the Fans!”

It will be the band’s first North American Headline Tour where demand has been steadily building after 2016’s smash success of their third album “Make Some Noise”.

Lead singer John Corabi – “We’re all very excited for our very first North American headline run. We’re kicking it all off on August 10^th in Chicago and ending it in “Sin City” Las Vegas!!! You guys have been amazing with all of your support and requests for shows here, so we’re giving it to you “LIVE AND LOUDER”, and “down and dirty” on “The Dirty Dozen Tour 2017”!!!! See ya on the road kids!!!”

Before being turned loose on North American audiences, the troops will be fresh from playing some of the most prestigious & high profile UK & EU Rock Festivals coupled with a series of headline club shows, dates in Japan to then make their long-awaited debut in South America. From South America it’s back to one of the EU’s largest Festivals “Woodstock Poland”, to be part of a “Concert Inspired by Freedom” which will see the band perform with a 60-piece Orchestra.

”LIVE & LOUDER”, will be available in multiple deluxe formats & perfectly captures the awesome vibe of their supreme, sweat drenched, roof-raising live sets, recorded on a heady high at the end of an unbelievable 2016. The result, once again mixed by Anthony Focx (Aerosmith, Bad Company), is an absolute stunner!

Lead guitarist Doug Aldrich has some choice words about the upcoming live album – “Live & Louder really helps define The Dead Daisies’ sound. Like bands I’ve been involved with co-producing (Whitesnake and Dio), we have a great team that makes sure our sound is consistent and we are always looking to pump it up. Onstage I just play guitar but our crew and production team are very instrumental in capturing what happens on stage. Now get out there and go Live & Louder with us this summer!!”

Special Guests on this run will be THE DIVES which the band made instant friends with on the previous years’ KISS Kruise and who will add their own blend of signature rock and roll to the fiery package.

Rock & Roll is indeed alive and well!!!

Check out the “Make Some Noise – Live & Louder” video here: http://bit.ly/2mcS4ft

LINE-UP:

Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio) – Guitars

John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, The Scream) – Vocals

David Lowy (Red Phoenix, Mink) – Guitars

Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake) – Bass

Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Foreigner) – Drums

THE DIRTY DOZEN TOUR – NORTH AMERICA 2017:

Thu 10 Aug Arcada Theatre | Chicago IL

Fri 11 Aug Shelter@Saint Andrews | Detroit, MI

Sat 12 Aug Lee’s Palace | Toronto, ON

Wed 16 Aug House Of Independence | Asbury Park, NJ

Thu 17 Aug Highline Ballroom | New York NY

Fri 18 Aug Rams Head Live | Baltimore, MD

Sat 19 Aug Masquerade | Atlanta, GA

Sun 20 Aug The Basement East | Nashville, TN

Wed 23 Aug Gas Monkey | Dallas, TX

Fri 25 Aug El Rey Theatre | Los Angeles, CA

Sat 26 Aug House of Blues | San Diego, CA

Sun 27 Aug Counts Vamp’d | Las Vegas NV

Tickets: www.thedeaddaisies.com/thedirtydozen

General on-sale April 14, 2017

2017 Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame Inductees YES ANNOUNCE NORTH AMERICAN TOUR

Rock icons Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman are proud to announce that effective immediately, they will officially be known as ‘YES featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman’, which is the name they will be touring under in North America during the latter half of 2017…

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PHILADELPHIA, PA (April 10, 2017) – Rock icons Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman are proud to announce that effective immediately, they will officially be known as ‘YES featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman’, which is the name they will be touring under in North America during the latter half of 2017.

“It’s very simple,’ explains band founder and vocalist Jon Anderson. “The fans want it, we want it and it’s our right to use the name. YES music is in our DNA!”

The definitive line-up of the greatest progressive rock band ever – Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman – together again LIVE! For tickets, tour and VIP information, go to YESfeaturingARW.com.

The reviews are in from their recent worldwide tour…

“Every song sounds like a celebration. Every song is uplifting.” – Classic Rock Magazine
“There were multiple ‘pinch me’ moments throughout the show.” – Daily Express
“Yes, These Guys Still Have It: Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin and Rick Wakeman faithfully delivered the spirit and the essence of the music of the band from which they derived…and they did so in grand style.”
– Creative Loafing Tampa Bay
“Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin & Rick Wakeman affirm Yes’ musical legacy” – St. Louis Post Dispatch
“There were many standing ovations on the evening, not surprising with the commendable performance put on by these five musicians.” – Rock Show Critique
“Truly was a momentous concert. Great song selection, tight performances from everyone, and a little fun at the end…If they’re coming to a town near you, DO NOT miss it.” – Progarchy
“Can Anderson, Rabin and Wakeman still dazzle? Yes, indeed!” – The (Salt Lake City) Herald Extra
“Sometimes comebacks from beloved musicians can be disappointing; not so this time.” – Goldmine Magazine

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Since reuniting for a U.S. tour in 2016, YES featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman have performed sold-out shows in Israel, the UK, Belgium and Holland, and have a Japanese tour scheduled for April. Due to public demand, they return to tour the U.S. again from August 26th through October 11th. In addition to the tour dates, the trio will be recording new material throughout the summer for a projected album release of early 2018. Also upcoming is a DVD that was filmed at the final UK show of their recent European tour (at Manchester Apollo, on March 25th), for release later this year. And to the delight of longtime YES fans, all three were inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall Fame on April 7th.

The most successful prog rock group of all time, YES, was co-founded by Jon Anderson and the late Chris Squire in 1968 and went on to sell millions of units with releases such as Fragile, Close to The Edge, Tales From Topographic Oceans, Going For The One and 90125, as well as embarking on several record-breaking world tours.

Whilst Rick is predominantly associated with the ’70s “prog era” of the band (which saw YES become a worldwide stadium headliner) and Trevor associated with the ’80s “pop era” of the band (which furthered the band’s popularity – including the band’s biggest chart success), Jon is the bridge between both factions (as he was a member of both eras). The touring band line-up is completed by two extraordinary musicians – Lee Pomeroy on bass and Louis Molino III on drums – who help to ensure that YES’ immaculate artistic legacy remains intact.

The worldwide tour with YES featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman is being produced by renowned concert promoter Larry Magid, who is considered an architect and leader of the modern concert business. With over 17,000 concerts and live events to his credit and still counting, he has produced national and international tours for YES, Billy Crystal, Richard Pryor, Bette Midler, Stevie Wonder, Robin Williams, Gladys Knight, The Isley Bros., Earth Wind & Fire, ARW, Il Divo, The Allman Brothers Band, Patti LaBelle, Grover Washington Jr. and many others. In 1985 Larry Magid, co-produced the American portion of Live Aid, and in 2005, he was the American producer of Live 8. In 2001, he produced the United We Stand concert at RFK Stadium to benefit the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks.
Confirmed 2017 YES featuring Jon Anderson, Trevor Rabin, Rick Wakeman Tour Dates
All shows are going on-sale shortly
Go to www.YESfeaturingARW.com for on-sale information
Additional U.S. and International dates to be announced soon

Sat/ Aug- 26       Stockton, CA    Bob Hope Theater
Mon/ Aug- 28     Saratoga, CA    Mountain Winery
Thu/ Aug- 31    Las Vegas, NV   Smith Center
Sat/ Sep- 2        Layton, UT       The Kenley Amphitheater
Sun/ Sep- 3        Littleton, CO   Hudson Gardens
Tue/ Sep- 5        Kansas City, MO   Kauffman Center
Thu/ Sep- 7        Milwaukee, WI   Riverside Theater
Sat/ Sep- 9        Hammond, IN   Venue at the Horseshoe Casino
Tue/ Sep- 12    Kettering, OH   Fraze Pavilion
Wed/ Sep- 13    Vienna, VA       Wolf Trap
Fri/ Sep- 15        Akron, OH       Goodyear Theater at East End
Sat/ Sep- 16        Toronto, ON       Massey Hall
Mon/ Sep- 18    Quebec City, QC   Grand Theatre du Quebec City
Tue/ Sep- 19    Montreal, QC   St. Denis Theatre
Sat/ Sep- 23        Wallingford, CT   Toyota Oakdale Theatre
Sun/ Sep- 24    Brookville, NY   Tilles Center
Wed/ Sep- 27    Newark, NJ       NJ PAC (New Jersey Performing Arts Center)
Fri/ Sep- 29        Reading, PA       Santander Performing Arts Center
Sat/ Sep- 30        Trenton, NJ       Patriots Theater at the War Memorial
Sun/ Oct- 1        Philadelphia, PA   Verizon Hall at the Kimmel Center
Wed/ Oct- 4        Boston, MA       Orpheum Theater
Sat/ Oct- 7        Niagara Falls, NY   Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.
Sun/ Oct- 8        Red Bank, NJ   Count Basie Theatre
Wed/ Oct- 11    Clearwater, FL   Ruth Eckerd Hall

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Dennis DeYoung – The Music of STYX May 5th at The Goodyear Theater

AKRON, OH (April 3, 2017)— Dennis DeYoung: The Music of Styx is coming to the brand new Goodyear Theater on Friday night, May 5 at 7:30 p.m. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m. An opening act will be added to the show.

Dennis DeYoung is the founding member of the rock band Styx and was the band’s lead vocalist and keyboardist from 1970-1999. DeYoung wrote and sang lead vocals on seven of the band’s eight Billboard Top-10 hits, including: “Babe” (#1), “Mr. Roboto” (#3), “The Best of Times” (#3), “Show Me The Way” (#3), “Lady” (#6), “Don’t Let It End” (#6), “Come Sail Away” (#8) and “Too Much Time On My Hands” (#9).

His live concerts, with a six piece band, showcases these songs plus “Blue Collar Man,” “Rockin’ The Paradise,” “Renegade,” “Fooling Yourself,” “The Grand Illusion” and more.

All tickets will be available at Ticketfly.com. Fans can also purchase tickets by phone at 877.4.FLY.TIX (877.435.9849).

goodyear

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Everclear Announces Upcoming So Much For The Afterglow Tour 2017!

World-renowned, multi-platinum rockers Everclear are thrilled to announced that they will be touring the United States and select Canadian markets this spring to celebrate the 20th anniversary of So Much For The Afterglow. Everclear will perform the entire So Much For The Afterglow album, including hit songs “Everything to Everyone,” “I Will Buy You a New Life,” “Father of Mine,” “So Much For the Afterglow,” and “One Hit Wonder,” along with tracks from the rest of the band’s extensive discography. . For more information, please visit: www.everclearmusic.com.

On the upcoming tour, lead singer Art Alexakis shares: “It’s hard to believe we made this record 20 years ago. Even though I’m in a different place now than the guy who first wrote and sang these songs, and even though faces, voices, and relationships change, the songs still feel relevant and vital every time we play them live. I can’t wait to play the whole record for the first time with the guys in Everclear now. It’s going to be awesome!“

For over two decades, Everclear‘s sound has reflected the rock, post-punk, and singer/songwriter influences of Art Alexakis, including acts like X, the Replacements, the Pixies, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Petty, and Elvis Costello. The band found success with their first three albums on Capitol Records, Sparkle and Fade, So Much for the Afterglow, and Songs from an American Movie Vol. One: Learning How to Smile, which were all certified platinum. In 2015 the band released their ninth studio album titled Black Is The New Black via The End Records/ADA. Everclear is comprised of Art Alexakis (Vocals/Guitar), Freddy Herrera (Bass/Background Vocals), Davey French (Guitar/Background Vocals), and Jake Margolis (Drums).

In an effort to address a critical charitable need, Everclear will be donating $1 per ticket sold at each show to Sweet Relief Musicians Fund, an organization that provides financial assistance to career musicians, venue workers, production staff, crew members, and their families suffering from injury, illness or disability. Funds raised from the tour will pay for medical procedures, doctor visits, prescriptions, and vital living expenses.

“Sweet Relief is enormously grateful to Everclear and everyone connected to the So Much For The Afterglow 20th Anniversary Tour for this incredibly generous donation, and the funds raised will help hundreds of desperate musicians and music industry workers in critical need,” said Bill Bennett, President of Sweet Relief Musicians Fund.

So Much For The Afterglow 20th Anniversary Tour

5/11 – Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom

5/12 – Seattle, WA @ The Showbox

5/13 – Airway Heights, WA @ Northern Quest Casino

5/14 – Billings, MT @ Pub Station Ballroom

5/16 – Calgary, AB @ Marquee Beer Market & Stage

5/17 – Saskatoon, SK @ O’Brians Event Centre

5/18 – Regina, SK @ Casino Regina

5/19 – Deadwood, SD @ Deadwood Mountain Grand Event Center

5/20 – Denver, CO @ Summit Music Hall

5/23 – The Colony, TX @ Lava Cantina

5/25 – Des Moines, IA @ Brenton Skating Plaza

5/26 – Welch, MN @ Treasure Island Resort & Casino

5/28 – Kansas City, MO @ CrossroadsKC

5/30 – Cleveland, OH @ Agora Theatre and Ballroom

6/1 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE

6/2 – Arlington Heights, IL @ HOME Bar

6/3 – South Bend, IN @ Four Winds Field

6/4 – Columbus, OH @ Express Line (Fastball only)

6/6 – New York, NY @ Irving Plaza

6/7 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues

6/8 – Portland, ME @ Aura

6/9 – Hampton Beach, NH @ Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom

6/10 – Fairfax, VA @ Celebrate Fairfax! Festival

6/11 – Toronto, ON @ Danforth Music Hall

6/15 – Winnipeg, MB @ Club Regent Event Centre

6/16 – Duluth, MN @ Grandma’s Marathon, Canal Park

6/18 – Wichita, KS @ The Cotillion

6/22 – West Siloam Springs, OK @ Cherokee Casino West Siloam Springs

6/23 – New Braunfels, TX @ River Road Ice House

6/24 – Houston, TX @ House of Blues

6/25 – Midland, TX @ Wagner Noel PAC

6/27 – Tempe, AZ @ The Marquee

6/28 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Belasco Theatre

6/29 – Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

Photo of the day -Scotti Hill of Skid Row

In honor of Skid Row’s upcoming performance at the Hard Rock Rocksino on April 15th our photo of the day is none other then guitarist Scotti Hill of Skid Row !

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