The Disco Biscuits will welcome the arrival of 2024 in the City of Brotherly Love, with a stop in Times Square at an old stomping grounds under a new name.
On Thursday, December 28, the Palladium Times Square (formerly known as Playstation Theater, Best Buy Theater and Nokia Theatre Times Square) will host the Disco Biscuits for a lone late-night show in the Big Apple, their first since December 31, 2019, which was the final show at the then-Playstation Theater.
Following a night off on the 29th, Disco Biscuits will head down I-95 to their homebase of Philadelphia for two nights at Franklin Music Hall, with Neighbor opening up the night on December 30th.
An artist pre-sale period begins on Wednesday, August 23rd at 10am ET with password: WHYWEDANCE.
VIP Packages for the two Philadelphia shows will be available as part of the pre-sale and on-sale.
Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, August 25th at 10am ET at discobiscuits.com.
Disco Biscuits Fall 2023 Tour Dates
September 15 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage * September 16 – Austin, TX – Far Out Lounge and Stage ^ September 20 – Minneapolis, MN – First Avenue September 21 – Chicago, IL – Riviera Theatre ^ September 22 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theater “ September 23 – Indianapolis, IN – The Vogue Theatre September 24 – St. Louis, MO – Delmar Hall October 6-7 – Lafayette, NY – BISCOLAND October 24 – Burlington, VT – Higher Ground + October 25 – Hartford, CT – Infinity Hall October 26 – Portland, ME – State Theatre October 27 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre October 28 – Port Chester, NY – The Capitol Theatre December 28 – New York, NY – Palladium Times Square December 30 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall ! December 31 – Philadelphia, PA – Franklin Music Hall
The Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater in Bridgeport, CT bore witness on Sunday, August 20, to an epic convergence of Norse mythology and haunting mystique as two Swedish metal powerhouses, Ghost and Amon Amarth, graced the stage for their highly anticipated “Re-Imperatour” tour. The night unfolded as a mesmerizing journey through the realms of heavy metal, with each band offering a distinct, yet equally captivating performance that left the audience entranced and exhilarated, an indelible mark etched into the hearts of metal enthusiasts.
Ghost | Photo: Michael Dinger
As the sun gradually dipped beneath the horizon, an electric energy crackled through the air, a palpable anticipation that heralded the impending sonic onslaught. The stage underwent a transformation, a living tableau of Norse legends emerged before the crowd’s eyes. Amon Amarth’s stage presence was nothing short of breathtaking, a testament to their commitment to creating an all-encompassing experience that transcends music alone. With their drummer perched atop a colossal, illuminated Thor helmet and flanked by stone statues whose piercing eyes glowed with intensity, the visual spectacle was akin to stepping into a living mythology.
Amon Amarth | Photo: Michael Dinger
Amon Amarth’s setlist was a symphony of raw power and mythic storytelling, a riveting journey that delved deep into Viking lore. The ferocious energy of “Raven’s Flight” ignited the night, propelling the audience into a realm where axes clashed, and ships sailed on stormy seas. Each subsequent song, from the rallying anthem of “Guardians of Asgaard” to the epic crescendo of “Twilight of the Thunder God,” was an auditory saga that stirred the soul. The unexpected moments, like the crowd becoming Viking rowers during “Put Your Back Into The Oar” or the dragon battle during the aforementioned finale, demonstrated Amon Amarth’s ability to create an immersive experience that bridges the gap between music and the mythic.
Amon Amarth | Photo: Michael Dinger
Following Amon Amarth’s thunderous display, the stage underwent a transformation of a different kind, the atmosphere shifting to one of enigmatic reverence as Ghost made their entrance. The band’s mastery of theatricality and musical prowess was immediately evident, with every song seamlessly weaving into the next. The setlist, a carefully curated journey through their discography, was an ode to their unique blend of infectious melodies and haunting storytelling. Tracks like the infectious “Rats,” the dark allure of “Cirice,” and the mesmerizing chants of “Year Zero” resonated deeply with the audience, who became ensnared by Ghost’s mystique.
Yet, it was the unexpected twists that truly showcased Ghost’s ability to captivate and surprise. The resurrection of Papa Nihil during “Miasma” for a masterful saxophone solo was a moment that underscored the band’s penchant for defying expectations. Amid a stage design evoking the ambiance of a gothic church, Ghost spun a spellbinding narrative that balanced arcane themes with auditory enchantment.
Ghost | Photo: Michael Dinger
Amon Amarth and Ghost, each in their distinctive ways, crafted performances that married music and visual artistry, weaving a tapestry of sights and sounds that enveloped the audience in a visceral embrace. The “Re-Imperatour” tour etched itself into Bridgeport’s musical history as a night when the spirit of metal surged to the forefront, a powerful testament to the enduring appeal of heavy music. Attendees departed with not only cherished memories, but also renewed fervor for the immersive possibilities of live music.
Amon Amarth Setlist: Raven’s Flight, Shield Wall, Heidrun, Deceiver of the Gods, Put Your Back Into The Oar, The Way of the Vikings, Guardians of Asgaard, Raise Your Horns, Twilight of the Thunder God
Ghost Setlist: Kaisarion, Rats, From the Pinnacle to the Pit, Spillways, Cirice, Absolution, Ritual, Call Me, Little Sunshine, Con Clavi Con Dio, Watcher in the Sky, Year Zero, He Is, Miasma (featuring Papa Nihil’s saxophone solo), Mary on a Cross, Mummy Dust, Respite on the Spitalfields Encore: Kiss the Go-Goat, Dance Macabre, Square Hammer
Niagara Falls was treated to a night of pulsating rhythms, electric energy, and a mix of rock anthems as Incubus took the stage on Sunday, Aug. 6 at Fallsview Casino’s OLG Stage. Despite a few hiccups, the band managed to deliver a memorable performance that left the crowd both exhilarated and yearning for more.
Disappointment tinged the excitement as news spread that Paris Jackson (Michael Jackson’s daughter) was unable to make the show, leaving fans to wonder what might have been. Nevertheless, the disappointment was fleeting, quickly replaced by the mounting excitement for the headlining act.
The evening kicked off with an explosive set by Badflower, the opening act that set the stage on fire. Lead singer Josh Katz’s charismatic presence was undeniable as he ventured into the crowd, serenading fans with an infectious energy that set the tone for the night. The band’s sound reverberated through the venue, leaving a lasting impression on concertgoers who were undoubtedly pleased by the musical appetizer they had just devoured.
As Incubus graced the stage, cheers echoed throughout the venue. However, as the band delved into their setlist, a discerning ear couldn’t help but notice moments where lead vocalist Brandon Boyd seemed to be struggling with pitch. While his distinctive voice remained captivating, occasional off-key notes hinted at monitor problems that might have marred his performance. Technical glitches can affect even the most seasoned of performers, and Boyd’s professionalism in powering through demonstrated his dedication to the fans.
Despite these minor setbacks, Incubus unleashed a cascade of hits that had the crowd swaying, singing, and chanting along. “Anna Molly” and “Nice to Know You” ignited fervor among the audience, while the introspective “Make Yourself” provided a moment of introspection amid the raucous excitement. The band’s synergy was undeniable, with Mike Einziger’s guitar riffs intertwining seamlessly with Jose Pasillas’ rhythmic drumming, crafting a sonic tapestry that resonated throughout the venue.
The setlist was a carefully curated journey through Incubus’s discography, touching on both classic favorites and newer tracks. A notable highlight was their electrifying rendition of The Beatles “Come Together,” which injected a dose of nostalgia into the night. As the show reached its zenith with “Pardon Me” and “Stellar,” the crowd’s energy surged, a testament to the enduring power of these iconic hits.
The performance concluded with a poignant tribute, as Incubus seamlessly segued from “Wish You Were Here” into a snippet of Pink Floyd’s equally iconic track by the same name. The crowd’s applause and cheers filled the air, a fitting send-off for a night of musical magic.
Despite the technical hiccups and occasional off-pitch moments, Incubus managed to cast a spell on their Niagara Falls audience, reminding everyone present of the transcendental power of live music. As the lights dimmed and the echoes of the final notes faded, concertgoers left the Fallsview Casino’s OLG Stage with hearts full and spirits lifted, a night of rock and roll reverie etched into their memories forever.
In the heart of a sweltering summer weekend, the iconic MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, became the epicenter of a rock ‘n’ roll frenzy. Metallica, one of the most legendary bands in the history of metal, took the stage for their second night as part of a “no repeat weekend” â a concept that had fans buzzing with anticipation for an entirely new setlist. Night 2 featured electrifying opening acts, Ice Nine Kills and Five Finger Death Punch, setting the stage for an unforgettable experience.
The night began with a burst of energy as Ice Nine Kills took the stage. The Boston-based metalcore band, known for their theatrical and energetic performances, kicked off their set with the powerful “SAVAGES.” Fans were immediately drawn into their world of horror-themed storytelling, as they unleashed a setlist that included hits like “Rainy Day,” “Hip to be Scared,” and the hauntingly atmospheric “Welcome to Horrorwood.” The band left the audience in awe as they concluded their set with the fan-favorite “Stabbing in the Dark,” a track that perfectly encapsulated their signature blend of melodic hooks and heavy breakdowns.
Following in the footsteps of Ice Nine Kills, Five Finger Death Punch erupted onto the stage with undeniable force. Starting their set with the anthemic “Lift Me Up,” the band ignited the crowd’s energy to new heights. Their setlist featured a mix of hits and surprises, including songs like “Trouble,” “Jekyll and Hyde,” a powerful rendition of the classic “Bad Company” cover, and the adrenaline-fueled “Welcome to the Circus.” Five Finger Death Punch closed their performance with the emotional and intense “The Bleeding,” leaving the audience craving more.
At 9 PM sharp, the earth-shaking roar of the crowd welcomed Metallica to the stage. With an opening that shook the ground beneath them, the band exploded into “Whiplash,” sending a shockwave of energy through the stadium.
The “no repeat weekend” promise held true, and fans were treated to a setlist that spanned Metallica’s storied career. Classic hits like “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Ride the Lightning” resonated with fans who had journeyed far and wide to witness the metal legends in action. The haunting melodies of “The Unforgiven” tugged at heartstrings, while the explosive “Wherever I May Roam” carried the audience on a journey through the band’s diverse soundscapes.
Metallica’s setlist also held surprises of its own, featuring three tracks from their latest album, 72 Seasons. The crowd was treated to the live debut of “Too Far Gone?” and the blistering “You Must Burn!” However, it was the epic “Lux Ãterna” that truly captivated the stadium, showcasing the band’s evolving musical prowess.
The grand finale of the night came with a thunderous rendition of “Enter Sandman.” The iconic riff that has echoed through countless arenas over the years reverberated throughout MetLife Stadium, bringing the night to a triumphant close.
As the final notes of “Enter Sandman” hung in the air, the members of Metallica stepped forward to address the audience. Each band member took a moment to express their gratitude for the unwavering support of their fans. The stadium was filled with cheers and applause as Lars Ulrich, James Hetfield, Kirk Hammett, and Robert Trujillo shared their heartfelt sentiments.
Setlist: Whiplash, For Whom The Bell Tolls, Ride the Lightning, The Memory Remains, Lux Ãterna, Too Far Gone?, Welcome Home (Sanitarium), You Must Burn, The Call of Ktulu, The Unforgiven, Wherever I May Roam, Moth Into Flame, Blackened, Whiskey in the Jar, One, Enter Sandman
Syracuse-born, Nashville-based artist Mick Fury dropped his latest project earlier this summer titled 1981-1996. In a popular music landscape congested with hollow lyrics, cheap sentiments, and reused sounds, the album stands out for its conceptuality and thematic elements. Focused on the trials and tribulations of millennials across the United States, the album touches on topics and ideas usually avoided by mainstream stars.
We’re the most open-minded, hard-working-for-beans, thoughtful generation yet, and we’ve watched the American Dream be snatched away from us like bullies taking a kid’s lunch money
Mick Fury
Takeaways
The album’s Nashville influence is inescapable: from Fury’s country-rock tone, to the up-tempo and twangy guitar patterns, and even to the country references of dirt, whiskey, roads, and rust. Despite 1981-1996’s country leanings, Fury, along with Max McKee (bass, guitar) and Nate Felty (drums, percussion), also incorporates elements of rock, alt-rock, and even post-grunge into the project. While the instrumentation and arrangement on the album is not the centerpiece, the trio do a good job at giving space for Fury’s lyricism to shine.
With ten songs and a 33-minute runtime, 1981-1996 wastes no time getting into the topic of the project. The album opens with a 42-second recording of sensationalized claims about millennials in the style of a cable news broadcast titled “The Perception.” Angry voices yell out phrases like “snowflakes” and argue that “they want to demand respect that they don’t deserve” or that “they have traded achievement for victimhood”. The track helps tune the listener in for what Fury wants to address in the ensuing songs.
Fury begins the music by inspecting his childhood and the innocence of youth with the song “Bright Eyed Dumb Kid.” The tune is reflective in nature and touches on a topic that many listeners can relate to. Its palatable drums and calm country guitar strums make the song an easy listen. Despite the track’s clear focus, its lyrics differ from the harsh and poignant sentiments espoused on “The Perception.”
Highlights
As the album continues, Fury finds his groove with “Can’t Let Go” and “State of the Union.” The former perfectly demonstrates the singer’s smooth and comfortable delivery, helping to lull the listener into a foot-tapping trance. Fury’s lyrics about being lost and stuck without a purpose match perfectly with the songs’ alt-rock rhythm. “State of the Union” on the other hand is a fast paced track filled with attitude and frustration. The song is arguably where Fury is his most critical and thoughtful on the album. The artist highlights many of the flaws in American society with lyrics like, “Go to school for years to get your degree, get out and get a job then hopefully, we’ll get you out of debt and get you out of this town, you’ll be paying that off until you’re in the ground.”
“We go looking for hope, some kind of savior, pills, presidents, conspiracies, creators, trying to find the way through the dark but it keeps getting later”
Mick Fury on “State of the Union”
“Broken Highway” is most likely Fury’s most ambitious song on 1981-1996. The track features a blend of rock, country, psych-rock, and alt-rock to create a sound that channels the atmosphere of early 2000s radio anthems. The song is ripe with layered production and features some of the best instrumentation on the project.
Following up “Broken Highway” is “Burnin’ It Down,” which is a pleasant return to Fury’s country-rock sound. The track showcases the artist’s creativity as Fury plays with the idea of a traditional country song. Positioned as a classic “America-first” hit, the track takes aim at many of the problematic elements associated with the nation. Mick Fury sings, “Everyday there’s another threat, from some enemy I ain’t never met, we got money for missiles and fuck-all for the vets.” The artist goes on to critique the narrow-minded view that many Americans have. He writes “nothing’s wrong and nothing’s right, you ain’t looking past your own life.”
1981-1996 is conceptually profound and highlights the ingenuity and creativity of Mick Fury. While the album doesn’t reinvent the wheel sonically, Fury sounds right at home on just about all the tracks. The singer’s lyricism and writing is ultimately what drives the project. What the album lacks in nuance and specificity, it makes up for in digestibility and familiarity. In all, the album is a breath of fresh air as it looks to address a topic often untouched by others in the same lane.
Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros have recently confirmed that they will be performing select shows in Charlottesville, South Burlington, Columbus, Philadelphia and Baltimore this September. The group, led by Weir alongside Don Was, Jay Lane and Jeff Chimenti, will also be joining Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 2023, making stops at venues throughout New York State, including Queens and Saratoga Springs.
The band will once again be joined by The Wolfpack, a string and brass quintet featuring Alex Kelly, Brian Switzer, Adam Theis, Mads Tolling and Sheldon Brown, along with Barry Sless on pedal steel performing the expansive catalogue of Grateful Dead, Bobby’s solo albums and more.
They will be joining Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 2023 for seven shows this September, including Forest Hills Stadium in Queens, NY, Saratoga Performing Arts Center in Saratoga Springs and more. They’ll also make their debut performance at the legendary Farm Aid in Noblesville, IN at Ruoff Music Center on September 23.
About Bobby Weir & Wold Bros
Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros have released two notable live albums, Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros: Live in Colorado followed by Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros: Live in Colorado Vol. 2. Both volumes feature songs recorded live at Colorado’s Red Rocks Amphitheatre and Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in June 2021.
Notably, the second volume received praise from Pitchfork who raved, “he stages some of the most beloved material in the Grateful Dead’s catalog with the passion and reverence of a couple spending their 50th anniversary looking back on their wedding day,” while American Songwriter said, “Weir and the Wolfs manage to stay true to the template while also taking the music beyond any original incarnation by reinventing them in ways that find imagination and intrigue well stirred in a contemporary context.”
Weir also released Ace: 50th Anniversary Deluxe Edition, an album which features one of the band’s most notable performances, a show at Radio City Music Hall in celebration of his debut solo album, Ace. The band played the entire album live and welcomed a number of special guests, including Tyler Childers and Brittney Spencer.
The band debuted orchestral performances alongside the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center, as well as three nights with the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra at the Atlanta Symphony Hall. Each night the ensemble performed a completely unique set featuring hits from the expansive Grateful Dead catalogue, Bobby’s solo albums and more. Stanford professor and composer Dr. Giancarlo Aquilanti provided original orchestration.
The Members
Bobby Weir, one of the original members of the iconic Grateful Dead, honored with a GRAMMY Lifetime Achievement Award in 2007, stands out as one of the rock genre’s most exceptional and unique rhythm guitarists. The Grateful Dead is still one of the highest-grossing concert attractions in the U.S. and their final tally of 2,318 total concerts remains a world record.
Weir has been honored with the Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and the Les Paul Spirit Award, as well as a Goodwill Ambassadorship for the United Nations Development Program. His first solo album in more than ten years, Blue Mountain (2016), was critically praised upon release. Weir has been member of Dead & Company since its formation in 2015. Dead & Company has completed 10 tours and has performed to more than 4 million fans across 235 shows since the band’s debut. Weir is also a member of Bobby Weir & Wolf Bros, who were formed in 2018. The band set out performing the expansive catalogue of Grateful Dead, Bobby’s solo albums and more and has toured extensively throughout the U.S.
Don Was is a GRAMMY-winning producer and founder of the ’80s funk-rock band Was (Not Was), known for hits such as “Walk The Dinosaur” and “Spy In The House Of Love.” As an in-demand, highly acclaimed producer, Was has been honored with four GRAMMY Awards for his production work in each of the past three decades, including Best Album honors for work with the Rolling Stones and Bonnie Raitt. Production credits include the Rolling Stones, Willie Nelson, Roy Orbison, Gregg Allman, John Mayer and Neil Young.
Albums produced by Was have achieved dozens of multi-Platinum, Platinum and Gold certifications and have sold more than 90 million copies worldwide. As one of music’s top bass players, Was has collaborated with countless musicians throughout his storied career, spanning a multitude of genres.
Jay Lane is a longtime Weir collaborator and drummer who played with Weir’s RatDog for more than 16 years. He was also one of Primus’ first drummers and has recently performed with Phil Lesh and Friends as well as Dead & Company.
Acclaimed keyboardist Jeff Chimenti has a long history of working with former members of the Grateful Dead having performed with Bob Weir & RatDog, The Dead and Furthur. He has been a member of Dead & Company since the band’s formation in 2015. In 2020, Jeff Chimenti joined the Wolf Bros.
Tour Dates
September 8—Park City Song Summit Festival—Park City, UT September 10—FirstBank Amphitheater—Franklin, TN* September 12—CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park—Simpsonville, SC* September 13—Ting Pavilion—Charlottesville, VA September 15—Saratoga Performing Arts Center—Saratoga Springs, NY* September 16—Xfinity Center—Mansfield, MA* September 17—Forest Hills—Queens, NY* September 19—The Green At Shelburne Museum—South Burlington, VT September 20—Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater—Bridgeport, CT* September 22—Pine Knob Music Theatre—Clarkston, MI* September 23—Farm Aid—Noblesville, IN September 26—Mershon Auditorium—Columbus, OH September 27—The Met Philadelphia—Philadelphia, PA September 28—Pier Six Pavilion—Baltimore, MD
*Willie Nelson’s Outlaw Music Festival 2023
Tickets and More Information
Ticket sales began on July 21, and are currently available for purchase here. VIP packages will be available for the headline dates as well.
On Aug. 4, 2023, metal giants Metallica descended upon Metlife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey, to kick off the North American leg of their highly anticipated M72 Seasons Tour. With a stellar lineup that featured opening acts Pantera and Mammoth WVH, the night promised to be an unforgettable metal extravaganza. Drawing a staggering crowd of 80,000 enthusiastic fans, the stadium was electrified with the raw energy that only true heavy metal can deliver.
Metlife Stadium, known for its impressive capacity and state-of-the-art facilities, was the perfect venue for this massive event. To make the experience even more immersive, the stage was set up “in the round,” which means it was located at the center of the stadium, allowing fans from all sides to have a clear view of the action.
Before Metallica took the stage, fans were treated to two opening acts that set the stage on fire. First up was Mammoth WVH, the creation of the multitalented Wolfgang Van Halen, son of legendary guitarist Eddie Van Halen. Mammoth WVH brought their A-game, delivering a powerful performance that showcased their explosive musicianship and remarkable stage presence. Hits like “I’m Alright,” “You’re to Blame,” and “Don’t Back Down” had the crowd headbanging and singing along.
Following Mammoth WVH, the atmosphere became even more intense as the audience eagerly awaited Pantera. The band took the stage with the incomparable Zakk Wylde on guitar and Anthrax drummer Charlie Benante joining the lineup. Despite the tragic losses of two original members, Dimebag Darrell and Vinnie Paul, their legacy lives on. Surviving members Phil Anselmo and Rex Brown, along with Wylde and Benante, teamed up to deliver a ferocious set. Fan favorites like “Strength Beyond Strength,” “I’m Broken,” “Walk,” and “Cowboys From Hell” sent waves of nostalgia through the crowd.
Metallica kicked off their two-hour set with “Creeping Death.” They immediately unleashed their signature sound, sending shockwaves through the stadium. The M72 Seasons Tour featured a unique concept, with the band playing two nights in each city, but ensuring that both shows had completely different setlists. The first night at Metlife Stadium featured powerful renditions of songs like “72 Seasons,” “Fade to Black,” “Nothing Else Matters,” and “Battery,” each one resonating with the crowd’s insatiable appetite for metal.
The pinnacle of Metallica’s performance was marked by the arrival of the iconic track “Master of Puppets.” In response, the atmosphere within the stadium ignited into a frenzy, with mosh pits erupting spontaneously. As Kirk Hammett, Rob Trujillo, Lars Ulrich, and James Hetfield poured their energy into the performance, the crowd’s reaction was nothing short of electrifying. The combination of powerful guitar riffs and thunderous drums seemed to unleash a tidal wave of raw excitement.
Setlist: Creeping Death, Harvester of Sorrow, Holier Than Thou, King Nothing, 72 Seasons, If Darkness Had A Son, Fade to Black, Shadows Follow, Orion, Nothing Else Matters, Sad But True, The Day That Never Comes, Battery, Fuel, Seek & Destroy, Master of Puppets.
This past Tuesday, August 1st, The Backseat Lovers stopped in New Jersey to play at the Stone Pony Summer Stage. The picturesque outdoor venue, located right across the Asbury Park boardwalk, created the perfect setting for the Utah-born band to jam at their second-to-last show. The night was truly memorable, and an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.
Joshua Harmon from The Backseat Lovers, photographed by Sarah Hyun
Opening the night up was Bendigo Fletcher, an indie-folk band from Kentucky. Headed by lead singer Ryan Anderson, the band did not fail to build up the energy in the crowd of three-thousand. Anderson’s mix of screamy belts, harmonica playing, and guitar strumming set off rounds of applause and approving howls from the audience members. Towards the end of the opening set, Anderson brought out members of The Backseat Lovers to play a cover of “Certainty” by Big Thief.
Bendigo Fletcher, photographed by Sarah Hyun
The Backseat Lovers formed in 2018 in Provo, Utah, first with lead singer Joshua Harmon, guitarist Jonas Swanson, drummer Juice Welch, and later with bassist KJ Ward. The indie-rock / alternative band gained widespread recognition when their songs “Kilby Girl” and “Pool House” from their When We Were Friends album exploded on social media. They are now wrapping up their Waiting to Spill tour, which is celebrating the release of their latest album of the same name.
The buzz of excitement before the main act could be felt as people shifted on their toes in anticipation for “The Backseat Bozos” (as lead singer Joshua Harmon called it) to make their entrance. The pre-show playlist consisted of iconic jazz songs and Queen’s “Bohemian Rhapsody,” which the entire crowd sang along to. Most came dressed in casual beach day clothes—shorts, tank tops, The Backseat Lovers merchandise, Converse.
The crowd at The Stone Pony Summer Stage, photographed by Sarah Hyun
The Backseat Lovers opened the night with a lengthy instrumental accompanied by an intense buildup, and followed with their iconic song “Pool House.” Joshua Harmon scaled the stage with breathtaking agility, nimbly moving his fingers across his telecaster’s neck and shaking his luscious hair to the beat. No one can deny that Harmon can sing. His vocals were identical to the studio recordings, if not better. The true passion he put into every song, inclusive of the growls, screams, extended belts, and even opera-like yodels, only highlighted how truly talented he is. The rest of the band did not fail to deliver—KJ with his impressive basslines, Juice with his body-rumbling drumming, and Jonas with his iconic guitar solos.
During the beginning of the set, Harmon said, “The air is just lovely here. Did any of you guys get to go swimming today? I went swimming today, it was really great actually.” A few screams and howls from the crowd. Towards the end, he stated, “In light of the full moon, my dear friend KJ would like to do a howl.” KJ followed with, “On the count of three, can you guys join me in a big old howl?,” and everyone participated. Every person there was having a great time, jumping and spinning and dancing, all whilst shouting lyrics like, “I miss the days when girls were scary, scarier than spiders.”
At the end of the show, Harmon threw his guitar dangerously high up into the air and caught it, triggering a roar of screams from the crowd. The encore was extremely high-energy, and after the show ended, the goodbyes were bittersweet. The Backseat Lovers previously played two nights at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York City in June, and are sure to come back when they next tour.
Gregory McLoughlin has ended the month of July in an incredible way as he just released his uplifting new track “Woody Guthrie.” The songwriter’s 13th single as a solo artist came paired with an exclusive video premiere on YouTube following his regular Monday Night Livestream.
McLoughlin is a multitalented artist based in Jersey City whose expertise as a bass player and songwriter makes him a man of many musical occupations. On top of writing and recording his own music as a solo artist and working as a freelance upright and electric bass player around the New York City area, McLoughlin also takes time to write music for other musicians and bands including BuzzUniverse, Julia Kirk, Beeman and Bannon, Ana Oh, Anthony Tamburro, Ross Sandler, and many more. McLoughlin has also been able to spread his love of music through live-streaming, performing virtual concerts every Monday Night at 8:00 PM on his YouTube Live page.
As fans now know after his latest live stream, McLoughlin’s recent single, named after and inspired by the legendary American Folk artist Woody Guthrie, is not only a dedication to the incredible musical powers that have come before but also declares that even though life is difficult, there is always a new day ahead with a silver lining. The track is a fast-paced, upbeat tune that includes a contagious melody allowing the words to match the instrumentals. Although the folk style and somewhat strange lyrics may not be for everyone, the single is worth a listen and is guaranteed to get even the stingiest critiques tapping their feet and grasping a message “that reflects the sound of Woody Guthrie.”
Gregory McLoughlin explains, “Woody Guthrie is a song about reconnecting with loved ones, finding your true self through pain and hardship, and realizing that there is such thing as a new day.” The single is now available to stream on YouTube, Spotify, and more!
On Friday, July 21, Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras Tour stopped at the Xfinity Center in Mansfield, MA. The rainy weather that was scattered throughout the New England area did not keep fans from filling the Xfinity Center with anticipation for the show ahead.
Opening the evening was Jefferson Starship who kicked off the show around 7pm, followed by Night Rider who took the stage shortly before 8 pm. Fans are already having a great time with the opening bands and gearing up for more fun as the show continued.
Just after 9 pm Bret took the stage, fans rising to their feet ready to rock. The crowd danced, clapped, and sang along to the variety of well-known hits. Bret’s interaction with the crowd was seen from the moment he stepped on stage from the people down on the floor to the audience members in the back of the center. The high energy and excitement radiated through night. Michaels’ Parti-Gras Tour 2023 is a summer tour not to be missed.
Bret Michaels’ Parti-Gras Setlist
Bret Michaels: Talk Dirty to Me, Ride The Wind, Look What the Cat Dragged In Mark McGrath: Every Morning Bret Michaels: Your Mama Don’t Dance Steve Augeri: Separate Ways (Worlds Apart) Bret Michaels: Something to Believe In, Unskinny Bop Steve Augeri: Don’t Stop Believin’, Any Way You Want It Bret Michaels: Every Rose Has Its Thorn Mark McGrath: Fly Bret Michaels: Nothin’ but a Good Time All: Sweet Home Alabama
Bret Michaels will be heading to Central New York to perform at the Great New York State Fair on Tuesday, August 29. Check out all tour dates below.
