Kingston, New York is steeped in history. Once the ancestral lands of the Munsee people, it became a permanent settlement for Dutch colonists in 1652 and designating as New York State’s first capital in 1777.
Keegan Ales, O+ Festival 2024
Fast forwarding to today, this thriving HudsonValley community now serves as the base for O+ (pronounced O Positive), a non-profit organization creating its own history with a unique paradigm: artists exchanging their art for medical care.
Eat the Cake Band, Keegan Ales
From October 11-13th 2024, Kingston hosted O+’s annual festival, now in its fourteenth year. The three-day event raised awareness and funds for the organization, offering an immersive gathering of musicians, writers, dancers, spoken-word performers, and visual artists. In exchange for their contributions, participating artists received healthcare services.
Kate Pierson, Old Dutch Church
The festivities kicked off Friday night with a parade starting at Keegan Ales. With their three stages, Keegan Ales served as a musical hub, offering a wide range of musical experiences—from metal and rock to hip hop, house, and techno.
When artists and musicians thrive, so do culture and our communities.
O+ vision
The Old Dutch Church, a historical landmark dating back to 1659, anchored the festival in Uptown Kingston. Featured performers Neko Case, Rhett Miller & The All Stars, and Kate Pierson graced the church’s stage. Festivalgoers could purchase wristbands for full access to multiple stages, performance spaces, and presentations, all within walking distance of the church.
Sug Daniels, Utility Bicycle Works
One of the festival’s hidden gems was the Utility Bicycle Works stage, tucked away in the back of a local bicycle shop. Though the room was small, it offered an intimate atmosphere that amplified the performances. Philadelphia-based singer-songwriter Sug Daniels bared her soul to a captivated audience. The six-piece band King in Yellow defied the space’s physical limitations with their commanding presence.
TR33S, Keegan Ales Back Room
On Sunday night at the Old Dutch Church, O+ concluded with a special screening and panel discussion of The Blair Witch Project which coincided with the film’s 25th anniversary. Moderated by actress and musician Amanda Seyfried, the panel featured director Ed Sanchez and actors Joshua Leonard and Michael C. Williams.
Rhett Miller and The All Stars
O+’s vision remains clear: “When artists and musicians thrive, so do culture and our communities.” With fourteen years of Arts for Healing under its belt, O+ is not only adding to Kingston’s legacy but is actively shaping its future.
Multi-platinum rock band Disturbed has announced “The Sickness 25 anniversary tour” that will hit Madison Square Garden on Mar. 21 and KeyBank Center in Buffalo on Apr. 4.
Disturbed’s debut album, which launched the band into public consciousness, has reached its 25 anniversary and with it, the band has announced an anniversary tour that will hit 34 cities across the US from Feb. 25 until May 17.
Each night will feature two sets of music, opening with Disturbed playing the five times platinum The Sickness in full, followed by a full set of greatest hits. The first half of the tour will feature support from special guests Three Days Grace, featuring the return of original singer Adam Gontier, and opener Sevendust, and the second half will feature special guests Daughtry with opener Nothing More.
On Tuesday, Oct. 15 at 10 am, tickets and VIP will be available in the artist pre-sale. Fans can pre-register for pre-sale tickets and dates in the UK and Europe will be announced soon.
Since The Sickness was released in 2000, the album was certified five times platinum by the RIAA, spent a total of 106 weeks on the US Billboard 200 chart, and Revolver named it one of “Top 25 Debut Hard Rock Albums.” Billboard said of the title track upon release: “‘Down With The Sickness’ is, of course, the quintessential Disturbed song, harnessing all the band’s seethe and its now-famous tribal beat and guitar chug into three and a half minutes of alt-metal mayhem. It’s menacing, it’s rhythmic, it’s rebellious.”
Full Tour Dates:
Feb 25 Nampa, ID Ford Idaho Center Arena*
Feb 27 Denver, CO Ball Arena*
Mar 02 Saint Louis, MO Enterprise Center*
Mar 04 Milwaukee, WI Fiserv Forum*
Mar 06 Minneapolis, MN Target Center*
Mar 08 Chicago, IL United Center*
Mar 10 Detroit, MI Little Caesars Arena*
Mar 12 Louisville, KY KFC Yum! Center*
Mar 14 Boston, MA TD Garden*
Mar 17 Washington, DC Capital One Arena*
Mar 19 Montreal, QC Centre Bell*
Mar 21 New York, NY Madison Square Garden*
Mar 29 Cincinnati, OH Heritage Bank Center^
Mar 31 Cleveland, OH Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse^
Apr 02 Philadelphia, PA Wells Fargo Center^
Apr 04 Buffalo, NY KeyBank Center^
Apr 05 Pittsburgh, PA PPG Paints Arena^
Apr 07 Toronto, ON Scotiabank Arena^
Apr 09 Indianapolis, IN Gainbridge Fieldhouse^
Apr 12 Charlotte, NC Spectrum Center^
Apr 14 Raleigh, NC Lenovo Center^
Apr 16 Birmingham, AL Legacy Arena at The BJCC^
Apr 18 Sunrise, FL Amerant Bank Arena^
Apr 23 Duluth, GA Gas South Arena^
Apr 25 San Antonio, TX AT&T Center^
Apr 26 Fort Worth, TX Dickies Arena^
Apr 28 Oklahoma City, OK Paycom Center^
May 05 Seattle, WA Climate Pledge Arena^
May 07 Portland, OR Moda Center^
May 09 Sacramento, CA Golden 1 Center^
May 10 San Francisco, CA Chase Center^
May 13 Inglewood, CA Kia Forum^
May 15 Phoenix, AZ Foot Print Center^
May 17 Las Vegas, NV MGM Grand Garden Arena^
*with special guests Three Days Grace and opener Sevendust
^with special guests Daughtry and opener Nothing More
Albany buzzed with excitement from beyond the solar system as Big Something and Consider the Source brought their signature high-octane and other-worldly grooves to Albany on a brisk Wednesday night, October 2, as part of the Headspace 2024 Tour.
Lark Hall, recently revitalized by the set designers of HBO’s The Gilded Age, provided an intimate yet stunning backdrop for the night of sonic exploration and some seriously heady jams.
Ready for Blast-Off: Big Something and Consider the Source bought the Headspace tour to Lark Hall on 10/2/24.
NYC’s Consider the Source kicked off the evening, captivating the audience with their intricate fusion of sci-fi inspired progressive rock, jazz, and world music. The dynamic power trio, comprised of virtuoso guitarist Gabriel Marin, bassist John Ferrara, and drummer Jeff Mann, delivered an exhilarating performance that showcased both their next-level musicianship as well as their entire new album, The Stare, which was released in mid-September. The band had previous played Lark in April of 2022 as part of their intimate acoustic hybrid run, but on this night, it was straight balls-to-the-wall electric.
Bassist John Ferrara, and drummer Jeff Mann performing with Consider the Source in Albany on 10/2/24.
Continuing to push the boundaries of instrumental music with complex time signatures and intricate melodies, songs like “Trial By Stone” and “Mouthbreather” shook the venue to its core with their heaviness, while simultaneously creating a sonic tapestry that was both captivating and challenging to the listener.
From Marin’s expressive and distinctive double-neck guitar playing, to Ferrara’s melodic and thunderous finger-tapping bass solos, to Mann’s exceptionally creative drum fills, Consider the Source was firing on all cylinders at Lark Hall and it showed.
Treating the audience to spellbinding renditions of “Preemptive Vengeance” and “Unfulfilled and Alienated,” the intricate interplay between each member created a cosmic journey that resonated with both the soul and the mind. If you haven’t seen this band play before, you really need to. Helping the audience slip into the perfect headspace for what was still to come, Consider the Source was an excellent choice to kick the party off proper.
Watch fan shot footage of Consider the Source perfomring “Unfulfilled and Alienated” at Lark Hall on 10/2/24.
Transitioning to Big Something’s headlining set with a glorious circus-like introduction by crew member William, the colorful Burlington, North Carolina six-piece band delivered a masterclass in genre-blending with their unique brand of space-infused funk rock. Supporting the release of their ambitious new album, Headspace, the band is currently riding a wave of creativity and evolution.
Consisting of founding members Nick MacDaniels (guitar, vocals) and Jesse Hensley (guitar, vocals), the mesmerizing multi-instrumentalist Casey Cranford on saxophone and electric wind instrument (EWI), alongside the dynamic rhythm section of Ben Vinograd (drums), Matt Laird (bass), and Josh Kagel on keys and trumpet, Big Something have firmly established themselves as tried and true veterans of the jam band scene and a popular staple at music festivals around the country, including their own, The Big What, hosted annually in Mebane, NC.
Big Something made their Lark Hall debut on Wednesday, 10/2/24.
Back in the Capital Region for the first time since playing the Putnum Place in May of 2019, the band wasted no time reminding us they still can throw down with the best of them. Showcasing layers of sonic intricacy, catchy hooks and danceable grooves on the opening combo of “Algorithm” and “Love Generator” form 2014’s Truth Serum, Big Something then surprised everyone by slipping into a cover of “Blast Off” by another fan-favorite funk band, Lettuce.
Nick MacDaniels performing with Big Something at Lark Hall on 10/2/24.
Taking a moment to introduce the band and thank everyone for coming out on a Wednesday, the left-handed MacDaniels, who could be the long-lost brother of actor Michael Cera, hyped up the latest Big Something album, Headspace, before going into its opening track.
Until this point in the show, lead guitarist Jesse Hensley had been relatively reserved, but as “The Mountain” climbed to its peak, so did Jesse, uncorking an absolutely monstrous solo as the band reached its first true stretch of sustained improvisation.
The Curse of Julia Brown: Gabriel Marin of Consider the Source sat in with Big Something on 10/2/24.
Name dropping longtime friends and tour buddies Andy Frasco and The U.N. prior to “Clouds,” a song the two bands collaborated on, Big Something would get some more help from their friends in Consider the Source, inviting out guitarist Gabriel Marin to sit in on 2013’s “The Curse of Julia Brown.” resulting in one of most unique and memorable highlights of the show.
With the buzz in the hall now reaching a fever pitch, Big Something took the vibe even higher, reaching into their back catalog and pulling out their biggest hit to date next, “A Song For Us,” which all but blew the roof off the place. You can watch fan shot footage of that in the clip below.
Watch Big Something perform “A Song For Us” live at Lark Hall on 10/2/24.
Big Something’s performance was a celebration of their growth, with tracks from Headspace seamlessly woven into the fabric of their established hits with songs like “Megalodon” blending beautifully into their cover of David Bowie’s “Moonage Daydream.” With the always smiling MacDaniels’ charismatic stage presence igniting the crowd, the synergy between the band members was palpable, as they effortlessly navigated through their setlist, blending styles from jam rock to funk and even hints of reggae and electronic influences.
Big Something’s Casey Cranford plays the EWI 4000 at Lark Hall on 10/2/24.
Stealing the show all night long though was multi-instrumentalist Casey Cranford on saxophone and the electric wind instrument. Running his EWI 4000 through an array of effects pedals, Cranford effortlessly created sounds and textures straight from another dimension.
That should come as no surprise, as the band has long had a fascination with all things extraterrestrial. From their alien-spired logo, to samples referencing U.F.O.’s and crash landings to the stuffed little green man sitting on top of the amps throughout the show, Big Something has crafted a stellar, interstellar sound fit for the future and a galaxy far, far away.
Big Something made their Lark Hall debut on Wednesday, 10/2/24.
Adding depth to the evening was the poignant backdrop of recent flooding in North Carolina, which has forever changed the landscape of the bands home turf and brought an air of solidarity among the musicians and fans. Seemingly using the music as a means to escape, the band never directly referenced Hurricane Helene, but noticeably shied away from playing water-based favorites like “The Undertow,” “Waves,” “Starts to Rain,” and “The Flood.” Instead Big Something would close out the main portion of their set with a big version of the infectious hand-clapper, “Timebomb.”
After a bit of deliberation backstage, the band would return for a final curtain call encore of “Tumbleweed,” the title track from their 2017 album of the same name. Afterwards, the band made sure to let everyone in Albany know how appreciative they are for the support and could be seen hanging out late into the night taking selfies and signing limited edition posters and tour merch.
As the night drew to a close, the concert proved to be more than just a display of talent, but a celebration of the power of music to unite and uplift. Both Big Something and Consider the Source left the stage with the audience buzzing, showcasing that in a world often overshadowed by challenges, the joy of live music continues to shine brightly.
The Headspace Tour continues on through October, and fans in Albany can only hope for a swift return of both bands, where their cosmic sounds will continue to resonate long after the lights go down.
Big Something | October 2, 2024 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Intro by William, Algorithm, Love Generator>Blast Off [1] , The Mountain, Clouds, The Curse of Julia Brown [2] , Song For Us, Megalodon>Moonage Daydream [3] , Timebomb.
Encore: Tumbleweed
Notes:
[1] Lettuce
[2] w/ Gabriel Marin (Consider The Source) on guitar
[3] David Bowie
Consider the Source | October 2, 2024 | Lark Hall | Albany, NY
Setlist: Trial By Stone, I Can See My Eyes, Mouthbreather, New World Čoček, Preemptive Vengeance. Unfulfilled and Alienated.
On September 24th, the iconic Dropkick Murphys kicked off their highly anticipated fall tour with a powerful and energetic performance at the Rooftop at Pier 17 in New York City.
Supported by Pennywise and The Scratch, this show marked the first of many tour dates across North America, with stops in cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Las Vegas, and even Canadian dates in Vancouver, Calgary, and Winnipeg. The tour is set to conclude in their home state of Massachusetts on October 27th before the band heads overseas for a 2025 leg that includes shows in Germany, the UK, and Austria.
The night started with Dublin-based The Scratch, whose unique blend of Irish traditional music and heavy metal got the crowd moving early. The three-piece band, who first made waves with their 2020 debut album Couldn’t Give a Rats, followed up with their 2023 release Mind Yourself, which has further solidified their growing fanbase. Their high-energy set was the perfect introduction to the night’s punk-centric lineup.
Next up was punk rock legends Pennywise, whose veteran presence brought the crowd’s energy to another level. Kicking off their set with “My Own Country” and “Every Single Day,” Pennywise proved why they’ve remained a staple in the punk rock scene for decades. With Fletcher Dragge on guitar, Byron McMackin on drums, Jim Lindberg on vocals, and Randy Bradbury on bass, they delivered a blistering set that included classics like “Date with Destiny,” a cover of The Ramones’ “Blitzkrieg Bop,” “Society,” and closed with their fan-favorite anthem “Bro Hymn.”
When Dropkick Murphys took the stage, it was clear the crowd was there to celebrate one of Boston’s most beloved bands. Since their formation in 1996, the Dropkick Murphys have carved out a unique space in the music world, blending traditional Irish instrumentation with punk rock energy. Over the years, they’ve become synonymous with anthemic singalongs and songs that reflect working-class pride, rebellion, and community spirit.
Ken Casey, the band’s frontman, may have been wearing a boot due to a torn Achilles, but that didn’t slow the band down one bit. The energy radiating from the stage was electric, and Casey, along with Tim Brennan (guitar, tin whistle, accordion), Jeff DaRosa (guitar, banjo, mandolin), Matt Kelly (drums), James Lynch (guitar), and Kevin Rheault (bass), gave a performance that had the entire rooftop shaking. Opening with “Barroom Hero” and “Boys on the Docks,” they ripped through a setlist packed with fan favorites, including “The State of Massachusetts,” “Surrender,” “Forever,” and the socially charged “Which Side Are You On?”
The band also played their new song, “Sirens,” a politically charged anthem addressing the growing divide in America. With lyrics that take aim at the billionaires profiting from societal division, Ken Casey delivered a fiery message:“For nearly a decade, the division between red and blue, right and left, has grown deeper, darker and uglier — dividing families and ending friendships. Nobody enjoys this more than the billionaires, who are making record profits off the blood, sweat, and tears of the working class. They love it when we fight amongst ourselves because their biggest fear is us joining together to come after them… THE REAL ENEMY.”
The night ended with a three-song encore that brought the house down. The crowd roared along to “Rose Tattoo,” “Worker’s Song,” and the band’s signature anthem, “I’m Shipping Up to Boston,” a fitting conclusion to a night of celebration, energy, and defiance.
With more than two decades under their belt, Dropkick Murphys have solidified themselves as legends of Celtic punk, known for their intense live performances and deep connection with their fanbase. Despite the absence of co-lead vocalist Al Barr, who took a leave of absence in 2022 to care for his ailing mother, Ken Casey has taken over full lead vocal duties, and the band hasn’t missed a beat. Barr’s return remains uncertain as he continues to focus on family, but fans hold hope for his eventual comeback.
As Dropkick Murphys power through their fall tour, their message remains as strong as ever: unity, pride, and standing up for what’s right. With the release of “Sirens” and plans for an expansive 2025 tour, the Murphys are showing no signs of slowing down. Whether you’re catching them stateside or overseas next year, one thing’s for sure—Dropkick Murphys will continue to bring their unmistakable energy and passion to stages worldwide.
Pennywise Setlist: My Own Country, Every Single Day, Staright Ahead, Same Old Story, Date With Destiny, Fuck Authority, Blitzkrieg Bop, Pennywise, Society, Broken, Stand By Me, Bro Hymn
Dropkick Murphys Setlist: Barroom Hero, Boys on the Docks, The State of Massachusetts, The Boys Are Back, The Spicy McHaggis Jig, Surrender, The Gauntlet, The Fields of Athenry, Johnny, I Hardly Knew Ya, Sirens, Smash Shit Up, Forever, Captain Kelly’s Kitchen, My Hero, Caps and Bottles, Which Side Are You On, The Hardest Mile, Good As Gold, Bastards on Parade, The Irish Rover, Until Next Time, Rose Tattoo, Workers Song, I’m Shipping Up to Boston
This concert is seen as an historical moment, where one older punk band, The Who, passed the torch to a new, younger one, The Clash.
An expectadly rowdy crowd of more than 80,000 packed The Rich. David Johansen warmed up the crowd with a half-hour set, including “Stranded in the Jungle” and a medley of the Animals “We Gotta Get Out of This Place”, “Don’t Bring Me Down” and “It’s My Life.”
The Clash were just coming off the release of Combat Rock, recorded at Electric Lady Studios on West 8th Street in New York City. Hits including “Rock The Casbah,” which reached the Top 10 in America, and “Should I Stay Or Should I Go” gave The Clash a worldwide smash hit in 1982. Less than a year after this performance in Buffalo, guitarist Mick Jones would leave the band. Watch a slideshow of photos by Michael Mack of The Clash from the performance below.
For The Who, this was the first of many farewell tours, having lost drummer Keith Moon just 4 years prior. Kenney Jones (Small Faces, Faces) took over behind the kit, with Tim Gorman on keys, Roger Daltrey on harmonica, guitar, and vocals, John Entwistle on bass and Pete Townshend on guitar and vocals.
Given the packed Rich Stadium – with entrances only on the floor at the time – the temperature inside the stadium was warm to say the least, with fans drenched in sweat, and some passing even out. As if Keith were looking down from heaven, the skies that were overcast all day opened up during the emotionally charged “Love Reign O’er Me,” the only time of the evening it would rain. As the song ended, Daltrey remarked “How’d you like that one?,” with Townshend saying “Even the Rolling Bones couldn’t have done that one.”
via Matthew Heimberg
While no video or audio exists from this show of The Who, you can view a slideshow of photos by Michael Mack here, and watch below for The Who from December 17, 1982, closing our their North American tour in Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
The Clash setlist: London Calling, Career Opportunities, The Guns of Brixton, Police On My Back, Rock the Casbah, Magnificent 7, Train in Vain, Brand New Cadillac, Armagideon Time, Should I Stay or Should I Go?
Encore: Clampdown, I Fought the Law
The Who setlist: Substitute, I Can’t Explain, Dangerous, Sister Disco, The Quiet One, It’s Hard, Eminence Front, Behind Blue Eyes, Baba O’Riley, I’m One, The Punk And The Godfather, Drowned, A Man Is A Man, Cry If You Want, Who Are You, Pinball Wizard, See Me Feel Me, 5.15, Love Reign O’er Me, Long Live Rock, Won’t Get Fooled Again
Encore: Naked Eye, Summertime Blues, Twist And Shout
GRAMMY Award-winning band Deftones have announced their 2025 North American tour, making a stop at Madison Square Garden on April 3, 2025.
This Sacramento-bred 80s band has left an irreplaceable mark on the music scene, and that is shown through the millions of albums sold and billions of streams under their belts. Deftones’ 2024 was busy to say the least. With successful acts at Coachella, Lollapalooza, and Primavera Sound, to then selling out an event at Golden Gate Park with over 50,000 fans, their momentum shows no signs of slowing down.
The tour kicks off on February 25 in Portland, OR, and comes to a close on April 8 in Boston. Deftones will be making a stop in New York City to perform at Madison Square Garden on April 3. Featuring special guest acts from The Mars Volta and Fleshwater.
Photo by Clemente Ruiz
The full list of dates for Deftones’ tour can be found below. For more information and to purchase tickets to the Deftone at MSG visit here.
Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium have announced their co-headlining “The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour”, including a stop at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in Manhattan on May 7.
Both heavy metal pioneers in their own rights, Bullet for My Valentine and Trivium are celebrating prolific 20th anniversaries this year – Bullet for My Valentine honors 20 years since their debut album The Poison, and Trivium celebrates their second album, Ascendancy. With long histories of releases and successes between both acts, The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour is not to be missed.
A mainstay within the metal community and British music as a whole since inception, Bullet for My Valentine has amassed more than 3.5 million album sales all while touring the globe since their inception in 1998 and signing with Sony BMG in 2002. Their debut album as well as their reason for celebration this tour, Bullet for My Valentine’sThe Poison resulted in immediate success, bringing the band to number 11 on the Independent Albums chart and 128 on the Billboard 200 alongside a lengthy tour in addition to appearances opening for Metallica and Guns N’ Roses, and the 2006 Vans Warped Tour.
Since The Poison’s release, the band has released six other studio albums, earned several nominations and awards from KERRANG! and beyond, and toured countless times worldwide, but the debut album will always remain in the hearts of the fans as well as the band itself for marking such powerful beginnings.
Formed in 1999, heavy metal band Trivium has been touring their personal spin on metal for over 20 years now. With ten studio albums, a few name awards under their belt, and several nominations including a Grammy nomination in 2019, Trivium’s success is not unearned. Their now canonical and second album ever Ascendancy is a testament to this- named KERRANG!’s “Album of the Year”, one of the top fifteen albums on Metal Hammer’s list of “The 100 Greatest Metal Albums of the 21st Century”, and earning the band a gold certification in the UK, there’s little question as to why Ascendancy is topic of celebration for the upcoming tour.
A celebration of how far both headlining acts have come and where they began, The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour will be the final time both acts will perform their iconic debut albums in full. With incredible company in each other as well as the opening acts, this tour will hit close to home for both older fans who were there to see every step of the way as well as newer fans who never had the chance to catch the earlier releases live.
In addition to the two iconic acts, August Burns Red, Bleed From Within, and Sylosis will accompany the tour. The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour will be arriving in New York on May 7 at The Rooftop at Pier 17 in Manhattan, with ticket sales beginning on Friday, September 20. For more information on tour dates and ticket sales, please visit either band’s websites here and here.
A full list of The Poisoned Ascendancy Tour dates is below.
TOUR DATES
Sun March 30 – Vancouver, BC – PNE Forum
Tue Apr 1 – Seattle, WA – Paramount Theatre
Thu Apr 03 – San Francisco, CA – The Masonic
Fri Apr 04 – Wheatland, CA – Hard Rock Hotel and Casino Sacramento – Hard Rock Live
Sat Apr 05 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort
Tue Apr 08 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
Thu Apr 10 – Las Vegas, NV – Pearl Concert Theater at Palms Casino Resort
Fri Apr 11 – Inglewood, CA – YouTube Theatre
Sat Apr 12 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
Tue Apr 15 – Dallas, TX – Gilley’s – South Side Ballroom
Wed Apr 16 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port
Thu Apr 17 – Houston, TX – Bayou Music Center
Sat Apr 19 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory
Sun Apr 20 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse Omaha
Tues Apr 22 – Ashwaubenon, WI – EPIC Event Center
Wed Apr 23 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe
Fri Apr 25 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel- Showroom
Sat Apr 26 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
Sun Apr 27 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit
Tues Apr 29 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE
Wed Apr 30 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore Philadelphia
Fri May 02 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway
Sat May 03 – Laval, QC – Place Bell
Sun May 04 – Toronto, ON – Great Canadian Resort Theatre
Tue May 06 – Washington, D.C. – The Anthem
Wed May 07 – New York, NY – The Rooftop at Pier 17
Fri May 09 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Bethlehem – Wind Creek Event Center
Sun May 11 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle
Tues May 13 – Corbin, KY – Corbin Arena
Wed May 14 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy Theatre
Sat May 17 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Metallica has announced an expansion to their three year M72 World Tour with 21 North American Dates, including one night in New York at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse on April 19, 2025.
Barely needing any introduction, Metallica is one of the biggest selling acts in American history and have been leaving their heavy metal mark on the world since the band’s inception in 1981. Known as one of the “big four” bands of thrash metal alongside Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer, Metallica has rather humble origins.
Formed through newspaper ads and mutual friends, the band had found themselves traveling to Rochester, New York in a stolen U-Haul to record their first album in 1983, resulting in their debut album Kill ‘Em All which quickly caught the underground metal scene by storm.
photo by Rob Tellerman
Metallica just couldn’t stop the success from there, their third album Master of Puppets being hailed by fans as both the band’s best work and one of heaviest metal albums ever, their fourth album …And Justice for All earning the band its first Grammy nomination, and their fifth achieving mainstream commercial success not seen before with more than 16 million copies.
With 11 studio albums, 10 Grammys, and 37 tours under their belt, Metallica is a metal legend to be reckoned with- but they aren’t done yet. Having begun the M72 World Tour in April of 2023 in celebration of the band’s latest studio album 72 Seasons, Metallica has announced 21 additional North American Dates that will push the tour through 2025.
Metallica at Metlife Stadium, August 2023 – photo by Rob Tellerman
The band will be paying a visit to New York on April 19, playing a show at the JMA Wireless Dome in Syracuse. Supported by heavy metal band Pantera and thrash band Suicidal Tendencies, this tour is not to be missed.
As is tradition with Metallica, a portion of all ticket sales will go to local charities through the band’s All Within My Hands foundation that was established in 2017 so they could give back to the communities who have supported them throughout the years. Thus far, All Within My Hands has raised over $15 million, which has provided $8.2 million in grants to career and tech education programs including the ground-breaking Metallica Scholars Initiative, over $3.6 million to combat food insecurity, and more than $3.5 million to disaster relief funds.
Tickets for Metallica in Syracuse at JMA Wireless Dome go on sale on Friday, September 27 at 10:00 AM. For further information and ticket sales, please visit their website here.
On Saturday, September 7, the PNC Bank Arts Center in New Jersey was treated to a powerhouse lineup of rock and industrial legends, featuring Filter, Ministry, Alice Cooper, and Rob Zombie. The diverse crowd, a mix of metalheads, goths, and rockers, gathered for a night of electrifying performances, each act bringing its signature style and energy to the stage.
Filter Opens with Grunge-Industrial Anthems
Filter kicked off the evening, setting the tone with their grunge-tinged industrial sound. Opening with “You Walk Away,” the band immediately captured the crowd’s attention. Their setlist included fan-favorite hits like “Take My Picture” and the iconic “Hey Man, Nice Shot,” which sent waves of nostalgia through the audience. Richard Patrick’s intense vocals and the band’s tight instrumentation delivered a strong start, with plenty of sing-alongs and headbanging from the early crowd.
Ministry took the stage next, delivering a relentless barrage of industrial metal. Al Jourgensen and company wasted no time diving into their gritty catalog with tracks like “Stigmata,” “Just One Fix,” and the iconic “Jesus Built My Hotrod.” The band’s machine-like precision and pounding beats had the crowd entranced, while Jourgensen’s snarling vocals added an extra layer of chaos to the performance. With their dark, aggressive sound and pulsating light show, Ministry left a lasting impact, keeping the energy at a fever pitch for the next act.
Alice Cooper’s Theatrical Horror Show Steals the Spotlight
The legendary Alice Cooper, at 76 years old, proved he’s still the undisputed king of shock rock. Entering the stage through a massive “Banned in New Jersey” newspaper, Cooper launched into “Lock Me Up,” immediately immersing the crowd in his signature blend of rock and theatrical horror. Backed by a stellar band, Cooper’s set was filled with classic hits like “No More Mr. Nice Guy,” “I’m Eighteen,” and “Poison,” each song complemented by a dizzying array of visual spectacles.
From impaling a paparazzo to draping a boa constrictor around his neck and battling a Jason Voorhees-style monster, Cooper’s showmanship was on full display. The crowd was particularly captivated by “The Ballad of Dwight Fry,” where Cooper, in a straitjacket, met a chilling end at the guillotine – only to return for an explosive rendition of “School’s Out” to close out his set. His energy, despite his age, was awe-inspiring, leaving fans thrilled and cheering for more.
Rob Zombie’s Horror Extravaganza Caps Off the Night
Rob Zombie closed out the night with his high-octane, horror-infused set. Bursting onto the stage with “Demon Speeding” Zombie’s performance was a technicolor feast for the eyes, featuring scenes from his horror films and retro visual effects flashing behind him. The crowd was treated to a wild ride through Zombie’s discography with songs like “Living Dead Girl” and “Superbeast.”
Though longtime guitarist John 5 was absent, having joined Mötley Crüe, Zombie’s current lineup – Mike Riggs on guitar, Rob “Blasko” Nicholson on bass, and Ginger Fish on drums – delivered a blistering performance that kept the energy sky-high. Zombie’s stage presence, with his high kicks and dramatic flair, kept the crowd engaged, dancing, and screaming for more until the very end.
Rob Zombie Setlist: Demon Speeding, Super Charger-Heaven, Feel So Numb, Well, Everybody’s Fucking In A UFO, What Lurks on Channel X?, Superbeast, The Lords of Salem, Dead City Radio and the New Gods of Supertown, The Triumph of King Freak, Drum Solo, The Satanic Rites of Blacula, More Human Than Human, Living Dead Girl, Thunder Kiss ’65, Dragula
Alice Cooper Setlist: Lock Me Up, No More Mr Nice Guy, I’m Eighteen, Under My Wheels, Billion Dollar Babies, Hey Stoopid, He’s Back, Snakebite, Feed My Frankenstein, Poison, Guitar Solo, Black Widow Jam, Ballad of Dwight Fry, Killer/I Love the Dead, Elected, Schools Out
It’s had many names over the years: The Knickerbocker, The Pepsi, The Times Union Center and currently the MVP Arena. But on Tuesday, September 10, the storied building was transformed into a cathedral of heavy metal. Playing host to the legendary Megadeth and their “Destroy All Enemies” tour featuring Mudvayne and All That Remains, the scorching night of thrash, prog, punk, speed and metalcore music bludgeoned downtown Albany like a 10-ton hammer in a way that hasn’t been felt in years.
An epic evening of arena sized anthems and a career-spanning setlist packed with deep cuts and fan favorites alike, Dave Mustaine once again proved why his band remains one of the cornerstones of metal’s “Big Four.”
Thrash metal icons Megadeth returned to the MVP Arena for the first time in 17 years on 9/10/24.
For anyone familiar with Mustaine’s storied career, the sight of him on stage, shredding through riff after riff, felt like witnessing history in motion. After being famously ousted from Metallica in the early ’80s, Mustaine forged his own path by forming Megadeth in 1983, determined to make his own mark on metal. His fierce ambition and relentless work ethic paid off—Megadeth has since sold over 38 million albums worldwide, earning their place alongside Metallica, Slayer, and Anthrax as the pioneers of thrash metal.
But the show in Albany wasn’t just about Megadeth’s past. It was a testament to the present power of Mustaine, who at 63, plays with the same ferocity that marked his early years, if not more. This resilience is all the more impressive considering his 2019 battle with throat cancer, which threatened to sideline him permanently. Instead, Mustaine emerged victorious, his unmistakable snarl and masterful guitar work as sharp as ever. His playing style—technical, lightning-fast, and rhythmically complex—defines Megadeth’s sound and was on full display during songs like “Holy Wars… The Punishment Due,” “Peace Sells,” and “Symphony of Destruction.”
Fuck Cancer: Megadeth’s Dave Mustaine was back in Albany on 9/10/24 after beating a life-altering diagnosis.
Megadeth would also play selections from their most recent album, 2022’s The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead! which featured the eerie visual aid of an old plague doctor pushing a wagon cart full of corpses across the stage. Also from the same album, “We’ll Be Back” stood out as a new favorite for its relentless power groove and over-the-top shredding, further proof this band still has plenty of gas in the tank. Adding fuel the frenzy, time-tested staples like “Washington is Next!,” “Hangar 18” and “Sweating Bullets” sounded massive and just as potent as they were decades ago.
Destroy All Enemies: Megadeth performing at the MVP Arena on 9/10/24.
The crowd, a sea of black-clad fans with fists pumping and heads banging in unison, responded with a fervor that could only come from decades of loyalty. For many, Megadeth’s music represents something deeper. Their songs, often steeped in political themes, war, chaos, and personal demons, strike a chord with listeners who revel in metal’s intensity and cathartic aggression. This is why heavy metal endures—its primal power, complex musicianship, and dark themes speak to a primal part of the human experience.
Symphony of Destruction: Watch fan shot footage of Megadeth performing at the MVP Arena on 9/10/24.
As much as the night belonged to Megadeth, it was far from a one-band show. Mudvayne, co-headlining the tour, brought their own brand of chaos to the MVP Arena. Rising to prominence in the early 2000’s, Mudvayne, known for their groundbreaking debut L.D. 50, has a reputation for blending nu-metal with progressive elements, and their set did not disappoint. Musically tight, they delivered heavy grooves, complex rhythms, and a raw power that paired perfectly with Megadeth’s thrash fury. Known for their theatrical costumes and high-energy performances, frontman Chad Gray worked the crowd with ease, demonstrating an innate ability to connect with fans. Dressed in his trademark face paint and blood splatter, Gray’s commanding presence and guttural screams during songs like “Not Falling,” “Death Blooms,” “-1,” and “Internal Primates Forever” were highlights of the night.
Dressed to Kill: Mudvayne’s Chad Gray painted the MVP Arena red on Tuesday, 9/10.
Speaking candidly to the audience after ”Dull Boy,” Gray gave a heartfelt speech about the importance of staying true to yourself. Saying how this is the place to leave your baggage at the door. The problems at work, in your relationship, at school, with your family, with the law—they will all still be there tomorrow, but here at the arena, this is a safe place to let it all out. Demanding the fans make enough noise to satisfy him before they continue playing, Gray talked about the honor it is to be playing with Megadeth, one of the big 4 that inspired and empowered him as a kid we he came from nothing. Addressing the elephant in the room, i.e. the amount of people at the show, he would tell us “Anyone who knows metal is here, and if you’re not, that’s probably a good thing. Because once metal is in you, it never leaves. It doesn’t matter if you’re 6 of 65, you’re a metal kid for life.”
Ryknow Power: Mudvayne bassist Ryan Martinie was dropping bombs all night long on 9/10/24.
After delivering a standout version of “Nothing to Gein,” and working their way through “Happy?” Gray would reflect once again. Talking about how to him, this tour represents the passing of the torch. From one generation of metal to the next, he’s made an oath to carry it forward from here. Referencing influences like Metallica and Slayer, and later Pantera and Korn, he said heavy music will always keep evolving and it’s up to the fans to keep showing their support, no matter who the current torch bearer may be. Wanting the audience to know that he’s proud of each and every person who came out to see the show, he says it’s important to remember to reward yourself every once in a while, and to not be ashamed tomorrow for liking heavy music today. Asking if Albany can dig what he’s putting down, the band then launched into their biggest hit, “Dig” to close out their set. What a performance!
Dig This: Watch fan shot footage of Mudvayne performing “Dig” in Albany, NY 9/10/24.
Kicking off the night was Springfield, Massachusetts’ All That Remains, a metalcore band whose blend of melodic and brutal elements set the tone for the evening. No stranger to the Capital Region, the band has been playing various Albany clubs since forming in the early 2000’s and clearly have developed a loyal following in the area. Their impressive guitar solos, particularly from lead guitarist Jason Richardson, caught the attention of the early crowd.
Opening up with “Now Let Them Tremble,” and working their way through songs like “Six,” Divine,” and a massive rendition of “This Calling” from their beloved 2006 album The Fall of Ideals, All That Remains have a style that leans more into metalcore than traditional thrash. Making sure to bring a balance of aggression and melody, by the time the band reached their set closing number and biggest song, “Two Weeks, anyone who was on the fence was converted. Showcasing the band’s ability to fuse heavy breakdowns with catchy hooks, All That Remains was the perfect choice for an opening act.
All That Remains kicked off the night in Albany on 9/10/24.
Despite the aggressive sounds emanating from the stage, the Albany crowd remained surprisingly tame. While many die-hard fans in the front row headbanged and moshed in sync with Mustaine’s riffs, a significant portion of the audience seemed content to take in the spectacle from their seats, perhaps a testament to the older demographic that Megadeth now commands. Even so, the energy in the arena was palpable, and the night felt like a celebration of heavy metal’s enduring legacy.
As the tour rolls on through the rest of North America, including this upcoming Friday the 13th at Bethel Woods, it’s clear that the “Destroy All Enemies” tour is more than just a trip down memory lane—it’s a reminder that Megadeth and their fellow metal titans still have plenty left to say. For those in attendance in Albany, it was a night that highlighted the power of heavy metal to bring people together, proving that, even in 2025, metal is far from dead.
Megadeth | September 10, 2024 | MVP Arena | Albany, NY
Setlist: The Sick, The Dying…and the Dead!, Dread and the Fugitive Mind, Kick the Chair, Hangar 18, Washinton is Next, Countdown to Extinction, Sweating Bullets, Angry Ain, Trust, Tornado of Souls, We’ll Be Back, Symphony of Destruction, Mechanix, Peace Sells
Encore: Holy Wars…The Punishment Due
Mudvayne | September 10, 2024 | MVP Arena | Albany, NY
Setlist: Not Falling, Silenced, Internal Primates Forever, Fall Into Sleep, -1, Death Blooms, Dull Boy, Nothing to Gein, World So Cold, Happy?, Dig.
All That Remains | September 10, 2024 | MVP Arena | Albany, NY
Setlist: Now Let Them Tremble, Chiron, Six, Divine, Let You Go, This Calling, Two Weeks.
