All American rock band Certain Death released their new flashy single “Paranoid.” The Brooklyn band’s first single of 2024 came out just this past Monday on Aug. 12.
Paranoid has that amp heavy sound of classic 70’s hair metal. The single features lead singer Henry Black’s vocals and an organic sounding performance with little production. “This song really speaks to the shared experience of overindulgence and paranoia in nightlife that is both repulsive and irresistible,” Black said in a press release. Certain Death was born during the pandemic as a way for Black to confront his difficult feelings in a time of solitude.
Certain Death has a lot more music to come this fall. Next month they will release another single and they plan to release an LP titled Strange Garden in October.
It was just last year that the band came into the scene with two singles “When She Ain’t Around” and their very first song “Certain Death.” It was also last year that two new members joined the group- Matt White on Guitar and Jared Schapker on bass. Long-time member CJ Young performs all the heavy rock drums.
Not only does the band bring us back to the 70’s with their sound, but they emulate rock heroes with their style and album art.
You can listen to “Paranoid” on all streaming services. To keep up with Certain Death you can follow them on Instagram @certaindeathnyc.
Musical legends Judy Collins, The Indigo Girls and Rufus Wainwright will perform together for one night and one night only on Aug. 30 at Tanglewood.
Collins is a Grammy award winning singer and songwriter who started her career with her debut album A Maid of Constant Sorrow in 1961. She was a huge part of the Greenwich Village Folk movement in the 60’s, a time in music history that inspired other musicians like Joni Mtchel and Leonord Cohen.
Not only is she an accomplished musician with 55 albums to her name, but Collins is also an avid social activist and represents UNICEF today. In 2008, a group of contemporary artists released Born to the Breed: A Tribute to Judy Collins. One of those artists was Canadian American singer and songwriter Rufus Wainwright.
Wainwright was raised in Montreal but later moved to New York City in 1996. Two years later he released his debut studio album Rufus Wainwright. Throughout his career he’s collaborated with other artists such as David Byrne, Joni Mitchell and Mark Ronson. His most recent 2023 album Folkacracy is a record full of folk duets as well as solo pieces exposing Wainwright’s melodic vocals.
The Indigo Girls, Amy Ray and Emily Saliers, have been performing together since their highschool days. Last summer Greta Gerwig’s Barbie re-popularised their iconic song “Closer to Fine.” Their 2020 album Long Look is a reflection of their careers and childhoods.
These folk-rock legends will take to the Koussevitzky Music Shed, at the annual concert series Tanglewood located in Western Massachusetts. Tanglewood is the summer residence of the Boston Symphony Orchestra who performs throughout the summer. To buy tickets for the 7 p.m. performance you can visit the website here.
Australian band King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard formed in 2010, mashing up a combination of prospective band names into their now iconic name. The name tells you almost everything you need to know about this band of Australian goofs and their ability to turn any concept and sound into a piece of complex and intriguing art. In the past 14 years, they have released 26 studio albums covering many genres, from psychedelic rock to metal to indie and everything in-between. That’s almost one full album every six months for over a decade. King Gizzard gave us a taste of all of it Friday, August 16th at Forest Hills Stadium.
Opening for King Gizzard was Geese, coming off of their well-received second studio album, 3D Country and 4D Country EP. Geese’s sound fits well within Gizzard’s world, with more of an american blues lean meets Pearl Jam feeling to their sound. With these shows, Gizzard took a page out of the Grateful Dead’s book, playing three-hour sets with a changing setlist. Comparing the setlists from their Friday and Saturday shows at Forest Hills Stadium, they didn’t repeat a single song across the two shows. Their discography is so deep that they could repeat that feat across almost a dozen of these three-hour marathon sets without ever repeating a song.
If you are a fan of a more niche Gizzard song, now may be your opportunity to see it live as they trawl through their discography over the coming months. The setlist for this first Forest Hills show was a perfect welcome to fans who may not have had a chance to see the band before. The band played a majority of their most popular tracks, with an overall metal lean and a healthy serving of Gizzard’s home base psychadelic funk/rock to round out the 25 song setlist.
With the lack of breaks and varied repertoire, Gizzard amazingly suffered very few hiccups during their set, playing an almost seamless blend of tracks with some especially unique transitions between songs that made the audience’s ears perk up. All of the band’s members are multi-instrumentalists, adding to the complexity and giving King Gizzard their unique layered sound. They invited a fan named Gabby who was holding a sign in the audience on stage to sing the intro to “Nuclear Fusion.” The intro is probably best described as throat singing with some heavy effects layered ontop and Gabby killed it.
Another notable aspect of King Gizzard’s live performances is the audience, a unique combination of deadheads, metal heads, and monster heads, people dressed in a smattering of medieval clothing and monster costumes harkening to King Gizzard’s ever growing lore. Many of these costumes touch on themes inherent to Gizzard’s visual media and lyricism such as the eponymous awareness around the earths climate and the eponymous King Gizzard and Lizard Wizard. King Gizzard’s media presence is heavily based in fantasy and sci fi and has given way to fans concocting a unique world out of an amalgamation of lyrics and imagery. The looseness of this world is what makes their crowds so unique, as fans craft outfits that fit into a world created of their own creation, serving as a true reflection of the wearer in a way that typical fan regalia can’t.
The show stopped exactly at 10pm due to a hard curfew implemented by Forest Hills Stadium last year in an effort to cut down on noise complaints. Following their shows in Queens, King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard continue on with their North America tour, which is a marathon itself, with 36 more shows through November of this year. Then in May of 2025 they make their way to Lisbon, Portugal for the European leg, which extends through June.
Setlist: Field of Vision, Daily Blues, Cut Throat Boogie, Gamma Knife, People-Vultures, Mr. Beat, Boogieman Sam, Work This Time, Iâm In Your Mind, Iâm Not In Your Mind, Cellophane, Iâm In Your Mind Fuzz, This Thing, Self-Immolate, Organ Farmer, Venusian 2, Gila Monster, Flamethrower, Straws In The Wind, Pleura, All Is Known, Doom City, Rattlesnake, K.G.L.W. (Outro)
King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard – Forest Hills Stadium – August 16, 2024
The Doobie Brothers just added four more dates on their 2024 tour in New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. On September. 30 and October 1, the Grammy-winners will be in Port Chester, NY at The Capitol Theatre. On Ocobert 4, yhey will stop in Atlantic City at Borgata Event Center, and on the following night they will be in Uncasville, at the Mohegan Sun Arena. All in all, Live Nation added these extra dates to due to the increased demand since the announcement of The Doobie Brothers tour.
About The Doobie Brothers
The Doobie Brothers haven’t stopped performing and making music since their beginning in 1970. Over their career, they have won four Grammy Awards and sold 48 million albums worldwide. In 2020, they were included into the rock and roll hall of fame. Additionally, in 2021 they released their most recent album Liberté and last year they released their single, “Lahaina” in support of those affected by the deadly Maui fires. Moreover, the song featured other musical legends, Mick Fleetwood, Jake Shimabukuro, and Henry Kapono.
Their 2024 tour comes three years after the Doobie Brothers 50th anniversary tour that reunited Tom Johnston, Michael McDonald, Pat Simmons, and John McFee for the first time in 25 years. Tickets for the new dates go on sale on Aug 16 at 10 a.m. You can find more information at
Friday, August 30 Salt Lake City, UT USANA Amphitheater
Monday, September 2 Macon, GA Macon Centreplex
Tuesday, September 3 Savannah, GA Enmarket Arena
Friday, September 6 Simpsonville, SC CCNB Amphitheatre at Heritage Park Saturday, September 7 Greensboro, NC White Oak Amphitheatre Monday, September 9 Charleston, SC Credit One Stadium
Monday, September 30 Port Chester, NY Capitol Theatre
Tuesday, October 1 Port Chester, NY Capitol Theatre
Friday, October 4 Atlantic City, NJ Borgata Event Center
Saturday, October 5 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
Tuesday, October, 8 Atlantic City, NJ Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Sunday, October 13 Halifax, NS Scotiabank Centre Monday, October 14 Moncton, NB Avenir Centre Wednesday, October 16 Ottawa, ON Canadian Tire Centre Thursday, October 17 Ottawa, ON Tribute Communities Centre Saturday, October 19 St. Catharines, ON Meridian Centre Wednesday, October 23 Winnipeg, MB Canada Life Centre Thursday, October 24 Edmonton, AB Rogers Place Friday, October 25 Calgary, AB Scotiabank Saddledome Sunday, October 27 Kelowna, BC Prospera Place Monday, October 28 Abbotsford, BC Abbotsford Centre
On October 4th, Joni Mitchell will release a new compilation titled Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980). This compilation traces Mitchell’s musical evolution between the releases of Hejira and Mingus.
Included in the four-disc record are three sets of live and studio recordings from New York performances by Joni Mitchell.
Born in Alberta, Canada, Joni Mitchell quickly emerged as one of the brightest lights in the folk genre. By 1969, her sophomore album Clouds cemented Mitchell as a folk icon, buoyed by songs like “Chelsea Morning” and “Both Sides Now.” Throughout the 1970s, Mitchell evolved her sound, further incorporating elements of jazz into her songs.
While albums like Court and Spark dabbled with genre fusion, 1976’s Hejira fully realized this concept. Partnering with legendary jazz bassist Jaco Pastorius, Mitchell crafted songs that sounded leagues away from her prior folk work. Fittingly, this album is where Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4 begins. Following this release was a period of unrivaled innovation by Mitchell. On 1977’s Don Juan’s Reckless Daughter and 1979’s Mingus – a collaboration with jazz great Charles Mingus – Mitchell fully embraced elements jazz fusion.
This album is the 12th release by the Joni Mitchell archives. The Grammy-winning series includes previously unreleased live recordings and studio outtakes. The multi-disc set features recordings hand-picked by Mitchell herself. The compilation’s tracks were salvaged and remastered from original stereo reels, cassette tapes, CD-Rs, and even a radio broadcast. Among the recordings are live recordings from Mitchell’s time with Bob Dylan’s Rolling Thunder Revue in 1975, and Anti-Nuclear Rally. Across the album’s tracks are collaborations with jazz greats like Herbie Hancock and Jaco Pastorious to Wayne Shorter and Pat Metheny.
Joni Mitchell and Jaco Pastorius at the 1979 Berkeley Jazz Festival
The compilation album additionally features three sets recorded in New York. First is a performance from the Nassau Coliseum in Uniondale, NY from February 20, 1976. The album only features one song from this performance. While it came as part of the tour for Hejira, the album features a recording of “For Free” from 1970’s Ladies of the Canyon.
Secondly are alternate versions of tracks from the 1978 Mingus sessions. The sessions were recorded at Greenwich Village’s legendary Electric Lady Studios. Originally commissioned by Jimi Hendrix, the studio was a recording hub throughout the 1970s. On top of Joni Mitchell, Stevie Wonder, Led Zeppelin, and David Bowie all recorded at the studio. The album features alternate versions of “Sweet Sucker Dance”, “A Chair in the Sky,” and “Sweet Sucker Dance” from these sessions.
Joni Mitchell at Forest Hills Stadium 8/25/79
The final New York recording comes as part of Mitchell’s August 25, 1979 performance at Forest Hills Stadium in Queens. The recording features tracks from Hejira and Mingus, which highlight Mitchell’s innovation during the period. Also featured in this recording are selected tracks from prior albums like “Big Yellow Taxi” and “Free Man in Paris.”
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) releases on October 4th as a 6 CD set. Also releasing is an abridged 4LP vinyl release, featuring Mitchell’s personal favorite tracks. The compilation includes never-before-seen photos and liner notes by director Cameron Crowe. The liner notes include an exclusive interview with Mitchell with anecdotes from this period of her career.
Following the album’s release, Mitchell will headline the “Joni Jam” on October 19-20th. These performances at the Hollywood Bowl will feature a number of special musical guests.
Rhino Records will release Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) on October 4th, 2024. For more information on how to preorder the album, visit the link here.
Joni Mitchell Archives, Vol. 4: The Asylum Years (1976-1980) New York tracks
Live at Nassau Coliseum
Uniondale, NY, February 20, 1976
19. For Free
Mingus Sessions
Electric Lady Studios, New York, NY
Recorded & Mixed by Henry Lewy & Jerry Solomon
3. Sweet Sucker Dance (Vocals & Drums Version – Take 5)
4. A Chair in the Sky (Early Alternate Version – Take 6)
5. Sweet Sucker Dance (Early Alternate Version)
Live at Forest Hills Tennis Stadium
Queens, NY, August 25, 1979
Recorded by Joel Bernstein from PA mix by Ed Wynne
Saratoga Spring’s Universal Preservation Hall has a riveting slate of shows coming up this fall, spanning from Sept. 13 through Dec. 21. The lineup includes comedy shows, concerts, theatricals, and holiday performances.
Fall 2024 brings a versatile group of performers to Universal Preservation Hall. The first new show announced is comedian, Gary Gulman on September 13, who’s making a stop as part of his “Misfit” comedy tour. Gulman is widely beloved by many comedy fans and has performed in prestigious venues all over the country.
On Sept. 26, Grand Ole Opry member, Chris Janson will bring his hits like the four-time platinum “Buy Me A Boat,” and the nominee of CMA Song of the Year, and winner of ACM Video of the Year, “Drunk Girl.” Janson’s shows are lively and entertaining, as Rolling Stone declared him “a live legacy in the making.” This show is not one to miss and fans of country and music in general can look forward to an amazing performance.
Toward the end of the season, UPH will host a series of holiday shows, as it gets closer to Christmas. These events include “Merry Swift-mas: Taylor Swift Holiday Dance Party” on December 6 and a special Christmas show from country and bluegrass duo, The Gibson Brothers on December 21, the last show of the year. Moreover, the variety of shows allows people with any musical interests to experience a show in the Christmas Spirit.
Other announcements made are singer-songwriting duo, The Bengsons, with The Keep Going Concert as well as beloved country singer, LeAnn Rimes.
For the full Universal Preservation Hall fall show and event schedule and to purchase tickets visit atuph.org
UPH Newly Announced Fall Shows
September 13- Gary Gulman
September 26- Chris Janson
November 8- The Bengsons
November 10- LeAnn Rimes
December 6- Merry Swift-mas: Taylor Swift Holiday Dance Party
Continuing the tradition of capturing the excitement of The Band’s historic 1976 Thanksgiving concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco, Blackbird Presents has announced Life is a Carnival: Last Waltz Tour ‘24. A celebration of what many have hailed as the greatest live concert event of all time, this year’s tour will also celebrate the legacy of The Band’s co-founder, Robbie Robertson.
Over forty-five years ago, The Band performed their final concert to a sold-out crowd with a who’s-who of music royalty in attendance. The evening culminated with “Don’t Do It,” The Band’s cover of Marvin Gaye’s “Baby Don’t You Do It.” After the last note, Robbie Robertson, The Bands’ lead guitarist, songwriter, and founding member, said, “Goodnight. Goodbye,” walking off stage, forever immortalizing this epic event.
To adequately pay homage to The Band’s legendary performance, Life is a Carnival: Last Waltz Tour ‘24 will feature a star-studded lineup led by Ryan Bingham, Jamey Johnson, Mike Campbell, Benmont Tench (Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers), Don Was, John Medeski, Dave Malone, Terence Higgins, Cyril Neville, Mark Mullins and The Levee Horns (featuring the original horn arrangements of Allen Toussaint). Additionally, Lukas Nelson will be joining the tour for three special shows in Colorado. The multi-city tour will make a stop at the Beacon Theatre in New York on November 6 and The Capitol Theatre in Port Chester on November 7 and 8.
“This band, made up of these artists, playing these songs, is what Don and I dreamed of when we began planning this tour. Now the dream is a reality. Do not miss these shows!” said Keith Wortman, creator and producer of The Last Waltz Tour franchise.
A portion of the proceeds from the tour will be donated to local charities.
Tickets go on sale Friday, August 16 at 10 a.m. Eastern Standard Time. For more details, visit The Last Waltz Tour’s website here. See below for all tour dates.
The Band’s 1976 Thanksgiving concert at the Winterland Ballroom in San Francisco
The Last Waltz Tour 2024 Dates & Locations
Saturday, October 19 – The Warfield, San Francisco, CA
Tuesday, October 22 – Revolution Concert House and Event Center, Boise, ID
Thursday, October 24 – Mission Ballroom, Denver, CO
Friday, October 25 – Boulder Theater, Boulder, CO
Saturday, October 26 – Vilar Performing Arts Center, Beaver Creek, CO
Tuesday, October 29 – Orpheum Theater, Omaha, NE
Wednesday, October 30 – Coronado Theatre, Rockford, IL
Friday, November 1 – The Louisville Palace, Louisville, KY
Saturday, November 2 – Brady Music Center, Cincinnati, OH
Monday, November 4 – Count Basie Center for the Arts, Red Bank, NJ
Wednesday, November 6 – Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
Thursday, November 7 – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
Friday, November 8 – The Capitol Theatre, Port Chester, NY
Saturday, November 9 – The Met Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA
Tuesday, November 12 – Orpheum Theatre, Boston, MA
From Set. 14-21, the Rockland County Jazz & Blues Society will host the Nyack Jazz Week with shows in Downtown Nyack and Piermont. The week will include the Nyack Jazz Festival presented by Maureen’s Jazz Cellar, as well as shows at The Turning Point in Piermont and Black Parakeetz in Nyack.
The Nyack Jazz Week never fails to create a good time and an exciting environment. The week will include plenty of art, food, and music offering something for everyone. There will be plenty of artisan vendors selling a variety of products, food trucks, and a wine and beer garden. The creative and beautiful town of Nyack is undeniably the perfect location for the week of jazz.
On Sept. 15 from 1-6 PM, The Nyack Jazz Festival will have about eight musicians participating throughout the day, including Swedish trombone player and multi-instrumentalist, Gunhild Carling. Saxophonist, Ravi Coltrane, who co-owns the label RKM Music, and is the son of the legendary John Coltrane, will also perform. Renowned jazz drummer Jeff “Tain” Watts along with David Budway, and Neal Caine will join Coltrane. Lastly, Middle Eastern jazz fusion band, Baklava Exress will perform various styles of genre-bending jazz.
Other shows include Gunhild Carling on Sept. 14, The Steve Slagle Quartet on Sept. 20, and Joe Lavano Quartet on Sept. 21 at Maureen’s Jazz Cellar. John Richmond’s Jam Session with guest Duane Eubanks on Sept. 16 and Scott Reeves Big Band on Sept. 19 will happen at The Turning Point. On Sept. 18, Shirley Crabbe will play at Black Parakeetz.
Chris Yacopino
To purchase tickets for the shows, inquire directly at the respective venues. For more information about the Nyack Jazz Festival, visit www.maureensjazzcellar.com.
Nyack Jazz Week 2024
Maureen’s Jazz Cellar- Nyack
Saturday, September 14 at 7 PM & 9 PM- Gunhild Carling with Idun Carling, David Budway, Neal Caine, and Daniel Glass
Sunday, September 15 at 1-6 PM- Nyack Jazz Festival
Grateful Dead pianist Tom Constanten has announced a farewell tour spanning September and October 2024. This tour alongside Live Dead & Brothers will give deadheads one last opportunity to see the legendary pianist live in concert. Among the tour dates are four performances across New York state.
Tom Constanten was born in Long Branch, New Jersey in 1944. Following enrollment at UC Berkeley, Constanten met future Grateful Dead bassist Phil Lesh, becoming further involved in music. This musical career soon led Constanten to study across Europe, playing alongside legends of modern classical, like Karlheinz Stockhausen and Steve Reich. Constanten then followed up his studies with a brief stint in the US Air Force.
Following his return to the US, Constanten immediately joined the Grateful Dead on tour. His debut with the band was a November 23, 1968 performance at Athens, Ohio’s Memorial Auditorium. During his three-year career with the band, Constanten played keyboards on three Grateful Dead recordings: Anthem of the Sun, Aoxomoxoa, and Live/Dead. Constanten’s stint with the Grateful Dead ended with an April 28, 1971 performance at the Fillmore East in New York.
Following his departure from the Grateful Dead, Constnaten remained close to his bandmates while pursuing other artistic endeavors. Since 1971, he has recorded alongside the Incredible String Band, Jefferson Starship, and more. In 1994, Constanten was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame alongside the other members of the Grateful Dead.
Tom Constanten alongside Jerry Garcia
Now, after more than five decades of touring, Constanten will make a final farewell tour across the United States. Supergroup Live Dead & Brothers will join Constanten on stage throughout the tour. The band consists of Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers collaborators, dedicated to celebrating Constanten’s legacy. Among the musicians are the Allman Betts Band’s Berry Duane Oakley and Les Dudek. Also featured are Grateful Dead collaborators Mark Karan, Scott Guberman, and Pete Lavezzolli.
The tour will begin on September 6th in Irving, Texas, before making its way Northeast. Along the two month-long tour, Constanten will make four stops across New York State. The first stop comes in Buffalo’s Sportsman’s Tavern on September 26th. Following this performance is a September 27th show at Albany’s Empire Live. The 1000-person venue features state-of-the-art lighting and sound equipment, and a large stage, making it one of Albany’s premier venues.
Constanten will return to New York on October 9th with a show at Canandaigua’s Fort Hill Performing Arts Center. The venue’s features a 387-person orchestral theater dating back to 1928. The venue’s impeccable sound makes it one of the top theaters in the Finger Lakes region. Constanten will close out his tour with an October 12th performance at Syracuse’s prolific Westcott Theatre.
Across these tour dates, Constanten and Live Dead & Brothers will perform an eclectic mix of rock, jazz, and blues. These shows will act as a testament to the legacy of the Grateful Dead and Allman Brothers catalogs, featuring their trademark improvisational jams.
Tickets for Constanten’s farewell tour shows are currently on sale. For more information on tickets, visit the link here.
Tom Constanten Tour Dates
9/6 – Carpenter Hall – Irving, TX
9/7 – Cailloux Theater – Kerrville, TX
9/17 – Perot Theatre – Texarkana, TX
9/18 – Cullen Theatre – Houston, TX
9/19 – Greenville Municipal Auditorium – Greenville. TX
9/20 – Globe-News Center for the Performing Arts – Amarillo, TX
9/26 – Sportsman’s Tavern – Buffalo, NY
9/27 – Empire Live – Albany, NY
9/28 – Pat Garrett Amphitheater – Strausstown, PA
9/29 – The Hamilton – Washington, DC
10/1 – Sellersville Theater – Sellersville, PA
10/2 – Beacon Theatre – Hopewell, VA
10/5 – Rams Head on Stage – Annapolis, MD
10/8 – The Empire – Belleville, ON
10/9 – Fort Hill Performing Arts Center – Canandaigua, NY
10/10 – Jergel’s Rhythm Grille – Warrendale, PA
10/11 – Tussey Mountain Amphitheatre – Boalsburg, PA
It was a night of sonic exploration and psychedelic virtuosity on Monday, August 12, when Les Claypool and the mighty Primus made their return to the Saratoga Performing Arts Center. In a concert experience that definitely did not suck, the music was as eclectic as it was electrifying. Along with the ageless and genre-defying Primus, the stacked bill also included the progressive rock grandeur of Coheed and Cambria, and the surreal cabaret experience of Puddles Pity Party. This unlikely combination of acts came together to create a night that was both surreal and unforgettable.
Here Come The Bastards: Primus frontman Les Claypool performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/12/24.
Primus has always been a band that defies categorization. Fronted by the inimitable Les Claypool, Primus burst onto the scene in the late 1980s, blending elements of funk, metal, punk, and experimental rock into a sound that is uniquely their own. Their music is characterized by complex rhythms, bizarre lyrical narratives, and, most notably, Claypool’s virtuoso bass playing. Over the years, Primus has cultivated a devoted following, attracting fans of both hard rock and improvised jams, their live shows are known for their deeply hypnotic grooves and intense, energetic peaks. At SPAC, Primus delivered a set that was both nostalgic and forward-looking. After taking the stage to their customary Danny Elfman / Pee Wee’s Big Adventure walkup theme known as “Clown Dream,” the band would immediately surprise fans with an unexpected sit-in from Puddles Pity Party, the 6’8” sad clown with the golden voice. Delighting fans with a powerful cover of the Dio classic “Holy Diver,” Primus and friends made it clear they weren’t clowning around in Saratoga, and to strap in for a rollercoaster ride of the unexpected.
Holy Diver: Primus opened the show with a little help from from Puddles Pity Party on 8/12/2024.
Following things up with the heavy-hitting 1993 Pork Soda favorite, “Nature Boy,” Claypool’s basslines were as thunderous as ever, and his off-kilter vocals added an extra layer of strangeness to the proceedings. “Golden Boy” would be lone song played from The Brown Album before “My Friend Fats” took the honors as first extended jam of night, giving guitarist Larry “Ler” LaLonde ample time to showcase his dizzying effects pallet and technical chops, while Claypool’s frantic finger work on the high notes echoed through the pavilion in the most surreal and satisfying way.
C’mon kiddies, gather round: Primus performing at Space on 8/12/2024.
As the lights dimmed between songs and the fog machine continued working overtime, a hooded figure emerged from the side of the stage. Clutching a glowing skull and presenting it to the crowd as if it processed mystical powers, the identity of the druid was soon revealed as Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria! Teaming up with Primus for the second surprise sit-in of the night, Sanchez’ distinct voice was perfectly suited for the cover of Rush’s “Cygnus X-1.” Bouncing back with the standout song of the night, a deep dive into “Professor Nutbutter’s House of Treats” had all the old school Primates savoring every second. The crowd, a mix of dedicated followers and curious newcomers, were fully engaged, swaying and headbanging to the complex grooves. The visual experience was equally impressive, with trippy, surrealist animations projected behind the band, adding to the sense of being on a musical journey through the weird and wonderful.
Claypool for President: Bassist Les Claypool performing at SPAC on 8/12/24. Would you vote for this man?
Taking a moment to acknowledge the audience, Claypool would remark that it’s been quite a long time since they last played this historic venue. Nostalgic fans were quick to remember the bands appearance at SPAC during the H.O.R.D.E. days in the late 90’s and their many appearances at the Palace Theatre in Albany in the years since, but indeed, it had been awhile since they’ve played a venue of this capacity. Interrupted by a fan requesting “Tommy the Cat,” Claypool would immediately shoot them down by saying, “Did you just say Tommy the Cat? That’s funny because that’s exactly what we’re not going to play.” Instead going with the crunchy punch of “Hamburger Train” anchored by the powerful hands of drummer Tim “Herb” Alexander. Leaving the stage and returning in a horse mask, Claypool would take to his electric standup bass for the particularly poignant cautionary tale of “Jilly’s on Smack.” Ending the tune on a repeating loop, the band created a dark ambience that felt like it could take you in any direction. Choosing once again to return to the Pork Soda era, “The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon (Fisherman’s Chronicles, Pt 3)” seamlessly picked up where Jilly left off. Sensing a bit of a shift in momentum, Primus would strike back next with one of their most iconic songs, “Jerry Was a Racecar Driver,” which was famously featured over and over on the original Tony Hawk’s Pro Skateboarder game. Sending fans into a frenzy every time he shouted “go!” the bolted down seats in the amphitheater where the only thing stopping a full-scale mosh pit from breaking out. Jerry would bring the main portin of the show to close and leave fans screaming for more.
House of Treats: Primus pleased the SPAC crowd with a tasty Professor Nutbutter on 8/12/24.
Returning for an encore and with lots of fan favorites still left on the table, Primus would select the title track of their latest EP, 2022’s “Conspiranoia,” which they also played their last time in town at the Palace Theatre. Going all in on the near twelve-minute jam, Claypool would march circles around the stage, stomping his feet to the songs monstrous bass lick while humorous soundbite samples of random conspiracy theories pipped over the PA. Segueing directly into the relentless rhythm of “Here Come the Bastards,” Primus would ultimately send fans home happy with one of their biggest hits, “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver.” A well-curated mix of classic tracks and deeper cuts, satisfying both long-time fans and newer listeners, Primus never disappoints.
Watch fan shot footage of Primus performing “Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver” in Saratoga Springs 8/12/24.
If Primus represents the quirky and experimental side of rock, Coheed and Cambria bring a sense of epic grandeur to the table. Formed in 1995, Coheed and Cambria are known for their sprawling, concept-driven albums that weave together elements of progressive rock, metal, and emo. Their music often tells the story of *The Amory Wars*, a science fiction narrative that spans multiple albums and has even been adapted into comic books.
Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/12/24.
At SPAC, Coheed and Cambria delivered a performance that was nothing short of cinematic. Frontman Claudio Sanchez’s soaring vocals and intricate guitar work were the perfect match for the band’s complex compositions. The set was a rollercoaster of emotions, with moments of quiet introspection giving way to explosive, arena-sized choruses. Tracks like “Welcome Home” and “The Suffering” were particular highlights, with the audience singing along passionately.
Coheed and Cambria opening for Primus on 8/12/24.
At one point, the band would pause to reflect on their history in the area, with multiple mentions of their early gigs at the since burned down Saratoga Winners venue, even dedicating one of their new songs to the man who booked them way back then. With a sound that still resonates all these years later, there was a noticeable contingent in the audience decked out in sci-fi and comic book-inspired attire, clearly long-time fans of the band and their intricate storylines. Coheed’s set was full of high energy, hair whips and bombastic solos, that at one point even saw Sanchez playing his double-neck guitar behind his head for added showmanship. For the beers drinkers in attendance, the band also brought along their limited edition IPA collaboration with Six Point Brewery called The Liars Club, inspired by the bands album Vaxis II: Window Of The Waking Mind.
Watch fan shot footage of Coheed and Cambria peforming “Welcome Home” at SPAC on 8/12/24.
Puddles Pity Party, the opening act of the evening, was perhaps the most surprising element of the night. For the uninitiated, Puddles Pity Party is the alter ego of Mike Geier, a 6’8” tall clown with a melancholy demeanor and a voice that can only be described as stunning. Puddles rose to fame through viral videos and appearances on America’s Got Talent, where his deep, emotive voice and unique takes on popular songs won him a legion of fans.
Puddles Pity Party performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/12/24.
At SPAC, Puddles Pity Party delivered a set that was both hilarious and deeply moving. Dressed in his trademark white clown costume, Puddles performed a mix of covers and original songs, each delivered with a combination of deadpan humor and genuine emotion. Highlights included his renditions of “Ring of Fire,” The Who’s “Pinball Wizard” and a version of Ozzy’s Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” mashed up with Adele’s “Let It Go.” After a transformative “Space Oddity” homage to David Bowie was met with resounding approval, things would get downright whacky as Puddles then professed his love for actor Kevin Costner in bizarre hybrid of “Stairway to Heaven” meets Celine Dion’s “My Heart Will Go On,” while images of the Costner 1995 Hollywood flop Waterworld projected onto the big screens. Suddenly, the music would bust into Metallica’s “One” for the high-intensity outro to a very fun set. The audience, initially unsure of what to expect, quickly warmed to the sad clown’s unique brand of entertainment. By the end of his set, there wasn’t a frown to be found.
Puddles Pity Party performing in Saratoga Springs on 8/12/24.
From die-hard Primus fans wearing vintage tour shirts to Coheed and Cambria followers letting their sci-fi geek flags fly, the audience was a melting pot of music lovers. The diversity in the crowd reflected the broad appeal of the evening’s acts, with each band bringing their own unique following to the venue. Despite the differences in musical taste and style, the atmosphere was one of mutual respect and shared enjoyment, with everyone there to appreciate the artistry on display. Whether you were there to witness Les Claypool’s bass wizardry, Claudio Sanchez’s epic storytelling, or Puddles’ deranged humor, there was something for everyone. Complete with surprise collaborations and stunning visuals, it was another spectacular night a SPAC and one that is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who attended.
Primus | August 12, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Clown Dream Intro, Holy Diver *, Nature Boy, Golden Boy, My Friend Fats, Cygnus X-1**, Professor Nutbutter’s House of Treats, Hamburger Train, Jilly’s on Smack, The Ol’ Diamondback Sturgeon (Fisherman’s Chronicles, Pt 3), Jerry Was a Racecar Driver.
Encore: Conspiranoia, Here Come the Bastards, Wynona’s Big Brown Beaver.
*Dio cover featuring Puddles Pity Party
**Rush cover featuring Claudio Sanchez of Coheed and Cambria.
Coheed and Cambria | August 12, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: In Keeping Secrets of Silent Easrth:3. Ten Speed (Of God’s Blood and Burial), The Willing Well I: Fuel for the Feeding End, Key Entity Extraction V: Sentry the Defiant, A Favor House Atlantic, Blindside Sunny, The Crowing, The Liars Club, Shoulders, Welcome Home.
Puddles Pity Party | August 12, 2024 | SPAC | Saratoga Springs, NY
Setlist: Ring of Fire, Pinball Wizard, Crazy Train > Let It Go, Space Oddity, Stairway to Heaven> My Heart Will Go On, One Outro.
