Author Archives: Matthew Belter

Avenged Sevenfold with special guests Falling in Reverse brought their explosive live show to the masses to the City of Angels on June 9th, 2023, delivering a night of high-octane rock that left the crowd speechless when the dust finally settled. Fans from all over the world, along with A7X friends and family, celebrated the triumphant return of one of the world’s most influential metal bands of our time and their first ever live performance at the Kia Forum in Inglewood. It was a show for the ages, kicking off their 2023 Life Is but a Dream Tour.

It’s been far to long since Avenged Sevenfold graced the stage here in Los Angeles, and lots have changed in the music business since that time including how we listen to music, where we buy it, and an ever increasing belief in music where “one size fits all.” Fortunately for us, A7X still holds true to a lifetime of unconventional approaches to the business and a constantly evolving sound that continues to push the envelope of musical boundaries. Their Friday night homecoming would highlight this premise in spades and the importance of this band in the industry today. Let’s dig in.

Falling in Reverse opened the show with a bombastic set that was full of energy and intensity. Their signature combination of punk, metal, and pop elements energized the crowd from the moment they took the stage. Lead vocalist Ronnie Radke’s charismatic stage presence was on full display as he engaged the audience with his unique vocals and commanding stage presence. The band played several fan favorites, including “Losing My Mind,” “The Drug in Me is You,” and “Popular Monster” which had the crowd singing along at the top of their lungs. My only concern with their abbreviated set: I wanted more!

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The House of Blues in San Diego was alight with energy and enthusiasm as metal fans gathered for a night to remember. Stryper, the iconic metal band known for their powerful music and unwavering faith, took the stage and delivered an unforgettable performance. From the thunderous opening notes to the final encore, Stryper’s concert was a testament to their musical talent, showmanship, and connection with their fans. After 40+ years, this band continues to get better with age.

Stryper’s unique style, powerful music, and devout Christian faith have made them one of the most beloved metal acts of all time, and their performance in San Diego didn’t disappoint. As typical with Stryper shows, the HOB was packed with fans eagerly waiting for the band to take the stage. From the moment the lights went down around 8pm, the energy in the room was palpable, and the crowd erupted with fists in the air as the band finally appeared on stage.

Stryper opened with “Sing Along Song,” a brilliant track off their 1986 album, To Hell With The Devil. Lead vocalist Michael Sweet delivered an outstanding vocal performance, hitting every note with precision and power. His vocals were complemented by the impressive guitar work (and background vocals) of Oz Fox, Perry Richardson’s driving bass lines, and of course brother Robert Sweet’s percussion genius behind the skins. These four complement each other in so many ways that are highlighted in an incredible stage presence that is second to none.

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Iconic rock band The Sisters of Mercy took the stage at the legendary Hollywood Palladium in Los Angeles on Wednesday night, and the sold-out show was truly a night to remember. From the moment the band stepped on stage, it was clear that they were here to deliver a performance that would be talked about for years to come. When the dust settled (and after an unannounced special guest appearance), the show ended up being that and a whole lot more. The Sisters are back and better than ever.

Wednesday’s 22-song setlist was a tour de force of The Sisters of Mercy’s greatest hits, featuring fan favorites like “Marian,” “Dominion / Mother Russia,” and “More.” Each song was delivered with raw power and emotion, as singer Andrew Eldritch prowled the stage with his trademark baritone growl. In addition, fans got to hear a handful of previously unreleased tracks including one of my new favorites, “Don’t Drive on Ice.” It’s an instant classic and one fans have been praising it since it was first performed live in April of last year.

Eldritch was a commanding presence throughout the performance, delivering his trademark vocals that were both haunting and powerful. His distinctive style has influenced countless musicians over the years, and it was clear that his fans still held him in the highest regard. The audience sang along with every word, their passion and devotion evident in every shout and fist pump. By the way the crowd was reacting, you might have thought they were magically transported back to 1984 during the First, Last, and Always Tour. Truly incredible.

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The Belasco in Los Angeles was incinerated on May 17th as industrial rock heavyweights KMFDM and special guests Chant took the stage for an unforgettable night of mind melting music that challenged the brain and stirred the soul. The sold-out show was a celebration of all things loud and aggressive, and fans from all walks of life were fired up to see Sascha Konietzko and company light up the stage in the City of Angels. Pound for pound, one of the best live performances I have seen in 2023.

Chant kicked off the night with their heavy, tribal sound, drawing the crowd in with driving rhythms and hypnotic vocals. The band’s intense energy was infectious, and it didn’t take long for the entire audience to be swept up in the pounding beats. Frontman Bradley Bills commanded the stage with his presence and soaring vocals, delivering a performance that was equal parts raw power and emotional intensity.

As the night went on, the energy in the room only continued to build. When KMFDM took the stage, the crowd erupted into an instant frenzy. The band wasted no time launching into their signature blend of industrial metal, punk, and techno, delivering hit after hit with relentless energy and precision. Singer Sascha Konietzko was a force to be reckoned with, prowling the stage and growling out lyrics with a ferocity that left no doubt about his dedication to the music and fans. This was gonna be fun!

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It was a night of heavy metal and headbanging at the Kia Forum where three incredible bands took the stage for an unforgettable concert billed as The Mega-Monsters Tour. Wednesday’s lineup was headlined by French progressive metalers Gojira, supported by the legendary Mastodon, and the up-and-coming deathcore outfit Lorna Shore. Each band brought their unique flavor of metal to the stage, resulting in an electrifying evening of music that fans won’t soon forget.

Lorna Shore kicked off the night with a ferocious set, showcasing their blend of deathcore and black metal influences. The New Jersey-based band was able to captivate the audience with their intense energy and brutal breakdowns, setting the tone for the night. Vocalist Will Ramos commanded the stage with his menacing growls and shrieks as the band ripped through songs like “Cursed to Die” and “Into the Earth.”

Mastodon took to the stage next, and immediately had the audience on their feet. With their iconic sound combining elements of sludge, progressive, and psychedelic metal, Mastodon graced us with some of their biggest hits such as “Circle of Cysquatch” and “Blood and Thunder.” The Atlanta based band played a lengthy set, including some of their lesser-known songs like “Crystal Skull” and “Sultan’s Curse.” Many new fans were impressed by the band’s ability to put on a show that was both heavy and melodic.

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For those who thought that Muse was becoming an afterthought in the expansive world of alternative rock, think again. On a brisk April evening in Anaheim, Matt Bellamy, Chris Wolstenholme, and Dominic Howard heated things up in front of a near-capacity crowd at the Honda Center. This show had everything—crazed fans, tons of pyro and confetti, and a diverse setlist that took the audience on a crazy journey highlighting Muse’s incredible 30-year career.

I love live music and have seen thousands of bands perform on stage since my first concert back in 1986. Some bands have incredible studio albums, but fall short of expectations while performing their hits in front of an audience. Others suffer from the opposite effect—their albums are average at best but kill it when they fire it up under the bright lights. I would consider Muse a unicorn that excels at both and have done so since their inception back in 1994. Their live shows are like no other and set a standard for what a true rock show should look and feel like—on all levels. They are truly the real deal.

Opening for Muse on Wednesday night was one of my favorite bands, Evanescence. Fronted by the brilliant Amy Lee, Evanescence immediately put a stranglehold on the Honda Center and didn’t let go throughout a condensed (yet impressive) 14-song set. Right out of the gate, fans witnessed the incredible stage presence of Amy (vocals), Tim McCord (guitar), Will Hunt (drums), Troy McLawhorn (guitar), and Emma Anzai (bass) as they slayed “Going Under,” “End of the Dream,” and “My Immortal.” Their set was like something out of a dream that highlighted the very best of Evanescence since their initial release Fallen in 2003. The set ended with “Bring Me To Life”—accompanied by Johnny Stevens of Highly Suspect—and with arguably their most recognizable song, and they killed it.

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On a chilly Sunday night in the City of Angels, Theory of a Deadman, Skillet, and Saint Asonia joined forces and collectively blew the roof off the iconic Wiltern Theater on their final stop of the 2023 Rock Resurrection Tour. While different in many respects, each band brought their own unique brand to the stage and wowed the near-capacity crowd for three full hours of mind-blowing rock and roll mayhem. Needless to say, this one lived up to all the hype and ended up being one of my favorite live shows this year.

Kicking off Sunday night’s show was a super-group out of Toronto called Saint Asonia. Featuring ex-Three Days Grace singer Adam Gontier and former Staind guitarist Mike Mushok, with Cale Gontier on bass and Cody Watkins on drums, the quartet immediately kicked it in to over drive with a short but powerful set for the 30 minutes they had on stage. Highlights were a few Three Days Grace covers, “Never Too Late” and “I Hate Everything About You,” along with my favorite of the evening, “Let Me Live My Life.” A solid set for sure and a band I definitely want to dig into more in the weeks ahead.

Next up was Skillet, and I was pumped to catch these cats live for the very first time. Husband and wife duo John Cooper (bass) and Korey Cooper (rhythm guitar) were joined on stage by powerhouse Jen Ledger (drums) and Seth Morrison (lead guitar) for a 14-song set that highlighted in spades why this band is so amazing.

From the moment they launched into “Feel Invincible,” it was evident that this band loved playing together as each had smiles from ear to ear from the get-go. Their stage presence was incredible and it oozed out in songs like “Comatose” and “Monster.” Final song, “The Resistance” was by far the most powerful of the set, and by that time had everyone screaming along with fists in the air as their time came crashing to an end. Can’t wait to see Skillet again soon—they were 100% the real deal.

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Queensrÿche’s show on Sunday night was anything but ordinary. They dug deep into their war chest and dazzled fans with a 16-song set consisting of new material, classics, and some deep cuts rarely heard live. With support from guitar virtuoso Marty Friedman and thrash metal legends Trauma, the show went down as one of my favorite top to bottom bills in years. If you can catch the Digital Noise Alliance Tour in your town, do so. All three bands are simply brilliant.

I’ve been following Queensrÿche since the early ’80s and have seen every incarnation of the band live in some way, shape or form. With only a few remaining originals in the current line up—Michael Wilton on guitar and Eddie Jackson on bass—one could think the band was nothing more than a glorified cover band at best. This couldn’t be further from truth. With Todd La Torre on vocals, Casey Grillo on drums, and Mike Store on rhythm guitar, Queensrÿche is continuing to push its boundaries with fantastic new music and live performances that are second to none.

Opening up Sunday night’s festivities were Bay Area thrash metal legends, Trauma. Outside of Kris Gustofson on drums (an original member of the band formed in 1982), the remaining lineup—Steve Robello on lead guitar, Brian Allen on lead vocals, Michael Spenser on bass, and Casey Trask on rhythm guitar—are fairly new to the line-up but lend their musical talents well to Trauma’s amazing legacy. My favorite tracks from a quick opening set included “From Here to Hell,” “Walk Away,” and “Death of the Angel.” While an interesting add to this tour, their intense performance captured fans from the first note and never let go.

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After two full hours of insanity courtesy of The Flaming Lips, it immediately became clear how incredibly talented this band actually is. From unicorns in the audience to inflatable robots on stage, Wayne Coyne and company left it all on the table in front of a near-capacity crown at the House of Blues in Anaheim on Tuesday night. The Flaming Lips performance was a psychedelic whirlwind to say the least, and ultimately left fans yearning for more when the show finally came to a crashing halt. This show was trippy, strange, and probably one of the most incredible live performances I have seen in years.

Make no mistake, I have gone to thousands of concerts over the years and have seen just about everything—small clubs, large arenas, costumes, flames. You name it, I’ve seen it. Well, that premise was turned on its head on Tuesday night when I covered my first Flaming Lips show. I was told walking in there was no opener, I’d get to shoot the first 6 songs, and to be ready for, well, the unexpected. Little did I know that this show would be more than just a bit unexpected, it was flat out wild.

Opening with “Sagittarius Silver Announcement,” lead vocalist Wayne Coyne kicked off The Flaming Lips’ set inside an 8’ transparent ball. Fans against the rail went absolutely crazy as he crooned and swooned to the beat while massive cannons blasted confetti into a now rabid audience. Flanked by dual drummers Matt Duckworth Kirksey and Nicholas Ley (both with fluorescent green hair, I might add), Coyne mesmerized the crowd from inside of his ball as he launched into “Silver Trembling Hands.” The remainder of the band, including Steven Drozd (guitars), Derek Brown (keys), and Tommy McKenzie (bass), immediately kicked into overdrive and never looked back across a 21-song, two hour acid trip of sorts.

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In front of a hometown, Santo-infused crowd, Sammy Hagar & The Circle rolled into Agua Caliente on Saturday night and set the place ablaze with an 18-song set that captured the pure essence of Hagar’s legendary 50+ year career. It was, to say the least, a masterclass in rock’n’roll courtesy of Hagar, Michael Anthony, Vic Johnson, and Jason Bonham. Each were in rare form and delivered what many Redheads considered their finest live performance in years. With no signs of slowing down any time soon, Sammy Hagar & The Circle proved once again to another sold-out crowd that “There’s only one way to rock!”

I’ve been following Sammy Hagar since I was a teenager. He’s a local legend in the Inland Empire (he’s a Fontana native) and has always gone out of his way to ensure his hometown fans are well taken care of. That said, I’ve seen him countless times over the years and have never (and I mean never) seen him phone in a show or bring less than 100% to a live performance. Saturday night was no exception, and in front of a sold-out arena at the Agua Caliente Casino, Sammy & The Circle brought the heat once again.

Opening up on Saturday night was Andrew Hagar & The Midnight Suns. While the name should sound familiar (yes—he’s Sammy’s son), this band is not a novelty act by any means. Instead, it’s a killer quartet comprised of insanely talented musicians: Andrew Hagar (vocals), Joey Ariemma (guitar), Gregg Cash (bass), and Devin “The Sack” Lebsack (drums) who live and breathe the very music they play. This high-octane crew is 100% bad-ass and whipped up the Palm Springs crowd into a frenzy with a killer eight-song set list compromised of new releases, some older original tunes, and even a few covers courtesy of Stone Temple Pilots and Alice in Chains. Their set alone was worth the price of admission, and am looking forward to how high their star will rise in the not-so-distant future.

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With nearly 50,000 fans in attendance over a glorious three-day weekend, concertgoers from around the world made the pilgrimage to Cali Vibes to bear witness to musical royalty such as Snoop Dogg, Jack Johnson, and Rebelution.

Seasoned with amazing food, tasty drinks, and near perfect weather, the festival skyrocketed to a whole new level in the heart of LBC courtesy of Silverback Music and Goldenvoice. From its humble beginnings in the shadow of the Queen Mary to its new home at Marina Green Park, Cali Vibes has quickly catapulted itself from a small regional reggae event to one of the premiere outdoor music festivals in the US. Take it from me, this is one event you will want to circle on your calendar for years to come.

I’ve been fortunate to attend the Cali Vibes festival (and its predecessor One Love) since its humble beginnings in the parking lot of The Observatory OC in Santa Ana back in 2016. It’s evolved greatly since that time and has quickly become one of the premiere music festivals in the US, regardless of genre. I’ve attended countless shows and festivals over the years, s0 it’s easy for me to validate the claim as I’ve been to the majority of these events nationwide. Silver Back Music and Goldenvoice pull out all the stops to ensure fans are treated to the very best Long Beach has to offer, and 2023 Cali Vibes was no exception.

As a Long Beach resident, I was a huge fan of moving the festival to Marina Green Park from Harry Bridges Memorial Park next to the Queen Mary. Parking is plentiful in downtown Long Beach and it’s a short walk down Pine St. to the festival entrance. With enhancements to online ticketing—along with a streamlined check in / security process—entry to the festival was a snap.

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The OGs of thrash metal just took it to a new level on Sunday night at City National Grove in Anaheim. With support from Black Label Society and Exodus, Anthrax destroyed their 12-song set in front of another sold-out crowd for what arguably may have been their best live performance in years. Scott, Charlie, Frank, Joey, and Jon put on a clinic for Anthrax faithful, and by doing so reaffirmed their rightful spot atop the altar of metal.

I love myself a solid metal show. While there are many to choose from, few are able to deliver live in ways that leave fans literally unconscious after a full night of moshing. On Sunday night, Anthrax rolled into town in support of their 40th Anniversary Tour and did just that in front of a capacity crowd. Joined by the legendary Black Label Society and Exodus, the three bands tag teamed to provide a killer night of metal mayhem that won’t soon be forgotten.

First on the docket we’re none other than the Bay Area’s very own, Exodus. While drummer Tom Hunting is the only original member of the band (circa 1979), there is no dropoff in quality when surrounded by metal icons: guitarist Gary Holt, vocalist Steve “Zetro” Souza, bassist Jack Gibson, and guitarist Lee Altus. These legends were straight fire, showcasing their ballistic wares with an abbreviated set including “Blood In, Blood Out,” “The Toxic Waltz,” and my favorite, “Strike of the Beast.” Taking a quick breather after this set, I was crushed by the power of Exodus and still to this moment have a ringing in my ears that won’t go away.

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Last Friday night’s REO Speedwagon show was nothing short of spectacular and renewed my faith that good-old fashioned rock and roll music is alive and well in 2023. Joined by Sir, Please, Kevin Cronin and company transported fans back in time with 16 classic tracks that had everyone in attendance singing and dancing all night long. It was the perfect setlist to welcome in the new year at Yaamava Theater, one of the newest and coolest live music venues in Southern California.

Looking to start out 2023 with a bang, I decided to hit up Yaamava Theater for the first time and rock out with arguably one of the most prolific and long-standing classic rock acts on the planet, REO Speedwagon. Joined by thousands of REO faithful, I made my way through the beautiful Yaamava Casino and entered the theater for what I anticipated to be one hell of a rock and roll show. Fans were smiling, beer was flowing, and I knew Friday’s show would be one for the ages. Let’s dig in.

Kicking off the festivities in Highland was a killer quartet from Agoura Hills known affectionately as Sir, Please. While their unassuming nature might catch you off guard, this band of brothers brought their “A” game to with a killer set that blended their own hits with classic covers in a fun and funky way that really hit home with the masses. While they only had time for a handful of songs, I was blown away by tracks like “Different,” “Dance With Me,” and “If I Run.” I’d seen Sir, Please many years ago at one of their first performances and they have really evolved into a well-oiled machine with a super clean sound, unique style, and amazing stage presence. Catch em’ if you can live as these cats are poised for greatness in the not-so-distant future.

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