I’ve been waiting for a guide to come and take me by the hand / Could these sensations make me feel the pleasures of a normal man? / New sensations bear the innocence, leave them for another day / I’ve got the spirit, lose the feeling, take the shock away
It’s getting faster, moving faster now, it’s getting out of hand / On the tenth floor, down the backstairs into no man’s land / Lights are flashing, cars are crashing, getting frequent now / I’ve got the spirit, lose the feeling, let it out somehow
Meditation is my medication. Ten to twenty minutes of “nada” really helps me get through the day.
Are you watching White Lotus? As the “head monk” said with a smile, “Hello thoughts, goodbye thoughts.”
Have you tasted the finest of trout oh no / Half-asleep in a log-burning house oh no / With your feet flopping over the couch oh no / Oh no
Like Mighty Joe Moon there is no controlling him / Drive off a bridge if he choose to swim / Mighty Joe Moon can’t prevent what is heaven sent / Joe can’t control where his money goes / He’s Mighty Joe
When asked if he hated white people, Miles Davis simply said, “Not all the time.” Dig it.
It’s springtime. Dodgers and Crespi Celts are crushing baseball and tonight I’m having dinner with some very old friends. For this “Idelic selector,” it’s a time to take in March madness with a bit of sunshine and a grin.
Wrapping up the US leg of the Aftercare World Tour, Nessa Barrett graced The Wiltern with two sold-out nights of heartfelt lyrics, angelic vocals, and an unforgettable connection with her fans.
Bathed in a white light, the ethereal vibes were in full effect as the 22-year-old singer took to the stage, met with deafening screams from her youthful fans and a parade of raised phones to capture her entrance. With many audience members even dressed in similar outfits to Barrett, it was clear that her influence went beyond just the music—she’s quickly become a style and cultural icon to her devoted following. The energy in the room was electric, with fans singing along to every word, completely immersed in the emotional journey Barrett took them on throughout the night.
Bringing themes of empowerment, heartache, and accountability to the spotlight, the rising artist poured her soul into every performance, delivering each note with a raw vulnerability that resonated deeply with the crowd. From anthems of resilience like “dying on the inside” to haunting ballads of lost love “i hope ur miserable until ur dead,” her setlist took fans on an emotional rollercoaster, seamlessly blending moments of pain and healing into a captivating narrative.
Rising to fame on TikTok—and quickly garnering over 500 million likes on the platform—Barrett has successfully transitioned from social media sensation to bona fide pop star. Her ability to channel personal struggles into relatable, heartfelt music has truly cemented her place as a voice for her generation.
Bury me at sea / Where no murdered ghost can haunt me / If I rock upon the waves / And no corpse can lie upon me
Let me go, boys, let me go, boys / Let me go down in the mud, where the rivers all run dry
If I should fall from grace with God / Where no doctor can relieve me / If I’m buried in the sand / But the angels won’t receive me
Let me go, boys, let me go, boys / Let me go down in the mud, where the rivers all run dry
Did you happen to catch the blood eclipse last night? I was excited to watch it unfold as I cut this week’s Idelic Hour. In the end, the event was more “brown” than “blood” red. To be honest I woke up thinking that today was St. Patrick’s Day. Well such is 2025.
In truth, my listening has been more “cold and rainy” post Britpop and cowboy than Irish. This said, any chance to listen to Shane MacGowan—“Poguetry” takes me back. The two of us had similar taste in fashion. Leather wristbands, big rings, and leather vests. I remember him taking off his shirt at my restaurant The Olive. He wanted to trade it for my vest. It took many drinks to make him understand that I was hanging onto my leather.
Dishing up nostalgia with a hearty dose of empowerment, JoJo’s sold-out performance at The Wiltern served as a tribute to the past and a reminder to embrace the future.
Breaking onto the music scene in 2003, the singer-songwriter’s Los Angeles stop on the Too Much to Say Tour was proof her music still resonates just as deeply as it did two decades ago. Bringing the house to its feet with powerhouse vocals, heartfelt emotion, and a surprise guest, she delivered a performance that was as electrifying as it was intimate.
From the moment she stepped onto the stage, JoJo commanded the audience’s attention, opening with 2025 bop “Nobody” from her 2025 EP “NGL.” With an all-female band and themes of empowerment woven throughout the night, she set the tone for an evening that celebrated strength, growth, and authenticity.
Known for her undeniable talent and resilience in the industry, JoJo transitioned seamlessly through her discography of hits, even treating the audience to a cover of SZA’s 2017 smash “Love Galore.” Stopping to address the audience, JoJo welcomed Grammy Award winning artist and personal friend, Tori Kelly to the stage—a sentence that was met with deafening screams as the duo took a seat. Delivering a cover of SWV’s “Weak,” the two vocalists soared through the song, their voices blending together as if they were perfectly crafted to harmonize.
Fools in love / Are there any creatures more pathetic / Fools in love / Never knowing when they’ve lost the game / Everything you do / Everywhere you go now / Everything you touch / Everything you feel / Everything you see / Everything you know now / Everything you do
This week was a bit frustrating. I don’t ever recall getting political in this column. I’m just gonna say, I’m gonna try and not be a fool and get dumped by the bullshit streaming across my Flipboard, socials, and TV.
Are we in the middle of a con game? Try and keep your head straight with a few songs that talk about fools.
Last time I saw him we weren’t really talking / He said / “Hey, how’re you living? How’s life been treating you?” / Was at the Good Luck Bar before they closed down / About a month before I left town
Oh, how we drift away from our friends / And the ones back home pay remembrance / You can take me out of your phone / If you come looking I won’t be home
The lyric above fits me this week. Many of my afternoons were filled with long chats with old friends. I’ve always been annoyed by how quickly February comes to an end. It’s almost become disorienting when I’m up working late nights.
For some reason, people are sending me birthday texts. It’s nice, but it was Mario C’s birthday, not mine. We sat around, ate Brazilian food, and talked about the days of Beck and the Beasties and late-morning courtyard coffee. And our kids and our hope for them.
Dream Theater unleashed a prog-metal masterclass at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood on Saturday night, igniting their 40th Anniversary Tour with a sonic vengeance. The reunited quintet—featuring the triumphant return of drummer Mike Portnoy alongside James LaBrie, John Myung, John Petrucci, and Jordan Rudess—delivered a sprawling, jaw-dropping set that blended vintage classics with razor-sharp precision, proving why they remain titans of the genre. Under the venue’s pulsing lights, fans were swept into a whirlwind of intricate riffs, soaring vocals, and mind-bending time signatures, marking a night that redefined anniversary celebrations with unrelenting energy and nostalgia-fueled fury.
The second that Bernard Herrmann’s “Prelude” spilled out of the speakers, dripping with cinematic swagger, you knew Dream Theater was about to blow the roof off. As lights dimmed and the curtain dropped, we were off to the races with John Petrucci’s all too familiar riff on “Metropolis Pt. 1.” It hit like a lightning strike, and singled these prog-metal kings were taking the City of Angels by storm and were not going to be messing around. What would span three epic hours, they unleashed a sonic assault on a now capacity crowd, proving to all in attendance why they still reign supreme.
Petrucci’s guitar on Saturday night was a true magic carpet ride—shredding intricate riffs one minute, then melting hearts with solos that hit you right in the feels. Jordan Rudess worked the keys like a mad genius, splashing “Overture 1928” with vibes so lush you could swim in ‘em. And Mike Portnoy? That dude’s legendary drumming was a full-on spectacle—hypnotic beats morphing into explosive chaos. Catchy? Hell yeah—this was a masterclass with a pulse.
Love her / And tell her each day / That girl needs to know / Tell her so / Tell her everything I couldn’t say / Like she’s warm / And she’s sweet / And she’s fine / Oh, love her / Like I should have done
It really wasn’t until deep into the week that I realized today is Valentine’s Day. As a holiday it’s a mixed bag. It can be sexy, fun, and romantic—but just as easily, bitter and lonely.
It was actually my years owning bars, clubs, and restaurants that brought on my love for making “mix tapes,” which in turn became the urge to DJ on the radio (KCRW) which became my obsession (call it diary) we know as The Idelic Hour.
The House of Blues transformed into a vibrant time capsule on Saturday night, as ’80s new wave icons Howard Jones and ABC were set to take the stage for a sold-out show brimming with excitement and neon-lit nostalgia. Fans from every generation, from lifelong devotees to curious newcomers, filled the iconic venue, ready to celebrate the timeless energy of an incredible era in music. After a brilliant set by ABC, the night took an unexpected turn when a significant gas leak at the Anaheim GardenWalk forced the evening to unravel in ways no one in attendance could have anticipated. What began as a celebration of music and memories quickly became a surreal and chaotic experience that left many wishing they could rewind the night in its entirety.
Opening for Howard Jones and ABC was the true Godfather of ’80s music, Richard Blade. He has been involved with New Wave music since its inception and is known for promoting bands like Billy Idol, Duran Duran, and Depeche Mode during tenures on the World Famous KROQ and Video One. Blade’s 45-minute set included a history of 1st Wave music, highlighting the importance of bands like Kraftwerk, OMD, and U2. He shared stories about each band and showed original videos, which engaged the audience and encouraged crowd participation. Like many, I had actual goosebumps throughout his New Wave history lesson and couldn’t help smiling and dancing the whole way through.
After a brief intermission, Blade one again took center stage and introduced a band that really needed no introduction, the legendary ABC. The 13-song masterclass opened with a bang as the unmistakable synth intro to “When Smokey Sings” filled the air. Fry, clad in a slick gold suit that shimmered under the lights, walked out to deafening cheers. His commanding presence and smooth baritone instantly captivated the now packed room. Though four decades removed from the release of their iconic album The Lexicon of Love, Fry proved he still commands an undeniable aura of charm and sophistication.
ABC’s performance on Saturday night was tight, polished, and every bit as lush as one would hope. Supported by a talented ensemble of amazing musicians, the sound was clean, layered, and provided a perfect balance between the nostalgic warmth of the ’80s production style and a crisp modern edge. Songs like “(How to Be a) Millionaire” and “Tears Are Not Enough” had the crowd swaying and singing along, their infectious melodies rekindling memories for long-time fans and introducing newcomers to the magic of ABC. “Poison Arrow” was one of my favorites from the set and was absolute perfection.
The House of Blues in Anaheim vibrated with raw energy on a frosty night as guitar legend, activist, and father Tom Morello took the stage for a gripping 21-song set in front of a near capacity crowd on the Gardenwalk in Anaheim. The packed venue raged with anticipation and were all drawn together for an evening of fiery riffs, thunderous percussion, and unapologetic passion. It wasn’t just a concert; it was a seismic experience, a sweaty, joyous communion between performers and crowd that turned the intimate venue into ground zero for pure musical resistance.
Seven Hours After Violet kicked off the night with a bang, their haunting yet hard-hitting sound laying the foundation for what was to come. This up-and-coming band (led by legendary System of a Down Bassist Shavo Odadjian) brought a fascinating mix of dreamy, reverb-soaked melodies intertwined with grittier, alt-rock rhythms.
Lead singer Taylor Barber held the crowd’s attention with soaring vocals and raw emotion, while the tight rhythm section brought songs like “Sunrise” and “Radiance” to life. Especially memorable was their closing track, an anthemic “Feel” that crescendoed into a wall of sound, leaving the crowd begging for more. The band’s chemistry was palpable, and their energy super contagious, making them the perfect warm-up for what was about to come.
The roar that greeted Tom Morello as he stepped onto the stage was deafening, and for good reason. The living legend wasted no time, launching into “Soldier in the Army of Love” with the kind of precision and power that only years of mastery can bring. More incredible was watching his son Roman playing alongside his pops for what can only be described as memorable and jaw-dropping. This guy is amazing, and well on his way to his own incredible success in the family business as his career takes off. It was so fun watching him play with a reckless abandon that and reminded me of Tom’s start 30+ years ago here in So Cal. Watch out for Roman Morello, this young man is definitely going places!
It’s cold outside / And the paint’s peeling off of my walls / There’s a man outside / In a long coat, grey hat, smoking a cigarette
Now the light fades out / And I wonder what I’m doing in a room like this / There’s a knock on the door / And just for a second I thought I remembered you
So now I’m alone / Now I can think for myself / About little deals and S.U’s / And things that I just don’t understand / Like a white lie that night / Or a sly touch at times / I don’t think it meant anything to you
Finally, the dark days of winter have hit LA. Our floorboards are cold, but I guess we needed it. Our Jonah was home much of the week fighting the flu. Honestly, LA feels like a struggle right now, but all said, the sun is peaking out.
A few old songs to keep hope alive, mixed with a grip of new releases. After all the show…must…must…
Love will call / When you’ve got enough under your arms / Oh oh, mah-mah / Love will call / Love will make you fit it all in the car / Oh oh, mah-mah / Something will take you by your pants and / Swing you over its head and kick you back and forth
Watching the bells, watching the lights / What I want is far away / Talk to the moon, flatten her down / And make her watch the wind all night / She can wait
I’m still thanking the lucky stars it rained last weekend. In fact, it hailed like crazy. Every time I see hail I flash to back to a teen moment sitting with friends around those stone chess tables in Central Park as the sky turned a charcoal gray. We bolted to the east, just making it to the shelter of Baskin Robbins on Madison Ave.
Oh man, the “golf balls” from the sky will fuck a kid up.
On January 23, 2025, the walls of the House of Blues shook under the force of pure heavy metal mayhem. Metal Allegiance, the ultimate supergroup of metal luminaries, delivered an unbelievable performance that set Anaheim ablaze on a chilly Thursday evening in downtown Disney. The air was electric as a near sold-out crowd was ready to immerse itself in a night of unrelenting energy, metal fellowship, and sonic thunder. From the first crushing riff to the final encore, this wasn’t just a concert—it was a communion of metalheads paying tribute to the genre that defined a generation.
The evening began with three heavy hitters that each brought something different to the Metal Allegiance bill. Lost Legacy opened and immediately roared to life with raw power, delivering a set packed with fiery intensity and booming riffs that reminded me of classic ’80s metal, reminiscent of bands like Krokus and Accept. Wicked was up next, and they didn’t just take the stage—they owned it. Their sound and look took me back to Poison’s early days, and I just couldn’t get enough of it. Ottto wrapped up pre-festivities and shook the House of Blues with a crunchy metal that was a perfect segway to the night’s main attraction. By the time their final note rang out, the crowd was whipped into a frenzied storm of headbanging, fully primed for the spectacle that was about to unfold—the mighty Metal Allegiance.
When the lights dimmed and Metal Allegiance stormed the stage, the energy in the room surged to another level. Opening with the ferocious “Pledge of Allegiance,” they immediately set a tone of unrelenting aggression and technical brilliance. The chemistry among the lineup of seasoned legends was impossible to ignore—each member brought their unique talents to the forefront, creating a synergy that no single metal band could replicate.
Alex Skolnick was a runaway highlight, his guitar wizardry leaving the crowd utterly spellbound. Whether shredding through face-melting solos or locking into chugging rhythms, his performance was a masterclass in guitar heroics. There were jaw-dropping moments during tracks like Van Halen’s “Light up the Sky” where his dexterity and fluidity had the audience scrambling to capture videos of his epic EVH solo. I love the passion Skolnick plays with—simply an incredible guitarist and even better person off the stage.
