Ba ba-blah / Blah blah / Blah blah / Blah blah / Something about books / Did you see see the petrol prices, I am totally shook / We don’t care about that / We don’t care about that / Stop talking / Shhhhh-shut up
And yes, the final Idelic Hour episode of 2024. What a year, what a life, what a rock ‘n’ roll journey! A good amount of new wax and song. I’m thanking my lucky stars in all directions.
Thanks to Jon Meyers. I believe 2025 might be year 15? Fuck me! But thanks Jon for allowing me to share music. My years on this planet have taught me music connects me to my “soul,” and a lonely soul is… lonely.
The Helping Hands Concert & Auction held at the YouTube Theater in Inglewood on Friday night, was a truly unique benefit show infused with musical brilliance and heartfelt generosity. This year’s event, MC’d by none other than Jimmy Kimmel, honored two incredible charitable organizations—Montana Pool Service, founded by Pearl Jam’s very own Jeff Ament, and Homeboy Industries, led by Father Greg Boyle. Those lucky enough to attend this star-studded event were treated to live sets by Metallica, Sammy Hagar & Friends, and SistaStrings. The crowd, a mix of rock purists and charity supporters, was electric, creating an ambiance charged with insane energy and a one-of-a-kind communal spirit.
From the moment the first note rang out from SistaStrings opening set, YouTube Theater immediately proved its reputation as one of the most state-of-the-art venues on the planet today. With its impeccable acoustics and sleek design, every sound resonated by sisters Chauntee and Monique Ross immersed the ever growing crowd into the very core of their performance that evening. While only playing five songs, their set was just what the doctor ordered as the theater began to fill. It included a number of their hits including “Beautiful Reckoning” and Goodbye,” along with an incredible cover of Simon and Garfunkel’s “Bridge Over Troubled Water.”
Next up was Sammy Hagar & Friends and they immediately kickstarted the night with an ass-kicking performance that was nothing short of brilliant. This “Best of All Worlds” lineup featured bassist Michael Anthony, guitarist Joe Satriani, and drummer Kenny Aronoff. True to form, Sammy Hagar cranked up the energy to eleven as he worked through a dynamic selection of his hits that spanned his legendary 50+ year career.
The 10-song set opened with Van Halen’s “Good Enough,” and it was immediately clear that this band was ready for business on Friday night. Renditions of Montrose’s “Rock Candy” and Hagar’s 1982 classic “Heavy Metal” were sheer perfection, while Chickenfoot’ s “Big Foot” and “Oh Yeah” were jaw droppers for sure. The performance ended with “I Can’t Drive 55,” and capped off arguably one of the best Hagar shows I have seen in years. This guy is legend.
After a millennia of good times / God said “Hey now, let’s have a dream” / Where we raise the stakes a little / Come on let’s make things interesting / Parachute into the Anthropocene / An amnesiac, a himbo Ken doll / I guess time just makes fools of us all
This is the day! Well, my day anyway. The 13th yep, and once in a blue moon it comes on a Friday. So I will continue to indulge my magical taste in music discovery and share my favorite 25 Idelic Hits of 2024.
Thanks again to all of these great artists for making and performing cool shit in 2024.
It’s a losing battle, tryin’ to be sane / It leaves me tired and listless / If I’m gonna jump in front of a train / I’ll wait till after christmas / don’t wanna overstay my welcome / don’t wanna overstay my welcome
It’s a brilliant day in LA today. Hope you all had a warm and safe turkey weekend.
As tradition dictates, bloggers hand out their year end “Best of” lists. Yes, I know this is pretty much the same rap I’ve spewed year after year on the same Friday. Yes, and pretty much everyone reading this has their Spotify Wrapped. Yep, I’m fascinated by my own magical taste in music discovery.
Does anything going into 2025 matter? As a matter of fact, some shit really does and hopefully these songwriters will help me figure it out. So for the next couple weeks I’ll be celebrating the songs of those musicians I felt inspired to listen to.
Some bands crank out hits, and others create memories—Night Ranger does both. With their recent high-octane performance at the City National Grove in Anaheim, the legendary rockers delivered a show packed with energy, nostalgia, and musical precision that left fans screaming for more after the final bow on Thursday night. From the moment the lights dimmed and the first chords blasted through the venue, it was clear this wasn’t just a replay of past glories; it was a celebration of timeless rock done right. Simply put, it was Night Ranger at its finest.
Launching into the set with “You Can Still Rock in America,” Night Ranger immediately set the tone for the night—a love letter to ’80s rock, but with a vitality that felt very much alive in the here and now. The crowd, a mix of die-hard fans and new generations experiencing the band for the first time, roared their approval as the anthem filled The Grove’s intimate, yet electric atmosphere. You could tell that this show was going to be something special, as each band member was all smiles from ear to ear the moment they took the stage. It was the quintessential definition of stage presence, and one mastered over countless decades of touring around the world.
Jack Blades, the band’s charismatic frontman and bassist, worked the crowd masterfully, balancing powerhouse vocals with playful banter that made everyone in the room feel like part of the show. I’ve always been a fan of Blades incredible vocal range, and it was on full display and in perfect pitch all night long. Brad Gillis, Night Ranger’s original guitar wizard, was also in top form, shredding in ways that were both technically breathtaking and emotionally charged. His solos throughout the evening were a jaw-dropping highlight, an electrifying exchange of skill and passion that underscored why he is so beloved by so many, all around the world.
Oh, when you’re smilin’ / When you’re smilin’ / The whole world smiles with you, baby / Yes, when you’re laughin’ / Oh, when you’re laughin’ / The sun comes shinin’ through
But when you’re cryin’ / You bring on the rain / So stop your sighin’, baby / And be happy again
Yes, and keep on smilin’ / Keep on smilin’, baby / And the whole world smiles with you
I love how a song can absolutely transport me to a moment in time. I was driving the other day and The Dream Syndicate came on the radio. Hearing Steve Wynn’s voice went straight to my veins. It’s wasn’t long before I was digging through crates for my copy of The Days Of Wine and Roses.
I hadn’t heard “When You Smile” in many, many moons. It was a like the chords opened up a little cubby in my mind. Out popped a girl. A crush from when the album came out in 1982.
She was a rich girl from the upper east side. Her dad’s sprawling Park Avenue apartment. I could see her smile as she gave me a light kiss and pushed me away.
Woke up this morning with an ache in my head / Splashed on my clothes as I spilled out of bed / Opened the window to listen to the news / But all I heard was the Establishment’s Blues.
Gun sales are soaring, housewives find life boring / Divorce the only answer smoking causes cancer / This system’s gonna fall soon, to an angry young tune / And that’s a concrete cold fact.
The pope digs population, freedom from taxation / Teeny Bops are up tight, drinking at a stoplight / Miniskirt is flirting I can’t stop so I’m hurting / Spinster sells her hopeless chest.
Adultery plays the kitchen, bigot cops non-fiction / The little man gets shafted, sons and monies drafted / Living by a time piece, new war in the far east. / Can you pass the Rorschach test?
It’s a hassle is an educated guess. / Well, frankly I couldn’t care less.
I think I can officially say summer has left the canyon. I’m grateful for these past couple of Indian summer months: the warm mornings spent meditating by the pool, Mr. Ha’s apples, George Yemetz almond butter, and, of course, family and their milestones.
Mom’s turning 89, Zoe’s courage, Jonah’s fastball, and Susan’s tenacity and laugh.
This week feels cold and dim. I stayed busy and tried to shake it. My first remedy is always “song.” The friends and artists. You guys have helped.
Unmatched vocals paired with a dose of powerhouse energy, Tori Kelly left it all on stage as she wrapped up the US leg of her Purple Skies tour on Saturday at The Wiltern.
Gaining initial recognition by posting covers on Youtube as a teenager, Kelly went on to appear on American Idol in 2010. Rising to fame as a household name in the music industry and beyond, listeners were captivated by her soulful range, original lyrics, and girl next door persona.
Announcing that the LA performance would be live-streamed on VEEPS, fans from Brazil, Indonesia, and beyond shared their excitement on Instagram, expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to experience the show from afar. The global reach of Tori Kelly’s music was evident as messages poured in from all corners of the world, showcasing her widespread impact and the loyalty of her diverse fanbase.
Throwing her signature curls as she belted out 2016 hits “Should’ve Been Us” and “Nobody Love,” the Grammy Award winning artist energized the sold out crowd to dance and sing along. Transitioning effortlessly into moments that showcased her raw talent, it was just Kelly and her guitar as she asked the audience for song requests, performing “Unbreakable Smile” and “Paper Hearts,” two fan favorites.
Radiating energy, charm, and nostalgia, Jesse McCartney concluded Part 2 of the All’s Well Tour at The Fox Theater on Friday night.
Rising to stardom in the 2000s with his debut album Beautiful Soul, McCartney is now celebrating two decades of feel-good tunes and a remarkably successful career. From his early days of opening for the The Backstreet Boys and New Kids On The Block to demonstrating his acting skills on screen and even voicing popular animated characters, the triple threat musician has defied stereotypes of a typical teen star.
Treating fans to a well-curated setlist spanning his career—from beloved early hits “Leaving” and “Right Where you Want Me” to newer tracks “Wasted” and “Faux Fur”— each note was delivered with passion, connection and warmth.
Showcasing not only his evolution as an artist but also his maturity, the singer’s newest tracks from his 2024 EP “All’s Well” feature themes of growing up and parenthood—providing continued relatability with an audience that has aged alongside the Grammy-nominated singer.
I met a girl who sang the blues / And I asked her for some happy news / But she just smiled and turned away / I went down to the sacred store / Where I’d heard the music years before / But the man there said the music wouldn’t play
And in the streets, the children screamed / The lovers cried and the poets dreamed / But not a word was spoken / The church bells all were broken
And the three men I admire most / The Father, Son and the Holy Ghost / They caught the last train for the coast / The day the music died
I guess one could say, “Any day is a good day to release a new song.”
Honestly, I’m a bit stumped on what to report this week. I did give a nod and a wink at this week’s stack of new vinyl. This Idelic Hour set shows that even in dark times, music thrives.
You always act so stupid / You always talk so dumb / But this is partytime / And you’ve got to say its better than a war / This is partytime / And its better than a cold bath with someone you dislike / This is partytime / And its good to drink for free when you haven’t any money / This is partytime / Oh, she might just possibly take me home
Right on cue, fall seems to finally have come to Southern California. This said, it’s mostly just the angles of the sun and moon. After a gloomy Friday we’re back to sensational weather. We still have watermelon in the fridge.
Call it baseball weather with old friends, new artists, songs, and fall baseball.
Under the dazzling lights of the YouTube Theater in Inglewood, CA, heavy metal legends Judas Priest and Swedish powerhouse Sabaton delivered a relentless barrage of metal mastery that left the near-capacity amphitheater begging for more on Tuesday night. The double-bill was a celebration of pure, unadulterated rock, filling the venue with an energy that was pegging a “10” from the moment the first chord was struck. It was a night where leather, studs, and the universal language of headbanging united fans throughout southern California and beyond!
Sabaton kicked off the evening with their signature blend of power metal and historical storytelling as only they can do. Opening with the explosive “Ghost Division,” the band immediately set the tone for what would be a one killer performance. Frontman Joakim Brodén owned the stage with a presence that was both commanding and engaging, his voice soaring over the crowd with a clarity that was as impressive as it was powerful. The band’s set was a carefully curated journey through their discography, with standout tracks like “The Last Stand,” “Carolus Rex (Swedish Version),” and “Primo Victoria.”
Throughout Sabaton’s 12-song set, there was complete engagement from the crowd as they were dazzled with tracks that spanned their 25-year journey across the sonicsphere. Guitarists Chris Rörland and Thobbe Englund delivered blistering solos that showcased their technical prowess, while the rhythm section kept the audience’s pulse racing with the thundering bass of Pär Sundström and the insane drumming of legend Hannes Van Dahl. The show ended with one of my favorite Sabaton tracks, “To Hell and Back,” which was simply awesome—and a great way to end their set as they took one final curtain call for the evening.
As the stage was reset for Judas Priest, the anticipation in the air was almost tangible. When the lights dimmed and the killer riffs of “Panic Attack” echoed through the theater, the crowd erupted in a roar that could only rival a 747 at nearby LAX. Rob Halford, the Metal God himself, emerged in a blaze of glory, his operatic voice as fierce and formidable as ever. Halford’s vocal acrobatics were nothing short of awe-inspiring, effortlessly hitting notes that seemed to defy the limits of human potential (which he’s done so effortlessly for well over 50 years).
I was a city child with a dead-end smile / And a worm’s-eye point of view / Oh I knew my way, I was a back-street stray / And I had my eyes on you
Now I got this friend and he’s a screwdriver-jiver / You know, some kinda automobeat on the street / And he has converted me to rock ‘n’ roll
I just want to dance to / Honaloochie boogie yeah / Get in time, don’t worry ’bout the shirt shine / Honaloochie boogie yeah / You sure started somethin’
Now my hair gets longer as the beat gets stronger / want to tell Chuck Berry my news / I get my kicks outta guitar licks / And I’ve sold my steel-toed shoes
“My hair gets longer as the beat gets stronger.” I would have thought it was obvious that I used to tag band names and lyrics on the desks at Trinity School in NYC. It’s truly incredible that was a half century ago.
I’m almost in shock looking at my last sentence. I’m back in LA sitting at my desk in my cozy canyon garage office. Monday and Tuesday found me walking the streets of the Big Apple. The weather and combo of old and new friends was perfect. I took it all in like a rocker.
On Tuesday night, the legendary Iron Maiden took the stage at the Kia Forum with the Mongolian rock maestros The Hu as their electrifying special guests, delivering a concert experience that left no soul in Inglewood untouched. With the venue packed to its capacity of nearly 17,000+, the air was electric as fans from all around the world gathered to witness a night of pure heavy metal magic as their Future Past Tour rolled through Southern California.
Kicking off the evening, The Hu set the tone with their unique fusion of traditional Mongolian music and modern rock. Their performance was a captivating blend of throat singing, horsehead fiddles, and roaring guitars that left the growing the crowd mesmerized. While the stage was dark and moody for the majority of the abbreviated 6-song set, they literally crushed their set including powerful renditions of “Yuve Yuve Yu,” “Wolf Totem,” and “This Is Mongol.” Throughout, many of The Hu’s hardcore fans were enthusiastically chanting along with the band, making their show a truly communal experience. The Hu’s musicianship and sonic delivery was on point, proving that their rising star in the rock world is well-deserved.
As the lights dimmed and the iconic sound of UFO’s “Doctor Doctor” rocked Kia, Maiden fans went into a frenzy and anticipation of the show’s inevitable start. As Maiden fans are accustomed to, the stage design was nothing short of epic, featuring amazing graphics, pyrotechnics, and a full size “Eddie’” that added a dramatic flair to the night. Opening with the thunderous “Caught Somewhere in Time,” Iron Maiden immediately had the audience in the palm of their hands.
Bruce Dickinson’s soaring vocals and Steve Harris’s galloping bass lines immediately drove the crowd wild while the three headed guitar-monster consisting of Dave Murray, Adrian Smith, and Janik Gers were on full display throughout the 15-song set. And let’s not forget Nicko McBrain on the drums—all I can say is wow, this guy is pure legend.
Under the vibrant lights of the Kia Forum, a musical spectacle hailed as the Popular MonsTOUR II unfolded in front of 6,000+ fans and was nothing short of an electrifying. Featuring Ronnie Radke and his band Falling In Reverse, the evening provided an explosive energy that engulfed Inglewood, setting the tone for an unforgettable night of rock and hip-hop. (Yes, you heard that correctly.) A convergence of diverse musical talents, each act brought its own unique flavor, creating a dynamic fusion that hit home for the raucous crowd looking to burn off some energy on a cool Thursday night in the City of Angels.
Opening the night, Jeris Johnson injected a surge of raw energy with his signature blend of rock and modern pop sensibilities. Donning what looked to be some type of crazy animal pelt, his set was a quick but entertaining featuring tracks such as “Welcome to Valhalla,” “My Sword,” and cover of Seal’s “Kiss From a Rose.” Jeris’s charismatic stage presence was a masterclass in engaging an ever-growing crowd, leaving a lasting mark on all who witnessed this killer performance.
Next up, Tech N9ne took the stage (with a full band) and unleashed once again a torrent of lyrical prowess. His “chopper-style” delivery and unmatched flow dazzled Technicians crowding the barrier with hits such as “Einstein,” “Caribou Lou,” and “E.B.A.H.” Tech N9ne’s command over the stage was immediately evident, as he effortlessly melded intense beats with emotionally charged verses, creating an electrifying atmosphere that was simply second to none. Tech’s set, although abridged, was my favorite of the evening and highlighted his true artistry in spades.
Dance Gavin Dance followed, weaving a tapestry of intricate melodies and powerhouse vocals that captivated the Forum. With tracks like “Synergy,” “Carve,” and “We Own the Night,” they showcased their signature post-hardcore flair, blending soaring choruses with infectious hooks. The interplay between Andrew Wells and Jon Mess was a sight to be seen with their dynamic vocal exchanges nothing short of mesmerizing. Their 8-song set left the audience dripping in sweat and screaming for more as they took their final curtain-call of the evening.
