Reviews and Features For October 2022
Quick Flicks: This is GWAR
One of the most interesting music documentaries to come along in a long time, This is GWAR is fast-moving and informative and as visually stimulating as an actual GWAR show
Read the full This is GWAR review
Hot In The City: Arizona's Autumn Concert Lineup
Summer is finally over in Arizona but an exciting list of upcoming concerts is keeping things hot! Heres a look at a small sampling of whats in store for the Phoenix area
Read the full Arizona's Autumn Concert Lineup review
Live: The HillBenders Live In Virginia
Springfield, Missouris progressive bluegrass band the HillBenders are big fans of the legendary British classic rock group The Who
Read the full The HillBenders Live In Virginia review
Quick Flicks: Special Halloween Edition
Its that spooky time of year again and here we offer a handful of horror films, both new and vintage, to scare the daylights out of you and your friends.
Read the full Special Halloween Edition review
Take Me Tailgating! Try These Items for Your Outdoor Party
Today we spotlight some items that are perfect for your tailgating party or other outdoor adventure. We start with something super cool and end with something flaming hot!
Read the full Take Me Tailgating! Try These Items for Your Outdoor Party review
Sites and Sounds: Country Music Cruise
Thought youd missed the boat? A block of cabins has just been released for this nearly-sold-out old-school country music cruise.
Read the full Country Music Cruise review
Live: The Melvins Rock Florida
How often are you pulverized by a rock and roll monster? You're close enough to see the whites of its eyes as it eats you alive. The Melvins are that mythical monster.
Read the full The Melvins Rock Floridareview
Caught In The Act: Michael Schenker Group Live 2022
Rob Grabowski and Tom Antonson caught the Michael Schenker Group In The Act during show at the Arcada Theatre on Saturday Oct. 8, 2022 in St. Charles, Ill. Check out Toms review and Robs photos!
Read the full Michael Schenker Group Live 2022 review
RockPile: Kim Fowley- Moving Sidewalks- The Troggs
This time out RockPile listens to some newly-released vintage material from Liberation Hall Records and associated label RockBeat Records including releases from Kim Fowley, Moving Sidewalks, The Troggs and more
Read the full Kim Fowley- Moving Sidewalks- The Troggs review
Caught In The Act: New Order and the Pet Shop Boys Live In Chicago
Rob Grabowski and Mark Donofrio caught New Order and the Pet Shop Boys In The Act during show at the Huntington Bank Pavilion at Northerly Island in Chicago on September 30th. Check out Robs photos and Marks review!
Read the full New Order and the Pet Shop Boys Live In Chicago review
Caught In The Act: Iron Maiden Fire Up Chicago
Iron Maiden brought their powerful production to Chicago as part of The Legacy of The Beast World Tour
Read the full Iron Maiden Fire Up Chicago review
The Gaslight Anthem Live In Chicago
The Gaslight Anthem have returned to concert stages for the first time in four years
Read the full The Gaslight Anthem Live In Chicago review
Sites and Sounds: Cayamo
The 15th edition of the Cayamo music cruise, accurately billed as A Journey Through Song, is set to sail February 10-17, 2023 aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line ship Pearl
Read the full Cayamo review
R.E.M. - Chronic Town (40th Anniversary)
R.E.M. fans can be forgiven if theyre not familiar with the bands first release, the five song EP Chronic Town that came out in 1982
Read the full R.E.M. - Chronic Town (40th Anniversary) review
Sites and Sounds: ZONA Music Festival
A brand new music festival is coming to Phoenix late this year. Heres the scoop on the ZONA Music Festival.
Read the full ZONA Music Festival review
The Pixies - Doggerel
Doggerel is everything you expect from a Pixies record - an alt-rock band that knows how to craft songs. Despite a lushness earned over the years, the Pixies still sneer, creep and shout.
Read the full The Pixies - Doggerel review
Reviews and Features For September 2022
Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown - Shake the Roots
All of the good things about Americana-tinged blues rock are here and new fans should be pleasantly surprised by Shake the Roots.
Read the full Tyler Bryant & the Shakedown - Shake the Roots review
Hot In The City: The Who To Rock Phoenix
Our spotlight on the Arizona music scene has really big news ---superstars The Who have added a Phoenix date to their fall North American tour!
Read the full The Who To Rock Phoenix review
Live: The Killers Rock Chicago
The Killers tore through twenty-two songs in two-hours to a sold-out crowd at the United Center. The indoor confines really helped the interaction with the crowd as well.
Read the full The Killers Rock Chicago review
Creedence Clearwater Revival - Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall
This live recording from 1970 took on a sort of mythical status as it was lost for 50 years and nobody really thought that it would ever be found and released. But miracles do happen
Read the full Creedence Clearwater Revival - Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall review
RockPile: Ladies Edition Linda Gail Lewis, Mary Fahl, More
In this edition of RockPile we salute music made by women and new releases from Linda Gail Lewis, Mary Fahl, Chastity Brown, Alice Austin and Susie Suh.
Read the full Ladies Edition Linda Gail Lewis, Mary Fahl, More review
Quick Flicks: Schemers
Schemers is a fast-paced and fun film about how a young man builds a concert promotion business after an injury to his leg causes him to realize that hell never be a professional football (soccer) player
Read the full Schemers review
Pink Floyd - Animals 2018 Remix
Pink Floyds Animals was given the remix treatment in 2018 and is now available in 5.1 Surround Sound for the first time.
Read the full Pink Floyd - Animals 2018 Remix review
Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea: Mediterranean Part 2
There was still plenty of fun to be had during the second half of this years sailing of the Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea: Mediterranean cruise and fans were loving every minute of it
Read the full Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea: Mediterranean Part 2 review
Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea: Mediterranean Part 1
The second sailing of Joe Bonamassas Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea: Mediterranean cruise took place August 23 - 28, 2022 aboard the Norwegian Cruise Line ship Jade
Read the full Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea: Mediterranean Part 1 review
Quick Flicks: The Beatles and India
Many fans of the Fab Four know that the Beatles spent time in India in the late 1960s, seeking spiritual enlightenment, and for George Harrison in particular, seeking knowledge of the Indian music that he was fascinated by
Read the full The Beatles and India review
The Blues: Kat Riggins- Todd Sharpville- The Strongman Blues Remedy
Kevin tells us about news Blues releases from Kat Riggins, Todd Sharpville and The Strongman Blues Remedy
Read the full Kat Riggins- Todd Sharpville- The Strongman Blues Remedy review
Caught In The Act: Bush Rock Chicago
On August 24th, nearly 9,000 fans packed the Hollywood Casino Amphitheater in Tinley Park, IL. for a late season show with Bush, Breaking Benjamin, and Alice In Chains
Read the full Bush Rock Chicago review
Caught In The Act: Sammy Hagar and the Circle Rock Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Sammy Hagar and the Circle In The Act during a show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Ill on Saturday, Aug. 27, 2022. Check out Robs review and photos
Read the full Sammy Hagar and the Circle Rock Chicago review
Reviews and Features For August 2022
Graham Nash - Live: Songs for Beginners and Wild Tales
After decades of enjoying the original studio albums fans now have a chance to revisit these great records here where Nash plays both albums in their entirety and in order
Read the full Graham Nash - Live: Songs for Beginners and Wild Tales review
Sites and Sounds: Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach
For fans of rock music it is like a dream to step into the Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach. Memorabilia is everywhere you look and these are museum-quality items.
Read the full Hard Rock Hotel Daytona Beach review
Caught In The Act: Red Hot Chili Peppers Rock Soldier Field
Rob Grabowski and Tom Wojcik caught the Red Hot Chili Peppers In The Act at Soldier Field in Chicago on August 19th. Check out Toms review of the show along with Robs great photos!
Read the full Red Hot Chili Peppers Rock Soldier Field review
Road Trip: Temple of Poseidon, Greece
The ancient Greeks couldn't have picked a better location to erect a monument to honor Poseidon, the god of the seas in Greek mythology.
Read the full Temple of Poseidon, Greece Road Trip
Caught In The Act: Duran Duran Rock Chicago
Saturday night, August 20th the United Center played host to one of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fames newest inductees, Duran Duran.
Read the full Duran Duran Rock Chicago review
Travel News, Trips and Tips: Late Summer 2022!
We check out new books about popular European destinations and other goodies including the Puffer Hug!
Read the full Late Summer 2022! review
Dr Fever Returns to Rage Against The Machine In Pittsburgh
Longtime antiMusic writer Dr. Fever returns to give us his rundown of the recent Rage Against The Machine and Run The Jewels shows in Pittsburgh.
Read the full Dr Fever Returns to Rage Against The Machine In Pittsburgh review
Box Sets: Voivod - Forgotten in Space - (5-CD + DVD)
This box set focuses on the beloved Canadian bands output from the mid to late 1980s, collectively known as the Noise Records years
Read the full Voivod - Forgotten in Space - (5-CD + DVD) review
Sites and Sounds: Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion
This festival is so much fun that it takes two states to contain all the merriment! This three-day music blowout takes place in the twin cities of Bristol, Tennessee and Bristol, Virginia
Read the full Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion review
Caught In The Act: I Love The 90's Tour
Rob Grabowski caught the I Love The 90s tour Featuring Vanilla Ice, Coolio, Rob Base, Color Me Badd, Tone Loc, and Young MC In The Act during show at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, Ill on Sunday, August 7th. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full I Love The 90's Tour review
5 Star: Alan Parsons - From the New World
Parsons returns with an excellent new album that will please his longtime fans and bring new ones into the fold.
Read the full Alan Parsons - From the New World review
Hot In The City: Steve Earle- Kings of Thrash (Megadeth)- More
Our spotlight on the music scene in Arizona looks at upcoming concerts coming to town thanks to the Phoenix-based concert promotion company Danny Zelisko Presents
Read the full Steve Earle- Kings of Thrash (Megadeth)- More review
RockPile: Spotlight on Cleopatra Records
Cleopatra Records is one of our favorite labels here at RockPile. The imprint consistently releases exciting titles by known groups and developing acts alike, some of which is vintage and some of which is newly-recorded
Read the full Spotlight on Cleopatra Records review
Green Day, Maneskin Highlight Final Day Of Lollapalooza 2022
The fourth and final day of Lollapalooza 2022 was something the festival has not seen in its seventeen years in Chicago
Read the full Green Day, Maneskin Highlight Final Day Of Lollapalooza 2022 review
Lollapalooza 2022 - Day Three
Lollapalooza begins to reach its peak on Saturday every year. It is the third of four days and the first day of the weekend for many, so the festivals streets tighten, and the crowds are much larger earlier in the day
Read the full Lollapalooza 2022 - Day Thee Report review
Lollapalooza 2022 - Day Two
Day two at Lollapalooza was one of the best in the festivals history. Women ruled the day with expressive, gut wrenching and uplifting performances that remind us that behind every problem in the world is a woman who can fix it
Read the full Lollapalooza 2022 - Day Two review
Chuck Wright - Chuck Wright's Sheltering Sky
Wright has been a sideman for everyone from Alice Cooper to Slash to Gregg Allman but the bassist is perhaps best known for his work as a member of Quiet Riot.
Read the full Chuck Wright - Chuck Wright's Sheltering Sky review
Metallica Tops Lollapalooza 2022 Day One
Lollapaloozas four-day festival makes it distinctive and an outlier, especially with a backdrop of the city and the first day did not disappoint.
Read the full Metallica Tops Lollapalooza 2022 Day One review
Reviews and Features For July 2022
On The Record: Brian May - Another World
Heres a reissue of the long out of print second solo album from Queen guitarist Brian May, originally released in 1998.
Read the full Brian May - Another World review
Caught In The Act: The Tubes Live In Chicago
Special guest photographer Roman Sobus caught The Tubes In The Act during show at Park West on Saturday, July 9, 2022, in Chicago.
Read the full The Tubes Live In Chicago review
Live: Festival d'ete de Quebec Day 11: A Whole Lotta Soul - Rage Against The Machine, Alexisonfire, more
Day 11 of Quebec Citys annual musical celebration saw an unexpected display of power from some very soulful acts as well as powerhouse shows from Alexisonfire and Rage Against the Machine.
Read the full Festival d'ete de Quebec Day 11: A Whole Lotta Soul - Rage Against The Machine, Alexisonfire, more review
Live: Festival d'ete de Quebec Day 10: Punk Rockers and Pop Stars
Theres always a wide variety of music on tap on any given day of the Festival dete de Quebec (FEQ), the huge annual music festival that takes place every summer in Quebec City, Canada
Read the full Festival d'ete de Quebec Day 10: Punk Rockers and Pop Stars review
Caught In The Act: The Black Crowes Live
Rob Grabowski caught The Black Crowes In The Act during show at Ravinia on Tuesday, July 12, 2022, in Highland Park, Ill. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full The Black Crowes Live review
Sites and Sounds: Roots N Blues Festival
Its long been one of the most highly-anticipated music festivals of the early autumn and folks throughout the nations heartland are ready for this years edition of the Roots N Blues Festival
Read the full Roots N Blues Festival review
Caught In The Act: The Stadium Tour: Def Leppard- Motley Crue- Poison- More
Rob Grabowski and Tom Antonson caught Def Leppard, Motley Crue, Poison and more In The Act during the Chicago stop of The Stadium Tour at Wrigley Field on Friday, July 8, 2022.
Read the full The Stadium Tour: Def Leppard- Motley Crue- Poison- More review
Live: Festival d'ete de Quebec Day 9: Female Artists Electrify the Night
Well into its 12-day run, Quebec City, Canadas massive Festival dete de Quebec (FEQ) presented an exciting evening of music from female artists and female-fronted groups on July 14, 2022.
Read the full Festival d'ete de Quebec Day 9: Female Artists Electrify the Night review
Sass Jordan - Bitches Blues
Thirty years ago Jordan released her Racine album and hit big with Make You a Believer and You Dont Have to Remind Me and it was evident then that she had the voice for and an affinity for the blues.
Read the full Sass Jordan - Bitches Blues review
Sites and Sounds: Sixthman Cruises Roundup
Sixthman has announced a stellar line-up for the 2023 sailing of the Outlaw Country Cruise. Here are details on that cruise and some of Sixthmans other upcoming cruises including KISS, Keeping The Blues Alive and more.
Read the full Sass Jordan - Bitches Blues review
Caught In The Act: Blues On The Fox Festival- Buddy Guy and more
Rob Grabowski caught Buddy Guy, Billy Branch, Mindi Abair, and Melody Angel In The Act during the Blues On The Fox Festival at the RiverEdge Park in Aurora, Ill on June 18, 2022. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Blues On The Fox Festival- Buddy Guy and more review
On The Record: Creedence Clearwater Revival
This single consists of live versions of two very familiar songs from CCR, released here as a limited edition collectible
Read the full Creedence Clearwater Revival review
Caught In The Act: Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire Live In Ill
Rob Grabowski and Tom Antonson caught Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire In The Act during their July 2nd concert at the Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre in Tinley Park, Ill. Check out Toms review and Robs photos!
Read the full Santana and Earth, Wind & Fire Live In Ill review
Box Sets: Dio - Holy Diver (Super Deluxe Edition)
Released on July 8, 2022, two days before what would have been the late metal singers 80th birthday, heres a treat for hard core fans of Ronnie James Dios Holy Diver release, his first under the Dio moniker.
Read the full Dio - Holy Diver (Super Deluxe Edition) review
By Land, By Sea, The Zombies Are Coming!
The Zombies are coming, and theyre coming for you, my friend! But this is good news since were talking about the legendary British Invasion band and not the creepy undead that stagger their way through countless horror films.
Read the full By Land, By Sea, The Zombies Are Coming! review
Caught In The Act: Marcy Playground, Cracker, and Ike Reilly
Rob Grabowski caught Marcy Playground, Cracker, and Ike Reilly In The Act during show at Piazza on Saturday, June 4, 2022, in Naperville, Ill. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Marcy Playground, Cracker, and Ike Reilly review
Journey - Freedom
Its been more than a decade since Journey released a new studio album but theyve really done right by their fans here with the 15-track Freedom, appropriately enough dropping during Independence Day week
Read the full Journey - Freedom review
Reviews and Features For June 2022
Quick Flicks: Chicago Blues Reunion
Filmed at Chicagos Park West Theater in 2008, Chicago Blues Reunion brings together a compendium of artists, many associated with the Chicago scene
Read the full Chicago Blues Reunion review
Caught In The Act: Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Rock Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Robert Plant and Alison Krauss In The Act during show at Jay Pritzker Pavilion on Tuesday, June 7, 2022, in Chicago. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Robert Plant and Alison Krauss Rock Chicago review
Caught In The Act: MixTape Tour - The New Kids On The Block, Rick Astley, En Vogue, and Salt-N-Pepa
Rob Grabowski caught The New Kids On The Block, Rick Astley, En Vogue, and Salt-N-Pepa In The Act during the Rosemont, Ill stop of the MixTape Tour on Friday, June 17, 2022, at the Allstate Arena.
Read the full MixTape Tour - The New Kids On The Block, Rick Astley, En Vogue, and Salt-N-Pepa review
Road Trip: Daytona Beach - Beyond the Sand - Part 2
Daytona Beach, Florida is one of the most popular seaside playgrounds in the entire world, and it is easy to see why.
Read the full Daytona Beach - Beyond the Sand - Part 2 Road Trip
Inhaler: Dreaming Out Loud
Inhaler is cut from the cloth of post-punk and new wave but on the concert stage, they painted the crowd with big bold swashes of rock n roll.
Read the full Inhaler: Dreaming Out Loud review
Hot In The City: Early Summer Concerts in Arizona
The early summer concert calendar in Phoenix and throughout Arizona is packed with shows from developing artists and established stars alike. Here are our picks for some of the best upcoming shows.
Read the full Early Summer Concerts in Arizona review
Classics: David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars
Have you ever driven alone on a desert highway, listening to David Bowies Five Years and tears start streaming down your face, as rare as the desert rain now pelting your windshield?
Read the full Classics: David Bowie's The Rise and Fall of Ziggy Stardust and the Spiders from Mars review
May Erlewine - Tiny Beautiful Things
This album has love as its theme, and for all the rewards that love brings it is sometimes a convoluted road that gets you there
Read the full May Erlewine - Tiny Beautiful Things review
More Father's Day Gift Ideas
If youre still at a loss for what to get dad for Fathers Day (June 19), may we suggest one or more of the following gift ideas? These cool items are sure to bring a smile to his face.
Read the full More Father's Day Gift Ideas review
Everclear - World of Noise 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition
It would take them a couple years yet before they would start having gold and platinum records but Everclears road to fame began with 1993s World of Noise, an effort thats been out of print for quite some time
Read the full Everclear - World of Noise 30th Anniversary Deluxe Edition review
Father's Day Gift Guide Pt 1
Fathers Day 2022 falls on Sunday, June 19th this year and if youre at a loss for what to get for dear old dad, we have some ideas. Check out the cool items were suggesting
Read the full Father's Day Gift Guide Pt 1 review
Sites and Sounds: Missouri's Summer of Music
Live music is on the menu this summer in the nations heartland as concerts galore are set to take place in Lake of the Ozarks and Branson, Missouri.
Read the full Missouri's Summer of Music review
Barton Stanley David - Crest
If youre looking for a record to help raise the spirits, look no further than Crest, the new release from Texas singer-songwriter Barton Stanley David.
Read the full Barton Stanley David - Crest review
Def Leppard - Diamond Star Halos
This is a band thats far from finished with their muse as their excellent new album Diamond Star Halos proves.
Read the full Def Leppard - Diamond Star Halos review
Sites and Sounds: Quebec City's Festival d'ete de Quebec 2022
Do you hear that? Its the sound of music wafting over the Plains of Abraham, echoing off the walls of the ancient fortified part of the city and bringing smiles to the shoppers on Rue Saint-Jean.
Read the full Quebec City's Festival d'ete de Quebec 2022 review
Sites and Sounds: A Summer of Music Awaits in Malta
The Mediterranean island of Malta will become an oasis of music this summer as the nation has a full schedule of festivals on tap.
Read the full A Summer of Music Awaits in Malta review
Live: Vieux Farka Toure In Phoenix
Sometimes referred to as the Jimi Hendrix of the Sahara, Toures show was filled with fluid leads, amazingly fast and precise riffing and expressive notes
Read the full Vieux Farka Toure In Phoenix review
Michael Schenker Group (MSG) - Universal
Where MSG albums have sometimes faltered is generally because of the singers on the album, Michaels choice of vocalists have not always worked out. Here though he has a winner on his hands
Read the full Michael Schenker Group (MSG) - Universal review
Caught In The Act: Simple Plan and Sum 41 Rock Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Simple Plan and Sum 41 In The Act during show at Radius on Sunday, May 15, 2022, in Chicago. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Simple Plan and Sum 41 Rock Chicago review
Reviews and Features For May 2022
Hot In The City: Concert Season Heats Up In AZ
Our column about the Arizona music scene looks at upcoming concerts promoted by Arizonas own Danny Zelisko Presents. And they must be trying to outdo the Arizona heat because this list is sizzling!
Read the full Concert Season Heats Up In AZ review
Root 66: Dale Watson, Graeme James, The Waymores, Brock Davis
For this installment of Root 66, Kevin takes a listen to new releases from Dale Watson, Graeme James, The Waymores, and Brock Davis
Read the full Dale Watson, Graeme James, The Waymores, Brock Davis review
Caught In The Act: John 5 Live In Illinois
Rob Grabowski caught John 5 In The Act during show at The Forge in Joliet, Ill on Thursday, May 5, 2022. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full John 5 Live In Illinois review
Live: Bruce Cockburn In Phoenix
Much beloved singer, songwriter and guitar player Bruce Cockburn made a return visit to the music theater at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix on May 12
Read the full Bruce Cockburn In Phoenix review
On The Record: Electric Light Orchestra Audiophile Edition
This time out our spotlight on vinyl listens to a new release from Mobile Fidelity Sound Lab, a high quality pressing suitable for audiophiles and anyone who seeks superior sound.
Read the full Electric Light Orchestra Audiophile Edition review
Box Sets: Popul Vuh
Popul Vuh - Vol. 2 - Acoustic and Ambient Spheres is a box set collecting vinyl copies of four early albums from the influential German prog/ambient collective Popul Vuh.
Read the full Popul Vuh review
Caught In The Act: Winger and Bullet Boys Live In Illinois
Rob Grabowski caught Winger and Bullet Boys In The Act during show at Arcada in St. Charles, Illinois . Check out Tom Antonsons review and Robs great photos!
Read the full Winger and Bullet Boys Live In Illinois review
John Waite - Anything
Waite is the voice behind numerous hits by the Babys, When I See You Smile by Bad English and solo gems like Change and Missing You and now hes back on the scene with a brand new solo EP called Anything
Read the full John Waite - Anything review
Bruce Cockburn Celebrates 50 Years with Hits Album and Tour
Bruce Cockburn has reached a major milestone in his illustrious career and is celebrating the 50-year mark with a hits compilation and a North American tour
Read the full Bruce Cockburn Celebrates 50 Years with Hits Album and Tour review
5 Star: Five Star - Ann Wilson - Fierce Bliss
Ann Wilson has put out so much good music away from Heart that it is perhaps unfair to label Fierce Bliss as her strongest solo effort ever.
Read the full Five Star - Ann Wilson - Fierce Bliss review
The String Cheese Incident - Into the Blue
Its been half a decade since The String Cheese Incident has popped with new music so Into the Blue will be especially welcome, although at only four songs the effort will leave fans hungry for more.
Read the full The String Cheese Incident - Into the Blue review
Caught In The Act: Journey And Toto Rock Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Toto and Journey In The Act during show at at the Allstate Arena on Monday, May 2, 2022, in Rosemont, Ill. Check out Robs great photos and Tom Antonsons review!
Read the full Journey And Toto Rock Chicago review
Travel News, Trips and Tips: Tulsa's Big Music Year
Tulsa, Oklahoma is about to become famous worldwide for something connected to an artist who is not from Tulsa. That artist is Bob Dylan
Read the full Tulsa's Big Music Year review
Caught In The Act: Buddy Guy and Ronnie Baker Brooks
Rob Grabowski caught Buddy Guy and Ronnie Baker Brooks In The Act during show at the Rialto Square Theatre on Saturday, Feb. 26, 2022, in Joliet, Ill.
Read the full Buddy Guy and Ronnie Baker Brooks review
Mother's Day Gift Ideas
Want to get mom a little something extra this Mothers Day? Here we suggest a few items that are guaranteed to bring her a big smile!
Read the full Mother's Day Gift Ideas review
Still at Work: Men at Work's Colin Hay on Tour Behind New Solo Album
Colin Hay, the frontman for Men at Work, is in the midst of a North American tour that continues through the middle of May in support of his new solo album
Read the full Still at Work: Men at Work's Colin Hay on Tour Behind New Solo Album review
Reviews and Features For April 2022
Caught In The Act: Candlebox Unplugged In Chicago
Kevin Martin and Brian Quinn of Candlebox perform an acoustic show at City Winery on Monday, April 25th
Read the full Candlebox Unplugged In Chicago review
Caravan of Pain: The True Story of the Tattoo the Earth Tour
The story is told in such a way that the reader will have a ton of fun as Alderman reminisces and many of course will wish they had been there through it all.
Read the full Caravan of Pain: The True Story of the Tattoo the Earth Tour review
Get To Know... THE DEV
The Orlando Weekly, published in their home town, has named THE DEV Best Rock Act for 2022, an accolade they also took home in 2021.
Read the full THE DEV review
Caught In The Act: Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs
Rob Grabowski caught Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs In The Act during show at Park West on Wednesday, April 2, 2022, in Chicago. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Mike Campbell and The Dirty Knobs review
Hot In The City: April and May Concerts
Our look at the Arizona music scene delves into the upcoming concert calendar. Here are some were really looking forward to, and man are they good ones!
Read the full April and May Concerts review
Live: Beth Hart Live In Phoenix
Harts latest album is an homage to heavy rock legends Led Zeppelin and she began her show with a couple selections from A Tribute to Led Zeppelin
Read the full Beth Hart Live In Phoenix review
Road Trip: Time to Go to Ireland!
Whether you want to trace your Irish lineage, walk in the footsteps of beloved Irish rock band U2, see the rugged Cliffs of Moher, sing sea shanties in Galway or kiss the Blarney Stone, it's all there waiting for you.
Read the full Time to Go to Ireland! Road Trip
Classics: 30 Years of 'Weird Al' Yankovic's Off the Deep End
Off the Deep End is 30 years old. Its not the best Yankovic record. But really, the best Weird Al Yankovic record is whichever one was released closest to your 10th birthday
Read the full Classics: 30 Years of 'Weird Al' Yankovic's Off the Deep End review
Caught In The Act: Jimmie Vaughan
Rob Grabowski caught Jimmie Vaughan In The Act during show at the Des Plaines Theatre on Friday, March 25, 2022, in Des Plaines, Ill. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Jimmie Vaughan review
Travel News, Trips and Tips: Products Edition Spring 2022
Were always on the hunt for items thatll make traveling a little bit easier and this time out our column looks at some cool things thatll add comfort to your travels. And as always, these items can be used at home too.
Read the full Products Edition Spring 2022 review
Caught In The Act: Animals As Leaders
Rob Grabowski caught Animals As Leaders In The Act during show at the House of Blues on Monday, April 4, 2022, in Chicago. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Animals As Leaders review
Easter Gift Guide
Soon the Easter Bunny will be making his rounds, bringing candy and other goodies to children the world over. Adults like Easter gifts too, and here we offer some ideas for things you might want to give a friend or family member
Read the full Easter Gift Guide review
Sites and Sounds: Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea II
After having to be postponed twice because of the pandemic, Joe Bonamassas Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea is set to once again rock the Mediterranean Sea.
Read the full Joe Bonamassa's Keeping the Blues Alive at Sea II review
RockPile: Spotlight on Omnivore Records Part 2
We wrap up our tribute to Omnivore Records with a look at another great batch of releases including releases from The Rave-Ups, Steve Goodman, The Left Banke and Lizard Music
Read the full Spotlight on Omnivore Records Part 2 review
Caught In The Act: The Darkness Live In Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught The Darkness In The Act during show at the Park West on Wednesday, March 30, 2022, in Chicago. Check out Robs great photos and review!
Read the full The Darkness Live In Chicago review
Sites and Sounds: Spring Festivals
Springtime is here and that means it is time to take to the great outdoors and enjoy some live music! Here are our picks for some of the seasons most intriguing festivals.
Read the full Spring Festivals review
Reviews and Features For March 2022
Root 66: Hank Williams- MacKenzie Grant- Dan Ashley- Jimmy Carter
Our spotlight on Americana music includes a listen to a long awaited release from MacKenzie Grant along with gospel artist Jimmy Carter, country music legend Hank Williams and Bay Area journeyman Dan Ashley.
Read the full Hank Williams- MacKenzie Grant- Dan Ashley- Jimmy Carter review
Caught In The Act: Dirty Honey and Mammoth WVH's The Young Guns Tour In Chicago
Chicagos House of Blues played host to The Young Guns Tour featuring co-headliners Dirty Honey and Mammoth WVH on March 16th.
Read the full Dirty Honey and Mammoth WVH's The Young Guns Tour In Chicago review
Live from Celebrity Theatre: The Marshall Tucker Band
For the first time in 20-years, seminal Southern rockers The Marshall Tucker Band came to Phoenix to perform in the citys historic theater in the round, Celebrity Theatre
Read the full The Marshall Tucker Band review
MorleyView: ProgJect's Michael Sadler (Saga)
Morley speaks to Saga icon Michael Sadler about the new supergroup ProgJect that also features Jonathan Mover. Ryo Okumoto, Mike Keneally, and Matt Dorsey.
Read the full ProgJect's Michael Sadler (Saga) MorleyView
RockPile: Spotlight on Omnivore Recordings, Part 1
We love Omnivore Recordings! The indie label has been around about a dozen years now, digging up and reissuing tasty and obscure releases that have long been unavailable
Read the full Spotlight on Omnivore Recordings, Part 1 review
Live: Buddy Guy and Colin James Live in Arizona
Metropolitan Phoenix was rocking the blues on March 16 as the legendary Chicago blues man Buddy Guy took the stage at the Chandler Center for the Arts along with opening act Colin James
Read the full Buddy Guy and Colin James Live in Arizona review
Sites and Sounds: Welcome to Rockville 2022
It seems like it wasnt that long ago that Daytona Beach was rumbling with the sound of metal and hard rock music at the Welcome to Rockville festival
Read the full Welcome to Rockville 2022 review
Caught In The Act: Daughtry, Black Stone Cherry and Lyell Live 2022
Chris Daughtry of Daughtry performs at the Rialto Square Theatre on Tuesday, March 8, 2022, in Joliet, Ill. Check out Tom Antonsons review and Rob Grabowskis photos!
Read the full Daughtry, Black Stone Cherry and Lyell Live 2022 review
RockPile: St. Patrick's Day Edition
For your St. Paddys Day listening pleasure, we recommend some new music either by Irish artists or others who have the St. Paddys Day spirit.
Read the full St. Patrick's Day Edition review
MorleyView: Genevieve Racette
Morley talks to Montreal-based singer-songwriter Genevieve Racette about her brand new album Satellite.
Read the full Genevieve Racette MorleyView
Travel News, Trips and Tips: John Mellencamp, Kenny Rogers, More
We explore fun activities involving John Mellencamp, Kenny Rogers, Nik Wallenda and Fox & Locke in Leipers Fork, TN
Read the full John Mellencamp, Kenny Rogers, More review
Slash Week: Slash Caught In The Act In Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators In The Act during show at the Riviera Theatre on Wednesday, March 2, 2022, in Chicago, Ill.
Read the full Slash Rocks Chicago review
Caught In The Act: Ghost Live In Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Ghost In The Act during show at the Allstate Arena on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, in Rosemont, Ill. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Ghost Live In Chicago review
Slash Week: Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators Rock Chicago
Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators made a stop in the Windy City with the The River is Rising Tour
Read the full Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators Rock Chicago review
International Women's Day 2022
For International Womens Day we honor the work of women of the musical arts. These are some of our favorite recent woman-made album releases.
Read the full International Women's Day 2022 review
Slash Week: Slash feat. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators - 4
This new album dubbed 4 from Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators is 10 tracks and 44 minutes of pure bliss not only for guitar lovers, but also for any rock n roll fan overall
Read the full Slash feat. Myles Kennedy and The Conspirators - 4 review
Caught In The Act: Volbeat Rock Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Volbeat In The Act during show at the Allstate Arena on Friday, Feb. 18, 2022, in Rosemont, Ill.. Check out Robs great photos
Read the full Volbeat Rock Chicago review
Scorpions Rock Believer
By now Scorpions fans know what the band sounds like and they never stray too far from their signature sounds, thats why the band continues to rack up rock believers of all ages.
Read the full Scorpions Rock Believer review
Caught In The Act: Bad Bunny Live In Illinois
Rob Grabowski caught Bad Bunny In The Act during show at the Allstate Arena on Thursday, March 10, 2022, in Rosemont, Ill. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Bad Bunny Live In Illinois review
Caught In The Act: Dua Lipa Live In Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Dua Lipa In The Act during show at the United Center on Wednesday, March 9, 2022, in Chicago. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Dua Lipa Live In Chicago review
Get To Know... GFM
Girls Fabricating Metal? Thats an apt descriptor of the all-female metal band thats known as GFM. But what do the initials GFM actually stand for?
Read the full GFM review
Reviews and Features For February 2022
Sites and Sounds: Boca de Oro Festival
The 6th annual Boca de Oro festival celebrating literary, visual and performing arts and culture is once again set to take place in Santa Ana, California
Read the full Boca de Oro Festival review
The Blues: Mike Zito- Eric Gales- Ricci/Krown- Sam Moss
For this installment of The Blues, Kevin Wierzbicki tells us about new releases from Mike Zito, Eric Gales, Ricci/Krown and Sam Moss
Read the full Mike Zito- Eric Gales- Ricci/Krown- Sam Moss review
Hot In The City: Jake Owen, Rick Wakeman, Chicago, More To Rock AZ
Heres a look at some of the concerts coming to Arizona that are presented by the celebrated promoter Danny Zelisko Presents.
Read the full Jake Owen, Rick Wakeman, Chicago, More To Rock AZ review
Live: Allman Family Revival
Organized by his son Devon Allman several years ago, the annual Allman Family Revival shows honor the memory of Gregg and his music with performances of his material, both solo and with the Allman Brothers
Read the full Allman Family Revival review
Caught In The Act: Eddie Vedder Live In Chicago
Rob Grabowski and Tom Antonson caught Pearl Jam frontman Eddie Vedder In The Act during show at Auditorium Theatre on Thursday, Feb. 9, 2022, in Chicago. Check out Toms review and Robs photos
Read the full Eddie Vedder Live In Chicago review
Caught In The Act: Sheila E and The E-Train Live in Chicago
Rob Grabowski and Jamie Ludwig caught Sheila E. and The E-Train In The Act during show at the City Winery in Chicago on February 5, 2022. Check out Jamies review and Robs photos!
Read the full Sheila E and The E-Train Live in Chicago review
Beth Hart - A Tribute to Led Zeppelin
Blues rocker Beth Hart, a frequent collaborator with Joe Bonamassa, takes on the heaviest blues rockers of all time, Led Zeppelin
Read the full Beth Hart - A Tribute to Led Zeppelin review
Travel News, Trips and Tips: Vilnius Counting Down to 700th Birthday
Vilnius, the capital city of Lithuania, will be turning 700-years-old on January 25, 2023. The celebration of the momentous occasion has already begun
Read the full Vilnius Counting Down to 700th Birthday review
Rock Reads: Dale Bozzio's Life Is So Strange
Heres the life story so far of Dale Bozzio (born Dale Consalvi) the frontwoman of Missing Persons. And oh what a story it is!
Read the full Rock Reads: Dale Bozzio's Life Is So Strange review
Passport: Small Island Big Song - Our Island
Small Island Big Song is a collective of musicians from various islands of the Pacific and Indian oceans, places as disparate as Mauritius, Taiwan, Hawaii, New Zealand, Borneo, Tahiti and others.
Read the full Small Island Big Song - Our Island review
Lochness Monster - Working for a Future
Loch Ness Monster, that mythical (some say) sea creature, is said to be from Scotland. However, this Lochness Monster, the band, is from Miami, Florida
Read the full Lochness Monster - Working for a Future review
Spencer Elliott - SE3
Its rare to find instrumental albums with so many pieces that sound so much like actual songs (albeit, without lyrics and vocals). SE3 is just such a rare bird
Read the full Spencer Elliott - SE3 review
Hot In The City: Allman Family Revival- Bruce Dickinson- Buddy Guy- More
This time out our spotlight on the Arizona music scene looks at some of the exciting concerts coming to the Phoenix area
Read the full Allman Family Revival- Bruce Dickinson- Buddy Guy- More review
Saxon - Carpe Diem
Carpe diem of course means seize the day and thats something that British metal band Saxon knows quite a bit about
Read the full Saxon - Carpe Diem review
Root 66: The Whitmore Sisters - Ghost Stories
Music is charming country and Americana but clearly the star instruments here are the voices of the sisters.
Read the full The Whitmore Sisters - Ghost Stories review
Sites and Sounds: Kraken Music Fest
You might know that a kraken is a mythical sea monster but it is also one monster of a music festival thats coming to the Orlando
Read the full Kraken Music Fest review
Live: Paris Chansons Live In Phoenix
A magical evening of French music played out in Phoenix on Saturday, January 26 as the seven-piece band Paris Chansons transformed the music theater at the Musical Instrument Museum (MIM) into a lively Parisian music hall
Read the full Paris Chansons Live In Phoenix review
Caught In The Act: Samantha Fish Live In IL
Rob Grabowski caught Samantha Fish In The Act during show at the Piazza on Thursday, Jan. 13, 2022, in Aurora, Ill. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Samantha Fish Live In IL review
Reviews and Features For January 2022
Road Trip: Daytona Beach - Beyond the Sand, Part 1
In honor of January 25, 2022 being National Plan for Vacation Day this edition of Road Trip features one of America's prime vacation destinations, Daytona Beach
Read the full Daytona Beach - Beyond the Sand, Part 1 Road Trip
MorleyView: Blue Oyster Cult Legend Albert Bouchard
Morley recently spoke to Blue Oyster Cult legend Albert Bouchard about his latest release, "Imaginos: Bombs Over Germany", and a host of other topics.
Read the full interview
NRBQ - Dragnet
Theres a dragnet out! The authorities are looking for NRBQ who are accused of twangin and sangin and otherwise perpetrating instances of unmitigated fun.
Read the full NRBQ - Dragnet review
The Blues: Ladies Edition -Joanne Shaw Taylor, Sue Foley and more
Kevin Wierzbicki takes a listen to new released from rockin ladies like Joanne Shaw Taylor, Sue Foley, Patti Parks and more for this new installment of Get The Blues
Read the full Ladies Edition -Joanne Shaw Taylor, Sue Foley and more review
Get To Know... Get to Know: Loveland Duren Explain 'The Memphis Thing'
While acts like Elvis Presley and B.B. King may have put Memphis on the musical map, it is artists like Loveland and Duren who keep the fire burning.
Read the full Get to Know: Loveland Duren Explain 'The Memphis Thing' review
Caught In The Act: Nita Strauss Live In Chicago
Rob Grabowski caught Nita Strauss In The Act during show at Reggie's on Dec. 15, 2021 in Chicago, Ill. Check out Robs great photos!
Read the full Nita Strauss Live In Chicago review
Caught In The Act: Bret Michaels' Christmas Show
Rob Grabowski caught Bret Michaels In The Act during the Poison frontmans Christmas Party To Chicago last month. Check out Robs great photos and a review by Tom Antonson
Read the full Bret Michaels' Christmas Show review
MorleyView: Sordal
For my money, you can't get a better songwriter than Stein Roger Sordal. This Norway native is always honing his craft, dividing his time between prog-metal giants Green Carnation and his own solo material
Read the full Sordal MorleyView
Legends Play the Beatles
While this compilation of Beatles covers is new, the recordings themselves are not.
Read the full Legends Play the Beatles review
Travis - The Invisible Band (Deluxe Edition)
Scottish band Travis have released a newly remastered version of catalog favorite The Invisible Band in conjunction with 2021 being the 20th anniversary
Read the full Travis - The Invisible Band (Deluxe Edition) review
Jon Stancer - In Light Of
Singer/songwriter Stancer has a very gentle, calm style of singing but he tackles some pretty heavy topics on this six-song EP.
Read the full Jon Stancer - In Light Of review
previous reviews
previous reviews