2023

ZZ Top co-headlines special night of rock with Lynyrd Skynyrd in Sacramento on Aug. 11

Eddie August 1, 2023 0 Comment

ZZ Top, the bearded bad boys from Texas, have been consummate road dogs ever since 1969. After 15 full-lengths – the latest, ‘La Fortura,’ produced by Rick Rubin – its original members Billy Gibbons and Frank Beard are still putting on the mileage.

Once a darling of FM radio in the 1970s, ZZ Top achieved success with its seminal hits “Tush,” “Cheap Sunglasses,” “Pearl Necklace” and “La Grange.”

But the touring came with a cost. According to reports, marred by drug addiction and exhaustion that nearly broke up the band, Beard went into rehab after the conclusion of a 98-city ‘Worldwide Texas Tour.’ During this period, late bassist Dusty Hill took a job at Texas airport. Thankfully, the band regrouped after a near two-year hiatus and came out swinging with the Platinum-selling ‘Deguello.’

At that point, more commercial records like ‘Eliminator,’ ‘Afterburner,’ and ‘Recycler’ finally catapulted ZZ Top into being a household name and attracted a whole new cadre of hungry Southern rock fans.

The current tour heading for Sacramento finds the band co-headlining with Lynyrd Skynyrd, who suffered the loss of their last original member, guitarist Gary Rossington, back in March. And while no original players remain, Skynyrd seems to be firing on all cylinders with longtime singer Johnny Van Zant and Blackfoot’s guitarist Rickey Medlocke. Once more, the current touring version of Skynyrd has the blessing of Rossington’s wife.

The upcoming ZZ Top and Lynyrd Skynyrd show at Toyota Amphitheatre on Aug. 11 kicks off with Uncle Cracker. Lawn seats start at just $34.50 while center-stage tickets top out at $298.75 and can be purchased at www.livenation.com. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and show starts at 6:30 p.m. All ages are welcome. The Toyota Amphitheatre is located at 2677 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland.

(SN&R)

Stone Temple Pilots to bring a temple of sound to the Sacramento Valley Aug. 7

Eddie July 28, 2023 0 Comment

Let’s face it, weekday shows are hard on Sacramentans working a Nine-to-Five; but when one of the most-groundbreaking bands of the 90s comes to town, there’s more than a reason to venture out on even the hottest summer nights.

After suffering the loss of two great vocal talents – Scott Weiland to overdose and Chester Bennington to suicide – it’s no small wonder how the Deleo brothers and drummer Eric Kretz have managed to keep marching on. Yet Stone Temple Pilots is still making the music that means so much to its fans.

What started with the band’s debut, “Core,” on Capitol Records back in 1992 has blossomed into one awe-inspiring rock and roll tour-de-force. And while the Grunge epoch is considered the Pilots’ golden era, it has released four solid records in the 21st Century, including the acoustic milestone “Perdida” three years ago. Once written off as a byproduct of a certain musical moment, the Grammy-winning team of the Deleo brothers have continued to prove themselves with each successive release, creating a distinctive sound that rises above their less memorable rock peers.

On Aug. 7, that legacy will be on display when Stone Temple Pilots take the stage at the Toyota Amphitheare in Wheatland. Music fans say the band’s live shows are still a thing of wonder, especially given the sheer number of radio hits in their setlist, including “Vasoline,” “Interstate Love Song,” “Sex Type Thing” and “Dead and Bloated.” Additionally, the Pilots’ current singer, Jeff Gutt, excels at taking on irreplaceable roles and doing justice to vocal legends.

The Aug. 7 shows includes performances from Smashing Pumpkins and Rival Sons. Lawn seats for the show start at just $20, with other general admission and Pit options ranging up to $169.50. Tickets for this all-ages show can be purchased at www.livenation.com. The Toyota Amphitheare is located at 2677 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland.

(SN&R)

Confusion is on the menu when Ween hits Hard Rock Live in Wheatland July 30

Eddie July 26, 2023 0 Comment

Photograph by Ryan West

Formed in Pennsylvania in 1984 by Gene (Aaron Freeman) and Dean (Mickey Melchiondo), it would take six years for Ween to land a proper record deal with indie label Twin Tone and then release its big debut ‘GodWeenSatan: The Oneness.’ And while Ween played as a duo for its first decade, Gene and Dean would eventually build a full band to complete their twisted vision.

These days, Gene and Dean’s live troupe is rounded out by longtime band members Claude Coleman Jr. on drums, Dave Dreiwitz on bass and Glenn McClelland keyboards.

Perhaps the greatest lure of this largely comedic musical act involves its fans’ inability to describe the music in a single genre. One listen to the band’s varied and confusing catalog finds them dabbling in country, soul, heavy metal, R&B, prog, country, gospel, prog and more.

Ween has been anything but prolific lately – their last record, ‘La Cucaracha,’ was released 16 years ago – but the band has managed to put out 9 full-lengths, as well as a handful of self-produced and released cassettes, 8 extended plays and a number of live and compilation records.

Thirty-one years after signing to the major label Elektra, Ween would ultimately release five astounding albums that were mainly supported by college airplay, word-of-mouth and touring. Now recognized as a cult experience, this collection of records alone is still revered and played regularly by indie blogs and online stations.

The Hard Rock Live’s upcoming special ‘Evening with Ween” starts at 8 p.m. Tickets range from $46 to $61.50 and can be purchased at www.ticketmaster.com. This is an all-age show The Hard Rock Live is located in Wheatland at 3317 Forty Mile Road.

(SN&R)

After challenging diagnosis, Peter Frampton returns with ‘Never Say Never’ and schedules show for Thunder Valley on August 12

Eddie July 24, 2023 0 Comment

Peter Frampton. Courtesy photograph

England’s 73-year-old guitar virtuoso is proving that he can bounce back after a seemingly career-ending diagnosis. It was just four years ago that Peter Frampton announced he was suffering from inclusion body myositis, or IBM, a degenerative muscle disorder that means weakness and considerable inflammation. While fans across the world were afraid it would bring Frampton’s signature guitar licks to an end, the Rock icon is back on tour this summer – and coming to the Sacramento Region.

Even after 18 full-length records and a handful of live releases, the uber-talented guitar-tamer will always be known for his 1976 opus, ‘Frampton Comes Alive.’ The two-record set has to date sold over 20 million records worldwide. It was also the album that launched Frampton into a stadium act in the mid-1970s, featuring the 14-minute classic “Do You Feel Like We Do” showstopper, along with well-known singles like “Baby, I Love Your Way,” “Show Me the Way,” “All I Want to Be (Is by Your Side)” and “I Wanna Go to the Sun.”

Frampton, the former guitarist for The Herd and Humble Pie, still has the chops to complete a 90-plus minute show while keeping his singing voice sounding great, to boot. Expect a set-list laden with all of his classics and, as always, some special surprises for his longtime followers. 

Ticket prices range from $94.95 to $169.95 and can be purchased at www.thundervalleycasino.com. Doors open at 7 p.m., with the show starting promptly at 8 pm. This is a 21-and-over show only. Attendees aged 13-to-20 must be accompanied by adult. The Venue is located inside Thunder Valley Casino at 1200 Athens Avenue in Lincoln.

(SN&R)

The lead singer of Dream Theater talks with SN&R as band readies for its only Nor Cal stop on July 24

Eddie July 20, 2023 0 Comment

The legendary Dream Theater kicked off its 29-city ‘Dreamsonic 2023’ tour this summer in Texas and plans to make only one stop in the Golden State before ending its run in Arizona. The band’s latest record, ‘A View from The Top of The World,’ produced the Grammy award-winning single “The Alien.”

At its core, Dream Theater is still the powerhouse quintet of James LaBrie ib vocals, John Petrucci on guitar, Jordan Rudess on keyboards, John Myung on bass and Mike Mangini on drums.

We caught up with LaBrie and git the lowdown on all things Dream Theater related to the current tour.

SN&R: Your latest album was the first to be recorded at your band’s studio. Will that be the trend going forward?

LaBrie: If we are referring to my solo album, yes this will continue to be the case. It makes perfect sense and I get the optimum results which is what the goal is. As for [Dream Theater], I might consider the writing phase of an album from the vicinity of my home studio as I did while in the writing sessions for the last DT album due to COVID.

SN&R: You have many core fans that want to hear ‘Images and Words’ in its entirety (30th anniversary was last year). Will you do any special run of shows for each of the earlier records?

LaBrie: I am 100% confident we will begin paying homage to many of our earlier albums as they achieve notable anniversaries.

SN&R: The undercard on your tour – Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders – is quite ambitious. Were they handpicked by the band or your agent?

LaBrie: It has always been our choice as to who we think best fits as an opener.

SN&R: Was there more material written for the latest record that will find its way into a later release? Any working title for next record?

LaBrie: Well, we have plenty of ideas and what one would refer to as left over material, but it almost always never finds its way onto the next album as we have plenty of current ideas that are more in line as to where we see the album’s direction going.

SN&R: What is the hardest thing about touring in today’s climate? I am hearing horror stories about rising costs being the reason American bands can’t tour overseas. Anything special you guys do to lower your carbon footprint and save some dollars on the road?

LaBrie: Well, first, I’m not informed enough to make a sound estimate on our carbon footprint. That is the job and therefore knowledge of those that specialize in that particular field. As for costs, every band on this planet has been impacted by the exponential rising costs of most or all resources, no matter what continent or market you are touring.

SN&R: I was introduced to your solo material with the fabulous ‘Prime Cuts’ compilation on Magna Carta. Do you have more material, and will there be a US solo tour with full backing band?

LaBrie: At this point my focus is on DT’s current North American tour. Post the DT world, the goal is to start recording new ideas that Paul Logue and I have for the follow up to my last solo album ‘Beautiful Shade of Grey’. The line-up of players will remain the same as they (Marco Sfogli, Christian Pulkkinen and Chance LaBrie) were integral to the album’s songs and sound.

Devin Townsend and Animals as Leaders open Dream Theater’s all-ages show on July 24 at the San Jose Civic Center. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets range from $55 to $85 and can be purchased at www.livenation.com. The San Jose Civic Center is located at 135 West San Carlos Street in San Jose.

(SN&R)

Shock rockers W.A.S.P. prep for one-night engagement in Sacramento region on August 5

Eddie July 17, 2023 0 Comment

Photograph by Jay Gilbert

Once the bane of the Parents Music Resource Center’s existence in the late 1980s, singer Blackie Lawless – a.k.a. Steven Edward Duren – has carried on as countless organizations tried unsuccessfully to shut his band down. Now 40-plus years into his career as bandleader of W.A.S.P., the 66-year-old rocker continues to be as menacing as he was in the band’s heyday. On August 5, Sacramentans can get a taste of his force at The Hard Rock Live in Wheatland.

W.A.S.P. came out of the gates swinging in 1984 with a self-titled album that went on to Gold-selling status in the U.S. and Canada. Propelled by the catchy single, “I Wanna Be Somebody,” the track would eventually prove so popular that VH1 placed it on its Top 100 Hard Rock Songs of all time.

Although the band’s last album of original material, ‘Golgotha,’ was released eight years ago, it’s 2022 North American tour was a rousing success that saw multiple sell-out crowds.

With a set-list that spans across some of the band’s greatest recordings, including “The Crimson Idol,” “The Headless Children,’” “Inside the Electric Circus” and “The Last Command,” both hardcore fans and newbies alike are bound to cheer for Lawless’s song selection. The band’s current line-up also features bassist Mike Duda, lead guitarist Doug Blair and drummer Aquiles Priester.

The upcoming W.A.S.P. show at the Hard Rock features Southern California’s Armored Saint as its opener. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show kicks off promptly at 8 p.m. The is an all-ages event. Tickets start at $39.50, with the more expensive Gold Circle price reaching $199, all at www.ticketmaster.com. The Hard Rock Live is located in Wheatland at 3317 Forty Mile Road.

(SN&R)

Cirque Du Soleil returns to Sacramento with a sparkling production of ‘Corteo’ Aug. 3 thru Aug. 6

Eddie July 17, 2023 0 Comment

Photograph by Maja Prgomet

Although Cirque Du Soleil has performed ‘Corteo’ in 20 countries and for over 10 million fans since debuting it 18 years ago, the upcoming show at Golden 1 Center will be the first time Sacramento is treated to this storied production.

Corteo loosely translates to cortege in Italian and the musical’s narrative is centered around a funeral parade and procession imagined by a character named Mauro the Dreamer Clown. Unlike other Cirque shows at Golden 1, this time the venue will literally be split in half with audience members facing each for unique vistas on the performers.

Some of the show’s various prop-illusions include chandeliers, bouncing beds, an acrobatic ladder, aerial silk, duo straps and more. With many juxtaposing spectacles and set changes being highlighted against a multi-dimensional backdrop, ‘Corteo’ is one of the most ambitious offerings from Cirque Du Soleil to date.

The upcoming all-age performance schedule plays as follows:

Thursday, August 3 at 7:30 p.m.

Friday, August 4 at 7:30 p.m.

Saturday, August 5 at 3:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m.

Sunday, August 6 at 1 p.m. & 5 p.m.

Tickets prices vary from day to day and can viewed at www.golden1center.com or www.cirquedusoleil.com/corteo

Golden 1 Center is located at 500 David J Stern Walk in Downtown Sacramento.

(SN&R)

Tears For Fears to play Wheatland’s Toyota Amphitheatre July 29

Eddie July 12, 2023 0 Comment

After an amazing 42-year run, Tears For Fears is still looking pretty fearless. Members Roland Orzabal and Curt Smith are on a 22-city tour dubbed ‘The Tipping Point Tour Part II,” which is meant to celebrate the band’s 2022 album under the same title.

Starting in Atlantic City, the exhaustive run will close-out in August at the celebrated Hollywood Bowl. The band’s Sacramento-area show will be one of the last stops on it.

While most fans know Tears For Fears for mega-hits like “Head Over Heels,” “Shout,” and “Everybody Wants To Rule The World,” their most-loyal fanbase will be happy to know that deeper cuts like “Badman’s Song” and “Woman In Chains” have found their way onto the 18-song set-list. Additionally, many tracks from the new ‘Tipping Point’ record will be showcased in Sacramento for the first time.

Orzabal and Smith are originally friends from Bath, England, and formed their iconic band in 1981. They’ve since displayed an amazing sense of camaraderie on stage, one that’s further complimented by their current touring band. It remains an ensemble that’s rarely accused of phoning it in. The upcoming Tears for Fears show, which is all-ages, will include opening support from Cold War Kids.

Tickets start at $29.50 and top out at $169.50 and can be purchased at livenation.com. Platinum ticket options are available for an additional fee. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and show starts at 7:30 p.m. The Toyota Amphitheare is located at 2677 Forty Mile Road in Wheatland.

(SN&R)

Led Zepagain hits Sacramento on July 8, playing  Greenback Lane’s longest-running music institution

Eddie July 3, 2023 0 Comment

BY: SN&R STAFF JULY 3, 2023

By Eddie Jorgensen

Thirty-five years into their career, the members of Led Zepagain are still constantly diving into the deeper catalog of the sadly defunct Led Zeppelin. And while the band rarely makes an appearance in the Sacramento Valley, this weekend’s concert at The Boardwalk on July 8 is already selling well above any expectations.

Led Zepagain has earned numerous accolades which include being featured on AXS TV’s “World’s Greatest Tribute Bands” in 2014 and then asked back to play the entire Led Zeppelin IV album.

Even Jimmy Page himself attended a Led Zepagain show at the House of Blues, noting, “It’s amazing how much you sound like us. You must have grown up on this because you were inside the music, and you paid attention to detail in your presentation. I can tell you guys really love our music.”

Led Zepagain’s members are Swan Montgomery as vocalist Robert Plant, Anthony David Thymiakos as guitarist Jimmy Page, Jim Wootten as bassist John Paul Jones and Scott Brooks as drummer John Bonham. In addition to playing across the United States, these tributors have also taken the stage in Japan, Russia, Ireland, Panama, Alaska, Germany, Chile, Bosnia, Brazil, Peru, Argentina, Canada, Paraguay, Kosovo, Mexico City and Guam.

Those who get to Led Zepagain’s show early at the long-time Orangevale rock venue can get a taste of te Boardwalk’s ambitious ‘Palm Tree’ menu, featuring gourmet pizza, specialty sandwiches, Ahi tuna tacos, wings, pork nachos, and much more. Additionally, the venue has a load of specialty drinks to toss back during the show.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and the 21-and-over show starts at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance at www.rocktheboardwalk.com for $15. Premium tickets are already sold out. The Boardwalk is located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale.

(SN&R)

The queen of operatic Metal makes a rare appearance in Northern California on June 30

Eddie June 29, 2023 0 Comment

Although Finnish soprano singer Tarja Turunen is known for her work fronting the symphonic metal greats, Nightwish, her solo career has eclipsed everyone’s expectations and earned her numerous accolades. This Friday’s appearance by Turunen at the UC Theatre in Berkeley is the last show of her highly publicized and anticipated 12-city run. She’s dubbed the concert series ‘Living the Dream Tour 2023.’

The 45-year-old songstress has plenty of fans who’ve been clamoring for more music from her, even after her last full-length album ‘In the Raw’ was released in 2019. Turunen’s label earMUSIC has also issued a wonderful collection dubbed ‘Best Of: Living The Dream’ in 2022: It chronicles some of the highlights of her six solo releases, as well as a new song, ‘Eye Of The Storm.’

For new fans not versed in Turunen’s solo albums, her 2007 release and second in her catalog – ‘My Winter Storm’ – is considered an ideal starting point. With a three-and-a-half octave range, Turunen’s voice – and vocal calisthenics found within – are sure to win over naysayers when it comes to the metal and classical world being mixed together.

Special guest Chaoseum opens the show. Doors open are at 7 p.m. and things kick off promptly at 8 p.m. Advance tickets are $35 and can be purchased at www.theuctheatre.org.The UC Theatre is located at 2036 University Avenue in Berkeley. All ages are welcome.

(SN&R)