Powerhouse instrumental rock and fusion trio The Aristocrats include Sweetwater Music Hall on their brief tour 

Eddie February 19, 2024 No Comments

Since their inception nearly 13 years ago, The Aristocrats have defied categorization with each successive release. For those not in the know, The Aristocrats are comprised of superstar guitarist Guthrie Govan (Steven Wilson, Hans Zimmer, Asia, GPS), bassist Bryan Beller (Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Dethklok), and drummer Marco Minnemann (Steven Wilson, Joe Satriani, Steve Hackett, Kreator). 

As luck would have it, the band is celebrating a new record with just five live shows, all of which have sold out well in advance. True to the band’s comedic nature, their new and 6^th full-length album – the confusingly and purposely inappropriately-named ‘Duck’ – carries on that spirit and then some. Instead of their concept album being some overtly serious affair, the band titled songs about a popular waterfowl while infusing the thoroughly confusing topics (see album closer “This Is Not My Scrotum” for good measure). 

One part rock, one part jazz, one part improvisation, and the rest a head-scratching WTF combination of drum, bass, and guitar calisthenics, The Aristocrats have a loyal legion of followers (though mostly those of the male gender) that patiently awaits the group’s limited time between other musical endeavors with bated breath. It’s been five years since their last record, and as evidenced by songs such as “Sgt. Rockhopper,” their music is far more superior than just some guitar hero gobbledygook. Also, check out the standout tracks “Sitting With A Duck On A Bay” and the awe-inspiring “Slideshow” to see where the future of instrumental rock is headed. 

Perhaps some of the most talented musicians on the planet, these three humble and very funny dudes aren’t limiting their musical song styles either. After being the most talked about showcase at the 2011 installment of the NAMM convention, it only seemed proper the union of these three musicians would carry on with even more new music and live shows. 

And while catching the band is a rarity these days, their rabid fanbase is proof positive the music is doing the talking regardless of this aquatic bird’s propensity to get itself into all kinds of deep shit drinking backstage (see album opener and first single, “Hey, Where’s My Drink Package?”). Being silly never sounded so good.  

The Aristocrats play a special evening show at 8 pm Thursday, Feb. 22, at Sweetwater Music Hall, 19 Corte Madera Avenue in Mill Valley. Visit www.sweetwatermusichall.com for more info and possibly for a small batch of tickets to be released day of show. All ages are welcome. 

(Pacific Sun)

SN&R talks with Marky Ramone ahead of his Blitzkrieg band’s performance in Old Roseville’s on Feb. 16

Eddie February 12, 2024 No Comments

It’s been 46 years since Marc Bell – better known as Marky Ramone – landed a job drumming for one of the greatest punk icons of all time. He’d already been playing around with Dust in the early 70s, which is now considered one of heavy metal’s most influential bands. But it wasn’t until a handful of years later that he joined with Richard Hell & the Voidoids to release the fabulous punk classic ‘Blank Generation’ on Sire Records. Then, in 1978, through a happenstance meeting at legendary punk club CBGBs, Marc would find himself joining The Ramones, changing his name to Marky, and eventually recording on the band’s ‘Road To Ruin’ album.

Later that same year, he would also team up with producer Phil Spector to track yet even more drum parts on The Ramones’ ‘End of The Century.’

Marky Ramone was with the group, on and off, until its demise in 1996. At that point, he’d performed more than 1,700 shows with The Ramones and was featured on more than 15 of their releases.

It wasn’t until 2000 that he would record yet again with one of his Ramone handmates, this time putting down drum tracks for singer Joey Ramone’s solo album ‘Don’t Worry About Me.’

On Feb. 16, Roseville’s Goldfield Trading Post will host Marky Ramones Blitzkrieg band. The ensemble will play some of their own material, along with vintage Ramones tracks and pieces from Marky’s solo records with The Intruders project. SN&R caught up with Marky while preparing for his run of California shows.

SN&R: That was quite a long run with The Ramones: Any particular tour that you liked more than the others?

Marky Ramone: The first time we went to Japan and Australia was a unique experience. We especially enjoyed our time in Tokyo. One of things that makes it memorable is there was an earthquake while we were on stage playing

SN&R: The Ramones have won a handful of accolades, including being put in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, a lifetime achievement award and more. What do these mean to you as an artist?

MR: I was happy that the punk rock genre was finally being recognized and appreciated like other genres of music. Even though we had always received such strong support from our amazing fans, we were still grateful that we were the first in our genre to receive these awards.

SN&R: Did your former band, Dust, get to tour much outside of the New York City area? Do you still encounter fans of the band when you’re on the road?

MR: When Dust was touring, we actually did some routed dates with Alice Cooper, John Mayall, and Uriah Heep in the Mid-West but the majority of our shows were in the New York area. Over the years there has been renewed interest in the band which is why Sony re-issued and remastered both of our albums. I think the band has developed a bit of a cult following because we were one of the first American heavy metal bands. I do often get asked if we will ever do a reunion but, at this point, it’s not very likely.

SN&R: Every musician has a couple of songs they like more than the others. What are your favorite Ramones songs to play live?

MR: Mine are “I Wanna Be Sedated,” “Sheena Is A Punk Rocker,” “Rock N’ Roll High School,” “Blitzkrieg Bop,” and “KKK Took My Baby Away,” to name a few. While those songs really represent the band’s musical output, there are so many others I also enjoy performing.

SN&R: What do you remember about the recording of your last record, “Adios Amigos!” when compared to earlier releases?

MR: The Ramones had a regular process where each member would focus on their part in the studio, and then later, we’d listen to the mix together and all give our input. So, in that sense, it was similar to how we recorded our other albums.

SN&R: Who are the current members of your touring and recording ‘Blitzkrieg’ band?

MR: The band members are Iñaki “Pela” Urbizu (vocals), Martin Blitz (bass), and Marcelo Gallo (guitar). They’re great guys and we always have a lot of fun. Our show is high-energy and it’s great to see a whole new generation discover punk rock music.

SN&R: Will we see a new record anytime soon?

MR: We are working on some new material that should be released in 2024, which I think our fans will enjoy.

Marky Ramones’ Blitzkrieg will play Goldfield Trading Post on Feb. 16. Jerk!, Screaming Bloody Marys and Pure Trash are also on the bill. Doors for the all-age show open at 7 p.m. and the performances start at 8 p.m. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $20 at https://goldfieldtradingpost.com. Roseville’s Goldfield is located at 238 Vernon Street.

(SN&R)

Billy Idol and partner in crime, Stevie Stevens, to play Thunder Valley on Feb. 9

Eddie February 6, 2024 No Comments

Since 1982, Billy Idol has proven a prolific and successful pop music entity. And while it seems like he and Stevie Stevens are never off the road, the two still managed to release “The Roadside” EP in 2021 and “The Cage” EP in 2022. Each album came out on the boutique label Dark Horse Records. Idol’s seminal “Rebel Yell” also just turned 40 last year and will be celebrated with an expanded edition.

Now approaching five decades as a recording and touring musician, Idol remains a tour-de-force with whatever band configuration he chooses. Case in point: Idol launched the highly successful and first-ever Generation Sex tour in the U.K. and E.U. in 2023 aided by Tony James of Generation X, along with Steve Jones and Paul Cook of Sex Pistols fame.

Last year, Idol and Stevens chose one of the oddest spots to stage a live online event, issuing limited tickets to only 250 lucky concertgoers as they gave their superlative performance in front of the Hoover Dam. Part history lesson and part live performance class, “Billy Idol: State Line” raised the bar for concert films when it premiered in November. The set list revealed a singer who loves to play around with song structures as much as his band. The extended live show, preceded by a short acoustic set with just Idol and Stevens, also featured cameos by singer Allison Mosshart (The Kills, The Dead Weather), guitarist Steve Jones (Sex Pistols, Generation Sex) and bassist Tony Kanal (No Doubt).

Meanwhile, guitarist Stevens is also known for playing on the “Dirty Diana” single by the late Michael Jackson and with Ric Ocasek of The Cars, Robert Palmer, and Vince Neil of Mötley Crüe. Additionally, Stevens released three solo records to great acclaim and played in the highly revered Bozzio Levin Stevens project with bassist Tony Levin (King Crimson/Peter Gabriel) and drummer Terry Bozzio (Frank Zappa/Missing Persons/U.K.).

Locals who attended the Aftershock Festival in 2019 may have seen Stevens playing on one of its side-stages with his Deadland Ritual project with Black Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler and drummer Matt Sorum (The Cult/Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver).  

Idol and Stevens will take the stage at The Venue, located inside Thunder Valley Casino, on Feb. 9.  Tickets start at $64.95 and can be purchased at www.thundervalleyresort.com. Doors open at 7 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. This is a 21 and over show only. Thunder Valley Casino is at 1200 Athens Avenue in Lincoln. 

(SN&R)

Punk rock legends MDC (Millions Of Dead Cops) to headline Cafe Colonial on a heavily stacked punk show. February 8.

Eddie February 4, 2024 No Comments

For over 45 years, singer Dave Dictor has been flying the flag for MDC, a band whose moniker can change whenever the band finds a suitable acronym. Past records have included titles and songs such as Multi-Death Corporations, Millions of Dead Children, Millions of Dead Cowboys, Magnus Dominus Corpus, Missile-Destroyed Civilization, Metal Devil Cokes, and Millions of Dead Cops: The band’s most widely used name.

Photo by David Ensminger

‘War Is A Racket’ is the band’s tenth and latest full-length offering which stands up nicely in their catalog against fan favorites ‘Millions of Dead Cops’ (1982), ‘Smoke Signals’ (1986), ‘This Blood’s for You’ (1987), and ‘Metal Devil Cokes’ (1989). For those haven’t listened to the new album, check out the title track, “Demagogue,” “The Big Lie,” and the record’s standout track, “Government Cheese.”

While the band has always been considered left-leaning or even apolitical at times, the majority of Dictor’s lyrics still deal with myriad topics from homophobia to the vegan lifestyle, anti-capitalism to homelessness, the plight of veterans to anti-organized religion stances.

Originally formed in Austin, Texas, MDC have also been included on numerous compilations and split releases and still have a large pool of songs to pull from that includes 7” singles, live offerings, and more. Even though the group eventually moved to San Francisco, Dictor has been living in Oregon for quite some time and has been regularly touring up and down the West Coast.

MDC’s upcoming run of California dates starts in Chico on February 7th and ends February 10th at The Ivy Room. At present, the band is rounded out by guitarist Barry d’live Ward, bassist Erica Liss, and drummer Adam Crisis.

MDC play Cafe Colonial located at 3520 Stockton Blvd. in Sacramento. Rounding out this punk-leaning bill is Riotgun, Mob Rule, and Class of ‘77. Tickets can be purchased in advance for $15 here at cafecolonial916.com. Cafe Colonial is located at 3520 Stockton Blvd.. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts promptly at 7:30pm. As always, all ages are welcome.

(Capital Chaos TV)

80’s powerhouse, Duran Duran, to include Lincoln’s The Venue as part of their 2024 itinerary. February 3.

Eddie February 3, 2024 No Comments

Unlike other bands who prospered only during the early to mid-’80s, Duran Duran continued to release quality albums on a consistent basis. While the band was not as prolific as its adoring fans might have wished in the past, the group today is releasing loads of new material regularly and still manages to tour and fill capacity venues across the United States and abroad.

Propelled by their biggest hits – “Rio,” “Hungry Like The Wolf,” “Come Undone,” “The Reflex,” “Save A Prayer,” “The Wild Boys,” “Girls On Film,” “Ordinary World,” and more – there is also no shortage of lesser-known songs in their older repertoire to please their
longtime fans.

‘Danse Macabre,’ the band’s latest record released on BMG / Tape Modern records, is a fun collection of cover songs the group has come to know and love as well as a couple of re-imagined songs of their own that sees the band taking a much deeper dive into their early musical history. Fans expecting the next ‘Notorious’ (1986) or ‘Rio’ (1982) will be sorely disappointed. Instead of a musical repeat matching tone and cadence, the band’s ever-evolving sound has kept its members playing at a much higher level than their musical peers from the same period and delving even more into electronic and dance.

Thankfully, Rock & Roll Hall Of Famers Duran Duran is still core members Simon LeBon (vocals), John Taylor (bass and backing vocals), Nick Rhodes (keyboards and vocal effects), and Roger Taylor (drums) along with Dom Brown (guitarist) who’s now been with the band since 2006. Now 16 albums into their career, Duran Duran has defied the odds by consistently growing a new fan base while retaining their voracious and rabid followers.

It’s been a whirlwind 2023 and more for the band with sold-out performances all across the globe including Madison Square Garden, Hollywood Bowl, London’s Hyde Park, and playing a special live set at The Queen’s Platinum Jubilee Concert at Buckingham Palace. Also on the live docket this year is a set at the already sold-out Cruel World Festival in Pasadena and appearances at the Release Athens (Greece) and Latitude (Southwold, UK) festivals. Duran Duran plays The Venue located inside Thunder Valley Resort at 1200 Athens Avenue in Lincoln.

Tickets start at $169.95 and top out at $279.95 and can be purchased at www.thundervalleyresort.com. Doors open at 7pm and the show starts promptly at 8pm. 21 and over only. Attendees aged 13 to 20 must be accompanied by adult 21 and over.

Find more information at https://duranduran.com/tour/

(Rio Linda Online)

PAKT Plays Mill Valley

Eddie February 2, 2024 No Comments

“No Steps Left To Trace” is the album title of super-group PAKT’s latest musical offering and showcases the instrumental quartet further defying simple classification. With one part jazz, one part ambient, one part progressive rock fare, and the remainder wholly unidentifiable, this may be the sleeper critic’s choice of 2024.

For those not privy just yet, the PACT musical collective features bassist Percy Jones (Brand X, Brian Eno, David Sylvian, Suzanne Vega), guitarist Alex Skolnick (Testament, Trans-Siberian Orchestra), drummer Kenny Grohowski (John Zorn, Secret Chiefs 3, Imperial Triumphant), and guitarist Tim Motzer (Bandit65, Jaki Liebezeit, Ursula Rucker, Jamaaladeen Tacuma).

And while their brand new album doesn’t technically come out on all formats (CD, vinyl, digital) until March 1, the band is dishing out some heady streams on their Bandcamp page. The group also released a spectacular self-titled album back in July 2021, in addition to making numerous recordings of different live shows on the East Coast and more via MoonJune Records.

With songs like the fabulous “Solar Myth” clocking in at over 22 minutes in length, it would appear the quartet’s members clearly aren’t limiting themselves by time constraints in order to bring the listener in. Highlights of the forthcoming album also include “The Ghost Mills,” “Spontaneous Combustion,” and “On The Other Side, Part 1,” all of which clock in at 9 minutes and up without sounding dated or derivative when compared to other specialty jazz groups.

Given the busier-than-normal touring schedules of Grohowski and Bay Area metal guitar great Skolnick, PAKT shows are far fewer these days. Thankfully, the group’s current run of shows started on February 1 in Seattle and will stop in Mill Valley before finally ending in Phoenix on February 13. Expect to see a hodgepodge of fans wearing heavy metal t-shirts and an older and sophisticated contingent who follow Jones and Motzer’s other projects. You only get one chance to see this configuration at this Mill Valley venue, so make your travel plans now and get a ticket before it’s ultimately too late.

PAKT and Mongolian sextet Tsadig will perform together on Thursday, February 8, at the Sweetwater Music Hall located at 19 Corte Madera Avenue in Mill Valley. Doors open at 7 pm, and the show kicks off at 8 pm. Tickets are $25 in advance and can be purchased at www.sweetwatermusichall.com. All ages are welcome.

(Pacific Sun)

Men at Work’s Colin Hay will make a rare appearance in Napa. February 2.

Eddie January 28, 2024 No Comments

The son of a stage singer, 70-year-old Colin Hay was destined to be a musician up front and center well before realizing his true calling. Although it would take until the early 80’s to fully realize his place on the world’s stages, Hay has never retreated from his rabid fan base. 

While most fans of 80s act Men at Work only recall the band’s two hit records — “Business As Usual” (1981) and “Cargo” (1983) — diehards know they did release a third record called “Two Hearts” (1985) that didn’t fare nearly as well.

To their credit as an ensemble, the band earned several Grammy awards and sold an astounding 30 million-plus records to date, propelled by hit singles “Who Can It Be Now?,” “Down Under,” “Overkill,” “Dr. Heckyll & Mr. Jive, ” and “It’s A Mistake.”

Thankfully, frontman/singer Colin Hay has amassed quite a following, releasing solo records starting with his stellar debut album, ‘Looking For Jack’ (1987). Even today, Hay is not resting on his pop laurels and is still releasing new solo records, which include his most recent and 15th long-player released in 2o22, ‘Now In The Evermore’ (Lazy Eye/Compass Records). Although more somber in delivery and subject than any Men At Work offering, the album is a contemplative collection of songs that showcase Hay’s songwriting skills and ability to cope with his own mortality. 

As Colin said about his long and successful career, “I’m deeply grateful for the life I have, and I think my natural tendency has always been towards optimism and humor. Lately, though, I’ve had to be more intentional about it. I’ve had to actively seek out the positive, to let new rays of hope shine on some seemingly dark situations.” 

For those not in the know, Hay is also an accomplished actor, having made countless appearances on TV (The Larry Sanders Show, JAG, The Mick Molloy Show, A Million Little Things, What About Brian, and the immensely popular Scrubs series) as well as many other film appearances in his native Australia. 

Additionally, he has toured all over the U.S. with the Ringo Starr & His All-Starr Band and still plays live with a completely revamped version of Men At Work, who will be touring South America (Brazil and Chile, respectively) starting in mid-February. His upcoming show in Napa is only one of two California shows slated in 2024 (the other is at Lesher Center For The Arts in Walnut Creek on February 1st).  

Colin Hay’s “Solo with Songs and Stories” starts at 8 pm, Friday, February 2 at JaM Cellars Ballroom, 1030 Main St., Napa. Tickets range from $49 to $119 in advance and can be purchased at www.jamcellarsballroom.com. Ages 8 and over are welcome. 

(North Bay Bohemian)

Extreme Metal: Vorlust in SoCo

Eddie January 22, 2024 No Comments

Vorlust is the moniker of one of the most ferocious East Bay heavy metal bands.

It features Marcelle Marais, aka “Cunnus,” on bass and lead vocals, Sonny Reinhardt on guitar and backing vocals, Dustin Ponko on guitar and Cody Stein on drums.

For those who’ve never seen Cunnus and company perform their unique brand of dirty, blackened metal live, prepare for songs steeped in the tradition of early Bulldozer, Venom and Possessed.

To get introduced to the group, their Lick The Flesh record on Transylvanian Tapes is a good point of entry. Also of worthy mention is their rather crudely recorded Beast EP/demo released in 2019. Fans of Reinhardt’s main band, Necrot, will go crazy for songs from LTF like “13th Circle” and “Creatura.”

The Bohemian caught up with the band’s fearless leader, Cunnus, as they readied themselves for a weekend of heavy metal shows in Santa Rosa and San Francisco.

Bohemian: I’ve played Lick The Flesh (2022) more than should be humanly allowed. Do you have a follow-up record planned for release in 2024?

Cunnus: We have new material that we’ve written and plan to record our new album in late 2024. We can’t tell you the album title yet, as that would give too much away. Some things are best kept a surprise.

Bohemian: Does Vorlust have more festival offers or new confirmations this year?

Cunnus: Yeah. We have some big things to be announced in the near future, including an upcoming tour and a festival appearance in Mexico City.

Bohemian: You’re doing an all-ages show here in Santa Rosa. Do you prefer all ages or 21 and over crowds?

Cunnus: All ages and underground shows are the best! Those always bring the best energy.

Bohemian: Sonny plays in Necrot and has some great shows on the horizon. Would you ever use a fill-in for just a show or two?

Cunnus: Sonny shreds and we’re stoked to have him be a part of our Beastly cave coven. The Vorlust Beast lives on no matter what.

Bohemian: What bands would you most like to be paired up with?

Cunnus: Solicitor, Bewitcher, Mercyful Fate, Bat, Goatwhore, Devil Master, Sex Messiah, Chthonic Deity, Vastum, Molder, Carcass, Cianide, Nifelheim, Spiter, Obituary, Hellfire, Hulder, Napalm Death and Midnight. The list is endless. There are so many great bands out there, and we’re stoked to be touring and being out on the road meeting so many great bands outside of the Bay Area.

Vorlust performs with Scythe (celebrating their ‘Mask Of Lies’ EP release party), Viscelator and Glacier Eater at The Arlene Francis Center, 99 6th St., Santa Rosa. 7pm Friday, Jan. 26. $15 at the door or via eventbrite.com. All ages welcome.

(North Bay Bohemian)

Guitar virtuoso MATTEO MANCUSO Matteo Mancuso to showcase his pick-less, three-fingered guitar playing style at Orangevale’s favorite live haunt. February 2.

Eddie January 21, 2024 No Comments

Matteo’s latest interview with rock historian and guitar great Rick Beato has already reached
over 1 million views, further boosting the guitar progeny to even more unimaginable heights.
Taking cues from the jazz greats of yore, Matteo’s latest interview showcases a young talent
who respects his elders while still making a mark for himself as a solo entity.

Photo credit to Paolo Terlizzi

The son of Vincenzo Mancuso, also a guitar great and sought after Italian session player
during the 70’s, the 27-year-old has been shattering the boundaries of traditional electric
guitar playing with each and every YouTube video upload. He’s been playing live since the
ripe age of 12 and has already garnered the kind of hype and buzz that any live act could ever
dream of.

He’s already caught the attention of countless guitar impresarios including (but not limited
to) Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, Al Di Meola, Tosin Abasi, and Joe Bonamassa with his complex
finger-picking technique. Using only his fingernails, Matteo produces different and much
warmer tones than a standard pick and, more importantly, provides a fuller sound overall.
Said Al Di Meola about the budding guitarist, “His improvisational ability is light years
ahead. It would take two or three lifetimes. It was like when Jaco (Pastorius, of Weather
Report fame) came on the scene. How did he get so good and so fast?

For the uninitiated, Matteo released his first record of original songs called ‘The Journey’ in
2023. Since then, his album landed at an astounding #1 one on the coveted iTunes Jazz
charts. He’s touring this year in California to coincide with his NAMM convention
appearance in late January and, as luck would have it, The Boardwalk is only one of a
handful of area shows slated this year.

Matteo Mancuso plays The Boardwalk located at 9426 Greenback Lane in Orangevale with
special guests The Adam Block Band. Tickets can be purchased in advance at
rocktheboardwalk.com while they last. Doors open at 7pm and show starts at 8pm. All
ages are welcome.

(Capital Chaos TV)

Jared James Nichols begins his US tour at a hotel in old Folsom on Jan. 23

Eddie January 18, 2024 No Comments

Jared James Nichols. Photograph by Marty Moffatt

At 34, Jared James Nichols’ upward trajectory is a story that most solo artists could only dream about. Ever since moving to Southern California some 13 years ago, the Gibson-slinging guitarist has been blowing minds and ears wherever he plays with his pick-less technique

On Jan. 23, locals can hear what he’s all about at the Folsom Hotel Saloon.

A guitar critic’s choice for his voracious 6-string attack, Nichols has already been featured on several US festivals and toured with Lynyrd Skynyrd, ZZ Top, Blue Öyster Cult, Glenn Hughes of Deep Purple, John 5 and the Creatures, Living Colour, Walter Trout, UFO and Zakk Wylde. He’s also performed with Joe Bonamassa, Peter Frampton, Billy Gibbons, Slash, Steve Vai and countless others.

Nichols’ trio is rounded out by drummer Ryan Rice and bassist Louis Collins. Their upcoming show in Folsom is the first date of the US tour which ultimately ends in New Orleans. Those going to the Folsom show can expect to hear a hodgepodge of songs from Nichols’ three full-lengths, two extended plays and handful of singles.

There have certainly been no shortage of manufacturers using Nichols’ star power to increase their brand. Nichols is now a certified global ambassador for Gibson Guitars, a title he earned a couple of years back. Today, fans see him playing his signature Les Paul nicknamed ‘Old Glory,’ which is also the name of his signature Epiphone Les Paul released by Gibson. There’s also a special version called ‘Gold Glory’ which comes in a gold sparkle finish. Additionally, Nichols has a signature amplifier bearing his initials – the JJN20 – courtesy of Blackstar amplification.

The Folsom Hotel Saloon located at 703 Sutter Street in old Folsom. The Bites open the show. Doors are at 8 p.m. and the show starts promptly at 9 p.m. Tickets are available in advance at https://folsomhotel.net or take your chances at the door. 21 and over patrons only.

(SN&R)