• Insert Foot: Here come the AI dead guy collaborations
    May 11 2024
    08:51 PM

    Insert Foot: Here come the AI dead guy collaborations

    Tony Hicks No Comments 0
    Steve Marriott of Humble Pie performs at The Miami Baseball Stadium in Miami on Feb. 2,1974. Photo by Rick Diamond/Getty Images. AI is going to kill us. You, me … your goldfish. Everyone and everything. But not before ruining everything, anyway. Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. I’ve been downplaying this…
  • REWIND: The least appropriate songs for Mother's Day
    May 11 2024
    12:01 AM

    REWIND: The least appropriate songs for Mother’s Day

    Daniel J. Willis No Comments 0
    Eminem First, as a follow-up to last week’s column of “Eurovision” favorites, an update: The final isn’t until noon on May 11, but of our top 10, only eight countries are still in it. Iceland and San Marino won’t be there. San Marino was easily my second-favorite, but…
  • REVIEW: Needtobreathe and Judah & the Lion freewheel at the Paramount
    May 09 2024
    02:05 AM

    REVIEW: Needtobreathe and Judah & the Lion freewheel at the Paramount

    Jennifer Gokhman 1 Comment 0
    Needtobreathe performs at Paramount Theatre in Oakland, Calif. on May 8, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. OAKLAND — Bear Rinehart didn’t have to bring it up at all, but the frontman and guitarist of South Carolina rock band Needtobreathe clearly had to get the venue switch for his band’s Wednesday…
  • Tuesday Tracks: Ra Ra Riot, Washed Out, Dex Green and bôa
    May 07 2024
    12:01 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: Ra Ra Riot, Washed Out, Dex Green and bôa

    Peter Knezevich No Comments 0
    Bôa (Jasmine Rodgers, Alex Caird and Lee Sullivan), courtesy Freddie Stisted. An introspective orchestral rock ballad from bôa, optimistic campfire jam from Ra Ra Riot, comforting synth-wave from Washed Out, emo rock by Carly Cosgrove, culture-blending electronic dance music from Barry Can’t Swim, late-night surf rock by Thin…
  • INTERVIEW: Jordan Rakei finds musical freedom and a place at Abbey Road
    May 06 2024
    01:21 AM

    INTERVIEW: Jordan Rakei finds musical freedom and a place at Abbey Road

    Rachel Alm No Comments 0
    Jordan Rakei performs at Dingwalls during BBC Radio 6 Music Festival in London on March 7, 2020. Photo by Burak Cingi/Redferns. Jordan Rakei acknowledges he’s a workaholic, but he says with his new album, he just wanted to make music fun again. The New-Zealand-born, Australia-raised singer and musician…
  • INTERVIEW: Grace McKagan ready to turn up the noise with her next phase
    May 06 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Grace McKagan ready to turn up the noise with her next phase

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Grace McKagan, courtesy. When her punk band the Pink Slips broke up during the early part of the pandemic and Grace McKagan set out as a solo artist, she wanted to show off a different, softer side of her music. Her first solo EP, 2022’s Heart of Hearts,…
  • PHOTOS: Benson Boone brings ’Fireworks & Rollerblades’ to the Masonic
    May 02 2024
    07:30 AM

    PHOTOS: Benson Boone brings ’Fireworks & Rollerblades’ to the Masonic

    Mariana Garcia No Comments 0
    Benson Boone performs at The Masonic in San Francisco on May 1, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Washington State singer-songwriter Benson Boone brought his Fireworks & Rollerblades tour to the Masonic on Wednesday with a performance full of energy and charisma. The artist, who got his start…
  • PHOTOS: James Arthur serenades souls at Fox Theater tour kickoff
    May 01 2024
    07:55 AM

    PHOTOS: James Arthur serenades souls at Fox Theater tour kickoff

    Imani Sires 5 Comments 0
    James Arthur performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on April 30, 2024. Imani Sires/STAFF. OAKLAND — James Arthur kicked off the American leg of his Bitter Sweet Love Tour at the Fox on Tuesday. The British singer-songwriter commanded the stage with unparalleled charisma. The 36-year-old took command of…
  • REVIEW: Bombay Bicycle Club brings its joy back to the Fillmore
    May 01 2024
    07:08 AM

    REVIEW: Bombay Bicycle Club brings its joy back to the Fillmore

    Jane Hu No Comments 0
    Bombay Bicycle Club performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on April 30, 2024. Jane Hu/STAFF SAN FRANCISCO — The return of Bombay Bicycle Club to the stage, in support of its sixth album, 2023’s My Big Day, felt both natural and electrifying at the band’s sold-out show…
  • REVIEW: AJR puts on a spectacle at The Maybe Man Tour stop at Chase Center
    Apr 30 2024
    08:09 AM

    REVIEW: AJR puts on a spectacle at The Maybe Man Tour stop at Chase Center

    Piper Westrom 1 Comment 0
    AJR performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on April 29, 2024. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — AJR concerts are experiences apart from the music, and the brotherly pop trio, which wouldn’t want it any other way, brought a spectacle, full of love and lots of dancing to…
  • Abracadabra: Craig David back in his 'R&B bag' of tricks for new music
    Apr 29 2024
    12:01 AM

    Abracadabra: Craig David back in his ‘R&B bag’ of tricks for new music

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Craig David, courtesy. More than two decades after his breakout debut album, Craig David still holds dear his role in taking the underground genre of U.K. garage and bringing it to the masses, not only in his native England but also to the U.S., where it fits right…
  • REVIEW: Enhypen looks ready for its 'Fate' at Oakland Arena
    Apr 27 2024
    12:40 AM

    REVIEW: Enhypen looks ready for its ‘Fate’ at Oakland Arena

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Enhypen performs at Honda Center in Anaheim on April 24, 2024, courtesy Belift Lab. OAKLAND — Judging by enthusiastic crowd reactions, which included ear-piercing screams, massive singalongs and plenty of creative homemade signs throughout Oakland Arena, it appeared as though the Friday Enhypen performance was the most anticipated…
  • REVIEW: Black Veil Brides enter new era at tour opener at the Fillmore
    Apr 26 2024
    07:15 AM

    REVIEW: Black Veil Brides enter new era at tour opener at the Fillmore

    Mike DeWald 1 Comment 0
    Black Veil Brides perform at the Fillmore in San Francisco on April 25, 2024. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The hallowed Fillmore was transformed into an avant-goth headbangers’ ball Thursday as Black Veil Brides opened their Bleeders tour alongside a trio of heavy acts. The show brought the…
  • REVIEW: Babymetal, Dethklok thrill on first of two-night stand at the Masonic
    Apr 25 2024
    07:09 AM

    REVIEW: Babymetal, Dethklok thrill on first of two-night stand at the Masonic

    Mike DeWald 1 Comment 0
    Babymetal performs at The Masonic in San Francisco on April 24, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Explaining Wednesday night’s bill at The Masonic to someone unfamiliar with the trio of metal acts performing would take some time. Babymetal, Dethklok and DragonForce each have a lore and backstory…
  • REVIEW: A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Primus celebrate Sessanta in Berkeley
    Apr 22 2024
    12:23 AM

    REVIEW: A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Primus celebrate Sessanta in Berkeley

    Mike DeWald 1 Comment 0
    A Perfect Circle, Primus and Puscifer perform together during their Sessanta Tour concert at Rady Shell in San Diego, Calif. on April 18, 2024. Derek Tobias/STAFF. BERKELEY — There’s a variety of ways to spend a milestone birthday. You can take a trip, for example, or get together…
  • INTERVIEW: Danville native Grace Bowers, 17, burning bright as guitar virtuoso
    Apr 22 2024
    12:05 AM

    INTERVIEW: Danville native Grace Bowers, 17, burning bright as guitar virtuoso

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Grace Bowers, courtesy. The next generation’s star of American rock, blues and funk guitar is a 17-year-old high school junior from the East Bay town of Danville. Grace Bowers at BottleRock Napa Valley 12:30 p.m., Friday, May 24 (Festival runs May 24–26) Napa Valley Expo Tickets: Sold out.…
  • INTERVIEW: NorCal singer-actress Dylan Conrique ready to pull on her cowboy boots
    Apr 15 2024
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: NorCal singer-actress Dylan Conrique ready to pull on her cowboy boots

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Dylan Conrique, courtesy. Even with the allure of Hollywood calling, Dylan Conrique feels more comfortable in tiny Loomis, east of Sacramento, with her family’s animals and her friends nearby. That’s why despite having 2022 single “Birthday Cake” being certified gold, working with iconic pop producer Max Martin on…
  • REVIEW: The Sonics make one last boom in San Francisco
    Apr 14 2024
    02:05 AM

    REVIEW: The Sonics make one last boom in San Francisco

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Dusty Watson (drums) and Rob Lind of The Sonics perform at Moore Theater in Seattle on April 2, 2015. Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images. SAN FRANCISCO — “Guess you guys aren’t ready for that yet, but your kids are gonna love it,” Marty McFly told a stunned and…
  • Interview: Alice Merton leans into big personal questions on 'HERON'
    Apr 08 2024
    12:01 AM

    Interview: Alice Merton leans into big personal questions on ‘HERON’

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Alice Merton, courtesy Elias Koehler. Alice Merton never harbored dreams of superstardom. Then, “No Roots” came along and accelerated her music career in unexpected ways. But along with the success and radio airplay, it brought pressure. Fans were suddenly expecting an album, and she only had a handful…
  • REVIEW: The Veronicas ring in ‘Gothic Summer’ at Fillmore tour opener
    Apr 04 2024
    06:52 AM

    REVIEW: The Veronicas ring in ‘Gothic Summer’ at Fillmore tour opener

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    The Veronicas perform at The Fillmore in San Francisco on April 3, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The ear-to-ear smiles painted on the faces of twin sisters Lisa and Jessica Origliasso for the duration of The Veronicas’ set Wednesday told you just about everything you needed to…

News

    • Musician and legendary rock producer Steve Albini dead at 61
      Musician and legendary rock producer Steve Albini dead at 61
      May 8, 2024 at 11:46 am
      Steve Albini in his studio in Chicago on July 24, 2014. Brian Cassella/Tribune News Service. Legendary Chicago producer and musician Steve Albini has died of a…
      K-pop boy band NCT DREAM announces tour, Oakland Arena date
      K-pop boy band NCT DREAM announces tour, Oakland Arena date
      May 8, 2024 at 9:01 am
      NCT DREAM, courtesy. K-pop group NCT DREAM has announced a tour that will see it perform in Asia, North America, South America, the U.K. and in…
    • SF Symphony announces 'Summer with the Symphony' schedule
      SF Symphony announces ‘Summer with the Symphony’ schedule
      May 5, 2024 at 11:20 am
      The SF Symphony performs at Stern Grove Festival in San Francisco on July 4, 2021. Courtesy Paige K. Parsons. The San Francisco Symphony has announced programming…
      Billie Eilish announces Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour, San Jose dates
      Billie Eilish announces Hit Me Hard and Soft Tour, San Jose dates
      April 29, 2024 at 9:13 am
      Billie Eilish performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on March 29, 2022. Billie Eilish has announced dates for an arena tour this fall. Hit Me…
    • Megan Thee Stallion adds San Francisco date to Hot Girl Summer Tour
      Megan Thee Stallion adds San Francisco date to Hot Girl Summer Tour
      April 24, 2024 at 8:25 pm
      Megan Thee Stallion performs during ESSENCE Festival Of Culture at Caesars Superdome in New Orleans on July 2, 2023. Photo by Erika Goldring/Getty Images. Rapper Megan…
      Tyler, The Creator, The Killers, Sturgill Simpson lead 2024 Outside Lands bill
      Tyler, The Creator, The Killers, Sturgill Simpson lead 2024 Outside Lands bill
      April 23, 2024 at 10:05 am
      Tyler, The Creator performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2021. Rapper Tyler, The Creator, Las Vegas rock stalwarts  The Killers and alt-country…
    • Kygo announces tour, Chase Center date in San Francisco
      Kygo announces tour, Chase Center date in San Francisco
      April 22, 2024 at 3:59 pm
      Kygo performs at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco during the Outside Lands Music Festival on Aug. 11, 2019. Joaquin Cabello/STAFF. DJ Kygo announced a tour…
      K-poppers ATEEZ returning to the Bay Area on new tour
      K-poppers ATEEZ returning to the Bay Area on new tour
      April 22, 2024 at 2:13 pm
      ATEEZ performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Nov. 5, 2022. Steve Carlson/STAFF. K-pop boy band ATEEZ, which performed at Coachella this month, has announced a…
    • May's Sol Blume festival canceled, 2025 version moving to August
      May’s Sol Blume festival canceled, 2025 version moving to August
      April 21, 2024 at 9:58 am
      Chlöe (Chloe Bailey) performs during Sol Blume Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento on Aug. 20, 2023. Less than two weeks before an expanded three-day Sol…
      Obituary: Southern rock icon Dickey Betts, of Allman Brothers Band, dead at 80
      Obituary: Southern rock icon Dickey Betts, of Allman Brothers Band, dead at 80
      April 18, 2024 at 3:29 pm
      Guitarist Dickey Betts performs with the Allman Brothers Band in New Haven, Conn. on Sept. 15, 1975. Photo by Fin Costello/Redferns. If it weren’t for Dickey…
    • Charli XCX and Troye Sivan announce Sweat Tour, Chase Center date in SF
      Charli XCX and Troye Sivan announce Sweat Tour, Chase Center date in SF
      April 17, 2024 at 8:48 am
      Charli XCX performs at The Fox Theater in Oakland on Oct. 2, 2019. Joaquin Cabello/STAFF. Troye Sivan and Charli XCX are teaming up on a co-headlining…
      Future and Metro Boomin announce We Trust You Tour, Oakland Arena date
      Future and Metro Boomin announce We Trust You Tour, Oakland Arena date
      April 16, 2024 at 8:47 am
      Future performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on April 1, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. Rapper Future and producer Metro Boomin on Tuesday announced their We Trust You…
    • Maggie Rogers announces first arena shows this fall, no-fee box office pop-ups next week
      Maggie Rogers announces first arena shows this fall, no-fee box office pop-ups next week
      April 11, 2024 at 10:57 am
      Maggie Rogers performs during Outside Lands Music Festival in Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 12, 2023. Maggie Rogers has announced a fall run…
      Aerosmith announces rescheduled final tour, Bay Area dates
      Aerosmith announces rescheduled final tour, Bay Area dates
      April 10, 2024 at 9:34 am
      Aerosmith. L to R: Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer. Courtesy Fin Costello/Redferns. Aerosmith on Wednesday announced its rescheduled PEACE OUT…
    • System Of A Down and Deftones highlight post-Outside-Lands concert in GGP
      System Of A Down and Deftones highlight post-Outside-Lands concert in GGP
      April 9, 2024 at 10:00 am
      Attendees at Outside Lands in San Francisco’s Golden Gate Park watch an artist performing on the Polo Field on Oct. 30, 2021. Courtesy. Another Planet Entertainment…
      Mosswood Meltdown announces daily lineups
      Mosswood Meltdown announces daily lineups
      April 9, 2024 at 10:00 am
      The B-52s perform at The Fillmore in San Francisco on Nov. 1, 2018. They will perform at Mosswood Meltdown this July. Gary Chancer/STAFF. Annual punk music…
    • Missy Elliott to tour with Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Timbaland, play Oakland Arena
      Missy Elliott to tour with Busta Rhymes, Ciara and Timbaland, play Oakland Arena
      April 8, 2024 at 10:22 am
      Ciara, Missy Elliott and Busta Rhymes, courtesy Derek Blanks. Pioneering hip-hop star Missy Elliott is going out on tour this summer and bringing along Busta Rhymes,…
      John Legend to perform with the San Francisco Symphony
      John Legend to perform with the San Francisco Symphony
      April 3, 2024 at 7:37 pm
      John Legend, courtesy. John Legend will join the San Francisco Symphony for two concerts this July. The Grammy winner will perform “A Night of Songs and…
    • Joan Baez releases poetry collection, announces book store appearances
      Joan Baez releases poetry collection, announces book store appearances
      April 3, 2024 at 12:14 pm
      Joan Baez, “When You See My Mother, Ask Her to Dance.” Updated May 5: Bay Area singer-songwriter, activist and laureate Joan Baez will release her first…
      Music and dance take center stage at 2024 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
      Music and dance take center stage at 2024 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
      April 2, 2024 at 9:00 am
      Pedrito Martinez will perform during the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival in May. Courtesy Danny Clinch. Producers of the Yerba Buena Gardens Festival have announced the 2024 lineup…
    • The Black Keys announce North American International Players Tour, Shoreline date
      The Black Keys announce North American International Players Tour, Shoreline date
      April 1, 2024 at 12:35 pm
      Black Keys, courtesy. The Black Keys are going “international” this fall. The Ohio blues rock duo on Monday announced its 31-date International Players Tour in support…
      Green Day playing the Fillmore next week for climate crisis awareness
      Green Day playing the Fillmore next week for climate crisis awareness
      March 28, 2024 at 12:47 pm
      Green Day, courtesy Alice Baxley. Ahead of a stadium tour, the Bay Area’s own Green Day will perform at the Fillmore on April 2 to raise…
    • Mountain Winery announces 2024 concert series, ticket on-sales
      Mountain Winery announces 2024 concert series, ticket on-sales
      March 28, 2024 at 9:54 am
      OneRepublic performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 24, 2019. The band will perform at the Mountain Winery this summer. STAFF…
      Chase Center, SFMTA celebrating Bruce Springsteen shows with commemorative street signs
      Chase Center, SFMTA celebrating Bruce Springsteen shows with commemorative street signs
      March 27, 2024 at 10:05 am
      Bruce Springsteen SFMTA signs near Chase Center in San Francisco. Chase Center and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency have teamed up to install special street…

Features

    • INTERVIEW: Grace McKagan ready to turn up the noise with her next phase
      INTERVIEW: Grace McKagan ready to turn up the noise with her next phase
      May 6, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Grace McKagan, courtesy. When her punk band the Pink Slips broke up during the early part of the pandemic and Grace McKagan set out as a…
    • Abracadabra: Craig David back in his 'R&B bag' of tricks for new music
      Abracadabra: Craig David back in his ‘R&B bag’ of tricks for new music
      April 29, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Craig David, courtesy. More than two decades after his breakout debut album, Craig David still holds dear his role in taking the underground genre of U.K.…
    • INTERVIEW: Danville native Grace Bowers, 17, burning bright as guitar virtuoso
      INTERVIEW: Danville native Grace Bowers, 17, burning bright as guitar virtuoso
      April 22, 2024 at 12:05 am
      Grace Bowers, courtesy. The next generation’s star of American rock, blues and funk guitar is a 17-year-old high school junior from the East Bay town of…
    • INTERVIEW: NorCal singer-actress Dylan Conrique ready to pull on her cowboy boots
      INTERVIEW: NorCal singer-actress Dylan Conrique ready to pull on her cowboy boots
      April 15, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Dylan Conrique, courtesy. Even with the allure of Hollywood calling, Dylan Conrique feels more comfortable in tiny Loomis, east of Sacramento, with her family’s animals and…
    • Interview: Alice Merton leans into big personal questions on 'HERON'
      Interview: Alice Merton leans into big personal questions on ‘HERON’
      April 8, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Alice Merton, courtesy Elias Koehler. Alice Merton never harbored dreams of superstardom. Then, “No Roots” came along and accelerated her music career in unexpected ways. But…
    • INTERVIEW: Rhett Miller, Old 97's find their inner cavemen on 'American Primitive'
      INTERVIEW: Rhett Miller, Old 97’s find their inner cavemen on ‘American Primitive’
      April 1, 2024 at 11:16 pm
      Old 97’s, courtesy Jason Quigley. Rhett Miller is damn proud of the longevity of Old 97’s. They’ve had the same four members since the band’s inception,…
    • INTERVIEW: DeathByRomy doing it on her own terms
      INTERVIEW: DeathByRomy doing it on her own terms
      March 18, 2024 at 12:01 am
      DeathByRomy photographed at Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento on Oct. 5, 2023. Mike DeWald/STAFF. It’s tough to pin down Romy Flores, better known as…
    • INTERVIEW: Jelani Aryeh invites you to his 'Sweater Club' on sophomore album
      INTERVIEW: Jelani Aryeh invites you to his ‘Sweater Club’ on sophomore album
      March 11, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Jelani Aryeh, courtesy Silken Weinberg. Welcome to The Sweater Club by Jelani Aryeh. It’s a club the San Diego native created to heal the things that have…

Podcasts

    • RIFF RADIO: Sophie Lloyd lights it up with Trivium collaboration
      RIFF RADIO: Sophie Lloyd lights it up with Trivium collaboration
      February 23, 2023 at 10:15 pm
      Sophie Lloyd, courtesy. Collaborating with Trivium’s Matt Heafy was a full circle moment for guitar shredding phenom Sophie Lloyd. “There’s the picture of me when I…
    • RIFF WITH: Maggie Lindemann serves up a 'Suckerpunch' on debut album
      RIFF WITH: Maggie Lindemann serves up a ‘Suckerpunch’ on debut album
      December 28, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Maggie Lindemann, courtesy. SACRAMENTO — Ask rising star Maggie Lindemann who she’d most like to hit the road with, and the 24-year old Texas singer doesn’t…
    • RIFF RADIO: Sick Puppies' bassist Emma Anzai pulls double duty with Evanescence
      RIFF RADIO: Sick Puppies’ bassist Emma Anzai pulls double duty with Evanescence
      December 5, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Emma Anzai performs with Evanescence at Mediolanum Forum of Assago in Milan, Italy, on Nov. 10, 2022. Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images. Patience is…
    • RIFF RADIO: Mark Tremonti wants to 'Take a Chance' with Sinatra covers album
      RIFF RADIO: Mark Tremonti wants to ‘Take a Chance’ with Sinatra covers album
      June 15, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Mark Tremonti, courtesy. Guitarist and singer Mark Tremonti has thrilled hard rock audiences almost nonstop for more than two decades, churning out blistering guitar solos and…

Album Reviews

    • ALBUM REVIEW: Ani DiFranco a poet with punk soul on 'Unprecedented Sh!t'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ani DiFranco a poet with punk soul on ‘Unprecedented Sh!t’
      May 10, 2024 at 8:26 pm
      Ani DiFranco, “Unprecedented Sh!t” Singer-songwriter, author, feminist radical and recently turned Broadway actress Ani DiFranco is no stranger to breaking the mold and pushing her own…
      Slash and friends give blues, rock classics tough, reverential treatment on 'Orgy of the Damned'
      Slash and friends give blues, rock classics tough, reverential treatment on ‘Orgy of the Damned’
      May 10, 2024 at 5:14 pm
      Slash, “Orgy of the Damned.” The blues come in many colors, and Slash made some solid and varied – if not terribly original – choices for…
    • REVIEW: Collective Soul still gelling 30 years later, from 'Here to Eternity'
      REVIEW: Collective Soul still gelling 30 years later, from ‘Here to Eternity’
      May 10, 2024 at 10:10 am
      Collective Soul, “Here to Eternity.” Georgia alt-rock stalwarts Collective Soul planned to make release a double-album to mark their 25th anniversary in 2019. The band, which…
      REVIEW: Orville Peck branches out on 'Stampede Vol. 1,' brings friends along
      REVIEW: Orville Peck branches out on ‘Stampede Vol. 1,’ brings friends along
      May 4, 2024 at 7:05 pm
      Orville Peck, “Stampede Vol. 1.” Masked outlaw country star Orville Peck has curated a very clear sound for himself over the years. Songs like “Dead of…
    • REVIEW: Sebastian Bach gets heavy on 'Child Within The Man'
      REVIEW: Sebastian Bach gets heavy on ‘Child Within The Man’
      May 3, 2024 at 8:02 pm
      Sebastian Bach, “Child Within The Man.” Sebastian Bach is best known from his stint as lead singer of Skid Row, the glam-styled metal band of the…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kings of Leon unwind on 'Can We Please Have Fun'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kings of Leon unwind on ‘Can We Please Have Fun’
      May 3, 2024 at 6:47 pm
      Kings of Leon, “Can We Please Have Fun.” The last the world heard from Kings of Leon, the Southern rockers had scrapped the remainder of a…
    • REVIEW: Shannon and the Clams turn grief into catharsis on 'The Moon is in the Wrong Place'
      REVIEW: Shannon and the Clams turn grief into catharsis on ‘The Moon is in the Wrong Place’
      May 3, 2024 at 5:26 pm
      Shannon and the Clams, “The Moon is in the Wrong Place.” Oakland garage rock quartet Shannon and the Clams delivers profound reflections about life’s impermanence on…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Dua Lipa searches for the one on 'Radical Optimism'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Dua Lipa searches for the one on ‘Radical Optimism’
      May 2, 2024 at 10:49 pm
      Dua Lipa, “Radical Optimism.” Radical Optimism, the third album by Dua Lipa, is an ode to hopeless romantics, a recognition of the frustration and repetition of yearning…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Better Than Ezra finds 'Super Magick' in everyday life
      ALBUM REVIEW: Better Than Ezra finds ‘Super Magick’ in everyday life
      May 2, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Better Than Ezra, “Super Magick.” It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since we had a new record from Better Than Ezra. The New Orleans…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kamasi Washington hits new heights on 'Fearless Movement'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kamasi Washington hits new heights on ‘Fearless Movement’
      April 30, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Kamasi Washington, “Fearless Movement.” Historically, jazz has been under-appreciated as a genre in America. Legitimate musical geniuses, towering greats like Charlie Parker, John Coltrane and Miles…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Sia back in full motivational form on 'Reasonable Woman'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sia back in full motivational form on ‘Reasonable Woman’
      April 28, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      SIA, “Reasonable Woman.” Pop star Sia has been writing memorable pop songs for both herself and a bevy of other marquee artists for years. Her latest,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: P.O.D. stays true to form on hard-driving 'Veritas'
      ALBUM REVIEW: P.O.D. stays true to form on hard-driving ‘Veritas’
      April 27, 2024 at 9:07 pm
      P.O.D., “Veritas.” The members of P.O.D., or Payable On Death, wear their heart on their sleeve on the band’s 11th album, Veritas, and the result is…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Justice blasts off to ‘Hyperdrama’ on first LP in eight years
      ALBUM REVIEW: Justice blasts off to ‘Hyperdrama’ on first LP in eight years
      April 22, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Justice, “Hyperdrama.” Things are ramping up quickly for Gaspard Augé and Xavier de Rosnay, the French electronic music duo better known as Justice. The group’s latest…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young and Crazy Horse let 'er rip on new live album
      ALBUM REVIEW: Neil Young and Crazy Horse let ‘er rip on new live album
      April 20, 2024 at 10:21 am
      Neil Young and Crazy Horse, “FU##IN’ UP.” There’s a moment on FU##IN’ UP, the new live album from Neil Young and Crazy Horse, when a snarling squall…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: St. Vincent back to art rock roots yet inventive on ‘All Born Screaming’
      ALBUM REVIEW: St. Vincent back to art rock roots yet inventive on ‘All Born Screaming’
      April 19, 2024 at 12:32 pm
      St. Vincent, “All Born Screaming.” Over the past decade, St. Vincent has ventured into all kinds of new sounds—from electro-pop on 2017’s MASSEDUCTION to ‘70s psychedelic…
      REVIEW: Iron & Wine gently tugs at your memories with 'Light Verse'
      REVIEW: Iron & Wine gently tugs at your memories with ‘Light Verse’
      April 19, 2024 at 11:15 am
      Iron & Wine, “Light Verse.” With his first album in seven years, singer-songwriter Sam Beam has put together a thought-provoking Iron & Wine comeback. Self-produced and…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Taylor Swift claws back on ‘The Tortured Poets Department'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Taylor Swift claws back on ‘The Tortured Poets Department’
      April 18, 2024 at 10:16 pm
      Taylor Swift, “Tortured Poets Department.” It didn’t take long for Taylor Swift’s The Tortured Poets Department to completely take over the internet. Did it really leak or…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Alien Ant Farm marches back with ‘mAntras'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Alien Ant Farm marches back with ‘mAntras’
      April 18, 2024 at 8:02 pm
      Alien Ant Farm, “mAntras.” “It’s never gonna feel like the first time,” sings Dryden Mitchell of Alien Ant Farm on the opening track of the the…
    • REVIEW: 'Dark Matter' shows Pearl Jam, America's most reliable band, isn't slowing down
      REVIEW: ‘Dark Matter’ shows Pearl Jam, America’s most reliable band, isn’t slowing down
      April 12, 2024 at 5:34 pm
      Pearl Jam, “Dark Matter.” Pearl Jam is easily America’s most reliable rock band. Dark Matter  Pearl Jam Republic, April 19 8/10 Get the album on Amazon…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ian Hunter and friends sing out in ‘Defiance Part 2’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ian Hunter and friends sing out in ‘Defiance Part 2’
      April 12, 2024 at 10:25 am
      Ian Hunter, “Defiance Part 2: Fiction.” Artwork by Johnny Depp. Almost exactly one year ago, Ian Hunter showed us what he’d been up to during the…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Maggie Rogers’ ‘Don’t Forget Me’ is disappointingly easy to forget
      ALBUM REVIEW: Maggie Rogers’ ‘Don’t Forget Me’ is disappointingly easy to forget
      April 7, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Maggie Rogers, “Don’t Forget Me.” Maggie Rogers’ innovative debut album bolstered her fame. Then, her sophomore record, 2022’s Surrender, switched tones toward a bolder pop-rock sound that…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Girl in Red delivers her second act on ‘I’m Doing it Again Baby'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Girl in Red delivers her second act on ‘I’m Doing it Again Baby’
      April 7, 2024 at 10:51 am
      girl in red, “I’m Doing It Again Baby.” Norwegian singer-songwriter Marie Ringheim delivers a fitting return engagement on her sophomore effort as girl in red, I’m…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Mark Knopfler lets 'One Deep River' wash over his characters
      ALBUM REVIEW: Mark Knopfler lets ‘One Deep River’ wash over his characters
      April 5, 2024 at 7:45 pm
      Mark Knopfler, “One Deep River.” Mark Knopfler’s musical voice isn’t only that of the guitar lines recognizable to anyone who’s ever heard “Sultans of Swing,” but…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Conan Gray parties hard on 'Found Heaven'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Conan Gray parties hard on ‘Found Heaven’
      April 4, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Conan Gray, “Found Heaven.” Since he came up as a YouTube influencer, Conan Gray has been constantly walking a tightrope—as a music artist—balancing his songcraft and…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: The Libertines get raw on ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Libertines get raw on ‘All Quiet On The Eastern Esplanade’
      March 29, 2024 at 10:25 pm
      The Libertines, “All Quiet On the Eastern Esplanade.” English garage revivalists the Libertines spent little idle time on their fourth album, All Quiet on the Eastern Esplanade.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Black Keys drop the needle, show growth on ‘Ohio Players'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Black Keys drop the needle, show growth on ‘Ohio Players’
      March 29, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      The Black Keys, “Ohio Players.” Dan Auerbach and Pat Carney reportedly found inspiration for their 12th Black Keys album by DJing small gatherings. The concept was…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Marcus King begins to heal on 'Mood Swings'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Marcus King begins to heal on ‘Mood Swings’
      March 29, 2024 at 2:02 pm
      Marcus King, “Mood Swings.” With a deft hand on his guitar and a voice that tells a thousand stories all by itself, Marcus King lays bare…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Beyoncé again proves she can do anything with ‘COWBOY CARTER’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Beyoncé again proves she can do anything with ‘COWBOY CARTER’
      March 29, 2024 at 1:23 am
      Beyoncé, “COWBOY CARTER.” “Genres are a funny little concept, aren’t they?” asks Linda Martell—the first commercially successful Black female country artist in history—in an audio clip…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: X Ambassadors take it back home and reflect on 'Townie'
      ALBUM REVIEW: X Ambassadors take it back home and reflect on ‘Townie’
      March 27, 2024 at 12:01 am
      X Ambassadors, “Townie.” On their new album, Townie, X Ambassadors reminisce on their childhood memories and life in upstate New York. Townie X Ambassadors Virgin, April 5 8/10…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sheryl Crow dreams of a brighter future on 'Evolution'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sheryl Crow dreams of a brighter future on ‘Evolution’
      March 22, 2024 at 12:01 pm
      Sheryl Crow, “Evolution.” Nine-time Grammy winner Sheryl Crow is showing no signs of slowing down with her 11th album, Evolution. She had said after releasing 2018’s…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Kenny Chesney 'BORN' again on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kenny Chesney ‘BORN’ again on new LP
      March 21, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Kenny Chesney, “BORN.” Still living life to the fullest, country superstar Kenny Chesney is BORN again with a new 15-track album that’s comforting and familiar in…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Fletcher almost soars while ‘In Search of the Antidote’
      ALBUM REVIEW: Fletcher almost soars while ‘In Search of the Antidote’
      March 17, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Fletcher, “In Search Of The Antidote.” “Here I fucking go again,” sings New Jersey native Cari Fletcher—better known as Fletcher—in the first lyric of her sophomore…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Elbow returns with a vengeance on 'Audio Vertigo'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Elbow returns with a vengeance on ‘Audio Vertigo’
      March 16, 2024 at 11:16 am
      Elbow, “Audio Vertigo.” Some fans of Elbow found the U.K. band’s previous album, pandemic-era Flying Dream 1 (2021) to be a little too quiet and sleepy.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Gary Clark Jr. gets real on 'JPEG RAW'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Gary Clark Jr. gets real on ‘JPEG RAW’
      March 15, 2024 at 11:26 pm
      Gary Clark Jr., “JPEG RAW.” Gary Clark, Jr. makes it clear with his new album that he doesn’t want to be only a blues guitar prodigy…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Justin Timberlake looks back on 'Everything I Thought It Was'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Justin Timberlake looks back on ‘Everything I Thought It Was’
      March 14, 2024 at 10:32 pm
      Justin Timberlake, “Everything I Thought It Was.” Justin Timberlake effectively dances around the elephant in the room throughout his sixth album, Everything I Thought It Was.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: DragonForce accelerates to ‘Warp Speed’ on new LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: DragonForce accelerates to ‘Warp Speed’ on new LP
      March 11, 2024 at 12:25 am
      Dragonforce, “Warp Speed Warriors.” Hold on tight. That’s about the only advice one can give when going on a spin with Warp Speed Warriors, the latest…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Scott Stapp finds his 'Higher Power' on solo LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: Scott Stapp finds his ‘Higher Power’ on solo LP
      March 10, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      Scott Stapp, “Higher Power.” While Creed is in the midst of a resurgence with a World Series anthem for the Texas Rangers and an extensive reunion…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Black Crowes family reunion is fully formed on 'Happiness Bastards'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Black Crowes family reunion is fully formed on ‘Happiness Bastards’
      March 10, 2024 at 9:00 pm
      The Black Crowes, “Happiness Bastards.” Brothers Chris and Rich Robinson have been busy over the past 15 years, with various bands, solo musical projects, producing other…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: ZHU takes an uncomfortable journey inward on 'Grace'
      ALBUM REVIEW: ZHU takes an uncomfortable journey inward on ‘Grace’
      March 8, 2024 at 2:12 pm
      “ZHU, “Grace.” The fourth album by ZHU, Grace, maintains the Bay Area native’s signature electronic sound while embracing elements of pop and hip-hop. Grace  ZHU Astralwerks,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jesus and Mary Chain flows quicker on 'Glasgow Eyes'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jesus and Mary Chain flows quicker on ‘Glasgow Eyes’
      March 8, 2024 at 11:37 am
      The Jesus and Mary Chain, “Glasgow Eyes.” For those of us who remember, there was a very specific feeling you used to get from a Jesus…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Ariana Grande lets in the light on 'Eternal Sunshine'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Ariana Grande lets in the light on ‘Eternal Sunshine’
      March 7, 2024 at 11:28 pm
      Ariana Grande, “Eternal Sunshine.” Ariana Grande didn’t give up many secrets leading up to Eternal Sunshine. The track list came in fragments and just once song…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Rolling Stones trot out welcome rarities on Wiltern live set
      ALBUM REVIEW: Rolling Stones trot out welcome rarities on Wiltern live set
      March 1, 2024 at 10:17 pm
      The Rolling Stones, “Live at the Wiltern.” In February 2023, the Rolling Stones released Grrr Live, an album they billed as their “definitive greatest hits live”…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Kim Gordon makes herself at home on 'The Collective'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kim Gordon makes herself at home on ‘The Collective’
      March 1, 2024 at 6:50 pm
      Kim Gordon, “The Collective.” The second solo album by Kim Gordon, The Collective, is a little like the beginning of Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities,”…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Norah Jones' 'Visions' is a ray of light
      ALBUM REVIEW: Norah Jones’ ‘Visions’ is a ray of light
      March 1, 2024 at 4:49 pm
      Norah Jones, “Visions.” Norah Jones’ newest album, Visions, swings the pendulum from darkness back to light. If 2020’s Pick Me Up Off the Floor was the…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Judas Priest as good as ever on 'Invincible Shield'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Judas Priest as good as ever on ‘Invincible Shield’
      March 1, 2024 at 11:19 am
      Judas Priest, “Invincible Shield.” Pressing play on Judas Priest’s 19th album, Invincible Shield, is like a time machine with a direct pathway to the late ’70s.…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Taj Mahal gets monumental at 'the Church in Tulsa'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Taj Mahal gets monumental at ‘the Church in Tulsa’
      March 1, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Taj Mahal, “Swingin’ Live at the Church in Tulsa.” Like the palace in India, musician Taj Mahal has been around for awhile. The bluesman, born Henry…
    • REVIEW: Liam Gallagher, John Squire cast old shadows on collab LP
      REVIEW: Liam Gallagher, John Squire cast old shadows on collab LP
      February 23, 2024 at 10:47 pm
      “Liam Gallagher John Squire.” “There should be a lot more music by John Squire out in the world.” Liam Gallagher John Squire Liam Gallagher and John…
      REVIEW: STRFKR finds an electro-pop dream state on 'Parallel Realms'
      REVIEW: STRFKR finds an electro-pop dream state on ‘Parallel Realms’
      February 23, 2024 at 11:11 am
      STRFKR, “Parallel Realms.” STRFKR mined its demos and musical ideations for the electro-pop quartet’s eighth album, Parallel Realms. But once those songs were written, the band pulled…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: KISS' Ace Frehley delivers the goods with '10,000 Volts'
      ALBUM REVIEW: KISS’ Ace Frehley delivers the goods with ‘10,000 Volts’
      February 17, 2024 at 5:11 pm
      Ace Frehley, “10,000 Volts.” When KISS was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of fame in 2014, Gene Simmons said the guitar playing of Ace…

Listen Now

    • Tuesday Tracks: Ra Ra Riot, Washed Out, Dex Green and bôa
      Tuesday Tracks: Ra Ra Riot, Washed Out, Dex Green and bôa
      May 7, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Bôa (Jasmine Rodgers, Alex Caird and Lee Sullivan), courtesy Freddie Stisted. An introspective orchestral rock ballad from bôa, optimistic campfire jam from Ra Ra Riot, comforting…
      REWIND: Our top 10 "Eurovision" 2024 competitors
      REWIND: Our top 10 “Eurovision” 2024 competitors
      May 4, 2024 at 3:18 pm
      Angelina Mango performs at Fabrique in Milan, Italy on April 17, 2024. She’s representing Italy in Eurovision Song Contest. Photo by Sergione Infuso/Corbis via Getty Images.…

Q&A Interviews

    • Q&A: The Darkness' Frankie Poullain wants to cry, climax on Permission to Land 20 Tour
      Q&A: The Darkness’ Frankie Poullain wants to cry, climax on Permission to Land 20 Tour
      September 28, 2023 at 12:01 am
      The Darkness, courtesy Gareth Parker. Brit rockers The Darkness are celebrating the release of their 2003 debut, Permission to Land, with a re-release of the multi-platinum…
    • Interview: French electro-pop trio Hyphen Hyphen wants to take over the U.S.
      Interview: French electro-pop trio Hyphen Hyphen wants to take over the U.S.
      August 24, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Hyphen Hyphen, courtesy. French synthpop trio Hyphen Hyphen loves finishing each other’s sentences. Like a symbiotic mind on pretty much all matters, vocalist-keyboardist Samanta “Santa” Cotta,…
    • Q&A: Nita Strauss on her new album, working with Alice Cooper and Demi Lovato
      Q&A: Nita Strauss on her new album, working with Alice Cooper and Demi Lovato
      August 19, 2023 at 10:41 am
      Nita Strauss, courtesy Ana Massard. Nita Strauss had just kicked off a headlining tour in Nashville and then slept soundly on her bus all the way…
    • SF visits the 'Haus of Holbein:' An interview with SIX's Jasmine Forsberg
      SF visits the ‘Haus of Holbein:’ An interview with SIX’s Jasmine Forsberg
      March 10, 2023 at 4:13 pm
      The North American “SIX” Aragon Tour. Jasmine Forsberg far left. Photo by Joan Marcus. No theater show since “Hamilton” has had as much buzz and exploded…
    • Q&A: Vanessa Carlton faces off with 'Future Pain' on first headlining tour in years
      Q&A: Vanessa Carlton faces off with ‘Future Pain’ on first headlining tour in years
      March 6, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Vanessa Carlton, courtesy Alysse Gafkjen. Vanessa Carlton is plotting future pain on her first headlining tour since before lockdowns, but it’s a current pain that’s postponed…
    • Q&A: P1Harmony set in and saddle up on their second U.S. tour
      Q&A: P1Harmony set in and saddle up on their second U.S. tour
      February 15, 2023 at 12:01 am
      P1Harmony performs at the Paramount Theatre in Oakland on Jan. 22, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. Up-and-coming K-pop sextet P1Harmony seem genuinely excited to be backstage at the…
    • Q&A: Homeboy Sandman wants to build a label with the greatest rappers in the world
      Q&A: Homeboy Sandman wants to build a label with the greatest rappers in the world
      January 11, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Homeboy Sandman, courtesy Misshattan. Considering how busy New York rapper Homeboy Sandman has been these last couple of years—two EPs, a mixtape, a deluxe edition of…
    • Interview: The London Suede on writing 'Autofiction' and coming up to the U.S.
      Interview: The London Suede on writing ‘Autofiction’ and coming up to the U.S.
      November 2, 2022 at 12:01 am
      The London Suede, courtesy Dean Chalkley. In more than two decades since Suede (they’re known here as The London Suede) last toured in the U.S., the…
    • Q&A: Aussies Ocean Alley bring their 'Low Altitude Living' to the States
      Q&A: Aussies Ocean Alley bring their ‘Low Altitude Living’ to the States
      October 11, 2022 at 11:57 pm
      Ocean Alley performs at House of Blues Anaheim in Anaheim, Calif. on Oct. 11, 2022. Chas Alm/STAFF. Australian band Ocean Alley just arrived in the U.S.…

Opinion

    • Insert Foot: 'Kintsukuroi' explores shameful chapter in U.S. history not taught in schools
      Insert Foot: ‘Kintsukuroi’ explores shameful chapter in U.S. history not taught in schools
      May 5, 2024 at 12:01 am
      “Kintsukuroi” film art. My 15-year-old daughter and I went to the San Francisco premiere of “Kintsukuroi” last weekend. It’s an independent film from director Kerwin Berk…
    • INSERT FOOT: Pay attention to the Toomaj Salehi death sentence in Iran
      INSERT FOOT: Pay attention to the Toomaj Salehi death sentence in Iran
      April 27, 2024 at 10:27 pm
      A woman holds the portrait of Iranian rapper Toomaj Salehi, accused of “corruption on Earth” during the demonstration against Iranian repression in Lyon, France on Jan.…
    • Insert Foot: Caitlin Clark, WNBA seem underpaid, but that will change
      Insert Foot: Caitlin Clark, WNBA seem underpaid, but that will change
      April 21, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Rendering: Adam Pardee/STAFF. The social media collective lost its mind this week over the new salary of basketball star Caitlin Clark, after she was drafted No.…
    • Insert Foot: It's all been said, but Kurt Cobain worth remembering after 30 years
      Insert Foot: It’s all been said, but Kurt Cobain worth remembering after 30 years
      April 7, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Kurt Cobain of Nirvana. Photo: WireImage. Kurt Cobain died 30 years ago this week. This is where you expect me to say something about how time…
    • Insert Foot: Her feelings are legitimate but Lizzo did sign up for this shit
      Insert Foot: Her feelings are legitimate but Lizzo did sign up for this shit
      March 31, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Original photo: Lizzo at the the 65th Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Feb. 5, 2023. Photo courtesy The Recording Academy. Lizzo is upset. That’s fine…
    • Insert Foot: Why we need 'Masters of the Air'
      Insert Foot: Why we need ‘Masters of the Air’
      March 24, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot getting misty-eyed over “Masters of the Air.” I finished “Masters of the Air” last week and need to get a few things out of…
    • Insert Foot: How to perk up the boring Academy Awards
      Insert Foot: How to perk up the boring Academy Awards
      March 10, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot has some suggestion for the Academy Awards. I was going to write something serious about the Oscars because I used to be a film…
    • Insert Foot: Beyoncé reminds us American music comes from the same place
      Insert Foot: Beyoncé reminds us American music comes from the same place
      February 25, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Beyoncé performs on the opening night of the Renaissance World Tour in at Friends Arena in Stockholm, Sweden on May 10, 2023. Photo by Mason Poole.…
    • Opinion: The astounding potential of Las Vegas' Sphere
      Opinion: The astounding potential of Las Vegas’ Sphere
      February 21, 2024 at 12:01 am
      U2 performs at Sphere in Las Vegas on Feb. 7, 2024. Steve Carlson/STAFF. A lot has been said about Sphere in Las Vegas being game-changing for…

Concert Reviews

    • REVIEW: Bombay Bicycle Club brings its joy back to the Fillmore
      REVIEW: Bombay Bicycle Club brings its joy back to the Fillmore
      May 1, 2024 at 7:08 am
      Bombay Bicycle Club performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on April 30, 2024. Jane Hu/STAFF SAN FRANCISCO — The return of Bombay Bicycle Club to…
    • REVIEW: AJR puts on a spectacle at The Maybe Man Tour stop at Chase Center
      REVIEW: AJR puts on a spectacle at The Maybe Man Tour stop at Chase Center
      April 30, 2024 at 8:09 am
      AJR performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on April 29, 2024. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — AJR concerts are experiences apart from the music, and…
    • REVIEW: Enhypen looks ready for its 'Fate' at Oakland Arena
      REVIEW: Enhypen looks ready for its ‘Fate’ at Oakland Arena
      April 27, 2024 at 12:40 am
      Enhypen performs at Honda Center in Anaheim on April 24, 2024, courtesy Belift Lab. OAKLAND — Judging by enthusiastic crowd reactions, which included ear-piercing screams, massive…
    • REVIEW: Black Veil Brides enter new era at tour opener at the Fillmore
      REVIEW: Black Veil Brides enter new era at tour opener at the Fillmore
      April 26, 2024 at 7:15 am
      Black Veil Brides perform at the Fillmore in San Francisco on April 25, 2024. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The hallowed Fillmore was transformed into an…
    • REVIEW: Babymetal, Dethklok thrill on first of two-night stand at the Masonic
      REVIEW: Babymetal, Dethklok thrill on first of two-night stand at the Masonic
      April 25, 2024 at 7:09 am
      Babymetal performs at The Masonic in San Francisco on April 24, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Explaining Wednesday night’s bill at The Masonic to someone…
    • REVIEW: A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Primus celebrate Sessanta in Berkeley
      REVIEW: A Perfect Circle, Puscifer, Primus celebrate Sessanta in Berkeley
      April 22, 2024 at 12:23 am
      A Perfect Circle, Primus and Puscifer perform together during their Sessanta Tour concert at Rady Shell in San Diego, Calif. on April 18, 2024. Derek Tobias/STAFF.…
    • REVIEW: The Sonics make one last boom in San Francisco
      REVIEW: The Sonics make one last boom in San Francisco
      April 14, 2024 at 2:05 am
      Dusty Watson (drums) and Rob Lind of The Sonics perform at Moore Theater in Seattle on April 2, 2015. Photo by Mat Hayward/Getty Images. SAN FRANCISCO…
    • REVIEW: The Veronicas ring in ‘Gothic Summer’ at Fillmore tour opener
      REVIEW: The Veronicas ring in ‘Gothic Summer’ at Fillmore tour opener
      April 4, 2024 at 6:52 am
      The Veronicas perform at The Fillmore in San Francisco on April 3, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — The ear-to-ear smiles painted on the faces of…
    • REVIEW: Green Day doubles up on 'Saviors' and 'American Idiot' at the Fillmore
      REVIEW: Green Day doubles up on ‘Saviors’ and ‘American Idiot’ at the Fillmore
      April 3, 2024 at 6:54 am
      Green Day performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on April 2, 2024. Courtesy Greg Schneider. SAN FRANCISCO — Green Day has played just about every…
    • REVIEW: Movements, Tigers Jaw create a 'RUCKUS!' at The UC Theatre tour opener
      REVIEW: Movements, Tigers Jaw create a ‘RUCKUS!’ at The UC Theatre tour opener
      March 29, 2024 at 5:34 am
      Movements perform at The UC Theatre in Berkeley on March 28, 2024. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. BERKELEY — Stick around in a music scene long enough, and you’ll…
    • REVIEW: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band full of faith at first Chase Center show
      REVIEW: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band full of faith at first Chase Center show
      March 29, 2024 at 1:39 am
      Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band perform at Chase Center in San Francisco on March 28, 2024. Photo: Nick Buckmaster. SAN FRANCISCO — “Can you…
    • REVIEW: K-poppers ONEUS welcome spring at Paramount Theatre
      REVIEW: K-poppers ONEUS welcome spring at Paramount Theatre
      March 18, 2024 at 11:23 pm
      ONEUS performs at Paramount Theatre in Oakland on March 18, 2024. Steve Carlson/STAFF. OAKLAND — On the official last day of winter, K-pop boy group ONEUS…
    • REVIEW: IVE turns it up to 'ELEVEN' at Oakland Arena debut
      REVIEW: IVE turns it up to ‘ELEVEN’ at Oakland Arena debut
      March 17, 2024 at 1:23 am
      IVE performs at the KIA Forum in Inglewood, California on March 13, 2024. Courtesy Andy Keilen/Starship Entertainment. OAKLAND — For a group that didn’t debut until…
    • REVIEW: Municipal Waste, Ghoul and friends bring the mayhem to The UC Theatre
      REVIEW: Municipal Waste, Ghoul and friends bring the mayhem to The UC Theatre
      March 5, 2024 at 7:11 am
      Municipal Waste performs at The UC Theatre in Berkeley, Calif. on March 4, 2024. Sean Liming/STAFF. BERKELEY —  Weeknight or not, the Brainsqueeze tour rolled into…
    • REVIEW: 'Most Wanted' Bad Bunny rides a horse into Chase Center
      REVIEW: ‘Most Wanted’ Bad Bunny rides a horse into Chase Center
      March 2, 2024 at 8:32 am
      Bad Bunny performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on March 1, 2024. Derek Fisher/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Puerto Rican megastar Bad Bunny focused on his…
    • REVIEW: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony show they've still got it at Noise Pop show
      REVIEW: Bone Thugs-N-Harmony show they’ve still got it at Noise Pop show
      March 2, 2024 at 6:52 am
      Bone Thugs-N-Harmony perform at Curran Theatre in San Francisco during Noise Pop Festival on March 1, 2024. Mariana García/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — After 30 years, Bone…
    • REVIEW: Madonna tells a compelling story at second Chase Center show
      REVIEW: Madonna tells a compelling story at second Chase Center show
      February 29, 2024 at 3:26 am
      Madonna performs at The O2 Arena in London on Oct. 14, 2023. Photo by Kevin Mazur/Live Nation. SAN FRANCISCO — The people who increasingly hate on…
    • REVIEW: André 3000 wings it at The Independent
      REVIEW: André 3000 wings it at The Independent
      February 24, 2024 at 10:44 pm
      André 3000 performs at Bimbo’s 365 Club in San Francisco on Feb. 20, 2024. Courtesy Stephanie Port. SAN FRANCISCO — “I never thought I’d be onstage playing…
    • REVIEW: Ty Segall and the Freedom Band launch tour with new drummer at GAMH
      REVIEW: Ty Segall and the Freedom Band launch tour with new drummer at GAMH
      February 21, 2024 at 7:14 am
      Ty Segall performs at Starline Social Club in Oakland on Jan. 14, 2020. Karen Goldman/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — “Give a warm welcome to our new drummer,…

Photos

    • PHOTOS: James Arthur serenades souls at Fox Theater tour kickoff
      PHOTOS: James Arthur serenades souls at Fox Theater tour kickoff
      May 1, 2024 at 7:55 am
      James Arthur performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on April 30, 2024. Imani Sires/STAFF. OAKLAND — James Arthur kicked off the American leg of his Bitter…
    • PHOTOS: Alice Phoebe Lou finds 'Shelter' at the Fillmore
      PHOTOS: Alice Phoebe Lou finds ‘Shelter’ at the Fillmore
      April 13, 2024 at 7:28 am
      Alice Phoebe Lou performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on April 12, 2024. Mariana Garcia/STAFF SAN FRANCISCO — South African singer-songwriter Alice Phoebe Lou performed at…
    • PHOTOS: Offset reintroduces himself at Set It Off Tour stop in Anaheim
      PHOTOS: Offset reintroduces himself at Set It Off Tour stop in Anaheim
      April 2, 2024 at 7:56 am
      Offset performs at House of Blues in Anaheim, Calif. on April 1, 2024. Derek Tobias/STAFF. ANAHEIM, Calif. — Fresh off a performance in San Francisco, rapper Offset…
    • PHOTOS: DeVotchKa shows 'How it Ends' at Great American Music Hall
      PHOTOS: DeVotchKa shows ‘How it Ends’ at Great American Music Hall
      March 29, 2024 at 8:17 am
      DeVotchKa performs at Great American Music Hall in San Francisco on March 28, 2024. Tyler Wong/STAFF SAN FRANCISCO — DeVotchKa brought their energetic show to Great…
    • PHOTOS: Lil Uzi Vert rolls the 'Pink Tape' at high speed at Bill Graham Civic
      PHOTOS: Lil Uzi Vert rolls the ‘Pink Tape’ at high speed at Bill Graham Civic
      November 16, 2023 at 9:04 am
      Lil Uzi Vert performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Nov. 15, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Lil Uzi Vert was keenly aware…
    • PHOTOS: MisterWives and Bishop Briggs shine bright at the Warfield
      PHOTOS: MisterWives and Bishop Briggs shine bright at the Warfield
      October 12, 2023 at 7:31 am
      MisterWives perform at The Warfield in San Francisco on October 11, 2023. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — MisterWives and Bishop Briggs performed at the Warfield on…
    • PHOTOS: Lil Wayne brings intimate Welcome to Tha Carter tour to the Masonic
      PHOTOS: Lil Wayne brings intimate Welcome to Tha Carter tour to the Masonic
      May 13, 2023 at 7:58 am
      Lil Wayne performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on May 12, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Rapper Lil Wayne brought his Welcome to Tha…

Festivals

    • INTERVIEW: Grace McKagan ready to turn up the noise with her next phase
      INTERVIEW: Grace McKagan ready to turn up the noise with her next phase
      May 6, 2024 at 12:01 am
      Grace McKagan, courtesy. When her punk band the Pink Slips broke up during the early part of the pandemic and Grace McKagan set out as a…
      Tyler, The Creator, The Killers, Sturgill Simpson lead 2024 Outside Lands bill
      Tyler, The Creator, The Killers, Sturgill Simpson lead 2024 Outside Lands bill
      April 23, 2024 at 10:05 am
      Tyler, The Creator performs at Outside Lands in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2021. Rapper Tyler, The Creator, Las Vegas rock stalwarts  The Killers and alt-country…
    • INTERVIEW: Danville native Grace Bowers, 17, burning bright as guitar virtuoso
      INTERVIEW: Danville native Grace Bowers, 17, burning bright as guitar virtuoso
      April 22, 2024 at 12:05 am
      Grace Bowers, courtesy. The next generation’s star of American rock, blues and funk guitar is a 17-year-old high school junior from the East Bay town of…
      May's Sol Blume festival canceled, 2025 version moving to August
      May’s Sol Blume festival canceled, 2025 version moving to August
      April 21, 2024 at 9:58 am
      Chlöe (Chloe Bailey) performs during Sol Blume Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento on Aug. 20, 2023. Less than two weeks before an expanded three-day Sol…
    • Mosswood Meltdown announces daily lineups
      Mosswood Meltdown announces daily lineups
      April 9, 2024 at 10:00 am
      The B-52s perform at The Fillmore in San Francisco on Nov. 1, 2018. They will perform at Mosswood Meltdown this July. Gary Chancer/STAFF. Annual punk music…
      Stanford Jazz Festival announces lineup, including Ambrose Akinmusire
      Stanford Jazz Festival announces lineup, including Ambrose Akinmusire
      March 25, 2024 at 12:55 pm
      Ambrose Akinmusire will perform at Stanford Jazz Festival in June, courtesy. Producers of the annual Stanford Jazz Festival on Monday announced this summer’s lineup, including Ambrose…
    • Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa rebranding as Black Radio Experience in year 3
      Blue Note Jazz Festival Napa rebranding as Black Radio Experience in year 3
      March 5, 2024 at 4:58 pm
      Robert Glasper performs at Blue Note Jazz Festival at Silverado Resort in Napa, Calif. on July 29, 2023. The event will return in a new form…
      Herbie Hancock, Maze, The Family Stone to play San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
      Herbie Hancock, Maze, The Family Stone to play San Jose Jazz Summer Fest
      March 5, 2024 at 4:00 pm
      Herbie Hancock performs at The Greek Theatre in Berkeley on Aug. 23, 2019. The jazz icon will perform at San Jose Jazz Summer Fest in August.…
    • Aftershock Festival expands with reunited Slayer, Iron Maiden
      Aftershock Festival expands with reunited Slayer, Iron Maiden
      February 28, 2024 at 12:48 pm
      Slayer performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Nov. 26, 2019. The reunited band will headline Aftershock Festival this fall.  Joaquin Cabello/STAFF. The grassy, tree-lined fields…
      BottleRock Napa Valley announces AfterDark shows
      BottleRock Napa Valley announces AfterDark shows
      February 27, 2024 at 10:26 am
      St. Vincent performs at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on Sept. 23, 2021. She will perform an AfterDark show during BottleRock Napa Valley in May. Steve…
    • SZA, Snoh Aalegra and Kaytraminé to headline expanded Sol Blume in May
      SZA, Snoh Aalegra and Kaytraminé to headline expanded Sol Blume in May
      February 2, 2024 at 10:22 am
      SZA performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on March 14, 2023. She will headline Sol Blume in Sacramento this spring. Matt Pang/STAFF. Grammy-nominated artists  SZA and…
      The B-52s to headline Mosswood Meltdown in July
      The B-52s to headline Mosswood Meltdown in July
      February 1, 2024 at 10:00 am
      The B-52s perform at The Fillmore in San Francisco on Nov. 1, 2018. Gary Chancer/STAFF. Dance rockers The B-52s will headline annual Oakland summer punk music…
    • Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to headline Noise Pop Festival as new acts announced
      Bone Thugs-N-Harmony to headline Noise Pop Festival as new acts announced
      January 23, 2024 at 3:36 pm
      Bone Thugs-N-Harmony perform during halftime of a game between the Denver Broncos and Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas on Jan. 7, 2024.…