• BottleRock 2023 Day 2: Duran Duran, Lizzo, 8 other sets we loved on Saturday
    May 28 2023
    02:19 AM

    BottleRock 2023 Day 2: Duran Duran, Lizzo, 8 other sets we loved on Saturday

    Roman Gokhman 2 Comments 0
    Lizzo performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 27, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. NAPA — The impact was quick, if not immediate. The tension and excitement had been building, people jockeying for position and moving in as close to the stage as they could.…
  • REVIEW: The Cure mixes old and new at Shoreline Amphitheatre
    May 28 2023
    01:28 AM

    REVIEW: The Cure mixes old and new at Shoreline Amphitheatre

    David Gill No Comments 0
    The Cure performs at British Summertime Fest at Hyde Park in London on July 7, 2018. Courtesy Paige K. Parsons. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — After walking onstage on Saturday, The Cure frontman, Robert Smith, surveyed the sea of people in the crowd at Shoreline Amphitheatre. A fanr offered…
  • Dogstar (Keanu Reeves' band) plays first show in two decades at BottleRock
    May 27 2023
    11:30 PM

    Dogstar (Keanu Reeves’ band) plays first show in two decades at BottleRock

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Keanu Reeves performs with Dogstar at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 27, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. NAPA — Alt-rock trio Dogstar, best known as being the band in which Keanu Reeves plays bass, played its first show in more than two decades on Saturday…
  • BottleRock 2023 Day 1: Smashing Pumpkins, Post Malone, 10 other sets we loved on Friday
    May 27 2023
    03:33 AM

    BottleRock 2023 Day 1: Smashing Pumpkins, Post Malone, 10 other sets we loved on Friday

    Mel Bowman No Comments 0
    Post Malone performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 26, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. NAPA — Thousands of attendees packed the Napa Valley Expo on Friday on the first day of the BottleRock Napa Valley music festival. The weather cooperated for once, with highs…
  • REVIEW: Shania Twain sparkles during her space western odyssey at Shoreline
    May 27 2023
    01:29 AM

    REVIEW: Shania Twain sparkles during her space western odyssey at Shoreline

    Roman Gokhman 2 Comments 0
    Shania Twain performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on May 26, 2023. Photos: Derek Fisher/STAFF. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Shania Twain was every bit the pop-country diva at her sold-out show at Shoreline Amphitheatre on Friday night, regaling an excited audience with a parade of singalong…
  • Obituary: Soul, rock and roll icon Tina Turner dead at 83
    May 24 2023
    11:13 AM

    Obituary: Soul, rock and roll icon Tina Turner dead at 83

    David Gill No Comments 0
    Tina Turner performs in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Nov. 4, 1990. Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns. Superstar Tina Turner, an icon for both showmanship and resilience, has died at 83 after a long illness, near Zurich, Switzerland, her home for the last years of her life. Turner sang on iconic…
  • REVIEW: Mr. Bungle, The Melvins 'geek' out at the Fox
    May 24 2023
    07:12 AM

    REVIEW: Mr. Bungle, The Melvins ‘geek’ out at the Fox

    David Gill No Comments 0
    Mr. Bungle performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on May 23, 2023. Nate McKinley/STAFF. OAKLAND — Mike Patton’s eclectic musical tastes were on full display Tuesday night at the Fox. The Mr. Bungle (and Faith No More) frontman kicked off a 90-minute set of relentlessly chugging thrash metal…
  • Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for May 23
    May 23 2023
    12:01 AM

    Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for May 23

    Italie Penaloza No Comments 0
    VOICE OF BACEPROT, courtesy. This week we listen to overpowered rock with an important message from Voice of Baceprot, dark pop from Ama Lou, emo pop with a hint of R&B for the lovesick from guccihighwaters, shoegaze from Bleach Lab, psych rock for the summer by Parliamo and…
  • REVIEW: Matchbox Twenty flex their catalog and shine a new light at Concord Pavilion
    May 22 2023
    06:54 AM

    REVIEW: Matchbox Twenty flex their catalog and shine a new light at Concord Pavilion

    Mike DeWald 1 Comment 0
    Matchbox Twenty performs at Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif., on May 21, 2023. Photo by Jim Trocchio. CONCORD, Calif. — Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas made an observation as he looked out over the large gathering at Concord Pavilion during the home stretch of his band’s set. “It’s…
  • REVIEW: Love and Rockets mesmerize with tour opener at the Fox
    May 22 2023
    05:45 AM

    REVIEW: Love and Rockets mesmerize with tour opener at the Fox

    David Gill No Comments 0
    Love and Rockets perform at Fox Theater in Oakland on May 21, 2023. Karen Goldman/STAFF. OAKLAND — As Love and Rockets prepared to perform their second encore at Fox Theater Sunday night, nobody seemed able to find Daniel Ash’s acoustic guitar. “Can we go acoustic, please?” bassist David…
  • INTERVIEW: Christone "Kingfish" Ingram on being part of the evolution of blues
    May 22 2023
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Christone “Kingfish” Ingram on being part of the evolution of blues

    Daniel J. Willis No Comments 0
    Christone “Kingfish” Ingram, courtesy the Fender Musical Instruments Corporation. Christone “Kingfish” Ingram has been around for quite a while. You may have seen him play at the White House in 2014, for example. You may have seen him play at the fictional Harlem’s Paradise on the then-Netflix, now-Disney+…
  • INTERVIEW: Arts and crafts and pet rocks with grentperez
    May 18 2023
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Arts and crafts and pet rocks with grentperez

    Rachel Alm No Comments 0
    grentperez, courtesy Theo Batterham. He’s selling out shows from San Francisco to New York now in support of his upcoming EP When We Were Younger (out June 2), but Australian musician Grant Perez’s music career began on YouTube, where his siblings started posting videos of him singing karaoke when he…
  • Navigating BottleRock 2023: An hour-by-hour guide for all 3 days
    May 17 2023
    12:05 PM

    Navigating BottleRock 2023: An hour-by-hour guide for all 3 days

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    BottleRock 2022, courtesy. Even if you already know which of the headliners at BottleRock Napa Valley 2023 you’re picking to watch (Post Malone or the Smashing Pumpkins, Lizzo or Duran Duran, Lil Nas X or the Red Hot Chili Peppers), the festival presents many musical options. Because of the relatively…
  • REVIEW: M83 brings his 'Fantasy' to Fox Theater
    May 17 2023
    02:39 AM

    REVIEW: M83 brings his ‘Fantasy’ to Fox Theater

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    M83 performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on May 16, 2023. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. OAKLAND — There are many artists in search of the next big hit. But Anthony Gonzalez has been avoiding his for years. And at the first of two nights at the Fox Theater on Tuesday, his…
  • INTERVIEW: Teddy Swims finds the shore on 'Sleep is Exhausting'
    May 15 2023
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Teddy Swims finds the shore on ‘Sleep is Exhausting’

    Mike DeWald No Comments 0
    Teddy Swims, courtesy Lindsey Byrnes. It’s tough to pin down Jaten Dimsdale, better known as Teddy Swims, and he’d have it no other way. Whether it’s metal, country or R&B, Dimsdale’s mission is clear: Do whatever you can to be heard. BottleRock Napa Valley 2023 Lizzo, Red Hot…
  • REVIEW: Joan Baez and Taj Mahal star at Acoustic-4-a-Cure Fillmore show
    May 14 2023
    01:50 AM

    REVIEW: Joan Baez and Taj Mahal star at Acoustic-4-a-Cure Fillmore show

    Roman Gokhman 1 Comment 0
    Joan Baez, Taj Mahal and Sammy Hagar perform at Acoustic-4-A-Cure at The Fillmore in San Francisco on May 13, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — An unexpected appearance by Joan Baez, impressive blues chops of Taj Mahal and punchy one-liners by Chris Isaak highlighted the Acoustic-4-a-Cure concert at…
  • PHOTOS: Lil Wayne brings intimate Welcome to Tha Carter tour to the Masonic
    May 13 2023
    07:58 AM

    PHOTOS: Lil Wayne brings intimate Welcome to Tha Carter tour to the Masonic

    Matt Pang No Comments 0
    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 Carter tour to the Masonic on Friday. The iconic rapper born Dwayne Michael Carter, Jr. could have played arenas, but chose much more…
  • Interview: Nile Rodgers doing it all for the flops
    May 11 2023
    12:01 AM

    Interview: Nile Rodgers doing it all for the flops

    Roman Gokhman No Comments 0
    Nile Rodgers and Chic perform at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2022. Sean Liming/STAFF. Nile Rodgers hasn’t stopped moving in years. The Chic cofounder and writer and producer of countless hits since the ‘70s—often the biggest hits of his collaborators’ careers—says his recent lifetime achievement…
  • INTERVIEW: Charlie Hall of The War On Drugs spreads vibes on instrumental LP 'Invisible Ink'
    May 08 2023
    12:01 AM

    INTERVIEW: Charlie Hall of The War On Drugs spreads vibes on instrumental LP ‘Invisible Ink’

    Rachel Alm No Comments 0
    Charlie Hall, “Invisible Ink.” Charlie Hall has spent most of his music career making other people sound good. Hall is a multi-instrumentalist, but he’s best-known as the drummer for Grammy-winning band The War On Drugs. He has a reputation among other musicians as a generous support player. Now,…
  • REVIEW: Crowded House keeps it in the family at the Fox
    May 07 2023
    06:31 AM

    REVIEW: Crowded House keeps it in the family at the Fox

    David Gill 3 Comments 0
    Crowded House performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on May 6, 2023. Karen Goldman/STAFF. OAKLAND —”We’ve really diverged tonight!”vocalist Neil Finn told the audience about two-thirds of the way through the Crowded House set at the Fox Theater on Saturday night. As the show had opened with the circus-like ambience…

News

    • Stanford Live plans 2023-'24 season around themes of reflection and reinvention
      Stanford Live plans 2023-’24 season around themes of reflection and reinvention
      May 26, 2023 at 11:00 am
      Kronos Quartet performs at Hardly Strictly Bluegrass at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Oct. 4, 2019. The quartet will play during the 2023-’24 Stanford…
      Obituary: Soul, rock and roll icon Tina Turner dead at 83
      Obituary: Soul, rock and roll icon Tina Turner dead at 83
      May 24, 2023 at 11:13 am
      Tina Turner performs in Rotterdam, Netherlands, on Nov. 4, 1990. Photo by Rob Verhorst/Redferns. Superstar Tina Turner, an icon for both showmanship and resilience, has died…
    • Obituary: Andy Rourke of the Smiths dead at 59 after cancer battle
      Obituary: Andy Rourke of the Smiths dead at 59 after cancer battle
      May 19, 2023 at 2:34 pm
      Andy Rourke photographed outside Salford Lads Club in Salford, Manchester, England in March 2007. Photo by Stephen Wright/Getty Images. With a post on Twitter, Johnny Marr…
      Nelly Furtado, Skrillex, Eric Prydz highlight Portola Music Festival lineup
      Nelly Furtado, Skrillex, Eric Prydz highlight Portola Music Festival lineup
      May 17, 2023 at 6:16 pm
      Major Lazer performs at SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe on Dec. 30, 2016. The duo will perform at Portola Music Festival this fall. STAFF.…
    • Noise Pop, new nonprofit Civic Joy Fund aim to rejuvenate SF business with new concert series
      Noise Pop, new nonprofit Civic Joy Fund aim to rejuvenate SF business with new concert series
      May 10, 2023 at 10:21 pm
      Noise Pop and Civic Joy Fund’s new initiative, Summer of Music. Local concert promoter Noise Pop and new nonprofit Civic Joy Fund have announced a live music series…
      Obituary: Legendary folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dead at 84
      Obituary: Legendary folk singer Gordon Lightfoot dead at 84
      May 1, 2023 at 10:26 pm
      Gordon Lightfoot in Toronto in 1975. Jeff Goode/Toronto Star via Getty Images. Gordon Lightfoot, legendary Canadian folk singer behind hits like “Sundown” and “The Wreck of…
    • Aerosmith announce final tour, two Bay Area dates with the Black Crowes
      Aerosmith announce final tour, two Bay Area dates with the Black Crowes
      May 1, 2023 at 11:48 am
      Aerosmith. L to R: Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer. Courtesy Fin Costello/Redferns. Aerosmith has announced PEACE OUT, the four-time Grammy…
      SF Public Library launches streaming service to help local musicians
      SF Public Library launches streaming service to help local musicians
      April 30, 2023 at 10:47 pm
      San Francisco Public Library Bay Beats streaming service. The San Francisco Public Library is launching a new streaming platform, Bay Beats, to provide local musicians with a…
    • Ed Sheeran adds club shows, Fox Oakland gig, alongside stadium tour
      Ed Sheeran adds club shows, Fox Oakland gig, alongside stadium tour
      April 30, 2023 at 10:14 pm
      Ed Sheeran, courtesy Annie Leibovitz. Ed Sheeran has announced a series of club shows that will coincide with “The Mathematics Tour” of stadiums this spring and…
      Patti Smith, Flaming Lips, Indigo Girls among performers at 2023 Stern Grove Festival
      Patti Smith, Flaming Lips, Indigo Girls among performers at 2023 Stern Grove Festival
      April 25, 2023 at 10:34 am
      Santigold performs during Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 10, 2019. She’s among the performers at Stern Grove Festival this summer.…
    • Tiny Telephone studio in Oakland burglarized
      Tiny Telephone studio in Oakland burglarized
      April 23, 2023 at 3:45 pm
      Tiny Telephone Oakland, photographed on Oct 15, 2016. STAFF. UPDATED 9:30 a.m., April 24. — John Vanderslice‘s Tiny Telephone studio in Oakland has now raised more than…
      Stanford Live announces third annual summer series at Frost Amphitheater
      Stanford Live announces third annual summer series at Frost Amphitheater
      April 21, 2023 at 11:00 am
      Andrew Bird, courtesy. Stanford Live will once partner with SFJAZZ, the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Ballet on a summer concert series at Frost Amphitheater. The…
    • SF Ballet announces 2024 season, including work by Floating Points
      SF Ballet announces 2024 season, including work by Floating Points
      April 20, 2023 at 12:09 pm
      San Francisco Ballet in Peck’s ‘Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming.’ Courtesy: Erik Tomasson. The San Francisco Ballet has announced its 90th repertory season; its first fully planned…
      BroadwaySF announces six Broadway hits coming in 2023-2024
      BroadwaySF announces six Broadway hits coming in 2023-2024
      April 19, 2023 at 3:53 pm
      Myles Frost and cast in “MJ.” Photo by Matthew Murphy. BroadwaySF this week unveiled it’s 2023-’24 schedule, which includes six Broadway musicals coming to the Orpheum and…
    • Blackpink announces new stadium dates, including Oracle Park in SF
      Blackpink announces new stadium dates, including Oracle Park in SF
      April 17, 2023 at 12:29 pm
      Blackpink, courtesy. K-pop superstars Blackpink have announced four new U.S. stadium dates on their [BORN PINK] World Tour, including a show at Oracle Park in San Francisco on…
      Gregory Porter, Anthony Hamilton, The Soul Rebels among San Jose Jazz Summer Fest headliners
      Gregory Porter, Anthony Hamilton, The Soul Rebels among San Jose Jazz Summer Fest headliners
      April 16, 2023 at 1:53 pm
      The Soul Rebels will headline San Jose Jazz Summer Fest in August, courtesy. Grammy-winning jazz artist Gregory Porter, funk and jazz bassist Marcus Miller, platinum-selling artist…
    • SF Ballet concludes season with "Romeo & Juliet" at War Memorial Opera House
      SF Ballet concludes season with “Romeo & Juliet” at War Memorial Opera House
      April 16, 2023 at 12:20 pm
      Ludmila Bizalion and Sean Bennett in Tomasson’s “Romeo & Juliet.” Courtesy Erik Tomasson. The San Francisco Ballet will conclude its 90th season with “Helgi Tomasson’s Romeo…
      Sting extends 2023 tour, announces Concord Pavilion date
      Sting extends 2023 tour, announces Concord Pavilion date
      April 12, 2023 at 1:05 pm
      Sting performs at Myth Live in Maplewood, Minn. on March 2, 2017. Courtesy Todd Johnson. Sting has extended his My Songs World Tour through the fall,…
    • Sammy Hagar, Bob Weir revive Acoustic-4-A-Cure fundraiser
      Sammy Hagar, Bob Weir revive Acoustic-4-A-Cure fundraiser
      April 12, 2023 at 12:23 pm
      Acoustic-4-A-Cure 2023 Sammy Hagar and Bob Weir today announced the lineup for the eighth annual Acoustic-4-A-Cure benefit concert, which will take place on May 13 at…
      Peter Frampton comes out of retirement for summer tour, including SF date
      Peter Frampton comes out of retirement for summer tour, including SF date
      April 11, 2023 at 3:22 pm
      Peter Frampton performs at the Concord Pavilion in Concord, California on Oct. 12, 2019. Iconic guitarist Peter Frampton, who retired from performing live in 2019 due…
    • Diverse array of music and arts highlight 2023 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
      Diverse array of music and arts highlight 2023 Yerba Buena Gardens Festival
      April 11, 2023 at 2:30 pm
      La Doña performs during the 84th annual Stern Grove Festival at Sigmund Stern Grove Park in San Francisco on June 20, 2021. She’ll perform at the…
      Mountain Winery announces 2023 concert series, ticket on-sales
      Mountain Winery announces 2023 concert series, ticket on-sales
      April 10, 2023 at 11:11 pm
      Regina Spektor performs at Oxbow RiverStage in Napa, Calif. on June 25, 2022.  She will perform at The Mountain Winery in Saratoga this summer. Nate McKinley/STAFF. Concert…
    • Metallica announces marching band competition with instrument, gear prizes
      Metallica announces marching band competition with instrument, gear prizes
      April 10, 2023 at 10:48 pm
      Metallica, courtesy. Ahead of releasing the band’s 12th album, Metallica has announced a national marching band competition to see which marching bands at the collegiate and…
      Sacramento's Sol Blume festival postponed to August because of flooding from winter storms
      Sacramento’s Sol Blume festival postponed to August because of flooding from winter storms
      April 7, 2023 at 12:56 pm
      Flooding at Discovery Park in Sacramento as a result of 2023 winter storms. Courtesy Sol Blume. Because of “devastating flooding effect” across Discovery Park due to…

BottleRock Napa & Festivals

    • Dogstar (Keanu Reeves' band) plays first show in two decades at BottleRock
      Dogstar (Keanu Reeves’ band) plays first show in two decades at BottleRock
      May 27, 2023 at 11:30 pm
      Keanu Reeves performs with Dogstar at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 27, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. NAPA — Alt-rock trio Dogstar, best…
      BottleRock 2023 Day 1: Smashing Pumpkins, Post Malone, 10 other sets we loved on Friday
      BottleRock 2023 Day 1: Smashing Pumpkins, Post Malone, 10 other sets we loved on Friday
      May 27, 2023 at 3:33 am
      Post Malone performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 26, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. NAPA — Thousands of attendees packed the Napa…
    • BottleRock Napa announces Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage lineup
      BottleRock Napa announces Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage lineup
      May 24, 2023 at 12:39 pm
      Tiffani Thiessen and crew at the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage at BottleRock Napa Valley on May 26, 2018. Courtesy. With just a few days before the…
      Nelly Furtado, Skrillex, Eric Prydz highlight Portola Music Festival lineup
      Nelly Furtado, Skrillex, Eric Prydz highlight Portola Music Festival lineup
      May 17, 2023 at 6:16 pm
      Major Lazer performs at SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe on Dec. 30, 2016. The duo will perform at Portola Music Festival this fall. STAFF.…
    • Navigating BottleRock 2023: An hour-by-hour guide for all 3 days
      Navigating BottleRock 2023: An hour-by-hour guide for all 3 days
      May 17, 2023 at 12:05 pm
      BottleRock 2022, courtesy. Even if you already know which of the headliners at BottleRock Napa Valley 2023 you’re picking to watch (Post Malone or the Smashing Pumpkins, Lizzo…
      Keanu Reeves' band Dogstar to reunite, replace Japanese Breakfast at BottleRock
      Keanu Reeves’ band Dogstar to reunite, replace Japanese Breakfast at BottleRock
      May 11, 2023 at 1:14 pm
      Dogstar (L-R: Robert Mailhouse, Bret Domrose and Keanu Reeves). Courtesy BottleRock Napa. The promoters of BottleRock Napa Valley this week announced a surprise appearance by rock…
    • Interview: Nile Rodgers doing it all for the flops
      Interview: Nile Rodgers doing it all for the flops
      May 11, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Nile Rodgers and Chic perform at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2022. Sean Liming/STAFF. Nile Rodgers hasn’t stopped moving in years. The Chic…
      Patti Smith, Flaming Lips, Indigo Girls among performers at 2023 Stern Grove Festival
      Patti Smith, Flaming Lips, Indigo Girls among performers at 2023 Stern Grove Festival
      April 25, 2023 at 10:34 am
      Santigold performs during Outside Lands at Golden Gate Park in San Francisco on Aug. 10, 2019. She’s among the performers at Stern Grove Festival this summer.…
    • Stanford Live announces third annual summer series at Frost Amphitheater
      Stanford Live announces third annual summer series at Frost Amphitheater
      April 21, 2023 at 11:00 am
      Andrew Bird, courtesy. Stanford Live will once partner with SFJAZZ, the San Francisco Symphony and San Francisco Ballet on a summer concert series at Frost Amphitheater. The…

Features

    • INTERVIEW: Arts and crafts and pet rocks with grentperez
      INTERVIEW: Arts and crafts and pet rocks with grentperez
      May 18, 2023 at 12:01 am
      grentperez, courtesy Theo Batterham. He’s selling out shows from San Francisco to New York now in support of his upcoming EP When We Were Younger (out…
    • INTERVIEW: Teddy Swims finds the shore on 'Sleep is Exhausting'
      INTERVIEW: Teddy Swims finds the shore on ‘Sleep is Exhausting’
      May 15, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Teddy Swims, courtesy Lindsey Byrnes. It’s tough to pin down Jaten Dimsdale, better known as Teddy Swims, and he’d have it no other way. Whether it’s…
    • Interview: Nile Rodgers doing it all for the flops
      Interview: Nile Rodgers doing it all for the flops
      May 11, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Nile Rodgers and Chic perform at Chase Center in San Francisco on Sept. 4, 2022. Sean Liming/STAFF. Nile Rodgers hasn’t stopped moving in years. The Chic…
    • INTERVIEW: Charlie Hall of The War On Drugs spreads vibes on instrumental LP 'Invisible Ink'
      INTERVIEW: Charlie Hall of The War On Drugs spreads vibes on instrumental LP ‘Invisible Ink’
      May 8, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Charlie Hall, “Invisible Ink.” Charlie Hall has spent most of his music career making other people sound good. Hall is a multi-instrumentalist, but he’s best-known as…
    • Interview: Jordan McGraw in a pop-punk state of mind on solo LP 'Bort'
      Interview: Jordan McGraw in a pop-punk state of mind on solo LP ‘Bort’
      May 1, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Jordan McGraw, courtesy. The son of TV’s Dr. Phil may be the last person you expect to drop a great pop-punk album. Yet this is exactly…
    • INTERVIEW: Hunter Hayes embraces fresh start with 'Red Sky'
      INTERVIEW: Hunter Hayes embraces fresh start with ‘Red Sky’
      April 17, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Hunter Hayes, courtesy. Singer-songwriter Hunter Hayes has been making music for nearly 15 years, but his latest project is arguably his most exciting and most personal.…
    • Interview: Half•Alive fuses sound and vision on 'Conditions of a Punk'
      Interview: Half•Alive fuses sound and vision on ‘Conditions of a Punk’
      April 10, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Half-Alive, courtesy Yulissa Benitez. The road to Conditions of a Punk was long for Long Beach alt-rock trio Half•Alive. “We really just expected to do a ‘Part…
    • Interview: John Oates looking to get reconnected to concert audiences
      Interview: John Oates looking to get reconnected to concert audiences
      April 3, 2023 at 12:01 am
      John Oates, courtesy. “It’s been a while since I played there,” John Oates recently said about performing in California, either on his own or as half…

Podcasts

    • 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…
    • REVIEW & INTERVIEW: Lights gives a 'PEP' talk on mighty new album
      REVIEW & INTERVIEW: Lights gives a ‘PEP’ talk on mighty new album
      March 28, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Lights, “PEP.” If it’s true that it’s always darkest just before the dawn, the same might hold true for Lights Poxleitner-Bokan, known simply as Lights. The…

Album Reviews

    • ALBUM REVIEW: Buckcherry delivers reliable rock and roll on 'Vol. 10'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Buckcherry delivers reliable rock and roll on ‘Vol. 10’
      May 26, 2023 at 9:53 am
      Buckcherry, “Vol. 10.” Almost three decades and 10 albums later, SoCal rockers Buckcherry have a pretty good sense of what works for them. Their latest from…
      REVIEW: Matchbox Twenty returns in grand style on 'Where the Light Goes'
      REVIEW: Matchbox Twenty returns in grand style on ‘Where the Light Goes’
      May 22, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Matchbox Twenty, “Where the Light Goes.” Where the Light Goes may have been as much as a surprise to alt-rockers Matchbox Twenty as anyone. The band had no…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: 'Teen Wolf' Tyler Posey tries not to 'Unravel' on debut LP
      ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Teen Wolf’ Tyler Posey tries not to ‘Unravel’ on debut LP
      May 22, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Tyler Posey, “Unravel.” Actor-turned-musician Tyler Posey spans the pop-punk subgenre songbook on Unravel. His debut LP is heavily influenced by Blink-182 and Sum 41. Unravel Tyler Posey self-released,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kesha looks for air on introspective 'Gag Order'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kesha looks for air on introspective ‘Gag Order’
      May 18, 2023 at 8:58 pm
      Kesha, “Gag Order.” For her fifth studio album, Kesha Rose Sebert—Kesha—tapped into a new partnership that paid creative dividends: Rick Rubin. The super producer is known for…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Lewis Capaldi is 'Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lewis Capaldi is ‘Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent’
      May 15, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Lewis Capaldi, “Broken By Desire To Be Heavenly Sent.” Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi remains dedicated to his soulful vocals, melancholic sound and focus on relationships on…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Yes returns to its golden era on 'Mirror to the Sky'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Yes returns to its golden era on ‘Mirror to the Sky’
      May 15, 2023 at 12:01 am
      YES, “Mirror to the Sky.” It can be really sad when bands change with the times. Remember the feeling of hearing the cheesy synths of Jefferson…
    • REVIEW: Be it domestic bliss or social commentary, Graham Nash remains in the 'Now'
      REVIEW: Be it domestic bliss or social commentary, Graham Nash remains in the ‘Now’
      May 14, 2023 at 10:01 pm
      Graham Nash, “Now.” Graham Nash has no problem acknowledging his past, most notably in his revealing, and detailed 2013 memoir, “Wild Tales: A Rock & Roll…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jonas Brothers bring the funk on 'The Album'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jonas Brothers bring the funk on ‘The Album’
      May 11, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Jonas Brothers, “The Album.” For their sixth studio release, The Album, the Jonas Brothers venture into some uncharted musical waters. The Album Jonas Brothers Republic, May 12…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Moby digs further into the blues and his wall of sound on 'Resound NYC'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Moby digs further into the blues and his wall of sound on ‘Resound NYC’
      May 7, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Moby, “Resound NYC.” The latest album from electronic artist Moby, Resound NYC, may be a direct follow-up to 2021’s Reprise, but this new reimagining of his…
      REVIEW: Ed Sheeran finds himself through grief on '-' (Subtract)
      REVIEW: Ed Sheeran finds himself through grief on ‘-‘ (Subtract)
      May 5, 2023 at 6:55 am
      Ed Sheeran, “- (Subtract).” It’s a good thing Ed Sheeran wasn’t forced into self-imposed exile, or fans might never have heard his sixth album, – (Subtract). The…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Jack Harlow keeps it focused on mature 'Jackman.'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jack Harlow keeps it focused on mature ‘Jackman.’
      May 2, 2023 at 5:44 pm
      Jack Harlow, “Jackman.” The third studio album by Kentucky rapper Jack Harlow came as a surprise to fans, and not only for its sudden release. Much…
      REVIEW: Le Sserafim 'fearlessly' strut their versatility on 'Unforgiven'
      REVIEW: Le Sserafim ‘fearlessly’ strut their versatility on ‘Unforgiven’
      May 1, 2023 at 8:32 pm
      Le Sserafim, “Unforgiven.” Marking their one-year anniversary, rising K-pop stars Le Sserafim have unveiled their first full-length album, Unforgiven. This power-packed 13-track album features previously released songs that…
    • Atmosphere travels through life’s adversities on ‘So Many Realities Exist Simultaneously’
      Atmosphere travels through life’s adversities on ‘So Many Realities Exist Simultaneously’
      May 1, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Atmosphere, “So Many Other Realities Exist Simultaneously.” So Many Realities Exist Simultaneously, the newest album from underground hip-hop duo Atmosphere, is a multiverse unto itself. Producer…
      REVIEW: Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir finds purity on 'How to Start a Garden'
      REVIEW: Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir finds purity on ‘How to Start a Garden’
      April 30, 2023 at 6:06 pm
      Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir, “How to Start a Garden.” It took going back home to Iceland for Of Monsters and Men vocalist Nanna Bryndís Hilmarsdóttir to develop…
    • REVIEW: OhGeesy ruminates and stagnates on 'GEEZYWORLD 2'
      REVIEW: OhGeesy ruminates and stagnates on ‘GEEZYWORLD 2’
      April 30, 2023 at 12:02 am
      OhGeesy, “GEEZYWORLD 2.” Shoreline Mafioso OhGeesy is back with the sequel to his debut album. The 23-track GEEZYWORLD 2 offers no shortage of braggadocios raps, as he details…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jessie Ware throws a party on 'That! Feels Good!'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jessie Ware throws a party on ‘That! Feels Good!’
      April 27, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Jessie Ware, “That! Feels Good!” After over a decade of music and a myriad of writing credits for artists from Nicki Minaj to Ed Sheeran, Jessie…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Bebe Rexha performs that '70s show on 'Bebe'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Bebe Rexha performs that ’70s show on ‘Bebe’
      April 23, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Bebe Rexha, “Bebe.” Pop songstress Bebe Rexha turns back the clock on her third album, Bebe, infusing ’70s disco sound and aesthetic with ’80s pop and modern…
      Quick Takes: Everything But The Girl lights the 'Fuse' on first LP in decades
      Quick Takes: Everything But The Girl lights the ‘Fuse’ on first LP in decades
      April 17, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Everything But The Girl, “Fuse.” Talk about making up for lost time. U.K. dance-pop duo Everything but the Girl released its last studio album, Temperamental, more…
    • REVIEW: Ian Hunter defies trends, leans on famous friends to make another classic rocker
      REVIEW: Ian Hunter defies trends, leans on famous friends to make another classic rocker
      April 17, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Ian Hunter, “Defiance Part 1.” Ian Hunter has been defiant for many years now, steadfastly resisting most trends in modern rock and pop music to make…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jethro Tull rolls the D&D dice on 'RökFlöte'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Jethro Tull rolls the D&D dice on ‘RökFlöte’
      April 16, 2023 at 11:12 am
      Jethro Tull, “RökFlöte.” An aesthetic of minimalism governs much of rock and roll. Sure, there’s the “November Rain” video and that weird thing where bands play…
    • REVIEW: The Mars Volta honors its roots on 'Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon'
      REVIEW: The Mars Volta honors its roots on ‘Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon’
      April 15, 2023 at 11:33 am
      The Mars Volta, “Que Dios Te Maldiga Mi Corazon.” The Mars Volta took a decade-long hiatus between albums and made its triumphant return last year. Just…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Feist still feels it all on 'Multitudes'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Feist still feels it all on ‘Multitudes’
      April 13, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Feist, “Multitudes.” Leslie Feist has been feeling it all during the pandemic. Multitudes is her sixth album, and her first in six years. Inspired by the…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Tiësto brings the party to a boil on 'Drive'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Tiësto brings the party to a boil on ‘Drive’
      April 13, 2023 at 1:10 pm
      Tiësto, “Drive.” There’s rarely this little uncertainty over the commercial viability of an album that has yet to be released. Dutch DJ Tiësto (Tijs Verwest) has been…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Natalie Merchant leaves nothing to chance on 'Keep Your Courage'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Natalie Merchant leaves nothing to chance on ‘Keep Your Courage’
      April 10, 2023 at 6:59 am
      Natalie Merchant, “Keep Your Courage.” It’s hard to believe that the career of Natalie Merchant has now spanned decades. She started out at 17 as the lead singer…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: El Michels Affair & Black Thought inspire 'Glorious Game'
      ALBUM REVIEW: El Michels Affair & Black Thought inspire ‘Glorious Game’
      April 9, 2023 at 9:01 pm
      El Michels Affair & Black Thought, “Glorious Game.” Black Thought has returned once again with another collaborative album, this time with funk and soul group El…
      REVIEW: '72 Seasons' finds Metallica still grappling with its identity, despite a few standouts
      REVIEW: ’72 Seasons’ finds Metallica still grappling with its identity, despite a few standouts
      April 7, 2023 at 6:43 pm
      Metallica, “72 Seasons.” This may sound weird about metal but … it can have soul. It can have real emotional depth and that, in turn, makes…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: NF finds a way to hold onto 'HOPE'
      ALBUM REVIEW: NF finds a way to hold onto ‘HOPE’
      April 7, 2023 at 5:18 am
      NF, “HOPE.” It’s been a few years since NF last released an album, and his fans have been salivating for a return from the somber MC. However,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: 'Never Enough' is a journey of self-reflection for Daniel Caesar
      ALBUM REVIEW: ‘Never Enough’ is a journey of self-reflection for Daniel Caesar
      April 2, 2023 at 10:00 pm
      Daniel Caesar, “Never Enough.” Never Enough captures the hazy uncertainty R&B crooner Daniel Caesar felt during the past three years. Introducing the long-awaited third album (his first…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Melanie Martinez comes to life on 'Portals'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Melanie Martinez comes to life on ‘Portals’
      March 30, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Melanie Martinez, “Portals.” “Death is life is death.” The harrowing cadence opens Portals, the third album from alt-pop songstress Melanie Martinez. The 13-track album leans heavily into darkly…
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Zombies recapture their old magic with 'Different Game'
      ALBUM REVIEW: The Zombies recapture their old magic with ‘Different Game’
      March 26, 2023 at 11:44 pm
      The Zombies, “Different Game” The Zombies‘ first hit, “She’s Not There,” topped the charts at the end of 1964. Their masterpiece, Odessey and Oracle, featuring the…
    • Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus set 'the record' straight on boygenius LP
      Phoebe Bridgers, Julien Baker and Lucy Dacus set ‘the record’ straight on boygenius LP
      March 26, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Boygenius, “the record.” The record, the first full-length album by boygenius, starts out with a lovely, sparse, Carter-Family-style a capella harmony on “Without You Without Them.” It’s…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Puscifer plays with big-time friends on 'Existential Reckoning: Rewired'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Puscifer plays with big-time friends on ‘Existential Reckoning: Rewired’
      March 25, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Puscifer, “Existential Reckoning: Rewired.” While Existential Reckoning: Rewired is a remix album for Puscifer, that definition doesn’t totally capture the scale of the project. The band recruited friends…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Lordi honors classic horror films on 'Screem Writers Guild'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lordi honors classic horror films on ‘Screem Writers Guild’
      March 25, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Lordi, “Screem Writers Guild.” There’s no faulting the commitment of heavy metal shock rockers Lordi. The Finnish band’s 18th album, Screem Writers Guild, has everything it needs…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Fall Out Boy knows the assignment on 'So Much (for) Stardust'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Fall Out Boy knows the assignment on ‘So Much (for) Stardust’
      March 23, 2023 at 8:30 am
      Fall Out Boy, “So Much (For) Stardust.” So Much (For) Stardust, the eighth album from Fall Out Boy, is less of a return to a band’s…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Babymetal rules them all on 'The Other One'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Babymetal rules them all on ‘The Other One’
      March 22, 2023 at 4:59 pm
      Babymetal, “The Other One.” One of heavy music’s unlikeliest of imports returns after a four-year absence. Su-Metal and Moametal, known better collectively as Babymetal, are back…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Depeche Mode faces off with inevitability on 'Memento Mori'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Depeche Mode faces off with inevitability on ‘Memento Mori’
      March 22, 2023 at 2:21 pm
      Depeche Mode, “Memento Mori.” Spurred on both by pandemic lockdowns and the death of founding member Andrew Fletcher, the new album by now-duo Depeche Mode is…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Lana Del Rey finds solace and even happiness 'Under Ocean Blvd'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Lana Del Rey finds solace and even happiness ‘Under Ocean Blvd’
      March 21, 2023 at 1:07 pm
      Lana Del Rey, “Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel Under Ocean Blvd.” Lana Del Rey’s ninth studio album, Did You Know That There’s a Tunnel…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Pink Floyd returns to 'The Dark Side of the Moon' on latest reissue
      ALBUM REVIEW: Pink Floyd returns to ‘The Dark Side of the Moon’ on latest reissue
      March 19, 2023 at 1:35 pm
      Pink Floyd, “Dark Side of the Moon” 50th anniversary box set. In the 1960s, communication theorist Marshall Mcluhan famously declared “the medium is the message.” Mcluhan’s…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Katie Melua watches the clouds drift by on 'Love & Money'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Katie Melua watches the clouds drift by on ‘Love & Money’
      March 19, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Katie Melua, “Love & Money.” Singer-songwriter Katie Melua was coming to terms with a divorce on 2020’s Album No. 8. Her latest long-player, Love & Money,…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Luke Combs sees things in a new light on 'Gettin' Old'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Luke Combs sees things in a new light on ‘Gettin’ Old’
      March 18, 2023 at 9:02 pm
      Luke Combs, “Gettin’ Old” Billed as a reflection of where Luke Combs is at in his life now while reminiscing on the way things used to…
    • REVIEW: U2 unplugs (mostly) on 'Songs of Surrender' experiment
      REVIEW: U2 unplugs (mostly) on ‘Songs of Surrender’ experiment
      March 10, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      U2, “Songs of Surrender.” U2 has released alternate takes of its songs on collections before, but they’ve always been either as bonus material on re-releases (Kindergarten…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Miley Cyrus goes on an 'Endless Summer Vacation'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Miley Cyrus goes on an ‘Endless Summer Vacation’
      March 9, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Miley Cyrus, “Endless Summer Vacation.” There may be few tracks as instantly memorable as Miley Cyrus‘ latest hit “Flowers,” a slow-burn groove with an empowering message…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Periphery delivers brutality on 'Djent is Not a Genre'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Periphery delivers brutality on ‘Djent is Not a Genre’
      March 6, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Periphery, “Periphery V: Djent Is Not A Genre.” Progressive metal stalwarts Periphery push the bounds on Periphery V: Djent is Not a Genre. While the album’s title…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sleaford Mods mind the bollocks on 'UK GRIM'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Sleaford Mods mind the bollocks on ‘UK GRIM’
      March 6, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Sleaford Mods, “UK GRIM.” As an adolescent, I devoured Sue Townsend’s “The Secret Diary of Adrian Mole, Aged 13 3/4.” Though I was occasionally mystified by…
    • REVIEW: 'The Valley of Vision' by Manchester Orchestra a full-sensory emotional experience
      REVIEW: ‘The Valley of Vision’ by Manchester Orchestra a full-sensory emotional experience
      March 6, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Manchester Orchestra, “The Valley of Vision.” As if the new Manchester Orchestra project, The Valley of Vision, isn’t enough for the ears, it ramps up the…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Van Morrison digs U.K. love for Americana on 'Moving on Skiffle'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Van Morrison digs U.K. love for Americana on ‘Moving on Skiffle’
      March 5, 2023 at 7:04 pm
      Van Morrison, “Moving on Skiffle.” Van Morrison wasn’t around when skiffle music first originated in the U.S. in the early 1900s, blending jazz, blues, bluegrass and…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Kali Uchis' heart aflutter on 'Red Moon in Venus'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Kali Uchis’ heart aflutter on ‘Red Moon in Venus’
      March 2, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Kali Uchis, “Red Moon in Venus.” The latest in a line of albums exploring love in all its forms, Kali Uchis‘ Red Moon in Venus does…
      ALBUM REVIEW: Morgan Wallen breaks his silence on 36-track 'One Thing at a Time'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Morgan Wallen breaks his silence on 36-track ‘One Thing at a Time’
      March 2, 2023 at 9:00 pm
      Morgan Wallen, “One Thing at a Time.” A 36-song album is an ambitious endeavor for any artist, but that is especially true for Morgan Wallen, who’s mostly…
    • ALBUM REVIEW: Adam Lambert takes his dynamic range for a drive on 'High Drama'
      ALBUM REVIEW: Adam Lambert takes his dynamic range for a drive on ‘High Drama’
      February 23, 2023 at 8:00 pm
      Adam Lambert, “High Drama.” Conceptually, High Drama by Adam Lambert is relatively simple: The powerhouse vocalist takes a some of his favorite songs, turns them on…

Listen Now

    • REWIND: A saxophone makes every song better
      REWIND: A saxophone makes every song better
      May 20, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Sade performs at Belgrade Arena in Belgrade, Serbia on Oct. 30, 2011. Photo by Srdjan Stevanovic/WireImage. You know what I like? Unnecessary saxophones in songs. It’s…
      Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for May 16
      Tuesday Tracks: Your weekly new music discovery for May 16
      May 16, 2023 at 12:01 am
      William The Conqueror, courtesy. This week we bring you southern rock by William the Conqueror, Congolese rumba by Pierre Kwenders, an atmospheric guitar tune by Far…

Q&A Interviews

    • 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.…
    • Interview: Metric brings its mental oasis 'Formentera' on the road
      Interview: Metric brings its mental oasis ‘Formentera’ on the road
      September 26, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Emily Haines and Metric, courtesy. Indie rock band Metric has just completed the Canadian leg of its tour in support of new album, Formentera, and with…
    • Q&A: Congolese artist Fally Ipupa wants Americans to see how his people celebrate
      Q&A: Congolese artist Fally Ipupa wants Americans to see how his people celebrate
      September 21, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Fally Ipupa, courtesy Emma Birski. He’s playing intimate clubs on his North American tour, but Fally Ipupa can sell out a 20,000-capacity arena in Paris and…
    • Q&A: José González on how fatherhood has helped him find his playful side
      Q&A: José González on how fatherhood has helped him find his playful side
      August 17, 2022 at 12:01 am
      José González, courtesy Hannele Fernström. The conversation is with José González, but the first face on camera is an adorable baby. José González 7:30 p.m., Friday,…
    • Q&A: Actress Frankie McNellis on bringing '13: The Musical' to Netflix
      Q&A: Actress Frankie McNellis on bringing ’13: The Musical’ to Netflix
      August 8, 2022 at 12:01 am
      “13: The Musical.” (L to R) Khiyla Aynne, Ramon Reed, Frankie McNellis, Nolen Dubuc, Jonathan Lengel, Liam Wignall, Eli Golden, JD McCrary, Lindsey Blackwell, Gabriella Uhl,…

Festival news

    • Dogstar (Keanu Reeves' band) plays first show in two decades at BottleRock
      Dogstar (Keanu Reeves’ band) plays first show in two decades at BottleRock
      May 27, 2023 at 11:30 pm
      Keanu Reeves performs with Dogstar at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 27, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. NAPA — Alt-rock trio Dogstar, best…
    • BottleRock 2023 Day 1: Smashing Pumpkins, Post Malone, 10 other sets we loved on Friday
      BottleRock 2023 Day 1: Smashing Pumpkins, Post Malone, 10 other sets we loved on Friday
      May 27, 2023 at 3:33 am
      Post Malone performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 26, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. NAPA — Thousands of attendees packed the Napa…
    • BottleRock Napa announces Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage lineup
      BottleRock Napa announces Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage lineup
      May 24, 2023 at 12:39 pm
      Tiffani Thiessen and crew at the Williams Sonoma Culinary Stage at BottleRock Napa Valley on May 26, 2018. Courtesy. With just a few days before the…
    • Nelly Furtado, Skrillex, Eric Prydz highlight Portola Music Festival lineup
      Nelly Furtado, Skrillex, Eric Prydz highlight Portola Music Festival lineup
      May 17, 2023 at 6:16 pm
      Major Lazer performs at SnowGlobe Music Festival in South Lake Tahoe on Dec. 30, 2016. The duo will perform at Portola Music Festival this fall. STAFF.…
    • Navigating BottleRock 2023: An hour-by-hour guide for all 3 days
      Navigating BottleRock 2023: An hour-by-hour guide for all 3 days
      May 17, 2023 at 12:05 pm
      BottleRock 2022, courtesy. Even if you already know which of the headliners at BottleRock Napa Valley 2023 you’re picking to watch (Post Malone or the Smashing Pumpkins, Lizzo…

Opinion

    • Navigating BottleRock 2023: An hour-by-hour guide for all 3 days
      Navigating BottleRock 2023: An hour-by-hour guide for all 3 days
      May 17, 2023 at 12:05 pm
      BottleRock 2022, courtesy. Even if you already know which of the headliners at BottleRock Napa Valley 2023 you’re picking to watch (Post Malone or the Smashing Pumpkins, Lizzo…
      Insert Foot: Which legendary band would you want to reunite in 2023?
      Insert Foot: Which legendary band would you want to reunite in 2023?
      May 14, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Aerosmith. L to R: Steven Tyler, Tom Hamilton, Joe Perry, Brad Whitford and Joey Kramer. Courtesy Fin Costello/Redferns. The Golden State Warriors playoff collapse, Vida Blue’s…
    • Insert Foot: Paul Stanley made a point; but he said it wrong
      Insert Foot: Paul Stanley made a point; but he said it wrong
      May 7, 2023 at 12:01 am
      Insert Foot has some thoughts on statements by Dee Snider and Paul Stanley. It’s sort of weird that two guys who made their careers out of…
      Insert Foot: Harry Belafonte and the social bent of 'Day-O'
      Insert Foot: Harry Belafonte and the social bent of ‘Day-O’
      April 29, 2023 at 7:27 pm
      Harry Belafonte waves to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. during a civil rights march in Montgomery, Alabama on March 24, 1965. Getty Images. There’s a great…

Concert Reviews

    • REVIEW: The Cure mixes old and new at Shoreline Amphitheatre
      REVIEW: The Cure mixes old and new at Shoreline Amphitheatre
      May 28, 2023 at 1:28 am
      The Cure performs at British Summertime Fest at Hyde Park in London on July 7, 2018. Courtesy Paige K. Parsons. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — After walking…
    • BottleRock 2023 Day 1: Smashing Pumpkins, Post Malone, 10 other sets we loved on Friday
      BottleRock 2023 Day 1: Smashing Pumpkins, Post Malone, 10 other sets we loved on Friday
      May 27, 2023 at 3:33 am
      Post Malone performs at BottleRock Napa Valley at the Napa Valley Expo on May 26, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. NAPA — Thousands of attendees packed the Napa…
    • REVIEW: Shania Twain sparkles during her space western odyssey at Shoreline
      REVIEW: Shania Twain sparkles during her space western odyssey at Shoreline
      May 27, 2023 at 1:29 am
      Shania Twain performs at Shoreline Amphitheatre in Mountain View, Calif. on May 26, 2023. Photos: Derek Fisher/STAFF. MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif. — Shania Twain was every bit…
    • REVIEW: Mr. Bungle, The Melvins 'geek' out at the Fox
      REVIEW: Mr. Bungle, The Melvins ‘geek’ out at the Fox
      May 24, 2023 at 7:12 am
      Mr. Bungle performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on May 23, 2023. Nate McKinley/STAFF. OAKLAND — Mike Patton’s eclectic musical tastes were on full display Tuesday…
    • REVIEW: Matchbox Twenty flex their catalog and shine a new light at Concord Pavilion
      REVIEW: Matchbox Twenty flex their catalog and shine a new light at Concord Pavilion
      May 22, 2023 at 6:54 am
      Matchbox Twenty performs at Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif., on May 21, 2023. Photo by Jim Trocchio. CONCORD, Calif. — Matchbox Twenty frontman Rob Thomas made…
    • REVIEW: Love and Rockets mesmerize with tour opener at the Fox
      REVIEW: Love and Rockets mesmerize with tour opener at the Fox
      May 22, 2023 at 5:45 am
      Love and Rockets perform at Fox Theater in Oakland on May 21, 2023. Karen Goldman/STAFF. OAKLAND — As Love and Rockets prepared to perform their second…
    • REVIEW: M83 brings his 'Fantasy' to Fox Theater
      REVIEW: M83 brings his ‘Fantasy’ to Fox Theater
      May 17, 2023 at 2:39 am
      M83 performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on May 16, 2023. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. OAKLAND — There are many artists in search of the next big hit.…
    • REVIEW: Joan Baez and Taj Mahal star at Acoustic-4-a-Cure Fillmore show
      REVIEW: Joan Baez and Taj Mahal star at Acoustic-4-a-Cure Fillmore show
      May 14, 2023 at 1:50 am
      Joan Baez, Taj Mahal and Sammy Hagar perform at Acoustic-4-A-Cure at The Fillmore in San Francisco on May 13, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — An…
    • REVIEW: Crowded House keeps it in the family at the Fox
      REVIEW: Crowded House keeps it in the family at the Fox
      May 7, 2023 at 6:31 am
      Crowded House performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on May 6, 2023. Karen Goldman/STAFF. OAKLAND —”We’ve really diverged tonight!”vocalist Neil Finn told the audience about two-thirds…
    • REVIEW: Lewis Capaldi performs his stand-up routine along with the music at the Greek
      REVIEW: Lewis Capaldi performs his stand-up routine along with the music at the Greek
      May 1, 2023 at 8:16 am
      Lewis Capaldi performs at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on April 30, 2023. Karen Goldman/STAFF. BERKELEY — Scottish singer-songwriter Lewis Capaldi stopped at the Greek Theatre…
    • REVIEW: Rauw Alejandro transforms SAP Center into planet 'Saturno'
      REVIEW: Rauw Alejandro transforms SAP Center into planet ‘Saturno’
      April 27, 2023 at 5:46 am
      Rauw Alejandro performs at SAP Center in San Jose on April 26, 2023. Italie Penaloza/STAFF. SAN JOSE — Almost exactly a year since his last visit,…
    • REVIEW: Muse masters misdirection at fiery Oakland Arena spectacle
      REVIEW: Muse masters misdirection at fiery Oakland Arena spectacle
      April 15, 2023 at 2:01 am
      Muse performs live at Oakland Arena, in Oakland Calif. on April 14, 2023. Derek Tobias/STAFF. OAKLAND — U.K. alt-rock superheroes Muse brought the firepower and a…
    • REVIEW: Future, Don Toliver and friends host One Big Party at Oakland Arena
      REVIEW: Future, Don Toliver and friends host One Big Party at Oakland Arena
      April 2, 2023 at 8:01 am
      Future performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on April 1, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. OAKLAND — Atlanta rapper Future stopped at Oakland Arena on Saturday on his…
    • REVIEW: CIX brings K-pop soul to Paramount Oakland tour closer
      REVIEW: CIX brings K-pop soul to Paramount Oakland tour closer
      March 26, 2023 at 11:49 pm
      CIX performs at Paramount Theatre in Oakland on March 26, 2023. Gavin Legaspi/STAFF. OAKLAND — Soul-music-loving K-pop group CIX concluded their second U.S. tour at the…
    • REVIEW: Depeche Mode celebrates life, acknowledges death at SAP Center
      REVIEW: Depeche Mode celebrates life, acknowledges death at SAP Center
      March 26, 2023 at 2:45 am
      Depeche Mode performs at SAP Center in San Jose on March 25, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN JOSE — Iconic electronic music group Depeche Mode chose San…
    • REVIEW: Maggie Lindemann busts loose at Bimbo's on first headlining tour
      REVIEW: Maggie Lindemann busts loose at Bimbo’s on first headlining tour
      March 24, 2023 at 7:26 am
      Maggie Lindemann performs at Bimbo’s in San Francisco on March 23, 2023. Chloe Catajan/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — About halfway through her set at Bimbo’s 365 Club,…
    • REVIEW: Toronto's Nav and friends wide awake at the Masonic
      REVIEW: Toronto’s Nav and friends wide awake at the Masonic
      March 17, 2023 at 7:35 am
      Nav performs at the Masonic in San Francisco on March 16, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Canadian rapper Nav has worked with the likes of…
    • REVIEW: SZA and Omar Apollo take Oakland Arena on a two-hour tour
      REVIEW: SZA and Omar Apollo take Oakland Arena on a two-hour tour
      March 15, 2023 at 2:30 am
      SZA performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on March 14, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. OAKLAND — When SZA headlined Outside Lands last summer, more than five months…
    • REVIEW: Ibeyi invokes magic at August Hall
      REVIEW: Ibeyi invokes magic at August Hall
      March 13, 2023 at 7:16 am
      Ibeyi performs at August Hall in San Francisco on March 12, 2023. Italie Penaloza/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — French Cuban duo Ibeyi sang in English, French, Spanish and…

Photos

    • PHOTOS: The Warning gives a little 'More' at Fillmore tour stop
      PHOTOS: The Warning gives a little ‘More’ at Fillmore tour stop
      May 5, 2023 at 7:36 am
      The Warning performs at The Fillmore in San Francisco on May 5, 2023. SAN FRANCISCO — The Fillmore has played host to a who’s who of…
    • PHOTOS: 'Mega-Monsters' Mastodon and Gojira storm Concord Pavilion
      PHOTOS: ‘Mega-Monsters’ Mastodon and Gojira storm Concord Pavilion
      April 21, 2023 at 7:09 am
      Mastodon performs at Concord Pavilion in Concord, Calif. on April 20, 2023. Sean Liming/STAFF. CONCORD, Calif. — Metal mainstays Mastodon and Gojira brought their Mega-Monsters Tour to the…
    • PHOTOS: Phish kicks off three-night stand at the Greek
      PHOTOS: Phish kicks off three-night stand at the Greek
      April 18, 2023 at 7:01 am
      Phish performs at the Greek Theatre in Berkeley on April 17, 2023. Matt Pang/STAFF. BERKELEY — Legendary jam band Phish returned to the Greek Theatre for…
    • PHOTOS: Burna Boy brings 'Love, Damini' tour to Oakland Arena
      PHOTOS: Burna Boy brings ‘Love, Damini’ tour to Oakland Arena
      April 9, 2023 at 6:14 am
      Burna Boy performs at Oakland Arena on April 8, 2023. Italie Penaloza/STAFF. OAKLAND – After delivering a stellar co-headlining performance last weekend at Dreamville Festival in North…
    • PHOTOS: Static-X kicks off 'Machine' anniversary tour at the Fillmore
      PHOTOS: Static-X kicks off ‘Machine’ anniversary tour at the Fillmore
      February 26, 2023 at 10:41 am
      Static-X performs at the Fillmore in San Francisco on Feb. 25, 2023. Nate McKinley/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Industrial metallers Static-X returned to the Bay Area Saturday on…
    • PHOTOS: Lizzo has one 'Special' night at San Francisco's Chase Center
      PHOTOS: Lizzo has one ‘Special’ night at San Francisco’s Chase Center
      November 13, 2022 at 7:55 am
      Lizzo performs at Chase Center in San Francisco on Nov. 12, 2022. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — R&B superstar Lizzo brought her “Special” Tour to Chase Center…
    • PHOTOS: St. Lucia brings 'Utopia' to August Hall
      PHOTOS: St. Lucia brings ‘Utopia’ to August Hall
      October 30, 2022 at 12:54 am
      St. Lucia performs at August Hall in San Francisco on Oct. 28, 2022. Mike DeWald/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — Dance pop quintet St. Lucia, touring new album…

Best of 2022

    • Columnist Rachel Goodman’s favorite concerts of 2022
      Columnist Rachel Goodman’s favorite concerts of 2022
      December 27, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Rachel Goodman’s favorite shows of 2022 include Wu-Tang Clan, LCD Soundsystem, Bikini Kill, Girl Talk, The House of Love, Trace Mountains, The Airborne Toxic Event and…
      The 10 best K-pop songs of 2022
      The 10 best K-pop songs of 2022
      December 24, 2022 at 12:01 am
      The best Kpop songs of 2022 are (clockwise from top left): Stray Kids, Blackpink, Seventeen, Tomorrow X Together, Taeyeon, NewJeans, Le Sserafim, Key, Psy and IVE.…
    • Rachel Goodman’s 30 best alt-rock and alt-pop songs of 2022
      Rachel Goodman’s 30 best alt-rock and alt-pop songs of 2022
      December 19, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Rachel Goodman’s top alt-rock and alt-pop songs of 2022. L to R; Row 1: Fontaines D.C., Hot Chip, LCD Soundsystem, Julia Jacklin, GIFT, The Linda Lindas.…
      The 20 best hip-hop albums of 2022
      The 20 best hip-hop albums of 2022
      December 12, 2022 at 12:01 am
      The best hip-hop albums of 2022 include Kendrick Lamar, Megan Thee Stallion, Nas, Vince Staples, Earl Sweatshirt, Locksmith, Pusha T, Lupe Fiasco, Mount Westmore, Denzel Curry,…
    • The 67 best albums of 2022: 10-1
      The 67 best albums of 2022: 10-1
      December 9, 2022 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2022 include Beyoncé, Gang of Youths, Weyes Blood, Rosalía, The Smile, Nas, The Weeknd, Lupe Fiasco, Spoon and Ho99o9. We’re down to…
      The 67 best albums of 2022: 20-11
      The 67 best albums of 2022: 20-11
      December 8, 2022 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2022 include the Afghan Whigs, Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Kendrick Lamar, the London Suede, King Gizzard & and the Lizard Wizard, an…
    • The 67 best albums of 2022: 30-21
      The 67 best albums of 2022: 30-21
      December 7, 2022 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2022 include Neil Young, Harry Styles, Muse, Demi Lovato, Denzel Curry, Lights, Freddie Gibbs, Steve Lacy, Father John Misty and Danger Mouse…
      The 67 best albums of 2022: 40-31
      The 67 best albums of 2022: 40-31
      December 6, 2022 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2022 include Orville Peck, Bruce Springsteen, … And You Will Know Us By the Trail of Dead, Ozzy Osbourne, Phoenix, Eddie Vedder,…
    • The 67 best albums of 2022: 54-41
      The 67 best albums of 2022: 54-41
      December 5, 2022 at 12:01 am
      The best albums of 2022 include Amanda Shires, Mitski, Shinedown, Jack White, Sharon Van Etten, Luke Combs, Blackpink, Broken Bells, Lamb of God, Bad Omens, Noah…
      The 67 best albums of 2022: 67-55
      The 67 best albums of 2022: 67-55
      December 3, 2022 at 9:00 pm
      The best albums of 2022 include Carrie Underwood, Miranda Lambert, Banks, Sondre Lerche, Ghost, The Black Keys, Alice Merton, Omar Apollo, Coheed and Cambria, Pusha T,…
    • The 14 tours we're anticipating most in 2022, starring Olivia Rodrigo
      The 14 tours we’re anticipating most in 2022, starring Olivia Rodrigo
      January 5, 2022 at 12:01 am
      Clockwise from top right: Olivia Rodrigo, Shawn Mendes, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Chris Stapleton, The Weeknd, Dua Lipa, HAIM, Roger Waters, Tyler, The Creator, Billie Eilish,…