Josh Radnor, courtesy Nikhil Suresh. While he recorded his debut full-length album in the throes of a breakup, Josh Radnor points out that the songs are considerably older and influenced more by bigger picture issues like the loss of the last of his childhood and mortality—hence, the title, Eulogy.…

Queen and Adam Lambert perform at Chase Center in San Francsico on Nov. 8, 2023. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO —It’s impossible to watch a Queen concert and not think of Freddie Mercury: His voice, personality and performance style were all iconic. Yet he’s now been gone longer than he’s…

Lauryn Hill performs at Oakland Arena in Oakland on Nov. 7, 2023. Derek Fisher/STAFF. OAKLAND — For those who were in high school when Lauryn Hill released her seminal—and only—solo album, 1998’s The Miseducation of Lauryn Hill, it likely holds a special place. The fact was not lost on…

Devo performs at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco on Nov. 5, 2023. Steve Carlson/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO — “Who here believes in devolution?” DEVO bassist Gerald Casale asked the crowd midway through the band’s set Sunday at the Golden Gate Theatre. “You don’t have to look far for…

ZZ Ward, courtesy. Dirty Shine may be the title of the latest album from ZZ Ward, but for the singer-songwriter, the phrase is a rallying cry that speaks to so much more. ZZ Ward Lanie Gardner 8 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 16 Bimbo’s 365 Club Tickets: $28. “It’s something my…

Raye performs at Fox Theater in Oakland on Nov. 3, 2023. Onome Uyovbievbo/STAFF. OAKLAND — London singer-songwriter Raye brought throwback vibes to her My 21st Century Blues tour stop at Fox Theater on Friday. The artist, who’s penned songs for the likes of Beyonce, Madison Beer and Elle Goulding,…

Kim Petras performs at Bill Graham Civic Auditorium in San Francisco on Oct. 29, 2023. Imani Sires/STAFF. SAN FRANCISCO – Kim Petras brought her Feed the Beast Tour to Bill Graham Civic Auditorium on Sunday, celebrating Halloweekend with a bang and getting recognized by Mayor London Breed’s office with a…

Starbenders perform during Aftershock Festival at Discovery Park in Sacramento on Oct. 5, 2023. LAS VEGAS — Chatting about their just-released new album at a small club off Fremont Street downtown, Atlanta rockers Starbenders seem relieved. Des Rocs Starbenders, Christopher Shayne 9 p.m., Saturday, Nov. 4 The Independent, San…

Kim Petras performs during her Feed The Beast World Tour at Moody Amphitheater in Austin, Texas on Sept. 27, 2023. Photo by Renee Dominguez/Getty Images. Problematique was supposed to be pop star Kim Petras‘ debut full-length album. Following a handful of EPs and mixtapes, it was supposed to show the German…

Oxymorrons, courtesy Tommy Vo. Just a few days removed from returning home from Oxymorrons‘ first headlining tour, vocalist Dave “Deee” Bellevue is still recuperating from the grueling yet rewarding run across the United States. Melanin Punk Oxymorrons Mascot, Oct. 20 Get the album on Amazon Music. “We’ve been the…