The last time I saw Thievery Corporation, it was at The Wiltern in Los Angeles in 2023. They just happened to be in town at the same time I was there to see AFI celebrate the 20th anniversary of their landmark Sing the Sorrow LP by playing it in full. But even though that weekend... Continue Reading →
Mick Jagger’s Debut Acting Role ‘Performance’ Arrives at Criterion
If the Rolling Stones were one of the hottest bands of the late '60s, then frontman Mick Jagger was on fire. An expert at preening and posturing, it was only natural an opportunity to appear on the big screen would eventually come calling for the singer. His debut acting role in 1970’s Performance, however, looked... Continue Reading →
Two Months Late: 42 Top Songs from 2024
Last year, it was three months into the new year when I finally posted my Top Songs of 2023. This year, only two months have passed. It's all about progress they say, right? Now, if you haven't noticed, I've always tried to cram as many songs into one of these playlists under the guise of... Continue Reading →
Marty Friedman Dreams in Japanese and Misses Junk Food
Back in 2023, I spoke with Marty Friedman for Metal Edge. He was touring the U.S. in support of Queensrÿche at the time and told me how it was all a part of his grand plan to reintroduce himself to the country, as he'd lived in Japan for over 20 years at that juncture. Now,... Continue Reading →
New Year’s Resolutions 2025: Some Recommendations for Your Favorite Artists
Welcome to this year’s edition of “New Year’s Resolutions for Rockers Who Need Them,” where we offer some assistance to the musicians out there who may have trouble lining up goals for the coming year. It’s not an easy job, but one we’re more than happy to take on because, hey, these folks are busy.... Continue Reading →
A Defiant Ryan Adams Isn’t Sorry Anymore – He’s Pissed.
Earlier this month, I sat down over Zoom with Ryan Adams for an interview to preview his show at the Shubert Theatre in Boston tonight. It was to be part of my ongoing 617 Q&A series with Vanyaland, the name inspired by the Boston area code, where I run through six questions, ask the subject... Continue Reading →
Paul Stanley Finds Home in World of Art
Musicians taking up the paintbrush is nothing new. From Rolling Stones guitarist Ronnie Wood to John Mellencamp to the late David Bowie, it seems like anyone who randomly wandered into a Blick art supply store while on tour found a new hobby throwing paint on canvas. That wasn’t quite the case for Paul Stanley. The... Continue Reading →
Alex Van Halen delivers revelations ahead of memoir release
Next Tuesday, the hotly anticipated Alex Van Halen memoir Brothers lands on shelves, but the buzz has gotten even stronger this week after he dropped some bombshells that won’t be included between the bindings. The book tells the story of the unbreakable bond between the drummer and his younger brother, Edward, beginning with their childhood... Continue Reading →
Jane’s Addiction Reunion Falls Apart
One of the most elusive alternative rock reunions imploded this past weekend as Jane’s Addiction cancelled the remaining dates of their North American tour following an onstage scuffle between frontman Perry Farrell and guitarist Dave Navarro. The group, which also features drummer Stephen Perkins and bassist Eric Avery, had been plagued by a series of... Continue Reading →
Aerosmith Announce Retirement from Touring; All Shows Canceled, Rockers React
One of the greatest American rock and roll bands has called it a day – in terms of hitting the road at least. Less than two months before their "Peace Out: The Farwell Tour" was scheduled to resume in Pittsburgh, and 11 months to the day from when it originally kicked off at the Wells... Continue Reading →