There was actually a little bit of room to breathe at last night’s Guided by Voices show at the Crescent Ballroom. By no means was it a light crowd, just one that allowed for a little wiggle room, along with some personal space between audience members, who were treated to…
The Guns N’ Roses song “It’s So Easy” just might be the most swaggering rock song ever written. Even coming from an era of dick-swinging hyper-masculine rock music, it feels gaudy. The song oozes an easy confidence, an arrogance that can only come when your social capital is in such…
Guided by Voices fans don’t get ruffled by lineup changes. If they did, it would have affected the band’s popularity long ago. Turn up at a GBV show, now or at any point the past couple decades, and the jam-packed rooms are a testament to the fans’ trust in Bob —Robert Pollard, that…
If you haven’t already noticed by now, August has already been a month of great concerts and memorable. However, the best is yet to come. More specifically, some of the biggest concerts of the month will be taking place this coming week, including some long-awaited performances by some quite legendary…
There are a few hallmarks of the Arizona State Fair each year that everyone enjoys, ourselves included. There’s the fried food, of course, as well as fantastic rides, furry creatures, and arguably our favorite part, all the free concerts. As a matter of fact, it’s as much a part of…
So, got any big plans for the weekend? Despite the fact we’re firmly in the dog days of summer, there’s certainly plenty of things you could do, including checking out the ginormous meteor shower that’s going to fill the night sky, attending that “Four Phantoms” show, or seeing any of…
We’ve got some good news for local fans of colorful and kooky rock band The Flaming Lips: they’re heading back to Phoenix this fall for a concert. And here’s some even better news: you can see the show for free…sorta. That’s because Wayne Coyne and company will be performing at…
As Chastity Belt progressed from playing college parties in Walla Walla, Washington, to major European venues in support of Death Cab for Cutie, the band remained remarkably unperturbed. The trick, if you can even call it that, says guitarist Julia Shapiro, was just being themselves and doing what they do…
Jasmyn Burke didn’t really like boy bands growing up, but if there is one track that captures the essence of her buzz-worthy Toronto-based quartet Weaves, it would be their cover of “Drag Me Down” by boy band One Direction. The song was originally intended for a session on the music…
Unlike the next Tool album, rumors of Maynard James Keenan’s authorized biography were not unfounded. It appears that the tome, penned by Sarah Jensen, will actually publish and see the light of day (unlike the new Tool album). Keenan, along with Jensen, will discuss the new book, A Perfect Union…
Hey, everyone! Winter is coming! Hooray! We Phoenicians have a much different view of winter than the inhabitants of Westeros, the world of HBO’s Game of Thrones TV series. Winter is coming for those sad, feudal peons, and fans will have reason to celebrate as they bunker in until season seven…
One more month, Phoenix. That’s how long it will take for the worst weather of the year to pass. Then you have eight or so sweet months of bragging to your friends about the fall-winter-spring climate. Until then, pass the time quicker by checking out these concerts. Find more options…
Had enough of the summertime scorch? Yeah, us too. The good news is that it won’t be sticking around forever. Around two months from now, give or take a week or two, temperatures will subside and Valley residents will be able to step outside without unleashing a string of expletives…
Looking for a great concert to check out this weekend? Look no further. We’ve got the lowdown on 10 “can’t-miss” shows that are worthy of your time and money happening over the next few nights at venues across the Valley. For even more live music options, hit up our extensively updated online concert…
One of the things that hasn’t changed in the past 30 years is how much ass Flotsam and Jetsam continues to kick. From the opening notes of “Seventh Seal” off their latest album, the self-titled Flotsam and Jetsam (AFM Records), which was released in late May, it is apparent they…
Heath Fogg should be upset that his band’s touring van has broken down on a few Fridays back en route to the Panorama NYC festival at Randall’s Island Park his band is set to headline. Dealing with NYC traffic can be more than a bit trifling for even the most…
Duran Duran was in danger of being upstaged by their opening act. Chic featuring Nile Rodgers is no ordinary warm-up band. Rodgers is behind some of the funkiest guitar riffs of all time, like the oft-sampled disco hit “Good Times,” and has worked with everyone from Lady Gaga to Keith…
Weezer and Panic! at the Disco (P!ATD) share a number of odd similarities: both got alarmingly popular after their debut album, especially with a youth audience; both went on to significantly change their style for a sophomore album that they would later disown; both have lost almost all their original members. But…
Think no one in their right mind wants to come to Arizona this time of year? You’d be wrong, bub. Despite the fact that we’re hip deep in the most tortuous portion of the summer (and all the frightfully hot temperatures and frightening monsoon storms that go with it), we’re…
All it took for John and June to become homeless was a broken hand and a layoff. Unfortunately for them, they happened simultaneously, leading to the couple being evicted shortly thereafter. They anticipated being only two weeks without a home. It has now been almost 20 months. John and June…
August. The hottest month of the year, bar none. At Back East Bagels in Tempe, there’s even a super-spicy sandwich called the August 22. But we’re almost through it: School is starting back up, football is around the corner, fall festivals and holidays are the light at the end of…
It’s hard to believe that the Warped Tour is now trucking into its 21st year. What’s even more amazing is that a festival that is two decades old hasn’t become a variety show for aging punk and metalcore bands. Sure there are reunions and revivals, but the sheer amount of…
