A Poem on the Occasion of Morrissey’s Cancelled Show

I’ve never seen Morrissey in concert, and who knows if The Smiths will ever reunite (highly unlikely), so as a longtime fan, I was excited when I heard he would be playing a show in Tempe. First, he was scheduled to perform at the Marquee Theatre on November 21; then…

That Damn Show 2013 Set Times: Saturday’s Complete Schedule

When Bad Religion, AWOLNATION, and the rest of That Damn Show comes to the Mesa Amphitheatre on Saturday, there will be 14 bands crammed onto the bill, split between two stages — which is to say It’s going to be a little hectic. You can still buy tickets online; to…

Five Bad Religion Albums To Hear Before That Damn Show 2013

If you’re going to That Damn Show–tickets here; schedule here–on Saturday and you don’t already know a lot about Bad Religion, you might be in trouble by the time they hit the Main Stage at the Mesa Amphitheatre at 9 p.m. Luckily, our print feature this week is all about…

The Faint to Bring Dance-y Sing-Alongs to That Damn Show

The roster of touring acts of That Damn Show gives the festival the appearance of something that happened a decade ago. I remember being stoked to see acts like Bad Religion, Face to Face, and Fenix Tx for the first time in the early Aughts — and, in some cases,…

How Music Festivals Keep the Music Industry Afloat

This week’s New Times cover story examines the music industry’s only 21st-century success story: The incredible boom in live music in general and festivals in particular. Since you might still be in the throes of a Coachella hangover — or maybe you’re getting ready to camp out at That Damn…

Bad Religion Experiences a Punk Renaissance

“You might not think there’s any wisdom in a fucked-up punk rock song,” sings Greg Graffin in “Kyoto Now!” summarizing Bad Religion’s ethos in one fell swoop. Classic punk songs like Black Flag’s “TV Party” and The Misfits’ “Hybrid Moments” are fun and riotous but offer little substance. Bad Religion…

Otep Leaves the Industry Before Its Economics Make Her Bitter

It’s been a long time since the music industry had musicians’ best interests in mind. And it’s not just the greed of the industry; it’s the fans, too. I’m not talking about the multimillionaires in Metallica. I’m talking about the underground punk band whose album you downloaded for free last…

1960s Folk Artist Rodriguez Re-Emerges

In the social media era, it seems unfathomable that an artist, no matter how trivial, could completely disappear off the radar. In the 1970s, it was a different story entirely. Sixto Rodriguez was one musician who not only fell through the cracks but was thought by many to have died…

Music Fests Like Coachella Drive Concert Sales to New Heights

It’s as though the lamentable death of recorded music was accompanied by a kick-ass wake. Sure, label executives have had to sell their fancy homes and put their kids in public schools, but the rest of us have feasted on a musical smorgasbord. Nothing better exemplifies this than this month’s…

That Damn Show 2013: Bend Sinister Groks Classic Rock

On Saturday That Damn Show is back for 2013 at the Mesa Amphitheatre, featuring national acts like Bad Religion and local favorites like the Veragrooves. Check out the full schedule here and read on for a preview of Canada’s own Bend Sinister. (Full disclosure: We’re co-promoting this show with KUKQ.)…

How This New Music Will Make You Smarter (Thanks, Science)

A good 90 percent of my job as a music journalist is keeping my finger on new music, continuously discovering the vast spectrum of sound that human beings can create. Another 9 percent is attending concerts, where I destroy my liver and my hearing for shits and gigs. That final…

Faith Hill Leaves Sunday Night Football. Why Was She There?

Faith Hill leaving Sunday Night Football is interesting mostly because it reminds us that Faith Hill was — for something like six years — employed by Sunday Night Football. “This Kiss,” and then helmet-to-helmet hits, every week. Counterprogramming, I think they call that. We’ve seen cultural institutions move in this…

Top Five Must-See Shows in Phoenix This Week

It’s Monday, and I’m sorry about that. There was nothing I can do. But I bring good news: This week’s Top Five Must-See Shows in Phoenix is further proof that they play live music during the week, and even on school nights…

Why Talk More About Jay-Z’s Cuba Trip Than Rick Ross’ Date Rape Rap?

Having solved all the country’s economic problems, come to an agreement on DOMA, and figured out what to do about gun control, the American government finally has time to focus on what really matters: where richer-than-God superstars Jay-Z and Beyoncé spend their obscenely luxurious vacations. More: Treasury department confirms Jay-Z,…