While the new generation may ask, without irony, who’s Bob Dylan? And, who cares about Willie Nelson? Many of us know it wasn’t always this way. Once, there was an era that hung on Dylan’s every move, and when the folk singer eventually retired as the protest voice of his day,…
Valley concert promoter Charlie Levy’s growing empire of downtown Phoenix music venues is about to get even larger. That’s because he’s gearing up to open two different spots by this time next year, including a 1,000-person capacity spot that will be his biggest venue to date. Earlier today, Levy told…
Over the course of just 10 years and four albums, progressive rock/hardcore outfit Pierce the Veil accomplished what most bands strive for yet few achieve: the skyrocketing whirlwind of the rock star dream. But they didn’t get there by seeming “untouchable” or big-money ad spots. Pierce the Veil did the opposite,…
If there’s one thing we know about Andrew W.K., it is that he likes to party. Hard and often. We didn’t have to strain to get to that conclusion; he’s been telling us as much since the early 2000s, when his music career blew up with the hit, “Party Hard.”…
Mitchell Hillman listens to more local music than just about anyone in the Valley. He presents his picks for best new local music in his column, Right Hear, Right Now. No Volcano – “Blackout” No Volcano’s Who Saved The Party was in my top five of The 25 Best Albums…
Wes Miles, the leader of the indie rock band Ra Ra Riot, remembers how much fun he had staying home from school because it afforded him the opportunity to watch science-fiction movies. He would watch the original Star Wars trilogy, only to go back and have a repeat viewing of…
Indie folk star Ryley Walker didn’t really take to Phoenix the last time he played here. Google does not offer any clues of the exact date when the Rockford, Illinois, native previously performed in the Valley. It’s difficult to confirm if the sordid events he described even took place. Yet…
It’s strange to let 27 years pass before seeing one of your favorite bands again. But somehow, that’s how much time had elapsed since the first and, until last weekend, only time I had ever seen The Who. I hadn’t intentionally avoided seeing them again, but over the intervening years, it…
After selling out the 2,650-capacity Celebrity Theatre in August, Brian Wilson will return to the venue once more on May 22, 2017, the singer announced today. Wilson has been touring the country for the 50th anniversary of the iconic Beach Boys album Pet Sounds, hailed critically as one of the most…
If there’s one thing we learned at Desert Trip, it’s this: Our parents used to rage. And given half the chance, they still know how to throw down. All over the Empire Polo Club grounds at Goldenvoice’s massive classic-rock festival, folks in their 50s, 60s and even 70s were getting…
For the first time since 2013, Green Day will play another concert in the Valley, the band announced today. The band is scheduled to play Talking Stick Resort Arena on March 1. Against Me! will open. Green Day just released Revolution Radio on Friday, October 6. It is the band’s 12…
Up for seeing a great concert this week? If so, we’ve got a few suggestions for y’all. As a matter of fact, we’ve got 10 of ’em, and the list includes shows from a wide variety of genres and formats, from post-punk and indie folk to hip-hop and good ol’…
Failure celebrated the 20-year anniversary of Fantastic Planet by playing the influential record from to back Saturday night at Livewire in Scottsdale. Typically when a band plays a record in its entirety it can be a mixed bag, since the surprise element that is so important in a concert experience…
As a proud 10-time Coachella attendee, I was more than a little curious when Goldenvoice announced Desert Trip, fondly referred to as “Oldchella.” Leave it to the creators of the two-weekend music festival to find another way to make history. When Desert Trip instantly sold out both weekends, it was…
It’s 11:30 a.m. on a Saturday, and a classic rock cover band is serenading a small, mostly middle-aged crowd lazing around a pool at the Shadow Hills RV Resort in Indio, California. They’re belting out Van Morrison’s “Wild Night,” which seems like an odd choice for this hour — or…
The 2016 Best of Phoenix edition has hit the stands. Here, we’ll look at the very best of what Phoenix has to offer in terms of nightlife, music venues, dive bars — everything that makes a night out worth it. Best Nightclub: Cake Nightclub Gleaming with style and panache, Cake embraces…
Whether they’re already familiar with Numero Group’s catalog, music aficionados owe it to themselves to stop by Monorchid Gallery this Wednesday, October 12, to visit the label’s one day only pop-up record store in Phoenix. Active for more than 10 years, Numero Group has a massive catalog that often resembles…
Here are our picks for the best concerts in Phoenix this weekend. For more options, check out our comprehensive concert calendar. Cyndi Lauper – Friday, October 7 – Talking Stick ResortIn terms of animal comparisons, Cyndi Lauper would best be categorized as a chameleon, considering the way she’s adapted and…
The 2016 Best of Phoenix issue is on stands now, meaning we’re giving you our take on what makes Phoenix such a special place to live. Here’s a look at the best of the local music scene. Best Local Band: Playboy Manbaby Playboy Manbaby is one of the most popular bands…
No matter what they do, Mumford and Sons will likely never escape their reputation as the polite British guys with the banjos. That’s not to say there was no effort involved. The quartet traded their vests and their plaid for solid colors and single layers, and the smoky lighting added…
Mitchell Hillman listens to more local music than just about anyone in the Valley. He presents his picks for best new local music in his column, Right Hear, Right Now. Fairy Bones – “Pink Plastic Cups” Before Fairy Bones went on hiatus for the summer, long before they were asked to…
It’s irresistible: Your favorite band releases a new album, and along with it comes a drawn-out narrative about the recent trials and tribulations of whoever in the band. It’s kind of like reality TV or gossip mags for the more self-aware or artsy crowd, to get a taste of the…
