By Niki D’Andrea
Here are a handful of shows that were just announced this week.
Buckethead Sunday, November 16, 8 p.m. The Clubhouse Music Venue in Tempe $20 www.ticketmaster.com
Brian Carroll, a.k.a. Buckethead, earned his moniker by wearing an upside-down Kentucky Fried Chicken bucket on his head while performing. But while wearing a bucket that proclaims “KFC Funeral” might elicit some giggles, there’s nothing funny whatsoever about Carroll’s skills as a guitarist. At the ripe old age of 39, he’s released more than 30 solo albums, composing everything from jazz to thrash metal to bluegrass and electronica. He’s in high demand as a collaborator, too, having lended his avant garde ax skills to projects with fellow artists like Les Claypool, Bootsy Collins, Iggy Pop, Guns N’ Roses, and the equally experimental Mike Patton.
Random band fact: In February, 2008, Ozzy Osbourne told Revolver magazine that Buckethead had auditioned to play in Ozzy’s band that year for Ozzfest, but Ozzy declined to hire him because Buckethead refused to perform without his bucket.
Below: Buckethead performs a solo in Boston (from Guns N’ Roses’ brief 2002 tour).
The Hives With Eagles of Death Metal, and The Willowz Friday, September 19, 6:30 p.m. Marquee Theatre in Tempe $20 www.luckymanonline.com
Swedish garage rockers The Hives hit big with the big garage rock revival of the new Millennium, releasing a catchy top U.S. single (“Hate to Say I Told You”) in 2002 and earning gold sales status stateside for the song’s parent record, Veni Vidi Vicious. The followups, 2004’s Tyrannaosaurus Hives and last year’s The Black and White Album, haven’t been so successful, but the band still brings raucous life (and a sense of humor) to its brand of booty shakin’ retro rock.
Random band fact: The Hives performed at the 2008 NHL All-Star Game in Atlanta.
Below: The video for The Hives’ song “Main Offender.”
Alicia Keys Saturday, September 27, 8 p.m. Dodge Theatre $46.50-$122 www.livenation.com
Keys’ third solo album, As I Am, has been certified triple platinum by the RIAA and brought her two more Grammy Awards. Keys has been capitalizing on the success of the single “No One” and touring since the early spring. After this tour, she’ll jump into two movie roles she’s signed on to perform.
Random band fact: In 2002, Keys won five Grammy Awards in a single night. Other female artists who hold this record: Lauryn Hill, Norah Jones, Beyonce Knowles, and Amy Winehouse.
Below: A link to Alicia Keys’ latest video, “Superwoman.” http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xK8t0gP4isE
Red Elvises Sunday, September 21, 9 p.m. The Rhythm Room $10 www.rhythmroom.com
These zany Siberian transplants (now living in Venice Beach, CA) take everything that’s fun about classic American rock, surf music, and even disco, and flip it on its head, adding exotic world music elements and a traditional folk-feel to songs like “Closet Disco Dancer,” “Stewardess in Red,” and “I Wanna See You Bellydance.” Their shows are always energetic and flamoyant, and generally always incorporate leopard print and pompadours somehow.
Random band fact: The band appeared on a 1999 episode of Melrose Place.
Below: The video for the Red Elvises’ “I Wanna See You Bellydance.”
