West Side Story @ Théatre du Châtelet, Paris - December 31st, 2023

Something a little different for us: to cap off 2023, we attended the finale of the new production of West Side Story at the Théatre du Châtelet.

Friday's Playlist: 2023 Concerts

 

Well, this is it for 2023. Another year come and gone. I've got to be honest, I'm not going to miss 2023, and I can't think of too many people who will. One thing that helped make it through was music. Corny, sure. But true. This was our busiest year concert-wise for a total of 65 concerts, 93 sets and 91 bands/artists! We hope to break that record in 2024.

This playlist features songs that were played at the gigs we've attended. Where possible, we've endeavored to include a track from the artist's current album, the one they're usually promoting on that tour. You might ask yourself, why are some artists are present twice? That's easy, Jack: it's because we've seen them twice!

The playlist is organized in chronological order, so you will inevitably get some weird juxtapositions like a Death Metal song following a Gospel song, or a Crust Punk track immediately after a Bluesy Southern Rock number... It's a bumpy ride, and we wouldn't have it any other way. It's music, and it's supposed to be surprising and unexpected... Diversity is the spice of life, and this concert year has been especially spicy.

Check it out below!

December 22nd, 2023: The Best of 2023

2024 is right around the corner and as we look forward to new albums by artists as diverse as Blackberry Smoke, Judas Priest or Kid Congo & the Pink Monkey Birds, let's take a look back at some of the releases that made 2023 such a great year for music. From pop and rock to metal, folk, country, and soul, we've seen stellar releases from both established artists and newcomers. Of course, any year with a new studio record from The Rolling Stones is bound to be noteworthy. Who could've predicted that Hackney Diamonds would turn out as good as it did?

The Mentors @ Le Klub, Paris - December 12th, 2023

Upon entering the quaint tea room nestled in the historic Parisian neighborhood, I marveled at the privilege of residing in such a sophisticated and cosmopolitan city during these refined times. As the orchestra manifested at the rear of the foyer, weaving delicate melodies such as "Donkey Dick" and "Golden Shower," and as the graceful vocalist passionately rendered the poetic verses of dainty ditties like "Grab 'em by the Pussy" and "Chicks with Dicks," it became evident that the evening promised a delightful fusion of wit and elegance.

Not.

The Subways @ Petit Bain, Paris - December 11th, 2023

Ash's set was a tough one to follow but The Subways was certainly up to the task. The British trio played a few songs off of their excellent new album Uncertain Joys, but the bulk of the set was comprised of songs from their classic debut Young For Eternity.

Ash @ Petit Bain, Paris - December 11th, 2023

Last night at Petit Bain in Paris, fans of British Alternative Rock were treated to an unforgettable evening as Ash took the stage for the final show of their joint tour with The Subways. The intimate setting of the small club on the Seine created a special connection between the band and the audience, making it a night to remember.

The Prodigy @ Olympia, Paris - December 10th, 2023

As the crowd gathered into the hallowed halls of the legendary Paris Olympia to witness the return of The Prodigy on December 10, 2023, there was an undeniable sense of anticipation mixed with a somber undertone. The specter of Keith Flint, who had departed this world almost exactly four years ago, loomed over the venue, casting a poignant shadow on the proceedings. The entire set, however, became a powerful and cathartic experience, a rock n' roll therapy session for both the band and the fervent audience. Unsurprisingly, this date at the Olympia has been sold out for months: The Prodigy's cyberpunk black masses usually take place in much bigger arenas, so it's quite the privilege to witness it in such a small venue. 

Danko Jones @ O'Sullivan's Backstage By The Mill, Paris - December 9th, 2023

On this chilly December night in Paris, the Pigalle district wears a somber cloak, the usually bustling corners eerily quiet as the rain pours down, the streets deserted even by the hookers. However, amidst the gloom, tucked away in the rear of O'Sullivan's bar, lies a vibrant haven – Backstage By The Mill, a nod to its iconic neighbor, the Moulin Rouge. Step inside, and you'll instantly forget the cold; the atmosphere is ablaze with an almost unyielding heat, courtesy of the fervent crowd of rock 'n' roll enthusiasts. But Danko Jones isn't here to talk about the weather: Danko Jones is here to fuck shit up and have a good time.

Upcoming gigs

 

Here are the next gigs we'll be covering. Check back often as we're confirming events on a weekly basis.

Click on the provided links to buy tickets through our partner Ticketmaster.

(For the purpose of transparency, we are letting you know that we receive a very very small commission of every ticket purchased through one of the links that we provide. So go nuts!)

Halestorm @ La Cigale, Paris - December 5th, 2023

Last year's Halestorm show opening for Alter Bridge was undoubtedly excellent but left the Paris audience hungry for more. This headlining set in support of 2022's Back From The Dead was a much more satisfying affair for the band's fans who came out in droves: the place was sold out, thanks in part to a very attractive concert package which included a strong support slot by none other than Black Veil Brides and relative newcomer Mothica, which turned the City of Lights into the City of Loud.

Black Veil Brides @ La Cigale, Paris - December 5th, 2023

 

Black Veil Brides masterfully blend Heavy Metal, Glam Rock and Alternative Rock, creating a genre-defying explosion of sound where leather meets lace, and the stage is set ablaze with a symphony of sonic aggression somewhere between the traditional Heavy Metal of Judas Priest and the more modern stylings of bands like All That Remains or As I Lay Dying. What sets Black Veil Brides apart is their unapologetic commitment to reviving the '80s rock show aesthetic, complete with bold make-up, studded leather jackets, and pointy guitars— all delivered with a  refreshing absence of irony.

Mothica @ la Cigale, Paris - December 5th, 2023

Mothica's music is an interesting fusion, combining the best of contemporary pop with the dark undertones of Gothic metal. Think Olivia Rodrigo and Billie Eillish meet Evanescence and Lacuna Coil. The early start to their performance left us with a mere taste of what they have to offer, leaving us curious about a full-length experience.

Goodbye KISS

Get ready to rock as the legendary American hard rock powerhouse, KISS, gears up for its ultimate performance at the iconic Madison Square Garden in the heart of New York City tonight. Critics may argue that KISS should have called it quits two decades ago, and guess what? They did.

This marks KISS's second farewell tour, and skepticism looms large about whether this truly marks the end of an era. Ozzy Osbourne has retired multiple times, The Who embarked on a farewell tour in 1982, and bands like Scorpions, Judas Priest, and Mötley Crüe have all done the farewell dance, only to stage a comeback shortly after. Rock bands have a knack for defying retirement promises—just ask The Beatles, who managed to reunite despite half their members being gone for decades.

Friday's Playlist: Anti-Solos and One-Note Solos

There is no real consensus as to what consitutes an anti-solo in rock music, no universally accepted definition of the term. Broadly, rock anti-solos are musical passages deliberately crafted to contrast or deviate from the traditional soloing style. Instead of showcasing technical prowess or virtuosity like a typical guitar solo, anti-solos aim to disrupt expectations by subverting the conventional norms of soloing. 

These sections often feature unconventional techniques, dissonant melodies, or minimalistic approaches, focusing more on creating atmosphere, tension, or expressing emotions rather than displaying instrumental skill. They challenge the listener's preconceived notions of what a solo should be, emphasizing experimentation and artistic expression over flashy technical ability. Certainly, one-note solos (such as the famous one in Neil Young's Cinnamon Girl) fit the description.

R.I.P. Shane McGowan

I suppose this shouldn't come as a shock since we've known he'd been ill for quite awhile: Shane McGowan died today. Photos from his and his wife's social media painted a heartbreaking picture of an emaciated Shane wasting away from encephalitis. And in the past few weeks, as we saw his friends and former Pogues band members pressing to the side of the Sick Bed of McGowan, it became evident that the writing was on the wall.

The new Judas Priest video is here!

Unleashing the unbridled fury of their sonic arsenal, the iconic British juggernauts of heavy metal, JUDAS PRIEST, have birthed a masterpiece with their latest offering, "Trial By Fire" – a blistering anthem that ignites the very essence of the genre. The accompanying official music video is a visual feast that plunges the audience into the molten heart of the band's relentless artistry. Brace yourselves for a sonic journey that transcends boundaries and heralds a new era in metal supremacy.

Check out Neal Morse's new music video here

Neo-Prog superstar Neal Morse just unveiled the video for his latest single, "I Hate My Brothers," a teaser from the forthcoming album, 'The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two", slated for release on January 12, 2024. This comes as the anticipated sequel to 2023's 'The Dreamer - Joseph: Part One."

The first chapter left Joseph unfairly imprisoned, and now "The Restoration - Joseph: Part Two" picks up the biblical saga, recounting Joseph's journey to becoming Egypt's viceroy and his eventual family reunion. 

This film should be played loud! - Pt. 3

The year is coming to an end and things are slowing down here for us on the concert front. We may be able to squeeze in a couple of more shows before 2024, but this is essentially it. But we still need our fix of live musical thrills, so we're gonna be blasting a few concert movies and we're gonna be sharing them with you in the third installment of our ongoing series "This Film Should Be Played Loud!". 

You can check out the previous entries of this series below:

This Film Should Be Played Loud! - Pt. 2

This Film Should Be Played Loud! - Pt. 1

Hit us up on on our forum, our socials, or in the comments to let us know what you think of our selection and what your favorite concert films are.

Kid Congo Powers' new album "That Delicious Vice" to be released in 2024

Kid Congo Powers And The Pink Monkey Birds will release their new album "That Delicious Vice" on April 19th, 2024 via In The Red Records. This will be the band's first full-length LP since 2016's La Araña Es La Vida. We've heard them play some of the songs from the upcoming album last month in Paris, and if this is any indication, this will be a dynamite record.

Listen to Trevor Horn and Iggy Pop covering Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus

A new track from Trevor Horn's upcoming album "ECHOES - ANCIENT & MODERN" was released a few days ago. It's a cover of Depeche Mode's Personal Jesus sung by Iggy Pop and Lambrini Girls and it rips. Check it out in the embedded Apple Music player or in the YouTube video below.

The album is due out on December 1st.

New Steve Hackett album on the way!

Progressive Rock wizard Steve Hackett is releasing his newest sonic masterpiece, 'The Circus And The Nightwhale,' on February 16th, 2024, courtesy of InsideOut Music. This rite-of-passage concept album introduces us to Travla, the youthful protagonist steering the musical ship through 13 autobiographical tracks.