BLACKBERRY SMOKE CONFIRMS FULL LINEUP & DETAILS FOR HIGH TIDE GETAWAY, ALL-INCLUSIVE CONCERT VACATION IN MEXICO DECEMBER 4-6, 2026

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/21/26

ALL-INCLUSIVE ROOMS ON-SALE MAY 13

PERFORMANCES FROM BLACKBERRY SMOKE, JAMEY JOHNSON, STEVE EARLE, MARGO PRICE, RECKLESS KELLY, THE BAND OF HEATHENS, ROBERT JON & THE WRECK, THE STEED BROTHERS FT. CHARLIE STARR AND THE BLACK BETTYS

Acclaimed American rock band Blackberry Smoke, in partnership with Cloud 9 Adventures, proudly presents the second edition of High Tide Getaway – a four-night destination concert vacation from December 4-8, 2026. This intimate experience takes place at the oceanfront Dreams Sapphire Resort & Spa, a fully updated and recently expanded all-inclusive resort.

High Tide Getaway will feature three full shows from Blackberry Smoke—celebrating the band’s 25th anniversary and showcasing their “unique blend of hard rock, southern rock, country, blues, and masterful songwriting” (Forbes)—with additional performances by Jamey Johnson, Steve Earle, Margo Price, Reckless Kelly, The Band of Heathens, Robert Jon & The Wreck, The Steed Brothers ft. Charlie Starr, and special guests The Black Bettys during the four-night event.

High Tide Getaway has a full resort takeover at Dreams Sapphire, exclusively hosting event guests. The concert venues – a beachfront main stage, poolside gazebo, and open-air palapa with late-night shows – are revered for their uniqueness and intimacy. These carefully designed spaces sit just steps away from guest accommodations and the resort’s comprehensive all-inclusive amenities. This is the perfect winter concert getaway for music fans and avid vacationers alike.

The intimate event brings artists and fans together with activities and workshops, poolside contests and games, daily yoga, charity opportunities, and theme nights during this tropical getaway. In addition to the happenings on the property, guests can book off-site excursions to explore the beauty and culture of the surrounding region, extending from Cancun to Tulum.

EVENT ON-SALE DETAILS

All-inclusive packages for guests who opted in to the pre-sale will be available for purchase on May 12, 2026. Remaining rooms will go on sale to the public starting May 13th at 1pm ET on the High Tide Getaway website.

Packages include a four-night stay at the resort, 3 full Blackberry Smoke concerts – plus shows from the curated lineup of additional artists, access to luxurious all-inclusive resort amenities with unlimited food and drink in multiple onsite restaurants and bars, and the musical adventure of a lifetime. Various room types are available including tropical views, beachfront swim outs, private villas, and expansive suites overlooking the main stage.

Blackberry Smoke’s High Tide Getaway is brought to you by Cloud 9 Adventures, the premier provider of international concert vacations since 2003. Cloud 9 Adventures brings bands and fans together to create unforgettable memories & life-changing experiences at all-inclusive resorts and on luxurious cruise ships.

Cloud 9 Adventures – Where Music Meets Paradise: www.cloud9adventures.com

POND HEADLINING ATLANTA AT TERMINAL WEST ON JULY 10

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/15/26

Before they kick off a run of support dates for Djo, they’ll kick things off at Terminal West on July 10 and I wanted to make sure you had it on your radar for coverage! The tour supports their new album Terrestrials which will be released next Friday.

Pond are one of the most versatile, inquisitive, and accomplished bands in the psychedelic rock vanguard. Made up of Nicholas Allbrook, Jay Watson, Joseph Ryan, James Ireland, and Jamie Terry, Pond was formed in 2010 in Fremantle, Western Australia. However, it wasn’t until the release of their 2013 record Beard, Wives, Denim that Pond went from a group of musicians and friends to an internationally touring band.

Today, Pond boasts an impressive catalog of recorded music, spanning ten critically-acclaimed albums. Since its beginnings, Pond’s prowess in the live arena has also been well documented. Sharing the stage with artists such as Flaming Lips, Queens of the Stone Age, Arctic Monkeys and more, they have also been on major festival lineups worldwide like Glastonbury, Coachella, Splendour in the Grass, and The Great Escape.

Like much of the Pond catalogue, Terrestrials is a record of people and place, of exploring the identity of each, as well as where and how they intersect and interact. Extractive capitalism, power dynamics, inequality, indigenous incarceration, eccentric outcasts, fire and water, diesel and dust, unity and division, blood and bauxite, unborn tomorrows and dead yesterdays – it’s all there. Terrestrials twitches with the desperation of people and planet on the brink, but ultimately bets on the beauty of both to prevail.

WIDOWSPEAK AT THE EARL ON JUNE 23RD

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/14/26

WIDOWSPEAK

SHARE NEW SINGLE & VIDEO “SOFT COVER”

NEW ALBUM ROSES OUT JUNE 5TH 

VIA CAPTURED TRACKS

US HEADLINE TOUR THIS SUMMER + 

UK/EU TOUR THIS WINTER

Coming to Atlanta on June 23rd at the Earl

NYC duo Widowspeak have shared “Soft Cover,” the third single from their highly anticipated new album Roses, due out June 5th via Captured Tracks. The track is achingly gorgeous, featuring one of the album’s most sweeping hooks, buoyed by a driving rhythm section and vocalist Molly Hamilton’s saccharine voice. 

“Soft Cover” is about infatuation: wanting and daydreaming about someone as you’re going about your day… even if, and maybe especially if, you’ve been with them a long time,” says Hamilton. “We brought in a Rhodes for this one, so it came in a car from Athens, then took a boat, then a donkey carried it up to the studio,” Hamilton adds, describing the unique recording conditions they experienced at the Old Carpet Factory on the Greek island Hydra.

The longtime duo of Hamilton and Robert Earl Thomas, Roses arrives as Widowspeak’s seventh album. One of many bands to crop up in a fertile New York City music scene over 16 years ago, they started out shuffling gear between venues now-since shuttered (Glasslands, Cake Shop, 285 Kent, Death By Audio to name a few) and their practice space in Monster Island Basement (now a Trader Joe’s). Widowspeak is now a married couple, working day jobs in their own off-season. Robert is a carpenter, Molly a waitress. Roses is populated not with dramatic overtures but with the backdrop of the minutiae and repetition of daily acts.  Small observations before, during, and after work: the ritual of pouring water for customers, catching a cold on your day off.  Daydreaming about winning the lottery, or maybe realizing you already won.

They recorded the album last January at a studio on the Greek island Hydra, tucked away in an old house upon the village’s steep hills.  It’s quiet there in winter, when the tourists have all gone home. Longtime touring members Willy Muse, John Andrews, and Noah Bond serve here as the players.  Roses was then taken home and slowly, lightly tinkered with, before being deftly mixed by Alex Farrar at Drop of Sun Studios, and mastered by Greg Obis at Chicago Mastering. 

“The video is the last in the world of the trilogy, where the Singing Telegram Girl is dreaming about an idealized Renaissance Faire Guy while waiting around, reading a pulpy novel,” shares Hamilton. “Rob was incredibly enthusiastic about this one because he loves medieval history and we got to pick out some fun costumes from Adele’s of Hollywood.  He’s a star!”

W

The band announced Roses with lead single “If You Change,” a song that captures everything that’s made the long-running group a staying force, from its breezy guitars to the impossibly rich chorus, there’s a timeless quality imbued with the twang of a Lynchian roadhouse band. The single was praised by Stereogum, Consequence, Brooklyn Vegan, Rolling Stone, Under the Radar + more.  Recently they shared “No Driver,” a lush and widescreen pop gem complete with a blistering guitar lead that feels like an instant classic.

The band recently announced a run of US tour dates this Summer, kicking off in their hometown of New York and crossing the country, concluding on the West Coast. This winter they’ll embark on a run of UK & EU dates kicking off in November and taking them through mid-December. 

Tour Dates

Tickets

June 16th – Brooklyn, NY @ Music Hall of Williamsburg

June 18th – Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda’s

June 19th – Washington DC @ DC9

June 20th – Mount Solon, VA @ Red Wing Roots Festival

June 22nd – Raleigh, NC @ Pour House

June 23rd – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl

June 24th – Nashville, TN @ Third Man Blue Room

June 26th – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St. Entry

June 27th – Milwaukee, WI @ The Argo

June 28th – Chicago, IL @ Schubas

June 30th – Ferndale, MI @ Magic Bag

July 1st – Toronto, ON @ Sound Garage

July 2nd – Montreal, QC @ L’Esco

July 3rd – Boston, MA @ Arts at the Armory

July 30th – Seattle, WA @ Barboza

July 31st – Aug 2nd – Happy Valley, OR @ Pickathon (Festival)

Aug 4th – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

Aug 7th – Los Angeles, CA @ Lodge Room

Aug 8th – Santa Ana, CA @ Constellation Room

Aug 9th – Phoenix, AZ @ Valley Bar

Aug 11th – Santa Fe, NM @ Tumbleroot Brewery

Aug 12th – Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive

Aug 14th – Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge (Psych Lake City Festival)

Aug 15th – Boise, ID @ Shrine Social Club

Aug 16th – Spokane, WA @ The District

Nov 12th – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club

Nov 13th – Dublin, IE @ Workmans Club

Nov 15th – Glasgow, UK @ The Rum Shack

Nov 16th – Manchester, UK @ YES (Pink Room)

Nov 17th – London, UK @ Scala

Nov 18th – Lille, FR @ La Bulle

Nov 19th – Paris, FR @ LePopUp!

Nov 22nd – Milan, IT @ Arci Bellezza

Nov 23rd – Zurich, CH @ Bogen F

Nov 24th – Munich, DE @ Milla

Nov 25th – Salzburg, AT @ Rockhouse

Nov 27th – Prague, CZ @ Café V Lese

Nov 29th – Warsaw, PL @ Chmury

Dec 1st – Berlin, DE @ Frannz Club

Dec 2nd – Hamburg, DE @ Hebebuhne

Dec 3rd – Malmö, SE @ Plan B

Dec 4th – Gothenburg, SE @ Pustervik

Dec 5th – Stockholm, SE @ Hus 7

Dec 6th – Oslo, NO @ John Dee

Dec 7th – Copenhagen, DK @ Rust

Dec 9th – Utrecht, NL @ DB’s

Dec 10th – Kortrijk, BE @ Wilde Westen

Dec 11th – Hasselt, BE @ AFF

Dec 13th – Tilburg, NL @ Hall of Fame

Across the ten tracks that make up Roses, intimate spaces and stages of love are captured with a nostalgic, vaseline-coated lens. If music can simultaneously be naturalistic and noir, saturated and lush, that is Widowspeak.  This is a band that knows how to set a scene. 

There’s dream and power pop, a little Stones, maybe some Petty, open and languid ballads with the twang of a Lynchian roadhouse band… Perhaps you hear REM, Yo La Tengo or Cat Power. A little Neil Young in Hamilton’s references to working at the diner.  The magic of the band is, still and always, the interplay between Molly and Robert in their two leading roles: her languid, textured voice and his visceral guitar playing. And as producer, Robert captures the ephemeral magic of a band finding a song in the studio: something that still bears traces of the directness of Molly’s voice memos and the dense guitar tapestries of the demos. The rough-hewn marks of the tools are still evident, the noise kept in.  

“Can’t hold too tight or I’ll have nothing, Like a candy melts in your hand.” As the album closer  “Hourglass” contemplates the fleeting nature of something, anything, it illustrates what is most true about Widowspeak.   At the heart of it, their music is special because it is real: most of all for the people making it. Fragile and temporary, and worthwhile… like love itself. 

JOHN MELLENCAMP SETS LANDMARK DANCING WORDS TOUR – THE GREATEST HITS – ATLANTA ON AUGUST 1 AT AMERIS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 6/14/26

EXPANSIVE 19-DATE TOUR TAKING PLACE

ACROSS U.S. THIS SUMMER 2026

PERFORMING HIS MOST BELOVED SONGS FOR THE

 FIRST TIME IN MANY YEARS

TICKETS AVAILABLE NOW. MELLENCAMP.COM

John Mellencamp will embark on a landmark tour this summer—Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits will take place across 19 U.S. cities. The tour, produced by Live Nation, marks the first time Mellencamp will be performing all his most beloved songs in a single night, some of which haven’t been played live in many years.

Watch the cinematic tour trailer featuring Sean Penn HERE.

Citi is the official card of John Mellencamp Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, January 20 at 10 A.M. local time until Thursday, January 22 at 10 P.M. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

Tickets will be available starting with Citi presale, and additional presales will run throughout the week ahead of the general on sale beginning Friday, January 23 at 10 A.M. local time at Mellencamp.com.

Mellencamp’s Dancing Words Tour — The Greatest Hits will also offer a variety of different VIP packages and experiences for fans to take their concert experience to the next level. Packages vary but include premium tickets, invitation to the pre-show Scarecrow VIP Lounge, autographed VIP tour poster, specially designed gift item & more. For more information, visit vipnation.com

Poised to be one of the most anticipated tours of the summer, fans can expect to hear Mellencamp’s best known songs including “Pink Houses,” “Jack and Diane,” “Small Town,” “Hurts So Good,” “Authority Song,” “Key West Intermezzo (I Saw You First),” as well as beloved tracks that he hasn’t performed live in ten plus years, including “R.O.C.K. in the U.S.A.,” “I Need a Lover,” “Wild Nights,” “Ain’t Even Done With the Night” among other long unplayed gems. 

Dancing Words Tour – The Greatest Hits kicks off July 10 and brings Mellencamp and his band to major markets and iconic venues across the U.S., including Hollywood Bowl, Northwell at Jones Beach Theater, Xfinity Center and more. The Indiana-native will also be stopping at Indianapolis’ Ruoff Music Center. Complete list of dates below.

Mellencamp’s previous tour, the massive “Live and In Person 2023,” saw sold-out dates across the U.S. and a host of critical praise, leading to its expansion with “Live and In Person 2024” in 27 additional cities. Forbes praised the run, saying “…it doesn’t appear that Mellencamp has any intention of slowing down or abandoning his trademark feistiness.” Additionally, The Chicago Tribune noted, “Identity, pride, purpose, trust, understanding: These motifs coursed through Mellencamp’s narratives.”

Mellencamp is one of the most highly respected singer-songwriters of his generation, with a career in music spanning five decades. He is a member of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame. He is a recipient of the John Steinbeck Award, ASCAP Foundation’s Champion Award, Woody Guthrie Award, Americana Music Association’s Lifetime Achievement Award and, more recently, the Founders Award, the top honor assigned by the American Society of Composers, Authors and Publishers. He is also one of the most successful live concert performers in the world. The social activism reflected in his songs helped catalyze Farm Aid, a concert series and organization created by Mellencamp, Willie Nelson and Neil Young in 1985 to address the struggle of American family farmers.

JOHN MELLENCAMP

DANCING WORDS TOUR — THE GREATEST HITS

July 10—Grand Rapids, MI—Acrisure Amphitheater

July 11—Tinley Park, IL—Credit Union 1 Amphitheatre

July 13—Kansas City, MO—Morton Amphitheater

July 14—Shakopee, MN—Mystic Lake Amphitheater

July 16—Clarkston, MI—Pine Knob Music Theatre

July 18—Noblesville, IN—Ruoff Music Center

July 19—Cincinnati, OH—Riverbend Music Center

July 21—Cuyahoga Falls, OH—Blossom Music Center

July 24—Mansfield, MA—Xfinity Center

July 25—Holmdel, NJ—PNC Bank Arts Center

July 26—Wantagh, NY—Northwell at Jones Beach Theater

July 29—Bristow, VA—Jiffy Lube Live

July 30—Charlotte, NC—Truliant Amphitheater

August 1—Alpharetta, GA—Ameris Bank Amphitheatre

August 3—Tampa, FL—MIDFLORIDA Credit Union Amphitheatre

August 6—Houston, TX—The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion

August 9—Phoenix, AZ—Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre

August 10—Hollywood, CA—Hollywood Bowl

August 12—Mountain View, CA—Shoreline Amphitheatre

SWEETWATER 420 FEST 2026 ROCKS SHIRLEY CLARKE FRANKLIN PARK

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 4/29/26

Atlanta’s SweetWater 420 Fest returned on April 17-18, 2026, settling into its new home at Shirley Clarke Franklin Park on the city’s west side. The 20th edition drew more attendees thanks to a stacked lineup blending jam rock, electro-funk, indie rap, and global beats. With hammocks, beanbags, and a gentle hill for lounging, the park’s open layout handled the crowds smoothly. The new location’s clean grounds, ample vendors, and a groovy atmosphere made it a hit. Will this be the new permanent spot? 

Friday, April 17: Umphrey’s McGee Headlines a Jam-Fueled Kickoff 

Day one built steadily, with early sets warming up the hillside stage, from Cimafunk’s vibrant Afro-Cuban flair, to Watchhouse, an American-Folk duo out of North Carolina. The energy peaked with headliners Umphrey’s McGee, who delivered two sets well into the evening. The Chicago band mixed progressive rock, funk, and improvisation, and extended jams. Their performance echoed the festival’s roots in jam and roots music, keeping the crowd moving and grooving all night. It was a relaxed, intimate night with tons of beer flowing, and jams to enjoy. 

Saturday, April 18: The Heavy Heavy, Little Stranger, Thievery Corporation, and more took over the Saturday Vibes 

The party continued Saturday with musical stylings of The Heavy Heavy, Little Stranger, Chromeo, and headliner, Thievery Corporation.  

The UK retro rockers, The Heavy Heavy, from Brighton brought their ’60s-inspired sound, think swinging rhythms and soulful hooks, to draw in the crowd. They really are groove masters. After that, Little Stranger took the stage. What I called a little bit Beastie Boys and a lot of reggae, hip-hop; the Shield brothers kept it fresh their whole set. They mixed it up with a harmonica and flute solo, and a variety of accompanying acts on stage. They were my favorite act of the festival. 

Chromeo, the electric-funk duo or The “Funklordz,” Dave 1 and P-Thugg, turned the park into a dancefloor like you’ve never seen before. They hit all the right notes with beautiful baselines and electric performance. Then, the headliners, Thievery Corporation took the stage as the night wound down. Rob Garza and Eric Hilton reunited on stage with a rare duo appearance that electrified the crowd. They went on to mix trip-hop, acid jazz, and high energy world beats into one spectacular finale for the fest.  

Festival Takeaways: What does Sweetwater fest feel like? 

On the top of the hill, the sunset, behind the 420 fest sign. Couples and groups lounged about on the hill, blankets spread out dotted with Sweetwater beer cans, water, and eats from the food vendors. Fancy guitar work and booming baselines permeated from the stage below and swelled to a crescendo as night fell. That’s what 420 fest feels like. Good vibes, good times, and all the Sweetwater beer you can drink (responsibly). 

MARVELOUS 3 LIGHT UP CENTER STAGE, OCTOBER 13TH!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/16/25

On Friday, October 3, 2025, Atlanta’s own Marvelous 3 took the stage at Center Stage Theater for a sold-out hometown show that felt like a long-overdue family reunion. The rock trio, frontman Butch Walker, bassist Jayce Fincher, and drummer Doug “Slug” Mitchell reunited in recent years after a hiatus, and their energy on this night was infectious. From the moment they started, the band radiated happiness, grinning ear-to-ear as they powered through a set packed with classics and newer hits.

The evening kicked off with opener Major, a fitting choice as the band’s lead guitarist is none other than Holden Fincher, Jayce’s son. Holden has been joining Marvelous 3 on the road as a fourth member, adding rhythm guitar and youth to the lineup. His seamless integration amplified the familial vibe. It made it a multi-generational rock affair.

Marvelous 3 wasted no time diving into their catalog, blending high-energy anthems with heartfelt moments that had the audience singing along word-for-word. The setlist, clocking in at 18 songs, was a masterclass in ’90s-inspired rock with a modern edge. They opened strong with “Little Head,” Walker’s charismatic voice cutting through the mix as the band locked into a tight groove. Off and on, Walker bantered with the crowd between songs, cracking jokes about Atlanta traffic and thanking fans for sticking with them through the years.

Mid-set, they dipped into fan favorites like “#27” and “Grant Park,” the latter a nod to Atlanta’s iconic green space that is tailor-made for this crowd Atlanta crowd. Followed by “You’re So Yesterday,” “Until You See” helmed by Holden, “Every Monday,” “Jackie and Tina” honoring both mothers in the crowd, and a heartfelt tribute to the unity of music, “Melt With You” cover of Modern English.

But, the biggest moment of the night was the pure mastery of “Freak of the Week.” It is their most well known, signature hit that exploded with energy. The crowd was so into it. Walker, Fincher, Mitchell, and young Holden looked ecstatic, hugging it out onstage as the final notes faded. It was a reminder of why Marvelous 3 endures—their music is fun, unpretentious, and delivered with genuine heart. They went on to also perform hits, “Sugarbuzz,” and encored with “Cigarette Lighter Love Song,” and “(There’s) Always Something There to Remind Me” with Butch in the crowd.

Fans leaving Center Stage buzzed about the band’s unbreakable spirit. In a world of polished rock, Marvelous 3’s raw happiness and family ties made this hometown show unforgettable. If this is what reunion tours can be, sign us up for more.

Our favorite photos from the night, taken by John and I:

SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 3: WE’RE NIRVANA

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/22/25

Photo: Pooneh Ghana, Shaky Knees

Now that Shaky Knees day three has wrapped, it’s time to reminisce about our favorite moments from the final day of the festival. Our legs hurt, we’ve walked over 13,000 steps each day, and all of it was totally worth it. From seeing Weird Al for the first time to taking a trip down memory lane with Devo, we ended Shaky Knees 2025 on a high note.

I want to go straight for the jugular today and hit it off with my favorite performance of the day, Weird Al! I didn’t ever think I would be saying that but, he really is animated and puts on a great show. It has you rolling laughing! My friend even cried a little he was thought it was so funny. He started out with We’re Nirvana (Smells Like Teen Spirit) and dressed like Kurt Kobain in the original video, and we found out online that he used the same set, janitor, and extras. He then moved on to a Devo parody, literally wearing the same outfit that Devo, who played right before him wore!

After that, Weird Al did a compilation singing everything from Eat It (Beat It), Like a Surgeon (Like a Virgin), and so many more all rolled together. Moving on to White & Nerdy riding a segway on the stage to Amish Paradise (Gangstas Paradise). Finally, doing a whole ending about Star Wars, the Yoda song, and the oddest set of mixed together chanting I have ever heard. I can’t imagine getting everyone in sync acapella on this song!

Best of the rest, included getting to hear Devo sing Whip It live. We loved watching all of their really funny graphic like a donut and a french fry. Plus, they work their iconic red hats. They threw some out into the audience, but I was too far back. The Stereophonics did their main song, Dakota and it was fun to hear it live. We caught Vampire Weekend and my friend exclaimed, “They sound like the Jonas Brothers.” Do they? I’ve never heard the Jonas Brothers. As we walked out, a couple was getting married on stage of the Lucy Dacus show. I’ve never seen anything like that before, so we stopped and watched!

Oops, I did it again. Our ride was leaving before Blink 182, so we didn’t stay. How much did we miss?

With Shaky Knees in the rear view, my favorite performances in this order included Deftones at the top. Then Cage the Elephant came in second for me. Then, rounding out the top three is Cage the Elephant. What was yours?

SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 2: MESS AROUND

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/21/25

Photo: Roger Ho, Shaky Knees

With day 2 in the Shaky Knees book, yesterday was a whirl wind of bands and music. We call it the mess around, a nod to my favorite Cage the Elephant Song. We saw as many bands as we could from Radio City Alice to kick it off to Public Enemy to end the night. Here are some of our thoughts on them.

Starting with Radio Free Alice, they had a solid sound and vocals and were impressed with them for such young men. Next, we joined our friends to watch Johnny Marr. I should know who he is as he is the guitarist from the Smiths, but I had no idea until my writer and photographer friend, Reece told me, so I had to go. They didn’t disappoint playing greats like my favorite of theirs, How is Soon Now? and The Charming Man. Morrisey who?

We walked over to Highly Suspect but it was more a chat fest for our group. We agreed they were like a folky Cage the Elephant. Returning back to the Peachtree stage, we caught TV On the Radio. I have always wanted to see Wolf Like Me live since falling in love with the cover by Local H. They turned me on to the song.

Now on to Cage the Elephant, the best show of the day. I have so many stories about their music, like my niece, Katherine, was a huge fan in her teens and I took her to their concert as her birthday present and really enjoyed it. Shultz is so animated and seems to really enjoy his own music. When we covered Shaky back in 2016 at Centennial Park, the group was in the media room doing interviews, so we listened in and caught the show there and were impressed. This one was just as good, maybe better. We were on the hill, and the light show and pyrotechnics were fun, the energy high. They played all of their hits from my favorite Mess Around to Trouble, their first hit Ain’t No Rest for the Wicked, and ending with Cigarette Dreams.

We ended our night seeing a few songs from The Black Keys and heard the iconic Lonely Boy to open. But we really wanted to catch Public Enemy because we love old school rap. They are so engaging, really talk to the crowd, and want the crowd to be in it. They actually have new music that was good!! It was a nice reprieve from all the rock we’d heard all day and a great way to end the night.

I know, we didn’t stay for My Chemical Romance. I liked their first album but was disappointed in a concert I saw before the pandemic. To be honest, I was just so tired by then, I hit a wall.

Pro tip: bring a flashlight!

SHAKY KNEES 2025 DAY 1: MONKEYS GONE TO HEAVEN

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 9/20/25

Photo: Ismael Quintanilla III, Shaky Knees

John and I boarded Marta and took the train down to Piedmont Park for day one of Shaky Knees 2025. For us, today was about getting acquainted with the new venue, perusing all the fun activations, deciding on what merch to purchase, and of course catching all the great bands performing on my birthday! I thank them for making my birthday an epic one.

First, my favorite thing all day, was what I call “large Ozzy.” A larger-than-life Ozzy costume with a huge bat with whom I had some fun interactions. He was walking around near the media tent and food row and tried to “bite my head off.” It was hilarious. It is a great tribute to the late rocker. The coolest activation we found is the two-story Patron Tequila bar. It looks like a real bar and restaurant with lounge seating upstairs and DJ’s spinning every hour. They even have their own DJ line-up you can enjoy. I’m definitely going to spend some time there today upstairs during the day. We also ran into our friend, Steve Craig, DJ at 99x and had a great chat about Inhaler that they were going to interview that day. I didn’t know Elijah Hewson; the lead singer is Bono’s son. Yes, that Bono. I wish we had made it to their show now.

We made our way to the Piedmont stage to check out Idles first. I was really impressed with their sound; it really is a throwback to punk of old with a mix of grunge, rock elements, and a strong bold voice. I don’t know if this is what they were going for, but it was like Rage Against the Machine with a mix of Dead Kennedys, Henry Rollins, and then a grunge influence. I am not a huge Rage fan but love Dead Kennedys and grunge, so I enjoyed the performance. But what I really like is his voice. It is bold, deep, and commanding.

What who we really went to see were Pixies and Deftones. Starting with Pixies, I first discovered them in 1999 from the Fight Club soundtrack. Where is My Mind was an anthem to the times and still rings true today, so immediately I was hooked. This performance was just as good as all the ones I’ve seen before, with Doolittle and crew singing everything from poppy, surfer rock, Here Comes Your Man to grungy Gouge Away to one of my favorites, Monkeys Gone to Heaven. Fitting that the T-shirt they were selling for this tour is a monkey with a halo in clouds. I had to have it.

This leads me to the headliner of the night, Deftones. We literally just saw them about 4 months or so ago at State Farm Arena where they filled an entire arena with fans. They have seemed to have a resurgence in popularity lately and we are here for it! What strikes me every time with Deftones is their use of light and video in tandem with the Chino’s melonic voice. Their performance is always spot on and they know how to keep a crowd engaged sticking mostly with the hits. Deftones performed several of my favorites including Quiet and Drive (Far Away) to start then proceeding with My Own Summer that launched their career, Knife Party, then slowing it down a little with Diamond Eyes and Digital Bath. The hits kept coming with some of their new album, that is absolutely amazing, but nothing is better live than Change (In the House of Flies). The sun rising behind Chino is just chilling and beautiful. Deftones stock has risen! Now, how do I get them to play my favorite of their songs, Passenger from White Pony.

DEAD PIONEERS AT STATE FARM ARENA ON MAY 1, OPENING FOR PEAL JAM

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/23/25

On May 1, 2025, Denver’s Dead Pioneers brought their punk energy to Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, opening for Pearl Jam in a night that blended rebellion with rock legacy. Picked by Pearl Jam bassist Ament, the indigenous-fronted band, led by Gregg Deal, delivered a performance that was thought-provoking. Though the early crowd was small, those in attendance were treated to a performance that was a discovery. Dead Pioneers’ set was a reminder of punk’s power to inspire, and their selection by Ament underscored their rising status in music. 

Taking the stage around 7:30 PM, Dead Pioneers —featuring Shane Zweygardt on drums, Lee Tesche on bass, and guitarists Josh Rivera and Abe Brennan—launched into a raw and real set. Their performance drew mostly from their sophomore album, PO$T AMERICAN that was released April 11, 2025. As well as their 2023 self-titled debut, offering a blend of punk’s raw edge with social commentary. 

For the highlights, the band played “PO$T AMERICAN,” the title track of their new album, setting the tone with its driving rhythm and Deal’s large vocals. Tracks like “My Spirit Animal Ate Your Spirit Animal” and “Working Class Warfare” embraces the band’s disruptive spirit, while “Tired” from their debut album showcased their ability to balance melody and aggression. Leading us to “Rage,” an anthem that left everyone prepped for Pearl Jam. All of this while, Deal, took the time to weave in his political spoken poetry with themes of indigenous resistance and inequality.  

In conclusion, Dead Pioneers’ appearance at State Farm Arena was more than an opening act—it reflected Pearl Jam’s social advocacy. Their raw politically charged performance introduced Atlanta to a band unafraid to challenge the status quo. This is one to watch. 

Sources: 

Colorado Springs Independent, Setlist checked from Setlist.fm, Dead Pioneer’s band members and background pulled from deadpioneers.band , YouTube