Tag Archive for: ROCK MUSIC

ROCKET PERFORMING AT AISLE 5 ON NOV 4TH!

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 10/15/25

R is for Rocket, out Oct 3rd via Transgressive Records / Canvasback (Greg Freeman, War on Drugs) sees the band deliver on all of the promise of their 2023 self-released debut EP. Great introductory story at Rolling Stone if you’re unfamiliar. Stream the new album, check out the Press Kit, and watch videos for “Wide Awake” & “Crossing Fingers,” both great examples of their fully formed sound. 

The band’s jagged, fuzzed-out sound has antecedents in ‘90s guitar bands like Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, but Rocket are doing something uniquely their own with those touchstones. It’s no wonder they are widely considered one of the most promising guitar-forward bands of their generation. They’ve just wrapped up a tour with Smashing Pumpkins, and this will be their debut headline tour. Definitely worth catching this very promising band at this stage!

“an explosive introduction.. levels up their dynamic, Nineties-inspired rock sound” – Rolling Stone

“nods to ’90s indie rock staples..blissfully detached dream-pop..hard-hitting numbers..Rocket have built themselves a solid launching pad” – Stereogum ‘Best New Artists of 2024’

“It’s rare to find a band so fully developed without an album out.. they’re certainly not lacking in the songwriting department” – Consequence ‘Artists to Watch in 2025’

“combines a laid-back California charm with biting lyricism and tight, synergetic compositions. If Sonic Youth made pop chart-friendly hits, you’d have Rocket”- Paste Magazine 

“The harmonies glide, whereas the riffy, daydreamy guitars build to a glorious climax in the back half, reminiscent of Sonic Youth and Momma” – Alternative Press ‘Rising Artists to Know’

“this underground band are making big, open-hearted anthems for a new generation to rally around” – NME ‘Cover Story’

“catchy, yearning ballads that evoke nostalgia for adolescent frustrations” – Document Journal

Los Angeles, CA’s Rocket have released their highly anticipated debut album, R is for Rocket, their first for Transgressive Records / Canvasback. “We dedicated this record to Alithea’s dad, who passed away unexpectedly this year,” the band shared in a heartfelt statement. “Choosing him as the cover was the perfect way to immortalize him forever on our first record. This record is so special and close to our hearts and we spent years getting it to the place it is now.”

Comprised of Alithea Tuttle (vocals, bass), Baron Rinzler (Guitar), Cooper Ladomade (Drums) and Desi Scaglione (Guitar), Rocket have had a busy few years. The Los Angeles crew with friendships stretching back to their childhood formed in 2021, convening in an unmarked shed to put their debut EP to tape. Despite it being the first time any of them had seriously approached the idea of a ‘band,’ they seemed to arrive fully formed with combustible, airtight songs.

R is for Rocket, the quartet’s remarkable debut album, is a joyride through sonic terrain that is gloriously loud, anthemic, bombastic and beautiful, with instantly captivating songs that achieve the rare feat of evoking nostalgia while sounding completely new. The band’s jagged, fuzzed-out sound has antecedents in ‘90s guitar bands like Sonic Youth and My Bloody Valentine, but Rocket are doing something uniquely their own with those touchstones. It’s no wonder they are widely considered one of the most promising guitar-forward bands of their generation.

While the album builds on the energy of their critically lauded Versions of You EP, R is for Rocket is also hugely evolutionary, elevating the band’s craft in major ways. By the time they began work on the album in early 2024, they’d been on a near constant touring schedule, spending countless hours on the road opening for their heroes Ride, Sunny Day Real Estate and Silversun Pickups, and writing in their modest studio – a back house in drummer Cooper Ladomade’s parents’ yard – both refining and expanding their sound.

The quartet have been slowly releasing their first new music since the 2023 EP this year, sharing album cuts “Crossing Fingers” & “One Million,” before formerly announcing the album in July with the head turning “Wide Awake,” which arrived alongside an in-depth Rolling Stone profile, and support from Alt Press, Stereogum, Brooklyn Vegan, FLOOD Magazine, Consequence and many more, and was followed by the euphoric and sparkling “Act Like Your Title.” The album’s final single, “Another Second Chance,” arrived alongside an iconic music video featuring a medley of homages to Devo, Kiss, The Beatles, and Blue Man Group, and an in-depth ‘Best of What’s Next’ feature with Paste Magazine

This Fall, Rocket will embark on their debut US headline tour, kicking off in October after having wrapped international festival appearances and a UK run supporting Smashing Pumpkins. They’ve also announced their debut headline tour of Europe kicking off in early 2026. They’ll perform a special LA show at Amoeba Hollywood next Tuesday, Oct 7th. Tickets on sale HERE

“All of the touring led to the songs changing for the better,” says Tuttle, “because we got to play them for so many different kinds of audiences and hear what worked and what didn’t.” Whenever they got home from a tour, they were infused with new ideas for how to finish the in-progress tunes, and many were upgraded in major ways thanks to the time Rocket took to hone them. “Recording the second half of the album eight months after the first half gave us a lot of time to think about what we were doing,” says Scaglione.

With guitarist Desi Scaglione again at the helm as their producer, Rocket logged time at two Los Angeles studios that provided the perfect balance between those extremes. They tracked the more introspective elements at 64 Sound in Highland Park, which offered an array of tasty vintage gear that was ideal for the quieter, more intimate tunes. The heavier moments were captured during sessions at the Foo Fighters’ Studio 606 in Northridge, where they could get the massive drum sound they wanted for tracks like “Crossing Fingers” and “Wide Awake.”

TOUR DATES:

Tickets Here

2025

Oct 7th – Los Angeles, CA @ Amoeba Hollywood

Oct 27th – Phoenix, AZ @ Rebel Lounge

Oct 30th – Denton, TX @ Rubber Gloves

Oct 31st – Austin, TX @ Mohawk (Indoors)

Nov 3rd – Nashville, TN @ drkmttr

Nov 4th – Atlanta, GA @ Aisle 5

Nov 6th – Washington, DC @ DC9

Nov 7th – Philadelphia, PA @ Warehouse on Watts

Nov 8th – New York, NY @ Baby’s All Right

Nov 11th – Toronto, ON @ The Garrison

Nov 13th – Columbus, OH @ Ace of Cups

Nov 14th – Chicago, IL @ Schubas Tavern

Nov 15th – Minneapolis, MN @ 7th St Entry

Nov 18th – Seattle, WA @ Barboza

Nov 19th – Portland, OR @ Polaris Hall

Nov 21st – San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill

Nov 22nd – Los Angeles, CA @ The Roxy 

2026

Feb 10 – Bristol, UK @ The Croft

Feb 11 – Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club

Feb 12 – Glasgow, UK @ King Tut’s

Feb 14 – Dublin, IE @ The Workmans Club

Feb 16 – Manchester, UK @ Deaf Institute

Feb 17 – London, UK @ Scala

Feb 19 – Brussels, BE @ Botanique – Witloof Bar

Feb 20 – Rotterdam, NL @ Rotown

Feb 21 – Utrecht, NL @ EKKO

Feb 23 – Berlin, DE @ Neue Zukunft

Feb 24 – Cologne, DE @ Bumann & SOHN

Feb 26 – Paris, FR @ Point Ephémère

Feb 27 – Tourcoing, FR @ Le Grand Mix

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.

MODEST MOUSE WITH FLAMING LIPS IN ATLANTA – AUGUST 1 AT THE COCA-COLA ROXY

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 7/8/25

UPCOMING MODEST MOUSE PERFORMANCES.

Modest Mouse Presents The Psychic Salamander Festival

Performing The Moon & Antarctica In Full on Sunday, September 14

Celebrating Album’s 25th Anniversary 

New Festival Activations Announced 

Featuring Performances From The Flaming Lips, Courtney Barnett, Built To Spill, Sleater-Kinney, Yo La Tengo and More 

Saturday, September 13 & Sunday, September 14

Remlinger Farms in Carnation, WA 

Tickets On Sale Now via ModestMouse.com

Modest Mouse have today announced they will perform The Moon & Antarctica in its entirety on the evening of Sunday, September 14th at their inaugural The Psychic Salamander Festival to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the album.

The band have also announced additional festival programming for the two-day event taking place at Remlinger Farms in Carnation, WA September 13th and 14th. The event will feature local, regional cuisine and libations including Remlinger Farms Microbrewery. Entertainment for the whole family will include a Fun Park with rides including a mini roller coaster, zipline, steam train, ferris wheel and more. Additional activities include an arcade (pay-per-game) located behind the Fun Park, a walk-through animal barn with donkeys, a large Kune Kune pig, chickens, mini goats, and rabbits. More information about all the fun activities on the grounds can be found here

Joining Modest Mouse is an incredible roster of artists including The Flaming Lips, Courtney Barnett, Built To Spill, Sleater-Kinney, Yo La Tengo, The Vaudevillian, Mattress, Friko, Sun Atoms and more. The Flaming  Lips will join Modest Mouse both nights, playing The Soft Bulletin from start to finish on Sunday, the 14th. 

Remlinger Farms is a working farm with a concert space, managed by Seattle Theatre Group (STG). Tickets are on sale now and more information is available by visiting modestmouse.com. Note, children 12 & under are free. 

The Psychic Salamander Festival lineup:

SAT

Modest Mouse

The Flaming Lips

Courtney Barnett

Built to Spill

The Vaudevillian

Mattress

SUN

Modest Mouse (The Moon & Antarctica)

The Flaming Lips (The Soft Bulletin)

Sleater-Kinney

Yo La Tengo

Friko

Sun Atoms

In addition to The Psychic Salamander Festival, Modest Mouse recently announced a month-long leg of new North American headlining tour dates this fall, featuring fellow Pacific Northwest indie stalwarts Built to Spill. The tour begins September 30 in Aspen and concludes Oct. 21 in Brooklyn, N.Y. All fall tour dates are on sale now, which will come after an extensive summer schedule that started with headlining shows on June 9 in Orlando, Fl., and also includes a co-headlining run with The Flaming Lips beginning Aug. 1 in Atlanta.

The band will also set sail from Feb. 5-9, 2026, on the inaugural Ice Cream Floats cruise, where they will play three distinct sets alongside a lineup featuring Portugal. The Man, Kurt Vile and the Violators, Built to Spill and many others. Fans can expect a twist on Mystery Science Theater 3000, with Modest Mouse’s members offering irreverent commentary about films of their choice, a live Q&A with topics chosen by attendees, a story time during which frontman Isaac Brock will read children’s books, DJ sets and a Parade of Freaks.

Modest Mouse on tour:

August 1, 2025 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy#*

August 2, 2025 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater#*

August 3, 2025 – Richmond, VA – Brown’s Island#

August 5, 2025 – Philadelphia, PA – Mann Center for the Performing Arts#*

August 7, 2025 – Portland, ME – Thompson’s Point#*

August 8, 2025 – New Haven, CT – Westville Music Bowl#*

August 9, 2025 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE#*

August 11, 2025 – Indianapolis, IN – Everwise Amphitheater#*

August 12, 2025 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J Brady Music Center#*

August 14, 2025 – Madison, WI – Breese Stevens Field#*

August 15, 2025 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory#

August 16, 2025 – Chicago, IL – The Salt Shed – Fairgrounds#

August 19, 2025 – Irving, TX – The Pavilion at Toyota Music Factory#*

August 20, 2025 – Houston, TX – 713 Music Hall#*

August 21, 2025 – San Antonio, TX – Aztec Theater*

August 23, 2025 – Albuquerque, NM – Revel*

August 24, 2025 – Tucson, AZ – Rialto Theatre*

August 25, 2025 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren*

August 27, 2025 – Las Vegas, NV – Brooklyn Bowl*

August 28, 2025 – Reno, NV – Grand Sierra Resort and Casino*

September 3, 2025 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre#^

September 4, 2025 – Los Angeles, CA – Greek Theatre#^

September 5, 2025 – Santa Barbara, CA – Santa Barbara Bowl#^

September 7, 2025 – Berkeley, CA – The Greek Theatre#^

September 10, 2025 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield#^ (Modest Mouse closing)

September 11, 2025 – Troutdale, OR – McMenamins Edgefield#^ (Modest Mouse closing)

September 13, 2025 – Carnation, WA – Modest Mouse Presents: The Psychic Salamander Festival @ Remlinger Farms

September 14, 2025 – Carnation, WA – Modest Mouse Presents: The Psychic Salamander Festival @ Remlinger Farms

September 27, 2025 – Ocean City, MD – Oceans Calling Festival

September 30, 2025 – Aspen, CO – Belly Up Aspen

October 1, 2025 – Denver, CO – Mission Ballroom+

October 4, 2025 – Austin, TX – Austin City Limits 

October 6, 2025 – St. Louis, MO – The Factory

October 7, 2025 – Tulsa, OK – Tulsa Theater+

October 9, 2025 – Nashville, TN – The Pinnacle

October 11, 2025 – Detroit, MI – The Fillmore Detroit+

October 12, 2025 – Rochester, NY – Kodak Center+

October 13, 2025 – Toronto, ON – History+

October 15, 2025 – Boston, MA – MGM Music Hall at Fenway+

October 16, 2025 – Ithaca, NY – State Theatre+

October 17, 2025 – Kingston, NY – Ulster Performing Arts Center

October 18, 2025 – Washington DC – The Anthem+

October 20, 2025 – Huntington, NY – The Paramount+

October 21, 2025 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Paramount+

# w/ The Flaming Lips

* w/ Friko

^ w/ Dehd

% w/ Doug Martsch 

+ w/ Built to Spill

ROSWELL MUSIC FESTIVAL 2025

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 2/6/25

Roswell Music Festival Returns to Canton Street, April 26, 2025, with Headliner Drivin N Cryin

The highly anticipated Roswell Music Festival is set to return for its third year on Saturday, April 26, 2025, bringing an unforgettable day of live music, community spirit, and celebration to Historic Downtown Roswell. This year’s festival promises an incredible lineup, an expanded VIP experience, and continued philanthropic support for Shepherd’s Men, Hop On A Cure, and Rock for Rescues.

Leading this year’s festival is the legendary Southern rock band Drivin N Cryin, known for their timeless hits and high-energy performances. Joining them on stage will be an eclectic mix of talented artists, including Frankly Scarlet, Canyonland ft. Michelle Malone, Cousin Curtiss, Dock Rock Radio, and Penelope Road. With multiple acts throughout the day, festival goers can expect a dynamic blend of rock, Americana, and jam band sounds that create the perfect festival atmosphere.

Beyond the music, Roswell Music Festival remains committed to giving back to the community. A portion of this year’s proceeds will benefit Shepherd’s Men, an organization dedicated to supporting veterans recovering from traumatic brain injuries and PTSD, Hop On A Cure supporting research to prevent, reverse, and cure ALS, and Rock for Rescues, which provides aid to local animal welfare organizations. By attending, festival guests will not only enjoy an incredible day of music but also contribute to three meaningful causes.

Tickets for the 2025 Roswell Music Festival are now available for purchase via Freshtix (https://www.freshtix.com/events/roswellmusicfestival-2025). Early bird pricing is available through February 23rd, offering General Admission tickets for $35. After this date, General Admission increases to $40, and tickets will be available for $45 at the gate on the day of the festival.

For those looking to enhance their festival experience, a limited number of Variant Brewing VIP tickets are on sale for $150, offering exclusive access to a private tent with premium spirits, comfortable seating, clean, air-conditioned bathroom trailer, catered food by Bask Steakhouse, and the best views of the stage.

Festival Details & FAQs

  • Location: The festival will take place at 37 Magnolia Street, Roswell, GA 30075, in a convenient and vibrant setting adjacent to Rock ‘N’ Taco.
  • Parking: There is ample parking available across Atlanta Street at Roswell City Hall. There are also many church parking lots and street parking spaces available on Mimosa Boulevard between Magnolia Street and Marietta Highway. 
  • Festival Hours: Gates open at 12:00 PM, and the music continues until 10:00 PM.
  • Rain or Shine: The festival will take place regardless of weather conditions. 
  • Family-Friendly Event: Children under 10 can attend for free with a ticketed adult.
  • Accessibility: The festival is ADA-compliant, with accessible entry and restrooms available.
  • Food & Drinks: Craft beer and wine will be available for purchase, and food will be provided by From the Earth Brewing.

Interested vendors and sponsors are invited to join the Roswell Music Festival in bringing this incredible event to life. For sponsorship and vendor opportunities, please contact info@roswellmusicfestival.com.

Don’t miss out on an incredible day of live music, local flavor, and community spirit. Grab your tickets now, spread the word, and get ready to experience Roswell Music Festival 2025!

MEET BOSTON MUSIC FEST ROCKS ATLANTA THIS SEPTEMBER WITH BOSTON-BELOVED GUSTER

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 8/15/24

Globally-celebrated indie rock band headlines inaugural music festival, joined by Boston local favorites

Friday, Sept 6

Old 4th Ward Skate Park from 5-10pm

FREE!

People know the city of Boston most for its amazing seafood, championship trophies, revolutionary spirit and innovation, but this summer, that’s about to evolve. Meet Boston, the region’s primary private sector destination marketing and visitor services organization, is bringing the unique, eclectic sounds of the city south to the Peach State with its inaugural Meet Boston Music Fest, a free concert experience that will be held on Friday, September 6th at Atlanta’s Historic Fourth Ward Skatepark. The show will introduce a diverse lineup of Boston-originated artists, headlined by the renowned rock band Guster, to a whole new region of fans. 

Meet Boston Music Fest kicks off at 5 p.m., inviting music fans of all ages to enjoy the dynamic, electrifying sounds and performances that consistently land Boston as one of the top-ranked music cities in the country. Fans are sure to recognize Guster, the indie alternative rock band from Somerville, Massachusetts, famously known for their appearances at the neighborhood “Porchfest.” Now Atlanta natives and visitors alike will have the opportunity to experience their own southern take on those live shows, while also discovering new artists integral to the culture of Boston.

Joining Guster are some of Boston’s most popular and up-and-coming musical artists:

  • STL GLD: Formed in 2014, STL GLD (pronounced “Still Gold”) is a genre-blending band that combines elements of hip-hop, rap, punk, and cinematic orchestra for an unforgettable experience. Named “Live Artist of the Year” at the 2018 Boston Music Awards and “Boston’s Best Band” by Improper Bostonian, STL GLD’s powerful message and exhilarating live show have quickly earned them the reputation as one the most exciting bands to come out of Boston. Find out more about STL GLD here.
  • Sofia Villarreal: Sofia is an upright and electric bassist, producer, composer, and current student at Berklee College of Music. She’s best known for leveraging music as a catalyst for positive change and healing. Sofia founded the Start Where We Are Earth Music Festival, from which all proceeds benefited environmental organizations fighting climate change. Find out more about Sofia and the band here.
  • Rilla Force: Known for his signature sound coined RBDM — a blend of future bass infused with electronic, hip-hop, and RnB — Rilla Force is an artist, producer, and DJ that has performed across Boston’s premier music venues, and is dedicated to building relationships with other diverse artists and giving back to the music community. Find out more about Rilla Force here.


“There’s a vibrancy to Atlanta that makes it one of our favorite places to visit and to welcome visitors from,” said Martha J. Sheridan, Meet Boston President & CEO. “Many travelers don’t realize that our two cities have much in common, including a shared love of music and celebration of local artistry. We are actually more alike than different. We can’t wait to make new friends in Atlanta and come together for an incredible night of live music by our favorite Boston headliner and hometown heroes.”

In addition to the musical performances, concert-goers can enjoy a variety of food and beverage concessions that blend the best flavors of Boston and Atlanta.

Photo credit: Alysse_Gafkjen

HELMET AT THE MASQUERADE MAY 12

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/23/24

We saw Helmet at the Masquerade on 5/12/24. Helmet is an alternative metal and rock band out of New York fronted by guitarist and lead singer, Page Hamilton, boasts some early 90s classic rock albums from 1992’s Meantime to 1994’s Betty. Their sound is creatively unique for the time with melodious metal if that can even be a thing, mixed with grunge notes of the time and very distinct repetitive guitar work called drop D tuning (per wiki).
 
John and I were both huge lovers of the Crow movie soundtrack back when it came out in 1994 and that’s how I discovered Helmet with their song, “Milquetoast” one of the lead tracks! From there we listened to all of album Betty with its repetitive heavily distorted guitar paired with riffs and melodious lyrics. But my heart stays with Meantime and the song “Unsung.” The albums are similar, but I feel Meantime was a little edgier and harder. A recurring MTV staple, I just remember the “Unsung” video looking like it was filmed in a nuclear silo. Fun fact: Beavis and Butthead critiqued the song on the show in 1993 (from wiki). 

Something I found interesting in their wiki was that the New York Times called Helmet, “a band that made important connections between indie-rock and metal.” and that they had a HUGE impact on the nu metal bands of the late 90’s. And even called “smart rock” by the New York Daily News. We agree, their songs and riffs are highly influential, and we think they are one of the most underrated bands of the 90’s in terms of notoriety. They should be rock gods!  
 
Helmet is on tour right now to promote their new album, LEFT, that is now out, and their new track “Holiday” is just what you’d expect from them. Ripping chords blurred with power guitar, fast slow, and grunge reverb. I love it when bands keep their sound, and this new album is just that.

SHAKY KNEES 2024 – FROM DIARY TO DOWNPOUR

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 5/11/24

Photo: Stephanie Heath

With acts like Weezer, Sunny Day Real Estate, Dinosaur Jr, and Foo Fighters,

this year’s Shaky Knees spoke to my Gen X heart.  

New Band highlight 

Something we’re highlighting this Shaky Knees beyond the stout 90’s band line-up are the new bands that we catch. On Friday, the first one is Ax and the Hatchetmen, a young indie 7-piece out of Chicago with tons of energetic big band sound, funky, rocky, and beachy all rolled into one fun time. I felt it was a mix of Cage the Elephant-esque, the strokes, and a hint of Ween. A great show where they ended the set with The Strokes, “Last Night.”  

Another band that we hadn’t seen is and enjoyed is Late Night Drive Home out of Texas. The lead singer, Andre Patillo, came out with a red mask on that had frills at the bottom. They’re a blend of punk, rock, 90s with swelling choruses. But they also play a wide variety of rock sounds including 90’s reverb. We loved they sang Blur, “Song No. 2.” to end the set. I love that song! 

Next up on Saturday, was two bands: Microwave and Dead Poets Society. Microwave is out of Atlanta, which I didn’t know, and has a variety of sounds from loud, hard rock to 90’s fast slow, and then some punk. The other was Dead Poet’s Society out of Boston that had hard riffs that reminded me of Rob/White Zombie up front, thrash, but then the vocals come in softer and higher for a fun mix of sounds.  

Then, finally on Sunday, we caught a newer band we had not heard of until the festival, Arcy Drive. They are out of New York with a mash-up of varieties of sounds like indie, 90s fast slow, two-step, and singsong talking and singing mix. Not all at the same time, for example one song would be songs that are softer almost ballad-like that erupt into heavy guitar for the chorus. Then, the next song would be a rock song with more of a southern twang and have some two-step influence. I enjoyed lead singer Nick Mateyunas’ voice, it is smooth yet gritty. The one we really like is called Wicked Styley, which is the one they started with. It is a fun upbeat rock song with lots of 90’s influence and reverb. 

Top 5 Favorite Artist Moments  

5. Finally hearing “Seven” live from Sunny Day Real Estate 

4. Billy Idol throwing shirt into crowd 

3. Dead Poets Society lead singer, Jack Underkofler, fell into the crowd and crowd surfed while singing one of the first songs.   

2. Dinosaur Jr embracing the downpour. Putting on the best show despite the rain coming down so hard it caused a flood! Bravo! Plus, they covered The Cure!  

1. Ax and the Hatchetmen. A genius way to get people to listen to your new song is to hand out water with a QR code to your song on the side. They even named it HatchetWater. Love. 

Our two favorite performances 

The Downpour. About 5 minutes before Dinosaur Jr. went on the Ponce De Leon stage, the skies opened, and a torrential downpour started and lasted for almost the entire set. People were caught in the rain, and it was so much that even us with ponchos got soaked. Especially our feet in ankle deep water near the front of the stage flowing into the crowd. No one seemed to mind too much, and it electrified the audience. John quipped at one point, “it’s like we’re back in the 90’s.” And he was right, the energy from the crowd was noticeably high! They even broke out into mosh pits and a sea of crowd surfers dotted the front. It was a sight to behold! Plus, the music had a lot to do with the mood! If you don’t know Dinosaur Jr, they are what I call hard skate rock. Something I imagine skaters on their boards would listen to in their ear buds. Songs like “Feel the Pain” and “Over It” are melodious with heavy guitar and just plain fun. Plus, the covered The Cure, “Just Like Heaven.” It was a great show. 

That brings us to Sunny Day Real Estate. They are one of those 90’s bands that I just got introduced to by John a few years ago and we started watching their videos on YouTube. I call them the quintessential fast slow early 90’s band. Melodious verses and vocals erupt into a barrage of heavy guitar and pounding drums, Sunny Day Real Estate satisfies song after song. This performance was just that, song after song, humming along as they played the entire Diary album for its 30th anniversary. It was AMAZING. Plus, we found out that 90’s band Super chunk members were also playing with them. It’s almost like a super group! 

90’s band extravaganza at this year’s Shaky Knees 

Our favorite of the bands we know is Metric out of Canada. A band that played on 99x back in the day, and that I know probably 5 songs from was thoroughly enjoyable. Emily Haines, the lead singer, came out in a bright red shinny body suit. If you know Metric, they are heavy on electronic and keyboard, yet rock and 80s infused. Reminiscent of Garbage to me, “Help I’m Alive,” was the highlight for me. I hadn’t heard it live and it was my favorite of their music then and now. 

Unfortunately, we had to miss Offspring because we had never seen Sunny Day Real Estate and we’re going to spend time with a band that we hadn’t seen. We love Offspring, I saw them back in 1994 for the Smash tour and several times over the years including the last time they were at the Tabernacle. I heard they did an incredible show.  

Have you ever found yourself driving too fast on the interstate? You might have been listening to Queens of the Stone Age. What I call fast driving music, Queens of the Stone Age are very drum forward with deep and heavy beats, beautiful guitar riffs and Josh Homme’s great voice. Plus, they visually never disappoint, this year with roaming light show. Last time we saw them they had a large video board with LED visuals that really went well with the music. Did you know Dave Grohl (Nirvana, Foo Fighters) also did the drums on “No One Knows” which you can tell by the drums! But my favorite of their songs after last night is “Go with the flow.” I always liked it but realized it is more diverse musically than some of the others.   

My boyfriend back in 1994 gave me a non-descript bright blue album as a present. Little did I know that that album would be in my top 5 all-time records, and Weezer would cement themselves into rock god status in my life. I’ve seen Weezer over the years from them playing large festivals to arenas to a small stage at the Braves stadium and they always sound perfect. What I call garage or college rock, Weezer has a distinct sound that no one else can create and that sets them apart from some of the other 90’s bands, don’t get me wrong, I love most early 90’s bands! The underlying hum of the guitars, explosions of rock juxtaposing the smoothness or River’s voice, it all comes together completely. What I love about them live is they really play up the guitar and show their musical prowess, plus, visually, they always have their W front and center. If you’ve never seen them live, you must; it is an experience.    

I’m just going to come right out and say it, we left before Foo Fighters. We’d seen them before, and the weather had made the main stage too muddy. Plus, we had stood in ankle high water for an hour, so our feet were wet, and we had a long weekend. We will catch them next time.   

Billy Idol 

After our Dinosaur Jr. experience, we headed back over to see Billy Idol and found the main stage to be a mud bog. People without shoes dancing in the sprinkles, drenched friends with smiles on their faces. We saw him back in 2015 during Music Midtown and his show has always been top notch! Billy Idol is always a good time singing greats like White Wedding, Rebel Yell, and Cradle of Love that anyone will sing and dance with. Visually, he had some fun LED graphics and seems to have not aged a bit and still sounds good live! He even took his Billy Idol shirt off and threw it in the crowd.   

Around the Festival 

It wouldn’t be a large music festival without festival polls, our favorite was the blown-up stick of butter. Plus, we were blown away by the food court with some great Atlanta and regional restaurants like Hattie Bs. Finally, we experienced a cool activation, Liquid Death Country Club. It was an actual small house with grim reapers guarding the entrance where you can “sell your soul” to get some water inside. You can also get free water with a whole in one on their golf green and airbrushed tattoos inside. It is much fun and on brand for Shaky Knees. 

What was your favorite part of Shaky Knees? 

HELMET AT THE MASQUERADE ATLANTA ON SUNDAY MAY 12 WITH GUESTS CRO-MAGS

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/19/24

Playing in Hell at the Masquerade

Sunday, March 12 Doors are 7pm, all ages

$27.50 Advance. Tickets here.

Helmet, an American Alternative rock band out of New York join forces with guest Cro-Mags, a hardcore band, for an evening that will blow you away. Maybe literally.

HELMET

Helmet is an American alternative rock band from New York City formed in 1989 by vocalist and lead guitarist Page Hamilton. Since 2010, the band has consisted of Hamilton, drummer Kyle Stevenson, guitarist Dan Beeman and bassist Dave Case.

Helmet has released eight studio albums and two compilation albums. After releasing their debut album, Strap It On (1990), on Amphetamine Reptile, Helmet signed to Interscope Records and released three albums for the label, including the highly successful Meantime (1992), Betty (1994) and Aftertaste (1997). Helmet broke up in 1998, but reformed in 2004, and has since released four more albums ― Size Matters (2004), Monochrome (2006), Seeing Eye Dog (2010) and Dead to the World (2016).

In June 2021 the band released via their website only a limited edition box set entitled “Move On” featuring 4 x 7” singles including the following covers and live tracks:

  • Move on (David Bowie) w/ More Bad News live
  • Mercy (Wire) w/ Rollo live
  • ETI (Blue Oyster Cult) w/ Blacktop live
  • I’m only sleeping (The Beatles) w/ Crisis King live

2023 saw the band return to the studio for it’s ninth album Left which was released by earMusic in November 2023.

CRO-MAGS

“It is 1981 in New York City: a distant planet, hard to see now. Beastie Boys is just being embryonically formed in a rehearsal space somewhere. Elsewhere, Butthole SurfersCro-MagsMotley CrueNapalm DeathRun- DMCSonic Youth, and Wham! are likewise coagulating.”

-Luc Sante “Beastie Revolution” introduction to Beastie Boys Book (2018)

The history of the Cro-Mags is integral to the history of Hardcore, it’s evolution from Punk and the development of alternative music genres such as thrash, cross-over, thrash metal, post punk and grunge to name a few. Numerous iconic bands from Metallica to Green Day, and individuals such as Dave Grohl have credited Cro-Mags with having a primal influence on their development.

The brain child of a very young Harley Flanagan back in 1981 (at the time 14 years old) when still playing with the Stimulators, Flanagan set out to start his own band. By 1982/83 he recorded the very first Cro-Mags demos consisting of 4 songs that would become the blue print for the seminal 1986 “Age of Quarrel.” He wrote all of the music, played each instrument and sang. Before long he was joined by Parris Mayhew and the two started writing music and auditioning band members. 

After several line-ups, 6 album releases (beyond the original demos) and 40 years of tours around the world, Cro-Mags remains one of the most iconic hardcore bands with tremendous reach and influence beyond the genre.  

WELCOME TO ROCKVILLE 2023

Posted by Liz and John Attaway, 3/13/23

Tool, Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold, Pantera,

Deftones, Rob Zombie, Godsmack, Queens of the Stone Age, Evanescence, Incubus & More

Announced for Welcome To Rockville

May 18-21, 2023 At The World Center Of Rock

Daytona International Speedway In Daytona Beach, FL

Hosted by Jose “Metal Ambassador” Mangin

Welcome To Rockville Officially Kicks Off

Danny Wimmer Presents 2023 Festival Season

Staging The Biggest Music Events Around The Country

Single Day, Weekend & Camping On Sale Now

As Low As $10 Down Through End Of 2022

www.WelcomeToRockville.com

Premier festival producer Danny Wimmer Presents kicks off its 2023 season with DWP’s longest-running annual festival, Welcome To Rockville. The festival brought together 150,000 fans in 2022 and the 12th edition of the event will be held for its third installment at the hallowed grounds of “The World Center of Rock,” Daytona International Speedway in Daytona Beach, Florida.

The 2023 event takes place from May 18-21 and features a massive lineup featuring headliners Tool, Slipknot, Avenged Sevenfold and Pantera plus Deftones, Rob Zombie, Godsmack, Evanescence, Incubus, Queens of the Stone Age, Alice Cooper, The Mars Volta, Puscifer, I Prevail, Chevelle, Coheed & Cambria, Hardy and Trivium. Jose “Metal Ambassador” Mangin will host the event with on-stage appearances and fan meet and greets.

“We are so excited to be bringing this fantastic lineup to Welcome To Rockville,” says Danny WimmerFounder of Danny Wimmer Presents. “Our fans have been wanting Pantera and along with one of Avenged Sevenfold’s first live shows in five years, crowd favorite Slipknot, AND one of the greatest rock bands of all time, Tool, we are delivering a jam-packed weekend to the ‘The World Center of Rock.’ Can’t wait to see everyone in May!”

Danny Wimmer Presents has done it yet again, producing a spectacular, anticipated lineup of legendary rock bands for the 2023 edition of Welcome To Rockville” says Daytona International Speedway President Frank Kelleher. “The event is fast becoming a tradition here at The World Center of Entertainment, hosting 150,000 concertgoers from all over the world. It’s a huge win-win for our guests and our community. We can’t wait for next May.”

For the first time in Welcome To Rockville history, Early Bird Passes sold out before the lineup was released. Single day and weekend passes for Welcome To Rockville are on sale now at www.welcometorockville.com. Passes can be purchased as general admission, VIP, or Daytona Owners Club, and layaway is available starting as low as $10 down, only through December 31, 2022. Passes are expected to sell quickly, and festival promoters Danny Wimmer Presents recommend fans purchase early to secure the best price.

The current Welcome To Rockville 2023 lineup is as follows (subject to change):

Thursday, May 18: Slipknot, Rob Zombie, Queens of the Stone Age, Puscifer, Trivium, Bullet For My Valentine, Black Veil Brides, Suicidal Tendencies, Avatar, Black Stone Cherry, Converge, Band-Maid, Austin Meade, Stray From the Path, Brutus, Rain City Drive, Bloodywood, Malevolence, Vended, Rivals, Nevertel, Widow7, Conquer Divide, Budderside

Friday, May 19: Avenged Sevenfold, Evanescence, Hardy, I Prevail, Motionless In White, Asking Alexandria, Sleeping with Sirens, Badflower, Ayron Jones, Memphis May Fire, From Ashes to New, Born of Osiris, The Warning, Mothica, Des Rocs, Varials, Tallah, Tigercub, Slay Squad, Ryan Oakes, Tuk Smith and the Restless Hearts, Bastardane, OTTTO, Until I Die

Saturday, May 20: Pantera, Godsmack, Alice Cooper, Chevelle, Alter Bridge, Jason Bonham’s Led Zeppelin Evening, Knocked Loose, Rival Sons, Yelawolf Presents: Sometimes Y, Pop Evil, Suicide Silence, Sepultura, The Bronx, Poorstacy, Ho99o9, Zero 9:36, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, Dayseeker, Dead Poet Society, Kreator, The Violent, Starcrawler, Hammerhedd

Sunday, May 21: Tool, Deftones, Incubus, The Mars Volta, Coheed & Cambria, Pennywise, Ghostemane, Grandson, Sueco, Filter, Deafheaven, Anti-Flag, Senses Fail, New Years Day, Nothing, Nowhere., Angel Du$t, Nova Twins, Point North, Wargasm, Bob Vylan, Capital Theatre, Uncured, Reddstar

Welcome To Rockville features 95 musical acts over four days on four stages, amusement rides, a giant water slide, artwork installations, partner experiences, award-winning spirits, and delectable eats.

Passes for Welcome To Rockville are on sale now for as low as $109.99 plus fees. Full pass type options can be viewed at www.welcometorockville.com. Festivalgoers are encouraged to buy early to save as pass prices increase throughout the coming months, based on level quantities. A limited number of specially priced tickets for military personnel and first responders are on sale now via GovX.

Welcome To Rockville VIP pass holders will be living their best lives with access to all GA areas as well as a commemorative VIP laminate and wristband for access to dedicated Festival VIP Fast Track entrance lanes, access to all VIP lounges, and shaded patio areas which feature comfortable furniture with live audio & video streams of both Main Stages. VIPs will have dedicated VIP main stage viewing areas, access to a dedicated festival merchandise booth**, dedicated guest services team, private locker rentals with charging capabilities**, air conditioned & flushable restrooms, and premium food & drink offerings** (**for additional purchase).

After a record sell-out in 2022, the Daytona Owners Club VIP returns for 2023. In addition to being a festival VIP, a commemorative Daytona Owners Club laminate and wristband will be providedgranting exclusive access to an enclosed air-conditioned lounge with a private hosted bar (all-inclusive beer, cocktails, wine, and non-alcoholic drinks will be available at dedicated bars throughout the Owners Club and VIP bars) and comfortable seating and live audio & video of both Main Stages. The show can be enjoyed with a bird’s eye view of a main stage under a covered/shaded platform. Additional amenities include complimentary hors d’oeuvres during lunch and dinner hours, a dedicated festival merchandise booth**, complimentary Wi-Fi, air-conditioned and flushable restrooms, private locker rentals with charging capabilities**, a dedicated “Owner’s” services team, dedicated Owner’s Club Fast Track entrance lanes, and one premium parking pass included with each Daytona Owners Club Pass order (**for additional purchase).

Welcome To Rockville campers get the ultimate experience. They will spend five days on the festival field in the middle of all the action with the quickest access to all the stages. Amenities include indoor restrooms and showers, in and out privileges, and a general store for supplies. A limited number of Weekend Camping Packages are available for both car and tent and RVs. Admission to the festival is not included in Weekend Camping Packages and must be purchased separately. Campers can also look forward to a kick-off party on Wednesday, May 17 and themed contests throughout the weekend.

Welcome To Rockville is produced by Danny Wimmer Presents, one of the largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America.

Welcome to Rockville is proud to host premier partners Bud Light Seltzer and Jack Daniel’s.

“Bud Light Seltzer is happy to be back supporting Welcome To Rockville for the 3rd year in a row as we continue to bring new and exciting flavors to Rockvillians from around the country!” – Grant Herman, Trade Marketing Manager Anheuser Busch

“Jack Daniel’s is committed to supporting musicians now more than ever as we continue our long-standing connection to the music industry dating to Mr. Jack Daniel himself. We have been at Welcome To Rockville for some great musical moments and are excited to continue that partnership. Jack Daniel’s is just about as close to the music as you can get, without actually making the music.” – Greg Luehrs, Director Partnerships Jack Daniel’s, Brown-Forman Corporation

More partners and experiences will be announced closer to the show.

For more information on #WelcomeToRockville, visit:

Website: https://welcometorockville.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/welcometorockville

Twitter: https://twitter.com/rockvillefest

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/welcometorockville