Concert Reviews
Beyoncé’s “Renaissance World Tour” Is the Summer’s Hottest Dance Club
A dazzling two-and-a-half hour spectacle that incorporated all the elements of her creative genius. Beyoncé’s “Renaissance World Tour” Is the Summer’s Hottest Dance Club Karen Bliss
Despite Turbulence, the Inaugural Primavera Sound Madrid Soared: Review
After early disappointment with the cancelation of its first day, the first Primavera Sound Madrid became a weekend of musical jubilation. Despite Turbulence, the Inaugural Primavera Sound Madrid Soared: Review Jonah Krueger
Nation of Language Put Star Power on Display at Hometown Brooklyn Steel Show: Recap + Photo Gallery
The trio played the second show of their summer tour at Brooklyn Steel. Nation of Language Put Star Power on Display at Hometown Brooklyn Steel Show: Recap + Photo Gallery Ben Kaye and Paolo Ragusa
Maggie Rogers Brings Stunning “Feral Joy Tour” to Radio City Music Hall: Review, Photos and Setlist
The sold-out show took place on the same stage as her 2016 NYU graduation ceremony. Maggie Rogers Brings Stunning “Feral Joy Tour” to Radio City Music Hall: Review, Photos and Setlist Cady Siregar
Metallica Play New Single “Lux Æterna,” Perform with St. Vincent at Benefit Show: Recap, Photos and Video
Founded in 2017 by Metallica and their management, the All Within My Hands Foundation was started as a way to give back to the community by fighting hunger, supporting workforce education, helping with disaster relief, and so much more. The band has hosted two previous “Helping Hands Concert and Auction” performances in previous years, and Friday night (December 16th) marked the third, taking place at the sold-out Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles. After being introduced by Iron Man himself, Robert Downey Jr., Metallica took the stage with acoustic guitars, and opened the evening with “Blackened 2020.” Although they were “unplugged,” the band sounded just as heavy as always, with Kirk playing a 12-string version of his classic white Ouija board inspired guitar. After “The Unforgiven,” James...
The Smile Prove They Aren’t Just a Radiohead Side Project at New York City Show: Recap + Setlist
Thom Yorke and Jonny Greenwood are many things, but flashy certainly isn’t one of them. Along with drummer Tom Skinner of Sons of Kemet, the two Radiohead members quietly re-emerged together earlier this year as The Smile. The trio released their debut album, May’s A Light for Attracting Attention, with relatively little press or social media promotion surrounding it; as with most good things involving Radiohead, the music speaks for itself. With the exception of Greenwood’s prolific output of consistently beautiful film scores, even the most ardent fans would have to admit that many Radiohead members’ side projects (solo endeavors, the Flea-featuring supergroup Atoms for Peace) have up to this point typically paled in comparison to their main band’s discography. But when Yorke, Greenwood,...
With His Final Dodger Stadium Show, Elton John Wrote His Own Happy Ending: Review
Something I never expected to see in Dodger Stadium during Elton John’s last live concert in North America — a peek at his belly. But due to the poor fit of the icon’s first wardrobe choice (a sequined tuxedo jacket with tails, and pants that needed adjusting every time he stood up to acknowledge the crowd), at a certain point a bit of pink skin became visible through a gap in his button-down shirt. This tiny wardrobe malfunction was the only notable misstep during an intense marathon of music seeped in legacy, and it proved to be charming, in a way — a moment of human fallibility that felt all too relatable. Especially because this semi-final stop on the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour” was otherwise transcendent, an invitation into the passion Elton John has for his work...
Iron Maiden Bring the “Beast” to Newark, New Jersey: Recap, Photos + Video
Iron Maiden are set to wrap up their extensive “Legacy of the Beast World Tour,” with the latest North American leg having kicked off last month in El Paso, Texas. The ongoing run made a stop in Newark, New Jersey, at a packed Prudential Center on Friday (October 21st), featuring support from Within Temptation. The worldwide outing, which began in 2018, comes to an end at Amalie Arena in Tampa, Florida, on October 27th, with tickets available here for the last couple shows. Iron Maiden are on the road in support of their 17th studio album, Senjutsu, and the UK heavy metal legends made sure to bring a few new tunes to Jersey, kicking off their 15-song set with the album’s title track, while also showcasing “Stratego” and “The Writing on the Wall.” Fans pumped their fists in the air as the b...
Turnstile Rip Through the Pouring Rain to Kick Off Fall 2022 Tour in Brooklyn: Recap, Photos + Video
Turnstile are keeping the momentum going for their superb 2021 album, GLOW ON, with a fall headlining North American tour. The outing kicked off Monday night (October 3rd) in the pouring rain at the outdoor New York venue Brooklyn Mirage, but the wet and chilly weather didn’t stop the Baltimore band from delivering one if its signature high-energy shows. Indie rocker Snail Mail (aka Lindsey Jordan) got the evening going with 10-song set, before giving way to hip-hop artist JPEGMafia, who got the crowd moving with a 16-song performance. At certain points in the show, JPEGMafia jumped down to the barricade to get up close and personal with fans, who welcomed him with a warm response. The rain let up for a brief moment right before Turnstile took the stage, only to return for the duration of ...
Yeah Yeah Yeahs Complete Comeback with Triumphant New York City Show: Review, Photos and Setlist
“We’re the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and we’re back!” So screamed Karen O at the start of Yeah Yeah Yeahs’ hometown comeback concert at Queens’ Forest Hills Stadium on Saturday, October 1st. There was unrestrained joy in her declaration, something the sold-out audience returned tenfold in screams of their own, both sides of the exchange clearly thrilled to have the New York band back on stage. It started the night’s energy at a triumphant 10, and it never lowered over the course of an 18-song setlist. Last month, I dug into my most-played records of the last 15 years, noting that YYYs’ It’s Blitz! struck me because “you could feel every bit of joy being pumped into” the songs. I’m happy to say that nine years after their last LP, that fact still holds. No matter that their new record, Cool It ...
Foo Fighters Honor Taylor Hawkins with a Second Six-Hour Musical Lovefest in L.A.: Review
We’ve been at a collective loss since the passing of beloved and ultra-talented drummer Taylor Hawkins. The Foo Fighters staple had a place in the hearts of many inside the music world and outside of it — a piece to the grand puzzle that leaves it incomplete now that it’s gone. As if the initial tribute show in London’s Wembley Stadium earlier this month wasn’t proof enough, another horde of Hawkins fans sold out The Kia Forum in Inglewood on Tuesday night (September 27th) with hearts swelling and energy flowing, not knowing exactly what laid ahead of them. For another six hours, as with Wembley, David Grohl and his rotating cast of guests rolled their way through some of Hawkins’ favorite tracks, as well as Foo Fighters classics. And while family was again an overarching theme of the nigh...
Lizzo’s “Special Tour” Showcases All of Her (Many) Talents: Review
A visibly moved Lizzo returned to the stage Friday night for the debut show on her “Special Tour” (get tickets here), a 28-date jaunt in support of her latest studio album, Special. Part variety show spectacle, part megachurch empowerment retreat, the performance showcased all of Lizzo’s special talents, from powerhouse singing, to flute playing, to motivational speaking and choreo slaying. “My name is Lizzo, and welcome to the first night of my very first arena tour,” she said proudly in one of many moments when deep gratitude registered on her face as she paused to take in the rapturous screams of thousands. Before the stage lights blinked on and opener “The Sign” blared over the sound system, a voiceover of the singer set the heartening tone for the evening. “I really believe that love ...
