I wanna rock and roll all night and party every day. But sometimes, I just wanna rock and roll all day and party every night. And at other times, I just wanna sleep. 🎶
California mourns its adopted Prince of Darkness with royal salute from across the pond.
By Mac Davis Fleetwood
On July 30, 2025, something extraordinary echoed through the normally regal atmosphere outside England’s Buckingham Palace. During the historic Changing of the Guard ceremony, the Band of the Coldstream Guards fired up a full-throttle, horn-heavy rendition of Black Sabbath’s timeless classic “Paranoid.”
The performance came in the wake of Ozzy Osbourne’s death on June 24, and it struck ap chord in the hearts of fans on both sides of the Atlantic — especially here in California, where Ozzy and his family spent decades as adopted Angelenos.
Sure, Ozzy was born in Birmingham, England on December 3, 1948, but for millions of fans, the Prince of Darkness became a full-fledged citizen of California cool — part Sunset Strip rocker, part domestic dad next door in the hills of Beverly.
Ozzy’s longtime Beverly Hills residence was more than a home; it was the epicenter of chaos, love, family, and cable-TV gold, as seen by millions on the MTV reality TV hit The Osbournes. Ozzy was L.A.: raw, loud, unpredictable, and full of heart.
A Royal Riff for Rock Royalty
Fans pay tribute at Black Sabbath Bridge in Birmingham, England.
The Buckingham Palace performance, captured in fan-shot video, features the British Army’s Coldstream Guards — one of the most elite military bands in the U.K. — delivering a surprisingly faithful (if orchestral) version of “Paranoid.” Brass horns blared Ozzy’s legendary melody, while woodwinds and percussion filled in the heavy groove.
The best part? They played the whole thing. Not a snippet, not a teaser — but the full, three-minute, headbanging classic. And though the crowd stayed out of frame, you can hear the eruption of applause at the end. Even in a land of strict protocol, Ozzy still found a way to raise hell.
It was a fitting tribute to a man who turned rebellion into religion — and who always had one boot in the mosh pit, the other in California dreaming.
From R.E.M.’s ‘Everybody Hurts’ to GN’R’s ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ and Zep’s ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ these aren’t just ballads—they’re emotional gut punches wrapped in melody and distortion.
Sunset & Clark rounds up 20 slow-burning anthems that hit as hard as any riff in your metal playlist. Because sometimes, the heaviest thing in rock isn’t the volume, it’s the vulnerability.
#1: ‘Sweet Child o’ Mine’ – Guns N’ Roses
From the opening riff—Slash’s accidental warmup turned iconic melody—to Axl’s soaring vocals, this song is a thunderous love letter. Written for then-girlfriend Erin Everly (daughter of rock legend Don Everly), the relationship didn’t survive—but the song did. It’s a bulletproof ballad that turns sentiment into something seismic. Decades later, “Sweet Child” remains an anthem that proves even the sleaziest L.A. rockers had a soft spot, buried under layers of leather.
#2: ‘Stairway to Heaven’ – Led Zeppelin
Equal parts mythology and heartbreak, “Stairway to Heaven” is a slow climb into something transcendent. Robert Plant’s abstract storytelling meshes beautifully with Jimmy Page’s ascending arrangement—culminating in a solo that feels like a soul exiting the body. It’s spiritual, but not preachy. It’s heavy, but not weighed down.
#3: ‘Right Now’ – Van Halen
Often overshadowed by the band’s party-hard image, “Right Now” is a bold, piano-driven anthem that trades booze and bravado for reflection and social urgency. Sammy Hagar called it “the most serious lyric I ever wrote”—and it shows. This track implores listeners to stop waiting and take action, set against one of Eddie Van Halen’s most emotional compositions. More than a song, it’s a call to live.
The searing “Everybody Hurts” is the ultimate comfort song for the quietly broken. Strings, restraint, and sheer humanity combine to create one of the most universally healing rock ballads ever recorded–and sung by what is unarguably one of our generation’s greatest and most emotive singers (Sorry, Axl.). Though often associated with singer-songwriter Michael Stipe’s own vulnerability, the lyrics were actually written by multi-talented drummer Bill Berry.
Stipe later admitted to subtly tweaking the phrasing so fans wouldn’t assume the pain was autobiographical—highlighting how deeply he cared about the song’s message reaching listeners, not circling back to him. It’s one of two heartbreakingly tender tracks Stipe helped shape on Automatic for the People—the other being “Nightswimming,” which he did write himself. Equally moving, “Nightswimming” trades direct sorrow for nostalgic ache, and together, the two songs form the emotional core of R.E.M.’s most soul-baring album.
#6: ‘Wasted Years’ – Iron Maiden
Yes, Maiden. Known for epic gallops and fantastic fantasy tales dipped in equal parts evil and energizing, but “Wasted Years” hits different. A rare Adrian Smith–penned introspective cut that reflects on time lost and life on the road. The song’s yearning chorus, Bruce Dickinson‘s raspy and powerful vocals, and twin-guitar harmonies remind us all to stop chasing time and enjoy the moment—metal with a message that even Eddie the Head would support.
Forget the Walk of Fame—West Hollywood’s alley walls are where legends like MJ and Ali are immortalized in raw, street-level glory.
By Mac Davis Fleetwood
In West Hollywood, legacy is not confined to curated museum walls like at LACMA or the Getty. Instead, it spills out in the quiet shadows of WeHo’s forgotten blocks, just past shuttered nightclubs, empty warehouses, and graffiti-scarred alleys. Here in the Creative City, a unique and captivating kind of idolization festers—louder, rawer, and more honest than anything you’ll find embossed on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Take a turn down an alley just south of Santa Monica Boulevard and off Sycamore, and suddenly you’re face to face with a pair of familiar eyes that stop you in your tracks. Piercing, soulful, surreal. It’s the immortal King of Pop, MichaelJackson, or at least the memory of him, rendered in rich colors, framed by waves of soft pastel lines that ripple across his face like soundwaves from a song you can almost hear. His expression is both ethereal and human, as if watching over the sacred Hollywood streets he once danced across in music videos. MJ isn’t just remembered here. He’s revered in a saintly glow.
There are few things in rock ‘n’ roll more iconic than a crowd of sweaty, black-clad heavy metal fans, fists in the air, two fingers raised like pitchforks to the sky. The “devil’s horns” isn’t just a hand gesture—it’s a battle cry for those who choose to keep the flames of metal alive forever. A secret handshake. A tribal chant forged in distortion and molten metal. But who actually invented this worldwide symbol of all things hard, loud, and gloriously unholy?
With the legendary BlackSabbath set to take its final bow on July 5 in their hometown of Birmingham, England, there’s no better time to dive into the origins of one of heavy metal’s most enduring symbols: the iconic devil’s horns. Who truly brought this gesture into the heart of the genre? Let’s break it down.
Dio’s Bond with Fans Inspires Legendary Salute
Ronnie James Dio flashing the horns during a Black Sabbath concert.
The story begins—where else?—with Black Sabbath. And not, as many believe, with Ronnie James Dio. Long before Dio’s mighty pipes lured audiences to the Dark Side, it was Sabbath bassist Geezer Butler who first threw the horns. The year was 1968. The setting: a photo shoot for Sabbath’s earliest incarnation. The image? Butler curling his fingers into the now-infamous salute—middle and ring finger down, pinky and index finger up, thumb across the palm. Proof? You bet your leather pants there is. Geezer’s got the photo to back it up. No TikTok filters. No staged Instagram lighting. Just pure, proto-metal attitude caught on film.
Ozzy Osbourne giving a two fisted peace sign during Black Sabbath’s early days..
So, why does Dio get the credit? Well, credit where it’s due—Dio did for the devil’s horns what Jimi Hendrix did for the Stratocaster. He took an idea and turned it into a movement. When Dio replaced Ozzy Osbourne as Sabbath’s frontman in 1979, he knew he had big (and bat blood-stained) shoes to fill. Ozzy had his peace sign—a groovy remnant of flower power days. But Dio? He wanted something different. Something darker. Something that screamed “I command the night!”
Buckcherry’s hard-hitting first single from SoCal band’s upcoming album sets the stage for a high-voltage summer.
If Buckcherry’s scorching new single, “Roar Like Thunder,” is any indication, this summer is about to be a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll inferno. The band dropped the track online earlier this week, along with the announcement that their 11th studio album—also titled Roar Like Thunder—will hit on June 13. And if this lead single sets the tone, expect a high-voltage assault of pure, unfiltered Buckcherry.
True to form, “Roar Like Thunder” is a riff-fueled adrenaline rush. Guitarists Stevie D. and Billy Rowe lock into a relentless groove, trading razor-edged licks, while the rhythm section—Francis Ruiz’s thunderous drumming and Kelly LeMieux’s deep, swaggering bass lines—keeps the engine roaring at full throttle. At the helm, singer-songwriter Josh Todd delivers a ferocious vocal performance that practically spits fire.
The band also unleashed a no-frills, high-energy music video directed by Tom Flynn. Shot on a rooftop with a gorgeous panoramic view of Downtown L.A., the clip captures Buckcherry doing what they do best—bringing the heat, no gimmicks necessary.
Fans won’t have to wait long to experience the madness live. Buckcherry kicks off their Roar Like Thunder tour on April 11 in Redding, California, joining forces with glam-metal Sunset Strip stalwarts Steel Panther.
A wild night of L.A. rock anthems proves the City of Angels’ music legacy is alive and louder than ever.
The Whisky A Go-Go once again turned back the clock for its long-running Ultimate Jam Night, delivering a high-voltage tribute to the music of L.A. bands on March 18. The night was a celebration of the city’s hard rock royalty—Van Halen, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Buckcherry, Guns N’ Roses—blasting through a two-hour setlist that turned the iconic venue into a time machine straight to the Sunset Strip’s golden era.
Tuesday’s lineup was stacked, featuring go-go dancers, rock trivia, giveaways, guest appearances from Sunset Strip legends Femme Fatale, and fresh blood like arena rockers Classless Act, who surprised the crowd with new material that fit seamlessly alongside the night’s legendary setlist.
Adding to the night’s epic moments were two unexpected Ozzy Osbourne covers—an unofficial nod to the late, great Randy Rhoads, who was born in Santa Monica. With the 43rd anniversary of Rhoads’ passing the next day, the tribute hit extra hard and was one of the most memorable moments of the evening, with BulletBoys guitarist Ira Black effortlessly delivering faithful renditions of Rhoads’ legendary solos.
The show kicked off with Quiet Riot’s “Metal Health,” a fist-pumping, headbanging classic that immediately had the crowd pumping their fists. The Ultimate Jam Night house band delivered a razor-sharp rendition of the metal anthem, setting the tone for a night that felt like a rowdy reunion of rock’s wildest anthems. Host Hal Sparks respectfully gave proper dues to Quiet Riot for igniting the ’80s metal explosion with their genre-defining album, Metal Health.
Feeling like you’re going off the rails on a crazy train? Heavy metal anthems have been scientifically proven to do more than just make you wanna pump a fist in the air, they also elevate your well-being.
By Mac Davis Fleetwood
In the neon glow of the 1980s, Los Angeles’ Sunset Strip was the epicenter of a musical revolution. Bands like Mötley Crüe, Poison, and Ratt transformed the boulevard into a haven for heavy metal fans, delivering electrifying performances that celebrated excess, rebellion, and unbridled joy. Decades later, the feel-good anthems of these Sunset Strip bands and other iconic hard rockers continue to resonate, not just as nostalgic relics but as catalysts for happiness, health, and a positive outlook on life.
The Cathartic Power of Heavy Metal
Contrary to the stereotype of heavy metal as dark and aggressive, research indicates that the hard-rockin’ genre offers significant psychological benefits. A 2015 study titled “Extreme Metal Music and Anger Processing” revealed that listening to extreme metal can serve as a healthy way to process anger, providing listeners with a form of emotional release and catharsis. This aligns with the experiences of many fans who find empowerment in the music’s intensity.
Moreover, heavy metal’s thematic exploration of real-world challenges—such as disillusionment, isolation, and political and societal corruption—allows listeners to confront their own struggles and learn how to process complex emotions, leading to improved mental health. Playing or listening to music activates the brain’s cortex and cerebellum and, according to a 2008 report, also enhances cerebral plasticity in the brain, helping regenerate any damaged neurons.
Feel-Good Anthems and Positive Psychology
The anthems of Sunset Strip bands are particularly noteworthy for their upbeat tempos and celebratory lyrics, which often revolve around themes of freedom, overcoming challenges, and living life to the fullest. These elements contribute to the listener’s elevated mood and increased energy. Songs like Poison’s “Nothin’ But a Good Time” encapsulate this energy, encouraging a carefree attitude that can alleviate stress and promote happiness.
Psychologically, engaging with music that embodies positivity and rebellion against societal constraints can inspire listeners to adopt a more optimistic and liberated outlook. This phenomenon is supported by studies showing that music with uplifting messages can enhance mood and encourage a more positive perspective on life.
We Built this City on Rock ‘n Roll
Heavy metal music is more than just a genre—it’s a deeply rooted subculture that offers significant psychological benefits. While its thunderous riffs and aggressive rhythms may seem intimidating to outsiders, many fans describe the heavy metal community as a welcoming and supportive family, united by shared musical tastes.
The heavy metal scene fosters a unique culture where shared values, rituals, and experiences—like attending concerts, collecting albums, or engaging in online forums—create powerful social bonds. This communal connection is more than casual friendship; it’s a network that provides emotional support and combats loneliness, both of which are essential for mental well-being.
Interestingly, research highlights that these communal experiences can have significant psychological benefits. For instance, a 2011 study published in the Journals of Youth and Adolescence found that participation in music subcultures, like heavy metal, can enhance social connectedness and provide a buffer against feelings of isolation. Similarly, findings from the Australian Psychological Society suggest that listening to heavy metal can help listeners process emotions like anger and sadness in healthy ways, reducing stress and promoting emotional release.
Moreover, heavy metal culture is known for its inclusivity—welcoming anyone who embraces the genre’s codes of authenticity and shared identity. This fosters a space where individuals can express themselves freely, forging deep and lasting interpersonal connections.
Looking west along the legendary Sunset Strip, the road stretches out like a journey into infinite possibilities, passing the storied sites where landmarks like Tower Records Sunset, SST Records, and Duke’s Diner once shaped the boulevard’s iconic legacy. Today, the Rainbow Bar and Grill and the iconic Whisky A Go-Go, thankfully, keep the heavy metal flame burning bright.
Three quick facts about the Rainbow…
Iconic bands Dokken and Guns N’ Roses both prominently featured the Rainbow in their iconic music videos.
The Sunset Strip haunt is so legendary that Richie Blackmore named his band Rainbow after the restaurant, which opened in 1972.
Joe DiMaggio took Marilyn Monroe out for their first date to Villa Nova, which stood where the Rainbow does today.
Ultimate Jam Night celebrates L.A.’s greatest music exports at the Whisky, March 18.
There are few things in life as badass, life-affirming, and—let’s be real—completely free as Ultimate Jam Night at the Whisky A Go-Go. This monthly rock ‘n’ roll blowout is a full-throttle celebration of music, bringing together L.A.’s best musicians (plus a few legends) for a night of epic covers, surprises, and pure Sunset Strip energy.
On March 18, the jam gets even wilder with a tribute to “Bands of L.A.,” meaning anything from the Beach Boys and the Bangles to Mötley Crüe, Metallica, and Slayer is fair game. The setlist is top secret until showtime, but expect a rollercoaster of rock anthems delivered by world-class talent.
KICK OUT THE JAMS: Hal Sparks & guitarist Miles Schon at a recent “Ultimate Jam” event.
For over five years, Ultimate Jam Night has been the city’s premier live-music spectacle, blending rock trivia, giveaways, and jaw-dropping performances. Past guests have included rock royalty like Don Dokken, Black Sabbath’s Bill Ward, Eagles of Death Metal’s Jesse Hughes, and Metallica’s Robert Trujillo—so don’t be surprised if a few icons crash the stage.
Actor, comedian, and all-around rock aficionado Hal Sparks returns as host, dropping music history anecdotes between songs and maybe even jumping onstage himself—no surprise for the multitalented frontman of Nerd Halen.
ERUPTION: Nerd Halen frontman and “Jam Night” host Hal Sparks covering the classics.
And because one insane set isn’t enough, the night kicks off with Mr. Crowley’s Ozzy Experience, delivering face-melting covers of the Prince of F***ing Darkness himself. Plus, free tarot card readings before the show? That’s some rock ‘n’ roll mysticism right there.
HELLRAISER: Mr. Cowley paying tribute to Ozzy Osbourne at a past “Ultimate Jam” show.
This is pure L.A.—a legendary venue, top-tier musicians, a party-ready crowd, and an unforgettable show. And did we mention it’s free?
Details: 📍 Whisky A Go-Go (8901 Sunset Blvd.). Doors open at 6 p.m. ⏳ Free tarot readings at 8 p.m. 🎸 Mr. Crowley’s Ozzy Experience at 9 p.m. 🔥 Ultimate Jam Night at 10 p.m.
Def Leppard joins the fight against cancer with St. Jude charity auction.
Rock legends Def Leppard are stepping up for a cause that hits harder than any drum solo. The band is teaming up with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital for the Music Gives to St. Jude Kids campaign, offering fans a chance to score an epic piece of memorabilia while supporting a life-saving mission.
Up for grabs is a Tama drumhead signed by all five members of Def Leppard—a must-have for collectors and die-hard fans alike. The auction runs through March 17 on Charity Buzz, giving bidders the chance to own a piece of rock history while helping families facing childhood cancer.
Mötley Crüe’s spring Vegas residency is pushed back to fall as Vince Neil undergoes medical procedure.
Bummer news, dudes. The wait for Mötley Crüe‘s high-voltage return to Las Vegas just got a little longer. The band has officially postponed its upcoming residency at Dolby Live at Park MGM, originally set to kick off March 28, pushing the dates to September. The reason? Frontman Vince Neil is stepping back temporarily to undergo a medical procedure due to a vocal ailment.
On March 4, Neil shared the news with fans on social media, expressing his disappointment but emphasizing the importance of his health. “Taking care of myself now means I can come back stronger and give you the killer show you deserve,” he wrote. “I can’t wait to hit the stage again.”
His bandmates—Nikki Sixx, Tommy Lee, and John 5—rallied behind him, assuring fans that the wait will be worth it. “Vince’s health comes first, and we’ll be ready to tear up Vegas together in September,” they said in a joint statement.
Faster Pussycat, Michael Monroe to help welcome in spring at Rainbow’s 53rd annual ‘Parking Lot’ party.
On April 13, the Sunset Strip will reverberate with an intensity unmatched by any other night when the iconic Rainbow Bar and Grill kicks off its 53rd Annual Party in the Parking Lot. A mainstay of Southern California’s rock ‘n’ roll culture, this legendary event is a haven for diehard metal enthusiasts who crave their music blistering and their beers ice-cold.
The party will once again feature an all-star roster of Sunset Strip stalwarts, with the notorious Faster Pussycat leading the charge. HanoiRocks frontman Michael Monroe will also take the stage after kicking off his first tour in nine years on April 2. The glam-rock icon shares the bill at the 53rd Annual Party in the Parking Lot with powerhouse support acts such as enduring Hollywood hard rockersOdin, legendary Southern rock band Black Oak Arkansas, which is on a special West Coast mini-tour, and red-hot L.A. rockersBlaze Francisco.
The excitement begins early, as throngs of metalheads, clad in vintage band tees and studded leather, begin to gather before the first note is struck. Expect a line stretching down the Sunset Strip, from the Rainbow all the way to the Whisky A Go-Go, long before the event officially kicks off at 1 p.m. But trust us, it’s worth the wait. Inside the event, which spills into the Rainbow and Roxy’s back parking lots, you’ll be transported back to 1985, when big hair and denim ruled the day. Amid the haze of ever-present smoke, expect to see rockers rocking their tightest Poison t-shirts, looking as if they’d just walked off the set of The Decline of Western Civilization, and others whose leather-clad looks scream Shout at the Devil-era Motley Crue.
The event is a veritable who’s who of both local rockers and rock legends, alongside the ever-present faces you’ve seen at Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood or packed into the Whisky’s raucous crowds. It’s a celebration not only of music but of community, a gathering of like-minded souls united by a love for the loud, the fast, and the unapologetically rebellious.
The atmosphere at Rainbow’s Party in the Parking Lot is always electric — yet remarkably welcoming. It’s a chance to revel in the camaraderie of the metal community, to relive the glory days of ’80s rock, even if just for a single afternoon. No need for a hot tub time machine to experience it; all you need is the right attitude and a thirst for chaos.
Admission to the event is free, but guests must prepay for two drinks upon entry. Trust us, the party’s about to get LOUD!
Had these knockoffs been legit, they’d have been worth a jaw-dropping $18 million—enough to make even the most diehard gearheads choke on their coffee. Instead, they’re about as real as Milli Vanilli’s vocals. Gibson, the Nashville-based guitar titan, confirmed the instruments were frauds, and CBP wasn’t about to let them slip through their hands.
GUITAR HERO: Slash crafted classics like “Welcome to the Jungle” on his Gibson guitar.
For over a century, Gibson guitars have been the six-string Excalibur for rock legends. Think Jimmy Page conjuring the “Stairway to Heaven” solo, Angus Young duck-walking his way through “Back in Black,” and B.B. King sweet-talking “Lucille” into blues immortality. These aren’t just instruments—they’re sacred relics of rock’s pantheon. So, yeah, seeing a fake Gibson is like finding out that your cherished first-pressing of Appetite for Destruction that you bought on eBay is really just a laser-printed knock-off.
The Runaways’ ‘Cherry Bomb’ has Cherie Currie clapping back at Joan Jettoverwho truly ‘owns’ respect for1976 classic.
It’s a bombshell no one saw coming—a clash that threatens to tarnish the legendary camaraderie of rock’s first and greatest all-female band, TheRunaways.
On November 25, Joan Jett’s official X account dropped a sleek, original video featuring explosive cherry bomb art layered over a live recording of Jett covering The Runaways’ 1976 classic “Cherry Bomb.” The clip has racked up nearly 14,000 views and 500 likes, but not everyone is cheering. Most notably, former Runaways frontwoman Cherie Currie. whose voice made the original track a timeless rock anthem, isn’t exactly thrilled.
Currie wasted no time sharing her frustration in the comments, firing off a searing reply:
“I OWN CHERRY BOMB! For f*ck sake…Why don’t you give credit where credit is due. Damn you ppl.”
The tension here is deeper than just a fiery tweet. While Jett co-wrote the track with the L.A. band’s notorious manager, Kim Fowley, it was Currie’s iconic vocals and kick-ass attitude that cemented “Cherry Bomb” as a cultural touchstone.
Cherie Currie helped The Runaways land their first hit in 1976 with “Cherry Bomb.”
The song itself has a spontaneous origin story: According to the 2005 documentary Edgeplay: A Film About The Runaways, it was written on the spot for Currie’s audition after the band struggled to play her prepared track.
Chris Jericho brings Kuarantine’s hard-hitting KISS tribute show to Whisky A Go-Go.
Legendary wrestler and rock frontman Chris Jericho is channeling the loudest and wildest era in KISStory with his band, Kuarantine, hitting West Hollywood’s iconic Whisky A Go-Go on December 14. This all-ages show celebrates the unmasked “non-makeup” KISS era (1983-1996) and features Jericho handing lead vocals on hard-rock classics like “Lick It Up,” “Heaven’s on Fire,” and “Tears Are Falling.”
Jericho, a long-time KISS superfan, formed Kuarantine in 2020 during the pandemic with a clear mission: to pay tribute to KISS’s often-underrated ‘80s and early ‘90s lineup, when the band dropped their face paint to re-establish their rock identity.
That era introduced new blood—drummer Eric Carr and guitarist Vinnie Vincent—and gave rise to timeless anthems like “All Hell’s Breaking Loose,” “Crazy Crazy Nights,” and “Unholy,” proving that KISS had staying power with or without the makeup.
So, don’t expect any codebreakers or lion tamers at this gig. Instead, get ready for Jericho and crew to bring raw energy and classic KISS hits that’ll have you holding a Bic lighter high in one hand while fist-pumping the other as you rock and roll all night, makeup-free, of course.
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