Category Archives: LIVE SHOWS

LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

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Sunset Strip legends Stephen Pearcy of Ratt & Cherie Currie of The Runaways return to WeHo to rock the Rainbow, Sept. 6!

One of the Sunset Strip’s most historied rock ‘n’ roll institutions is pulling out all the stops once again. The iconic Rainbow Bar & Grill is bringing back its annual “Party in the Parking Lot” on Sept. 6, and this year’s lineup is absolutely stacked.

Headlining the free outdoor bash is Sunset Strip legend Stephen Pearcy of Ratt (seen above performing at Rainbow’s “Backyard Bash” in 2015), joined by the equally iconic Cherie Currie of The Runaways (pictured below at Whisky A Go-Go’s “Ultimate Jam Night” in 2023). The day also features performances by Eyehategod, Flotsam & Jetsam, Agent Orange, Murder One (Tribute to Motörhead), and a lineup of killer local and national acts.

Cherie Currie

If you’ve never experienced a Rainbow parking lot party, expect a full day of loud guitars, cold beer, and hundreds of rock and metal fans celebrating one of Los Angeles’ most famous music landmarks. These events have become a Sunset Strip tradition, and they always pack the house.

Admission is free, although a prepaid two-drink minimum is required at the gate. Get there early enough and you might even score one of the event’s coveted free T-shirts.

RATT N’ ROLL: Robbin Crosby, Warren DeMartini, Bobby Blotzer, Stephen Pearcy, and Juan Croucier circa 1985.

The Rainbow Bar & Grill is located at 9015 W. Sunset Blvd. in the heart of West Hollywood. Gates open at 1 p.m., but don’t be surprised if the line starts forming hours beforehand. That’s what happens when one of L.A.’s most beloved rock ‘n’ roll parties comes to town.

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COOL STUFF, LIVE SHOWS

SLAUGHTER ‘HOUSE’

Rock and roll over laughing with this retro ‘Full House‘ clip from the MTV glory days of Slaughter, which headlines the Whisky in August.

While wandering down one of those glorious YouTube rabbit holes where productivity goes to die, we stumbled across this forgotten gem: an early-’90s episode of Full House built around none other than hard-rock heroes Slaughter.

Now, if you’re under 40, there’s a decent chance you’re asking, “Slaughter? Wasn’t that a horror movie?” But in 1990, Slaughter wasn’t just a band. They were everywhere. Mark Slaughter and company exploded onto the charts with their debut album, Stick It to Ya, which sold over 2 million copies and was one of the biggest rock records of the year.

“Up All Night” was the kind of song that made you want to drive too fast with the windows down. “Fly to the Angels” was mandatory listening for every teenager experiencing heartbreak for the first time. And “Spend My Life” was one of those arena-ready sing-alongs that could turn 15,000 people into one giant karaoke machine.

Their videos lived in heavy rotation on MTV—back when MTV’s radical programming strategy involved occasionally showing music videos.

Watching this clip today is like opening a time capsule from an era when big hair ruled, guitar solos were featured in every pop song, and every TV show somehow found a way to shoehorn a rock band into the plot.

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LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN' FEATURE STORIES

METALLICALIFORNICATION

Metallica’s upcoming Sin City takeover has us fondly recalling…

California’s 5 Most Legendary ‘Tallica Tour Stops

California’s greatest heavy metal export, Metallica is gearing up to ignite the Vegas Strip with their 2026-2027 residency at the Sphere, dubbed “Life Burns Faster.”

From October 1 through March 13, 2027, the band will perform 24 dates. And to make a stellar event even more awesome, the showcase features a “No Repeat Weekend” setlist and immersive visuals for a one-of-a-kind experience inside what is unarguably Sin City’s coolest new concert venue.

As the excitement builds for ‘Tallica’s Las Vegas gigs, it’s worth looking back at some of Metallica’s most unforgettable California performances— shows and venues that shaped the band, rocked fans, and created pure heavy metal mythology right here in the Golden State.

1. The Whisky A Go-Go Debut (1982)

On March 27, 1982, at the world-famous Whisky A Go-Go on the Sunset Strip, a rare musical moment would cement Metallica’s place in the L.A. metal scene and eventually the entire planet.

Two sets featured early classics like “Hit the Lights,” “Jump in the Fire,” and “The Prince.” And, for the first time, “Metal Militia” live. This was before studio polish and global fame—just pure, thrash-metal glory!

The Whisky isn’t just a venue. It’s a proving ground, and Metallica slayed it.

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LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN' NEWS

MONSTER MASH

Marilyn Manson returns to L.A. this fall for Antichrist Superstar’s 30th anniversary.

Los Angeles loves its monsters–and it particularly loves the ones who survive. Marilyn Manson is one of those monsters.

Nearly 30 years ago, in June 1997, a skinny, snarling rock and roll newcomer in ripped fishnets and black lipstick stepped onto a stage at the Blockbuster Pavilion in San Bernardino County, and the crowd immediately booed him. Laughed at him. In fact, the first five minutes of his set consisted of the crowd pelting him with whatever was available: hot dog wrappers, a random sneaker, a dirty cup…

But I was in that crowd. I was cheering from the get-go, because I already knew the brilliance that is Marilyn Manson—though the rest of the world had yet to discover it.

It was that performance, during that Ozzfest tour, where he single-handedly turned around audience show after show by sheer talent and determination, making sure his art and his music hit you upside the head, made you think a little deeper, and rock a little harder. By the end of “The Beautiful People,” even the skeptics were on their feet, screaming, cheering, and wondering if maybe they’d been wrong.

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LIVE SHOWS

CANT STOP ROCK N’ ROLL

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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.

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LIVE SHOWS, MUSIC FESTIVALS

SOCAL SUMMER CONCERT GUIDE

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We’ve got your go-to list for the hottest spring and summer shows – it’s time to rock, L.A.!

Get ready for a scorching summer of rock and roll with our “Hot Groove Summer” 2024 concert guide for the Greater Los Angeles area. From No Doubt to Cinderella, L.A. Guns to Pat Benatar, the world’s greatest rock and heavy metal legends are taking over L.A. County’s hottest venues in the coming months. So, shake off the recent rains and get ready to pump your fists all summer long. We’ve got your go-to list for the hottest spring and summer shows – it’s time to rock, Southern California! 

Cinderella & L.A. Guns @ Saban Theatre (Beverly Hills) – April 6

Experience an electrifying night of hard rock hits when Tom Keifer, the powerhouse behind Cinderella, brings his gritty bluesy sound and solo hits to the 90210, showcasing his diverse talent from acoustic tracks to hard rock. Joining the bill are the legendary L.A. Guns, veterans of the Sunset Strip. From “Ballad Of Jayne” to “Never Enough” and “Sex Action,” L.A. Guns always deliver a high-octane performance.

No Doubt @ Coachella (Indio) – April 12-21

The O.C.’s favorite sons (and daughter), No Doubt, will no doubt captivate the SoCal audience at the band’s reunion shows in Indio. Groove to the beats of “Don’t Speak” and “Just a Girl” as you relish in the hit-making band’s pop-ska classics .

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LIVE SHOWS, MUSIC FESTIVALS, ROCKIN' NEWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

HEAVY METAL ‘PARKING LOT’

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Rainbow’s ’Party in the Parking Lot’ reveals full lineup for April 14 concert headlined by Sebastian Bach.

Sunset and Clark broke the news about the Rainbow Bar and Grill‘s much-anticipated free spring show featuring Sebastian Bach, and now, the iconic Sunset Strip venue unveils the full lineup for its 52nd annual “Party in the Parking Lot” on April 14. 

The all-day rock festival happens in the Rainbow’s back parking lot, behind the Roxy, and boasts a stellar roster, including Sunset Strip legends and international heavy metal icons Faster Pussycat along with Powerman 5000, Shark Island, Donnie Vie, Melody Mortal, Villa Nova, and Black Star Sinners. 

INSIDER TIP: This semi-annual live music event, which takes place at the Rainbow each April and September, has started to get super-packed very early these last couple of years. The previous two events saw long lines forming long before the gates opened. So, get there early, get in, get stamped, and enjoy the in and out privileges.

Rainbow is located at 9050 Sunset Boulevard in the heart of WeHo. Gate opens at 1 p.m. The event is free, but guests are required to prepay for two drinks (around $20). Plus, early arrivals usually get an exclusive event shirt!

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LIVE SHOWS, PIX FROM THE STRIP

TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB

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All-star rock-and-roll lineup at ’Ultimate Jam Night’ had fans braving L.A.’s rain to get rocked!

We’re all about supporting the local arts community, and wow, it certainly paid off for us earlier this week at the Whisky A Go-Go’s “Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood.” Tuesday’s torrential rain couldn’t dampen the spirits of the dedicated fans who braved the storm to get their faces rocked—including by a stellar Jon Bon Jovi impersonator! 

“Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood” is a free live music showcase happening every other Tuesday and featuring a themed night of non-stop rock hits performed by world-class musicians.

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LIVE SHOWS, PIX FROM THE STRIP, ROCKIN' NEWS

LET’S DANCE

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Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood’s David Bowie tribute was the next best thing to seeing the Thin White Duke live.

If you were lucky enough to catch Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood’s David Bowie tribute last week at the legendary Whisky A Go-Go, then you know what it was like to experience a supersonic, surreall evening of Bowie mania that felt like having your soul nourished with flawless artistry from the music industry’s most talented rockers.

The evening’s lineup featured mega-talents like Derek Day (Classless Act), Chris Freeman (Pansy Division, GayC/DC), Sean McNabb (formerly of Dokken), Debby Holiday, Savannah Pope, and other world-class musicians.

Each artist who graced the stage delivered a stellar performance, with Freeman’s renditions of “Rebel Rebel” and “Jazzin’ for Blue Jean” standing out as particularly captivating. During “Rebel Rebel,” his brilliant performance had him seamlessly tearing off his silver, sequined sport coat to unveil a sparkling silver dress during the iconic line, “You’ve got your mother in a whirl. She’s not sure if you’re a boy or a girl.”

Not to be outdone, Holliday and Day tore the roof off with their show-stealing cover of “Under Pressure.”

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LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

MUSIC MASTERPIECES

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Traveling Music Museum Is Heading to DTLA for One-Night-Only with Rock Legends from Heart, R.E.M., ZZ Top, and More Set to Perform at FREE Event!

Los Angeles rock aficionados, brace yourselves for an extraordinary convergence of musical history, rebellion, and positive vibes at the Shrine Auditorium on January 11! Prepare to be swept away by the Jim Irsay Collection, an exclusive traveling exhibition hosted by Jim Irsay, a rock ‘n’ roll enthusiast and owner of the Indianapolis Colts.

The best part? Entry is FREE! However, you’re welcome to consider making a contribution to Kicking the Stigma, Irsay’s campaign for mental health awareness.

This unparalleled collection unveils the instruments and personal items of music titans like The Beatles, Prince, Bob Dylan, and Jimi Hendrix. Immerse yourself in the world of signed photos, handwritten lyrics, and other priceless music memorabilia.

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LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

BACH TO ROCK RAINBOW

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Skid Row Legend Sebastian Bach Tapped to Headline a Night of Heavy Metal Hits at April’s ‘Parking Lot’ Party.

Get ready to rock as the iconic Sebastian Bach takes center stage at the Rainbow Bar & Grill‘s epic “Party in the Parking Lot” event on April 14! Located on the legendary Sunset Strip, this annual extravaganza promises a night of pure heavy metal magic.

The Rainbow’s semiannual multi-band concerts, hosted in both spring and fall, showcase renowned heavy metal acts and artists. Past lineups have boasted luminaries such as original Guns N’ Roses drummer, Steven Adler, Geoff Tate from Queensryche, the legendary Stephen Pearcy from Ratt, and various other rock icons.

Armed with an arsenal of fist-pumping hard rock anthems, Sebastian Bach is sure to rock the Sunset Strip like never before. Former choir boy Bach’s musical journey eventually led him to front the legendary metal band Skid Row as well as embark on a diverse career starring in Broadway musicals like Jekyll and Hyde and the touring company of Jesus Christ Superstar.

However, it is the hard-rockin’, ass-kickin’ musical assault of Skid Row that put Bach on the music map. Skid Row’s self-titled 1989 debut album is a defining gem in late-Eighties hard rock history, just before the grunge wave reshaped the musical landscape.

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LIVE SHOWS

KISS ALIVE AT HOLLYWOOD BOWL

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KISS Bids Farewell to L.A. with Legendary Sold-Out Show at Hollywood Bowl.

On November 3, the illustrious Hollywood Bowl bore witness to yet another historic musical milestone, playing host to legendary rock band KISS‘ first Bowl show as well as its final Los Angeles performance.

The Hollywood Bowl gig marked the 26th occasion of KISS gracing Greater L.A. stages, which is something the band acknowledged during the electrifying two-hour set that delivered a barrage of timeless hits that inspired the sold-out crowd to rock and roll all night!

From their humble beginnings at the Santa Monica Civic as a supporting act to now headlining the iconic Hollywood Bowl for the first and final time, KISS’ journey has been nothing short of remarkable. And they certainly delivered in Hollywood.

A giant black curtain with KISS’ logo in silver fell as the band kicked off the evening with the iconic “Detroit Rock City” setting the stage for an electric performance that would only intensify.

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LIVE SHOWS, PIX FROM THE STRIP

SCENE ON SUNSET

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Whisky N’ Water: Rockin’ in the Rain

About two dozen music devotees braved the torrential downpour of L.A. rain on Tuesday night to hear some cool cover tunes by the Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood band of revolving musicians. The rockin’ two-hour show at the Whisky A Go-Go featured timeless hits from every iconic band from The Beatles to Blondie.

LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

ROCK AND ROLL ALL NITE

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Legendary guitarist Ace Frehley’s debut headlining show at Whisky A Go-Go brings out the KISS Army’s rock soldiers to the Sunset Strip.

Legendary KISS guitarist Ace Frehley headline The Whisky A Go-Go for the first time ever on February 27 and he did not leave without tearing the roof off of the joint. The 71-year-old rock icon looked great and was in High spirits as he continually tossed guitar picks to the fans and shared stories about his life in music.

“The Spaceman” may have been unmasked but he definitely brought back the same raw energy and ferocious hard-rockin’ energy that helped make KISS one of the biggest bands in the world. Frehley started the show at around 9:45 p.m. and immediately had the crowd fist-pumping when he opened the show with “Rip it Out,” the killer opening track to his 1978 KISS-related solo album. The second the opening chords of “Rip It Out” started to echo throughout the room, the suddenly ubiquitous devil’s horns salutes let you know the crowd of diehard rock soldiers from the KISS Army were pleased.

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LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

SUCKING IN THE ’70s

Whisky A Go-Go and Hal Sparks set to host a night of classic rock from one of the greatest eras for music.

If you weren’t fortunate enough to have lived through at least part of the ’70s, you’re in luck because the Whisky A Go-Go is going to take rock fans back in time to the good old days when Zeppelin ruled and nobody even knew what twerking was yet. 

Tuesday Night Music Club: Chuck Wright (l.) & Hal Sparks

On January 17, actor, rocker, and Nerd Halen frontman Hal Sparks is once again hosting Ultimate Jam Night Hollywood, which is themed “That ’70s Jam.” The set will include two hours of stellar rock covers of Me Decade masterpieces delivered by world-class working musicians that you probably have seen before performing in some of your favorite classic and modern rock bands, from Quiet Riot to Duran Duran.

Beasts of Burden: Rolling Stones circa 1970s

Plus, Sparks is a very entertaining and funny emcee that makes the segway between numbers go very smoothly, so the entire evening just feels like one big party.

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