ROCKIN' NEWS

‘HYSTERIA’ REVISITED

Leave a comment

Def Leppard’s Phil Collen debuts graphic novel, Hysteria.

If you live and breathe hard rock, you already know that Def Leppard has earned its place as one of the greatest bands of all time. So, when the band’s iconic guitarist, Phil Collen, dropped his graphic novel Hysteria for free via Rolling Stone, we were more than ready to dive in.

With a title like Hysteria, we were expecting a ride filled with blistering riffs, headbanging, and enough rock ‘n’ roll chaos to take us straight back to the glory days of their legendary 1987 album of the same name. And while the guitars are there, the story itself takes a detour into a strange and unexpected world.

Def Leppard on the “Hysteria” tour, 1987. (Photo: Ross Halfin)
Continue reading ‘HYSTERIA’ REVISITED →
ROCKIN' NEWS

ROCK THE VOTE

Leave a comment

Ozzy Osbourne promises a bat head in every pot as America’s ‘sanest’ choice for president.

In a year where everything feels crazier than ever, who better to lead the charge than the Prince of Darkness himself? Ozzy Osbourne, the legendary frontman of Black Sabbath and the ultimate rock ‘n roll wild card, is stepping into the political arena—well, sort of. And if you thought this election couldn’t get any crazier, think again.

Ozzy’s giving us the campaign we didn’t know we needed with his new “Ozzy for President 2024” t-shirt. It’s not just a shirt—it’s a statement. Featuring Ozzy’s unmistakable mug and the slogan “Vote for Ozzy President 2024,” it’s the ultimate nod to the chaos that has become the political landscape. And on the back of the tee, Ozzy declares himself “the sanest choice—and that’s crazy.”

Continue reading ROCK THE VOTE →
ROCKIN' NEWS

MAKING ROCK HISTORY

Leave a comment

WeHo prepares to give the Roxy and Rainbow Bar & Grill the iconic status these rock institutions deserve.

The City of West Hollywood’s Historic Preservation Commission will recommend that the City Council approve a Mills Act Contract for two of the city’s most rockin’ cultural icons: the Roxy Theatre and the Rainbow Bar & Grill, both located on the world-famous Sunset Strip’s “Rock Row,” at 9009 and 9015 Sunset Boulevard, respectively.

The Historic Preservation Commission is dedicated to preserving historic structures that represent WeHo’s unique cultural and social heritage. “Protecting these landmarks helps deepen public understanding of the city’s past and ensures that future generations can appreciate its rich history,” says the Commission on its website.

Rock Venues Land a Mills Act Contract

A Mills Act Contract is a legal agreement between the owner of a historic property and the municipality. It allows for lower property tax rates in exchange for the owner’s commitment to undertake specific rehabilitation, restoration, and maintenance work. To qualify, a property must be listed in a historic national, state, county, or city register, be privately owned, and not be tax-exempt.

The Roxy Theatre and the Rainbow Bar & Grill meet these criteria, being listed in West Hollywood’s Register of Cultural Resources and privately owned.

Continue reading MAKING ROCK HISTORY →
LIVE SHOWS, MUSIC FESTIVALS

SOCAL SUMMER CONCERT GUIDE

Leave a comment

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 .

Continue reading SOCAL SUMMER CONCERT GUIDE →
LIVE SHOWS, MUSIC FESTIVALS, ROCKIN' NEWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

HEAVY METAL ‘PARKING LOT’

Leave a comment

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!

Continue reading HEAVY METAL ‘PARKING LOT’ →
LIVE SHOWS, PIX FROM THE STRIP

TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB

Leave a comment

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.

Continue reading TUESDAY NIGHT MUSIC CLUB →
ROCKIN' NEWS

EDDIE’S INFLUENCE

Leave a comment

Celebrate the timeless influence of rock’s most revered guitarist on his birthday.

Today is the birthday of the pride of Pasadena, who was born on Jan. 26, 1955 (in Amsterdam), when the world welcomed Edward Lodewijk Van Halen.

After leaving an indelible mark on music history, the iconic 65-year-old Van Halen guitarist died of cancer on Oct. 6, 2020 at Santa Monica’s St. John’s Hospital, which is where fellow guitar legend Randy Rhoads was born (Dec. 6, 1956).

EVH delivering a solo at the Forum, around 2012.

To honor EV’s unparalleled influence, we’re sharing evanescent tributes that popped up across Los Angeles circa 2020. Although most of these memorials have faded away, we’ve captured their essence to share with fellow Van Halen fans.

So, crank up some VH tunes today and relish in the musical legacy!

Artist Robert Vargas’ mural at Guitar Center Sunset
Graffiti art covers a trash bin on the Sunset Strip just outside the Whisky.
EVH graffitied bin outside the Whisky A Go-Go, 2020.
Continue reading EDDIE’S INFLUENCE →
LIVE SHOWS, PIX FROM THE STRIP, ROCKIN' NEWS

LET’S DANCE

Leave a comment

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.”

Continue reading LET’S DANCE →
LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

MUSIC MASTERPIECES

Leave a comment

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.

Continue reading MUSIC MASTERPIECES →
LIVE SHOWS, ROCKIN’ EVENTS

BACH TO ROCK RAINBOW

Leave a comment

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.

Continue reading BACH TO ROCK RAINBOW →
ROCKIN' NEWS

A NIGHT AT THE CRUESEUM

Leave a comment

Motley Crue Is Ready to Expose It All!

Exciting news for diehard Motley Crue fans! The self-proclaimed “Bad Boys of Hollywood” are ready to deliver on an amazing new project that was reportedly a year in the making.

Although the iconic metal band is keeping things hush-hush for now, fans can sign up to be the first in line for all the juicy details about the upcoming Crueseum.

Continue reading A NIGHT AT THE CRUESEUM →
PIX FROM THE STRIP

SIGN O’ THE TIMES

Leave a comment

The Sunset Strip scene is becoming unrecognizable. But it’s nothing a shot of Whisky can’t cure.

Lately, the ever-evolving Sunset Strip scene seems to be changing as rapidly as Machine Gun Kelly shifts musical genres. The iconic Tower Records Sunset building, though closed since 2006, recently underwent a controversial exterior alteration that affected the look of the structure, but at least Tower’s famous front facade was preserved as a testament to the magical musical palace it once housed.

Across the street, the Tower Records Video and Classical Music Annex was the go-to spot for concert tickets, where fans lined up on Sunset and Larrabee, sometimes stretching east all the way past Book Soup for events like Ozzfest. Those were the golden days, spanning from the ’80s through the 2000s. The space eventually housed a longstanding Chase Bank, which recently closed its doors, leaving the building vacant.

Continue reading SIGN O’ THE TIMES →
LIVE SHOWS

KISS ALIVE AT HOLLYWOOD BOWL

Leave a comment

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.

Continue reading KISS ALIVE AT HOLLYWOOD BOWL →
LIVE SHOWS, PIX FROM THE STRIP

SCENE ON SUNSET

Leave a comment

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.

PIX FROM THE STRIP

PAVED OVER PARADISE…

Leave a comment

Sun sets on Tower Records Sunset.

A big bright yellow part of L.A.’s music history has been whitewashed. The location of the former Tower Records Sunset is now a Supreme store, which opened last week. Sure, it’s cool to see a halfpipe skate ramp inside of what was formerly the famous record shop, but we already miss seeing the L.A. music landmark.

Unraveling L.A.’s Epic Hard Rock History — Past, Present, and Future.