Steel Panther (with Delta Rose & TARSHA) 12/28/2009 House of Blues - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin/concertconfessions.com Racist, Homophobic and degrading to women, one would think that a band like Steel Panther would never survive liberal West Hollywood, CA. Yet the band once known as Metal Skool has used Monday nights on the Sunset Strip to organically grow their mock metal musical onslaught from underground buzz to worldwide domination. Having not seen the boys since their name change/major label record deal, a co-worker and ... Read More

The Affliction Christmas Concert w/ TSOL, Suicidal Tendencies, Pennywise & Danzig Long Beach Arena - Long Beach, CA 12/19/09 Words/Photos/Videos by Justin/concertconfessions.com It would be very easy for me to use this review to blast Affliction.  It is of course the second most popular t-shirt company for douche bags after Ed Hardy.  However it is the holiday season and why hate when you can be grateful that you got free all access VIP tickets to the sold out $5 Affliction Holiday concert featuring TSOL, Suicidal ... Read More

[gallery][gallery] First, many thanks and gratitude to Justin and Mr. Robertson for getting me that "precious" photo pass (and may this not be the last time i get it lol). i am a huge fan of Hatebreed but i am not that big on the "deathcore" scene, still i had a blast at this show, and after all i'm becoming a fan of Born of Osiris and Unearth. i used 2 digital cameras plus an old but trusty 35mm cam. i was the ... Read More

91X Wrex The Halls featuring 30 Seconds To Mars 12/13/2009 - Viejas Arena -San Diego, CA Words by WarChild490 Videos taken from YouTube/Shot by user Kobefan131 Photos by Daikou Coming from someone like myself, who hasn't set foot outside of the city of Los Angeles in over ten years, taking a trip to San Diego was exciting enough. When the reason for the trip is a band you've been wanting to see play live for the past 4 years, not even lack of sleep could stop me ... Read More

The Black Dahlia Murder 12/03/09 The Roxy Theatre - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin/concertconfessions.com A few years before I was the concert confessing cubical warrior who hangs at Hollywood hotspots with Tom Morello and that dude who gets paid to beat the snot out of people, I drove various video tapes around in a highly decorated Scion XB.  While there were many terrible things about making $9.00 to deliver digital betacam’s with Judge Judy episodes or Lexus commercials, there were some experiences that I ... Read More

Metalfest featuring Dirge Within, Hate Eternal, Born of Osiris, Whitechapel, Unearth, Chimaira, Cannibal Corpse, Trivium & Hatebreed The Palladium - Hollywood, CA 11/28/2009 Words/Photos/Video by Justin While many used Thursday to feast and give thanks, I managed to wait till Saturday to truly celebrate Thanksgiving.  Armed with two comp tickets and a fancy photo pass (thanks KM), I hit the Palladium in chilly Hollywood, CA for a day long metal festival.  With a lineup featuring rising acts like Whitechapel, legends such as Cannibal Corpse and ... Read More

Mastodon & Dethklok 11/20/09 The Palladium - Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin On the night of Sunday, November 15th, 2009 I was sitting on the floor of my bathroom puking into my recently cleaned toilet when the unthinkable happened.  With no warning at all, warm liquid poop flowed right out of my bottom and straight into my underwear.  As I sat with vomit dripping from my beard and pants full of feces, I knew that it could only get better.  No matter how rotten I felt ... Read More

Phish – Festival 8 10/30-11/01/2009 – Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Words/Videos by Justin Note: Minus some video of Free, with full memory cards I decided to simply enjoy the music vs. messing with my camera)  As I made the long walk from Hunky Dory to the concert field for the last time, cold can of beer in hand, I stopped for a few moments and just took it all in. The phans, the security and of course the beautiful mountain backdrop which the sun sank ... Read More

Phish - Festival 8 10/30-11/01/2009 - Empire Polo Fields: Indio, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin Writers Note:  In honor of the 8th Phish festival, I plan to write 8 separate confessions of my four days in the desert with Phish.  Having left the Hunky Dory campsite 30 hours ago, I have still not fully processed everything I experienced within the grounds of the Empire Polo Grounds.  In the event that some non-phish fans read this, I have tried my best to provide links on lingo that ... Read More

Brand New w/ Manchester Orchestra/The Builders & The Butchers 10/17/2009 - The Palladium: Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Reverend Justito! It is pure dumb luck that I ever gave Brand New a chance.  Sent on assignment to check in on the emerging y’alt rock hipster scene coming out of Portland, OR, I ended up watching Brand New steal a poorly planned festival gig from two veteran alt rock bands.  With an outstanding new album called Daisy I headed into my old stomping grounds to finally experience ... Read More

Ben Harper and the Relentless 7 09/17/09 - Fox Theatre: Oakland, CA Words/Photos by Jhallead Ben Harper is my favorite.  I have been a fan of his since he opened for Pearl Jam in 1995.  I have always loved the fact that although he is an outstanding person and musician, he did not get incredibly big in the music world.  This means that I can typically get very up close and personal at his shows.  This show was the closest I have ever gotten which ... Read More

P!nk w/ The Ting Ting's Staples Center - Los Angeles, CA 09/18/09 Words by HJunderpants I’ve seen P!nk live  three times now, and this last show in promotion of her latest album “Funhouse” was by far the most overall entertaining. Having separated her shoulder days before her L.A. show, P!nk far from disappointed, and opened by being lowered in a cloth rope swing while singing the AC DC favorite “Highway to Hell" to almost 20,000 amped fans at the Staples Center. At this point she has ... Read More

 The Vans Warped Tour 15th Anniversary Party 09/06/09 - Club Nokia: Los Angeles, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin It was 1997 when I first walked through the gates of Kevin Lyman’s wonderful world known as Warped Tour.  While that was not the first year of the ever evolving punk rock summer camp, it’s hard to believe that the festival has now wrapped 15 successful years.  Having missed all three Southern California stops on this years traveling circus show, I made sure not to miss the 15th ... Read More

Nine Inch Nails (with special guests Queen Kwong and Mew) Wave Goodbye Tour 2009 Hollywood Palladium, Hollywood, CA 09/02/09 Words/Video by Justin/Photos by Justin & Sylvrtail (Editors Note:  I did not take many photos last night, as I used the laxed taping policy to video tape a good chunk of the set.  I am going to create a nice DVD of it, stay tuned for details). November 1994: Somewhere between San Francisco and San Jose on a cold and damp afternoon.  I am down on my knees ... Read More

 Judas Priest 08/15/09 St. Augustine Amphitheatre - St. Augustine, FL Words by theronman714 Photos (used by permission) by Mattdaddy @ www.FLmetal.com   The Whitesnake/Judas Priest show in St. Augustine August 15, 2009, was probably a disappointment for a handful of fans that were there to see Whitesnake. Lead singer David Coverdale developed vocal cord problems and Whitesnake was forced to cancel the remainder of their U.S. tour, including their stop in St. Aug. Fortunately, I wasn't one of those disappointed fans. I was there to see and ... Read More

Coheed and Cambria/Heaven and Hell Greek Theatre: Los Angeles, CA 08/11/09 Words/Photos by Justin (Note, I got no Coheed photos as I mainly took video during their set.  As soon as we have net access in our new home, I will add the videos).  Sometimes, the stars and planets align and things work out, despite the fact you didn’t think it actually would.  I was disappointed knowing I would not be able to make it to the beautiful Greek Theatre here in Los Angeles to see ... Read More

Blazed and Confused Tour 07/24/09 Shoreline Amphitheatre: Mt. View, CA Words/Photos by jhallead My boss comes up to me at 3pm on a Friday asking if I want our box seats for the Blazed and Confused Tour at the Shoreline.  With no time to change, headed north with my white hippie shirt and flip flops. What did I have to drink you ask?  Gin and Juice, what else?  I was actually surprised that Snoop opened for Slightly Stoopid.  Sorry Slightly Stoopid fans, but I think they ... Read More

No Doubt 07/25/09 Shoreline Amphitheatre: Mt. View, CA Words/Photos by jhallead The last time I saw a No Doubt show I was 16 years old, convinced I was going to marry Gavin Rossdale, and didn't really like Gwen too much.  I did not like Gwen only because I was jealous of her.  Now, 12 years later, obviously passed my Gavin obsession, I was still jealous of her.  Jealous of her abs of course.  Gwen looks amazing.  I cannot believe she had a baby less than ... Read More

Coldplay 07/13/2009 Shoreline Amphitheatre: Mt. View, CA Words/Photos by Jhallead Okay, so most of my friends are in love with Chris Martin.  They think he is the cat's meow.  Me, not so much.  The only thing I can think of when I see him is how he is married to Gwyneth Paltrow and has a daughter named Apple. I would say I am a fan of Coldplay, but not a crazy super fan.  I was lucky enough to attend the concert with a few girlfriends ... Read More

Blitzen Trapper/Jenny Lewis/Ray LaMontagne w/ The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra Hollywood Bowl: Los Angeles, CA 07/12/09 Words/Photos/Videos by Justin There are a million things I could write about the KCRW World Music Festival at the Hollywood Bowl (featuring Blitzen Trapper/Jenny Lewis & headliner Ray LaMontagne w/ The Hollywood Bowl Orchestra). I could write all about how it will be the last show I be able to walk to at the historic venue (as we are about to move across town from Hollywood closer to the great ... Read More

Useless Keys/Into The Presence 07/09/09 The Roxy Theatre - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Video by Justin So there I was Thursday night, standing outside the Roxy Theater chatting with The Maldonado brothers when adult film legend Ron Jeremy strolled by. As scenesters sucked on cancer sticks oblivious to their surroundings, we watched as a homeless man tried to sell the King of Porn roses as he made his way up the strip to the Rainbow Room. Just another Thursday night in Hollywood, I suppose. A few hours ... Read More

"Shit is Fucked Up Tour" 2009.  What a way for the Offspring to embark on a north american Sojourn.  Yes the economy stinks, people are unemployed...kids are way beyond bored! and this tour came at the right FUCKIN' time.  The show started with a punk/folk guitarist by the name of TURNER.  Ok music, not my cup of tea. he should have employ a band cause he really scream every word of every song.  Next up SUM 41.    i remember these guys a ... Read More

Ahoy, Rotterdam, The Netherlands - July 2, 2009 Dear Caleb Followill, Everyone has their good days and their bad days. No matter how much money you make, when it's uncomfortably hot in a 10K capacity venue, filled to the rim with people coming and paying to see and hear you - the heat is still uncomfortable. I get that. When you just got off a, say, one hour flight from London but with 7 hours time difference to make up for, you will start your show ... Read More

Ani Difranco.  July 1st.  Mountain Winery, Saratoga California Words/Photos by jhallead   "She just get's it"   That is what my best friend and I must have said to each other 5 times during this concert.  Ani Difranco is absolutely amazing.  This was the first time I had seen her live and it was the best concert I have ever been to....and I have been to many.  Granted, it was at the Mountain Winery in Saratoga, California, which is one of the best venues around.  The crowd ... Read More

Death Cab For Cutie W/ The Los Angeles Philharmonic (Special Guests: The New Pornographers, Tegan and Sara) Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA 07/05/09 Words/Photos/Videos by Justin For as much as I love the historic Hollywood Bowl, I often wonder if we would be better off having the venue burn down in a forest fire. Don’t get me wrong, I love a summer evening under the stars in the venue that 9 out of 10 times will allow you to bring your own food and alcoholic ... Read More

Aretha Franklin (with the Los Angeles Philharmonic) 06/26/09 Hollywood Bowl - Los Angeles, CA Words/Photos/ by Justin If the King of Pop had not passed away Thursday afternoon, I would not have spent my Friday night in the presence of the Queen of Soul. Driving past the Hollywood Bowl on my way to work Friday morning, the name on the marquee seemed to stick out just a bit more. Aretha Franklin, the Queen of Soul, A living legend. Perhaps I should go I thought to ... Read More

Richard Cheese & Lounge Against The Machine Plaza Theater Orlando, Florida June 13, 2009 Words/Photos by Theronman714 I was first exposed to Richard Cheese when I saw the "NEW" Dawn of The Dead back in 2004. I heard this swanky, cheesy, Sinatra-esque song that sounded oddly familiar. It was in fact, Disturbed's "Down With The Sickness." I was hooked! I've included a link to Wikipedia which pretty much explains all of what Richard Cheese is about. His Myspace as well as Youtube will have music that you ... Read More

Lazarus AD, Unearth & Testament House Of Blues - West Hollywood, CA 06/11/09 Words/Photos By Justin (note, all photos taken with an iphone as House Of Blues does not allow cameras) Standing up against the bar alongside stage left inside Hollywood’s House Of Blues Thursday night, I was distracted from the on stage action by a young man who fit the exact description of a heavy metal stereotype:  A young Latino with long fluffy hair, black denim jeans, a faded leather jacket and 1980’s white high-top sneakers.  ... Read More

Street Sweeper Social Club/Nine Inch Nails/Jane's Addiction 06/07/09 Jones Beach Amphitheatre - Wantagh, NY Words/Photos By Melorocker When the announcement of a reunited jane's addiction, to tour this summer along with nine inch nails was made it  gave me chills and  brought back some old memories of my first jane concert back in 1990 at the garden in n.y.c.  this was a great show from start to finish.  opening the gig was tom morello and boots riley's  Side Street Social Club.  SSSC is a very hard and ... Read More

Peaches 06/06/09 Music Box @ Fonda - Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos By Justin Saturday Night on Hollywood Blvd. The smell of hobos, trash, bad perfume and bacon wrapped hot dogs. Sitting soaked in sweat, twittering about some random star upon the blvd, I just had to take a few moments to contemplate what had just happened. Wow, did that really all go down? Did I really consume that many chemicals? Did I really show up here with five beautiful women on my arm, only to be ... Read More

King's X 06/05/2009 Key Club - West Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin   It is a well known fact to musicians that King’s X are the Rodney Dangerfield of Rock & Roll. For 20+ years this three piece has toured the world bringing their muscular mix of metal, gospel, funk and blues to anyone willing to listen. From stealing the show Friday night at Woodstock ‘94 to playing every club/bar across the world King’s X always brings their A game when they take the stage. That’s ... Read More

Atmosphere w/ Brother Ali The Pageant - St. Louis, MO 05/21/09 Words/Photos/Videos by BeeZnutZ   I have been down with Rhymesayers Entertainment for about 5 years. My friend took me to the store to buy "God Loves Ugly" in 2003. I also believe he got Sage Francis "Sick of Waiting Tables" the same day. We rolled around St. Louis checking out graffiti throughout the city relaxing bumping this hip hop in his car. Hip Hop is a whole lifestyle and Atmosphere to me represents. I liked his ... Read More

Mandy Moore 05/26/09 Amoeba Music - Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos By Justin For years, I have had a crush on Mandy Moore. If my wife and I were to play that silly game where we made a list of those we are allowed to cheat on, she would be close to the top of that list. I mean lets be honest here, I went and saw License To Wed in theaters and it was not because of my fellow Bay Area native Robin Williams. So when ... Read More

Fleetwood Mac 05/21/09 HP Pavilion - San Jose, CA Words/Photos By Jhallead Video Found On YouTube  (click link in review) What an amazing show!  Even though we did not have the best seats in the world it was one of the best shows I have been to in a long time.  One of my favorite things about going to a concert is when the artists connect with their audience.  Lindsey came out and said "We are not here to sell a new album, we are ... Read More

LINKS w/ Misdelphia 05/20/09 Alterknit Lounge @ Knitting Factory - Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin Just nine short subway stops from the venue where the shocking conclusion of American Idol was held, two unknown bands were being judged by a much smaller, but just as important audience. As I walked into A&R Knight inside the Alterknit Lounge @ Knitting Factory Hollywood, I was greeted to the sounds of five young men who call themselves Misdelphia. Hailing from San Diego, I caught the last two songs ... Read More

Meat Puppets 05/11/09 Amoeba Music - Hollywood, CA Words/Photos/Videos by Justin (Editors Note - Per Amoeba Staff Members Videostaping for sharing was approved for this show.) With the milestone age of 30 weeks away for me, I was in high school when Nirvana introduced the world to Meat Puppets. During their now classic appearance on MTV Unplugged, the Arizona band performed three songs (only two song appeared on the original broadcast which our webmaster has on VHS) at the request of Cobain who couldn’t figure out ... Read More

May 2, 2009 My main problem with singer/songwriters is their live acts: if it don't rock my socks off, it's going to bore me to no end. The pretty songs that singer/songwriters produce, are more suitable for cozy nights in front of the fireplace rather than an evening in a smokey club, smelling the armpit of my too-close neighbor. After a couple of songs, you start feeling your feet getting tired, your back screaming in protest of having to arch in unusual ways ... Read More

MusiCares Salutes Anthony Kiedis Words/Red Carpet Photos By Justin Live Photos By Sylvrtail Club Nokia @ LA Live: 05/08/2009 Thanks to a friend, my wife and I were fortunate enough to attend the 2009 MusiCares Benefit honoring Red Hot Chili Peppers front man, Anthony Kiedis. MusiCares supports musicians trying to beat their addictions to drugs and or alcohol. With tickets for the benefit being rather expensive, we were very blessed to be able to witness an amazing night of music, even if one of my favorite ... Read More

Britney Spears (with The Pussycat Dolls) HP Pavillion - San Jose CA 04/12/09 Words/Photos by jhallead   First of all, my friend and I got screwed on the ticket price with the whole TicketNow thing.  We paid $150.00 per ticket for nosebleeders.  When we got to the show we had to use the bathroom so we snuck into the club level and then went to the bar.  When the Pussycat dolls came on we decided to look into the seats on the first 20 rows.  Since there ... Read More

 Katy Perry Goes to Dinah 2009/Photos/Review by Itookurphoto.  Earlier this month at Dinah Shore in Palm Springs, CA Katy Perry made a special appearance at the Club Skirts White Diamonds party (which I must say was a great move on Club Skirts' end because I don't think any other Dinah Shore White Party was quite like this one). I have to say, it was pretty awesome. It was nothing like what I expected, having seen some of her live performances on TV. I assumed ... Read More

Depeche Mode 04/23/09 Jimmy Kimmel Live (Hollywood/Vine - Hollywood, CA) Words/Photos by Poppers 620   So on Thursday, April 23 I got to finally see Depeche Mode. Not that they were a band I was dying to see, but one of those bands where I grew up listening to their music and knew all their songs, but didn’t want to necessarily pay to see them. So when my friend Adam called me saying he had snagged some of the free tix that Jimmy Kimmel Live was ... Read More

A Hometown “Idol” Experience Ameristar Casino, Kansas City April 22, 2009 Words/Photos By KC Music Gal For the past fifteen months, it’s been nearly impossible to escape the name David Cook in Kansas City. While David has been playing music in Kansas City for over five years, his “big break” occurred when he auditioned for American Idol last August in Omaha, Nebraska. The local Fox affiliate provided a quick interview with David and his brother Andrew prior to their Omaha audition and well, we all know ... Read More

How can you go wrong with a line-up consisting of Headliners DISTURBED with support from KILLSWITCH ENGAGE, LACUNA COIL and CHIMAIRA? well the economy ofcourse.  It was evident to see that at this venue all the mid to top level section were curtained off.  out of the possibilitiy of 15,000 thousand fans only 6,000 thousand attended this event.  in the grand scheme of things i dont care, i had a blast. everyband was in an above average top form. Chimaira seems to be another ... Read More

Prolific songwriter, Leonard Cohen, has been penning and performing music for over four decades. Saturday night at the Nokia Theatre in Downtown Los Angeles, he proved that, despite a fifteen-year hiatus from the live stage, his music not only holds up to the test of time, but transcends it to resonate with multiple generations of fans. Upon arriving at the sleek venue, it was difficult not to notice the diversity of the crowd in attendance. Patrons ranged from the predictable baby boomers, who ... Read More

This past Tuesday night, I headed to Club Nokia here in Los Angeles to check out the first annual Epiphone/Revolver Golden Gods Awards presented by Honda Fury. I met up with our contest winner Jeff (cool guy) and fellow talesfromthepit.net user Cheryl (a.k.a. Krazy For Korn/also very cool) to check out the whose who of heavy metal (the show even included a black carpet instead of the traditional red). Despite the fact that the winners list leaked on blabbermouth.net a few hours ... Read More

No Fear Energy Tour Featuring Municipal Waste/God Forbid/DevilDriver/Children Of Bodom & Lamb Of God: The Palladium - Hollywood, CA 04/03/09 (note - all links will send you to video footage of the show) There is nothing more shocking than showing up to a show in Los Angeles on Friday night at the early hour of 7:30pm only to discover that the main floor is operating at capacity and you are stuck in the very back of the already packed auditorium. How could this be I ... Read More

The Palladium - Hollywood, CA 03/28/09 Walking into the Hollywood Palladium just past 9pm on Saturday night, my heart was split 50/50. The left side had hope, the right side was full of natural fear. After all, this is LA and Suicidal Tendencies are about to throw down in their home town. I had high hopes for violence, mayhem, disorderly conduct, nudity, a bit more violence, a few beers and of course a few good tunes serving as a backdrop for a full ... Read More

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[gallery] taken from my response in the slipknot forum. "well i'm back from the concert and it was a real blast. i wished slipknot would have played more songs from AHIG. first things first. that emai about early entry for ot9 that was not being used at madison square garden was done in error. there was a ot9 yellow section for early entry and meet and greets. would you guys believe that i was the only one being escorted by ot9 for early entry. everybody was looking at me as ... Read More

Papa Roach delivered the goods on this anniversary show,  the second of two (california being the first show).  It was also guitarist JERRY HORTON' s birthday, though  the fans got all the presents in the form of 15 delectable papa songs. the show started with Days of War/Change or Die from their forthcomming METAMORPHOSIS and after that an-onslaght of classic, great papa songs made their way. Getting away, ...To be loved, Broken Home and many more.  I was happy that they played Time is running out and that Scars, a great song ... Read More