BRIGHT EYES and CURSIVE at The Astro, Omaha, NE 4/27/25 (PHOTOS)

It was a bit of an old school Omaha rock scene reunion on April 27 at The Astro as old buddies Bright Eyes and Cursive ended their joint tour with a hometown show.

 

Cursive played an amzing set; it was actually better than when I saw them a few months ago at Waiting Room. Back then, the band did two nights and each night they performed a separate album in its entirety. This set was more career inclusive. Everything from "Shallow Means, Deep Ends" to songs from the band's most recent, Devourer.

Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes joined Cursive on stage

Conor joined Cursive on stage toward the end of the set for a song dubbed, "Recluse I Don't Have To Love." This was something of a mash-up of Cursive's "The Recluse" and Bright Eyes' "Lover I Don't Have To Love." It was really cool.

Conor Obert and Bright Eyes played a rousing, over 2 hour set at The Astro

The last time I saw Bright Eyes in Omaha it was also the last night of the tour (which makes sense considering the band is based here), but Conor was in rough shape that time. His arm was in a sling, and his voice was shot. This time, however, he was in amazing form -- the voice was great, he seemed in good spirits, and the band was tight. Very glad to see Conor back in action.

Tim Kasher of Cursive joins Bright Eyes on stage

I really appreciated the set list from Bright Eyes. Of course, he played cuts from the newest album, Five Dice, All Threes. But I loved the inclusion of songs from Cassadega and Digital Ash in a Digital Urn as well as the usual classics like "First Day of My Life." 

At the end of the show, members of Cursive joined Bright Eyes on stage. Cursive's Ted Stevens led the band in a version of Lullaby For the Working Class's "Hypnotist." Stevens and Mike Mogis of Bright Eyes were both Lullaby members. It was quite night for old school Nebraska indie fans!

Bob Mould & Mike Watt: Seeing Two Legends In the Same Week! LIVE Review (Clips, Photos) (VIDEO)

Friends, this video was a joy to make. I was able to see two of my musical idols in one week! I saw Bob Mould (Hüsker Dü, Sugar) and Mike Watt (Minutemen, fIREHOSE, The Stooges, Prono For Pyros).

I've been into the music of these two since I first heard them in the late 80s. I missed out on Hüsker Dü and Minutemen, but was absolutely there for Bob's solo career and for Sugar. With Watt, I saw fIREHOSE at least a dozen times, caught his first solo band with Dave Grohl and Eddie Vedder back in 1995, saw him in Banyan, and probably ten other bands, as well. I've had the good fortune to chat with both of them a couple of times over the years.

With this video, I wanted to discuss the shared history of Mould and Watt. Their friendship dates back to 1981. I also wanted to discuss the newest albums featuring both men - Bob's 'Here We Go Crazy' and MSSV's 'On and On.'

I then review both shows: Bob Mould Band on April 14 and MSSV on April 21. Two legends, one week. I hope you dig this big crux!

RSD 2025 / Bob Dylan LIVE / NEW The Replacements & KISS / Rant About "No Phone" Shows + more (VIDEO)

Welcome to the newest edition of "This Year's Week" -- my wrap-up video of everything happening in the world of The Dark Stuff.

There's new music from KISS, The Replacements, and members of The Bangles to discuss, as well as some recent concerts from Bob Dylan and The Spirit of 1989 "hair metal" tour featuring Trixter, Enuff Z'Nuff, and Pretty Boy Floyd. This week gave us Record Store Day, and naturally, I had to partake.

I also have a rant about "no phone" shows and this month's playlist.

BOB MOULD Live at Waiting Room, Omaha, NE 4/14/25 (PHOTOS)

Bob Mould Band & Craig Finn at Waiting Room

Bob Mould returned to Omaha last night, April 14, in support of his newest solo album, Here We Go Crazy. I've been a fan of Mould's music (Hüsker Dü, Sugar, and solo) since the late 1980s, and even named my radio show - New Day Rising - after the Hüsker Dü song and album. Obviously, there was no way I was going to miss this show.

The show was incredible, and featured a number of songs from the new album. He also played at least six Hüsker Dü songs, by my count.

Bob's band: Jason Narducy on bass, and Jon Wurster on drums

In his 60s, Mould still has the same intensity he did 30 years ago

Another amazing concert from Bob Mould. To me, the song of the night was "Hate Paper Doll." It was so unexpected!

WARRANT, BULLETBOYS, STRETCH Live at The Astro, Omaha, NE 4/12/25 (PHOTOS)

Warrant at The Astro 4/12/25

Hit The Astro once again for the recent Warrant/Bulletboys concert. I had some history with both of these bands back in the 80s, but I hadn't seen or heard much from either band since that time. I was curious who was still in each of the bands. Obviously, the late frontman for Warrant, Jani Lane, would not be there. But who actually would be?

Stretch opened the show

The first band, Stretch, features the owner of Grinder's in Kansas City, and he has appeared on the Food Network many times. (Hat tip to my Rock of Aging co-host Erika for actually knowing that!).

Marq Torien and Bulletboys played next

Bulletboys was up next. Though my fandom of this band was more shortlived than with Warrant, I thought Bulletboys put on a better show on this night. I didn't realize Marq played guitar (I had only seen him as the singer in the old videos), and that he was actually quite good. Before the band started, he was noodling some Van Halen and it sounded great.

During the set, BB also played "Everybody Wants Some!" by Van Halen. I remember a time in the late 80s when the knock on Bulletboys was that they ripped off Van Halen...

Just as I was warming up to the band, and feeling pretty positive about them, Torrien ruined it by saying, "Fuck Joe Biden." Dude, bad move. Keep your politics to yourself. No one cares what you think. And note, Nebraska may be a "red" state, but Omaha went solidly for Harris in '24 and Biden in '20. Read the room.

Warrant was the headliner, and they opened with one of their best known songs, "Down Boys." The band played a decent set, though it lacked some of the enthusiasm of Bulletboys.

Lead singer of Warrant, Robert Mason

Warrant still features Joey Allen and Erik Turner on guitar, and Steven Sweet on drums. For some reason, bassist Jerry Dixon was not there. He was featured in the show advertisements, but Robbie Crane was playing bass on this evening.

The show closed with Bulletboys joining Warrant on stage for "Cherry Pie." The crowd loved it, and it finally got them on their feet after a night of mostly sitting.

Rock of Aging Ep. 4: BON JOVI Before the Breakthrough: '7800° Fahrenheit' at 40 (VIDEO)

Today's video is the fourth episode of the "Rock of Aging" series. In this series, my co-host Erika and I will be exploring the depths of our "hair metal" past as well as trying to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades. It's your new, go-to spot for 80s metal news and conversation!

This month, we do a "deep dive" into Bon Jovi's second album, 7800° Fahrenheit. The album came out 40 years ago this month, and is a divisive record in the band's celebrated catalog. Jon Bon Jovi himself doesn't care for it, but the album remains a fan favorite. 

Erika and I offer up our "origin story" as to how we initially heard the record and became fans. Then, we go track by track through the album and give our thoughts on each one! How does the album hold up after 40 years? Why is this album generally ignored by the band during its live shows? Is it bad? Is it underrated? Overrated? What do you think?

Spirit of 1989 Tour (Trixter, Enuff Z'Nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd) at Bushwackers April 6, 2025 (PHOTO)

Bushwackers in Ralston, Nebraska

Hit Bushwackers for the first time ever last Sunday night to see what was billed as "The Spirit of 1989" tour featuring 80s rockers Trixter, Enuff Z'Nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd, and newcomer, Christian Shields.

Christian Shields

Opening the show was Christian Shields. The Austin, Texas rocker may not have been alive during the 80s, but he certainly knows how to rock out as though he was. I got a strong Paul Stanley vibe from his between song banter and his stage presence.

Steve Summers of Pretty Boy Floyd

My love of hair metal began to wane around 1988. I loved most of the records that came out before then, and cared very little about the ones that came after. So, for me, by the time Pretty Boy Floyd's debut album, Leather Boyz with Electric Boyz, was released in 1989, I paid little to no attention. This was actually my first time hearing or seeing the band. In my opinion, PBF was the real crowd favorite. There was more enthusiasm during their set than for any of the other bands that night. Singer Steve Summers' voice still sounded great.

Enuff Z'Nuff

My personal favorite band of the night was Enuff Z'Nuff. These Chicago power-poppers have always seemed more like Cheap Trick than Motley Crue. The band burned through many of their best known songs like "New Thing" and "Fly High Michelle," as well as a number of Paul McCartney & Wings songs such as "Live and Let Die."

Chip Z'Nuff

After the Enuff Z'Nuff set, my ears were ringing to such a degree that I had to bail out. I don't wear earplugs generally (don't @ me, I know it's bad), and it's rarely a problem. But wow was it ever a problem that night.

So, I had to miss Trixter's set. I heard it was good, but I am not able to attest to that firsthand. However, my partner in crime on the "Rock of Aging" show has photos and video. We will be doing a full review on the next video.

Here is a link to the Rock of Aging videos: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLyHjhVnQ2P3y6FAhuJ6JZ-lScX5WpL4td&si=8ZFwhe5haYowh--h

Rock of Aging Ep. 3: Unsung 80s "Hair Metal" Greats (VIDEO)

This month's video is the third episode of the "Rock of Aging" series. In this series, my co-host Erika and I will be exploring the depths of our "hair metal" past as well as trying to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades. It's your new, go-to spot for 80s metal news and conversation!

In this month's episode, we begin with a little bit of news on the solo band tour from Gene Simmons of KISS. Is this something you are planning to attend? Why? Why not?

After the news, we immediately jump - head first - into our selections for best, underappreciated or unknown 80s metal bands. These are hardly the only ones we could have chosen. I'm guessing we'll be revisiting this subject again...

In this episode, we talk about Electric Boys, Lillian Axe, Kix, Bonham, Rock City Angels, and Black 'N Blue.

Do you have any recommendations for "lost" or "unsung" 80s metal bands you'd like us to check out? Leave them in the comments!

NIGHT RANGER Live at The Astro! Review / Live Clips & Photos (VIDEO)

 

This week, I am reviewing a recent concert from 80s hard rockers, Night Ranger. I loved these guys as a kid, and bought many of their albums back then. 

I initially learned of the band due to Brad Gillis being a former guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne. In fact, the first time I ever saw Ozzy in concert (on TV anyway), Brad was the guitarist!

But it has been a long time since I listened to a Night Ranger record, if I'm being totally honest. I got the opportunity to see the band at The Astro Theater in La Vista (basically Omaha), Nebraska, and I jumped at the chance. I brought along my seven year old nephew who was witnessing his first ever concert.

I had a surprisingly fun and nostalgic evening. I guess you can still rock in America.

NIGHT RANGER Live at The Astro, La Vista, NE 3/1/25 (PHOTOS)

Night Ranger at The Astro 3/1/25

Brad Gillis of Night Ranger

Jack Blades of Night Ranger

Kelly Keagy of Night Ranger

Record Store Day 2025 / Bangles Book / Real Estate LIVE / NEW Music Releases (VIDEO)

It's been a more brutal than usual winter here in Omaha, so I've been a bit of a hermit lately. If it can't be done indoors, it ain't getting done!

In this edition of my all-purpose, wrap-up  series, I talk a little about the choices for this Spring's Record Store Day, and how The Replacements fit into it all. I review a recent show from New Jersey indie rockers, Real Estate. The new Bangles book is out! I offer up some details on the book as well as some relevant updates from ‪Rock N Roll Book Club‬.

Lastly, I have a few excellent new releases to discuss.

Rock of Aging Episode 2: Our "Alternate Big 4" of Hair Metal / 80s Metal (VIDEO)

Today's video is the second episode of the "Rock of Aging" series. In this series, my co-host Erika and I will be exploring the depths of our "hair metal" past as well as trying to discover what it is about the music of that era that has kept us captivated for decades.

In this month's episode, Erika and I offer up our selections for an "alternate" Big 4 of 80s metal. Most people associate the "Big 4" to mean the biggest, most successful thrash metal bands of the 1980s: Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax, and Slayer. But that leaves a lot of amazing bands from the 80s out in the cold.

Naturally, Googe A.I. had something to say on the subject, and offered up the following as the "Big 4 of Hair Metal": Motley Crue, Bon Jovi, Posion, and Ratt. But Google didn't exist in the 80s, and Erika and I did, so our opinions are clearly more relevant. So, we have made our own alternate "Big 4" of the 80s.

Before we get to our choices, we both present some news items from our 80s metal favorites.

Dark Stuff Playlist February 2025 (Apple Music and Spotify)

 

 

February is my birthday month, so my playlist took a bit longer than usual to create. I don't know how it correlates, but i thought that sounded like a reasonable rationale for the lateness of this month's playlist.

I open it up this month with a deep cut from Billy Idol's debut, and immediately jump into Belly's exquisite cover of Hendrix's "Are You Experienced?" The Breeders, Conor Oberst, Styx, The Feelies, St. Vincent, AC/DC, Alice Cooper, Band of Horses, and more follow. 

Listen until the end for Luna's "Fuzzy Wuzzy." You're welcome.

If you use Spotify, you can find the playlist here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2nZXQyIr5ZZNRwzz1T2082?si=a2hwHMGPRrG42hGjerkwLg&pi=bOTLi8jUT3288

My Roadtrip to see Vicki & Debbi of The Bangles / Belly / Letters To Cleo / Silversun Pickups (VIDEO and PHOTOS)

This is my vlog or whatever of my roadtrip to see Vicki & Debbi Peterson of The Bangles. THE BANGLES!! Are you effing kidding me?! Wow! This was a fun weekend, my friends.

I drove seven hours to Wisconsin to see one night of the Freezing Man Festival in Madison. This festival is four day event that raises money for Joey's Song (https://www.joeyssong.org/) which is a non-profit that is trying to raise awareness and find a cure for kids with epilepsy.

Honestly, I had no idea about the organization, the venue, the festival...nothing. All I knew was that 2/3 of The Bangles were playing together, and I needed to be there! As a nice bonus, Belly, Letters to Cleo, and Silversun Pickups were also on the bill. I can now cross Belly off my bucket list.

Despite the long drives, this was a great weekend. I hope you enjoy the video and the photos below.

Belly played first

Tanya Donelly of Belly

Letters To Cleo played second

Gail and Tanya of Belly and Vicki Peterson (Bangles) joined LTC on stage

Debbi & Vicki Peterson and Friends

Debbi (left) and Vicki Peterson of The Bangles along with Tanya Donelly

My "Beef" with Jason Isbell / What Counts as "Fair Use" in 2025? / Music & Concert News (VIDEO)

I needed to drop a quick "This Years Week" before I get overwhelmed with a bunch of upcoming projects. First on the docket is that I have removed all my shorts. I got a copyright strike/takedown "request" from Jason Isbell over a short I posted last May. It was a :51 clip of Isbell performing in Omaha. I've had dozens of similar shorts on my channel for years, and never had anything like this happen before. The "request" said that if I deleted the video from YouTube within seven days, I would not receive a copyright strike. I took it down, as I did not want a strike on my channel. Three of those and you're OUT...of YouTube.

I'm pissed at Isbell for doing this, but I went to Stanford University's website on the issue of fair use, and did a little research. After doing so, I have come to the conclusion that the shorts weren't exactly fair use. It was :51 seconds of Isbell performing, and I added nothing of substance to the video. I still think it's bullshit, and I would gladly give the entire eight cents or so the video earned to Mr. Isbell, but there's little point in going scorched earth over a short.