Rock of Aging Ep. 7: Your Hair Metal Starter Pack // 5 Essential 80s Metal Albums (Spandex Optional) (VIDEO)

Today's video is the seventh episode of "Rock of Aging." In this series, my co-host Erika and I are 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. Rock of Aging is your go-to spot for 80s metal and conversation! 

This month, we are offering up our picks for "Five Essential Hair Metal Albums to Start Your Collection." We each pick five (and two runners up) and offer up our reasons for why they must be included! These picks are a place to start, that's all.

NEW Hüsker Dü in 2025?! Surprise Announcement from Numero Group (VIDEO)

HUGE news this morning, folks. Legendary punk band Hüsker Dü has new music in 2025. Let me explain...

Today, the Numero Group (https://numerogroup.com/) announced that they are releasing a recently unearthed live recording of Hüsker Dü from January 1985 at First Avenue in Minneapolis. This is NOT an audience recording, it is a full 24-track recording intended for a live album from the band back in '85. The album was shelved, the band moved on, and most assumed the tapes were lost. 

The only real information Numero is divulging at this time is where and when the tracks were recorded. They have released a digital EP to the streamers with five songs. As for when the rest is coming or if this is just one of many unearthed live shows, we don't really know. There's no pre-order or anything at this time. They are selling a limited edition, 1985 tour t-shirt on their website. It's only being sold until July 8.

Of course, I listened to the five tracks. They're incredible. Can't wait for more.

My Night with Zepparella – Live Photos, Video & Review (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing a recent concert from the greatest Led Zeppelin tribute band I've ever seen, Zepparella. This San Francisco based band has been performing the songs of Zeppelin for 20 years and has earned a reputation as an amazing live band.

Of course, one thing that distinguishes Zepparella from any other Led Zep tribute is that they are all women. This was my second time seeing Zepparella, and I would have reviewed them last time, but I accidentally deleted all my footage before I could make the video. It took about two years, but I was finally able to rectify the situation.

These 6 Albums Are Getting Me Through 2025 // New Music (VIDEO)

Thanks for stopping by for the latest episode of The Dark Stuff. As always, I very much appreciate it. It's pretty much the exact middle of the year, so it seemed appropriate to offer up some of my favorite new releases to discuss. So far, 2025 has been a great year for new music, and it wasn't easy to narrow down this list to just six.

Rock of Aging Ep. 6: L.A. Guns LIVE Photos & Video 🤘🏻NEW Album Review 'Leopard Skin' (VIDEO)

Today's video is the sixth episode of "Rock of Aging." 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, Erika and I devote the entire episode to the legendary sleaze rockers, L.A. Guns. The band is a favorite for both of us, and we actually met each other at an L.A. Guns show a few years ago! In this episode, we talk about the entire history of the band, the newest record, and seeing the band live in 2025!

After telling our L.A. Guns "origin stories"  - we both somehow wound up on the band's tour bus in the early 90s - we review the band's newest album, Leopard Skin. Then we jump over to Barnato (a club in West Omaha) to review the concert. We have lots of great videos and photos from the "intimate" show.

If you're fan of L.A. Guns, you have chosen the right video to click on! Stay until the end for a special announcement regarding L.A. Guns' return to Omaha

New Superchunk, Live CAKE, Melvins + L.A. Guns | Music News & a Surprise Email! (VIDEO)

This episode begins with some awesome news. I got an email from Mike Watt thanking me for the video I made a few weeks ago. He also shared the video on his Facebook page.

Next, there's new music from Superchunk and Juniper! You may remember that Juniper's album, 'She Steals Candy,' was my Number One of 2023. Well, when Juniper, herself, left home for college, it looked like that was the end of the band. However, there is, at least, one more song! Juniper covers Rick Springfield's "I've Done Everything For You." The new song can be found on a new Rick Springfield tribute album. 

Caught the long running San Francisco band, Cake, the other night at The Astro. I review that show; and touch on recent shows from L.A. Guns, Melvins, and Violenteer.

I have covered the band Violenteer in the past. I caught a different version of the band recently at a free show at O'Leaver's. They altered the band's name to Violin/tier, and had a guest vocalist (and maybe a new drummer?). It was cool. The "new" drummer is actually from a great local band called Pagan Athletes. That drummer also sang and played guitar in the opening band called Titus Groaners. Had never seen them before, but loved the brief set.

Lastly, I give a plug to my other channel Rock N Roll Book Club and tell you that the newest episode is about the Ione Skye memoir, "Say Everything."

LIVE REVIEW: Melvins / Napalm Death / Hard-Ons (Video, Photos) / Sorry Steve McDonald! (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing a recent show from the "Savage Imperial Death March Part II Tour" featuring Napalm Death and Melvins. Also on the bill was Australian punkers, Hard-Ons. Singing for the band was Jerry A from Poison Idea.

NOTE: In the video, I kept saying Jeff McDonald when I meant to say Steve McDonald. I did it many times, and I'm embarrassed about each one -- especially because I talked with Steve for a few minutes before the show, and he was the greatest guy.

Anyhoo...while walking to the club, I noticed Steve McDonald (Melvins, Redd Kross) sitting on a bench about a half a block from the venue. I did a quick doubletake while walking past to confirm it was him. It was. Honestly, friends, I am huge Melvins fan. But I am a MUCH bigger fan of Redd Kross, if I'm being totally honest. That's probably why I got all tongue tied when we were talking. I was legit nervous.

Our conversation ended as Hard-Ons took the stage. I missed a little of the set while standing in line, but caught most of it.

Melvins' set was amazing, though a bit too short for my taste. I wanted more! The band featured two drummers this time around. It was so intense.

Legendary grindcore/death metal band, Napalm Death, closed the show. This band was definitely something of a curiosity for me. I had an "extreme metal" phase in the early 90s; but even then, Napalm Death seemed a little too much for me. Having said that, I actually enjoyed their set.

NEW Peter Criss Album? (KISS) / Nada Surf LIVE / One More RSD Score! (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. 

This episode begins with a review of a recent concert from Nada Surf. I've seen this legendary indie band many times over the years, and I have loved it every time! Their set was a mix of songs from the newest album, Moon Mirror, along with a healthy dose of Nada Surf's many classics like "Killian's Red" "Blonde On Blonde" and the 90s hit, "Popular." The show was opened by The Cle Elum.

Originally, I was going to include a review of the Julien Baker & TORRES show at The Admiral. But the entire tour was canceled at the last minute due to health concerns with Julien. Therefore, no review. Sad emoji.

Happy to have a little bit of KISS news to share. Original drummer, Peter Criss, has just announced that he will be releasing a new "rock" record this year - in 2025. This will be his first new album in nearly 20 years. Is The Catman really back?? We'll find out soon enough.

I was able to get a copy of the only Record Store Day 2025 title that had eluded me, and I snagged some cheap CDs, as well.

 

Rock of Aging Ep 5: 80s Metal in 2025: Seeing Warrant, BulletBoys, Trixter, Pretty Boy Floyd LIVE 🤘🏻(VIDEO)

Today's video is the fifth episode of "Rock of Aging." 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, Erika and I hit road to see some classic 80s metal bands. First up, we hit the "Spirit of 1989" tour which featured Trixter, Enuff Z'nuff, Pretty Boy Floyd, and Christian Shields. Less than a week later, we caught the "Let The Good Times Rock" tour featuring Warrant and Bulletboys. A good time was had by all. 

In this video we attempt to discover:

Can BulletBoys lead singer, Marq Torien, still fit into the same pants he wore in 1988?

Which lead guitarist hit on Erika at the Spirit of 1989 tour?

What were you doing the first time you heard "Uncle Tom's Cabin" by Warrant? 

Are those Tommy John elbow socks being worn by Steve Summers of Pretty Boy Floyd?

Who the heck is in Enuff Z'nuff these days?

Where the heck was Warrant's Jerry Dixon?

We learn all this and much more!

 

BRIGHT EYES & CURSIVE Live at The Astro! Review / Live Clips & Photos (VIDEO)

This week's video is my review of the recent Bright Eyes and Cursive show at The Astro Theater. I've seen both of these bands, individually, many times over the years -- but never on the same bill. The two bands were wrapping up their tour together with a show in their joint hometown of Omaha.

The history of these two bands dates back to the mid 90s; that history was on display as each band joined the other onstage for some very special performances.

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.