I Finally Crossed Joe Jackson Off My Bucket List! My Review + My (Incomplete) Collection (VIDEO)

This week, I crossed one off the ol' bucket list!  For years, seeing Joe Jackson live was one of those concerts I hoped would happen someday. After decades of listening to albums like Look Sharp!, I'm the Man, Night and Day, and so many others, I finally got the chance to see Joe Jackson in concert.

This was Jackson's first ever performance in Omaha. In this video, I share my thoughts on the show, the setlist, the atmosphere, and whether the experience lived up to all those years of anticipation. Did Joe Jackson still deliver? Was it worth the wait?

If you're a longtime Joe Jackson fan—or just curious about what his concerts are like today—join me as I look back on a truly memorable night.

WEIRD NIGHTMARE at Turf Club in St. Paul, MN 5/27/26

 

Alex Edkins of Weird Nightmare

Weird Nightmare at Turf Club, St. Paul, MN 5/27/26

TWO SHOWS - ONE NIGHT: Ratboys & VIAL // Live Music // Punk Rock / Indie Rock

Hey everyone, and welcome to the new video. This week, I was faced with a real dilemma. There were two excellent concerts that I wanted to see; but seeing as they were both happening at the same time, I was not optimistic that I could see both. But, as the saying goes, where there's a will, there's a way...

Ratboys, the indie rock band from Chicago, was playing at Waiting Room along with Villagerrr from Ohio.

Around the corner, at Reverb, Minneapolis punk rockers, VIAL, were playing along with Alex Vile and Social Cinema.

I had been wanting to see VIAL for about a year because I missed their last appearance in town. I last caught Ratboys in 2023, and really loved the show. Plus, the new record is great.

I managed to see "most" of both shows thanks to some beneficial timing. Every band I saw was excellent, and worth seeing again. It was a fantastic night!

2025 Concert Recap: 60 Artists, 3 States, 1 Unforgettable Year (VIDEO)

This week, I am recapping my year in live music. I took photos and/or video of (almost) every show I saw this year. Over 60 different artists!

EXTC: Go 2 Omaha // Live at Reverb Lounge //Terry Chambers (XTC) and Friends (VIDEO)

 This week, I am reviewing a recent show from EXTC, the band featuring original XTC drummer, Terry Chambers. Since XTC stopped performing live in 1982, this is about the only way to hear XTC music performed in a live setting.

Terry Chambers formed this band a few years ago, and obtained permission from XTC's Andy Partridge to use the name. Hearing songs like "Making Plans For Nigel," "Life Begins at the Hop" and "This Is Pop" in a live setting was so fun! I never thought I'd hear these songs in any way other than the studio albums. This is a must-see show for any fan of XTC.

Opening the show was Omaha dream pop/shoegaze band, Minne Lussa.

Tom Keifer Band and L.A. Guns at Steelhouse in Omaha September 26, 2020 (PHOTOS & VIDEO)

Caught Tom Keifer Band (Cinderella) for the second time last night at Steelhouse in Omaha. Opening the show was L.A. Guns. This same double played here two years ago (here's the video I made about it: https://youtu.be/S-5XWBPHvbA?si=bmptxPPgoBiltgPh).

This marked the third time I had seen L.A. Guns in the last two years. We did a special episode on the band on Rock of Aging: https://youtu.be/wY2b1X2gTkE?si=Fui5c-xyE7F-QADV.

Tom Keifer Band at Steelhouse, Omaha, NE 9/26/25

Here's a quick video of Tom Keifer Band.

Sirius XM's Eddie Trunk hosted the show

L.A. Guns at Steelhouse, Omaha, NE 9/26/25 (Phil Lewis may or may not be wearing a pirate hat)

Tom Keifer Band

ALICE COOPER LIVE at THE ORPHEUM: Review, Photos, Videos / NITA STRAUSS (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing Alice Cooper live at The Orpheum in Omaha from 8/27/25. Believe it or not, despite being a lifelong metal and hard rock fan, I had never seen Alice in concert before.

Well, for a first Alice Cooper show, I could not have enjoyed it more! The production was great, the band was tight, and Alice was in amazing form. The set included songs from the 70s, 80s, 90s and beyond.

Alice Cooper is 77. It is unbelievable how great he sounded and how much energy he had!

Old Guy at the Punk Show? My SCOWL Live Recap and Review (VIDEO)

 

This week, I am reviewing a recent concert from Santa Cruz, CA punk band, SCOWL. I titled the video, "Old Guy at the Punk Show" because that's how I felt at first. But I've been going to punk shows since the 80s, and it has been a long time since I WASN'T the old guy at the show. I'm good with it. Basically.

Had no idea there were three bands, so unfortunately, I missed Lead Spirit. I believe they are from Omaha. The second band, Glixen, is from Phoenix, and they play a slow, dark, brooding,  mix of metal and shoegaze. The band was really cool, but I just couldn't hear the vocals. I think that was intentional; it was an element to their sound. But, maybe, bump it up from one to two or something. I really wanted to hear it.

SCOWL was next. I will say this about seeing a show with three, young punk bands...the sets are pretty short. The show started at 8:00, and Scowl was onstage by 9:30. When you're older you pay attention to stuff like that. 

However, when Scowl finished, I wanted a lot more. This was a great show. The live versions of the songs are even more intense than the studio tracks.

WAXAHATCHEE Live at Maha Music Festival, Omaha, NE 8/2/25

Katie Crutchfield of Waxahatchee at Maha Music Festival in Omaha NE 8/2/25

 

PIXIES Live at Maha Music Festiva, Omaha, NE 8/2/25 (PHOTOS)

Pixies closed out the Maha Music Festival in Omaha, NE on August 2, 2025

Black Francis of Pixies at Maha Festival

Joey Santiago of Pixies at Maha Festival

Emma Richardson of Pixies at Maha Festival

Pixies at Maha Music Festival, Omaha, NE 8/2/25

My Road Trip to see DEEP SEA DIVER Live in Des Moines!! Show of the Year?! (VIDEO)

This week, I take you on a road trip to see one of my favorite bands of the last decade or so, Deep Sea Diver.  My friend, Joi, and I drove to Des Moines, Iowa so I could FINALLY see this band!

The show was at xBk live in Des Moines, a cool little club that probably holds about 250-300 people (just a guess). Opening the concert was Meernaa, who played a solo electric set. 

Then it was time to see Deep Sea Diver. To say I loved the show would be an understatement. I was pretty much glued to the front of the stage the entire time. The only negative of the night...having to drive two hours home.

I Just Saw Built To Spill for the 23rd Time!! (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing my 23rd Built To Spill concert. Obviously, they are among my all-time favorites. This time around, Built to Spill was performing at Waiting Room on a Sunday night. Weezer was playing 20 minutes away at the casino, but it was a no-brainer as to which show I'd be attending!

The first opening band, that unfortunately missed, was called YAE. 

The second opener, Playdead, was amazing. The band features Scott Schmaljohn, former guitarist/vocalist for Treepeople. Doug Martsch was also in Treepeople prior to forming Built To Spill back in 1993. I had no idea that he was still making music, and am glad I found out. 

LIVE! LIVE! LIVE! Concert Reviews of John Garcia (Kyuss)/Fishbone/Zepparella/Head of Femur & more (VIDEO)

This week, I am reviewing some concerts I've seen over the last month or so:

John Garcia (ex-Kyuss), Telekinetic Yeti, Violenteer at Slowdown, July 11, 2025

Fishbone at Waiting Room, July 1, 2025

Zepparella, Bad Bad Men at Waiting Room, June 20, 2025

Head of Femur, Minne Lusa, Heavy Clippings at Reverb Lounge, June 13, 2025

Clayton Ryan, Molly Brandt at Reverb Lounge, June 8, 2025

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.

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.

 

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!

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!