What do you do after your album called “Aaron’s Party (Come Get It)” sells more than 1.5 million copies in the United States back in 2000? You throw an after party thirteen years later! That’s exactly the vibe in Rams Head On Stage in Annapolis, MD when Aaron Carter came to town for his After Party Tour. The sold out venue was full of young women who back in their preteen years loved the young star and still support the heartthrob. Aaron Carter drove his fans crazy with his dance moves while performing his old hits and a few new tunes not yet released.
Aaron Carter makes his tour all about his fans. He spends most of his performance interacting with the crowd by inviting many girls on stage for pictures on his iPhone, serenading them, and even leaving the stage to go up to the fans in the back of the intimate venue. During his performance, Aaron and his backup dancers take photos with the whole crowd and he posts them on his social media sites. He also offered a meet and greet at the end of the show, giving everyone an equal chance to meet and flirt with him. Oh, and he flirts back. 😉
In its third year, Carolina Rebellion is coming at you bigger and better than EVER! Expanding into a two day long festival this years headliners include, Soundgarden, Alice in chains, The Deftones, Rise Against, Limp Bizkit alongside 27 others. Sunday night headliner Soundgarden is on tour this summer celebrating the release of the latest album King Animal. As well as Alice in Chains; dropping their second album with singer William DuVall, “The Devil Put Dinosaurs Here” is set to hit record stores in early May. These two legends of the grunge world team up to bring two hard hitting days of rock and roll.
“After wrapping up our last U.S. tour, we were planning on recharging our batteries for awhile, but we couldn’t pass up the opportunity to play with the mighty Soundgarden in what will be one of the only shows we’ll play in the U.S. this year,” says Tim Mcllrath of Rise Against.”
Last year Carolina Rebellion brought you Korn feat. Brian “Head” Walsh, Shinedown, Evenesence, Slash and Five Finger Death Punch (images below.) This is one of the largest most anticipated festivals in the US alongside it’s counterpart, Rock on the Range and this year we are looking forward to a bigger, louder Carolina Rebellion! For more information and ticket sales, check them out online at www.carolinarebellion.com or “Like” their Facebook page, www.facebook.com/carolinarebellion, See you there rebels!
Since the release of their debut album in july of 2010, Black Veil Brideshave seen much success, participating in, Wapred Tour, Download Festival and Bamboozle in their first year. Since then they have only gotten bigger, better and stronger. I have seen these guys a couple times in the past, mostly on warped tour, while I don’t get into their music too much, I love watching these guys perform.
Andy Biersack has and in your face attitude, he spends most of his time running around the stage running into his bandmates to stop and sing along. CC is another force on the stage, one of his favorite on stage antics is to poke, prod and make faces at everyone in the crowd. These guys know what they are doing to get everyone into their set. This place was packed to the brim with little look-alikes, dressed in black with eccentric make up and everything! This is such a hard working group of guys and I am excited to see what progress they make in the near future.
I have seen these guys a couple times within the past year, and theylooked and sounded like a new band, this time they seem to have grown up. Their sound has greatly matured, as well as their stage presence. Front man, Adrian Patrick has a take no prisoners attitude leaving everything he has out on the stage. The progress these guys have made in just a matter of months is incredible and I’m excited to them this summer in a big festival setting.
Papa Roach
Papa Roach is one of those bands I love seeing live, they sound phenomenal and they always put on agreat show. Jacoby Shaddix is a spectacle on his own, he is all over the stage, jumping on the risers, into the crowd and onto the balconies if he can manage it.
On their date in Bethlehem PA, Papa Roach had an hour and a half co-headliner’s time slot. They came on with one of their newer songs, “Still Swingin” followed by an old favorite, “Blood Brothers.” This was a great show for fans, the kick off show for this tour, but it happen to fall on the same day as the AFC championships, Ravens vs Patriots, and Shaddix had no hesitation announcing who he was routing for. RAVENS BABY! They are on tour all summer, with escape the fate, and other wise, they will also be at Rock on the Range in Columbus OH, and Carolina Rebellion in Charlotte NC.
Stone Sour
These guys were the biggest reason why I wanted to come to this show, I have never seen Stone Sour before and this past summer was the first time I saw Slipknot. After seeing one side of Corey, I was excited to see the other side. It’s good to see these guys touring and coming out with some new material with, House of Gold & Bones pt. 1 & 2 coming later in April. While they were on point musically I was expecting something a little more theatrical. Don’t get me wrong, I loved them live, but I also though being a headliner, they would have some flashy elements.
Corey is a force to be reckoned with, he is such a strong vocalist and has a stage presence that absolutely humbling. He was constantly at the top of the stage interacting, getting the crowd involved with the set. These guys love what they do, and I can’t wait until they come around again.
As the lights dimmed, the sold out crowd roared with excitement for Imagine Dragons to take the stage. One of the only lights on in the venue was where the band was prepping to step on stage within the next few moments. Fans to the right of the stage could see the band huddled together taking part in their pre-show routine. Then as band members took the stage in nearly pitch blackness, the roaring of the crowd got louder and louder. The stage was set with a circular screen in the back which would later display the band’s name as well as videos. Lights hung from tree-like decorations, and of course, one of the two giant drums, that are key elements in Imagine Dragon’s music, was center stage. Lead singer Dan Reynolds took the stage, grabbed his microphone and percussion mallet. As the venue filled with lights streaming from the stage, their 60 minute set began. Each member of Imagine Dragons brought a high level of energy, especially Dan who jumped, danced, and beat on an array of drums. Dan Reynolds (vocals, drums), Ben McKee (bass, backing vocals), Wayne Sermon (guitar, backing vocals), and Daniel Platzman (drums, backing vocals) are Imagine Dragons. Their set contained hits from their recent studio album “Night Visions” which is also their tour title.
Imagine Dragons setlist:
Intro
Round & Round
Amsterdam
Tip Toe
Hear Me
Cha-Ching
Rocks
Radioactive
30 Lives
Bleeding Out
Demons
Underdog
On Top Of The World
It’s Time
Nothing Left To Say (Encore)
One of the greatest things to witness in the music industry is the rapid success of a band. When Atlas Genius was in Baltimore back in October it was as if they were introducing themselves and their music to the majority of the crowd. But just four months later, the crowd knows Atlas Genius and the lyrics to their songs. Fans screamed things like “Keith, I love you!” and “This is awesome!” during their set. There is no doubting that this Australian indie rock band is becoming very popular in the United States. The members of Atlas Genius took the stage looking very dapper in suits. Lead singer Keith Jeffery interacted with fans frequently throughout the set. Towards the end, Keith drove the fans crazy when he jumped down into the pit and leaned into the crowd with his guitar. Atlas Genius’ set contained hits from their first studio album “When It Was Now” which had just been released three days earlier. After the show, Atlas Genius was swarmed by fans at their meet and greet.
Atlas Genius setlist:
Symptoms
On A Day
All These Girls
If So
Centered On You
Back Seat
Don’t Make A Scene
Electric
Through The Glass
Trojans
American alternative rock band Nico Vega opened the show with a performance of high energy. Like Imagine Dragons, this band had an array of percussion instruments on stage. Aja Volkman (vocals), Rich Koehler (guitar), Dan Epand (drums), and Jamila Weaver (bass) comprise Nico Vega. Lead singer Aja started their set by sitting down at the drums, starting a beat, and singing into the microphone. Those not familiar with the band were fooled into thinking she was the drummer and were surprised when Dan took the drum throne, and Aja took center stage. Aja’s singing voice is unique and powerful; it very much resembles a spiky Janis Joplin. On stage were two 55 gallon closed top steel drums on which Aja stood while singing. Painted on the steel drums was the band’s name among drawings of ghost-like creatures. Nico Vega’s set list contained songs from their recent EP “Fury Oh Fury” including “Beast,” “Lightning,” and more!
Australian native indie rock band Atlas Genius has returned to the states for their “When It Was Now” tour! The tour is titled after their debut LP which is set to be released on February 19th. Brothers Keith Jeffery (vocalist/guitarist) and Michael Jeffery (drummer) are Atlas Genius. When I met the band back in October in Baltimore during their tour with Silversun Pickups, Keith and Michael were very humble, and their live set was riveting. I can not wait to see their set on February 22nd at The Fillmore in Silver Spring as they tour with Imagine Dragons. Atlas Genius often takes a photo of the crowd during their set and posts it on their Facebook page. So make sure that when you see them you get up front and show them lots of love!
Their recent single “If So” is currently available for your listening pleasure. Atlas Genius told Rolling Stone in an interview that this song was inspired by the band’s fascination with the lifestyle and environment of nightclubs.
You don’t want to miss out on seeing this band live! Check out their current tour dates below:
Acaro is an up and coming metal band, and easily one of the biggest surprises of the night. As soon as they came on stage, the energy in the venue exploded, these guys seemed right at home on stage. One of the things that stood out most to me, was their lead vocalist, Chris Harrell. He was in your face the whole set, it didn’t matter if you liked the music or not, Harrell’s energy was contagious. I loved their set, they were a perfect fit on this tour and definitely recommend checking them out.
This is my first time seeing Shadows Fall, this is a band I am not as familiar with as I would like to be, but I got the push I needed when they stepped on stage as direct support to Killswitch Engage. They looked like they were genuinely loving every minuet of what they were doing, and it seemed like the sold out crowed was eating up every second of it. Lead vocalist, Brian Fair was quite the ring leader for the evening, swinging his infamous knee length dreadlocks all over the stage, and taking dives into the crowd. They put on a great show, and I’m looking forward to seeing again.
I saw Killswitch Engage for the first time over the summer and fell in love. I have always listened to Killswitch and been a fan of the band, and even explored Jesse Leach’s band, Times of Grace when they came through Baltimore. While I never saw Killswitch while Howard Jones was lead vocalist, I love the passion and energy Leach brings to the stage, I’m happy to see him re-unite with Killswitch after nine years away.
Coming into the show, especially to a sold out club show, I knew the energy at Rams Head would be incredible. Their shows are so exciting because everyone in the band gets involved, they each have their roll to play and no one really gets left behind. Adam Dutkiewicz is know for his eccentric stage attire and antics on stage. These normally include cut off jean shorts of some kind and often (but not always) a cape. Dutkiewicz runs frantically all over the stage only finding himself back at the mic stand to support Leach on back up vocals. Mike D’Antonio was another spectacle of the night. He did a great job of connecting with the crowd and was constantly weaving through Leach and Dutkiewicz to post up towards the front of the stage. Overall penominal show, it was a great night for good old fashion heavy metal.
The moment that Aaron Bruno aka AWOLNATION took the stage at Rams Head Live, the once calm crowd turned into a crazy mob. The energy level that filled the sold out venue was no surprise with how powerful Aaron’s music is in his solo project that is AWOLNATION. Aaron interacted with his fans quite a bit during his set, including jumping into the crowd and crowd surfing towards the end of the show. Overall, it was an amazing show, aside from the fact that Aaron walked off stage for a few minutes randomly a couple of times (and not for an outfit change) and that he insulted one of the venue’s security saying he was about to kick him in the head.
AWOLNATION’s set included their chart topping hit “Sail” and many other hits from the debut album “Megalithic Symphony” which was released in 2011. Previously Aaron had been a member of two other bands, Home Town Hero and Under the Influence of Giants. AWOLNATION is his project that has allowed for his own creative exploration of electronic alternative pop music. There’s no doubt that AWOLNATION has been a successful project and we can’t be more excited for what future music we can expect from Aaron. If you’re looking for a show to go all out and rock out at, check out AWOLNATION next time they come to a city near you!
Everyone knows Scott Weiland from Stone Temple Pilots or maybe even his side project Velvet Revolver, but Scott has been working on yet another side project, his solo career. While he definitely isn’t known as a solo artist, he has put out 3 full length albums between ’98 and ’11. While I havent heard any of Scott’s solo work before his Rams Head show, I absolutely love Stone Temple Pilots and Velvet Revolver, so naturally I was excited to see his set.
Something I hadn’t realized until I got to the show that evening, Scott advertised this as his “Greatest Hits” tour, so majority of the crowed came to hear STP, and Velvet Revolver hits… They were not appeased by his song choices. He only played about 4 solo songs of his and about 6 STP songs and 1 Velvet Revolver song. The songs that he chose though for the most part were obscure songs including, “Tumble in the Rough”, “Black Again” and “First Kiss on Mars” (STP songs). It was like watching a train wreck. The crowed was so amped before he came out, and they stuck with him through his “Opening Jam” and “Crackerman” but then the crowed completely died. A lot of people left early, some stuck it out, and a few loyal fans were belting out all the songs word- for – word. He finally gave the crowed what they had come for ending his set with “Vaseline” and “Unglued.”
Starting out, I would say Scott sounded a little shaky and I really wasn’t sure how the show would progress, but towards the middle of the set, he was warmed up and sounded substantially better. And of course the “Scott Weiland dance” did not disappoint. While he did leave his shirt on for the duration of the set, he still moved all over the stage, and of course brought the megaphone with him!
For the diehard fans this is the kind of concert they love, but for more of the average STP fan… this wasn’t the show to see.
This is my second time seeingIamdynomite and all I keep saying is GO CHECK THEM OUT! They are a two piece band comprised of vocalist / guitarist, Christopher Martin and Drums / vocalist, Chris Phillips. On stage they are completely in their element, they take the stage barefooted and appear so relaxed. But when it comes to their music, they hold nothing back. They have strong melodies and brilliant harmonies between not only Chris and Christopher, but with their instruments as well. They integrate their instruments in a way that works so well with their songs, their are times that you really forget how little they are working with. Another appeal behind their sound, is they still hold on to an older sound very reminiscent of rockabilly. Their set was a lot of fun to watch and a great way to open for Sum 41.
Sum 41 Is one of those bands that I have listened to here and there, but never really got into. Coming into the show, I really didn’t know what to expect, but I was excited for the opportunity. As soon as they hit the stage, I was sold. They set the tone for the nightrunning onto the stage with “The Hell Song” and they never slowed up. This tour was a 10th anniversary tour for their 2ed album “Does This Look Infected?” playing the album in its entirety, followed by some of their other hits including, “In Too Deep” and “Fat Lip.” Though personally, I was a little upset that “Pieces” was missing from their DC set list.
After their first couple of songs, Deryck Whibley invited about 10 people to watch the set from the side stage. 10 ecstatic fans were hoisted on stage and one – by – one Deryck gave each a hug and thanked them for coming. Its great when bands like this reach out to their fans and give them such an unique experience. As far as sound, they were vey consistant, I would have liked them to add to the songs a little, they didnt waiver much from their recordings. But overall the crowed got what they paid for, they played for almost 2 hours, and older fans got to hear “Does This Look Infected?’ cover to cover. It was a fun night, and I definitely recommend checking them out.
Matt and Kim released a new EP after performing their second weekend at Coachella. This EP mixes Matt and Kim's usual upbeat tunes with some more mellow beats, which will help hold their fans over until their next LP is released.
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