Tom Keifer and L.A. Guns, this time at Akron’s Lock 3 Park, showed us why they remain staples of the hard rock scene. Here’s a collection of images from a night that was well worth the trip to Ohio.
John Waite brought five decades of music to Batavia Downs for the Rockin’ the Summer Concert Series. From The Babys and Bad English classics to his solo hits, Waite reminded fans why these songs have remained part of the soundtrack for so many. A night filled with great songs, talented musicians, and a performance from an artist whose catalog deserves more recognition.
Rudy Sarzo – Quiet Riot, Batavia Downs, Batavia, NY
Quiet Riot proved Friday night at Batavia Downs that great rock songs never lose their impact. With Rudy Sarzo still playing at an incredible level, Jizzy Pearl leading the charge, and a set packed with classics including “Cum On Feel the Noize” and “Metal Health (Bang Your Head),” the Rockin the Downs Summer Concert Series turned into a celebration of one of hard rock’s most enduring catalogs.
Buckcherry returned to Buffalo with the same passion and intensity that has kept them on the road for twenty seven years. Everything about a Buckcherry show feels genuine and real. Fueled by wall to wall riffs, relentless energy, and a setlist that mixed classics with songs from Roar Like Thunder. Tuesday night’s stop at Town Ballroom was a reminder that straightforward rock and roll is still alive and well.
Godsmack, Stone Temple Pilots and Dorothy Turn Up the Temperature in Syracuse
Godsmack – Empower FCU AmphitheaterSyracuse, NY
One of the hottest days of the year, a three quarter mile walk that left everyone drenched before the first song, diehard fans who would not let either stand in the way of a great night of rock. Dorothy, Stone Temple Pilots, and Godsmack each gave Syracuse something memorable for very different reasons.
Coheed and Cambria and Arm’s Length Connect with Buffalo on a Humid Evening
Coheed and Cambria – Buffalo RiverWorks, Buffalo, NY
On a sweltering Thursday night in June, fans packed Buffalo RiverWorks as Coheed and Cambria brought their This Is Our War Tour to the waterfront. Backed by a strong opening set from Arm’s Length, the evening featured intricate musicianship, crowd favorites spanning the band’s catalog, and a performance that reminded everyone why Coheed and Cambria continues to command such a devoted following.
Tom Keifer Band and L.A. Guns Bring Decades of Rock History to Erie
Tom Keifer Band – Warner Theatre, Erie, PA
Tom Keifer Band brought a night of classic hard rock to Warner Theatre in Erie, Pennsylvania, joined by support from L.A. Guns. While attendance was lighter than expected due in part to the highly anticipated Triumph reunion show taking place a short distance away the same evening, those who chose Warner Theatre were rewarded with performances from two bands whose histories are firmly woven into the fabric of rock music.
Toadies Bring The Charmer Tour to the Roxian with Local H
Toadies – Roxian Theatre, McKees Rocks, PA
Toadies brought their The Charmer tour to the Roxian Theatre in McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania with Local H opening the night. The two band lineup moved through a mix of new material and older, often associated with “Possum Kingdom” and “Bound for the Floor” both sets made it clear those songs are only part of the story. Local H opened the evening with a fast moving set built around their two piece setup, while Toadies followed with a 23 song performance that balanced new tracks with familiar material.
Buffalo Thrash Onslaught: Vio-lence and Death Angel Bring Bay Area Fury to Electric City
Vio-lence – Electric City, Buffalo, NY
Electric City in Buffalo was hit with a full thrash assault as Incite and Vio-lence supported Death Angel on the Act III 36th anniversary tour. From modern groove aggression to Bay Area chaos and a headlining set built on classic precision and power, the night delivered nonstop intensity for a crowd that came ready for it.
Stitched Up Heart and Infected Rain Bring Myth and Mutation Phase to Rochester
Stitched Up Heart – Montage Music Hall, Rochester, NY
Montage Music Hall hosted a packed Wednesday night of heavy music that balanced melody, aggression, and atmosphere as Stitched Up Heart joined Infected Rain on a bill that showcased two distinct but complementary approaches to modern metal and hard rock.