Rock Show Critique

Concert Review
Breaking Benjamin
Three Days Grace
Return To Dust
Wednesday September 17, 2025
Darien Lake Amphitheater
Darien Center, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

It was a seasonably hot day for September out at Darien Center Wednesday. When the temp of the night air began to cool things got hotter once the bands took the stage. An estimated crowd of some 14,000 strong felt the impact left by the lineup. While it had been a lighter rock lineup than usual this summer out at the Amphitheater, this show brought everyone out. Who says rock is dead? This show appeared to be a sleeper when first announced but ended up being perhaps the finest show of the season as the Amphitheater nears the end of it’s 32nd season. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Tom Keifer Band
LA Guns
Friday September 5, 2025
Agora Theater
Cleveland, OH
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

Two bands whose roots trace back to the glorious 1980’s appeared on a bill at the historic Agora Theater in Cleveland Friday night. Tom Keifer brought his band to town for the first time since a 2013 date out at the old Peabody’s Down Under. This show marked just the second appearance for Keifer in the city with his solo band. Continue reading →

Top Songs
The Who

The Who will be playing Toronto for the final time Tuesday and Thursday September 2 & 4. To honor their legacy we are reposting the video we did as we ranked our top ten Who songs. Check it out to get you ready for the show.

Concert Review
FireHouse
Trixter
Saturday August 16, 2025
West Herr Riviera Theatre
North Tonawanda, NY
Review/Photos:Joseph Suto

 
FireHouse last played in town at The West Herr Riviera in March of 2024. The same lineup returned this past Saturday with a little larger crowd than last time. But what a difference a year makes. The crowd for not only FireHouse but also for the opening band Trixter stood and sang and danced for much of the show. Usually at the seated venue the artists have to urge many to get out of their seats but not on this night. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Kansas
Rockin’ The Downs Concert Series
Friday August 15, 2025
Batavia Downs
Batavia, NY
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto
 

Kansas made their way to the Batavia Downs on Friday to close out the 2025 Rockin’ At The Downs Concert Series. It marked the band’s first appearance at the distinguished Batavia Downs. I think in all my years of going to this Batavia series, this show had the best sound I heard. It was immaculate. Continue reading →

Concert Review
Billy Idol
Joan Jett
Saratoga Performing Arts Center
Saratoga Springs, NY
Sunday August 17, 2025
Review/Photos: Joseph Suto

Billy Idol and Joan Jett & The Blackhearts do not come to town often so it was a no brainer when this show was announced that it would be a decent draw. The Saratoga Performing Arts Center (SPAC) was the place to be Sunday night as both artists not only took one back to the better days of the past but at the same time gave everyone a taste of where they stand today. Continue reading →