Three Days Grace and Chevelle are touring together at the end of the summer. Loathe will be their supporting act. You can grab tickets at threedaysgrace.com or getmorechevelle.com.
9/8 – Bethlehem, PA – Wind Creek Event Center
9/9 – Virginia Beach, VA – Veterans United Home Loans Amphitheater at Virginia Beach
9/12 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill
9/13 – Chicago, IL – Byline Bank Aragon Ballroom
9/14 – Huber Heights, OH – Rose Music Center at The Heights
9/16 – La Crosse, WI – Copeland Park
9/17 – Prior Lake, MN – Mystic Lake Casino Hotel
9/19 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park
9/20 – Maryland Heights, MO – Saint Louis Music Park
9/21 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre
9/23 – Denver, CO – Fillmore Auditorium
9/24 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Complex
9/26 – Nampa, ID – Ford Idaho Center Amphitheater
9/28 – Airway Heights, WA – Northern Quest Resort & Casino
9/29 – Ridgefield, WA – RV Inn Style Resorts Amphitheater
9/30 – Redding, CA – Redding Civic Auditorium
10/2 – San Diego, CA – Cal Coast Credit Union Open Air Theatre
10/3 – Los Angeles, CA – Hollywood Palladium
10/4 – Phoenix, AZ – Arizona Financial Theatre
10/6 – The Woodlands, TX – The Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
10/7 – Durant, OK – Choctaw Grand Theater
10/10 – Nashville, TN – Nashville Municipal Auditorium
10/11 – Atlanta, GA – Coca-Cola Roxy
10/12 – Charlotte, NC – Skyla Credit Union Amphitheatre
Pop Evil is bringing the Skeletons Tour to several festivals and fairs this summer. In July and August, they will be playing a few shows with special guests Eva Under Fire, and on July 29th, you can see them supporting Bush in Cincinnati! You can get tickets at popevil.com.
6/24 – Sarnia, ON – Bluewater BorderFest 2023
7/13 – Milwaukee, WI – Harley Davidson Homecoming Festival 2023
7/20 – Menahga, MN – Mid Summer Music Fest Rock Week 2023
7/21 – Escanaba, MI – Northern Lights Music Festival 2023
7/23 – Jefferson City, MO – Capital Region MU Health Care Amphitheater+ (VIP available)
7/25 – Mobile, AL – Soul Kitchen+ (VIP available)
7/26 – New Orleans, LA – House of Blues+ (VIP available)
7/28 – Grover Hill, OH – Wetzelland 2023
7/29 – Cincinnati, OH – Hard Rock Casino^
7/30 – Bloomington, IL – The Castle Theatre+ (VIP available)
8/2 – Rock Springs, WY – Sweetwater County Fair 2023
8/3 – Colorado Springs, CO – Black Sheep (VIP available)
8/5 – Kalamazoo, MI – Kalamazoo Ribfest 2023
8/9 – Minot, ND – The Original Bar and Nightclub (VIP available)
8/10 – Sturgis, SD – Sturgis Buffalo Chip 2023
8/11 – Three Forks, MT – Rockin’ the Rivers 2023
8/13 – Minneapolis, MN – Fine Line+ (VIP available)
8/15 – East Moline, IL – The Rust Belt+ (VIP available)
8/17 – Ottumwa, IA – Bridge View Center+ (VIP available)
8/18 – Glen Flora, WI – Northwoods Rock Rally 2023
8/19 – Yankton, SD – Yankton’s Riverboat Days and Summer Arts Festival 2023
This will be the final leg of the Pawns & Kings Tour in North America! Alter Bridge is doing it big with special guests Sevendust, Mammoth WVH, and MJT. Grab your tickets at alterbridge.com.
8/1 – Buffalo, NY – Outer Harbor Event Complex^
8/2 – Asbury Park, NJ – Stone Pony Summer Stage^
8/4 – Charlestown, WV – The Event Center at Hollywood Casino*^
8/5 – Grantville, PA – Hollywood Casino at Penn National Race Course^
8/7 – Richmond, VA – Virginia Credit Union Live!^
8/8 – Cleveland, OH – Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica^
8/10 – Quebec City, QC – Quebec City Old Port Agora^
8/12 – Ledyard, CT – Grand Theater at Foxwoods Resorts Casino^
8/13 – Johnstown, PA – 1st Summit Arena^
8/16 – Springfield, IL – Illinois State Fair#^
8/17 – Fayetteville, AR – JJ’s Live*^
8/19 – Corpus Christi, TX – Concrete Street Amphitheater^
8/20 – San Antonio, TX – Boeing Center at Tech Port^
8/22 – Memphis, TN – Orpheum Theatre*
8/23 – Cincinnati, OH – The Andrew J. Brady Music Center*
8/25 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe*
8/26 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave/Eagles Club*
8/28 – Fargo, ND – Fargo Brewing Company*
8/29 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore*
8/31 – Council Bluffs, IA – Stir Concert Cove: Harrah’s Council Bluffs Casino & Hotel*
After kicking off The Revolutions Live Tour last spring in North America, Shinedown decided we needed another run, this time with From Ashes To New and Three Days Grace along for the ride. I was fortunate enough to catch Shinedown twice in 2022, and when they announced a Huntsville date for early 2023, I bought tickets so fast it would have made your head spin! This concert was extra special as it was my mom’s first time seeing Shinedown.
Unfortunately, we missed openers From Ashes To New, but I have been to one of their shows and can say that I’m sure their set was spectacular. The VBC was positively buzzing when we got there, so FATN definitely pumped up the energy in the building.
Three Days Grace then came out swinging, opening with “So-Called Life” and ripping through several of their well-known tracks in succession. They utilized the extended portion of the stage, leaving only drummer Neil Sanderson and his kit to fill the main stage. (I had always referred to the extension as a catwalk, but I recently learned the appropriate term is “the thrust”.) As the band launched into the song that started it all – “I Hate Everything About You” – the audience erupted, shouting the words back at vocalist Matt Walst with gusto.
I assumed that would be the highlight of their set; however, I was wrong. Before the fans had finished cheering, Matt announced a special guest: “An OG member of Three Days Grace, Adam Gontier!” The noise level was roughly equivalent to that of an explosion as Three Days Grace founding member/singer/rhythm guitarist Adam Gontier strode into the spotlight. His huge grin was visible even from our seats in the balcony. After waving to the ecstatic crowd, he moved to the center of the thrust and the band began “Never Too Late.” Adam stayed on the stage for the final number, “Riot,” and he and the current members converged to take a bow and a few photos.
Anticipation crackled in the air as we anxiously awaited the headliner. It seemed ages, and yet no time at all, when the room went dark and the familiar intro of Outkast’s “Bombs Over Baghdad” filled the air. The early 2000s hit neared its end and faded, and the two giant split screens that shielded the main stage from view came to life. Video clips of past Shinedown performances, off day outings, and backstage shenanigans played, earning laughter and cheers. Gradually, the images distorted, crackling with static, and were ultimately interrupted by a broadcast from a female AI welcoming the audience to Planet Zero.
“We hope that you enjoy your stay. And as always, remember to start your day with outrage.”
The screens flashed bright white then parted, revealing the silhouettes of four men surrounded by fog: frontman Brent Smith, guitarist Zach Myers, bassist/pianist/guitarist Eric Bass, and drummer Barry Kerch. Screams and applause echoed through the expansive space, and the foursome made their way to the end of the thrust to wave and bask in the excitement, if only for a moment. Barry soon jogged back to his kit while Zach, encouraging the fans to get louder, grabbed his guitar and Eric slung the strap of his bass over his shoulders. Without further ado, Shinedown tore into “Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom-Lay Boom)” and we were off!
📸 Me
I won’t focus on the set list, just in case you’re going to attend a show and want to be surprised. Instead, I want to tell you about the energy, the non-stop high octane exuberance that Shinedown deliver in every performance. Choosing where to look is next to impossible. Between Brent’s strong, otherworldly vocals and overall charming demeanor, Zach’s interaction with the crowd and continuous rock star poses, Eric bouncing all over the place like a madman, and Barry attacking the drums with a fierce grin and flying dreadlocks, there is a feast for the eyes everywhere – and that’s without mentioning the pyro!
While there were several highlights, including Eric and Zach and their cover of “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, I have to take a second to write about Brent’s speech. If you’ve seen Shinedown, this is nothing new. If you haven’t, I’ll prepare you.
Brent gives the most heartfelt, encouraging speeches each tour, mostly in regard to mental health and everyone belonging when it comes to the music family. On this run, he is addressing mental health and suicide. Shinedown has partnered with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, donating $1 from every ticket sold for The Revolutions Live Tour directly to them. “And you have already raised over $150,000,” he announced. He went on to say that life is a journey, that we are all a work-in-progress, and he requested that the crowd light up every cell phone, just for the next song, then the band flowed into “A Symptom of Being Human.”
Shinedown carried us on a journey of emotions, bringing us up with bangers such as “Sound of Madness” and “Planet Zero,” only to tug the heartstrings with “45,” “Second Chance,” and “Monsters.” Their cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” was met with resounding enthusiasm, and they wrapped the evening with an anthemic high note in “Cut the Cord.”
📸 Me
Shinedown is a band that never disappoints, and this show was no exception. My mom and I left the venue in high spirits, and they only climbed higher when we joined my friend and his daughter near the buses. Within half an hour, Zach had emerged to say hello and take pictures before heading to the airport.
It was a night to remember, and I’ll end this with Mr. Brent Smith’s catchphrase.
Godsmack is hitting the road this May with I Prevail. They will have special guests on certain dates, including Bullet For My Valentine, Bad Wolves, and Austin Meade. They are also playing several festivals. Get your tickets at godsmack.com.
5/4 – Denver, CO – 107.9 KBPI Birthday Bash (w/Bad Omens, Fame on Fire, I Prevail)
5/6 – Phoenix, AZ – 98 KUPD U Fest 2023 (w/Fozzy, Nothing More, The Warning, Grey Daze, The Black Moods, I Prevail)
Stickman is a Canadian rock band that consists of guitarist/vocalist Kim Whitford, bassist and backing vocalist Randall Taylor, and drummer Des Vegas. While their sound is heavily influenced by 90s/00s alternative rock and grunge, there is definitely an element of modern day hard rock, as well as nods to classic rock & roll.
I had fun interviewing the band. We discussed everything from influences to their songwriting process, what they love about playing live to their dream tour lineup. As you’ll see, the trio don’t always take themselves too seriously. Their talent and obvious enjoyment for what they do is what makes it work.
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Okay, first and foremost, how would you describe Stickman’s sound? If you had to actually use a genre label, what would it be?
Kim: Our sound is a blend of grunge, post-grunge and hard rock, with hints of 70s and 80s classic rock. Post-grunge is the label we identify with most.
Randall: Hard rock/Dad rock
How did the band form, and what’s the story behind the name?
Kim: Stickman was formed in 2017 by Randall and myself. Des joined in late 2017. All three members are long time school friends, who had either played in the same bands or bands that were associated with each other. The name Stickman came from a list of band names we were considering at the time and that was the one we liked best. Turns out the name is very marketable and well used, lol.
Randall: Kim and I have been in many bands together since the 90s. We had a new bunch of songs we wanted to record but didn’t have a drummer. Luckily, an old friend of ours from high school was jamming in the same rehearsal space and the space owners brought them together. Des Vegas joined and the “project” became a band. Stickman was on a long list of potential names. I just thought it looked cool to have a stickman as the “T” in the word, haha!
Who are the band’s main influences? I know late 90s/early 2000s, but who specifically?
Randall: KISS, Alice In Chains, Failure, Black Sabbath
Des: Deftones, Mötley Crüe, Crosses, AIC
So, for you personally, what inspired you to get involved in music?
Des: I was around 10 years old and my brother Aaron was playing drums. I idolized him and I wanted to do what he did. He was really the reason I picked up a pair of sticks.
Kim: I’ve had a love of music since my earliest memories. Listening to KISS albums and studying the artwork. As I got older, exploring and discovering all the greats from all genres.
Randall: Two words – KISS Alive.
What is your favorite thing about playing music?
Des: My favorite thing about playing music is that moment when you’re on stage with your boys doing what you love and the audience responds. It’s another level.
Kim: Getting to put “my take” on music and putting it out to the universe. If someone else likes it, that’s great! If not, that’s great too!
Randall: Interaction with the crowd and being onstage. I have a strong desire to be performing in front of people.
Tell me a little bit about the latest single, “Sacrifice.” What was the inspiration for the song? (And side note: how do y’all decide which songs to release as singles?)
Kim: Inspiration comes in many forms and from many different sources. Musically, most ideas just come out when I pick up the guitar and play. I try to keep the lyrics ambiguous so they’re open to interpretation. This song is loosely based on my feelings towards social media and the obsessiveness of it. How some people will go to great lengths to get likes and followers. We decide to release songs that “work” and we all like them. By “work”, I mean it all makes sense, musically and lyrically.
And, still on the subject of your songs, what is the song writing and recording process like for Stickman?
Kim: I will typically record every idea I come up with. If it moves me in some way, I will flesh it out a bit before showing it to the guys. I will record a rough draft, with multiple parts and typically with drums and bass and whatever else added. We will then tear it apart and build it back up from there. There is usually a melody in mind early on, but lyrics tend to take a while in most instances.
Randall: Kim comes up with the bones of the song and then we flesh it out together in practice until we’re comfortable with all the parts. We’ve recorded in professional studios, but for the time being, Kim is acting as engineer and we’re recording all our new music ourselves.
All of you mentioned the live element as part of what you love most about music. Can you describe what a Stickman performance is like?
Des: For me, each performance is an event. I play like I’m at a giant stadium playing the last show of my career.
Kim: Our shows are more about the entertainment side of things. We have songs “run” into one another and add bits of other songs in between. We try to entertain instead of just going on stage and playing each song.
Randall: Surprisingly energetic for a bunch of old guys! Also, we like to keep a tight set. One song will lead to another, and even things like the tuning breaks and crowd “raps” are choreographed. We try to minimize the dead air. Quick and exciting!
When you’re writing/recording, do you think about how the songs will translate live?
Des: Yes, I always try to think about how I’ll play live. I usually try to play more solid beats while we record, so by the time we play live, I can really ramp it up with that live energy.
Randall: I do for sure! I’m always thinking about how the songs will be played live and how they will translate to each other in the set.
Kim: Definitely. Especially the singing aspect of it. I don’t want to complicate the performance by having the singing interfere with the guitar playing I do.
What are the band’s plans for 2023?
Des: I’m very excited to say we are in the early stages of writing the next record, and a big part of the next year will be working on that.
Kim: Get back to playing live shows and writing and starting to record our next record.
Randall: To play shows whenever possible and record a new full-length album.
What do you feel is the ultimate goal for Stickman?
Des: I really love that I get to be with my brothers, writing kick ass music. We play shows where and when we can. People show up and dig it. Man, that’s all I’ve ever wanted. I guess I’ve reached my goal, haha.
Kim: To continue doing what we do and help keep rock alive!
Randall: A band with a reasonable following that can be trusted to play any show and entertain – and to continue to release interesting and fun new original music.
Is there any band/artist you listen to that you think would surprise people?
Des: I listen to everything from Deftones to SADE, so ya, there’s probably a ton of stuff people would be surprised I listen to, lol.
Randall: I still like Nickelback. There, I said it.
What is your dream tour lineup that includes Stickman?
Des: Wow! Not sure what that would look like, but I would have loved to have had the opportunity to talk with Chris Cornell and Layne Staley, among many others.
Kim: A touring festival. Take a look at our influences and put them on the bill with us!
Randall: I don’t even need to say some big market arena tour. I think I’d be just as happy with a club tour through western Canada and the Pacific Northwest with a couple of other local bands that we’ve befriended over the years.
And lastly, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans, both new and old?
Des: I honestly love that you dig what we do. I could never thank those who support us enough.
Kim: Thank you for taking the time to listen to our music and giving us the chance to connect with you through our music.
Randall: Thanks for listening! We really do it for us in that we’re not trying to write to a trend or consumer group, but it’s nice when other people dig it, too.
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I highly suggest following Stickman on Facebook, etc., as well as your favorite streaming platform; from all that I’ve heard, this band is getting better with each song they release! I can only imagine what is coming in the future.
Mostly Music 