Day Three of Riot Fest 2026 delivered emotion, punk history, and unforgettable performances as Holding Absence, Murphy's Law, The Format, Pennywise, and Taking Back Sunday brought the festival to a memorable conclusion.

Sommo Festival's opening day delivered incredible performances, culinary experiences, and unforgettable moments as artists including Twenty One Pilots, KALEO, Rêve, MARIS, Melt, and DeeDee Austin brought Prince Edward Island to life.

Pink Talking Fish and an all-star cast joined BERTHA: Grateful Drag to celebrate The Capitol Theatre’s 100th anniversary with music, history, and unforgettable surprises at Port Chester’s legendary rock palace.

Day Two of Riot Fest 2026 was everything fans could hope for: loud crowds, unforgettable performances, and nonstop energy. From The Chats and Bad Religion to a massive closing set by Tool, the festival delivered another memorable day packed with music and atmosphere.

On September 19, 2026, I visited the State Theatre in Portland, Maine, to see The Machine perform. As a devoted Pink Floyd fan, I've heard several tribute bands interpret the legendary group's music, but The Machine stands apart for its faithful renditions of iconic songs, atmospheric soundscapes, and arrangements that capture everything that made Pink Floyd one of rock's most influential bands.

What first got you into music? I remember loving just making sounds on the piano when I was little. When I was old enough, my grandpa got me my first piano lesson. I went into lessons full-time after that with much interest. I learned how to read music quickly, taking me through piano, saxophone, trombone, and finally drums by the end of high school. I always played in all the school bands, garage bands, all that stuff.

On September 18, 2026, Dark Star Orchestra (DSO) performed at the historic Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom in Hampton Beach, New Hampshire. It was an incredible night of music, with thousands of fans enjoying the concert. The Hampton Beach Casino Ballroom, which originally opened in the late 1920's, was the perfect venue for this show.

What first got you into music? My ultimate love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer!! Every track used throughout the show encapsulated the emotions so perfectly; I wanted to be able to do something like that myself. There's a funny story on how I decided to pursue music early on without even knowing if I could sing; I just knew I enjoyed it and the way it made me feel.

What first got you into music? I think it started with rock music itself. We grew up listening to bands that made music feel bigger than just entertainment – it could carry emotion, energy and a real sense of freedom. Over time, music became a way for us to process life as well. Both the difficult things – loss, change, personal struggles – and the moments that make you feel completely alive. Bands like Muse, Foo Fighters, The Warning and later Måneskin showed us that rock c

What first got you into music? I think what first got me into music was my mom playing neil young and rod stewart and the Beatles, and my dad playing whatever he played. How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before? I'd say my music is alternative/punk/noise. It kinds varies a lot. I'd say for soundalikes, Elliott Smith, Built to Spill, and maybe Nirvana? sure, I'll go with that.

What inspired the theme or concept behind this album? Lyrical inspiration for the album came from seeing the current state for the world where things keep getting worse and will continue to get worse. Musically it was a fresh start to both Isaac and John to form a new sound that was more hardcore oriented compared to previous projects for both members which had been thrash metal.

What first got you into music? Music has been a part of my life since I was a teenager. Honestly the first thing that intrigued me about being an artist was hearing Nas Illmatic. I knew then this is something I give my life to pursue.

Can you tell us about the creative process? I made the whole thing with a 25-key midi controller in logic pro. and a guitar. and samples, but that's a secret. the vocal track that made the final cut was the last take I recorded. one take, no comping.

What first got you into music? Guitar Hero and Avenged Sevenfold. Guitar Hero made me want to learn to play a real guitar and listening to Avenged made me want to learn the guitar parts for their songs. How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before? We’re on the lighter side of death-core. Essentially death-core with metal -core influences.

Dermot Kennedy's performance at the MGM Music Hall at Fenway was a powerful reminder of just how far he's come. Before selling out the venue, Kennedy spent time busking on the streets of Boston, often met with hesitation from passersby. Now, the city welcomes him back with open arms, and there is no denying the power of his live performance or his ability to captivate every person in the room.

What story or message does the song convey? Feeling so drawn, so attracted and so full about the person that is most hurting you, and you know it, your rationales are in the right place, but you just can't stay away from.

I vividly remember the first time I heard The Mars Volta in 2003 (maybe 2004). My immediate reaction was, “What the hell did I just listen to?” It took me a few listens to fully understand the sonic complexity. Fast-forward 23 years, and they still bring that same raw intensity to every show they play.

The countdown to 8123 fest is on. The festival, taking place on January 15 and 16, 2027 at Mesa Amphitheater in Arizona, has a stacked lineup. Whether you’re going to see The Maine headline or you’re looking to find your next favorite band, we built a comprehensive playlist to help you get ready. If you haven’t grabbed tickets yet, visit here 8123 Fest 2027. This is not something you want to miss!

Some bands are names you hear mentioned a few times before you finally get the chance to see them for yourself. Wailing Banshee were one of those bands for me. I’d heard of the Manchester outfit and had heard plenty about their live shows, but until Thursday night at Nice n Sleazy in Glasgow, I’d never actually seen them perform.

There are some bands where the music is only half of the experience. Rammstein are definitely one of them. The huge industrial sound, dark humour, flames, explosions and completely over-the-top stage shows are all part of what makes seeing them live such an experience. But what happens when you take all of that and put it into a much smaller Glasgow venue? Well, Mörderstein have the answer.

Club Dada isn't built for quiet music. It's a bar-and-stage room in Deep Ellum with concrete floors and a sound system tuned for bands that lean into volume, not away from it. Love Spells has built his sound on restraint: hushed vocals, dream pop textures, songs that feel like someone talking to you up close. That contrast should have been a problem. It wasn't, and it didn't stop the show from selling out.

Alemeda opened the night with an energetic performance that the fans loved, immediately establishing her presence on The Pageant stage. Her music switched between alternative driven songs to more soulful ballads.

Photo Galleries Callous Daoboys at Empire Underground in Albany NY

On August 29 at the Moda Center in Portland, Oregon, I had the privilege of covering Wyatt Flores and The Red Clay Strays. Having just seen The Red Clay Strays for the first time back in July, I was extremely excited for this show for a few reasons.