Alice Cooper captivates Orange County with Freaks on Parade

On August 16th, the Orange County Fair Concert Series continued its sensational summer lineup with Alice Cooper’s Freaks On Parade Tour. The legendary shock-rocker proved, once again, why he remains a staple in the rock-and roll-world. The show was equal parts theatrical and musically impeccable. From wielding swords to waving crutches (gotta love getting older…), […]

Mayhem returns to SoCal this fall after nine years of fest hiatus

Mayhem Festival is returning as a single-day destination event in Southern California this October 12th, 2024. This will be the first Mayhem event since the fest’s last touring run in 2015, making this announcement long overdue. The festival is also calling back to its roots by returning to the Glen Helen Amphitheater in San Bernardino, […]

Lamb of God & Mastodon make Cleveland circle up & crowd-surf

On August 9th, Jacobs Pavilion in Cleveland, Ohio, was THE place to be for metal fans. Lamb of God and Mastodon came to town for their Ashes of Leviathan Tour, a special event celebrating the 20th anniversary of Mastodon’s Leviathan and Lamb of God’s Ashes of the Wake albums.  The night started with Unearth and […]

Slipknot kicks off 25 years of Here Comes the Pain Tour in Indiana

The Ruoff Center in Noblesville, Indiana is an earthen-built venue that looks like an impact crater had already hit it before the arrival of the Here Comes the Pain Tour. Hours before gates opened, dedicated fans were already queued in their vehicles to enter, a rare treat to see a full venue for each opening […]

The mariachi metal majesty of Metalachi in Fullerton, CA

On a beautiful Saturday evening in Fullerton, California, the incomparable Metalachi — the world’s first heavy metal mariachi band — took the stage at The Charleston, presented by Tangent Productions. With the band’s unique fusion of traditional mariachi music and classic heavy metal, Metalachi delivered a performance that was as eccentric as it was electrifying. […]

Nonpoint embraces “Underdog” role in new song & video

On this journey of music, Nonpoint continues to soar and thrive, with hella hard work and their new independent label, 361 Degrees Records. The band is the epitome of endurance and artistry. Their new release of “Underdog”, alongside a video, showcases the greatness they can accomplish with true intentions and utter talent.   The song “Underdog” […]

I Prevail & Halestorm rock Michigan like a hurricane

Clarkston, Michigan went absolutely wild on July 13th. Four bands collided for the ultimate rock show — the likes the city has never seen. Fit For a King started off the night strong, with Ryan Kirby not holding back on anything. He immediately started screaming in everyone’s face. Bassist Ryan “Tuck” O’Leary also kept up […]

No Values Festival 2024

No Values Festival on June 8th, 2024 was a celebration of punk rock, capturing the raw energy and rebellious spirit that has defined the genre for decades. With four stages and a lineup featuring both legendary acts and emerging talents, the festival presented by Goldenvoice took place at the Fairplex in Pomona, California; it was […]

Metal memories with Mike’s Dead at Welcome to Rockville 2024

A metal outfit by the name of Mike’s Dead is going full-force right now, consisting of the totally brutal art of self-expression. The music rockets you into an emotional abyss made up of equal parts strength, joy, and utter pain. Represented by Hopeless Records (a label fitting the artist’s subject matter), Top Shelf Music got […]

A chat with Scott Bartlett, co-founder of Saving Abel

Scott Bartlett, co-founder of the rock band Saving Abel, has made a name for himself through many years and many miles across the globe that he’s dedicated to his craft. The man writes, kills it on the guitar, and — without a doubt — knows his music biz from inside and out. As a singer-songwriter, […]

Experiencing the earth-shaking Welcome to Rockville 2024

Welcome to Rockville Fest conquered Florida once again this year! It has become Top Shelf’s annual trip to the NASCAR International Speedway by the shores of Daytona Beach. This festival is produced by the one and only Danny Wimmer Presents: one of the most riveting and largest independent producers of destination music festivals in America.   […]

BeachLife Festival 2024: Day Two

Day Two of BeachLife Festival kicked off under overcast skies that failed to dampen the spirits of the eager crowd. Despite the chillier weather compared to Day One, the festivalgoers were in high spirits, ready to immerse themselves in a diverse lineup of performances. The Expendables got the party started at noon on the Hightide […]