Reuben Martinez – Concert Guide Live.com

Five Finger Death Punch, Five Point Amphitheatre

August 31, 2022 by Reuben Martinez

Five Finger Death Punch, Five Point Amphitheatre 8-24-22; photo Reuben Martinez

Another hot, end of summer concert winding down through SoCal on August 24th at Five Point Amphitheatre in Irvine, brought a stacked musical lineup. Five Finger Death Punch on tour promoting their new album “Afterlife” released on August 19th, also had Bringing Fire from the Gods, The Hu, and heavy metal giants Megadeth onboard to kick off their tour.

Five Finger Death Punch, Five Point Amphitheatre 8-24-22; photo Reuben Martinez

From “The Way Of The Fist” released in 2007, “Afterlife” is number eleven for the band who are pushing the album while simultaneously taking to social media to thank the fans for making it number one on the Billboard charts.

Megadeth are also celebrating their new album “The Sick, The Dying, and The Dead” out September 2nd.

Five Finger Death Punch, Five Point Amphitheatre 8-24-22; photo Reuben Martinez

The set opened with “Inside Out” from the 2020 album, “F8”, the last album with lead guitarist, Jason Hook. They played through most of the hits, covering all the albums in their 15+ years. At one point singer Ivan Moody shared a special occasion, by bringing out his 10-year-old daughter Nova so the crowd could sing Happy Birthday to her. Then a heartfelt moment followed when a teary-eyed Nova took the microphone to tell the crowd how her dad brings joy to everyone’s lives.

Five Finger Death Punch, Five Point Amphitheatre 8-24-22; photo Reuben Martinez

This tour goes all through the summer to mid-October with these Metal greats before starting the second leg of their tour on November 9th, this time co-headlining with Country star Brantley Gilbert which through the Holidays.

Even with a couple of member changes since I saw them last, they still continue to have the “Five Finger” sound.

Setlist for Irvine
Inside Out
Trouble
Wash It All Away
Welcome To The Circus
Jekyll and Hyde
Sham Pain
Bad Company
Lift Me Up
Hard to See
The Agony of Regret
Far From Home/Gone Away/ A Little Bit Off
Wrong Side Of heaven
Burn MF
IOU
Got Your Six
Under and Over It
The Bleeding

Filed Under: Concert Reviews

GHOST, Pechanga Arena

August 26, 2022 by Reuben Martinez

Ghost – Pechanga Arena August 26, 2022; photo Reuben Martinez

“Impera”, the latest release from Ghost, out last March, played here in Southern California with Volbeat the week before the release. Now they’re hitting the United States and kicking off the “Imperatour” at San Diego’s Pechanga Arena, August 26, 2022.

Also on the bill are Spiritbox from Canada, making a lot of buzz on radio and Sirius Radio Octane since 2021 with their debut album “Eternal Blue”. As well as Mastodon, greats that have been around for 20 plus years, promoting their album, “Hushed and Grim” released last October. Great sounding bands to have on the lineup.

Ghost – Pechanga Arena August 26, 2022; photo Reuben Martinez

As I approached the venue there were lines of people waiting to get in and you could see the influence Ghost has on their fans. Some dressed as Ghosts’ singer Papa Emeritus himself and some women dressed as nuns. I’ve known about Ghost for over 10 years and the popularity of their shows have grown from small venues to huge areas such as Pechanga Arena. I still remember seeing Ghost for the first time at Coachella in 2013 in the blistering heat and I think there were a handful of people that knew their music.

Now Ghost is playing a full venue, with 5 full albums under their belt, a full stage production, and a band who cover their faces with masks called, The Nameless Ghouls. A castle like stage with a stained-glass backdrop set the scene for another epic show. Opening with tracks from the new album beginning with “Imperium / Kaisarion”, they later debuted, “Watcher in the Sky” also off the latest album. Ghost never disappoints in the realm of entertainment, which included a couple of wardrobe changes and even an appearance of Papa Nihil (high ranked character) playing saxophone on “Miasma”.

Other songs that highlighted the evening were “Mary on a Cross” and “Mummy Dust” where it rained gold confetti during the finale.
Ghost is only playing 20 dates on this leg of the Imperatour. Look for dates. If they aren’t coming to your area. I’m sure they will soon.

Set list Pechanga Arena
Imperium Intro / Kaisarion
Rats
Faith
Spillways
Devil Church
Cirice
Hunters Moon
Ritual
Call Me Little Sunshine
Con Clavi, Con Dio
Prime Mover
Watcher in the Sky (live debut)
Year Zero
He Is
Miasma
Mary on A Cross
Mummy Dust
Dance Macabre
Square Hammer

Filed Under: Concert Reviews

Shinedown Valley Center, Harrah’s Casino

February 25, 2022 by Reuben Martinez

SHINEDOWN- Harrah’s Casino Jan 29, 2022; photo Reuben Martinez

Shinedown, fresh into touring again after everything shut down, started their new tour on the west coast, stopping January 29 at Harrah’s Valley Center in San Diego County and they didn’t miss a beat!

Shinedown is back and ready to promote the upcoming album Planet Zero coming out in April. This will be their 8th album over their 20 year career. The band says, “it’s a reflection of humanity especially during this crazy period in this world.” Full of energy, this band never slowed down during the time off, also putting out a movie, “Attention Attention” in 2021. And now they’re back on the road!

Shinedown – Harrah’s Casino Jan 29, 2022; photo Reuben Martinez

Bringing with them on tour and opening was newcomer Ayron Jones from Seattle, Washington. He’s getting a lot of buzz and airplay on Octane on Sirius XM. I’ve been listening to him and it was great to hear his hard rock meets Stevie Ray Vaughan sound live on stage. Ayron Jones brought fantastic energy and a great backing band behind him in support of his debut Child Of The State. Every song rocked with blues and soul.

Shinedown – Harrah’s Casino Jan 29, 2022; photo Reuben Martinez

Shinedown is one of my favorite bands to see live. I caught the 3rd night of the tour which kicked off with “Cut the Cord” and it started the night off with a bang. They also played fan favorites such as “45,” “Devil,” “Second Chance,” and the cover of Lynyrd Skynyrd’s “Simple Man” – a staple in their set list. This full arena undeniably felt the music.

The group just finished a short leg of the tour but will continue back on the road in April to play summer festivals before going overseas in June. I know how this band loves to tour and I’m looking forward to their return to SoCal to support Planet Zero.

In the meantime, check out the new single of the same name “Planet Zero”.
Listen: https://shinedown.lnk.to/PlanetZeroSingle

Set list for Shinedown 1/29/2022
Cut the Cord
Unity
Fly From The Inside
State Of My Head
If you Only Knew
45
Diamond Eyes (Boom-Lay Boom Lay Boom)
Planet Zero
I’ll Follow You
Enemies
Devil
How Did You Love
Get Up
Bully
Monsters
Second Chance
Simple Man
Sound of Madness

Filed Under: Concert Reviews

San Diego Welcomes Black Label Society

March 27, 2020 by Reuben Martinez

BLACK LABEL SOCIETY; photo Reuben Martinez

Black Label Society brought guitar domination to San Diego, where Zakk Wylde proudly gave a “Big Black Label Thanks to the San Diego, CA Chapter for a Pummeling BL Quilt Craft/Sewing Festivus Miracle on Ice”. The month-long tour included metal veterans Obituary and Lord Dying.

As a longtime guitarist for Ozzy Osbourne, Zack created Black Label Society over 20 years ago, but reunited with Black Sabbath in 2000. In fact, he was slated to play with Ozzy on his farewell tour this year, but it was postponed due to Ozzy’s health issues. This inadvertently provided Zakk with some time to kill which resulted in this tour.

Zakk Wylde; photo Reuben Martinez

Dario Lorina/BLS; photo Reuben Martinez

Zakk’s other side project Zakk Sabbath recently played a few shows in England celebrating 50 years of Black Sabbath’s self-titled debut album. The album that changed metal.

But this was a Black Label Society show, and the fans were wearing BLS shirts, vests, hats and other items proudly. During one moment of the night I heard Zakk say that the song, “In This River”, will never leave the Black Label Society playlist. It was written and dedicated to Dimebag Darrell Abbott who was shot in 2004. Zakk displayed banners of Dimebag and now Dime’s brother Vinnie Paul who passed June of 2018.

John “JD” DeServio/BLS; photo Reuben Martinez

There were so many highlights from Zakk, John “JD” DeServio on bass, Dario Lorina on guitar and Jeff Fabb on drums. Everyone in the band were well showcased.

Zakk should be joining Ozzy on his farewell tour probably in 2021. So, check out the band when you can as well as Zakk’s Instagram. It’s a very entertaining outlet, showing off his humor, his line of guitars, amps and coffee. Total tongue in cheek humor.

Set list: San Diego:
Genocide junkies
Funeral Bell
The Rose Petalled Garden
Heart of Darkness
Suicide Messiah
Trampled Down Below
Seasons of Falter
Peddlers of Death
Spoke In The Wheel
In the River
The Blessed Hellride
A Love Unreal
Fire it Up
Concrete Jungle
Stillborn

Filed Under: Featured

Queensryche: A Tale From The Photo Pit

March 20, 2020 by Reuben Martinez

QUEENSRYCHE; photo Reuben Martinez

First show of the year and I am getting to cover a band I was listening to since their beginning! Over 35 years in the business this band has endured many obstacles over that time. Their recent album The Verdict was released a year ago bringing the total to 21 albums (16 studio) in their career. The tour started in Southern California with Eve to Adam and Rob Zombie’s guitar virtuoso John 5 to support. East coast band Eve to Adam took the stage and I was new to hearing them. They are a solid choice to open for the rock icons. Very energetic set.

JOHN 5; photo Reuben Martinez

One huge thing about this night was getting to shoot John 5 in a venue with great lighting and a photo pit. I’ve covered John 5 a few times in the smallest clubs shooting from a crowd. And tonight, John 5 stayed constant to each time I’ve seen him. Visually, John 5 can look Metal/Zombie and play hard, yet beautiful. Hard riffs to country twang. But just like shooting from a crowded floor, the photo pit was full of about 20 photographers this night. Limited space to move around. But every angle had heavy blue and green lights to set the scene. John 5 even came out with a mask of himself, ripping it off to reveal a green skull. He finished with a quick tribute to Rush (who recently lost their drummer, Neil Peart) a homage to the band, then went into very familiar riffs of White Zombie and Pantera. These were definitely fan favorites of the night.

QUEENSRYCHE: photo Reuben Martinez

At last it was time for headliners, Queensryche to take the stage. When the lights went out you could see the band members walk on stage and right away jump into their classic “Prophecy”. I’ve seen this band dozens of times and every time I get drawn to when I was a teenager. Singer Todd La Torre sounded amazing going through the classics and on to the new songs. The Ryche vibe is still there. Part of that sound is the guitar harmonies of Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren. Of course, when Eddie Jackson started the bass line for the intro to “Jet City Woman” the crowd went nuts. One of their biggest hits. They ended the main set with “Queen of the Reich” from the first album.

QUEENSRYCHE: photo Reuben Martinez

They opened up the encore with something new and then finished the night with “Eyes Of a Stranger” from the Operation: Mindcrime concept album. Even with a lot of media in the photo pit and seeing a lot of familiar faces, this show was a great way to kick off 2020. It’s great seeing bands like Queensryche still packing in venues. And sounding amazing.

Queensryche Set List:
Prophecy
Operation: Mindcrime
Walk In the Shadows
Resistance
Man The Machine
Take Hold Of the Flame
No Sanctuary
Bent
Dark Reverie
Breaking The Silence
Silent Lucidity
Jet City Woman
Screaming In Digital
Queen Of the Reich
-encore-
Light-Years
Empire
Eyes Of a Stranger

Filed Under: Featured

Queensryche: A Tale From The Photo Pit

February 3, 2020 by Reuben Martinez

QUEENSRYCHE Todd La Torre (vocals) Michael Wilton (guitar); photo Reuben Martinez

First show of the year and I am getting to cover a band I was listening to since their beginning. Over 35 years in the business this band has endured many obstacles over that time. Their recent album The Verdict was released a year ago bringing the total to 21 albums (16 studio) in their career. The tour started in Southern California with Eve to Adam and Rob Zombie’s guitar virtuoso John 5 to support. East coast band Eve to Adam took the stage and I was new to hearing them. They are a solid choice to open for the rock icons. Very energetic set.

JOHN 5; photo Reuben Martinez

QUEENSRYCHE Eddie Jackson (bass); photo Reuben Martinez

At last it was time for headliners, Queensryche to take stage. When the lights went out you could see the members walk on stage and right away jump into the classic “Prophecy”. I’ve seen this band dozens of times and every time I get drawn to when I was a teenager. Singer Todd La Torre sounded amazing going through the classics and on to the new songs. The Ryche vibe is still there. Part of that sound is the guitar harmonies of Michael Wilton and Parker Lundgren. Of course, when Eddie Jackson started the bass line for the intro to “Jet City Woman” the crowd went nuts. One of their biggest hits. They ended the main set with “Queen of the Reich” from the first album.

QUEENSRYCHE Parker Lundgren (guitar); photo Reuben Martinez

They opened up the encore with something new and then finished the night with “Eyes Of a Stranger” from the Operation: Mindcrime concept album. Even with a lot of media in the photo pit and seeing a lot of familiar faces, this show was a great way to kick off 2020. It’s great seeing bands like Queensryche still packing in venues. And sounding amazing.

Queensryche Set List:
Prophecy
Operation: Mindcrime
Walk In the Shadows
Resistance
Man The Machine
Take Hold Of the Flame
No Sanctuary
Bent
Dark Reverie
Breaking The Silence
Silent Lucidity
Jet City Woman
Screaming In Digital
Queen Of the Reich
-encore-
Light-Years
Empire
Eyes Of a Stranger

Filed Under: Featured

Shinedown: A Tale From The Photo Pit

August 13, 2019 by Reuben Martinez

Shinedown drummer Barry Kerch; photo Reuben Martinez

Shinedown, finishing up the last leg to their Attention Attention album tour, played Irvine’s FivePoint Amphitheater. They brought along the bands Broken Hands, Dinosaur Pile Up and Badfkower for support.

Shinedown guitarist Zach Myers; photo Reuben Martinez

When Shinedown’s curtain came up to prep for the band to come on the theme to “Indiana Jones” played. As the curtain came down there were multiple stage explosions then the band opened with the song “Devil”. On the third song, and one thing I appreciate by this band, is singer Brent Smith goes one by one and shakes the photographer’s hands saying thank you for what we do.

Shinedown singer Brent Smith; photo Reuben Martinez

While watching the remainder of the show, the band took a break and headed to the back of the stage to play a few songs to the back seats of the venue. Most bands play one or two songs but the guys in Shinedown played four, up close to the fans in the back.

As the band headed back to the main stage the screen showed a picture of Chester Bennington of Linkin Park who died last year to suicide. The song “Numb” played with just a piano and Chester singing as different images were displayed. Singer Brent and guitarist Zach Myers walked on stage after playing “Black Hole Sun” paying tribute to Chris Cornell from Soundgarden/Audioslave who also took his life. An awesome tribute to both artists who left us too soon.

Shinedown bassist Eric Bass; photo Reuben Martinez

After the band went through hit by hit, they played the last single off Attention Attention called “Get Up” A song written for bass player Eric Bass who has battled with depression and the things he has overcome. Eric also recently came back to Shinedown’s tour after an injury to his back while on the road, but he still gave 110% to his performance.

This was another great show from this band who I’ve seen multiple times, and it was a great way to start the Summer.

Band:
Brent Smith – Vocals
Zach Myers – Guitar
Barry Kerch – Drums
Eric Bass – Bass, keyboards.

Set List:
Devil
Diamond Eyes
Enemies
Monsters
Black Soul
I’ll Follow You
Unity
45
Bully
Amaryllis
How Did You Love
Through the Ghost
Second Chance
Black Hole Sun
Simple Man
Cut the Cord
Get Up
Sound of Madness
Brilliant

Filed Under: Tales From The Photo Pit

Immortal Guardian: A Tale From The Photo Pit

February 5, 2019 by Reuben Martinez

Immortal Guardian; photo Reuben Martinez

Having never been to The Parish Room at House of Blues Anaheim or having never seen Immortal Guardian before, I did my research on the band and was very curious on how they would sound live.

This band from Texas made headways with their music exposure on ESPN’s X Games and performing at NAMM Jam in the past which brought them to open for major name bands in the business.

While NAMM 2019 was in full bloom in Anaheim, Immortal Guardian opened for guitar God Marty Friedman. Trying to get in, there was a huge line at the box office to get my credentials, since Metal Allegiance was playing next door. Finally walking into this small venue, it was hard to get up front to take photos since the place was packed.

Immortal Guardian; photo Reuben Martinez

When Immortal Guardian came on, they blew me away! Guitarist Gabriel Guardian, playing both guitar and keyboards simultaneously, played a short instrumental before singer Carlos Zema came on. As a powerhouse on vocals, he kept impressing me. Everyone in this band brings pure talent to the table, Thad Stevens on bass and Cody Gilliland on drums. You could hear in the reaction of the crowd after each song that the applause kept growing louder and louder. Immortal Guardian sounds like a six piece instead of a four piece. As a guitarist, my eye was drawn to Gabriel soloing on two instruments.

With a couple of albums under their belt the latest came out late 2018. But nothing compares to seeing Immortal Guardian live. Even after the show the band hung around the merchandise booth, shaking hands and signing autographs. As I was saying before, it was so hard to get up front to take photos with a full crowd, but I was thankful for a good zoom lens. Often as a photographer I run across a band that I’m covering and get totally impressed. Immortal Guardian is one band that made me a fan. Be on the lookout for this band to make more waves.

Filed Under: Tales From The Photo Pit

Alice Cooper: A Tale From The Photo Pit

August 19, 2018 by Reuben Martinez

Alice Cooper; photo Reuben Martinez

Walking into Pechanga Resort and Casino, waiting to see if my credentials were there, I was excited to see and photograph a rock legend – Alice Cooper.

Once inside, they told me and the other photographers that we were allowed to shoot the first four songs. Normally it’s three! But as the lights went out, not having a photo pit at this venue the tricky thing is to try to fit in and not to get in the way of others watching the show.

Alice Cooper; photo Reuben Martinez

As soon as Alice came out the crowd was instantly on their feet. Alice knows how to entertain, and with an elite band as well. One thing to look for at his shows is his guitarist Nita Strauss, I like to call her the Queen of the 6-Strings. A phenomenal guitar player as well as Tommy Henrikson and Ryan Roxy, and Glen Sobel on drums and Chuck (Beasto Blanco) Garric on bass. Every musician in Alice’s band is top notch.

Nita Strauss (Alice Cooper); photo Reuben Martinez

As the songs play on so do his stage antics. From a fencing sword with money featuring Alice’s face being thrown to the crowd, to a monstrous “Alice” as a Frankenstein monster, to a guillotine where his stage hands throw him in and cut his head off executioner style.

Alice finished the night wearing a white tux jacket while playing hits like “I’m Eighteen” and “School’s Out”, accompanied by a bubble machine. Personally, this was such a treat to shoot, just seeing someone that is 70 years young still touring and putting on a great show.

If you can, check out Alice Cooper and his amazing band on the Paranormal Tour.

Set list:
Brutal Planet
No More Mr. Nice Guy
Under My Wheels
Billion Dollar Babies
Be My Lover
Lost in America
Serious
Fallen in Love
Woman of Mass Distraction
Poison
Halo of Flies
Feed My Frankenstein
Cold Ethyl
Only Women Bleed
Paranoiac Personality
Ballad of Dwight Fry
Killer
I Love the Dead
I’m Eighteen
School’s Out

Filed Under: Featured

Ghost: A Tale From The Photo Pit

May 12, 2018 by Reuben Martinez

GHOST; photo Reuben Martinez

Swedish band Ghost kicked off their “Rats on the Road” tour in Riverside, California on May 5. A SOLD OUT show. Obviously, they have a huge following and for a photographer, a dream to shoot.

But the great thing was that only Ghost performed this night, no supporting band. A full show with just them. There were only six photographers allowed to shoot this show, which made the photo pit less crowded.

GHOST; photo Reuben Martinez

If you follow the band, singer Papa Emeritus takes on a new persona as Cardinal Copia (with no black Pope outfit). There has been a big mystery going on with this band with the changes and direction. But as Ghost played on with some wardrobe changes, and a set list of songs that everyone was familiar with, the band did squeeze some of the new songs in between.

As the curtains opened the band of Nameless Ghouls, wearing their signature silver devil like masks, jumped into “Rats” the first single from the upcoming album Prequelle out Jun 1.

Another new song, “Miasma” featured

GHOST; photo Reuben Martinez

the band as an instrumental. In the middle of the song, Papa Nil (head of Ghost’s Clergy) emerged with two nuns, stood from his chair, pulled out his saxophone, and belted a solo. After playing a few more songs, the band took an intermission and then singer Cardinal Copia came back out in a typical red Cardinal robe.

GHOST; photo Reuben Martinez

Two full sets played over two hours was epic. During songs like “Mummy Dust” there were cannons shooting gold confetti creating a shiny flurry in the air. They also played the crowd favorite “If You Have Ghosts”, an early 80’s cover by Roky Erickson, ending the night with another new song, “Dance Macabre”.

All in all, it was a very exciting, visual show. Be sure to grab tickets for The Forum show at the end of the year because they will sell out again!

Song set list:
Ashes
Rats
Absolution
Ritual
Con Clavi Con Dio
Per Aspera ad Inferi
Devil Church
Cirice
Stand by Him
Miasma
Jigolo Har Megiddo
Pro Memoria
Deus in Absentia
Set II
Spirit
From the Pinnacle to the Pit
Faith
Year Zero
Spöksonat
He Is
Prime Mover
Mummy Dust
If You Have Ghosts
Dance Macabre

Filed Under: Featured

Five Finger Death Punch, Five Point Amphitheatre

GHOST, Pechanga Arena

Shinedown Valley Center, Harrah’s Casino

San Diego Welcomes Black Label Society

Queensryche: A Tale From The Photo Pit

Queensryche: A Tale From The Photo Pit

Shinedown: A Tale From The Photo Pit

Immortal Guardian: A Tale From The Photo Pit

Alice Cooper: A Tale From The Photo Pit

Ghost: A Tale From The Photo Pit

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