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Susto tour dates 2024

Susto is currently touring across 1 country and has 5 upcoming concerts.

Their next tour date is at New Brookland Tavern **new Location** in Columbia, after that they'll be at Greenfield Lake Amphitheater in Wilmington.

Currently touring across

Upcoming concerts (5) See nearest concert

New Brookland Tavern **new Location**

Greenfield Lake Amphitheater

Victory North

The Windjammer

Past concerts

Neighborhood Theatre

The Caverns Amphitheater presents "CaveJam at The Caverns 2024"

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Recent tour reviews

If you’re a fan of Justin’s then you will certainly want to catch this tour. I’ve seen him both solo and with the band. This performance felt much more relaxed and intimate with a female vocalist lending some nice harmonies on a lot of the songs. Well worth checking him out.

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Bringing in the New Year with SUSTO was the best! They are my favorite band. And 2017 is going to be their year! I promise.

Jah Werx & I'm Fine Today

"Named after a medical syndrome that’s specific to Latin American culture and roughly translates as “panic attack,” Susto lives up to its moniker. The Charleston, S.C., country-rock band specializes in spooked, sneaky songs that often employ single-note guitar licks playing the melody. The best tunes on Susto’s 2014 self-titled debut sound like versions of mid-’60s Everly Brothers records, complete with Glen Campbell-esque guitar parts. The excellent Susto track, “Vampiro 66,” lays out the thrills and disappointments of small-town bohemianism in exemplary, self-mocking fashion: “Eternal life, well, it ain’t that bad when you’ve got your friends around,” bandleader Justin Osborne sings. “You sleep all day and drink all night.” Osborne and fellow singer and guitarist John Kuiper bring a light touch to their tales of provincial ennui and the lure of rock ’n’ roll — rarely has incipient panic been so gracefully described." -EDD HURT

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Studio Sessions

Susto's new album 'time in the sun' is a deeply reflective and personal record.

Stephen Kallao

Susto on World Cafe

Susto Sully Sullivan/Courtesy of the artist hide caption

• "Good Right Now"
• "Life Is Suffering"
• "Summertime" 

When Susto lead singer Justin Osborne last visited the World Cafe back in 2018 , he joked a little bit about the title of his then-latest record, Ever Since I Lost My Mind: "I'm a user of psychedelics," he said. "And when people used to tell me, when I was younger, that you take so many hits of LSD and you lose your mind — I think I've probably passed that by now."

A lot of us lost our proverbial minds at some point over the last 18 months – but Osborne's pandemic also included the loss of his father, and he became a dad as well. As a result, Susto's new album, Time in the Sun, is a deeply reflective and personal record. The South Carolina band recorded a session featuring tracks from Time in the Sun from Sputnik Sound in Nashville. It's a mini-concert in this episode of World Cafe .

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SUSTO’s latest album reflects on life, death, and “Time in the Sun”

(From left to right) SUSTO band members Jordan Hicks, Dries Vandenberg, Justin Osborne, Dylan Dawkins, Jordan Reynolds, and Marshall Hudson

It’s not often that the father of a two-year-old needs to find a way to fill his time, especially the frontman of a band who has written several songs with millions of streams on Spotify. But Justin Osborne functions best under pressure, so the early pandemic’s prospect of months at home led him to return to the College of Charleston to finish his degree.

Back in 2014, during his final exam week, Band of Horses offered his band, SUSTO, the chance to join them on tour. Seven years later, after logging hundreds of thousands of miles and gigging close to 200 dates a year, he took the opportunity to take a breather, enjoy time with his wife and daughter, and pursue another passion: reducing the carbon footprint of his touring lifestyle. With the ultimate idea of creating a shared electric vehicle program to rethink the touring paradigm, Osborne enrolled in the college’s master’s program in environmental and sustainability studies.

That meant juggling his studies and scientific expeditions to Francis Marion National Forest measuring the health of the tidal creeks and pine forests with working in studio sessions downtown with producer Wolfgang Zimmerman. Together, they laid down more than 20 tracks that were honed into the 11-song album, Time in the Sun , released October 29 by New West Records.

“I am not comfortable unless my plate is completely full,” Osborne admits. Further education aside, the 16-month process of Time in the Sun’s creation led to new sonic layers and lyrical insight. Opener “Time, Love & Fun” is dedicated to Osborne’s father, who passed away from cancer last year, an experience that closed the life-and-death loop on an album initially envisioned as a reflection on the birth of Osborne’s daughter. A polished video for “Get Down” shows off the benefits of the group’s fresh deal with New West. Osborne felt the band’s previous agreement with a traditional Americana label wasn't the perfect fit for their sound. “There’s a rock and psychedelic side of SUSTO that’s a big part of it,” Osborne explains. That’s heard on the laid-back “Summertime,” an easy-listening head-bobber with playful organ trills and a bass drum emulating a skipping CD that completes a nostalgic scene.

Watch the music video below for SUSTO's single "Get Down," off the band's latest album.

“Double Rainbow” may be the collection’s most classic SUSTO track, for its three-chord, hold-back-before-exploding melodic structure and familiar theme exploring Christianity’s role in society and reckoning with Osborne’s evangelical upbringing. “I’m a psychedelic priest on my best days/And I’m a real world beast on the rest days,” Osborne sings.

Every song on Time in the Sun is audibly accessible—even beautiful—yet thought-provoking and often evident of a conflicted history. That’s not unlike the city that produced SUSTO and a new album that will make the band’s local fans even prouder to claim their shared heritage.

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SUSTO Announce New Album, ‘My Entire Life’, and Release Lead Single

By Maxim Mower

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Americana trailblazers, SUSTO, have confirmed they'll be releasing a brand new album on July 28.

The hotly anticipated project, entitled My Entire Life , will serve as the South Carolina band's follow-up to their widely acclaimed 2021 record, Time in the Sun , which spawned fan-favourite tracks such as ‘God of Death’ and ‘Mother of the World’.

Since the release of Time in the Sun , listeners have been eagerly speculating as to when SUSTO's next project would be dropping. After roughly two years, the band's loyal fanbase are celebrating the news that My Entire Life is on the horizon.

The title-track from My Entire Life has been made available immediately, along with an accompanying set of visuals, which beautifully capture the song's hazy, psychedelic stylistic influences.

My Entire Life , which will be released through New West Records, was produced with Band Of Horses’ Wolfgang Zimmerman at the helm, with SUSTO's lead singer, Justin Osborne, providing the creative direction for the 12-song album.

The record drew inspiration from the aftermath of Justin's divorce, lingering struggles from the pandemic and the harrowing experience of seeing loved ones battling mental illness and other issues. Nonetheless, as the title-track underlines, My Entire Life is underpinned by a refreshing sense of joyfulness and hope.

SUSTO are heading out on the road once again next month, with a slew of tour dates lined up across the rest of the year. The band will be performing in Tennessee at the legendary Ryman auditorium, as well as in North Carolina, South Carolina, Texas, Arizona, California, Oregon, Washington, Montana, Wisconsin and more.

SUSTO's new album, My Entire Life , is available to pre-order here .

For more on SUSTO, see below:

SUSTO - Time In The Sun

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Charleston Premier Beach Club Since 1972

SUSTO 2024 Cowboys Tour W/ The Simplicity on the NÜTRL Beach Stage

• $35 Advance / $40 DOS
• July 26, 2024
• Doors at 6:00 pm
• 21 Up or with their Parent
• https://www.sustoisreal.com

SUSTO will return with My Entire Life July 28 via New West Records. The 12-song set was produced by Wolfgang Zimmerman (Band of Horses) and SUSTO’s Justin Osborne and Johnny Delaware. My Entire Life follows their critically acclaimed 2021 album Time in the Sun which Holler said “provides proof that Osborne and his bandmates are an important voice in today’s conflicted world,” while No Depression called it a “fluid and engaging listen.” Ink 19 said “It’s a great example of SUSTO’s ability to create true lyrical and musical masterpieces so fresh you simply cannot turn it off” while the Bitter Southerner named it one of “The Best Southern Albums of 2021.”

A season of drastic change is what brought SUSTO frontman Justin Osborne to the band’s new album. There was a divorce, difficulties re-building his band after the pandemic, and the pain and helplessness of witnessing family members struggle with addiction and mental illness. Despite these challenges. Justin ultimately found himself in a new landscape, with new love and a deeper perspective, all of which is masterfully projected into My Entire Life . As a whole, the album documents Justin’s personal journey through highs and lows in his life, with many of the details on full display. He narrates the demise and aftermath of an almost decade long relationship, while celebrating the joy of falling in love, and the hopefulness of starting over.

Today, Paste Magazine premiered the video for the album’s title track and lead single, “ My Entire Life ,” a song with an urgency “ to keep living .” Director Luke Pilgrim says, “We at Sozo Bear Films ventured into the relatively unknown world of AI art. We took inspiration from the lyrics, SUSTO’s entire catalog, as well as Justin’s previous musical endeavors to create visuals that represent themes from his entire life. We used stable diffusion to create a mind-bending psychedelic experience. Stable Diffusion is a type of deep learning generative neural network with the ability to prompt, render and process AI imagery.”

SHARE SUSTO’S MY ENTIRE LIFE VIDEO

“SUSTO’s narrative has always been confessional, and songwriting is my way of trying to make sense of the chaos—good and bad—around me,” observes Justin. “This record is my story of navigating a bunch of chaos, but finding ways to carry on and manifest my own happiness…the last few years were a challenge, but I look back and see that I made it through, a better, truer, and more realized version of myself.”

Much of the album was recorded at The Space in Charleston, SC, but major sessions also took place at Echo Mountain Recording in Asheville, NC, and Chase Park Transduction in Athens, GA. The band also took a recording pilgrimage to the Mexican town of Tepoztlan (the mythical birthplace of mesoamerican deity Quetzalcoatl), where they turned an airbnb into a remote recording studio with the help from members of Mexican Institute of Sound. The result is a compelling blend of rock, folk and psychedelia, with vivid country-esque storytelling. It’s as raw and real as anything the band has done so far.

SUSTO have also announced their initial live performances in support of My Entire Life . Launching on May 5th in Roanoke, VA, the trek features stops in Nashville, TN at the historic Ryman Auditorium, Los Angeles, CA at the legendary Troubadour, and an appearance at the Americana Music Festival in September.  See all dates, with more to be announced, below.

For as much as My Entire Life is the ultimate vision of what SUSTO can be, it’s also a classic story of one person rising from the ashes, wiser, and fiery than ever.

SUSTO’S My Entire Life will be available across digital platforms, compact disc, and standard black vinyl. A limited to 200 Blue & Purple Marble Vinyl Edition will be available via Heady Wax Fiends. A limited to 750 Blue & Green Marble Vinyl Edition autographed by SUSTO’s Justin Osborne will be available via Independent Retailers and for pre-order NOW via NEW WEST RECORDS .

My Entire Life Track Listing:

• Mermaid Vampire
• Mt. Caroline
• My Entire Life
• Optimum Artist
• Hyperbolic Jesus
• Double Stripe
• Tragic Kingdom
• Break Free, Rolling Stone

The Simplicity

Charleston rock outfit, The Simplicity, was formed by John Bias, Tommy Merritt, and Drew “Easy Money” Lewis with the goal to conquer every stage they step foot on. Influenced by rock n roll titans such as The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and The Velvet Underground, this trio favors a dynamic approach in their performances, skirting the line between fast and loose rock songs and dramatic ballads. Their debut record “DAHLIN’”was recorded in Charleston, SC with the help of Wolfgang Zimmerman (producer of Band of Horses, Susto and Brave Baby) and is available on all major streaming services.

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17 Stacked Rock + Metal Concert Lineups You Wish You Got to See

2019 has had some pretty killer concert announcements. Slipknot has Knotfest Roadshow with Volbeat , Behemoth and Gojira . Breaking Benjamin are currently on the road with Chevelle , Three Days Grace , Dorothy and Diamante . Korn are co-headlining a tour with Alice in Chains  with support from Underoath and Fever 333 .

Still, it's fun to look back in time when some of the biggest rock and metal bands of all time ruled the mainstream and received support from bands who eventually became huge themselves? The '90s and early-2000s had some of the best concert lineups ever.

Pantera and The Black Crowes were the support for Metallica and AC/DC at a show in Moscow in 1991. Alice in Chains, who eventually became one of the biggest groups of the '90s, opened for three-quarters of the Big Four on the Clash of the Titans tour that began in 1990. Slipknot did a co-headlining tour with System of a Down .

Scroll through the gallery below to see 17 stacked concert lineups you wish you got to see — or maybe you did.

17 Stacked Concert Lineups You Wish You Saw

The 'big 4' of 17 metal subgenres, the 'big 4' of 10 rock + punk subgenres, more from loudwire.

Legendary rock band cancels tour dates due to singer’s medical procedure

• Updated: Jun. 03, 2024, 10:36 a.m. |
• Published: Jun. 03, 2024, 8:53 a.m.

American rock band Heart, comprised of sister-duo Nancy (left) and Ann Wilson, has canceled the European leg of its "Royal Flush" tour due to Ann undergoing a "time-sensitive but routine medical procedure" in late May, the band announced. Heart's next upcoming tour date is scheduled for July 30 at Progressive Field in Cleveland, performing alongside Def Leppard and Journey. (Photo by Jeff Daly/Invision/AP, File) Jeff Daly/Invision/AP

• Zach Mentz, cleveland.com

Classic American rock band Heart has canceled the European leg of its “Royal Flush” tour due to a medical procedure for lead vocalist Ann Wilson, the band announced.

Wilson, 73, underwent a “time-sensitive but routine medical procedure” in late May, “for which the minimum recovery time is six weeks,” Heart said in a social media post.

“We regret to inform you that all upcoming Heart performances in Europe are canceled,” Heart wrote in an Instagram post .

“Heart deeply regrets this unfortunate circumstance and hopes to return to Europe soon. Refunds will be available at point of purchase as applicable.”

The European leg of Heart’s “Royal Flush” tour was set to begin June 20 and go through July 12, performing with English rock band Squeeze.

RELATED: Ailing country legend announces farewell tour

Wilson also shared the news of Heart’s canceled European tour dates on her personal Instagram account.

“I’m okay! Please don’t worry,” Wilson wrote . “I do apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. It’s certainly an inconvenience for me. Love & respect always, Ann.”

Following Heart’s canceled tour dates in Europe, the band’s next scheduled tour date is July 30 at Progressive Field in Cleveland , performing with both Def Leppard and Journey. The Cleveland show kicks off the band’s 51-show tour across the U.S. and Canada through December 15.

Heart opened its 2024 tour on April 20 at Bon Secours Wellness Arena in Greenville, South Carolina. The band, best known for hit songs “Barracuda” and “Crazy on You,” was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Class of 2013.

Stories by Zach Mentz

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KC and the Sunshine Band make first visit to Tuscaloosa

"Shake shake shake." "That's the way (uh-huh uh-huh)." "I'm your boogie man."

A writer whose work summon icons — Scrooge, Boo Radley, Macbeth ― could be called accomplished. Legend, even.

More: Tuscaloosa-raised Chuck Leavell plays with Rolling Stones on Hackney Diamonds tour

So what do we say about a musician who sets toes tapping in simple, repetitive phrases? Hear for yourself when KC and the Sunshine Band funk up Tuscaloosa's Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater on June 7, with Rose Royce and Dazz Band opening.

Born Harry Wayne Casey in Opa-Locka, Florida, and raised in Hialeah, he fronts the conglomerate conjoining his own and his state's nicknames. In 1973, he was working in a record store, and at TK Records, an independent label, when he co-founded with songwriter/engineer/bass player Richard Finch a group originally called KC and the Sunshine Junkanoo Band, using musicians from the studio, and from a local group, the Miami Junkanoo Band.

(Junkanoo is a festival with origins in the Caribbean, celebrated by people of African and Amerindian ancestry; the associated music is heavily percussive. Junkanoo parades have been seen in movies including "Thunderball," "After the Sunset" and "Jaws the Revenge," and on TV shows such as "Miami Vice," where they're often mistaken for Mardi Gras celebrations.)

Finch and Casey co-wrote and produced worldwide No. 1 "Rock Your Baby," sung by George McRae, backed by the Sunshine gang. It sold more than 11 million, and is considered one of the boosters that launched the disco era. Musicians varied as John Lennon and songwriters Benny Andersson and Björn Ulvaeus claimed it as influences, on "Whatever Gets You Through the Night," Lennon's only solo No. 1 single, and ABBA's "Dancing Queen."

The first KC and the Sunshine Band album, "Do It Good," came out in '74, but the '75 self-titled second disc blew doors open, led by "That's The Way (I Like It)" and "Get Down Tonight," both No. 1s on Billboard Hot 100 and R&B Singles charts. "Boogie Shoes" became a hit after inclusion in "Saturday Night Fever." It had originally been an album cut, and B-side for 1976 No. 1 "(Shake Shake Shake) Shake Your Booty." That one came from album "Part 3," which also showcased "I'm Your Boogie Man" and "Keep It Comin' Love."

Casey wasn't thinking "disco." The term had only become popularized in '73, for mixes of dance-led music seen as a bounce-back from '60s and '70s guitar-heavy rock.

"I knew I was writing uptempo music," he said, in a phone interview. "I thought music had gotten very dark. ... I really favored danceable music, so I wanted to create an album that was all party, from Side A to Side B."

It wasn't until the sixth disc, the 1979 "Do You Wanna Go Party" that they cut a ballad, the No. 1 "Please Don't Go." With the rise of punk and new wave, some of the helium had fizzed out of disco, so the band began moving more pop, with dwindling success.

In 1980, Casey scored a hit duet with Teri DeSario, on Barbara Mason's "Yes I'm Ready." Finch and Casey split not long after. In '84, frustrated by lack of label support — TK went bankrupt in 1981, and the band moved to Epic ― Casey first formed Meca Records to release "Give It Up," then went on hiatus not long after. He brought a Sunshine group back together, mostly to tour, in the '90s.

Compilations, covers (by Alex Chilton, Annie Lennox, Chrissie Hynde, Rob Zombie, Isaac Hayes, Dionne Warwick, Spin Doctors), soundtracks ("True Detective," "Forrest Gump," "Legally Blonde," "Watchmen," "Superbad") and samples (Bloodhound Gang, Trick Daddy, Stereo MCs) kept KC's Side A to Side B get-down mixed in the zeitgeist.

"I've been on a lot more records than many people realize. I don't know if there's a rhyme or reason" to how he works, Casey said, though the dance drive derives from love of R&B, from Motown, Stax and Atlantic Records. He's not even sure where hooks come from.

"I don't know. it's just something that kind comes natural to me," he said. "It just comes up from the sky, from God, I mean. It's something I guess was born with.

"My songs are stories," he said, laughing, "but they're the Cliff Notes versions. Let's just get to the point of it!"

At the Mercedes-Benz Amp, you'll hear side-to-side party. Recent set lists show KC and the Sunshine Band playing what you'd expect, plus the Commodores' "Brick House" and the Jacksons' "Shake Your Body (Down to the Ground)," which Casey mashes with "Give It Up."

"I try to keep as close to the original as possible," he said. "We might add something to the intro, but then we do the song in its entirety, top to end. And maybe we add something to the end, augmented or whatever. But we keep the original guts of the song."

Some change may be audible, he said.

"First of all, I'm 73 years old," he said, laughing. "I'm not 23 anymore. I don't have the original band. But I think I sound better," with 15 members on stage: horns, percussion, guitars, keyboards, background singers and dancers. KC sings, and sits in on keys for "Shake Your Booty," "I'm Your Boogie Man" and "Get Down Tonight."

He's used to seeing diverse crowds, "... from babies to grandmas. Last year I went to England, did a couple of shows, and I don't think there was anybody older than 30 out there," he said, "everybody having the best time."

How to get tickets

KC and the Sunshine Band, Rose Royce, Dazz Band will play the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater at 6:30 p.m. Friday June 7. Tickets are on sale through www.ticketmaster.com , and at the venue's box office, 2710 Jack Warner Parkway, downtown Tuscaloosa. Prices are $99.50, $89.50, $59.50, $49.50, $29.50 and $19.50, not including fees and taxes. For more, see www.mercedesbenzamphitheater.com .

Reach Mark Hughes Cobb at [email protected].

This summer is jam-packed with outdoor concert series. Don't miss a beat with our 2024 Green Bay-area guide to who's playing where

Pro tip for the summer of 2024: Just keep that folding outdoor chair in the car.

If you’re a music lover, you’re going to need it.

The Green Bay-area calendar for the next three months is so packed with outdoor concert series you’ll be hard-pressed to find a day or night of the week when there isn’t a reason to grab your shades, the family or a couple of friends and soak up all that a whirlwind summer has to offer. 

If a cold beverage just seems to taste better outside in the summer, something about music played outside sounds all the sweeter, too.

Here’s our annual guide to where to find this season’s musical opportunities to kick back or get up and move. The majority of them are free, but some require tickets, as noted. Remember that carry-in policies vary from event to event and weather can change things up last minute. While the focus here is primarily community music series, many bars and restaurants also offer patio performances throughout the season.

Need a break? Play the USA TODAY Daily Crossword Puzzle.

SEE YOU AT YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD PARK

Rockin' in josten.

When/where:  6-8:30 p.m. Mondays at Josten Park, 2280 Town Hall Road, Bellevue. Bring a lawn chair or blanket. No smoking or vaping. Concessions on site.  Cost:  Free.

• June 17:  Kickback
• July 8:  Bent Grass
• July 22:  Rocker
• Aug. 12:  The Jackie Treehorn Experience

Tunes on Tuesdays

When/where:  6-8:30 p.m. Tuesdays at Vickery Village Pavilion, Suamico. Rain or shine. No carry-ins; food, wine, beer, mixed drinks sold by Chives Restaurant. Parking behind Four Way and Spork.  Cost:  Free.

• June 11:  The Presidents
• June 18:  Conscious Pilot
• June 25:  The Cougars
• July 2:  The Third Wheels
• July 9:  The Modern Day Drifters
• July 16:  Sonic Circus
• July 23:  Carbon Road
• July 30:  Model Citizens
• Aug. 6:  Eight Second Ride
• Aug. 13:  Whiskey Ditch
• Aug. 20:  Fire on High
• Aug. 27:  Bazooka Joe

Ashwaubenon Concerts in the Park

When/where:  11:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Wednesdays at Klipstine Park, 900 Anderson Drive, Ashwaubenon. Concessions sold on site by community groups. Food drive for St. John Lutheran Church food pantry on June 26; $1 ice cream sundaes on July 1. Picnic tables available or bring a chair or blanket. Rain site: Ashwaubenon Community Center.  Cost:  Free.

• June 12:  The Del Rays
• June 19:  Music Jar Band
• June 26:  Paul Evansen (Neil Diamond tribute)
• July 10:  Talk of the Town
• July 17:  Let Me Be Frank Productions
• July 24:  Daddy D Productions
• July 31:  Rocker!

Ashwaubenon Food Truck Rally Concerts

When/where:  5-8 p.m. select Thursdays at Ashwaubomay Park, 2881 S. Broadway.  Cost:  Free.

• June 20:  Grupo KN ZAVOR
• July 18:  Nashville Pipeline
• Sept. 12:  That ’90s Band

Howard Commons Activity Complex Concerts

When/where:  Howard Commons Activity Complex amphitheater, 550 Commons Place, Howard. There’s also live music in the biergarten 5-8 p.m. Thursdays (except July 4) through Sept. 26. Full schedule at  discoverthecommons.com .  Cost:  Free.

• 5:30-9 p.m. June 7:  The Cougars
• 1-5 p.m. June 22:  The Del Rays
• 1-5 p.m. July 20:  The Sapphires
• 3-5 p.m. Aug. 4:  Bay Area Big Band
• 5-9 p.m. Aug. 10:  The Third Wheels
• 1-4 p.m. Aug. 18:  Full Circle Band
• 5-9 p.m. Aug. 30:  The Glam Band
• 5-9 p.m. Sept. 28:  Big Mouth & The Power Tool Horns

Music on the Green Summer Solstice

When/where:  5-8:30 p.m. June 20 at Heritage Hill State Historical Park, Allouez. Limited seating; bring a lawn chair or blanket. Two food trucks and bar on site.

Cost:  $8 adults, $2 children, free Heritage Hill members. Tented picnic tables for up to six people available for $55 in advance at  heritagehillgb.org .

• June 20:  Frogwater, 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Kate Voss & The Hot Sauce, 6:30-8:30 p.m.

HAPPENING IN DOWNTOWN GREEN BAY

Levitt amp green bay music series.

When/where:  4-6:30 p.m. Sundays at Leicht Memorial Park, downtown Green Bay. It’s the second of what will be three years of the series to promote equity and inclusivity through music in an underused public space, thanks to a $90,000 Levitt AMP Grant Award secured by On Broadway Inc.  Cost:  Free.

• June 9:  Kings & Associates, with Amelia Ford
• June 16:  Big Richard, with Lena Marie Schiffer + Ani Casabonne
• June 23:  Kelly Jackson, with Shylah Ray Sunshine
• June 30:  Kat and the Hurricane, with Allison Mahal
• July 7:  Esso!, with Grupo KN ZAVOR
• July 14:  Nikki Hill, with Pegasis
• July 21:  Kommuna Lux, with Alley Cat and the Purrfection
• July 28:  Dolly Ave, with leedong
• Aug. 4:  Sones De Mexico, with Banda Los Locales

Fridays on the Fox

When/where:  6-9 p.m. Fridays (ends 30 minutes earlier than previous years) on CityDeck, downtown Green Bay. Some seating available but good idea to bring a lawn chair. Food and drink for sale from  Hagemeister Park beginning at 5 p.m.   Cost:  Free.

• June 14:  NEW Dueling Pianos
• June 21:  Copper Box
• June 28:  Brass Differential and Cover Fire Army Band
• July 5:  Fire on High
• July 12:  The Cougars
• July 19:  Big Mouth & The Power Tool Horns
• July 26:  Pat McCurdy
• Aug. 2:  Star Six Nine

Green Bay City Band

When/where:  7 p.m. Wednesdays June 19 through Aug. 21 at St. James Park on Monroe Avenue in downtown Green Bay. It’s the 121st season for the 40-member band. Greg Sauve directs. Some seating available or bring your own. Rain date is Thursdays. Cost:  Free.

• June 19: "Summer Sampler." Steve Wilda sings; trumpets are featured.
• June 26: "An Evening with Woody Mankowski." The former Green Bay musician now living in Los Angeles will be featured on vocals and saxophone, with music arranged and conducted by Shawn Postell.
• July 3: "Salute to America." Joint concert with the 132nd National Guard Band. Bands will perform separately and together.
• July 10: "Summer Fun." Trombonist Andy Bader solos; Steve Bader directs.
• July 17: "Great American Songbook." Vocalists Kent and Emily Paulson are featured.
• July 24: "On Broadway." Arranger Shawn Postell plays showtune favorites.  Center Stage soloists are featured.
• July 31: "Big Band Night." Kevin Van Ess of Talk of the Town is special guest.
• Aug. 7: "An Olympic Salute." Music from the Olympics directed by Steve Bader.
• Aug. 14: "Western Favorites." Selections from Johnny Cash, "Shenandoah" and "How the West Was Won."
• Aug. 21: "Rock Around the Clock." Rock music spanning The Association to Santana. Steve Wilda sings.

MUSIC SERVED UP AT BREWERIES AND WINERIES

Wine down summer concert series.

When/where:  6-9 p.m. Thursdays (and 6-10 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 10) at  LedgeStone Vineyards & Gnarly Cedar Brewing,  Greenleaf. No alcoholic carry-ins; water carry-ins allowed. Beer, wine, non-alcoholic beverages and food sold on site. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket for lawn seating. Friendly, leashed dogs welcome.

Cost:  $15-$85, depending on the act and whether your choose lawn seating or reserved table patio seating. Order tickets in advance at  ledgestonevineyards.xyz/thursday-night-wine-down-series .

• June 6:  Them Coulee Boys, with Big Buddha & The Bellies (sold out)
• June 13:  Armchair Boogie
• June 20:  Charlie Parr, with Billy Bronsted & Friends
• June 27:  Yonder Mountain String Band
• July 4:  Feed the Dog, Dig Deep and Pickin’ Buds
• July 11:  Adam Greuel & The Space Burritos
• July 18:  Mountain Grass Unit
• July 25:  Chicken Wire Empire, with Buffalo Galaxy
• Aug. 1:  Wire & Nail
• Aug. 8:  Listening Party
• Aug. 10:  Horseshoes & Hand Grenades, with Miles Over Mountains
• Aug. 15:  Dead Horses, with Bomber & Red
• Aug. 22:  Joseph Huber, with Colby T. Helms
• Aug. 29:  The Astronomers, with Horace Greene
• Sept. 5: Tophouse, with The Wildwoods

More: Green Bay-area farmers market preview: Howard is getting a new one, two others are moving and what else to know

Live in the Garden Summer Concert Series

When/where:  7 p.m. Fridays (with a couple of other bonus days) out in the beer garden at Badger State Brewing Co. , Green Bay. Food trucks on site.  Cost:  Free.

• June 7:  Allison Mahal Band, with The Stray Bales
• June 14:  Rat Bath
• June 15:  Arkansauce
• June 20:  Zach Pietrini
• June 21:  Genevieve Hayward & The Cancellations
• June 28:  Nick Gonnering
• July 12:  Moon Driver
• July 19:  Diet Lite
• July 26:  Micah Emrich
• Aug. 2:  The Pinkerton Raid
• Aug. 9:  The Talismen
• Aug. 16:  Sneezy
• Aug. 23:  Cold Soda Club
• Aug. 30:  The Kind Thieves
• Sept. 6:  NEWSKI
• Sept. 13:  Tail Light Rebellion
• Sept. 14:  Moon Driver
• Sept. 20:  Marina City
• Sept. 27:  Listening Party
• Oct. 4:  Chris Haise Band
• Oct. 11:  Kick

Live Music in the Vineyard

When/where: 2-5 p.m. Saturdays (except noon-4 p.m. June 8) at Parallel 44 Vineyard & Winery , Stangelville. Wine, by the bottle or glass, and artisan snacks available for purchase. Cost: Free.

• June 8: 10 Strings Acoustic
• June 15: The Charms
• June 22: Avian Aura
• June 29: Paul Bronson
• July 6: Bruce Humphries
• July 13: Good for the Soul
• July 20: Eugene Gruber
• July 27: The Charms
• Aug. 3: Gerry Sloan
• Aug. 10: Eugene Gruber
• Aug. 17: Jamus Unplugged
• Aug. 24: Philip Nelson & The Distilled Spirits
• Aug. 31: Bruce Humphries

MEANWHILE, OVER IN DE PERE ...

Knights on the fox.

When/where:  6:30-8 p.m. Tuesdays along the Fox River at St. Norbert College, De Pere. Named one of the  10 best outdoor concert series  in the country in 2023, the picturesque series returns for its 21st season. Bring a chair or blanket. Picnicking begins at 5 p.m. Carry in your own picnic or purchase sandwiches, snacks and drinks from Phil’s inside Campus Center. Thompson Marina docks open; De Pere locks close at 8:30 p.m. Parking in the lots off Third Street; accessible parking near Old St. Joseph Church. Weather cancellations at  snc.edu/go/kotf  by 3 p.m. day of show.  Cost:  Free.

• July 9:  The Cougars
• July 16:  Smoke Road
• July 23:  Copper Box
• July 30:  Brass Differential
• Aug. 6:  Panchromatic Steel (Alumni Night)

De Pere Beer Gardens

When/where:  4:30-8:30 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday of the month at Voyageur Park, De Pere. Food trucks, craft beer, hard seltzer and family games and entertainment. Proceeds benefit De Pere parks.  Cost:  Free.

• June 25:  Courtney Paulson and Ben Boncher
• July 23:  Brent Bel and Danni Maus
• Aug. 27:  The Cheese Doodles

More: Here are all the major concerts, comedy shows in Green Bay through 2024

De Pere City Band

When/where:  7-8 p.m. Thursdays at Voyageur Park, De Pere. Gary Wieseckel directs themed concerts. Event canceled if it’s raining at 6 p.m.; updates at  De Pere Parks, Recreation & Forestry Facebook page . Bring a lawn chair or blanket.  Cost:  Free.

• June 13: "American Journey"
• June 27:  “Show Tunes”
• July 11:  “A Night of Swing”
• July 25:  “World of Adventure”
• Aug. 8:  “Around the World”

Art & Music Night

When/where:  4-8 p.m. Fridays in downtown De Pere. Regional acts perform on Michael J. Walsh Plaza. Event also includes murals and other public art, street performers and art demonstrations at various downtown venues. Cost: Free.

• June 7:  Sly Joe & The Smooth Operators
• July 19:  Listening Party
• August 16:  TBA

GRAB LUNCH AND TUNES IN THE TITLETOWN DISTRICT

Acoustic lunch.

When/where:  11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Fridays on the outdoor patio at 46 Below in the  Titletown District, Ashwaubenon. No carry-ins allowed; food and drink sold at 46 Below.  Cost:  Free.

• June 7:  Mike Maher
• June 14:  Andy Braun
• June 21:  Jacob Fannin
• June 28:  Acoustic Endorphins
• July 5:  Pure Country
• July 12:  Olivia Maro
• July 19:  7000apart
• July 26:  Scotty Meyer
• Aug. 2:  Frank Childress
• Aug. 9:  Hildur Hoglind
• Aug. 16:  ’90s Jake
• Aug. 23:  Andy Braun
• Aug. 30:  Mike Maher
• Sept. 6:  Backstage Pass
• Sept. 13:  Olivia Maro
• Sept. 20:  Nicki Sims
• Sept. 27:  ’90s Jake

Music + Munchies

When/where:  11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Mondays at Terrapin Beer Garden in the Titletown District, Ashwaubenon. Food available from Hinterland pizza truck or Titletown restaurants. No carry-ins allowed.  Cost:  Free.

• June 3:  Jacob Fannin
• June 10:  7000apart
• June 17:  Justin Levanetz
• June 24:  Chris Okkerse
• July 1:  Scotty Meyer
• July 8:  Frank Childress
• July 15:  ’90s Jake
• July 22:  Nicki Sims
• July 29:  Backstage Pass
• Aug. 5:  Doug Sheen
• Aug. 12:  Seth James
• Aug. 19:  Scotty Steel
• Aug. 26:  Pure Country
• Sept. 9:  Justin Levanetz
• Sept. 16:  Chris Okkerse
• Sept. 23:  Scotty Meyer
• Sept. 30:  The Finest Faux

CONCERTS WITH A STUNNING GARDEN VIEW

Dar stumpf & clyde reed grand concert series.

When/where:  7-9 p.m. Fridays at Billie Kress Amphitheater in Schneider Family Grand Garden at Green Bay Botanical Garden . Gates open at 5:30 p.m. Bring your own lawn chair, blanket or picnic basket. No beverage carry-ins. Beverages sold on site, along with light concessions.

Cost:  $35-$60, with discounted tickets for GBBG members, at  gbbg.org . Tickets are $10 more at the door.

• June 7:  The Highwaymen Live (Johnny Cash, Waylon Jennings and Willie Nelson tribute)
• July 12:  Divas of Soul (Whitney Houston and Tina Turner tribute)
• Aug. 9:  Simply Elton (Elton John tribute)
• Sept. 6:  Heartbreak Tonight (Eagles tribute for the annual 21-and-older Brews, Bistros & Bonfires event)

Sanimax Concert Series

When/where:  6-8 p.m. Thursdays at Billie Kress Amphitheater in Schneider Family Grand Garden at Green Bay Botanical Garden. Bring your own picnic, lawn chair or blanket. Chairs can be set up beginning at 4:30 p.m. No beverage carry-ins. Beverages sold on site, along with light concessions.

Cost:  $30 family (two adults and children 17 and younger in the household or grandchildren), $15 adults, $13 ages 62 and older, military and students with school ID, $5 ages 3-17, free GBBG members and ages 2 and younger. Tickets sold in advance at gbbg.org or at the door, if still available.

• June 13: 7000apart (This is a switch from the originally announced John Kelley & Fusion Xpress Orchestra.)
• June 20:  Banda Los Locales
• June 27:  Whiskey Belles
• July 18:  Ants Marching (Dave Matthews Band tribute)
• July 25:  Model Citizens
• Aug. 1:  Erin Krebs
• Aug. 15:  Chicago Mule
• Aug. 22:  Big Mouth & The Power Tool Horns

Kendra Meinert is an entertainment and feature writer at the Green Bay Press-Gazette. Contact her at 920-431-8347 or [email protected] . Follow her on X @KendraMeinert . 

Multi-Platinum-Selling Band Marianas Trench Announce 2024 North American Tour

New Single “Lightning And Thunder” Out Now

Previously featured on billboard , alternative press , popcrush , atwood magazine , substream magazine + more.

Today, multi-platinum-selling Canadian pop-rock band  Marianas Trench , is excited to announce their 2024 North American tour. The  Force of Nature  tour – produced by Live Nation – will kick off on  September 12th  and make stops across  the US and Canada , including shows in Anaheim, Dallas, Orlando, Nashville, New York, Chicago, Denver , and more, culminating with the tour’s final stop in the band’s hometown, Vancouver, BC .

The Marianas Trench Fan Club presale for the tour will begin on  Tuesday, May 28th  at 12:00 pm local time and end on  Thursday, May 30th  at 10pm local time. VIP packages will also be available starting on  Tuesday, May 28th  at 12pm local time. Fans can register for the Fanclub  here  and find out more information on the VIP packages  here . General onsale will start on  Friday, May 31st  at 10am local time.

“There is no greater feeling than the thunderous roar of thousands of Trenchers permeating our eardrums when we set foot on stage to perform,”  said Matt Webb of Marianas Trench .  “We have longed for this feeling, dearly, over the last few years, and are f&*king thrilled to be back with the Force of Nature tour, coming to a city near you soon!”

In addition to the tour, the band recently released their undeniably catchy new radio single  “ Lightning and Thunder ,”  available now via  604 Records  /  Warner Music Canada  and all streaming platforms. The uplifting anthem showcases vocalist Josh Ramsay’s outstanding vocal range and the band’s signature theatrical pop-rock style that is guaranteed to leave a lasting mark on listeners.

Written and produced by Marianas Trench frontman  Josh Ramsay , he shares the inspiration behind the single, “ Every story begins with a call to adventure. “Lightning and Thunder” is about finding out my partner and I were going to have our first child, which is probably the biggest call to adventure I’m ever going to experience.”

This track follows the band’s surprise DSP release of “ A Normal Life, ”  a track about feeling like you don’t belong in your place in life and knowing you were meant for something more. The song was the band’s first new studio release since their acclaimed 2019 album,  Phantoms . Both new tracks will appear on the band’s highly-anticipated forthcoming album, which is slated to be released later this summer.

Since their 2006 debut album,  Fix Me , Marianas Trench have consistently raised the musical bar both in the studio and with their explosive live shows around the globe. Amongst their many accomplishments, the Vancouver-based four-piece band composed of  Josh Ramsay, Matt Webb, Mike Ayley  and  Ian Casselman , has earned two certified double-platinum records, one platinum record, a certified gold-selling record and triple-platinum digital singles. They have also been awarded the 2013 JUNO Award for Group of the Year and achieved several chart-topping radio hits including “Stutter,” “Fallout,” and “Who Do You Love.”

Below is a complete list of Marianas Trench’s North American tour dates. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit  www.marianastrench.net .

For More Information, please visit:

Website: https://marianastrench.net/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MarianasTrench

Twitter: https://twitter.com/mtrench

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mtrenchofficial/

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mtrenchofficial

Spotify: https://bit.ly/3UKh0f9

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@Mtrench

Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/marianas-trench/124943892

Marianas Trench US Tour Dates:

September 12 – Berkeley, CA – The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall ^

September 14 – Anaheim, CA – House of Blues ^

September 15 – Phoenix, AZ – The Van Buren ^

September 17 – Dallas, TX – House of Blues *

September 18 – Houston, TX – House of Blues *

September 20 – Orlando, FL – House of Blues *

September 21 – Atlanta, GA – Buckhead Theatre *

September 22 – Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works *

September 24 – Silver Spring, MD – The Fillmore *

September 25 – Charlotte, NC – The Underground *

September 27 – New York, NY – Irving Plaza *

September 30 – Philadelphia, PA – The Fillmore *

October 1 – Boston, MA – Citizens House of Blues *

October 3 – Pittsburgh, PA – The Roxian Theatre *

October 4 – Cleveland, OH – Agora Ballroom %*

October 5 – Columbus, OH – The Bluestone *

October 7- Buffalo, NY – Electric City %*

October 8 – Grand Rapids, MI – GLC Live at 20 Monroe *

October 9 – Chicago, IL – House of Blues *

October 11 – Milwaukee, WI – The Rave %*

October 12 – Minneapolis, MN – The Fillmore *

October 13 – Omaha, NE – The Admiral %*

October 15 – Denver, CO – Summit *

October 16 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Depot *

October 18 – Seattle, WA – Moore Theatre #

October 19 – Portland, OR – McMenamins Crystal Ballroom #

Marianas Trench Canadian Tour Dates:

November 16 – Halifax, NS – Light House Arts Centre **

November 18 – Moncton, NB – Casino New Brunswick **

November 20 – Montreal, QC – MTELUS **

November 22 – Ottawa, ON – National Arts Centre, Southam Hall **

November 23 – Kitchener, ON – Centre In The Square **

November 25 – Hamilton, ON – FirstOntario Concert Hall **

November 26 – London, ON – Centennial Hall **

November 29 – Windsor, ON – Caesars Windsor Colosseum %**

November 30 – Toronto, ON – HISTORY **

December 3 – Thunder Bay, ON – Thunder Bay Community Auditorium %**

December 4 – Winnipeg, MB – Burton Cummings Theatre **

December 6 – Regina, SK – Conexus Arts Centre **

December 7 – Edmonton, AB – Midway Music Hall **

December 9 – Medicine Hat, AB – Co-op Place %**

December 10 – Calgary, AB – Grey Eagle Event Centre **

December 12 – Vancouver, BC – Orpheum **

^ – Grayscale and Piao

* – Cassadee Pope and Piao

# – Girlfriends and Piao

** – LØLØ

% – Not A Live Nation Date

Download hi-res press photo here . (credit Karolina Turek)

Download hi-res single art here .

Download hi-res tour admat here .

Download hi-res US only tour admat here .

US Press Contact for Marianas Trench:

Becky Kovach | Big Picture Media

212.675.3103 | [email protected]

About Live Nation Entertainment

Live Nation Entertainment (NYSE: LYV) is the world’s leading live entertainment company comprised of global market leaders: Ticketmaster, Live Nation Concerts, and Live Nation Sponsorship. For additional information, visit: www.livenationentertainment.com

Live Nation Concerts Contact Info:

Monique Sowinski | [email protected]

Navier Grimes | [email protected]

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Concerts and tour dates, fan reviews.

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Attack in Moscow: What role does the band Picnic play?

A t least 137 people have been killed in the attack on the "Crocus City Hall" in Moscow. The Russian rock band, Picnic, was due to perform on stage on Friday. What does their performance have to do with the attack?On the evening of Friday March 22, at around 8 p.m. local time, the Moscow concert venue, Crocus City Hall, became the scene of a bloody attack -- the exact background of which is still the subject of speculation. At least 137 were killed in the massacre, while many others are in critical condition. They were all awaiting a concert by the Russian rock band Picnic, which was due to start at 9 p.m.

'Wash yourself with your own blood'

Russia has been in a state of shock ever since. While the whole world is expressing its sympathy, rumors and false information are doing the rounds. Four suspects have been brought before a court in the Russian capital. The four Tajiks were formally accused of involvement in a terrorist attack by the Basmanny district court on Sunday evening. They face possible life imprisonment. At the same time, people are wondering why the terrorists chose this particular event. Was the attack also aimed at the band Picnic?

"Fear nothing, fear nothing -- no fire, no ringing shadow. You are no longer a rosy child. Wash yourself with your own blood in the morning. And shake the blossoming day." These are some of the lyrics of Picnic's new song, which was released on March 7 on the band's YouTube channel.

Those lines sound almost prophetic, especially now in Russia. A message posted on the band's website reads, "We express our deepest sympathy to the families and friends of the victims. We pray for the speedy recovery of the injured. We are deeply shocked by this terrible tragedy and mourn with you." The band's musicians were unharmed because they were able to hide in the dressing room.

Picnic is one of the veterans of the Russian music scene, with origins in progressive rock. Founded in 1978 in St. Petersburg, which was still called Leningrad then, the band initially called itself Orion before changing its name to Picnic in 1981. Both monikers go back to the typical Soviet rock scene trick of choosing names that sound Western but cannot be banned.

In the 1980s, however, Picnic ended up on the list of bands that were denied major public appearances. The musicians and their audience therefore lived out their love for role models such as Led Zeppelin and the Rolling Stones in rock clubs, sometimes underground. Singer and songwriter Edmund Shklyarsky has been the band leader since 1982. The son of a renowned scientist and a concert pianist, Shklyarsky attaches great importance to his Polish roots and his Catholic faith. From an early age, his sources of inspiration were not only the Rolling Stones and The Animals, but also Russian avant-garde poetry.

Picnic members are considered war supporters

In May 2023, Russian writer and nationalist activist Zakhar Prilepin praised the band's leader. According to Prilepin, Shklyarsky actively supported the "special operation" in Ukraine, among others through monetary donations. Prelepin further presumed that this was the "normal position of a Russian man and a Russian musician" -- a statement that has neither been denied nor confirmed by the members of Picnic.

Their being booked to perform in venue as renowned as the Crocus City Hall in Moscow can be seen as proof of the band's loyalty to the Russian state -- which had demanded a clear commitment from the country's rock and pop scene, especially when the war against Ukraine began. Musicians and bands who positioned themselves against the war -- including Russian stars such as Boris Grebenshchikov (Aquarium), Yuri Shevchuk (DDT) and Zemfira -- had to leave the country and suffered career setbacks. Russian pop diva Alla Pugacheva has also sharply criticized the Putin regime from abroad.

On the other hand, stars loyal to the regime are rewarded with lucrative performances and awards. The approximately 6,200 tickets for the Picnic concert on March 22 were almost sold out, as was the planned second gig on Saturday. Ticket prices ranged from E100 to E300 and the band was to be accompanied by a symphony orchestra and a "spectacular stage and light show," at least according to advertising.

Even before Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Picnic was added to the list of artists unwelcome in Ukraine. The reason for this was the band's repeated performances on the occupied Crimean peninsula, including in Sevastopol.

The day after the tragedy, numerous interview requests, including from DW, were met with nothing but expressions of grief and shock. On Sunday, March 24, Edmund Shklyarsky released a video message. "I would like to express my condolences to all the victims and relatives of this terrible and senseless tragedy," he said, adding that no words have yet been invented that could resurrect people and comfort their fellow human beings.

Whether there's any special significance in the terrorists' choice to attack a concert by this particular band remains a matter of speculation -- as does the question of whether Crocus City Hall plays any special role as the target of the carnage.

A concert venue of superlatives

Crocus City Hall is a state-of-the-art concert hall on the grounds of an exhibition complex and is probably the most prestigious stage in Moscow among musicians. With an audience capacity of 5,000 to 10,000 people, it is much larger than a traditional concert hall and only slightly smaller than a soccer stadium. In short, a superlative venue in Moscow with no competitors.

Completed in 2009, Crocus, as it is known for short, quickly became one of Russia's most important concert halls. Located some 20 kilometers from the Kremlin, the venue can be reached within 30 minutes from the city center, depending on Moscow's notorious traffic congestions. It's faster for residents of the affluent suburbs in the west of the city, who prefer to attend the concerts there.

The excellent public transport links could have been an argument for the terrorists to choose Crocus City Hall for their attack. In addition, security precautions on the outskirts of the city are not as strict as in the center of Moscow.

Cultural events canceled in Russia

The concert hall belongs to the group of companies owned by the Azerbaijani-Russian construction tycoon and oligarch Aras Agalarov and his son Emin, a businessman and singer. There were rumors when the Crocus opened that Aras Agalarov had built his son a stage.

In recent years, however, Emin Agalarov has put his pop career on hold and concentrated primarily on the development and marketing of Crocus City Hall. Over the years, internationally renowned bands have performed here: Scorpions, Smokie, Pet Shop Boys, Nazareth and A-ha, as well as Sting, Elton John, Thomas Anders, Vanessa May and many others. In 2013, Donald Trump even strayed onto the stage, as a special guest at the final of the Miss Universe competition. But those days of cosmopolitanism are long gone.

A look at the program at Crocus City Hall gives a good insight into the sensitivities of Russian society, which oscillates between denial of reality and resignation: Concerts by regime-compliant musicians alternate with entertainment blockbusters such as Japanese drum shows or women's stand-up comedy. Now all major events have been canceled, not only in the damaged Crocus City Hall, but throughout Russia. Theaters, cinemas and museums will remain closed for the time being.

This article was originally written in German.

Copyright 2024 DW.COM, Deutsche Welle. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Jon Bon Jovi says 'Forever' pays homage to The Beatles, his wife and the working class

As the lights faded in a ballroom of the Los Angeles Convention Center, a wallop of guitar and drums rang through the room.

Jon Bon Jovi, sleek in all black, took his rightful place center stage as drummer Tico Torres, keyboardist David Bryan, bassist Hugh McDonald and guitarists John Shanks and Phil X launched into an anthemic intro of “Whoa-oh-oh-ohs.”

The audience who had come to honor Bon Jovi’s philanthropic efforts at the annual MusiCares gala glanced around with puzzled looks.

Was this a new Bon Jovi song? If so, were they debuting it as the opening salvo at a glitzy Grammys charity event when the MusiCares honoree doesn't usually perform until the end of the night? And was that Paul McCartney sitting at a front table pumping his first along to the very-Bon-Jovi chorus?

Yes, yes and yes.

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“Legendary,” the first single from Bon Jovi’s 16 th studio album “Forever,” out June 7, received its christening in a room that included McCartney , Bruce Springsteen , Melissa Etheridge, Shania Twain and numerous other music VIPs.

A few weeks later, the infectious pop rock song lyrically rooted in Bon Jovi's trademarks of loyalty, friendship and a blue-collar ethos began its steady chart climb , eventually landing in the Top 10 of Billboard’s Rock Digital Song Sales and Adult Contemporary charts.

It was an auspicious rollout for the band’s first album since “2020” as well as the first for frontman Jon Bon Jovi since undergoing vocal cord surgery in 2022.

During a recent interview about the band’s four-part Hulu documentary, “Thank You, Goodnight: The Bon Jovi Story,” Bon Jovi, 62, also shared some insight into a few of the songs on “Forever.”

More: Billy Joel turns 75: His 75 best songs, definitively ranked

Bon Jovi is still rocking the talk box

The second single from the album, the rhythmically pumping “Living Proof," is coated with another Bon Jovi hallmark – the talk box, which the band reinvigorated from its ‘70s-era origins on its signature smash, “Livin’ on a Prayer,” and bowed to again for 2000’s “It’s My Life.”

“I will give Richie (Sambora) full compliments for commandeering the talk box in 1986,” Bon Jovi says of the band’s original guitarist and frequent song collaborator . “We both knew it of course from (Peter) Frampton and Joe Walsh, but I would think from ’86 forward that instrument belongs to Richie and to Bon Jovi using it again.”

Bon Jovi is careful to credit his forebears for the distinctive wonky sound created by the mouth device and says he returns to the credo his mother told him: “Find out who your influence's influences were … because now if anyone says oh, the talk box, that’s Bon Jovi. No.”

Jon Bon Jovi writes a love letter to his wife

The ninth track on “Forever,” the piano ballad “I Wrote You a Song,” is a sweet testimony of love shaded with insecurity.

“How could it ever be beautiful enough?” Bon Jovi sings in a slightly strained voice.

The target of his affection is obvious, he says. His wife of 35 years , Dorothea.

Words including “I can’t give you the ocean or the sky/the wonders of the world can’t compare to you/I did the only thing I know how to do – I wrote you a song,” as well as the melody, came to Bon Jovi in the middle of the night.

“I had a notebook next to my bed,” he recalls, “which I sometimes do when I’m in a place where I’m writing and I know that position well – in your underwear on the side of the bed, asleep with a pen in your hand and scribbling and you wake up to see every single word of that first verse and the melody written.”

Bon Jovi shared the lyrics with co-writer Billy Falcon but still fretted about landing the perfect title.

“Billy said, ‘I Wrote You a Song’ and I was like, ‘Ah!.’ The simplest thing you could possibly say.”

More: James Taylor talks koalas, the 'gravitational attraction' of touring and Taylor Swift

Bon Jovi salutes The Beatles’ ‘A Day in the Life’

The dozen songs on “Forever” balance between ballads and barroom stompers. “Seeds” is one of the most memorable for its hook and fantastical ending that pays homage to The Beatles’ “A Day in the Life.”

Bon Jovi says he was inspired to write the song while looking out of the window of his Manhattan apartment and watching the people wandering around in a park. “There are 100 stories happening right now and these people don’t even know that their stories are intersecting at this moment,” he remembers thinking at the time.

He credits his “current self-help way” of “trying to get back to joy” for inspiring the image of seeds “trying to find our place in the weeds.”

The song rockets to a swirling strings-and-drums climax that is reminiscent of The Beatles’ ingenious concoction that caps their “Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band” album. “Seeds” wraps with a sustained chord, similar to the one that famously closes “A Day in the Life.”

“From inception, I knew what I wanted (with the song) and it was absolutely ‘A Day in the Life,’” Bon Jovi says. He enlisted noted composer David Campbell to arrange the strings.

“I full-on wanted the George Martin, Beatles-esque climb. And I think we achieved it,” Bon Jovi says.

Jon Bon Jovi is hardly a 'Hollow Man'

The closing song on “Forever,” the contemplative “Hollow Man,” might concern fans with its ruminative lyrics over mournful slide guitar.

“What do you sing when the song’s been sung?/Who do you fight when the war is won?/What do you write when the book is done?” Bon Jovi wonders, then later in the song, “How does it work when the words don’t come?”

It might sound like a declaration of defeat, but Bon Jovi isn’t swaggering into the sunset.

Touring remains uncertain because of his self-mandate that his voice is fit enough to perform a 2 ½-hour concert four nights a week. But he’s continuing to rebuild his vocal strength and maintain his optimism.

“Every day,” Bon Jovi says, “I work at it.”