Mike Peters Remembered

Posted by Robert Kinsler

I was so sorry to wake today to the news that singer-songwriter great Mike Peters has passed away after a long battle fighting cancer. He was only 66.

Mike Peters performing at The
Coach House in 2013.
Photo credit: Bob Steshetz

I first caught Peters back in June 1983 when The Alarm opened for U2. I was blown away and immediately went out and purchased the band's then-newly released EP. A few years later The Alarm actually headlined a show at Cal State University where I caught them as well.

Famed DJ Richard Blade posted the following a few minutes ago on his Facebook page:

"So so sad to learn this morning that our dear friend Mike Peters of The Alarm has passed away. Krista and I spent so many happy times with him, his lovely wife Jules and their children. From concerts to backstage, to hotel rooms, dinner, breakfast, laughs, movies and shared tears over his incredibly brave struggle during his three decades of fearlessly battling cancer, he was one of a kind. To know Mike was to love him. He will be missed by so many as we remember his Strength and pray that he is Marching On."

Geoffrey Downes, left, with Mike Peters
in 2024. Photo courtesy of Geoffrey Downes.

Keyboardist-songwriter Geoffrey Downes of ASIA and YES fame just posted the following on X:

"Very sad to hear of the passing of Mike Peters. A lovely man and a very talented musician who I had the pleasure to meet last summer at one of his gigs in Tenby, South Wales."

Guitarist Billy Duffy of The Cult (seen in the photo on the right with Peters) posted the following earlier today on X:

"No words today can be enough A light has gone out in the world. Sending love to Jules, the boys and all the family.   #RIP Mike"

Peter Hook of New Order posted the following on X today:

"So sad to hear about Mike Peters. The Alarm was a great band & Mike was a great, proud Welshman who loved this crazy business and appreciated that it was all about the fans. God bless you mate. Love Hooky. X RIP X"

Below are links to read some of my articles focusing on Peters, including a memorable 2015 solo show at The Coach House, and a 2013 concert where Peters fronted Big Country.

Mike Peters solo concert at The Coach House in June 2015. Read it HERE

Big Country 2013 concert review. Read it HERE

Review of The Alarm's 2023 album Forwards. Read it HERE

Review of The Alarm's 2018 album Equals. Read it HERE

Finally, here is the official media release from the artist's publicist Rey Roldan about Peters' passing:

Mike Peters, frontman of The Alarm, loses his battle with cancer

APRIL 29, 2025 -- Welsh music icon, Mike Peters MBE, the charismatic frontman of legendary '80s rock band The Alarm and a tireless global advocate for blood cancer patients, has died at the age of 66 following a 30-year battle with the disease. A voice of defiance and hope both on and off the stage, Peters first rose to prominence in the early 1980s with The Alarm, whose powerful anthems like "68 Guns" and "Strength" helped define a generation of alternative rock. Known for their rallying cries and heartfelt lyrics, The Alarm garnered a devoted international following, with Peters' raw vocals and commanding stage presence at the heart of it all. During a music career that spanned five decades, Peters performed with some of music’s greatest artists and bands including Bob Dylan, Bruce Springsteen and U2. Diagnosed with lymphoma in 1995 and later with chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Peters refused to let his illness silence him. Instead, he turned his fight into a mission to help others. Alongside his wife Jules, he co-founded Love Hope Strength, a music-driven cancer charity that revolutionized awareness and action around stem cell donation. Through its innovative “Get On The List” campaigns—often hosted at rock concerts and even atop mountains—the charity has added over 250,000 people to the global stem cell registry and helped secure thousands of potential life-saving matches for patients worldwide. Last April, just before embarking on a 50-date US tour, he was diagnosed with Richter’s Syndrome, an aggressive form of lymphoma, and despite extensive treatment at The Christie NHS Foundation Trust in Manchester, including a clinical trial and innovative CAR-T therapy, doctors were unable to prevent the cancer progressing.

Mike Peters: 1959-2025 Link: https://youtu.be/XxwcL7Qj20c?si=bcX9Xp5yj7k7de2U

Peters’ journey was one of resilience. He continued to tour and record music through multiple relapses, undergoing experimental treatments while using his platform to raise awareness and funds to help others affected by cancer. His passion for life and belief in the healing power of music inspired countless fans and fellow musicians. Born in Prestatyn, North Wales, Peters never forgot his roots, often performing in support of Welsh causes and championing the community spirit of his homeland. His story and voice transcended music, touching lives far beyond the stage. He is survived by his wife of 39 years and partner in purpose, Jules (58), and their sons, Dylan (20) and Evan (18). Anyone wishing to donate to the Love Hope Strength Foundation can do so via this link Love Hope Strength Foundation - JustGiving   About Love Hope Strength Foundation   Love Hope Strength was co-founded in 2006 by the internationally acclaimed musician and healthcare campaigner Mike Peters after he was diagnosed with leukemia, his fellow musician and wife Jules, who has since undergone treatment for breast cancer, and their friend James Chippendale who had received a life-saving bone marrow transplant.   Led by volunteers, fueled by music and camaraderie, and propelled by a desire to give back and create positive change, Love Hope Strength strives to provide people affected by blood cancer a lifeline.

New Music: The Cult, Librarians With Hickeys, Billy Idol, Mountain City Four

The Cult, Librarians With Hickeys, Billy Idol and Mountain City Four are back with essential new releases.

Artist: The Cult

Title: Under The Midnight Sun (Black Hill Records)

You might like if you enjoy: AC/DC, The Cult, Interpol

Tell me more: Blending hard rock and soaring gothic melancholy has always marked The Cult's best work and that winning approach is displayed across the band's most recent album Under The Midnight Sun. Although this marks the English outfit's first new disc since 2016's Hidden City, the British quintet sounds as great as ever. Songs such as the shimmering "Mirror," edgy "A Cut Inside" (the latter showcasing Ian Astbury's vocal firepower), ambitious "Knife Through Butterfly Heart" with its acoustic-to-electric arc and dramatic closer "Under The Midnight Sun" deliver on the band's sonic imprint. The standout cut on the album is the rousing "Give Me Mercy," a track that is wonderfully nuanced and showcases Billy Duffy's stunning guitar work along with an explosive build. Information: TheCult.us.

Artist: Librarians With Hickeys

Title: Handclaps & Tambourines (Big Stir Records)

You might like if you enjoy: Elvis Costello & The Attractions, early R.E.M., Todd Rundgren

Tell me more: With a sound that evokes an array of melodic heroes from the '60s, '70s and '80s, the four members of Akron, Ohio's Librarians With Hickeys also put a decidedly original stamp on their melody-minded rock. The group's latest album Handclaps & Tambourines features a dozen magical tracks that shine via smart songwriting, sharp hooks, enticing vocal harmonies and the collective talents of Mike Crooker (guitars, keyboards, vocals), Ray Carmen (vocals, guitar, keyboards), Rob Crossley (drums, percussion) and Andrew Wilco (bass guitar). Highlights abound on the disc, including the lovely "Ghost Singer," dynamic "Fairground," wistful "Can't Wait 'Till Summer" (the latter bolstered by some sweet guitar harmonics), rollicking "Lady Overdrive," magical "I Can't Stop Thinking About You," gorgeous Celtic-tinged "Last Days Of Summer" and inspired power pop closer "Me and My Big Mouth." Information: BigStirRecords.com.

Artist: Billy Idol

Title: The Cage EP (BMG)

You might like if you enjoy: Billy Idol, The Cult, Muse

Tell me more: Billy Idol makes the most of his newly-issued The Cage EP, with the rocker delivering four fantastic tracks that recall his most beloved '80s material. Idol's signature baritone vocals are powerful and used in the service of songs where he is exploring his life with artful candor across the disc. "Cage" is a catchy rocker, its fierceness a welcome opener for the 66-year-old singer who was among the first to blend punk, new wave and hard rock styles. "Running From The Ghost" is a reflective original, whose musical run includes a relatively quiet intro before a choir of otherworldly voices and Steve Stevens' blazing guitar work elevate the track. "Rebel Like You" is a winning riff rocker enhanced by a heavy rhythm and AC/DC-worthy thunder. "Miss Nobody" is an interesting cut that blends Idol's spoken word, gospel backing vocals and a funky dance soundscape to perfection. Information: BillyIdol.net.

Artist: Mountain City Four

Title: Mountain City Four (Omnivore Recordings)

You might like if you enjoy: Linda Ronstadt, Maria Muldaur, American folk music

Tell me more: Canadian folk group Mountain City Four are celebrated on their self-titled album, which features 15 previously-unissued recordings completed between 1963 and 1970. The marvelous album simultaneously documents the early career of sisters Kate and Anna McGarrigle, who released their eponymous debut in 1976 and released a number of more albums together through 2008; Kate died in 2010, at the age of 63, from a rare form of cancer. Mountain City Four features the talents of the McGarrigle sisters along with Jack Nissenson and Peter Weldon. The group's stellar harmonies and enduring folk sound are used in the service of creating reworking a range of selections in their signature Americana style. Works by the far-flung likes of Willie Johnson, Bill Monroe, Rosetta Tharpe and Wade Hemsworth are covered. Produced by original member Weldon and Jane McGarrigle (the latter was a sister of Kate and Anna and served as their long-time business manager), the album packaging includes photos and liner notes from Weldon, Jane and Anna McGarrigle, and Joe Boyd. Information: OmnivoreRecordings.com.

Robert Kinsler

Sights and Sounds: The Cure, Creedence Clearwater Revival, The Cult

Here is a recap of some recent high-profile reissues / new titles fans can expect to see over the next few months...Robert Kinsler

The Cure will reissue 1992’s ‘Wish’ for 30th Anniversary on Friday, October 7, 2022

Originally released in April 1992, Wish was the most successful studio album from groundbreaking British rock heroes The Cure.

The ninth official studio LP from Robert Smith and company, Wish included the enduring cuts "High" and "Friday I'm In Love." The album was nominated for the Best Alternative Music Grammy Award too.

On Oct. 7, 2022, Wish will be reissued to commemorate its 30th anniversary; the reissue will include 24 unreleased tracks as part of the expanded release. To preview the highly anticipated package, listen to "Uyea Sound," one of four cuts from the Cure's mail-order-only cassette Lost Wishes first released in 1993 that is included in the forthcoming reissue. Listen to the track HERE.

Below is the track listing for the 3-CD edition:

CD1 Original Album Remastered by Robert Smith and Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios

01: Open (6:51)
02: High (3:37)
03: Apart (6:38)
04: From The Edge of The Green Sea (7:44)
05: Wendy Time (5:13)
06: Doing The Unstuck (4:24)
07: Friday I’m In Love (3:38)
08: Trust (5:32)
09: A Letter To Elise (5:14)
10: Cut (5:55)
11: To Wish Impossible Things (4:43)
12: End (6:45)

CD2 Demos – All previously unreleased versions. *Unreleased track.

01: The Big Hand [1990 Demo] (4:38) [final version on B-side to A Letter To Elise 7”]
02: Cut [1990 Demo] aka “Away” (3:31) [final version appears on WISH]
03: A Letter To Elise [1990 Demo] aka “Cut” (5:01) [final version appears on WISH]
04: Wendy Time [1990 Demo] (5:13) [final version appears on WISH]
05: This Twilight Garden [Instrumental Demo] (3:25) [final version on B-side to High 7″]
06: Scared As You [Instrumental Demo] (2:33) [final version on B-side to Friday I’m In Love 12″]
07: To Wish Impossible Things [Instrumental Demo] (3:33) [final version appears on WISH]
08: Apart [Instrumental Demo] (3:38) [final version appears on WISH]
09: T7 [Instrumental Demo] (2:40) *
10: Now Is The Time [Instrumental demo] (2:20) *
11: Miss van Gogh [Instrumental demo] (2:48) *
12: T6 [Instrumental Demo] (3:14) *
13: Play [Instrumental Demo] (2:28) [final version on B-side to High 12″]
14: A Foolish Arrangement [Instrumental Demo] (2:28) [final version on B-side to A Letter To Elise 12″]
15: Halo [Instrumental Demo] (3:06) [final version on B-side to Friday I’m In Love 7″]
16: Trust [Instrumental Demo] (4:02) [final version appears on WISH]
17: Abetabw [Instrumental Demo] (2:26) *
18: T8 [Instrumental Demo] (2:17) *
19: Heart Attack [Instrumental Demo] (2:41) *
20: Swing Change [Instrumental Demo] (2:10) *
21: Frogfish [Instrumental Demo] (2:35) *

CD3: ’Lost Wishes’ / Studio Out-Takes / 12” Remixes / Live / Rare / Previously Unreleased.
*Unreleased track **Unreleased version

01: Uyea Sound [Dim-D Mix] (5:28 [from Lost Wishes MC 1993]
02: Cloudberry [Dim-D Mix] (5:22) [from Lost Wishes MC 1993]
03: Off To Sleep… [Dim-D Mix] (3:47) [from Lost Wishes MC 1993]
04: The Three Sisters [Dim-D Mix] (4:12) [from Lost Wishes MC 1993]
05: A Wendy Band [Instrumental] (3:47) *
06: From The Edge Of The Deep Green Sea [Partscheckruf Mix] (7:36) **
07: Open [Fix Mix] (6:51) [B-side to High 12″]
08: High [Higher Mix] (7:15) [High 12″]
09: Doing The Unstuck [Extended 12” Mix] (5:54)
10: Friday I’m In Love [Strangelove Mix] (5:29 [Friday I’m In Love 12″]
11: A Letter To Elise [Blue Mix] (6:36) [A Letter To Elise 12″]
12: End [Paris Live 92] (8:38) **

Legendary 1970 Creedence Clearwater Revival performance coming Sept. 16, 2022

Previously presumed to be completely lost, a truly mythical live recording of a 1970 performance from Creedence Clearwater Revival will finally be released on Sept. 16.

Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall brings together the entirety of CCR’s fiery performance at the noted London concert venue, as previewed with a clip of “Bad Moon Rising.” Listen to the enthralling cut HERE. The title will be released on audio CD, 180-gram vinyl and even cassette!

More than 50 years after the legendary 1970 show, the original multitrack tapes have been meticulously restored and mixed by GRAMMY®-winning producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell. The hits-packed setlist includes such classics as “Fortunate Son,” “Proud Mary,” “Bad Moon Rising,” “Born on the Bayou” and more.

Here is a media release with more details on the late summer release: 

After spending roughly 50 years in storage, the original multitrack tapes were meticulously restored and mixed by the GRAMMY® Award-winning team of producer Giles Martin and engineer Sam Okell, who have helmed countless acclaimed projects together, including the Beatles’ 50th-anniversary editions of Abbey Road and Sgt. Pepper’s Lonely Hearts Club Band, as well as audio for the Elton John biopic Rocketman and Peter Jackson’s The Beatles: Get Back Series. The LP was mastered by the celebrated engineer Miles Showell at Abbey Road Studios using half-speed technology for the highest-quality listening experience.

Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall will also be released as a documentary film, Travelin’ Band: Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall.

Directed by two-time GRAMMY® Award winner Bob Smeaton (The Beatles Anthology and Jimi Hendrix Band of Gypsies) and narrated by Academy Award®-winning actor Jeff Bridges, the film takes viewers from the band’s earliest years together in El Cerrito, CA through their meteoric rise to fame. Featuring a wealth of unseen footage, Travelin’ Band culminates with the band’s show at the Royal Albert Hall—marking the only concert footage of the original CCR lineup to be released in its entirety. 

The track listing for the standard CD/LP/cassette editions:

Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall tracklist (CD, Digital)

1.    Born on the Bayou
2.    Green River
3.    Tombstone Shadow
4.    Travelin’ Band
5.    Fortunate Son
6.    Commotion
7.    Midnight Special
8.    Bad Moon Rising
9.    Proud Mary
10. The Night Time Is the Right Time
11. Good Golly Miss Molly
12. Keep on Chooglin’

Creedence Clearwater Revival at the Royal Albert Hall tracklist (Vinyl, Cassette)

A1. Born on the Bayou
A2. Green River
A3. Tombstone Shadow
A4. Travelin’ Band
A5. Fortunate Son
A6. Commotion
A7. Midnight Special
B1. Bad Moon Rising
B2. Proud Mary
B3. The Night Time Is the Right Time
B4. Good Golly Miss Molly
B5. Keep on Chooglin’

The Cult to release 'Under The Midnight Sun' on Friday, October 7, 2022

The Cult is set to return with a new full-length album, Under The Midnight Sun, on Oct. 7, 2022. 

Set for release by Round Hill Records, the album includes the killer advance track "Give Me Mercy." Watch the official music video for "Give Me Mercy" HERE. 

According to the official media release notes for the album:

The Cult has reveled in a storied career. From the pre-millennial iconic Love album bursting with idealism and the full on blast of 2001’s Beyond Good & Evil to the recent biting truth of Hidden City, the band has lived their art. How the future unfolds will be decided in part by current cultures response and the group’s response. One thing is for sure, The Cult will respond. It’s what they do. The Cult’s next endeavor Under The Midnight Sun is out October 7, 2022.

Jack's 11th show, the radio station's last at Irvine Meadows, is a fitting finish

My review of Jack's 11th Show (held on Friday, September 23, 2016) was originally published on the Orange County Register Web site on Saturday, Sept. 24, 2016. A big thank you to Kelly A. Swift for the use of her great photos! Robert Kinsler

Ian Astbury, left and Billy Duffy of The Cult

Jack's 11th Show

With: Jane's Addiction, the Cult, Garbage, Everlast and House of Pain, Violent Femmes, Chevy Metal

Where: Irvine Meadows Amphitheatre

When: Friday, Sept. 23

By ROBERT KINSLER / CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Anyone who went to Irvine Meadows on Friday night not knowing the legendary landmark will soon be closed is now well versed in both the fate and 35-plus-year history of the venue.

The majority of artists who performed at Jack's 11th Show offered tributes to Irvine Meadows. The fact that this and every one of Jack FM’s previous festivals had also been held at Irvine Meadows made this an especially poignant farewell.

Taylor Hawkins, of Foo Fighters
fame, joined by Stephen Perkins

The only good thing about this inevitable goodbye was how the artists rose to the occasion and turned in memorable performances that were able to solidify why live music in this scenic setting carved out into an Orange County hillside can be so special.

The day began with a special side stage performance by Chevy Metal. “Can you believe they are closing Irvine Meadows?” said singer-drummer Taylor Hawkins, who led the outfit through an eight-song set of covers. Hawkins recalled attending his first show at the amphitheater in 1982, a bill featuring a Freddie Mercury-led Queen and Billy Squier. “Let's send out the last couple of Irvine Meadows shows out in style.”

Chevy Metal’s set featured mostly faithful versions of crowd pleasing rockers, including Squier‘s “The Stroke” and Queen’s epic rocker “Tie Your Mother Down,” the band’s lesser known gem “Dragon Attack” and the David Bowie-Queen classic “Under Pressure.”

Gordon Gano of Violent Femmes.

Then the action moved to the main stage beginning just after 5:30 p.m. with a wonderful set from Violet Femmes. How great that the troupe opened things up with a fiery “Blister in the Sun” and over the course of a mere 32 minutes delivered similarly mighty takes of “Kiss Off,” “American Music,” “Gone Daddy Gone” and other infectious acoustic punk-styled songs. The trio's Oingo Boingo-meets-B-52's groundbreaking sound seems to resonate and exhibit more staying power with each passing year, as evidenced by bassist Brian Ritchie’s admission: “We were at Jack's 1st Show.”

Although Erik Francis Schrody (better known by his stage name Everlast) no longer has a commanding voice (especially during the tandem folk-rock mini set of his “Put Your Lights On” and a cover of Johnny Cash’s “Folsom Prison Blues”), a performance of House of Pain’s 1992 hit “Jump Around” got the crowd to do just that.

Shirley Manson of Garbage

For sheer artistry, the night belonged to Garbage. The band was fueled by intoxicating electronica-meets-alt rock material that was performed with both power and nuance, with Scottish singer Shirley Manson proving she remains among the most mesmerizing personalities in modern rock.

Songs spanning from Garbage’s 1995 debut to the band's latest disc Strange Little Birds afforded Manson and company to draw the audience into her world of darkness and hurt; the taut “I Think I'm Paranoid,” “#1 Crush” (with the songstress performing much of it crouched or crawling on the stage) and an ethereal “Only Happy When It Rains” provided intensity aplenty. A version of “Empty” also impressed with Manson dispelling the final line a cappella.

The Cult’s distinctive rock brand had the audience hooked much more convincingly here than when the Ian Astbury and Billy Duffy-led band opened for Guns N’ Roses at Dodger Stadium last month. As the band performed a fast-moving, hour-long set (including the riff rock AC/DC worthy “Wild Flower” and “Lil‘ Devil” as well as more sweeping material, notably “She Sells Sanctuary”), the fans around me were on their feet and even seemed to appreciate when the band veered into unknown material.

New cuts “Deeply Ordered Chaos” and “Birds of Paradise” off the troupe’s latest album Hidden City provided additional depth to the Cult outing. Hard rocking takes on “Fire Woman” and “Love Removal Machine” provided the perfect way to build things to a big finish.

Guitarist Dave Navarro, left, and Perry Farrell of
Jane's Addiction closing out Jack's 11th Show

Finishing up the night was Jane’s Addiction, whose 75-minute set allowed the Perry Farrell-led collective to perform a wide range of material. The group’s brew of hard rock (featuring tons of metal guitar work courtesy of Dave Navarro) and neo-psychedelic stylings came with a number of female dancers who performed around, amid and even overhead the band. There were blinding pyrotechnics, strong performances of material from the opener “Stop” and the band’s thrilling “Been Caught Stealing” to the closer “Jane Says” and, of course, more tributes to Irvine Meadows.

“Do we really have to shut this place down?” Farrell asked early in the band’s set. “(I've had) So many good times in here.”

Count Jack’s 11th Show as another one.

Album reviews: The Turtles, the Beach Boys, the Cult, KISS, 'Ben-Hur' soundtrack

A new crop of releases will allow listeners to rediscover classic '60s-spawned heroes the Turtles and Beach Boys, as well as enduring hard rock icons the Cult and KISS. The soundtrack for the new movie "Ben-Hur" scored by Marco Beltrami rounds out this writer's list of essential new releases.

Artist: The Turtles
Title: All the Singles (Manifesto Records)
You might like if you enjoy: The Turtles, the Hollies, the Kinks
Tell me more: Spanning a shimmering cover of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe" released in June 1965 to the sweeping baroque pop nugget "Me About You" released in late 1970, the Turtles' lasting legacy is celebrated across the glorious All the Singles. The two-disc, 48-track collection allows plenty of time to explore the Los Angeles-spawned group's radio hits as well as more experimental material that draws comparisons with the Kinks and the Byrds. With Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman's artful and wonderful harmony vocals leading the way, the material ranges from folk-rock (the Warren Zevon-penned "Like the Seasons"), garage rock ("Almost There," "Outside Chance"), power-pop ("She'd Rather Be With Me," "Elenore"), sunshine pop ("So Goes Love," "On a Summer's Day"), psychedelic ("Sound Asleep") and even country ("Who Would Ever Think That I Would Marry Margaret"). The Turtles' 1967 number 1 hit "Happy Together" remains one of that decade's most enticing songs and has never sounded better thanks to the remastering from Bill Inglot and Dave Schultz showcased across this must-have collection. Information: manifesto.com.

Get 'All the Singles' here




Artist: The Beach Boys
Title: Becoming the Beach Boys: The Complete Hite & Dorinda Morgan Sessions (Omnivore Recordings)
You might like if you enjoy: The Beach Boys, Jan & Dean
Tell me more: Lovers of the Beach Boys will want to get Becoming the Beach Boys: the Complete Hite & Dorinda Morgan Sessions, which is being released by Omnivore Recordings on Aug. 26. The lovingly-remastered recordings on the collection date back to September 1961 when brothers Brian Wilson, Carl Wilson and Dennis Wilson along with Mike Love and Al Jardine shared a microphone together at the home of Hite and Dorinda Morgan to demo recordings eight months before they signed a contract with Capitol Records There are nine songs the young group recorded between September 1961 and March 1962, with multiple demos and versions for each of the songs included here. Listening to the magic and craft of even the earliest takes of "Surfin' Safari," "Surfer Girl" and several obscure songs is to be dazzled that every member of the young group was 20 or younger (Carl Wilson was only 15 when they cut their first demo of "Surfin' "). Fifty-five years into their career, the Beach Boys remain one of modern music's most important architects and a glimpse at the origins of that ride can be found here. Information: omnivorerecordings.com.

Get 'Becoming The Beach Boys: The Complete Hite & Dorinda Morgan Sessions' on (2-CD Set)




Artist: The Cult
Title: Hidden City (Cooking Vinyl)
You might like if you enjoy: AC/DC, Band of Skulls, the Church
Tell me more: If I hadn't caught the Cult in the band's winning performance opening for Guns N' Roses at Dodger Stadium earlier this month, I might have missed the fact the band issued a new album earlier this year. Hidden City is a superb effort, branded with the band's blend of hard and goth rock. On the band's first album since 2012's "Choice of Weapon," singer Ian Astbury and guitar hero Billy Duffy lead the ensemble through a dozen original songs that deliver on the outfit's past glories while forging ahead. "Dark Energy," "No Love Lost" and the infectious "Dance the Night" rock with unbridled power yet capture the shadowy sonics that have been a part of the group's sound since the 1980s. The Cult is no one-trick pony and explores an expansive and lush modern rock soundscape on the reflective "In Blood." The hypnotic "Birds of Paradise," rocking "Goat" (which recalls the Cult's Electric period) and progressive "Deeply Ordered Chaos" are other standouts on a stunning return. Information: thecult.us.

Purchase 'Hidden City' here

Artist: KISS
Title: Kiss Rocks Vegas (Eagle Rock Entertainment)
You might like if you enjoy: Kiss, AC/DC
Tell me more: In November 2014, KISS performed a string of intimate shows at The Joint at the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Now, KISS Rocks Vegas captures highlights from those dates via a multi-format release (including DVD+CD, Blu-ray+CD and DVD+2LP versions). The Rock and Roll Hall of Famers perform a mix of hard rocking hits and deeper material, including the iconic "Detroit Rock City" (with an impressive twin guitar attack from Paul Stanley and Tommy Thayer), hard hitting "Psycho Circus," blazing "Parasite" and an extended version of "Lick It Up" (the latter which incorporates part of the instrumental bridge of The Who's "Won't Get Fooled Again" into its run). For hardcore fans of KISS, the DVD track listing also delivers an acoustic set including a bluesy take on "Coming Home" and folk rock version of the band's ballad "Beth." Information: eagle-rock.com.

Buy 'KISS Rocks Vegas' (Amazon Exclusive) [Blu-ray]




Artist: Marco Beltrami
Title: Ben-Hur: Original Motion Picture Soundtrack (Sony Classical)
You might like if you enjoy: Rupert Gregson-Williams, Hans Zimmer
Tell me more: Marco Beltrami is not your average composer. The Academy Award-nominated Beltrami has scored a number of eclectic films ("Scream," "3:10 to Yuma," "The Hurt Locker") and provided each with a unique sonic world that fits perfectly with the film. On "Ben-Hur," his soundtrack includes ancient Greek and Roman instruments (aulos, citira, lyres, salpinx) that he has processed electronically so his score blends old and new in an exciting ways that lure the listener at every turn. There are tracks that are simply gorgeous ("Ben-Hur Theme," "Dear Messala, "Messala and Tirzah, "Horse Healer"), and others that are wonderfully tense or haunting ("Carrying Judah," "Brothers Divide"). "Jesus Arrested" recalls some of the otherworldly material released by modern-day group Dead Can Dance, with the mix of a mournful soprano and powerful drumming capturing the intensity of the moment. Information: BenHurMovie.com or SonyClassical.com.

Buy 'Ben-Hur (Original Motion Picture Score)' here

Robert Kinsler

Guns N' Roses and Cult rock Dodger Stadium

gUNS N' rOSES, FROM LEFT, Duff McKagan, Slash and Axl rose. Photo: KATARINA BENZOVA

Review: Guns N' Roses knocks it out of the park at Dodger Stadium

Guns N' Roses, The Cult

Where: Dodger Stadium

When: Thursday, August 18

Axl Rose on August 18, 2016.
Photo: Bob Steshetz

One of the world's best selling hard rock bands of all time, it's no wonder that Guns N' Roses was able to mostly fill Dodger Stadium on Thursday night (the band is also set to perform at the baseball stadium on Friday, Aug. 19). Performing for just under three hours, original members Axl Rose, Slash and Duff McKagan backed by a capable quartet of other tattooed players delivered a dream set throughout the aptly-pegged "Not in this lifetime..." themed concert stop.

From the time the band took the stage and opened with "It's So Easy," fans cheered the returning heavyweights. While the "reunited" lineup of GnR performed a warm up show at the Troubadour (where Axl broke his foot) and subsequently performed both weekends at Coachella in April, this night easily outdistanced the band's performance this writer caught at the second weekend of Coachellafest. Not only did Axl look fit and run about all night while hitting all the high notes, the ensemble was locked in and delivered nuanced performances of two dozen or so tracks including all their hits.

A close look at the proceedings going on throughout the night revealed little interaction or obvious camaraderie among Rose and Slash, but it would be hard to argue with the overall power of the band's performance. There was a 20+ year span between the departure of Slash and his rejoining the band earlier this year, but musically the two locked in as if they had never parted. 

After performing "Mr. Brownstone," Rose looked out at the crowd and said: "Los Angeles, my neighborhood. What a beautiful day in the neighborhood." That was about as far from the rock music, bright lights, video images and pyrotechnics that things veered.

The night was all about the big show and highlights came often. A driving "Welcome to the Jungle" found GnR rocking as video images of futuristic skyscrapers raced by behind the band. Slash's distinctive, technically precise, flashy and affecting guitar work was a highlight of that song (and many others this night). Not long later, a cover of Paul McCartney and Wings' "Live and Let Die" incorporated strobe lights, and images of firearms and the sound of gunfire into the song's attack.

Slash, left and Axl Rose on August 18.
Photo: KATARINA BENZOVA

But the night's best performances came during the second half of the show, beginning with a potent take on "Civil War," with the song's recorded segment from the film "Cool Hand Luke," acoustic intro and hard-charging rock section questioning the costs of war executed with power. "Sweet Child O'Mine" is among the band's best songs, and afforded yet another chance to see where GnR's music frequently has outdistanced the majority of its hard rock contemporaries. The song's powerful melody, as well as Slash's brilliant guitar work, had everyone temporarily forget about their smart phones and actually pay attention to the group's performance.

GnR's encore was a home run befitting the Dodger Stadium site, including performances of the folk rock original "Patience," a fiery take of the Who's "The Seeker" and GnR's own epic rocker "Paradise City" sending the faithful home with a bombastic finale.

Although the Cult hails from the other side of the Pond, the group provided plenty of good reasons to celebrate their performance on the big stage. Armed with material from a great new album (2016's "Hidden City"), the Cult's singer Ian Astbury and guitar great Billy Duffy led the troupe through a fast-moving set featuring '80s rock favorites ("Wild Flower," "Lil' Devil," "She Sells Sanctuary" and set-ending "Love Removal Machine") and new material ("Deeply Ordered Chaos"). Good news for local audiences is the Cult will perform at Jack's 11th Show at Irvine Meadows on Sept. 23.