Concert review: Garbage, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Metric thrill in Phoenix

Garbage's singer Shirley Manson, left,
and drummer Butch Vig on June 11, 2023.

Who: Garbage, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, Metric

Where: Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix, AZ

When: Sunday, June 11, 2023

Next: The North American Tour featuring Garbage, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Metric continues throughout June and July 2023

Information: Garbage.com

Review and photography by Robert Kinsler

Modern rock lovers were served a full night of stellar music making courtesy of winning sets from Garbage, Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Metric at Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre in Phoenix on June 11.

Emily Haines of Metric

Canadian indie rock quartet Metric opened the bill with a 40-minute set of original material that flawlessly blended synth-pop, alt rock and new wave; singer/keyboardist Emily Haines' distinctive vocals and James Shaw's atmospheric guitar stylings were featured amidst the solid rhythm work of drummer Joules Scott-Key and bassist Joshua Winstead.

A view of Talking Stick Resort Amphitheatre at dusk.

The quartet's set was a wonderful introduction for many in the audience who likely were not yet familiar with Metric. The propulsive opener "Gold Guns Girls," melodic "Gimme Sympathy," hypnotic "Help I'm Alive" and bewitching "All Comes Crashing" were early favorites. The ambitious "What Feels Like Eternity" (from the band's wonderful 2022 album Formentera), new wave-flavored "Now or Never Now" with it's message about embracing the here and now, and exuberant closer "Breathing Underwater" all impressed. 

Noel Gallagher, second from left, with his High Flying Birds in Phoenix, AZ.

With every appearance Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds make an increasingly-strong case that a rumored Oasis reunion is not certain nor necessary. During his terrific 70-minute set in Phoenix, Gallagher and company showcased material off the newly-released album Council Skies as well as gems from Oasis (the band fronted by brothers Noel and Liam Gallagher parted ways in 2009). The palpable power of the 13-track performance was anchored in Gallagher's riveting songwriting gifts as well as the stylish and gifted work of musicians and backup singers who rendered the material to life.

Stunning graphics and video images projected behind the troupe enhanced the power of the songs as well. From the dynamic opener "Pretty Boy" and soaring "Council Skies" to the Beatlesque "We're Gonna Get There In The End" and anthemic "Open The Door, See What You Find," this writer found the material from Gallagher's new album glorious. The parade of Oasis classics he played later in his set were offered with emotional and musical perfection; the acoustic reading of "The Masterplan," the dynamic ebb-and-flow arrangement of "Little by Little," and one-two punch of his crowd pleasing versions of "Live Forever" and "Don't Look Back in Anger" to finish the set were among the obvious highlights. 

Shirley Manson, left, with drummer Butch Vig.

Like Oasis, Garbage was one of the most original and important rock acts to emerge in the 1990s. Watching Garbage headline in June 2023 is to be fully reminded how timeless and groundbreaking the band was when they released their eponymous album in 1995. The band's lineup — Scottish singer Shirley Manson, multi-instrumentalist Duke Erikson, guitarist-keyboardist Steve Marker and drummer Butch Vig — has remained unchanged for 30 years and has continued to blend alternative rock, heavy electronica and post-grunge styles in ways that inspire and challenge.

Duke Erikson of Garbage.

Performing 16 songs over the course of 80 minutes, Garbage showcased material from across the band's glowing discography. Indeed, the outfit opened the night with the hard rocking "Supervixen" (the first song off their debut album), but an eclectic mix of hits, deep album cuts (notably the bonus track "#1 Crush" with Manson going into the audience during the song) and even a shining cover of Siouxsie and the Banshees' "Cities in Dust" added to the night's magic.

Among the many standouts performed by Garbage was the funk-tinged "The Men Who Rule the World," reworked take on their 1998 hit "Special," driving "Bleed Like Me," blistering "Push It" and lavish reading of "Only Happy When It Rains" (the latter showcasing Manson's signature vocals). 

For an encore, Garbage dipped back to their 2001 album Beautiful Garbage for a delightfully crunchy pop track, "Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go)."

Garbage Set List on June 11, 2023

Supervixen
#1 Crush
The Men Who Rule the World
Run Baby Run
Special
Wolves
Beloved Freak
Bleed Like Me
Cities in Dust (Siouxsie and the Banshees cover)
I Think I’m Paranoid
Stupid Girl
Push It
No Gods No Masters
Only Happy When It Rains
Vow

Encore:

Cherry Lips (Go Baby Go!)

TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate album releases of 1983

 

On their latest video, TJR and Robert Kinsler celebrate the parade of amazing new studio albums released in 1983! They each highlight their favorite three albums of that year. Watch the video HERE.

Greta Van Fleet debuts new song 'Farewell For Now'

Happy Friday all! Check out the terrific new Greta Van Fleet song "Farewell For Now" released today. The fantastic song will be featured on the band's forthcoming album Starcatcher...Robert Kinsler

GRAMMY WINNING ROCK BAND 

GRETA VAN FLEET DEBUTS NEW SONG “FAREWELL FOR NOW”
 

NEW ALBUM STARCATCHER DUE JULY 21 ON
LAVA/REPUBLIC RECORDS

STARCATCHER WORLD TOUR KICKS OFF JULY 24 IN NASHVILLE, TICKETS ON SALE NOW

Photo credit: Neil Krug

 

“Greta Van Fleet aim to bust down old walls.” - Rolling Stone

“[Greta Van Fleet is] the strongest piece of evidence that the elusive spirit of 1970s rock and roll [is] back.” - Vanity Fair 

“There’s something winning about the members’ earnest intentions, as well as their unwavering commitment to them. Their sincere love for the history of rock shows in the depth of their knowledge about it.” - The Guardian 
 

June 9, 2023—Grammy-winning rock band Greta Van Fleet is debuting their new track “Farewell For Now;” listen HERE and watch/share the visualizer HERE.

“On ‘Farewell For Now’ we express the sentiment of our longing to stay on stage and savor the magic created by the audience-music phenomena,” notes bassist Sam Kiszka. “But we must pack up and go to the next place to do it all over again; as always, we’ll be back soon.”

“Farewell For Now” is the latest track to be unveiled from the band’s highly anticipated forthcoming third studio album Starcatcher, due July 21 on Lava/Republic Records. The new track follows the release of “Meeting The Master” and “Sacred The Thread;” American Songwriter calls the latter track a “stunner.” Of “Meeting The Master,” Consequence raves that the song “[digs] deeper into their mythical lore by revisiting concepts from their previous work,” while Uproxx notes that “‘Meeting the Master’ [is] an existential new single on which lead vocalist Josh Kiszka embarks on a spiritual journey;” pre-save/pre-order the record HERE.

Most recently, the band shared a live performance video of “Sacred The Thread;” watch/share HERE.

Additionally, the band is launching another new vinyl variant—an exclusive black glitter vinyl—that is available for pre-order HERE. The band is also offering a red glitter vinyl, exclusive to Target, as well as an opaque vinylavailable at select record stores across the country.

In celebration of the new music, the band is set to kick off their Starcatcher World Tour on July 24 in Nashvilleat the Bridgestone Arena. The tour, produced by Live Nation, includes stops at the iconic Madison Square Garden in New York and The Forum in Los Angeles as well as London’s OVO Arena Wembley and more; see below for a complete list of dates. Tickets are on sale now and can be purchased HERE. The Starcatcher World Tour includes support from special guests Kaleo, Surf Curse, Mt. Joy and Black Honey.

Greta Van Fleet will also be touring throughout Europe, starting in Hamburg, Germany on November 6 with further international stops in Paris, Madrid, Amsterdam and more.

Starcatcher is written and recorded by the band—lead singer Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka, bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka and drummer Danny Wagner—alongside Grammy-winning producer Dave Cobb(Chris Stapleton, Brandi Carlile). Recorded at the legendary RCA Studios in Nashville, the band utilized the large recording room to capture the pure energy of their world-renowned live performances.

“We didn’t really have to force or be intense about writing, because everything that happened was very instinctual,” Jake says. “If anything, the record is our perspective, and sums up where we are as a group and individually as musicians.”

Throughout the ten-song collection the band explores the duality of fantasy versus reality and the contrast between light and darkness. “We had this idea that we wanted to tell these stories to build a universe,” says Wagner. “We wanted to introduce characters and motifs and these ideas that would come about here and there throughout our careers through this world.”

The band took multiple concepts from critically acclaimed sophomore album The Battle at Garden’s Gateand brought them into Starcatcher, although Sam’s take on the new record’s big ideas hint instead at new beginnings. “When I imagine the world of Starcatcher, I think of the cosmos,” he says. “It makes me ask a lot of questions, like ‘Where did we come from?’ or ‘What are we doing here?’ But it’s also questions like, ‘What is this consciousness that we have, and where did it come from?’”
The band is best known for their renowned live performances, selling over one million tickets worldwide. They sold out their entire 2022 arena tour, holding a special energy between them and their devoted fans. With Starcatcher the band aims to capture that energy in the recording studio.
Most recently, the band performed at the inaugural Lollapalooza Mumbai and completed an extensive U.S. arena tour in March. This month, Greta Van Fleet played at Shaky Knees Festival in Atlanta and the Beale Street Music Festival in Memphis.

Starcatcher follows their acclaimed sophomore album The Battle at Garden’s Gate, released in 2021 to extensive chart and critical success. The album debuted at #1 Billboard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Hard Rock Album, #1 Billboard Vinyl Album, #2 Billboard Top Album Sales and in the Top 10 on the Billboard 200. Their From The Fires EP, released in 2017, won Best Rock Album at the 61st Grammy Awards.

Forming in Frankenmuth, Michigan in 2012, Greta Van Fleet consists of three brothers—vocalist Josh Kiszka, guitarist Jake Kiszka and bassist/keyboardist Sam Kiszka—as well as drummer Danny Wagner. Together they have performed across multiple continents, sold over 3.5 million records worldwide and performed on late night television shows such as "Saturday Night Live," "The Late Show with Stephen Colbert" and "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" 
 

 

GRETA VAN FLEET—STARCATCHER

1. Fate Of The Faithful

2. Waited All Your Life
3. The Falling Sky
4. Sacred The Thread
5. Runway Blues
6. The Indigo Streak
7. Frozen Light
8. The Archer
9. Meeting The Master
10. Farewell For Now

 

GRETA VAN FLEET LIVE
July 24—Nashville, TN—Bridgestone Arena*
July 27—Fort Worth, TX—Dickies Arena*
July 28—Houston, TX—Toyota Center*
July 31—Denver, CO—Ball Arena*
August 2—Salt Lake City, UT—Vivint Arena*
August 4—Seattle, WA—Climate Pledge Arena*
August 5—Portland, OR—Veterans Memorial Coliseum*
August 8—Oakland, CA—Oakland Arena*
August 10—Los Angeles, CA—The Kia Forum*
August 12—Las Vegas, NV—T-Mobile Arena*
September 3—St. Paul, MN—Xcel Energy Center†
September 6—Chicago, IL—Allstate Arena†
September 8—Detroit, MI—Little Caesars Arena†
September 11—Washington DC—Capital One Arena†
September 12—New York, NY—Madison Square Garden†
September 15—Boston, MA—TD Garden†
September 16-17—Asbury Park, NJ—Sea Hear Now Festival 2023
September 19—Philadelphia, PA—Wells Fargo Center†
September 22—Indianapolis, IN—Gainbridge Fieldhouse†
September 23—Cleveland, OH—Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse†
November 6—Hamburg, Germany—Sporthalle‡
November 8—Amsterdam, Netherlands—Ziggo Dome‡
November 9—Paris, France—Accor Arena‡
November 12—Brussels, Belgium—Forest National‡
November 14—London, UK—OVO Arena Wembley‡
November 16—Dublin, Ireland—3Arena‡
November 19—Manchester, UK—AO Arena‡
November 20—Glasgow, UK—OVO Hydro‡
November 26—Copenhagen, Denmark—Forum§
November 28—Munich, Germany—Zenith§
November 30—Bologna, Italy—Unipol Arena§
December 3—Barcelona, Spain—Sant Jordi Club§
December 4—Madrid, Spain—WiZink Center§
December 6—Lisbon, Portugal—Campo Pequeno§
September 20, 2024—Mexico City, Mexico —Foro Sol**
September 27, 2024—Mexico City, Mexico —Foro Sol**
*with Kaleo
†with Surf Curse
‡with Mt. Joy
§with Black Honey
**as part of Metallica: M72 World Tour

Official | Instagram | YouTube | Twitter | TikTok
 

 

About Republic Records

A division of Universal Music Group, the world's leading music company, Republic Records has been recognized by Billboard as the industry’s #1 label over the last 10 years. It is home to an all-star roster of multi-platinum, award-winning legends and superstar artists such as Ariana Grande, Billy Porter, Bo Burnham, Clairo, Coi Leray, Conan Gray, Daddy Yankee, Drake, Eddie Vedder, G Herbo, Glass Animals, Florence + the Machine, Greta Van Fleet, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack Johnson, James Blake, James Bay, Jessie J, Jimmy Fallon, John Legend, John Mellencamp, Jonas Brothers, Julia Michaels, Kid Cudi, Kim Petras, Lil Wayne, Lorde, Metro Boomin, NAV, Nicki Minaj, Of Monsters and Men, Pearl Jam, Post Malone, Seth MacFarlane, Stevie Wonder, Swedish House Mafia, Taylor Swift, The Weeknd, Twice, TXT, and more. Founded by brothers and chief executives Monte and Avery Lipman, it is also comprised of innovative business ventures, including American Recordings, Boominati Worldwide, Brushfire, Casablanca Records, Cash Money, Federal Films, HYBE, Imperial, JYP, Lava Records, Mercury Records, Republic Records: Kids & Family, Republic Nashville, Universal Arabic Music, Uptown Records, Victor Victor, Wicked Money Family, XO, Young Money, among others.

Social Distortion postpone Summer Tour

Here is an important update on Mike Ness and Social Distortion announced this morning. My thoughts and prayers go out to Mike Ness during this difficult time and I hope he makes a complete and quick recovery. Read my review of Social Distortion's memorable concert staged at House of Blues Anaheim on November 19, 2007 HERE...Robert Kinsler

Mike Ness of Social Distortion performing at Verizon
Wireless Amphitheater in Orange County, CA in October 2011.
Photo credit: Kelly A. Swift

Today, legendary OC punks Social Distortion announce that they have postponed their upcoming North American headlining tour due to the stage-one tonsil cancer diagnosis of vocalist Mike Ness. As he recovers from a recent surgery, the band is also temporarily halting the recording process of their eighth studio album. The previously announced tour, set to kick off on June 30th with support from fellow California rockers The Bellrays, is now being rescheduled for future dates. Check out the emotional statement from Ness below: 

“We think that life is going to go according to our plan, but it has a way of saying “I don’t think so!” 

In the midst of pre-production, I was diagnosed with stage one tonsil cancer. I was feeling well enough to continue with recording in the studio up until the very day before surgery.  The band and I were so inspired and excited to lay down these tracks, which by the way sound f-ing AWESOME!   

The recovery from surgery is a day-by-day process and in three weeks we start radiation and that should be the last therapy I need.  The team of doctors are certain that once finished with this course, I will be able to start the healing and recovery process.  We expect a full recovery enabling me to live a long and productive life.   

It breaks my heart to post pone tours, and this album release, but time is required to heal. I can’t thank our loyal fans enough who have been waiting so patiently for this. While it will take a little longer-I promise you that it will be delivered and it will exceed your expectations.  

I want you all to know that this has opened my eyes to a whole new struggle.  I know it’s one that many of you or your loved ones have personally endured, and my heart goes out to you-because I now know what it’s like from this heavy experience.   

I’m surrounded by love and support from my friends and family ESPECIALLY my lovely wife and incredible boys (oh and don’t forget my 3 dogs and kitty)  THANK YOU ALL in advance to our unbelievable fans for YOUR love and support right now.  ♥️ 

We WILL get through this….” 

Mike Ness performing at House of Blues Anaheim
 in November 2007.
Photo credit: Joshua Sudock

Formed as rebellious teenage punks in the working-class suburb of Fullerton, California, Social Distortion survived their tumultuous youth to pioneer an undeniably honest and fiery brand of rock ‘n’ roll that would incorporate outlaw country, classic seventies punk and primal blues. Seven studio albums and countless electrifying live shows have earned the band a dedicated worldwide fanbase and catalog of timeless anthems including “Story Of My Life,” ”Ball And Chain,” “Prison Bound” and more. The band's last release, Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes entered the Billboard 200 at #4 and in 2019 they celebrated 40 years as a band. 

For More Info On Social Distortion Visit: 

WEBSITE | INSTAGRAM | FACEBOOK | TWITTER 

Queens of the Stone Age announce forthcoming 'The End is Nero' North American Tour

American rock outfit Queens of the Stone Age not only have a much-anticipated album coming on June 16, but have just announced an ambitious North American tour. Get all the details (and dates) via the media release below...Robert Kinsler

Queens of the Stone Age announce 'The End is Nero' North American Tour

On Sale June 9, 2023, 10 a.m. local time

 

View Tour Trailer here

 

New Album In Times New Roman… out June 16, 2023

“The guys sounded as strong as ever – stronger, even...

It all bodes extremely well for their new album, In Times New Roman…"

—Consequence

 

After a triumphant return on the battlegrounds of Boston Calling and Sonic Temple, Queens of the Stone Age have announced the details of their North American tour, which will kick off on Aug. 3, 2023 in Sterling Heights, MI. Queens of The Stone Age and Citi pre-sales begin Tuesday, June 6 at 10 a.m. local time, with public on-sale following Friday June 9, 10 a.m. local time. The east coast leg of the tour will feature support from Phantogram and The Armed. Viagra Boys and Jehnny Beth will support on the mid-west and west coast dates.

 

The End Is Nero tour is an invitation from Joshua Homme, Troy Van Leeuwen, Michael Shuman, Dean Fertita and Jon Theodore to come celebrate the end of the world, which we hear is “in a month or two." They would like to encourage the obscene and the clean, the outcasts and the weirdos, and anyone and everyone in between to attend, this is where you belong. Leave your judgment at the door, bring anything and everything else.

 

In Times New Roman… will be available digitally and physically on June 16 via Matador Records. On the eve of release fans are invited to ring in the long awaited album at MIDNIGHT CLUB parties taking place at record shops and pubs across 23 countries. The MIDNIGHT CLUB starts at 11 p.m. June 15 and will feature giveaways, exclusive merch including limited edition colored vinyl, and—in a few select locations—signed merchandise and ticket giveaways. MIDNIGHT CLUB will provide the QOTSA faithful with a first chance to hear In Times New Roman… in its entirety, amongst friends, family and of course appropriate levels of bacchanalia.

 

For more information on the MIDNIGHT CLUB locations, visit: https://qotsa.ffm.to/midnightclub

 

To pre-order In Times New Roman…, shop new exclusive merchandise or join the sock of the month club visit https://store.qotsa.com/

 

Citi is the official card of the below Queens of the Stone Age US headline shows. Citi cardmembers will have access to presale tickets beginning Tuesday, June 6th at 10 a.m. local time until Thursday, June 8 at 10 p.m. local time through the Citi Entertainment program. For complete presale details visit www.citientertainment.com.

 

Full routing below – for tickets and info visit https://qotsa.com/tour

 

Queens of the Stone Age: The End is Nero Tour: 

 

August 3 – Sterling Heights, MI – Michigan Lottery Amphitheatre at Freedom Hill*

August 4 – Toronto, ON – Budweiser Stage*

August 5 – Pittsburgh, PA – Stage AE Outdoors*

August 7 – Bridgeport, CT – Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater*

August 8 – Philadelphia, PA – TD Pavilion at the Mann*

August 9 – Washington, DC – The Anthem*

August 11 – Portland, ME – Cross Insurance Arena*

August 12 – Queens, NY – Forest Hills Stadium*

August 15 – Raleigh, NC – Red Hat Amphitheater*

August 16 – Asheville, NC – Rabbit Rabbit*

August 18 – Atlanta, GA – Fox Theatre *

August 19 – Nashville, TN – Ascend Amphitheater*

September 16 – Chicago, IL – Riot Fest

September 17 – Minneapolis, MN – The Armory**

September 19 – Omaha, NE – Steelhouse**

September 20 – Kansas City, MO – Starlight Theatre**

September 22 – Indianapolis, IN – TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park**

September 23 – St. Louis, MO – Saint Louis Music Park**

September 24 – Louisville, KY – Louder Than Life

September 26 – Rogers, AR – Walmart AMP**

September 27 – Oklahoma City, OK – The Criterion**

September 29 – Denver, CO – Fiddler’s Green Amphitheatre**

September 30 – Salt Lake City, UT – The Great Saltair**

October 2 – Portland, OR – Veterans Memorial Coliseum**

October 3 – Vancouver, BC – Pacific Coliseum**

October 4 – Seattle, WA – Climate Pledge Arena**

October 6 – San Francisco, CA – Bill Graham Civic Auditorium**

October 8 – Sacramento, CA – Aftershock

 

*Phantogram and The Armed support

**Viagra Boys and Jehnny Beth support