Photos by Jim Hackett

For gallery click here 

Photos/Review by Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.

Darien, NY- Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers returned to the Darien Lake P.A.C. for their second concert in two weeks. The first concert, on Aug 14 was completely sold out, so an additional show was added.  Although this particular performance wasn’t a sellout, there was still a great turn-out of approximately 10,000 fans enjoying a beautiful summer evening. With the concert industry struggling like it has been over the last few months, this was a great testimony to the popularity of Tom Petty and for his reputation of putting on an amazing live show. The 59 year old singer/songwriter/guitarist and Rock n' Roll Hall of Fame inductee is more popular now than ever before and not just in the WNY area. Petty now appeals to generations of Rock fans who seem to really appreciate the brilliance of his music. And Petty and the Heartbreakers are are by no means resting on past laurels, their most recent release 'Mojo' has the band playing some of the most stripped down, raw and inspired music of their career.

For the full review and more photos click here.

By Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.

The multi-platinum selling band from Buffalo, NY - The Goo Goo Dolls will be releasing their ninth studio album this week."Something for the Rest of US" is a 12 track, hit filled, mature and profound Cd that will help catapult the band to a new and exciting level.  The Goo Goo Dolls spent over two years perfecting this Cd and it was time well invested.  Audience's that have seen the band perform this summer have had the honor of hearing many of the new songs and have reacted in a very positive manner to the new material.  The band's current single "Home" is in high rotation on many adult contemporary radio stations throughout the country and the video is climbing the Vh1 top 20 countdown.
The Goo Goo Dolls are currently on a massive tour of North America that started in April and will conclude on Oct 30 in Salamanca, NY. The band will then head over to the UK for a brief tour.
During a break from his hectic schedule, our good friend and Goo Goo Dolls bassist/songwriter Robby Takac was kind enough to call us here at RockMusicStar. We discussed the new Cd plus much more. Here's what Robby had to say. To read the interview click here.
 

Photos by Jim Hackett

Check out our photos of Night Ranger live at the Wolf's Den.  Click here

Check out our interview with Cj Snare of Firehouse here

 

Any day Megadeth unleashes a new release upon the world is a good day!  September 7, 2010 will be one of them, as Megadeth will release "Rust In Peace Live," via Shout! Factory Records.  "Rest In Peace Live" is a multimedia release, as it is being released on three different formats - CD, DVD & Blu-ray.
 To read full review click here

By Thomas S. Orwat, Jr.

Darien, NY-   The Rockstar Uproar festival featuring hard rock bands Disturbed, Avenged Sevenfold, Stone Sour, Halestrom, Hellyeah and Airbourne played to a jammed packed crowd at the Darien Lake amphitheater yesterday.  With the concert industry struggling like it has this summer; it was great to see such a great turn-out. Maybe, Livenation can turn this thing around after all.  This concert was divided into a main stage and a second stage. I was fortunate enough to have a photo pit pass for the second stage and let me tell you, the second stage pit area was like a war zone especially for Airbourne and Hellyeah. Nothing like having people flying over the barrier and kicking you in the head while taking photos. But whatever, I’ve done it all before and I welcomed the challenge and little bit of adversity.

To read full review click here

By Thomas S. Orwat, Jr , Photos - Jim Hackett

The multi-platinum selling, Grammy award winning band Creed is once again playing to jam packed concert arenas all across North America. The band re-united last year, after a six year break, and have return to once again being one of the most dominate bands in rock music. Creed also released a CD last October entitled “Full Circle.” This released proved that Creed is not a band to rest on pass success, but still have the chemistry and ability to write great music.

Recently, we caught up with Creed songwriter/guitarist Mark Tremonti for this exclusive RockMusicStar interview. In addition to Creed, Tremonti is also in the critically acclaimed band Alter Bridge, which features both Creed band members Scott Philips on drums and Brian Marshall on bass, in addition to vocalist Myles Kennedy.  (Kennedy is also currently on the road as the frontman of the touring band for ex-Guns n’ Roses guitarist Slash.) Alter Bridge plans on releasing their third CD entitled “AB III” sometime in October.

to read the interview click here

By Joseph Suto

It had been some 28 years that a Foreigner concert in the Buffalo area had this much magnitude. One would have to go back in time to July 3, 1982. That was when on the heels of their #1 album entitled 4 that the band headlined Superfest XV at Rich Stadium. That particular Superfest featured Loverboy, Ted Nugent and Iron Maiden. Those were the days of the Lou Gramm led version of the band when they would hit Buffalo regularly. Mick Jones, the only original member left, told the crowd at Artpark Tuesday that he was at a crossroads. He could call it a day or help keep the Foreigner Classics alive by finding someone who could sing the hell out of them. He chose the latter as singer Kelly Hansen came along and the rest they say is history. The band also featuring guitarist/Saxophonist Thom Gimbel, bassist Jeff Pilson (from Dokken) drummer Jason Sutter and last but not least keyboardist Michael Bluestein really did an amazing job bringing the classics to life.

Hitting the stage with "Double Vision", the band mixed in the hits along with some fan favorites. Of them "Starrider." which featured Mick on lead vocals was definitely a highlight. "That Was Yesterday", another lost classic, also served as another highlight. During "I Want To Know What Love Is," Foreigner carried on their tradition of bringing a choir on stage. This time around the Wilson High School Choir had the honor of being up on stage. Foreigner brought along a pretty impressive set up as most of the bands that come to Artpark usually do not use any elaborate stage. The huge digital screen in the back of the stage gave one an impression that they were at an arena show. And having the keyboards and drums and the ramps really gave it a glitzy feel. About the only thing missing from days past was Foreigner’s famous inflatable jukebox, oh yeah Lou Gramm was missed as well.

By John Jeffrey

Darien, NY-Friday the 13th is supposed to be an unlucky day for most, but for the near capacity crowd at Darien Lake's amphitheater, luck was not an issue. The truth was apparent.  KISS had arrived, and brought with them, "The Hottest Show on Earth."

To read full review click here