Rock Candy Music Blog

Empty Stages, Broken Hearts: Watching My Favorite Musicians Fight to Survive the Pandemic

We would all like to forget it..but it happened. I apologize for bringing it back up. COVID. The world shutdown, locked down in March 2020. An unprecedented event for us…

By Rock Candy Music BlogBrianMay, covid19, kiss, LelandSklar, liveconcert, livemusic, pandemic, PeterFrampton, savemusicvenues2 Comments

Rockers celebrate an amazing performance

Music Blog

The Magic of a Moment: Exploring Iconic One-Time Music Performances

Witnessing a ground-breaking performance can change how YOU feel about the artist. I have been thinking about such performances that I have seen either live or on film. The list below are my personal favorite one-off performances in music. Check out the accompanying videos and see if these performance rock your world too.

By Rock Candy Music Blogguitarlegend, IconicSolo, KennedyCenterHonors, ledzeppelin, montereypop, prince, rockandrollHOF, Stairwaytoheaven, whilemyguitargentlysleeps2 Comments

Music Blog

Breaking Down the 2025 Rock Hall Class: Shoe-Ins and Surprises

click for bigger picture Every year at this time, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame announces their list of inductees. Every year at this time, people argue about it.…

By Rock Candy Music Blogbadcompany, carolkaye, chubbychecker, cyndilauper, HallofFame, outkast, rockandrollHOF, salt-n-pepa, soundgarden, warrenzevon, wreckingcrew2 Comments

Music Blog

Tips for the Seasoned Concertgoer: Practical advice for enjoying live music at any age.

After over 40 years of attending concerts, I have developed some personal practices to help maximize my experience. I now share these with you. You’re welcome.

By fjlago Music Blogconcert, Fillmore, FrontRow, live, merch, music, Upfront, venue3 Comments

Music Blog

The Lonely Life Of A Prodigy

I have been waiting to write this piece since 1978! That’s when I first saw Neal Schon play guitar. It was on TV and I remember a few things: his…

By Rock Candy Music Blogjourney, NealSchonNo Comments

Music Blog

I Saw Them When (INSERT NAME HERE) Played Lead

Personnel in rock bands can change. If a member leaves, can a popular band survive the replacement?

By fjlago Music Blogbonscott, DLR, LynrydSkynryd, RedRockerNo Comments

Music Blog

THIS IS Tom…Growing Old?

I saw Tom Jones perform in 1975 AND in 2024. He can still bring THAT voice!

By Rock Candy Music Blog1975, circlestartheater, crooner, FoxTheaterOaklnd, liveconcert, liveinconcert, SanCarlosCA, sexsymbol, tomjonesNo Comments

Concert Reviews Music Blog

KISS No Smoke, No Fire, Bloodless In The Club

Bigger view of picture In 1983, the unthinkable happened, the rock band KISS took off their makeup for good (or so we all thought). They had to do it. They…

By Rock Candy Concert Reviews, Music Blogconcert, genesimmons, kiss, kissarmy, liveconcert, nightclub, paulstanley, revenge, SanFrancisco, thestonesf2 Comments

Fictional depiction of Bono spray painting the fountain at Justin Herman Plaza in SF

Concert Reviews Music Blog

Surprise Desire In The Plaza

When the news reached the ears of the hottest band in the world, U2, a plan was hatched. The plan was to throw a free concert for financial folks in a cool city. Bono called it the “Save the Yuppies” concert. A snarky take on the lost souls who got their comeuppance when the bloated stock market blew up.

By Rock Candy Concert Reviews, Music BlogBlackMonday, Bono, crash, Edge, grafitti, JustinHerman, SanFrancisco, u2, Yuppies1 Comment

Music Blog

This Genius Skunk Can Really Play

Don’t ask guitarist/producer Jeff Baxter how he got his nickname, ‘Skunk’. He won’t ever tell you. It's not that he doesn't like the name, he just doesn’t want to tell.…

By Rock Candy Music BlogDoobieBrothers, Grammy, MissileDefense, secretagent, SteelyDanNo Comments