Opening Act: 
Mark Lanegan passes away at 57
Testament announces the return of Dave Lombardo 
Asia and Asia touring in 2022
Peacemaker Soundtrack

Ear Candy: 
Saxon - Carpe Diem (2022) 
Kissin’ Dynamite - Not The End of the Road (2022)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin' Atcha Live: 
Ghost and Volbeat  - Worcester MA - 2/11/22

Bonus Track: Zadra - Nothing More to Say
From the album Guiding Star, out now on Frontiers Music SRL.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at [email protected].

Opening Act: 
Meat Loaf passes at 74
Stryper’s upcoming album and documentary
WASP Touring in US after more than a decade
Megadeth, Lamb of God, and Trivium coming back around in 2022
New and Upcoming Releases 

Ear Candy: 
Meat loaf: Bat Out of Hell (1977)
Battle Beast: Circus of Doom (2022)

Rockversation: Eric Martin
Matt spoke with the singer about Mr. Big, the Eric Martin Band, and almost joining Van Halen.  

Bonus Track: Mecca - Can’t Stop Love
From the album 20 YEARS, releasing February 18, 2022 on Frontiers Music SRL. 

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at [email protected].

by Matman

Is there a better way to celebrate live music than with a fun trip down memory lane? Hitting the Wolf Den stage littered with an 80's feel, vibe, and a marshmallow man was Rubix Cube, one of the best and tightest bands I have ever seen live, despite the genre. Not only did the band just present a 90 minute, 17 song set... they changed costumes to make it more of a show.

Lead singers Cherie Martorana Neve and Scott Lovelady took turns bouncing from Billy Idol, Tina Turner, Ozzy Osbourne, Madonna, and Prince, not only providing pitch perfect renditions, but the look, the style and the mannerisms. What 80's show could be complete without keyboards and a keytar, provided with skill by Mike Hunter,  shifting in and out of very distinct sounds, from Basil to Buggles, Behind the drum kit (and buried) is John Laspina who made me realize that no matter the speed and sub genre, Van Halen or Dexy's Midnight Runners, it all starts with a solid beat!

Rubix Kube features two rock legends, bassist P.J. Farley and guitarist Steve Brown, both veterans of the mighty Trixter and the duo bring so much more fun to the stage, adding a nice rock texture to some songs not traditionally known for their 'rock' chops. Nice wig, P.J., unless that is a secret, then please disregard that sentence.   

When you experience a show like this, you can walk away going "wow... they didn't play (fill in that song you wanted to hear), or you can leave the venue, load up on Krispy Kreme donuts, and take the ride home discussing how their set list was a great representation of the decade, what great players they were and be tankful you got to experience the hair, sounds and color of the greatest decade to grow up in.      

For more information on the band, including upcoming shows, http://rubixkube.com/  
​For upcoming shows at the Wolf Den, click here

Enjoy the pictures... I hope you can see the fun!     

In our last episode of 2021, we look back on our favorite albums, songs, shows, and more from this past year.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at [email protected].

Opening Act: 
Moody Blues’ Graeme Edge passes
Rock ‘n’ Roll Nosferatu
Richie Faulkner feeling good after heart surgery
Disturbed’s new album might be two

Ear Candy: 
Bullet for My Valentine (2021)
Black Veil Brides: The Phantom Tomorrow (2021)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin’ Atcha Live
Carl Palmer’s ELP Legacy - 11/19

Rockversation: Jean Beauvoir
Matt talked to singer, songwriter, and musician about the Plasmatics, his solo career, and his autobiography that is coming out next year.

Bonus Track: Don’t Answer Me - The Alan Parsons Project
From the album Live: The Never Ending Show, which was recently released through Frontiers Music SRL.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can find more news, reviews, and discussion at powerchordspodcast.com. You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at [email protected].

​by Matman

It isn't everyday one of music's greatest bands performs in your backyard. Plus, when that band is celebrating a brand new album that is soooo good (scroll down and see my review of CRASH OF THE CROWN), it's the perfect storm! And Last Sunday.... a storm it was. But, that didn't stop the fans from enjoying an incredible night of music and fellowship. 

Styx hit the stage with The Fight Of Our Lives from the new album and then burst into a nice run of classics, Blue Collar Man (Long Nights), The Grand Illusion and Lady before performing another new one, Crash Of The Crown. It is always so gratifying when an audience embraces the new music, but for STYX it isn't hard, because the new songs are not only brilliant, they fit right into the set. Rockin' The Paradise, Fooling Yourself (Angry Young Man), Too Much Time On My Hands and Light Up (a forgotten gem) were complemented by Lost At Sea, Sound The Alarm and Save Us From Ourselves... because STYX music is STYX music!  The band's 17 song set concluded with Mr. Roboto and Renegade, and most of those who started the show in the rain still remained. Why? Because it's STYX! 

STYX line-up has changed over the years, but that doesn't do anything to the quality of the music or their performances. Seeing longtime members James (J.Y.) Young (guitar/vocals), Chuck Panozzo (bass) and Tommy Shaw (vocals/guitar) joined by Lawrence Gowan (vocals/keyboards), Ricky Phillips (bass), Todd Sucherman (drums) and Will Evankovich (guitars/producer) just brought everything home in so many ways for not just me, but everyone in attendance. Although the music is credited to STYX, it belongs to all of us. Yes, we can all pick out the songs we love they didn't play (for me, The Best Of Times and Our Wonderful Lives were missed), but we got so much... and from my seat (mostly in the photo pit), the band really enjoyed performing for us, and I thank you guys for that, many smiles on the stage.  

As far as the venue, the Arena at the Big E in West Springfield, MA is a great place to see and especially hear a show. The sound was crystal clear and as perfect as I have ever heard in an outside venue. Yes, the rain sucked... yes, missing Tom Brady's return to New England was tough, BUT this is STYX. Now that I know my lay of the land, this will not be the last time I go to a show there and certainly not the last time I will be seeing Styx! Thank you guys, for the show and the years of memories. 

​For information on the band, go to www.styxworld.com and please, i beg you, pick up the new album, CRASH OF THE CROWN, not only my album of the year (so far), but the second best of their amazing career!      

A special thanks to Amanda, Catherine, Anne-Alise and the Concert Staff in the photo pit that really seemed concerned about how wet I was getting. P.S., I've been sick since the show but it was all so worth it, but next time... I go dry! 

Opening Act: 
Ghost releases “Hunter’s Moon” single for Halloween Kills soundtrack
Ghost and Volbeat Tour Jan-Mar 2022
Bay Strikes Back tour postponed
David Lee Roth retiring
Matt’s top 20 of 21 so far

Ear Candy: 
Iron Maiden: Senjutsu (2021)
Andrew WK: God is Partying (2021)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Comin Atcha Live:
Megadeth and Lamb of Gob 9/13/21 in Boston, MA

Bonus Track: UDO - Prophecy
From the Game Over album, out now of AFM.

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at [email protected].

Opening Act: 
Rolling Stones drummer Charlie Watts passes at 80
Black Sabbath re-releasing Technical Ecstasy Oct 1
Iron Maiden’s Senjutsu coming Sept 3rd
Details and new single from upcoming black Label Society album
Lucifer release Carrie-inspired video
Gus G. releases single from upcoming album

Ear Candy: 
John Mayer: Sob Rock (2021)
Spirit Adrift: Forge Your Future (2021) https://www.spiritadrift.com/

Rockversation: Lawrence Gowan 
Matt recently spoke with the singer and keyboardist of Styx about his history with the band, as well as the new album, Crash of the Crown.

Bonus Track: Chokehold - PJ Farley
From the album Accent the Change, available now. Follow PJ on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/pjfarley.  

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at [email protected].

/us
by Matman

LIVE MUSIC IS BACK, PEOPLE!!! We have been crying and complaining about how much we missed going to concerts and experiencing life again... well, last night was an incredible night of music, fun and friends with Eric Martin and Trixter's Steve Brown and PJ Farley plus Joey Cassata.

With a setlist pulled from the music of Mr. Big, Trixter and P.J. Farley's solo career (more on that in a bit), you would think it would be all about the music, and it was. BUT, to me it was more about the atmosphere the four musicians created, four friends just rocking, having a great time together and oh yeah, there were people watching and enjoying themselves.

From Eric we of course got "To Be With You", "Wild World" and "Just Take My Heart" and from the Trixter boys there was "One In A Million" and "Give It To Me Good". BUT, it was the other songs dropped in the set, like the greatest Trixter song ever, "Tattoos & Misery" (sung by P.J.) and two of my favorites from the world of Mr. Big, "Take Cover" and "Shine" that were not only great to see and hear live, but each had a different spark and feel. There was something (and I'm gonna use the word again) FUN about these songs played with this complement of players. If you follow Mr. Big and Trixter you know there can be (and is) a bit of tension in their history, but here the songs that we all know and love are being played by four guys who just like to 

My only disappointment was they didn't give Joey a spotlight to perform a Z Brothers classic or two. I've been a huge fan since the Bronstein party, maybe "Wheels On The Bus or the "Chicken Song"?" It would fit guys, trust me...

​People know me and listen to my shows already know what a huge fan I am of Eric Martin's career and my love and support of Steve Brown's Tokyo Motor Fist. Old listeners of The Secret Identity Podcast remember my weekly reviews of Z Rock (starring Joey Cassata), but (yes, another but) I have become a huge fan of P.J. Farley from just one song, "Chokehold", a track from his latest solo album, ACCENT THE CHANGE. Hearing that one song make me dive into his solo work, enough where I just bought the album. Full review coming soon...

On stage, the band really had a great time, joking with each other, making comments all over the place to what was going on. This didn't make the show sloppy or unprofessional, it made the entire event spontaneous and, well, fun! During the songs Eric wasn't singing he would sing back-up in support or would wander into the audience, freaking people out, dancing with them or in my case, came up to my table, sat down and told me how much he loved P.J.'s song, "Chokehold", that was being performed at that minute. A-Mazing stuff!!

I also need to give a major shout out to the Vault's staff working the kitchen. This time I had the Bat Burger, a delicious feast for the mouth... an 8 oz. burger, bacon, arugula, fresh mozzarella and something stick sweet called tomato jam! See picture below to and let your mouth begin to water!!!! 

Again, I cannot stress enough what an enjoyable show this was. No pressure to be Mr. Big and not trying to be Trixter, just four dudes playing great music and again... having fun doing so. Thanks guys for letting me/us be a part of it!

               

  

Opening Act: 
Metal church singer Mike Howe dies at 55
Gibson Records releasing new Slash album
ZZ Top bassist Billy Duffy dies at 72
Upcoming concerts at the Big E

Ear Candy: 
Twister Sister: Love is for Suckers (1987)
Dee Snider: Leave a Scar (2021)

Six Degrees of Frankie B.

Rockerversation: Michael Abdow
Matt recently spoke to the Fates Warning and Aquanet guitarist at a live show. Keep up with Michael at michaelabdow.com.

Bonus Track: Night Ranger - Tomorrow
From the new album ATBPO, out now on Frontiers Music srl. 

Thanks for listening! If you're subscribing on iTunes or Google play, please leave us a review, as it will help spread the word about the show! You can also hit us up on twitter at twitter.com/powerchordspod, and email us at [email protected].