If you’ve ever wanted to experience a musical force of nature that knows no boundaries, look no further than Gogol Bordello. The New York-based gypsy punk collective, led by the larger-than-life Eugene Hütz, are once again hitting the stage, bringing their signature blend of raucous punk rock, Eastern European folk, and theatrical intensity to the Triple Door this weekend.
Gogol Bordello are renowned for their electrifying live shows, cementing their reputation as one of the most genre-defying and unpredictable bands on the planet. Blending the raw energy of punk with the soulful, rhythm-driven melodies of Romani music, the band crafts a vibrant, high-octane sound that’s as much about celebration as it is about defiance. Now, they’re bringing that same untamed spirit to the big screen with their new film, Scream of My Blood.
At their upcoming event at The Triple Door, the band will screen the film, perform a live show, and host a Q&A session, promising an unforgettable night full of surprises. With Gogol Bordello, you never know what will happen next—their performances are always a spontaneous, boundary-pushing adventure, where chaos and creativity collide in thrilling, unpredictable ways I imagine their new film and Q&A will be equally unique and ambitious.
Iron Maiden’s Bruce Dickinson extends his mic to the crowd, inviting them to sing along.
Seeing Iron Maiden live for the first time, I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. But what I experienced was a passionate crowd of dedicated fans who live and breathe the band’s music. When the time came I was escorted to the front of the stage by a friendly and professional stage manager who gave us a quick rundown of the evening’s events. I was allowed to photograph two songs, which was epic, but what followed was nothing short of incredible.
Iron Maiden, who have been touring the world for decades, were this year in the midst of their Future Past World Tour, having already visited Australia, New Zealand, and Japan before embarking on their massive US and Canada leg which brought them to this evenings performance at the Tacoma Dome. The stage setup was a stunning futuristic, sci-fi dystopian theme, complete with a massive backdrop that morphed and shifted throughout the show, adding to the spectacle.
As UFO’s 1979 classic “Doctor, Doctor” blared through the PA, the crowd roared in anticipation. The energy in the air was palpable—everyone knew the mighty Iron Maiden was about to hit the stage. And then, they did. The band kicked things off with “Caught Somewhere in Time,” with Bruce Dickinson leading the charge. His voice, as powerful as ever, rang out across the arena, while guitarist Dave Murray shredded away, his leg extended on a side monitor, working every inch of the stage. The band was firing on all cylinders, posing, playing epic duos, and giving the fans exactly what they wanted. It was clear this was a band that thrives on the live experience.
Iron Maiden’s setlist spanned decades of hits, with each song fueling the crowd’s excitement. There were a few classic Eddie appearances, including a wild moment when Eddie tried to take guitarist Janick Gers hostage with a giant gun before making a dramatic escape. Eddie also reappeared later in a samurai outfit, engaging in a one-on-one guitar duel with Dave Murray and even having a shootout with Bruce Dickinson (who, to be fair, had the advantage thanks to a giant cannon mounted on the stage).
Despite having been on the road for over 30 years, the band showed no signs of slowing down. Bruce Dickinson, at 66 years old, was a blur of energy, rocking a Doc Brown meets Blade Runner ensemble, seamlessly moving across the stage and risers without a hint of exhaustion. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, and the fans fed off their energy every step of the way.
The crowd was electric, flashing rock hands and headbanging in unison as the band ripped through classics like Can I Play with Madness and Fear of the Dark. As the main set drew to a close, Iron Maiden capped it off with their iconic anthem Iron Maiden from their 1980 self-titled debut. After a brief pause, the band returned for a powerful encore, delivering three more unforgettable tracks before bidding the crowd farewell for the night.
Alternative pop singer-songwriter Genevieve Stokes performed at Madame Lou’s, one of several stages at the legendary Crocodile. The Seattle stop was near the tail end of her 15-city US headlining tour in support of her recently release debut album, With a Lightning Strike. Genevieve’s two-member backing band was the perfect complement to her songs while playing a variety of instruments including accordion, bass, drums and keys.
New York’s own electronic duo Sofi Tucker lit up the WaMu Theater on October 30th, bringing an electrifying energy that had everyone on their feet. Known for their infectious beats and irresistible rhythms, the duo delivered a performance that was nothing short of unforgettable. As the crowd danced and swayed to their booty-shakin’ vibes, the atmosphere was charged with excitement and joy. The night was a celebration of music and movement, with each track perfectly crafted to keep the energy soaring. Fans reveled in the dynamic visuals and immersive soundscapes, making it a truly memorable experience for all in attendance.
As the venue went dark, Maggie Rogers emerged from below the stage in the center of the arena to kick off the show. She and her 6-member band created a wonderful evening during a stop on their Don’t Forget Me Tour. One of the many highlights was Maggie performing an acoustic solo version of “Alaska” arranged especially for the tour, followed by several songs with her band in the center of the arena. Maggie went on to ask who in the audience was also at her Triple Door show in March 2017. I enthusiastically raised my hand and included as historic evidence, the last three photos below. Maggie was also my “Best New Find” at SXSW 2017 in Austin.
