Show Review & Photos: ONEWE @ El Corazon

Posted on 05/12/2025 by Diane Webb

From Seoul to Seattle: ONEWE Rocks El Corazon With Unmatched Energy

SEATTLE (May 7, 2025) — South Korean rock band ONEWE electrified Seattle with a raw, soul-stirring performance at El Corazon, marking a long-awaited stop on their North American tour. For fans who had been patiently waiting years to see the group live in the Emerald City, it was more than just a concert, it was a full-bodied experience of musicianship, humor and heartfelt connection.

Originally debuting in 2015 under the name MAS 0094, the five-member group rebranded as ONEWE in 2019 and has steadily built a loyal global fanbase. The lineup, Yonghoon, Harin, Kanghyun, Dongmyeong and Giuk, delivered on every front, from musicianship to stage presence, proving why they stand out in the ever-evolving Korean music scene.

Despite a slightly delayed start, with the lights going down at 7:20 p.m. instead of the scheduled 7:00, anticipation only heightened the crowd’s energy. The band opened with “Rain to Be,” launching into tight riffs and playful bass slaps that immediately ignited the room. Fans packed shoulder-to-shoulder in the sold-out, standing-room-only venue responded with deafening cheers.

After three high-octane songs, the band paused to introduce themselves and share a laugh about the unexpectedly warm greenroom, mirroring the heat radiating from the fervent crowd. When a fan shouted, “I love you!” the venue erupted in cheers, setting the tone for an evening filled with intimate fan interaction and spontaneous moments.

ONEWE continued their set with “EVILDOER,” showcasing their signature blend of gritty rock edge and melodic precision. Unlike many K-pop tours, where the focus often lies in choreography and pre-recorded elements, ONEWE delivered a fully live show, playing their own instruments, singing with jaw-dropping skill, and giving fans a concert experience rooted in authenticity and artistry. It was rock ’n’ roll through and through, with a Korean twist.

The set flowed effortlessly between high-energy bangers and emotional slow burns. “Kiss the Rain” offered a well-timed breather, a swooning ballad that had the audience swaying in unison. A minor hiccup during the song, vocalist Yonghoon coming in late on a line, was met with laughter and applause. A reminder to the audience that “Live is live”.

Mid-show, Dongmyeong left the stage briefly due to feeling unwell, but the band didn’t miss a beat. They treated the audience to a surprise run of English-language covers, including Billie Eilish’s “Tough Guy,” Shawn Mendes’ “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,” and more. Dongmyeong made his triumphant return during “Roommate,” receiving a warm welcome from fans who yelled out “괜찮아?”, asking if he was ok.

After performing “Roommate,” the group shared the story behind the song’s lyrics, written with their fans, known as WEVE, in mind. The emotional resonance was palpable, and the band’s gratitude sincere.

In between songs, the band’s personalities truly shined. Yonghoon teased one fan who was yelling, “No money, no boyfriend,” in a joking tone reply said, “Oh, so sad. Are you okay?”, eliciting laughter from the crowd. Kanghyun chimed in with mock sympathy, “So sorry,” while Harin joined the front of the stage to join in the playful banter.

As the show neared its finale, Harin delivered a fiery drum solo that segued into a surprise instrumental tease of Nirvana’s “Smells Like Teen Spirit,” a fitting tribute to Seattle’s grunge roots. From there, the band launched into “Crazy Good,” whipping the crowd into a frenzy with call-and-response chants and synchronized jumps.

They closed out the night with the soaring “Eraser,” wrapping up a long set that proved ONEWE isn’t just a band to watch, they’re a band to remember.

Seattle marked the penultimate stop on the group’s North American tour, which wrapped in Vancouver, B.C., on May 9.

ONEWE Gallery

Show Review & Photos: Disturbed, Daughtry, and Nothing More @ Climate Pledge Arena

Posted on 05/07/2025 by Diane Webb

Disturbed - Climate Pledge Arena 2025-5-5

Disturbed, Daughtry and Nothing More Bring Pure Rock Chaos to Seattle for The Sickness 25th Anniversary Tour

SEATTLE (May 5, 2025) — Disturbed’s 25th anniversary tour, celebrating their landmark 2000 album The Sickness, brought a hard-hitting lineup to Seattle’s Climate Pledge Arena on Sunday night. The tour, which features support from rock powerhouse Daughtry and progressive alt metal outfit Nothing More, is a full throttle celebration of the past, present and future of modern rock and metal. For longtime fans and new listeners alike, the show delivered a night of raw emotion, blistering performance and high powered stage production.

Nothing More opened the evening, returning to Seattle for the first time since their April 28 show in Oklahoma City, where frontman Johnny Hawkins was sidelined by a vocal injury. Advised to rest his vocal folds, Hawkins took time off, and it paid off. Back on stage, he sounded revitalized, kicking off the set with “House of Sand” and charging through six more tracks with intensity. Known for their theatrical live performances, the band brought relentless energy that the crowd met in kind. They wrapped up their set with “This Is the Time (Ballast)” from their 2014 self titled album, leaving the stage to roaring applause.

Daughtry followed with a dynamic set bathed in shifting lights, from stark white to moody blue, to vibrant oranges and yellows, all heightened by CO2 bursts that added drama to each drop and chorus. Chris Daughtry’s powerful vocals and stage presence were on full display as he delivered hits like “It’s Not Over” and “The Reckoning,” along with a well received cover of Journey’s “Separate Ways (Worlds Apart).” Midway through the set, the band slowed things down with a moving acoustic rendition of “Home,” as fans lit up the venue with phone flashlights. The performance closed with the pounding rhythm of “Artificial,” sending the audience into a frenzy.

As the crowd buzzed with anticipation, Disturbed took the stage in theatrical fashion. Before the lights dropped, KISW’s Ryan Castle warmed up the crowd, joking, “Who planned a Disturbed show on Cinco de Mayo? Metalheads are here to party,” prompting a wave of cheers and laughter. A massive screen behind the stage flashed rotating visuals, the iconic The Sickness album art, slogans like “Spread the Sickness,” and nostalgic band photos, building the tension to a fever pitch.

The first act of Disturbed’s set was a complete playthrough of The Sickness, performed in order, something fans had waited 25 years to witness. Frontman David Draiman was wheeled onstage in a black DOC jumpsuit, strapped into a straitjacket and wearing a muzzle. As the restraints were removed, Draiman stood tall, spread his arms, tilted his head back while rolling his eyes, and let the opening notes of “Voices” wash over the crowd. The arena erupted.

The stage itself was a spectacle, a catwalk extended deep into the crowd, while lights, a towering demonic figure, CO2 cannons, video monitors and bursts of pyrotechnics transformed the space into a sensory overload. This time, thankfully, the fire effects avoided any mishaps, unlike the scorched banners at their Chicago stop. The band tore through The Sickness with brutal precision, with bassist John Moyer and guitarist Dan Donegan igniting the crowd as they leapt across the stage, traded solos and stormed down the catwalk. In a fun moment, Moyer knelt down and Donegan playfully patted his head before they launched into a synchronized jump, smiling as they connected with fans just feet away.

The second act turned the dial forward, delivering some of the band’s most beloved modern tracks. While not as thematically unified as The Sickness, this portion of the show let Disturbed showcase their evolution. Songs like “Ten Thousand Fists” and their emotional cover of “The Sound of Silence” proved the band’s range, while “The Light” inspired a massive crowd singalong, with Draiman encouraging fans to raise their voices and shine through the darkness.

By the end of the night, the crowd was spent but satisfied. With a career spanning performance, unforgettable visuals and powerful moments of connection, Disturbed’s anniversary tour proved to be more than a celebration, it was a reminder of the band’s enduring impact on hard rock and heavy metal.

Disturbed Gallery

Daughtry Gallery

Daughtry - Climate Pledge Arena 2025-5-5

Nothing More Gallery

Nothing More - Climate Pledge Arena 2025-5-5

Show Review: Jason Cheny @ Neptune Theatre

Posted on 05/05/2025 by Diane Webb

Jason Cheny Brings Down the House at the Neptune Theatre in Seattle

SEATTLE (May 3, 2025) — Taiwanese American comedian Jason Cheny returned to Seattle Saturday night with a sold-out performance at the historic Neptune Theatre, delivering a riotous evening of cultural commentary, dark humor, and a whole lot of crowd participation.

The night kicked off with opening acts Will Pepper and Bo Johnson, who each brought their own brand of laughter and a few jaw-drops to a packed house.

Will Pepper warmed up the audience with rapid-fire jokes and self-deprecating humor, riffing off his last name and, in a moment that sent audible shivers through the audience, explaining the dubious concept of “Utah soaking.” (No, you really don’t want to Google it.) His short but punchy set hit all the right notes to set the tone for the evening.

Next up was Seattle native Bo Johnson, whose dry delivery and NPR-caliber voice lulled the crowd into a false sense of calm before unleashing stories from his ultra-holistic childhood. Raised by massage therapist parents, Johnson wove tales of awkward childhood moments, and hilarious clapbacks to bullies who tried, and failed, to weird him out. Spoiler: they never stood a chance.

When headliner Jason Cheny hit the stage, the energy in the room hit another level. He immediately thanked the audience for coming out, especially the large number of Asian fans, and gave a playful nod to the “few white people” in attendance, drawing explosive laughter from all corners of the room. From there, it was full throttle.

For those familiar with Cheny, his fast-paced, boundary-pushing style delivered exactly what they came for. For newcomers, Cheny had no problem spotting them in the crowd, and promptly pulling them into his set, much to the delight of their more prepared partners. No topic was off-limits: childhood trauma, impatient behavior, cultural expectations, and even awkward sauna encounters … all delivered with a masterful mix of vulnerability and bite.

A particularly memorable moment came when the audience demanded a dark joke to close out the set, and Cheny obliged, earning one of the biggest laughs of the night. It’s not easy to bond with a theater full of strangers over shared existential dread, but Cheny somehow made it feel like a group therapy session… if therapy came with punchlines.

After the show, Cheny didn’t disappear backstage. Instead, he stuck around to meet fans, pose for photos, and personally thank nearly everyone who approached him. It was a gracious, genuine gesture that capped off an already memorable night.

Cheny hinted he’ll be back in Seattle next year, so fans should keep an eye on his website for tour updates. If Saturday night was any indication, tickets will be gone in a flash.

SMASH 2025 Benefit at the Crocodile

Posted on 05/01/2025 by Mike Mitchell

SMASH is a non-profit organization that provides access to free and affordable healthcare services for musicians living in King, Snohomish, Pierce, Mason, Kitsap, and Thurstan counties as well as assistance in navigating our Byzantine and often confounding healthcare system.

SMASH throws a benefit concert/party annually and this year’s edition was at the Crocodile Cafe, celebrating the music of Fleetwood Mac. Wild Rumors (who specialize in recreating the music of Fleetwood Mac) acted as the house band for the evening and the roster of special guests was chock-a-bloc with many of the Pacific Northwest’s biggest names, including Shaina Shepherd, Ayron Jones, Eva Walker, Star Anna, Pete Droge & Elaine Ian Moore, Jeff Fielder & Tekla Waterfield, Mark Pickerel, John Roderick, Molly Sides and many more.

The performances were strong across the board and the large crowd responded enthusiastically. The evening ended on a raucous high note with all of the artists onstage, aided and abetted by the Seahawk’s Blue Thunder marching band, performing a roof raising rendition of ‘Tusk’. The ovation at the end of the show was long and smiles in the satisfied crowd were abundant.

Show Review & Photos: Kylie Minogue and Rita Ora @ Climate Pledge Arena

Posted on 04/30/2025 by Diane Webb

Kylie Minogue - Climate Pledge Arena 2025-4-25 - Photo by Diane Webb

Kylie Minogue Delivers Pop Spectacle on Tension Tour Stop in Seattle

Climate Pledge Arena, Seattle, April 25, 2025 – Australian pop icon Kylie Minogue brought energy, emotion and dazzling visuals to her Seattle stop on the Tension Tour 2025, her largest global tour since 2011.

Minogue, who first gained worldwide recognition with her 1987 breakout hit “The Loco-Motion,” has since become one of pop’s most enduring figures. With two Grammy Awards and six total nominations, she most recently earned a win in 2024 for best pop dance recording for “Padam Padam.”

Ahead of the tour, Minogue expressed her excitement: “I am beyond excited to announce the Tension Tour 2025. I can’t wait to share beautiful and wild moments with fans all over the world, celebrating the Tension era and more! It’s been an exhilarating ride so far and now, get ready for your close-up because I will be calling, ‘Lights, Camera, Action’ , and there will be a whole lot of Padaming!”

Joining her on tour was British singer-songwriter Rita Ora, who made her Seattle debut as the opening act.

Wearing a short white minidress and high-heeled white boots, Ora kicked off the evening with “Ask and You Shall Receive.” Her high-energy set featured a string of fan favorites, accompanied by dynamic choreography and a team of dancers.

During her remix of Fatboy Slim’s 1998 hit “Praise You”, famously performed at Eurovision 2023, Ora dropped to the floor laying on her stomach in a playful pose with her feet swaying in the air behind her, as she teased the crowd. Rising to her feet, she rallied the audience with: “Is my microphone on? Can you hear me? I can’t hear you!” The crowd responded with a roar. She then dashed down the runway into the audience, interacting with fans before striking a sultry pose with her dancers as the lights dimmed.

Ora closed her set with “Let Me Love You,” pausing mid-song to thank the Seattle audience for their warm welcome before soaking in the crowd’s energy one last time.

A Five-Act Pop Odyssey

As the arena lights dimmed, a cheer rose from the crowd. Minogue appeared seated on a swing suspended above the stage, opening the show with “Lights, Camera, Action” against a dreamy blue backdrop with fog and spotlights focused on her.

What followed was a masterclass in pop showmanship. Minogue performed an expertly curated mix of global hits and deep cuts, every moment designed to resonate with the crowd. Visually, the production was mesmerizing, LED screens, fog machines, custom staging, vibrant costumes, a two-stage setup, and a massive disco ball that illuminated the venue.

Each act brought new excitement. Fans sang, danced and screamed as their favorite tracks played. Early in the evening, the crowd erupted so passionately that Minogue paused, visibly moved, placing her hands over her chest. She stood silently, soaking in the love, prompting even louder cheers. The emotional bond between Minogue and her audience was palpable.

The hits kept coming. From “Spinning Around” to “In Your Eyes,” Minogue navigated decades of her discography with precision and charm. She even dusted off “The Loco-Motion,” playfully telling the audience: “If you’re an OG, you’ll know this one.”

Act Three took Minogue through the crowd to a B-stage at the rear of the venue, allowing her to perform up close to fans in all directions. Surrounded by audience members on all four sides, she paused to take song requests, calling out to fans with handmade signs. She then delivered a rare live rendition of “Tightrope,” performing it for the first time since 2012.

Midway through the B-stage set, Minogue began her tradition of handing out roses and selecting one fan to be her “Wild Rose” for the night. For Seattle, that was Vanessa, a young woman in a furry hot pink jacket who had come alone. Minogue held her hand and chatted with her, giving the moment warmth and authenticity that fans will long remember.

Vanessa, Seattle’s “Wild Rose”

This portion of the show marked the beginning of the “Disco” set. As a massive disco ball descended from the ceiling, casting shimmering lights throughout the arena, Minogue, surrounded by her dancers, changed costumes and delivered a glittering performance of “Supernova” before returning to the main stage.

Act Four shifted gears with a more introspective mood. During “Confide,” a moody LED backdrop featured a slide for those feeling alone in Seattle to “Confide” with the image of phone next to a sign reading 1-555-CONFIDE (not a real mental health call line, but leading into the song being performed). Minogue emerged in a black floor-length cape under pulsing blue and red lights, her vocals soaring in a solo spotlight that added theatrical weight to the moment.

The final act brought the energy back with high-tempo fan favorites “Tension” and “All the Lovers.” The arena reached fever pitch during the unmistakable opening beats of her 2001 mega-hit “Can’t Get You Out of My Head,” with the crowd dancing in unison.

The encore featured three explosive tracks: “Padam Padam,” “Love at First Sight” and the title track “Tension.” An evening packed with lasers, confetti, and deafening cheers filling the air ended this show on a euphoric high.

Kylie Minogue’s Tension Tour 2025 is a triumph of sound, visual spectacle and emotional connection. With its hit-packed setlist, theatrical production, and deeply human moments, it’s a tour no pop fan should miss.

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