DJ Shadow (Josh Davis) returned to Seattle for the first time in seven years on January 24, 2024. The iconic producer and sampling pioneer said that the pandemic had halted his European tour early in 2020, and that he felt unsure what to expect when he finally got back on the road this year. Here in Seattle he packed the 1000-capacity Neptune Theatre.
Shadow played his tunes from 1996 through 2023, alternating amongst laptop, turntables, and electronic drums. He projected compelling video collages on a screen behind him, complementing his deftly combined audio samples, and subtitles flashed the song title, album year, and rapper. He treated the audience to a long set, which he said was because the show had sold out. DJ Shadow closed with “Nobody Speak ” from his first gold record, which featured an enthusiastic drum solo.
He paused to thank his Seattle fans for their energy and support, saying that he had been coming here for 25 years. After acknowledging his crew, Shadow continued with a three-song encore before saying goodnight.
Opening was Portuguese EDM producer Holly (Miguel Oliveira). Holly released Minha Vida – Sadness in 2023.
Ronnie Radke of Falling in Reverse – photo by Charitie Myers
Just days after the release of their fifth album, Popular Monster, Falling in Reverse were headliners at White River Amphitheatre on August 22nd. Interestingly, the album features a mug shot of singer Ronnie Radke on its cover. Also on the bill were Black Veil Brides, who are ready for Halloween with a short and spooky comic. Black Veil Brides and fellow openers Dance Gavin Dance and Tech N9ne appeared on Popular Monster.
Black Veil Bride‘s Andy Biersack – photo by Charitie Myers
Video:Daisy Grenade‘s “How to Hide a Body” Why You Want to Watch: Okay not literally, but Daisy Grenade wants to know “How To Hide A Body.” Clean up seems to be key. . . and so the women of Daisy Grenade, Dani Nigro and Keaton Whittaker, reach Final Girl Status. Daisy Grenade is in Seattle on November 16th at Showbox SoDo. Click on the video screen grab below to watch the video. ~Dagmar
Pop singer-songwriter DANELIYA made her US concert debut with a headlining performance at Barboza. The America’s Got Talent 2020 finalist performed a combination of originals and covers, with Zac and Ollie backing her on keys and guitar. Throughout her set there were well-deserved cheers and applause from the audience when she hit the big notes. Daneliya ended her set with the newly released single, “Bye Bye Baby”, then went to the edge of the stage to give away signed posters and take photos with the crowd.
Korn and Gojira Dominate Tacoma Dome with a Night of Heavy Metal Intensity
Tacoma Dome, October 10, 2024 – The Tacoma Dome shook under the weight of two powerhouse acts on Thursday night, as nu metal veterans Korn headlined a sold-out show with French metal juggernauts Gojira as direct support. Canadian metal band Spiritbox was also slated to open, but unfortunately, heavy traffic caused by a conflicting Seattle Seahawks NFL game left many fans, including myself, unable to catch their set.
Despite the late arrivals, the energy in the venue quickly ramped up as Gojira took the stage, delivering a powerful performance that set the tone for the night.
Gojira Electrifies the Crowd with Precision and Power
Gojira kicked off their set with “Born for One Thing,” a track from their acclaimed 2021 album Fortitude. The opening riff exploded through the Tacoma Dome, accompanied by perfectly timed bursts of pyrotechnics and CO2 fog that created a dramatic visual spectacle. Lead vocalist and guitarist Joe Duplantier’s roaring vocals were relentless, and the band’s precision was unmistakable. They followed up with “The Axe” and “Backbone,” offering a mix of groove-heavy rhythms and pummeling intensity that got the crowd moving early.
Mid-set, they treated the audience to fan favorites like “Flying Whales” and “Stranded,” showcasing their range from atmospheric passages to hard-hitting, thrashing sections. The band also played “L’enfant sauvage” from their 2012 album of the same name, igniting cheers from longtime fans. Toward the end of their 12-song set, Gojira performed “Mea culpa (Ah! Ça ira!) / Remembrance,” the track that catapulted them to mainstream attention after being featured in the 2024 Summer Olympics. They closed with “Amazonia,” a song with a socially conscious message about deforestation, capping off a stunning performance that solidified their status as one of the most formidable live acts in modern metal.
Korn Brings Nu Metal Nostalgia with a Vengeance
After a short break, the stage was veiled in darkness as anticipation for Korn’s headlining performance built. Suddenly, the massive black curtain dropped, revealing the band as they launched into “Here to Stay,” a staple from their 2002 album Untouchables. The crowd erupted, and Korn made it clear they were there to make an impact.
Jonathan Davis, Korn’s charismatic frontman, stalked the stage with his signature intensity, his vocals as sharp and guttural as ever. The band wasted no time, powering through heavy hitters like “Dead Bodies Everywhere” and the bass-driven anthem “Got the Life,” as fans screamed along to every word. Their set included a balanced mix of classics and newer material, including “Start the Healing” from their latest album Requiem.
In a poignant moment mid-set, Davis paused to reflect on Korn’s long history with the Tacoma Dome. He recalled their last performance at the venue 22 years ago and thanked their loyal fans, particularly those who have been with them for the full 30-year journey. Davis also acknowledged the younger generation of Korn fans, many of whom weren’t even born when the band first emerged in the 1990s, and expressed gratitude for their support.
Korn kept the energy high throughout, treating the crowd to deep cuts like “Good God” and the eerie “Shoots and Ladders,” which was briefly interwoven with a snippet of Metallica’s “One.” They closed the main set with “Y’All Want a Single,” a defiant anthem that whipped the crowd into a frenzy.
The band returned for a three-song encore, kicking off with the haunting “Falling Away From Me.” They followed it with “Oildale (Leave Me Alone)” before concluding with their iconic track “Freak on a Leash.” As the familiar bassline of “Freak on a Leash” filled the Tacoma Dome, the crowd surged with renewed energy, singing every word. The final notes left the Tacoma Dome buzzing with excitement, and the performance solidified Korn’s legacy as nu metal legends.
Thursday’s show at the Tacoma Dome was a masterclass in metal, with both Korn and Gojira delivering performances that left an indelible mark on the audience. Korn’s nostalgic, hard-hitting set paired with Gojira’s technical prowess and visual spectacle made for an unforgettable night. Fans left the venue buzzing, knowing they had witnessed two titans of the genre at their very best.
Setlists:
Korn Setlist: Here to Stay Dead Bodies Everywhere Got the Life A.D.I.D.A.S. It’s On! Good God Start the Healing Michael & Geri (played from tape) Blind Ball Tongue Clown Shoots and Ladders (with a snippet of Metallica’s “One”) Twist Make Me Bad Y’All Want a Single
Encore: Falling Away From Me Oildale (Leave Me Alone) Freak on a Leash
Gojira Setlist: Born for One Thing The Axe Backbone Stranded The Cell Flying Whales Grind Another World L’enfant sauvage Mea culpa (Ah! Ça ira!) / Remembrance Silvera Amazonia
