Show Review & Photos: STAYC @ Paramount Theater

Posted on 10/08/2025 by Diane Webb

STAYC - Paramount Theater 2025-10-2 - Photo By Diane Webb

STAYC Shines Bright in Seattle With an Unforgettable Night of K-Pop Energy

SEATTLE (October 2, 2025) — South Korean group STAYC brought their radiant energy and irresistible charm to the Paramount Theater, transforming the venue into a glowing sea of color, sound and pure joy.

From the moment the lights dimmed and the opening visuals flashed across the LED backdrop, the anticipation from the crowd of devoted SWITHs filled the air. Fans of all ages; from young teens to elders waving light sticks alongside along side one another, were ready for a night that proved why STAYC’s rise in K-pop has been so swift and well deserved.

The six-member group comprised of Sumin, Sieun, Isa, Seeun, Yoon and J, opened the show dressed in coordinated white outfits accented with glittering details that caught the light with every dance move. Behind them, the LED screens alternated between high-definition clips of the members and vibrant graphics that matched each song’s rhythm and tone.

The concert pulsed with energy from the start. Fun, synchronized choreography and precise vocals defined much of the set as STAYC moved effortlessly through their opening songs. After the fifth number, the group returned in a softer palette of pastel outfits, each member showcasing her own color, symbolizing individuality within their unity. The change in look added a refreshing visual shift that carried into the following portion of the show, where members took turns commanding the spotlight in solos and smaller group performances that highlighted their distinct styles and strengths.

Between songs, the members took time to speak directly to the audience; thanking Seattle fans for their enthusiasm and sharing stories behind some of their favorite tracks. These candid, heartfelt moments offered a glimpse into the group’s bond with their fans and the gratitude that fuels their performances.

The lighting throughout the night was bright and dynamic, casting waves of pink, blue and gold that reflected off hundreds of light sticks swaying in perfect rhythm. When STAYC launched into fan favorites like “BEBE,” “ASAP” and “Bubble,” the theater came alive with collective cheers and the kind of energy that only happens when artist and audience move together as one.

What stood out most was how comfortable STAYC seemed on stage. In casual conversations with fans who had seen the group before, many noted how much the members have grown; their confidence, presence and connection with each other all shining through. It felt like the group had truly arrived, no longer the promising rookies of a few years ago, but fully realized performers commanding the stage with ease.

The concert wasn’t just a display of technical perfection; it was a celebration. Every note, every dance step and every smile radiated warmth and sincerity. The balance between high-energy choreography and intimate fan engagement showed that STAYC understands what makes a concert memorable: it’s not just the music, but the shared experience.

As the final song ended and the members waved goodbye, fans’ voices echoed through the Paramount, calling out for one more song. STAYC left the stage with the same brightness they entered with, confident, joyful and leaving everyone wanting more.

For SWITHs in Seattle, this night was more than just a concert. It was a reminder of how music bridges generations and languages, and how STAYC’s message of self-love and positivity resonates far beyond borders.

If this performance is any indication of where the group is headed, STAYC’s star is only going to shine brighter from here, and Seattle will be waiting for their return.

STAYC Gallery

Show Review & Photos: Powerwolf and Dragonforce @ Paramount Theater

Posted on 10/06/2025 by Diane Webb

Powerwolf - Paramount Theater 2025-9-30 - Photo By Diane Webb

Powerwolf Bring First-Ever Seattle Show to Life at the Paramount Theater with Dragonforce

Seattle (September 30, 2025) – It was a night of fantasy, fire, and power metal glory at the Paramount Theater as Powerwolf made their long-awaited Seattle debut, joined by fellow genre titans Dragonforce. Fans packed the venue from floor to balcony, many in face paint or dressed as knights, wolves, and saints, ready to finally witness a show they’d been waiting years to see.

Dragonforce opened the evening with a set that was pure adrenaline. Their stage looked like a gamer’s fever dream; two towering arcade cabinets doubling as risers, flashing lights, and bursts of CO₂ erupting across the front of the stage. Guitarists Herman Li and Sam Totman launched the set from atop those arcade platforms while Alicia Vigil and vocalist Marc Hudson commanded the main floor. From the first notes of “Cry Thunder,” it was clear this wasn’t going to be a warmup, it was a spectacle.

The energy never wavered. Hudson worked the crowd with grinning charisma, at one point hoisting a giant stuffed chicken and hurling it into the crowd, declaring it needed to “fly” during the next song. What followed was pure chaos as the chicken soared through the general admission pit, up to the balcony, and back again, caught and thrown by fans like a sacred relic.

Mid-set, Li introduced YouTuber Jared Dines for a surprise guest spot, leading into an extreme metal cover of Taylor Swift’s “Wildest Dreams.” “This is probably the only time you’ll get to circle pit to Taylor Swift,” Li joked before he and Dines dove off the stage and played their solos inside the pit, surrounded by a frenzy of fans. Dragonforce’s blend of humor, virtuosity, and relentless speed created a wall of energy that carried straight through “Through the Fire and Flames,” closing their set with a roar.

By the time Powerwolf took the stage, anticipation in the room had reached a fever pitch. The stage glowed with cathedral-like grandeur; staircases, fog, a massive LED backdrop of arches and flames. The drums and keyboards sat elevated at the rear, while the lower stage featured risers for band members to ascend and face the packed floor.

When Attila Dorn appeared, the room erupted. The band launched into “Bless ’em With the Blade,” and from that moment, Seattle became a congregation. Lights shifted from deep red to blinding white, smoke poured across the stage, and the sound was thunderous. Fans pressed tight against the barricade, singing word for word; for many, this was a dream finally realized.

During “Incense & Iron,” Falk Maria Schlegel stepped forward holding a censer, swinging it with slow, theatrical grace before handing it to Dorn, who carried it around the stage in a symbolic gesture. There was no incense, but the act felt ritualistic, a merging of performance and ceremony that defined Powerwolf’s presence.

The setlist spanned the band’s legacy with “Army of the Night,” “Amen & Attack,” and “Demons Are a Girl’s Best Friend” hit with commanding precision, while newer tracks like “Sinners of the Seven Seas” and “Heretic Hunters” showed their evolving power. Every chorus was met with voices raised high, and every transition bathed the stage in waves of colored light; green, purple, orange, and blue all painting a scene that was both sacred and feral.

For the encore, the band returned to deafening cheers. “Sanctified With Dynamite” and “We Drink Your Blood” turned the Paramount into one massive choir, with fists raised and heads thrown back. They closed with “Werewolves of Armenia,” and as the final note faded, the roar from the audience seemed to shake the walls.

It was dramatic, powerful, and visually phenomenal; a theatrical storm of light, sound, and devotion. Powerwolf’s first Seattle performance wasn’t just a show, it was a declaration. And if the response from fans was any sign, the hope is clear: it won’t take them another lifetime to return.

Powerwolf Gallery

Dragonforce Gallery

Dragonforce - Paramount Theater 2025-9-30 - Photo By Diane Webb

Show Review & Photos: Landmvrks, Novelists, Silly Goose and Resolve @ Neptune Theatre

Posted on 10/04/2025 by Diane Webb

Landmvrks, The Novelists, Silly Goose and Resolve Bring Fury and Fire to the Neptune Theatre

Seattle (October 1, 2025) – The walls of the Neptune Theatre shook Wednesday night as French metalcore heavyweights Landmvrks stormed through Seattle on their North American headline tour. With Resolve, Silly Goose, and Novelists setting the stage, this lineup proved to be one of the most cohesive, full-force tours to hit the city this fall.

From the first note to the last scream, the night was a controlled chaos of emotion, intensity, and connection. Fans pressed against the rail were already singing along before the lights dimmed, signaling the kind of loyalty that comes only from years of dedication, and from a scene that thrives on shared catharsis.

Resolve opened the night cloaked in a sea of red light, their sound brutal and unrelenting. Every breakdown landed like a gut punch, every scream wrapped in conviction. The band never once let their energy waver, setting a fierce tone for the rest of the night. Their set felt like a rally cry, the perfect ignition for a night drenched in distortion and sweat.

Atlanta’s Silly Goose followed, shifting gears but not intensity. Known for their explosive mix of nu metal and rap, the band wasted no time tearing up the stage. Frontman Jackson Foster ricocheted across the platform, diving into the crowd to sing shoulder-to-shoulder with fans at the barricade before joining the pit himself. Their set was pure mayhem and pure joy, fueled by new songs from their upcoming album “Keys To the City,” due out October 17. The audience fed off their reckless abandon, and the feeling was mutual.

Then came Novelists, who took command of the Neptune stage with hypnotic precision. Their entrance drew roaring cheers and as the second song of their set began, fans immediately recognized the opening notes of “CODA,” the title track from their 2025 release. Under shifting lights of deep blues, purples, and flares of red, the band moved between new songs and older favorites from “Déjà Vu.” They blurred the line between performer and audience, with arms raised, heads nodding, and every lyric screamed back. Their set felt cinematic, darkness and light battling in sound and color, building anticipation for the chaos to come.

When Landmvrks finally stepped into the dim blue glow, the Neptune erupted. The Marseille-based band, signed to Arising Empire, has been steadily building a global following since 2014, but this was their first-ever Seattle headlining show and was something different. It felt like arrival.

From the opening track, Landmvrks owned the room. The crowd obeyed every command from frontman Florent Salfati, who turned the floor into a sea of movement. Early in the set, waves of crowd surfers began floating toward the stage, sometimes two at a time, as the band powered through a mix of new and older songs. When Salfati later called for a wall of death, fans eagerly split the floor down the middle, waiting for the drop. The moment the music kicked back in, chaos reigned.

During a moment of calmness in the set, Salfati came onto the stage in silence with an easel and marker and created a drawing with the audience looking over his shoulder. After completion, the drawing sat center stage for a few minutes then was carried away and the show continued on.

Dark lighting and flashes of red and yellow made the band appear almost otherworldly, silhouettes framed against an audience that never stopped moving. It was heavy, it was heartfelt, and it was everything a metalcore show should be; visceral, loud, and communal.

By the end of the night, it was clear this lineup wasn’t just stacked, it was perfectly balanced. Resolve’s intensity, Silly Goose’s unpredictability, Novelists’ atmosphere, and Landmvrks’ command made for an unforgettable evening.

As the tour makes its way toward its final stop in Toronto on October 12, one thing feels certain: this was Landmvrks’ first Seattle headliner, it definitely won’t be their last.

Landmvrks Gallery

Landmvrks - Neptune Theater 2025-10-1 - Photo By Diane Webb

Novelists Gallery

Novelists - Neptune Theater 2025-10-1 - Photo By Diane Webb

Silly Goose Gallery

Silly Goose - Neptune Theater 2025-10-1 - Photo By Diane Webb

Resolve Gallery

Resolve - Neptune Theater 2025-10-1 - Photo By Diane Webb

Show Review & Photos: The Who & Candlebox @ Climate Pledge Arena

Posted on 09/29/2025 by Diane Webb

The Who - Climate Pledge Arena 2025-9-25 - Photo By Diane Webb

The Who Say Farewell in Seattle With Unforgettable Night at Climate Pledge Arena

Seattle (September 25, 2025) — The Who brought their “The Song Is Over: The North American Farewell Tour” to Climate Pledge Arena on Thursday night, delivering a career-spanning set that carried both the weight of history and the spirit of celebration.

Seattle’s own Candlebox opened the evening with grit and pride, powering through a raw and energetic set. Their stage was simple yet bold, anchored by a massive LED backdrop that read “American Made, Seattle, 32 Years of Rock & Roll” with the years 1993 and 2025 stamped beneath their name. Hits like “Change,” “Blossom” and the emotional closer “You” hit home with fans who sang along in unison. Kevin Martin led the charge with unrelenting energy, even wrapping his mic cord around his neck during one dramatic moment before jumping back into the song. The crowd’s response was loud and approving, cheering on one of Seattle’s own veterans of the grunge era.

Then it was time for The Who. Roger Daltrey and Pete Townshend walked on stage to a roar that could have easily passed for the band’s glory days, and the two legends made sure the energy stayed right there. From the opening chords of “I Can’t Explain” to the stirring encore of “Tea & Theatre,” the band gave fans a journey through six decades of music that defined rock and roll itself.

The setlist was carefully built to balance the essential hits, “Who Are You,” “My Generation,” “Behind Blue Eyes,” with songs that longtime fans cherished, like “Going Mobile” and “Cry If You Want.” “Baba O’Riley,” lifted the roof when Katie Jacoby’s soaring violin solo took center stage, while “Love, Reign O’er Me” turned the arena into a sea of voices joining Daltrey’s.

Nostalgia was everywhere, not only in the music but also in the stories, jokes and images projected on the screen behind them. Daltrey and Townshend traded humor about aging, poking fun at how they no longer play “like they used to,” though their performance suggested otherwise. The camaraderie between them and their bond with the audience made the night feel intimate despite the size of the arena.

As the final notes of “The Song Is Over” rang out, fans were visibly emotional, knowing this was more than just another tour stop, it was a goodbye. The band’s last acoustic performance of “Tea & Theatre,” with Roger and Pete alone on stage, felt like a love letter to the audience. When the credits rolled on the big screen to the Beatles’ “Here Comes the Sun” and “The Inner Light,” it was clear The Who had crafted an ending as thoughtful and powerful as the music that brought them here.

For the thousands who filled Climate Pledge Arena, the night was more than a concert. It was a shared celebration of music, memory and legacy, a final bow from a band that changed rock history forever.

The Who Gallery

Candlebox Gallery

Candlebox - Climate Pledge Arena 2025-9-25 - Photo By Diane Webb

Show Review & Photos: Linkin Park & JPEG Mafia @ Climate Pledge Arena

Posted on 09/28/2025 by Diane Webb

Linkin Park - Climate Pledge Arena 2025-9-23 - Photo By Diane Webb

Linkin Park Return to Seattle With Emotional, High-Energy Comeback at Climate Pledge Arena

SEATTLE (September 24, 2025) – Eleven years after their last performance in Washington, Linkin Park made their long-awaited return to Seattle Wednesday night at Climate Pledge Arena, closing out their North American tour with a powerful, if slightly uneven, show. Joined by opener JPEGMAFIA, the evening carried both the weight of history and the spark of a new chapter.

JPEGMAFIA set the tone of the night with a ferocious set. Cloaked under red lighting, his chaotic beats and unpredictable stage presence jolted the crowd, creating the perfect foil for Linkin Park’s more structured but equally intense performance.

The anticipation inside the arena built slowly. Blue and purple lights draped the wide center-stage in shadows, while massive LCD screens displayed a stark countdown clock. At the one-minute mark, thousands of voices joined together to count down, and when the timer struck zero, the crowd erupted into a roar that shook the building. A single bright blue beam shot up from the stage floor to the ceiling, signaling the start of something big. One by one, the band members emerged, walking a narrow path that split the floor audience, waving as they climbed onto the stage. Then came the first chords of “Somewhere I Belong,” and the show was off.

The stage design was striking: a long and wide platform planted in the middle of the floor, with drums, turntable and keyboards anchored in the center while other members moved along both sides. It gave fans in all corners of the arena a close-up view, but also created a certain distance among the bandmates. Interactions between them were minimal, likely a result of the setup, and that physical separation occasionally carried over into the feel of the show itself.

Still, the production was immense. Towering lighting rigs hovered above the stage, alternating between strobes and razor-sharp vertical beams that shot downward like glowing pillars. During heavier moments like “One Step Closer” and “Bleed It Out,” the lights seemed to carve through the crowd as the music pulsed beneath them. During more atmospheric tracks, like “Castle of Glass,” the mood softened, drawing the audience into a reflective calm.

Over the course of four acts and a three-song encore, the band delivered 27 songs, weaving in new material such as “The Emptiness Machine” and “Heavy Is the Crown” with the hits fans came to hear. Mike Shinoda remained the group’s steady anchor, switching between guitar, keyboards, and rap verses. Joe Hahn unleashed a standout solo, joined by drummer Colin Brittain, while Emily Armstrong’s vocals were a revelation, her balance of clarity and raw power meshed seamlessly with the band’s signature sound. When her screams tore through “Crawling,” the arena roared in approval.

Highlights included a hybrid version of “Lost,” beginning with Armstrong on vocals and Shinoda on piano before building into a full-band surge, and a punk-tinged take on “Numb” that added fresh bite to a classic. The encore hit hard with “Papercut,” “In the End,” and “Faint”. And outro of Phil Collins’ “Take Me Home,” signaled the end of the evening.

And yet, there was a sense of disconnect that lingered. Fans leaving the venue voiced it too, something felt a little “off.” The setlist was strong, the execution tight, but perhaps the stage layout made it harder for the band to connect with each other and, in turn, project that synergy outward. It wasn’t enough to diminish the night, but it was noticeable.

What did resonate was the sense of gratitude. Armstrong’s presence confirmed that Linkin Park is not only carrying forward but evolving. Her voice stood out in every song, proving she belongs. Shinoda, Farrell, Delson, Hahn, and Brittain provided the backbone, and together, they delivered a reminder of what made Linkin Park a defining voice of their generation.

For Seattle, this was more than just a concert, it was a welcome home after more than two decades. The city embraced Linkin Park’s comeback wholeheartedly, flaws and all, and left looking forward to the band’s next chapter.

Linkin Park Gallery

JPEG Mafia Gallery

Jpeg Mafia - Climate Pledge Arena 2025-9-24 - Photo By Diane Webb

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