August 1, 2025 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ

Review & Photography by Estelle Massry

The Offspring ignited PNC Bank Arts Center on August 1st, 2025, with a high-octane set that blended nostalgic punk anthems and sharp new material. Their SUPERCHARGED Worldwide in ’25 tour started on July 11th in West Palm Beach FL and will end on September 7th in Denver, CO.

New Found Glory started off the night and brought pure pop-punk joy to PNC. The stage design was vibrant with pinks and yellows as the band jumped out on stage with full on energy. Jordan Pundik’s vocals were full of heart, and Ian Grushka’s energy was unstoppable. The band was tight, fun, and clearly having a blast—feeding off the crowd’s nonstop singalongs. It was everything you want in a New Found Glory show: loud, fast, and unforgettable just like the rest of the night would be.

Jimmy Eat World appeared on stage with the same level of energy and delivered an emotionally charged, beautifully polished set. Opening with “Pain,” they immediately drew the crowd into their world of soaring choruses and heartfelt lyrics. Jim Adkins’ vocals were spot on and full of conviction. As a photographer I would have loved to have him step away from the mic so I could see his face but the fans didn’t seem to mind. “The Middle” turned into a massive singalong, while deeper cuts like “Sweetness” gave longtime fans goosebumps. 

As soon as Jimmy Eat World wrapped, The Offspring made sure that their fans were hyped and ready for their show. Video screens began entertaining everyone with The Offspring trivia, a mascot with a gorilla mask shooting out T-shirts, and shots of the audience kissing & dancing. There was even a mini-blimp going down every aisle of the venue until the countdown began for The Offspring’s entrance.

The Offspring brought up the energy to a whole other level. They opened with a blistering version of “Come Out and Play,” and the entire amphitheater lit up. Thousands of fans sang every word like a war cry, from grizzled ’90s punks to teenagers in fresh band tees. Dexter Holland’s vocals were as sharp and snarling as ever, and Noodles absolutely shredded through each solo with effortless cool. The band sounded incredibly tight, clearly energized by the massive, enthusiastic crowd.

The setlist was a perfect blend of nostalgia and newer material. “Self Esteem” brought the biggest singalong of the night, and “The Kids Aren’t Alright” nearly blew the roof off. Even newer tracks like “Make It Right” were received like old favorites, proving the band still has plenty of fuel in the tank.

Tonight was a reminder that The Offspring remain a force in punk rock. I left the venue feeling the same way I did when I first discovered them: alive, rebellious, and full of adrenaline. A night to remember!

For more info please visit http://www.offspring.com http://www.jimmyeatworld.com http://www.newfoundglory.com

July 25th, 2025 – PNC Bank Arts Center

Review by Christopher Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

It was a hot summer evening at the PNC Arts Center but that didn’t stop fans from packing the house to enjoy a mini yacht rock experience from three iconic musical talents.

Christopher Cross opened the evening with a set of nine songs, starting strong with “All Right” and “Never Be the Same”, then launching into “I Really Don’t Know Anymore”, which drew enthusiastic applause. Highlights included a soaring rendition of “Sailing”—a Grammy-winning classic—and a heartfelt solo piano version of “Think of Laura” that resonated deeply with the audience, much like recent reviews observed during his intimate performances elsewhere. His band added rich textures across the set—including “Arthur’s Theme (Best That You Can Do)”, “The Light Is On”, and crowd-favorite “Ride Like the Wind”—proving he still commands emotional impact decades on.

Men At Work took the stage next, bringing their signature energy. I’ve been a fan of Men At Work since they arrived to the US from Australia in the early 80’s. I can remember loving their (unique at the time) sound and played their songs over and over again as a kid until I knew and could sing every word, so I was excited to see them for the first time.

With Colin Hay at the vocal forefront, they performed hits such as “Who Can It Be Now?”, “Overkill”, and “Be Good Johnny”—each delivered with tight instrumentation and playful stage presence. If you aren’t aware of Colin Hay’s solo acoustic work you should make it a point to become aware.  His soft, raspy, signature sound shines through and he has some amazing songs. I know he’s touring solo at some small venues across the US so check his page for dates and places near you. 

As the set continued, fans cheered loudly during “Down Under”, the anthem that skyrocketed their fame in the early ’80s. Their acoustic moments and flute/sax solos added depth and nostalgia, while their overall sound retained the sprightly Aussie pop-rock charm.

Toto closed out the night with a confident and polished performance. The band, led by Steve Lukather & Joseph Williams, delivered classic favorites like “Rosanna”, “Africa”, “99”, “I Won’t Hold You Back”, “Stop Loving You”, and “I’ll Be Over You”. The set showcased their multi-genre chops—spanning rock, funk, jazz, and soul—with tight arrangements and virtuosic solos. According to fans on the tour, Toto’s performance quality continues to impress, and Dennis Atlas (on vocals/keyboards) has been singled out as a standout new addition.

While I have criticized PNC’s acoustics in the past, on this night the audio mix felt balanced—particularly for Toto’s complex soundscapes and Cross’s delicate melodies. The lawn and seating area were packed with fans from all generations embracing the setlist variety. Given PNC’s outdoor setting, the venue allowed for a relaxed summer vibe enjoyed by all.

The evening struck a perfect balance between serene introspection and joyous sing-along energy. Despite the packed lineup, each act had its moment to shine, and the crowd left satisfied. For fans of 1980s ballads, pop‑rock, and skilled musicianship, this was a memorable summer night in Holmdel—one that hit all the right notes.

For more info please visit http://www.totoofficial.com http://www.colinhay.com http://www.christophercross.com

July 22, 2025 – The Wellmont, Montclair NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

The Wellmont Theater, an intimate venue in my hometown of Montclair NJ, held around 2,000 fans in a buzzing, packed house. Known for its vintage charm and sometimes uneven acoustics, the venue still delivered a nostalgic setting perfectly suited for these ’90s-era rock acts.

Spin Doctors kicked the evening off as Chris Barron and crew came out swinging—tight, groovy, and energetic. Tracks like “Two Princes” and “Little Miss Can’t Be Wrong” still clicked with the crowd. The band were promoting their new album, “Face Full of Cake”, which remained the backdrop of their set on a large screen throughout their performance, they still leaned effectively into their blues‑inflected jams, which have long been underrated outside their hits-heavy reputation. Chris was engaging with the crowd and had fans involved in many sing and repeats, or echo-me moments.  Chris was supported by bassist Jack Daley (of Lenny Kravitz fame) who adds a new groovy vibe to the baselines. Jack is a great new addition as the funk style of his prior bands music plays real well with the Spin Doctors vibe. They were joined by Eric Schenkman on guitar and Aaron Comess on drums.

The audience spanned generations—from longtime Gen‑Xers who grew up with both bands, to younger fans discovering the bands anew. Parents even brough their kids to the show, probably to show them the bands they play and sing along to in their living rooms back home on the daily.  

The Gin Blossoms hit the stage next and opened with their hit “Follow you Down”. I’ve seen them before and they never disappoint. When they later launched into “Hey Jealousy” and “Allison Road,” the room lit up—a collective, nostalgic sing‑along which rattled the walls of the old theatre. The Gin Blossoms delivered a masterclass in ’90s alternative rock. The group performed with surprising energy and polish—full of sing‑along anthems and crisp vocals.

The pace between Spin Doctors and Gin Blossoms was efficient, the flow felt right—a fast‑paced opener, then a headliner that anchored the evening emotionally.

The Wellmont’s intimate scale suited the bands, but as I’ve reviewed before, the acoustics can at times feel uneven. Additionally the noise from back‑bar areas occasionally filtered through during quieter passages—it’s a quirk long noted by reviewers (including myself) but on this night, the energy of both bands helped offset any minor sound issues.

It was a trip down memory lane, topped with genuine musicianship. This show felt like stepping back with some modern polish. If you cherish early ’90s alternative pop-rock and appreciate relational, sing-along energy, it was a night worth showing up for. Both bands still bring it—and the Wellmont delivered a great setting.

For more info please visit http://www.ginblossoms.com http://www.spindoctors.net

July 20, 2025 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ

Review by Chris Yates // Photography by Estelle Massry

If seeing some of the best bands in history is on your bucket list then do not miss this tour! 

The great thing about seeing some icons of rock & roll, who either wrote or co-wrote the most iconic songs in music history, is you get to hear the most iconic songs in music history and Tuesday night was no exception; from “Hotel California”, to “Take It On The Run”, to “Renegade”, the evening was filled of greatest hits!

Don Felder (of Eagles fame) opened the evening. He was dressed in all white (jeans and jean jacket with shades on) and as the last of the days sun shined on him like a spotlight, without a word he went right into “Already Gone” as fans jumped to their feet.  I’ve seen Don Felder before but enjoyed this performance more. His vocals were still strong and he played with precision as he moved on from one Eagles hit to the next playing in front of a large screen backdrop of him performing the same songs with the Eagles in his more formative years.  He mixed in some of his solo originals as well but fans were thankful Don has the rights to the music he wrote as an Eagle, as seeing Don Felder play and hearing those great songs is the next best thing to seeing the Eagles live!  He closed with a “Hotel California” singalong which every fan knew they were about to experience the moment he was handed his double-neck Gibson.

Kevin Cronin (the lead singer of famed REO Speedwagon) was next and to the enjoyment of the packed house, followed along in suit, playing many REO hits while fans sang along to every word. Kevin’s new band (Kevin Cronin Band) consists of some heavy hitters: Dave Amato (guitar), Matt Bissonnette (formally with Sir Elton John on bass), Derek Hilland (keyboards) and Byran Hitt (drums).  Kevin also played to the same large backdrop showing visuals of REO touring and playing to millions of fans over the years, including their Live Aid performance. Opening with “Take it on The Run” and performing other hits like “Time For Me To Fly” and “Can’t Fight This Feeling”, the band played with chemistry and Kevins’s voice was strong and penetrated every fans soul as they erupted in enjoyment and sang along.

Styx followed, headlining amongst the headliners and announced they were going to play the album that defined their work, in its entirety. “The Grand Illusion”, released in 1977 is what catapulted them to stardom and the packed house seemed to fully enjoy this unique experience. They opened with the title track “The Grand Illusion” then moving through each song, including “Come Sail Away”, all the way to “The Grand Finale”. It was a perfect set up to their second set which was comprised of all their greatest hits; “Lady”, “The Best Of Times”, “Too Much Time On My Hands”, “Mr. Roboto” and finally anchoring with “Renegade”. 

Lawrence Gowan and Tommy Shaw share the stage and the spotlight beautifully and perform with energy and the same iconic voices we all know so well and love.  Ever a smile on their face throughout the entire performance, they welcomed the fans into their world as they moved from ballad to ballad. Gracing the stage with Lawrence & Tommy were Lawrences younger brother Terry (bass), James “JY” Young (vocals/guitar), Todd Sucherman (drums), and Will Evankovich (guitar/vocals). Additionally on this night, to the surprise and excitement of the fans who knew, original bassist and Styx founding member Chuck Panozzo joined in for a few songs.  While not as mobile as he once was, he added authenticity to the performance and it was a thrilling moment for Styx fans.

A great show of headliner after headliner who each topped the charts, swapping positions during a great time in music and rock & roll history.  It was a thrilling experience.  I hope to get to see them all again!

For more info please visit http://www.styxworld.com http://www.kevincronin.com http://www.donfelder.com

July 18th, 2025 – PNC Bank Arts Center, Holmdel NJ

Photography & Review by Estelle Massry

Sir Rod Stewart brought a party to NJ on his “One Last Time” 20 show North American tour, a vibrant celebration of a legendary career that has spanned more than five decades.

Special guest Richard Marx started the night with a very intimate set – just Richard, his guitar, his piano and a martini. His voice has not changed one bit. If you closed your eyes you could easily think you were back in the 90’s. He played many of his hits, including “Endless Summer Nights”, “Hold On to the Nights”, “Don’t Mean Nothing”, “Should’ve Known Better” and “Right Here Waiting”. Marx’s set served as a refined prelude and crowd-pleasing performance that set the tone for the evening.

Walking out on his polished Vegas style set design, Sir Rod Stewart sparkled not only with his smile but his sequined jacket and signature styled shag. His stage presence remains magnetic. Opening up with “Infatuation” with his iconic raspy voice, the energy surged. It was a high energetic performance by the 80 year old grammy artist. It was easy to forget his age as he confidently led his band and dancers.

He owned the stage and moved around flawlessly with charisma and showed us all that he is “forever young” with his signature kick. He was very engaged with the audience throughout the show, cracking jokes and blew kisses to a few lucky fans. He delivered all the classics with passion and energy. Though at times his voice may have faltered, it was hardly noticeable as fans sang along with every note.

For nearly two hours, Rod Stewart proved that even at 80, he’s far from finished—and this show was living proof. If this truly is one of his final tours, I’m grateful to have witnessed this celebration of a legendary career.

For more info please visit http://www.rodstewart.com http://www.richardmarx.com

Setlist

1. Infatuation
2. Tonight I’m Yours
3. It’s a Heartache
4. It Takes /two
5. The First Cut Is the Deepest
6. Tonight’s the Night
7. Forever Young
8. Ooh La La
9. Young Turks
10. Maggie May
11. I’d Rather Go Blind
12. Lady Marmalade
13. Mandolin Wind
14. Reason to Believe
15. Have I Told You Lately
16. Proud Mary
17. Love Train
18. Rhythm of My Heart
19. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy?
20. Hot Legs
21. Some Guys Have All the Luck (Encore)

May 13, 2025 – Franklin Music Hall, Philadelphia PA

Photography & Review by Estelle Massry

Frontman of Ministry Al Jourgensen may have wanted to keep the past in the past but with encouragement from his band, Ministry is currently on tour supporting The Squirrely Years Revisited, a re-recording of songs from With Sympathy and the band’s second album, Twitch. The venue was a perfect match for the much anticipated celebration of their early synth-pop/goth era show that was about to go down which never expected to see the light of day again!

Jourgensen appeared on stage dressed in a sequin jacket, heart-shaped sunglasses and an oversized furry hat with a huge smile on his face. The warm and overzealous welcome was 40 years of energy bottled up inside of fans waiting to hear these songs played live.

Ministry kicked things off with “Work for Love” from With Sympathy to which fans erupted. The 1984 club anthem “(Everyday Is) Halloween” unified the fans as goths, punks, and metalheads all came together. One of my Ministry favorite song “I’ll Do Anything for You” was a highlight of the night for me. I watched the crowd and there was a presence of joy as fans danced freely taking the music in as if they were in a bit of a trance. The energy was calm but also intense. For the encore, Ministry took things in a different direction and performed a cover of Fad Gadget’s “Ricky’s Hand” followed by their cover of 1978’s “Do You Think I’m Sexy?”

The band (inclusive of backup dancers) compliment each other seamlessly while individually bringing a retro yet very unique flair to the stage. The band consists of Monte Pittman and Cesar Soto on guitar, Paul D’Amore on bass, John Bechdel on keys and Pepe Clarke Magaña on drums. The costumes and set design were a bit of a departure from what I’ve seen previously at Ministry shows but they enhanced and created a new experience.

The tour that was never meant to happen is clearly satisfying fans and making new ones in the process. Jourgensen seems to have made peace with Ministry’s synthpop past and is not taking things too seriously. I’ve seen a few Ministry shows and this may have been the first time I saw him smile, laugh and really have fun. The show was nothing but a good time and a celebration, don’t miss it!

For more info please visit http://www.ministryband.com

Setlist

1. Work for Love
2. Here We Go
3. All Day
4. I’ll Do Anything for You
5. Same Old Madness
6. ‘Cause We’re in Love Again
7. I’m Falling
8. Just Like You
9. Over the Shoulder
10. We Believe
11. Effigy (I’m Not An)
12. Revenge
13. (Everyday Is) Halloween
14. Ricky’s Hand (Encore)
15. Da Ya Think I’m Sexy? (Encore)