Weekly Concert Update and Announcements

Now that things have settled back to some semblance of normalcy post-Google suspension (more about the reason for this to come, haha), here's some shows of note coming up during the next week as well a crush of recent announcements. I'll be out of town this next week, and it's always frustrating when some killer shows happen during these times (arg!).


Yes vocalist Jon Anderson hits the Dakota Jazz Club in Minneapolis tonight, Friday, June 1 for an evening that promises many Yes classics as only he can sing them.


Bret Michaels tours much more frequently as a solo act than with Poison these days, and he's back again with locals Scarlet Haze this Saturday, June 2 at the Medina Entertainment Center in Medina.


The much-ballyhooed The Queen Extravaganza also plays Saturday, June 2 at The Brick in Minneapolis. This is the official Queen tribute tour, and it features Jeff Scott Soto as one of the vocalists. Jeff has sung with numerous bands, including Journey. I've seen him sing with Yngwie J. Malmsteen's Rising Force, Soul Sirkus, and Trans-Siberian Orchestra—check out some of his Queen audition videos to see how awesome a singer he is.


Roger Waters returns to the Xcel Energy Center in St. Paul on Sunday, June 3 to play The Wall in its entirety. I'm really bummed because I had to sell my tickets to this. This is probably the most elaborate production you'll ever see. I caught this tour on the previous run about 2 years ago, and it's a spectacle worth every dollar. Tickets were still available last time I checked.


Power metal fans will not want to miss Italy's Rhapsody Of Fire with locals Hollowstone on Wednesday, June 6 at Station 4 in St. Paul. This is the first US tour for these over the top fantasy buffs. This is the Fabio Lione-fronted version of the band with original guitarist Alex Staropoli on board. I'd rather see the (other original guitarist) Luca Turilli's version, now back to original moniker Rhapsody, but this show should not disappoint.

On to the recently announced shows:


The reunited Spineshank will be coming to Station 4 in St. Paul on June 20 with support from The Agonist, 9 Electric, and Mureau for a 16+ show.


A big night of 80's metal hits Neisen's in Savage on June 22 with Jack Russell's Great White, Faster Pussycat, Pretty Boy Floyd, BulletBoys, and Lillian Axe. Look for Lillian Axe to steal the show.


Metal legends Dokken also added a St. Paul date at Station 4 on June 29. This 21+ show also features support bands Hoodlum Johnny, The Grand Machine, and Next To Nothing. This show will probably sell out in advance.

Sludge/stoner rock band Black Cobra will crush the Turf Club in St. Paul with Gaza on July 1.


Venerable rockers Sevendust return to town on July 19 at First Avenue in Minneapolis.


Hair metal joke band Steel Panther will play The Brick in Minneapolis on July 27. My unpublished review of their first album Feel The Steel rated a big fat 0 (really, it's not funny when you grew up listening to the Mentors), but nevertheless this show will be a riot. Ralph Saenz is the most entertaining frontman you'll see—I've seen him countless times with guitarist Russ Parrish (ex-Fight) in Atomic Punks. Legend has it that Ralph jumped a heckler mid-song in the Twin Cities while he briefly fronted L.A. Guns. 


The death/extreme metal package tour dubbed The Slaughter Survivors Tour lands at Station 4 in St. Paul on July 29. Featuring Pathology, Enfold Darkness, Fallujah, Fit For An Autopsy, and Aegaeon, this one will be brutal.

Rock radio staple Theory Of A Deadman comes to The Brick in Minneapolis on July 29 with Aranda and Charm City Devils in tow. Tickets for this 18+ show go on sale today at 10:00 am.


Powerglove returns as support to MC Chris on August 9 at the Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis.


Long-running punk stalwarts Strung Out should pack in the Triple Rock Social Club in Minneapolis on August 12 with Handguns and The Darlings.


Legendary but underrated guitarist Pat Travers will play the Gaslight Bar in Ellsworth, Wisconsin on September 8.


Progressive rock icons Kansas return, this time to Myth in St. Paul on September 24 with the criminally overlooked King's X. This is an 18+ show, and tickets go on sale June 15 at 10:00 am.


Lastly, looking far into the future, the Heathen Crusade 4 tour will be coming to Station 4 in St. Paul on March 9, 2013. Mark this one down Viking metal fans - Einherjer will be headlining a bill rounded out with Ashaena, Vanir, Hammer Horde, Trelleborg, Bolero, and Rochester's Minos. More bands will be announced.