Posts by Billy Briggs

While the name Sampha might not be as familiar as those he has collaborated with (Drake, Frank Ocean, Kendrick Lamar), the British singer-songwriter/musician certainly holds his own as a solo artist. However, his live shows promote “synergy” and “freedom” amongst his band. Sampha and his daring ensemble visited First Avenue in Minneapolis, MN on April […]

Ministry along with opener Gary Numan offered a dark collage of industrial and new-wave at the Fillmore in Minneapolis, MN on 3/9/24. Ministry recently released their most well-received album in years Hopiumforthemasses, while Numan continues to gain new generations of fans with his influential synthesizer hooks. Photos by Billy Briggs  

Queens of the Stone Age have been touring steadily throughout August and September in support of their triumphant new album In Time New Roman….With frontman Josh Homme along with Troy Van Leeuwen (guitars/multi-instrumentalist), Michael Shuman (bass), Dean Fertita (guitars), and Jon Theodore (drums), the band covered material from seven of their eight albums at Minneapolis […]

At Prior Lake, Minnesota’s Mystic Amphitheatre on September 8t; Ms. Lauryn Hill performed one of her last U.S. shows before kicking off her 25th anniversary Miseducation of Lauryn Hill 25th Anniversary tour with The Fugees in October. The vast setlist saw Hill put her own spin on Frankie Valli’s “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” […]

Greta Van Fleet has truly come into their own in the past few years mixing a refreshing old-school mix of glam and prog built by biting lead guitar and vocals. The Michigan four-piece visited St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center on September 3rd with a true arena rock thriller. Photos by Billy Briggs.  

Sam Smith kept it fancy and festive during their headlining performance at St. Paul’s Xcel Energy Center on August 16th, 2023. While there were plenty of costume changes and emotional swings throughout this liberating performance, Billy Briggs caught the first three songs with Sam wrapped in gold & white.    

It’s a pop world for stadium shows and P!nk certainly rules these enormous facilities. What was part circus, gymnastics show, and a live concert, P!nk proved there were no bounds vocally and physically at Target Field in Minneapolis on August 10th. Check out live photos by Billy Briggs of the aerial stunts & more…   […]

In the ’80s, Lionel Richie certainly was up there amongst the biggest pop stars of the time: Michael Jackson, Madonna, and Prince. The former Commodores member made the successful break into a solo career that spawned a series of big hits that have remained part of many a Generation Xer. Richie brought his greatest hits […]

Hard to believe the toughest 2023 concert tickets on the rock side of Taylor Swift is for The Cure. The masters of mood proved that 40-plus years into their game, their songbook has reached new generations- and that’s a good thing. Robert Smith, Simo Gallup, Roger O’Donnell, Jason Cooper, and Reeves Gabrels brought their A-game […]

Love and Rockets might always be considered by many as a Bauhaus offshoot but Daniel Ash, David J and Kevin Haskins’ other band certainly has released more albums and has made their own name in the last 38 years. Now certainly relevant amongst all the modern post-punk bands they’ve influenced, the trio has been touring […]

Yeah Yeah Yeahs brought their dynamic and colorful live show to the Armory in Minneapolis on June 3rd. Led by the unique persona of Karen O the three-piece including Nick Zinner and Brian Chase tore through 15 songs covering each era of the band’s five albums. Opener Perfume Genius joined Yeah Yeah Yeahs for the […]

Just a few months after turning 60 in February, Seal brought his first proper tour in four years to the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, MN on May 19, 2023. Of course, there were the big hits “Crazy,” and “Kiss From A Rose,” yet the vocal dynamo also brought stellar video imagery and a dose of […]

As Billy Idol approaches 70, his touring schedule hasn’t slowed down a bit as the vivacious artist continues to bring his large catalog to clubs and theaters across the states. The iconic blond spiked hair along with longtime co-conspirator Steve Stevens on guitar, delivered the goods at St. Paul’s Palace Theatre on May 12, 2023. […]

With 1,350 tons of state equipment transported into U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis for Rammstein’s U.S. Tour opener on August 27th, the show lived up to its due as a metal spectacle. The career-spanning setlist included two encores and 21 songs and the show itself took four days to set up. Hail to the crew!

Shock punk quite never has seen quite anything like Peaches (Merrill Nisker) who brought plenty of visual theatrics and numerous costume changes to the Varsity Theatre in Minneapolis on 9/18/22. It was all good though, as the world needs more fearless artistic leaders like Peaches. Photos by Billy Briggs.

Kraftwerk has kept its highly influential electronic musical legacy alive on its current 3D concert tour. Featuring original member Ralf Hütter and longtime member Fritz Hilpert, the German four-piece visited Minneapolis’ State Theatre on June 1st with a colorful multi-media and musical presentation including favorites “Computer Love,” Autobahn” and “Trans-Europe Express”. Photos by Billy Briggs. […]

LP brought their fierce alt-pop to St Paul’s Palace Theatre on April 23rd, proving that showmanship, boisterous vocals, and an energetic song display make LP one of live music’s more vibrant artists. Photos by Billy Briggs.  

Billy Idol along with longtime guitarist Steve Stevens kept it intimate at St Paul’s Palace Theatre on December 5th with run-through hits and rarities. Idol will soon be joining Journey on an upcoming arena tour, as his recent revival continues to blare. Photos by Billy Briggs

Judas Priest brought its ageless and potent metal extravaganza to Minneapolis’ Armory on 9/23/21. Photos by Billy Briggs.

The Struts continue to keep it shaggy with their bombastic ’70s glam rock offerings that feature the colorful theatrics of leads singer Luke Spiller. The Derbyshire, England four-piece visited The Palace Theate in St Paul MN 9/18/21. Photos by Billy Briggs