We’ve come to the end of another year of rock and roll in Sin City… and expectedly, there were plenty of highlights! From album releases to live concerts, there was certainly a lot for rock and metal fans to get excited about this year. I for one went to a good many rock shows, and picked up several new releases. Does that mean I got to experience every single thing? Absolutely not; I’m already dreading the notion of what may have slipped through my fingers over the past year. But that doesn’t mean I didn’t have a damn good time. Today, as is customary for the end of the year, I’m doing my Best of the Year, covering releases and live shows. Without further ado, let’s start the list!
NOTE: I reserve the right to amend this list if I think of/rediscover anything I may have initially omitted.
As usual, we’re starting the list with releases.
Best Reissue of a Classic Album :
Black Sabbath: ANNO DOMINI 1989-1995
Black Sabbath has a huge discography that goes far beyond the Ozzy Osbourne years. Tony Martin’s tenure with the band is often overlooked, but there are some definite gems to be had here. THE HEADLESS CROSS, CROSS PURPOSES, TYR, and a newly remixed version of FORBIDDEN are resurrected in given new life in a fantastic collection. Ozzy and Dio’s days with Sabbath have gotten the royal treatment, and I’m glad to see, at long last, the Tony Martin era has gotten some love.
Best Reissue of a Classic Album Honorable Mention:
Van Halen: FOR UNLAWFUL CARNAL KNOWLEDGE Expanded Edition
It seems like when it comes to the classic Van Halen, the David Lee Roth era always seems to get the royal treatment while the Sammy Hagar era, which is equally solid, is left out in the cold. At long last, we’re finally getting some love for the Sammy days, having gotten a box set of the albums and rarities last year, and now a deluxe release of one of the finest albums from that era, combining the album with some rarities and live cuts. Definitely a must-have for any fan of VH and/or Sammy.
Best Newly Recorded Live Release:
Okay, this one’s not entirely “newly recorded” because the material on here is a few years old. Singer Eric Gronwall isn’t even in Skid Row anymore, which is truly tragic given that he gave this band a fire they hadn’t had since the glory days with Sebastian Bach. But this is a great time capsule of his all-too-short tenure with the group. While the production is a bit flat, there’s no denying the strength of this live performance.
Best New Live Release of Vintage Material:
Queen: ROCK MONTREAL/LIVE AID(4K)
Queen is legendary. Has any frontman ever commanded the live stage with more charisma than the late, great Freddie Mercury? This 1981 concert is one of the greatest performances in the band’s history, and the addition of HDR and 4K resolution makes this one of the best looking live music home video releases ever created (there are still frustratingly few concert 4Ks). As an added bonus, it also includes the band’s classic LIVE AID performance from 1985 (shot on video tape but upscaled as good as possible for this release). This is a must-own for any classic rock fan.
BEST ROCK MOVIE:
A COMPLETE UNKNOWN
Bob Dylan is a legendary songwriter and poet, and in this new biopic, he’s played brilliantly by actor Timothee Chalamet. The period detail and the music are absolutely fantastic, and the production quality speaks for itself. The film was directed by James Mangold, who’d previously helmed the Johnny Cash biopic WALK THE LINE. Is it the best music biopic ever made? By no means. But it’s a damn good one, and it’ll satisfy fans of Dylan and classic rock/folk.
Best Concert Film:
Adam Bomb has long been one of the unsung heroes of rock and roll. And here, Mr. Brenner makes history by creating the first live concert movie ever designed for viewing on cell phones, complete with taller aspect ratio! I love this film because it shows what someone can do with basic editing software, AI tools, and a can-do attitude. Low budget be damned; LIVEDREAM entertained the hell out of me.
Best Concert Film Honorable Mention:
This one is the antithesis of Adam Bomb’s LIVEDREAM, made with an apparently massive budget in one of rock’s most hallowed halls: The Forum. Tobias Forge bring his melodic and theatrical rock vision to life on the big stage, complete with story sequences that recall the band’s webisode series (and those are included on the 4K as a bonus feature!) Visually stimulating and always interesting, I’ve definitely fallen hard for the music Mr. Forge and company in recent years and will keep my eyes on them for years to come.
Best Release From a Local Artist:
The Bones: CIRCLE
There are many great bands in Vegas, but these guys are certainly one of the most unique. Initially starting out as a group that recorded stripped-down covers of overproduced pop anthems and new-wave songs, they’ve continued to rise with the creation of original material. This is their latest album of originals, and it’s fantastic (even if snarky and sarcastic frontman Patrick Vitagliano would never admit to that!) The band features a great lineup that includes Armored Saint guitarist Jeff Duncan, bassist Sean Koos, and drummer Shon McKee, all of whom are some of the best players in Vegas.
Best Release From a Local Artist Honorable Mention:
Count’s 77: LIVE AT VAMP’D LAS VEGAS
Danny “The Count” Koker can do more than just make custom cars, as he’s brilliantly demonstrated as the frontman of his own band, Count’s 77. The lineup of the group also included guitarists extraordinaire Stoney Curtis and John Zito, bassist Barry Barnes, and keyboardist Tommy Paris (also of Britny Fox). Recorded a few years ago, this recording features former drummer Paul DiSibio (Jeff Tortora plays for the band now). This is a blistering performance, and Paris’ organ playing gives the tunes an added dimension to those originally from the first studio album. With fantastic originals and a few great covers thrown in for good measure, this is the Count and company at their finest!
Best Album Release Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):
Black Country Communion: V
I’m so glad we finally heard from this supergroup again. Uniting some of the best rock talents of yesteryear and unleashing them on the world once again, I truly hope it’s not the last album we’ll get from them.
This awesome New York-based band has always been underrated as hell, but they’re still going strong and show no signs of letting up. Fronted by bassist/vocalist David “Rock” Feinstein (the cousin of the late great Ronnie James Dio), this serving of hard and heavy tunes is some of their best yet.
Judas Priest: INVINCIBLE SHIELD
They call Rob Halford the Metal God with good reason. Even now in his 70s, he’s still got one of the music world’s most distinctive voices. And the rest of the gang isn’t slowing down either. Arguably their best studio album since 2005’s reunion masterpiece ANGEL OF RETRIBUTION, this one won’t disappoint the legions of heavy metal maniacs following the band.
Mr. Big suffered a great loss with the death of drummer Pat Torpey, and while they’re certainly winding down their run following his passing, it hasn’t stopped them from doing farewell tour dates, and one last damn good studio album. More in the style of bluesy classic rock and the glam sound of sorts the band took on in their heyday, Eric Martin, Paul Gilbert, and Billy Sheehan stand up and proudly proclaim here that they can still rock. A damn good record.
Babylon AD: ROME WASN’T BUILT IN A DAY
Another one of those great bands people don’t talk about enough. Derek Davis has always been an underrated vocalist, and it doesn’t hurt that he’s always surrounded himself with great players. A solid new studio effort from the band, this might be the best studio album the band has ever made since their classic late 80s debut.
Stryper: WHEN WE WERE KINGS
The Yellow and Black Attack is back… and not going away anytime soon. Despite medical complications for guitarist Oz Fox, the Christian group has recorded and unleashed another collection of solid and heavy tunes. This is that rare band that has actually gotten heavier since their glory days, and they continue to shell out releases that are just as good as the old stuff. That’s no small feat!
Accept: HUMANOID
When Udo Dirkschneider left Accept, I’m sure people had doubts as to whether the band would continue, let alone thrive. Ex-TT Quick singer Mark Tornillo quickly slayed those doubts, and has now recorded several albums with the group. This is the latest, and a damn good effort it is, featuring plenty of superb guitar work from the one and only Wolf Hoffmann.
Kittie: FIRE
It’s been a long time since we got any new recordings from the Lander Sisters, but I’m pleased to say we finally have a new studio effort! Guttural and heavy as long these two could pull off, I’m happy to say it’s one of their strongest efforts to date, beautifully demonstrating that these gals aren’t yet done doing what they do best.
And now, we move to the Top Five!
Number Five:
Ron Keel: KEELWORLD
Ron Keel made a name for himself with the band Keel back in the day. He reinvented himself as a country singer in the 70s. Early in his career, he even played with a young Yngwie Malmsteen. And he’s got a band of his own again. KEELWORLD is unlike any album I’ve ever heard because it has Mr. Keel recording new songs with nearly all of his old bands, reunited for this occasion (okay, Yngwie’s not on the Steeler stuff, but it’s no biggie considering it’s a kick-ass song). Ron’s not down for the count yet.
Number Four:
Saxon: HELL, FIRE AND DAMNATION
The New Wave of British Heavy Metal spawned many awesome bands, but sadly, many of them didn’t find massive success outside of their native UK. Saxon is a band that’s long been more popular in Europe than here in the States, but it hasn’t stopped the group from rocking the world. The band once known as Son of a Bitch has been together for nearly half a century now… and they’re like the proverbial Energizer Bunny that keeps going, and going, and going. We’ve gotten some cool covers albums from Saxon, but I’m glad to see the group has given us a kick-ass collection of original tunes. One of the most reliable bands in rock, “Madam Guillotine” just might be my new favorite Saxon song.
Number Three:
Deep Purple: =1
Another band that’s being going strong for what seems like forever. These guys put out their first album in 1968! And while I do believe some of the more recent Deep Purple fare has been a bit on the hit and miss side, this is easily their strongest release in years. It’s a powerful collection of original tunes and the debut of guitarist Simon McBride, who replaces long-time axeman Steve Morse. Interesting trivia: Drummer Ian Paice is the only man to be in every incarnation of DP, and on every album.
Number Two:
Bruce Dickinson: THE MANDRAKE PROJECT
I love Iron Maiden. I also love seeing what the guys are up to outside of Maiden. Vocalist Bruce Dickinson hadn’t recorded a solo album since the oh-so-underrated TYRANNY OF SOULS way back in 2005. We had to wait two decades for a new album of Dickinson solo tunes… but the wait was so worth it. This album is not only a solid album; I’d easily take it over most of the post-2000 Iron Maiden albums. It’s our fearless frontman at his finest. Cancer be damned! You can’t keep a good, ambitious singer down.
And now, my pick for the number one album of the year:
Sebastian Bach: CHILD WITHIN THE MAN
Is there ever going to be a classic Skid Row reunion? It seems increasingly unlikely, but over the years, classic frontman Sebastian Bach hasn’t given up on making music and performing live. CHILD WITHIN THE MAN is Bas’ first solo studio album in a decade, and it features a great mix of classic and modern sounds. With this album, Mr. Bach has given us 2024’s best album. Would I love to see Skid Row reunite? Yes. Who wouldn’t? But if Bas can keep cranking out bangers like we get on this album, I won’t be too hurt if that reunion never happens. This is a kick-ass record that belongs in every hard rock collection.
And there we have it for the album releases, but as anyone who reads my Best of the Year lists knows, that’s only half of it! We’ve still got live shows to cover. I do need to give my obligatory disclaimer as well that I don’t get to attend every single concert that happens in Las Vegas, due to a combination of my work and personal schedule, as well as being unable to get approved for every single gig that happens. If you don’t see something on this list that was one of your favorite shows of 2024 and you’re wondering why, odds are it wasn’t something I was able to attend.
With that said, let’s get started!
Best Performance From a Locally Based Artist
Red Hot, Count’s Vamp’d.
Robert Hussey has long been one of my favorite performers in Las Vegas. He’s got a great Iron Maiden tribute. He’s got a band called Cyanide that basically sounds like new classic Motley Crue songs. For years, I’ve wondered why the guy never did a Motley Crue tribute band… until now.
Mr. Hussey and company took no prisoners on the Vamp’d stage this night.
It was one of the best live shows I’ve ever seen, and given how many I’ve watched over the years, that’s no small feat.
These guys did Crue better than Crue.
From start to finish, this show never let up, going through a checklist of Motley Crue classics, but also incorporating a ton of keep cuts, and even some rarely heard selections from the band’s 1981 debut record, TOO FAST FOR LOVE. Sometimes I need a show that infuses me with the energy and enthusiasm that remind me of why I fell in love with rock and roll in the first place. And few this year did it as well as this gig. Looking forward to seeing Mr. Hussey front this band in 2025!
Best Performance From a Locally Based Artist Honorable Mention:
Noize Complaint, various performances
One thing I love about the Las Vegas music scene is how many amazing local bands there are, many of whom are recording original material. Jake Bruen and company take the best of old and new rock elements, creating something uniquely their own, with their shows being a nice mix of covers and originals. While their covers kick ass, the originals are the highlight of their gigs for me, with cuts like “Body Talk” (not a cover of the Ratt song) and “The Monster” having quickly become personal favorites. Mr. Bruen is one of Vegas’ best frontmen, and these guys belong on the biggest stage possible.
Best Concerts Honorable Mentions (in no particular order):
A Cheaper Trick, Coverall Lounge at Arizona Charlie’s West
I love Black N Blue. I love Cheap Trick. So when I heard Jaime St. James, the singer of Black N Blue, had a Cheap Trick tribute band, there was absolutely no way I was going to miss this gig. It was everything I was hoping for and more, with a powerful vocal performance, great instrumentation (complete with replicas of Rick Nielsen’s wacky guitars!), and a solid setlist of hits and deep cuts alike.
Vegas Rocks Awards, Sam’s Town Live
For many years, the Vegas Rocks Awards have honored performers in and beyond the Vegas Valley. While not a “concert” in the traditional sense, there were some great live jams here, with Sally Steele continuing to unite amazing talents that continue to be overlooked by the so-called Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Billy Gibbons, Rick Nielsen, Kip Winger, Kane Roberts, Rikki Rockett, Lizzy Borden, and a ton of others walked the red carpet, received well-deserved awards, and left an enthusiastic audience satisfied and then some.
Adam and the Metal Hawks/Twist Off, The Space
I first Saw Adam at the Metal Hawks about two years back when they played at Dee Snider’s vodka event at the Hard Rock Cafe on the Las Vegas Strip; they were the only non-local band on the bill. Frontman Adam isn’t exactly what you’d have in mind for a guy who fronts a hard rock or heavy metal band, but he’s got charisma and a powerful voice, and he’s not afraid to use them both. Bassist Ryan Daversa is one of the best of his kind, channeling the stage presence and the sounds of icons from the past like Rudy Sarzo, and it shows in every performance. These guys are fun, musically great, and not to be missed. The opening set from local favorites Twist Off was fantastic as well; I’m hoping to catch these guys again in the near future.
Ron Keel once called Las Vegas home. I saw him perform all the time, and it was always entertaining. Sadly, those days are gone, but when he gets himself back to Sin City, it’s always cause for celebration. Playing with his Ron Keel Band, he gave the audience a set of newer (but excellent!) tunes, as well as plenty of the Keel classics from back in the day. Classic Keel drummer Dwain Miller even joined as a special guest, having played with the opening act. Nights like this remind me just how much Mr. Keel is missed in Vegas.
Gavin Evick Band, Count’s Vamp’d
A lot of superstars play at Vamp’d, but in many ways I get more excited by young up-and-coming talent. The energy and charisma of these youngsters definitely got me pumped; they’ve got a fantastic sound and energy to spare. Evick is the son of the guitarist of Bret Michaels’ solo band, and I’m pleased to say the apple hasn’t fallen far from the tree here.
Geoff Tate/Fire and Water, Count’s Vamp’d
If there’s an opportunity to see Queensryche’s classic frontman doing his thing on a live stage, I’m there. This was Mr. Tate going back into that band’s back catalogue and given them a much-needed live revival in an intimate venue, much to the enthusiasm of a packed house. One of the unexpected surprises of the evening was the opening group, Fire and Water, an Irish folk trio! These guys definitely win the prize for most unexpected opening act, but the audience proved to be quite interested and receptive to their sound, and it was a surprise highlight in a night that already featured one of progressive metal’s masters.
Lovedrive, various performances
Unsurprisingly, many tribute bands come to Las Vegas. Lovedrive, a tribute to the Scorpions, one of the hard rock world’s all-time great bands, may very well be the best tribute band I’ve ever seen in my life. They look the part, they sound the part, and their stage presence is unrivaled. They’re as good as the real band, and those aren’t words that I use lightly. No Scorpions fans should pass up a chance to see them live.
Tyrants By Night, various performances
One of the hardest, heaviest, and loudest bands in Las Vegas. Need I say more?
Videobob Moseley’s 50th Birthday Celebration, Count’s Vamp’d
Videobob Moseley has always been something of a celebrity in these parts and beyond, entertaining audiences. In more recent years, his definition of entertainment has grown to include a Judas Priest tribute band, who played Vamp’d on this evening. Did I mention there were a TON of of special guests, including Phil Soussan and Sebastian Bach? It was one hell of an evening I won’t forget anytime soon.
The Minges, various performances
I’ll never get tired of local bands. The Minges are one of the newest in Vegas but are quickly becoming a personal favorite. Frontwoman Messy Jessy is not only a pretty face and a great singer; she’s also hilarious. How this woman hasn’t become a professional stand-up comic is beyond me. The band is talented, and when you see them perform, I can pretty much guarantee you’ll have a smile on your face.
Kuarantine/Stay Tuned, Count’s Vamp’d.
Chris Jericho covering KISS songs from the non-makeup era? That alone was reason enough to attend this gig. His band, which also included Trixter bassist PJ Farley, did a fantastic job resurrecting KISS hits and deep cuts from this period of the band, and even performing a few older KISS songs in the faster-paced 80s style. Opening act Stay Tuned was entertaining as well, covering several 80s classics. They’re similar to Steel Panther but without all the unnecessary explicit X-Rated humor, focusing more on the music and getting any crowd pumped. They even premiered a new original tune at this show!
And now, the Top Five!
Number Five:
One of the staples of Metal Blade Records’ stable of heavy metal artists, these guys have been going strong since the early 1980s, continuing to unleash powerful sounds on the masses, both on record and the live stage. Vocalist John Bush (who also served as a frontman of Anthrax for a period) showed that his vocal prowess hasn’t gone anywhere, and the onslaught from the ever-powerful rhythm section and guitarists rocked for the whole evening. While guitarist Jeff Duncan calls Vegas home now and plays with many other/local bands, for me there’s no substitute seeing him do his thing with the mighty Saint. What a band, and what a night.
Number Four:
Brian Setzer, The Pearl at The Palms
Not every show I go to has to be hard rock and heavy metal. The King of Rockabilly himself took the stage on this evening at the Pearl, and it’s certainly one of the most fun nights out I’ve had in many years. Mr. Setzer has an undeniable stage presence and an infectious sound, and seeing that he’s still doing his thing is fantastic. This was my first time seeing him live on a stage. I truly hope it won’t be the last.
Number Three:
Beat 80s King Crimson Tribute, Theater at Virgin Hotel
What’s this? Another non hard rock/metal show in the top three? Has hell frozen over?
Okay, seriously, King Crimson was one of progressive rock’s all-time great bands, but most people don’t know them for much outside of a few tracks from their seminal 1969 debut, IN THE COURT OF THE CRIMSON KING. But KC endured with many lineups and frontmen, and for this evening, 80s King Crimson members Adrian Belew and Tony Levin joined forces with guitar virtuoso Steve Vai and Tool drummer Danny Carey to perform tracks from three underrated 80s KC albums: DISCIPLINE, BEAT and THREE OF A PERFECT PAIR. Despite my knowledge of rock and roll being quite extensive, I admittedly lack familiarity with these records. So I was both entertained and educated on this evening by an all-star lineup who knew their craft exceptionally well. I now fully intend to go immerse myself in some of the King Crimson stuff I’ve missed over the years, including those three albums!
Marq Torien is the greatest living rock frontman.
You may be laughing at that remark or tilting your head in confusion. If that’s the case it only proves one thing:
You’ve never seen the guy in action on the live stage.
He’s in his early 60s now, but has all the energy and stage presence of someone in their early 20s. I have no idea what this guy’s secret is, but he owns a stage like no one else. Did I mention he’s a damn good guitarist too? He’s the one classic member remaining in this band (which has basically always been his band anyway), but always surrounds himself with good players, with the current lineup even including Kings of Thrash drummer Fred Aching. Seeing Mr. Torien on a live stage will crush your doubts. If you haven’t yet, put it on your rock and roll bucket list.
And lastly, the number one show of the year:
Another artist from the Metal Blade stable, and one that fuses the hard and heavy with the theatrical. It had been over a decade prior to this show since I’d seen Lizzy grace the live stage with his killer lineup of musicians (of course including his brother Joey Scott on drums), and the man did not disappoint, delivering what was for me the absolute best rock show of 2024.
Costume changes, hard and heavy riffs, and (literal!) buckets of blood? This night had it all (though I kept my distance so as not to get fake blood on my battle jacket!) From the surreal and grotesque costumes to the slightly more amusing moment, this was the show that had everything. The sprawling setlist including classic songs, new songs, and even some choice covers. This is a band that knows how to conquer whatever venue their playing and make the audience never take their eyes off the stage. Lizzy Borden shows in Vegas are infrequent (ironic given that Lizzy himself lives here!) but hopefully that’ll change in the years to come.
I’ll be first in line for each and every one.
And there you have it! We’ve arrived at the end of another fantastic year of rock releases and concerts, with no shortage of entertainment as only the City of Sin can do. You owe it to yourself to track down these releases and to catch these artists in concert; Las Vegas has become the Rock Capital of the World, and I have a feeling that’s going to be just as true in 2025 as it was in 2024.
Bring on the new year!
Links to earlier Best of the Year lists:
DISCLAIMER: All photographs other than event flyers are the property of Taylor T. Carlson. This article reflects Taylor’s opinions only, and does not necessarily reflect the opinions or views of ZRock’R Magazine as a whole and/or any other staff writers.