Paralyzed Juggalo Joe Mekan Feels the Love at His First Gathering

In the fading afternoon light, Joe Mekan sits near the entrance to Gathering of the Juggalos, smoking a Marlboro and watching his fellow Juggalos pour into the festival. He’s wearing a black tank top and black beanie; tattoos cover his arms, including a work-in-progress he’s doing himself, starting with a…

Donald Trump and Juggalos Have More in Common Than You Might Think

I’ve been reading Donald Trump’s The Art of the Deal, which was ghostwritten by Tony Schwartz, who channels Trump’s daily deal-making in what is basically a window into the life of a more charmingly juvenile version of Gordon Gekko. I like this book a lot, if only because it reads…

Drake Was a World-Beating Jekyl and Hyde Pop Star in Dallas

Drake With Future and DVSN American Airlines Center, Dallas Thursday, July 21, 2016 There is no time for apologies when exacting revenge. That message rang loud and clear as Drake appeared on stage at American Airlines Center Thursday night, rapping the opening lines to “Summer Sixteen” with the word “Revenge”…

Juggalos Are the New Ravers

Of all the ways I thought I would be describing my first Gathering of the Juggalos, “like my first rave” was not on the short list. But after less than 24 hours among the fans of Insane Clown Posse, that’s how I’m feeling. It’s like I’ve traveled back in time…

Roky Erickson, Texas Pioneer of Psychedelic Rock, Heads to Dallas

Roky Erickson means many different things to many different people. To most, he’s a torchbearer of psychedelic rock and beloved Texas institution. To informed music connoisseurs, he’s the wailing voice behind such cult masterpieces as “You’re Gonna Miss Me,” “Starry Eyes” and “Two Headed Dog.” To those that dig a little…

10 Best Concerts This Week: Violent Femmes, Drake, Pitbull

There’s no doubt Dallas concert goers are getting spoiled this week.  And with events lately, we damn well deserve it. Along with the big shows coming through town, namely Drake, Pitbull and Modest Mouse, Granada Theater’s hosting a show for $5, and you get a free beer with the ticket…

Getting Ready for the Gathering of the Juggalos

After a much-needed two-year hiatus from the madness that is Insane Clown Posse’s annual Gathering of the Juggalos festival, we’re happy to report that this year, we’re going back. L.A. Weekly is off to Thornville, Ohio for the Gathering, which runs July 20-23, and will be reporting throughout the week on…

98 Degrees Partied Like It Was 1999 at South Side Ballroom

98 Degrees With O-Town, Dream and Ryan Cabrera South Side Ballroom, Dallas Monday, July 11, 2016 On Monday night, nostalgia in the flesh walked through the door of South Side Ballroom. Five female friends had dressed for the show like it was 1999: overalls, plaid shirts, chokers, jean shorts, and…

Book of Love Were an ’80s Time Capsule at Granada Theater

Book of Love With JG and the Robots and Michael Douglas Duncan Granada Theater, Dallas Saturday, July 9, 2016 Ironies abounded at Book of Love’s Granada Theater concert on Saturday night. Despite the above-average age of the audience members, it was one of the livelier shows at the Lower Greenville…

Leon Bridges’ Home Turf Is a Fort Worth Studio

Coming home to North Texas means a lot of things for Leon Bridges. It’s much more than just the name of his debut album, the album that launched him to overnight stardom a little more than a year ago. It means seeing his mother, whom he supported for years with his…

Poorly Planned Vans Warped Tour Has Clumsy Kick Off

Vans Warped Tour With Yellowcard, New Found Glory and more Gexa Energy Pavilion, Dallas Friday, June 24, 2016 The thousands of fans at the Vans Warped Tour 2016 kick off this weekend may have left with more heatstroke and fewer musical memories than they anticipated. The 95-degree heat, cloudless day, and…