Smokin Strings Magazine

07/16/2026

𝐉𝐢𝐳𝐳𝐲 𝐏𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐥 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐱𝐢𝐭 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐨𝐭 𝐀𝐟𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟔 𝐓𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
𝐀 𝐍𝐞𝐰 𝐂𝐡𝐚𝐩𝐭𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐥𝐨𝐬𝐞𝐬 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐎𝐧𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐇𝐚𝐫𝐝 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤'𝐬 𝐌𝐨𝐬𝐭 𝐑𝐞𝐜𝐨𝐠𝐧𝐢𝐳𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐕𝐨𝐢𝐜𝐞𝐬

𝐁𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞

Another major lineup change is coming for one of hard rock's most enduring names.

Jizzy Pearl has officially announced that he will be stepping away from Quiet Riot once the band's scheduled 2026 tour commitments have been fulfilled. In a statement released this week, Pearl confirmed that he will honor all remaining contractual obligations before moving on to what he described as "new creative pursuits and projects."

For fans, the announcement is bittersweet, but hardly shocking. Quiet Riot has become a band that has weathered decades of lineup changes while somehow continuing to carry the torch lit by the late Kevin DuBrow, Randy Rhoads, and Frankie Banali. Rock bands change members with the regularity of people promising they'll start eating healthier on Monday.

Pearl first joined Quiet Riot in 2013 following Scott Vokoun's departure and fronted the band on the 2014 release Quiet Riot 10. After leaving in 2016 to focus on his own projects, he returned in 2019, replacing James Durbin and has remained the band's vocalist ever since.

His voice brought a gritty swagger that fit naturally with Quiet Riot's catalog. While nobody can truly replace Kevin DuBrow, Pearl never tried to imitate him. Instead, he delivered the classics with his own unmistakable style while helping keep the band's legacy alive during an era when many of their contemporaries had already called it a career.

Today's Quiet Riot lineup features:

Rudy Sarzo - Bass
Alex Grossi - Guitar
Johnny Kelly - Drums
Jizzy Pearl - Vocals (through the remainder of 2026)

According to reports, Quiet Riot has already begun searching for a new lead vocalist for 2027 and beyond, marking what will become the eighth lead singer in the band's history. Finding someone willing to step into those shoes is one thing. Finding someone fans will embrace is another entirely. Heavy metal fans have long memories and opinions strong enough to bend steel.

Pearl's departure doesn't appear to stem from conflict. His statement was respectful, expressing gratitude toward his bandmates while simply noting that it's time to pursue other creative opportunities.

The announcement also raises questions about what's next for Pearl. Considering his long history with Love/Hate, solo projects, L.A. Guns, Ratt, and numerous collaborations, it wouldn't be surprising to see him devote more energy to recording, touring under his own banner, or launching entirely new musical ventures.

For Quiet Riot, the search begins once again. Since Frankie Banali's passing in 2020, guitarist Alex Grossi and bassist Rudy Sarzo have carried much of the responsibility for keeping the Quiet Riot name alive. Whoever ultimately lands behind the microphone will inherit one of hard rock's most recognizable catalogs and a fanbase fiercely protective of its legacy.

As for Jizzy Pearl, his tenure with Quiet Riot leaves behind a legacy of professionalism, powerful performances, and helping ensure that songs like "Metal Health," "Slick Black Cadillac," and "Mama Weer All Crazee Now" continued to thunder across stages around the world.

One era is ending.

The next one is about to begin.

𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐜𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐮𝐞 𝐟𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐨𝐰𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐝𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐥𝐨𝐩𝐦𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐐𝐮𝐢𝐞𝐭 𝐑𝐢𝐨𝐭 𝐛𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐬 𝐢𝐭𝐬 𝐬𝐞𝐚𝐫𝐜𝐡 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐚 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐧𝐭𝐦𝐚𝐧 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟕.

Photos by: Xplicit Impressions
Band: Quiet Riot

07/01/2026

Same show different perspective of current first place band Sugar Davis Band for the Lincoln Square Theater
Photos by: Natalie Barnett

06/30/2026

𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐍𝐨𝐭𝐞𝐬 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐢𝐫𝐬𝐭 𝐏𝐥𝐚𝐜𝐞: 𝐒𝐮𝐠𝐚𝐫 𝐃𝐚𝐯𝐢𝐬 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐓𝐚𝐤𝐞𝐬 𝐎𝐯𝐞𝐫 𝐋𝐢𝐧𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐧 𝐒𝐪𝐮𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐨𝐭𝐥𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐒𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐬

𝐁𝐲: 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐂 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 - 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞

Most bands spend years grinding through small stages, empty rooms, lineup changes, and countless rehearsals before they ever get their shot at the spotlight.

Sugar Davis Band apparently decided to skip a few chapters.

When the Decatur-based band stepped onto the stage at the historic Lincoln Square Theatre for the 2026 Spotlight Series, it was only their second live performance. Yet instead of looking like a band trying to find their footing, Sugar Davis Band walked into one of Central Illinois’ most competitive music showcases already sitting at the top.

Currently holding 1st place in the Lincoln Square Theatre Spotlight Series ticket competition, Sugar Davis Band has quickly become the band to beat.

The Spotlight Series brings together 13 Central Illinois bands competing for the biggest fan support, with ticket sales helping determine the winner. Each performance is more than just a concert; it is a chance for bands to prove they can connect with an audience. And Sugar Davis Band has done exactly that.

𝐀 𝐂𝐥𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐜 𝐑𝐨𝐜𝐤 𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐁𝐮𝐢𝐥𝐭 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐠𝐞

From the opening notes, it was clear what kind of night the band wanted to create.

The first set leaned heavily into the era of huge guitars, unforgettable vocals, and songs built to shake a theatre.

The night opened with Rainbow’s “Since You Been Gone”, immediately setting the tone before moving into a lineup featuring:

Boston – “Rock N Roll Band”
Foreigner – “Head Knocker”
The Outfield – “Your Love”
Heart – “Who Will You Run To”
Pat Benatar – “Promises In The Dark”
Billy Squier – “Lonely Is The Night”
Journey – “Lovin’ You Is Easy”
Cheap Trick – “Come On, Come On”
UFO – “Only You Can Rock Me”

It was a set built around songs that generations of rock fans already know. The kind of songs where the crowd does not need an invitation to sing along because they have been waiting decades for the opportunity.

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐫𝐞𝐬𝐬𝐮𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐁𝐞𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐞𝐚𝐭

There is a unique challenge that comes with being the early favorite.

Every band wants attention. Every band wants people talking. But being in first place means the spotlight gets brighter, the expectations get higher, and every performance becomes a statement.

For Sugar Davis Band, that pressure came during only their second time stepping in front of a live audience.

And they answered by doing what classic rock has always demanded:

Play loud. Play confidently. Make people remember the night.

𝐌𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐚𝐧 𝐚 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭, 𝐀 𝐁𝐞𝐠𝐢𝐧𝐧𝐢𝐧𝐠

The most interesting part of the Sugar Davis Band story may not be where they are now. It is how quickly they got there.

A band with only one previous live performance entering a major local competition and finding themselves ranked number one is not something that happens every day.

It is the kind of story music fans love watching unfold.

Because sometimes the best moments in music are not about watching an established act repeat what they have already done.

Sometimes it is about being there when a band is just getting started.

Sugar Davis Band may only be two shows into their live journey, but at Lincoln Square Theatre they proved they are not waiting for their moment.

They are already in it.

𝐒𝐦𝐨𝐤𝐢𝐧 𝐒𝐭𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐠𝐚𝐳𝐢𝐧𝐞 – 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞

Band: Sugar Davis Band
Venue: Lincoln Square Theater
Photos by: Xplicit Impressions - Dion C Smith

More photos can be seen at Xplicit Impressions

06/24/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐒𝐩𝐢𝐫𝐢𝐭 𝐨𝐟 𝐌𝐨𝐧𝐠𝐨𝐥𝐢𝐚 𝐭𝐨 𝐁𝐥𝐨𝐨𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐭𝐨𝐧
𝐀 𝐍𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭 𝐖𝐡𝐞𝐫𝐞 𝐋𝐚𝐧𝐠𝐮𝐚𝐠𝐞 𝐃𝐢𝐝𝐧’𝐭 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫

𝐃𝐨𝐞𝐬 𝐀𝐧𝐲𝐨𝐧𝐞 𝐑𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐓𝐡𝐢𝐬 𝐒𝐡𝐨𝐰? 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐇𝐮 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞 – 𝐌𝐚𝐲 𝟕, 𝟐𝟎𝟐𝟐

By: Dion Smith

Some concerts are remembered because of the band. Some are remembered because of the crowd. And then there are shows that stick with you because, for a couple hours, something completely different walked through the door and reminded everyone why live music matters.

On May 7, 2022, The Castle Theatre in Bloomington, Illinois became the meeting place between the Midwest and the ancient traditions of Mongolia as The Hu brought their unique sound to town during their Black Thunder Tour.

The question is simple:

Does anyone remember this show?

Because if you were there, you witnessed something that was unlike almost anything else that has ever hit that stage.

The Hu are not just another rock band. Formed in 2016 in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, the band created their own style they call “Hunnu Rock,” combining traditional Mongolian music with modern rock and metal influences. Their sound features instruments like the morin khuur, a traditional horsehead fiddle, along with Mongolian throat singing, traditional strings, pounding drums, and heavy guitar-driven arrangements.

And somehow, it works.

Actually, it does more than work. It creates an atmosphere that feels ancient and modern at the same time.

The band exploded onto the international scene with songs like “Yuve Yuve Yu” and “Wolf Totem,” bringing Mongolian culture into the global rock world. Their debut album, The Gereg, released in 2019, introduced their sound to millions of listeners and helped establish them as one of the most unique acts in modern rock.

By the time they arrived at The Castle Theatre, The Hu were no longer just a viral discovery. They had become a worldwide touring act, proving that music doesn’t need to be sung in English to connect with people.

That night in Bloomington, fans packed into The Castle Theatre to experience something different. The show I believe was a sold-out event, filling the venue with a crowd ready to see what this Mongolian metal phenomenon was all about.

And that is the magic of The Hu.

You may not understand every word. You may not know the stories behind every song. But when those traditional instruments blend with crushing guitars, thunderous drums, and the unmistakable sound of throat singing, the message comes through anyway.

Energy.

Power.

Connection.

The Hu’s music carries the history and spirit of Mongolia while speaking a language every rock fan understands. The same feeling that happens when a guitar riff hits perfectly, when a crowd sings together, or when a live performance creates that moment where everyone in the room feels connected.

The band’s rise has been remarkable. Their music has reached audiences far outside Mongolia, earning international attention and even recognition for their role in sharing Mongolian culture around the world.

But beyond the accomplishments and the headlines, the real story is what happened inside venues like The Castle Theatre.

A crowd in Illinois stood shoulder to shoulder watching musicians from the other side of the world bring centuries of tradition into a modern rock show.

No translation needed.

No explanation required.

Just music.

That is what makes shows like this worth remembering.

So, Bloomington-Normal…

Does anyone remember The Hu at The Castle Theatre in May of 2022?

Were you in the crowd?

Did you capture photos?

Did that show surprise you as much as it did everyone else?

Drop your memories below. Because some concerts deserve to be brought back from the archives.

Band: The HU
Photos by: Xplicit Impressions - Dion C. Smith
Venue: The Castle Theatre

06/23/2026

Couple weeks ago I attended a ritual performed by Absolution, a Ghost Tribute band from Crete, IL. As soon as the show started, the crowd instantly vibed with their energy. Not only were they in full costume but the stage performance, along with the crowd interaction was awesome. If you haven't checked them out yet, you should maybe give them a follow and see if there is a show nearby. You won't be disappointed. They are a great group of people on and off the stage. 🖤📸🦇

📍The Castle Theatre Bloomington, IL
🗓 June 13, 2026
📸 Kelly Kels from Kels Photography

🖤LIKE 🖤SHARE 🖤FOLLOW 🖤

06/16/2026

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐅𝐨𝐫𝐠𝐨𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐧 𝐌𝐞𝐦𝐛𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐁𝐚𝐧𝐝: 𝐖𝐡𝐲 𝐏𝐫𝐨𝐩𝐞𝐫 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭 𝐋𝐢𝐠𝐡𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐌𝐚𝐭𝐭𝐞𝐫𝐬

𝐁𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡 - 𝐅𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐢𝐭 𝐭𝐨 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐏𝐚𝐠𝐞

When people walk into a concert, they expect to hear the music. They expect the guitars to hit hard, the vocals to carry, the drums to shake the room, and the band to give everything they have on stage.

But there is another part of the performance that can make or break the entire experience: the lighting.

Lighting is not just something flashing behind the band. It is part of the show. It creates emotion, builds energy, highlights the musicians, and helps turn a good performance into a memorable one.

For the fans in the crowd, lighting creates the atmosphere. People did not buy a ticket to stare at shadows moving around on a stage. They came to see the musicians. They want to see the singer’s expression, the guitarist’s movements, the drummer putting everything into every hit, and the connection between the band members.

A great light show behind the band is impressive, but only if the audience can actually see the band.

This is where many smaller venues struggle. They try to create a huge concert experience by focusing almost entirely on backlighting. Big beams, bright colors, and dramatic effects can make a stage look impressive from a distance, but without proper front lighting, the most important part of the show disappears: the performers.

Backlighting should be used as a tool, not the entire design.

A silhouette can be an incredible moment. A singer standing in a single beam of light, a guitarist surrounded by haze during a solo, or a dramatic pose during a powerful song can create a memorable image.

But when the entire show becomes silhouettes, the audience loses the human connection. The band becomes a shadow instead of the reason everyone is there.

For photographers, this becomes even more important.

A camera captures light. It does not capture the feeling in the room or the energy of the crowd. Photographers are trying to freeze those moments that represent the entire performance, but if the artist is constantly hidden in darkness or only lit from behind, those moments are much harder to capture.

The photos that represent a band, a venue, and a night are created by the balance of lighting.

Front lighting allows photographers to capture emotion. Backlighting adds depth and drama. Side lighting shows movement and energy.

The best shows use all of it together.

Another piece that can make or break a lighting design is haze or smoke.

A smoke machine can be an amazing addition when used correctly. It gives beams of light something to travel through, creates atmosphere, and can make a stage look much bigger.

But when it is overused or poorly timed, it can have the opposite effect.

Too much smoke can hide the musicians, cover facial expressions, and actually make the lighting less effective. Instead of enhancing the show, it creates a wall between the audience and the band.

The goal of lighting should always be balance.

The audience should see the performers.

The photographers should be able to capture the moment.

The band should look as powerful as they sound.

Color choices matter too. A single color can tell a story. Red can bring intensity to a heavy song. Blue can create emotion. White light can highlight a powerful moment.

But using one color for an entire show takes away the impact. Lighting is storytelling. Every song has a different feeling, and the lighting should help bring that feeling to life.

A great lighting design includes:

Front lighting so the band can be seen.

Backlighting for dramatic moments.

Side lighting for movement and depth.

Color changes that match the music.

Haze and effects used with purpose.

Dark moments that make the big moments stand out.

Venues and lighting crews are not just running equipment. They are helping create the memory of the night. They are helping the crowd experience the performance and helping photographers preserve it.

A band can sound incredible, but if nobody can see the emotion behind the music, something is missing.

A great concert is not only heard.

It is seen.

How many shows have you gone to where this has been an issue or something you've noticed?

Photos by: Xplicit Impressions - Dion C. Smith

06/16/2026

06/16/2026

𝐊𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐫 𝐨𝐟 𝐆𝐢𝐚𝐧𝐭𝐬 𝐁𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐎𝐳𝐳𝐲’𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐝𝐧𝐞𝐬𝐬 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐌𝐞𝐭𝐚𝐥 𝐋𝐞𝐠𝐚𝐜𝐲 𝐭𝐨 𝐋𝐢𝐟𝐞 𝐚𝐭 𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐂𝐚𝐬𝐭𝐥𝐞 𝐓𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐭𝐫𝐞

𝐁𝐲 𝐃𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐒𝐦𝐢𝐭𝐡

Some tribute bands play the songs. Some tribute bands understand the artist.

Saturday night at The Castle Theatre in Bloomington, IL, Killer of Giants proved why they are considered one of America’s top Ozzy Osbourne tribute bands. They didn’t just walk on stage and perform a set of Ozzy classics. They brought the energy, attitude, and chaos that made Ozzy Osbourne one of the most iconic names in rock history.

The Castle was packed with fans ready for a night of heavy riffs, legendary songs, and a trip back through the catalog of the Prince of Darkness.

From the opening notes, Matt Casali, better known as “Slozzy,” showed why taking on the role of Ozzy is about much more than singing the songs. He seemed to channel the spirit of Ozzy, bringing the movements, the presence, and the unmistakable personality that fans have loved for decades.

It wasn’t just an impersonation. It felt like watching someone who genuinely understands what makes Ozzy’s performances special.

The night ripped through a set list packed with classics including “Children of the Grave,” “No More Tears,” “Bark at the Moon,” “Crazy Train,” “Shot in the Dark,” “Killer of Giants,” “War Pigs,” “Fairies Wear Boots,” and “Mama, I’m Coming Home.”

The band behind Slozzy brought the power needed to make those songs hit the way they should.

Vincent on bass locked into those heavy grooves and hit the bass lines with the confidence of someone who could have been there when those songs were written. The foundation was massive, giving the guitars and drums room to explode.

Hunter on guitar brought the attitude and showmanship. During his solo, he stepped off the stage and into the crowd, interacting with fans, taking selfies, and still playing without missing a note. That kind of connection is what turns a concert into an experience.

Behind the kit, Kenny attacked the drums like they owed him money. The power and intensity drove the entire show forward and gave the music the punch and aggression that Ozzy’s catalog demands.

Together, the band created the feeling of an actual Ozzy concert. The riffs, the energy, the crowd interaction, and the pure heavy metal atmosphere all came together perfectly.

That’s what makes a tribute show work. It’s not about replacing the original artist. Nobody replaces Ozzy. It’s about celebrating the music, keeping the legacy alive, and giving fans a chance to feel that same excitement again.

For one night at The Castle Theatre, Killer of Giants delivered exactly what the fans came for: loud guitars, powerful performances, and a reminder that great rock music never fades away.

The Prince of Darkness may have left the stage, but his music is still alive and well.

Killer of Giants brought the darkness. Bloomington brought the crowd. And together they created one hell of a metal night.

Band: Killer of Giants a tribute to Ozzy Osbourne
Venue: The Castle Theatre
Photos by: Xplicit Impressions - Dion C. Smith

06/16/2026

Absolution

Ghost fans what song is this? Do you know?

06/15/2026

Absolution a Ghost Tribute sings Metallica Enter Sandman