StinkEye Images

05/09/2026

Five years. It’s more than just a number; it’s a half-decade of grit, late nights, and the relentless pursuit of the Reno/Tahoe pulse.

Rock On Magazine didn’t become the definitive voice of the Great Basin by accident. It was built by a collective of creators, risk-takers, and storytellers who refuse to play it safe. Today, we’re looking back at the faces and voices that make this magazine exactly what it is.

A massive thank you to the core team and contributors who keep our DNA authentic:

Bill Kopp – For the world-class interviews and musical depth.

Morgan Massie – For the vision behind The Leadership Edit and exploring what drives our region’s leaders. Morgan Massie

Jonathan Chapin & Daryl Butterfield – The "Punk Rock" pioneers of Reno Recipes who keep us grounded in community and flavor. Jonathan Chapin Daryl Butterfield Reno Recipes

LaDonna Michelle – For keeping us Booked & Outside and showing us how to live the Reno lifestyle to its fullest. LaDonna Michelle

Kel Rush – For expanding the intersection of food, music, and the authentic stories that drive our community. Kel Rush

To our advertisers: You are the backbone of this publication. Your support allows us to remain a community-driven platform for the arts, the culinary scene, and the creators who define the High Sierra. We don't just print pages; together, we build a legacy.

Here’s to five years of raw stories, modern culture, and the next chapter of Rock On. RKW Designs Graphic Design and Marketing Margie Enlow StinkEye Images Alita Rey Truck Envy SoLisbetter Duncan Golf Management Lithia Hyundai of Reno Lithia Reno Subaru South 40 Red Rock Cafe & Sports Bar Revenge MD of Reno

04/11/2026

Some shots of CYANATE at Inferno Fest
ACES - Art Culture Event Squad

03/28/2026

Inferno fest today, oh and approved to shoot SatchVai on my Birthday. 💥📸💥

04/17/2025

The Grand Sierra became the epicenter of death metal chaos as Cannibal Co**se joined forces with Meshuggah for a night that will linger in the minds of all who attended. With Carcass kicking off the evening, the show promised to be a relentless display of metal mastery.

Cannibal Co**se, delivered a tight and impactful set that began with the crushing "Scourge of Iron." Their performance was raw, unyielding, and full of the energy that has made them genre-defining pioneers. George "Co**segrinder" Fisher, the band’s frontman, added some playful interaction to the night by challenging the audience to a headbanging contest—a challenge no one could genuinely compete with, considering his iconic status as the originator of the technique.

Following the contest, Cannibal Co**se tore through favorites like "I Cum Blood," "Stripped" and their unmissable anthem "Hammer Smashed Face." Every note hit hard, and every riff struck deep, leaving the crowd roaring for more.

Though Carcass delivered a strong opening set, it was obvious that Cannibal Co**se commanded the larger audience, with more people pouring in and rallying close to the stage during their performance. The intimate atmosphere of the Grand Sierra Theatre created a shared sense of metal camaraderie that elevated the experience for fans.

Overall, the night stood once again as a testament to extreme metal's endurance and communal spirit, with Cannibal Co**se proving why they remain indispensable to the genre. Their unmatched energy and charisma left the crowd yearning for what the rest of the evening had in store for them.

03/25/2025

03/12/2025

Priest DC: A Secret Weapon in Auburn

Pistol Pete's in Auburn, California, became the unlikely epicenter of a rock and roll revelation recently, hosting Priest DC, a band that promised a unique double-dose of classic metal and hard rock. Promoted with a cryptic "if you know, you know" nod, the buzz centered on the presence of none other than Scott Travis, the legendary drummer of Judas Priest. And let me tell you, those in the know were rewarded handsomely.
Walking into Pistol Pete's, a cozy, unassuming bar, I was pleasantly surprised by the packed house. The anticipation was evident. Then, the opening chords of AC/DC's "Riff Raff" ripped through the room, and any lingering doubts evaporated. Immediately, Francis Crouse, channeling Brian Johnson with uncanny accuracy, seized the stage. His raw, raspy vocals and energetic stage presence were spot-on, a testament to his dedication to the role.
The band, comprised of Jack Whelen and Ken Hower on guitars, and Al Campbell on bass, proved to be a tight, well-oiled machine. They tore through AC/DC classics like "Shoot to Thrill," "Hells Bells," and "Girls Got Rhythm" with infectious energy. The crowd, a mix of seasoned rockers and curious newcomers, was instantly hooked, singing along and dancing with abandon. And then there was Scott Travis. His drumming was, as expected, phenomenal. Precise, powerful, and effortlessly driving the band forward, he was a masterclass in rock drumming.
After a blistering AC/DC set, the atmosphere shifted. Jeff Martin took the stage, and Priest DC seamlessly transitioned into their Judas Priest persona. The band launched into a series of Priest anthems, including "Metal Gods," "Breaking the Law," and "You've Got Another Thing Comin'," and they delivered them with the same intensity and precision as their AC/DC counterparts. Martin's vocals were powerful and clear, capturing the essence of Rob Halford's iconic sound. The rhythm section, anchored by Travis's thunderous drumming, was relentless.
Just when you thought the show had peaked, Francis Crouse returned, launching into another full set of AC/DC hits. The energy in the room was electric, a testament to the band's ability to keep the crowd engaged throughout the night. As a final, unexpected treat, they closed the show with Accept's "Balls to the Wall," a fittingly raucous finale to a night of pure, unadulterated rock and roll.
Priest DC is more than just a tribute band; they're a celebration of two legendary acts, performed with passion and skill. The band's attention to detail, from the vocals to the instrumentation, was remarkable. But what truly set them apart was their genuine love for the music and their ability to connect with the audience. And with Scott Travis behind the kit, they had a secret weapon that elevated the entire experience. Pistol Pete's might be a small bar, but on this night, it hosted a performance that felt larger than life.

12/02/2024

A few shots of King Diamond at the Fox Theatre in Oakland.
Icon of Heavy Metal
Earsplit PR

12/02/2024

Whole Lotta Rosies The ultimate all-female tribute to AC⚡DC.
Here are a few shots from their show at Feather Falls Brewing Company inside Feather Falls Casino & Lodge in Oroville, Calif.
Go check out their page and if they are playing in your area, definitely check it out.

11/01/2024

Dirty Honey brought the heat to Reno, NV on their "Can't Find the Brakes" tour. The L.A. quartet, formed in 2017, packed the venue with eager fans ready to rock. The crowd was a sea of smiles, dancing and air-guitaring as the band tore through their setlist, pulling heavily from their latest album, "Can't Find the Brakes," released in November 2023.
Frontman Mark LaBelle's powerful vocals and charismatic stage presence held the crowd's attention, while guitarist John Notto's blistering solos and impressive fretwork ignited the stage. Notto's guitar work was a highlight of the night, showcasing his technical prowess and soulful playing style.
With only a handful of dates left on the tour, Dirty Honey is proving to be a force to be reckoned with. Their high-energy performances and infectious music are captivating audiences and solidifying their place in the rock scene.

10/24/2024

Bay area thrashers, Hatchet (Official) are dropping their EP "Leave No Soul" on Oct. 25th. It will include covers from W.A.S.P. and Annihilator along with 3 original songs. Definitely check this out!
https://linktr.ee/hatchet_official