Coheed and Cambria. (Courtesy Bud Light)
BY ELIZABETH KIESZKOWSKI / ekieszkowski@staradvertiser.com
Coheed and Cambria, hard-rocking, prog-loving creators of a Gothic sci-fi saga that has stretched across multiple albums, are returning to Honolulu as part of a Budweiser-sponsored “Music First” series of concerts that will bring nationally renowned acts to all 50 states on Aug. 1. The company is calling the event “50/50/1″ — 50 acts, 50 states, one day.
‘Bud Light Music 50/50/1′With Coheed and Cambria» Where: The Republik, 1349 Kapiolani Blvd. |
The band has a new album out, “The Afterman: Descension,” which rose as high as No. 9 on the Billboard Album charts. In albums “The Second Stage Turbine Blade” (2002), “In Keeping Secrets of Silent Earth: 3” (2003), “Good Apollo, I’m Burning Star IV” (Volumes One and Two, 2005 and 2007) and “Year of the Black Rainbow” (2010), Coheed and Cambria spun out the story of The Amory Wars and fated couple Coheed and Cambria, a “Monstar” virus, their sons’ quest for revenge, and opposing forces of good and evil.
In 1995, before the last time Coheed and Cambria played on Oahu, big-haired, sweet-voiced lead singer Claudio Sanchez said, “It’s like a sci-fi story that takes place in an alternate past on an alternate solar system.”
The fantasy was influenced by Sanchez’ admiration for science fiction author Frank Herbert, and the band’s overall love for classic rock in the vein of Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd’s “The Wall.” The story has been depicted as a series of graphic novels, and is now under development for a film.
With the latest two albums, “The Afterman: Ascension” (2012) and “Descension,” a new story arc connected to the concept has been launched.
The band’s last five releases have reached the Top 10 on Billboard’s Top 200 album chart.
In the weeks before this concert, Coheed and Cambria have dates lined up in Florida, Italy, Sweden, Denmark, Japan and South Korea. On their website, preceding the announcement of the Aug. 1 show, the band posted, “Hawaiian vacay.”
BUD LIGHT, the sponsor, has partnered with MySpace, with interviews and music from artists involved, and live streaming of select concerts on Aug. 1. Other bands involved include Kendrick Lamar, Sublime with Rome, Alex Clare and The Flaming Lips.
Myspace will link to the Bud Light Music First app, which offers a chance to win music-related prizes, including free tickets to the show, or the app can be found directly through Apple’s iTunes and Google Play for Android.
“It’s not uncommon for fans to travel cross-country to see their favorite acts perform at summer music festivals, but we’re turning the traditional festival concept on its head by bringing the show to everyone,” Bud Light vice president Rob McCarthy said in a statement.
All the concerts, including Honolulu, will be for ages 21 and older. Tickets are on sale via Flavorus.com, at The Republik (with no ticket fees) and at Local Motion stores, the UH-Manoa Campus Center, Navy, Hickam and Marine Corps ITT offices and Coast Guard MWR offices.
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Elizabeth Kieszkowski is editor of TGIF, the Honolulu Star-Advertiser’s weekly arts and entertainment section. Reach her via email at ekieszkowski@staradvertiser.com or follow her on Twitter.