P.O.D. – I’ve seen them at Roseland Ballroom and the Webster Theater in Hartford. Their music comes to life in a live setting. I’ve also seen them as part of a radio festival at Jones Beach and their sound gets lost in front of 20,000 people. If they come to town, check them out.

Papa Roach – As much as some of you want to hate them, just like P.O.D. their music comes to life in a live setting. However, unlike P.O.D., I’ve seen them at Jones Beach and at PNC Bank Arts Center in Holmdel, NJ as part of festivals and they’re sound holds up.

Fu Manchu – I saw them at Bowery Ballroom a few years ago and they’re sludgy, funky, and just a killer rock band. I’m not the biggest fan of their sound via any recorded medium, but live, they will absolutely blow you away.

Def Leppard – They’re legends. Say what you want, Def Leppard are legends. I’ve seen them three times at Jones Beach – once in 1996 while touring on Slang, in 2000 (I believe it was 2000) while touring on Euphoria, and in 2009 when touring on Nine Lives. Each and every last time – AMAZING.

Filter – Hands down, one of the most underrated bands in the world. “Hey Man Nice Shot” is the tip of the iceberg. Richard Patrick is intense. The first time I saw them was in 1996 when they were opening for Ozzy Osbourne on his Retirement Sucks Tour. Ozzy was touring on Ozzmosis, and if I remember correctly, didn’t play a single song from the album. The last two times I saw them was at Mercury Lounge in 2008 and Bowery Ballroom just this past August. AMAZING.

Sevendust – We talk about them enough during our shows. ‘Nuff said.

Better Than Ezra – I’ve seen many acts at Irving Plaza over the years and this was a top 5 show. Sold out, and Kevin Griffin had the crowd in the palm of his hands the entire show. Blew me away.

Godsmack – Sully has arena-sized stage presence.