Metro North America ’25 Tour
By Peggy Phillips
Los Angeles, CA (The Hollywood Times) 6/14/25 – Originally scheduled at The Regent Theater in downtown Los Angeles, The Blue Stones’ highly anticipated Metro North America ’25 tour stop was relocated to the Echoplex in Echo Park due to ongoing immigration rights protests advocating for the fair and humane treatment of immigrants. But fans didn’t miss a beat. Determined and energized, we navigated traffic, stairwells, and packed side streets to reach the venue—and it was absolutely worth it. The vibe was electric. Strangers became friends, and the crowd radiated the unity that only great music can inspire.
Opening the night was Meltt, an alt‑psychedelic quartet from Vancouver known for its lush soundscapes and emotionally charged songwriting. Several fans in the crowd were there just for them. Their set was hypnotic and textured—a perfect opener that eased the audience into the night with dreamy intensity.
Then came the main event: The Blue Stones. Hailing from Ontario, Canada, the blues-rock duo—Tarek Jafar (vocals, guitar) and Justin Tessier (drums)—delivered a sound so full and fierce that you’d forget there were only two musicians on stage. Their chemistry, tight rhythms, and dynamic energy shook the walls of the Echoplex.
Coming off a recent review of The Black Keys at The Greek (another powerhouse duo backed by a full band), I was reminded once again that rock is alive and thriving in the hands of talented minimalists. Jafar’s gritty vocals and explosive guitar work, paired with Tessier’s thunderous drums, made for a raw, invigorating show.
They powered through fan favorites like “Rolling with the Punches” and “Black Holes (Solid Ground),” while also showcasing more introspective tracks such as “One by One” and “Shakin’ Off the Rust.” The audience never wavered—singing, dancing, and feeding off the duo’s infectious energy. Between songs, The Blue Stones took moments to thank the LA crowd, visibly moved by the turnout and enthusiasm.
Their latest album, Metro, is arguably their boldest yet—a record brimming with swagger, hooks, and heart. It’s blues rock reimagined for a modern audience: sharp, polished, and unapologetically loud.
The setlist was generous, stretching over two hours and covering every emotional note from headbanging highs to soulful lows. Check out my video of the concert:
By the night’s end, one thing was undeniable: The Blue Stones aren’t just riding the wave of modern rock—they’re driving it. With Metro, they’ve crafted a bold, defiant record that blends grit with polish, and their live show amplifies every ounce of that confidence. The energy in the Echoplex never dipped, the crowd never drifted, and the duo never let up. This wasn’t just a concert—it was a full-force reminder that rock music still has something urgent to say, and The Blue Stones are shouting it loud and clear.
Setlist Highlights:
Your Master
Come Apart
Be My Fire
New Immigrant
Don’t Feel Right
Magic
One by One
Jesse James
Kill Box
Healing
Falling Leaves
Encore:
Black Holes (Solid Ground)
Rolling With the Punches
Let It Ride
Don’t Miss
Shakin’ Off the Rust
Live at the Echoplex | Presented by Metro North America ‘25 Tour
More on The Blue Stones: thebluestonesmusic.com
Learn more about Meltt: melttband.com
