Sam Ash Adds its New York City Flagship Store to its List of Store Closings Nationwide


As we previously reported a few weeks ago, Music retail giant Sam Ash has announced they are closing 18 more stores across the country, including historic locations in Huntington, Long Island, Connecticut, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, and Clearwater, Florida. Now it is confirmed another store on the list of stores closing includes their flagship store on 34th Street in Manhattan, New York City. This news is devastating to the music world. The brand has not made public statements about which stores are close. The store is now full of signs touting a closing and liquidation sale. The current location is across the street from Hammerstein Ballroom, but the once iconic store founded in 1924 by Samuel Ash from Brooklyn, was located at the infamous Musicians Row on 48th Street in Manhattan until 2012. The brand has seen increasingly tough times of late, including the death of long-time brand steward Sammy Ash, who was the acting COO until his death in September 2023. Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: The Babyklok Tour: BABYMETAL – Dethklok – Jason Richardson Live at the Hammerstein Ballroom


The Hammerstein Ballroom served as the ideal venue for this extraordinary lineup, amplifying the raw intensity and intricacies of each performance. It was the perfect backdrop for this monumental night of music.

Continue reading


CONCERT REVIEW: The Last Rockstars (Yoshiki, Miyavi, HYDE, Sugizo) Live at Hammerstein Ballroom


Japanese supergroup, The Last Rockstars, has landed in the U.S. The band’s shining roster includes Yoshiki (X-Japan) on piano and drums, vocalist HYDE (L’arc-en-ciel), and expert guitarists Sugizo (X-Japan and Luna Sea) and Miyavi. Following an explosive live debut in Tokyo, the band trekked stateside.

Continue reading


Alice In Chains Live At Hammerstein Ballroom


Opening the evening was Seattle band Walking Papers. Known more because of their regular members Duff McKagan and Barrett Martin, this is an act too good to miss. Even down a few guys and playing with some fill-in musicians, the band won over the anxious crowd with incredibly soulful rock music. No BS, no self-depreciation: just rock and proud to be rock. Amazing songs and performances, especially by frontman Jeff Angell, who is incredible. They have a recent EP out from 2018, and you should all go get it now.

Continue reading