Van Halen, the New Walter's and Radiohead: Things We're Looking Forward to in 2012

Photo by Mark C. Austin

Radiohead returns and we're stoked. Do people say "stoked" anymore?

​There was a lot to be thankful for in 2011 in the world of music, but, in some ways, it was also a pretty tough year. We lost some great people and almost lost one of our own. It's a crazy, topsy turvy world out there and, as usual, we held our hands up above our heads and screamed the whole ride.

But, it's almost 2012 and that means we get to look forward to a brand new roller coaster of crazy. The writers at Rocks Off put together some things they are looking forward to in 2012 and, as you might expect, they are all over the map.

I am looking forward to possibly seeing the Rolling Stones, Black Sabbath, Bruce Springsteen, and Van Halen all in the same year. If rumors come to fruition, we could get a three-night stand from the Stones in Houston. I have covered a lot of music since starting here in 2006, and seeing the Stones would really be the culmination of six years of pounding the keys. As for Sabbath and Van Halen, you can't get much more bedrock than those two, even if their new albums may be less than worthy to stand next to "Iron Man" or "Panama". But that of course remains to be seen and heard. Aside from those monoliths, I am just excited about all the tours and shows coming through town. It's definitely not going to be a quiet year, contrary to the economy. I mean, Houston gets two nights of Creed in April/May. God loves us something fierce. -- Craig Hlavaty

In 2012, I'm hoping that rappers in town continue to be as auspicious as they were in 2011. It was a really good, very productive 365 days. It'd be nice if that happened again.

Also, and nobody's really mentioned this yet, but I'm hoping that the videographers in Houston start getting more recognition. I'm going to petition pretty hard for there to be a Best Music Video category at the next Houston Press Music Awards. There are some really talented guys here doing some very neat things. There's Michael Artist and Tana and David Stunts and DJ Young Samm and the Evesborough camp and Fetti and so on (and those are only the rap video guys). They deserve to be highlighted as much as everyone else. -- Shea Serrano

Of all the music that I'm eagerly awaiting there's none I'm more excited about than Shellee Coley's full-length album. I've had the chance to listen to the demos at the Red Tree Studio, and it it the culmination of all my crush on Souther Gothic. It's haunting, empty, and features all the lyrical twists and brilliance that made us fall in love with The Girl the Stencil Drew. We're certain the finished product will leave everything else behind. -- Jef with One F

I'm really looking forward to SXSW this year (OMG, less than three months away). I worked the music festival for Rocks Off last year, and was able to do quite well despite not having an official badge. The running around, hustling for wristbands, meeting/making random friends, editing and writing until 5 a.m., walking on a post apocalyptic Sixth Street after the last band has gone home -- all that shit is invigorating.

I'm also going to attempt to collect my best concert images into a magazine type portfolio. The hardest part is choosing which photos to include. I've only been shooting concerts for a little over two years, but I've been fortunate enough to capture many beautiful images thanks to Rocks Off. Now that I'm also writing for the blog, I only hope that my articles reach even half the level as my photography. -- Marco Torres