S.L.R. Magazine

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SOUTH KOREAN ROCK BAND, ROLLING QUARTZ, MADE MUSIC HISTORY WITH THEIR FANTASTIC PERFORMANCE PLAYING LIVE AT THE WORLD FAMOUS WHISKY A GO GO ON SEPTEMBER 19, 2026, BY DON MARCELO

When it comes to music venues, there are only a few that have played an important role with a band’s musical career. The most famous one, which has stood the test of time since its birth in January 1964, is none other than The World Famous Whisky A Go Go in the heart of The…

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When it comes to music venues, there are only a few that have played an important role with a band’s musical career. The most famous one, which has stood the test of time since its birth in January 1964, is none other than The World Famous Whisky A Go Go in the heart of The Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, CA. 

Written by Don Marcelo

Legendary Bands and Artists such as The Doors, Neil Diamond, Mötley Crüe, Guns N’ Roses, Soundgarden, Mudhoney, Oasis, and System of a Down (just to name a few legendary bands and musicians) have secured their names on the walls and history of The Whisky A Go Go.

And on Saturday, September 19, 2026, The Great All-Female, South Korean Rock Band, ROLLING QUARTZ, arrived and securely planted their name on the marquee and on the walls of this great historic music venue along with all the legendary bands mentioned above and many more. CONGRATULATIONS ROLLING QUARTZ for accomplishing this feat! Bravo! Bravo! Bravissimo!

Marquee sign at Whisky a Go Go featuring event details for 'Leo Presents Rolling Quartz My Turn 2026 Tour'
A stage set up for a musical performance at Whisky a Go Go, featuring instruments like guitars and amplifiers, with vibrant purple and blue stage lighting.

A LITTLE BACKSTORY AND BACKGROUND

ROLLING QUARTZ first toured the U.S. back in 2023 and arrived in Seattle for their first show of their Rock ’N’ Roll Paradise Tour. I was there from the beginning of their very first show of this tour in Seattle, WA and covered 3 of their shows as a photojournalist for S.L.R. MAGAZINE, documenting and taking photographs and moments of their shows: THE FUNHOUSE in Seattle, WA (1st stop of this tour); CATCH ONE LA, Jewels Room, in Los Angeles, CA (3rd stop), and THE WAYFARER in Costa Mesa, CA (4th stop).

After their successful 1st U.S. Tour, they traveled and toured all around the world from Canada to Europe to Asia in 2024 and 2025.

In 2025, they returned once again to The U.S. Bigger, Badder, Bolder, and Better with more fans called DIADEMS. Once again, I decided to cover 3 of their shows from this tour called “STAND UP – U.S. & CANADA TOUR 2025” and this time with a written report and review and a gallery of captured moments: SONIA LIVE MUSIC VENUE in Boston/Cambridge, MA (1st U.S. Stop but 3rd stop of their North American Tour); CATCH ONE LA in Los Angeles, CA (the large stage upstairs of the music venue and the 5th to the last of this tour), and THE STAR THEATER in Portland, OR (their 3rd to the last stop of this tour and their first time in Portland, OR):

LIVE REVIEW AND PHOTO GALLERY: AN EXPLOSIVE AND PASSIONATE PERFORMANCE BY ROLLING QUARTZ IN BOSTON/CAMBRIDGE, MA, BY DON MARCELO
34 CITIES. 2 COUNTRIES. 1 GREAT ALL FEMALE ROCK BAND FROM SOUTH KOREA, ROLLING QUARTZ, BY DON MARCELO

Their dedication to hard work and their love for their DIADEMS have paid off tremendously for the group where once more, ROLLING QUARTZ is currently touring The U.S. for their “MY TURN – NORTH AMERICA TOUR 2026”. But this time around I decided to just stay locally where I live in Los Angeles and just cover their show at The World Famous Whisky A Go Go.

Promotional poster for Rolling Quartz's 'My Turn' North America Tour 2026 featuring the band members and a list of concert dates and locations.

DIADEMS UNITE

When it comes to super fans, DIADEMS seem to have an unlimited supply of “diamonds” and energy in support of their love of ROLLING QUARTZ. Many of them have followed Rolling Quartz on this tour since the beginning of this tour (or at least for some of the shows in different States). Two Super Diadems, David from Florida and Sooochi from Vancouver Island Canada, were the first ones in line at 6 am. LA resident Erik with a “K” (as I always call him) is known in the LA area as the number one super fan and supporter of music and bands since he’s almost always the first one in line. Erik was there at 2am but decided to sleep in his car and by the time he woke up he was the 3rd one in line and shared the spot with Juan (not sure where he is from) and Aaron from Orange County. Some of these Super fans are also known as “The Usual Suspects” since they are the same ones who always go to all JROCK shows in The U.S.

By the time I arrived, and I arrived a couple of hours early before the doors opened for all the VIP-ers, there were around 50 plus DIADEMS ready for the action to start. They all endured the heat for several hours on this hot and sweaty day in LA. 

Brand new Diadems whom I convinced to come to the show were the Father and Daughter Team of Lenny and Brooke and another Father and Daughter Team, John and Zi. Both are brand new Diadems. Welcome to the world of ROLLING QUARTZ and we are happy you became part of this family. 

Another person who is brand new to the world of Diadems and ROLLING QUARTZ is music producer Marco Tricca. Marco is originally from Italy and at one point was in a band called Majecy, where the band had one song called “Like The Moon With The Sun” which was featured on Season 6 episode 3 of the hit TV show called “Sons of Anarchy” and has worked with the producer Bob Thiele. Marco was ecstatic and surprised when I introduced him to the Han Brothers. With a generous surprise by The Han Brothers, they gifted Marco with a Media access badge after talking with him. Marco and I were both surprised by this wonderful gift. Thank you Mr. Big Han and Mr. Little Han. Marco also mentioned to me that this was his first time at The Whisky A Go Go, despite living in LA for quite some time now. First time seeing ROLLING QUARTZ and first time at The World Famous Whisky A Go Go. Hopefully more to come for Marco especially since he is currently working on a project with several musicians from around the world and has put together a band called Tsukistruck which he will be producing.

Shout out to my colleagues, Media Photographer Lisa of USC who is from China and Maya the amazing American-Japanese photographer whom we both covered ROLLING QUARTZ‘s show at CATCH ONE LA in 2023. One last shout out are some friends and followers of mine on Instagram, Johnny and Tony from San Diego, King from San Pedro, and Antonio, a former coworker of mine, originally from Florida and now calls LA his home for several years. WELCOME and WELCOME BACK DIADEMS!

A group of fans posing in front of the Whisky a Go Go venue, holding a yellow Los Angeles Lakers banner signed by many, while a marquee announces the Rolling Quartz 'My Turn 2026 Tour'.
Exterior view of Whisky a Go Go featuring a marquee promoting 'Rolling Quartz My Turn 2026 Tour' and a banner for 'The Social Reckoning' movie release.
A man and a woman pose in front of the Whisky a Go Go venue, pointing at a marquee announcing 'Leo Presents Rolling Quartz My Turn 2026 Tour' and promoting the film 'The Social Reckoning' with a release date of October 9.

ROLLING QUARTZ 

Members

Arem (Korean: 아름) – bassist; Hyunjung (현정) – guitarist; Iree (아이리) – guitarist; Jayoung (자영) – vocalist; Yeongeun (영은) – drummer.

Nothing new that I have said before regarding this Great South Korean Rock Band, ROLLING QUARTZ. They are charming. They are funny. They are sweet and full of smiles all the time. They are full of love. They are talented. AND THEY CAN ROCK and rock hard on stage, full of non-stop energy and action. 

What has changed in the last several years is that now they are in total command of who they are as a Rock Band–Dynamic, Bold, and Fearless. Just 3 years ago, when I first saw them, they were a little nervous, not because they are not confident. It’s because they were new in touring The U.S. and nerves always play a huge part when something isn’t quite familiar, especially in another country and there is a small language barrier. This time around. Those nerves were completely gone. Their confidence was off the charts and their musicianship was impeccable and flawless. Jayoung’s vocals showered us once again her powerful range in singing from soft to over the top hard and greatness, especially when she performed the QUEEN’s song “Bohemian Rhapsody”. And to quote myself, “HOLY FüçK1NG SHIT!!! WHAT DID I JUST SEE AND HEAR? WHAT A VOICE!!!” Those were the exact words that came out of my mouth when I heard her sing once again on stage. She blew my brains out before and she blew my brains out once again. And let us not forget the dynamic duo guitarists Choi Hyun Jung and Iree with their exceptional skills playing their axe. What a sight to see and what beautiful finger dancing skills on their axe. Then you have Arem with her explosive bass playing and her enigmatic charm and stage presence and piercing looks when she stares at you as if she is hypnotizing you to just look at her all the time. And last but not the least, Yeongeun’s powerful drum skills where she makes it look so easy, especially coming from such a petite frame. She can beat those drums with her sticks like it’s no big deal at all, child’s play.

Photography by Don Marcelo Photography 2026

Arem (Korean: 아름) – bassist

A female bassist performing on stage at a music venue, with motion blur effects and dramatic lighting.
A female bassist performing on stage, wearing a black outfit and a beret, with a vibrant red bass guitar. The backdrop features stage lights and the logo of a venue.
Female bassist performing on stage with a red bass guitar, wearing a black outfit and a hat, under stage lights.
A female bass guitarist in a black outfit performs on stage at Whisky a Go Go, holding a bright orange bass guitar under colorful stage lights.
A female bassist performing live on stage, wearing a black outfit and a headband, with an orange bass guitar. Colorful stage lights illuminate her as she plays, capturing the energy of the performance.
A female bassist performing on stage at a venue, wearing a black outfit and a headband, with vibrant stage lights illuminating the scene.
A female bassist performing on stage with an electric bass guitar, wearing a blue beret and black outfit, amidst vibrant stage lighting and band equipment in the background.
A female musician performing on stage, singing into a microphone while holding an electric bass guitar. She is wearing a cap and has long hair, with a backdrop featuring musical equipment.
A female musician with long red hair and tattoos plays an electric guitar on stage, wearing a blue cap and a black outfit, with a microphone in front of her.

Iree (아이리) – guitarist

A female musician with long pink hair passionately playing an electric guitar on stage, microphone in front, with colorful stage lights in the background.
A musician with long red hair performs on stage, playing an electric guitar while smiling. The atmosphere is illuminated with colorful stage lights.
A guitarist performing passionately on stage, with a vivid background showcasing dynamic lighting and an energetic atmosphere.
Female guitarist performing on stage with a plaid outfit and red hair, playing an electric guitar at a live concert.
A female musician with long red and white hair playing an electric guitar on stage, wearing a black top and a red plaid skirt, with a drum set in the background.
A musician with long, pink hair performs on stage while playing an electric guitar. She wears a plaid outfit, showing concentration and passion during her performance. In the background, a drummer is partially visible.
A guitarist with pink hair performing on stage, wearing a black shirt and a plaid skirt, joyfully playing an electric guitar.
A female musician playing an electric guitar on stage, focused and enjoying her performance, with a microphone and amplifiers visible in the background.
A musician with long, vibrant red hair plays an electric guitar on stage, wearing a black outfit with a checkered scarf, and appears to be enjoying the performance.

Yeongeun (영은) – drummer

A drummer performing on stage with the band name 'Rolling Quartz' displayed prominently in the background, alongside the venue name 'Whisky a Go Go'.
Drummer performing energetically for Rolling Quartz, with vibrant purple hair and a dynamic stage presence, set against a backdrop featuring the band's logo.
Female drummer performing on stage with a vibrant purple hairstyle, smiling while playing under a backdrop featuring the band name 'Rolling Quartz'.
A drummer with purple hair performing on stage, wearing a white outfit and smiling while playing the drums, with a backdrop featuring the 'Rolling Quartz' logo.
A drummer with long purple hair performs on stage in front of a large 'Rolling Quartz' banner, playing a black drum kit. The scene includes other band members, with a focus on the energetic atmosphere of a live music performance at the Whisky a Go Go venue.
A drummer with vibrant purple hair performs on stage in front of a backdrop displaying the band name 'Rolling Quartz' at a venue called 'Whisky a Go Go'. Other musicians can be seen in the foreground, with one interactively holding a drink.
A drummer with purple and pink hair playing on stage, focused on the drum set, with a black backdrop featuring stylized text.
A drummer with colorful hair playing passionately on a drum set, captured in a dynamic motion blur against a backdrop featuring stylized graphic elements.
A musician playing the keyboard on stage, with a focus on her expression, against the backdrop of a drum set featuring the logo of 'Rolling Quartz'.

Jayoung (자영) – vocalist

A female singer with long blonde hair performing on stage, wearing a white crop top and shorts, with fishnet tights. She is holding a microphone and gesturing while singing.
A female singer performing on stage with a microphone, wearing a cropped white top and shorts, with white fishnet stockings and sneakers. The backdrop features the name 'Rolling' and a drum set.
A female singer performing on stage with long white hair, wearing a cropped top and shorts, alongside a drum set in the background at a venue decorated with the words 'Whisky a Go Go'.
A performer with long white hair passionately singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a sheer top and white shorts, with fishnet stockings and sneakers. The background features a musical band setup.
Female singer performing on stage, wearing a white outfit and fishnet stockings, with a microphone in hand and a vibrant lighting background.
A performer with long blonde hair flips their hair while singing into a microphone, wearing a white outfit and fishnet stockings against a stage backdrop.
A female singer passionately performing on stage, wearing a cropped white top and shorts, with a microphone in hand and one arm raised. The background features a drum set, suggesting a live music performance atmosphere.
A female singer with long, platinum blonde hair passionately performing on stage, holding a microphone in both hands. She is dressed in a white crop top and shorts, with fishnet stockings, and appears to be expressing intense emotion while singing.

Hyunjung (현정) – guitarist

A female musician in a white outfit playing an electric guitar on stage, with a microphone and amplifier visible in the background.
A musician with blonde hair performing on stage, wearing a white outfit and holding a guitar, singing into a microphone.
A female guitarist performs on stage at Whisky a Go Go, wearing a white outfit and playing a blue electric guitar.
A musician performing on stage, playing an electric guitar while wearing a white outfit, with a dynamic expression and stage lights in the background.
A musician performing on stage, playing a blue electric guitar while wearing a stylish white outfit. The image features a close-up of the musician's face in a thoughtful expression, with a blurred background showing the full scene.
A female musician passionately singing into a microphone while playing an electric guitar on stage, with dynamic lighting and a blurred background.
A female musician performing on stage with an electric guitar, wearing a stylish outfit and singing into a microphone.
A female musician with blonde hair plays an electric guitar while singing into a microphone on stage, wearing a sleeveless white outfit.
A female musician performing on stage while playing an electric guitar, wearing a white outfit and showcasing blue streaks in her hair.

Like I said and like everyone says, ROLLING QUARTZ IS ONE POWERFUL AND DYNAMIC ROCK BAND WHO WILL ROCK YOUR WORLD.

If only Mötley Crüe, Metallica, and other hard rock bands of the 80’s and 90’s and 2000’s can see them play. I’m sure they too will say the same exact words that came out of my mouth on this night.

Thank you for all your hard work once again ROLLING QUARTZ! Thank you for the music! Thank you to all the DIADEMS on this night and all over the world. Stay true to your music and we hope to see you again in 2027.

Rolling Quartz

Photography by Don Marcelo Photography 2026

A black and white image of a live music performance with a band on stage, featuring three musicians playing instruments. In the foreground, an engaged audience captures the moment with their cameras. The stage is decorated with lights and a banner in the background.
A lively concert scene featuring a rock band performing on stage, with multiple musicians actively engaging with the audience. The crowd is animated, using their phones to capture the performance, while vibrant stage lighting enhances the atmosphere.
A live rock band performing on stage during a concert at Whisky a Go Go, with an enthusiastic crowd in front, capturing the moment on their phones.
A live music performance at a crowded venue, with a band playing on stage and an audience engaging enthusiastically.
A live music performance on stage with a band playing in front of a large audience. The backdrop features the phrase 'Rolling Quarts' with colorful stage lights illuminating the scene.
A lively concert scene with performers holding American and South Korean flags on stage, while enthusiastic fans capture the moment with their phones.
A drummer performing on stage with vibrant purple hair, wearing a white outfit, in front of a backdrop featuring the name 'Rolling Quartz' at the Whisky a Go Go. Two audience members are visible, one raising a hand and the other sitting with a microphone.
A live performance by the band 'Rolling Quartz' at Whisky a Go Go, featuring three female musicians on stage. One is playing drums, while another plays guitar and the third is singing energetically, with bright stage lighting and a prominent backdrop.
Two female musicians performing on stage with a guitar and a microphone at a vibrant live music venue.
Two female musicians performing on stage, one playing guitar and the other singing energetically. A drummer is visible in the background, creating a lively concert atmosphere.
A female band performing on stage, with one member playing the piano, while others play electric guitar and bass, showcasing vibrant hairstyles and energetic expressions, against a backdrop featuring the band's name 'Rolling Quartz'.
A group of performers on stage holding various flags, including the American flag, a Los Angeles Lakers banner, and the South Korean flag, with musical instruments visible in the background.
A group of musicians performing on stage, facing the audience, with colorful hair and clothing. The crowd in front is cheering and showing rock hand signs. Instrument setup includes guitars and a keyboard.
Four female musicians performing on stage, with one holding an American flag and others wearing colorful outfits, while the audience reaches out to them.
Two female musicians perform energetically on stage, one singing into a microphone and the other playing an electric guitar.
A female rock band performing on stage at a venue with a crowd of fans. The band consists of four members, each playing instruments, with colorful hair and energetic stage presence. The backdrop features a large banner with the band's name.
A live band performing on stage at a venue, illuminated by colorful stage lights. The musicians include four women playing instruments like bass and guitar, with a backdrop featuring the venue's name 'Whiskey a Go Go'.
A lively band performing on stage at Whisky a Go Go with spotlight lighting. The female lead vocalist passionately sings while the band members play electric instruments, showcasing an energetic rock atmosphere.
An all-female rock band performing on stage at a venue with dramatic lighting and a vibrant atmosphere.
A black and white photo of a live music performance at a venue, with a crowd in front, capturing the musicians on stage. The band is performing energetically, with a focus on a female guitarist and singer.
A crowd of people at a concert, some holding their phones with lights on, captured in a dimly lit venue with decor and a poster displaying the band 'Fear Factory' in the background.
A live performance featuring three female musicians on stage, with one holding a South Korean flag while engaging with the enthusiastic crowd.
A live performance scene at a concert with two performers on stage, one holding a South Korean flag and the other engaging with an enthusiastic audience reaching out.
A lively stage performance featuring four female performers interacting with an enthusiastic audience. One performer is reaching out to fans while others are dressed in vibrant costumes, showcasing a dynamic atmosphere with musical equipment in the background.
Interior view of a music venue featuring a stage with lighting and sound equipment, decorated with posters and string lights, and a seating area with tables.
A lively music venue with people waiting in line, illuminated by stage lights and decorated with festive lights in the background.
A crowd of people waiting in line inside a busy music venue, with a stage in the background, dim lighting, and decorative lights above.
A venue interior featuring a stage with instruments and equipment, people interacting at a table, and professional lighting setups, indicating a lively event atmosphere.
A person with a tattooed arm extends their hand towards a smiling individual wearing a black t-shirt and a cap, while people gather in the background at an indoor event venue lit with ring lights.
A vibrant event scene featuring a table with individuals interacting, surrounded by audience members. There are multiple ring lights illuminating the area, and the setting appears to be a lively venue with decorations in the background.
A man wearing a blue sports jersey with the number 10 is holding a smartphone, interacting with someone out of frame. The setting appears to be a lively venue with dim lighting and decorative lights in the background.
A group of people at a table in a venue, participating in an event or meet-and-greet, with softbox lights illuminating the scene and decorations in the background.
A lively scene in a venue with a performance area, featuring a group of people interacting in front of lighting equipment and cameras, with individuals dressed in various styles and colors.
A bustling backstage scene with a group of people preparing for a performance. Several individuals are interacting while standing near lighting equipment and stage props. A woman is positioned on a platform in the background, overseeing the activities.
A lively music venue with a group of people gathered, some being photographed with ring lights set up. A woman on stage holds up a black board as others engage and pose for pictures.
A crowd of fans gathered at a music venue named Rolling Quarters, with some people standing, talking, and checking their phones. The stage is in the background, and the atmosphere is lively.
A crowded live music venue filled with diverse people, some dressed in band merchandise, gathered in anticipation of a performance.
A crowd of people gathered in a venue, waiting in line and looking at displays on the walls. Some attendees are wearing various band shirts, and there is an illuminated clock showing the time as 9:30.
A crowd of people in a dimly lit venue, waiting in line near a bar and illuminated by decorative lights.
Plush toys of Jigglypuff and Pikachu on stage in a music venue, with colorful lights in the background.
Stage setup at Whisky a Go Go with instruments, amplifiers, and a backdrop featuring the Rolling Stone logo.

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