Photojournalist: Athena

I first discovered Des Rocs when they opened for Badflower at El Corazon in 2023. Being new to Washington state, I had really dove head first into concert photography and loved the thrill of combining my passion for music and photography. There is something about Des Rocs that captures the experience of being 17 again at your first rock show. I was absolutely taken aback by them. The pure rock energy and electric rock ballads felt like I was living my first rock show over again, and I had the honor of seeing them again for the fourth time in Seattle at Hidden Hall.

Des Rocs is a rock trio composed of Danny Rocco, Eric "Doc" Mendelsohn, and Will Tully from New York City. Coincidentally, Danny is a Long Island native like myself, both of us growing up in Nassau County, New York. Danny has been playing music since he was a kid, and his passion and dedication to the craft really shows. They are a trio who are truly like no other in the game right now.

Des Rocs played a combination of newer music from this year as well as songs from Dream Machine and A Real Good Person In A Bad Place. Their energy is always through the roof, engaging the entire crowd with blood, sweat, and tears. Danny, their front man, just oozes charisma and has mastered his craft of providing not only an engaging show musically, but a thrilling performance.

It is nearly impossible to take your eyes off these guys as they perform and bounce around the stage. They constantly keep you on your toes. One minute you’ll be crying along to “Suicide Romantics” the next you’ll be headbanging to “Used to the Darkness.” Catch Des Rocs on their North American tour while you still can and I can promise you, you won’t regret it!

photos by Athena