Des Rocs, who plays New World Brewery in Tampa, Florida on April 14, 2024. Credit: Photo by Javi Perez

Long Islanders are probably very familiar with Daniel Rocco, the kid who went from playing in punk bands at age 13 to opening for the Rolling Stones at Philadelphia’s Lincoln Financial Field just a four-hour train ride from his alma mater South Side High School.

Rocco, better known as Des Rocs, lives up to his moniker in every way whether he’s plugged into a stack of amps or playing his raw brand of rock and roll on an acoustic guitar (his juxtaposed takes on “I Am The Lightning” recall Zeppelin or Black Sabbath, and Elvis, respectively).

Global stardom and headlining arena shows seem to be the only path for Mr. Rocs, and with just two full lengths under his belt—including last year’s Dream Machine, produced by Queens of the Stone Age’s Alain Johannes—this is a chance for fans to get in on the ground floor.

Tickets to see Des Rocs play the music hall at New World Brewery in Tampa on Sunday, April 14 are still available and start at $25.

Read his 2016 intro letter and disclosures from 2022 and 2021. Ray Roa started freelancing for Creative Loafing Tampa in January 2011 and was hired as music editor in August 2016. He became Editor-In-Chief...