Adler’s Appetite LIVE!

December 11, 2010 at Feelgood’s in Las Vegas, NV

by Deb Rao
Staff Writer

It has been a whirlwind of a year for former Guns N’ Roses drummer Steven Adler. His band Adler’s Appetite has been touring nonstop in the U.S. and abroad. On Dec.11, Adler’s Appetite performed their final show for 2010 in Las Vegas at Feelgood’s.

If you never been to the newly Feelgood’s on West Sahara in Vegas, you are in for a treat. This is what a Rock N’ Roll Bar should be all about: friendly staff, nice rock decor, good sound system and the venue is open to 4 a.m. featuring some of the ’80s top bands. Let the party begin!

Adler’s Appetite hit the stage at midnight for a 90-minute set of pure Guns N’ Roses hits performed at their best loud and proud with a new rock n’ roll twist. The band features Steven Adler on drums, Alex Grossi on guitar, Michael Thomas on guitar, Chip Z’nuff on bass, and new singer Rick Stitch.

From the opening catchy chords of “Night Train” to the final encore of “Welcome To The Jungle,” is was clear to see what an impact that Guns N’ Roses music has made on the metal community. Steven and Company were at the top of their game. Cranking out the GNR hits as if they were playing in an arena to new fans and all the die hards.

This line-up features Adler’s Appetite at their strongest. Guitarist Alex Grossi is really making a name for himself in the music business. Alex has performed with some of the greatest names in ’80s metal including Dizzy Reed, Beautiful Creatures, Quiet Riot past and present. Alex has a musical style all his own cultivated by his penchant for ’80s music. He breathes new life into the GNR hits. Highlight of the set was “Sweet Child Of Mine’’ which featured a melodically passionate guitar solo from Alex and driving drum solo from Steve Adler. Check out Alex Grossi’s website at www.alexgrossimusic.com.

New Vocalist Rick Stitch has a style the is reminiscent of a young Joe Leste meets Buckcherry. The band has just released their single “Alive” available on i-tunes from their upcoming CD slated to be released in 2011. Singer Rick Stitch informed us, “The upcoming CD sounds like a more modern version of Guns N’ Roses. It definitely has everyone’s signature roots and influences on it. I am really looking forward to the European tour. We are currently working with producer Cinderella drummer Fred Coury on pre-production of our upcoming album.”

Adler’s Appetite slammed through such GNR hits as “Mr. Brownstone”, “Knockin On Heaven’s Door,” and “My Michelle.”

It appears that third time is the charm for Adler’s Appetite as Steven Adler commented that this was the band’s third time performing in Vegas this year and coincidently the bands’ final show for 2010. Steve commented, “Vegas reminds me of the jungle,” as the band wrapped up the set with the final encore, “Welcome To The Jungle,” with fists in the air.

Everyone at Feelgood’s had a great time listening to these timeless hits that has spanned a generation of fans. It was exhilarating watching Steven perform again. Don’t forget to pick up a copy of his book, My Appetite For Destruction: Sex And Drugs And Guns N’ Roses. Adler’s Appetite hit the road again in January.

For tour dates visit www.myspace.com/stevenadlersite

Blind Guardian LIVE!

November 11, 2010 at Trocadero Theatre in Philadelphia, PA

by Steve Trager
Staff Writer

On the opening night of the long awaited and very much anticipated North American Blind Guardian’s at the Edge of Time Tour , which kicked off here at the Trocadero in Philadelphia, was nothing short of pure greatness. Been a few years since this band graced the live stage. But, it was well worth the long wait with all new material showcasing the band’s timeless efforts, which has always made Blind Guardian one amazing band, especially as a live touring act. Even before the first band was to take the stage the merchandise booth was already buzzing with fans swarming around snatching up as much gear as possible with fists full of money.

The opening bands always deserve some sort of plug; honestly, some you don’t know much about and others if you do your research, you become familiar with pre material which gives you a better chance to enjoy whatever time they do get to play before the main band sets the stage into a flaming blaze. Florida’s own Seven Kingdoms open the show with a 30-minute set featuring a few songs from both self-produced recordings. For a band that has been a local native in Florida and has gained the spotlight in the club circuit they seem to fit the bill quite nicely. Reminds me of a bunch of young eager musicians just wanting to get their name out their and enjoy the glorified road of a national tour with the big guns of Blind Guardian.

Nice thing about the Trocadero is the quick fast gear change over which led right into the set of Holy Grail. This band reminded me of the early days and the rock roots of Iron Maiden. From the minute the intro sounded and the band took the stage, you could just feel this vibe that the 40-minute set was going to be a heavy hitter. A band that has the best of both worlds: one being sizzling guitar players that just kill it with showmanship and a lead vocal guy with balls of steel that can hit the high notes. Holy Grail posses some great talent as a band and puts their backbone into the live show.

Another quick change over and at last the preparation for Blind Guardian’s metal assault on Philly. The lights went down and the intro tape began to roll out and that set the tone for what was to be the greatest performance of Blind Guardian yet. The set list compiled featured some great amazing heavy hitters that have become a staple in the band’s set over the years. Even if Blind Guardian is truly known as a four piece, this time out while in Philly on the warm up opening date live setting shadowed out as a six-piece, complete with melodic guitars at full decibel volume. Nothing displays a more pure admiration for a band when you can hear the chorus notes from everyone’s mouth from the very beginning on the opening song of the set list. As if 90 minutes wasn’t enough to fill the metal veins of everyone that attended the show, we at least got to see and hear some amazing live power house anthems that made this band great over the years. Unlike most bands that just step onto a stage and rip into songs and then say goodnight, Blind Guardian certainly gives you the best of both worlds with what seems to be a fan participation with chanting song lyrics back at front man Hansi Kursch, as he often would hold up his hands up to his ears to as if to say “Are you still with me? I can’t hear you Philly!“ Indeed they were, as every song sounded great from not just the fans providing secondhand vocals but the band themselves had given the fans nothing but the best. In fact, every Blind Guardian show is always a fun-filled and entertaining concert.

Truly an epic performance with Blind Guardian this time around back in Philly, on the first night of their most recent tour of North America. A short but sweet 23-city trek not to be missed — period!

Blind Guardian Set List:
Sacred Worlds
Welcome to Dying
Born in a Mourning Hall
Nightfall
Fly
Time Stands Still
Traveler In Time
This Will Never End
A Voice in the Dark
Lord of the Rings
Imaginations From the Other Side
Wheel of Time
The Bard’s Song – In the Forrest
Valhalla
Majesty
Mirror Mirror

Blind Guardian Photo Gallery

Photos courtesy of Steve Trager

Accept Live in Hollywood

October 19, 2010 at the Key Club in West Hollywood, CA

by Erik Tweedy
Staff Writer

The last time Accept played in Southern California, President Bill Clinton was in office and the world had yet to hear of stains on a blue dress. 17 years have passed and the wait for Accept’s return was well worth it. The best thing to come out of Germany since Hitler’s suicide, Accept hit the stage of the Key Club with a full metal onslaught rarely seen on the Sunset Strip these days. Playing to a packed house, Accept stormed through a set list that encompassed most of their career including several tracks off the newly released Blood of the Nations.

Kicking the show off with “Starlight” from their 1981 Breaker release, Accept sounded fresh and tight and showed no signs of an aging band that just dropped their first studio release in 13 years and has played more shows in the past 10 months than the past 10 years. With the final departure of original lead singer Udo Dirkschneider, guitarist Wolf Hoffman has taken over the reigns as the band’s leader and through his partnership with bassist Peter Baltes, they put the Accept machine back together again in late 2009. Taking over the vocal duties this time around is the dynamic Mark Tornillo who is a perfect fit for the band. Tornillo, sounding a lot like Udo, easily pulled off the older material and his vocal range will add a lot of depth to future Accept releases.

Leaning heavily on material from the ‘80s, Hoffman and the boys ripped through classics like “Breaker”, “Metal Heart”, “Son of a Bitch” and “Losers and Winners”. Highlights of the show came when the pace was at its fastest. “Restless and Wild”, “Neon Nights”, “No Shelter” and “Fast as a Shark” were brutal double bass drum assaults that left most of the fist pumpers breathless. The new material off Blood of the Nations sounded great alongside the respective back catalog of these metal legends. This night was filled with non-stop guitar solos and a number of surprisingly good bass jams that had the crowd begging for more as the show closed with the eponymous “Balls to the Wall”.

With a couple dozen European dates locked in for early 2011 the return of Accept to the worldwide scene looks to be permanent. Hopefully the fans in the U.S. will not have to wait another decade to see this terrific band.

Accept Set List:
Starlight
Living for Tonight
Breaker
Teutonic Terror
Bucket Full of Hate
Restless and Wild
Son of a Bitch
Metal Heart
Neon Nights
Losers and Winners
Bulletproof
The Abyss
No Shelter
Up to the Limit
Monsterman
Fast as a Shark
Pandemic
Princess of the Dawn
Balls to the Wall

Black Label Society LIVE!

October 12, 2010, House Of Blues on Lansdowne Street in Boston, Mass.

by Deb Rao
Staff Writer

Black Label Society is currently on the East Coast Leg of their tour promoting their latest release Order Of The Black. BLS performed to a sold out audience at the House Of Blues on Lansdowne Street in Boston, Massachusetts on October 19th. The Boston Chapter of BLS fans arrived early and formed a line that made it’s way to the top of Lansdowne Street. Opening the show were 2Cents, Children Of Bodom, and Clutch. It’s has been a year since Black Label Society has performed in The Hub and as usual the band gave a stellar performance.

I arrived at the venue in time for Clutch. This was my first time seeing the band perform and I was very impressed with their rap-metal sound which was very unique. For some reason the sound reminded me of The Blues Brothers in heavy mode.

Black Label Society hit the stage at 9:30 P.M. for a 90-minute set in which the momentum of the performance never let up from start to finish. Zakk Wylde seemed healthy and energized and happy to be back onstage. As Black Label Society ripped through a set that was carefully orchestrated and full of BLS hits such as ”Concrete Jungle”, ”Suicide Messiah”, and ”Stillborn” plus new material from Order Of The Black. Fans lit their cigarette lighters when Zakk Wylde sat down at the piano, as the band paid homage to their fallen brother Dimebag Darrell Abbott on “In This River.” Highlight of the set was during ”Fire it Up” as guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde masterfully shredded the strings in a blistering 10 minute guitar solo.

Black Label Society returned to their Southern country roots on ‘The Blessed Hellride’ in which Zakk Wylde and guitarist Nick Catanese performed on twelve string acoustic guitars. The band ended the set with their first hit “Stillborn.” I had the opportunity to speak with guitarist Nick Catanese and he told me, “The tour has been going great with a lot of sold out shows.”

Be sure to check out Black Label Society on tour this fall. During the set Zakk Wylde referred to himself as Keith from the Rolling Stones and Nick Catanese as Ronnie. It was refreshing to see the two guitarists unleash their powerful fury with dueling guitar solos. This past year has seen many health scares for guitar virtuoso Zakk Wylde and it was so good to see him back onstage performing again. The staff of Hardrock Haven wishes Zakk Wylde the best and much continued success with his new album Order Of The Black and tour.

Black Label Society Set List:
The Beginning…The Last
Crazy Horse
What’s In You
The Rose Petalled Garden
Funeral Bell
Overlord
Parade Of The Dead
In This River
Fire It Up
Godspeed Hellbound
The Blessed Hellride
Suicide Messiah
Concrete Jungle
Stillborn

Black Label Society Tour Dates:
23 – Masquerade Music Park – Atlanta, GA
24 – The Fillmore Charlotte – Charlotte, NC
26 – Hard Rock – Orlando, FL
28 – Verizon Wireless Theater – Houston, TX
29 – Concrete St. Ampitheater – Corpus Christi , TX
30 – Verizon Theatre – Grand Prairie, TX
31 – Lonestar Pavilion – Lubbock, TX

November
2 – Stubbs Waller Creek Ampitheater – Austin, TX
3 – Brady Center – Tusla, OK
5 – DeltaPlex – Grand Rapids, MI
6 – Congress Theater – Chicago, IL
7 – The Fillmore – Detroit, MI
9 – Main Street Armory – Rochester, NY
10 – The LC Pavilion – Columbus, OH
12 – Cotilion – Wichita, KS
13 – Uptown Theater – Kansas City, KS
14 – The Fillmore Auditorium – Denver, CO
16 – The Complex – Salt Lake City, UT
18 – Dodge Theatre – Phoenix, AZ
19 – The Palladium – Los Angeles, CA
20 – Warfield – San Francisco, CA
21 – House of Blues – Las Vegas, NV

Dollyrots LIVE!

October 12, 2010, Shepherd’s Bush Empire, London

by Alissa Ordabai
Staff Writer

Artful balance between keeping your audience entertained and avoiding bombast and emotional overkill seems to come to the Dollyrots as naturally as genuine charisma comes to Kelly Ogden – the band’s singer, bassist and indelible frontwoman.

The imposing atmosphere of the Victorian 2,500-seater theater – which Shepherd’s Bush Empire has always been famous for – was on the night transformed into a club-like bristly vibe, the band connecting with the audience as soon as they hit the stage.

Affable, direct, and robust, the Dollyrots managed to walk the tightrope between goofiness and tongue-in-cheek bravura with natural ease, balancing out any musical superfluity with worldly, knowing lyrics which can caricature the stereotypes and obsessions of the modern Western teenage psyche like no other band’s.

Ogden’s singing hit the target on each song – accuracy of intonation and a knack for juxtaposing little vocal nuances making her smallish voice seem like just the right thing for this act. Linear and repetitive is how punk is supposed to be, and the Dollyrots know how to fit what they have into this simple concept. It may not be a great deal, but do try to put up an uplifting, entertaining show without affectations and false pretenses while enjoying yourself and sharing the fun with your audience. And the London crowd loved the band on the night, many having queued for over an hour ahead of the starting time to avoid missing the band.

Teenage music for the teenage audience – made for that curious time in our lives before grown-up sensibilities set in – is, of course, an overindulgent pleasure, a pleasure with no obligations, without any secret messages, contending to have no knowledge of adult ambition, loss, or sensuality, and of the devastation they can wreak. As a result, there is no self-importance to the Dollyrots’ act, which is, perhaps, the neatest thing about them. With them, it is all sincere, organic and open. How they will deal with this creative model once maturity sets in, is another question, but for now there is no other band on the circuit who can deliver such brilliant entertainment while asking so little of you – giving you all the fun you can have without demanding anything in return.

Photos courtesy of Alissa Ordabai

Doro LIVE!

October 2, 2010, Jaxx, W. Springfield, VA

by Justin Gaines
Staff Writer

German metal queen Doro Pesch and her band of metal warriors descended on Jaxx in West Springfield, VA Saturday night, part of a handful of select North American dates to warm the band up for their upcoming Japanese tour. The crowd was pretty sparse, especially given Doro’s stature in the metal community, but those who came out were among the most dedicated fans, traveling from all over the East Coast. The general consensus seemed to be that if Doro was playing within driving distance, you get in the car and drive!

After a lengthy wait (Jaxx saw fit to stack no less than four local bands as openers), Doro and company took the stage at just after midnight, and did so with style, blasting through the Warlock classics “I Rule the Ruins” and “Earthshaker Rock.” Switching gears to her most recent album Fear No Evil, Doro served up “Running From the Devil” and “Night of the Warlock” (with “Burning the Witches in between). The new material didn’t go over quite as well as the classics, but they’re both great songs and you can totally see “Night of the Warlock” becoming a fan favorite. After another pair of Warlock classics – “Metal Racer” and “True as Steel” – Doro delivered a moving tribute to the late Ronnie James Dio with her rendition of “Egypt (the Chains Are On.)” The set dragged a bit after that, with lesser-known Doro songs and a lengthy drum solo, but the band ended things with the one-two punch of a semi-acoustic version of Judas Priest’s “Breaking the Law” and the ultimate Doro/Warlock anthem “All We Are.”

The encore was a strange experience, with the songs seemingly chosen by audience request. The audience, it seems, wanted ballads, so Doro ended the show with “Love Me In Black” and “Fur Immer.” Both are good songs, but they’re hardly the kind of songs that bring down the house at the end of the night. Of course, as late as it was, maybe we all needed a couple of lullabies.

All in all, it was another terrific performance by the reigning queen of heavy metal. Doro seemed ageless, tireless (though she did seem thankful for a breather during Johnny Dee’s drum solo) and as always was completely gracious. Both she and the band had an incredible amount of energy and engaged the crowd to a great degree. Whether she’s playing at a huge European festival or a not-so-packed club show, Doro never gives less than 100%, and she always seems genuinely appreciative of the fans that have come out to see her.

Set List:
1.       I Rule the Ruins
2.       Earthshaker Rock
3.       Running From the Devil
4.       Burning the Witches
5.       Night of the Warlock
6.       Metal Racer
7.       True as Steel
8.       Egypt (The Chains Are On)
9.       Burn It Up
10.   Haunted Heart
11.   Hellbound
12.   Unholy Love
13.   Breaking the Law
14.   All We Are
15.   Love Me in Black
16.   Fur Immer

Ozzfest 2010

August 22, 2010 at Susquehanna Bank Center, Camden, NJ

by Steve Trager
Staff Writer

We often had wondered about Ozzfest returning to the concert stage for yet another blistering day of pure metal, and we the eager maniacs of metal give OZZY the horns up for yet another blistering day of metal on two stages. Sadly this seems to be the shortest run for Ozzfest this year with only six US dates, among them a stop at Susquehanna Bank Center in Camden, N.J. As this year’s lineup seemed to be a slight slant with just a few larger scale names such as Halford and Motley Crue rounding out the main stage and Black Label Society and Drowning Pool rounding out the second stage for a blast of a day, despite the weather conditions. For the first four bands that were set to play in Camden on the second stage, I raise a glass to the people behind the production of Ozzfest, as they announced the threat of bad weather and moved the set times up and had set changes moving at a rapid rate of speed to a point that it seems like the first two hours went by so quick you just couldn’t keep up with any set list.

Even with mandatory 20 set list and ultimately quick set changes throughout the second stage, we had the pleasure of catching a great set from Drowning Pool who, graced the main stage several years back. Still with a different front man, Drowning Pool shreds with tracks like “Sinner,” “Enemy,“ and the song that broke the mold for this band “Bodies;“ if that doesn’t get your blood going better have a few more beers at Ozzfest. Many of us respect the music as do some bands covering their inspired mentors Pantera dropping tributes to Dimebag with “Cemetery Gates“ and “Walk.“ I was never a fan of other bands covering material in metal but you have to give these guys more than just credit with that alone period, a well job done with a true inspired moment of greatness.

The second stage was cut short due to the threat of thunder and lighting which forced Black Label Society not to play. After looking around I could see alot of pissed off people who paid some great money to see Zakk kill it on songs like “Stillborn.” For the most part not even a little rain would stop a show but with constant downpour and equipment getting trashed, it seemed to be a smart move at a quick decision.

Thanks to the rain for letting everyone miss out on BLS closing out the second stage, we were forced to just wait for like 90 minutes for the main stage to get going. With just four bands rounding out Ozzfest, this years’ run of dates we the fans were treated to some great metal from NonPoint’s opening slot with “Miracle“ and “Bullet with a Name.“ Such a great time to watch front man Elias Soriiano whip his dreads around a mad man during Ozzfest.

Certainly Ozzfest wouldn’t be complete without Dez Ferrara and Devil Driver who, just truly killed it with a memorable performance with a great tracks spanning Devil Driver’s musical career, that including “I Could Care Less.“ And “Not All Who Wander Are Lost.” While we enjoyed the old days of Coal Chamber, Devil Driver brings to the fold a fresh bit in metal all these years with a great live show at this years Ozzfest on the main stage.

As we metal maniacs looked forward to a great set by Halford and all those the contributions he has dropped into the bucket with Fight and Judas Priest spanning history behind him, his set list was actually decent but very disappointing as he pulled out songs I never heard before other than “Nailed to the Gun“ and ‘’Never Satisfied.“ One would think taking the stage right before Motley Crue, Rob Halford would just squeeze in his set with as many great pieces of material that made this individual famous as a front man of two separate worlds that collide under one genre. Being a fan of certain years of Fight and Priest material, you get pumped up waiting to hear those songs blast right through your skull and you don’t hear them you wonder has Halford lost it? Sadly we know Rob has more material than meets the eye and could kick your ass up and down the block but, we had to settle for an unusual set list.

Gracing the stage for this first time in the history of Ozzfest none other then a classic band all themselves Motley Crue. Another band that certainly earned themselves more than just a musical career in the ‘80s. It’s always a great set for this band as you want to hear the classic Crue songs, you ask and you shall receive it’s that simple. Just how many songs can Motley Crue leave out in a 60-minute blaze at Ozzfest … quite a few but it it a trip down memory lane for all of us fans who grew up listening to Vince and the boys since 1981. Not only is this a special slot for the likes of Motley Crue, they got their first big break as an opening slot on Ozzy’s tour in 1984 which is a big deal for any band to share a stage with a living legend such as Ozzy. It’s like a true classic rock show with all the classics not to mention the pop or pyros jetting to the sky behind the stage as key songs are jammed down your throat. I always loved watching Motley Crue bring it home with a musical career spanning countless generations of fans even as co-headliner this year.

The Great and Powerful OZZ man has returned at Ozzfest with all new material in the fold, not to mention a new lineup including axe man Gus G from Firewind. You could say to play along side with Ozzy is a guitar heroes’ dream come true as I watched this guy shred every song in Ozzy’s set to bare bones. Is 90-minutes enough soak up a typical Ozzy set… the answer will always be no. While he tossed in a few Black Sabbath songs for good measure, Ozzy also unleashed the new single “Let Me Hear You Scream “. A nice addition to all the old traditional great anthems Ozzy has kicked out time and time again at each and every Ozzfest.. It’s no surprise that this year was just a short run in the States, but Philly has been a great market for Ozzy all these years. Nothing truly says Ozzy without “I Can’t Fuckin’ Hear You” and Ozzy tossing buckets of water on him and fans in the pit.

Will this be the last Ozzfest ever once again? One never knows as Ozzy is getting older but, still can kill it as a great performer and front man that has carried the metal flame at Ozzfest for more than a decade.

Ozzfest Photo Gallery

Photos courtesy of Steve Trager

RATT LIVE!

August 21st 2010 at Alrosa Villa, Columbus, Ohio

by John McGee
Staff Writer

RATT rolled into Ohio’s capital on a hot August night to a sold-out crowd. You could feel the energy vibrating through the air as the opening band, Dirty Side Down, pumped up the audience with some classic 80’s hits. Dirty Side Down is an incredibly good band to watch perform. This was the right choice for an opening act. After the opening band played a set lasting about 45 minutes RATT finally took the stage. This was their first appearance at the Alrosa Villa since 1997 when they played with LA Guns. Needless to say Columbus, Ohio was geared up to see them play.

As the stage filled with smoke Warren DeMartini’s guitar was ablaze with the opening lick of “You’re In Love”. The crowd erupted; a true sign that RATT N’ ROLL had undeniably returned. Never stopping RATT played straight into “Lay it Down”. Only as the final notes reverberated through the room did Stephen Pearcy finally say “Columbus Ohio how the hell are you?!”

RATT reached down into the cellar and came back with the song “Lack of Communication” before moving into “Take a Big Bite” the first of four songs off the band’s new album Infestation. RATT continued to pull out the hits from their earlier releases. The songs included “I Want a Woman”, “Slip of the Lip”, “Loving You is a Dirty Job” and “Back for More”.

Having seen the band during their heyday I can confidently say that they can still put on one hell of a show! Stephen Pearcy is still one the best front men in Rock and Roll; proving once and for all that he is the voice of RATT. Having proven in the 80’s that he was a guitar-God; Warren DeMartini still continues to astonish his fans with his guitar prowess. Carlos Cavazo, the newest member of the RATT PACK, seamlessly slid into the 2nd guitar position sharing guitar solos and limelight with DeMartini as if they had been doing it for years. The rhythm section powered by Bobby Blotzer and Robbie Crane was like that of a well -oiled machine.

In this photographer’s opinion there were many highlights of this unbelievable show. The most memorable being when RATT performed their encore of “Round and Round” and the crowd went insane singing along and pumping their fists in the air. Overall this was an amazing show that simply put…rocked. RATT once again showed that they have never lost their touch. This band still has what it takes to perform to another sold-out crowd thirteen years later.
Side note: If you were unable to catch one of RATT’s shows on this tour you really don’t know what you missed.

Set List:
You’re in Love
Lay it Down
Lack of Communication
Take a Big Bite
I Want a Woman
Slip of the Lip
Loving You is a Dirty Job
Last Call
Best of Me
Back for More
Nobody Rides for Free
Way Cool Jr.
Wanted Man
Morning After
Round and Round
Eat Me Up Alive

Photos courtesy of John McGee

Megadeth Live!

July 13, 2010 at B1 Club, Moscow, Russia

by Rodion Goloshchapov
Guest Staff Writer

At first it seemed like the infamous B1 club with its capacity of 3000 would not be able to hold Megadeth with their rowdy crowd of die-hard fans. But in the end both dates played by the band at B1 in Moscow this month couldn’t have passed better.

The local thrash-themed support act Arbitrator left no impression apart from their extremely young age and glaring unprofessionalism, but the imposing “supported Megadeth” line on their CVs is perhaps a fair enough compensation for having to bear the constant “Go home to your ma!” shouts from the crowd which accompanied their set.

An hour later, with the appearance of the Megadeth roadies on the stage, it became clear that Dave Mustaine was going to use Dean guitars, Dave Ellefson’s brand of choice would be Jackson, and Chris Broderick remains an Ibanez man. During the show Mustaine switched between three Dean Signature VMNT Flying Vs, just like Ellefson would switch between three Jackson basses, all three being Concert Bass SMG series. Chris Broderick remained faithful to his Ibanez RG7 axe throughout the set.

Amidst sweltering heat the atmosphere was becoming more and more agitated, when finally Shawn Dover came on stage walking straight to his drum set, followed by Broderick, and then by Ellefson and Mustaine himself. The first three songs (“Wake Up Dead”, “In My Darkest Hour”, and “She Wolf”) were played without breaks between them, while a fine, if not excellent, sound was gradually being shaped by the sound engineers.

Rust in Peace back-cloth was splattered behind the band, and even one of Mustaine’s guitars was decorated with the album’s artwork. Mustaine, Ellefson and Broderick were constantly switching places, allowing their fans (who have waited for almost 10 years to see the band in Russia again) to have a proper view of their heroes.

Mustaine, for one, looked imposing with his mane of blond hair and a white musketeer’s shirt – a true guitar hero and a heartthrob. His smiles and air-kisses directed at the VIP box looked elegant too, sincere and without a trace of flam.

Following a genius version of “Skin ‘O My Teeth”, Rust in Peace was performed in its entirety – in exactly the same sequence as recorded on the album. Broderick handled his lead guitar duties with lots of dignity, given that it isn’t the easiest of tasks to follow in Marty Friedman’s footsteps, as Rust in Peace to this day remains one of the most technically complex albums not only in the Megadeth catalogue, but of heavy music as a genre.

Broderick’s leads weren’t something that will suddenly change the world, but he is a competent, assiduous player who interacts perfectly with Mustaine, while carrying himself with confidence and poise. Mustaine soloed a lot too, and the interaction between the two was easy and natural. Plus Ellefson sounded like he’s never been away, given that 2010 sees him back in Megadeth for the first time after an 8-year break.

Toward the middle of the show a security guard decided it would be fun to pull down to the floor one of the crowd-surging fans, which made Mustaine act quickly and decisively. After seeing the lad being pulled down and hitting the floor, Mustaine leans over the side of the stage, slaps the guilty guardsman on the head, walks over back to his mic and says: “Don’t fucking do that,” to the ecstatic cheers from the crowd.

The ladies’ favourite “A Tout Le Monde” sounded truly impressive, and Mustaine showed that he is not only a virtuoso on the guitar, but is also an equally formidable singer.

After mind-blasting “Symphony of Destruction” it seemed like nothing else would take the audience onto another level of their natural high, but suddenly the band launched into “Peace Sells” which completely overwhelms the already overexcited crowd.

In the end Ellefson, Mustaine and Broderick throw their guitar picks into the audience, and after a light scuffle a 15 year-old kid emerges in front of me screaming, eyes popping with sheer joy, holding a green guitar pick which says “Megadeth” in his hand. Then Dover throws his drum sticks into the crowd, and they hit my buddy who stands next to me right on the forehead. A cracking good show.

Set list:
1. Intro
2. Wake Up Dead
3. In My Darkest Hour
4. She Wolf
5. Skin ‘O My Teeth
6. Holy Wars
7. Hangar 18
8. Take No Prisoners
9. Five Magics
10. Poison Was The Cure
11. Lucretia
12. Tornado of Souls
13. Dawn Patrol
14. Rust in Peace
15. Trust
16. Angry Again
17. Headcrusher
18. A Tout Le Monde
19. Symphony of Destruction

Encore:
Peace Sells / Holy War reprise

Translation by Alissa Ordabai

Photos courtesy of Mikhail Grigoriev

Night Ranger LIVE!

August 17, 2010 at Wolf Den, Mohegan Sun Casino, Uncasville, CT.

by Deb Rao
Staff Writer

The end of summer kicked into high gear, as one of the top bands from the ’80s made a special appearance at the Wolf Den at the Mohegan Sun Casino on August 17. Fans had the opportunity to take a walk down memory lane, as Night Ranger cranked out many of the hit songs of their heyday.

Night Ranger features Jack Blades on bass and vocals, Kelly Keagy on drums on vocals and drums, Brad Gillis on guitar and vocals, Joel Hoekstra on guitar, and keyboard player Christian Cullen. Night Ranger hit the stage at 8 P.M. and performed a 90-minute energetic set that did not let up. The ’80s were a time that inspired great lyrics and catchy melodies. Tonight, Night Ranger relived the glory days as they performed such hits as “Four In The Morning,” “Sentimental Street” and “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me.”

Singer Jack Blades reminisced with the audience commenting, “The band got together in 1980, and released their first album in 1982.” Highlights of their career many music sound tracks including the Michael J. Fox hit, “Secret Of My Success.” It is great coming back to The Wolf Den, it is like we are playing in your living room.”

Guitar solos ruled the night, as guitarist Brad Gillis took center stage unleashing the powerful solos that ruled the charts in the ’80s. New guitarist Joel Hoekstra from Rock Of Ages also did a great job.

The evening prompted many sing alongs. The set list was outstanding. Jack Blades even through in a Damn Yankees song, “High Enough.” Brad relived his Ozzy days, as the band slammed into “Crazy Train.” I had the opportunity to talk with Brad after the show. He told me, “The band is having a great time onstage these days. I think Night Ranger has the best line-up these days. Joel is a great addition. We played some shows with Alice Cooper this year. Last year we toured with Journey.”

Night Ranger performed as if they were playing in an arena setting. Strong and energized. The future looks promising for this ’80′s rock band. Be sure to catch Night Ranger on tour this summer.

Set List:
1. This Boy Needs To Rock (Highway Star)
2. Sing Me Away
3. Rumors In The Air
4. Coming Of Age
5. Crazy Train
6. The Secret of My Success
7. Sentimental Street
8. High Enough
9. Eddie’s Coming Out Tonight
10. Four In The Morning
11. When You Close Your Eyes
12. Don’t Tell Me You Love Me

Encore:
Sister Christian
You Can Still Rock In America

Web: www.myspace.com/nightranger

Photos courtesy of Deb Rao

Next Page »