BY DEAN BIRKHEIMER | Go Venue Magazine
“Rock and Roll has probably given more than it’s taken” – Charlie Watts
Been awhile since I’ve been at Stir Cove. I almost forgot how awesome a venue it is. Everything they do at the Cove they do right. Easy to get to, plenty of parking and check in is easy. The personnel are always accommodating, professional and friendly. It’s always a pleasure to shoot there, and you know if you are shooting there, you are about to see some top-notch entertainment. The night of October 2nd was no exception. The math is simple. Vixen plus Dokken plus Skid Row equals, Rock and Roll.
Vixen formed in 1980 out of St. Paul, Minnesota and by the mid to late 80s they had become part of the L.A. glam culture. The current band members are Lorraine Lewis, vocals, Share Ross, Bass, Britt Lightning, guitar, and Roxy Petrucci – Drums. Joining them this evening on Keyboard was Tyson Leslie. Even though it was only a seven-song set, Vixen put on a crowd pumping high energy rock show. The lead vocals were strong, and the harmonies were spot on. I loved watching the interaction between band members as well as Lorraine’s continuous relationship with the crowd. If you’re looking for a rock and roll fixen’, then check out Vixen. (I know, that what was bad)
Set List:
REV IT UP – BIG ONE – HOW MUCH LOVE – CRYIN’ – I WANT YOU TO ROCK ME – YOU OUGHTA KNOW BY NOW – EDGE OF A BROKEN HEART
Time for Dokken. I’ve seen these guys before and came away very impressed. The showmanship and the expertise on their respective instruments cannot be understated. These guys got together in L.A. back in 1979. They went through a “break-up” period for a few years, but got back together and have sold more than 10 million albums world-wide. Don Dokken, vocals, George Lynch, guitar, Jon Levin, guitar, Chris McCarvill, bass, and Bill “BJ” Zampa, drums make up the band. Dokken is still a force in the rock and roll world, and during this performance ripped through all the hits and had the crowd in the palm of their hands. If you are a fan of Dokken this performance was a gem. It was filled with the classics and full of nostalgia. If you’re lookin’ for some rockin’, then seek out Dokken. (I know, that was bad too)
Set List:
DON’T CLOSE YOUR EYES – THE HUNTER – INTO THE FIRE – BREAKING THE CHAINS – DREAM WARRIORS – JUST GOT LUCKY – ALONE AGAIN – TOO HIGH TO FLY – KISS OF DEATH – IT’S NOT LOVE – DREAMS
When we talk about American rock and roll band, Skid Row always enters the conversation. Toms River N.J. is where these guys got their start (that explains a lot). Their first two albums went multi-platinum and produced some of Skid Rows biggest hits. There have been a few changes to the line-up over the years, and currently it boasts, Dave “The Snake” Sabo, guitar, Rachel Bolan, bass, Scotti Hill, guitar, Rob Hammersmith, drums and ZP Theart, vocals. O.K. let’s get this out of the way. ZP had some big shoes to fill replacing Sebastian Bach, but truth be told. I didn’t miss Sebastian at all. Talent has a way of making you see past, well…the past. Theart’s vocals are heavier, grittier, and he can hit the high note with ease. This band is full of rock stars, and I got the impression that they just loved being on that stage. They played all the songs you’d expect and at one point did an incredible cover of The Ramones, “Psycho Therapy.” Very few bands are a cool as Skid Row, they know how to treat the fans and take nothing for granted. Wanna see a show that doesn’t blow, then go see Skid Row. (I know, the worst of them all)
Set List:
SLAVE TO THE GRIND– RIOT ACT – BIG GUNS – 18 & LIFE – PIECE OF ME – CHAIN GANG – PSYCHO THERAPY – I REMEMBER YOU – MONKEY BIZ (JAM) MAKIN’ A MESS –
– ENCORE –
QUICKSAND / IN A DARKENED ROOM – MUDKICKER – YOUTH GONE WILD
Skid Row
Dokken
Vixen
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