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Hampton Beach,NH-Glam-metal veteran bands- Cinderella, Ratt, Quiet Riot and Firehouse heated up the famous Casino Ballroom with an outstanding show as the Rock Never Stops Tour pulled into Hampton Beach! Three semi-trucks and five busses chock-full of bands, gear and lights, invaded this bustling beach community. The ‘Rock Never Stops’ tour, which is sponsored by VH1, is now into its third month. With a tour of this magnitude, one might think it was the 80's all over again! What an explosion of 80's metal! Each and every band looked and sounded better than ever on this hot summer night, as they belted out hit after hit with incredible intensity! I can totally understand why it’s called the ‘Rock Never Stops Tour,’ because the rock didn’t stop for about four hours. As I mentioned, Ratt, Quiet Riot and Firehouse were amazing. The songs were all great, and the performances were high energy, but it was obvious why rockers Cinderella were chosen to headline this tour. |
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Cinderella tore into the stage like Tiny Tim on a Christmas turkey, opening the sold out show with the classic hit “Night Songs.” The venue literally erupted into cheers and shouts as the band ripped into the opening song. I could see the excitement on the faces of fans as they witnessed this intense performance. You could see on each of the band members faces that they were clearly on a mission, and that mission was to deliver a high energy rock and roll show, complete with all the Cinderella hits we remember from that era. I was wondering after a blistering set from Ratt, Quiet Riot and Firehouse, how Cinderella was going to top their awesome performances, and they pretty much managed to do that in the first song.
Cinderella still consists of all four original members, which is rare to see in many bands from that era today. Tom Keifer and Jeff LaBar made it look all too easy, even when they had two guitars at once strapped on, and still belting out vocals! Eric Brittingham plays bass like it’s second nature to him, which more than likely it is. Fred Coury is still an outstanding drummer and performer, and didn’t miss a thundering beat. After playing all the hits, Cinderella closed the show with one of the biggest rock ballads ever, “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone),” and my favorite, “Shake Me.” You could literally feel the energy in the air, and the band sounded flawless, as if you were listening to a cd. Tom Keifers unique voice was in the best shape ever, and each member looked like the Rock-Stars they truly are. All four of the members of Cinderella are true musicians, and well seasoned live performers. Period! Kick ass show! 10+
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I want to close this review by saying, in my opinion, this years Rock Never Stops Tour with Cinderella, Ratt, Quiet Riot and Firehouse, was by far the best one yet. People definitely got their monies worth at this show. You can’t go wrong with a line-up like this, and it’s nice to see people having fun again at a rock show. After all, isn’t that what it’s all about? If anybody out there is lucky enough to have this tour roll into their town, and you’re still contemplating on going to the show, get your tickets now! Chances are, you may never get the opportunity to see these bands all together again. It’s refreshing to see that the Grunge era was only temporary, and that in the long run, had no lasting effect on these powerful Glam-Metal bands from that era. It’s obvious after tonight’s show, that they are back, and they’re bigger, better and louder than ever before! It’s going to be interesting to see how next years 2006 Rock Never Stops Tour can beat this one. That’ll be very hard to do, but until then ROCK ON!
Check out more on Cinderella and the 2005 Rock Never Stops Tour at www.cinderella.net
For photos of Quiet Riot, RATT & Firehouse from this show click here
Check out Doobie’s interview with Cinderella’s Jeff LaBar here
Check out our RNS review from July 21, 2005 here
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