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Concert Review
'Rock Never Stops'
featuring:
Cinderella, Ratt, Quiet Riot, Firehouse
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, CT
July 21, 2005
Review by Deb Rao
Photos by Jim Hackett
Uncasville, CT-The 80's proved to be alive and well as The Rock Never Stops Tour rolled into the Mohegan Sun Arena, with some of the top metal bands from that era. This year's line-up features Cinderella, Ratt, the legendary Quiet Riot, and Firehouse.
Thus far, my 2005 summer concert season has sizzled with metal mania and tonight was no exception! I arrived at 6:30 p.m. but totally missed Firehouse, as the venue secretly changed the starting time from 7 p.m. to 6 p.m. I hurried to try and find my seat, next to the stage, to watch my friends Quiet Riot perform on this blockbuster tour. The venue was starting to fill up as Quiet Riot kicked the party into full gear. I have seen Quiet Riot perform many times in the past, but their latest line-up brought a new found enthusiasm and exhilaration to their set.
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Front man Kevin Dubrow is timeless, proving he is still one of the most powerful singers in rock music today. Kevin’s dynamic performance found him strutting and dancing to all of the Quiet Riot hits without missing a beat. The band opened the show with "Put Out or Shut Up", and then rolled into "Mama Weer All Crazy Now." Frankie Banali’s drumming is the backbone of Quiet Riot, coupled with the dynamic heavy bass stylings of bassist Chuck Wright, the band laid down an infectious groove that kept the audience dancing in their seats. One of the most impressive new changes within Quiet Riot is the addition of super guitar whiz, Alex Grossi (Beautiful Creatures), who hails from Hartford, Ct. Alex shredded like a young Eddie Van Halen, as he breathed new life into the older Quiet Riot hits, and made them sound brand new, with his special 80's flair. One of the highlight's of the evening came when the band played “Red Light Mama Red Hot", a track from Dubrow’s first solo album. Kevin shined on this song, showcasing his diverse vocal style in a blues-flavored Humble Pie kind of way. Dubrow yelled, "Does anybody remember when MTV ruled the world? I think TV today should be called manic television." In a recent interview with Kevin, the front man described the 80's as a time when music was fun. He was right on the money tonight. The audience loved every minute of it, singing along to such 80's anthems as "Cum On Feel The Noize," and the unforgettable "Bang Your Head.” Quiet Riot gave one of the most riveting sets of the evening, and proved a good song will last forever. I got to talk to the band after the show, and Chuck Wright stated," I have been playing with Frankie on again, off again since 1981. The chemistry between us is great.” Dubrow and company closed the set with, as Kevin puts it, "The ultimate FUCK YOU song, "Bang Your Head." All the head-bangers in the place united and Quiet Riot proved they are in deed "Alive and Well."
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Next up, Ratt delivered an energetic set of hit after hit, including "Lay It Down," “Back For More” and "Round and Round." Front man Jizzy Pearl has effortlessly fulfilled the roll originally held by Stephen Pearcy. Jizzy is the kind of performer that can sing any song and make it sound like his own. With their current line-up, Ratt has managed to maintain a substantial following of die-hard Ratt fans. Original members Bobby Blotzer and Warren DeMartini are still carrying the torch, further proof that 80's music is still very much alive. As their set was coming to an end, Jizzy Pearl yelled, "It’s time for an 80's sing-a-long.” Ratt played their biggest hit, "Round and Round", and the crowd went crazy, leaving no doubt that Ratt and Roll still remains, even in 2005.
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The evening closed with Cinderella, the Philadelphia band that swept 80's fans off their feet with glam-rock style, good looks, and hard-driving bluesy tunes. The anticipation in the air was so thick you could cut it with a knife as their set opened with "Night Songs." The band continued through all of their hits, including a special acoustic performance of "Nobody’s Fool." The band also showcased their gritty, rockin’ blues style on songs like "Gypsy Road, " and "Save Me." Cinderella's performance was flawless. Cinderella's set sparked pyro and flash pods, but what clearly showed through all the flash was Cinderella's stellar musicianship. They have been credited as one of the best bands to come out of the 80's genre. Sporting a black top hat, Tom Keifer, owner of one of the most recognizable voices in 80's music, captivated the crowd with his mesmerizing performance. The band closed the show with two encores. Tom took his place in front of the piano for the emotion soaked signature ballad "Don’t Know What You Got ‘Til It's Gone" followed by "Shake Me."
The Rock Never Stops tour takes the audience on a journey back in time. A time when music was meant to be fun, and was, a time that knew no boundaries, a time when METAL ruled the world, and on this night, it did yet again.
Click here for many more photos from the show
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