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Rock Never Stops
Canton, OH
7/12/2005
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This summer’s Rock Never Stops package tour featuring Firehouse,
Quiet Riot, Ratt, and Cinderella visited Canton, OH, home to the
Pro Football Hall of Fame (and not much else) this past Tuesday
evening. While the bands played to a modest audience at the
Civic Center, the show was nothing short of stellar.
Firehouse kicked off the evening with great enthusiasm inviting
the audience to get up off their seats and join them for some
fist-pounding fun with favorites like “Don’t Treat Me Bad,” as
well as new material off their latest release, Prime Time. Also,
with local boy, Allen McKenzie, on bass guitar, it was a special
treat for the local audience of friends and family.
Quiet Riot hit the stage next with lead-vocalist Kevin Dubrow
sporting a new look reminiscent of pop legend Rod Stewart.
Joined by Chuck Wright, Frankie Banalli, and the Beautiful
Creatures’ Alex Grossi, the band performance was metal to the
core with anthems like “Metal Heath (Bang Your Head)” and “Cum
on Feel the Noize.”
With original members Bobby Blotzer and Warren DeMartini holding
down the pack, Ratt took the stage next performing a lengthier
set of classics like “Wanted Man,” “Way Cool Junior,” and “Round
and Round”. While rumors of a Ratt reunion have recently
surfaced, there are no complaints about the current line-up with
features Jizzy Pearl on vocals, Robbie Crane on Bass, and John
Corabi on guitar.
As one of the only bands of the era still going strong with all
original members, headliners Cinderella went first class all the
way with a piano and sax solos, and an invigorating pyro show
that fueled the already enthusiastic crow. From Tom Keifer’s
passionate vocal performance, to Jeff LaBar’s stylish wardrobe,
this is a band of true rock stars. While they did surprise us
with a rendition of “Still Standing,” the remainder of the set
consisted of fan favorites from video hits like “Nobody’s Fool”
and “Shelter Me” to the bluesy rockers like “Bad Seamstress
Blues” and “Last Train.” As they closed the evening with “Shake
Me,” their talent and energy was undeniable. One could only
wonder when we will see a new album from these guys.
(Interestingly there were some sampler discs floating around
from Naked Beggars featuring performances from Eric Brittingham
and Jeff Labar that will perhaps fill the void.)
Our only complaint was that the opening sets simply weren’t long
enough, but kudos to the road crew for the quick set changes! |
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