Dripping with the blues groove that helped them carve their niche during the 80s, Great White hit the stage much to the crowd’s delight with Call it Rock and Roll. Everyone was here for one thing, and one thing only – good time rock and roll. Times have been tough for the band, but tonight there was no baggage – just a flawless performance.
While the band seemed to tone it down a little throughout the set with Old Rose Motel, Save Your Love, House of Broken Love, and Back to the Rhythm, they drew the largest crowd response with the obvious hits – Rock Me, Once Bitten and even Face the Day. Stretching all the way back, they also included older tracks like On Your Knees and Can’t Shake It. Regardless of which period in time they played from, everything came off with perfection, and the band was having as much of a blast as the crowd was. While their 17 track setlist provided a great soundtrack for the night, there is a slight lull in it. Maybe adjusting and including more up-tempo tracks could solidify the list even better.
I was disappointed in the crowd size, but then I realized it was probably due to the asinine prices Lucky Man was charging for the tickets. Especially on the same night that BulletBoys were playing across town for less than half the price. Nobody has ever accused Lucky Man of having a clue.
Preceding the night’s performance, Mark Kendall stopped by Raptor Guitars in Phoenix. In front of a packed store, he played his new TTM guitars, told stories, answered questions and signed whatever anyone put in front of him. Very down to earth, very cool and very appreciative of everyone that came to see him.
68 Guns, one of the better local cover bands, did a stellar job warming up the crowd with their infectious covers of Say What You Will, Walkin’ Shoes, Bathroom Wall, and Monkey Business. When they closed the set with Kickstart My Heart, there were several people looking over their shoulder to see if Motley had actually jumped on stage. Tonight the band also introduced their new guitarist, Thor. They have also been tapped as support for LA Guns on Sept. 27th if you’re in the Phoenix area.
Arizona prodigy Jack Ripper played an amazing set. Ripping through Mob Rules, War Pigs, medleys of Whole Lotta Love and Immigrant Song, you could pick out the guitarists in the crowd as they stood and watched with intent. Oh, have I mentioned Jack is only 12? Fresh off his gig from Rocklahoma, the crowd gathered in curiosity and the kid delivered.
Overall it was a great night to hang out and catch a solid act like Great White. Say what you may, crack whatever jokes you feel the need to – the band put on a solid set.
