It's so great when these world-class rockers step on back to the clubs where so many got their start -- also in this issue is a look at the recent Whisky show by Frank Hannon of Tesla, and just a few days after Hannon graced the Whisky's venerable stage, British bassist-singer Glenn Hughes dropped in with a few friends for another stellar set of world-class rock. Hughes is one of a large cast of fellows who have been part of the hard-rock monster band Deep Purple over the years, and he most famously played on albums and songs such as “Burn” and “Stormbringer.” Glenn Hughes has done a lot and been through a lot over the years, and it was a treat to see him bring his chops to the Whisky, which was good and packed for the gig.
ACIDIC, the young Westside band fronted by guitarist Michael Gossard, was privileged to partake in the festivities, with an opening set that included several songs from the group's new CD, “Ironic Dreams.” “Break Me Down” was followed by the robust drum intro of “Strata Red,” 
produced by Matt Whitaker, happy and lively in his Loyola shirt. (As usual, Matt could be seen singing along to every word – without a microphone.) New guitarist Andrew Sabatine helped lay down the ballad-like chords of “Moving On,” which Michael sang in a voice somewhat evocative of Green Day's Billy Joe Armstrong, as has been noted before. Bassist Ted Dubrawski rolled busily away through “The Addict,” a chunky cut that held elements of both Black Sabbath and The Offspring – two disparate sources that provide impetus and inspiration for the creatively evolving ensemble that is ACIDIC.
Next, as an appropriate prelude to a former member of Deep Purple, came a band called Frontrunner, a quartet of young men that at times sounds very much like Glenn Hughes' old outfit. Frontrunner's set included a cookin' rendition of “Train Kept A-Rolling,” complete with wailing guitars and vocals that paid homage to the old Aerosmith interpretation. The band also rocked with “Fair Warning” and “Landslide,” during which the guitarist jumped vigorously and high, 
before breaking into the effects-laden intro to Frontrunner's set-closer, “We're All Here For You.
Hot to trot and eager to please was the new “house band” at The Whisky, whose name is "Faded Spades," but who in fact proved to be aces when it comes to livening up a gig. Following in the venerable footsteps of Jim Morrison, frontman Nicky Meade puts parts of David Lee Roth and Scott Weiland into his stage demeanor -- yet he's really his own man, quite an original and engaging performer. Not only does he sing, but he can also play guitar and keyboards, and he'll toss in the occasional back-flip or acrobatic leap just to spice things up. Nicky's showmanship is matched by that of guitarist Lightning Lee Hamilton, who plays a truly unique lightning-themed axe. The two are backed by drummer NJ and bassist Joey Vincent, and the Faded Spades were announced by the strains of the golden-years hit, “Let Me Entertain You” -- which proved to be a combination of invitation, plea, threat, and promise. Showing their vintage roots, the band opened with the KISS classic, “Detroit Rock City,” cutting right from there into a more up-to-date ditty called “Rock Star.” As the set progressed, 
the eye-shadowed Nickie shed his jacket and loosened his tie, like Angus Young is known to do, as a prelude to his famous “b.a.” routine – but on this occasion, Nickie didn't emulate the Aussie bad-boy quite so far. Lightning Lee certainly broke out all the stops and tricks, including behind-the-neck playing, and much fun with distortion in his exploration of the electric blues. Decadent but not quite dissolute, Nicky invited a female from the floor to aid in Faded Spades' last song, a version of “Proud Mary” much like the way Tina Turner does it: nice and rough! Balloons descended from the rafters into the crowd to accent the potent set-closer.
Glenn Hughes came out with an inviting opus called “Tell Me What You Crave,” and then plunged into a lengthy set that was long on power-chords and powerful vocals. Hughes proved to be a masterful bassist, able to handle his axe like a lead instrument when he chose to, yet well able to defer shredding duties to the other members of his band, including veteran drummer Steve Stevens. Rhythm and funk came through in abundance, through songs that included “You Got Soul,” “Getting Together,” and “Don't Let Me Bleed.” despite what's been said about former dependency issues he may have 
experienced, Glenn Hughes was bright-eyed and strong for this show, determined to deliver the goods to the tight-packed house. Singing along was invited, as during the slow, chunky churn of “I've Been Mistreated,” and though he at first seemed to maintain just a tad of British reserve, Glenn warmed to the occasion, basking in adulation and acclaim that seemed just as strong and fresh as what must have been felt in bygone days, when he helped to be a trailblazer in the world of hard rock, setting trends and making waves still felt and ridden by youngster bands such as those who preceded him on stage this evening. Fittingly, Glenn Hughes ended his set with one of the biggest hits of his career, the magnificent Deep Purple barn-blazer called “Burn” -- and burn he did, with power and passion, with chops to share and spare, among a crowd of young and not-so-young rockers that filled The Whisky, yelling for more.
