Written By: Tommy Gilbert
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation, and as I scanned the room, I couldn’t help but notice the presence of some of Nashville’s Heavy Metal rock elite. The venue, known as the Eighth Room, was a hidden gem that I had yet to experience. From the moment I stepped inside, I could sense that tonight was going to be something Read more →
It all started as any other Friday. Finish work and be free by 5 p.m. But this Friday night would be way different than any other night. I knew I’d be headed downtown Nashville to see the often-accoladed Wreking Crue from Detroit Michigan. Not knowing really what to expect, because it was recommended by my buddy, I really didn’t have any expectations of the band I was about to see.
We headed down to Assembly Food Hall to confuse ourselves over what we actually wanted to eat before the show, but ended up getting some barbecue and Tacos. No, not together. I got barbecue and my buddy got tacos. Of course that had to go with a couple beers. I’m a Lager guy so I started off with some Yuengling.
There was some entertainment there at the Assembly Food Hall, but I didn’t catch the name of the talent, but if you want some dinner and entertainment, it’s a good place to start.
Garden Of Eden
Then, on to Bowie’s on 3rd Avenue. Surrounded by rhinestone cowboy clubs and bro-country music lies a rock-n-roll gem in Nashville. A veritable refuge for rock-n-roll fans and an escape from the country onslaught that is downtown Nashville. Bowie’s is a self-described downtown rock ‘n’ roll bar that doesn’t just live for the weekends, but for every night. As we entered the venue early for the Wreking Crue show, we were greeted with the sounds of a fantastic cover band names Garden of Eden that was reviving tunes from the late 70s and early 80s. Garden of Eden plays regularly at Bowie’s so you have the chance to catch them. While enjoying the band and having a brew or two, the room began to fill up for what was to come from Wreking Crue.
Finally, the time came for Wreking Crue to hit the stage and at first it was a little jarring as they lit the place up with the lights and sounds of a small, but effective Motley Crue experience. To complete all members of the tribute band to represent the actual members of Motley Crue we had Vinnie Roxx playing the part of Vince Neil, Nikki Sikks as Nikki Sixx, Crash Mars as Mick Mars and Stixx as Tommy Lee. Each of these members could really hold their own with the Motley Crue sounds and excelled at portraying their characters. To top it off there were Crue Girls in attendance for backup vocals. Once the experience began, it became clear that these guys were serious about putting out the best most accurate Motley Crue experience they could muster. Having seen Motley Crue multiple times back in the hey day, I feel I’m uniquely qualified to say that.
Their first set was focused primarily on Motley Crue’s earliest works including Live Wire, Take Me to The Top, Come on And Dance, Too Fast For Love and Merry Go Round. The introduction to Wreking Crue was a welcome one. You could tell they were there for fun and to make the crowd happy. With banter back and forth with the crowd, random sips of whiskey (just like Motley Crue would do) and the Crue Girls singing backup, it was a completely well rounded experience of a Motley Crue tribute band.
The second set was even more of an onslaught of the Wreking Crue experience with a return to Motley Crue’s more recent work and an outfit change for the backup singers. With a humble cry from lead singer Vinnie Roxx, “Are you guys sick of our shit yet?! The truth is we do this because we love it. We love the music and we love bringing it to you and having fun.” On to newer tracks from Motley Crue including Shout At The Devil, Red Hot, Looks That Kill, Knock Em Dead Kid, Home Sweet Home, Girls Girls Girls and Dr. Feelgood.
With Vinnie Roxx hitting vocals that Vince Neil can’t these days, it made me think of a replacement, but that’ll never happen. Nikki Sikks banged on the bass and you could really feel it in your chest. Crash Mars power over the guitar was evident in his finger work for the solos and even in the rhythm. Seemingly the youngest member of the band, Stixx, even did an impression of a one-handed drummer to highlight his skills over a set all while holding a bottle of whisky. The backup singers (likely the wives), were having a blast on stage and reliving their Motley Crue Experiences as well.
All in all, it was a great show including pick and stick tossing to the audience and trips to the merch counter. If you have a chance to see this great tribute band, do yourself a favor. Grab a couple of friends and do it. Take it from an old Motley Crue fan, it’s a worthwhile experience.
For more on Wreking Crue, visit their website
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As a member of the iconic band Chicago, Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter Bill Champlin sold millions of records and contributed to the band’s signature ’80s ballad style. In fact, Champlin sang lead on the band’s1989 Billboard Year-End chart #1 song, “Look Away.”
As Billy Joel’s touring and recording drummer for 40 years and a sought-after session player, Liberty DeVitto is responsible for drumming on records that have sold a combined 150 million units worldwide.
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Now, Champlin and DeVitto have teamed with renowned #1 international iTunes charting keyboardist and vocalist Doug Kistner for the release of his latest single, “There’s The Door.”
“Instantly recognizable!” says Michael Stover of MTS. “Bill’s vocals you’ve heard on so many hit singles, and those drums…couldn’t be anyone but Liberty! Add in Doug’s impeccable writing and keys… a Yacht Rock classic!”
Doug Kistner is a renowned touring keyboard player and vocalist from Verona, NJ. Embracing the musical stylings of 70s and 80s megastars like Chicago, Steely Dan, Michael McDonald, and Kenny Loggins, Kistner has forged a place for himself as a “Yacht Rock” contemporary. Doug has performed with some of the biggest names in music, including Trans Siberian Orchestra, John Waite, Blood Sweat and Tears, and Chicago’s Danny Seraphine. In 2021, Doug Kistner took the leap from sideman to centerstage, releasing 4 singles and hitting the top of the iTunes charts in South Africa and Top 15 in the UK. Doug Kistner is currently with The Lords of 52nd Street featuring former members of Billy Joel’s longtime band, Liberty DeVitto, Russell Javors and Richie Cannata.) Kistner also performs with Glen Burtnik’s Summer of Love.
“Paige King Johnson’s new single finds the North Carolina native sounding sultry and self-assured on this playful romp about a woman who knows she’s on the verge of falling head over heels in love. The production is engaging and Johnson’s vocal magic draws the listener in and it’s a sure bet they’ll want to hit repeat on this catchy tune.”
– Deborah Evans-Price
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Johnson’s strong vocals soar on this lively tune, as the lyrics are both charming and assertive. She sings of a feeling some of us are all too familiar with, knowing we are on the brink of falling in love quickly with every little thing they do drawing us closer. Johnson brings the energy and attitude to the release of this relatable song that will have listeners singing along to every word. “Baby Don’t” is now included in TIDAL’s Rising: Country playlist and was premiered by Read more →
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Jake FrancisListen to 'What I've Been Missing' On Amazonresiding in Nashville, Tennessee. He wears his heart on his sleeve with every song he Read more →
Kyndon Oakes, former lead singer for trio Lockeland, has announced his debut as a solo artist and release of first single, “Nashville.” The song was written by Renn Anderson, Michael Boris, Mark Vikingstad and Kyndon Oakes,and produced by Lee Turner and Renn Anderston at 2 Twenty 2 Studio in Nashville. Studio musicians included Renn Anderson (acoustic/electric/bass guitar), Lee Turner (keys/b3/organ), Josh Day (drums/percussion) and Alyssa Bonagura (background vocals.) Oakes is currently in the studio and actively recording a full album which he hopes to release in 2022. Download and stream “Nashville!”
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Listen to 'Nashville' On Amazon
“For his first release since the disbanding of his radio-charting group Read more →
