Tonight was slated to be a momentous night brimming with unadulterated youthful angst, rebellion and an all around good time – and it was. Slowly making their way into the Corona Theater, fans gathered in anticipation of seeing one of the hallmarks of Hard Rock/Heavy Metal, New Jersey’s, SKID ROW! With local Montreal acts in tow, the crowd was greeted by excellent openers that set the tone for the evening’s reckless abandon! Special thanks to Alain Labonte of Quebec-Metal for allowing me access to the event! Talking about Quebec-Metal, go see Alain‘s pictures of the show they probably look a lot better than those I post here that I took with my small digital cam.
MAD PARISH threw open the flood gates with their brand of high octane Heavy Metal in the spirit of the old guard and seeing them open for Grim Reaper on a smaller stage not long ago, it is clear that a bigger space is exactly what the band needed! Loads of onstage prancing and members’ charisma gave the audience a jolt to quickly “get in the groove”! Hook laden and punchy, the songs are such that they stay in the headspace long after they’re played. “A Stitch in Crime” and “To Build a Fire” (among others) struck a chord as singer, Josh McConnell’s confidence and onstage appeal made it easy for fans to sing along. Gyrating in unison, the players playfully performed their hearts out without missing a beat, harkening back to a time when the NWOBHM was just getting into full swing!
Quebec’s, DANCE LAURY DANCE proved a slightly different beast as their eclectic groove Metal “danced” upon the ears of patrons who immediately took a liking to the quintet! Vocalist, Max Lemire, (who at times sounded a bit like Danzig) was extremely expressive while exuding a sexual bravado and swagger throughout as the band performed rhythm based Hard Rock with a touch of funk. Looking like rabid animals, the band ploughed through cuts like, “Burnin’ Hot” with a full head of steam! Sure songs about hardcore partying, strippers and booze may make your mother cringe, but last night, the only cringe worthy moment was the end of their set.
For a band to reach 25 years of continuous music and tour life, it’s a testament to SKID ROW to have survived the pitfalls of the industry. But last night’s performance saw the seasoned veterans in outstanding form, playing hit after hit, celebrating a phenomenal era in Hard Rock/Metal history! Opening with sound bite, THE RAMONES’s “Hey Ho, Let’s Go”, the group stepped on stage to rip into a stellar plethora of hits ranging from the debut record all the way to their latest EP, “Rise of the Damnation Army – United World Rebellion, Chapter II”. “Big Gun”, “Piece of Me”, “18 and Life”, “Thick is the Skin”, “Riot Act”, “In a Darkened Room”, “Monkey Business” and “I Remember You” all proved that these songs are immortal and live and breathe within the packed house! Singer, Johnny Solinger was on point as well, appealing to the fans’ sympathies for “sticking it to the man” rebelliousness and staying true to what you believe in as he effortlessly sang songs that seemed cater made for him! Zero pretention and an obvious humility seemed to wash over each of their faces as they played; clearly honoured to be there. “Psycho Therapy” made a surprise appearance as bassist, Rachel Bolan, dedicated the tune to THE RAMONES before blasting into the ferocious piece and before long, the members walked off stage before reemerging for the night’s encore. New song, “We Are the Damned”, “Slave to the Grind” and “Youth Gone Wild” closed the set much to the chagrin of fans who couldn’t get enough, but clearly the band have every intention of returning….if their smiles had any indication!
Chris
