Thirty-five years ago, Los Angeles rock legends Warrant burst into the scene with their debut album Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinking Rich in 1989, tearing up the Sunset Strip in the process. Their follow-up, Cherry Pie the following year cemented the band’s mainstream appeal. Co-headliner Lita Ford had already made a name for herself years prior as part of The Runaways before venturing out to find her own path as a solo artist while being managed by Sharon Osbourne. Together the two bands kicked off the Let The Good Times Rock tour with Firehouse ready to roll out the hits.
The tour made its way to Long Island’s Catholic Health Amphitheater at Bald Hills on Saturday, August 10th, towards the end of its run. Initially, the day had called for storms in the morning, but mother nature luckily decided to play nice, fans could be seen tailgating hours before the show ready to rock. The lots were filled with fans blasting their favorite hits and playing games, waiting for the “doors” to open on the outdoor venue’s stage area. All in all, it was a very festive environment that set the tone for a fun night ahead.
Once inside, it wasn’t long before Firehouse made their way to the stage. When former American Idol contestant Nate Peck joined the band last year, it was seen as a temporary position while original vocalist C. J. Snare addressed some health concerns. Saldy, Snare passed away earlier this year, and given Peck’s impeccable performances, he has since become the band’s official replacement.
The frontman was joined on stage by original members Bill Leverty (Lead Guitar) and Michael Foster (Drums), as well as long-time member Allen McKenzie (Bass), who joined in 2004. Together, the band treated fans to their big hits, including “Don’t Treat Me Bad” and “Love of a Lifetime,” with Peck fitting right in with the rest of Firehouse. Often, when a band loses the literal voice of the band, it can spell the end. With Peck, Firehouse seems to be in good hands for years to come.
Firehouse
After a short break, personalities from local radio station WBAB introduced Lita Ford to the stage in front of her fiery banner. Ford was joined by Patrick Kennison (Guitar), Marty O’Brien (Bass), and Bobby Rock (Drums). The band made their way on stage and opened it up with “Gotta Let Go” before breaking into “Larger than Life” and “Relentless.” Paying homage to her roots, Ford hit a highlight of the night with “Cherry Bomb.” The fans quickly joined in, singing along with every word of the hit track.
Ford not only paid tribute to her own past but also covered the likes of other rock legends with covers of “The Bitch is Back,” “Black Leather,” and “Only Women Bleed” from Elton John, The Sex Pistols, and Alice Cooper, respectively. Between those covers, Ford gave Bobby Rock the stage alone with a drum solo, with fans praising the drummer. The group went on to play “Close My Eyes Forever” before closing with arguably her biggest solo hit, “Kiss Me Deadly.” Lita Ford broke barriers for women in rock and earned her status amongst Rock and Roll royalty as a result. From her time with The Runaways to her solo act, the lead guitarist/vocalist Ford continues to keep rock and roll alive and well.
Lita Ford
From one of the women behind “Cherry Bomb” to the band behind “Cherry Pie,” the night continued with Warrant. With the moonlight bringing a little bit of respite from the hot summer day, it was up to the headlining act to heat everyone back up. Much like Ford before them, WBAB came out to thank fans and set the stage for the headlining act. Vocalist Robert Mason, Guitarists Erik Turner and Joey Allen, Bassist Jerry Dixon, and Drummer Steven Sweet came out ready to roll. “Sure Feels Good To Me” proved to be the perfect opening track to get fans moving and singing along before cuts of “Love In Stereo” and “Bed Of Roses” followed. The band seemed energized and determined to put on a great show.
For the most part, the band was quick to go from track to track, but at one point, Mason brought up some of his friends that were trying, and failing, to get into the venue as they had been running late. Luckily enough, a few tracks later, the frontman confirmed his friends had gotten in and thanked security for making sure it had happened. The only other real break between tracks came later as Mason asked fans to light up the sky as the band paid tribute to Warrant’s original singer Jani Lane with “Heaven.“
“Uncle Tom’s Cabin” served as the penultimate track. Of course, there was never any question as to what song would close out the night, and with the help of Joey Allen’s 12-year-old son Kallan, the group closed out with “Cherry Pie” while the crowd sang along before heading out for the night. Simply put, Warrant’s own website hits the nail on the head by being named WarrantRocks. The band knows how to put on a show and will leave even a fan who only knows a little about them wanting more.
The Let The Good Times Rock tour wrapped up shortly after, but all three bands still have plenty of tour dates both together and apart from one another. From Firehouse’s next chapter under new lead singer Nate Peck to Ford’s continued dominance and Warrant’s unmatched showmanship, all three bands are worthy of seeking out for a fun night. Just be ready to rock the night away.
Warrant
