Christmas came early for fans who live in a city that relishes its era and storied history of classic metal when the "Hair Metal Holiday" was unleashed Dec. 15 at The Rock Box. And it didn't disappoint.
The nine-band extravaganza headlined by Ace Frehley also featured Dokken, Enuff Z'Nuff, L.A. Guns and the Graham Bonnet Band along with a modern taste of local acts Eden Burning, Sidewinder, Jason Kane & The Jive, and Wall Of Soul (coverage here), all alternating between the Vibes Event Center stage and The Rock Box's secondary one.
The original KISS guitarist was poised to play the same exact set he performed in February 2016 at Fitzgerald's and this past January at Brewster Street in Corpus Christi. But five minutes before he took the stage, a new set scribbled out original opener "Parasite" in favor of "Rip it Out" from Frehley's 1978 KISS solo album and added Dynasty favorites "Hard Times" and The Rolling Stones' "2000 Man."
Frehley, as is his custom, deferred lead-vocal duties to bassist Chris Wyse on "Strange Ways," drummer Scot Coogan on first encore "Detroit Rock City" and to guitarist Richie "The Emperor of Rock N' Roll" Scarlet on the Frehley's Comet track "2 Young 2 Die," dedicated to the late KISS drummer Eric Carr.
Frehley has toured a bulk of this year with Enuff Z'Nuff, and Chip Z'Nuff told his audience that Frehley has been sober for a decade. It showed in several ways.
Frehley displayed his infectious sense of humor when he broke out a Christmas sweater, and he demonstrated his guitar is "still smokin' after all these years" on his trademark fiery rendition of "Shock Me." He complimented his former frontman and oft-nemesis Paul Stanley for writing "an excellent song" after his band did "Love Gun," which was also sung by Coogan.
Unlike his two other Texas gigs in which it was on the setlist but omitted, Frehley gave the audience what it wanted when he unveiled "Cold Gin" moments after declaring "It's getting late" at 1:37 a.m., then proceeded to encores "Detroit Rock City" and "Deuce."
Wyse, who fronts his own band Owl and spent time in The Cult -- both of which we discussed during a November 2014 interview (listen here) -- had a riveting bass solo. Scarlet was his usual bundle of energy and pick-tossing self to an audience that featured the first-time setup of a VIP seated section in front of the Vibes stage, with the majority of general-admission standing fans perched behind them, 15-20 feet away from their favorite rockers.
Dokken preceded Frehley, making its second visit to the Alamo City after a March show at the Tobin Center For the Performing Arts. This time, former Lizzy Borden and Vicious Rumors guitarist Ira Black filled in for Jon Levin. Drummer "Wild" Mick Brown held a beer aloft and thanked the crowd for coming out prior to the first note before they came out swinging with "Kiss of Death," a track celebrating its 30th anniversary.
Though Don Dokken wasn't as vocally improved as he was at the Tobin from sub-par recent visits, he was satisfactory on "The Hunter," "In My Dreams," "Breaking the Chains," "Alone Again" and the track that froze most of the audience -- "Maddest Hatter" from 1999's incredibly solid Erase the Slate. Don Dokken broke out a guitar on opening track "Paris is Burning" nine months earlier but omitted the 1982 tune entirely this time, along with 1985 hit "It's Not Love." But he didn't wholly forget the guitar, playing it on third track "Into the Fire."
Enuff Z'Nuff closed out The Rock Box stage with a 45-minute set that once again was dominated by the group's 1989 self-titled debut and 1991 follow-up Strength. Despite having 13 albums to his credit, original bassist and co-founder Chip Z'Nuff stuck to the more recognizable MTV hits such as opener "Baby Loves You," "Fly High Michelle" and closer "New Thing."
Z'Nuff, the only remaining original member after vocalist Donnie Vie chose to stop touring in 2013, also sang lead on "Heaven or Hell" and the set's only track not from the first two albums. That would be a cover of David Bowie's "The Jean Genie," which appeared on 2000's 10 album and was preceded by a humorous guitar solo by a hidden Z'Nuff and Tory Stoffregen (ATM footage here). Listen to Z'Nuff discuss his band's career with me in November 2016 here.
Arguably the most impressive band of the night was the group that saw its original singer and guitarist finally reunited in San Antonio. L.A. Guns was also the only one of the five national acts not to strictly live off its past, flying out of the gate with "The Devil Made Me Do It" from the Oct. 13 release of The Missing Peace. But of course, the classics weren't forgotten. Click the box below to watch "Sex Action."
Vocalist Phil Lewis and band founder and guitarist Tracii Guns shined with current members in guitarist Michael Grant, bassist Johnny Martin and drummer Shane Fitzgibbon, who was behind the kit when Guns opened for BulletBoys at The Korova as Gunzo during his previous visit.
The song of the night may have been "One More Reason," a somewhat surprising inclusion from the band's self-titled debut that will mark 30 years in 2018 given that it wasn't an MTV hit in the vein of "Electric Gypsy" or "The Ballad of Jayne." Guns broke out a bow solo prior to third track "Over the Edge," and Lewis was shaking and rolling all night, including when the band jammed on new track "Speed" (ATM Facebook Live footage here).
The Graham Bonnet Band, meanwhile, was also making its second visit of the year after headlining Cadillac Bar on Jan. 7. This time, Joey Tafolla of Jag Panzer is the lead guitarist joining forces with the renowned former vocalist of Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Impellitteri and one album with the Michael Schenker Group.
Donned in a long-sleeved white dress shirt, tie, and like most of his vocal peers, sunglasses inside the venue, Bonnet spanned his career in a 35-minute set on The Rock Box stage that began at 8:10 p.m. when he easily could've closed out either stage. Along with bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone, lively drummer Marc Banquechea and Alcatrazz keyboardist Jimmy Waldo, Bonnet broke out Rainbow's "All Night Long," Impellitteri's "Stand in Line" and Schenker's "Assault Attack." Watch ATM footage of new track "Into the Night" here.
Bonnet, who spoke with me in October 2016 (listen here), will return March 31 as one of the vocalists taking part in the Michael Schenker Fest at the Vibes Event Center (tickets here), along with Robin McAuley, Doogie White and Gary Barden. Check out the ATM Facebook page for FB Live video of finale "Lost in Hollywood."
Although the Vibes Event Center stage was only a little more than half filled even when Frehley was the lone artist remaining, those on hand had witnessed a gathering the rest of the country didn't. Even though the "hair" portion of the "Hair Metal Holiday" is no longer what it once was, the music is all that has ever mattered. And that part is very much alive and well.
"Wild" Mick Brown lives up to his nickname during the "Hair Metal Holiday" on Dec. 15 at Vibes Event Center.
Former Rainbow, Alcatrazz, Impellitteri and Michael Schenker Group singer Graham Bonnet rocks out with bassist Beth-Ami Heavenstone.
Original vocalist Phil Lewis is back in the fold now that L.A. Guns is back to only one version of the band that debuted in 1988.
Original bassist Chip Z'Nuff, who now pulls double duty as vocalist, performs "Baby Loves You."
The setlist was changed less than five minutes before he went on stage, adding Dynasty favorites "Hard Times" and "2000 Man" and putting "Rip it Out" as the opener.
Brown welcomes the crowd to the show as the band prepares to hit the stage.
Click the appropriate link within to watch "Into the Night" from the group's latest album The Book.
Shane Fitzgibbon, who backed Tracii Guns during his previous San Antonio visit to The Korova as Gunzo, rocks the kit.
Daniel Hill takes to the stage for opener "Baby Loves You."
Ace is back, and he told you so.
Ira Black and his Flying-V filled in for Jon Levin.
Heavenstone lays down the low end on "All Night Long."
Lewis brings forth his passion on new -- and opening -- track "The Devil Made Me Do It."
Rhythm guitarist Tony Fenelle lays some riffs on "Kiss the Clown."
Ace originally was going to play the exact same set he had done in February 2016 at Fitzgerald's, then changed it up right before hitting the stage.
Black has played in many bands including Lizzy Borden, Vicious Rumors, and he toured with Metal Church.
Jimmy Waldo on keyboards was also with Bonnet in Alcatrazz.
Guitarist Michael Grant receives some support from Lewis.
Fenelle provides backup on 1991 hit "Heaven or Hell."
Richie "The Emperor of Rock N' Roll' Scarlet displays his never-ending energy.
Don Dokken and Brown rock 1985 classic "The Hunter."
Bonnet covered all points of his career, including the title track to Impellitteri's 1988 album Stand in Line.
Grant (left) and bassist Johnny Martin perform "Electric Gypsy."
Chip Z'Nuff focused nearly the entire set on the band's first two albums from 1989 and 1991 despite having 13 discs to his credit.
Scarlet performs opening tune "Rip it Out."
Brown and Co. also visited the Tobin Center in March.
New guitarist Joey Tafolla, of Jag Panzer, is Bonnet's new axeman.
Lewis, drummer Fitzgibbon, and guitarist and band founder Tracii Guns rock the Vibes.
Chip Z'Nuff decided to carry on the band he co-founded with singer Donnie Vie after Vie decided in 2013 not to tour anymore.
Frehley, Scarlet and drummer Scot Coogan perform "Hard Times."
Black shreds on opening track "Kiss of Death."
Marc Banquechea does his thing on Rainbow classic "All Night Long."
Grant (left) and Martin
Click the appropriate link within to watch Chip Z'Nuff do a cover of David Bowie's "The Jean Genie."
Ace, bassist Chris Wyse and Coogan on drums play another KISS classic.
Black flies into another solo on his Flying-V.
Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass
Shane Fitzgibbon on the kit
Chip Z'Nuff on "Heaven or Hell"
Ace also included Frehley's Comet's MTV hit "Rock Soldiers."
Black performs "The Hunter."
Tafolla plays the solo originally composed by Chris Impellitteri on "Stand in Line."
Grant and Martin comin' at ya in black and white.
Chip Z'Nuff and Co. also performed "Fly High Michelle" and ended with "New Thing," the group's two biggest MTV hits from 1989.
Z'Nuff, who also supported Frehley in January at Brewster Street in Corpus Christi, told The Rock Box that Frehley has been sober for a decade.
Dokken opened with a track celebrating its 30th anniversary in "Kiss of Death."
Bonnet headlined Cadillac Bar on Jan. 7, making this his second visit of the year.
Click the video box to watch "Sex Action" and visit the ATM Facebook page for a FB Live clip of new track "Speed."
Chip Z'Nuff on bass and vocals
Scarlet rocks the guitar.
Black is focused on "Kiss of Death."
Heavenstone plays "All Night Long."
Lewis (left) and Guns flank drummer Fitzgibbon on "Electric Gypsy."
Tory Stoffregen plays the solo on "Kiss the Clown."
Frehley, singing "Rip it Out," deferred lead-vocal duties on "Love Gun" and encore "Detroit Rock City" to drummer Coogan.
Black has a hair-raising moment during the "Hair Metal Holiday."
Tafolla, who joined the group in late June, provides backup vocals on guitar.
Lewis and Guns have rejoined forces to the delight of their fans and will be marking 30 years of their self-titled debut album in 2018.
Chip Z'Nuff fronts the group from Chicago.
And the crowd goes wild!
Chris McCarvill was making his second Alamo City visit since becoming the bass player.
Tafolla rocks The Rock Box stage.
When Lewis fronted the band in 2005 at Jack's Patio Bar, he was no longer with Tracii Guns.
The group released Clowns Lounge last year, a collection of rarities and B-sides.
Scarlet commands the fans' attention.
A fan reaches out for some feedback while Black plays the solo on "Into the Fire."
Visit the ATM's Facebook page for a FB Live video of Tafolla and Bonnet joining forces on "Lost in Hollywood."
While the majority of "Hair Metal Holiday" bands lived off their glam-era past, Lewis and Guns mixed in 2017 tunes with their hits.
Hill on drums and Stoffregen on guitar rock on "Heaven or Hell."
"The Emperor of Rock N' Roll"
McCarvill sings backup on "The Hunter."
Bonnet will return March 31 when he's one of the vocalists singing as part of the Michael Schenker Fest.
Tracii Guns demonstrates his underrated prowess on the axe.
Stoffregen plays the solo on "Heaven or Hell."
Frehley, Coogan on drums and Scarlet do their thing on The Rolling Stones' "2000 Man" made famous by Frehley on KISS' 1979 Dynasty album.
Black in action
Bonnet's new group released The Book last year, a full CD of new tunes and another of remade versions spanning his various bands.
Tracii Guns (above) was in a long-standing battle with former drummer Steve Riley over usage of the group's name.
While many fans didn't want to give up their spot inside the Vibes Event Center stage, this audience chose to watch EZN close out The Rock Box secondary stage portion of the evening.
Unlike his February 2016 visit to Fitzgerald's and January 2017 gig in Corpus Christi, Frehley played "Cold Gin" this time.
McCarvill, Brown and Don Dokken perform "The Hunter."
Beth-Ami Heavenstone on bass and Jimmy Waldo on the keys
Tracii Guns broke out a bow solo prior to third song "Over the Edge."
Frehley performs for his "Rock Soldiers."
Don Dokken broke out the guitar for third song "Into the Fire" after having played the axe in March at the Tobin Center on then-opening song "Paris is Burning."
Tafolla has his own hair-raising holiday.
Lewis and Guns go "Over the Edge."
Scarlet gets in your grille.
Don Dokken hasn't released a studio album since 2012's Broken Bones.
Beth-Ami Heavenstone
Tracii Guns is a picture of fun intensity.
Frehley and his right-hand man "The Emperor" rock out.
McCarvill on bass
Bonnet performed "Assault Attack" from his short-lived days with the Michael Schenker Group, which you can hear him discuss in our interview contained within.
Tracii Guns wails.
A seated VIP section preceded the standing general-admission crowd in watching the bands inside the Vibes Event Center, including the headliners.
Don Dokken performs "Into the Fire."
Heavenstone on bass and Waldo on keys do their thing.
Lewis leads the way on "Electric Gypsy."
Scarlet and Frehley sing "Rip it Out."
Dokken and Black go "Into the Fire."
Bonnet and Heavenstone
The spotlight shines on Tracii Guns.
Tafolla rocks another solo.
Wearing a T-shirt of his likeness from his KISS days, Frehley show he's still smokin' after all these years on "Shock Me."
Bonnet and Heavenstone perform "Stand in Line."
Dokken and Black perform a track from 1984's Tooth and Nail.
Tafolla shreds as part of the "Hair Metal Holiday" festivities.