Two years into the pandemic era and it feels like 80s metal and hard rock nostalgia is at an all time high. Between new Stranger Things favorite Eddie Munson and the long anticipated Stadium Tour extravaganza, the summer of ’22 has been dominated by the anthems of the MTV era. Running alongside this ongoing trend is the Sonic Slam tour: A package of Cinderella vocalist Tom Keifer, L.A. Guns, and Faster Pussycat that has been packing theaters and large clubs since it kicked off a month ago. We had the chance to catch the St. Charles date of the jaunt, and have returned with full reviews, exclusive photos, and perhaps even a transmissible disease. Just kidding on that last part…maybe.
Faster Pussycat
The evening began with an all too brief, yet perfectly brash set from sleaze metal stalwarts, Faster Pussycat. Ever wonder what Aerosmith would sound like had they never went to rehab? Look no further. Faster Pussycat proudly genuflect at the altar of Toys in the Attic, fast women, and a myriad of illicit substances, and it shows in their performance. From the moment they hit the stage to the final note, it was as if a powder keg had gone off. If you’re seeking pretty and pristine, look elsewhere. Faster Pussycat proudly tow the line between 70s hard rock and punk, keeping it raw and sloppy. Despite the time restriction, the band was able to sandwich in enough of their late 80s and early 90s hits to get the party started.
Setlist
- “Jack the Bastard”
- “Cathouse”
- “Slip of the Tongue”
- “You’re So Vain” (Carly Simon cover)
- “NOLA”
- “House of Pain”
- “Don’t Change That Song”
- “Bathroom Wall”
L.A. Guns
I’m not sure if I’ve specifically gone on record here, but I know I have in conversation, so allow me to say it again: L.A. Guns is the best live band of the 80s glam metal scene, period. The only other acts who come close are the ones joining them on this tour. Even so, when these guys take the stage, it’s hard to believe frontman Phil Lewis and guitarist Tracii Guns spent the better part of two decades publicly feuding with their own versions of the band. Nowadays, the reunited dynamic duo would have you believe the 80s never ended. L.A. Guns’ post-reunion output goes toe to toe with their classic self titled debut (1988) and Cocked and Loaded (1989), so much so that they even included a couple songs from said releases among the classics. Much like Faster Pussycat, L.A. Guns were also confined to a 45 minute time slot, but managed to make the most of it with a hard hitting set that silenced the naysayers and rocked the uninitiated. Next time they roll through your town, do yourself a favor and go!
Setlist
- “Cannonball”
- “Electric Gypsy”
- “Over the Edge”
- “Sex Action”
- “The Ballad of Jayne”
- “Speed”
- “Never Enough”
- “Rip and Tear”
Tom Keifer
For whatever reason or another, I never got around to seeing Cinderella live. I should’ve. I remember hearing the ads on good ol’ 97.9 The Loop (R.I.P.) when they’d play the Congress Theater (also R.I.P.) or *insert corporation here* Amphitheater in Tinley Park, but it just never happened. This became even more unfortunate upon the 2021 passing of guitarist Jeff LaBar and keyboardist Gary Corbett, on the same day no less. Yet in the face of grief and post-pandemic uncertainty, singer/songwriter/guitarist Tom Keifer is soldiering on with his solo band.
In light of these troubled times, Keifer’s set doubles as both a fitting tribute and full scale celebration of the music of Cinderella. This isn’t a guy ashamed of his roots, creatively deviating from the course that set him on the path to superstardom, because even his new solo output sounds of the Cinderella mold. Keifer embraces his past with open arms, “screaming his heart out” for the better part of 90 minutes, exactly like he did on record. Not bad for a guy who had to relearn how to sing after paralyzing his left vocal cord! I could forgive him for having to tune down a step or two, but no. Keifer belted out hit after hit in the original key, while his impeccable band recreated the studio generated walls of harmony.
As the sold out Arcada Theatre sang, or rather shouted along to the closing “Gypsy Road”, it was hard to believe a few hours had flown by like nothing. As I looked at my phone to read it was 12:15 (mind you, I had an hour drive home), I thought to myself, “That’s it?!” Yep. It sure was. Which is why the only word I can use to describe this music is “timeless”. 35 years since these bands originally hit the scene, their music still grabs real people of all ages and backgrounds. I say “real” people, so not to include the corporate rock radio programmers and hipster Rolling Stone writer dorks who have tried to suppress this music for decades. If you’re reading this and happen to fall into that camp, give up already. You lost, we won, and the Sonic Slam Tour is our victory lap. WE’RE NOT YOUR FOOL!!!
Setlist
- “Touching the Divine”
- “Night Songs” (Cinderella song)
- “Coming Home” (Cinderella song)
- “It’s Not Enough”
- “Somebody Save Me” (Cinderella song)
- “Rise”
- “Nobody’s Fool” (Cinderella song)
- “Solid Ground”
- “Fallin’ Apart at the Seams” (Cinderella song)
- “The Last Mile” (Cinderella song)
- “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” (Cinderella song)
- “Shake Me” (Cinderella song)
- “Shelter Me” (Cinderella song)
Encore
- “Gypsy Road” (Cinderella song)
