Cassette Chronicles, Home

THE CASSETTE CHRONICLES – RIOT’S ‘THE PRIVILEGE OF POWER’

Leave a comment

By JAY ROBERTS

The Cassette Chronicles is a continuing series of mini reviews and reflections on albums from the 1980’s and 1990’s. The aim of this series is to highlight both known and underappreciated albums from rock, pop and metal genres from this time period through the cassette editions of their releases. Some of the albums I have known about and loved for years, while others are new to me and were music I’ve always wanted to hear. There will be some review analysis and my own personal stories about my connection with various albums. These opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect the views of anyone else at Limelight Magazine.

RIOT – THE PRIVILEGE OF POWER (1990)

After releasing the Born in America album in 1983, Riot was absent from the metal scene until the 1988 album Thundersteel. But the band turned right around after that with the release of The Privilege of Power in 1990.

I’ve had only a passing acquaintance with most of the band’s catalog. Besides this and the Thundersteel album, the only Riot releases I’ve heard have been 1997’s Inishmore and 1999’s Sons of Society. And if I’m being honest, Inishmore was the only one I well and truly liked start to finish.

I had never heard The Privilege of Power before listening to it for this article. According to the Wikipedia listing, the album’s material is considered a bit more experimental than their past material and a bit of a concept album. Adding a horn section to a couple of songs doesn’t seem overly experimental to me but I guess I’ll let that slide. But as for the notion of this album being a concept album, I’m a bit mystified as to how. Riot does use a variety of audio clips to set the stage for most of the songs, but I’m not quite sure how that by itself makes it a concept release.

Side One features five songs bookended by tracks that showcase Riot’s ability to craft explosively fast metallic fury. On the opening track “On Your Knees”, the long audio clip intro was kind of wearying but once the music bursts out of your speakers, you are in for one hell of a ride musically. I loved the way this track got me pumped up big time. Sadly, I was brought back down to Earth a little bit because I wasn’t all that taken with singer Tony Moore’s vocals on this track.

For me, it seemed the soaring vocals were kind of lost in the mix at times and I found it a bit distracting.

But things quickly turned around with the next track “Metal Soldiers”. The pacing is a bit slower but still uptempo. The sound delivers quite a musical thump than an all-out blitkrieg. In all you get kind of an anthemic vibe from the track. And Tony Moore’s vocals are far more definitive here.

“Runaway” impressed me. The song starts off much, much slower. The guitar line accompanying the song through the first verse is incredible and it recurs throughout the song. After that first verse, the song moves towards a more uptempo peace with an impressive vocal turn.

Guitarist Mark Reale, who also produced and co-wrote seven of the ten tracks on The Privilege of Power is a beast on this record. The song “Killer” features a sizzling edgy riff. If that wasn’t enough to make the song cool, the use of the horn section gives an added heft to the musical score and the guest vocal appearance from Joe Lynn Turner further enlivens the track.

As I said, the first side of the album is bookended by songs that are similar in structure. “Dance of Death” is lightning fast. Much like “On Your Knees”, the music is just amazing. But once again, Tony Moore’s vocals gets lost in the mix again. I like his vocals in general but it seems whenever he had to hit the upper stratosphere of his vocal range, the music buried what he was singing at times.

The second side of The Privilege of Power opens with the song “Storming The Gates of Hell” and if ever a song lived up to its title, it would be this one. The pacing is relentless as Riot attacks every note of the song like it was actually storming those gates. I have to say I was getting a little psyched up as I listened to the song.

While Riot was exactly trying to court the reiging musical sound in 1990, I thought the track “Maryanne” came closest to sounding like a power ballad that you’d hear from any band that had struck it big with a similar type song. There’s a great sounding hook to the music and I thought the song’s lyrical content was pretty darn good as well. While “Little Miss Death” employed a far quicker pace, much like “Maryanne”, the song was made that much better with a strong vocal turn.

The last two songs on the album are both over 7 minutes long but not a note is wasted nor feels drawn out in the least. “Black Leather and Glittering Steel” starts off with an attacking tempo at the start and continues that non-stop explosiveness until the very last note. If you can’t feel yourself getting amped up as the song hits your eardrums, you have to get yourself checked out.

The closing song is actually an instrumental cover song. When I first read the song on the album’s track listing, I wondered how it would be serving as part of this supposed conceptual piece that The Privilege of Power is reputed to be. Well, I’m still not sold on that aspect of the album but I know that I found that Riot’s cover of the Al Di Meola song “Racing With the Devil On A Spanish Highway (Revisited)” made me worry less about a concept album and just jam out to how monstrously good this song sounded. I’m not exactly the biggest instrumental fan in the world but when I find a piece that I actually like, it really has struck a chord with me. Such is the case with this song. I’m going to seek out the original version so I can compare the two versions.

So in the final analysis, I had a slight issue with how singer Tony Moore’s vocals came out on a couple of the songs. Other than that, I would say that with The Privilege of Power, I have now found a companion piece to their Inishmore album. Yes, in a totally cliched way of complimenting the album, this was an album that was a privilege to listen to at long last.

NOTES OF INTEREST: The Privilege of Power has been reissued twice. The first time came in 2003. The second reissue was as a vinyl combo with the Thundersteel album in 2013.

Drummer Bobby Jarzombek has played with a who’s who of metal bands including Fates Warning, Halford, Iced Earth and Sebastian Bach. He is currently part of country megastar George Strait’s Ace in the Hole backing band.

Guitarist Mark Reale passed away in 2011 due to complications from Crohn’s disease. The band has continued onward but they are currently known under the name Riot V.

Home, JKB Presents

KIX TO PERFORM AT THE VAULT IN NEW BEDFORD, MA ON APRIL 8TH

Leave a comment

Platinum-selling, hard rockers KIX will perform at The Vault in New Bedford, MA, on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at 8 PM with special guest Purging Sin. This show is presented by JKB Entertainment Group. Purchase tickets HERE.

KIX was founded in 1978 in Hagerstown, Maryland, and after slugging it out as a local band, they were signed to Atlantic Records in 1981. Their self-titled debut album was released the same year, and featured concert-favorites like “The Itch,” “Heartache,” and traditional KIX show closer “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,” which is now incomplete without an originally unique ad-lib performance by Whiteman. Their second album, Cool Kids yielded “Body Talk,” and the ballad, “For Shame.” KIX then partnered with producer Beau Hill (Ratt, Warrant) to create the powerhouse album Midnite Dynamite, released in 1985, which yielded another concert favorite, “Cold Shower.”

When the members of KIX traveled to Los Angeles in early 1988 to begin recording Blow My Fuse, they knew that the album could make or break the band. And sure enough, upon its release in September of 1988, Blow My Fuse outperformed its predecessors. A video for the song “Cold Blood” dominated MTV’s popular “Dial MTV” program for so long that the network was forced to change the show’s rules to knock KIX out of the top slot.

Blow My Fuse was certified Gold. Then, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” was released, and it peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, propelling the album to platinum status. Blow My Fuse cemented KIX as one of the Eighties’ preeminent hard rock acts.

In 1991, Hot Wire was released, featuring the single, “Girl Money.” As a touring act, KIX had graduated to arenas and opened for Aerosmith, KISS, Whitesnake, Ratt, and Tesla. In 1995, the band released what they thought would be their final album, Show Business, for CMC International Records, which marked the end of an era.

KIX gracefully eased back into the public consciousness in 2008. After reuniting for sold out hometown gigs, the quintet hit the stage at Rocklahoma in front of over 20,000 people, venturing out of the Mid-Atlantic for the first time in 13 years. Delivering a triumphant set alongside the likes of Sammy Hagar and Alice Cooper, they left their mark on both old and new fans.

The members agreed to enter the studio once again for 2014’s Rock Your Face Off, produced by Taylor Rhodes (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne), the band’s first studio album in almost 20 years. Rock Your Face Off debuted at #48 on the Billboard Top 200, #5 on the Independent Albums chart, #11 on the Top Internet chart, #17 on the Top Rock Albums chart, #27 on the Indy/Small Chain Core Stores chart and #33 on the Physical chart. It also debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hard Rock and Metal chart.

A new KIX album is in the works, while the band continues to blow away audiences with their live shows across the U.S. and beyond.

The Vault is located at located at 791 Purchase Street in New Bedford, Mass. MUST BE 21 or OLDER with Valid ID for Entry.

Cassette Chronicles, Home

THE CASSETTE CHRONICLES – GREAT WHITE’S ‘SHOT IN THE DARK’

Leave a comment

BY JAY ROBERTS

The Cassette Chronicles is a continuing series of mini reviews and reflections on albums from the 1980’s and 1990’s. The aim of this series is to highlight both known and underappreciated albums from rock, pop and metal genres from this time period through the cassette editions of their releases. Some of the albums I have known about and loved for years, while others are new to me and were music I’ve always wanted to hear. There will be some review analysis and my own personal stories about my connection with various albums. These opinions are strictly my own and do not reflect the views of anyone else at Limelight Magazine.

(WRITER’S NOTE: Welcome to the 7th year of The Cassette Chronicles series! I hope you enjoy this year’s batch of articles as much as the previous years and thanks for continuing to come back and read with each new published piece.)

GREAT WHITE – SHOT IN THE DARK (1986)

It was nearly three years ago when I featured the Great White album Hooked for The Cassette Chronicles series. I had thought about doing another album from their discography but never quite got around to it.

But I finally got the urge to write about the band once again and I have a big purchase of CDs to thank for it. My local independent record shop has been making some huge CD collection purchases in recent months and I’ve been buying up a lot of what I could find that interested me. It’s a case of filling in holes in my collection. One of those buying trips saw me grabbing up a bunch of the Great White albums that I didn’t have beforehand. After I had wiped out what the shop had, I had a good portion of the band’s music. But I was missing their first two releases (as well as their last two). I really wanted to check out the early two so I wandered over to the cassette wall in the store and as luck would have it I found a copy of Shot in the Dark.

My memory may be playing tricks on me but I have a vague recollection of having once had a dubbed cassette copy of this album. But I don’t really remember thinking much of it at the time other than the song “Face The Day”. And it is long gone from the collection. So I now had the chance to give a much better listen to the album nearly 37 years after its original release.

What did I think? Well…it’s much, much better than I gave it credit for back in the 1980s.

The first side of the album opens with the song “She Shakes Me” and while I did think there was a bit too much of an echo chamber sound with the vocals from Jack Russell, it still comes out as a pretty hot rocking song. Fast paced and fuel injected, the song gets you fired up from the get-go.

As I was listening to “What Do You Do” I had a bit of trouble the first time around. I didn’t really get into the song. But on successive listens, I liked the way the song flowed rhythmically. It has a great uptempo drive to it and there’s a bit of a swinging swagger to the overall performance. This track ended up growing on me quickly.

Great White closed out the first side of Shot in the Dark with two cover tracks. The first is “Face The Day” which was originally done by The Angels. I don’t think I’ve ever heard the original version but I know that I love Great White’s version. It’s starts off a bit slow in the intro but the band quickly turns up the volume and pacing. Everything came together nicely and the song turned out to be an early classic track for them.

The second cover was of the Spencer Davis Group song “Gimme Some Lovin'”. I actually like the original version so I usually find that covers of songs I already like sometimes annoy me. That was not the case here though. While Great White’s version is seemingly a lot faster paced and way more “rocked” up, I think the band did a great job making their own version of the song.

For the second side of Shot in the Dark, the band kicks things off with the title track. And I thought it was kind of cool that the song’s intro is constructed so that it kind of reflects the album’s cover art. There’s a bit of a musical flourish after that before a slightly slower delivery is used for the vocals in the main lyrical sections. Of course, when the chorus comes in, so does a faster paced delivery of the vocals behind a musical score that gets more intense as well.

Though the song does feature more of an uptempo feel musically, the way the vocals are done for “Is Anybody There” give the song a darker and cinematic feel. It made for an interesting mix and therefore I was really digging the song a lot as I listened.

While “Run Away” starts off with more of a midtempo beat, the song grows into a much faster paced rocker over the course of the song.

The closing number is “Waiting For Love”. Now, I’m sure you will think this song is a ballad based on the song title. I know that I did. That might’ve given me some pause before the song started coming out of my speakers.

I’m a big fan of Great White’s “Save Your Love” and find it very hard for them to top that one with any other ballad track. (Though a couple of songs on the 1999 Can’t Get There From Here album comes pretty damn close.) The one time I saw Great White live, when they played “Save Your Love”, Jack Russell delivered such a performance that he held the crowd in his thrall and got a standing ovation for that rendition alone.

So you can understand my feelings of reluctance regarding “Waiting For Love”. And the song does start off in a ballad-like fashion. But after the first verse, instead of going towards the traditional and/or expected power ballad territory, the song abandons the balladry for a surprisingly effective mid-to-uptempo rocker. The lyrical content is still what you would find in a ballad but the more powerful soundtrack accompanying the vocals makes it a far better track than I was expecting at the start.

The liner notes for Shot in the Dark make note of the fact that the album was recorded in just 15 days. That probably accounts for the rawer feel to the sound of the release. But the quick recording process doesn’t diminish how good the songs turned out to be. I know that is speaking with a whole bunch of hindsight since I didn’t think much of the album when I first heard it back in the day. But time can help change an opinion when you have distance and a better grasp on things. And that’s definitely how I came to find that Great White’s Shot in the Dark is a fabulous listen, a look at the early days of the band just before they were about to explode in full on the music scene!

NOTES OF INTEREST: The version of the album I have is from Capitol Records. But Shot in the Dark was originally released by Telegraph Records. There are some differences between the two including slight title changes, different mixes and some slightly different music on certain songs. (Look up the album’s Wikipedia page for full details). The album got a remastered release on CD through Razor & Tie. The Japanese version of the CD has a cover of the Jimi Hendrix song “Red House” as a bonus track.

While Michael Lardie has been a longtime member of Great White, he’s only credited as an “additional musician” on Shot in the Dark with the band officially being a four piece at the time. This album was the debut of Audie Desbrow on drums.

Home

LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE’S TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2022

Leave a comment

At the end of every year, Limelight Magazine lists its favorite albums of the year. We listened to nearly 300 new releases in 2022 and these were the ones we listened to over and over again. Since it’s our 16th year in business, we decided to expand the list and make it our top 16 albums of 2022. We highly encourage you to give these albums a listen or even add them to your collection.

  1. GHOST – IMPERA

2. PORCUPINE TREE – CLOSURE/CONTINUATION

3. THREE DAYS GRACE – EXPLOSIONS

4. SCORPIONS – ROCK BELIEVER

5. KORN – REQUIEM

6. TONY MARTIN – THORNS

7. KING’S X – THREE SIDES OF ONE

8. SIX BY SIX – SIX BY SIX

9. JETHRO TULL – THE ZEALOT GENE

10. ENVY OF NONE – ENVY OF NONE

11. VIRGIL & STEVE HOWE – LUNAR MIST

12. ORIANTHI – ROCK CANDY

13. STRYPER – THE FINAL BATTLE

14. LEATHERWOLF – KILL THE HUNTED

15. DISTURBED – DIVISIVE

16. COLLECTIVE SOUL – VIBRATING

Home

LIMELIGHT MAGAZINE’S TOP 10 CONCERTS OF 2022

Leave a comment

In 2022, we attended 34 concerts not counting the shows we booked through JKB Entertainment Group. Once again, we traveled outside of New England to see some great shows, including Hershey, PA, to see Lady Gaga; New York City to see Scorpions with Chircutt and Rage Against the Machine with Run The Jewels, and Port Jefferson, NY, to see Primus with Battles. We also saw nine acts for the first time, which definitely reduces our bucket list. So, without further ado, here is Limelight Magazine’s top 10 concerts of 2022, which is followed by the complete list of shows we’ve seen this year.

 Top 10 Concerts of 2022

  1. Ghost with Mastodon & Spirtbox at Dunkin’ Donuts Center
  2. Porcupine Tree @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
  3. Lady Gaga @ Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA
  4. Chicago with Brian Wilson (and Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin) @ Xfinity Center [FIRST TIME BRIAN WILSON]
  5. Rammstein with Duo Abelard at Gillette Stadium [FIRST TIME]
  6. Roger Waters @ TD Garden
  7. Godsmack @ DCU Center
  8. Culture Club @ Premier Theater at Foxwoods [FIRST TIME]
  9. Scorpions with Chircutt @ Madison Square Garden
  10. Three Days Grace with Wage War and Zero @ House of Blues

Complete List of Concerts for 2022

  • February 11 – Ghost & Volbeat with Twin Temple @ DCU Center
  • March 16 – Korn with Chevelle and Code Orange @ Dunkin’ Donuts Center
  • March 25 – Orleans @ Stadium Theatre [FIRST TIME]
  • April 15 – Progject @ Tupelo Music Hall [FIRST TIME]
  • April 22 – Blue Oyster Cult @ Plymouth Memorial Hall
  • April 25 – Riverside with Keith Semple of The Cyberiam @ The Sinclair
  • April 30 – WAAF Big GIG featuring Godsmack @ DCU Center
  • May 6 – Scorpions with Chircutt @ Madison Square Garden
  • May 20 – Primus with Battles @ Capitol Theatre in Port Jefferson, NY
  • June 4 – America @ Hanover Theater [FIRST TIME]
  • June 11 – Kraftwerk 3D @ Wang Theatre
  • June 13 – Sammy Hagar and The Circle with George Thorogood and The Destroyers @ Xfinity Center
  • June 24 – The Zappa Band @ Narrows Center
  • July 10 – Chicago with Brian Wilson (and Al Jardine and Blondie Chaplin) @ Xfinity Center [FISRT TIME BRIAN WILSON]
  • July 12 – Roger Waters @ TD Garden
  • July 21 – Wishbone Ash @ Narrows Center [FIRST TIME]
  • July 27 – Elton John @ Gillette Stadium
  • July 28 – Three Days Grace with Wage War and Zero @ House of Blues
  • July 30 – Freaks on Parade Tour featuring Rob Zombie, Mudvayne, Static- X and Mudvayne
  • August 3 – Tesla with Bad Marriage @ Bold Point Park
  • August 6 – Collective Soul & Switchfoot with Jade Jackson @ Indian Ranch
  • August 14 – Rage Against the Machine with Run The Jewels @ Madison Square Garden [FIRST TIME]
  • August 28 – Lady Gaga @ Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey, PA
  • September 7 – Culture Club @ Premier Theater at Foxwoods [FIRST TIME]
  • September 9 – Rammstein with Duo Abelard at Gillette Stadium [FIRST TIME]
  • September 12 – Ghost with Mastodon & Spirtbox at Dunkin’ Donuts Center
  • September 14 – Porcupine Tree @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
  • September 17 – Fabio Frizzi @ Coolidge Corner Theatre
  • September 19 – Stevie Nicks with Vanessa Carlton @ Xfinity Center
  • September 25 – Nick Mason’s Saucerful of Secrets @ Providence Performing Arts Center
  • October 5 – John Petrucci, Mike Portnoy and Dave LaRue with Meanstreak @ The Strand
  • October 15 – Foghat with Charlie Farren @ Stadium Theatre [FISRT TIME]
  • October 16 – Judas Priest with Queensryche @ MGM Music Hall at Fenway
  • October 26 – Accept with Narcotic Wasteland @ Tupelo Music Hall
Cassette Chronicles, Home

THE BEST OF THE CASSETTE CHRONICLES – YEAR 6

Leave a comment

BY JAY ROBERTS

How was your 2022? For me, there were some challenges. Those challenges ended up affecting just how much content I could produce for The Cassette Chronicles during my 6th year of writing the series here at Limelight Magazine.

The good news is that the albums I did get to write about provided some great musical experiences that I already knew and a bunch of a new experiences with albums I’d never heard until I decided to write about them for the series.

I’m hoping that 2023 sees not only a return to being able to produce some more articles and I get to head back to the concert halls as well. But until then, take a look back at ten albums I spotlighted this past year.

The Cassette Chronicles will return in January 2023 and once again, I thank everyone for taking the time to read the articles!

Please click on the cassette title to read the article.

#1. SAVATAGE – HALL OF THE MOUNTAIN KING

#2. SURVIVOR – VITAL SIGNS

#3. SASS JORDAN – RACINE

#4. BADLANDS – VOODOO HIGHWAY

#5. LEATHER – SHOCK WAVES

#6. TWISTED SISTER – LOVE IS FOR SUCKERS

#7. Y&T – CONTAGIOUS

#8. BRUCE DICKINSON – TATTOOED MILLIONAIRE

#9. MARCHELLO – DESTINY

#10. ALICE COOPER – CONSTRICTOR

Home, JKB Presents

STRYPER, KIX, MIKE TRAMP (OF WHITE LION) & LILIAC BRING THEIR TOURS TO THE VAULT IN NEW BEDFORD, MA

Leave a comment

JKB Entertainment Group, the publisher of Limelight Magazine, has several shows coming to The Vault in New Bedford, MA, this spring and summer. On March 30th, STRYPER return to support their new album The Final Battle with special guest FirstBoure. The following Saturday, April 8th, KIX will perform with opening act Purging Sin. On May 31st, former White Lion vocalist MIKE TRAMP will perform “The Songs of White Lion” featuring Marcus Nand on electric guitar. Lastly, LILIAC will perform their only New England date on July 11th with special guest The Devil’s Twins.

Purchase tickets to STRYPER by clicking HERE.

Purchase tickets to KIX by clicking HERE.

Purchase tickets to White Lion’s MIKE TRAMP by clicking HERE.

Purchase tickets to LILIAC by clicking HERE.

All shows are 21+. The Vault is located at 791 Purchase Street in New Bedford, MA.

ABOUT STRYPER

When it comes to groundbreaking bands in the Christian hard-rock genre, Stryper is renowned for its distinctive brand of “heavenly metal,” extraordinary crossover success and venerable endurance. The Grammy-Nominated and Dove Award Winning group ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40 hits like “Calling on You,” “Honestly” and “Always There for You.”

Stryper’s career album sales exceed 10 million worldwide, including 1986’s multi-platinum release To Hell with the Devil. The band also made history in 1987 when it notched three songs in Dial-MTV’s Top 10 with videos “Calling On You”, “Free”, and “Honestly”, being the first band ever to have two sings in the Top 10 simultaneously.

Today, some 35+ years after emerging from the southern California nightclub scene, the foursome continues to record, tour and perform for loyal fans around the globe. Comprising three original members including brothers Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar) and Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitar) and newest bandmate, seasoned bassist Perry Richardson (formerly of Firehouse), the group finds itself creating their finest, most powerful music yet.

With an amazing 19 studio albums under their belt (all of which have charged on the Billboard Charts), the band has remained very active since their reformation in 2004 with Sirius XM radio host Eddie Trunk saying Stryper is “more active than any other band from the ‘80s”

“We’re incredibly happy to continue to get to write a new chapter in the book of Stryper, We love making records and touring and consider ourselves incredibly blessed to get to do what we do.” says Michael Sweet, who has served as the band’s primary songwriter since its inception in 1983.

Through it all, Stryper continues to remain steadfast in their faith and their commitment to musical excellence. As for what the future holds, especially during these uncertain times, Sweet encourages everyone to be hopeful and prayerful. “Whatever you believe, I challenge you to bow your head, look up to heaven, and say a prayer to God,” he says. “Pray longer, pray harder and pray more often, and let’s see what happens. I guarantee it will change lives for the better.”

Check out STRYPER’S video message about their concert at The Vault in New Bedford, MA, on March 30th with FirstBourne.

ABOUT KIX

The people know what’s best. Platinum-selling, hard rock icons KIX heed the audience’s call. At every live show, and with every new release, KIX raises the bar higher – not only for themselves, but also for their rock band peers. Steve Whiteman [vocals], Brian “Damage” Forsythe [guitar], Ronnie “10/10” Younkins [guitar], Jimmy “Chocolate” Chalfant [drums] and Mark Schenker [bass] continue to deliver their signature brand of raucous, roaring, and real rock ‘n’ roll.

KIX was founded in 1978 in Hagerstown, Maryland, and after slugging it out as a local band, they were signed to Atlantic Records in 1981. Their self-titled debut album was released the same year, and featured concert-favorites like “The Itch,” “Heartache,” and traditional KIX show closer “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,” which is now incomplete without an originally unique ad-lib performance by Whiteman. Their second album, Cool Kids yielded “Body Talk,” and the ballad, “For Shame.” KIX then partnered with producer Beau Hill (Ratt, Warrant) to create the powerhouse album Midnite Dynamite, released in 1985, which yielded another concert favorite, “Cold Shower.”

When the members of KIX traveled to Los Angeles in early 1988 to begin recording Blow My Fuse, they knew that the album could make or break the band. And sure enough, upon its release in September of 1988, Blow My Fuse outperformed its predecessors. A video for the song “Cold Blood” dominated MTV’s popular “Dial MTV” program for so long that the network was forced to change the show’s rules to knock KIX out of the top slot.

Blow My Fuse was certified Gold. Then, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” was released, and it peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, propelling the album to platinum status. Blow My Fuse cemented KIX as one of the Eighties’ preeminent hard rock acts.

In 1991, Hot Wire was released, featuring the single, “Girl Money.” As a touring act, KIX had graduated to arenas and opened for Aerosmith, KISS, Whitesnake, Ratt, and Tesla. In 1995, the band released what they thought would be their final album, Show Business, for CMC International Records, which marked the end of an era.

KIX gracefully eased back into the public consciousness in 2008. After reuniting for sold out hometown gigs, the quintet hit the stage at Rocklahoma in front of over 20,000 people, venturing out of the Mid-Atlantic for the first time in 13 years. Delivering a triumphant set alongside the likes of Sammy Hagar and Alice Cooper, they left their mark on both old and new fans.

The members agreed to enter the studio once again for 2014’s Rock Your Face Off, produced by Taylor Rhodes (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne), the band’s first studio album in almost 20 years. Rock Your Face Off debuted at #48 on the Billboard Top 200, #5 on the Independent Albums chart, #11 on the Top Internet chart, #17 on the Top Rock Albums chart, #27 on the Indy/Small Chain Core Stores chart and #33 on the Physical chart. It also debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hard Rock and Metal chart.

A new KIX album is in the works, while the band continues to blow away audiences with their live shows across the U.S. and beyond.

ABOUT MIKE TRAMP (OF WHITE LION)

Former White Lion vocalist Mike Tramp is embarking on a U.S. tour this May and he makes a stop at The Vault in New Bedford, MA, on May 31st. “The Songs Of White Lion” trek will see Tramp performing all the White Lion favorites, including “When The Children Cry,” “Little Fighter,” “Wait,” “Lady Of The Valley,” “Radar Love,” and many more. Joining Tramp for the two-man show will be lead guitarist Marcus Nand.

Tramp stepped out on his own in 1995 and began his 28-year long solo career. With over a dozen  consistent solo albums to his name, Tramp has never steered off his path and is charging forward with confidence, no desire to look back. Tramp says, “It really just meant that I knew who I wanted to be and sound like when I recorded my first solo album twenty-two years ago. I just wanted to be me, and I am damn proud I stuck to my guns. White Lion was a chapter and a journey I was on; it was a one-way ticket with no return.”

The hair trend of the decade has since faded, but the music lives on, stronger than ever. To tame the big sound of the 80s hair metal genre, Tramp is touring as a Power Duo, with his trusted guitar slinger friend Marcus Nand, adding the sound of the Electric Guitar to his already well proven solo set. Now in 2023 this Power Duo, will play an exclusive vintage White Lion set around the world, given back to the fans, who have supported and followed Tramp since the days off long hair. He states, “It’s both challenging and a joy for me. Still, the truth is that people don’t know that most of these big rock songs started out as folk music in a Brooklyn, NY, basement Which is the true secret why they still work on stage, even in the simplest version.”

ABOUT LILIAC

LILIAC, the ‘First Family of Rock’, is a 5-piece hard rock band from Los Angeles. The band is fronted by Melody, lead guitarist Samuel, drummer Abigail, bassist Ethan and keyboardist Justin. The sibling’s talents were discovered by their dear father, Papa Liliac, also the band’s manager and producer. After many crazy nights, they honed their craft as weekend street performers on the Santa Monica pier. Their sound takes the listener back to a time when rock was complex but told a story! LILIAC’s raspy vocals, catchy lyrics, scorching guitar solos, sparkling keys, thick bass and thunderous drumming provides a familiar, but fresh take on classic hard rock. The band initially went viral on social media for their impressive covers, and videos, of classic rock and metal songs. This opened the door for LILIAC to appear on The World’s Best on CBS and America’s Got Talent, catapulting them to international recognition. It is no mystery why their covers of Dio’s “Rainbow in the Dark” and Iron Maiden’s “The Trooper won the hearts of millions and had people dancing in the dark.

LILIAC was not afraid and began writing their own hook-heavy, original material produced in their home studio by Papa Liliac. Their debut original album, Chain of Thorns, was released early 2019 and hit #1 on Amazon’s Best Seller for Rock Music Charts; proving why they say “we are the children” sent to save rock n’ roll.

The summer of 2019 kicked off their first North American tour consisting of 40 dates of sold out shows in front of 1000’s of fangs! The band opened for classic rock icons such as Loverboy, Queensrÿche, Stryper, Slaughter, and even Kiss on the Kiss Kruise! Their follow-up, full length album, Queen of Hearts, brought 13 new songs in 2020: reaching #29 on the iTunes Rock Charts! LILIAC’s 2022 “Moonlight Tour” consisted of 48 shows (44 headlining) allowing the band to sail away across the country multiple times. During this tour LILIAC ‘grew up’, further sharpening their skills, and their fangs, on the stage and impressing the likes of Bret Michaels, Vinny Appice, and multiple other rock n’ roll icons. With nearly 1 million fans on Facebook, and quickly growing on other socials, LILIAC is ready to take the world by storm.

Home, JKB Presents

KIX TO PERFORM AT THE VAULT IN NEW BEDFORD, MA, ON APRIL 8TH

Leave a comment

Hard rock band KIX, who rose to stardom with their album Blow My Fuse, will perform at The Vault in New Bedford, MA, on Saturday, April 8, 2023, in a concert presented by JKB Entertainment Group. The’s band’s lineup includes original members Steve Whiteman, Jimmy Chalfant, Ronnie Younkins and Brian Forsythe with long-time member Mark Schenker on bass. Purging Sin open the show. Purchase tickets HERE.

KIX

The people know what’s best. Platinum-selling, hard rock icons KIX heed the audience’s call. At every live show, and with every new release, KIX raises the bar higher – not only for themselves, but also for their rock band peers. Steve Whiteman [vocals], Brian “Damage” Forsythe [guitar], Ronnie “10/10” Younkins [guitar], Jimmy “Chocolate” Chalfant [drums] and Mark Schenker [bass] continue to deliver their signature brand of raucous, roaring, and real rock ‘n’ roll.

KIX was founded in 1978 in Hagerstown, Maryland, and after slugging it out as a local band, they were signed to Atlantic Records in 1981. Their self-titled debut album was released the same year, and featured concert-favorites like “The Itch,” “Heartache,” and traditional KIX show closer “Yeah, Yeah, Yeah,” which is now incomplete without an originally unique ad-lib performance by Whiteman. Their second album, Cool Kids yielded “Body Talk,” and the ballad, “For Shame.” KIX then partnered with producer Beau Hill (Ratt, Warrant) to create the powerhouse album Midnite Dynamite, released in 1985, which yielded another concert favorite, “Cold Shower.”

When the members of KIX traveled to Los Angeles in early 1988 to begin recording Blow My Fuse, they knew that the album could make or break the band. And sure enough, upon its release in September of 1988, Blow My Fuse outperformed its predecessors. A video for the song “Cold Blood” dominated MTV’s popular “Dial MTV” program for so long that the network was forced to change the show’s rules to knock KIX out of the top slot.

Blow My Fuse was certified Gold. Then, “Don’t Close Your Eyes” was released, and it peaked at #11 on Billboard’s Hot 100 chart, propelling the album to platinum status. Blow My Fuse cemented KIX as one of the Eighties’ preeminent hard rock acts.

In 1991, Hot Wire was released, featuring the single, “Girl Money.” As a touring act, KIX had graduated to arenas and opened for Aerosmith, KISS, Whitesnake, Ratt, and Tesla. In 1995, the band released what they thought would be their final album, Show Business, for CMC International Records, which marked the end of an era.

KIX gracefully eased back into the public consciousness in 2008. After reuniting for sold out hometown gigs, the quintet hit the stage at Rocklahoma in front of over 20,000 people, venturing out of the Mid-Atlantic for the first time in 13 years. Delivering a triumphant set alongside the likes of Sammy Hagar and Alice Cooper, they left their mark on both old and new fans.

The members agreed to enter the studio once again for 2014’s Rock Your Face Off, produced by Taylor Rhodes (Aerosmith, Ozzy Osbourne), the band’s first studio album in almost 20 years. Rock Your Face Off debuted at #48 on the Billboard Top 200, #5 on the Independent Albums chart, #11 on the Top Internet chart, #17 on the Top Rock Albums chart, #27 on the Indy/Small Chain Core Stores chart and #33 on the Physical chart. It also debuted at #1 on Amazon’s Hard Rock and Metal chart.

A new KIX album is in the works, while the band continues to blow away audiences with their live shows across the U.S. and beyond.

The Vault is located at located at 791 Purchase Street in New Bedford, Mass. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

MUST BE 21 or OLDER with Valid ID for Entry.

All ticket sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges unless the concert is postponed or cancelled.

There is NO SMOKING OR VAPING allowed inside The Vault or in the bathrooms. If you are caught doing either, you will be escorted off premises and forfeit your tickets.

Home, JKB Presents

STRYPER TO PERFORM AT THE VAULT IN NEW BEDFORD, MA, ON MARCH 30TH

Leave a comment

Stryper, the iconic Christian hard rock/metal band, will perform at The Vault in New Bedford, MA, on March 30, 2023, in a concert presented by JKB Entertainment Group. The’s band’s line up consists of Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar), Oz Fox (guitar), Perry Richardson (bass) and Robert Sweet (drums). FirstBourne open the show. This is a 21+ show. Purchase tickets HERE.

ABOUT STRYPER

When it comes to groundbreaking bands in the Christian hard-rock genre, Stryper is renowned for its distinctive brand of “heavenly metal,” extraordinary crossover success and venerable endurance. The Grammy-Nominated and Dove Award Winning group ascended to prominence in the 1980s with Billboard Top 40 hits like “Calling on You,” “Honestly” and “Always There for You.”

Stryper’s career album sales exceed 10 million worldwide, including 1986’s multi-platinum release To Hell with the Devil. The band also made history in 1987 when it notched three songs in Dial-MTV’s Top 10 with videos “Calling On You”, “Free”, and “Honestly”, being the first band ever to have two sings in the Top 10 simultaneously.

Today, some 35+ years after emerging from the southern California nightclub scene, the foursome continues to record, tour and perform for loyal fans around the globe. Comprising three original members including brothers Michael Sweet (lead vocals, guitar) and Robert Sweet (drums), Oz Fox (guitar) and newest bandmate, seasoned bassist Perry Richardson (formerly of Firehouse), the group finds itself creating their finest, most powerful music yet.

With an amazing 19 studio albums under their belt (all of which have charged on the Billboard Charts), the band has remained very active since their reformation in 2004 with Sirius XM radio host Eddie Trunk saying Stryper is “more active than any other band from the ‘80s”

“We’re incredibly happy to continue to get to write a new chapter in the book of Stryper, We love making records and touring and consider ourselves incredibly blessed to get to do what we do.” says Michael Sweet, who has served as the band’s primary songwriter since its inception in 1983.

Through it all, Stryper continues to remain steadfast in their faith and their commitment to musical excellence. As for what the future holds, especially during these uncertain times, Sweet encourages everyone to be hopeful and prayerful. “Whatever you believe, I challenge you to bow your head, look up to heaven, and say a prayer to God,” he says. “Pray longer, pray harder and pray more often, and let’s see what happens. I guarantee it will change lives for the better.”

ABOUT FIRSTBOURNE

FirstBourne is a four piece rock/power metal band from Boston, MA, formed in 2016. The band is Mike Kerr on guitar, Ven Thangaraj on bass, Keith Pittman on vocals and Joe Bertola on drums. Specializing in captivating hooks and masterful musicianship, the band aims to revive the glory days of guitar oriented rock with a mix of current musical tastes and trends.

The Vault is located at located at 791 Purchase Street in New Bedford, Mass. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

MUST BE 21 or OLDER with Valid ID for Entry.

All ticket sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges unless the concert is postponed or cancelled.

There is NO SMOKING OR VAPING allowed inside The Vault or in the bathrooms. If you are caught doing either, you will be escorted off premises and forfeit your tickets.

Home, JKB Presents

THE IRON MAIDENS RETURN TO THE VAULT IN NEW BEDFORD, MA, ON SATURDAY, APRIL 15, 2023

Leave a comment

The Iron Maidens, the world’s only all-female tribute to the legendary Iron Maiden, returns to The Vault in New Bedford, MA, Saturday, April 15, 2023, in a concert presented by JKB Entertainment Group. Stormstress and Groundlift open the show. This is a 21+ show. Purchase tickets HERE.

ABOUT THE IRON MAIDENS

Formed in 2001, The Iron Maidens have quickly established themselves as one of southern California’s most popular tribute acts and are rapidly gaining international recognition. The band boasts beauty as well as excellent musicianship, lively stage presence, and a remarkable stage show with theatrical scenes interspersed throughout.

First and foremost on the agenda of The Iron Maidens is talent. These women are highly trained professionals with diversified musical backgrounds ranging from orchestral and musical theater to blues and rock. The band and its members have been the recipients of many awards including best tribute band, and best in category (guitar, bass, drums, voice) at events such as The Rock City News Awards, The LA Music Awards, and The All Access Magazine Award Show to name a few. The line-up is Kirsten “Bruce Chickinson” Rosenberg on vocals, Linda “Nikki McBURRain” McDonald on drums, Courtney “Adriana Smith” Cox and Nikki “Davina Murray” Stringfield on guitars, and Wanda “Steph Harris” Ortiz on bass.

The Iron Maidens cover Iron Maiden material from all eras of the band’s career, encompassing the band’s biggest hits as well as fan favorites. The stage show includes appearances by Maiden mascot Eddie, the grimreaper, the devil and more.

The Iron Maidens have packed houses everywhere they have played.

ABOUT STORMSTRESS

American heavy metal power trio, Stormstress, was born amidst a bomb cyclone that hit Boston in October of 2019. Co-fronted by Detroit-raised Berklee College of Music Alumni, identical mirror-image twin sisters guitarist/vocalist and PRS Guitars Pulse Artist Tanya Venom and bassist/vocalist Tia Mayhem with ‘Hit Like A Girl 2014’ finalist powerhouse Maddie May Scott on the drums, these three wildly ambitious and seasoned players make Stormstress a force to be reckoned with. Their signature sound shaped by heavy riffs, powerful grooves and melodic vocals paired with their high-energy, bombastic live performance style has been compared to the likes of Halestorm, Avenged Sevenfold, Led Zeppelin and Dio. Award-winning songwriters, Tanya Venom and Tia Mayhem, write primarily about self-empowerment, individuality, and breaking boundaries while delivering a unique dual frontwoman experience.

Stormstress hit the ground running and hasn’t stopped since. The band released their debut single “Paint the Mask” inspiring a nearly sold-out debut show in February of 2020 shortly before what became the worldwide quarantine. Despite facing the world-halting Coronavirus pandemic at such an early stage in the band’s career, Stormstress persevered and released their second single, “You Can’t Hurt Me Now,” in November of 2020, accruing over 100,000 streams on Spotify within the first month of its release. Come February 2022, Stormstress released a third single, an emotional power ballad called “Fall With You” featuring a string quartet part and gothic ballroom music video. In April of 2022, Stormstress released their debut full-length album “Silver Lining” in collaboration with producer Liz Borden of the legendary all-female punk band, Lizzie Borden and the Axes and Sarah Fitzpatrick. The album dropped with a sold-out release show followed by a successful mini tour across the northeast and midwest.

ABOUT GROUNDLIFT

Frontman Ace McCormack and bassist Mike Dutko instantly became friends when they had their first rehearsal and discovered their palpable musical synergy. Leah Bluestein became the obvious choice for drums when they heard her play like a combination of Dave Grohl and Neil Peart. 

The joining of their three varied and eclectic music tastes resulted in a fresh, unique sound where Ace’s love of beautiful melodies, Dutko’s adventurous Queen-like writing style, and Leah’s unbridled technical prowess all shine through. They are three musicians obsessed with their craft, allowing each other to fire on all cylinders with no holds barred. Combining tasty and inventive licks with catchy melodic hooks, surreal lyrics, shredding guitar-drum-AND bass solos, and an unfathomable rhythmic tightness, Groundlift is truly a band unlike any other. 

With their hard rock inspired vibe, thick pocketed grooves, and catchy tunes that will stick in your head for days, Groundlift is a band that can get the the hard-core punks back flipping into the moshpit, the indie fans singing along, and the fellow musicians nodding in approval all at the same time. 

Beginning with hard rock and punk roots, the band expanded their sound into funk and progressive influences on their single “Till You Run Out of Time.” Now with their latest collaboration with producer Steve Evetts, the trio has honed their sound into a mix of classic rock and roll, funk, blues, progressive rock, and Brit-pop glory.

The Vault is located at located at 791 Purchase Street in New Bedford, Mass. Tickets can be purchased through Eventbrite.com and start at $30.

PLEASE NOTE THE FOLLOWING:

MUST BE 21 or OLDER with Valid ID for Entry.

All ticket sales are final. There are no refunds or exchanges unless the concert is postponed or cancelled.

There is NO SMOKING OR VAPING allowed inside The Vault or in the bathrooms. If you are caught doing either, you will be escorted off premises and forfeit your tickets.

Bringing great entertainment to New England since 2011!