The Whisky a Go Go is one of the few historic clubs that remains on the Sunset Strip in West Hollywood, California, well known as one of the clubs to help launch many of the bands in the 80’s era. On Wednesday August 17th the Whisky a Go Go was the place to be for the “SiriusXM Hair Nation Battle of the Bands” hosted by radio personality Eddie Trunk. Seven unsigned bands would compete for two spots to play (main stage and side stage) at the “Sirius XM Hair Nation Festival” on Saturday September 17th at Irvine Meadows Theatre in Irvine, California.
Each band had a fifteen-minute set to impress the four judges – 80’s “Queen of Metal” Lita Ford, Tracii Guns (LA Guns), Brent Woods (guitarist for Sebastian Bach) and Jay Ruston (producer/engineer) for artists such as Anthrax, Steel Panther, Stone Sour, The Winery Dogs and more. Eddie Trunk dedicate his time hosting and giving each band equal time, he would be the tie breaker if needed.
All photos by Tammy Greene
©2016. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
Electric Hound hits the stage, the group describes themselves to Music Life Magazine, as a “three-piece vintage modern rock” band, influenced by the bands of the 70’ & 80’s. Formed in 2015 out of Hesperia, California, this trio is made up of brothers, Ted (vocals/bass), George (guitar/backup vocals) and Billy (drums). Being the first band out didn’t stop them from setting the bar high, putting on an energetic set, with a vintage rock sound, including a great rendition of Billy Idol’s Rebel Yell that left quite an impression. It was apparent by the smiles on their face, they were having a good time.
Devils Only up next, founded in 2016 out of North Hollywood, California. Their motto “Hellmade In Hollywood” This band may be newly formed, but Jeff Dunham (vocals/bass), D. Troy Castro (guitar/backup vocals), Calvin Ellis (guitar) and John Stone (drums/backup vocals) are veteran players, playing their rock anthems to the judges and audience.
Velicious describes to us, their sound has elements of artists they grew up listening to Led Zeppelin, The Who, Motley Crue, with a heavier, melodic sound. Founded in 2005 out of Huntington Beach, California. One of the veteran bands in this battle, made their way up to Hollywood to give the judges a taste of their 80’s rock anthems, as the audience showed their approval. There’s no doubt you will see them again in our town. This band is made up of doctors, lawyers, professional business men, “these gigs fuel their soul”.
The Aviators was last year’s winner at the Cathouse Live Battle of the Bands, opening the second stage. Founded in 2008 from Bakersfield, California, this band has become a well-oiled machine. Once they took the stage they put on an impressive set, great musicianship, songs and stage presence. I always admire a band that is having a good time, their energy is proof. The Aviators had their eye on the prize.
The Hard Way has made the iconic Whisky a Go Go their home over the past few years, opening for well-known artists, and developing a great fan following. Founder and frontman Eric Jeffreys describes the band as having lots of punch, precision, wild, raunchy with unbridled ruthlessness. The Hard Way is a hard hitting, entertaining band that had the audience rocking. Eric Jeffreys (vocals), Joe Drock (guitar), John Huldt (guitar), Tim Luce (bass), sitting in on drums was Chili (Puddle of Mudd), are top notch every time they hit the stage. While musicians shy away from social issues, they face it straight on in their lyrics, “Police Brutality” and “Diabolical Bitch”. And we must not forget the softer side to this band, The Hard Way dancers.
Salems Lott was founded in 2013 from Hollywood, California, with pristine stage appearance, high hair, makeup. It takes you back to the glam metal scene of the sunset strip. Music Life Magazine asked frontman Monroe Black if he feels the band has a signature sound? Monroe: “Let’s just say I haven’t heard any bands that sounds like us”. My first thought was OK! After seeing them perform that description is spot on, Salems Lott put on an impressive, captivating set, shredding guitar solos, backwards drumming, this bad is a total package. Plus, having that black Gibson Les Paul in your hands, gets my attention. Salems Lott is a band I look forward to seeing again.
Closing out the “Battle of the Bands” was Wikkid Starr. Founded in 2016 from Los Angeles, California, frontman Toney Richards had an exuberant amount of energy, I thought he was going to end up in the audience. He was ready to rock! Kicking off their set with Feed Me. Toney explains to us, “they are not here to reinvent the wheel, their music will evolve as they experiment with different sounds, but remain true to the 80’s roots”. Expect to see different things from this band in the future.
Even though this was not a popularity contest, each band took to their Facebook pages to promote this show, getting their fans out to support them, they all did a good job having a nice crowd at the Whisky a Go Go for a Wednesday night. All and all, this was a good night of music. Eddie Trunk kept the audience going in between bands, even playing “Stump the Guns” with Tracii Guns. One audience member won a pair of tickets to the festival being the first one to answer correctly a trivia question about Tracii Guns.
After a brief wait, host Eddie Trunk, with the winners in hand, thanked everyone for coming out. As the anticipation grew, the announcement was made:
“They were the first band to play tonight, from Hesperia, California, Electric Hound. They will be opening the side stage at “SiriusXM Hair Nation Festival.
“This was a unanimous decision, they came out with energy, fire and songs, their singing, their playing, they brought it in every way possible, and all of us felt the same way. The winner for the Battle of the Bands for Hair Nation 2016 opening the main stage……… pause!! From Bakersfield, California – The Aviators!
Congratulations!!
Hosted by Eddie Trunk, the music lineup for the Sirius XM Hair Nation Festival on Saturday September 17th at Irvine Meadows Theatre include: Vince Neil, Bret Michaels, Yngwie Malmsteen, Kix, Slaughter, Lita Ford, Vixen, Britny Fox, Bulletboys, Faster Pussycat, LA Guns (Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns), Loudness, Junkyard, Vain, Tuff, Bang Tango, Pretty Boy Floyd, Odin, Gabbie Rae and Circus of Power. Add two more: Electric Hound and The Aviators.
Tickets available at: www.HairNationFest.com
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