Canadian classic rock band Headpins, along with Lee Aaron and Toronto performed at Casino Rama recently. The theme for the evening was Front Women of Rock. Although most of the acts (with the exception of Lee Aaron) are not from the original lineup, that certainly didn’t take away from the amazing show performed that evening.
Leading off the show was Toronto with frontwoman Michelle Truman. A fantastic singer, with lots of energy and enthusiasm. Her vocals were strong and intonation on point. She engaged the audience with ease and conveyed the classic rock songs effortlessly. The musicianship from the band was solid, although maybe a touch laid back with the stage performance. Drummer Barry Connors had a bit of a hick-up at the end with his gear, but that was quickly rectified. They performed a 9-song set list, including Get It On Credit, Even The Score, Barracade, and of course the audience favorite Your Daddy Don’t Know.
The current lineup for Toronto is Michelle Truman (vocals), Jim Gilmour (Keyboards), Steve Shelski (guitar), Barry Connors (drums), Carmela Long (backup vocals), and Tom Lewis (bass).
Next up was the metal queen Lee Aaron. It’s always a treat to see her perform! Yes a little older and wiser, but the passion she puts into her performance is really admirable. Her vocals in all honestly have really held up over the years. I have seen classic acts that are a bit cringy with the decline of their vocal abilities, but Lee has stood up to the test of time. Her backup band consists of her husband John Cody on drums, bassist Dave Reimer and guitarist Sean Kelly. All fantastic musicians in their own right. Guitarist Sean Kelly is a very well-known and sought-after guitarist, who shreds through the riffs and solos with flair and ease. Besides Lee, he had a great stage presence.
Lee spoke about how the song Metal Queen came to fruition. In her angry teenage years, rebelling against her parents, the song was created. Of course, this song made the set list, along with other favorites like Some Girls Do, Fire and Gasoline along with her self-professed favorite song 21. This song was recently written (within the last couple of years). It slowed the set down to an acoustic style. The song was lovely and heartfelt. Finishing their set was the ever-popular Whatcha Do To My Body. This song had the crowd singing loudly.
Last, but certainly, not least Headpins took over the stage. Front woman, Rosa Laricchiuta, was fantastic! She represented a very similar vocal range to some of the past members. Fourth in the roster of singers for the band, she held the bar up high. Her other gig is with the Trans Siberian Orchestra, so if you have never heard her sing, her competence is not even remotely questionable. Her vocals were strong and full of range, her control was unmeasurable and the tone was bang on. She engaged with both the audience and band members with ease and in a fun way. Her demeanor was personable and likable.
At the start of their set, the band was plagued with some feedback, but that was quickly rectified. The band was like a well-oiled machine, very tight and the individual members all performed very well. You could certainly tell each musician within the band has honed their craft. The overall sound was big and bold, tight, and a true pleasure to witness. This was no basement band, that’s for sure. They performed an 8-song set list, including songs such as Don’t Matter, People and Turn it Loud. There was no surprise the fan favorite was Dancin.
The current lineup for the Headpins is Rosa Laricchiuta (vocals), Ab Bryant (bass), Bernie Aubin (drums), Anthony Dellacroce (guitar), and Alfie Galpin (guitar/keyboards)
The evening was a fun time, reminiscing about days gone by. Triggering memories of when times were simpler. A great escape with a fantastic lineup.
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