The Dead Daisies with The Dives live at the El Rey Theater - Los Angeles, California - August 25, 2017

The Dead Daisies were formed in 2012 in Sydney, Australia by rhythm guitarist David Lowy. It wasn’t till 2016, and all the talk of their release Make Some Noise in August 2016 via Spitfire Music, that I was introduced to The Dead Daisies. I must’ve been living under a rock (smiles). On September 15, 2016 I saw them for the first time when I was covering a sold out show while they were touring behind their release Make Some Noise at the iconic Whisky a Go Go in West Hollywood, California. I loved them!

Now, eleven months later, The Dead Daisies has been to Europe, Japan, South America and Mexico. Their North American portion of The Dirty Dozen tour is coming to an end after tonight’s show at the El Rey Theater in Los Angeles, California, only two shows remaining San Diego then ending in Las Vegas. Added to that is the release of their first live album Live & Louder in May of this year. I haven’t seen it yet, but I’ve been told that I’m in the DVD portion of some crowd shots from the Whisky a Go Go show, just the thought is exciting!

Before I rave any more about The Dead Daisies, opening the show out of New York was a band called The Dives – newcomers to the scene. I don’t believe this band is a year old. Reading a little bit about them, frontman/guitarist Evan Stanley and bassist/vocalist Sergio Ortega describe their sound as “Power Pop” and “a rock band playing pop music”. My impression was a rockabilly sound, fun, upbeat, get you moving. Whichever genre they fall into, their music grabs and keeps your attention. I thoroughly enjoyed them. Rounding out the members of the band are guitaristist/vocalist Mike Lefton and drummer/vocalist Jimmy Meier.

You may recognize Evan’s last name. Yes, he is the son of frontman/guitarist of KISS Paul Stanley. Paul was there supporting his son. I got a little kick with the fans reactions when Paul came out to meet KISS guitarist Tommy Thayer and the screams from the girls that took me back to the 80’s. Don’t make the mistake thinking The Dives sound anything like KISS. Here is a quote from Evan on that subject: “You won’t hear anything that sounds like KISS at The Dives show.”

Keep an eye on this band as they are putting the final touches on their debut EP.

Connect with The Dives online: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram.

All photos by Tammy Greene
©2017. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.

The stage has now been turned over and the lights dim as the cheers get louder when the intro, Whole Lotta Love/War Pigs Mashup, starts to play. Through the darkness you can see Brian Tichy’s shadow as he takes the throne behind his drum set, pumping his fist between the beat, encouraging the fans to get louder! Guitarist Doug Aldrich, bassist Marco Mendoza, rhythm guitarist David Lowy and frontman John Corabi hit the stage opening with Long Way to Go off Make Some Noise, followed by Mexico off Revolución. Rounding out the first three songs was Make Some Noise off the song-titled album.

Each one of these artists individually are accomplished musicians: John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, The Scream), Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake, Dio), Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake), Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Foreigner) and founding member David Lowy (Red Phoenix, Mink). Their musicianship is top notch as each member works the crowd. Mendoza put a pick on the end of this tongue for the ladies then tossed it out to the fans. Aldrich shredded the Les Paul like no other and tossed picks to the fans. Lowy worked one side of the stage to the other smiling and having a great time, Corabi is amazing and has a magnetic personality. He encouraged fans every step of the way to make some noise, even taking a moment to sign autographs! All this and he was a comedy act all at the same time!

We had the Tichy roll, Aldrich and Tichy falling to the stage that looks like WWE smacked down, as Corabi says “Now kids, this is how you can poke each other’s eyes out!” I laughed so hard. I’ve used that saying when my boys were younger!

The set consisted of 17 songs, mainly from their release Make Some Noise. Also included was With You and I and Devil Out of Time off the album Revolución.

Drum solos always seem to be the time the fans hit the restrooms and bar. Not during Brian Tichy’s drum solo. It’s an aww moment. Not only does it sound powerful he’s amazing to watch. Very animated behind the set tossing sticks in the air and catching them between the beats, batting and tossing the sticks to the fans till he has none then playing half the solo with his bare hands with the same intensity. If you’ve ever been to the Bonzo Bash on NAMM weekend Tichy is a drumming machine!

Another highlight was the band members introduction, one by one each played a teaser of a song which included Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, La Bamba, Black Night, Run to the Hills and Heaven and Hell. Ending the set with Helter Skelter off their EP Face I Love. Leaving the stage for a moment as the fans cheer for an encore. As the members come back to the stage for We’re An American Band (Grand Funk Railroad cover) off their recent release Live and Louder and ending with Midnight Moses off Revolución.

It still amazes me that people don’t know who The Dead Daisies are. They are missing out. Corabi calls Aldrich the golden boy. Personally, I think that applies to the whole band. This is a Golden band, an American band. I know this tour has ended. Watch for them to be back out entertaining the masses. My experience covering the show was a little different this time around as I had the honor of going to the VIP Meet and Greet before the band hit the stage. After the show, they did another Meet and Greet signing autographs and taking photos with the fans as I stood back and watched a little. No egos, a lot of respect all around. I love The Dead Daisies!

The next time The Dead Daisies are on tour go check out a show – you won’t be disappointed!

Connect with The Dead Daisies online: Website Facebook Twitter Instagram

Setlist:
Long Way to Go
Mexico
Make Some Noise
Song And a Prayer
Fortunate Son (Creedence Clearwater Revival cover)
We All Fall Down
Last Time I Saw the Sun
Drum Solo
Join Together (The Who cover)
All the Same
With You and I
Band Introduction
Mainline
Devil Out of Time
Helter Skelter