As we closed 2023 so…we entered 2024. In the same place, actually. This time we would have the chance to see again live on stage two of the best tribute bands and the most authentic version of the sleaze/glam sound our country has ever produced. But let’s take things from the beginning.
After a delay of almost an hour, the doors opened and the crowd that had already formed a long queue outside the Temple entered the venue waiting for Wild Machine to…start the party. And what a party it was! Fronted by the thunderous and always flamboyant Johny Hott (for that night had turned into…Red Hott because of the bright red outfit he was wearing), Wild Machine not only warmed up the crowd but proved that they remain a well-oiled machine on stage. In fact, they gave me the impression that their sparse presence on the concert circuit hasn’t affected them at all. Well-rehearsed and incredibly comfortable they gave a fantastic show based of course on their album “II” (highlights included “Viciouz Luv” and “Dirty Motel Room”) while they didn’t forget to play three covers of Sweet (“Fox on the Run”), KISS (“Mr. Speed”) and AC/DC (“Jailbreak”). I think this is the best line-up of Wild Machine and we hope to hear their new album soon.
The next act belonged to the fantastic Snakebite or the Greek version of the famous Alice Cooper Show! Those who have seen these guys in the past know very well how much work they have put in rehearsals in order to come out with a perfect and reliable final result. The night at Temple was, of course, no exception and so we had the chance to enjoy most of Alice’s hits (with the lion’s share belonging, predictably, to “Trash”). Of course the highlights of Alice’s horror show were present and I must make special mention of the improved overall performance of all the guys on stage. The opening with “Dirty Diamonds” was perfect, the performance of “Black Widow” and “Steven” was flawless while a personal highlight was “He’s Back” with the crowd singing almost all the lyrics which of course happened on most of the songs.
The time had come for the headliners of the night. Dr. Crue made sure to…excite the crowd with a countdown that was shown on the Temple’s backdrop projecting screen to the sounds of AC/DC’s “Are You Ready”. The festivities began with “Wild Side” and “Looks That Kill” and just like that the Temple was set on fire! The sound was crystal clear, Dr. Crue put on their own show flawlessly performing (almost) all of Motley’s hits while playing the accompanying video clips in the back screen. The guys have worked many hours in rehearsals and this is very obvious in their performances as their covers are excellent and the whole attitude of the guys is on…the right basis as we are talking about a tribute to a band where the attitude was as important as the quality of the compositions. I was glad that Dr. Crue included “Saints of Los Angeles” in their set while I would have preferred to miss the cover of “Fight For Your Right To Party” (although I understand the logic behind it since the girl who had taken over the backing vocals was given the chance to do the lead vocals). Anyway, the guys rocked it out, everyone left satisfied and that’s what counts in the end.
The conclusion of the night: a hefty dose of authentic sleaze/glam, an excellently structured tribute show to the ultimate Alice Cooper and a hair metal juggernaut straight out of the Sunset Strip. Well done to all!
Sakis Nikas
