CANYON CLUB – DALLAS, TEXAS

2/27/02

by Joey Clendening

They opened what was to prove a blistering set of music with 'Vicious Circle', off the their latest album. From there, it was all old school heavy metal. And the crowd approved. Kevin drove the band into 'Sign of the Times' and 'Condition Critical' before stopping for air. Next he asked for some titties and several women obliged. Tops were flying through the air and the party had begun. After another rockin hit, 'Mama Weer All Crazy Now,' Kevin slowed a bit to pay tribute to Mr. Randy Rhodes with 'Thunderbird.' Quiet Riot played an opening set for Pearcy that lasted well over an hour. Rudy Sarzo showed us again the great technique of playing a bass. I do have to question his selection of pants though. He made a topless girl's night when he played his bass on top of her head while "banging his head". Kevin said no Olympic medal, bronze, silver, or gold could top what we all were about to receive. Of course, it was HEAVY METAL and the show naturally ended with 'Metal Health.' Quiet Riot sounded wonderful on stage and showed they still can perform that old school metal that we grew up with. During 'Cum On Feel the Noize,' Kevin lifted Carlos onto his shoulders and carried him around the stage. If Quiet Riot hits a club near you, it would not disappoint you to attend!!!

After Quiet Riot started the party, it was now turn for Mr. Pearcy to come 'out of the cellar' and keep it going. NO, he did not disappoint the crowd. He jumped right into 'Lay It Down' and 'Way Cool Jr.' to start his set. Believe me, Stephen can still sing. (He also has a cool 007 tattoo around the back of his neck). Any way, what a show. Stephen's set list included 25 hits, including one from Arcade. At 2 am, the show was still in full force as they had 5 more songs to go. I cannot remember all those songs but I promise no RATT hit was left out that night. And to everyone's surprise, including Mr. Pearcy himself, a couple of Judas Priest hits got added late in the set. As for his band, they were young but never missed a note. The only note missed was the back up vocals from Vinnie Paul of Pantera during 'Round and Round.' But by then we were all drunk and couldn't really believe Pantera had hopped on stage with them to sing back up. That's when the JP hits 'You've Got Another Thing Comin' and 'Screaming For Vengeance' got added impromptu to the set. Simply amazing. Vinnie later returned to the stage with his bottle of whiskey and was serving everyone on stage and up front shots. Maybe that is why he was a little early in the 'Round and Round' chorus. But what can I say, It was a PARTY we all enjoyed.

The ticket was more than paid for by the performances of Quiet Riot and RATT on this evening. If this duo hits your club and you're doubting the ticket because you think they are washed up, very wrong you would be- for my friends 'You got another thing Comin!'. I know this show got an unexpected boost when Pantera joined in, but it was well worth the 20 bucks before that invasion. Stephen still has the voice, and has a new CD being released soon. We heard the first single called 'FREAK' which did not sound bad at all. A little heavier than RATT or ARCADE. Trust me---DON'T MISS THIS ONE IF THEY HIT YOUR TOWN!!