Back at Bannermans for another night of classic rock ’n’ roll, this time with ex-Guns N’ Roses guitarist Gilby Clarke, but first we have a couple of opening acts to get through. Local rockers Holyrude Vault kick off with “Skin N Bones” and “Answers”—two solid tracks with that classic rock feel, bringing big guitars, punchy drums, and killer bass lines. The set includes last year’s single, “Lies,” a nod to GNR complete with a powerful scream on the chorus. They keep the energy high with “Addiction,” a faster-paced track, and their great cover of Thin Lizzy’s “Don’t Believe a Word,” which gets the crowd singing along. Slowing things down with the ballad “Saved Me” and picking it back up with “Dynamite,” which rolls out slowly before thundering forward with a tasty solo, the boys finish with “Take Me Back.” Holyrude Vault is definitely a band to watch if you love classic rock with big sound and vocals—a truly enjoyable set.
Next up, all the way from Treviso, Italy, are Ramones tribute band Wardogs, touring with Gilby. They blaze through a set at breakneck speed with an authentic Ramones sound. Standout tracks include “Psycho Therapy,” “Oh Oh I Love Her So,” “53rd & 3rd,” and “Somebody Put Something in My Drink.” They close with the crowd-favorite “Blitzkrieg Bop,” and while I’m not a die-hard Ramones fan, I enjoyed their performance. The band isn’t just playing songs; they’re paying homage with heart and energy, so even if you’re only a casual fan, you’ll be singing along with their “Hey Ho Let’s Go” spirit all the way through.
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Now for the main event, Gilby Clarke, celebrating the 30th anniversary of Pawnshop Guitars. He opens with “Monkey Chow,” a Slash’s Snakepit track, and makes it his own with tight playing from his band, including drummer Troy Patrick Farrell and bassist EJ Curse, both on fire. Gilby’s vocals and guitar work are spot-on—a stellar start. Next is “Under the Gun” from his *Swag* album, a swaggering, groovy track, followed by “Motorcycle Cowboys” from his Kill for Thrills days. This one cruises along with classic rock vibes and fantastic guitar work—a song that’s got me eager to check out the rest of the album.
Gilby rolls into the bass-driven title track from The Gospel Truth, with Troy bringing extra rhythm from the rear and the guitars strutting along. The album version has a horn section and backup singers, but the live version rocks just as hard. Next, we dive into *Pawnshop Guitars* with the title track, a steady classic rock song. Fans cheer as he pulls out the first of two GNR covers, starting with a gritty “It’s So Easy” and later, a fantastic rendition of “Patience.”
The bass lines drive “Cure Me…Or Kill Me,” with killer guitar riffs carrying the tune along; Gilby’s voice really shines here. Another from The Gospel Truth, “Tightwad,” follows, featuring chugging guitars and thumping drum fills—a personal favorite tonight. We get two more covers, Dylan’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” and the Stones’ “Dead Flowers,” before he declares, “Rock N’ Roll Is Getting Louder,” with EJ’s killer bass lines and the Rolling Stones’ vibes hitting just right.
Ending on “Tijuana Jail” from Pawnshop Guitars, the whole band grooves together—Troy’s steady beat, EJ’s electrifying bass, and Gilby’s killer guitar and vocals make for a tremendous finish. The packed venue got their money’s worth tonight, with two great openers and a dynamite set from Gilby and his band. It’s rare to see a band playing rock ‘n’ roll this tight and having so much fun. Catch him live if you can; he’s definitely gained a new fan in me tonight. A tremendous night!
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Photos by Gary Cooper Gig Photography
