Putting together a line up of fourteen bands across only two stages is an ambitious undertaking for any promoter. Execution has to be flawless and run so ruthlessly. Mixing some of this countries best hard rock bands; most which have at best a decade and half under their belts go head to head with heavy weight legacies that cross four decades and defined a generation is an incredible thing to do. With no less than six of this countries best hard rock bands strutting their stuff it was guaranteed to be an incredible day. Putting our best against the best from across the globe how did we stack up? We stood proud and delivered some amazing moments and some killer rock n roll. Being a week/work day it was a shame that many ticket holders who couldn’t get away from work missed out on seeing the early afternoons talent being displayed. It makes me proud to think of the talent we have in this country.
Cassidy Paris the days only Australian artist to have secured an international record deal started off today’s proceedings. Unfortunately, Paris’ set was cut short due to doors opening a little later than scheduled and while she wasn’t the only artist to have been robbed of a song, Cassidy and her band delivered a short but oh so sweet twenty-five minute set packed full of songs from her sophomore album ‘New Sensation’, showed class and set the bar exceptionally high. Paris and her band’s energetic performance was world class. The way that Cassidy owns any stage she performs on is just a joy to watch.
Paris’ band are stellar players who match her energy, the way they interact and engage in the delivery of the songs is slick and world class. Having been in attendance of her packed album launch show a couple of weeks earlier to this opening slot where numbers were a little thin it made no difference. Nothing was left behind or in reserve. Sadly, her set was over in what seemed to be the blink of an eye, yet it absolutely shone and was a highlight of today’s show for me. Cassidy’s brand of rock n roll is reminiscent of part Pat Benatar, Saraya and Vixen with her own style and sound. The collection of songs today had a maturity and class to them that will ensure Paris has a long and very bright future ahead of her not only here in Australia but as a global artist.
Again when putting together a line-up of this size and having the depth of talent that was served to us it’s hard to put everyone where they deserve to be on the billing. Was Cassidy’s placement on the bill somewhat of an oversight; I certainly think it was. Hopefully GlamFest 2025 will see Cassidy Paris added to the bill again and this time elevated to a supporting headline act. When it comes to hard acts to follow, Cassidy showed everyone how it’s done. At 21 years of age Cassidy Paris shows a maturity beyond her years and truly is the future of rock n roll.
With the last chord still ringing through and Cassidy thanking those attendance, Shotgun Mistress’ Glenn Patrick wailed out the opening line of their latest single ‘Jude Judas’ from the second smaller stage. The band took no prisoners in giving us another twenty-five minute set of groove filled riffs and killer songs.
Mixing a couple of new songs with the singles from their debut, Shotgun Mistress packed a huge punch. All four members of Shotgun Mistress are engaging as performers and constantly offered a visual dynamic to their performance.
They hit, hard, play hard and tore up the stage. With very little room for words between songs today’s set was all about the songs. With the bands sophomore album due for release in June, there is a lot to be excited about for Shotgun Mistress. The talent in this band is immense, their sound is familiar and still fresh, gritty, dirty and dynamic.
Ablaze, the veterans of this bunch of home grown heroes gave us their fun infused set that showcased their new material as well as a couple of set regulars. These guys and gal have the best time on stage together. It’s always a party when they play. Obvious crowd favourite ‘Where’s My Drink’ had shots flowing and their latest single ‘Different Kind of Nightmare’ translated well live.
They were the last band to have a song cut from their set to make up for the late start. Ablaze are one of those bands who you really need to experience a full set from as they build something really special when given the time to engage with an audience on a personal level, it becomes an experience not just a set of songs.
Again, it seemed that in a heartbeat they were playing their last notes. Their set was all about the songs today which left a huge smile on my face in themselves. When you get the chance, I highly recommend catching these guys at a headline show of their own.
Crosson were up next as we turned to the second stage again. I must admit I haven’t seen them before. At last year’s GlamFest I arrived just as they were finishing. I must admit I was curious to see what they were all about. Knowing the calibre of players they have had in the band/on recordings in the past was impressive and further fuelled my want to check them out. As the band have featured on several Silverback Touring bills in the past it was fair to assume they must have had something special about them.
Unfortunately, Crosson missed their mark with me. I just didn’t connect with them. As a whole package it seemed overdone and overly polished to a point where looks and theatrics over powered musical substance. The presence of backing dancers was overkill as they were obviously strategically placed to detract from the actual music. Sure, if they played a part in the musicality of the show providing backing vocals it would have made more sense, but for me they played the part of cheerleader for frontman Jason Crosson’s ego.
I guess in summary the whole Crosson experience for me was what I would liken to a high school musical production written around a b-grade Jim Steinman soundtrack. While the band were all more than capable players it was in fact the songs that had me switch off early in their set.
Wicked Smile took their positions on the big stage and delivered a set that was unforgettable. Hot off the mark and straight to the point Wicked Smile took advantage of the stage to deliver something that sonically and visually captivated you. From the moment that the powerhouse frontman Danny Cecati sing his first note he commands your attention.
The dual attack guitars of Steve Javenski and Davey Gee drive in and out of harmony parts, solid riffs and scorching solos. Bassist Tom Nugara and drummer Alex Rogowski lock into each other providing a huge kick in the ass to the Wicked Smile sound.
Nugara and Javenski run and roam the stage through-out the set making their presence known and exhibit showmanship on par with any band on today’s line up. Their setlist was pure melodic metal power. 2024 will be a big year for these guys.
Switching back to the second stage again, Perth trio Ragdoll took to the stage and delivered what was one of my favourite sets of the day. The trio of Leon Todd (Guitar), Ryan Rafferty (Bass/Vocals) and Cam Barrett (Drums) never miss, this afternoon was no exception.
Leaps, hair flicks and more flare than the sun, a blistering set was delivered with so much class it was impossible to ignore. Why these guys aren’t global household names still puzzles me.
Why they weren’t a part of this whole tour amazes me. There isn’t too much more I can say about these guys they deliver every time and if you haven’t checked them out or aren’t aware of them; do it !!!! You can thank me later.
The first of the international line up took to the main stage. The Cruel Intentions are simply one of the best bands to grace the hard rock/glam genre in many years. Not only do these guys know how to write a party anthem they know how to deliver them live. Today’s set was a showcase of songs from their 2022 album ‘Venomous Anonymous’.
Having first discovered frontman Lizzy DeVine through his previous band Vains of Jenna almost two decades ago there was something special Devine has as a frontman. His voice and its dirty snarl sits so well above the gang vocals of the choruses that are simply ear worms. A cross between Bon Jovi and Hardcore Superstar stylistically they tick every box and their crossover appeal is huge.
The Cruel Intentions not only carry a torch for this genre they hold it high and proud, front and centre. To say I was blown away by their performance would be an understatement. I just wish there was more. Having said that I’m sure there will be a next time in the not too distant future.
Moving back to stage two the surge of punters to see Melbourne’s own Sister Doll was immediate. Being the only Australian band to sit in the company of the international line up it was evident that these three brothers have truly made a name and impact for themselves as one of this countries most beloved and embraced bands.
Being no stranger to Sister Doll, today’s set had something special about it. In their allocated forty minute set they delivered a retrospective that had a cohesion sonically matching the musical growth and ability of their latest releases. Never being afraid to entertain visually they gave us a show to remember.
The energy they put forward today was mirrored by everyone in the room which simply lit a fuse in them. Another standout performance for today.
Heading back to the main stage I was about to witness one of Glamfest’s main draw cards for me, Jetboy. Since I first heard ‘Feel the Shake’ back in 1988 they were one of those bands that should have been bigger but got lost in the onslaught of bands saturating the hair metal genre. Full of grit and streetwise smarts Jetboy who released two albums for a major label simply got lost in the crowd. If I look back there were more bands that captivated and impacted me musically as they sat at the cusp of the big time than those that became household names. In a true testament to what these guys were doing many of them still sit predominantly in self curated playlists and are staples in my physical music collections.
Seeing them today was a pinch myself moment. Never have I anticipated I would see these guys in Australia. Jetboy have a straight forward crunch and balls to their sound that leans heavily on blues. Live it’s a freight train that sits tight on the rails. They have a street-smart danger and swagger to them that can’t really be put into words as it’s best experienced live. Frontman Mickey Finn is a powerhouse live, a true entertainer; his voice is still amazing.
The band has a youthful energy that contradicts what one would think a band that had just entered its fourth decade of existence, in fact I was transported back to 1988 instantly. Hearing songs from the first two albums along with a track from 2019’s ‘Born to Fly’ was a real treat. As they say music is the soundtrack to our lives. Jetboy have always been a part of that soundtrack for me.
If you are unfamiliar with Jetboy, I hope I have urged or inspired you to go back and explore these guys they are worth the time. Now let’s hope we get to see these guys back on our shores soon.
Tyketto are another of those bands that should have become household names. They have somewhat of a cult following. Spawning from New Jersey their debut album ‘Don’t Come Easy’ is a melodic rock masterpiece that has songs for days and anthems that are so incredibly good.
Like many bands from the early 90’s they found a true and dedicated fan base that have remained loyal. Frontman Danny Vaughn has lost nothing vocally, his band are sublime and one of the few bands I can say replicate a studio environment live. Hearing Melbourne sing back almost every word of this set of songs gave me goosebumps.
My jaw was firmly placed on the ground during this set. While I had no doubts that Tyketto would amaze live, I hadn’t anticipated them to be that damn good. If there was a feel-good set today it was delivered by Tyketto.
Janet Gardner, with Justin James and the band were up next. Having toured Australia last as a part of the debacle that was Melodic Rock Fest in 2020, their highly acclaimed show was the talk of many as being a highlight of that run of shows. To think in a matter of days after that show the world was brought to its knees is surreal.
Gardner/James and co delivered a set of song that took us back to the heyday of Vixen and into the solo efforts of the pair. Admittedly I was a little unfamiliar with the solo outings of the pair but have since done been in a state of catch up. Vixen I was aware of and knew the singles but never really embraced them, in many ways today’s set was an education and a trip down memory lane. The response and engagement from the crowd was a testament to what I had overlooked. In the set that was familiar at times and completely new at others you couldn’t deny how good their performance was.
Highlights for me was the killer version of Sammy Hagar’s ‘There’s Only One Way to Rock’ sung by the bassist (whose name I cannot remember for the life of me. I apologise profusely to you). Seeing our very own Cassidy Paris go toe to toe with Gardner trading vocals on a killer version of Vixens ‘Edge of A Broken Heart’ just went to show how bright Paris’s future is.
From the moment the GlamFest line up announced H.E.AT. were one of those bands that everyone was keen to see. There was a hype about them that in many ways eclipsed tonight’s headliners as being the draw card. Being a fan of the band they is something very special about them. Their brand of melodic rock has a reach that in many ways overshadows their peers. To the uninitiated if there was a band to save rock radio and become household names H.E.A.T. are that band.
The combination of rich melodies, perfectly crafted songs, power and charm is something this band has mastered. Total AOR sensibilities make this band a breath of fresh air. Frontman Kenny Leckremo has to be one of the best frontmen around today. Not only has he got one of the finest voices out there his presence is second to none. As way of reference, Kenny reminded me of an aerobic instructor on speed. Nimble and never staying still while delivering a vocal performance that was perfect is a work out within itself. Kenny’s energy .
The overall energy and engagement with the crowd tonight was electric. For an hour I was captivated by the band. It’s impossible to not be drawn into music that makes you feel so damn good. The hype surrounding H.E.A.T. was immense and I can gladly say that everything I was told about these guys is true. This genre of music is safe in the hands of these guys. Another standout performance, well done GlamFest. Something tells me it won’t be long until we see H.E.A.T. grace our shores again.
For many of the crowd in attendance tonight it was the draw of the two headliners Lynch Mob and Slaughter that brought them here tonight. Guitar god George Lynch and Lynch Mob’s set was a career defining one which started with the Dokken classic ‘Paris Is Burning’ and ended with Lynch Mob’s own ‘Wicked Sensation’. Frontman Gabriel Colon would have been lucky to have been born when these songs were first released yet his youthful approach and immense talent covered every era of Lynch’s career and did justice to the incredible voices that have sung with Lynch in the past. Don Dokken, Oni Logan and Robert Mason to name just a few, all huge voices and performers. Colon did justice to all of the above.
Seeing Lynch on stage, live and up close I truly did get a whole new appreciation for his immense talent. Don’t get me wrong he is deservedly a guitar hero and legend, but for me it’s been more about the songs he has written and played throughout his career. Those riffs and solos, his parts always tasteful yet technical were where it was at for me.
Tonight, there was a different side to Lynch. Instead of all of his custom graphic Floyd Rose endowed guitars he played a relict ESP strat with no Floyd Rose and he played it for the whole set. Without one of his calling cards how would or could he replicate his solos? With god damn ease. Lynch’s understanding of his instrument was a master class for the uneducated and proficient. His playing is so deeply from the soul. Seeing this side of Lynch gave me a whole new appreciation of his playing. Lynch’s rhythm section of Jimmy D’Anda (Drums) and Jaron Guilino (Bass) were tight and connected laying down everything melodically and rhythmically needed to drive this collection of songs.
Aside from the over excited fan boys who stood beside me and thought it would be a good idea to start a little mosh pit during the set pushing bashing into all around them and then thought it was a good idea to want to start something with the guy protecting his partner from the push and shove, it was a killer set. Lynch a man of few words took to the microphone to say goodnight and thank us for coming along. In Lynch’s own words “Australia is a fucking long way to come to play for 2 hours; thanks for coming out” he beamed. It was truly amazing to have experienced this just once in my life.
As the stage cleared and set up began for Slaughter I started to feel the tiredness hit my feet and body. It’s a huge day, but so far the real prize for me was about to take to the stage; Slaughter. Given this was also the first time I had to really be at one in reflecting on the day it made me wonder how an event like this was possible and to this point had been so seamless in its execution. A huge kudos to the entire Silverback Touring crew especially the stage, sound and production crew for being so on point and keeping things so tight.
A slight technical issue with amps delayed Slaughter’s set by five minutes and resulted in a song being dropped from the set as a crew member blacked out ‘Desperately’ from the setlists. With more than half of tonight’s set coming from their killer debut ‘Stick It To Ya’ it was a guaranteed good time. ‘Mad About You’ was the perfect opener and had everyone singing every word. The now packed floor infront of the band soaked up every word and sang like it was 1988.
Frontman Mark Slaughter and his co-founding bassist Dana Strum really engaged with the crowd. Fist bumps, high fives and smiles were in abundance and lapped up by the band and fans alike. ‘Burning Bridges’ the song written about the implosion of the Vinnie Vincent Invasion of which Dana Strum and Mark Slaughter were members of prior to the birth of Slaughter kicked the band into another gear. ‘Spend My Life’ is a masterclass in power pop/hard rock song writing that sits highly in my list of favourite Slaughter tracks. Live it was everything I had hoped it would be.
There is something to be said about a frontman that just oozes cool, organic cool and confidence. The down to earth nature of the guys in Slaughter is a testament as to why they still are in demand on the live circuit Mark Slaughter is no exception, engaging and still has a voice that hold up to those early recordings. Guitarist Jeff “Blando” Bland is a pure joy to watch and hear. His style is somewhat similar to the late Randy Rhodes. There were moments during the show where I found myself just watching “Blando” tear his way through the songs.
Tonight’s biggest surprise was Drummer Jordan Cannata who is a show within himself. As much as I wanted to see original Drummer Blas Elias behind the kit, I also knew that the drummers since Elias’ decision to tour with the band in on an occasional basis were more than capable. One of my favourite drummers to watch, Zoltan Chaney who had a long tenure with the band also plays with Strum in the Vince Neil solo band is one of the coolest drummers out there and his unorthodox playing style is just incredible to watch. Cannata is a hybrid of Elias and Chaney when it comes to style and showmanship. As a drummer he is tight and just allows the band to coast over his playing while holding a locked in groove with Strum.
Slaughter himself took to playing rhythm guitar on a few songs proving him to be a more than able guitarist as well. Taking heed from Kiss his guitars were well stocked with guitar picks that flew through the crowd frequently. Given that this was the bands first tour to Australia the inclusion of a cover of Led Zep’s ‘Immigrant Song’ was a surprise especially as ‘Desperately’ was dropped from tonight’s set. How was it though? Simply amazing! ‘Eye to Eye’ preceded Cannata’s jaw dropping drum solo which has to be seen to be believed. Stick tricks and just a general flair for showmanship made it super fun.
‘The Wild Life’ from the sophomore album of the same title was up next and it was nice to see this album get the live respect it deserves. ‘Days Go By’ from the same album saw Mark Slaughter return to the stage for a semi acoustic solo rendition that had the crowd singing along. ‘Real Love’ was the song from “The Wild Life” that grabbed me and in all honesty it should have been their biggest single but in a musical climate that was quickly shifting in 1992 it seemed to get lost. Had it have been released a mere 6 months earlier it would have been just that a huge hit.
The band returned to the stage for “Fly to The Angels” where Slaughter asked for the lights to be killed so that it could be sung by the lights of our mobiles. It’s such an amazing song, and Melbourne provided a magical setting for the song.
Of course tonight wouldn’t be complete without ‘Up All Night’ being played. This crowd favourite and breakthrough song for the band has become an anthem for the young and young at heart. It sums up the madness and life of a musician of the sunset strip and the spirit of youth perfectly. An extended ending which morphed into the Who’s “Won’t Get Fooled Again” as an outro closed the bands set. Was this seventy-minute set worth the thirty-four year wait? My word it was!!!
Just how good was it? It certainly ranks right at the top of the list of international performances of the last few years. Let’s just hope that we don’t have to wait that long before they tour Australia again and play nationwide not just Melbourne and Sydney.
All in all GlamFest Melbourne was a huge success and an extremely well curated selection of bands. Everyone that I have spoken to either on the day or since had an amazing time. It’s a shame it fell on a weekday and was run with the biggest tour of the year in Taylor Swift creating mania in the town. Many fans of the bands here today would have been caught up with their kids and the financial commitment it would have taken up by Tay Tay mania and would have seen them prioritise their funds and time.
I can’t wait to see what GlamFest 2025 has in store for us and I hope that there were take aways from this year’s events that will help make it better and more accessible to everyone.
Photos by Shot by Slaidins Photography
With thanks to John Howarth & Silverback Touring for the media access.
