32 years since their first west coast appearance

- advertisement -

In the interest of setting up this review this show tonight comes 2 days after the announcement of Prince's passing in Minneapolis. Ironically the downtown club where this show took place was the former LA home of his "GLAM SLAM" club back in the 90s. Not much purple to found these days but plenty of black shirts, horns, pentagrams, patches and spilled beer on slippery hardwood floors!

While I was amped to see Exciter again after some 30 years since their first US tour with Mercyful Fate back in 1984 and for having the "original" lineup perform it was kind of a rare thing these days (that applies to almost any long tenured band) but due to certain circumstances of tonight show it was hard to enjoy it completely because Exciter really deserved better in my opinion.

First, I don't know what led up to the 2+ hour delay from doors to the first scheduled band on this billed: "Long Live The Loud" Fest but for the Promoters to not have all the backline secured well advance just seemed to set off a domino effect of problems and complaints.

Then to fly the band down from Canada and not even let them finish their full set was just a shame.Exciter's sound/set were cut (and lights turned on) due to curfew restrictions. Even if it was the venue that was at fault e v e r y o n e involved should take responsibility on this. It's about perception.

In all despite the numerous problems Alan, John and Dan soldiered through the metal while those of us in attendance did enjoy what what we heard regardless. This is still "underground" and not meant to be "flawless."

On a positive note, kudos to Dark Realm Records located in Downey, CA for having an in-store the day before. Was a nice turnout and glad I went because the band was definitely in no talking mood after Saturday's show!

Hopefully if they ever return to the west coast and or do a proper US tour it will have a far better outcome.

EXCITER Set list:

Stand Up and Fight

Sudden Impact

Victims of Sacrifice

Iron Dogs

Violence & Force

Long Live the Loud

Heavy Metal Maniac

Rising of the Dead

Pounding Metal

Guitar Solo

Beyond the Gates of Doom *Vocals turned off/light came up

----------------------------

The songs cut from the set:

Evil Sinner

I Am The Beast