Kicking Up The Dust In Arizona

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All Photos By CrpnDeth Photography LLC

As Eagle Rider of Tempe continues to grow and bring more events to their location under Eagle Rider Music Fest, the past gig was definitely one of the off nights. If you remember back to the AZNovemberFest 2015 the place has no problem pulling the bands or the crowds. But for the recent LYNCH MOB and FEMME FATALE billing, it was a very disappointing night. Didn't see any vendors this time, and the crowd size was pathetic throughout the whole night. I thought maybe it had something to do with the Thursday night billing, or the early 5pm start time, but the crowd never noticeably picked up in size.

Regardless, the musicianship from the bands was firing on all cylinders tonight.

Kicking the early show off was local lads HEADSTRUM, led by brothers Alex (vocals/guitar) and Tyler Hedstrom (drums), an alt/rock band (rounded out by guitarist Bryan Nichols and bassist Sam Lehtinen) currently making waves in the music scene. With a resume of support for national bands, the youthful kids with a kick are definitely worth checking out at a venue near you.

Next up was Phoenix locals MATRIX. The band sounded great, and had an absolute killer rendition of AC/DC's "Let There Be Rock". Hats off to the sound guy who really made this tune stand out. Unfortunately, the band came off as mediocre as the event itself.

The CHRISTOPHER SHAYNE band followed, bringing life to the stage. Led by Christopher Shayne on vocals/guitar, the band fired up their blend of rock/southern blues for the tepid crowd, and finally getting them to wake up. Both Christopher and guitarist Dave Lansing fired off the riffs in every direction and seriously let loose on a stellar cover of MOLLY HATCHET's "Flirtin' With Disaster". Other tasteful nuggets included "Rock Show", "Give A Damn" and "Outcha Mind".

The crowd, while still small, seemed to keep the liveliness going in anticipation for FEMME FATALE. Once the ladies hit the stage, they played as if they were at the Madison Square Garden. Hell, they played as if they owned the Madison Square Garden. The crowd fed on this, giving it right back to them. The band did play their 80's hits (drawing the loudest responses of the night thus far from the crowd) but it seemed like their set was cut short. I'll admit, I wasn't up on the setlist, but by the look of confusion on everyone's faces, I wasn't the only one that thought it was a shortened set. Also of note, the band just released Once More For The Road, via FnA Records.

Following the girls was Joel Hoekstra (WHITESNAKE) and Brandon Gibbs doing an acoustic set. Why? Seriously, why? There was no energy, the crowd definitely wasn't interested, and it made the struggling night appear as if it just fell flat on its face.

Recovering from that mishap, it was all hands on deck for the return of the Mob - LYNCH MOB. The crowd howled with approval and excitement when George Lynch and Oni Logan tore into it. The crowd was finally alive again, and enjoying every minute of the classic LYNCH MOB tunes. Nick Bowcott (GRIM REAPER) was even in the crowd during "Mr Scary" paying respects to one of the legends.

Check out a few photos from the show!
All Photos By CrpnDeth Photography LLC