At The Forge, August 17, 2018

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I should have known that this DEAD DAISIES show at The Forge, an exemplary indoor concert venue and club in the south Chicago suburbs, would be one of the best authentic rock shows in the Chicagoland all year thus far. After all, ever since its 2012 founding by David Lowy, THE DEAD DAISIES has featured a "collective" of musicians with impeccable pedigrees and credentials - alums from such bands and rock royalty as WHITESNAKE, DIO, THIN LIZZY, JOURNEY, MOTLEY CRUE, and GUNS 'N ROSES.

But, despite the formidable resumes of its members, the current line up of the collective (Doug Aldrich - lead guitar, Marco Mendoza - bass, John Corabi - vocals, Deen Castronovo - drums, and founder Lowy - rhythm guitar) is still jaw-dropping with its brand of authentic and infectious enthusiasm in their live performance to the degree that you would expect of first album prodigies and go-getters.

With captivating and intoxicating energy, the band pulls you in with a variety of modern and tight - but rough and ready - tunes that are among the best in the new classic rock genre. The "L.A." style cool and cocky frontman rapport of Carabi and the star power of Aldrich make this lineup possibly the best ever in their performances on cuts off of all four of THE DEAD DAISIES studio albums, including the April 2018 release, Burn It Down. (Songs included "Burn It Down", "Mexico", "Long Way to Go", "Leave Me Alone", and also rousing, revved up and rocked out tributes to the classic tunes, "Fortunate Son", "American Band" and "Helter Skelter".)

Additionally, The Forge, like many venues on the current tour, presented a rare opportunity to see THE DEAD DAISIES, a truly premier rock band, in an intimate and up close setting, and which also included the band's stunning sound and lighting system for good measure. It is a must-see opportunity, especially when it also includes openers Dizzy Reed's HOOKERS & BLOW (which also presented a high caliber set, with several GUNS 'N ROSES tunes included) and local Chicagoland new age classic rockers, TEEZE.