After a successful, sold-out run through Europe, The Dead Daisies have taken North America by storm, with a multi-city tour through the U.S. and Canada. Joining them for this trek are Hookers And Blow, fronted by Guns N Roses keyboardist Dizzy Reed. While staying busy recording and touring 3 albums, as well as a live album over the last three and a half years, the Daisies haven’t really logged too many miles throughout North America up until this point, so fans, myself included, are more than ready to see them in action on this tour.  Featuring a stellar lineup of musicians, all highly successful former members of industry giants, the Daisies constantly deliver their 70’s style, yet current  rock to the masses.

Hookers and Blow, featuring Dizzy Reed (Guns N Roses), on keyboards / vocals hit the stage running with Guns N Roses hits “Pretty Tied Up” and “Dust N Bones” to get the festivities underway.  Robbie Crane (Vince Neil solo band, Ratt,  Lynch mob  to name a few) covered bass duties, while Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot, Bang Tango, Adler’s Appetite) covered lead guitar. Completing the line up on drums was Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative, Kill Devil Hill, Danzig). As well as playing  original songs “This Don’t Look Like Vegas” and “Rock n Roll Ain’t Easy”, Dizzy and the gang played a high energy set featuring “Don’t Cry”, “Sweet Child O’ Mine”, “Freebird”, and “Ziggy Stardust”. The crowd at Bluesfest seemed to like what they were hearing, as they  had a great time singing along to some old favorites.

With decades of touring experience between their individual members, it’s no surprise that the Dead Daisies live show is nothing short of superb.  Deen Castronovo ( Ozzy Osbourne, Steve Vai, Journey) took his spot behind the drum riser, as the lights dimmed and the show was about to begin.  Lead guitarist Doug Aldrich ( Whitesnake, Dio ) and bassist Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Ted Nugent, Whitesnake) assumed their positions at stage right and stage left, followed by David Lowy ( Red Phoenix, Mink as well as being the founder of the Daisies).  As the band launched into “Resurrected”, off the new album ‘Burn It Down’, vocalist John Corabi (The Scream, Motley Crue, Ratt, Union) took his place front and center to begin a fast paced set of straight up 70’s era rock n roll.  None of these guys are strangers to the stage, and they covered the entire stage with ease,  expertly weaving back and forth and sharing time in the spotlight to showcase one others’ talents.  Even before the second song of the set, “Rise Up” (also from the recent album ) began, I could overhear plenty of excited conversations close by in the crowd. “Oh my god, these guys are awesome!!”,  “Definitely buying their cd’s on the way out”, and “Wow, these guys are TIGHT!!”, were just some of the things I overheard.  Apparently London was loving what they were hearing.

As the crowd became steadily louder and more involved, it was time to go back in time a little with “Make Some Noise” and “Song And A Prayer”, both from the ‘Make Some Noise’ album. Audience participation was apparent during “Make Some Noise”, as the anthemic chorus was chanted back towards the band in force. Not wasting time between songs, the Daisies kept the train rolling with a couple more from the new album, “Dead And Gone”, and “What Goes Around” before heading back to the ‘Revolucion’ album with “With You And I”. This is a great song, especially with the state of affairs in the world today, basically stating that for any kind of positive change, or progress to be made, it all has to start with you and with me. Rounding out the set, were a selection of cover songs that let us know which artists had influenced the guys on their way to rock stardom. These included “Fortunate Son” (Creedence Clearwater Revival), “Bitch” (The Rolling Stones), “Highway Star” (Deep Purple),  and “Helter Skelter” (The Beatles), as well as “Midnight Moses” (Sensational Alex Harvey Band) from the ‘Revolucion’ album.

Each member of the Dead Daisies is a master of their craft, and it’s also clearly apparent that they enjoy their time on stage together, doing what they’re all made to be doing. There are still a lot of dates left on the U.S. tour before they head back for another run in Europe, so be sure to catch them  if they’re playing a venue near you. I can assure you that they will not disappoint.

Also check out our photo gallery here!