Kiss Kiss Bang, Sinful Lilly, and the Stephen Pearcy Band at the Forum

Nineteen eighty-four was a great year for pop and rock music.  We were introduced to timeless pop icons Madonna and Cyndi Lauper; Kenny Loggins kept our fine lower extremities moving, and the late Michael Jackson cranked out one hit after another, from Thriller.

Then there was also a hit that, to me, stood out among all the glam-rock glitter. "Round and Round" by Ratt, the biggest hit from their Out of the Cellar album and of their entire career.



To this day, I'm still fascinated by Stephen Pearcy's silky-smooth resonating voice, with lyrics about the ever-complicated life with women. I had a chance to go to the Forum in Hazard, Kentucky, to see the Stephen Pearcy Band play all of the hits that made Ratt famous, up to and including "Round and Round."

To kick off this weeknight of rock was Kiss Kiss Bang, a band straight out of Bowling Green, Kentucky.  Their debut appearance started off with a good, loud bang, both with their powerful, loud-and-proud music and stage presence, partly brought to us by drummer Corban Burke.  A mere three songs into their set, and someone in the front row shouted, "Holy sh**!"  Well, of course: their music is clear, so easy to listen to, flawless.  That's more than enough to elicit such a response.  

The one song that had the crowd begging for more: "Supa Fine Sugga."

An even more super-fine band played after them:  Sinful Lilly.  There's a whole lot I could say about their set.  But what I will say is:  It's a rock show at its finest....and beyond. From the moment you hear the rippling guitar intros coming from lead singer Fredi Handshoe's Gibson, you will chew on it for days at the eternal rich talent coming from him. Sinful Lilly had a great selection of songs, not the least of which was "Anti-You" to start off their set, "California Man," and "Devil Music and the Record Machine."  

This was the second time I'd seen them, but the first with drummer Trey Bledsoe.  He did a fine job in engaging the audience behind his drum set.  The audience...where bass player Nik Valklix was, running around, rolling around on the floor, even bending over a speaker on the stage.  I don't think there was a bored person there; they were all "qualified to raise hell" with the band.  If you want to see them live again, go to the Forum on September 23rd.  They will open up for Winger.

Stephen Pearcy is one of many rockers who is still touring and making new music...and playing all of the hits.  But he and his backup singers weren't the only ones doing that job.  The audience gladly sang the choruses to "Loving You's is a Dirty Job," "Back for More," "You're in Love," and "Round and Round."  That tells me there are some things about a rock concert that are so vital, to keep the magic alive for rock music...Or should I say Ratt & Roll music?