It was a blistering 100 degrees in the Alamo city, but that didn't stop the masses from putting on their black t-shirts and decending upon the 'The T' for the double bill British metal of Judas Prist and Whitesnake. Throwbacks from 'the day,' recent tours, or hot off the vendor table, it seemed as though everyone was back in black. Dad's who saw both these bands "back in the day," brought thier kids along in black too. Whitesnake live has never dissappointed...musically. David Coverdale always surrounds himself with great musicians, and this outing was no different. With DOUG ALDRICH and REB BEACH on guitar, TIMOTHY DRURY on keyboards, URIAH DUFFY on bass, and CHRIS FRAZIER on drums, they were tight and rocked the house. Then there was Dave. Maybe its because they've been on tour alot recently, or maybe he had a cold. Whatever the reason, his vocals were rough. And I'm not sure if it was time constraints or what, but he managed to leave out verses of songs while the band tried to get back in step. Dave & company covered most everyone's favorites and put a new spin on a few. This being the 25th anniversary for Slide it in, they did a good job with a medley of the best. A highlight for me was their version of 'Crying in the rain' which harkoned back to Saint & Sinners blues instead of the poppy 80's version. But for those kids in the audience, their memories of this show probably won't last as long as ours. For those who are growing up with the crunchy guitars of Drowning Pool, Saliva and the like, didn't get that here. It was loud, that's for sure. But it was volume, not heavy guitar. And you remember all those lighters that filled the auditorium when Whitesnake did 'Here I Go Again' back in the 80's? Those have been replaced with camera phones. Just not the same.
The love of Judas Priest and SA goes waaaaay back. It's true that they were hot here before anywhere else in the country. And bringing back a 30th anniversay tour for British Steel was a blessing. Though most of the younger fans may not have recognized opening number 'Metal gods,' it didn't take long for everyone to start the headbanging. I hadn't listened to British Steel in years, so it was nice to hear 'em again live just like I did 30 (gulp)years ago. Still wearing their 80's garb, KK, GLEN, IAN, & newest member SCOTT on drums, kept the freewheel burning all nite long. Musicianship has never lacked in JP, and this nite was no exception. But can Rob still hit those high notes? The answer, to me, was in 'Victim of Changes.' And yes he can. No, not just like the 80's or even 90's, but he can still get here. But if those kids in the crowd were looking for stage antics, they didn't get it here. Rob has never been a DLR type front man. Doesn't need too. Halford is one of the rare lead singers who uses the power of the music to do the work for him. All he has to do is just wail. And wail he did. Hittng all the JP favs after the Britsh Steel set, the volume hit 11 and the love affair was re-kindled again.
As the night ended, the excruciatingly long lines at the restrooms had dwindled, and the vendors sold the last of their wears, the dad's with the kids in tow, remember what it was like to have long hair, a cool car, and a drawer full of black t-shirts.
