Hurricane season started early this year in Tampa, but it wasn’t because of the weather as the Scorpions brought their Rock Believer tour to Amalie Arena on Wednesday night. The Scorpions also brought some thunder with them as Thunder Mother opened for them after Whitesnake dropped off the bill due to continuing and unfortunate medical issues.
This was supposed to be Whitesnake’s farewell tour and a huge double bill and with them not performing, it had a huge effect on early attendance in the arena. This was unfortunate as many missed Thunder Mother’s set as the show pre-partying was happening out on the plaza and in the parking areas.
Thunder Mother is a quartet of women musicians from Sweden that have been playing for over 8 years now and fortunately with this tour, they are picking up traction in the States.
The band consists of vocalist Guernica Mancini, Drummer Emlee Johansson, guitarist Filippa Nassil and bassist Mona “Demona” Lindgren. They have recently released their new album, Black and Gold and played three songs from it during their extended 11 song setlist. These were “Loud and Free” “Black & Gold” and “I Don’t Know You.”
They started their set with “Whatever” from their self-titled album from 2018 and finished with “Driving In Style.”
The four of them were having a blast and were smiling and posing not only for the photographers in the photo pit but also for the fans in the stands. Hopefully this tour will lead them to getting more fans going out and streaming their music and maybe getting out on next year’s festival season which really seems to catapult bands to another level.
As the crew did the changeover between bands, a huge curtain with a Scorpions emblem hung from the rafters covering the stage. As the crew dropped the curtain, another one appeared with “Are You Ready To Rock?” Then that curtain was pulled down and a huge stage setup appeared which was definitely one of the highlights of the set.
The Scorpions started their 17-song set with “Gas In The Tank” from this year’s Rock Believer release. Most of the crowd didn’t recognize this song but that situation was quickly fixed with the next song, “Make It Real.” The song was released on Animal Magnetism in 1980 and was released as a single along with “The Zoo.” These two hit songs helped The Scorpions achieve platinum status for the first time in their careers.
The Scorpions continued with the aforementioned “The Zoo” with the Tampa crowd showing their vocal abilities by helping lead singer Klaus Meine with the chorus.
There were many chances throughout the evening for the fans to chip in as Meine went to the front and sides of the catwalk throughout the evening and stuck his microphone into the crowd.
The fans were happy to oblige, and both the crowd and the band seemed to feed off each other’s energy throughout the extended set. Klaus also threw out 20 plus drumsticks while he was playing the cowbell which the crowd absolutely loved.
The epic instrumental, “Coast to Coast” was next as Meine took a short and well-deserved break. His vocals weren’t as good as the last time they were here 4 years ago, and he moved around a bit slower, but he joins a list of a few that are still killing it at 70 plus years of age.
Guitarists Rudolph Schenker & Mattias Jabs showcased their dual ax-attack and made their way to the front of the catwalk to the delight of the screaming fans. Schenker is not only a great player, but what a showman. He got right in the fans’ faces with his guitar and stormed back and forth across the stage throughout the night.
The Scorpions then played a couple more songs from Rock Believer In “Seventh Sun” and “Peacemaker” the rest of their set was filled with hit songs from various stages of their very successful career.
The pace slowed down a bit after “Bad Boys Running Wild” with “Send Me an Angel.” I’ve never seen a guitarist play an acoustic Dean Flying V guitar before, but Schenker did and it was gorgeous. “Angel” was followed up with an amazing rendition of “Wind Of Change” that highlighted Klause Meine’s whistling skills during the opening notes. Meine introduced it as a dedication to the people of the Ukraine with the Ukrainian flag on the video screens and the phones lit up in masse by the crowd.
After “Tease Me Please Me,” Meine introduced the crowd to former Motorhead drummer, Micky Dee, who was behind the skins once again for the Scorpions. Dee and bassist Pawel Maciwoda performed “New Vision” which was a bass and drum solo. This was finished off by Mickey Dee slamming his kit with his pedals and drumsticks while a video slot machine spun in the background.
The screen had all sorts of images but what stood out were the images of Lemmy showing up on the five colorful spinning wheels. The stage setup also had a round cylinder with a huge flashing and striking scorpion and included an amazing and I mean amazing light show.
A Scorpions’ set just wouldn’t be complete without the fan favorite, “Blackout” as a police siren accompanied the red and blue light flashing strobe lights that lit up Amalie Arena. This song always takes me back to high school when I saw it in 1988. 35 years later and it still rocks as hard as it did back then.
After “Big City Nights,” the Scorpions took a short break then concluded the night with “No One Like You,” and of course, “Rock You Like a Hurricane.”
As the house lights came on in Amalie Arena, the fans exited with huge smiles on their faces and thankfully the pouring rain that was happening during the show, subsided. No one commented about Whitesnake not being on the bill as both Thunder Mother along with the Scorpions put on a heck of a show. Even if we don’t get the opportunity to see them live again in Tampa, The Scorpions will always be remembered that there was no one like them.
It’s been thirty years since a siren from across the pond turned the metal community on its ear. Doro Pesch and Warlock took the stage at the 1986 Castle Donnington Festival and a new female face in music was born. That summer Warlock would then go on to open for Judas Priest and with the help of MTV and the 1987 release Triumph and Agony, metal in America had a Queen.
While success in the United States has been a roller coaster ride due to the ever changing musical environment, Doro has been a staple in the community and hasn’t wavered in her musical convictions.
Nick Douglas & Doro (Photo-Travis Failey 2016)
While continuing to record and tour, the fans have always come out and supported her as she has supported them. With the release of the Raise Your Fist 30 Year Anniversary Edition (2014), Doro and her band started their U.S. Tour at the Orpheum in Ybor City.
Doro (Photo-Travis Failey 2016)
The show was filled with hits from her career with Warlock including the title track from the Burning the Witches debut release and the show opener and fan favorite ”I Rule the Ruins.”
Throughout the set, Doro provides the fans the opportunity to sing with her by putting the microphone out in the crowd. She does this more than any other vocalist that I have seen. Her energy level never wanes and is nonstop as is the rest of the group.
Nick Douglas & Bas Maas (Photo-Travis Failey 2016)
Her bandmates have changed numerous times since 1986 but bassist Nick Douglas and drummer Johnny Dee have been with her since the early 90s. These two along with guitarists Bas Maas and Luca Princiotta provide their own entertainment value by also engaging with each other and with the crowd.
Bas Maas (Photo-Travis Failey 2016)
A special moment during the show was when Doro performed “Without You” as a dedication to Lemmy. Doro and Lemmy wrote numerous songs together and he made a huge impact on her up until his recent passing.
Closing out the set with “All We Are” the small crowd sang the chorus louder than the speakers were putting out and confirmed why Doro comes back to the States with every release. She loves the fans because of the support that we have shown her throughout the years and she pays them back with every performance.
Doro (Photo-Travis Failey 2016)
Prior to the show, Doro and I sat and talked at length about several topics. Among those were her early beginnings and breaking through in the U.S., her collaborations and the one she still hopes to do, martial arts, her tattoos, American Football and surviving grunge. If you’re a fan of Doro, give it a listen. Her appreciation for the music, her fans and especially her voice are only a couple reasons why she will always be the “Metal Queen.”
Motorhead, Anthrax and Crobot each brought their own brand of moshing to Mickeyland at the House of Blues in Orlando on Friday night. Over 2,000 people packed the sold out venue and stood shoulder to shoulder, unless they were smashing shoulders, as the pit was straight outta old school.
Frank Bello-Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
Crobot started the show at 8 p.m. sharp with a set that was electric with their signature sound that incorporates dirty groove rock that moves your feet and your soul. I know it may sound silly, but if you’ve experienced Crobot in a live setting, you understand what I mean. Each one of the members of Crobot catches your attention as an individual, but they leave a lasting impression as a cohesive group.
Brandon Yeagley-Crobot (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
Crobot’s frontman Brandon Yeagley, guitarist, Chris Bishop, and the Figuroa brothers, (Jake on bass and Paul on drums), have been road warriors the past two years playing tracks off their 2014 release, Something Supernatural. Highlights from Crobot’s set included: “Welcome to Fat City,””Fly on the Wall,” and the single, “Legend of the Spaceborne Killer.”
Brandon Yeagley-Crobot (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
It’s easy to see that Crobot has fun on stage, and I believe that they are a band that will continue to evolve, while gaining even more fans through touring with a variety of different bands. Even though Anthrax and Motorhead bring an aggressive fan base, they are also mature and appreciate the sound, style and substance that Crobot provides during their live show. It also helps when the band hangs out with the fans after their show, as Crobot did tonight at the House of Blues.
Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
While a quick set change was taking place, and fans were scurrying to the bar, I couldn’t help but notice the attire of the attendees. I had a flashback to metal shows of the past. Fully patched jean jackets that haven’t seen the outside of a closet in years were everywhere and people were talking about getting in the pit for the first time in a long time.
Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
As the lights went down and “The Mob Rules” played over the loud speaker, Anthrax opened with a fan favorite off of Spreading the Disease, with “Madhouse.” It was a perfect start to their nine-song set, consisting of classics and new songs off of their 2011 release, Worship Music. I’d really like to say that Anthrax was in rare form, but I just can’t. Why? Because Anthrax always brings their A-game and have since their inception in 1981. The three staples of their lineup in drummer Charlie Benante, guitarist Scott Ian, and the highly underrated bassist, Frank Bello, have never let their fans down with a subpar performance.
Frank Bello-Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
The next three songs, “Caught in a Mosh,” “Got The Time,” and “Anti-Social,” have been consistent in Anthrax’s sets for years and each has a special effect on the crowd. “Caught in a Mosh” will drive you into the pit, “Got The Time” has one of the most recognizable opening bass lines in metal, and “Anti-Social” is the definition of a rock anthem.
Vocalist Joey Belladonna introduced the first of two songs from Worship Music in “Fight ‘Em Til You Can’t.” He got a huge round of applause from the crowd and rewarded them with a stellar vocal performance throughout the set. Belladonna hasn’t lost any of his range and he doesn’t need back-up tracks to assist him but the crowd insisted on helping him out during the verses and especially the chorus during “Efilnikufsin.”
Jonathan, Frank & Scott-Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
The next two songs would pay tribute to Black Sabbath and Ronnie James Dio specifically, as “Neon Knights” from Sabbath’s Mob Rules album was next. Anthrax would follow that up with their tribute to the late and great Ronnie James Dio and Dimebag Darrell with the second track from Worship Music in “The End.”
Charlie Benante-Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
As their set was reaching a fever pitch, Anthrax took the crowd and the pit to another level when drummer Charlie Benante slammed his drums with the opening notes from the Among the Living classic, “Indians.” Security had their hands full and they did a great job while controlled chaos ensued, which included circling bodies and chants of “war dance!” bouncing throughout the House of Blues.
(Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
(Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
Belladonna chanted the chorus of Rainbow’s “Long Live Rock n Roll” and after the band took a bow, guitarist Scott Ian addressed the crowd and thanked them for all of the years of their support. He also announced that the follow up to Worship Music would be released in February of 2016.
Scott Ian-Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
After their set, some fans stated that they wished that Anthrax would change up or extend their set as it has been pretty stagnate over the past few years. Stagnate set list or not, Anthrax always leaves their fans wanting more and thankfully they will supply that to them with a new release next year and another upcoming tour. I hope that Anthrax is included in a few of the musical festival lineups during the World’s Loudest Month starting in April. It would be a great way to introduce Anthrax to a whole new generation of metal fans as Testament, Slayer and Exodus did this past spring and summer.
Scott Ian-Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
During the break, fans flocked to the merchandise table as a special item was for sale: an autographed drum head signed by all the members of Motorhead for an affordable price of $40 dollars, and they were selling like hotcakes.
(Photo-Noel Rodriguez)
The discussions throughout the night seemed to revolve around the health of Lemmy, many speculating that this may very well be Lemmy’s last ride as the frontman of Motorhead. Lemmy has been the man behind the bass and the microphone for over 40 years and is a true musical legend. Lemmy has also created a brand by using the Snaggletooth image that was created by Joe Petagno and used for Motorhead’s debut album cover in 1977. Other metal bands like Iron Maiden with Eddie, Megadeth with Vic Rattlehead, and of course Anthrax with their Not Man, would follow Motorhead’s lead.
Another topic of conversation was how, if at all, Lemmy’s deteriorating health would affect his performance. But that was answered as soon Motorhead took the stage and opened the show with “Bomber” and continued with “Stay Clean.” Vocally, Lemmy was, well, Lemmy: with his growly, greasy delivery that was spot-on throughout the set and the encore. But Lemmy’s movement on stage was pretty much nonexistent, as Lemmy stayed behind the microphone for the duration of the show. But, guitarist Phil Campbell brought the energy as he strolled the edge of the stage and engaged with the fans. Campbell got so close to the fans that he was literally looking the crowd surfers right in the eye as they went over the rail and into the arms of the security guards in the photo pit.
Phil Cambell-Motorhead (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
Motorhead’s set consisted of songs predominantly from their releases in the late 70’s and mid 80’s, but it should be noted: Motorhead didn’t even play one song from their 2015 release, Bad Magic. This was surprising to me because Bad Magic has placed in the number one spot on the charts in several countries, including Germany and Finland. Bad Magic has also sold over 10,000 units in the United States, which is a strong number these days, especially considering that it’s been out less than a month.
After “Stay Clean,” Motorhead continued with “Metropolis” from their 1979 album Overkill and followed it with “Over The Top,” which sparked another moshing frenzy. Phil Campbell slowed things down a bit with a guitar solo, which gave the crowd a breather. Later on in the set, Drummer Mikkey Dee pulled off a memorable drum solo, which was violent nature, as Dee “attacked” the skins and the bombastic tones that they delivered.
Phil Cambell-Motorhead (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
Motorhead segued perfectly from “Dr. Rock” and the drum solo into what many consider their biggest hit, “Ace of Spades.” I was surprised that they didn’t save this one for the encore. I was also surprised that Motorhead didn’t play more songs that have been played recently in the U.S., like “Eat The Rich” or even “Hellraiser.” Both of these are on regular rotation on Ozzy’s Boneyard on SiriusXM.
Mikkey Dee-Motorhead (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
They finished their set with “Overkill” and Lemmy addressed the crowd with his favorite tag line, “We Are Motorhead and We Play Rock n Roll.” As the fans made their way to the exits their faces and bodies were drained of energy, but their smiles remained, (and ears rang).
Lemmy-Motorhead (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
Friday night at the House of Blues in Orlando with Motorhead, Anthrax and Crobot was truly a memorable night of hard rock and metal. The music spanned three generations of fans, with each band having a distinct look, musical style, and sound. But they all had one thing in common though, and that was an energy and spirit that they instilled in their fans throughout the night, and in turn, their fans released. This has always been at the heart of the metal community, and its one of the contributing factors that continues to bring us metalheads together.
If this is the last tour for Lemmy and Motorhead, they can look back on their careers and know that they did it their way, and as long as there are metal fans and bands like Cobot and Anthrax, the legacy of Motorhead will live on forever.
More Photos by Travis Failey:
Mikkey Dee-Motorhead (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
Jonathan Donais-Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
Charlie Benante-Anthrax (Photo-Travis Failey RSEN)
