Testament’s Chuck Billy Photo Travis Tutwiler Unearth Photo: Travis Tutwiler Brian Dixon of Judas Rising Photo: Rappsnapper Jack Frost of Seven Witches

Unearth/Lazarus AD - Ridglea Theater, 6/4/09
Opening for metal gods like Testament is no easy task, but two groups proved that they have what it takes to get the job done. Lazarus AD got the party started with a new-school take on old-school thrash with smokin’ songs “Last Breath” and “Revolution.” The Kenosha, Wisconsin, quartet delivered the goods, and the crowd ate it up.
Unearth unleashed their high energy set and crushing sound on “Thy Will Be Done,” “Zombie Autopilot” and “Crow Killer.” Singer Trevor Phipps gave a shout out to The Destro and dedicated “We Are Not Anonymous” to the guys - Nick Emde and Eric Daughtry- who were in attendance. Guitarists Ken Susi and Buz McGrath cranked out the killer riffs and got in the face of the crowd on a few occasions. Metal was alive and well at the Ridglea. (Travis Tutwiler)

Little Green Men - Dino’s Bar and Grill, 6/25/09
A family reunion you’d like to have on a weekly basis. On a Thursday night, Andrew Williams (Little Green Men) hosted this reunion for family from all over the country and Iraq. LGM is Kevin White, (vocals), Andrew (lead guitar/vocals) Motown (bass) and Ryan Young (drums). The fun began with Andrew’s 14-year-old nephew Casey Skorski (Chicago) showing raw talent on Dream Theater’s “Pull Me Under” and Pink Floyd’s “Wish You Were Here.” Especially relevant was Hunter Levisee, Andrew’s nephew, who was home from Iraq. His rendition of Neil Young’s “Rockin In The Free World,” while a little rusty - you don’t get a lot of practice time in Iraq - was terrific. Next was Andrew’s brother Aaron Williams (Cincinnati, Ohio area) wearing out the drums.
Then it got hot when “Lightnin’” Lance Levisee, Hunter’s dad and guitarist for Rockin’ Rusty’s Rock Star Band, tore into a set of Iron Maiden. Watching Lance on his leads kinda left you with your mouth open. Totally awesome. Kevin White does Maiden vocals better than the original and Motown and his six string bass is, simply stated, the best bassist in the Metroplex. Four hours later, LGM finished the night with a set of originals, including “Line In The Sand” and the amazing “Tell Me Of The Night.” What a talented family. So please, can we “Reunion” a little more often? I sure would like to. (Skid Dickinson)

Michael Schenker Group/Doug Doppler/Metavenge - Pontiac Garage, 6/21/09
Houston’s teenage thrashers, Metavenge, kicked off the show. Judging from the positive response they received, Metavenge’s old school Metallica/Megadeth style originals and killer cover of Iron Maiden’s “Wrathchild” won them many new fans.
Steve Vai’s Favored Nations artist, Doug Doppler, followed with an amazing one-man show. To the crowd’s delight, he shredded and soloed like a madman to the crowd’s delight.
After a long absence, German guitar legend, Michael Schenker finally returned to Dallas! His latest incarnation of the Michael Schenker Group also saw the return of long-time collaborator, vocalist Gary Barden and charismatic bassist Rev “The Human Helicopter” Jones. Schenker looked and sounded fantastic as he tore through MSG classics “Ready To Rock,” “Cry For the Nations,” “On & On” and signature instrumental, “Into the Arena,” before sending everyone home happy with UFO’s “Rock Bottom” and “Doctor Doctor.” An awesome show from top to bottom. (Andy Laudano)

Six Days - The Curtain Club, 6/06/09
Local band Six Days put on a powerful, intense show for their fans. Members, Mike (vocal assault), Seven (Thunder bass), The Reverend (E-rhythms), Brandon (guitar/vocals), A-Train (guitar) and Jeff (precision beats, gave it their all. (Jill Jackson)

Scrap Iron - O’Riley’s, 5/03/09
This talented band features Scott Lockwood (vocals), Dave Mack (guitars), Jay Jeffery (bass), Eddie Bowshier (guitars) and Bill Simone (drums). Performing originals like “Tantrum” as well as classic rock covers including Judas Priest’s “The Hellion/Electric Eye” and “The Trooper” by Iron Maiden, Scrap Iron is one of DFW’s true powerhouse rock bands with great stage presence and attitude. They kept their loyal fans rocking the entire set. Keep your eye on them. (Kim “Kimber” Polen)

Eric Clapton/Steve Winwood - American Airlines Center 6/23/09
Two classic rock icons graced AAC’s stage, when guitar god Eric Clapton and Steve Winwood got together and jammed for over two hours. The set included material from their short time together in Blind Faith, selections from each artist’s vast catalog of hits and some rock and blues standards. Clapton was amazing and, while Winwood is mostly known for his keyboard wizardry, on some songs he also traded guitar lick for lick with Clapton. They even traded verses on some of each others most well-known songs including Blind Faith’s “Presence of the Lord” and Clapton’s “Forever Man.”
Following Winwood’s unbelievable solo rendition of “Georgia,” there was a short unplugged session that featured “Can’t Find My Way Home” and an acoustic version of “Layla.” Other highlights included “After Midnight,” “Split Decision,” “Cocaine” and closing number, Traffic’s “Dear Mr. Fantasy.” An unforgettable show from two rock legends. (Andy Laudano)

The Camera Eye, Judas Rising, Sad Wings - O’Riley’s, 06/20/09
It takes a lot of talent to pull off a Rush tribute band, but The Camera Eye succeeded. Steele Lane displayed his multidimensional talent, playing bass and keyboard, while singing with a clear, melodic voice. Other members are guitar virtuoso Michael Harris and drummer Crit Fowler. Focusing on Rush’s “progressive era,” TCE played medleys, which included “The Camera Eye,” “Xanadu,” and “Trees.” If you’re a true Rush fan, you have got to hear this band.
Up next was a double dose of Judas Priest - with Judas Rising and Sad Wings. Judas Rising put on an intense, high-energy show, with Brian Dixon powerfully delivering lyrics in true Halford style. Other members are Tim Aandahl and Scott LaPage (guitars) Steve Patton (bass) and Chuck Encinias (drums). A few favorites were “Turbo Lover,” “Head Out To the Highway” and “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming.”
Sad Wings (featuring Jason McMaster of Dangerous Toys) ended the night, picking up where Judas Rising left off, with more unrelenting Priest. Between the two bands, every Judas Priest hit that you can think of was played. (Jill Jackson)

Seven Witches - Rockstar Sports Bar, 6/26/09
When Seven Witches founder/guitarist Jack Frost had a blast playing a show with the real voice of Anthrax, Joey Belladonna, at the Rockstar a few months back, you knew it was only a matter of time before the Witches came calling! The band’s current lineup also features the return of Helstar vocalist, James Rivera, Symphony X bassist, Mike LePond and drummer Taz Marazz. Rivera sounded awesome and Frost soloed and shredded like a madman. Highlights included “Metal Asylum,” “Camelot,” “Mental Messiah” and “Passage to the Other Side.” The real party started after their set! The band, the club owner and the fans were having such a good time that the liquor kept flowing and the songs kept coming until closing time. Seven Witches tore the roof off with killer covers of Sabbath’s “Heaven and Hell” and Priest’s “Victim of Changes,” “You’ve Got Another Thing Coming” and personal favorite, “Diamonds and Rust.” Fun show! (Andy Laudano)

Bryan Adams - Majestic Theater, 6/3/09
Canadian singer/songwriter Bryan Adams returned to Dallas for an intimate acoustic show. With the exception of a few lights, set in a half circle, a piano and a mic stand, Adams walked out onto an empty stage with an acoustic guitar for a rousing rendition of “Run To You.” When Gary Breit joined him on the piano for “Back to You” from the MTV Unplugged album, Adams noted, “In case you didn’t get the memo, this is the band!” Adams continued to tell stories, make jokes and even played parts of songs that fans called out that weren’t on the set list like “Take Me Back” and “18 Til I Die.” Other highlights included “Cuts Like A Knife,” “Somebody,” “Heat of the Night,” “Summer of 69,” “Straight From the Heart,” “Heaven” and a hilarious version of “Please Forgive Me” with a hillbilly country accent. It’s amazing just how good these songs sounded when stripped down to their basics. This really was “A Night to Remember.” (Andy Laudano)

David Byrne - Majestic Theater, 6/14/09
In addition to the unique music of David Byrne (Talking Heads), interpretive dance and harmonizing vocals made this night a rare experience. Classics such as “Once In A Lifetime” and “Take Me To The River” were interspersed with new music. The two-hour show ended with Byrne returning to the stage for four encores. On the second one, David and his entire group of performers returned to the stage sporting frilly white tutus over their various all-white ensembles. They then blew the crowd away with “Burning Down The House,” the obvious favorite of the night. (Jill Jackson)