The Sammus Theory - Last Exit Bar, Mesa AZ, 1/11/08
This five-piece Arizona band has a mature, hard rocking sound for their age. They’re quite young, incredibly talented and some of the nicest guys around. They recently performed on MTV, and this AZ show was the kick off of TST’s tour, which concludes in late March. Songwriter Sammus handles vocals, with Kyle Welnel (rhythm guitar), Brian Henry (bass), Jeremy Tabor (lead guitar) and Dan Johnson (drums) filling out the band.
They performed new songs from the Leaders of Decay (which were off the chart) as well as many from the See (It) Through album. From “Counterfeit’s” dark harmonies to the ending lively performance of “Pure,” the band spun an impassioned tale from the stage. Dan seemed to be out to slay a dragon with his brutal drum pummeling. Newest addition, Jeremy, was a perfect match with his dynamic musicianship. Kyle not only performed well, but contributed powerful backing vocals, with Brian providing the mandatory head banging dread locks. While Sam certainly tells the story through his lyrics, the theatrics and expressions convey even more. For more information, go to www.myspace.com/thesammustheory.
See The Sammus Theory at the Curtain Club on March 8 with Abberant. It will be a night that rocks! (Kendal Richardson)

Bricks In the Wall - House of Blues, 1/04/08
This was a very interesting show. This Pink Floyd Tribute band uses lasers, a round video screen and a large pink pig called “Old Major,” that moves back and forth over the crowd Large white bricks were stacked on both sides of the video screen giving the show a very trippy feel. The large band, which includes two female singers and a sax player, did a very good job on “Shine on You Crazy Diamond,” “Breathe,” “Arnold Layne,” “Pigs” and “One of These Days.” Clocks filled the video screen during “Time.”
“The Great Gig In The Sky” ended the first set with Medea’s dazzling vocals. With Bricks playing long album versions, the night had a true Floydian grove. “Wish You Were Here” became a sing along for the near sell-out crowd. It was a great way to start the New Year. (WiL Wesch)

Van Halen - American Airlines Center, 1/26/08
In one of the most anticipated reunions in music history, Dave, Eddie, Alex and newest member Wolfgang (Eddie’s son) gloriously took the stage to the opening chords of “You Really Got Me” and ripped through classics like “Ice Cream Man,” “Dancing In The Streets,” “Little Dreamer,” “Panama,” “I’ll Wait,” “Ain’t Talkin’ ‘Bout Love” and “And The Cradle Will Rock.” No doubt we were witnessing rock royalty, and the sold out crowd at American Airlines Center took this sentiment to heart and sang every word to every song. The band looks great and looked like they were getting along as well as they ever have. Indeed Eddie and David Lee Roth fed off of the energy of one another and were clearly enjoying each other’s company once again. Here’s hoping they keep it together, ‘cause only good things can happen. They’ll be back at the AAC on Mar. 3. (Dale Lammers)

John Fogerty - Nokia, 12/7/07
Legendary singer/songwriter/guitarist John Fogerty graced the stage at Nokia Theater. A silhouetted Fogerty, with hands on hips and guitar at his side, opened with “River is Waiting” from his latest album, the Grammy nominated Revival. Fogerty was full of energy, running across the stage and jumping around like a man half his age. His powerful voice sounded as strong as ever. Highlights included Creedence Clearwater Revival classics “Bad Moon Rising,” “Fortunate Son” and “Have You Ever See the Rain” (dedicated to his daughter). Solo favorites were “The Old Man Down the Road,” “Centerfield” (played on a cool guitar shaped like a baseball bat) and the acoustic “Deja Vu (All Over Again).” New songs “Gunslinger” and “Creedence Song” fit in perfectly with the older material. Another special moment occurred near the end of Fogerty’s over two hour set, when his wife and daughter wheeled out a cake celebrating Revival’s Grammy nomination and Fogerty’s own career revival. A truly special show. (Andy Laudano)

Dirty Penny - Rockstar Sports Bar, 1/12/08
The Rockstar Sports Bar in Fort Worth celebrated their First Anniversary with California’s Dirty Penny. Local acts Legion of Doom and Iron Priest got the night rocking - with covers from Pantera, Metallica, Judas Priest and Iron Maiden.
Dirty Penny utilized originals like “Midnight Ride,” “Hot & Heavy” “Scream & Shout,” and Runnin’ Wild” from their debut release Take it Sleezy. Once underway, Dirty Penny wasted no time setting the electrifying vibe that spread quickly from the stage, as the foursome plowed through their set. With such a polished performance, it’s easy to see why Dirty Penny’s fan base is increasing and the band is receiving mentions in major publications. And, it was the Rockstar Sports Bar highest occupancy night of the first year in business. (Brian McLean)

Love It To Death (Alice Cooper Tribute Band) - Firewater, 1/11/08
Originating from Houston, Love It To Death came to Dallas to put on one hell of a theatrical performance. They took everyone at Firewater on an Alice Cooper trip that was coated with classics going back 30 years. Paul Byron plays Alice Cooper to near perfection. He not only managed to sing the songs with utter enthusiasm, but he also re-created the well-known Alice Cooper stage set, layered with all kinds of props, costume changes - and excellent interaction with the crowd. Halfway through the set, the band released dozens of balloons filled with play money. When the balloons popped, 1 billion dollar bills - with the Alice Cooper’s face on them - rained hard upon the crowd. (Joe Montells)

Truman Highway - O’Riley’s, 1/12/08
Opener Through it All quickly turned heads and attacked the evening.
From the Northeast, headliner Truman Highway came, bringing southern metal? Jackon’s galloping intricate bass lines anchored “Determination”. “Woot” was another blurring fast face-stomper. Ninja quick, whaling guitar riffs (without the use of picks) from Erike and Charlie ripped through the set. Amide the array of drum fills/beats, Alex could bring back the cowbell and make even it sound cool (if he wanted to.) Erike’s (vocalist/guitarist) vocal play channeled hefty doses of Chris Cornell and Phil Anselmo. He was also able to commandeer the audience. Nearing the end of the pulverizing set, local musician Shred of Final Cry contributed his vocals on a engaging Pantera cover “Revolution Is My Name.” If you happen to catch these Boston lads in town, be sure to check them out. (Misty Johnson)

Out Of The Cellar, A Tribute to Ratt - O’Riley’s, 1/18/08
If you like the music of Ratt, then Out Of The Cellar is the band to see. There aren’t too many RATT tributes around, but fortunately we have the very best of them here in Dallas. The band plays the Ratt’s classics to near perfection. As front man, Spicoli goes over the top with his ability to hit those unique vocal pitches and tones that Stephen Pearcy made famous in the ‘80’s.
Out Of The Cellar plays with passion and conviction but, most importantly, they play to have fun. The set list included some well-known ditties that brought the crowd to a frenzy. Highlights were “Lay It Down” and “Lack Of Communication, both well done. However, “Back For More” and “Wanted Man” were true highlights of this performance. (Joe Montells)

Telegraph Canyon - Club Dada, 01/23/08
One of the most creative original bands around, Telegraph Canyon’s musicianship shines through in whatever they play. Chris Johnson takes this band and its fans to a whole new place, making them forget about life and just feel the music. Talented players are Sherilyn and Tamara Cauble (who, because of a recent finger injury was unable to play violin at this show). However, she graced the stage playing one song on accordion, even with the injured finger. Andrew Skates was incredible, playing a rare B2 Hammond Organ. The sound that escapes from the vintage spinning speaker cabinet will leave you yearning for more Telegraph Canyon. See them at Club Dada, before they head out for the California leg of their current tour. (Scott Mankoff)

Himsa - House Of Blues, 11/24/07
Hot on the heals of their Century Media debut – Summon In Thunder – Himsa took the stage with daunting force. Singer John Pettibone wasted no time getting the crowd involved in the show as he headed straight for the barricade, where he spent much of the show singing along with the fans. Derek Harn (bass) roamed the stage making faces at the crowd as he and newly acquired drummer, Joe Frothingham, supplied the solid foundation and pounding rhythm. The twin guitar attack of Kirby Johnson and Sammi Curr unleashed blistering riffs on new tracks “Haunter,” “Big Timber” and “Summon In Thunder,” as well as on the classics “Dominion” and “Pestilence.” This Seattle quintet definitely brought down the reign. (Travis Tutwiler)

Trans–Siberian Orchestra - American Airlines Center, 12/28/07
Christmas came late this year when the Trans-Siberian Orchestra returned to Dallas for two sold-out shows after the holiday. Like previous years, the show’s first half was a touching Christmas tale, wonderfully narrated by Tony Gaynor and highlighted by Tommy Farese’s tear-inducing “Ornament,” Bart Shatto’s heart warming “Old City Bar” and instrumentals “First Snow” and the powerful “Christmas Eve/Sarajevo 12/24.”
In the second half, bandleader/guitarist Al Pitrelli, Jane Mangini (keyboards), Angus Clark (guitar), Johnny Lee Middleton (bass), John O’Reilly (drums), Derek Wieland (keyboards) and the charismatic Anna Phoebe (violin) got to cut loose and have some fun. Just when you thought it couldn’t get any better, out came TSO creator, Paul O’Neill making his first Dallas appearance. And, he brought a special present to Texas - rock legend Paul Rodgers, who sang “Bad Company” and “All Right Now” with the band, as the crowd went wild! Easily TSO’s best show yet! (Andy Laudano)