Queensryche/Don Dokken - The Palladium, 2/16/08
With the rest of his band hard at work on their next album, Lightning Strikes Again, a solo Don Dokken opened with a rare acoustic performance. Kelly Keeling (TSO), who sang backing vocals and played acoustic guitar, joined Don. Highlights included “Into the Fire,” “Dream Warriors” and “Alone Again.” This was something REALLY special that no Dokken fan should’ve missed.
After spending the last few years doing the big Operation: Mindcrime shows with all the actors, theatrics and elaborate stage set ups, a stripped-down Queensryche went back to basics. Digging deep into their rich catalog, the band played songs they haven’t done in years. There were enough big hits to keep casual fans happy but, for longtime fans, “The Killing Words,” “Anybody Listening,” “Gonna Get Close to You,” “Real World,” “Last Time In Paris” and personal favorite “Another Rainy Night (Without You)” were the real gems. A fantastic show from top to bottom. (Andy Laudano)

Adrian and the Sickness- - 1/5/08, O’Riley’s
Anyone who says girls can’t rock has never seen Austin’s Adrian and the Sickness, a trio of high-octane punk/rock power with a little rockabilly thrown in for good measure. The band features Adrian Conner (vocals, guitar), Heather Webb (bass) and Melodie Zapata (drums). Conner and Zapata are also in the Seattle-based, world famous, all female AC/DC tribute band “Hells Belles.”
Playing to a full house, they performed originals like “Loser,” “You’re Fired” and ‘Sex.” There were killer-shredding, back-spinning guitar solo’s with Conner’s dreadlocks flying all the while. Other songs included covers of Ozzy’s “Bark at the Moon” and Concrete Blonde’s “Bloodletting.” Adrian and the Sickness’ unbridled power and sense of humor on stage should not to be missed. (Kim Polen)

Ghoultown - Reno’s Chop Shop, 2/23/08
Headlining the Texas Frightmare, Ghoultown shook the walls of Reno’s with their Ghoulish rock. Lead singer Count Lyle really put on an animated show, which included standing on top of a skull box high above the crowd and wailing on his guitar. He held out the mic to Skot Snot (lead guitarist, Triple Six Shooters), who sang along with the band. Count Lyle is one of the area’s best vocalists, and Ghoultown knows how to put on one evil show. (Scott Mankoff)

Kid Rock - Bossier City, LA - 2/19/08
Kid Rock is not only a great musician, but he’s also a true entertainer. His concert at Century Tel Center in Bossier City was non-stop entertainment for over three hours, with a very short intermission. Instead of the usual opening acts, his guest performers, Dickie Betts of the Allman Brothers, and Rev. Run of Run DMC, interspersed their performances with Kid’s throughout the show. (Jill Jackson)

Super Furry Animals - The Granada Theater, 2/01/08
Super Furry Animals (SFA) is a world-renowned band from Wales, which used to sing only in Welsh. They only come through Dallas once every three years or so and - just like a comet shining through the sky - SFA shined during their gig at the Granada. It was a one-of-a-kind show that began with vocalist Gruff Rhys wearing a giant Power Ranger Racing Helmet and singing into two microphones about a foot apart on a stand, holding them like a giant steering wheel. He drove through the audience on a hovercraft of sound - which is the point, if you know SFA. They’re scheduled to headline the UK’s Green Man Festival on Aug. 16. (Scotty Mankoff)

Dr. Shames Love Circus - O’Riley’s, 2/09/08
Dr. Shames Love Circus takes you a trip of rock and roll history. They performed songs like “Ring of Fire”(Johnny Cash), “No Sugar Tonight” (The Guess Who), “Ice Cream Man” (Van Halen) and “Fight for your Right (to Party)” (Beastie Boys) - all to perfection, with something for everyone to enjoy. Band members are Jay Burington (guitar), Robert Fortier (AKA: Dr. Shame -vocals) and twins Kenny Casey (bass) and Kelly Casey (drums). The band’s performance was tight and their stage show was full of energy. They truly had a good time on stage, and the fans loved the trip down memory lane. A must see for all rock and roll fans. (Kim Polen)