Friday October 4th, was an entertaining evening of assorted ’80s and ’90s classics by two groups energized by the crowd and music they played. Cincinnati sent their best cover band of cinematic pop anthems and glam metal slithering giants to J.D. Legends, Miss Jacque to turn the crowd on for the nights Vixen’s. The energy reached a high standard, revving it up before the evening headliners, ’80s glam foxy femme fatales Vixen, though drummer Roxy Petrucci was the sole original member. The crowd proved they remembered and still wanted their MTV.
VIxen was an early pioneer with all females on stage, coming of age and success during the decadence and sexism of the 80s, earning attention and respect from fans and contemporaries. They proved they weren’t just a novelty act or label/studio creation, going back to the mid-80s, coming to MTV prominence in the later part of the decade. They’re still alive and stiletto kicking faces and ears with hairspray-flaming, lipstick grins. Visually speaking, one of the best things about them, in the glam era was, they looked like hot chicks, and they were! Though they sported the talent and experience to back up their look. They also did their fair share of inspiring females to pick up instruments and mic stands. Its possible some rock, metal and extreme female metal singers saw them on the Tube back in the day. They might’ve been The Runaways of the glam scene.
Southern Ohio’s Miss Jacque brought bassist Chase Stevens, guitarists Kyle Neidermeier and drummer Kyle Robbins to Franklin, with the sound and energy fans have seen and heard since their inception. The Cincinnati CityBeat voted them best Cincinnati cover band with set versatility to match the endorsement. Many cover bands have graced the inside and outside J.D. Legends stages but Jacque played a multi-genre unique set of songs reaching back to the mid-‘80s taking cuts from glam metal, iconic movie songs, songs celebrating MTV’s inception and gigantic rock anthems not quite in the metal arena.
The band gave themselves to the crowd, forever, “Faithfully.” They rocked with Def Leppard till they dropped, with some sweet sugary sweat landing on stage, rocking for ages. Stacee Jaxx and Hey Man weren’t around but the show and venue were no less iconic.
The headliners definitely played their guitars on the MTV, and it was “Money for Nothing.” YouTube’s great but most people of the era want their Music Television back.
Cruise was a fighter pilot way before playing the Bourbon Room and Kenny Loggins helped make that movie as memorable as it is. It was a nostalgic highway with fists in the air to the “Danger Zone.”
MTV gave us Headbangers Ball, and The Ball gave us Whitesnake videos, in the still of the night, though “Here I Go Again” showed us Tawny Kitaen and two Jaguar XJ’s, a sight we’d never want to un-see.
The 2024 lineup of Vixen backed by original diva skins-lady Roxy Petrucci with guitarist Britt Lighting, bassist Julia Lang and new vocalist Canadian Rosa Laricchiuta hit the stage in prime form. With multiple tours with the Trans-Siberian Orchestra and four solo albums, she’s put in the time and work for those seeing her for the first time that night.
They turned it on fast, with gas guzzling attitude ignoring and avoiding the sophomore jinx with “Rev it up.”
“Charmed Life” brought the leather stiletto chained boot in focus before engines sped off. The originals fought and played hard to keep the name alive and active and in 2024 the current lineups keeping it lit, alive and burning with no crash and burn in sight.
It was time to go “Cruisin” for action, down the time traveling tunnel, sped out right into Franklin. Rev It Up hit asking the decades old question, “How Much Love” will it take, with cell phones up and on.
Regardless of who was and wasn’t in the band in the ‘80s, no MTV era show would be complete without the lighter/cell phone ballad. The band and crowd got their “Cryin” on.
Deep, early cut “Hard 16” told the biting tale of trying to make it at such a tender age. She hadn’t met KISS yet in their version with a full lyrical year away from daddy saying she’s too young.
They didn’t shy away from the covers playing a classic mix of VH, Deep Purple, Black Sabbath and Whitesnake. The bass thump of “Running with the Devil,” honored Eddie’s memory as “I want you to Rock Me” rocked out Queen style. They got deep on “Perfect Strangers.” Things went dark, evil and extra, extra, extra F-N crazy with generals and witches in their masses, and masses. From the dark serpent to the white snake, guitar’s ripped into “Still of the Night.”
It was “Not a Minute Too Soon’ for another hit before heading into the final two. “Streets in Paradise” came before the classic, iconic closer. Ironically, in a way MTV got the last word though hardcore fans know Hardbodies opened a few doors prior to Music Television.
The kick drum started on mega ‘80s introduction “Edge of a Broken Heart” with all phones up and recording.
For fans of the band, new to the modern lineup, the energy and showmanship was still there. With 75% being post-80s they played the set with the skill and excitement of the originals and those no longer with us. Laricchiuta’s vocal style is different from Janet Gardner’s, though she carried the set like a seasoned pro. Hopefully next tour will bring new music and her vocal stamp on 2025 material.
Images and Words: Mike Ritchie
Vixen: www.vixenofficial.com
Miss Jacque: https://missjacqueband.com/home
