Friday, July 29 the outside stage area of J.D. Legends was packed for ‘90s rockers and ballad kings Firehouse as the reigning queen of metal Lita Ford took over the stage later in the evening. The place was filled with everyone from teens to classic generations ready to experience the veteran Runaway play everything from deep cuts to the favorites.
Youth took stage early with acoustic guitars and long, flowing hair as That Arena Rock Show played a set of ‘70s and ‘80s classics. Most recorded and released long before they were around. The young blood performed ‘70s classics with ‘80s tunes and ballads showing the continued popular, influence and staying power of past decades on modern generations.
It was a five-man acoustic jam, not Tesla-style but a few rock icons were present in song with some ‘80s lighter arena hero’s and a heavier band that played in the glam era, all got love and respect from the young lads. Zeppelin got the “Immigrant Song” early while Bon Jovi put the headbands back on riding their steel horse, “Wanted Dead or Alive.” Hagerstown, Maryland vets Kix got their dark ballad about the sacred-seconds of life played, saying “Don’t Close Your Eyes.” From the Hollywood penthouse to Skid Row, we’ll always remember hearing the sounds of pouring rain. Johnson-era AC/DC finished the set as the sun slowly descended with those American thighs.
The first of the touring acts came out like they all still had long dark hair and MTV was still the Gen X rage. As with the headliner they performed and played like years and decades meant nothing. Though their debut came out in 1990 and are often categorized with the ‘80s glam pack, they authored a few mega-ballads to their credit but were always a little bit heavier than their Aqua-Net drenched brethren. Whether you bought it on cassette, vinyl or CD Firehouse began with the first three songs that introduced the world to their flame licked hard rock style. “Rock on the Radio,” “All She wrote” and “Shake & Tumble”
The majority of the first record was played with first appearance from their sophomore release “When I look Into Your Eyes” popped up several songs in. Though cellphones have made lighters almost obsolete, there were still a few lone flames among the electronic glows. Deep cuts and lesser known tunes still got loud applause and reactions.
Arguably they saved the best three for last with a very special, surprise marriage proposal happening right before “Love of a Lifetime.” How many weddings has their music played and how many first dances have new couples shared with Firehouse leading the steps? Vocalist C.J. Snare held the mic up close making sure her response was heard, amongst tears and deep emotional nodding. At the end he definitely showed he still had the range, laying down high-pitch pipe work..
They saved the heaviest for last with signature rocker “Don’t Treat Me Bad” and Hold Your Fire opener “Reach for the Sky” arguably they’re heaviest tune.
The crowd tensed, waiting for the banshee decibel shaking songstress to come forth and deliver.
Decked in leather with trademark blond locks flying in the air like whiplashing fingers,, swinging her blood red shining noise maker Lita Ford emerged on stage. Along-side was long-time guitarist Patrick Kennison. They wasted no time tearing into “Gotta Let Go” and “Larger Than Life.” “Relentless” was a picture perfect tune for an iconic lady starting as a runaway, demanding respect, earning recognition in a decade when testosterone and spandex ruled the scene. One could argue, no ones given father time a bigger, studded bitch-slap than Miss Ford. still influencing female musicians and vocalist of all genres
It was definitely an evening energy blast. At several points front stage fans got so excited and involved, the barricade bent over a few times. No one rushed the stage but it was cool to see Ford and crew cause some extreme behavior and hysteria. Some technical issues occurred but she seemed to laugh it off in amusement with a sneer.
Most of her released material was covered including early hits, ’80s and ’90s strength tunes and a few modern metal gems. “Hungry” shoved a sharp tipped boot in chosen locations. It may have been Elton’s original, but Ford more than metal’d it up saying“ The Bitch Is Back,” “Playing with Fire.”
The first of the late ‘80s favorites came with “Back to the Cave” with a cool extended jam session giving the crowd a cool, mellow breather.. A bad-ass drum solo followed that could’ve rivaled Peter Criss without the elevating kit, explosions and huge cats. They went old-school to the beginning with Gen X’ers and beyond remembering the tune and the younger crowd given a history lesson on Cherry Bomb,”
They saved the best for last with MTV memories flooding back with the iconic double neck duet in darkness “Close My Eyes Forever” and the icy cool slide kick of “Kiss Me Deadly..”
Images by Mike Ritchie
