80’s Rock Invasion at Mohegan Sun Arena
Featuring Riley’s L.A. Guns, Vixen, Quiet Riot and Stephen Pearcy
Mohegan Sun Arena
Uncasville, Connecticut
January 20, 2024
Photos & Review by Tom Bogus
UNCASVILLE, Conn. – The 80’s Rock Invasion was a nostalgic journey through some rock n’ roll’s most iconic rock hits. Riley’s LA Guns set an electrifying tone as the opening act, kicking off at 7:30 pm with “Over the Edge,” they treated the audience to a blend of original hits and iconic L.A. Guns covers. Kurt Frohlich’s vocals and guitar, Kelly Nickles on bass, and Scott Griffin on lead guitar showcased a seamless musical synergy. The crowd was captivated throughout, and the set reached its pinnacle with the powerful closing anthem, “Electric Gypsy.” Riley’s LA Guns set the stage on fire, setting the bar high for the night ahead. This show was a tribute to drummer Steve Riley who passed away this past October.
RILEY’S L.A. GUNS
Vixen took the stage next, launching their set with the high-energy “Rev It Up.” Lorraine Lewis’s powerful vocals, Brit Lightning’s impressive guitar work, Julia Lahr on bass, and Roxy Petrucci on drums formed a formidable lineup. The inclusion of a ‘Layla’ tag during “How Much Love” added a unique touch to their performance. The crowd was treated to a diverse range of tracks, including a soulful rendition of Jeff Paris’s “Cryin’.” They even snuck in a new song called “Red.” The highlight of their set was, undoubtedly, the classic hit “Edge of a Broken Heart,” leaving the audience on a euphoric note as Vixen closed the set with finesse.
VIXEN
At 9:20 pm, the energy surged as Quiet Riot stormed the stage. The crowd was immediately captivated by the thunderous opening track, “Run for Cover.” Jizzy Pearl’s commanding vocals, Alex Grossi’s blistering guitar, and the rhythmic foundation laid by Johnny Kelly on drums and the legendary Rudy Sarzo on bass created an unstoppable force. The setlist, filled with classics like “Cum On Feel the Noize” and the anthemic “Mama Weer All Crazy Now,” resonated with the crowd’s rock ‘n’ roll spirit. Quiet Riot’s performance reached its zenith, culminating in an electrifying performance of “Metal Health (Bang Your Head),” leaving the audience on a euphoric high as the night continued its epic rock journey.
QUIET RIOT
The 80’s Rock Invasion reached its pinnacle as Stephen Pearcy and his band took the stage at Mohegan Sun Arena at 10:20 pm. The crowd was immediately immersed in the nostalgia of RATT’s hits as the band opened with the iconic “Wanted Man.” The setlist, featuring the entire “Out of the Cellar” album in honor of its 40th anniversary, showcased the timeless appeal of tracks like “Round and Round” and “Back for More.”
Stephen Pearcy’s vocals resonated with the same raw power, and the band, including Erik Feretinos on lead guitar, Johnny Monaco on rhythm guitar, Matt Thorne on bass guitar, and Scott Coogan on drums, delivered a performance that honored Ratt’s legacy. The night concluded at 11 pm with the crowd singing along to the unforgettable chords of “Lay It Down,” marking the perfect end to a night filled with classic rock energy and 80s vibes.
STEPHEN PEARCY
SETLISTS
Riley’s L.A.. Guns
1. Over the Edge (L.A. Guns cover)
2. Never Enough (L.A. Guns cover)
3. Renegades
4. Crawl
5. The Dark Horse
6. The Ballad of Jayne (L.A. Guns cover)
7. Electric Gypsy (L.A. Guns cover)
Vixen
1. Rev It Up
2. How Much Love
(with ‘Layla by Derek and the Dominoes tag)
3. Cruisin’
4. Cryin’ (Jeff Paris cover)
5. Red
6. Edge of a Broken Heart
Quiet Riot
1. Run for Cover
2. Slick Black Cadillac
3. Mama Weer All Crazee Now (Slade cover)
4. Thunderbird
5. The Wild and the Young
6. Let’s Get Crazy / Crazy Train /
Guitar Solo
7. Cum On Feel the Noize (Slade cover)
8. Metal Health (Bang Your Head
Stephen Pearcy
1. Wanted Man
2. You’re in Trouble
3. In Your Direction
4. She Wants Money
5. Lack of Communication
6. Back for More
7. The Morning After
8. I’m Insane
9. Scene of the Crime
10. Round and Round
11. Lay It Down