On June 21st, metal-heads from all over the Southern California gathered at the Honda Center for The OC Hair Metal Meltdown. It was a dazzling spectacle that transported fans back to the golden era of ’80s hair metal (if we can call it that). This one-off show featured powerhouse performances by Great White, Quiet Riot, Slaughter, and Vixen, and the overall show was nothing short of a nostalgic feast for fans in attendance on Friday night.
As the lights dimmed, the crowd roared in anticipation as Vixen took the stage. Before kicking off their set, the iconic all-female band first introduced their newest member, vocalist Rosa Laricchiuta. After a rousing ovation from loyal fans who came early, Vixen kicked off their set with “Rev It Up” and there was no looking back from that point forward. They delivered an abbreviated 6-song set that was both electrifying and empowering. Hits like “Edge of a Broken Heart” and “Cryin'” showcased their enduring appeal and incredible musicianship.
Next up was Slaughter, whose energetic performance cranked the Honda Center to a whole new level after Vixen’s amazing performance. Mark Slaughter’s high-pitched wails and the band’s tight instrumentation brought classics such as “Up All Night” and “Fly to the Angels” to life. My favorite, however, was Spend My Life,” as it immediately transported me back to a time and place where all that was mattered was the music. Wow.
The crowd’s reaction to Slaughter’s set was overwhelming, with fists pumping and voices singing along to each and every song. And hats off to bassist Dana Strum. This guy was 100% energy from the very beginning and never dialed it back during their 9-song set of true Slaughter classics. Best-in-class performance on Friday and it wasn’t even close.
Quiet Riot then took the stage amidst thunderous applause, diving straight into their set with 1983’s “Run For Cover.” Frontman Jizzy Pearl commanded the stage with charisma, belting out those legendary lyrics that echoed through the arena and into neighboring communities. The hauntingly powerful rendition of “Cum On Feel the Noize” had every attendee on their feet, creating a unifying moment of pure rock ‘n’ roll bliss.
But it was “Metal Health (Bang Your Head)” that truly stole the set and had fans screaming at the top of their lungs. Rudy Sarzo’s signature spins and snarls (circa 1984) were the pièce de resistance on what turned out to be one incredible set from this legendary band. I am sure Kevin DuBrow would have been smiling down with approval throughout Quiet Riot’s killer set.
Finally, it was time for the headliners of OC Hair Metal Meltdown, Great White. Looking back on their performance, these cats did not disappoint. Their 10-song set was a masterclass in hard rock, blending gritty guitar riffs from original guitarist Mark Kendall with Brett Carlisle’s incredible voice and stage antics. Kicking off with “Desert Moon,” they set the tone for an unforgettable performance that pleased even the pickiest of fans.
Great White played fan favorites like “Save Your Love” (which is my all-time favorite from their catalog), “Rock Me,” and “Once Bitten, Twice Shy.” Each song was met with wild cheers and heartfelt sing-alongs that highlighted why Great White was chosen to headline this incredible concert in the OC.
All in all, Friday night’s show solidified to the faithful why bands like Great White, Quiet Riot, Slaughter, and Vixen are so loved by so many all around the world. They’ve all left an indelible mark on the musical landscape and continue to this day cranking out new music and amazing performances for fans to sink their teeth into. I hope that OC Hair Metal Meltdown becomes a trend and they expand on this concept going forward. I know that fans in attendance would like to see more, and as a music aficionado, I am definitely down for more metal madness here in the OC.
VIXEN
SLAUGHTER
QUIET RIOT
