A night of unforgettable rock music unfolded at the House of Blues in Anaheim on September 11, 2023. The renowned venue played host to guitar virtuoso Yngwie Malmsteen, bass maestro Glenn Hughes, Guns N’ Roses alumnus Gilby Clarke, and the emerging talent Steve Ramone in a concert that was nothing short of electrifying. Pound for pound, this was one of the best classic rock shows I have seen in years and it isn’t event close!
Opening the night was Steve Ramone, a Chicago South Sider, whose raw energy and distinctive sound set the tone for the evening. His punk-infused rock tracks were an instant hit with the crowd, who responded enthusiastically to his dynamic performance. What I enjoyed about this set was the fun all of these cats were having on stage, especially Steve and special guest Chip Z’Nuff. I’m looking forward to the ascent of this killer band in the not-so-distant future.
Gilby Clarke took the stage next, bringing his signature blend of hard rock and blues to the House of Blues. His 14-song set was a lesson in rock ‘n’ roll history, with covers of classics interspersed with some of his original work. A standout moment for the Gilby Clarke faithful was his soulful rendition of Bob Dylyn’s “Knockin’ on Heaven’s Door” which had the crowd singing along from the very first note. For me, I loved his final song, “Tijuana Jail.” It was shear perfection and a perfect segue for Glenn Hughes.
Glenn Hughes, known for his work with Deep Purple, brought a hefty dose of classic rock to the night. His powerful vocals, coupled with his exceptional bass-playing skills, were truly a sight to behold. His interaction with the crowd was genuine and heartfelt, making for a memorable set. While Hughes only played 8-songs, it was a masterclass of early Deep Purple with standouts like “Stormbringer,” “Mistreated,” and “Burn.” Best in class for me was “Highway Star,” one of my all-time favorites. I can honestly say no one—and I mean no one—has a voice like Glenn. At 72 years young, he still sings like it’s 1972—and that’s no exaggeration. Amazing.
Finally, Yngwie Malmsteen, the Swedish guitar legend, hit the stage. His neoclassical style, combined with his incredible speed and precision, left the audience in awe. Opening with “Rising Force,” Yngwie took us all on an incredible magic carpet ride, crushing 22-songs that span his illustrious 40+ year career. His performance of “Black Star” was a particular favorite of mine, but the best two in my opinion were “Trilogy” as well as “You Don’t Remember, I’ll Never Forget.” All of the tracks showcased his unparalleled talent and standing as one of the very best to pick up a Fender. He is a true virtuoso.
Overall, Mondays performance with Yngwie, Glenn, Gilby, and Steve was a true celebration of rock music, old and new. Each artist brought their unique flair to the stage, making for an unforgettable night of controlled mayhem that scratched the itch of even the most discerning rock ’n’ roll aficionado. If you get a chance to see any of these amazing live shows, do it. Their sets are something special—and one you’ll remember for years to come.
STEVE RAMONE
GILBY CLARKE
GLENN HUGHES
YNGWIE MALMSTEEN
