Review by Rock Over America
I’ll admit it, going into this show I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. There are so many rumors flying around about the health and well being of Jack Russell that you don’t know what the truth is until you’re seeing him yourself. I saw Jack with his former band about two years ago, and was actually pretty impressed, so my expectations were pretty high.
Around 11:30 on Friday night, Jack put to rest any small doubts that I may have had. With what’s being called Jack Russell’s Great White, the “High Seas Tour” dropped anchor in Las Vegas. Playing to a really good crowd the energy was much higher than the last time I saw him. Part of that I’m sure is due to his improved health.
Backing Jack are Robby Lochner and Matthew Johnson on guitar, Dario Seixas on bass, and Derrick Pontier on drums. Matthew and Derrick were welcome additions to the hard core Great White fans in the audience because both have been a part of the band in the past. If you still love the “Hair Metal” Dario is familiar to you from his work with Firehouse and Stephen Pearcy. Robby, although not as familiar has no problem fitting right in, and showing that he can play with the best of them.
The set list was like a greatest hits and had the crowd completely on Jack Russell’s side. A couple of songs really stood out for me though. “Rock Me” was the tightest I’ve heard it, and had everyone in the crowd ready to go. Jack also made sure that they played “Save Your Love” and “Lady Red Light” for the fans. I was sorely upset at myself for forgetting my lighter when “Save Your Love” started. It has always been one of my favorite Great White songs, and brings back some great memories. Also in the mix was “Can’t Shake It”, and again it was not only tight musically, but proved that indeed “Jack is back!”
However, where the true talent shone through for me, was during the second encore. You read that right, second encore! Jack and the band launched into Led Zeppelin’s “The Rover” and did an amazing job with it. It can’t be easy to cover a band that was a huge influence on you, but Jack and the boys did them proud. Of course I couldn’t call it a night until “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” was played! That of course closed out the set in true rockin’ fashion.
Always gracious, and surprisingly humble, Jack made it a point to thank the crowd for supporting him several times. I can only imagine how much it meant to the fans that he took some time afterwards to meet with them and sign autographs. I know when I was in that position a few years ago that it meant a lot to me that even though he’s sold millions of albums he still took the time to say hello and thank you.
As always I want to thank Korie, and all of the staff for making me welcome that night. I walked away from Vamp’d knowing without a doubt that Jack is going to be rocking stages for years to come.