Review by Rock Over America
Guitarist Ronnie Mancuso & Vocalist Lou Merlino led the 2011 line up of Beggars & Thieves through the opening set. The band was in good form, especially on “BEGGARS & THEIVES”. Ronnie & Lou sounded as good as when their debut CD came out many moons ago. They did a fine job on The Beatles “I AM THE WALRUS”, it was good to hear. New songs such as “SHINE A LIGHT” and the title track of their soon to be released CD, ‘WE ARE THE BROKENHEARTED’, show me that Mancuso & Merlino have plenty of gas left in the tank.
Two hours before Lynch Mob were to hit the road, singer Oni Logan told George Lynch he wasn’t going to make it. Lucky for Lynch Mob Chas West was able to step in and help save the tour. July has been a fun month because we also we got to see George play with the Sin City Sinners & Jimmy Crespo. They did a flaming version on “ROADHOUSE BLUES”. Then at the end of the month West was in town with the Hollywood All Starz. Now about three weeks later these two return to Las Vegas and Vamp’d, and we knew it was going to be an interesting night.
Chas sounded better then ever as he roared through “BREAKING THE CHAINS” with George getting his finger flying. “RIVER OF LOVE” kept the set moving nicely. “INTO THE FIRE” showed the fans just a fraction of how good Lynch is. The slow blues of “SHE’S EVIL BUT SHE’S MINE ” gave West a shot to show off his ample pipes.
“THE HUNTER” gave George Lynch fans a taste of what was to follow. On “MR. SCAREY” George gave all his Vegas fans the reason he still is one of the premeire guitarists in the world. “WHEN HEAVEN COMES DOWN” & “HELL CHILD” had the fans going crazy. “KISS OF DEATH” proved to be a fine way to die.
“ALL I WANT” this night is for Lynch Mob to play some more. “LET THE MUSIC BE YOUR MASTER” is the only song from ‘SMOKE & MIRRORS’ in the setlist and it fit in well. The under appreciated rhythm section of bassist Robbie Crane & drummer Scot Coogan brought out the thunder on “TOOTH & NAIL” and the last song of the night, “WICKED SENSATION”. After watching this lineup, Oni Logan was not missed.