7/15/15: Ultimate Jam – Lucky Strike Live, Hollywood, CA

Chuck Wright (Quiet Riot), take a bow. Each week Chuck assembles some of the most incredible and diverse talent to take part in these Wednesday Jams and last night was a prime example of how, when it all comes together, Magic happens!

I said that the talent was diverse…The Jam started off with the Flamenco Metal (yes, you read that right) stylings of the Amazing HEAVY MELLOW. Run, do NOT walk, to see this act if you have the opportunity.

The band consists of Luis Villegas, Ben Woods and Mike Bennett (RICHIE KOTZEN) who kicked off the evening’s festivities with Flamenco versions of Electric Eye (Judas Priest), Bark at the Moon (Ozzy), Nobody’s Fool (Cinderella) and Heaven and Hell (Black Sabbath). (For the record, I want to Trademark Flamental™)

Each week there are few moments that kind of stick with you; a song or jam where you start to feel the hairs on the back of your next stick up because you know you’re witnessing something special. Well last night was full of them:

A pounding version of Fleetwood Mac’s, “The Chain”, with Juliet on vocals and Johnny Martin and Sean Beaven (MARILYN MANSON) and Jason C. Miller on guitars.   Matt Starr (MR BIG) and Ace Von Johnson (FASTER PUSSYCAT) bringing the PUNK energy to “Un-Urge” and “Freedom of Choice”.

And speaking of Punk… “Atomic Punk” announced the arrival of Ralph Saenz (Or Michael Starr from STEEL PANTHER) accompanied by the return of Billy Sheehan (WINERY DOGS) on bass, Stephen Chesney on guitar and Matt Starr behind the skins. They then kicked into high speed version of David Lee Roth’s “Shy Boy” which brought the crowd to a swell!

The always amazing Mitch Perry (LITA FORD) and Roy Z trading blistering solo’s during “Whole Lotta Love”, sung by the lovely Cherokee Fortune.

Madam Mayhem, Billy Sheehan, Mitch Perry, Matt Starr and the intricate keyboard work of Steve Ferlazzo (AVRIL LAVIGNE) gave the crowd a high energy version of “Won’t Get Fooled Again”.

Dug Pinnick (KINGS X) returned to the Lucky Strike stage and kicked off his set with ”Manic Depression” aided by Stacey “Spacey” T (FISHBONE) on guitar. Besides just the presence of Dug on bass, the highlight of that set was an amazing version of “Voodoo Child” with accompaniment on guitar by guitar prodigy Tommy Baldwin.   His solo was incredible to say the least.

The talent that revolves through the Lucky Strike Stage is impeccable and thanks to the hard work of Chuck and the rest of the staff, The Jam is no longer a best kept secret, it’s an event.

William Greenberg
Twitter: @SimiWill