Casino Connection Atlantic City

Pedal to the Metal

by Joseph Harrison

Take a trip back to the ’80s metal scene as Vince Neil, Quiet Riot and Slaughter team up at the House of Blues for a night of black spandex rock on August 31.
    Fresh off the heels of a successful reunion tour with Motley Crue, Neil encourages you to bring your earplugs because he’ll be performing that band’s biggest hits, including “Dr. Feelgood,” “Shout at the Devil,” “Wild Side,” “Girls Girls Girls” and “Home Sweet Home.” While there may not be all of the pyrotechnics and drum-set acrobatics that the Crue usually offers, Neil’s raunchy style will surely prove he is still a monster of metal.
    Neil will play some material from his two solo albums, Exposed and Carved in Stone. His band usually includes bassist Dana Strum and guitarist Jeff Blando (both from Slaughter) and Will Hunt (Dark New Day).
    Despite not having a hit for nearly 20 years, Quiet Riot keeps pumping out its hard-edged rock music on tour nearly every year. In 2005, the band teamed up with Cinderella, Firehouse and Ratt for an ear-piercing tour and shocked many longtime metalheads for arguably being the strongest act on the tour.
    The band is back with another rock assault for 2007, proving that one hit could make you an overnight sensation most people won’t forget. “Cum On Feel the Noize” became a hair metal anthem that is still widely played on classic rock radio stations. Paired with their other smash, “Metal Health,” Quiet Riot still tours around the world to packed houses, basically because of two hit songs.
    They were the first metal band to hit No. 1 on the pop charts. Quiet Riot’s last release, 2001’s Guilty Pleasures, was the first album from the band’s signature lineup in 17 years, so expect to hear some songs from that album as well as all of their classic head-thumpers.
    Slaughter, one of the most underrated bands from that era, will also be on hand. Led by lead vocalist Mark Slaughter, who got his big start with the Vinnie Vincent Invasion, Slaughter will rip through their hits that include “Up All Night” “Fly to the Angels” and “Spend My Life.”
    So get out the hair gel, black leather and jean jackets and put a lighter in your pocket for the ballads. The ’80s are back.
     Vince Neil, Slaughter and Quiet Riot perform 8 p.m. August 31 at the House of Blues at Showboat. Tickets are $30, $50, $55 and $75.