The show was really good... Maybe it was becuz I went to the show not expecting much... in fact, I kinda expect the show would sucked becuz of the so many negative reviews I've read! Believe me... I left the venue a very convinced and impressed man! There were some songs where I had to turn and look at Shelby cuz I can't believe they were that good! The band kicked major ass!! I'm so glad that I went to the show.

Erik the lead guitarist sure is not Warren, and will never be able to... but he doesn't try to be one. He played it safe by sticking rather faithful to the original solos and I actually thought he did a pretty good and commendable job... But the drummer is really good! He really kept the band in time and tune.... And yes, that was Mark Zavon... He played on only one song called "Drive With Me".

I was actually hoping that they'll play some Arcade and "Nobody Rides For Free", but they didn't...

- D@M13N

I attended Stephen's show at House of Blues Sunset. I thought L.A. Guns would go on first. But, wow! Stephen & Rat Bastards were the kick-off. I and my buddy Shelby were like "Phew!" when we saw them go on first since we had only arrived 10 minutes before the start of their show.

It has been 6 years since I saw Stephen last. Even the last time, it was not a regular show, but an in-store event when Stephen and Warren came to Japan to promote the RATT '99 album. So, the 6 years without him made me grab Shelby's arm when Stephen showed up on the stage. Sorry Jello! I didn't mean to hurt you.

The band were very tight, and, I realized Stephen was a real 'rock star' and was keeping himself in good shape (even looked skinnier than ever). When the show was started, the crowds were a lil bit quiet. However, you know, Stephen knows where to push to let the audience 'detonate'. The crowd got wilder song by song, word by word.

Then, it was the time to play "Back for More"... Stephen pointed above. He was definitely meaning the song was dedicated to Robbin. So, I also looked above and said "Hi, Robbin" in mind. They played Out of the Cellar version of the song. I thought it was good. The accoustic part (of Back for More's EP version) should be left for Robbin forever... I prefer the EP version a lot though.

By the way, during the show, Stephen spat water very often on the stage. I couldn't help wondering if Todd, the drummer, was comfortable with that, hehehe.

The mixing HOB was terrible at that night. They emphasized the lowest range and the highest too much. It made vox and guitar riffs a little hidden behind the sounds of bass, higher notes of guitars and symbals. Well, if it was at some infamous club, I would think it's ok (probably!). But, it was House of Blues!

However, the band beat the venue's bad taste of mixing, eventually. Not by complaining but, by the most legitimate manner as professional musicians. Yes, they kept on playing tight. Hey, these guys' career is longer than HOB's history. I give them much applause.

Too bad HOB had a strict rule for no cams. So, we had to leave them in the car. They checked ALL audience with a metal detector and even patted everyone down. I know I shouldn't complain about it because I'm sure everyone would want concert venues to be safety-sensitive. I'm sure nobody would want another repeat of the awful Dimebag Darrel (R.I.P) incident. ...Well, I still wish I could take pix of the show though! Sorry!

Please excuse me for only writing about Stephen. I was like...staring at him throughout the show! Oh well...Anyone got a problem with that?? *grins*

- Nao

• Overdrive
• Wanted Man
• I'm Insane
• You Think You're Tough
• Body Talk
• Slip of the Lip
• Back for More
• Lack of Communication
• U Got It
• Lay It Down
• You're in Love
• Round And Round
  (12 songs)