The Dead Daisies Ignite Wolverhampton: A Night of Unfiltered Rock ‘n’ Roll
It’s been several years since The Dead Daisies last graced UK soil, and their highly anticipated return to Wolverhampton’s KK’s Steel Mill did not disappoint. With their latest album, Light Em’ Up, already generating buzz, the seventh night of their UK tour was bound to be unforgettable. Even more thrilling was the return of John Corabi, arguably the band’s best frontman, to lead this no-ego, no-frills rock ‘n’ roll powerhouse.
From the moment fans began queuing outside the venue, you could feel the excitement. It wasn’t just another show; it was a celebration.
The Bites: A New Wave of High-Energy Rock
Opening the night was LA-based band The Bites, a relatively fresh face in the rock scene, but they came out swinging. With infectious energy, a big sound, and ear-to-ear smiles, they had the crowd fist-pumping and headbanging in no time. Frontman Jordan Tyler’s charismatic presence was impossible to resist – his sheer joy on stage felt like he’d just won the lottery, and his energy was contagious.
The band’s sound transported the audience to the gritty, down-and-dirty rock of the ’80s, minus the glam. Supercharged riffs and heavy beats lit up the room, and by the end of their set, they had earned a whole new wave of fans. The Bites are definitely a band on the rise, and their debut album Squeeze is out now for anyone wanting more.
The Treatment: High-Octane Rock from Cambridge
After a quick break (and a cuppa from the bar – very rock ‘n’ roll indeed), the lights dimmed, and Cambridge’s own The Treatment took the stage. The band, promoting their sixth album Wake Up The Neighbourhood, set the tone from the start with Tom Rampton shouting, “Let’s wake up the neighbourhood!” Guitarist Tagore Grey shot onto the stage with the force of a cannon, immediately setting the energy bar sky-high.
Their performance was nothing short of electric. Rampton’s raspy vocals, tinged with the grit of Tom Kiefer and Bon Scott, perfectly complemented the band’s twin-guitar attack. Standout tracks like “Let It Begin” and “When Thunder and Lightning Strikes” had the crowd amped, with the latter cranking the bass to an earth-shaking level. By the time they closed with “The Fire Still Burns,” it was clear the crowd wanted more. With a tour history that includes legends like KISS and Mötley Crüe, The Treatment proved they belong in the upper echelons of rock ‘n’ roll.
The Dead Daisies: A Masterclass in Rock
Finally, the moment everyone was waiting for. As the strains of Led Zeppelin’s Rock and Roll blasted through the speakers, Dave Lowy, armed with his iconic Gibson SG, prepared to unleash the first song of the night – Light Em Up. With its AC/DC-style riff, it was an instant crowd-pleaser, and the room roared as John Corabi returned to the fold with a smile and a nod of appreciation.
The Dead Daisies powered through hit after hit, including Rise Up, Dead and Gone, and Make Some Noise. Corabi’s playful quips about UK weather had the crowd laughing, while drummer Tommy Clufetos, a powerhouse of energy, was like a human dynamo behind the kit, giving the band a newfound vibrancy.
Each member of the band had their moment in the spotlight. Lowy’s guitar growled through Dirty Deeds Done Dirt Cheap, Doug Aldrich shredded a gritty Whole Lotta Love, Clufetos hammered out Seven Nation Army, and bassist Michael Devin’s massive sound on Children of the Grave left the audience in awe.
As Aldrich hoisted his prized ‘57 Gibson Custom Shop reissue, they ripped into I’m Ready, keeping the energy soaring. The encore brought the night to a close with Long Way to Go and a wild cover of The Beatles’ Helter Skelter, sending the crowd into a final frenzy.
While The Dead Daisies may not tour as frequently these days, every time they take the stage, they remind us why they’re legends in the making. They leave behind a trail of new fans wherever they go, and Wolverhampton was no exception.
Photos by John Inglis
The Dead Daisies
The Treatment
The Bites
