Nothing melts winter’s icy grip better than some smoking hot rock-and-roll, which is exactly what we got Monday night at The Palace.
We honestly can’t believe it took us so long to check out a show at this impressive opera-house style venue in downtown Calgary. Some context for our Eastern readers, The Palace is what Barrymore’s could be if someone was willing to give her the face lift she so desperately needs. I’m told (and don’t quote me on this) that it was once a grand movie theatre, and now enjoys life as a dynamic and unique venue for local and touring acts.
First on the bill we had local favourites The Path Less Travelled. One of the things I always enjoy about these guys is their understanding of the value of a proper stage entrance. Theirs is akin to “wake up you mother f*ckers, we’re here to rock!” which is exactly what you want to see in an opening act. With beers and rock fingers abound, The Path Less travelled worked the stage as they greased up the crowd.
Southern California rockers Joyous Wolf took to the stage and blasted into action. Frontman Nick Reese brings with him an unconventional swagger that is honestly quite intoxicating – and the crowd was immediately drawn to him.
As I lurked from the side of the stage, I couldn’t help but notice how much these guys are into the music they are putting out. They have the kind of high-octane energy that makes your bones shake. They brought that Mick Jagger-esque heat to the stage which kept the crowd on their feet, eager for more.
The energy in the room continued to build as we all hurried to the bar to get our next round before Buckcherry took the stage.
They’re touring with their new album “War Paint”, which also included the release of a video of their rendition of Nine Inch Nails‘ Pretty Hate Machine anthem “Head Like a Hole”. To my surprise – and to the crowds delight – they actually opened with the NIN banger, setting the tone that would reverberate throughout the night.
My nostalgia kicked in also immediately and brought me back to 2007 when Buckcherry owned my “Summer Jams” CD that played on repeat in my Pontiac Grand AM for months. I clearly wasn’t the only one as their fans sang and danced right along to every verse.
As we were all fan-girling in the crowd, Dave was busy doing his thing and engaging with the band to try to get just the right shot. His charming ways seemed to have worked as he was signaled by guitarist Stevie D to jump up on stage for a better view. Check out the photos for yourself (below).
The evening culminated in the most perfect of ways with my personal anthem (#saideverygirlever)”Crazy Bitch”. By the end of the set, everyone was partying like it was Saturday night, forgetting all about the collective alarm clocks that would be going off in just a few hours.
Article and Photos by Natalie Fay and David Di Ubaldo, who operate Worn Leather Media in Alberta. Check out their website, facebook, or instagram for weddings, concert, and landscape photography.
