The Sunset Strip
Hollywood, CA

By Lexa Vonn

Photos by: Lexa Vonn

It was the ultimate send-off to the carefree days of summer, a three- day musical spectacular of all things staple to Hollywood’s historical rock n’ roll legacy.  Taking place between the days of August 26-28, Los Angeles residents, as well as many visiting tourists and media representatives, were given the opportunity to enjoy a multiplicity of local acts, up-and-coming nationals, and rock super stars.

Headlining this year was the effervescent return of Smashing Pumpkins,
who were supported by an equally impressive array of acts including Slash
featuring Myles Kennedy, Semi Precious Weapons, Travie McCoy, Common, Neon
Trees,Steel Panther, Big B, and Kid Cudi.Two separate stages adorned either ends of the Sunset Strip, which was sectioned off to give concert-goers free reign of the street block party style. 

But the main stages were only half of this event’s excitement.  There were also endless acts performing inside all of Hollywood’s major clubs including The Whisky a Go-Go, The Roxy, The Key Club, The Cat Club and House of Blues.

The festivities began on Thursday night at the House of Blues where Guns N’ Roses/Velvet Revolver guitarist, Slash was being honored with an award celebrating his illustrious career.  Our appetizer for the night was a press gala where artists performing at the SSMF had the chance to walk the red carpet for photo ops and TV interviews.

Notable carpet participants included The Head Cat featuring Lemmy of
Motorhead and Slim Jim Phantom of The Stray Cats, Warner Drive, and a new all
girl rock band called Cherri Bomb, composed of four young ladies all under the
age of fifteen. 

Finally, the man of the hour, Slash himself arrived sporting his signature leather top hat and
shades.  He paused for pics and interviews and autographed the giant Glibson Les Paul guitar sculpture that sat at the end of the red carpet. Later inside, the Slash tribute began with a short film compiling his early musical years, which was followed by a plethora of short speeches from Slash’s friends and colleagues.

Among the speakers were Motley Crue’s Nikki Sixx, Alice In Chain’s Jerry
Cantrell, Motorhead’s Lemmy Kilmister and the Mayor of West Hollywood, John
Heilman who named August 26th “Slash Day” forevermore and presented
him with an award. 

Oddly, there were no appearances from any members of Guns N’ Roses or Velvet Revolver.  Not even former G N’ R drummer Steven Adler, who was slated to play the Whisky on Saturday night at the festival, was spotted. Although, it is possible that Steven could have been hiding somewhere in the VIP balcony.  After the heartfelt and often comical dedications to Slash were made, the audience was treated to a full set by The Head Cat.  We wanted to make it to the The Roxy to check out Cherri Bomb and Filter but unfortunately were too late.

Friday night, we had a choice between Kix at The House of Blues, P.O.D at the Whisky, or Warner Drive at the Viper Room.  Being a child of the 80’s, I opted for Kix and wasn’t the least bit disappointed!  Kix exploded onto the stage as if someone had lit their fuse.  Steve Whiteman looked at good and fit as he did back in the day and his pipes don’t sound as if they suffered a bit.

The band was loud, really loud and tight throughout their entire lengthy set.  Steve jumped and slithered around, talking to the audience frequently and engaging everyone through every last Kix classic.  “Light My Fuse” and “Don’t Close Your Eyes” were among my personal favorites, but still the king of all Kix songs is “Cold Blood”, which was extended into a sing-a-long with special guest,

Warrant’s Jani Lane taking the stage to help with vocals. Its rare to find a band who can keepthe energy at a maximum level throughout their entire set. I have to say, Kix kept me on my toes the whole time.  The show ended with a spectacle of giant balloons sprung into the audience by the band to be tossed around giving the room the effect of looking like a giant gumball machine. I left with my ears ringing despite the makeshift earplugs I inserted moments before the show.

Part 2 begins here

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