Lita Ford / Nelson

Lita Ford Is ‘Larger Than Life’ At West Herr Riviera Theatre in North Tonawanda, NY

***Lita Ford – West Herr Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda, NY***

Known to many as The Queen of Metal, Lita Ford graced the stage of the West Herr Riviera Theatre in the heart of North Tonawanda, NY, this past Saturday evening. Kicking off the evening’s appearance was left to the twin brothers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson.

***Gunnar & Matthew Nelson – Riviera Theatre, North Tonawanda, NY***

The air was electric with anticipation as fans from both sides of the border came to witness a spectacular performance, experiencing firsthand the powerful riffs and captivating vocals that have solidified Lita’s status in the heavy metal genre. Shortly after doors opened, a massive line formed in front of the merch table.

As the lights dimmed and the crowd erupted, Lita, clad in a skin-tight red leather catsuit, took the stage with an undeniable energy, delivering a setlist filled with classic hits that had everyone singing along and rocking out. Joining Ford on stage was drummer Bobby Rock, guitarist Patrick Kennison and bassist Marten Andersson. The chemistry on stage between Ford and her band is indisputable. She was all smiles and joked around with her bandmates in addition to the audience, throughout the evening.

She threw in a few covers, one of which is hard to remember isn’t a Lita song after all the years, Alice Cooper’s ‘Only Women Bleed’. She owns that song when she sings it. Of course they played the fan favorite, ‘Close My Eyes Forever’ before which she asked for everyone to raise their cellphones, oh how times have changed, as not so long ago she was requesting the crowd to raise their lighters. Guitarist Kennison sang Ozzy Osbourne’s part in the song.

Following the rhythm heavy song ‘Can’t Catch Me’ , spectators were treated to a drumming extravaganza from the talented Bobby Rock, that concluded with him using his forehead as a drumstick. Ford quickly went into her own version of the Runaways’ ‘Cherry Bomb’ and the crowd erupted. Ford thanked the crowd numerous times throughout the evening and wished everyone a Happy Mother’s Day as it was the following day.

It is hard to fathom, while looking at Ford, that she has been doing this for the better part of 50 years and has long been a role model for girls and women alike. Ford has disclosed there is a new album all ready for release, so hopefully we will get that soon. Lita has gone on to prove above all else she is not only a legend, but an insanely talented woman. She remains truly a survivor of anything this world throws her way.

She can not come back soon enough, in my personal opinion.

Lita Ford setlist :

Gotta Let Go
Larger Than Life
Relentless
Hungry
Playin’ With Fire
Back to the Cave
Can’t Catch Me
**Bobby Rock’s drum solo**
Cherry Bomb {The Runaways cover}
Black Leather {Sex Pistols cover}
Only Women Bleed {Alice Cooper cover}
Close My Eyes Forever
Kiss Me Deadly

Twin brothers Gunnar and Matthew Nelson are the sons of the 1950s actor/musician, the late Ricky Nelson. Having a family tree wind even further into show business, these two are no stranger to a stage. In fact, they are the only American family to have 3 generations of number one songs, according to Billboard. There was a point in time where you couldn’t get away from their song ‘{Cant Live Without Your} Love and Affection’. Having their own time in the spotlight in the early 90’s with their 6 piece band, aptly named Nelson, the twins have since downsized over the years to a duo, mainly.

The brothers keep busy performing not only their own songs, but they also tour as a tribute act and play their father’s catalog of hits. This evening was a mix of both as they opened for their friend Lita Ford. The crowd was treated to a 45 minute set of songs and storytelling from Gunnar and Matthew. In fact, they shared one of their fondest memories of their career was a contest to have a concert for a winning high school. Ironically, a local Buffalo Catholic all girls school won and some of those in attendance for this event were the same girls that entered and won the contest.

They are still very charismatic, engaging, humorous and of course wildly talented. I would love to see them come back through and headline, as between their own catalog of hits and a few of their father’s songs they have enough material for a longer set.