Tom Keifer, along with L.A. Guns and Faster Pussycat, brought their highly anticipated Sonic Slam Tour 2022 to The Token Lounge, on July 14, 2022. The tour featured three of my all-time favorite bands and I was beyond excited. The energy of the crowd was electric, and the music was phenomenal. Each band played their hits and more, and the overall performance was simply outstanding. If you have a chance to see the Sonic Slam Tour 2022, do not miss it – you will be glad you went!
The Token Lounge has been a staple of the Westland, MI music scene for over 50 years. Originally opened in 1971, The Token has been hosting live music ever since. The Token is known for its intimate setting, which allows concertgoers to get up close and personal with their favorite bands. Over the years, the Token has hosted a wide variety of acts, from local up-and-comers to nationally touring headliners. If you’re looking for a taste of the Motor City music scene, there’s no better place to start than the Token Lounge.
Faster Pussycat kicked off the show with their signature brand of sleazy, raunchy rock n roll that had the packed house rockin’ from the first note. Hailing from LA’s Sunset Strip in the 80’s, the band brought energy and vibrancy to the stage that was infectious. They came out swinging opening with “Jack The Bastard” from their 1992 album, Whipped, and “Cathouse” from their 1987 self-titled debut. It was clear that Faster Pussycat was there to have a good time, and they made sure that everyone in the audience did too. They were the perfect opening act for a night of fun and rock n roll, and they set the tone for an unforgettable evening.
The band has gone through numerous line-up changes over the years, but Taime Downe has always remained at the helm. The current line-up, which features Danny “Slim Tender” Nordahl on bass, Sam “Bam” Koltun & Ronnie Simmons on guitar, and Chad Stewart on drums, is arguably the strongest incarnation of the group. Faster Pussycat is arguably the strongest they’ve ever been, with each member bringing their own unique skills to the table. Nordahl’s driving basslines provide the perfect foundation for Simmons and Koltun’s searing guitar work, while Stewart’s thunderous drumming keeps the whole thing anchored. Together, they have a chemistry that is unmatched, and they always deliver a blistering live show. If you’re looking for a band that will get your blood pumping, then you need to look no further than Faster Pussycat.
Faster Pussycat:
Taime Downe: Lead Vocals
Sam “Bam” Koltun: Guitar, Vocals
Ronnie Simmons: Guitar, Vocals
Danny “Slim Tender” Nordahl: Bass, Vocals
Chad Stewart: Drums, Vocals
Set List:
1.Jack The Bastard
2.Cathouse
3.Slip Of The Tongue
4.Don’t Change That Song
5.You’re So Vain
6.NOLA
7.House Of Pain
8.Bathroom Wall
L.A. Guns hits the stage next with no holds barred, hard rock & roll raw energy. The band is on fire, playing their set with an intensity that is unmatched. Right from the start, they had the crowd’s attention kicking their set off with their hard-hitting song “Cannonball” from their 2021 latest release, Checkered Past, and “Electric Gypsy” from their 1988 self-titled debut. The energy was electric. They played a mix of old favorites and new material, and each song was better than the last.
Tracii took a moment to dedicate their set to producer & friend Michael James Jackson, who passed away the day prior from COVID-19 complications. He was not only the producer of LA Guns’ 1991 Hollywood Vampires album, but also some of KISS’s classic albums, including Creatures Of The Night. The band then played “Over The Edge” in his memory. It was a beautiful and touching tribute to a man who had such an incredible impact on the music industry. He will be truly missed.
There’s something special about a band that just clicks. All the pieces fit together perfectly, and the result is pure magic. Ace Von Johnson is one of the most talented guitarists in the business, Johnny Martin lays down a thick and groovy bassline, and new member Shawn Duncan is a great addition & a powerhouse on drums. It’s a dream come true for fans, myself included, to see Phil Lewis and Tracii Guns together on stage again after years apart. Seeing them perform together is a reminder of just how powerful their chemistry is. They’re still making killer music, and they show no signs of slowing down anytime soon. It’s great to see them back on stage together again where they belong. Thanks, guys! Thank you, Phil and Tracii, for giving us the gift of your music once again.
L.A. Guns:
Tracii Guns: Guitar, Vocals
Phil Lewis: Lead Vocals
Ace Von Johnson: Guitar, Vocals
Johnny Martin: Bass, Vocals
Shawn Duncan: Drums
Set List:
1.Cannonball
2.Electric Gypsy
3.Over The Edge
4.Sex Action
5.The Ballad Of Jayne
6.Speed
7.Never Enough
8.Rip & Tear
While waiting for Keifer to take the stage, the song “It’s Not Love” by Dokken came on over the speakers. The crowd erupted into cheers and began singing along to the whole song. It was electric! The song would stop, and the crowd would finish the line, “WHY BABY WHY.” And then the song would continue and stop for us to sing our parts, “IT’S NOT LOVE!”
That left you standin’, “IT’S NOT LOVE!” That left you cold, “IT’S NOT LOVE!” It was an amazing experience to be a part of and I’ll never forget it. We had been waiting for hours to see Keifer take the stage, and this was just the energy boost we needed. As we sang along to the familiar lyrics, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of camaraderie with my fellow concertgoers. Every time the song stopped for us to sing our parts, we sounded like one giant voice. There was a sense of electricity in the air, and I knew that this was going to be a night to remember.
The crowd was on fire as Tom Keifer took the stage. We’ve been whipped into a frenzy by Faster Pussycat and LA Guns, and we were ready to continue this rock and roll party. Keifer first came to prominence as the lead singer and guitarist of Cinderella, but he has continued to wow audiences with his solo work. Opening his set with “Touching The Divine” from his recent album, Rise, and from their 1986 debut album of the same name “Night Songs.” You can feel the energy in the room as Keifer tears through the songs with his trademark bluesy slide guitar sound. It’s clear that he is still at the top of his game, and we loved every minute of it. Keifer keeps the energy high throughout his set, playing classic Cinderella favorites and his new songs alike.
Keifer’s passion for music is evident in every note he sings. He pours his heart and soul into every performance, leaving everything he has on the stage. His energy is infectious, and it’s impossible not to get swept up in the music when he’s playing. His band is one of the tightest. Tony Higbee on guitar is a master of his craft, and Luis Espaillat on bass lays down some serious grooves. Keyboardist Kory Meyers adds a touch of class with his tasteful playing, and Jared Pope on drums keeps the whole band locked in with his tight. And let’s not forget the amazing backup vocalists Savannah Keifer and Kendra Chantelle; these two women add so much power and emotion to the band’s sound. When you see Tom Keifer live, you’re seeing a man who is truly passionate about his music and delivering an unforgettable experience to his fans.
Tom Keifer and his wife, Savannah, gave a heartwarming performance of “Don’t Know What You’ve Got Til It’s Gone” on the piano. It was an unforgettable performance. The chemistry between the two of them was electric. It was clear that they love making music together. They were in sync with each other, their voices and Tom’s playing blending together perfectly. It was a magical moment.
Keifer Band:
Tom Keifer: Lead Vocals, Guitar
Tony Higbee: Guitar, Vocals
Luis Espaillat: Bass, Vocals
Kory Meyers: Keyboard, Vocals
Jared Pope: Drums
Savannah Keifer: Backing Vocals
Kendra Chantelle: Backing Vocals
Setlist:
1.Touching The Divine
2.Night Songs
3.Coming Home
4.It’s Not Enough
5.Somebody Save Me
6.Rise
7.Nobody’s Fool
8.Solid Ground
9.Fallin’ Apart At The Seams
10.The Last Mile
11.Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)
12.Shake Me
13.Shelter Me
Encore:
14.Gypsy Road
By the end of the night, the crowd, & I were exhausted but elated, having experienced a truly memorable performance. When it comes to hard rock bands, there are few that can match the raw energy of Faster Pussycat, L.A. Guns, & Tom Keifer.
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I love capturing the raw energy of a live show. There is nothing better than that rush you feel seeing your favorite artists performing live. I love music so much that it makes my heart smile being able to look back and share the photographs I’ve taken and reliving that excitement. Music makes the world a better place.
