Photos and Review by Ilya Mirman
Show photos HERE
Currently on a limited tour of the United States, Kings of Chaos is a supergroup organized by superhero drummer Matt Sorum (Cult, Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver) and currently featuring Billy Duffy (Cult), Billy Gibbons (ZZ Top), Robert Deleo Chester Bennington (Linkin Park), Robin Zander (Cheap Trick) and Steve Stevens (Billy Idol).
Admittedly, I’m a sucker for well-done covers. But Kings of Chaos is no ordinary cover band! Picture some of classic rock’s anthems and blues staples, performed by a member of the original band and joined by other rock stars for an absolutely killer, unique rendition. Where else does Steve Stevens jam with Billy Gibbons, or Robert Deleo team up with Sorum? Where else can you hear Zander, Bennington and Gibbons join on vocals?! (Answer: nowhere else!)
The band opened with Bennington singing three in a row – Vasoline (STP cover), Idol’s White Wedding, and Cult’s classic Fire Woman. Chester absolutely killed it – hitting every note, but imparting his own style throughout. Then, Zander came out to thunderous applause, belting out Hello There, Surrender and I Want You To Want Me. Hit after hit, and we were just 6 songs in!
Building on the momentum, Billy Gibbons strode onto the stage, and the place was on fire – first with the funky blues of Waitin’ For The Bus, then with ZZ Top’s megahits Sharp Dressed Man and Tush.
There were plenty of moments for each rocker to shine. With the lights dimmed, Zander did a fabulous, sensitive rendition of The Flame. Stevens’ guitar solo blended rock/blues fretwork with some blistering flamenco. And in addition to being the ringleader and emcee of sorts, Sorum took the lead with an authentic, hard-driving Ace Of Spades in tribute to Motorhead’s Lemmy.
The setlist was literally hit after hit, familiar hook after familiar hook, yet with each member putting his unique touch on the song. Even with the full band, multiple singers and three guitarists, somehow there was enough sonic space for everyone to contribute, to stand out clearly, and complement the rest. Throughout the show the energy built and built, concluding in a searing version of Zeppelin’s Whole Lotta Love, with Zander and Bennington on vocals.
I’m so, so glad Sorum and the rest of the band were able to put this rock and roll treat together, and here’s hoping the members’ touring calendars align once again in the not-too-distant future!
Setlist
- Vasoline (Stone Temple Pilots cover)
- White Wedding (Billy Idol cover)
- Fire Woman (The Cult cover)
- Hello There (Cheap Trick cover)
- Surrender (Cheap Trick cover)
- I Want You To Want Me (Cheap Trick cover)
- Waitin’ For The Bus (ZZ Top cover)
- Sharp dressed man (ZZ Top cover)
- Tush (ZZ Top cover)
- The Flame (Cheap Trick cover)
- Edie (Ciao Baby) (The Cult cover)
- Interstate love song (Stone Temple Pilots cover)
- Jesus Just Left Chicago (ZZ Top cover)
- Ace of Spades (Motörhead cover)
- Sex Type Thing (Stone Temple Pilots cover)
- Love Removal Machine (The Cult cover)
- Rebel Yell (Billy Idol cover)
- Dream Police (Cheap Trick cover)
- La Grange (ZZ Top cover)
- Beer Drinkers & Hell Raisers (ZZ Top cover)
- Going Down (Freddie King cover)
- Whole Lotta Love (Led Zeppelin cover)