On the fourth day of concerts at the Buffalo Chip Amphitheater outside of Sturgis, Lita Ford made her presence known in ways other than giving the crowd a thoroughly riveting performance. Before breaking into her set, the rebellious queen of heavy metal played the Star Spangled Banner during a tribute to the military while sons James and Rocco sang to the Pledge of Allegiance. With a song on her new album titled “Patriotic S.O.B.“, it was a perfect fit and a great gesture.
When the time finally came for the show to begin and Lita walked out on stage, it didn’t take long for a roaring of bikes to give their sign approval. In addition, the trio of songs that have been chosen to begin her shows could not be better.
With a title that perfectly describes a Lita Ford concert, “Larger than Life” kicks it into gear with pounding drums and aggressive guitar, and gets the crowd into the show in a flash. Another track from 1991′s Dangerous Curves follows in the form of “Black Widow” and its unmistakable crisp keyboard riff. “Can’t Catch Me” balances things out as a standout song from the album that brought her into the mainstream. Her band couldn’t be tighter on those songs with Guns ‘N’ Roses‘ Bumblefoot on guitar, Dennis Leeflang on drums, Michael T. Ross of Hardline on keys, and Trixter‘s PJ Farley on bass. There was plenty of group jamming on stage, and it was easy to see from their facial expressions that everyone was having a great time.
Wicked Wonderland is the name of Lita’s forthcoming album, which will be her first in nearly 15 years. Three songs from the release saw play, with the sultry “Betrayal” being received with the loudest crowd reaction. The reasons for Lita’s comeback couldn’t be any clearer as her vocal and songwriting abilities are firmly intact. Opening for country superstar Toby Keith, Ford and company had an unusual demographic to work with, but after a long and hot day in southern South Dakota, rock and country fans alike were clearly enjoying the rock party. The crowd grew throughout Lita’s set, particularly during her final song “Kiss Me Deadly“, which had the Sturgis bikers revving their engines to no end. There is still time to attend one of these action packed Lita shows this summer, so don’t let it go to waste.
Awesome show!
Lita was amazing and her family was too cool!
Her hubby Jim was singing and the boys hung out with him all night. They’d come running out every now and then. Rocco is adorable!
Bumblefoot kicked ass – as usual.
Lita sings like she did 20 years ago – a kick ass night.
I never realized how good of a guitar player she is – wow!
Although the MRC review was favourable I have a concern. First I’d like to say from what I saw, heard and read about the show Lita and the band put on a hell of a show. I’d also like to say that father time has been very kind to Lita and she looks great on stage. Now my concern, I am disappointed that there was no mention of Jim Gillette. He is her husband but that’s not the reason he should have been mentioned, he shares vocal duties on stage with Lita. I haven’t seen him on a stage since his glass shattering days with the band “NITRO”. It was nice to see him on stage again, looking as powerful as his voice and working the crowd into a frenzy. Good stuff!
yea kick ass can’t wait to see her down in texas!
the flying flag V totally rocks the walls!
L – Living Loud & Loving Life Lita
I – In tune intelligent individual
T – Take no prisoners Tenacity!
A – Ageless attacking attractive attitude!
Yes Lita is a rocker, a mother, a wife, a woman! Go girl!
[...] Ford and Toby Keith played that evening to a very extensive crowd (read the Lita review), and the next day Steven Tyler once again became a star performer while not even being on stage. A [...]
Well said Klaus! It is wonderful to have Lita back! Awesome to have her boys out there giving their best to kick off their parents performance. But, that is the thing their PARENTS. Where is the mention of Jim Gillette? It has been to long since that man has graced the stage. This is a family operation. No one should be excluded! With that said, “Congrats to the Ford/Gillette Family. Great to see you guys back! Keep Rockin’!” I respected her as the Metal Queen she was back in the day. Now I respect her even more to see she has come full circle. Still holding and possibly even better then before… and can still be such a dedicated wife and mother. much respect!
Thank you all for the comments! A few weeks ago we reviewed Lita’s performance at the Moondance Jam and did include acknowledge Jim Gillette in that article. He is an important part of her shows and is definitely not forgotten!
You can read that review at the following link: http://melodicrockconcerts.com/?p=1123
[...] Lita Ford also delivered the goods to the Sturgis bikers and rockers on August 3. We published the review last week, but now the full photo gallery is available by clicking the photo or link [...]
I was one of the marines on the stage doing the color guard for the anthem and the pledge I’m just wondering if anyone has pics of that all we have pics of is our backsides lol thanks