WHITECROSS / STEPHEN PEARCY: Concert Review
WHITECROSS/ STEPHEN PEARCY show- Oct.7, 2023- BMI Event Center,Versailles, OH
by Chris Gatto
On to the 2nd of the concert series at BMI Event Center, the concept being christian metal juxtaposed with mainstream metal. What will happen? Will there be mutual respect and professionalism between the bands? How about the fans? Will metal culture transcend the belief systems of the concert goers? Or will there be animosity?
The lineup was Whitecross and Stephen Pearcy (the voice of Ratt), 2 bands noted for their sonic similarity. Original Whitecross singer Scott Wenzel’s voice was often compared to Ratt’s Stephen Pearcy and both bands’ guitar-heavy pop metal sound is rooted in Whitecross’ guitar slinger Rex Carroll and Ratt’s Warren DeMartini. Heaven’s Metal head honcho Doug Van Pelt asked me afterward which band sounded more like Ratt. Interesting question, but the answer is not so cut and dry. Scott Wenzel is no longer singing in Whitecross, and while Dave Roberts’ raspy vocals are similar in style, he’s not the Pearcy twin that Wenzel was. At the same time, DeMartini is no longer in Ratt, and in fact because of in-fighting amongst the band, this is really Pearcy and a band of (talented) hired guns playing Ratt songs for the fans. So Rex Carroll no longer has a comparison. Perhaps it was never even a good comparison to begin with. Both guitarists bring their instrument to the forefront of their respective bands, but Carroll is more of an innovative, Eddie Van Halen kind of musician, a master craftsman of sorts. So clearly both bands are cut from the same cloth, but it’s safe to say that they’re no longer mirror images of each other.
Opening the show was WHITECROSS, featuring founding member and six-string ace Rex Carroll, with longtime members Michael Feighan on drums, and Benny Ramos on bass, with relative newcomer Dave Roberts bringing his raspy vocals to the mic. Off stage Rex and Benny have a shy side (unless talking about music), while Dave has an easy smile, and Mike is the animated entertainer. The band’s setlist was similar to theirs for Immortal. WC kicked off with hits “Who Will You Follow” and “Enough is Enough” off their 1987 eponymously named debut. Then they turned their attention to the horizon, to new material off their yet to be released album Fear No Evil, with “Man In The Mirror,” “Fear No Evil,” and “Lion of Judah” all of which appeared on a 3 song pre-release last year, with “Good Enough,” from In the Kingdom sandwiched between.
“Blind Man,” which premiered at Immortal was omitted. “Take It To The Limit” is from the excellent Hammer & Nail album and then they ventured into uncharted territory for the new song “29,000.” Rex is known for his elaborate guitar solos and this time around he brought us “Nagasake,” off the debut. Whitecross closed out their set with 2 winners from In the Kingdom, “We Know What’s Right,” and “No Second Chances,” wisely omitting the popular, but mellower title track for this mixed crowd.
The crowd stayed mostly seated during Whitecross’ performance but clapped and seemed to enjoy their performance. The band stuck to their music and avoided giving any messages from the stage, but all their lyrics were displayed on the screen in lyric video format, and it was quite clear that Jesus was at the center of them.
Response was mixed. Some liked it, many were probably indifferent, and I did see a couple people in the crowd with animosity written on their faces, but they stayed seated despite having the opportunity to get another cold one at the bar. Many fans did come to the merch booth and buy something or get a picture with or autograph from the band afterward. Some seeds were planted and some were watered that night.
The headliner for the night was STEPHEN PEARCY and he did draw a large crowd. His band was made up of session musicians, all of them with history in the biz. In interactions with them, they were all friendly and professional towards the opening band, if a little graphic at times. Stephen Pearcy kept himself tucked away until showtime, his level of fame bringing more of a need for security. His voice has held up over the years, and he played all of the Ratt hits that have played in the soundtrack of our lives, including “Lack of Communication,” “I Want a Woman,” “Wanted Man,” and, of course closing with “Round and Round.” Only real complaint was the f-bomb frequency of Mr. Pearcy, which just goes to show you how different these 2 bands were. Thanks to all who came out to support Whitecross, and those who couldn’t make it, but watched Dorn Reppert’s livestream of the show on his Darth Plumber page. Keep your eyes and ears peeled for a new Whitecross album early next year.
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