Dorothy kicks off The Redemption Tour in LA, setting ablaze the El Rey Theatre with a little help from Slash and Pistols at Dawn.
Dorothy brought her signature blues-rock swagger to the El Rey Theatre, delivering a blistering set that left the packed house buzzing. Riding the momentum of her latest album, The Way, released just a week ago, Dorothy Martin commanded the stage with raw charisma and a voice that cut through the thick haze of anticipation. But the night had more in store than just her ferocious performance – Pistols at Dawn primed the crowd, and a planned appearance by guitar legend Slash for the final three songs ignited a frenzy.
Pistols at Dawn kicked things off with a gritty, no-frills approach to modern rock. Their set was tight and relentless, blending melodic hooks with a pounding rhythm section that kept the crowd moving. Covers of Rage Against the Machine’s “Bulls on Parade” and Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited” showcased the band’s knack for delivering anthemic rock with just enough bite. The crowd responded enthusiastically, their energy building in anticipation of what was to come.
When Dorothy took to the stage, the mood shifted from simmering excitement to full-blown anticipation. Dorothy exuded confidence as she dove straight into her set, opening with “Down to the Bottom,” immediately captivating the audience with her sultry yet powerful vocals. The live debut of “The Devil I Know” and a searing rendition of “Rest in Peace” highlighted her ability to blend blues, soul, and rock with a hard country edge, creating a sound that feels both timeless and urgent.
Dorothy’s connection with her audience was undeniable. Between songs, she spoke with heartfelt gratitude, sharing anecdotes about her musical journey and expressing appreciation for her fans’ unwavering support. Her vulnerability was met with roaring approval, and by the time she launched into the gritty, foot-stomping debut of “I Come Alive,” the crowd was fully immersed in her world.
Just when it seemed the night had reached its peak, Dorothy brought out the legendary Slash, sending shockwaves through the venue. The iconic Guns N’ Roses guitarist strode onto the stage, Gibson Les Paul in hand, joining Dorothy for a scorching cover of Charlie Segar’s “Key to the Highway,” followed by “Gifts from the Holy Ghost,” and finally, “Tombstone Town,” a track Slash contributed to on Dorothy’s latest release. Their chemistry was electric – Slash’s searing guitar work perfectly complemented Dorothy’s commanding vocals, creating a moment that felt both spontaneous and transcendent. His signature solos, dripping with bluesy grit and precision, elevated the performance to another level. The crowd erupted, witnessing a collaboration that felt like a spiritual union of rock icons from different generations.
Dorothy’s ability to balance raw emotion with rock bravado was on full display, cementing her status as one of the most compelling voices in rock today. With Pistols at Dawn setting the stage and Slash’s appearance adding an unforgettable twist, Dorothy’s performance at the El Rey, in support of the band’s new album, offered a glimpse into a bold new direction – blending blues rock with a hard country edge.
