Many pioneering 80s metal and rock gods came together for a rare jam session to kick off the Rocknpod Expo weekend in Nashville.
Rocknpod Expo weekend kicked off with a Rare Hare pre-party at The Wash inside Eastside Bowl in Nashville, TN. At first, when entering the Eastside Bowl it is like taking a walk back in time. The venue décor is very retro with gold accents and star-patterned lights that adorn the venue’s diner. While grabbing a bite to eat, you can’t help but notice all of the guitars adorning the walls. Walking past the diner and alleyways to the back, you will find The Wash. The marquee reads “BE NICE OR LEAVE” before heading down a long corridor that leads visitors into The Wash venue.
Multi-instrumentalist and Vixen keyboardist Tyson Leslie is the founder and organizer of Rare Hare. The pre-party hosts for the night are comedians Don Jamieson and Courtney Cronin Dold.
The jam session began with the legendary Wipe Out songwriter Bob Berryhill of The Surfaris. Bob was accompanied by Alex Ducros on guitar and his wife, Gene, on bass.
The setlist for the night was sung by the powerful voices of the ’80s, singing original material and cover tunes. Singers included Eric Martin (Mr. Big), Jason McMaster (Dangerous Toys), Anthony Corder (Tora Tora), Stevie Rachelle (Tuff/Metal Sludge), a special guest appearance by C.C. Knix (Stolen Prayer), and Tony Harnell (TNT). Other mentionable singers of the night include Jon Brennan (The Real World), Bebe Buell, Greg Mangus (Rock United), Tuk Smith (Tuk Smith & The Restless Harts), John Moravec (Sever), Mark Andrews (Seduce), and Alicia Michilli from America’s Got Talent.
The musicianship was just as impressive as the vocal lineup. Guitar riffs and bass beats were played by Dakota Denman (Hairball), Paul Taylor (Winger), Martin Motnik (Accept), Ziggy (Seals and Crofts), Brandon Cook (Black N’ Blue), Jack Gibson (Exodus), Brion Gamboa (Hollywood Blvd.), Jeremy Barbour (Green Jello/Guillotine), Jeremy Asbrock (Ace Frehley) Ace Von Johnson (L.A. Guns), Tyler Warren (Queen + Adam Lambert), Donovan White (David Cook), Steve Blaze (Lillian Axe), Chris Dunnett (Powerslave), Tony Nagy (Damon Johnson Band), Brandon Fields (Minefield), Dylana Nova Scott (Vain), Monty Colvin (Galactic Cowboys), Tyson Leslie.
Drummers sitting on the throne for the night included Ben Hans (Eric Martin Band), Jason Hartless (Ted Nugent), Jack Ivins (The Ivins/Burn The Ballroom), Wolfgang Paul, Will Doughty (Poison), and Dan Douchette (Denman).
Leilani Kilgore brought her badassery by playing two originals, “Los Angeles” and “Diamond Shine.” Leilani has a raw, dirty, rock-n-roll blues sound that one can only hope to hear more of in the future.
These unique jam sessions are worth keeping on your radar. The venue location changes just like the guests who have signed up or have been invited to the jam session. Unquestionably, witnessing so many talented musicians come together without rehearsing on the assigned setlist is truly amazing.
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