SCRAP METAL @ MOHEGAN SUN

Back on Oct. 4, I had the chance to check out Scrap Metal at the Wolf's Den at Mohegan Sun in Uncasville, Conn.

Special guest Kip Winger opened the show with a 20-minute or so all-acoustic set. I love him acoustically because it really showcases his great voice. Among the songs he performed were: “Down Incognito,” “Headed For A Heartbreak,” “Miles Away,” “EZ Come EZ Go,” “Madalaine” and “Seventeen.”

Kip Winger at the meet-n-greet

Next, the core members of Scrap Metal took the stage—Mark Slaughter, Gunnar and Matthew Nelson and Eric Martin. They played Slaughter, Nelson and Mr. Big songs—in that order—until each had done about four tunes. We got Slaughter's “Mad About You,” “Burning Bridges,” “Fly To The Angels” and “Up All Night”; Nelson's “After The Rain,” “(Can’t Live Without Your) Love & Affection,” “Only Time Will Tell” and “More Than Ever” (which was one of my favorites of the night); and Mr. Big's “Daddy, Brother, Lover, Little Boy,” “To Be With You” and “Alive & Kickin’.”

Gunnar & Matthew Nelson onstage

Mark Slaughter onstage

Then, second special guest Jeff Scott Soto came out. He did three Journey songs (including “Don’t Stop Believing”) and a cover of Queen’s “Another One Bites The Dust.” He teased the audience with his big song from the film Rock Star—“Stand Up & Shout”—but didn’t do it.

For the finale, everyone came out onstage to do Queen’s “Tie Your Mother Down.”

This was one of the best shows I’ve seen in years! It was so cool to see all of those great musicians onstage at the exact same time, playing and respecting each other’s songs. It was fun! It was exciting! The energy was amazing! And, not once was I disappointed.

All of the guys looked and sounded great! AND—they were all enjoying themselves onstage. In between songs, they told some stories, joked around and what not.

Eric Martin at the meet-n-greet

***All pictures taken by Cheryl A. Hoahing***