Rock shows are no stranger to one of the Northeast’s largest casinos, Mohegan Sun located in Uncasville, Connecticut. With over 364,000 square feet of gambling space, a 12,000-seat capacity arena, cabaret theatre, multi restaurants, nightclubs as well as different themed bars there is enough entertainment to keep you busy for at least a week. On this evening the Wolf Den would play host to 80’s rockers Kix.
Located in the center of the gambling action the Wolf Den offers full beverage service, state-of-the-art sound system, intimate seating and top performances including Eddie Money, Slash featuring Myles Kennedy and the Conspirators, Vince Neil, Blue Oyster Cult and Salt-N-Pepa all at no cost, it’s free!
Originally going my the moniker Shooze before finally settling on the name Kix the Baltimore natives have released 7 studio albums including their latest, 2014’s Rock Your Face Off. The band reached the pinnacle of their success with their 1988 platinum record Blow My Fuse which spawned the hits “Cold Blood,” the title track and the power ballad “Don’t Close Your Eyes.”
40 years since their inception Kix are still delivering a powerful performance. With the Wolf Den floor packed with those reliving their 80’s heyday original members Brian “Damage” Forsythe (guitar), Ronnie “10/10” Younkins (guitar), Steve Whiteman (lead vocals) and Jimmy “Chocolate” Chalfant (drums) along with the 2003 addition of Mark Schenker (bass) delivered an 18-song setlist loaded with hits. With Whiteman delivering vocals as if he were in his 20’s. The band sounded tight and played with the energy of an up and coming band working to get noticed. A great show as 80’s hair metal fans walked away beyond satisfied with this evening’s free entertainment.
If you fortunate enough to have Kix passing through your area on their limited touring schedule, free or not, I highly recommend this show. One of the few 80’s bands who still meet the standards from their decade of success. Be sure to pick up a copy of their latest record Rock Your Face Off and keep an eye on the upcoming free shows at Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den.
