November 17, 2023 – Starland Ballroom, Sayreville NJ
Review & Photography by Estelle Massry
Mammoth WVH was welcomed with open arms to a sold out audience at the Starland Ballroom on his Mammoth II tour with support from Nita Strauss.
On the electric night of November 17th, 2023 the Starland Ballroom in Sayreville, NJ became the pulsating epicenter of pure musical prowess as Nita Strauss graced the stage, unleashing a torrent of guitar virtuosity and raw energy that left an indelible mark on everyone present.
Nita Strauss emerged as a force of nature wielding her guitar like an extension of her soul. She kicked off the evening with “Summer Storm” from her latest album “The Call of the Void“. Her magnetic stage presence commanded attention, immediately captivating the audience with her sheer passion, exceptional talent, and unwavering energy. It was more than a display of technical prowess; it was a celebration of the universal language of music.
Nita Strauss never stops, she is one of those musicians who always has something going on and is simply mesmerizing. In between touring with Alice Cooper and Demi Lovato, she worked on her second solo album, “The Call of The Void”, which was released in July and features guest vocalists Dorothy, David Draiman of Disturbed, Lizzy Hale of Hailstorm, and Alissa White-Gluz of Arch Enemy to name a few.
Nita’s band consists of Josh Villalta (drums), Katt Scarlett (Keys), Johnny Young (guitar) & Christopher Dean (bass). Kasey Karlsen joined the band halfway through the set to lend some vocals to Nita’s top charting songs, “The Wolf You Feed”, “Dead Inside” & “Victorious”.
Setlist
- Summer Storm
- Desperate Hour
- Mariana Trench
- Alegria
- The Quest
- Wolf You Feed
- Noise
- Dead Inside
- Victorious
Wolfgang Van Halen, carrying the musical legacy of his legendary father, has carved out his path and the concert was a testament to his undeniable talent. I have seen Wolfgang several times and I have to say that he has gotten more comfortable and seemed more at ease performing to his loyal fans.
What stood out for me this time around was the seamless fusion of musical genres within Mammoth WVH’s performance. Wolfgang effortlessly navigated between hard-hitting rock riffs and poignant acoustic melodies, demonstrating his versatility as an artist. The band’s chemistry was undeniable, each member feeding off the crowd’s energy, creating an immersive experience that transcended mere entertainment. Wolfgang exuded humility and gratitude, frequently interacting with the audience, and expressing his heartfelt appreciation for their support.
It wasn’t just a performance; it felt like a shared moment between artist and fans, a testament to the power of music in uniting people. Each song seemed to have its own narrative, drawing the audience deeper into Wolfgang’s musical universe. It was more than just a musical event—it was an immersive journey filled with passion, authenticity, and a profound connection between artist and audience. Wolfgang Van Halen’s talent and dedication to his craft shone brightly, proving that he is not just carrying on a legacy but forging his path in the music industry. The night left an indelible mark, reminding everyone present of the transformative power of live music and the unparalleled joy it brings.
The band consists of Wolfgang Van Halen (vocals/lead guitar), Frank Sidoris (guitars/vocals), Jon Jourdan (guitars/vocals), Ronnie Ficarro (bass/vocals) and Garrett Whitlock (drums).
Setlist
- Right
- Mammoth
- Miles Above Me
- Like a Pastime
- Optimist
- Stone
- I’m Alright
- Epiphany
- Think It Over
- Distance (Wolf)
- Waiting
- You’re to Blame
- Feel
- Take a Bow
- Another Celebration (Encore)
- Don’t Back Down (Encore)