Ridin' The Storm Out Brought Its Thunder To Arizona Charlie's Decatur Saturday Night: What An Awesome REO Speedwagon Full Blown Experience!

 

Official Website

Saturday, August 29th, 2026

Ridin' The Storm Out Review

Arizona Charlie's Decatur

Years back, I found myself backstage inside the old Hilton Hotel showroom, talking with members of REO Speedwagon. It remains one of the brightest moments of my media life—one of those rare nights that stays etched in your memory. They are definitely one of my favorite bands!

 So, when I learned on Saturday afternoon that Ridin' The Storm Out, the powerhouse REO tribute band out of Cali, was hitting the stage at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur that night, I didn’t hesitate. 

Ridin’ The Storm Out is about as close as you’re ever going to get to having the original REO Speedwagon band on stage. Same fire, same punch, same heart‑thumping blast of classic rock power!

Ridin’ The Storm Out hit the stage around 8:30 PM, and when I say hit, I mean they grabbed that packed showroom by the collar and shook it awake. After a quick burst of what sounded like the Little Rascals theme—just long enough to make everyone grin—they launched straight into more than 90 minutes of REO Speedwagon’s biggest, loudest, crowd‑pleasing classics. Don’t Let Him Go lit the fuse, and the whole room reacted like someone flipped a switch—fans on their feet, the dance floor jammed shoulder‑to‑shoulder, and the energy shooting through the place like a live wire on fire!

Keep Pushin’, Keep On Lovin’ You, Keep The Fire Burnin; and That Ain’t Love—one REO classic after another—cranked the heat even higher, firing up the crowd until the whole place felt like it was running on pure rock‑and‑roll adrenaline.

Live Every Moment, Tough Guys, Time for Me to Fly, and Back on the Road Again didn’t just seal the deal—they blew the doors right off the night. When those four famous hits dropped, the whole place erupted like someone plugged the crowd straight into a stadium‑sized power amp. 

The dance floor? Forget it. Wall‑to‑wall bodies, no room left, take a number and hope you can squeeze in. It was that perfect rock‑and‑roll moment when the band is on fire, the fans are all in, and the whole room might lift totally off the ground!

I Can’t Fight This Feeling, Take It On the Run, and Ridin’ The Storm Out slammed the door on the main set. No classic leave‑the‑stage, stroll‑back‑for‑an‑encore routine—Ridin’ The Storm Out kept it real. It felt more like, “Y’all want one more?” And they delivered, closing out their night with Roll With the Changes, wrapping a full 90‑minute blast of REO power into one last surge that sent the crowd out glowing!

How about this crew of top‑shelf, road‑tested musicians powering Ridin' The Storm Out band!

 Up front on lead vocals and guitar is Michael Zescu, a frontman who delivers every line like he’s firing it straight from a spotlight‑soaked stage. Trading lightning with him on lead guitar is Rick Hunter, the veteran axe‑slinger whose riffs hit with the authority of a man who’s lived the REO legacy from the inside. On bass, Stephen Zipper locks down the low end with that cool, unshakeable groove that keeps the whole engine rumbling. Matt Brown commands the keys, layering in the shimmering textures, keyboard swells, and classic rock color that make the songs breathe. And driving the whole machine from behind the kit is Larry Paschall, a drummer who keeps the beat tight, loud, and right in the pocket—every hit landing like a pulse of pure arena energy.

{My Take}

Take it from this old rock writer—if you haven’t seen Ridin’ The Storm Out, Keep Pushin’ till you do. These guys bring the kind of REO fire that reminds you why we all fell in love with loud guitars and big choruses in the first place. And trust me, they’ll be Back On the Road Again in a town near you before long. As far as my review goes, it’s simple: Go see Ridin’ The Storm Out the next time they hit a venue anywhere close to your zip code. Check out the links below to see where they’ll be tearing up stages in the future. As for me, well… it’s Time For Me To Fly!

Gary England

Ridin' The Storm Out Official Website

Ridin' The Storm Out Facebook

Arizona Charlie's Decatur Las Vegas

Arizona Charlie's Facebook

Arizona Charlie's Decatur Welcomes Shooting Star To Las Vegas Last Night With A Three Hour Shot Heard Around The World!

 Saturday night wasn’t planned — it was floating in the neon breeze — until Carmen Shortino dropped a message that hit like a power chord: her husband, Paul Shortino, was gearing up to blow the roof off one of my favorite Vegas hideouts, Arizona Charlie's. That was it. Decision made. Stamp it. Rock‑and‑roll approved!

"Shooting Star" At Arizona Charlie's

"Shooting Star"

But then the brain kicked in: Wait… with who? What band? What lineup is Paul unleashing tonight? So, I jump on Facebook, and boom — both Arizona Charlie’s locations (Decatur and Boulder Highway) were hyping country‑themed headliners!

And I’m sitting there thinking: Paul Shortino — the leather‑clad, arena‑tested, big‑voiced rock BaDD‑A$$ — doing COUNTRY? Now that sounded like the kind of wild Vegas curveball I live for. If Paul Shortino’s stepping into a country vibe, you know he’s about to twist it, torch it, and turn it into something unforgettable!

With that second message from Paul’s wife, it was like someone slammed a boot down on the big Green GO button — I (and my wife) blasted out the door and tore toward Arizona Charlie’s on North Decatur, one of my all‑time favorite Vegas battlegrounds where the local music scene doesn’t just hit play… it explodes!

When we rolled into the casino and pushed through the doors of the club, bam — instant shockwave. There stood Paul, not with some country outfit, but flanked by two full‑throttle rock assassins: my longtime brothers‑in‑noise, guitar destroyer Steve Burchell and drum detonator Mark Saul.

Long story short — forget the cowboy hats and country twang. What we were looking at was a brand‑new rock'n monster, a blues‑drenched, classic‑rock killer band, forged straight out of Paul Shortino’s Classic rock volcanic mind!

"Shooting Star" has officially crash‑landed onto the Vegas music scene. And trust me… this band isn’t arriving quietly. Vegas better brace itself for future shock!

The lights hit, and Shooting Star hit the stage, officially on the local Las Vegas music scene grid!

 Opening with Honky Tonk Women and Rock Me Baby, two instant local‑scene wrecking balls that announced, loud and clear, this band wasn’t here to warm up the room — they were here to claim it!

 From there, the night turned into a full‑throttle rock‑and‑roll rampage as Shooting Star tore through Rocky Mountain Way, Black Magic Woman, and a barrage of classics from the Eagles, Bad Company, Stevie Wonder, Tom Petty, and the immortal Smoke On The Water by Deep Purple. They kept the fire rolling with hits from the Doobie Brothers, Bryan Adams, Marvin Gaye, Journey, Quiet Riot, and even a blast of rock‑and‑roll royalty from Elvis. 

Just before midnight, Paul sealed the night with a surprise solo encore — "What A Wonderful World" — the perfect victory lap after a night that hit like a freight train of blues, soul, and classic‑rock thunder! 

Yes, "Shooting Star" has officially arrived!

We, the fans, need more Shooting Star in our lives — more of that volcanic Shortino magic, more of that Burchell‑and‑Saul thunder, more of that soul‑shaking rock‑and‑roll that hits you right in the chest and leaves you grinning all the way home!

Gary England

The Icons Of Classic Rock

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Twenty-Nine Years And Counting: Yellow Brick Road Still Defines the Vegas Rock Scene!

Yellow Brick Road

My review: Arizona Charlie's Casino Decatur

Coverall Lounge

February 6th, 2026

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork

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Yellow Brick Road isn’t just another classic rock band on the Las Vegas circuit — they’re one of the city’s longest‑running, most respected, and most consistently electrifying live acts. For years, this powerhouse group has been delivering arena‑level performances inside local casinos, showrooms, and concert halls, building a loyal following that spans generations of rock fans. Their reputation is simple: if you want the real classic rock experience, you follow the Yellow Brick Road.

What makes Yellow Brick Road so special is their longevity (29 years and counting), and their commitment to doing things right. Over the years, the lineup has evolved, but the band’s identity has stayed rock‑solid: elite musicianship, faithful recreations of rock’s greatest hits, and a live show that feels like a celebration of the entire classic rock era. Last night’s performance proved exactly why they’ve lasted this long.

Click On Pic To Enlarge

The Lineup That Lit Up the Room Last Night!

• Kelly Christian — Lead Vocals Kelly commanded the stage with the confidence of a frontman who knows how to work a crowd. His voice soared through every anthem, every chorus, every high‑octane moment. He’s the spark that keeps the audience locked in from the first note to the last.

• Mark Cole — Lead Guitar Mark delivered the kind of guitar work that defines classic rock. Sharp, melodic, and full of fire, his solos cut through the room with precision and passion.

• David St. John — On Bass David anchored the night with deep, steady, groove‑rich bass lines that kept the dance floor moving. His tone and timing were flawless.

• Aaron Olson — Drums (Last Night’s Show) Aaron stepped in behind the kit and absolutely crushed it. His energy, power, and tight rhythmic control drove the band through two hours of nonstop rock and roll.

Two Hours of Classic Rock Glory

From the moment they launched into “Rock and Roll All Nite”, the dance floor was packed — and it stayed that way for the entire two‑hour set. Yellow Brick Road rolled through a playlist of the most beloved classic rock fan favorites; each one delivered with the kind of authenticity and excitement that keeps audiences coming back year after year.

YBR's setlist last night included: Panama, Two Tickets To Paradise, Dirty Deeds, American Girl, Anyway You Want It, Runnin' Down A Dream, among others.

And then came the finale — a powerful tribute to the late Ozzy Osbourne, with a roaring, crowd‑pleasing version of “Crazy Train.” It was loud, it was emotional, and it was the perfect way to close out the night!

If you missed last night’s show, you’ve got another chance. Yellow Brick Road performs tonight, February 7th, inside the Santa Fe Casino’s Chrome Showroom.

If you love classic rock — the real stuff, played by real musicians who honor the music and ignite the room — Yellow Brick Road is a must‑see. They’re a Vegas staple for a reason, and they’re still performing at the top of their game!

{My Take}

Yellow Brick Road isn’t just performing classic rock — they’re preserving it, elevating it, and delivering it with the kind of passion that only a seasoned, battle‑tested Vegas band can. With Kelly Christian leading the charge, Mark Cole shredding with precision, David St. John locking down the low end, and Aaron Olson powering the night behind the kit, the band showed exactly why they’ve lasted this long and why fans keep coming back. They honor the music, they respect the craft, and they give every audience a show worth remembering. If you want the real classic rock experience — the sound, the energy, the nostalgia, the fire — Yellow Brick Road is still the band to follow. Twenty-Nine years and counting! 

This review is an easy one.

Five Big Classic Rock Stars!

GE

Yellow Brick Road Facebook

A Night Of Pure Magic: Queen Legion Brings Queen’s Legacy To Life Inside Arizona Charlie's Decatur Las Vegas

 

My review of Queen Legion - Arizona Charlies Decatur - Coverall Lounge - Las Vegas, Nevada

Saturday January 31st, 2026

#NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork

queenlegion.com

Queen Legion delivered an absolutely electric 90‑minute Queen tribute Saturday night, January 31st, inside the Coverall Lounge at Arizona Charlie’s Decatur, and the place never stopped rock'n! From the first note to the final roar of the crowd, the band proved exactly why they’re one of the most exciting tribute acts in the US.

The Band Brought Queen to Life

• JR Severn — Lead Vocals JR commanded the room with a bright, soaring rock‑tenor voice and the kind of charisma that instantly pulls an audience in. His energy, phrasing, and connection with the crowd made every song feel alive.

• Sean Vajra — Lead Guitar Sean delivered the Brian May magic with precision and fire. His tone, phrasing, and melodic instincts were spot‑on, especially during the signature solos that had fans cheering mid‑song.

• Sheldon Bonada — Bass Sheldon anchored the night with warm, steady, groove‑rich bass lines that kept the dance floor full from start to finish.

• Dieter Weinzettl — Drums Dieter drove the show with power and finesse, capturing the rhythmic heartbeat of Queen’s catalog while adding his own spark to every transition and crescendo.

A Setlist Packed With Queen’s Greatest Hits

Queen Legion wasted no time diving into the classics. The crowd lit up for Radio Ga Ga, sang along to Killer Queen, swayed to You’re My Best Friend, and filled the dance floor for Crazy Little Thing Called Love. Every tune landed with the kind of energy that reminds you why Queen’s music is timeless.

And then came the finale, a one‑two punch of Bohemian Rhapsody and We Are the Champions that had the entire lounge singing, cheering, and raising their hands in celebration. It was the perfect ending to a night that felt like a full‑scale Queen experience!

A Packed Lounge, A Packed Dance Floor

From the moment Queen Legion hit the stage, the Coverall Lounge was shoulder‑to‑shoulder. The dance floor stayed packed all night, with fans of all ages moving, singing, and soaking in every moment. The band didn’t just play Queen’s music — they created a full‑room celebration of it!

{My Take}

Queen Legion didn’t just perform Queen’s music — they celebrated it, elevated it, and turned the entire Coverall Lounge into a full‑throttle rock experience. The energy never dipped, the crowd never stopped moving, and every song landed with the kind of passion that reminds you why Queen’s catalog is legendary. This band is the real deal, a must‑see for anyone who loves powerful vocals, masterful musicianship, and a night of pure musical joy. I’m already looking forward to the next show, because Queen Legion is simply too good to experience only once! 

GE

#LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly 

Contact Queen Legion 

Queen Legion Official Website

Queen Legion Band Instagram

Queen Legion YouTube

Arizona Charlie's Decatur 

Feels Like The First Time: Head Games So Cal A Tribute To Foreigner Rocks Arizona Charlie's Decatur Las Vegas

{Saturday, October 4, 2025}

{Las Vegas, NV - Music & Entertainment}

Last night we headed to Arizona Charlie's Decatur Coverall Lounge to see Head Games So Cal - A Tribute To Foreigner.

(Click On Picture To Enlarge)

Me and my little rocker wife arrived at Arizona Charlie's about an hour early, to be sure that we got a table for the night. It was a good thing, because the Coverall Lounge was already packed! I'm guessing that the word was out about Head Games So Cal being one of the top Foreigner tribute bands on planet Earth!

Last night, Head Games So Cal turned Arizona Charlie’s Decatur Coverall Lounge into a sing-along time machine, delivering three decades of arena-ready hooks and soft-rock drama to a jam-packed, party-ready crowd. 

Head Games So Cal hit the stage running with "Feels Like The First Time", one of Foreigner's most popular and recognizable songs ever. What a way to get the crowd's attention! The dance floor quickly filled up and stayed that way till the end of the night. 

Head Games So Cal also performed Classics from STYX, Journey, and Led Zeppelin throughout the night to perfection!

Check out their setlist for the night.

(Click On Picture To Enlarge)

With the dance floor packed directly in front of the stage (No place to take pictures), and after hearing Head Games So Cal' opening song. I'm thinking to myself, this band is BadA$$!

So, I put away my camera and decided to sit down and take it all in as a fan!

"When you close your eyes and you can't tell the tribute band from the original band, they're good."

~Gary England~

 National News Media / Worldwide Entertainment Network

What an awesome night as a fan did this old journalist have!

{My Take}

Head Games So Cal opened with high-energy staples that filled the dance floor and pulled the room in immediately, then balanced the tempo with landmark ballads that made Foreigner one of the world's most popular bands. Crowd magnets included “Cold as Ice,” “Juke Box Hero,” “Hot Blooded,” and a powerful “I Want to Know What Love Is” that turned the lounge into a chorus of joined voices.

Head Games So Cal delivered heart and soul, precision musicianship, and moments that invited everyone in the room to sing along with the band. 

Arizona Charlie’s Decatur was the perfect backdrop for a communal rock revival, equal parts nostalgia and live-music thrill, leaving the audience buzzing and already talking about the next time that Head Games So Cal returns.

If you dig Foreigner, Journey, Led Zeppelin, or STYX, Head Games So Cal is the band to see!

I give them 5 Big BadA$$ Band Stars!

Check out their social media and web presence. And go see them. You'll be glad that you did!

Head Games So Cal - About The Band & Booking

Head Games So Cal Facebook

Head Games So Cal Instagram

Head Games So Cal YouTube Channel

Last night might have been my First Time seeing Head Games So Cal, but it sure won't be my last!

GE

Syndicated #NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork

#LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #USAT 

A Rock Fueled Night: High Octane Brought The Energy To Arizona Charlie's Coverall Lounge All Night Long!

 Saturday Night, August 23, 2025

After a very trying week, I headed to Arizona Charlie's on North Decatur to catch one of my all-time favorite local bands in Las Vegas. I needed a dose of High Octane! Last night, the Coverall Lounge inside Arizona Charlie's turned into a full-blown dance party marathon.

{About High Octane}

High Octane has built a stellar reputation across the Las Vegas music scene, earning multiple “Best of Las Vegas” awards over the years. And known as one of the top dance bands for their energetic and engaging atmosphere, they create! Their repertoire spans multiple genres, including rock, dance, funk, country, and beyond, making them a crowd-pleasing fixture at venues ranging from casino lounges to the grand resort stages for which Las Vegas is renowned.

Last night, High Octane delivered a wildly diverse and very entertaining song list, from the top 70s classics to current chart-toppers in today's music world. Including "Play That Funky Music", "Boogie Shoes", "Hold On Loosely", "Bad Girls", "Sweet Child Of Mine", "Cupid Shuffle", "Highway To Hell", "Summer Of '69", and "You Shook Me All Night Long".  And that's exactly what High Octane did last night! The dance floor was full and was shaking "All Night Long"!

Band Members:

Out front on lead vocals (And very easy on the eyes): Kara McKee

On Bass & Vocals: Glenn Mungcal

Lead Guitar & Vocals: Scott Van Zen

On Drums & Vocals: Peter Kizzire

{About the venue and the band}

Intimate Vibe, Explosive Sound, and a dance party feel, All Night Long!

The Coverall Lounge is cozy enough for personal connection, yet spacious enough to house a full-blown dance party atmosphere. 

High Octane brought the energy, while the Coverall lounge brought the vibe Saturday night!

Arizona Charlie’s Decatur is a classic locals' casino, known for its approachable charm and reliable entertainment lineup. Rich in history and character, it's an excellent stage for a band like High Octane that thrives on genuine engagement with its fans.

{My Take}

It just doesn't get any better than last night!

Let's do it again!

GE - Gary England

#Syndicated #NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #GaryEnglandDotCom #VegasInsider 

Last Night's Event Page

High Octane Facebook

High Octane Instagram

Arizona Charlie's Official Website

Arizona Charlie's Coverall Lounge

The Fab Las Vegas Packs The Coverall Lounge Inside Arizona Charlie's Decatur Saturday Night

 Have you ever smiled so much that it hurt? That was the case for me and a packed Coverall lounge inside Arizona Charlie's Decatur Saturday night. The Fab Las Vegas took the packed lounge back to the Beatles era on a Magical Musical Mystery Tour! Over 90 minutes of the most memorable Beatles tunes, and The Fab does them all so well! 

{My Take - Full Review}

What a fantastic night! From the very first song, The Fab Las Vegas captured the spirit and energy of The Beatles with remarkable accuracy and enthusiasm. The vocals were spot-on—rich, powerful, and effortlessly channeling the tone we all know and love, while the guitar work hit every iconic riff with precision and flair.

The rhythm section kept everything locked in tight, driving each song forward with pulse-pounding momentum. Even the little touches—the stage banter, the outfits, and the classic between-song transitions—made you feel like you were at an actual arena show watching the Beatles perform rather than at a local venue in Las Vegas.

Highlights included a blistering run through of the Beatles' signature anthems, soulful ballads that had the entire crowd swaying, and packing the dance floor from the 1st song till their closing number. Solo's that showcased jaw-dropping technical skill without ever losing the song’s heart. Audience engagement was top-notch too: sing-alongs, call-and-response moments, and plenty of smiles from the stage ensured every person in the room felt involved.

Production values matched the musical quality—crystal-clear sound, vibrant lighting, and spotlights to add drama without overshadowing the performance.

If you’re a longtime Beatles fan looking to relive classic hits or a newcomer curious about what made the Beatles original band legendary, The Fab Las Vegas delivers an unforgettable experience. Don’t miss them the next time they're in town; you’ll walk away humming the tunes that the Beatles made famous and already planning to catch The Fab at their next show in town!

They make John, Paul, George, and Ringo Proud!

GE

To be syndicated: #NationalNewsMedia #WorldwideEntertainmentNetwork #USAT #LasVegasReviewJournal #LasVegasSun #LasVegasWeekly #VegasInsider #GaryEngland

The Fab Las Vegas Set Lists Arizona Charlie's Decatur,

The Fab Las Vegas Official Website

The Fab Las Vegas On Twitter

The Fab Las Vegas On Facebook

Arizona Charlie's Decatur Official Website

My Saturday Night With Aeromyth Tribute To Aerosmith Band Inside Arizona Charlie's Decatur Las Vegas

 I finally pulled off a "Trifecta" this weekend, having seen The Saints of Las Vegas on Thursday night, the nerds of The Spazmatics on Friday, and Aeromyth Tribute to Aerosmith last night at Arizona Charlie's Decatur.  

Three very different styles of music. Three of the best tribute bands on Planet Earth.

Last night was an unforgettable Night with Aeromyth at Arizona Charlie's Decatur.

From the moment they hit the stage, the energy was electric. These guys don’t just play Aerosmith’s music, they become Aerosmith. Aeromyth's lead singer nailed Steven Tyler’s voice and stage presence with incredible accuracy. Every band member was spot-on, from the blistering guitar solos to the pounding drums and perfect harmonies. It felt like I was watching the real thing! They crushed every song!

The packed house inside Arizona Charlie's Coverall Lounge was on fire, dancing, singing along, and feeding off the band's high energy. The connection they had with the audience was genuine and powerful, to say the least.

I love the Coverall Lounge inside Arizona Charlie’s Decatur! Great sound, an intimate atmosphere, and a lively crowd that likes to dance. And they did just that every song last night. The dance floor was full.

If you’re a fan of Aerosmith (Like I am) or just love good ole Rock N Roll music performed by top-tier musicians, don’t miss Aeromyth when they Walk This Way to a venue near you!

(Check out the links below for more info.)

{My Take} 

Aeromyth doesn’t just play the music of Aerosmith. They channel the spirit, the sound, and the swagger of the rock legends. If you're a fan of classic rock done right, make it a point to catch Aeromyth's next show. Take it from this music journalist. You won’t be disappointed. 

Aeromyth is five stars all the way in my book!

GE 

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Aeromyth Aerosmith Tribute 

Aeromyth Official Website

Aeromyth Instagram

The Saints Of Las Vegas

The Spazmatics Las Vegas