Slaughter & Great White Brought the 80s Back to Life For Fans At Hard Rock Live Orlando
- Karen Romano Adams
- Aug 28
- 4 min read
I predicted this was to be an epic show and it truly was. Slaughter and Great White together in one night bringing us back to our nostalgic days of 80s rock-n-roll in a big way. They have each been together for over 35 years both bands are playing fan favorite hits accompanied by dynamic stage performances. Some say those times are over, I say they are still here and going strong!
It has been quite a few years since either of these powerhouse bands have graced the Orlando area with their presence, to say the least, and it showed in this excited packed house at Hard Rock Live Orlando. Fans were hungry for this one. We observed and took part in what was a family reunion, of sorts, with our “musical families”, as I like to call it. We see so many bringing their adult children and a few of them with their own kids in tow. If you’ve ever lost track of an old concert buddy, you were sure to find them again at this show and if not, you made so many new ones.
These bands have fun, meaningful music that transcends decades. Relatable, "sing-able", and very danceable as evidenced by the crowd on their feet moving and singing every word. This was a walk through the best decade ever, the 80s. If this show wasn’t sold out, it was very close to it.
Slaughter was up first with band’s namesake Mark Slaughter at the helm looking and sounding great along with hometown Orlando hero, Jeff Blando, on guitar, Jordan Cannata, a drummer who leaves it ALL on the stage at the end of a night, and rounding this line up out is the always entertaining, Dana Strum on bass. Dana and Blando both have stage presence just MADE for photography, in my opinion. I always know when I am to photograph them, I will never be bored!
Fans were treated to well known and loved songs such as “Mad About You”, Burning Bridges”, and “Spend My Life” (with a guitar solo from Mark). They had dynamic videos going to the songs on each side of the stage, many times with lyrics to help the crowd sing along. Ending their set list were 2 classics, “Fly to the Angels” & “Up All Night…”.
After a 30-minute change over, Great White lit up the stage with founding member, Mark Kendall in his signature sunglasses and grin on lead guitar, Michael Lardie, and that smile, on keyboards as well guitar, Audie Desbrow keeping the beat on drums, a powerhouse himself! And, as of press time, the regular bass player for the band, Scott Snyder, is sidelined with serious medical issues. He was very much missed, and we send our thoughts and prayers out to him and his family. Filling in for Scott is Dan McNay who played for the other version of Great White. It was known as ‘Jack Russell’s Great White’, fronted by founding another member of Great White, singer, Jack Russell. We think Dan did a great job and many fans were used to seeing him play with JRGW over the years as well.
Great White has had a few changes on the mic over the years and latest to have this spot is a young, energetic guy with a powerful voice, Brett Carlisle. I’ve heard the band say in previous interviews how he has seemed to bring a new ‘spark’ to the band, and they are all happy to have him. On a side note, he was the only member to come out to meet fans at the merch table which brought a few grumbles from waiting longtime fans, yet they were still very excited to meet the person behind the voice. Brett is the nicest of guys and obliged fans with conversation and photos.
Jack’s soulful bluesy, dare I say, sexy, tone, and heartfelt meaningful love when rendering these songs has not been met yet and we doubt it ever will, though we are very happy that Great White continues to ‘ROCK’ us.
The band jumped right out of the box, notes blazing, with “Desert Moon” and continued through 11 more of their biggest hits such as "Lady Red Light”, House of Broken Love”, and, one of my favorites, “Mista Bone”. Fans were on their feet, this entire set singing and some dancing in the isles. They have so many catchy and beautiful songs, as well, like “The Angel Song” and “Save Your Love”. They ended the set an ever popular, Grammy nominated song, “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”.
The venue, Hard Rock Live Orlando, is located in Universal’s City Walk in the midst of fantastic restaurants, shopping, an IMAX theater, and in the shadow of Universal’s monster rollercoasters. Many of the fans made a weekend out of it to stay over and enjoy all the area had to offer and to catch up with that “musical family” I mentioned.
Be sure to catch them together on tour this year, you won’t want to miss it!
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