ENUFF Z’NUFF
Chicago based 90s Rockers, often billed as a modern day version of The Beatles, Enuff Z’Nuff was tasked with being openers for Winger on a cold Chicago evening. This live band, whose recording roots started as early as the mid-eighties, is now merely a pale imitation of its original self, mostly due to devastating circumstances. The live band is currently only a three piece with Chip (Znuff) on bass as the only remaining original member, (Johnny) Monaco on guitar and vocals, and drummer Erik Donner who had replaced the ailing Ricky Parent.
One of Enuff Z’Nuff’s fans’ biggest perplexities is guessing what Chip will be wearing on stage before the band starts. This time around he was laid back by paying homage to a 70s flashback with a floppy denim cap and bell-bottoms, along with cool shades. Monaco, on the other hand, came out with the “gangster look” in mostly black and white accessories … black shirt and jacket, white tie, and white dress shoes.
Unfortunately, at times the reception inside was almost as cold as the temperatures outside. The band played an entertaining forty-five minute romping set to an audience, who rightfully, should have treated and adorned one of their own with more enthusiasm. The band never seemed to really get a great reception until they played “Fly High Michelle” where Chip brought out his 12-string bass. “New Thing” followed where Chip took over part of the lead vocals and Monaco was able to indulge in an extended solo on his flamingo pink or salmon-colored guitar.
Nevertheless, these guys should be hailed just on the basis of Chip’s tenacity to keep this band alive and moving forward. With sixteen albums under their belt and continual touring around the world, Chicago needs to learn how to pay homage to one of their undisputed greats … perhaps next time.
Setlist
Baby Loves You * Heaven Or Hell * We’re All Alright * There Goes My Heart * Kiss The Clown * A Day in the Life (Beatles Cover) * Fly High Michelle * New Thing * Long Way To Go
WINGER
The House Of Blues in Chicago can host up to 1,000 music lovers. While the crowd in attendance wasn’t capacity, it was still a very good showing for a band whose perceived pinnacle was hit in the late 80s. It’s interesting how times have changed, as the crowd in attendance tonight was predominantly middle-aged male fans. Back in the early Winger days, it was a moment open to ridicule for a male rocker to declare himself a “Winger fan.” Of course, the people doing the ridiculing were most likely people who only knew the band for the track “Seventeen,” being ignorant and never realizing how much more capable this band was and is.
At nearly 9:20 PM the mellow opening of “Blind Revolution Mad” came across the PA. It seemed like a matter of seconds before Kip, Reb, Rod, and John Roth hit their groove and belted out the heavy portion of the song before sliding into “Loosen Up.” The uninterrupted excitement and energy continued through to “Easy Come, Easy Go.” It just seemed like a wonderful flashback as the guys belted out these songs with energy and fervor. They sounded good and were adequately loud enough without sounding distorted.
The first break of the night was to introduce a song from their new album, IV, and it was a great pick in “Your Great Escape” — one of the best tracks on the release. It kept the built up energy, and momentum, moving forward, leading into “Down Incognito.” Surprisingly, they then threw in a Blues segment featuring John Roth, which seemed like a cog in the wheel, but was perhaps a nice break to lead into the mellower, yet damn catchy, “Rainbow In The Rose,” where Kip took a seat behind the keyboards.
The second song from the new release on the set list was up next in “Generica.” While the track contained a good Reb solo and ends in a nice musical jam, it just seems like an interesting selection given other stronger tracks like “M16” and especially the strong fan favorite “Four Leaf Clover” that some fans were hoping for and missed out on seeing live. Thankfully, “Right Up Ahead” was not overlooked as Kip preceded the song by telling the crowd that IV was never meant to be a political statement, but more of a dedication to USA Soldiers in combat.
Other highlights included a great, but restrained, solo by an underrated guitarist in Reb Beach, as well as an entertaining drum solo by Rod Morgenstein. Rod pulled out some of his Jazzy drum lines and surprised the unknowing as to why he deservedly played in the Dixie Dregs.
The very well received “surprise” of the night was bringing former guitarist/keyboardist Paul Taylor on stage to play keys on “Headed For A Heartbreak” … making the fans in attendance feel they were part of something special. Closing out the set was the very popular “Seventeen.”
The band came back onto the stage for a three-song encore. Surprisingly, they opened with two slower songs in “Who’s The One” and “Miles Away,” which was dedicated to and written by Paul Taylor. Kip was easily able to corral the audience into singing it with him to show appreciation to Paul, who at this point was watching the show from afar. Of course, no Winger set would be complete without an energetic version of “Madalaine,” which was proceeded by overly energetic male fans “hi-fiving” each other… who would have imaginged?
All in all, an approximate ninety-minute set. The band sounded great, they were energetic with a strong set list, and were well-received by the fans in attendance. For some who may have missed seeing the band in their heyday, this night was a pleasurable treat and a nice remembrance of much simpler times. Hopefully new album and ticket sales for this tour are strong enough to propel the band into doing a follow-up to IV so those that missed this tour can catch a show next year!
Setlist
Blind Revolution Mad * Loosen Up * Easy Come, Easy Go * Your Great Escape * Down Incognito * “Blues” segment * Rainbow In The Rose * Generica * Junkyard Dog (Tears On Stone) * Reb Guitar Solo * You Are The Saint, I Am The Sinner * Drum Solo * Headed For a Heartbreak * Can’t Get Enuff * Seventeen * Encores: * Who’s The One * Miles Away * Madalaine
Be the first to comment