It’s not often we get to cover shows that effects everyone. Well anytime you are able to do anything regarding our military you jump at the chance. Guitar Legends for Heroes was to salute to the true heroes of the United States of America. This show was open to the public and tickets were also given away to veterans, service members and their families. It was also broadcast to be show on December 23rd on Tribune and Sinclair Stations (check local listings for Showtime). This year’s lineup consisted of some of the most recognizable names in music: Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top, Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts, Robert Randolph, Dave Navarro of Jane’s Addiction, and Richie Sambora & Orianthi to name a few. The event was hosted by country superstar Trace Adkins and radio personality Eddie Trunk.
Trunk started the show talking about the various charity recipients: Warrior Canine, Veterans Education Challenge, Hope for the Warriors, Headstrong, Psych Armor, Operation Finally Home and the Elizabeth Dole Foundation. Shortly thereafter, the music started with Billy Gibbons, Joe Don Rooney, Lindsay Ell, Robert Randolph, and Orianthi doing the ZZ TOP classic “La Grange.” Each artist took a turn doing a solo within the track as Gibbons played musical director. Each artist came out and did multiple songs except Lindsay Ell, which only did her song “Criminal.” Each artist seemed to be having lots of fun especially Gibbons who at different times fed off playing with Navarro, Sambora and Ell. Their was a backing band so each artist were able to freely showcase their respective 6 string talents.
Nancy Wilson’s new project called Roadcase Royale was showcased a little as her singer Liv Warfield and her did a song called “Cover Me” off of their self-titled debut album. They also did the Heart classic “Crazy on You.” Sam Moore was the only true vocalist who participated and was joined by Living Colour’s Corey Glover on “Soul Man.” It was a good mix of different genres as country was also represented by Joe Don Rooney of Rascal Flatts and solo artist Lyndsay Ell participated and fit right in.
One of the highlights of the evening was Richie Sambora singing acapella on “One Night of Peace.” It was a perfect song that fit the sentiments of the evening. His partner, Orianthi joined him for that song and they also performed “Walk With Me.” Both are under their new project called RSO. They will be releasing a new EP called “Making History” on 12/15/17. The show ended by most of the artists coming back out to do a tribute to Gregg Allman by performing the Allman Brothers song”One Way Out.”
What a night of music and the most important thing is that it benefits some wonderful organizations. Again, look for the show to be broadcast on 12/23/17.
Setlist:
Sharp Dressed Man (ZZ Top song performed by Billy Gibbons, Joe Don Rooney, Lindsay Ell, Robert Randolph, Orianthi)
Still a Soldier (Trace Adkins)
Hallelujah (Leonard Cohen cover performed by Sam Moore)
Soul Man (Sam Moore with Corey Glover)
Cover Me (Roadcase Royale song performed by Nancy Wilson & Liv Warfield)
Crazy on You (Heart song performed by Nancy Wilson & Liv Warfield)
Voodoo Child (Jimi Hendrix cover performed by Robert Randolph)
Who Do You Love? (Bo Diddley cover performed by Robert Randolph)
Life is a Highway (Tom Cochrane cover performed by Joe Don Rooney)
Crossroads (Robert Johnson cover performed by Joe Don Rooney)
Criminal (Lindsay Ell)
One Night of Peace (Richie Sambora and Orianthi -RSO)
Walk With Me (Richie Sambora and Orianthi -RSO)
Mountain Song (Dave Navarro and Orianthi)
Le Grange (ZZ Top song performed by Dave Navarro and Billy Gibbons)
One Way Out (The Allman Brothers cover performed by Billy Gibbons, Joe Don Rooney, Lindsay Ell, Robert Randolph, Sam Moore, Orianthi, Richie Sambora)
We would like to thank Marisa Hebert from MDPR for the credentials to review the show.
