Walking into the venue I was pleasantly surprised to see this 30 something crowd of what looked like laid back people coming to see a tribute to what is possibly one of their favorite bands, Iron Maidens.

But the whole day isn't just for these hard rocking ladies from Los Angeles. David Clerest and Lipstick ‘n Leather are also here, two groups I know nothing about to be perfectly honest. In fact, we weren’t going to write much about this show initially and just post pictures – but at the show we changed our minds.

Smoke fills the stage at 805, with some apparent hard core fans getting up from their great seats at their table to the front of the stage – for David Clerest. Who is this guy again?

Once on stage this long haired rocker stood out from anything I have ever seen before. He was a one man band. To the side of the stage was a sampler/drum machine, pre-programed with custom backup instruments. According to David Clerest’s website, after struggling to keep a band together, David decided to go solo. He programs the drum machine and pre-records the bass guitar to use as back up tracks. Then on stage he does lead guitar and vocals for what ends up being, a very entertaining set.  Some of his set list, such as “Blinded By A Lie” and “Resolution Song” can be found on his website. Check out this one man entertainment machine if you get the chance.

This next band caught me off guard. I grew up listening to groups like Guns ‘N Roses, Metallica, Mötley Crüe, Skid Row, and so on. Lipstick 'n Leather, with front woman “D.D. Dre Deville” leading an otherwise all guy band kicked some serious ass playing some great classic’s and some of my personal all-time favorite songs from some of the best metal bands in history . From the second they were sound checking with guitar melody from Guns ‘N Rose’s  “Paradise City” I knew I'd like these guys.

Starting the set with “Kickstart my Heart” from Mötley Crüe and continuing the 80’s hair band set with songs such as “Welcome To The Jungle” by Guns ‘n Roses, Bon Jovi’s “Livin on a Prayer”, and other hits from the likes of Metallica, Van Halen, Ozzy, Pat Benatar, and Heart.

I am officially a fan of Lipstick ‘n Leather. Keep the 80’s hair band rock alive! If you would like to see this band live, be sure to make it down to the BeachFire Ladera Ranch on April 2nd here in Orange County or visit their website for other live performances all over southern California. 

By the time the Iron Maidens came out it was crazy. The entire dancing area was full. There was no going near the stage if you weren’t planted there from 20 minutes before they came on!  This all female tribute band formed in 2001 with lead singer  Kirsten Rosenberg running an impressively entertaining show for both Iron Maiden and Metal fans alike. They started off with Iron Maiden’s “Be Quick Or Be Dead” playing to a mostly packed house of hardcore but yet tame fans.

The rest of their set included other hits such as “2 Minutes to Midnight”, “22 Acacia Way”, “Trooper”, “Children Of The Damned”, and 8 or so other hits. Linda “Nikki McBURRain” McDonald, drummer for the Iron Maidens apparently had as much fun as all the fans that night posting on the official forum for the band, “last night was fun fun fun and the set list was a super long one!!!!! The Galaxy staff REALLY know how to take care of a band”

I would personally like to thank the Iron Maidens, Lipstick 'n Leather, and David Clerest for a great Saturday Night!