Review & photos by Ron Lyon
Editor’s Note: When this concert concluded on August 1, no one inside The Show at Agua Caliente realized they had likely witnessed the end of an era. Days later, Glenn Hughes announced his retirement from touring and live performances as he prepares for open-heart surgery. His breathtaking performance that evening now carries even greater historical significance, transforming what was already an unforgettable night of classic rock into a potentially historic event. This performance could very stand as Glenn Hughes’ final public appearance before announcing his retirement from touring and live performances. Should he ultimately choose not to return to the stage, those in attendance witnessed the closing chapter of one of rock’s most remarkable live careers.
Some concerts are built around nostalgia. Others are built around spectacle. Kings of Chaos somehow manages to deliver both while feeling completely alive in the moment.
Matt Sorum’s revolving all-star supergroup returned to The Show at Agua Caliente with a lineup that most rock festivals would envy: Richie Sambora, Glenn Hughes, Kevin Cronin, Jack Blades, Steve Stevens, Bon Jovi guitarist Phil X, keyboardist Mike Mangan and bassist Eliot Lorango. Rather than functioning as a collection of celebrity cameos, the evening unfolded like an extended jam session among lifelong friends whose combined résumés include Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, REO Speedwagon, Night Ranger, Damn Yankees, Billy Idol, Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver and The Cult. Sorum has assembled different versions of Kings of Chaos over the years, but this lineup possessed remarkable chemistry from the opening notes. The musicians weren’t not only revisiting classic songs — they were clearly enjoying the opportunity to perform each other’s catalogs while adding their own personalities to familiar material.
The evening began with Glenn Hughes taking command of the stage. More than five decades into his career, “The Voice of Rock” remains a force of nature. His soaring vocals on Deep Purple classics “Highway Star,” “Stormbringer,” “Smoke on the Water,” and his signature scream in “Burn” immediately established the night’s high standard. Hughes’ vocal range remains astonishing, effortlessly reaching notes that singers half his age struggle to achieve. Steve Stevens and Phil X traded guitar lines with confidence, adding fresh energy without sacrificing the songs’ classic feel.
Jack Blades followed with an equally entertaining set that blended Night Ranger favorites with Damn Yankees’ “Coming of Age.” A rocking version of “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me”, my personal favorite of his set, and the inevitable crowd favorite “Sister Christian” had the audience singing every word, while “Rock in America,” featuring Hughes sharing vocal duties, became one of the night’s first true all-star moments.
Kevin Cronin then reminded everyone why REO Speedwagon spent decades filling arenas. His unmistakable voice has lost little of its warmth or character, and songs including “Take It on the Run,” “Keep Pushin’,” “Ridin’ the Storm Out,” and “Roll With the Changes” transformed the theater into one giant sing-along. Cronin’s easygoing stage presence contrasted nicely with the harder-edged performances surrounding him, providing one of the show’s emotional high points. He clearly relishes playing live with his friends.
Richie Sambora closed the featured sets with a quartet of Bon Jovi staples that demonstrated just how integral his voice and guitar playing were to that band’s legendary success. “It’s My Life,” “Wanted Dead or Alive,” “I’ll Be There for You,” and “Livin’ on a Prayer” generated the loudest audience response of the evening, with nearly every person inside The Show singing along. Sambora’s guitar tone remained instantly recognizable, while Phil X — Bon Jovi’s touring guitarist — added an interesting layer of symbolism as the two shared the stage.
Behind the featured vocalists, the supporting musicians deserve equal recognition. Steve Stevens delivered tasteful, technically brilliant solos without ever overpowering the songs. Phil X provided muscular rhythm and lead guitar work throughout the night while injecting his own personality into every performance. Keyboardist Mike Mangan quietly anchored the arrangements, often filling sonic spaces that many audience members likely didn’t realize were essential until they heard them performed live.
When Jack Blades stepped away from bass to front Night Ranger and Damn Yankees material, bassist Eliot Lorango seamlessly assumed low-end duties, keeping the rhythm section locked in with Matt Sorum’s powerful drumming. His smooth transition allowed Blades the freedom to command the stage without missing a beat, a subtle but important contribution to the evening’s success.
Sorum himself served as far more than simply the drummer. Acting as musical director, host and ringmaster, he kept the evening moving effortlessly while maintaining the relaxed atmosphere of musicians performing for the sheer joy of playing together. Behind the kit, his playing was controlled power, driving every song with the same authority that made him one of rock’s most respected drummers during his years with Guns N’ Roses, Velvet Revolver and The Cult.
Whether laying down the thunderous groove of Deep Purple classics, the arena-rock pulse of REO Speedwagon, or the swagger of Bon Jovi favorites, Sorum never overplayed. Instead, he delivered exactly what each song required, combining precision, feel and fills that energized both the audience and the musicians around him. Professional drummers often say that’s the mark of a great drummer, and it fits Sorum’s reputation. His enthusiasm proved contagious, especially during the encore of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love,” when virtually every performer joined together for one final celebration of classic rock.
Visually, the production matched the caliber of the musicians. Massive LED screens, dramatic lighting and a crisp, powerful sound mix gave every performer room to shine without overwhelming the intimate theater setting. For photographers, the evening offered no shortage of memorable moments—from close-up portraits of individual artists to full-band finales that perfectly captured the collaborative spirit of the project.
Kings of Chaos succeeds because it avoids feeling like a tribute act or nostalgia package. These are the artists who helped create the soundtrack of classic rock, performing the songs they made famous while genuinely enjoying one another’s company. That authenticity cannot be manufactured.
In an era when many legacy acts rely heavily on routine and predictability, Kings of Chaos remains refreshingly unpredictable. Saturday night’s performance in Rancho Mirage wasn’t simply another stop on a tour — it felt like witnessing a gathering of rock royalty that may never happen in exactly the same way again.
For fans fortunate enough to be in attendance, it was a reminder that great songs, played by the musicians who helped define them, never lose their power. And for one unforgettable evening in the Coachella Valley, chaos sounded absolutely magnificent.
