Review by Donna Erichsen
Photos by George Bekris
When Lita Ford played the Mohegan Sun’s Wolf Den, she wore a stunning red leather suit with her long blonde hair flying as she strutted the stage to bring her brand of 80s rock back with a vengeance. A guitar queen of the 80s, Ford and her band played to a full house plus a few extra folks who spilled out to the casino floor outside. Many fans waited for hours to gain entrance to the concert. Those who didn’t get a seat circled the outside of the Den to take it in.
Ford started as a 16-year- old lead guitarist for the all-female rock band the Runaways in the 70s. After a short stint and rough breakup with the band, she embarked on her long-running solo career. At 57, Ford is still on tour, rocking audiences 40 years into her career. LIta Ford still has staying power and proved she can still fill the seats.
Ford lead off with “Larger Than Live,” from her 1991 album Dangerous Curves, followed by “Relentless,” from the more recent Living Like A Runaway. The warmed-up crowded then rocked Ford’s rendition of Elton John’s “The Bitch Is Back.”
“Can’t Catch Me,” written with Motörhead’s Lemmy Kilmister, featured drummer Bobby Rock playing an exceptionally fun and interesting drum solo. He beat on the drums shirtless and finished with flair and his forehead. I have never seen head-banging taken to that extreme. Evidentially, many others had not either, and he wowed the crowd.
Guitarist Patrick Kennison did a great job filling in for Ozzy Osbourne’s part on the Top 10 hit “Close My Eyes Forever,” from 1988’s Lita album. “Devil in My Head” allowed bassist Marty O’Brien to shine, while the crowd sang along on the Runaways anthem, “Cherry Bomb.”
“Kiss me Deadly” was the final number of 12-song set, but much to the fans’ delight, Ford graciously held a meet and greet and signed photos for almost an hour after the show.
