Craig Wettner and I went on an official Blogs N' Roses business trip to Manhattan on Friday to catch the great Twisted Sister, who were performing a disgustingly awesome Christmas show.  Craig will fill you in on that.  I have been tasked with reviewing the two opening acts.

We had the pleasure of seeing the eldest son of Dee Snider, Jesse Blaze Snider open up the show.  Mr. Snider commands a presence on the stage that can only come from his royal DNA.  At first, I thought that we were watching some young upstart New York punk band, complete with vintage Ramones gear and hipster sport coats.  Jesse Blaze Snider kicked us in the face musically to dispel any notions that he was indeed that pretentious.  Jesse was able to demand that the crowd not only get into his band's music, but was nice and warm for the main act.  He was also able to get the entire crowd into the set, and even singing along.  I truly wish that the set was longer.

I would feel terrible if I didn't give the rest of the band their just do.  They are not simply a vehicle for Dee's son.  Nothing could be further from the truth.  What you have here is four talented musicians.  On bass was Dan Carlisle.  Dan was a formidable force (while relatively large, he is no Mark Mendoza).  We were informed that Dan was actually suffering from a back injury, which would explain his lack of mobility.  On the drums was Benjamin Clapp.  I honestly don't have much to say about him.  He was pretty good, but I tend to focus on the stringed instruments more.  Danny Wacker, the guitar player, may have one of the fastest pick hands that I have ever seen.  He played like the progeny of Yngwie Malmsteen.

All in all it was a very entertaining show and I wish this band the best of luck in the future.  Check out their website.