Ian Hunter at Teragram Ballroom-September 12th, 2017

Kicking off the show with ‘The Moon Upstairs’ got the room warmed up but a small technical issue with Ian’s guitar caused a slight pause and guitar change before diving into “Once Bitten” which featured some nice guitar solo work by Jim Mastro and Mark Bosch.  The band performed a handful of songs from Ian’s latest album, Fingers Crossed and included “Morpheus,” “Dandy,” “Ghosts,” and the self-titled song “Fingers Crossed.”  Ian also let the audience know that he was re-releasing his 1974 book, Diary of a Rock ‘N’ Roll Star, which has been out of print for many years. Over the course of the 90+ minute show, the audience witnessed Ian’s talent between guitar, keyboard and harmonica on other songs such as “All American Boy,” ‘The Truth, Whole Truth…” and “(Give Me Back My) Wings.” It was obvious to everyone that he is still sharp as ever and shows no sign of slowing down!

Being in Los Angeles, you never know if a special guest will come out on stage and perform with an artist. Well, on this night (and the next in San Juan Capistrano) we were greeted with none other than Mr. Johnny Depp on guitar. He first joined the band on ‘Bastard’ and Lou Reed’s ‘Sweet Jane’.  He then came out one last time during the encore for Mott the Hoople’s classic “All the Young Dudes” which also included Scott McCaughey from the Young Fresh Fellows on keyboard. (Scott was the opening act.)