The Metal Files

Riot V (Riot) is doing a short string of Texas dates in warmup to their Japan show with Rick Ventura performing all of Fire Down Under.  Last night was San Antonio’s turn and what a great show it was…as always.  There was yet another slight band member change for these shows.  Nick Lee and Lance Barnewold (Nick’s usual replacement) both had prior commitments and couldn’t do this show.  Riot tapped SA local Joey Villalobos to back up Mike Flyntz and he did a fine job.

Riot opened with a taped segment of Flashbacks from FDU then went into Narita as they always do.  They played 5 more songs that have been a part of their set in the last couple of years then brought out guitarist Rick Ventura to play FDU with Flyntz and the band.  It was quite a treat to see him again and to hear that whole album live.  Such an influential album and Mark Reale influenced a lot of guitarists.  After FDU, they kept Rick on stage for Tokyo Rose, Rock City and Road Racin’ and for a cover of Saxon’s Denim and Leather which featured Saxon’s Nigel Glockler on drums.  Pretty cool.  Last night proved once again that Todd Michael Hall is one of the best singers in metal.

Rick left the stage and Joey came back on for 5 more songs and that was it.  It was a great 2 hour set as always and was good to be there with good friends.