Orlando, Florida – On a warm Friday night in Orlando, the walls of Hard Rock Live Orlando vibrate with the unmistakable energy of classic ‘80s metal as fans pack the venue for a double bill featuring glam metal legends Quiet Riot and Vixen. From leather jackets to vintage tour shirts, the crowd is a living tribute to the era that made both bands household names. The audience skews multi-generational, longtime fans who lived the glory days stand shoulder to shoulder with younger rock fans discovering these bands through streaming playlists and classic rock radio.
As the house lights dim, the roar of anticipation signals the start of a night fueled by nostalgia, shredding guitars, and timeless anthems.
Opening the evening is Vixen, the pioneering all-female hard rock band that broke barriers in the late ‘80s with their melodic hooks and arena-ready sound. Formed in St. Paul, Minnesota, the band rose to prominence with their self-titled 1988 debut album featuring the hit “Edge of a Broken Heart.” Often dubbed the “female Bon Jovi” by the press of the era, Vixen proved that the glam metal scene had room for powerhouse musicianship and commanding vocals beyond the male-dominated landscape.
The current touring lineup features Rosa Laricchiuta (lead vocals), Britt Lightning (guitar), Jennifer Jo Oberle (bass) filling in for Julia Lage, and Roxy Petrucci (drums).
From the moment they hit the stage, the band delivers a polished and energetic set that immediately wins over the Orlando crowd. Rosa Laricchiuta commands the stage with swagger and charisma, interacting with the audience while the rhythm section of Lage and Petrucci lays down a tight foundation.
Britt Lightning’s guitar work adds bite and precision, particularly during extended solos that highlight the band’s technical chops. The crowd responds enthusiastically, singing along loudly during the band’s biggest hits. In short, Britt is a shredding goddess.
By the time they close with “Edge of a Broken Heart,” the crowd is fully warmed up, proving that Vixen remains a formidable live act decades after their breakthrough.
When Quiet Riot takes the stage, the energy inside the venue immediately shifts into overdrive. Few bands can claim the cultural impact of Quiet Riot, whose landmark 1983 album “Metal Health” became the first heavy metal record to top the Billboard charts, helping usher glam metal into the mainstream.
Despite lineup changes over the years following the passing of founding members Kevin DuBrow and Frankie Banali, the band continues to honor their legacy with a powerful live show.
The current touring lineup includes Jizzy Pearl (lead vocals), Alex Grossi (guitar), Rudy Sarzo (bass), which many still consider an original member and Johnny Kelly (drums).
Jizzy Pearl wastes no time engaging the crowd, urging fans to clap, sing, and raise their fists as the band launches into a set packed with classics. Rudy Sarzo, an icon of the genre, remains a magnetic stage presence, locking in with Johnny Kelly’s thunderous drumming to drive the band’s relentless momentum. Alex Grossi’s guitar work faithfully recreates the signature riffs that defined Quiet Riot’s sound while adding his own flair to the solos.
Mid-set highlights include the emotional tribute of “Thunderbird,” which is dedicated to the memories of Randy Rhoads, Kevin Dubrow and Frankie Banali, resonates deeply with longtime fans. But the biggest moments arrive toward the end of the set as the band unleashes their two most recognizable anthems.
During “Cum On Feel the Noize,” crowd participation is all the rage with the Orlando crowd singing every word so loudly that the band barely needs to carry the chorus. The energy peaks when the opening riff of “Metal Health” erupts from the speakers. The entire venue becomes a sea of raised fists and synchronized headbanging. By the end of the night, Quiet Riot proves that their music—and the spirit of ‘80s metal remains very much alive.
The pairing of Vixen and Quiet Riot proves to be a perfect combination for fans of classic metal. Both bands deliver high-energy performances filled with musicianship, charisma, and songs that have stood the test of time. For one night in Orlando, the spirit of the Sunset Strip era is alive and well, complete with screaming guitars, sing-along choruses, and a crowd that clearly still loves to bang their heads.
Galleries
Vixen
Quiet Riot
Setlists
Vixen
- Rev It Up
- Charmed Life
- How Much Love
- Cruisin’
- Hard 16
- Cryin’
- Runnin’ with the Devil / Perfect Strangers / What You’re Doing / War Pigs / Still of the Night / Drum Solo
- I Want You to Rock Me
- Streets in Paradise
- Love Is a Killer
- Not a Minute Too Soon
- You Oughta Know By Now
- Love Made Me
- Edge of a Broken Heart
Quiet Riot
- Run for Cover
- Slick Black Cadillac
- Mama Weer All Crazee Now
- Love’s a Bitch
- Thunderbird
- Party All Night
- Blackout in the Red Room (Love/Hate)
- The Wild and the Young
- Let’s Get Crazy
- Crazy Train / Guitar Solo / Eruption / Black No. 1 (Little Miss Scare-All) / Let’s Get Crazy
- Cum On Feel the Noize
- Metal Health
Social Media
Vixen
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Quiet Riot
Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube
Show Date: 3/6/26
