KLOS Mark and Brian Christmas Show - A Rock Star Studded Affair

In Southern Cailfornia, Mark and Brian's KLOS morning show is a staple for any rock music lover. The two have worked together for 25 years and it's evident in their easy rapport and candor. Their annual Christmas show/charity event has been a popular one over the years, but they haven't had one in four years, so the one on Dec. 16 held at the 7,100 seat Nokia Live Theater in downtown Los Angeles was much-anticipated by their avid fans. And it did not disappoint, going for a Fillmore East effect with seemingly endless hours of rip-roaring, sizzling rock and roll.

Things got started with the USC Marching Band high-stepping down the aisles, playing "We Wish You a Merry Christmas," to get the audience revved up before the show started. Mark and Brian then came on stage, dapper and coiffed.  After some witty banter and announcing that the event was to raise money for the homeless and the L.A. Mission, they launched into introducing a succession of world-class rock musicians, all of whom they're proud to call "friends."

The opening act was the group Whisky Circle, who were the winners of a Mark and Brian band competition. For a band that's new on the scene, they performed with great expertise and passion, sporting a very retro look; big messy hair and an I-just-rolled-out-of-bed-look. They should have no problem taking off in the music scene with their nascent talent. Next was John Mayerish singer Matt Nathanson, who performed songs from his new release Some Mad Hope, including the touching "Falling Apart."  He ended his set, though, with "The Boss," Bruce Springsteen's "Born to Run," and it fell a little short. His voice wasn't nearly rough and rugged enough for that rock anthem. Yet, he's likable enough and sings with conviction. He's definitely a bright new star in the rock spectrum.

Mark and Brian kept the show moving, catering to their audience with their brand of locker room, tongue-in-cheek humor. They introduced the All-Star Band, which was a potpourri of rock 'n' roll who's who.  Steve Lukather, of Toto, started out with a Christmas song collaboration with no-holds-barred guitarist, Slash, "Broken Heart for Christmas."  The rest of the All-Star Band included Jason Bonham (Led Zeppelin drummer John Bonham's son), guitarist Mark Bania, Keith Emerson (of Emerson, Lake and Palmer), bassists Lee Sklar and Travis Davis, and drummer Gregg Bissonette. They played a strong set ending with a funktastic rock version of "Santa Claus is Coming to Town."  Smoothmeister, Franky Perez, who heads up Slash's band, came out in all black, shades and a fedora, too-cool-for-school, and did justice to Led Zeppelin's "Black Dog," with Jason Bonham, the late John Bonham's son, blazing away on the drums. Perez swiveled his hips with the tenacity of a modern-day Elvis, exuding a cool sensuality not seen in many overly-packaged, current-day performers, with a raw voice ready for rock.

The Tubes' Fee Waybill then hit the stage and performed "Talk to You Later," reminiscent of David Byrne, with his tall, lean form, flopping hair and jerky movements. Following his lively performance was Judas Priest's Rob Halford, a fierce image with his bald head, tattoos and all-leather duds. He belted out the head-banging "Livin' After Midnight," and, not afraid to embrace the Christmas spirit, a heavy metal version of  "We Three Kings," which certainly put a new twist on a holiday classic.

Next, pop culture icon, William Shatner, read "'Twas the Night Before Christmas," his voice its usual lilting tone. After that light moment, Bon Jovi's Richie Sambora and his band took the stage. Sambora looked vibrant and young, with humorous comments that connected with the audience throughout the set.  They started off with The Beatles, "I Get By With a Little Help from My Friends" which suited Sambora's voice like strawberries fit champagne, crisp and bubbly. He then eased into a slowed down, acoustic-laden version of  "Living on a Prayer," the words getting more emphasis with the quieter treatment. Next was  "We Weren't Born to Follow," which is the first release from Bon Jovi's current album, The Circle.  Sambora and crew only had twenty-two minutes on stage and he said he was "going to use every damn minute." He filled the rest of the relatively short amount of time with crowd pleasing favorites, "It's My Life," and "Wanted Dead or Alive." Playing a double guitar and slowing down the usually amped up songs, he squeezed some primordial beauty from them.

The show kept escalating in intensity and the next group to take the stage, Foreigner, shook Nokia Live to the rafters. With only one original member, Mick Jones, Foreigner reinforced what shredding a guitar and embracing rock and roll spirit really means. Lead singer, Kelly Hansen, a Steven Tyler look alike, had rock star looks with the singing chops to back up the persona. They kicked off their killer set with the throbbing "Double Vision," followed by  "Head Games," classic "Cold as Ice," "Can't Slow Down," the title track from their latest album, their first hit, "Feels Like the First Time," "Urgent," "Jukebox Hero" and Zeppelin's "Whole Lotta' Love." From start to finish, the band soared, with Mick Jones doing several poignant solos. Bassist Jeff Pilson nearly set the stage on fire with his incendiary guitar licks. One could almost mop the floor with the amount of sweat pouring off his body. Saxophonist Tom Gimbel played smooth notes to the signature tunes. Watching them was as exhilirating as cresting a wave at sunrise.

Comedian Greg Behrendt, who was a consultant for Sex and the City for several years,  performed, giving some comic relief.  His routine was sharp and funny, with insightful social commentary.

By the time Heart took the stage, it was no longer Dec. 16, but a new day since it was after midnight. They sounded and looked amazing. While Ann was noticeably more zaftig than back in the 70s and 80s, her bigger-than-life voice now seems even better suited to her. Nancy, red locks flowing, still strummed the guitar with as much finesse as she ever did. They started with the up-beat  "Barracuda," went to "Straight on for You," then did a series of power ballads: "These Dreams," "What About Love," "Alone."  When Ann got into The Who's "Love Reign Over Me," she proved why she's called one of the greatest rock voices ever. Her notes were jarring, operatic. They ended with "Crazy on You," took a brief break, came back and did their groovalicious hit,  "Magic Man." This was an appropriate song to end the night with because it was truly a magical night of bluesy, gritty, down-home rock and roll. The KLOS Mark and Brian Christmas Show was a panoply of rock legends celebrating the holiday season, as well as a music form that's as traditional and long-standing as New Year's: rock 'n' roll lives, seemingly renewed each times it's sung. Props to Mark and Brian for putting on a stellar show. No recording was allowed, so to check out clips and photos from the show or for audio of it, go to: 955KLOS.com. In the meantime, enjoy this clip of Foreigner on CBS' Second Cup.