Picture this… it’s 1990 and this local band called Heavens Edge just released an album and they’re playing at the best rock club around, Hammerjacks, for one night only. The opening act is one of Baltimore’s finest, Child’s Play, who also just released their debut album. Okay, okay fine; it’s 2023 and we’re at the Brooklyn Bowl in Philly.
In the heart of Philadelphia, PA, fans line the street outside the Brooklyn Bowl for their favorite hometown hair metal band, Heavens Edge. The band released two smashing hard rock albums in the ‘90s before disbanding for over a decade. The group reunited for several gigs and festivals in 2013 and have been on fire ever since, especially so with their new album release, Get It Right, the first in almost three decades. Both Heavens Edge and Child’s Play were underappreciated in the heyday of hard rock, but they’re here in Philly to play dirty, for one night only.
For the first time in a couple decades, Child’s Play leaves their hometown of Baltimore, MD to kick off a night of rock n’ roll. These guys have only played a handful of reunion shows in recent years, yet they are still bringing energy like they are young and hungry rock n’ rollers. The group currently consists of John Allen on vocals, Nicky Kay and his son Mikhali K on guitars, Phil Wiser on bass and Jason Heiser on drums.
Philly’s 93.3 WMMR rock radio icon, Jacky Bam Bam, takes the stage in full glam rock fashion, to introduce the one and only Child’s Play. The boys take the stage to a packed house, kicking off their set with Good Ol’ Rock And Roll, the opening track from their debut full-length album. Frontman John Allen comes right up to the front of the stage, holding his mic out to the crowd as they sing, “long, long way!”, the second tune of the night. Each musician brings their own presence to the band making for an entertaining live show. Baltimore’s Child’s Play were the perfect act to open this evening in the City of Brotherly Love.
As 9 o’clock rolled around, intro music began to play. One-by-one, the members of Heavens Edge walk out on the stage. As the final member, singer Mark Evans, takes the stage, the group kicks into 9 Lives (My Immortal Life) from their latest record. Returning to the Brooklyn Bowl Philly once again, Heavens Edge bring their A-game for their hometown crowd. Kickin’ it back to their second album with Rock Steady, the band takes the energy up a level with synchronized kicks up to their heads. Each of the original members had a patch with “G.G.” on it, paying homage to the group’s original bass player, George G.G. Guidotti, who passed away in 2019.
Guitarist Reggie Wu begins the riff for their lust-fueled hair metal song, Skin To Skin. “Some people try drugs to match the feeling of being up here onstage, but I’ll tell you, nothing can match it,” says Evans. As the middle of the set nears, Heavens Edge begins playing more tunes from Get It Right, their 2023 studio release. To my surprise, many of the audience members knew the lyrics and were singing along with the band. Drummer Dave Rath stands atop his kit mid-song, during Bad Reputation, pounding on the skins from above.
“How many of you are going with us on the [Monsters of Rock] Cruise!?” asks Evans, excitedly. Groups of fans throw their hands in the air, showing their enthusiasm to join the performers on a ship in the Caribbean just a few months from now. After a fiery performance of Up Against The Wall, the group proudly plays Gone, Gone, Gone and What Could’ve Been, two fan favorites from the new album.
Heavens Edge announced the last song of their set; Don’t Stop, Don’t Go, the final track from their debut album. “If you stay here and you make a lot of noise… maybe it doesn’t have to be over yet,” says Evans, alluding to the coming encore. Once again, the band takes the stage one-by-one for two more songs; Play Dirty and Find Another Way. As the band played both songs, the audience sang along loudly, with smiles on their faces.
Heavens Edge is one of those bands that may not play too often, but when they do it is an absolute treat for those in attendance. This band never fails at bringing a high-energy rock show, no matter the size of the venue, no matter how many years go by – it’s all or nothing out on that stage.
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