She Only Needed Some Time

Great White: 30 Years - Live From the Sunset Strip

Frontiers Records

Great White returned in March of 2012 to the Sunset Strip, the place where foundations were laid for some of the biggest selling bands of the eighties. Their goal? Record an energetic, career encompassing, live album. Goal achieved. Featuring singer Terry Ilous (whose own band XYZ were no strangers to the strip I’m sure), the band tear it up on this album.

In reviewing the band’s last studio album I probably came off harshly on terry Ilous. Honestly, I have always loved his voice but he just didn’t sound right with Great White. I think he’s a better fit on this one though, perhaps due to being with the band longer or perhaps due to the live setting. It’s anyone’s guess but he really brings it on this live collection. “Lady Red Light” is the best example, the band tear it up and Ilous’ voice brings a bluesier flavor to it because it’s not as gritty as former singer Jack Russell. 

The heavier groove of “Mista Bone” comes off well here too, featuring some guitar god style lead work that remind you what era this band comes from. The bounce of “Rock Me” gets your blood pumping and the megahit “Once Bitten, Twice Shy” takes everything over the top. The lead work on “House of Broken Love” is another highlight, although the drums and bass are so far back in the mix that it seems kinda hollow overall.

I admit that I miss Jack Russell’s voice on a couple of the songs (“Rock Me” and “Once Bitten, Twice Shy”) but for the majority of the set, the mainstream fan wouldn’t realize the difference. Ilous sounds much better here than he did on the studio album and the band is as tight, maybe tighter, than they have ever been. I also would have love to have seen “She Only” appear here but every fan has his/her wish list right?

This version of Great White has gone a long way to reestablishing themselves as a band that still has “it.” If you are a longtime fan then this album won’t disappoint.