One of the newest tributes on the scene is 'Best of Both Worlds - A Van Halen Tribute'. They appeared at The Rockpile Thursday night, along with support from the Southern Ontario classic rock band, Higher Octane.
Still in their infancy, Best of Both Worlds (BoBW), has dedicated themselves to working hard and recreating both the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar eras. Their setlist included some of the iconic Van Halen hits. 'Runnin With the Devil', 'Unchained', 'When It's Love', 'Finish What You Started' and topping the night off with 1984's hits, 'Panama' and 'Jump'.
There was definitely something for both Roth and Hagar fans. Admittedly, I wouldn't call myself a loyal Van Halen fan, but I was pleased to hear some of those radio favourites throughout BoBW's set.
Their debut performance was less than two months ago in Brampton. With shows already booked into the new year, it looks like BoBW could become a staple amongst the tribute band community. As a band, they may be relatively new, but individually, the musicians are veterans and are no strangers to the bar scene.
Still in their infancy, Best of Both Worlds (BoBW), has dedicated themselves to working hard and recreating both the David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar eras. Their setlist included some of the iconic Van Halen hits. 'Runnin With the Devil', 'Unchained', 'When It's Love', 'Finish What You Started' and topping the night off with 1984's hits, 'Panama' and 'Jump'.
There was definitely something for both Roth and Hagar fans. Admittedly, I wouldn't call myself a loyal Van Halen fan, but I was pleased to hear some of those radio favourites throughout BoBW's set.
Their debut performance was less than two months ago in Brampton. With shows already booked into the new year, it looks like BoBW could become a staple amongst the tribute band community. As a band, they may be relatively new, but individually, the musicians are veterans and are no strangers to the bar scene.
KaoticNotes Vocalist James Alcock is no stranger to the stages throughout the Greater Toronto Area. When he's not donning the Hagar inspired wig, you can catch him portraying the legendary Bon Scott and Brian Johnson in the AC/DC tribute band, 'Hell N Back'. He also fronts 'Rockin A Hard Place' and 'Cocked & Loaded', where they can be heard covering a wide variety of songs. He has also composed and recorded original material with Indie bands 'Theze Days' and 'RGB'.
Taking on the roll, or rolls, of both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar would be intimidating to most, but James embraces the challenge. He understands the requirements to successfully pull off Roth's strong, yet semi-flamboyant stage presence as well as Hagar's vocal ability and demeanor.
His mannerisms, à la Hagar, were quite entertaining and spot on at times. It can be difficult to impersonate one legendary vocalist, but James is taking on the job of two. I'm sure his experience with Hell N Back has aided in this new role.
It's obvious that he is most comfortable when on stage. He thrives in the spotlight, and enjoys the interaction from both his fellow bandmembers as well as the people in attendance at the shows. Regardless of which act he's fronting, James gives it his all to be the best he can be.
Taking on the roll, or rolls, of both David Lee Roth and Sammy Hagar would be intimidating to most, but James embraces the challenge. He understands the requirements to successfully pull off Roth's strong, yet semi-flamboyant stage presence as well as Hagar's vocal ability and demeanor.
His mannerisms, à la Hagar, were quite entertaining and spot on at times. It can be difficult to impersonate one legendary vocalist, but James is taking on the job of two. I'm sure his experience with Hell N Back has aided in this new role.
It's obvious that he is most comfortable when on stage. He thrives in the spotlight, and enjoys the interaction from both his fellow bandmembers as well as the people in attendance at the shows. Regardless of which act he's fronting, James gives it his all to be the best he can be.
KaoticNotes Guitarist, Dave Meražka has an equally impressive resume. When not recreating the magic that is Eddie Van Halen, he can be found producing, composing, and tackling other roles in a studio.
Dave has also been in previous tributes '5150', 'Yankee Rose', and 'Rattle and Hum'. He has been a member of original acts 'Howler', 'Cozy Ozone', 'Boardwalk', and is the mastermind behind Guitar Fight Club.
Watching Dave in the role of Eddie was quite fascinating. He is a fervent guitar player. In addition to the first-rate solos, Dave excelled with the picking and tapping, all that which Eddie is famous for. This skill was apparent during 'Eruption' and 'You Really Got Me'.
He effortlessly captured the tone that the Van Halen material requires, and welcomed his turns up at the microphone for backing vocals on most of the songs.
Dave clearly has a passion for what he does and will continue to hone his craft.
Dave has also been in previous tributes '5150', 'Yankee Rose', and 'Rattle and Hum'. He has been a member of original acts 'Howler', 'Cozy Ozone', 'Boardwalk', and is the mastermind behind Guitar Fight Club.
Watching Dave in the role of Eddie was quite fascinating. He is a fervent guitar player. In addition to the first-rate solos, Dave excelled with the picking and tapping, all that which Eddie is famous for. This skill was apparent during 'Eruption' and 'You Really Got Me'.
He effortlessly captured the tone that the Van Halen material requires, and welcomed his turns up at the microphone for backing vocals on most of the songs.
Dave clearly has a passion for what he does and will continue to hone his craft.
KaoticNotes Any band knows they need a great beatkeeper to be successful. BoBW is no exception. As Alex Van Halen, Serge Savoie tackles that role and delivers an amazing performance. He fearlessly approaches each song and attacks the drums like a man on a mission.
Serge has also played with some other tributes such as, 'Hysteria', 'Notorious' and 'Gunz N Fn Rosez'. Like with Dave, he has also played with '5150' and 'Yankee Rose' to name a few past projects.
Essentially the backbone of the band, Serge is a strong, confident drummer, and maintains the beat from start to finish. Throughout the night he played in the pocket, and along with bass, that magic is felt by those in attendance.
He has a good sense of attack, depth and control with the bass drum. A personal highlight was 'Everybody Wants Some'. Was quite exciting to watch the band as a whole play that song.
With a solid drummer like Serge on the stage with them, BoBW is on the right track.
Serge has also played with some other tributes such as, 'Hysteria', 'Notorious' and 'Gunz N Fn Rosez'. Like with Dave, he has also played with '5150' and 'Yankee Rose' to name a few past projects.
Essentially the backbone of the band, Serge is a strong, confident drummer, and maintains the beat from start to finish. Throughout the night he played in the pocket, and along with bass, that magic is felt by those in attendance.
He has a good sense of attack, depth and control with the bass drum. A personal highlight was 'Everybody Wants Some'. Was quite exciting to watch the band as a whole play that song.
With a solid drummer like Serge on the stage with them, BoBW is on the right track.
KaoticNotes Rounding out Best of Both Worlds, is bassist Gary Smith. A bass virtuoso, Gary plays solidly, with spirit and the ability to groove. He also links the harmony to the rhythm.
Vocally, Gary assumes the role that Michael Anthony was known for in Van Halen. Of course, seeing that he fronts the Duran Duran tribute band, 'Notorious', it's no wonder he's not shy to approach the microphone.
He locks in with Serge's drumming to produce a tight rhythm section that helps carry on the beat of the songs, which in return allow both James and Dave to shine in their roles.
Gary also plays with the Def Leppard tribute 'Hysteria', and the Police tribute 'Ghost in the Machine' . He has also performed with numerous Top-40 bands including 'North of Here'.
Together with his bandmates, Gary brings that element to Best of Both Worlds, and despite being new to the scene, they are doing a great job making a name for themselves in what can be described as a 'cutthroat' business.
Vocally, Gary assumes the role that Michael Anthony was known for in Van Halen. Of course, seeing that he fronts the Duran Duran tribute band, 'Notorious', it's no wonder he's not shy to approach the microphone.
He locks in with Serge's drumming to produce a tight rhythm section that helps carry on the beat of the songs, which in return allow both James and Dave to shine in their roles.
Gary also plays with the Def Leppard tribute 'Hysteria', and the Police tribute 'Ghost in the Machine' . He has also performed with numerous Top-40 bands including 'North of Here'.
Together with his bandmates, Gary brings that element to Best of Both Worlds, and despite being new to the scene, they are doing a great job making a name for themselves in what can be described as a 'cutthroat' business.
Despite the sparce turnout, blame it on weather or that it was a Thursday night, the guys didn't let that deter them from giving it their all in the sixteen song setlist. They went full force playing the songs that they obviously enjoy by a band that they obviously respect and admire, all while being consummate professionals.
The casual exchanges of glances and smiles is an indication that these four guys enjoy performing with each other. It comes forth in the delivery of the music. Like with any new band, there can always be room for improvement. With future shows, more rehearsals, it's quite positive that Best of Both Worlds can be a monster on the bar scene.
Much thanks to James, Dave, Gary and Serge for a great evening.
The casual exchanges of glances and smiles is an indication that these four guys enjoy performing with each other. It comes forth in the delivery of the music. Like with any new band, there can always be room for improvement. With future shows, more rehearsals, it's quite positive that Best of Both Worlds can be a monster on the bar scene.
Much thanks to James, Dave, Gary and Serge for a great evening.
Be sure to follow them on Facebook for upcoming shows and check out their website for more information.
Official BoBW Facebook Page
Official BoBW Website
Official BoBW Facebook Page
Official BoBW Website
