BackStage360 was recently invited to be a part of a special summer concert series, to benefit the Wounded Warrior Project. This six performance concert series is based in Tucson, Arizona, and all events will be housed in Tucson’s, 600-person concert venue, Encore, located east of downtown.
The series is the brainchild of a partnership between two accomplished musicians; Robby Lochner (Jack Russell’s Great White) and Billy Stokes. Appropriately named, “Robby Lochner and Billy Stokes’ Summer Concert Series,” has scheduled six events throughout the summer, each highlighting local talent and national headlining acts.
Billy Stokes, an Army veteran, a gifted guitarist and singer/songwriter, welcomed us with open arms and went above and beyond to make us feel at home in Tucson. Robby Lochner, a native of Tucson, now living in the Los Angeles area, is a self-taught guitar hero, and an utterly charming individual was such a joy to meet and chat with. We were treated to a lovely lunch with Billy Stokes, Robby, and his beautiful wife, Jessica and spent some time with them on camera. Editor, Brian Tierney, discusses the summer series, their commitment to The Wounded Warrior Project, their musical history, recent album drops and what we might expect in the future from Robby, Billy, and JRGW. (https://youtu.be/hvzABC_DSDA)
The series kicked off on Saturday, June 15th, with none other than Jack Russell’s Great White. Robby Lochner has been songwriting and playing guitar for JRGW for the past eight years. Tucson-based, special guests, Wound2Tight, Drop D and Mantis, opened to a full capacity crowd. Ticket prices for these events are incredibly reasonable, and whether you purchase a VIP ticket for $40 a general admission for $20, you won’t be disappointed as this is a very intimate venue and no matter where you sit or stand you will have a good view of the stage and performers. VIPs were allowed into a roped off area immediately in front of the stage for a personal and up close experience and immediately just beyond that GA guests enjoy wide open floor space. The Wounded Warrior Project volunteers are on sight selling bottles of water for a donation and are happy to talk about their cause and how we as a community can help. Proceeds to ticket sales and beverage sales go directly to the Project. It is a win-win event for everyone.
Jack Russell and Great White rose to fame in the early 80s as part of what we now refer to as the “Hair Band Era.” A flavor of metal, rock, glam rock and haunting ballads that firmly puts the band into a genre all their own. Since 1984, Great White has released 14 studio albums, eight live albums, and 13 compilations albums. Jack’s discernable vocals and the band’s signature style is aging like a fine wine. Jack doesn’t mess around when it comes to instant gratification when it comes to fan favorites, and his energy and stage presence can make the Energizer Bunny appear weak and run down. Surrounding himself with brilliantly skilled talent, the chemical charge on stage overflows into their audience.
Along with classic Great White, fans were also treated to tracks from their latest album, “He Saw It Coming.” which was released in 2017 under the Frontiers Records label. If you have not had a chance to listen to this unique compilation, yet, you are missing out on 11 tracks of classic GW sound sandwiched between the unexpected. The album has received a 4+ star satisfaction rating among music lovers and a 5-star rating from the team at BackStage360. To see JWGW on stage again and in such perfect form, was like taking a trip back to the glory days of heavy metal and rock music without anything missing a beat!
If the debut event of Robby and Billy’s concert series is any indication of music bringing us together in brotherhood – they have birthed the work of genius! The summer series is already a success!
Since launching the series on June 15th, Robby and Billy’s production company has hosted two additional events at the Encore; June 22nd with “The Sweet” and June 29th with “Thund Her Struck”. The remaining schedule is listed below; tickets range from $15 to $40.
July 21st and 22nd with “Pyrosteria” and “Voyager”
July 24th and 25th with the “Appice Brothers”
August 3rd and 4th with “Blackfoot”
Please be sure to find our interview with Robby and Billy immediately following this feature where we discuss, the Summer Series and The Wounded Warrior Project, Billy Stoke’s latest album drop “Muscle and Blood”, Great Whites’ newest album and some of the inspiration and muse behind it.
You can find Billy and Robby’s music on most popular music streaming sites where you can purchase and download. You can keep up with the artists and Jack Russell’s Great White on most social media by searching the artist or band name. Jack Russell’s Great White is currently touring throughout the United States. You can find their schedule on their website.
To learn more about Robby and Billy’s Summer Concert Series, please search its community page on Facebook, and you can find out more about The Wounded Warrior Project and how to donate on their website.
On behalf of BackStage360, I want to thank Billy and Robby for an unforgettable weekend personally. We look forward to meeting up again soon to share the music.
https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/
https://www.facebook.com/strokerproductions
http://www.jackrussellsgreatwhiteband.com/
http://www.billystokesband.com/
Jack Russell’s Great White is:
Jack Russell (Vocals)
Tony Montana (Guitar)
Robby Lochner (Guitar)
Dan McNay (Bass)
Dicki Fliszar (Drums)
By: Siege / BackStage360
An Interview with Robby Lochner and Billy Stokes
