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The '80s are long gone, and so, too, are Guns N' Roses.
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THE RUNDOWN
What: Siesta Fest
When: Noon-11 p.m. Wednesday, April 25, through Saturday, April 28
Where: Hemisfair Park, 600 Hemisfair Plaza Way
How much: $10; free admission every day from noon-3 p.m.
Info: siestafest.com |
And no, that never-gonna-release-an-album group assembled by enigmatic lead singer Axl Rose does not count.
But for those who want to take a trip down hair-metal memory lane, there's a festival for you.
The first Siesta Fest kicks off on Wednesday, April 25, and runs through Saturday, April 28. The event features mostly tribute/cover bands, including groups dedicated to GNR, Queensryche, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and one (Poison Cherry) that pays tribute to the entire '80s hair metal scene.
Planning for the unofficial Fiesta event began in December, though concrete plans for the event weren't finalized until February.
“On setting up logistics, it went smoothly,” co-coordinator Sylvia Fernandez said. “After getting approval from the city and going through a lot of meetings, it worked out smoothly, but it was a long process.”
In addition to tribute bands galore, the four-day extravaganza will feature food, drink, mechanical bull rides, and, yes, even a guy who swallows swords on the Discovery Channel (Side Show Bennie).
“We just basically wanted to have another event aimed more toward the college crowd,” Fernandez said.
PAYING TRIBUTE
Not familiar with some of the bands/genres that will be covered at Siesta Fest? Here's a refresher course.
QUEENSRYCHE
Sound: Judas Priest meets Iron Maiden
Hits: “Silent Lucidity,” “Sign of the Times,” “You,” "Jet City Woman"
How it all ended: It didn't. The band still tours and records, and will play in San Antonio on July 14.
Tribute band: Mind Crime
GUNS N' ROSES
Sound: Sleaze rock
Hits: “Welcome to the Jungle,” “November Rain,” “Paradise City”
How it all ended: Until the mythical Chinese Democracy makes its way into record stores, we're labeling GNR dead at 1993's Godawful The Spaghetti Incident.
Tribute band: Guns n' Roses Tribute Band (how original)
'80S HAIR METAL
Bands: Poison, Warrant, Whitesnake, the list goes on and on
Sound: Screaming guitars meet high-pitched vocals meet Aqua Net
Hits: “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” (Poison), “Cherry Pie” (Warrant), “Here I Go Again” (Whitesnake)
How it all ended: Luckily, the '90s and the grunge movement arrived.
Tribute band: Poison Cherry
RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS
Sound: Parliament Funkadelic meets modern rock
Hits: “Under the Bridge,” “Give It Away,” “By the Way”
How it all ended: It hasn't yet. Not with the money they're making these days.
Tribute band: Red Hot Chili Peckers
Clint Hale | 210SA
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