Ugly Kid Joe, an American hard rock band from California formed in 1989 headlined
here in Houston at Rise Rooftop on May 11, 2023 for their Rad Wings of Destiny tour
with original members Whitfield Crane (vocals), Klaus Eichstadt (lead guitar), Cordell
Crockett (guitarist) along with bassist Dave Fortman who joined the band in 1991
and drummer Cam Greenwood.
The show was like a time capsule back into the 90’s especially with two of my UKJ
favorites ”Cat’s in the Cradle” and “Everything about you”. Frontman Whitfield
Crane kept participation of the audience with his crowd engaging behavior during
several of the songs. Whitfield mentioned that he doesn’t like encores, however
instead asked the audience to get loud! The louder they got, the better chances
were of playing the last 2 songs.
Ugly Kid Joe’s set list had a variety of songs across their 31 years of discography
including 2 new songs from their latest album that released last fall. Red Wings of
Destiny being one of them as well as several fan favorites. Fozzy frontman Chris
Jericho joined UKJ on stage for Motorhead’s “Ace of Spades” towards the end of
their set.

Set list;
-That aint livin’
-VIP
-Neighbor
-Jesus Rode a Harley
-C.U.S.T.
-Panhandlin’
-No one survives
-Devils paradise
-Cats in the Cradle
-I’m alright
-Failure
-Milkman’s son
-Busy Bee
-Goddamn Devil
-Ace of Spaces
-Everything about you.

Supporting Ugly Kid Joe was 2 other bands, Fozzy and Pistols at Dawn.
Pistols at Dawn was the first band opening for the night which was formed in 2015
out of Atlanta had the place rocking from the get go. I had recently seen them back
in March when they opened for Alter Bridge at 713 Music Hall and was totally blown
away both times.
Fozzy is an heavy metal rock band from Atlanta formed in 1999 originally as an Ozzy
Osbourne tribute band called “Fozzy Osbourne”. Wrestling star Chris Jericho was
asked to join the band shortly after it’s formation as lead vocals by the band’s lead
guitarist Rich Ward. The band also includes rhythm guitarist Billy Grey, bassist P.J.
Farley (formerly from Trixter) and drummer Grant Brooks.
Their set list was a mix from their last 6 studio albums. This was the first time I had
seen them live and their energy on stage was great especially between both
guitarists. Not surprised by Chris Jericho’s stage presence considering his wresting
career and tv personality.

Set List;
-Sane
-Lights go out
-Do you wanna start a war
-Relax
-I still burn
-Burn me out
-Spider in my mouth
-God pounds his nails
-Purifier
-Enemy
-Judas