Scars & Stripes June 3, 2017


Scars & Stripes definitely proved that Las Vegas loves their local rock! And I was no exception! I rolled out of my coffin bright and early, as did many other pasty Vegas rockers to catch some of our great local rock bands opening up the show. First up, the brooding goth rockers of The Nocturnal Affair. Brendan Shane (vocals) and Andrew “drucifer” Lappin (guitar) kicked off the main stage right—also known as the “Vegas stage”. The dark and haunting lyrics of several originals sounded great and definitely introduced themselves to newcomers. Brendan really knows how to bring you over to the dark side. “Ghosts on the Horizon” is a chilling tale of modern heartbreak and the lyrics are completely and totally relatable. But the cover of “Lovesong” by The Cure definitely stole my heart. These guys prepared the early birds for a long day of great rock music. Great start! 



Next up on the “Vegas stage” at 1:30 was Nations. Boasting insane guitar and two vocalists feeding off of each other from the second they walked on stage. Chad Dague and Tyler Burgess (former vocalist for American Monster) seemed like the perfect high energy fit on stage. Bouncing from platform to platform belting out lyrics like crazy men! It was hard and edgy…just the way I like it!!! And more familiar faces began to trickle in for the show. I’m definitely excited to see more from these guys soon. 






It was almost 2:30 and a crowd of a few hundred or so was building…although my numbers might be off as I was directly in front of the stage. Lots of Honor Amongst Thieves shirts rolling in…I hadn’t left the same spot for hours! My skin felt like it was melting…. but the humble and lovable boys from Honor Amongst Thieves were about to start. And I wasn’t moving. Juan Jaguar (bass player) hand delivered my ticket to me while I was at work along with a free shirt. These fun-loving, jokesters really know how to put on a show–and all of them smiling the whole way through. Chris Iorio (guitar) sported an American flag shirt and Jonathan Salas (vocals) and Jonathan Hartman (drums) pointed out the Marine flag and reminded the crowd why we were all there in the first place!!! Opening up with the song “Escape” from Element of Truth, really captured everyone’s attention immediately. The crisp vocals blended with rad riffs, badass bass and BANGING drums clearly explain why they have become one of—if not the most popular local Vegas rock band. Not to mention the fact that these guys are some of the coolest dudes I’ve ever had the pleasure to meet!! Do yourself a favor and grab their album Element of Truth…big things are in store for this band. 










The moral of this Vegas rock story is get out there in Vegas and support these talented bands!! Buy their albums, watch their videos, go see them LIVE and even talk to them after the shows!!! The Nocturnal Affair and Honor Amongst Thieves are playing June 24 at the House of Blues in Mandalay Bay…if you need tickets hit them up. They’re busting their asses day in and day out and are very appreciative of all the support. Yes, I know there were big names on the ticket…but I came to see my local boys!!! Big shout out to Honor Amongst Thieves, Nations and The Nocturnal Affair for putting on a kickass show! And thank you for supporting US Veterans and first responders. Much love and respect.
twiggy talks rock 🖤🖤🖤