Warrant Live at Gazzarri’s 1987
A rare 1987 hair metal show with raw energy, unique tracks and a performance echoing Hollywood’s vibe
Sakshi holds a bachelor’s degree in Science and a master’s in Bioinformatics from Panjab University, India. Her passion for writing engaging articles has led her to pursue a career in content writing since 2020. Sakshi has written in various niches, including health and wellness, fintech, blockchain, and lifestyle.
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On March 30, 1987, in the heart of Hollywood at Gazzarri’s, the iconic hair metal band Warrant delivered a performance that still resonates with fans of the genre. Captured in a rare professional shot, this early live show stands as a time capsule of raw energy and unfiltered rock ‘n’ roll spirit—long before the band signed with Columbia Records and became a household name with chart-topping hits.
Warrant’s setlist from that night is a treasure trove for hair metal aficionados. The band opened with the hard-hitting track “Cold Sweat” and continued to ignite the stage with songs such as “Down Boys”, “Let It Rain” and “Sad Theresa”. The performance also featured memorable renditions of “Jimmy”, “All Night Long”, “Heaven” and “Bang Bang”. Unique to this show was the inclusion of tracks like “It’s Not the Size That Counts”, “Down the Road” and “Tease Machine” – songs that would never see the light of day on the debut album, Dirty Rotten Filthy Stinkin’ Rich, or any other official release. Perhaps the most intriguing moment of the night was the cover of Cheap Trick’s “Baby Loves to Rock”, performed with a special guest appearance by Taime Downe of Faster Pussycat alongside Rikki Rocket & Bobby Dall of Poison.
Setlist Soul
The setlist from that evening is a rare glimpse into Warrant’s developmental phase. By presenting songs that did not make it to their later studio albums, the band offered fans a unique perspective on their evolving musical identity. The eclectic mix—ranging from heavy, aggressive riffs to more melodic interludes—underscores the band’s ability to bridge raw rock energy with catchy, memorable hooks. Every track was a statement of intent, capturing the unrefined essence of the hard rock scene emerging on the Sunset Strip.
Gritty Hollywood Vibes
The atmosphere at Gazzarri’s was electric. While other bands like Hot Wheels, Desperate Angels, and Charade shared the bill that night, it was Warrant’s performance that stole the show. The documentation of the event in this pro shot highlights not only the commanding stage presence of the band but also the immersive ambiance of Hollywood’s live music scene in the late ‘80s. The gritty backdrop of the club, combined with dazzling stage lights and an enthusiastic crowd, created an environment where every power chord and drum beat echoed with rebellious energy.
This legendary night was emblematic of a time when live performances were pure and unscripted. The band’s willingness to experiment with unreleased songs and unique covers demonstrates their commitment to artistic authenticity. Fans and collectors alike regard such moments as priceless artifacts, capturing a band on the brink of transitioning from underground heroes to major label stars.
Warrant’s evolution from the raw, energetic days of performing at intimate venues like Gazzarri’s to later arenas on major tours is a story of perseverance and reinvention. Formed in the mid-1980s, the band quickly became synonymous with the excess and exuberance of the hair metal era. Their early live shows, such as the one documented on that March evening, offer a glimpse into the creative process that would eventually define the sound of a generation.
In addition to celebrating a milestone from the past, Warrant’s enduring legacy continues to captivate audiences. With recent social media updates hinting at upcoming events like the Let The Good Times Rock Tour 2025, it’s clear that the band has never lost the spark that first ignited their career. Fans are encouraged to revisit these rare moments, compare them to the current tour announcements, and appreciate how the band has maintained its iconic status over decades.
While many of Warrant’s tracks from this early phase remain unofficial, the live recording from Gazzarri’s serves not only as a nostalgic reminder of an era but also as a benchmark for the band’s raw performance style. The unfiltered energy captured in this footage stands as a testament to the band’s musical prowess and their profound influence on the hard rock and hair metal scenes.
For long-time fans and new enthusiasts alike, this rare pro shot is a powerful reminder of why Warrant continues to be celebrated. The blend of unique, unreleased tracks and dynamic live energy encapsulates a pivotal moment in rock history, inviting audiences to relish a time when authenticity and rebellion were the notes of every chord.
The performance at Gazzarri’s, with its unforgettable setlist and raw Hollywood vibes, remains a cherished chapter in the annals of hair metal history—a timeless echo of a night when rock ‘n’ roll ruled and every song told a story of youthful defiance and creative spirit.
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