AUTOGRAPH – LIVE IN THE WOLF DEN AT MOHEGAN SUN
By Mandy Reid
Friday night at the Wolf Den, Autograph left a scorching blaze of rock and roll for a great crowd!! Many fans were already pre-partying in Florida in preparation for MORC, but it was still wall-to-wall with so many enthusiastic fans, some of them hailing all the way from the West Coast!! By the first song, the fans were already heavy into it and the hard-hitting 90 min performance kept them tranced till the end.
Many Autograph classics were played and a few from their latest full-length studio album Beyond, which was a real treat. Beyond (Frontiers Records) was the last album to feature founding member/bassist Randy Rand. For sure, Randy was smiling and grinning hearing these tunes played live and the band felt his presence. The audience was very receptive to the new songs. Many of them were already familiar with the big sweeping chorus lines. For those new to Autograph, the band brothers lost their bass player, one of the founding Autograph members and their friend, a year ago. Randy was totally excited for the release of their newest album. It is with marked regret that he sadly passed before Beyond was released.
Photos Lea Caffrey
For those with a distinguished ear… their sound is denser than before but in keeping with the melodic vocals and haunting hooks that are part of their signature sound and branding. On many of the new songs like, “This Ain’t the Place I Wanna Be”, you will hear the essence of the traditional Autograph trademark combined with a new modern sound. Also witnessed was the band’s engagement with the audience. The enthusiasm and energy were palpable and a sure testament to their solid delivery, song-after-song. The only somber pause of the evening was the third song in when Simon dedicated the show to the first year remembrance of Randy’s passing.
Simon Daniels, delivers! The current lineup features the 10 year-veteran. He’s the longest tenured singer under the name “Autograph” and the current glue of the band. Back in 2013 when the original Autograph members searched for a great talent to transform the lineup they selected Daniels as their frontman because his vision was sympatico with that of the band’s future. Not only is Simon a force to reckon with on vocals, he’s a fierce guitarist and a witty lyricist. Clearly, he is at his peak and that combined with his big smile and larger than life stage presence brings the current Autograph to life.
Marc Wieland, as usual, ushered a solid performance. Keni Richards had tragically diedi n 2014, and he was replaced by Mark Wieland on drums. Weiland, constantly lays it out and always delivers. He is also a technical genius in the studio as well. In addition, his mixing prowess is off-the-charts. For the last 10 years, he has been the heartbeat of the band and his performance on Friday was flawless.
Jimi Bell, lead guitar, was in his element playing in his hometown state of CT. He was hired to replace the original guitarist, Steve Lynch, in 2019, by founding member Randy Rand when Lynch publicly quit the band to pursue other opportunities. Bell, a consummate professional, gave a blazing performance and then some! For close to four years, he has been having a lot of fun with Simon and Marc performing across the U.S.
Steve Unger, bass guitarist, has the most challenging position in the current lineup. Steve (Metal Church) has been filling in on bass and has over half a dozen shows with Autograph. Slinky and smooth, Unger is a perfect fit, even though it is difficult to replace the one and only, Randy Rand. Steve is no stranger to front and center as a vocalist and his talents contribute immensely to the band’s new sound!!
The band performed Sunday, April 30th @ midnight on the Monsters of Rock Cruise at the Royal Theater. Hope someone posts on social media a clip or two. What you will see is PASSION!!! They are fiercely loyal to preserve the name, “Autograph” and keep performing under that name that was entrusted to Marc and Simon by the founding member, Rand. Any fan that supports Randy’s memory and legacy inherently supports these guys too, as they continue to deliver exceptional live performances throughout the U.S. Catch them if you can-you are in for a real treat.
Most of the members have side projects/bands that they are involved in, So their shows are spread out. More are being booked as we speak. It is no secret that there aren’t any original member in this lineup. There is full transparency and integrity from this band to all their fans and promoters. That being said, their solid live performances and new music are attracting new converts while keeping the loyal fans satisfied. You don’t want to miss them if they come your way, they are cumulatively a bunch of fantastic human beings doing what they do best….performing with gratitude for all of You!
To learn more about Autograph, check out their website
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