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from The Entertainer! Magazine - February 2022

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THEY’RE ON FIRE

Pyromania celebrates Def Leppard hits and B-sides

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski Sugar on Me,” “Love Bites,” “Animal” The Def Leppard tribute band Pyromania knows how to promote itself. Two years after Pyromania was founded and “Photograph” in front of 10,000 fans. “It was the largest audience I ever played in front of,” Shelton says. “The entire audience was singing along. I had goosebumps on my arms. I couldn’t believe in 2002, the musicians hosted a Def I was playing in front of so many people.” Leppard fan convention in Las Vegas to Pyromania is spending 2022 pique the interest of media and fans. celebrating its 20th anniversary. Gigs

It worked. this year include a two-night stint at

Def Leppard drummer Rick Allen Casino Arizona Friday, February 18, and came by, hosted a drum circle and signed Saturday, February 19. autographs at the Hard Rock Café. “We’re going to recreate Def Leppard Pyromania earned mentions on VH1 from the ’80s,” Shelton says. and MTV, and the event raised $10,000 “You’re going to get all the big hits. for Allen’s Raven Drum Foundation, We’ll throw in a few of the B-side-type which serves to educate and empower songs, just a couple for the hardcore Def veterans, first responders and trauma Leppard fans. We dress the part. One survivors to prevent suicide through thing about our tribute band is everyone wellness support programs. has real long hair — no wigs. All of us

“That was a little bit of a boost for us,” are experienced players who have been in Pyromania lead guitarist Neal Shelton national acts in the past. There’s a lot of says. talent on stage. Everybody in the band

Notable gigs followed, like sings. You’ll hear all the big Def Leppard Summerfest in Milwaukee, for which harmonies, like you hear on the albums.” Pyromania played songs like “Pour Some The Torrance, California-born Shelton performs in the Aerosmith tribute band Aeromyth, which also frequents Casino Arizona. Drummer James Schultz is a member of Sunflower Dead, who has toured with Hellyeah, Hed PE and Korn. Michael O’Mara, who fronts Pyromania, sang with Tracii Guns and leads the K-Tel All-Stars.

Pyromania bassist Patrick McGrath plays guitars and keyboards and sings for the Foreigner tribute 4NR. Finally, John Kulczyk rounds out Pyromania.

Spending two decades in Pyromania hasn’t been difficult, Shelton says.

“They have so many hit songs. The music is so melodic,” he says. “But also, it can lean toward a heavier rock sound. They have a lot of big radio hits. At this state, they would be considered family friendly. We play concerts in the park. They have a big female following, and when the females show up, the guys come, too. It’s fun music and great songwriting.”

When Shelton — who spent his teens opening for the likes of Ratt — isn’t onstage, he’s running his Neal Shelton Entertainment and Neal’s Music Store based in Huntington Beach, California. He specializes in used and vintage equipment, while his wife, Cathy, is the expert in new pieces.

Pyromania, Neal Shelton Entertainment and Neal’s Music Store all intertwine. He manages 100 tribute bands, including ABBA LA and Aeromyth.

“I definitely keep myself busy,” he says. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Pyromania

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, February 18, and Saturday, February 19 WHERE: Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale COST: $15 INFO: 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com, ticketmaster.com

CASINO ENTERTAINMENT

CALENDAR

By Christina Fuoco-Karasinski DSB: An American Journey

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 4, AND SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $15, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

Tyler Henry: The Hollywood Medium

8 P.M. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $35, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Johnny Mathis

8 P.M. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 12 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $70, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Pyromania: No. 1 Def Leppard Tribute

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 18, AND SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

The Black Moods

8 P.M. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 19 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $25, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Jake Owen

8 P.M. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25 The Pool at Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $35, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Led Zepagain: Tribute to Led Zeppelin

7:30 P.M. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 25, AND SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Casino Arizona, 524 N. 92nd Street, Scottsdale, tickets start at $10, 480.850.7777, casinoarizona.com

The Clairvoyants

8 P.M. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Talking Stick Resort, 9800 E. Talking Stick Way, Scottsdale, tickets start at $35, 480.850.7777, talkingstickresort.com

Conjunto Primavera

8 P.M. SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 26 Wild Horse Pass Hotel & Casino, 5040 Wild Horse Pass Boulevard, Chandler, tickets start at $45, 1.800.946.4452, playatgila.com