Live report + photo by Erik Hernandez

Unless you’ve been living under a rock for the past 30 plus years, you’ve heard the name John Corabi. From his days with The Scream, Motley Crue, Union, The Dead Daisies, and his solo career, Corabi has steadily remained relevant within the Rock n Roll community for decades. Hell bent on keeping authentic Rock n Roll music alive, with no signs of slowing down.

On December 30, 2025, at the Basement East in Nashville Tennessee, Corabi once again proved that he has plenty of gas in the tank for yet another road trip. Teamed up with Rock n Roll greats Troy Lucketta, Paul Taylor, Michael Devin, Jeremy Asbrock and Marti Frederickson and collectively known as John Corabi & Friends, the band took to the stage to debut new songs and play for the hometown crowd.

The vibe backstage was electric. Band members were pacing with instruments in hand just before the show. “Our first gig together,” said Frederickson. “I know man” said Taylor, smiling. “We’ve been on the road a lot together over the years playing in different bands, but this is our first time together.” “First one, gents, first one of many,” said Corabi. All were smiling and you could feel the bond between them, it was like watching something great happening for the first time.

The crowd was ready, cheers and screams called out as the band took to the stage. The “Beast” as the venue is known, was packed, and it was finally time to see what these 6 guys had in store for the world. I was present during soundcheck, so I knew it was going to be an amazing show, but when those first chords were struck and the drums beating the rhythm, it was like a call to arms and the crowd loved it.
The new music takes me back to a simpler time. A time when Rock n Roll meant something more than just a few second clip on social media. Real music, with very real meaning. It was as I often imagine how it must have been to have heard the Rolling Stones or Aerosmith play LIVE for the first time back in the day.

The new single “New Day” opened the set and the crowd danced and sang along. It signaled that people had paid attention and been listening to the track. Released two weeks ago and already with 45 thousand views on You Tube, and over 3 million streams on Spotify, it’s apparent that despite what many believe, Rock n Roll is in fact not dead.

Each song played from the new record fit perfectly, like a well-oiled machine. The songs flowed as if they were already old favorites among a hungry crowd. Songs like ‘One More Shot’ and ‘That memory’ Are straight forward Rock n Roll songs that will have you tapping the steering wheel as you drive.

The set also included a re-imagined version of Hooligans Holiday, and for me that song is sacred, so I wasn’t sure how to feel about it at first. By the time the song was finished I was sold. This version is better. Maybe it’s that I’m nearly 54, or maybe, just maybe Corabi’s writing and style is aging like fine wine. Closing the night was an encore featuring the final track on the new record. Sly and The Family Stone’s ‘Everyday People’. While the song has been covered by others, I think it fits nicely with Corabi & Friends.

To go this long and do it your way in the music biz is the thing legends are made of. I give this new band and record nothing short of a 10/10. Corabi & Friends are set to tour overseas in February. You owe it to yourself to go out and see this show.