Labor Day weekend delivered an unforgettable experience for metalheads, with a double-shot of legendary metal bands Accept and KK’s Priest lighting up both the iconic Whisky A Go Go and the annual Rainbow Bar & Grill Backyard Bash. Kicking off Saturday night with a blistering performance at the Whisky, and wrapping up on Sunday under the scorching sun at the Rainbow, it was two days of metal mayhem that left the crowd drenched in sweat and satisfaction.

The night began at the legendary Whisky A Go Go, a venue that has seen its fair share of rock history. But even with its storied past, this was a night that felt electric from the start. The crowd packed into the intimate venue, and with the sweltering heat, the atmosphere became an intense, almost primal experience. Sweat dripped from every corner, and it was impossible to move without bumping into someone else who was just as soaked—exactly what you expect from a pure metal show.

Accept took the stage first, showing off the prowess that has kept them relevant since their 1980s heyday. Hailing from Germany, Accept is known for pioneering the speed metal genre, and their decades of experience shined through. They delivered crushing renditions of fan favorites like "Fast as a Shark" and "Restless and Wild," songs that continue to resonate with both old-school fans and newer generations. Vocalist Mark Tornillo, who has been with the band since 2009, sounded as fierce as ever, proving that Accept still has plenty of fire left.

Then came KK’s Priest, the brainchild of former Judas Priest guitarist K.K. Downing. The band, which also features ex-Judas Priest vocalist Tim "Ripper" Owens, brought the house down with their powerful blend of classic and modern heavy metal. Downing’s guitar work was as blistering as ever, and Ripper’s vocals soared over the wall of sound, with the crowd erupting to songs like "Hellfire Thunderbolt" and "Raise Your Fists." If Saturday was a warm-up, KK’s Priest made sure it set the bar sky-high.

The metal festivities continued on Sunday at the Rainbow Bar & Grill’s Backyard Bash, a staple event that marks the end of summer with a mix of nostalgia and rock chaos. This year’s lineup featured an impressive roster, with performances from Zack Kirkorian, Sunset Riot, Prima Donna Rising, Ted Poley of Danger Danger, Warbringer, Bulletboys, Accept, and KK’s Priest.

Prima Donna Rising, one of the standards of the Sunset Strip these days was in top form as were, Sunset Riot.  I had never seen Ted Poley live and I was so impressed by his positive attitude.  He jumped into the crowd and sung along with the fans, allowing them to take selfies.  He said that they didn’t bring any Merch, as they wanted people to make donations instead to their local animal shelter.  Warbringer was a bit of a THRASHING outlier as they had a huge fanbase there that whipped the parking lot into a massive mosh pit. They thrashing continued for a for their solid set, and then the more relaxed but fun, The Bullet Boys with Ira Black on fire on guitar and Marq Torien’s rocking vocals are always great fun. By the time the headliners returned, the Backyard Bash was in full swing, packed with rock fans of all ages, baking under the unforgiving afternoon sun. Despite the heat, the energy was contagious. Accept and KK’s Priest came back for slightly shorter sets compared to their Whisky performances, but the atmosphere was supercharged. The larger outdoor crowd fed off the energy, belting out lyrics to classics like Accept’s “Princess of the Dawn” and “Balls to the Wall,” and KK’s Priest’s electrifying “Sermons of the Sinner.”

The Rainbow Bash crowd sang every word back to the stage, creating an epic sing-along moment that epitomized the unifying power of rock music. Fans of all ages, from die-hard metalheads to those who discovered these bands more recently, were brought together in a celebration of the music that’s kept rock alive through decades of change. Despite the shortened setlists, the headliners gave their all, with performances that were as tight and energetic as the night before, and the audience responded in kind.

What made this weekend truly special was not just the raw power of the music but the sense of legacy and community that came with it. Accept and KK’s Priest are bands with deep roots in metal history, and seeing them perform back-to-back—first in the intimate Whisky A Go Go and then at the expansive Backyard Bash—was a reminder of why these bands have endured.

The Rainbow Bash’s diverse lineup also paid tribute to the wider rock and metal scene, with bands like Warbringer bringing thrash energy, and Bulletboys delivering glam rock nostalgia. Ted Poley of Danger Danger brought some melodic rock to the mix, and Prima Donna Rising and Sunset Riot gave the day a fresh, modern edge.

The weekend was a perfect blend of old-school and new energy, showing that metal is far from dead. From the sweaty walls of the Whisky to the sun-baked grounds of the Rainbow, Accept and KK’s Priest led a celebration of the music that has defined generations and continues to evolve. It was a reminder that no matter the venue, no matter the decade, rock and metal still have the power to unite, uplift, and—most importantly—bring the house down.