I cannot tell you Hunnypot readers the last time I have been to the famous Whisky a Go-Go on the Sunset Strip. This iconic venue has stood the test of time since the 1960s, and I will admit, when the LA wildfires first struck, I was a little afraid it was going to turn into ashes. Luckily, that was not the case, and the Whisky was open for business. It was recently announced that famed lady guitarist Sophie Lloyd would be making her U.S. solo debut on January 16 at the venue made famous by groups like the Doors, Van Halen, and Mötley Crüe. The British axe master known for her YouTube videos and touring with Machine Gun Kelly has put a spell on us rockers and metalheads just itching for a new guitar hero. Ever since putting out her debut album in 2023, Imposter Syndrome, Lloyd is blazing her own trail for rock ‘n’ roll glory. Along with our longtime compadre Rockaholic, Rabit and I got the chance to head back to the Strip and witness a spectacle of a show. Following dinner and drinks at the Rainbow Bar & Grill, it was off to Whisky to see both Lloyd and rock sensations Dead Posey.

We made it into the Whisky just in time to catch the end of Dead Posey’s set. Fronted by the sizzling Danyell Souza, I was immediately enchanted by the band’s take on alternative rock, rockabilly, and punk. This blend made Dead Posey a kick ass sensation for the few songs we caught them playing. From “Welcome to the Nightmare” to “Scar” and New Order’s “Blue Monday,” I was grooving with a sense of aura. Dead Posey put me in the mood for what was about to come.

After a short intermission, Sophie descended from the stairs with her group and got her evening started with “Battleground.” Armed with her array of Kiesel guitars and EVH amps, Sophie dazzled us with her mesmerizing licks. I will say watching her perform would give Nita Strauss a run for her money. This woman is a shredding messiah who preaches what she riffs, clean and heavy licks. When she released Imposter Syndrome, there was a different singer for each song, and each vocalist brought their own uniqueness to the tune. Songstress Lauren Babic was one of those frontmen who appeared on stage and belted out her best, from “Hanging On” to “Won’t You Come,” “Fall of Man,” and “Avalanche” to name a few. Unfortunately, Inglorious frontman Nathan James (who was featured on the record) could not make it due to travel issues, but Babic, Danyell, and alternative pop rock songbird Izzy T took over, each packing a punch to our eardrums (in a good way). Steel Panther'S Michael Starr made an appearance to perform one of the night’s top performances, “Runaway.” His presence made it feel more like a Sunset Strip show. Sophie also collaborated with fellow guitar marvel Cole Rolland. When the two of them came together for “Lost” and mgk cover “I Think I’m OKAY,” it was like watching Penn & Teller create magic, only with guitars.

What was great about her set was that it was a lethal combination of originals and covers that made her an internet sensation. Whether it was Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” Bon Jovi’s “You Give Love a Bad Name,” or AC/DC’s “Thunderstruck,” you could feel Sophie raw energy being transformed into a rocking euphoria. Her best cover that night was Pink Floyd’s “Comfortably Numb.” Listening to her riff away David Gilmour’s intoxicating licks transported me into a high buzz. For most of the night, it was the Sophie and Babic show. Each woman complimented each other’s capabilities to transcend metal. Other songs they performed included “Judge and Jury,” “Imposter Syndrome,” and the closer “Do or Die,” which brought the Whisky down.

Traveling to the Whisky that night was totally worth it. Though I was tired and sore the next day, it just gave me new concert battle scars to polish. Even with the fires still blazing in Los Angeles, Sophie lit up the Whisky and gave the loyal rock fans of Hollywood one hell of a U.S. debut. What was also cool was whatever tickets were left to be sold, $5 from each remaining sold ticket would go to the LAFD fund. This was a show for the books for myself, Rabit, and Rockaholic. Always great to be at the Whisky. To Sophie Lloyd and Dead Posey, I salute you. Horns up!!! I also pray, salute, and dedicate this article to all the first responders battling this inferno. Stay safe!!!

Protos by:  Matt 'Rabit' Martinez