Cinderella was always one of those “Yeah, but…” bands. In the most positive way possible. Did they have that glam metal look that most bands of the era had? Yeah, but they were bluesier. Did they have videos that got tons of airplay on MTV? Yeah, but they seemed tougher. Did they have hits and a lot of earlier success? Yeah, but they could have been even bigger.

Lead singer, guitarist, and primary songwriter Tom Keifer was the frontman for Cinderella. His raspy, reach-for-the-sky, motor-oil-meets-sandpaper voice gave him a unique place in the pantheon of ’80s singers. The band’s future, and Keifer’s, was as bright as any band of their time. Until it wasn’t. Vocal issues sidelined Keifer and threatened his ability to speak, let alone sing, which halted Cinderella’s growth and led to the band’s demise. But hard, hard work and perseverance paid off for Keifer. He’s been able to sing for a while now, with two solo albums and a loyal audience following him and his Tom Keifer Band. That fan loyalty was fully on display at the sold-out L.A. Guns/Tom Keifer Band show at the Grove of Anaheim.

The fifteen-song setlist featuring the massive Cinderella hits had the crowd on their feet from the first notes of “Night Songs,” the title track from the debut album, to the final tune, “Gypsy Road.” In between was nothing short of hard rock heaven, with the guitar playing of Keifer and lead guitarist Tony Higbee. Speaking of guitars, it seemed they were all on display - acoustic, Gibsons, Fenders, steel, and double necks delivering the signature bluesy, rocking feel that makes the tunes so beloved.

#Keiferband is a full stage of musicians. Besides Keifer and Higbee on guitar and vocals, there were Luis Espaillat on bass and vocals, Jarred Pope on drums, Kory Myers on keyboards and vocals, along with backing singers Kendra Chantelle and Savannah Keifer. While it’s important to mention everyone’s contribution on vocals, make no mistake about it: Keifer delivered. The man can sing. Songs like “Shake Me” and “Nobody’s Fool” delivered, and the power ballad “Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)” turned into a lovely moment with Keifer and his wife Savannah at the piano.

By the end of the show, as the house lights came up, the crowd was either reminiscing about the first time they saw Cinderella and Tom Keifer back in the day or raving about how great the show was and how they can’t wait to see him again. Tom Keifer has survived. Tom Keifer has perseverance. But most of all, Tom Keifer has triumphed.

If you had looked around just before the opening act took the stage, you would have seen something a bit unusual. The place was packed and the seats were full. Nobody was milling about, getting their drinks or food, or hanging by the merch checking things out. Everyone was on time, ready to rock. Because, like one audience member said, it was going to get loud.

As an opening act, L.A. Guns takes a back seat to absolutely, positively no one. These veteran Sunset Strip hard rockers always own the stage for however long they’re on it. They are never ones to rest on any laurels (or rest at all). They still put out new music, although the ten-song setlist pulled heavily from their first three albums. As an opener, you gotta come out hard and fast, and L.A. Guns lives for that.

Lead guitarist and founder Tracii Guns is, as lead singer and frontman Phil Lewis said, a “national treasure.” As a guitarist, he has it all: chops, tone, vibe, and the ability to strike the guitar-hero look even when wearing shorts and knee-high striped socks. Guns looks like a guy who is completely enjoying who he is, what he is playing, and who he is playing music with.

Which brings us back to Phil Lewis. This tour’s been a bit of a visual shock for most fans who haven’t kept up with the news. Phil is sporting an entirely new look. The long-haired, leathered-out rock/metal frontman style is gone. Phil’s grown a mustache and stopped dyeing his hair. He may look different, but mere seconds into the show it was easy to tell that Phil Lewis still sounded like Phil Lewis. Songs like “Electric Gypsy” and “Sex Action” dripped with attitude and sleaze, while “The Ballad of Jayne” proved once again why it’s a favorite.

While Lewis and Guns may be out front the most, no one hangs back in L.A. Guns. Rhythm guitarist Ace Von Johnson has the look, attitude, and musicianship to hang with Tracii Guns, and watching their interplay on stage (Ace blowing bubblegum bubbles) was a visual treat. Bass player Johnny Martin’s wide stance and iconic look do nothing to take away from the sound he holds down. On the drums, veteran Shawn Duncan keeps everything together. Once again, show up early if you want drinks, merch, or need to hit the restroom. L.A. Guns as an opening band is not to be missed.