All last week I gave you an in-depth preview of The Battle For Buckcherry.  Now, in case you were away from cyberland last week, I’ll give you a somewhat quick recap.  Buckcherry will be coming to The NorVa Saturday, August 18 and they asked The NorVa to hold a battle of the bands in which the two winners, based on the audience votes, will open up for Buckcherry.  The battle was set for Saturday, July 28 and six of the top hard rock bands duked it out in an all-out no-holds barred war.

Each band had 25 minutes to make their best case on why they should win and each one did just that.  The order was selected at random and the first one up was Virginia Beach’s Gypside.  A fairly new band to the scene, these guys made the most of their limited set.  Playing like seasoned veterans,  lead singer Seth Brock took control of the stage and set the tone for the night and that was to rock the fullest.

After a quick, 15 minute set change, which by the way I have to stand up and give a round of thunderous applause to production manger Chuck Smith and his crew for their outstanding hard work and dedication.  These guys are beyond awesome!  OK, back to the music, after a quick set change, 180 Out took the front lines.  Bruce Johnson aka Chewie McWookster or as I like to call him, Chewie Johnson lead his band into their set.  A great band with a great sound, their songs and tone come at you like a freight train.

Pillbuster came stormin’ on next.  Lead singer Brett Lloyd channeled his inner-Scott Weiland and really commanded the stage well.  An overall great in-your-face rock sound.  I expect you’ll hear more from these guys real soon.

Dirty Rock came to represent the NC contingent and represent they did.  The band continues on as a 4 peice since the untimely passing of their front man, Randy Hunt.  Bassist Steven Canady took over the vocal duties and I bet Randy was looking down with big grin on his face.  The guys rocked and it was great to see Seven Ten Oil‘s Les Moseley rockin’ right along in the front row.

Speaking of 710, it was their turn to hit the stage.  I mentioned in my profile of them that they’re the ones to beat.  These guys have been playing together for a while and they know how to put on a rock show regardless of how big or small the set is.  Chris Johnson quickly took control of the crowd and never relinquished control…well that’s until Ashely Phillips showed up.

The One Among Us front woman took over those reigns when her and her band, One Among Us took the stage.  The Hampton-based band took aim and fired off what I thought was the best set of the night.  A great sound and great stage presence.  I had no doubt that they were the ones to beat.  Once they ended their set, the voting began.  It was done ballot style, where the crowd wrote down their two bands and tossed it into the ballot box.  The NorVa staff counted up the votes and took the stage to announce the winners.   And the winners are……

                                                           Seven Ten Oil & One Among Us

These two great bands will be opening for Buckcherry Saturday, August 18 at The NorVa.

Click here for my photo gallery of The Battle For Buckcherry

That’s it for me today.  I’ll catch up with you later this week.  Cheers!