Home › Motley 2 › Hairspray, Heavy Riffs and Total Mayhem: Goldfield’s Goes Full Sunset Strip – Concert Review & Photos

Hairspray, Heavy Riffs and Total Mayhem: Goldfield’s Goes Full Sunset Strip – Concert Review & Photos

By capitalchaostv on February 18, 2026 • ( 0 )

By Christopher Crone

Modesto’s Aware took the opening slot, and if you were late, you missed out. These guys recently killed it at The Boardwalk’s Battle of the Bands, and they brought that same “nothing to lose” energy to Goldfield’s. They ripped into “Taco Truck Burrito” right out of the gate punchy, high-octane opener that set the bar high. By the time they hit “Burning Love,” the rhythm section was locked tightly, dragging the early arrivals away from the bar and toward the barricade. It was also the first time ever performing with Liam Washburn on guitar, and he absolutely ripped, fitting right in and adding extra firepower to the set. They wrapped their set with “Used to Getting By,” proving these kids aren’t just “local talent “they’re playing with the grit of seasoned road dogs.

Drummer performing on stage with vibrant lighting and expressive facial gesture.

Two musicians performing on stage with electric guitars under colorful stage lights, one with long hair and the other wearing a cap.

Next up, Big Machine did exactly what they do best: loud, hook-heavy rock and roll. These guys are staple crowd-favorites for a reason. It’s impossible not to join in on the sing-along choruses it’s basically high-end rock karaoke where everyone knows the words. The father-son dynamic on stage is always a trip to watch, with Chris belting it out while Mason shreds alongside him. Special shoutout to Bill Hunting, who was absolutely punishing his drum kit like it owed him money. They kept the room hot and the beer flowing, prepping the crowd for a serious trip back in time that was to come next.

A male performer wearing a black shirt, sunglasses, and a cap is singing into a microphone on stage, with colorful lights in the background.

A band performing live on stage with one vocalist singing and a guitarist playing electric guitar, with dynamic stage lighting.

When Motley 2 hit the stage, the calendar flipped straight back to 1985. Darryl Strucke (bass), Tony Burnett (guitar), Jeff Bill (vocals), and Nick Pesely (drums) didn’t just play the hits they channeled the whole degenerate Sunset Strip era.

Strucke brought that “dangerously over-the-top” stage presence that defined the early Crüe years, while Nick Pesely’s massive drum solo bled perfectly into a blistering rendition of “Red Hot.” Jeff Bill is a hell of a frontman; he’s got the swagger, the attitude, and more importantly he can actually hit those high notes while working the room like a ringmaster. Tony Burnett’s guitar tone was spot on crunchy, 80s, and loud as hell.

The Setlist Highlights: “Shout at the Devil” A massive, room-shaking opener. “Live Wire” Pure high-energy filth, ”Ten Seconds to Love” A heavy, mid-tempo groove that had the floor moving.

A rock vocalist with long hair and sunglasses performing on stage, wearing a sleeveless vest adorned with metal studs and chains.

A musician performing on stage, striking a dynamic pose while playing an electric guitar. The artist has long, spiky hair and is wearing a punk-style outfit with ripped clothing and large platform boots, surrounded by colorful stage lights.

For a few hours, Goldfield’s transformed into the Whisky a Go Go, enough to trigger a flashback. The set ended with a room full of grinning faces and ringing ears. If you missed this one, keep your eyes peeled for the next time they roll through town you won’t want to miss the bus.