Goldfield Trading Post kept the momentum rolling on June 26 with an entertaining night that celebrated both rising local talent and one of hard rock’s enduring names. The lineup of Phantom Power, Damaged Things, and BulletBoys offered something for everyone, from modern hard rock to timeless Sunset Strip swagger. This show was also a little more special for me because I had the pleasure of being accompanied by my wife. She only joins me for a handful of shows each year—mostly because, as she’s reminded me, I’m usually too busy shooting photos to actually sit down and enjoy the evening with her. I’m learning.
Phantom Power opened the night with a confident performance that immediately grabbed the attention of the early crowd. Their tight musicianship and energetic delivery set an upbeat tone that carried throughout the evening. Every member looked comfortable on stage, playing with the kind of chemistry that only comes from spending plenty of time together. After the show, I had the opportunity to get to know vocalist Scott Eckardt, and it was great making a new friend. Hearing about his career—including opening for legendary acts like Mötley Crüe, Journey, and Def Leppard—made our conversation even more enjoyable, and it was easy to see how that experience has shaped his commanding stage presence.
Damaged Things kept the momentum rolling with a polished set that blended heavy riffs, memorable hooks, and plenty of stage presence. The band delivered each song with confidence, keeping the audience engaged from beginning to end. Their musicianship was tight, allowing every member an opportunity to shine without sacrificing the overall flow of the performance. They fed off the crowd’s growing energy, making each song feel bigger than the last. By the end of their set, the room was more than ready for the night’s headliners.
Nearly four decades after first making their mark on the hard rock scene, BulletBoys proved they still know exactly how to command a stage. From the opening song, the band played with an energy that immediately erased any notion that this would simply be a nostalgia act. Every member gave it everything they had, attacking each song with genuine enthusiasm and obvious love for performing. The stage moves were pure 1980s rock and roll, filled with swagger, personality, and the kind of showmanship that made that era so much fun. More importantly, it never felt forced—it looked like the band was genuinely enjoying every minute they were on stage. My wife, who only accompanies me to a handful of shows each year, commented afterward that BulletBoys really put on a fantastic show, and I couldn’t have agreed more. One would think that after almost 40 years, a band could simply phone it in and rely on its catalog to carry the night. That was definitely not the case, as every song was delivered with passion, precision, and plenty of fire. The crowd responded enthusiastically throughout the set, feeding off the band’s infectious energy from beginning to end. BulletBoys reminded everyone why they’ve remained a respected name in hard rock for nearly four decades, closing out the evening with a performance that was every bit as entertaining as it was memorable.
June 26 was another reminder that great live music isn’t measured by the size of the venue—it’s measured by the passion on stage and the connection between the band and the audience. Phantom Power and Damaged Things did an outstanding job setting the table before BulletBoys delivered a headlining performance that exceeded every expectation. Sharing the evening with my wife made this show even more enjoyable, and hearing her talk afterward about how much she appreciated the band’s energy and commitment made me realize I should probably spend a little more time enjoying these nights with her instead of always looking through the viewfinder. I’d also like to extend a sincere thank you to tour manager Troy Patrick Farrell for providing the media credentials. Troy was one of the hardest-working tour managers I’ve seen in a long time, constantly moving throughout the evening and attending to the band’s needs almost before anyone else realized something needed attention. His professionalism and dedication behind the scenes helped keep everything running smoothly, allowing the band to focus entirely on delivering a first-class performance. Nights like this are a reminder that it takes an entire team—both on stage and behind the scenes—to create a memorable concert experience, and everyone involved should be proud of what they accomplished at Goldfield.
Categories: Concert Photography
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