Rainbow’s ’Party in the Parking Lot’ reveals full lineup for April 14 concert headlined by Sebastian Bach.
Sunset and Clark broke the news about the Rainbow Bar and Grill‘s much-anticipated free spring show featuring Sebastian Bach, and now, the iconic Sunset Strip venue unveils the full lineup for its 52nd annual “Party in the Parking Lot” on April 14.
The all-day rock festival happens in the Rainbow’s back parking lot, behind the Roxy, and boasts a stellar roster, including Sunset Strip legends and international heavy metal icons Faster Pussycat along with Powerman 5000, Shark Island, Donnie Vie, Melody Mortal, Villa Nova, and Black Star Sinners.
INSIDER TIP: This semi-annual live music event, which takes place at the Rainbow each April and September, has started to get super-packed very early these last couple of years. The previous two events saw long lines forming long before the gates opened. So, get there early, get in, get stamped, and enjoy the in and out privileges.
Rainbow is located at 9050 Sunset Boulevard in the heart of WeHo. Gate opens at 1 p.m. The event is free, but guests are required to prepay for two drinks (around $20). Plus, early arrivals usually get an exclusive event shirt!
‘Party in the Parking Lot’: Who’s Who
Sebastian Bach catapulted to fame as the badass frontman of Skid Row in the late ’80s. Renowned for his powerful vocals and electrifying stage presence, he left an indelible mark on the metal era with hits like “18 and Life” and “I Remember You.” Beyond Skid Row, Bach’s solo projects and ventures on Broadway spotlight his versatile talents. A living legend, his powerhouse vocals and weave a lasting tapestry in the annals of hard rock history. Check out his newest track, “What Do I Got to Lose?” to hear how Bach hasn’t lost his touch on this metal mosher.
Faster Pussycat ignited the Sunset scene in 1985, founded by the powerhouse lineup of vocalist Taime Downe, guitarists Brent Muscat and Greg Steele, and bassist Kelly Nickels. Despite lineup shifts, Downe has propelled the band to stardom, and after a 1993 hiatus, they returned in 2001 and continue to tour the globe. The band’s amazing catalog includes albums like Faster Pussycat (1987) and Wake Me When It’s Over (1989), and the timeless hits “House of Pain” and “Bathroom Wall.” With over 2M records sold, Faster Pussycat remains enduring icons of the L.A. rock scene.
Powerman 5000 emerged in 1991 with the distinct vocals and futuristic aesthetic of frontman Spider One (born Michael Cummings) defining the band’s musical identity. Their breakthrough debut album, Tonight the Stars Revolt!, features the smash “When Worlds Collide.” The band’s fusion of industrial, metal, and electronica established them as genre pioneers. Despite lineup changes, Spider One’s unwaveringly fuels the band’s evolution.
Shark Island, a trailblazing force in ’80s rock, emerged in L.A., led by vocalist Richard Black. Their melodic hard rock left an indelible mark, showcased brilliantly on their 1989 debut album Law of the Order featuring the standout track “Paris Calling.” Shark Island remains a beacon in the ever-evolving landscape of rock, proving that their legacy of impactful music transcends time and trends.
Donnie Vie, the prolific musical artist, born on March 29, 1964, is a versatile singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. Best known as the frontman of the rock band Enuff Z’Nuff, Vie’s distinct vocals and songwriting prowess defined the band’s success in the late ’80s and ’90s. He kickstarted his solo journey in 2003 with Just Enough. His latest original studio album, Beautiful Things, dropped in 2019, featuring music videos for “Instant Karma” and the title track. And 2021 saw the release of his single “Party Time” and The Donnie Vie Collection, a digital collection encompassing his solo material.
Melody Mortal, a New York-born singer, songwriter, and music producer, embodies a unique take on contemporary rock and draws inspiration from ‘80s heavy metal and opera. Intent on infusing current rock music with a rebellious edge and a hint of quirk, her signature style melds powerful female vocals, dynamic percussion, guitars, and narrative-driven lyrics for a unique sound that is garnering Melody Mortal fabs from coast to coast.
East L.A.-based Villa Nova, a seasoned presence on the Sunset Strip, has graced the iconic Whisky stage numerous times, sharing it with renowned acts like Great White and Motorcycle Boy. Formerly known as Astra XXII, the Van Halen-inspired band adopted its current name from the legendary hot spot preceding the Rainbow (which opened in 1972) at 9015 Sunset Blvd., where Joe DiMaggio took Marilyn Monroe on their first date. With a history rooted in L.A.’s music scene, Villa Nova brings a dynamic energy and smokin’ guitar riffs to the stage, connecting the past with the vibrant present of West Coast rock and roll. We think EVH would approve!
Hollywood’s Black Star Sinners has commanded stages across Southern California, igniting clubs and metal fests alight with their scorching guitar grooves. With a string of memorable local performances, they’ve become synonymous with packed shows at the iconic Whisky A Go-Go, sharing the spotlight with metal stalwarts such as Lizzy Borden and Last in Line. In just a few years, Black Star Sinners have solidified their presence in the Sunset music scene, delivering a sonic experience that resonates with the intensity and spirit of authentic hard rock.
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