Unforgettable Night at Casino Rama: Celebrating 1980s Rock with Nazareth, Helix, and Killer Dwarfs

jaybroderick
2 days ago
3 min read

Updated: 1 day ago

By: Michael Drukarsh

Orillia, Ontario - Once again the Casino Rama Entertainment Centre turned into a 1980s rock concert jam with the triple bill of Nazareth with support from Canadian hard rock legends Helix, and Killer Dwarfs.

Killer Dwarfs

Taking the stage first, Killer Dwarfs open their short but mighty set with the Dirty Weapons track "Comin' Through". From there Russ Graham kept the energy high as he flung himself across the stage until it was time to grab the acoustic for a beautiful version of "Doesn't Matter". Cranking the crowd back up to a frantic pace, the Dwarfs finished their set with classic tracks "Keep the Spirit Alive" and "Dirty Weapons".

Helix

Fellow Canadian rockers Helix followed, continuing the incredible 80s vibe established by the Dwarfs. Lead singer and OG member Brian Vollmer brought a noticeably aged but still very much authentic sound to classic hits such as "Gimmie Gimmie Good Love" and "Wild in the Streets". Before ripping into their newest song "Stuck in the 80s", off their upcoming release Scrap Metal, Vollmer asked the audience if anyone was born in the 80s. Obviously he was blinded by the lights because the incredibly energetic crowd had a mean age of at least 55. Regardless, the song, capturing the very special time in heavy metal history, went over very well and was followed by a tribute to the late Paul Hackman with "Deep Cuts the Knife", a song that Hackman wrote. Of course, the quintessential call and answer hard rock anthem "Rock You" closed the set with the fans on their feet singing along.

Nazareth

Walking on stage to a huge ovation, original bassist and last surviving member of Nazareth, Pete Agnew had a smile that lit up the venue brighter than any spotlight. Following him, lead singer Carl Sentance looked like a kid in a candy store. Joining the band in 2015, Sentance seemed not to be able to wipe the grin off his face as he kicked off the set with "Miss Misery". Nazareth kept the fans on their feet as they hit them with a three punch combo of sing along hits including "Razamanaz", "Shanghai'd in Shanghai" and "This Flight Tonight".

While no one can replace the late Dan McCafferty, Sentance is able to take the classic tracks and deliver them in a way that keeps the spirit alive. Grabbing a tambourine for "Hair of the Dog", Sentance had a blast interacting with the front row while encouraging the entire venue to get up and dance. In fact, a near riot almost occurred as Sentance called the entire venue down to party in the front row. Thankfully the mostly middle aged and politely Canadian audience listened to the ushers and enjoyed the party from the aisles.

Nazareth Set List

Miss Misery

Razamanaz

Shanghai'd in Shanghai

This Flight Tonight (Joni Mitchell cover)

Sunshine

Beggar's Day

Changin' Times

Hair of the Dog

Love Hurts (The Everly Brothers cover)

Morning Dew (Bonnie Dobson cover)

Encore:

Where Are You Now

Turn On Your Receiver

It didn't matter that not one of the bands on stage were made up of all original members. The 80s was a very special time and the music, musicians and most importantly the fans in attendance had an incredible time coming together to celebrate, have and relive the best of times.

Concert Photo Gallery (all photos by: Michael Drukarsh)