One of the best things about renegade radio in general is I can sometimes be on the edge of seeing new bands emerge. I’m almost always out somewhere taking pictures at various Dallas venues. One of those times, Members Only welcomed the lead singer for Pink Slip, Grace Figueroa, on stage for a few songs. Wow is a bit of an understatement as it’s so rare you see someone for the first time like this with such command of the stage.
Since that time, I’ve caught shows when I could, took pics cause that’s what I do, and last Sunday finally caught up with Pink Slip. They were playing an afternoon show at the Revel to make money for a July trip to California sponsored by Rockstars of Tomorrow (RoT) RoT is a group based out of California doing pretty much what the name implies; find and grow young talent.
Pink Slip has been working closely with the Frisco, TX RoT location managed by Kirk Douglas and Vanessa Cantu for many years. That hard work and dedication has paid off for Pink Slip with a recent performance at the 2024 Dallas Guitar Music Festival and now this 3-date tour to California in July.
Now, let’s get back to the performance itself at the Revel. Another RoT group going by the name Liar Liar opened up the show. Setting the tone for the rest of the day, they did an amazing job in their own right.
After a quick break, Pink Slip took the stage opening up with Evanescence, My Immortal. Keyboard player Skylar Bishop-Smith and Ms Figueroa on the stage setting a surreal feeling to kick off the set. One by one the rest of the band joined the duo and then the fun began.
Luciano Rojas was showing some definite guitar skills through the night as he shared lead duties with Emilia Figueroa, sister to singer Grace. Easy to say both can play and great seeing them share lead duties. Michael Shirley, I saw you slappin that bass and keeping things moving! Speaking of keeping things moving nicely; Ken, way to own those drums and get into the music!
Altogether, this group of individuals creates a strong up and coming band in Pink Slip. You’ll hear arena rock, classics, metal and about every decade from the 70s on up represented through the show. The cover of Rock and Roll they simply decided to add in a Pink Slip twist and make it their own start.
most excellent touch.
Now, the best part of the show? It wasn’t chills from when Grace hit the long note in “Dream On”, although that was pretty cool. It wasn’t even the soft intro of a very difficult My Immortal with only Grace and Skylar on the stage. Also, pretty cool.
It was the original song I’m Alone. That was DAMN cool. I’ll go back just to hear that again. And again. And….yes, again. You can get me in the door doing covers this well. You can keep my attention with more originals like this. Dibs on the first copy! Well, one of the first. 🙂
The Band:
Grace Figueroa – lead vocals
Emilia Figueroa – lead & rhythm guitar
Luciano Rojas – lead & rhythm guitar
Skylar Bishop-Smith – Keyboards
Michael Shirley – Bass
Ken Lemke – Drums
California Dates –
July 4 – Huntington Beach Festival
July 5 – Whiskey a Go Go (oh yea! legendary venue!)
July 6 – TBD in Corona
Help Pink Slip get to California! Find them on Facebook and shoot them a message and see how you can support these rockstars of tomorrow. Going to the Whiskey to see them? First, Im jealous. 2nd, you can get your tickets here.
Now, some pics.
And Pink Slip at the Dallas International Guitar Festival.
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