June 19, 2020 – The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE

The Waiting Room in Omaha, Nebraska, reopened its doors on Friday night June 19, 2020, after being closed due to the Coronavirus epidemic.  The entertainment for the night was AC/DC cover band, Shoot to Thrill, with opening band, SuckerPunch. 

This was the first night the Waiting Room had been opened, and upon entering the venue, there were a few noticeable changes.  There was no merchandise table, the staff were all wearing masks, and the small tables were spaced out to accommodate the crowd.  One of the managers at the venue told me they had a capacity limit that night of only 84 people.  There were a couple new rules in place too.  Tables could only have four people at them, and once you picked a table, you weren’t allowed to move to another one.  The bartenders circulated throughout the night, bringing patrons their drinks instead of having them go up to the bar.  No dancing or walking around was permitted either, so for a rock and roll show, it felt a little strange.  Unfortunately, I think people were still concerned about safety, because there were only about 50 people there for the show. 

It was a small, but mighty crowd, and opening band SuckerPunch gave us our money’s worth.  SuckerPunch is originally from Lincoln, Nebraska, and consists of Travis Thompson, Mike Bahr, Ronn Barajas, and Rob Lapsley.  Their musical influences include: Van Halen, Aerosmith, Whitesnake, Ozzy Osbourne, and Motley Crue.  The band has a great sound, and very talented members.  I enjoyed the cover songs they played, but really liked their original songs too.  They were the perfect choice to get the audience primed for the headliners. 

SuckerPunch Set List:

• Face Down
• Walkin’ the Dog
• Love On the Run
• One Way to Rock
• Tie Your Mother Down
• American Band
• Cry Me a River
• Parasite
• Slide It In
• Jewel in the Rough
• Don’t Close Your Eyes
• Piece of Me
• Somebody Get Me a Doctor
• Bark at the Moon

After a brief intermission, Shoot to Thrill, “America’s Greatest Tribute to AC/DC”, took the stage.  This would be the second time for me seeing Shoot to Thrill, and just like the first time, they lived up to their moniker.  The band sounds exactly like AC/DC, and brings just as much energy and stage presence too!  The group consists of lead singer, Bruce Knapp, Eddie Filarecki, Blaine Morris, Pat Allgire, and Mark Rothermund.  They opened their set with a really cool AC/DC video package, followed by the song, “Problem Child.”  Their 14-song set featured some of AC/DC’s greatest hits, and the crowd loved every second of it.  If you have the chance, you HAVE to attend one of their shows.  Since 2009 when the band formed, Shoot to Thrill proves that Rock and Roll is here to stay! 

Shoot to Thrill Set List:

• Problem Child
• What do You do For Money
• Back in Black
• Who Made Who
• Shake a Leg
• Ride On
• Money Talks
• Giving the Dog a Bone
• TNT
• Rock and Roll Ain’t Noise
• Heatseeker
• Show Down in Flames
• Girls Got Rhythm
• If You Want Blood