Rock and roll is far from dead. Over the past few years, a number of artists have appeared on the scene bringing back the sound of rock and roll in a world where metal seems to be reigning supreme. One of those acts is the band Classless Act. The band got together in 2019, based out of Los Angeles, CA. They met via social media platforms and immediately bonded over rock. Influenced by legends of the industry like Queen and Led Zeppelin, the band began crafting their own rock and roll. And it got them far, very fast. They signed with Better Noise Music and released their debut album Welcome to the Show on June 24th. The album has already garnered 2.8 million streams since its release. And if that wasn’t enough, they were handpicked to open The Stadium Tour with Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Poison, and Joan Jett and The Blackhearts. To say the band has impacted the music scene would be a slight understatement. Classless Act is Derek Day (vocals), Dane Pieper (guitar), Griffin Tucker (guitar), Franco Gravante (bass), and Chuck McKissock (drums).
It was only me and my friend Mark photographing for our websites that evening at House of Blues Orlando. Classless Act was on tour with Giovannie & The Hired Guns and tonight was one of their tour stops. I heard great things about Classless Act, but never had the opportunity to photo and review them live. So tonight was a perfect opportunity to see if the hype was real. And I’m here to tell you, the hype is 100% accurate. From the moment Classless Act came onto the stage, it was rock and roll euphoria. They brought an energy to the stage that electrified the crowd. And from their constant movement on stage, you would think they were charged with that same electricity. Classless Act brings a rock and roll vibe that many people thought was long gone. Instead, they prove how much rock and roll is very much alive.
These guys are all phenomenal musicians. Dane has guitar playing in his soul. He moves with his guitar as it was an extension of himself. He grooves so smoothly with it and from his expressions you can tell he loves every minute being on that stage. On the opposite side, Griffin also has guitar playing in his soul. He’s just as animated on the stage, bouncing and dancing as he plays, whipping his long blonde hair around too. When he gets to his guitar solos, he’s so tuned in and focused as if there’s nothing else around him but him and his guitar. Franco strums away on the bass feeling the rhythm as he plays. He provides backing vocals with the same passion he does when he plays. Chuck is stellar on the drums. The beat he puts out there has that solid rock and roll sound and he hits those drumheads hard and fast. But, it’s Chuck’s expressions that puts it all together. You can see how much he loves performing and letting it rip on stage. And Derek is a true rock and roll singer. His intensity mixed with a carefree attitude on stage allows him to be that rock and roll frontman. Derek has a great voice for rock and roll, he can bring it high or drop it low in an instant. But, I most love how animated he is on stage moving around and engaging with the fans. Together, Classless Act is a true rock and roll machine.
As for their rock and roll music, it was better than I hoped. Their recent single “This Is for You” is an energetic, high-flying rock anthem. Dane and Griffin shred hard through the song, Franco and Chuck keep the rock beat steady, and Derek’s vocals are killer. “Give It to Me” is a groovy song you want to move to the bleeds rock and roll. The riffs and beat are sweet and Derek nails the vocals perfectly. It’s probably one of my favorite Classless Act songs. They also showed they are masters of the ballad with “Circles”. Let’s be honest, every good rock and roll band had a great ballad and Classless Act has a great one. And right when you think you have them all figured out, they completely mix it up on you. Toward the end of their set, Griffin handed his guitar to Derek and got behind the drums, Chuck took Dane’s guitar and Dane got behind the keyboards. And then they performed a kick-ass version of Led Zepplin’s “Rock and Roll”. So fitting for the band to perform a song from one of their major influences.
Their setlist that evening was:
- This Is for You
- Give It to Me
- All That We Are
- Time to Bleed
- Circles
- Rock and Roll (Led Zepplin cover)
- Classless Act
Classless Act is a must-see rock and roll band. Remember their name because these guys are on the rise to rock and roll icons. And I believe they’ll get there. Check out their music and merch over at https://classlessact.com/. You won’t be disappointed.
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