MARTY FRIEDMAN’S 2025 U.S. LIVE DRAMA TOUR ENDED WITH A FULL ADRENALINE PUMPING ACTION FROM START TO FINISH, BY DON MARCELO

AT THE WORLD FAMOUS WHISKY A GO GO ON SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 2025, WITH SUPPORT ACTS FROM NIKKI STRINGFIELD AND PATRICK KENNISON AND ROLAND GRANT

Let’s think about this for a second. At the ripe age of 14, Marty Friedman pretty much taught himself how to play the guitar. He then immediately started a band. Then he gets discovered with his great talent. Then he played for an entire decade with a very popular thrash metal band in the 90’s who sold out Arenas and Music Festivals all over the world. And then, now in his youthful 60’s, still head banging, still shredding the axe, still thrashing around and jumping and leaping high on stage, still selling out music venues all over, and still entertaining fans 30 plus years later. That’s MARTY FRIEDMAN for you.

Written by Don Marcelo

Marty Friedman, a former lead guitarist for Megadeath, and his band shredded their way to the stars once again with an epic performance at The World Famous Whisky A Go Go for their last show of this U.S. Tour. Marty Friedman’s Band consists of three AMAZING and super talented Japanese musicians: Wakazaemon on Bass, Chargeeeeee on Drums, and Naoki on guitar.

On this night at The Whisky A Go Go Marty Friedman was supported by The Dynamic Duo Team of Nikki Stringfield and Patrick Kennison who played a fantastic acoustic set as the second act and was also supported by Roland Grant and his band with his Flamenco Rock Style of music.

The House was packed with enthusiastic and very supportive fans who showed a lot of love to all the musicians on this evening but especially for Marty. Fans lined up early at this historic music venue including one of the best supporters of rock music who was the first one in line just before 12 noon, Clyde aka Metalgod1965. There were at least 30 people for the early meet and greet VIP signing with Marty on this day just before the doors opened up at The Whisky A Go Go for all the fans.

The night began with Roland Grant’s beautiful guitar playing. His style is a crossover of Flamenco music with lots of smooth and harsh and gritty Rock shreds.

Right after Roland Grant, The Dynamic Duo team of Nikki Stringfield and Patrick Kennison entertained us with their passionate and beautiful sounds of acoustic guitars and vocals. Patrick and Nikki’s vocals are so beautiful to listen to. A nice set to wet our palates just before Marty Friedman’s set.

As Marty came on stage with his energetic band mates, they quickly electrified the crowd. The fans shouted “MARTY! MARTY! MARTY!” A few shouted “Waka! Waka!” for Wakazaemon, the former member of EAST OF EDEN (a JROCK Group) and the guest bassist for KOIAI band whom she often plays with on live shows when she can. Wakazaemon, in my humble opinion, is one of the best bassist I have ever seen who plays a 5 string bass and is a Lefty. She is so good that she kicks high while playing bass, jumps around, dances, head bangs and slaps her bass like child’s play. No big deal for her at all. Truly one of the best. Then there’s Chargeeeeee. He always charges up and ignites the fans’ attention with his ever so crazy antics on stage from his wacky smiles and tongue flapping and head banging and nose picking to jumping and standing up while playing drums. And then we have Naoki with his smooth guitar licks and beautiful smile. But we can’t forget the legend himself, Marty Friedman. For someone who is in his 60’s and has the energy of a teenager is something to be seen and heard. The man has the stamina of an 21 year old athlete who jumps and headbangs hard and shreds his axe like there’s no tomorrow. He doesn’t miss a note. His hands and fingers do all the talking. His body does all the rest of the work. He is a beast and is in beast mode 100% all the time. There is no stopping this incredible guitarist. A must see for all rock fans, young and old.

Photo Gallery of the performance by © Don Marcelo Photography 2025