Peggy Phillips – The Hollywood Times
February 8, 2025
Leaving the House of Blues pre-party, I made my way to the Grand Theater in Anaheim for the Metal Hall of Fame Awards. The energy in the air was already electric.
The first thing I spotted was Skip Pas from West Coast Leather, mid-interview at the step-and-repeat, his signature Rockstar jackets unmistakable. Beside him stood Raquel Figlo, a powerhouse in PR, alongside Riot Stitch, the ever-brilliant Sherri Lu, whose designs fuse metallic aesthetics with avant-garde Hollywood glam. Riot Stitch was set to make history, hosting the first-ever Metal Catwalk at NAMM 2025.
Then, as I turned, my eyes locked on a sight that stopped me in my tracks.
Four striking musicians, with platinum blonde hair like mine, only longer, dressed to absolute perfection. They had the attitude of Sunset Strip legends but with a fresh edge. No towering hair—just raw, magnetic presence and sculpted muscles. They looked like they belonged on a stadium stage.
I knew I had to interview them. But first, they had a job to do—opening the Metal Hall of Fame Awards.
WICKED Takes the Stage
The room buzzed with anticipation as the band stood motionless—until Scotty V. struck the first chord on his guitar and Gunnar slammed his drumsticks down like a lightning strike. Then came Chad Michael’s voice—powerful, melodic, and soaring. I was immediately hooked.
Danny Doll (bass) kept the energy pulsing, strutting around the stage with his hair flying as he and Scotty joined in on backup vocals, their harmonies adding even more intensity. I knew a killer guitar solo was coming from Scotty, and I waited eagerly for it to hit. WICKED delivered a high-energy, theatrical performance, their stage presence was electric and completely captivating.
The band’s chemistry was undeniable. Their influences were clear—KISS, Thin Lizzy, Alice Cooper—but with a modern twist that made them stand out. A fusion of ’80s hard rock, ’90s power pop, and contemporary influences. Watching WICKED, I felt that same timeless rock ‘n’ roll energy.
I’ve seen some of the greatest rock bands live—AC/DC, KISS, Guns N’ Roses, Def Leppard, Aerosmith, Van Halen, and of course, Alice Cooper. I was one of the featured dancers in Alice’s “Man Behind The Mask” video—an 18-hour shoot where Alice made sure to hang out with all of the talent instead of hiding in his trailer. He’s a legend and a great guy.
Meeting WICKED
After their set, I made my way to the red carpet, determined to grab an interview. And I did.
I was blown away by how sharp they were—not just as musicians, but as a self-made, independent powerhouse. They live together, built their own studio, and produce everything themselves. The band’s chemistry was undeniable. Hailing from Rochester, NY, Chad Michael and Danny Doll, brothers and the band’s founders, started WICKED in 2012 before adding Scotty V. and Gunner to the lineup.
Everywhere I turned, I saw WICKED flyers. They had business cards in hand, promo materials ready, and a clear vision. This wasn’t a band waiting for someone to hand them a record deal—they were doing the work, building the brand, and creating their destiny.
WICKED: The Future of Rock & Roll
As I left the Metal Hall of Fame Awards, one thing was clear—WICKED is the real deal. From their electrifying performance to their sharp sense of branding, this band isn’t just playing rock & roll; they’re living it. They have the talent, the drive, and the vision to take their music to the next level.
Alongside one of my absolute favorites, DIRTY HONEY (@dirtyhoneyband), WICKED is keeping the spirit of high-energy rock alive. They’re proof that the next generation of rock & roll is in good hands.
If you get the chance to see them live—take it. This is a band you’ll be hearing a lot more about.
Here’s the Video Link to the Interview… Enjoy!
Meet the Band
- Chad Michael “The Queen of Hearts” – Vocals, Guitar
- Danny Doll “The Ace of Spades” – Bass
- Scotty V “The Jack of Diamonds” – Guitar
- Gunnar “The Joker” – Drums
Discography Highlights
- 2025 – “Reptile Roots” (New Single) – Listen Here
- Origins (2014) – Their debut album, a glimpse into the early WICKED sound
- Life Alive (2014) – A high-energy live recording on vinyl
- Rock N Roll (2018) – An album capturing their signature sound
- All Covered Up (2019) – A tribute to their influences, featuring covers of UFO, Alice Cooper, David Bowie, and more
- Sunburn (Upcoming) – Featuring the hit single “Gorgeous” – Watch the Official Music Video
Follow WICKED
- Website
- Spotify
- Instagram – Dial M Productions
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