Forbidden June headlines The Toledo Meltdown Fest at Prime Nightlife!!

June 26, 2023 Larry Ritter

I have been writing about and taking photos of bands, both locally and nationally for years. Some of the biggest acts in the world performing at various musical festivals have been in front of my lenses. There have been so many local bands that I have lost count.

One would think that for the time I have traveled throughout the United States, I would know of a band that hails from right inside my little village of 4,000 people.

Well, it is a fact that a band called Forbidden June slipped by me and I am ashamed to admit it. With that said, I finally got the opportunity to check out this five-piece ensemble on June 17, 2023. Forbidden June was the headliner for The Toledo Meltdown at a new to me club called Prime Nightlife in Toledo.

Not only was Forbidden June outstanding, so to was, the club that played host. Do not get me wrong, Prime is not going to be playing host to major acts like Five Finger Death Punch or Disturbed. But they have sufficient area to host those hardworking bands, that just love to tour. It is also an excellent venue in which to watch a local show, such as the one on June 17.

Prior to Forbidden June taking the stage there were three other bands that I saw perform. Due to the club double booking (it happens), I missed the first two opening acts. I apologize to As The Embers Burn and Bombshell for not getting to see them perform.

Opening my day was a three-piece band called MR COOL from Flint, Michigan. This trio lived up to their name, as they swooned their way through a set that very impressive. The lead vocals of Jim Binelli were solid as was his play on the bass. Daughter, Stacy, sat behind the kit and hammered the skins with a ferocious beat. Lead guitarist, Aaron Carpenter, served as the band’s lead guitarist and did a tremendous job. Not only did MR COOL live up to their name, but they also got the event off on the right foot.

ZEROKING out of Charleston, WV was up next on the Prime stage. This was not the first time that I have seen this four-member powerhouse from the Volunteer state. They always put on a power-filled show and things remained the same on this afternoon.

Frontman, Andy Haught, was as effervescent and full of energy as usual. Shane Day (drums) and Mike Caniff (bass) shook the walls with an arousing rhythm performance while Chris Webb was masterful on the six strings. If you have not witnessed a live performance from this West Virginia quartet, do yourself a favor and put them on your radar.

Prior to Forbidden June taking the stage, Altered Thoughts, stepped in front of the audience for the first time. The band has been around since 1992, but the current lineup has only been toiling their trade since August of last year.

For their first live performance, they did themselves proud. Veteran guitarist, Gregg Bee, was marvelous. He had several solos that highlighted his shredding ability. Sean Wolfy Johnson (bass) and Nick Goche (drums) showed their years of experience putting together a solid rhythm performance. Meanwhile new front lady, Juri Lydia, had a mesmerizing voice and held her own. This four-piece Michigan band did a great job and will only get better in the future.

Finally, it was time for the reason I made the hour-trek north to Prime Nightlife. Forbidden June made the trip well worth it. I will be honest, I was not sure what to expect because after all, watching local acts is vital part of my DNA. It is something that I am truly passionate about. To have a band as good as Forbidden June turned out to be, living in my own backyard, was a little embarrassing to be frank. To make things even worse, the lead vocalist is an old friends son and a coach on one of the high school football teams that I have the privilege to cover.

This country rock/alternative band put on an unbelievable set. Frontman Brotha JD, was as charismatic as any that I have seen. He has a remarkable voice with an amazing range. Adrienne Marina (lead guitar) and Noah Breidenbach (rhythm guitar) were exceptional, playing their weapons of choice, and both did an outstanding job on backup vocals. Jocosa Way handled the bass work with ease. His collaboration with drummer, Dustin Dyer, was spot on as they created a thunderous rhythm section.

I got the southern vibe of Lynyrd Skynyrd with a little heavier undertone. Forbidden June’s versatility was definitely on display, and they left me wanting more. All I could do was watch in awe as I kicked myself in the behind for not getting into them sooner.

They will be heading to Los Angeles to take the stage at the world-renowned Whiskey-A-Go-Go this Thursday (June 29). They will be one of the opening acts for Sweet, the iconic English band from the 70’s. Sweet is known for hits such as ‘The Ballroom Blitz’, ‘Fox on the Run’, and ‘Little Willy’. They were one of my favorite bands to listen to when I was in high school.

I had planned on making the trip out west to go to the show but due to a recent hospitalization, I will be unable to do so. With that said, I will most assuredly go out to see them more often once they return from their well-deserved trip. If you see their name on a marquee or venue wall near you, do yourself a favor and check them out. You can also find them online on all platforms as is the case for the rest of the bands that played.