Arriving at M3 Fest, I wasn’t sure what to expect from Vixen. They’ve been around for decades, and while the nostalgia factor is strong, there’s always the question of how a band that rose to prominence in the late ’80s will hold up on a modern festival stage. From the moment they kicked into “Rev It Up,” it was clear that any doubts were completely unwarranted. The energy was immediate, and the front row—where I managed to get a solid spot—was alive with fists pumping and heads banging. The opening riff was tight, polished, and full of bite, and the vocals soared effortlessly over the driving guitars and bass. There’s something about seeing a band in their element that instantly communicates both confidence and love for the material, and Vixen delivered that in spades.
“Charmed Life,” a Jeff Paris cover, followed, and it was a perfect choice to keep the momentum going. The harmonies were sharp, the guitars crisp and punchy, and the rhythm section locked in tight grooves that made the song instantly infectious. Fans sang along word-for-word, a mix of longtime devotees and younger listeners discovering these tracks for the first time. The interplay between the guitarists was a highlight—they traded licks seamlessly, creating a dynamic sound that kept the crowd fully engaged. The stage presence of the band was magnetic; they moved with purpose, making the audience feel included in every riff, every beat, every vocal flourish.
“How Much Love” hit next, and it showed off the band’s knack for blending melodic sensibilities with hard rock edge. The chorus was anthemic, and from where I stood near the stage, you could feel the energy radiating outward, washing over the crowd like a tidal wave. The drums were punchy and precise, driving the song forward without overpowering the guitars or vocals. There’s a chemistry in Vixen that’s hard to replicate—they’ve clearly spent decades perfecting both their sound and their stage dynamics. The audience’s reaction reflected that; cheering, singing along, and moving in perfect sync with the music.
“Cruisin’” was a slightly more laid-back moment but no less compelling. The groove of the song was infectious, and it gave the band a chance to showcase their versatility. The vocals were smooth and commanding, and the guitar lines were bright and lively, highlighting the band’s technical skill without ever feeling showy. The audience responded with steady claps and singalongs, and even in a slightly more relaxed section of the set, the energy never dipped. It was a reminder that Vixen’s strength isn’t just in their big, flashy hits—it’s also in their ability to create nuanced, captivating performances throughout their catalog.
Following that, “Cryin’,” another Jeff Paris cover, brought the intensity back up. The chorus was powerful and emotional, and the band delivered it with both precision and passion. The audience was fully absorbed, many singing along with every word, while others stood in awe of the tightness of the performance. Being close to the stage allowed me to see the subtle cues between the band members—the little nods, the glances, the tiny shifts in posture that communicate timing and energy—and it added another layer to the experience. The song ended with the crowd cheering loudly, a clear indicator that the band had captured their attention completely.
“Hard 16” was next, and it leaned into the heavier side of Vixen’s repertoire. The riffs were crunchy and precise, the drums driving, and the vocals cut through the mix like a knife. The audience’s reaction was enthusiastic, with headbanging and fist-pumping spreading through the crowd. Being near the stage, I could see every nuanced movement of the guitarist’s fingers, the drummer’s subtle dynamics, and the bassist’s rhythmic locks with perfect clarity. The performance had a raw energy that was infectious, and it reminded everyone present why Vixen remains a formidable presence in the rock world decades into their career.
“Hell Raisers” followed, and it was another high-energy track that had the crowd moving in unison. The vocal harmonies were tight, the guitars searing, and the rhythm section relentless in its groove. The song’s driving pace and catchy hooks made it impossible to stay still, and the energy in the front row was almost tangible. There’s a level of polish to Vixen’s playing that never feels overproduced; it’s a balance of precision, excitement, and genuine enthusiasm that keeps the audience engaged from start to finish.
“I Want You to Rock Me” was a standout moment in the set. The band integrated a medley of classic rock interludes—Runnin’ With the Devil, Perfect Strangers, War Pig, and Still of the Night—into the performance, and it was a brilliant nod to their influences. The audience erupted as each riff landed, singing along with gusto, and the band rode that energy expertly. Being up close, I could see the joy and sheer fun on the band’s faces—they were clearly enjoying themselves, and that energy translated directly to the audience. The performance was a masterclass in crowd engagement, nostalgia, and technical skill all at once.
“Streets in Paradise” slowed the pace just slightly, offering a more melodic and thoughtful moment in the set. The song’s hooks were undeniable, and the front-row perspective allowed me to appreciate the nuances in the guitar lines and vocal inflections. The crowd sang along during the choruses, and even in a slightly quieter moment, the energy never waned. Vixen’s ability to balance high-energy rock with melodic depth is one of the things that makes their live shows so compelling, and this track was a perfect example of that skill.
“You Oughta Know By Now,” a Ray Kennedy cover, followed, and it gave the audience another opportunity to see the band’s versatility. The performance was tight, energetic, and engaging, with the band clearly enjoying the chance to put their own stamp on a classic. The audience responded with applause and singalongs, reinforcing the communal experience of the show. Every riff and drum fill landed with precision, and the energy in the room was palpable. It was another highlight that demonstrated the band’s ability to entertain and captivate, even with material that wasn’t originally theirs.
The set closed with “Edge of a Broken Heart,” arguably Vixen’s most iconic song. The crowd erupted the moment the opening chords hit, singing along with every word. Being right at the stage, I could see the sheer joy on the band members’ faces as they delivered every note with power and precision. The interplay between guitars, bass, drums, and vocals was flawless, and the audience’s enthusiasm was overwhelming. The song built to a climactic finish, leaving the crowd cheering, clapping, and fully immersed in the experience. It was the perfect way to end a set that had balanced nostalgia, technical skill, and pure, unbridled energy from start to finish.
Throughout the performance, Vixen demonstrated why they remain relevant and compelling decades after their initial rise to fame. Their musicianship, stage presence, and ability to connect with the audience created an unforgettable experience. Every song was delivered with intensity and passion, and being in the front row made it impossible not to be fully absorbed in the performance. The band’s chemistry was evident in every note, every glance, every smile shared on stage. It was a reminder that great rock music isn’t just about the songs—it’s about the energy, connection, and joy that the band brings to the stage.
The setlist was expertly curated, mixing fan favorites, covers, and deep cuts in a way that kept the audience engaged throughout. The pacing was perfect, balancing high-energy moments with melodic, reflective sections. The performance was polished but never mechanical, demonstrating a mastery of both technical skill and crowd interaction. Being in the front row amplified the experience, allowing for a fully immersive perspective that made every nuance and dynamic shift incredibly impactful.
By the end of the show, it was clear that Vixen had delivered one of the most engaging and entertaining performances of M3 Fest. The combination of tight musicianship, powerful vocals, and audience interaction created an experience that was both memorable and exhilarating. Fans left the stage area buzzing with excitement, singing along to their favorite tracks, and reliving the moments that had made the show so special. From start to finish, Vixen proved that they can still command a stage and connect with an audience in a way that few bands can, making this set a standout at the festival.
Setlist:
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Rev It Up
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Charmed Life (Jeff Paris cover)
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How Much Love
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Cruisin’
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Cryin’ (Jeff Paris cover)
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Hard 16
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Hell Raisers
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I Want You to Rock Me (with Runnin’ With the Devil, Perfect Strangers, War Pig, Still of the Night interludes)
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Streets in Paradise
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You Oughta Know By Now (Ray Kennedy cover)
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Edge of a Broken Heart
Vixen at M3 Fest delivered a masterclass in rock performance, blending nostalgia, technical skill, and audience engagement in a way that few bands can. Being right at the stage, I felt every chord, every drum hit, and every vocal flourish, making it a fully immersive experience that will stick with me long after the festival ended.