With parts of the nation slowly opening allowing the resurrection of live shows, Texas is already ahead of the curve. Notable smaller venues in the Fort Worth Dallas area wasted no time booking national acts.
One such national act, Liliac graced the Rail Club Live stage in Fort Worth on Friday, June 11, 2021. Along with Liliac, local DFW bands Bullitt, Never Cease, Anything but Human and Redline Drive rounded out the show’s billing.
Bullitt bassist Lee Autry.
Photo by Brian McLean
Bullitt vocalist Shannon Cobb interacts with a fan and their cell phone.
Photo by Brian McLeanBullitt guitarist Scott Morrison with April Samuels in the background. Samuels filled in on the drums for the night.
Photo by Brian McLean
Redline Drive drummer Drew Dye has a great time banging away during the band’s set at the Rail Club Live.
Photo by Brian McLeanL – R: Redline Drive guitarists TJ Marzonie and Brad McCain during the band’s main support set for Liliac at the Rail Club Live.
Photo by Brian McLean
As for Liliac, the band consists of five siblings ranging in age from the mid teens to early 20’s. A fact not too common among touring bands.
Liliac has gained a healthy following from social media postings covering bands such as Dio, Iron Maiden, Megadeth and others. Views of these cover songs have hit several million each respectively thus creating a solid fan base.
Original material from their 2019 Chain of Thorns EP, 2020’s Queen of Hearts and covers made up the band’s set.
Anticipation for the siblings first DFW appearance grew as the night progressed through the four support bands.
With the opening chords to “Symphony of Destruction,” Liliac took the stage to a capacity size and enthusiastic crowd.
Following their set opener, the band wasted no time launching into originals “Not Afraid” and “We are the Children” from their two releases.
Liliac continued to cruise effortlessly through “The Trooper” and “Holy Diver.” Vocalist Melody Cristea added to the atmosphere by wielding a battle sword.
Liliac Vocalist Melody Cristea wields the battle sword during the cover of Dio’s Holy Diver.
Photo by Brian McLeanSamuel Cristea putting his guitar skills on display during Liliac’s set at the Rail Club Live.
Photo by Brian McLean
Liliac rounded out their set with eight straight originals before leaving the stage. The band returned and closed out the night with an impressive presentation of Dio’s “Rainbow in the Dark.”
Prior to bands hitting the stage, it was evident that Liliac was easily approachable and fan oriented. It’s all part of building upon their following.
Along with a plethora of Liliac merchandise, there was a raffle for a guitar given away during the set. The winner was invited on stage and was presented the guitar that was then signed by the band.
But there was more.
A wedding proposal occurred late in the set between two longtime friends. The history of the pair began at a local metal show in the late1980’s.
Even though Liliac tours nationally, covers in their set don’t matter. What does matter is the band is able to hold their own when they take the stage. That’s what happened at the Rail Club Live. Each member of the Cristea Liliac Clan delivered during their set despite the age differences. Each sibling brings their own uniqueness and personality to the stage.
Liliac is a band that exemplifies a strong work ethic to their craft does pay dividends. There are numerous happy fans and the dream is real. The future for Liliac is only starting to bloom.
Great article ! I have been following Liliac for over a year , they are the real deal . They are a fantastic family that will go far !
Great article! Liliac does appreciate their fan base aka “fangs” and we wholeheartedly support them for bringing back the music we love as well as new original music.
We were there and definitely a great show by all bands. Liliac Rocked and RedLine Drive killed it as well ! All the bands were awesome. Thanks Chris Palone & The Rail Club !