Fingers Metal Shop Live brings heavy metal to Amityville

If you turn your radio dial to 102.3 FM on Sundays at 9 p.m., you'll hear a familiar gravelly voice. That's DJ Keith Fingers of Medford, spinning the latest and greatest in the world of hard rock and heavy metal on his 31-year-old program, "Fingers Metal Shop." The WBAB show is so popular it has spawned its own weekly Saturday night concert series, Fingers Metal Shop Live, at Revolution Bar & Music Hall in Amityville.

Faithful listeners come to Revolution to catch national acts such as Jackyl and Joe Lynn Turner, original local groups Killcode and tribute bands Bottoms Up! (Van Halen) or Appetite for Destruction (Guns N' Roses).

"It's like hanging out with family. These are people who I grew up with in the Long Island clubs and on the radio," says Fingers, who plays host and DJs between sets. "Now we're all aging, so going out is something that is cherished. My idea is, let's make the club a destination."

LET'S ROCK

Adorned with enlarged black-and-white images of rock icons like Keith Richards and Steven Tyler, the club typically draws people ages 35 to 55 who want to rock.

"The crowd at Revolution is filled with good people hungry for the music they love. It brings you back the old days except there's no cigarette smoke around you," says bassist-singer Joe Forestano of Hauppauge, who portrays Gene Simmons in the tribute band Kissteria. "There's something about that corner [Merrick Road and Route 110] that screams old school rock and roll. It's where the culture is still alive."

Here are some upcoming dates worth checking out:

BOTTOMS UP! Jan. 31

If you miss the classic lineup of Van Halen, Bottoms Up! will quench your thirst on Jan. 31. Both sonically and visually, the band emulates the California foursome in their heyday. "We draw guitar gurus plus girls who want to check out our lead singer," says Bottoms Up! guitarist Jake Miller of Deer Park, who is a dead ringer for Eddie Van Halen. "If you closed your eyes, you almost think the record is playing. We get as close to the albums as we can."

JUDAS PRIESTESS Feb. 14

Spend Valentine's Day with the ladies in leather as Judas Priestess, an all-girl tribute to metal gods Judas Priest, takes the reins on Feb. 14.

"It's important to us to come out and take no prisoners. We don't rely on our feminine energy to get us by," says lead singer Militia Vox of Manhattan. "We love Priest and are respectful of their legacy. But it's kind of hot to see a bunch of girls playing heavy music."

JACKYL Feb. 21

The venue will certainly be buzzing when Jackyl comes back to Long Island on Feb. 21. Watch as wild-eyed lead singer Jesse James Dupree cranks out signature songs "I Stand Alone" and "Dirty Little Mind."

"We believe rock is a primal motivation," says Dupree. "When people work hard 40 hours a week they want some music for an escape. It's meant to take them to another place. Our shows escalate into a frenzy. It's like being shot out of a cannon."

Don't be surprised when he pulls out his chain saw and starts cutting up stuff on stage.

"There's no more definitive instrument for rock and roll," says Dupree. "It's loud, aggressive, abrasive, destructive and stanky -- everything that reeks of rock."

For many hanging out at Revolution's "Fingers Metal Shop Live" is just the nostalgic throwback they need.

"People want to feel that vibe they got when they were younger," says Fingers. "The music is so visceral, aggressive and energetic: It's pure adrenaline."

FINGERS METAL SHOP LIVE

WHEN|WHERE Saturdays, times vary, Revolution Bar & Music Hall, 140 Merrick Rd. in Amityville

INFO 631-264-7712, revolutionli.com

ADMISSION $10-$22

UPCOMING SHOWS

Jan. 24: Year of The Locust, Beastie N Effect (Beastie Boys tribute), Dragon's Bane and Gutterlife

Jan. 31: Bottoms Up! (Van Halen tribute), Appetite for Destruction (Guns N' Roses tribute), Lyxx and Mister Hand

Feb. 7: Livewire (AC/DC tribute), Motley 2 (Motley Crue tribute)

Feb. 14: Judas Priestess (female Judas Priest tribute), Thunderbox

Feb. 21: Jackyl, Killcode, Snake Canyon and Mudcat

Feb. 28: Joe Lynn Turner, Steve Brown of Trixter, TC Kross and Hindenberg (Led Zeppelin tribute)

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.