By AMES FLAMES
The Dead Boys took Southern California by storm last weekend with two power-packed shows that whipped the sold-out crowds into a frenzy.
This is not a tribute band in any way. It is the real deal. Cheetah Chrome and Johnny Blitz, original Dead Boys, still bring it like they always did.
Jason and Ricky play with the ferocity and spirit that suits the material. Then there is Jake. We all know Stiv Bators is forever gone. But Jake is amazing in his own way and very naturally steps into Stiv’s shoes and performs with passion, but he is in no way an impersonator.
Add it all up and you have a punk band that is true to it’s origins and the live performance is in no way compromised. It isn’t a little too slow of off the mark. It is full speed, dead ahead, take no prisoners punk rock just like it was in the old days.
The Alex’s Bar show was packed as usual. Alex’s has a nice size stage and a great in house system and a pro soundman, Mike Martt, that makes this such a nice place to do a show. All the bands were great. Nico Bones, a younger band that carries the flag of the future.
The Flytraps, a balls to the walls all girl local favorite. Old time heroes the Crowd. Then the Dead Boys knocked it out of the park and took it to the next level. There was a lot of monitor pushing but for such an energetic crowd the show went smooth.
It was just as good as all the other LA shows they have done in LA over the last two years. This band is very consistent and give it 110 percent. Next was the 5 Star Bar. Another enthusiastic sold out show with many friends in the house. Informal Society started things off with a bang.
Then came the Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs who blasted through their set. The Streetwalkin’ Cheetahs were Cheetah’s backup band before the Dead Boys relit. Then it was blast off time again. Another blazing performance unfortunately momentarily compromised because of a disruptive spectator. They shook it off and restarted without missing a beat.
It got pretty rough in the crowd because the club is narrow. Aside from minimal expected problems it was business as usual. It was another perfect Dead Boys show. Both shows had lots of younger fans too. That was good to see. They got to see what a real punk band is. Lots of punk bands still tour but not many do it like they did in the old days.
For the Dead Boys there is only one way. If any band is worth my time and work it is these guys. If you missed them, make sure you catch them next time. There is nothing else like the Dead Boys, then and now. They perform the Young Loud and Snotty album sans “Little Girl” and add a few other songs such as “Son of Sam” and “Ain’t It Fun.” It’s also nice to see them in the club setting just like the old days too.
