By CRAIG HAMMONS
LOS ANGELES – The American Wasteland Tour finally made it to town after barn storming across America bringing the message of Rock N Roll to the people. These Rock N Roll road warriors of the diamond studded highway are here tonight to kick our ass and raise some Hell. And Suzi Moon leads the charge.
In Fuzz We Trust put together another killer triple bill at the Redwood. I arrived just in time to see the ever-likable all girl group Xtine and the Restless Hearts.
I ran into them just as they were going on stage and witnessed the instant energy created when they hit their first note. Xtine got in the first punch and from then on you couldn’t keep your eyes off her. The first song wasn’t even over yet and she was dancing on a table and almost crawling on the ceiling. They know the Redwood stage well as they just finished up a five-week Monday night residency here. Their musicianship is strong, the songs are infectious and fun. These are 4 girls, 2 worlds, 1 Mission: Save Rock ‘n’ Roll! See them next time they are in town. They leave on the Reckless in the U.K. tour on May 25.
I stepped out front to cool off, grab a drink and sit down for minute when suddenly Suzi Moon and her party come out and side down at the table next to me. The guy sitting next to me turned out to be her husband. He introduces me and later I asked Suzi if we could get a picture. She suggested we go outside to get the shot and as we were walking outside here comes Kevin Preston from Prima Donna.
Next thing I know we were all talking, and I never got the shot. I also ran into Nigel Moog (Juvenile Wrecks, The Quireboys), the mighty Jeremy White (The Blessing) and Johnny Martin (L.A. Guns) who all came to witness their fellow rockers Ravagers and Suzi Moon rock the house. It was going to be a rock and roll party tonight.
Anyways, I had to get back inside to see those bad boys from Baltimore the Ravagers. They are 100% no bullshit rock and roll spiked with punk venom. They are on tour supporting their first full length, kick ass new album “Badlands” on Spaghetty Town Records.
We all jumped in front of the stage for some sweaty in your face punk rock and roll. Ravagers didn’t mess around. They ripped thru their set with reckless abandon but perfect in execution. The songs off the new album like “Nasty Night” and “Blackout” sounded great live with supersonic impact. Alex Hagen is a lively front man and a ripping guitarist. The other axe man in the band is the mighty Matt Gabs former guitarist from The Biters. This was a full onslaught punk rock madness.
It was now time for the majestic Suzi Moon. She is on tour supporting her new EP “Animal” on Pirates Press Records. She has earned her strips as a rock and roll punk rock goddess. Suzi has the energy, spirit, stamina, and attitude to continue to gain the attention she deserves. She loves her fans and anyone who has seen her live can tell you she lets them know it.
She was instrumental in putting together two great bands LA Machina and The Turbulent Hearts before going solo.
Suzi landed on stage after a short instrumental ready to destroy. She came stage like a rock and roll Greta Garbo with her mink stole flowing behind her. But once she picked up that guitar it was time to in buckle up and get ready to rock. Opening with “Dumb and In Luv” they went petal to the punk and never let up. As quick as you could catch your breath they kicked into “Special Place in Hell” a glam rocker off her EP “Call the Shots”.
Suzi is also a great songwriter. The songs she writes are full of intense energy and performed with confidence and conviction. She sings “I’m Not a Man” with the piss and swagger of a true rock star. She kicked right into to her new single “Gold Record Autograph” which already has over 17 thousand views on YouTube. Suzi does what she wants, and it seems to be working as her fan base just keeps on growing. She is the world’s forgotten girl whose work ethic is propelling her to the head of her class. Suzi has got a stellar band with her.
The mighty Drew Champion on guitar keeps this wild twin guitar attack roaring with excitement. They ended with “Animal” the title track of the new EP. Suzi left the stage prowling around the crowd like a rock and roll tiger. The energy she created almost capsized the place.
Tonight, we went to the moon and back all in the name of rock and roll. Suzi Moon’s landing at the Redwood Saturday night, was one small step for women and one giant leap for rock and roll. She came in peace and left the place in pieces.
See Suzi Moon when Punk in The Park returns November 5th and 6th at Oak Canyon Park in Orange County.
SET LIST
Dumb and In Luv
Special Place in Hell
99 Miles
I’m Not a Man
Gold Record Autograph
Family
Believe in Luv
Sonic Attraction
$$$
Animal
