Seemingly on tour purely for the love of rock n roll, Rocket From the Crypt arrived at the Wedgewood Rooms for the 1st time in 19 years. There was no new album to promote, no “best off” and no particular anniversary to celebrate. Yet the return of California’s RFTC was still one of those hotly anticipated shows.
The last time Rocket from the Crypt played Portsmouth in 1998 was a very eventful occasion. Moved venue at the last minute, followed by a power cut shortly into their set, leaving the band to play almost the entire gig under temporary lighting. That evening was memorable for so many reasons, but ultimately it was just a fantastic concert.
However, before we get to tonight’s headliners, a quick shout out to support band the Schizophonics also from the United States. I was convinced that frontman Pat Beers was initially playing to a backing tape, albeit a poorly recorded one.
It soon turned out this wasn’t the case, for basically his style of guitar playing was just somewhat unconventional. Smash the strings a couple of times with the right hand, then do everything else with the left while physically throwing himself across the stage.
Imagine Jimi Hendrix crossed with Pete Townsend, James Brown and a very drunk Michael Flatley all rolled into one. If you can do that, you still haven’t come close. Musically I’d be hard pushed to listen to the Schizophonics on record, although live I’m yet to work out if Beer is the best guitarist ever… or the worst.
the Schizophonics
It was then time for the real deal, coming on with a sparkling backdrop and matching outfits Rocket from the Crypt were ready to party. Singer/guitarist John Reis was a pleasure to watch, a massive grin, complete with humble honesty combined with comedy banter and a suave delivery. In fact the whole band just looked happy, an energy which rubbed off on their audience.
Reis (aka Speedo) summed it up, this is much more than just rock n roll, it’s a family. Creating a sense of being that unless you’re part of it, can sometimes be hard to explain. As for a live act, Rocket from the Crypt at the Wedgewood Rooms was everything you wanted. Great tunes and good time rock n roll, “Hairball Alley” and “Middle” for example being just that.
Then well into the set came three bolts of lightning from classic album “Scream Dracula Scream”. Easily the bands best known tracks, “Born in 69”, “On a Rope” and “Young Livers”. All played just as the fans wanted, loud, fast and all over within a blink of an eye.
It didn’t finish there though and in what was a fun filled night, as RFTC showed no signs of running out of gas with their 90’s nostalgia. The performance eventually had to wrap up and while a 19 year wait had been worth every penny, let’s hope it’s not that long until next time.
Rocket From the Crypt – Wedgewood Rooms, 30th November 2017
