Written by Eddie Ferranti
It is funny how the name of a band can sometimes personify the evening’s performance. This night, the Blasters, did just that in more ways than one! This outfit started back in 1978 out of the blue collar town of Downey, California and they came out with a no nonsense biker bar approach that really pleased this reviewer. The four piece kicked, err blasted, the ceiling out on the first number setting the “strap in and hold on” pace that never let up. You rarely see punk rockabilly period these days, especially at the cozy confines of McGonigels, which I tip my hat to for booking these cats for two nights further showing the versatility of this venue.After parting ways with brother Dave in 1986, Phil Alvin has kept the “American music” fire burning (with these guys since 2011) on lead vocals and guitar, John Bazz on solid rapid thump bass, dynamic drumming of Bill Bateman, and down on one knee showmanship of Keith Wyatt torching his electric guitar all night! They have six albums to their credit , along with three live recordings , which is how this squad brings home the bacon. To me they were the rockabilly version of the Ramones with the same no gabbing , stoic business like approach, one song after another non-stop punk rock in your face laced with a blues fusion. Quite unique and bad ass. “Well Oh Well” was how we were feeling as Alvin poured it on and knew how to easily give space to his band mates like the seasoned pro he is. “Dark Night” tickled the sweet buzz bone, “I’m Shakin'” got the fever going major in the packed house, and peel me off the ceiling “Rebound” staggered me.
Just when you were coming up for air, Alvin scorched the place on mouth harp with “Crying for My Baby” and “So Long Baby Goodbye”. They did a “ballad” Red Rose”, followed by dedication to Lightin’Hopkins and others with of course “American Music”, and a beauty “Marie, Marie”. This show steam rolled down hill so fast that you could not even tell you were flattened! One last bullet of raucous rock was fired on “One Bad Stud” which really should have been FOUR bad studs who adorned this hallowed stage! I wanted to say a special thanks to William Michael Smith who got me amped up for the gig with his 10-1pm special DJ spot on KPFT earlier in the day. He said to get out there and see these cats perform live. Some younger bands might take a peek at what it takes to stick around these days performing before a live audience. Let’s hope the Blasters continue to “blast” away at us!
You check out a sampling of this show and see what you missed on youtube now. Just search Blasters McGonigel’s Mucky Duck and check out “So Long Baby Goodbye”.
Eddie “Edge” Ferranti
Senior Editor
Houston Music Review
Senior Editor
Houston Music Review