By: Michael Bragg (Photo Gallery & Review) of MJBragg Photography
Greenville, SC (July 23rd, 2019) – If you weren’t at The Firmament in Greenville, SC tonight you sure missed out. A night full of greasy, sleazy rock ‘n’ roll brought to you straight from California and the days when artistry and originality thrived at places like The Whiskey-A-Go-Go and Viper Room. Back before MTV forgot what music is you would find bands like Faster Pussycat and Bang Tango frequenting those venues along the famed Sunset Strip building loyal followings that still support the bands today. The two groups have now joined together for their current “Return To The Sunset” tour celebrating 30 plus years of music. Eager fans took their places dressed in their best rock outfits as they awaited showtime.
Guest openers, American Hair Band, from Charlotte, NC kicked off the night with a set list of classic 80’s rock songs. Playing hits from an array of artist like Skid Row and Ratt the tribute band pumped up the crowd. Darrin, Steve, Jeff and Dave wowed the audience with their impressive stage presence and precise detail to the songs.
Bang Tango
Next up came Joe Leste’ (Vocals), Lance Eric (Bass), Steve Favela (Guitar) and Timmy Russell (drums), better known as Bang Tango. With 30yrs (1989-2019) of music the groups show did not disappoint. Revisiting the bands first album, “Pyscho Cafe,” from 1989 the group performed classics like “Attack My Life,” “Love Injection” and “Wrap My Wings.” Lance and Timmy provided a solid rhythm section for Steve to show off his guitar prowess as front man Joe impressed the crowd with his powerful vocals.
Throughout the set Joe engaged with the crowd numerous times stepping out on to speakers in front of the stage bringing the front row even closer to the show. The band continued on with other songs like “Soul to Soul” from the 1991 album “Dancin’ On Coals” and “My Favorite 9” from 1994’s “Love After Death” release. Fans continued to pump fists in the air as Bang Tango’s set neared an end closing out their performance with “Don’t Stop Now” and “Someone Like You.”
Faster Pussycat
As the saying goes, “the show must go on” and so it did. Despite a few technical difficulties Faster Pussycat pushed forward to entertain their fans. Having formed in 1986 and releasing a self titled (Faster Pussycat) album in 1987 the group became popular with songs such as “Bathroom Wall” and “House of Pain.” The band came out firing on all cylinders opening with “Where There’s A Whip There’s A Way” from 1989’s “Wake Me When It’s Over” album and “Jack The Bastard” from 1992’s “Whipped.” Full of energy the five piece never let up as they held the crowds attention all night.
With the exception of Sam Bam Koltun (Guitar), who is currently sitting in Ace Von Johnson’s spot as he’s out with L.A. Guns, the current line-up has been together since 2001. Rounding out the group is Xristian Simon (Guitar), Danny Nordahl (Bass) and Chad Stewart (drums) providing the the musical background for frontman Taime Downe’s sleazed up vocals.
Going on to play other notable songs from the groups catalog like “The Power and The Glory Hole” and “You’re So Vein” Faster Pussycat had attendees singing along to every word.
Ushering in a new age of fans I noticed several parents with their young rock ‘n’ rollers amongst the crowd. One young boy on the front row steadily watching with acute attentiveness taking in every stage move and note played. At times even noticed him singing along to choruses of songs proving that good music just sticks around and crosses generations.
After closing out the night with “Shut Up & Fuck” and “Babylon” the band members of each group joined the crowd taking photos and signing autographs showing thanks for those who had come out to support them.
With dates for the tour booked through mid August this is a show you sure do not want to miss.
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Copyright – Michael Bragg/MJBragg Photography
Faster Pussycat
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Bang Tango
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American Hair Band
