Redd Kross

Review by Glen Murrell:

It was their first show in nine years! First of all, Redd Kross is one of my favorite bands. Their sound never fit in much with their LA punk rock peers of the late 70’s-early 80’s. Born Innocent, Redd Kross’ first album sounds like bratty kids hooked on NY Dolls, Stones and Charles Manson. They even covered a gem from the cult-flick Beyond The Valley of the Dolls titled “Look On Up At The Bottom”. Redd Kross have always been influenced
by pop culture more than your average band.

So, my buddy Chris got tickets to see a very exclusive performance of Redd Kross at the Red Cat Theater in downtown Los Angeles. The place only holds 200 people so it sold out quickly. Luckily, Chris, with the help of his friend Adam, got three tickets. So, we headed up to LA on the evening of July 1, 2006.

The Red Cat is built more for dramatic purposes but served the show well. There was seating but most people chose to stand instead. We sat next to Ann Magnuson (Bongwater, Anything But Love) but i was too chicken to say anything to her. The opening band was a group of young kids from Nashville called Be Your Own Pet. They were interesting, played their songs fast and furious. The drummer was really good, he tore up a three piece Slingerland set. I heard that Steve(from Redd Kross) is producing some of their new stuff. They have the whole teen-angst thing going.

Next up, Redd Kross. They came out on stage looking good. Jeff (guitar,vocals)had a white smoking jacket on and silver sparkle shoes. His hair(always an important RK feature to note) was pretty short. Steve(bass, vocals) looked great as always. His hair was shoulder length and he wore a Cats t-shirt. He could make any straight man think twice. Plus the
fact, the guy is an amazing bass player. Robert “Hot Plate” Hecker looked like just escaped from some new age vegan nudist colony. Bald and guitar strung-up real high(made George Harrison look like Johnny Ramone). He just didn’t fit in and thank god his guitar was low in the mix. Cousin Roy was splendid on drums and looks the same has he did 20 years ago.

They opened with “Lady In the Front Row” and then played a new song “Don’t Go Downtown”. I was surprised at how much recent material they played. Here are some more songs I can remember; Jimmy’s Fantasy, Girl God, Mess Around, Crazy World, Huge Wonder, After School Special, Frosted Flake, Everyday There’s Someone New, Peach Kelli Pop, Love Is You, What They Say, and Your Bed was the finale with Steve’s wife Anna guesting on vocals. They had great energy without being too nostalgic or glitzy. The show kicked ass and confirmed that Redd Kross is still one of the best rock and roll bands around.

Red Kross : Follow the Leader
www.myspace.com/reddkross

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