Last Saturday, American hard rockers Buckcherry were in Brisbane celebrating the 25th anniversary of their self-titled debut album that was released in the year of the Y2K scare.
We gathered (28 September) to witness the current Buckcherry line-up: Josh Todd (vocals); Stevie D. (guitar, vocals); Billy Rowe (guitar); Francis Ruiz (drums); and Kelly LeMieux (bass – who many may know his thumping grooves in Goldfinger).We got the tip-off from the legends at The Triffid that Rose Tattoo had to pull the pin. Turns out, the one and only Angry Anderson banged his head in Sydney and ended up in hospital under observation for three days. Not much more I could find out, but hoping the Aussie rock icon gets the all-clear soon and is back swinging his mic and tearing up the stage in no time.
In his place, the set times indicated a new support, Joey. Who the heck is Joey? It left half the crowd scratching their heads, and even Google left us high and dry. Around 8:45pm, Stevie D strolled out and confirmed what we'd already heard: no Rose Tattoo tonight, and Angry's still laid up in hospital.
However, here's the twist – Joey Rags, Buckcherry's guitar tech, is stepping in last-minute for his impromptu Australian debut in Brissie! A punter nearby reckons Joey's got his own band back in the States, but he's never toured here as an artist.
Joey - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Joey tells us we're in for a bunch of acoustic covers, kicking off with a cracker take of Tom Petty and the Heartbreaker's 'American Girl'. Punters instantly warm to him. It's his laid-back, no-fuss vibe that fits right in with the crowd. Then Stevie D jumps back onstage adding some electric buzz to the affair.
Together they bang out 'Wonderwall' (Oasis) together. It's a track that can be a bit hit-or-miss, but Joey nails it. It can be a difficult song to cover, but Joey pulled off a great version of Foo Fighter's 'Everlong' where the crowd really took to sipping more liquid if only to lubricate their throats to help their karaoke voices escape with great gusto.
Joey is loving every bit of it; it's starting to feel like a sesh around a fire sitting on a bunch of eskies where your mate's got the acoustic out, and everyone's helping them belt out the classics.
Next up is 'If You Could Only See' before Stevie D joins Joey again for 'Wanted Dead Or Alive'. Stevie even cracked a joke about his guitar tech – cue Joey, of course! After the Bon Jovi number, Joey confirms it is his first solo set in Australia, and the crowd's vocal feedback shows just how much they're enjoying it.
This is followed by an all-round favourite of mine, both band and song: 'Interstate Love Song' (Stone Temple Pilots). I sang along with the crowd and must admit Joey took it in his stride and did a bloody good job!
Joey & Stevie D - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Well, the crowd surprised me with their all-in vocals for Kings Of Leon's 'Sex On Fire'. I swear everyone is opening their voice boxes for this one and Joey has the audacity to encourage them to sing louder – I don't know where they pulled it from, but the collective vocals went up another 10dB.
After 'Higher' (Creed), Joey tells us he was going to do 'Hotel California', but is concerned about bringing the energy down. As the crowd's response is contrary, we get to croon along to an abbreviated recital of the well-known haunting Eagles' classic.
Then comes a surprise – we are being asked to be his "drums" for 'Somebody To Love' (Queen). We do our best footstomping and harmonies (inharmoniously LOL) too. It's a top-notch effort from a bloke who wasn't even supposed to be performing, but up for the challenge at the drop of a hat
The crowd goes wild when 'Livin' On A Prayer' starts. Joey did warn us it'd start slow but promised it'd build, and boy, is it! Then, as a bit of a wind-up, he asked if we knew Journey. Cue deafening banshee-like screams – of course, we know Journey. He launches into 'Don't Stop Believin'' as punters absolutely let loose, singing from the first note to the last.
We give Joey a massive cheer when he wraps up. . . I reckon he's gained a whole bunch of local fans tonight. Joey shook hands with fans on the barrier and basked in our applause for a moment. In an instant however, he morphed back into guitar tech mode, prepping the stage for Buckcherry like it was no big deal.
At intermission, I overhear plenty of punters chatting about how much fun Joey’s set was. If he did have merch, it would’ve sold like hotcakes. In no time we are before the stage waiting for the moment that Buckcherry will appear to dish up their eagerly anticipated set of unadulterated rock & roll.
Buckcherry - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Not basking too long in the raucous welcome from the crowd before activating the band mode that must be 'Lit Up' with the label all systems go! It sets the tone for a high energy, balls out rock-fest! Killer groove of 'So Hott' keeps momentum trucking along as is '54321' with some mighty fine finger-picking from Stevie D and Rowe on their axes.
No wonder shirts and bandanas are now abandoned onstage; this place is on fire. So many in the room are partying like it's 1999 and Prince has possessed their bodies to dance on earth one more time during the set list that keeps on giving with the likes of 'Keep On Fighting', 'Ridin'', 'Bent', 'It's A Party' and 'Say F... It'.
I feel the raw energy pulsating through the crowd as the band let loose their brand of wild, rebellious rock thriving beneath its dirty, gritty nimbus cast from the sonic surge bouncing off the venue roof.
Buckcherry - image © Clea-marie Thorne
A more recent song, from 'Vol. 10', is 'Pain' and the lamenting track is delivered with raw and emotive vocals; it is beautiful in its heartfelt delivery. Todd asks us to shine our phone lights ahead of killer track 'Shine Your Light'. Fans obey and I see little stars appear in the room.
The high energy quickly returns to the room as Ruiz hammers the tubs on this one, showing his expertise lacks nothing as he bangs out the beat behind a soaring solo of squealing high notes that pierce our ears with perfect pitch. The ultimate party vibe has returned.
Next we are hammered with 'Gluttony', and of course we want more! 'Sorry' is ahead of the good 'ole rock & roll swagger of 'Good Time' that proves old-fashioned rock & roll is the key ingredient to a bloody good time.
Buckcherry - image © Clea-marie Thorne
Todd tells us the next song is dedicated to all the yoga pants around the world and with his tambourine, he brings the party to 'Tight Pants'. This one teases our love of funk with more ripping guitar rockdom! Man, I love me some tight pants!
After being told how they love how we "pick that sh.t up right", Todd tells us they used to listen to a song by an artist (Bryan Adams) they really love and the manager made them put it on the set list. Buckcherry are now cranking out a surprising but fully embraced cover of 'Summer Of ‘69' – and the inside joke is that it might just be the best '69' some folks have had in a while. LOL.
Closing out the night with the song we all want to hear – and Todd is making us call out for it! Of course, it's their colossal rock anthem 'Crazy Bitch' that slinks in choice bites of 'Sex Machine', 'Bad Girls', and 'Irresistible Bitch', even rolling in 'Proud Mary' before returning to 'Crazy Bitch'.
Buckcherry - image © Clea-marie Thorne
The choreographed side-sliding across the stage like Maurice and Jerome from The Time is making me smile and that little bit of Prince pushes the funk factor higher. It's a medley that might be ending the night, but it could also be a contender for a rock medley medal as it reminds us all that rock & roll isn't just kicking in the '20s, it's bloody roaring!
Buckcherry gave us a set that was loud, filthy and everything we came for and more. Buckcherry, chums, absolutely smashed it at The Triffid tonight!
More photos from the concert.
