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Live at Pacific Amp

August 5, 2024 Review by John Gilhooley

On an epically classic Southern California summer afternoon, the Pacific Amphitheatre welcomed rockabilly musical legends the Stray Cats, ska icons The English Beat, and a new powerhouse, Midnight Cowgirls.

Early arrivers to the festivities experienced an amazing opener in the all-female group, Midnight Cowgirls. Dressed in matching cowgirl outfits, their mix of country, post-punk, new wave, and rockabilly won over the crowd thanks to their melodic songs and dynamic stage presence.

M I D N I G H T C O W G I R L S

Fronted by vocalist and guitarist Kandle Osborne, with additional vocals and rhythm section by Jennie Vee and Leah Bluestein, and guitarist Rex Elle, they kicked off the evening with songs from their self-titled debut record.

Of course SoCal is no stranger to the musical legends of The English Beat. Dave Wakeling and crew took the stage and wasted no time breaking into classics, “Rough Rider” and “I’ll Take You There.” As soon as the intro to “Tenderness” began, any person that had been sitting got their butts out of their seats and started dancing.

“Save It for Later” and “Ranking Full Stop” kept the party going, and then “Mirror in the Bathroom” kept the crowd dancing and singing along.

Wakeling thanked the crowd and joked that they were trying to figure out how to be the house band, so they could “play here every night!”

As the sun dipped into the ocean and the moon peaked out to overlook Pac Amp, it was time for Stray Cats to take the stage. You could feel the anticipation in the air before the band took the stage, and that restless sound reminiscent of the sound of a jet just before take-off. The crowd was prime and ready for this legendary band.

As the lights dimmed, the roar of the crowd took over. The crew raised the Stray Cats’ banner with the iconic cat logo overseeing Pac Amp. Suddenly, out walked front-man Brain Setzer, bassist Lee Rocker, and drummer Slim Jim Phantom. The gents waved to the crowd and the venue was set for an incredible performance, it was a goosebump moment in the OC.

Starting with “Too Hip, Gotta Go,” the crowd went nuts, then they segued into “Runaway Boys,” by then everyone was on their feet, singing along to every word as they danced their hearts out.

The party continued through “Double Talkin’ Baby” and “Three Time’s a Charm,” but when they started “Stray Cat Strut,” WOW. Everything went up a notch – the band’s energy, the crowd’s response.

Phantom’s booming drums kept an incredible beat, Lee Rocker dazzled with his standup bass, and Setzer was Setzer; he simply electrified the crowd!

Their set was heartwarming, and it captured the sonic souls of all attending. The 21-song set included “Gene and Eddie,” “When Nothing’s Going Right,” “Cry Baby,” another big fan favorite was “(She’s) Sexy + 17.” The Cats delivered the cover made famous by Aerosmith – but Yardbirds before them and Tiny Bradshaw originally – “The Train Kept A-Rollin.’”

More crowd pleasers included “Blast Off,” “Summertime Blues,” “Rockabilly Rules,” and “Fishnet Stockings” before they closed out with worldwide anthem to coolness, “Rock This Town.”

The band left the stage to a standing ovation, and being the accomplished showmen they are, they returned to even more cheers. Their encore featured “Rumble in Brighton” and “Built for Speed.” Bottomline, Stray Cats proved that after 40+ years, they are better than ever, with no signs of slowing down – proving Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom really are “Built for Speed.”

In the end, their devoted fans got what they came for. They got an electrifying show from one of the greatest bands to come out of any era and genre. It was a sonic journey we will be ranting and raving for some time.

The band continues on their Summer Tour 2024. You need to catch these living legends while you can. Tickets for their ongoing tour are available!

TO FOLLOW

SID 2409167 | TRACI TURNER | EDITOR