By photojournalist Dan Fernandez
Josh Todd and Buckcherry brought their no apologies attitude to Jannus Live Wednesday evening October 1st with support by opening acts Drew Cagle & The Reputation and the famed Nashville Pussy. Boy oh boy was it a wild night, even including an appearance by local legend Medicine Man. Let’s break this one down…
Opening the night was the dynamic, unyielding Drew Cagle & The Reputation fresh off their debut album Bad Attitude, which the band described as “an 8-song collection of boisterous rock n roll that combines passionate modern songwriting with the bold sound and swagger of the hard rock superstars from the ‘80s.” Their sound can be best summed up as a search to discover Rock n Roll’s mystifying edge, blended with a youthful scrappiness and explosivity. It was just what was needed to get the night rolling.
Following Cagle was the one and only Nashville Pussy (formerly Hell’s Half-Acre) from Atlanta, Georgia. Deriving their name from Ted Nugent’s famous introduction to the song “Wang Dang Sweet Poontang” off his album Double Live Gonzo! their current lineup boasts Blane Cartwright, his wife Ryter Suys, Jeremy Thompson and Bonnie Buitrago. Known for their no holds barred attitude toward the themes of sex, drugs, drinking, fighting, and rock ‘n’ roll NP can always be counted on to get rowdy. A perfect example of this was right after mid set when Cartwright poured a full beer into his cowboy hat before proceeding to chug said beer, pop his lid back on and continue his performance without skipping a beat. If Buckcherry was going for a band who could get the crowd well warmed up they chose incredibly well.
Wait, is that Perry Farrell pre- face filler and on stage, public melt down? Nope that is Josh Todd, the kinetic and enigmatic front man of Buckcherry (BC). Though one could be forgiven for mistaking the two with how Todd flamboyantly works his way across the stage captivating those that he is performing for. 30 years in and BC is still in prime performance mode. The band he fronts, Buckcherry was founded in Anaheim, California in 1995. Described by Todd as “unique, complex, simple, passionate, explosive, original, and always a good time” BC released two albums before taking a hiatus in 2002 and regrouping with a new lineup in 2005. Although the band had a taste of commercial success in their earlier years it was this retooled version of Buckcherry that released their biggest hit to date in 2006 with “Crazy Bitch,” as well as “Sorry” off the same album. The latter of which would become their first Billboard Hot 100 top ten. The crew has taken that momentum and ran with it ever since, continuing to release new music and tour at a vigorous pace with BC’s current lineup consisting of Josh Todd, Stevie D., Kelly LeMieux, Francis Ruiz and Billy Rowe. On the band’s success over the years Todd was quoted “For a guy who never thought he was going to live past 30 this has been an incredible journey.” he Continues “what an amazing roller coaster we have been on. From hit songs to platinum and gold records and millions of fans worldwide…We beat the odds and built our reputation on the live shows, and our ‘one of a kind’ approach to every opportunity.”
That one-of-a-Kind approach was on full display Wednesday night as fans of the BC piled into Jannus Live. The crowd was a mix of older rockers, lifelong fans and enthusiastic youths with a special shout out local legend Medicine Man. Buckcherry’s passion shown through in their performance exemplified by LeMieux’s animated bass playing and Todd’s near effortless navigation of the stage with the bands energized demeanor rubbing off on the crowd the minute they opened with fan favorite “Lit Up.” Following “Lit Up” was the rest of a 17-song firestorm including hits “Roar Like Thunder,” “So Hot,” “Let It Burn,” “Set It Free,” “Sorry” and “Gluttony.” The heavy hitting, high octane set sent shockwaves through Jannus Live that pulsated straight into the veins of the audience like lifeblood. The only thing missing? BC’s most beloved hit “Crazy Bitch” which they served up as an encore to the crowd’s delight, immediately sending them into a frenzy.
If your idea of a great night of music is debaucherous, infectious tunes featuring the themes that good ol’ rock n’ roll was founded on then the Buckcherry show at Jannus Live was the place to be! From the moment Drew Cagle and his crew kicked it off until Buckcherry rounding out the night the camaraderie and love for rock n’ roll music was on full display. This night proved one thing for sure, if you attend a Buckcherry you’re going to have to allow some time for the energy transference to wear off as you’re sure to leave beyond wired.
