It’s Sunday, and the glam mistress is tired. I feel beaten and bruised after two exceptionally long nights of music. I realized just moments ago that I’d been staring blankly at my computer screen for about an hour. I decided at some point, I was just going to have to push through the pain to write a review of last night’s Britny Fox/Pretty Boy Floyd extravaganza.
Annie’s Entertainment Complex flanks the riverfront in Cincinnati. Last night, Drugstore Valentine, Triad, Z02, A Nervous Wreck, Pretty Boy Floyd and Britny Fox all rocked the house. I was there from before the beginning until after the bitter end. For the most part, the evening was upbeat save for a few bad notes, some feedback, and drunk women flipping their hair in my face.
Ladies: I have long hair too. I don’t get drunk and whip it around, ruining the fun of other concert goers. Have respect: pull that hair back in a ponytail!
Whew. Now that that’s off my chest, on to the music:
The bands performed in the order I listed above. Last night was big for Cincinnati natives Drugstore Valentine. New bassist Brian Kinkade played his first show with the band. All in all, he seemed to fit right in with the island of misfit toys. Of course DSV opened with “Welcome to the Show” but they didn’t get to play much else since their set was exceptionally short. Lead singer Kenny Ozz did sing his signature “Backstage Bombshells” and “Life’s a Bitch,” all while giving his parents – and this intrepid journalist – a shout-out from the stage.
Triad is another Cincinnati band. As many shows as I’ve watched in the Queen City, this was a first for me. The lead singer said “Cincinnati” about 57 times, but I guess that just proves he was working the hometown crowd. Triad played a slew of originals, plus a cover of AC/DCs overplayed “You Shook Me All Night Long” and a classic Guns n’ Roses medley. They’ll be with Pretty Boy Floyd again next Saturday night at McGuffy’s in Dayton.
Brooklyn based Z02 were a late add to the bill. Glam conspirator Heather immediately took a liking to the groove-metal band. I’d say their looks have something to do with the fascination. In addition to being incredibly attractive, Z02 sound damn good. A three piece, they are able to create the sound of five musicians. Both Paulie Z (guitar) and David Z (bass) can sing. Their originals sound good, but a highlight was a cover of “Tom Sawyer,” made legendary by Rush. David has an interestingly high voice and the cover actually sounded believable. Z02 has released two albums, and I’ll be reviewing both of them in the coming days.
A Nervous Wreck played a whole lotta glam covers, including “One More Reason” (L.A. Guns) and “Blind in Texas” (WASP). The Kentuckians were alright, but exhaustion was starting to set in and I was growing impatient for Pretty Boy Floyd and Britny Fox. By this time, Annie’s was filling up nicely – but that would change. More on that later.
Finally, Pretty Boy Floyd emerged from the shadows of some back alley. Earlier in the evening, I visited the merchandise table and purchased a shirt. Some of the PBF members were sitting at the table at the time. When I say “some” I mean everyone but Steve “Sex” Summers – he waited to make his grand entrance. For some unknown reason, the band is passing out old photos which include former guitarist Kristy “Krash” Majors. I shrugged and accepted the photo.
Pretty Boy Floyd performed (incorrect order):
Rock n’ Roll (Is Gonna Set the Night on Fire)
I Wanna Be With You
48 Hours
Rock and Roll Outlaws
Your Momma Won’t Know
Toast of the Town (Motley Crue Cover)
Live Wire (Motley Crue Cover)
Steve Summers (dressed in lycra athletic pants) sounded good and seemed jolly enough and bassist Mikki Twist is awfully cute in person. He seemed into the show, and the crowd appreciated his efforts. The two cover songs baffled me. “Toast of the Town” is included on Leather Boyz with Electric Toyz, but it still took me off guard as the band played such a short set. It seemed like PBF were on and off the stage in under 40 minutes. During those 40 minutes, Scotti D shoved drum sticks up his nose.
Then finally, round about 1:30 in the morning, Britny Fox emerged from their hole. As expected, the set list was pretty similar to Friday night, except the performance was shorter. Britny Fox performed (not in order and not complete):
Six Guns Loaded
So Lonely
Liar
Dream On
Long Way to Love
Drum/Bass/Guitar solos
Hair of the Dog (Nazareth cover)
Girlschool
*no encore
When Pretty Boy Floyd performed, the area in front of the stage was packed but then Annie’s pretty much cleaned out right after their show. Poor Britny Fox played for about 50 people, but this didn’t stop them from putting on a good, high intensity show. Last night marked the final stop of the band’s 2007 tour. They sounded good, but Tommy Paris was stronger in voice Friday night. After the show, bassist Billy Childs was wandering around in the crowd. He said he liked my glasses. All girls should have black hair and glasses.