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STRAY


Yes this is great to see all these colourful paradisebirds with their Elvis hairstyle and pink suits or even lepard look. In front of the door you find one chevy after the other, and those fight a competition which one is more sparkling than the other. One thiing is for sure, this is gonna be a real nostalgic evening with every clichee included. 

Jes... what a long time ago, that the Stray Cats conquered the world with their unique mixture of Rockabilly, punk and new wave. It happened exactly 28 years ago, that this american threesome celebrated their breaking success in Good Old Britain in 1980. The Stray Cats are Brian Setzer, Leon Ducker a.k.a. Lee Rocker and James McDonnel a.k.a. Slim Jim Phantom. who took the world by storm with songs like 'Rock This Town' and 'Stray Cat Strut'. But just four years later, they split, because Brain Setzer preferred to tour with Robert Plant and Slim Jim Phantom  got married to Rod Stewart's Ex-. Again four years later the band reunited, which lasted 'till 1992. And last but not least the guys got together again 11 years onwards. Since that point another 5 years have past. And now they are celebrating their final fairwell. This very last tour includes also 3 dates in Germany. And today right now and here, we got the first gig in Munich. Like I said before, the nostalgic level is set very high, and the aprox. 4.000 - wann be like Gene Vincent's and Eddie Cochrain look a likes are very exited about their idols coming up shortly. It is also surprising that quite a few young people found their way here tonight. Guys who were just born when the Stray Cats started out first. and shot to fame. 



At strike 8 p.m. the show starts with southern californian artists Buzz Campbell & The Hot Rod Lincoln. 

Those. by the way, have just done a few warm up show in Munich's surrounding before this very date tonight. But unfortunately not many people knew about it. Shame, because I think, in a small venue on their own, you can judge a band much better, exspecially when they are only supporting a big headliner. But hoever, so I gotta try to get the best outta my opinion here now when they play the support role for the Stray Cats. They actually following the same path like the main act. It's a threesome as well, consisting of Vocals and Guitar, Bass and drums. And they also playing good old School Rockabilly sound. 

You can realize, that this band here are not newcomcers with their routine, they are playing up there. Actually they are going for 15 years now and played with other artists like Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis, Chris Isaac, Willie Nelson, Shanana and the Stray Cats. - They got a new album out as well named 'Runaway Girl'. 
I must admit, I do like them, Buzz and his collegues are good fun, and I hope they will be back sooner or later with their own european tour. 

http://www.hotrodlincoln.net

nur so am Rande erwähnt......



Now the stars of tonight are expected desperately already. 
Ladies & Gentlemen – here they are: Brian Setzer, Slim Jim Phantom und Lee Rocker,  - The Stray Cats.

And they seem not much older than in the past. Yeah well, at least, what's up to the Slim Jim and Lee Rocker. Mr Setzer has put on a few pounds obviously, but it doesn't really matter what's up to his stage presence. Yiiipppiiieehhh, this is Rock'n'Roll. And the Stray Cats really giving their best again, starting off with 'Rumble In Brighton'-
And the venue stands on it's head. Watching the scenery, you get the impression, that this here is not just one of many bands playing their fairwell tour. This is a life attitude, almost a legend. This is one going on for 3 decades, and never really vanished. Okay, the musical style is not the most modern one right now and the fancircle is rather small. But the philosophy can't be killed. The mood in here is still rising to a not yet reached highpoint. this one again is reached for the first time tonight by the song 'Stray Cat Strut' and leads into 'Runaway Boys'

God, this is great... Almost-Elvis has got tears in his eyes, and Eddie Cochrains grand-grandson does a prayer in deep devotion to have got the chance to see his old heroes one more time live on stage. Miau... that's all to say about this sentimental fairwell's. And yes of course, Gene Vincnt gets his dedication with the song 'Sweet Gene Vincent' (the original is by Ian Dury) and Brian Setzer is getting closer and closer with the fans. He seems to be very touched by so much love. 


Stray Cats live in Munich aug. 24.  2008 - with  'Stray Cat Strut'

Last but not least at the encore the Stray Cats play 'I Fought The Law' of the Clash and they close up with 'Somethin' Else. That's it... so far... 
Yep, it has been a well done fairwell here in Muncih and everybody is pleased and happily going home. Or better still hanging out in front of the door, discussing the show with other fans. I personally ask myself, has this really be the end - the very last time, we have seen the Stray Cats live on stage? Now, let's wait and see.... And as we say so: - never say never again... So there is still some  hope, ain't it.....

http://www.straycats.com/