One of the shows that I had circled on my 2024 summer concert calendar was the Stray Cats. It’s been 5 years since the Stray Cats toured and the first time they have played the Western New York area since October 31, 1983. The Stray Cats still comprise of the original 3 guys: Brian Setzer on lead vocals and guitar, Slim Jim Phantom on drums and Lee Rocker on bass. A very interesting outfit named the Midnight Cowgirls opened the show.
The show started at 6:30pm with a band called the Midnight Cowgirls. You can classify them as country rock. They were all dressed in dazzling black and white cowboy outfits. Their hour set consisted of 10 songs including some originals and covers. The bass player Jennie Vee Phantom was super solid holding down the low end. Kandle Osborne dazzled the audience with her vocals and her rhythm guitar playing. Some of the songs that were played were “Delete the Guy” and “Heaven Only Knows.” They did an interesting cover of the Little Richard song “The Girl Can’t Help It” as well. A cool band that I would say was perfect appetizer for the main course.
The Stray Cats took to the stage a little after 8pm and kicked into “Too Hip, Gotta Go” off their 3rd studio effort titled ‘Rant ‘n’ Rave.’ The guys didn’t say much in between tracks and let the music do the talking. You can tell right off the bat that the atmosphere between band members was great. Setzer made his way to play with both Phantom and Rock at various times throughout the set. Rocker handled vocals on his own track “When Nothing’s Going Right” and “Bring it Back Again.” They dedicated “Summertime Blues” to the recent passing of Duane Eddy. I thought the band kept a good vibe as people were dancing throughout the set. Of course, cell phones were raised during the bands better known tracks in “Stray Cat Strut,” “(She’s) Sexy + 17” and “Rock This Town” (which was their last song before the encores). It was cool that they brought out the song “Rockabilly Blues” off the album ‘Blast Off.’ This tune hasn’t been played live much and really fit the theme for the night.
Setzer’s vocals were still as solid as the last time I seen him perform about 10 years ago during one of his Christmas shows. Both Rocker and Phantom rhythm section were locked and loaded as well. Setzer stated that he thought the band sounded better than ever. Well, I missed the 1983 show but can say that after seeing and hearing them live this past Tuesday, it would be hard to argue that point.
Setlist:
Too Hip, Gotta Go
Runaway Boys
Double Talkin’ Baby (Gene Vincent & His Blues Caps cover)
Three Times’ a Charm
Stray Cat Strut
Gene and Eddie
Sweet Love on My Mind (Johnny Brunette cover)
Miracle in Memphis (Lee Rocker song)
Twenty Flight Rock (Eddie Cochran cover)
Cry Baby
The Train Kept a Rollin’ (Tiny Bradshaw cover)
When Nothing’s Going Right
(She’s) Sexy + 17
Bring it Back Again
Blast Off
Summertime Blues (Eddie Cochran cover)
Rockabilly Rules
Fishnet Stockings
Rock This Town
Encore:
Built for Speed
Rumble in Brighton
We would like to thank Jordan Oscar from Artpark for the credentials to review the show.
