It’s not every day you get to see Lemmy Kilminster playing with anyone other than Motorhead. So with the Head Cat at Highbury Garage, there was clearly an atmosphere that we were about to witness something special. However, before Lemmy, Slim Jim Phantom (Stray Cats) and Danny B Harvey (Lonesome Spurs, the Rockats) took the stage, first it was over to Ginger to gain some new fans…
The Ex-Wildhearts frontman and friends played a storming acoustic set of classics, and despite initially being obvious there were only a few Wildheart devotees in Highbury tonight, they managed to win over the majority of the sellout crowd by the end of their set.
It was probably the best I’ve ever seen Ginger play and even if not quite all the Rockabilly’s were into it, I don’t think anyone could question how much fun was being had on stage.
the Head Cat
Head Cat – Highbury Garage 16th October 2011
So a great opening act for the night, but still, it was one of those gigs where you knew why you were there. The Head Cat Performing their first gig outside of the US, and one I can’t imagine would be repeated too often if at all. However, what an experience, Lemmy’s bass playing was spot on as always (although shame he wasn’t playing acoustic like the dvd) and Slim Jim certainly is the best stand-up drummer. There was an honest rawness to the band, one put together through friendship and love of old school rock n roll.
The rawness of which I speak meant there were times when the performance was a little rough round the edges. The messing up the ending to Dale Hawkins “Suzy Q” for example, but it wouldn’t have felt right if it was all nice and polished (we messed it up on the recording too… quipped Slim Jim).
“Fools Paradise”, Johnny Cash’s “Big River” and Buddy Holly’s “Not Fade Away” were all fantastic. As were the only self-penned numbers “American Beat” and “Eagle Flies on Friday” which sound as if they too were plucked straight from the 1950’s.
It would be hard to pick out a favourite moment though and when the band left the stage following a storming version of Elvis’ “Blue Suede Shoes” it was a shame to have to make my way back to the station rather than attend the after party upstairs. Although not to worry, rock n roll on next month and my annual trip to see Lemmy back in the saddle with the mighty Motorhead.
