FASTER PUSSYCAT – MAXIMUM VELOCITY IN ARIZONA

Jun 1, 2024

by Greg Turner

Despite recovering from a recent date with a scalpel, I was determined to witness Faster Pussycat at the 44 Sports Grill & Nightlife in Glendale, AZ. I was not disappointed on this Sunday night during Memorial Day weekend. The 44 is located at 4494 West Peoria Avenue, in Glendale, easy access right from the 101. They offer custom cocktails, over 20 domestic & import beers on tap, & the food is always delicious (I suggest the hot pretzel basket that includes three large pretzel sticks with a mild jalapeno cheese on the side—Outstanding!) The staff is always top notch & professional, the best in the business. I had my multiple item order in my hand in under a minute even when the bands were on & the front bar was two customers deep from end to end.

The sound system at the venue is far superior to most clubs in the area without being overkill on volume. Yes, the system is loud, but that’s what live music is…..The front of house engineer with the moniker of Joker (don’t let the name fool you, he is anything but), is a seasoned professional, and always delivers great sound & quick changeover times, even when tasked with multiple bands. The lightshow and stage visibility was amazing, not a bad seat in the house. They have also added video screens throughout the establishment that announce upcoming events, and there are many to choose from. The karaoke section of the bar is a great place to get a drink & some food in a less raucous setting if you prefer a quieter conversation or a change of pace. If you want to witness a top flight live performance, or a fun night out, The 44 is the place to be.

The first act to kick off the evening was a local band called Saint Jameson, that appropriately hit the stage with “Working For The Weekend”, followed by a tight set that included hits from my favorite 80’s bands. Highlight tracks were “Mean Street”, Teasin’ Pleasin’, by Y&T and Dangerous Toys. Great job fellas!

Next up was Mob vs. Ballot Box, that impressed me not only for how good they were, but that The 44 sprinkled in a band that sounded different from the usual formula of trying to match up the same musical style as the headlining act. This band had great energy, a two man horn section and catchy upbeat tunes that featured lead guitarist/ vocalist Tom Kumagai, whose wide smiles were infectious the entire show.

Continuing with the formula of having an alternate sounding act, 24 Thorns commanded the stage with a perfect blend of powerful, groove infused metal with tasteful breakdowns that soared into heavy riffs that would impress any worthwhile metalhead and rock fan alike. They had a great stage look & presence matching their sound that to me, was reminiscent of System Of a Down meets present day Anthrax.

Krawlspace… Holy Balls, Batman! I wasn’t sure what to expect from this local Phoenix group, but definitely worth witnessing…. Great grooves, machine gun timing, and to me, the vocals are straight up Chris Stapleton and Phil Anselmo in the same, front & center. Check out “FJR” on their social….Slamming tune!

Johnny Nasty Boots: I met Johnny several years ago at the California NAMM show and was instantly impressed with his down to earth genuineness as well as his guitar skills. We have since crossed paths many times on and off stages, usually the world famous Whisky A Go Go in Hollywood. But tonight was my first real chance to sit & really experience what Johnny is capable of…I wasn’t disappointed. His band, a well-oiled three piece, could have easily kept pace with Mr. Hendrix’s Band of Gypsies. I’m sure Johnny’s mellow demeanor & humble nature would disagree with me, but to witness his electric live show is like hearing Lenny Kravitz, Mr. Jimi & Prince Rogers Nelson rolled into one 35 minute set. Do not miss the chance to see Johnny Nasty Boots in action. You’ll thank me later.

FASTER PUSSYCAT hit the stage hard as a Panzer tank, with opening tune Jack the Bastard from 1992’s “Whipped!” release. The lineup included vocalist Taime Downe, guitarists Sam Bam Koltun, & Kieran Robertson, along with drummer Chad Stewart and filling in for Slim Tender on bass duties, L.A. Guns’ own illustrious Mr. Johnny Martin. Faster Pussycat roared at the capacity 44 crowd with force of the 1987 Sunset Strip on steroids. Within minutes, The 44 Lounge just became the best Cathouse in town….

The band was at the top of their game from start to finish, and every hit after hit after hit was delivered with maximum velocity right for the bullseye. From Slip of the Tongue to Babylon, it was a full on party with the ultimate hosts and all the goods delivered. Why Mr. Downe & company aren’t selling out festivals is way beyond me. From the first time I saw them supporting Motley’s 1990 Dr. Feelgood tour, and many times up until tonight, Faster Pussycat is THE band that is worth the ticket price every single time. Absolute 100% 100 Proof pure Rock & Roll. Gentlemen, please Don’t’ Change That Song… it’s still my favorite record.

Here are some shots from the show. All photos by Brenda Turner Photography.