The Batusis
Viper Room
October 24, 2010
By Lucky
(SugarBuzz Hollywood)
Photos by Mila Reynaud
SugarBuzz Magazine
The main event was about to begin, but first it was time for a bit of fresh air, and some rain to boot. Hanging in the “smoking” section I participated as a spectator in that grand and glorious past-time known as people watching. Always someone interesting in Hollywood to check out and tonight was no exception. Lots of the real deal, I guess the posers decided it was just too wet to get
wet.
Ro was there, as was Johnny Stiletto, and Gordy and Stu and of course photographer extraordinaire, Mila Reynaud. Lots of the new up and coming rocker regulars were in attendance, one such character wearing “The Joneses” t-shirt that took me back man, took me back. Also at the helm was DJ Jamie Scrap playing some great ass shit, hell, he even played X-Ray Spex, it doesn’t get any cooler than that.
Atomic batteries to power, turbines to speed, Batman theme music sounded while the curtain drew back and The Batusis stood their ground. Sylvain tipped his hat and flipped his pick in the air as the band broke it out with their kick ass instrumental called “Big Cat Stomp” off of their recently released EP. Sylvain even did The Batusi signature move, making a horizontal v-sign with his fingers and drawing them across in front of his eyes. Classic!
The lingering question of what surprises The Batusis had up their sleeve was about to be addressed by a simply marvelous rendition of “I Wanna Be Loved”, made famous by Sylvain’s old band mate Johnny Thunders. The classic New York feel still lingered, and at the end of the song, Sylvain simply said “Johnny Thunders” which brought wild cheers from Dolls/ Thunders fans in attendance.
Then all hell broke loose. The familiar frantic drive of The Dead Boys “Sonic Reducer” caused a chaotic commotion. I was right up front and I felt a lot of activity behind me. I decided to hold my ground and not look back. Cheetah Chrome assumed the vocal responsibilities for his old band’s classic, it rocked. My mind drifted a bit as it seemed hard to believe that it was so many years ago, The Dead Boys at The Starwood. Time files Shugsters.
Things even got wilder when Sylvain lead the boys through a rousing rendition of The New York Dolls smash “Trash”. Seems lots of fans felt the urge to share in the vocals with Sylvain, and they wanted to do it where I was standing. Piss off! Sylvain is a master showman and a character to boot. And I would love to blaze a few thru his gorgeous Gretch (his guitar you perverts!). He had a classic sound set up combining a Marshall and a Fender via the A/B stomp box. Cheetah on the other hand was doing his thing on a Gibson SG via a Marshall and a Line 6 combo. The two tones accentuated.
“Here Comes Trouble” originally done by Cheetah Chrome and the Ghetto Dogs was next up. Cheetah barked and growled sounding a bit like Lemmy, although a tad less gruff. I really got into this rarely heard 
classic.
Adding to the nights overall vibe was the stand-out job by bassist Sean Koos. His attitude, look and chops were instrumental in the overall kick ass delivery. Sean use to play with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts among others of equal awesomeness.
It was absolute mind blowing time as The Batusis played the Velvet Underground. Yep, “Femme Fatale” to be exact, albeit more upbeat than the original, but not too upbeat. I didn’t recognize the song at first, but oddly enough I sensed The Underground and or Warhol feel. Then it hit me and a smile careened wide. A historic moment on The Sunset Strip indeed.
Current classic “What
You Lack in Brains” was great fun. You could tell Sylvain was having a blast out doing what he does best. Drummer Lez Warner plummet the snare in some wild-ass tribal tradition diving all involved frantic. This song features some ultra wicked cool lyrics and a top-notch hook factory.
Sylvain’s impersonation of a motorcycle roar supplied some in between banter, and then the band let it loose with “Blues Theme”, an instrumental geared for some all out road thunder and some rollicking guitar antics. Born to be bad.
Some all in fun jabs hinting at some sort of inside frolic regarding Cheetah and his book exchanged, then handclaps launched us into one last visit to the sacred archives with “Jet Boy” from The New York Dolls first offering. Again the crowd erupted with approval and joined in the
mayhem.
Cheetah took over the spotlight for the politically tinged “Bury You Alive”. Definitely the most serious subject matter out of all the songs performed tonight, showing a sharp contrast to the sex and party atmosphere. I bet this ranks high on Pleather’s list.
The time had come to bring down the curtain, but not before The Batusis melded melodies of the Neal Hefti theme from Batman with an all out rock classic “Dizzy Miss Lizzy”. A fitting end to a killer show. The Batusis are touring around and I suggest you get your ass to one of their gigs. It is really what a rock and roll show is all about.
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