Warner Drive
The Roxy
The Sunset Strip
West Hollywood, CA
July 20, 2007
By Victoria Joyce
(SugarBuzz Hollywood)
Touring their brains out all summer and through the fall, Hollywood homeboys touch down in LA to open for Circus Diablo, Billy Morrison’s new band at the Roxy on the Sunset Strip.
This show had been heavily hyped because of Diablo and the Warner boys were slated for the early slot. “Eight o’clock?” Lead Singer, Jonny Law shook his head with a smile as he greeted the fans and friends before the set. Early shows are rough draw.
“Is it still light out?” wild bass man Pete asked taking the stage. The last time Warner Drive played the Roxy, they headlined their own release party for “Fully Loaded” and the place was packed solid. Tonight had room to mosh.
We still got the full treatment. This band rocks hard for 50 or 500, bringing a popped out punk-funk-metal jam full force. Honestly, tonight’s show was better than the last one here. The touring has paid off with a loose delivery and a tighter performance. And the best sound we’ve ever heard in this room. Vocals were clear, the guitars stung and the drums were like gunfire.
Taller than tall, Jonny was still all over the stage, bending over backwards and in fine voice. We liked the pork pie hat better than his usual baseball cap. Much more sophisticated and set off his Misfits tee nicely. The rest of the band, Chris on lead and Matt on drums do the tee shirt and black jeans look as well. And Pete may have one of the best blonde Mohawks out there. Nothing to flashy with these guys, and they keep the silver jewelry down to a shout.
A steadily growing crowd saw the end of this short set and stuck around for Circus Diablo. Johnny, Pete, Matt and Chris headed for the Viper to party with their fans. Good to have these troopers back in town.