Guitar Wolf

With the sudden passing of Billy Wolf and the logical cancellation of their impending July Australian tour, I assumed that it would be some time, if at all, before we got to witness the inimitable style that is Guitar Wolf. Fortunately, in true “lock ‘n’ loll” fashion, they got on their bikes and motored on down to Oz, with new basswolf, Ug in tow.

Typical for this time of year, Bris-vegas is appallingly hot and humid and it would only get more intense at The Rev later on.

A top support line-up, showcasing some of the best garage inspired acts that Brisbane has to offer opened tonight’s extravaganza.

The Dangermen, with their garage punk styling reminiscent of local scene pioneers, The Saints, got things off swimmingly and the tone was carried on in a similar vein by The Onyas.

Local faves, Sixfthick provided a slight red-neck tinge to the pot, as only they can do, monstering through a set of older much-loved numbers and new material from their eagerly anticipated, soon-ish to be released CD.

On it’s own that line-up would draw an ample crowd, but tonight with Guitar Wolf, headlining, a packed house was a given and so it was.

From the first beer swilling howls to the last butchering encore (there were four!) it was style all the way, rock and roll style! It was way too loud, you could only understand about six words that Seji (Guitar Wolf) said and at times you questioned his technical proficiency, but that’s the way he plays more than anything. Hard and fast and who cares what it sounds like? You want the nice stuff? get the cds. This is raw unadulterated rock!

More importantly, they looked good doing it!

Do you go to a GW show expecting note perfect renditions?
No, I hope not.

Guitar Wolf epitomises the true rock ‘n’ roll spirit and that is exactly what they dished up tonight. From the moment they took the stage in their designer ‘Jet’ leather ware, shades and skulled a VB, it was on. They must have lost ten kilos each from those whippet like frames in the heat.

Toru drumwolf is a machine. This guy delivers at two hundred miles per hour (that’s three hundred and twenty k.p.h kids!) and does not let up. He sheds his jacket early in the set revealing his lithe, inked torso all the while maintaining a perfectly combed, slicked back do. He keeps a comb with him at all times!

New basswolf, Ug displayed an uber coolness of a seasoned veteran. His expressionless face, except for the slightest hint of a sneer was well hidden behind his wrap around sunnies at all times and his technique and expression seems to be reminiscent of one Sidney Viscous. Gold!

Frontman Seji stands and delivers. A number of crowd surfing exploits, one ala Iggy, stand up style, while still playing and a bar walking effort says it all really. Rock!

When he invites a random punter up to take his place on guitar you expect, and get the worst, yet it sounds perfectly natural. The guy obviously had not picked up a six string in his life, yet he was jamming with the ‘Wolf and it sounded right. Fifteen minutes….

Highlight for mine was Jet Virus, everytime Seji said “lock ‘n’ loll” or “Blis-ben”, his utter butchering of Love Me Tender (the forth encore, solo) and all his Elvis sneers and gyrations.

When the punters left for the last time (they had walked twice only for the ‘Wolf to re-appear on stage) I said to my fellow wolvies that it compared to seeing another icon, the Ramones.

A big call, but a fair one.

That was the true spirit of rock and roll.

Great to know that it’s still about!

Banzai!!!!

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