The Beasts, the latest iteration of legendary Beasts of Bourbon smashed it at The Factory Marrickville last weekend. Ably supported by last minute Chimers (Wollongong) after Penny Ikinger had phoned in sick, they wowed the capacity crowd.
Celebrating 40 years, Beasts of Bourbon rebadged The Beasts with the original band name retired as a nod to fallen comrade Spencer P Jones who’s sword was taken up by none other than long time Beast Charlie Owen. Featuring charismatic front man Tex Perkins on deep, dirty vocals, Kim Salmon (The Scientists) on guitar and harp, Boris Sujdovic on bass and James Baker on drums, the band presented the crowd with seriously dirty rock n roll.
Their set featured so many of the covers they are renowned for including Alice Cooper’s I’m Eighteen, and 10 Wheels for Jesus from their debut album The Axeman’s Jazz.
Surprise for the night were Chimers as support. A two piece hailing from Wollongong, the husband and wife team were celebrating their 16th Wedding Anniversary and what better way to celebrate than by doing what they do best and playing a gig. Padraic, lead vocals and guitar, actually thought that Kim Salmon pocket dialed him when he got a last minute call up to replace the originally scheduled Penny Ikinger who wasn’t well enough to travel and perform. There may only be two of them, but they easily filled the room with tight punk sound, truly warming the place up for The Beasts. Earning their place on this stage well and truly after huge supports with Mudhoney and The Scientists.
One of only two 40th Anniversary shows, The Beasts also performed at The Croxton Bandroom in Melbourne. Backstage was filled with so much love and banter between all members and a few friends that joined in support including Kenny from The Cruel Sea, it was truly a memorable experience very fitting of such a milestone in the bands long and celebrated history.
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