When John Reis and Rocket from the Crypt announced last year that they'd be playing live again, minions from their legion of über-fans prepped themselves for another chance, or perhaps their first chance, to see the self-defined "world's greatest rock and roll band." Now, all of this anticipation could lead to disappoint, but in the case of the San Diego six-piece? Not bloody likely. Leading off with the first four songs of the breakthrough 1995 album Scream, Dracula, Scream, those in the now-bustling outdoor crowd who were familiar with the band began pogo-ing and shouting along with the band.
Running through their extensive catalogue, and hitting at least a couple tracks from each, they were led by Reis' unwavering showmanship, not to mention those swanky matching Mariachi suits. Unlike some of the bands playing the big Sled stage, Rocket from the Crypt used their outdoor, primetime hour-long slot to its maximum potential. An extended closing version of "Come See, Come Saw" was a 12-minute marathon featuring handclap participation and a lengthy story from Reis that ended in one of strangest ways imaginable (you had to be there). Honestly, it would have been nicer to hear another four songs instead, but that's Rocket. They do it their way, and it's what makes the band such a thriller. Oh, and what's your favourite Rocket from the Crypt song? Yeah, they played it.
Running through their extensive catalogue, and hitting at least a couple tracks from each, they were led by Reis' unwavering showmanship, not to mention those swanky matching Mariachi suits. Unlike some of the bands playing the big Sled stage, Rocket from the Crypt used their outdoor, primetime hour-long slot to its maximum potential. An extended closing version of "Come See, Come Saw" was a 12-minute marathon featuring handclap participation and a lengthy story from Reis that ended in one of strangest ways imaginable (you had to be there). Honestly, it would have been nicer to hear another four songs instead, but that's Rocket. They do it their way, and it's what makes the band such a thriller. Oh, and what's your favourite Rocket from the Crypt song? Yeah, they played it.