FASTER PUSSYCAT and ENUFF Z’NUFF @ Phat Headz II – Green Bay, WI

June 30, 2021

Review by Sharon Locklin
Photos by David Urmanski

Band Websites:
www.FasterPussycat.com
www.EnuffZNuff.com

Green Bay area’s favorite 80’s sleaze rock band was back in town for a sold out show with their partners in sleaze, Enuff z’Nuff, Wednesday night at PhatHeadz II courtesy of Rockerchix Concert Promoters. Per usual, PhatHeadz II turned out to be the perfect venue for the two bands that once ruled rock radio and the 80’s rock revolution which, in most cases, were associated with the Sunset Strip scene of Los Angeles. Phat Headz II’s dark and intimate atmosphere, as well as its exceptional sound system, allowed concert-goers the opportunity to enjoy their favorite tunes and get up close and personal with the bands while, in-turn, giving the musicians a chance to mingle, sign merch and share drinks with their long-time fans at the end of what turned out to be an extremely energetic evening.

Enuff z’Nuff kicked the night off with their rendition of “Magical Mystery Tour,” that proved to be truly magical in every sense of the word. The crowd lit up from the ringing of the first chord and stayed engaged throughout the entire set. When the band prepared to play their song “In the Groove” halfway through their performance, lead singer Chip z’Nuff pointed out that it was “Ace Frehley’s favorite, or at least it was a great song to” [make love to] but with more colorful language. Chip continued with “in fact I may have had the pleasure with some of the ladies in the crowd” at which point a woman from the audience named Julie approached the stage with a picture of her and Chip from 1988 prompting Chip to exclaim, “I guess I did” followed by cheers from the endearing crowd.

Enuff z’Nuff wrapped up their set with help from Faster Pussycat drummer, Chad Stewart, on backup vocals for “Fly High Michelle” with additional collaboration from Sam “Bam” Koltun on guitar who also sat in on a song. It was obvious these two bands have great chemistry both on and off stage and enjoy touring together.

Up next, the main event, Faster Pussycat! This band has been through some significant changes over the past few years, including the exit of Ace Von Johnson on guitar, vocalist Taime Downe getting sober and Chad surviving a bout of Covid. As they say, what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger and the recent developments appear to have made Faster Pussycat stronger than ever. Taime’s vocals were exceptional and his energy level was as high as can be remembered in the band’s early years. New guitarist, Sam “Bam” Koltun, also brought all of the chops and charisma that Ace brought to the band prior to his departure. With Xristian Simon also slinging an axe on stage-left, Faster is blessed to have two highly-skilled guitarists at the helm filling the sound with mesmerizing and memorable riffs.

Since they were in Green Bay, Taime inquired if anyone in the crowd was a “cheesehead” (a nickname for Wisconsinites), which received an enthusiastic response from the crowd. It also turns out that Chad had purchased a cheesehead earlier in the day and Taime insisted one of his bandmates wear the souvenir headgear. Within a single breath of the request, bass player Danny Nordahl obliged Taime’s request for a comedic moment before handing the cheesehead off to Sam on guitar before it finally dropped to the stage floor during a hair raising and exuberant guitar solo.

Moving closer to the stage inch by inch as the night went on, the crowd enjoyed every moment of the epic performance with several eager fans reaching up to high five band members and shout out their appreciation. They sang along to the songs and raised their glasses throughout the night. When Faster Pussycat performed “House of Pain” the phones were held high and bodies were swaying. It was apparent that the band had earned their paycheck, as well as the love and admiration of the crowd Wednesday night. For a few hours, the entire audience was transported from Green Bay to a club on Hollywood Blvd during the hair-frenzy heyday. I can only imagine it was hard for some to get back to reality Thursday morning after such an unforgettable evening.

FASTER PUSSYCAT SET LIST:
Jack
Cathouse
Slip of the Tongue
Don’t Change That Song
Little Dove
Ain’t No Way Around It
Pirate Love
Number 1 With a Bullet
Nola
House of Pain
Friends
Bathroom Wall
Pretty Fucked Up
Shut Up & Fuck
Babylon

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