All Photos by Don Solo © 2005


Swan-like Wendy-bird

 The Fabulous Miss Wendy headlined at The Gig on Melrose so you know where I was on June 1. Dave Campbell (401K) played road manager that night. He picked her up and carried the gear as she was a little off-balance due to car troubles and severe back pain which ultimately resulted in surgery. I sat around and made jokes. We picked up the new bass player on the way as well. Wendy’s back on her feet now and getting ready to start band rehearsals so let’s hear it for our girl! I might add that despite her extraordinary discomfort, she rocked the house once again and the bass fits in just grand. 


Miss Wendy and Eurobip: Henry and Hacksaw

 Before that though, we had sit through what I always think of as “the dues you pay:” that interminable lineup of almost-always mediocre bands opening for the headliner.  First up was Synapse. I don’t have to insult them, they seemed pleasant enough, just not to my taste so we’ll dispense with them immediately and move on to Damn Hippy Freaks (led by vocal coach extraordinaire Hacksaw). This lot is, in my humble opinion, the 21st century answer to Frank Zappa, God bless them. In a different persona, Hacksaw is part of the comedy team of Eurobip (partnered with Henry Watkins). As close to Monty Python as we can get in the States I think. Fabulous. I gotta see more of these guys. Hail Hacksaw! Long may you wave! 
Also on the lineup were a young band who call themselves Elegantly Wasted. Now we get to the crux of the matter. The first thing I noticed about this lot was that they were having such a damned good time on stage. They were having fun and as a result the audience was as well. It put me in mind of rock shows in days of yore (almost any time before 1985). That's something I've missed in the last couple of decades. Shows used to be fun. They're bringing that back and, in a sense, they're going against the grain here. I asked lead guitarist Lenny J if this was intentional or was I simply losing my mind? 

Queen D
Lenny J
Olly
Pauly

“You're right and it's completely on purpose! Too many bands today are just standing around looking bored on stage or staring at the floor, we want people to have fun when they come to see us, like the bands we grew up with: Motley Crue, Kiss, AC/DC, Guns ‘n Roses; bands like that who put on a show.” And the music? “With the exception of a cover of "20th Century Boy” (T-Rex) on our record, all our songs are original.” Who are the songwriters? “Mainly myself and Queen D.” Remembering their interaction on stage, I nosed my way in and asked: “Are you and guitarist Queen D (for Diana) an item?” “It's a mystery to all,” he demurs. 

All right, he wasn’t gonna spill it so I went back to the business of the music. For instance, how long has the band been a band? “We’ve been together as Elegantly Wasted since early 2002.”

Kidlettes. Now, the darling lad on drums is a newbie. I wanted to know who was beating skin before Pauly. “A guy by the name of José Clarke who now plays Metal with a band called "Ankla." He also played drums for Miss Wendy on her Ooh My God EP.” What happened that they had to hire Pauly? (I might add that I can't imagine these guys without Pauly. He kicks ass on a drum kit.) “José wanted to concentrate all his energy on playing heavier music.” Is Olly (bass) new too, or is he an original member? “Olly has been in the band since January 2004, when he moved here from Sweden.” I understood that this was the last gig before they disappeared on Tuesday. “We’re leaving for Europe to finalize tour dates for our next European tour in September.” 


As the lady's shirt shows, these kids are Elegantly Wasted

That was in June. They got back on July 2. So, when and where is their next gig? “Our next show is a showcase for a bunch of Major Labels at the Key Club in Hollywood on July 16 at 9 pm.” 

Guess where I was on July 16? I heard some goodies from the June 1 set list, which was: 1. Fly, 2. Let It Rain, 3. Running Low, 4. Quicksand, 5.You, 6. Do What You Wanna, 7. Better Off Dead, 8.Too Much Too Soon.

New School Rock n' Roll. I like it. Knock 'em dead kids.

For more on
Elegantly Wasted
visit their website

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