All-Star Hookers & Blow blow folks away at the Whisky

Led by Gilby Clarke, the jam band is really onto something

By Gerry Gittelson

Metal Sludge Editor at Large

HOLLYWOOD – What a night of rock and roll Tuesday at the famed Whisky on the Sunset Strip, as Hookers & Blow performed before a packed crowd, and everybody was loving every minute of it, as the all-star band led by Gilby Clarke and guitarist Alex Grossi shredded through a greatest-hits that included such gems as “Knockin on Heaven’s Door” and “Surrender.”

                                                         Gilby Clarke & Scotty Griffin

This was the fourth and final weekly show for Hookers & Blow, which sometimes features Guns N’ Roses’ Dizzy Reed, who couldn’t make it this time – not that most of the spectators noticed because they were too busy having a good time.

“I think rock is coming back on the Strip. The timing is right,” Grossi said backstage a few minutes before the band went on.

                  Alex Grossi of “Hookers N’ Blow” backstage at the “Whisky-A-Go-Go”

                                                          Alex and Joey Fatone of N’Sync

Quiet Riot drummer Frankie Banali and L.A. Guns bassist Scott Griffin also participated, and they made a tight rhythm section, especially when you consider the jam-like feel to the proceedings.

The group played for about an hour, and they could have gone longer because everyone was really getting into it.

The name is catchy, and the attitude fits just right.

                                                            It’s a party back stage!

                                                                Trash Cowboys guitar

Trash Cowboys opened, and they went over very well, too. The band has reformed with original guitarist Bradley Rude and original drummer Joey Durant, and the group has a great new singer in Eric Scott, who proved in fine voice.

The band has catchy material too. Among the best songs were “Bad Attitude” and “When it’s Over.”

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