Twistin' Tarantulas - admit it, you know that name. You've heard it or read it somewhere. They are that roots-driven, jump-blues, rockabilly band with the Detroit sound and style and they are celebrating their 21st year of blowing away crowds from L.A. to Helsink. The Tarantulas celebrate the entirety of the American musical landscape with a motley mix of originals and covers to do their rock 'n roll bidding. Don't be surprised to hear anything from Bauhaus to Tom Waits to Motorhead in the mix. After all, Lemmy is Pistol Pete's idol. But they aren't a cover band, they play primarily originals. Keep your ears open for their new song, "Stage Diving Fat Kid." It's already earned a serious following and will be featured on their new album to be recorded starting in January.
Twistin' Tarantulas line-up includes Pistol Pete on Upright Bass and Lead Vocals. Pete is the sole surviving member of the original line-up. Carl Bradychok is on Guitar and Backup Vocals, and Nick Marocco, the newest addition, on Drums. You may recognize Nick from some other bands, namely Dark Avenger and Blues Airmen, or as the owner of the great little shop Blues Airmen Guitars in Redford.
Twistin' Tarantulas have three full lengths out, Attack of the Twistin Tarantulas, Welcome to our Underworld, and El Destryo. They have managed to sell records for 21 years without signing to a label. That in itself is so rock and roll it warms my soul. They have also been playing shows near constantly and 2014/2015 brings no vacations from this tour de force. Their upcoming schedule includes several gigs I really want to mention.
December 20th they'll be at Bell's Eccentric Café in K-zoo playing a free show. Talk about a great night. Detroit edged musical conviction meets some of the most delicious brews in the state at an amazing venue. You don't want to miss this one. I'm considering a road trip out myself.
Friday & Saturday December 26th & 27th, The Tarantulas return to the east side of the state for back to back nights at Bachelor's One, in Keego Harbor, MI. You know your old friends will be in town for the holidays. Doesn't this sound like a great night to reminisce and relive old times?
Now for the show of shows… Hopcat! Opening in Detroit on December 13th in the Midtown space once occupied by Agave, Hopcat is coming. The upstairs is called The Huma Room and is a 400 person capacity event space. They already have some killer shows booked there including The Blueflowers and Ryan Dillaha and The Miracle Men on December 12th for the pre-opening party and Burlesque-A-Pades, A Christmas Shimmy wsg Lushes Lamoan and Gala Delish, on Sunday, December 14th. This exciting new beer-centric venue will host The Twistin' Tarantulas for Murray's Motor City Greasers New Year's Eve Ball along with The High Views. What a great way to rock and roll in the New Year!