Michael Monroe
Wildstreet
Bowery Ballroom
New York City, New York
October 2, 2011
Tony Pijar

Wildstreet is an up and coming sleaze/glam band from New York City who has a full length album, and more recently an EP out. While their debut follows the “Hysteria” era Def Lep blueprint, their new EP, “Faster and Harder”, is more aligned with a GNR-AC/DC vide to it – a wise move in the right direction. They kicked ass and you should check them out.
Michael Monroe is a rock N roll lifer; he’s got the scars to prove it. And the man keeps getting better and better! His latest release, “Sensory Overdrive” is his best solo effort since “Not Fakin’ it” back in 1989. On the live front, he and his band snarl, bristle and pout with the best of them.
The man has got to be approaching the half century mark and still cavorts, high-kicks, and hangs upside down on lighting rigs with the ease of a 21 year old, all while not missing a note – a true professional! As the first song blasted through the unsuspecting PA, “Trick of the Wrist”, the energy onstage was immeasurable. “Got Blood?”, “Miracle” and “Motorvatin” all blitzed by aptly demonstrating a band in peak form. Clearly, Monroe and his band have hit their stride. The older standard, “Hammersmith Palais”, sat comfortably alongside “78”. “Nothin’s Alright” and “Not Fakin’ it” bookend Monroe’s sound; glam and punk – easily the best two songs aired.
Monroe’s band was on the money. Old warhorse, Sami Yaffa, is effortlessly cool, the new addition Dregen of Backyard Babies and Hellacopters fame has brought even more swagger to the band, and Steve Conte from the eternally underrated and great Company of Wolves collectively have provided Monroe with what he needs to continue to flourish.
Mystery City”, “Malibu Beach”, “Dead, Jail, or Rock N Roll”, and “Taxi Driver” exemplified what it’s all about here; an unapologetically raucous punk-glam-rock hybrid that hit the spot. Catch Monroe when he hits Europe!