Stray Cats Setzer BDay Bash reviews, pics, vids!

I just want to say thank ye to JohnnyCool327 & Wife, Bear85, and all who attended the show that have/are posting here. Sounds like it was a great show. Glad you guys and gals enjoyed it. Thanks for the setlist, pictures and stories (Dave Kaplan - what are the odds of that? I guess you never know who you'll meet before these shows).

Anyway, all of ye have a great and happy Easter! Thanks again for the updates on the show.

Capt. Jones

Sorry for the delay - the server was down all day at work so I just found this waiting when I got home.

johnnykool327 has almost all of the setlist down. But here is the actual setlist courtesy of our friend Franck V. (who travelled all the way from Belgium to see the show). Thanks for the scan of the soundboard copy of the setlist Franck!

From The Brian Setzer Setlist Archive:

Stray Cats
April 10. 2009 ~ Fine Line Music Cafe ~ Minneapolis, Minnesota
Rumble In Brighton
Seven Nights To Rock
Double Talkin' Baby
Something's Wrong With My Radio
Cry Baby (Brian and Lee Rocker: co-lead vocals)
Lust N Love
Stray Cat Strut
Runaway Boys
(She's) Sexy + 17
Guitar Rag
Sleepwalk
Gina
Gene & Eddie
Sweet Gene Vincent
Blast Off
Bring It Back Again (Lee Rocker: lead vocals)
Fishnet Stockings
Rock This Town
1st Encore: Twenty Flight Rock
Please Don't Touch
2nd Encore: Happy Birthday Brian
18 Miles To Memphis
Somethin' Else
Notes: Lee Rocker performed Happy Birthday Brian solo with the audience on vocals.
Gene & Eddie was scheduled to be played after (She's) Sexy + 17.
Guitar Rag was added to the original setlist.


Thank you for all of the great reports everyone! And thanks again Franck!

Hey all, first post! I've arrived via a Google search and I've enjoyed looking 'round your site and reading posts by fellow Cats fans. I've been a fan since the early days, I'm from the UK but live in Orlando, Florida.

Well, I got word of the Birthday Bash a few months ago and mentioned to my wife that "it would be great to go" but due to work and costs, thought nothing more of it.

Until the next day....

"We can fly to Minneapolis and stay for 2 nights for $700 total, lets go, we're doing it...I'm going to the Mall of America, give me $350 and I'll book it" Did I mention she's the Florida All-State Shopping Champion 1982-2009?

So we booked it and flew up on Thursday morning, she with a gleam in her eye and me with a firm grip on my credit card.

Friday night, what can I say? Started off with dinner at the Hard Rock then onto the Fine Line. What a great show! I've seen the Cats many times but this one was up there as one of the best. Great sound, great energy and a great audience. The Cats clearly enjoyed this one a lot. We have a few pictures that we need to edit, then I'll post the best ones. Thanks to those who have posted their photos and videos (I think we were right behind one of you)

A shame that I didn't find this board sooner, it would have been good to meet some of you....maybe at a future show.

Pictures soon.

My pleasure!
And yes, it was a great show and a very "Brilliant Setzer" (not so hot that the one in London last september, but the audience was more "adult" here in Minneapolis and many much more "punk" in London). Here is the pic of the setlist that the sound tech gave me after the gig. No encore were written, I think they were so cool yesterday they decided to play what they wanted at the moment...
Enjoy your easter WE, I will be in Minneapolis till tuesday then back to work and to Belgium
all the best !
Franck

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...

Welcome Franck and Mark! I should point out, I wasn't there - unfortunately - so the reviews and video I linked to aren't mine, they're just things I found in searching all the usual places for info about the show. It's great to be able to get so much coverage and so many viewpoints, thanks for contributing!!

Allrighty,

You have my pics and vids, and we have heard from a few people already, but, here's what I have to offer.


The small group of us from the forum were planning on meeting at 5:30 at the Hard Rock, which is only about a 5 minute walk from the Fine Line. Thanks to my wonderful workmates not allowing me to leave right on time, it set my wife and I back by about 20 minutes.

We got to the Hard Rock just before 6 and met up with the board members. I have met Rickabilly before, so I had to acquaint myself with the rest of them. It was such a pleasure to meet all of you that made it, and my wife also very much enjoyed your company.

We headed down to the Fine Line just after 7, thinking the line might be starting to take shape. It had a long shape, and it was straight with a 90 degree turn at the end. We joined the line at the end of the block where it started to turn around the corner and chatted with a few locals and Mr. and Mrs. Bear85. The next 30-40 minutes would be spent chatting with the people around us and watching the fans come join the end of the line, and it got long.

I went to the door to ask about my tickets, and the guy told me to grab my guest and he would have my stuff ready when I got back. When the Mrs. and I got back to the door, we had our VIP passes ready for us. I still can not express my thanks to the people who made that possible for me and my wife, just to get in the doors was enough. You certainly went far above and beyond awesomeness, and I sincerely thank you for making the night possible.



We grabbed a spot on the rail of the balcony upstairs, and, I liked the view. Mrs. johnnykool was gonna stay there no matter what, in case I wanted to go downstairs. I ended up staying upstairs the entire night because of the amazing view I had, and, unobstructed, except for the giant speaker in the direct line between us and Slim Jim.

It was pretty much right at 9pm when "Birthday" by the Beatles played over the PA. The crowd went nuts and the Cats came onstage. With a quick greeting, it was a Rumble in Brighton and the show was off and running. I must say I was nearly falling over the rail and onto the floor below with my excitement and leaning over the rail, screaming at the top of my lungs.

Beginning to end, the show was high energy. I loved hearing every song that was played, but mainly Gene and Eddie, Please Don't Touch, and Blast Off.

I believe it was during the first encore when the giant birthday cake came onto the stage. Brian was very gracious with the crowd, thanking us for being there. He took time to sign several autographs for the people in the front row, and, as he said "We will be back here, each night, 7 days a week." Now, I am all for a joke now and then.....



I ran into the HDVDL crowd after the show and we hung around for a while. I have my shirt upstairs getting washed right now.

I also ran into Ronnie Crutcher of the Nashvillains. He recognized me from the myspace banter we had exchanged, and he told me about a show he had coming up with Hillbilly Casino at Lee's Liquor Lounge in June. I told him as long as I was in town, I would be in attendance. Ronnie actually just sent me a message and slapped me around a little bit to correct my prior statement about him being "formerly" of the Nashvillains. Of course, genius that I am, I forgot there is that show coming up not too far away in California! Sorry Ronnie!

I also ran into Dave Kaplan and had a quick chat about the show and my experience. He asked about the BSO shows I had been to here in Minnesota. Also met Neils behind the merch counter, able to quickly say hello as people were picking up heaps and heaps of merch including the special edition shirts, the bobbleheads, patches... Again, if you guys happen to read this, it truly was a pleasure to meet both of ya, and I do hope to see you again in the near future.

I am drinking plenty of water today to try to soothe my throat, which is still aching from screaming so damn much.

I have an incredible memory of the best damn concert I have ever been to, and nothing will ever take it away.



And that... was... awesome.


Brian Setzer, it may have been your birthday, but you gave us one hell of a present.

-BK



p.s. there was a microphone on stage, and I had heard a few comments from someone in the crowd to the effect of "it looks like they are going to tape the show tonight". I personally see nothing true about this statement. There was no video equipment in the room, so any talks of a DVD should probably be considered completely false. I would personally be surprised if the "recording equipment" was to actually record a CD. I only saw one small microphone that seemed to be an item of interest.

So, sadly, it does not look like we will have a recording of this absolutely fabulous night.

I just typed my review of the show & it got earsed!!!

Ok......I'll just go to bed. And say, it was one of the best nights of my life!!!

Thank you very much. We bring these emotions. We want to!
Does not go down on your cloud, it's too good up there when there is!
Loves.

wow.... couldnt find anything on the tele and 'm glad because this
whole thread was sweet! Nothin better than the HDVDL family sharing
their fun! hi-fives for letting us in on all of it!

...

Wow, thanks so much guys, that was pure magic. Thank God for the internet, you made us feel a part of it too.

Sam.

Yes, thanks to all of our members who posted reviews and reports of the show. I hope Brian noticed the HDVDL Participation in this event =)

tvthewiredturtle wrote:

wow.... couldnt find anything on the tele and 'm glad because this
whole thread was sweet! Nothin better than the HDVDL family sharing
their fun! hi-fives for letting us in on all of it!

Can't said it better TV !

One more thanks to you all for reviews, pix & vids. Thanks to you, a piece of us was there with Brian, Sli Jim & Lee.

I'm not sure I have the energy to write a review that's up to my usual long-windedness, but most of what I would write has been covered here already.

Once again, it has been proven that one of the best things about being a Brian Setzer fan is the other Setzer fans you get to meet. BK (johnnykool327)has been a class act as long as I've known him. His magnanimous gesture to try and get me a ticket directly from the local venue failed, as the show sold out moments into the regular sale. Meanwhile, another pal asked if I would buy her a ticket during the pre-sale (two-ticket limit) as she wouldn't be near a computer that day. I was hoping to buy 4-5 tickets on the pre-sale, locking up tickets for all of us, including BK and Mrs. BK, but the pre-sale stated several times during the ordering process that there was a 2-ticket limit. Of course, I bought 2, knowing that if BK's plans fell through, he or I would at least have a ticket in hand. Since I'm famous for buying tickets to faraway shows and having life get in the way of me getting there, I had already decided that if BK couldn't find a ticket, I would gladly give him mine. As it happened, Karma smiled down on us both. Someone else, upon reading of BK's plight, rewarded him with some sweet VIP tickets. So we both seized victory from the jaws of defeat and the fates aligned for us both to be able to go.

I saw plenty of HDVDLers there, including BethAnn, Weaser, HotRodLincoln, moto, Tweedboy6L6, Bear85, gbrand59, johnnykool327, enjay07, Agent 007 (just seeing if you're paying attention), and although I didn't see her, I'm sure The Jean Genie was there as well. I only wish I had made it earlier to the pre-show festivities, as Bear85 and I were just getting into some great conversation when we had to leave for the venue. We'll make time at the next show, my friend - that's for sure.

The line at the Fine Line stretched around the block prior to the doors opening at 8pm. Among the familiar faces I saw were Kansas City's Rumblejetts and half of the Hillbilly Casino, Ronnie Crutcher and drummer Andrew Dickson. There was a kid from Sweden who was rockin' a "young Brian" look, with a blonde pomp that had to be piled even higher than Bear85's estimate - I'd say 7-8 inches, at least. (Then again, he is the math teacher.)He was decked out with the leather jacket, motorcycle boots, bandana, the entire getup was rather impressive. Stupid me, I didn't think to snap a picture of the guy. Suffice it to say, this and countless other photo opportunities would not have been missed had someone officially representing Setzer been documenting the event. My photos were complete and utter crap, and the flurry of digital cameras rising up to block the best photo ops obscured the view of many fans who just wanted to experience these moments live. I say this knowing full well I was part of the problem and not the solution. I believe I shall leave the camera at home next time, and hope that in the future, fans will be rewarded with stellar photographic coverage from official sources.

The room was packed - I'm not good with numbers, but the Fine Line isn't that big to begin with, and the place was packed from the edge of the stage back about 150 feet to the entrance. I couldn't see the upstairs VIP area, but I would guess as full as it was, there was still probably a bit more breathing room than downstairs.

The DJ stopped the pre-show rockabilly cold with The Beatles "Birthday," and the Cats took to the stage. Although a bit bigger than the stage at Lee's Liquor Lounge, it was still only about 35 feet across - definitely much smaller than the theatre stages they had been playing in Europe and Australia. Opening with "Rumble In Brighton," Brian couldn't resist the lyrical adaptation "Rumble In Minneapolis tonight! Rumble on the Mississippi tonight!" (the club was just a few blocks away from the mighty Mississippi River, the Hennepin Ave Bridge, etc.) Immediately following "Brighton," the Cats launched into Moon Mullican's "7 Nights to Rock." I love this tune, and had hoped it would be played this night. It brings such a great energy, from Slim Jim's opening drum fill to Brian's near breathless vocal and souped-up solos. C'mon, fellas! Record a new album and include this tune, willya?

After a brief pause between songs, Brian welcomed everyone, thanking people for coming from all over the world - England, Australia, California... Mound (small Minnesota town). "That's right. All the way from Mound. That's way out there. You have to dial the 952 (Minneapolis area code), and then some other numbers. Anyway, thank you so much for being here."

Brian also proudly displayed one of his favorite birthday gifts, the book "How to Play Better Baseball," by New York Mets Shortstop Bud Harrelson. Brian remarked "'How to Play Better Baseball'. Oh, it's much too late to help me now."

Slim Jim Phantom, unable to resist a jab at the band's elder statesman, immediately pointed out "I was in the third grade when the Mets won their first World Series. Hey, Brian, what grade were you in?"

It was an incredibly fun atmosphere, with more laughs to come.

"Double Talkin' Baby," drew a great response from the crowd, many belting the lyrics out right along with Brian. I loved being able to be so close to the stage. When Brian started the intro for "Something's Wrong With My Radio," the seemingly ageless Jim, began dancing wildly while clicking sticks to infuse even more energy into one the Cats' most frenetic songs. I'm not sure if the guitar rag appeared as early in the setlist as indicated. I think it was later. Regardless, it was great to see Lee and Jim get in on the act. Brian announced it as being "The Mall of America Shuffle."

One of the great things about the Stray Cats fans is how dedicated they are to their band. A larger venue, or perhaps a package tour like 2007's Jackfest would have quite a few folks in the crowd who would only be familiar with the 2-3 hits from the 1980s. An album like Choo Choo Hot Fish, which sold so poorly back in 1992, contained some of their best work, and has caught on over the years, as Brian’s talents continue to bring more and more fans each year to the Stray Cats catalog. People who were mere toddlers back when this album was released sing its praises, and so it goes. The Cats thought enough of the album to include 4 tracks in this show: “Cry Baby,” Lust-n-Love,“ “Please Don’t Touch, “ and “Sleepwalk.” I had never heard the Cats perform “Sleepwalk,” before. I had heard the ’68 CBS and the BSO’s versions, but there is something brilliant in the simplicity of the Stray Cats arrangement that better recalls Santo and Johnny’s original. I had goosebumps.

Another highlight of the show for me was their cover of Ian Dury’s “Sweet Gene Vincent.” Brian’s voice serves the slow intro of the song so much better than the original. Again, I think it’s perfect for the next album. Because the stage was so small, Jim’s drum tech was constantly rearranging the toms and cymbals throughout the show. When Brian played “Gina” out of order, it threw Jim temporarily, and he was forced to beat out the “Peggy Sue” pattern on the snare for a moment while the kit adjustments were made. Unfazed, Jim switched effortlessly over to the toms like as though the impromptu pit-stop was totally planned. It was kind of a Gene-fest (gene-pool, maybe?), with “Gina,” “Gene-n-Eddie”, and “Sweet Gene Vincent” back-to-back-to-back. I was waiting for “Jeannie, Jeannie, Jeannie” next. But that would just be silly.

One of the most hilarious moments involved this exchange (or at least my best recollection of it):

Brian: “I read a story in the local paper yesterday about the city’s rampant Stray Cat problem. It’s true. They want to spend $40,000 to neuter Stray Cats. I don’t know about that. I mean, there’s only three of us. How much of a problem could we possibly be? There’s only so many alley ways and garbage cans we can get to. How’d ya like to get neutered, Lee?”

Lee” “Nah, Brian, I think I’m OK without that.”

Brian: “How ‘bout you Jim?”

Jim (without missing a beat): “Hey, It’s $40,000,” breaking up Lee, Brian, and practically everyone else in the house.

And on that note, Brian said, “Let’s do that neutered cat strut..” And after the “get my dinner from a garbage can,” Jim alters his line slightly, “Mee-owtch!”

Speaking of Slim Jim’s vocal contributions, he and Lee were handling vocal duties on the chorus of “(She’s) Sexy and 17.” Brian would drop out and listen to Lee, Jim, and the crowd belt it out. Jim (!) sounded especially good on the “Dig that sound, shake it around, you’re mine, mine, mine” line to close it out. Even Brian remarked “Slim Jim Phantom! I didn’t even know he could sing!”

In addition to handling co-lead vocals on “Cry Baby,” Lee took the lead on “Bring It Back Again,” ignoring some pinhead who was repeatedly screaming “Drink That Bottle Down!” It sounded as though that winner had downed several bottles already.

But it was a love fest all around. Brian seemed genuinely touched as he sat down on Jim’s drum kit while a spontaneous rendition of “Happy Birthday” broke out. Brian, now about a foot from the edge of the stage, took a moment to acknowledge one of the more devoted and nicest Setzer fans you’ll ever meet. “Beth-Ann! How are you?” Considering I’m a huge Beth-Ann fan, I was thrilled for her.



End of Part One-a-billy

Rickabilly wrote:

and although I didn't see her, I'm sure The Jean Genie was there as well.

At one point Brian took time to point out his two best birthday presents of the day: Lee Rocker and Slim Jim Phantom. In the mid-late 1990s, I never thought I’d see a Stray Cats reunion, let alone the night of sheer joy I witnessed here. It was once again just three pals from Massapequa getting together to celebrate a milestone of a birthday amongst friends and family.



Brian may have just turned 50, but the incredible energy he put into this show would have been an endurance test for someone 30 years younger. “Blast Off,” for example, is a song that is already pretty high-octane. I’ve heard live versions that are pretty good, but most don’t quite match the precision and energy of the album version. Brian absolutely shredded the solos on this tune, dropping to his knees at one point. All three Cats powered on through the encores, especially “Please Don’t Touch,” and “Somethin’ Else.”



Speaking of the encores, Brian came out wearing a Stray Cats t-shirt – with sleeves! I hadn’t seen that in a while. Lee played “Happy Birthday” on the bass as the crowd serenaded him a second time. Lee’s wife brought out a big ‘ol birthday cake, as Brian took a moment to thank Lee and Jim once again. I had to miss the 2007 Minneapolis show, which meant I missed out on hearing “20 Flight Rock.” Sure enough, Brian started the first encore “Let’s do a song by Minnesota native Eddie Cochran,” and suddenly, we were all walkin' "one flight, two flights, three flights, four..." The first encore finished with a searing version of “Please Don’t Touch,” which ended with Lee beating the final notes out of his fingerboard, while Brian slashed his headstock through the air to punctuate each chord.


As was mentioned before, the encores seemed spontaneous. They came out for the second encore, and Brian looked up at the guys at said “Let's do Memphis” at which time I heard another song I had missed in 2007: “18 Miles to Memphis.” And of course, there’s just about no better way to end a Minnesota show than with Eddie Cochran’s “Somethin’ Else.” I don’t know if this is going to be it for awhile with Stray Cats, or if they were just making the most of the occasion, but they gave their all on this, the show’s finale. All three guys belted out “She’s sure fine-looking man! She’s somethin’ else!” as if their lives depended on it.

I can’t imagine working that hard on my birthday.

Thank you, Brian, for letting us share your big day, and for giving us another opportunity to get together with so many friends, old and new.

I was talking to someone inside the room about the ’68 CBS and the Nashvillains, and how much I enjoyed them. He said, “Yeah, those guys are great, but these are the Stray Cats! This is where it all started. It’s so great to have them back together! I wouldn’t miss this for anything!”

Exactly.

Rocked 'til We Popped, Rock ‘til We Dropped-a-billy

Wonderful, wonderful stories. I'm so happy for everyone who was present. And big thanks for the pics etc. Unbelievable.

"I'm not sure I have the energy to write a review that's up to my usual long-windedness, but most of what
I would write has been covered here already." -- Rickabilly


Rickabilly,
Thanks for your incredible review. If this isn't your usual long-windedness....what would you have written? 3 or 4 more posts
worth?

This was the RDCV....(Rickabilly's Digest Condensed Version).

Thanks!
hrg

It does sound as if this show was meant to be their last show ever but in any case, i still have hope in Brian leaving the BSO aside and reunite the Cats for another studio album....

Wow, great stories.
Thank you all for pics and stories.

Brilliant, as usual, Rickabilly. Thank you.

Johnnykool,

Thanks for the pics and video. Nice job and thanks for sharing.

Rickabilly, great review. Nice seeing you and BethAnn again.

Hot Rod Girl wrote:

"I'm not sure I have the energy to write a review that's up to my usual long-windedness, but most of what
I would write has been covered here already." -- Rickabilly


Rickabilly,
Thanks for your incredible review. If this isn't your usual long-windedness....what would you have written? 3 or 4 more posts
worth?

This was the RDCV....(Rickabilly's Digest Condensed Version).

Thanks!
hrg

Thank you, HRG. I am glad you enjoyed it. Andi, any compliment from a writer of your ilk flatters me without end.

I actually fell asleep at the computer desk while writing this (I hope that wasn't a sign of how boring my writing is). I really expected to write much less when I started at 1am, knowing I was fading fast. When I woke up, I decided to finish it, although I would have preferred to be more coherent and organized. I guess I was so taken with Brian's great humor that I thought I should do my best to share some of the quips and moments while I could still remember them. I was so wiped out and eager to hit "send" I didn't have the chance to go back and proof or edit any of it.

If it wasn't for all the video clips in this thread, I might have wondered whether or not it was a dream.

As great as these guys are together, and with the knockout reception they got in Australia, I have to believe they are having way too much fun to pack it in anytime soon. I love the BSO, and I still think the Nashvillains may be my favorite rockabilly band, but there is just something special about how the world embraces Brian Setzer, Lee Rocker, and Slim Jim Phantom collectively as Stray Cats.

I look forward to hearing their creative endeavors outside of Stray Cats, but I hope they Bring It Back Again real soon.

No Doz-a-billy

Thanks Rick, that was really nice, so glad you had such a fantastic night... Im a bit jelous lol.... you can never ever have enough of Brian's magic!

Sam