When Buckcherry‘s self-titled LP dropped in 1999, it put a well-needed boot into the sagging backside of rock ‘n’ roll. A spitball of hard-rocking sleaze with a punky edge, led by the charismatic Josh Todd. Despite numerous lineup changes over the past 25 years, the core trio of Todd, Stevie D, and Kelly LeMieux has remained consistent for many years. Had they arrived a decade earlier, I’m sure they’d be playing stadiums now alongside the likes of Aerosmith, Guns N’ Roses, and Mötley Crüe.
Fast forward 25 years from that debut, and we’re celebrating their 10th studio album, “Vol. 10“. This brings us to tonight’s tour stop, and Buckcherry explodes onto the O2 Islington Academy stage, reigniting the embers of rock ‘n’ roll with a ferocity that has defined their journey. They storm into the 1999 classic ‘Lit Up‘ with frontman Josh Todd up front and centre, all swagger. His unique voice – a blend of rasp, grit, and emotion – immediately captivates the fans. He’s a natural showman, exuding a mix of charisma and wild energy that harks back to the likes of Axl Rose and Mick Jagger. The track hasn’t aged a bit and is still clearly a crowd favourite, getting them singing along early. Todd has been unwell, even having to cancel shows on the UK leg, but it’s clear from the off that he’s still battling at least a nasty cough. However, it seldom distracts from the performance, and he seems to have no issues hitting the right notes.
Stevie D’s guitar work is impressive, making it all look effortless as his fingers dart across the fretboard, peeling off lick after lick. ‘So Hott‘ follows with its driving rhythm, getting fists waving, and the punk-fuelled ‘54321‘ leaves no doubt: Buckcherry, 25 years in, is still a rock ‘n’ roll force to be reckoned with. Although the setlist is far too light on the first two albums, it still manages to cram in enough hits to satisfy. ‘Porno Star‘ is another of those classics, warmly received, with “devil horns” flying high tonight.
We get a taste of the latest album with the beautiful, heartfelt ballad ‘Pain‘, a glorious romp through ‘Let’s Get Wild‘, and a well-received Bryan Adams ‘Summer of 69‘ cover by the sold-out London crowd. The rhythm section is a powerhouse anchored by Kelly LeMieux and drummer Francis Ruiz. LeMieux’s joy is palpable, his grin infectious as he lays down the groove, while Ruiz’s drumming is thunderous, propelling each song with unrelenting drive. The latest recruit, guitarist Billy Rowe (formerly of Jetboy), fits perfectly into the lineup as he trades licks with Stevie D. The smash hit ‘Sorry‘ from the album ’15’ resonates around the Academy, with every word sung back. ‘Gluttony‘ is a barnstormer and one of the set’s highlights for me.
As the night draws to a close, ‘Crazy Bitch‘ morphs into a megamix, weaving through an eclectic range of classics before culminating in an encore featuring the new track ‘Shine Your Light‘ and a rousing sing-a-long for ‘Say Fuck It‘, leaving the crowd buzzing with energy. Five years between Buckcherry shows has been far too long. Let’s hope the guys can get over again sooner rather than later!
Tonight, yet again, proves that Buckcherry remains a force to be reckoned with. Even after a quarter of a century, they are still die-hard rock n rollers.
BUCKCHERRY‘s highly-rated latest album, “Vol. 10”, is out now. The 11-song LP features ten brand new tracks plus a cover of the Bryan Adams classic ‘Summer Of 69’ and is available via Earache Records here.
Tonight’s support act, The Treatment, returns to the stage with the same electrifying presence I remember from their performances supporting Skid Row and at the Call of The Wild festival. With over 15 years under their belt, this British rock band demonstrates their enduring appeal despite numerous lineup changes. Their sound, deeply rooted in the classic rock of the 70s and 80s, resonates with a timeless quality. They don’t aim to break new ground but rather to perfect the familiar beats of hard rock.
A set of pure hard rock anthems, delivered with polished showmanship that only comes from years of honing their craft. Their performance is characterized by high energy and an undeniable charisma. It’s no surprise that they have shared stages with iconic acts like Motley Crue, Alice Cooper, Slash, and W.A.S.P. This experience shines through in their confident, crowd-pleasing performance.
As they power through their set, their infectious energy and catchy tunes have the crowd singing along, winning over long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Openers this evening were the Boson outfit Rubikon making their first appearance in the UK since their inception over two decades ago. We are treated to a masterclass in grungy stoner rock chock full of big, beefy riffage that rattles the venue. They can fuse genres, blending elements of hard rock, grunge, and a hint of blues, creating a nostalgic yet refreshingly modern sound.
The band’s energy is relentless and infectious, captivating the early arrivals. The rhythm section is the backbone of the performance. The bassist lays down stomping basslines you can feel in your chest, perfectly complementing the drummer’s thunderous beats. Together, they create a rhythm so potent it’s impossible not to move along. Their on-stage chemistry is undeniable and shines through in their flawless, tight-knit performance and a cracking opener for the proceedings tonight.
Word and photos Cris Watkins
