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By Scott Corobotiuc Contributing Writer

Back in the 1950's, Rockabilly was born to a short-lived life. Moms and Dads too afraid of their children being exposed to the evils of these bad boys of rock-n-roll took action and drove it underground. Hitting the circuit in support of their latest release "Cathouse Blues" (on Japan's Revell-Yell records label), the Deadcats took Rockabilly up a notch and gave birth to the Bastard child "Psychobilly". Friday night at the Brickyard my smoldering fire for Rockabilly was rekindled.

The Deadcat bounced.

I arrived to the show in time to hook up with the boys before they took stage. We talked Rockabilly, Rock-n-Roll, and touring all the while listening to The Rockin Daddys lead singer (who age wise could easily have been my Rockin Daddy) croon out some great Johnny Burnett Trio piece. I was amazed at the history these four have. Mick Tapelo (Guitar/ Vocals) served his apprenticeship with the likes of House of Commons, Intoxicators, and Bill of Rights. Chopper (Guitars) played with several surf/instrumental bands including The Rocket fins with Mick. The newest addition (and a great one) Jon Card (Drums) did tours with DOA, SNFU, and Personality Crisis. And last, but definitely not least, there was Scooter (Bass/Bucket o flames). I'm not really sure where Scooter comes from but with his total lack of flame fear and blond Heat Miser style hair, I'm tempted to guess he may have played with Lucifer at some point in his career.

After setting up their set, my new friends (having not rehearsed for over a month) The Deadcats took the stage and blazed (literally) through a non-stop Rockabilly roller coaster. It was a Psychobilly sock hop gone mad. Lead by Scooter center stage with his crotch licking bucket of flames (he had mentioned how cold it was outside), this cat was torching anything his convenient squeeze bottle of Ronsonol lighter fuel would reach (including Jons cymbals), all the while plucking away on his single string Bass bucket apparatus (multi-tasking at it's finest). Then there was Mick (Sun records tattooed on his arm) with his re-tweaked 50's Rockabilly attitude, he fueled the aggression even more with his strong guitar work and growling lyrical lingual, which was further enhanced by Chopper drenching the crowd with hollowed out reverb. The Deadcats have become pioneers in their trade, and last night as they pounded out their powerful and infamous brand of Rock, I finally understood the term Psychobilly. These four are VERY exciting to watch live and if you are a fan of Rockabilly, Psychobilly, or Punk rock for that matter, see these guys before they stray

The Deadcats raised hell in the purist Psychobilly kind of way!

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