By Cyndi Ford

 

The Earl, Atlanta : 7/31/2010

In case you have not heard, the latest thing to hit the scene is The Batusis. For those of you still lurking in the dark, they consist of Sylvain Sylvain of the New York Dolls, Cheetah Chrome of the Dead Boys, along with Enzo Pennizotto on Bass Guitar and Thommy Price on drums, both whom played with Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

The name Batusis came from the word Batusi, which was the dance done by Batman on the television series in the 60's. Oddly enough, it was recreated by John Travolta in the movie "Pulp Fiction". Ah ha, now you know the dance. You may ask yourself how does a super group like this come together?

Cheetah and Sylvain both share the same manager, he approached them with the idea of working together. Both guys had played gigs with each other over the years, and they jumped at the chance. The Batusis were born. Thanks to Smog Veil Records we can all purchase their EP.

After observing the buzz on the internet about their tour of the eastern section of the United States, the day of their final show arrived. It was my turn to experience them for myself. I was filled with excitement and anticipation to see for myself if what I had read and been told was true, that this was one of those don't miss shows. Our timing was perfect, as we walked into the venue, the Earl, our friends the El Caminos were starting their set. It was not long into this set that Cheetah Chrome came out to check on things and graciously greeted me with a hug and hello. Before I knew it show time had arrived, and I quickly made my way to the front of the stage to ensure some good pictures.

They opened the show with "Big Cat Stomp", one of their new songs from their EP. The crowd went wild. These guys did not disappoint. They followed up with "Trash" and "Sonic Reducer" to ensure the fans that they had not forgotten their roots.

It was great to see and hear the crowd sing along with each and every word. Soon I felt the need to hang with my friends, so I left the front of the stage and found myself talking with Rick Richards, of the Georgia Satellites. Next thing I know the band is belting out their cover of "Dizzy Miss Lizzy", by The Beatles. We both worked our way back to the front of the stage.

Sylvain saw Rick and reached out and shook his hand and invited him on stage. Rick, after a little nudge, got on stage and took the mic and began to sing.

Sylvain wasted no time taking his guitar off and putting it around Rick's neck, and Rick added his signature sound to the mix. What a perfect song for this to occur on as well. The hometown crowd went into a frenzy. What a fabulous ending to a wonderful show. We all walked away thoroughly satisfied with having our socks rawwked off.

The name Batusis opened the window for a lot of fun. Batman t-shirts were everywhere, I mean they do hail from Gotham City, New York. So if these guys come to your town, check them out; it is a don't miss show. Till next time, same bat time, same bat channel.

 

 

Cyndi

Check out The Batusis  RIGHT HERE