Steve Conte Crazy Truth Live

By Chris Rockson

Pic : Ian Corbridge

Hot on the tails of the latest Michael Monroe UK Tour, guitarist Steve Conte brings his European based version of The Crazy Truth back to the UK for his annual short tour. Starting off in Bristol, Conte and the band tell me it was a 'raving success', packed house and the perfect way to open your tour. Ok, so here we are, sat in the lounge of 'The Manchester Lounge' pub, just down from the venue, on what has quickly become the coldest day of the year, discussing topics such as guitar strings, twiglets, belgian beer right through to Shepherd's Pie....anyone listening in wouldn't believe this was a rock band, such was the diversity of the chat!!

 

Pic : Röckson

The band, Jeroen and Jozz are the perfect foil for Conte, hard-hitting bass and power-punch drumming leave the space wide open for Steve to express himself in a way he rarely can, playing in the more rigid structure of the Monroe Band. These guys know exactly how to play rock n roll, they are versatile though, it's not all high powered noise, they have the ability to slow it down and drop the volume when needed, to wonderful effect. Just check any of the Youtube clips and you'll see what i'm talking about.

The band are chilled and relaxing before they play in my hometown, and we're hoping for a decent crowd tonight, at the rock/strip club known as the 'Ruby Lounge'. The promoter has booked a couple of local bands, that, well, to be honest, perfectly honest, sound like they wrote their sets on the way to the show....fucking DREADFUL!!!!! What's worse, they brought about 15 'fans' and then duly fucked off after their dreadful ear-assault...thanks guys! I'll make every effort to ensure you get zero coverage in this town again!!! You're given the chance to play a support show with a major act, and treat him this way?? Don't think so....

Pic : Ian Corbridge

 

Now i've gotten that outta the way, i'll tell ya about the show....Conte hits the stage looking every inch the credible artist that he is...Les Paul in hand and straight into the opener, 'The Truth Ain't Pretty' taken from the debut album. The soundcheck was longer than normal, and it's paid off, as the stage sound is awesome! The front of house was equally as good, kudos to the sound-guy and the band for their tenacity!

A few surprises in the set, such as the wonderful rendition of the Ramones classic 'I Don't Want To Grow Up' and the equally wonderful 'Summertime Blues' with it's distinctly 'smoky-downtown-Manhattan-afterhours blues' feel, rock the joint and get the crowd going wild! The set includes most of the debut album and pleases the audience to the point where a quick glance from the stage, I can see them mouthing the words to each and every number....that's when you know you've 'got it'!!!!

You listening Conte?

The show is over, Steve, ever accessible to his followers, hits the merch stand for pics and chat, and it's all over until 2012 when it starts again. Great show by a great band....listen up people, get out there and support acts like this!!!

Rockson and The Crazy Truth sharing a beer aftershow

Rockson