By Chyrisse Tabone, Rock At Night Tampa
Review: The Midnight Devils-Ruth Eckerd Hall, Clearwater, Florida-July 24, 2021
Clearwater, Florida was brought to its feet when glam rock band The Midnight Devils arrived at Ruth Eckerd Hall. The band is currently touring with guitar legend Yngwie Malsteem—and this was actually the band’s first tour of Florida. Hailing from Omaha and Chicago, these cool cats describe their music as “glam slam boogie woogie rock ‘n’ roll”—but I would describe the style as “Sunset Strip sleaze glam rock ‘n’ roll”. These Midwestern rockers could very well fit into the 1980s hair metal L.A. scene.
Rock At Night features The Midnight Devils in its Summer 2021 Glam Rock issue and has been stoked to see the band perform live. With the past night’s performance, the band did not disappoint. With his slim shirtless physique, teased wild blond hair, and full-on make-up, lead singer and bassist Sam Spade rolled onto the stage with all pistons firing. He got the crowd on its feet as the band performed a 30 minute set, which truly set the tone for the evening.
Lead guitarist Sniper, clearly a disciple of Eddie Van Halen, played a slick guitar run on the cover “Panama”, which had the crowd singing along. Wearing a shirt “Give me Van Halen or Give Me Head” he sauntered along the floor carrying a bright yellow V-shaped guitar with a sticker “R.I.P. EVH”. Tall and lanky Jimmy Mess, who very much resembles Tommy Lee, pounded on the drums as the band performed “Midnight Devils” and “Baptized by the Radio.”
Spade worked up a sweat as he was leaping (and even flying) with the bass, strutting on the stage, and putting on a very high energy performance. He even had time to do a “costume change” as he donned a sequined cap and later a feathered pink robe, essential elements of a glam show. Not only was the music driving rock ‘n’ roll, the theatricality and delivery made for the best of rock entertainment. A few lucky concert goers were even able to wear illuminated devil horns as they were tossed into the audience by the band.
Having attended many concerts at Ruth Eckerd Hall through the years, Rock At Night regards The Midnight Devils as the liveliest support act the venue has seen. The audience was very receptive and I heard numerous accolades in the hallway. Please come back to Florida, Devils—we need some more of your “glam slam boogie woogie rock ‘n’ roll”!
PHOTO GALLERY
SET LIST
2 Miles Down
Midnight Devils
Panama
Baptised by the Radio
Memphis Mile
I grew up in a household full of rock music, studied journalism in college, and then became a scientist.Although my science career has served me well, music has always played a major role in my life. I grew up reading "Creem" magazine; I play several musical instruments as a "hobby";and it seems a camera has always been in my hand. Now, I am combining what I love the most--music and photography--serving as editor of Rock At Night. I travel between the US and UK seeking my dream! My motto: life is short...no regrets. Chyrisse
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