Thu 12/3 @ 8:30PM
Rocket from the Tombs began as a joke and ended up a legend.
The Cleveland band, founded by Scene writer David Thomas aka Crocus Behemoth in 1974, started out playing goofy versions of rock tunes by David Bowie, the Who and the Stooges, but soon began making its own noisy confrontational music. By late the following year, it had morphed into Pere Ubu, playing some of the same tunes, such as “30 Seconds over Tokyo,” which have become underground classics. In a sense, Rocket is the root band for the mid ’70s Cleveland underground music scene that’s regarded with awe by critics, collectors and aficionados of obscure music scenes round the world.
Rocket regrouped, more or less, for the first time since 1975, back in 2003, and has done periodic reunion shows and tours since. The only member from the ’70s, other than Thomas, is bassist Craig Bell. Other current members include latter-day Pere Ubu drummer Steve Mehlman guitarist Buddy Akita from This Moment in Black History and Whiskey Daredevils guitarist Gary Siperko.
They’ll be back at the Beachland Ballroom with Cleveland’s Obnox opening. Tickets are $17 in advance, $20 day of show.
Cleveland, OH 44110