I don’t think that Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers can give a concert that is anything less than epic. The packed theater, on August 29th at the Rialto in Tucson, AZ, suggested that people were there to share a good time with RCPM. As Clyne delivered each song, the echo of hundreds of fans resonated throughout the theater to remind RCPM that they are Arizona’s band. Would I say it is a similar to a cult following? Possibly, however, instead of looking for the red punch there is an endless sea of tequila shots and cups filled with beer.
Opening the night was Goodbye to Pretty, a hybrid band with members from AZ and California. The sound has a similar flavor to RCPM in that the influences are old time rock and roll, country, and that southwest aura. They definitely complimented RCPM and gave an entertaining performance that lent to setting the atmosphere of the evening. They are light with a sense of humor that has a bit of a twist as noted in the song “Slave” and in the way they introduced the song “I see her” stating that it is “all about that late night booty call.”
Roger Clyne and the Peacemakers have been touring for what seems non stop this year. This is their 4th time around in Arizona this year alone, starting in Flagstaff, Tempe and Tucson, twice (and soon they will be heading back up to Flagstaff on September 12th and Phoenix on Sept 19). It’s typical to see this group around these parts several times a year performing to packed audiences.
Young, old, fancy, laid back and all walks of life in-between were dancing and singing to RCPM. It seems as though everyone attending was eager to be part of the night, whether it be by lending Roger a sombrero to wear or handing him a shot of tequila. RCPM is not signed to any label and have kept the band independent in order to conduct their music, their shows, and themselves with freedom. Not to say that any band shouldn’t try to connect with the fans, but the relationship RCPM has is unique and intimate. They do not shy away from opening their ideas, processes, and lives. As the night progresses the band and audience merge into one as each song could be sung by either part.
The music continued consistently in energy and enthusiasm from the first down to the last song performed during the encore. Saturday was no exception to this type of relationship. More than a concert, more than a performance, it’s a party. Beach balls where tossed around for a few songs and a toast “to celestial bodies, bikinis, and Mexican moonshine.”
www.myspace.com/goodbyetopretty
Play list: (as jotted down throughout the night).
- Blue Collar Suicide
- Wanted
- Americano
- Hello new day
- Counterclockwise
- Beautiful disaster
- Bury my heart at the trailer park
- Mexico
- Lemons
- Mexican Moonshine
- No more beautiful world
- Green & Dumb
- Preacher’s daughter
- Banditos
- Mercy
- Maybe we should fall in love
- Tell yer momma
- Down together
- King of the hill theme song
- I don’t need another thrill
- Broken record
- Lost and found
- Contraband
- Encore:
- Ashes of San Miguel
- Girly
- I do
- Mekong
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I just posted my first music video on YouTube. Sine I respect your writing and review skills, I thought I’d shot it your way. I finally have a great band together. We are all retreads from other AZ bands from the 90′s who took time out to raise families and now are starting back. We will probably play the HUT some time soon. Hope you enjoy.
Dave Vitagliano