Sunset Strip Legends: Faster Pussycat and Power Trios Kick Off Summer in WNY
Buffalo, NY- It was a warm summer night in Western New York as a near-capacity crowd packed into Buffalo Iron Works (a venue known for its industrial charm and intimate vibe) for an entertaining four-band bill that delivered grit, glam, and a punch of punk attitude. Representing five decades of rock history, the lineup featured The Lonely Ones, The Rumours, The Supersuckers, and headliners-glam-metal veterans Faster Pussycat, who were formed in 1986. Each band had their moments in the spotlight, and they all certainly delivered on this evening.
Kicking off the night was The Lonely Ones, who opened with the hard-hitting rocker “Bedroom Door.” Though the venue was still filling in, early arrivals were rewarded with an intimate set from a band continuing to carve its own path. Born out of the ashes of the nu-metal outfit Bobaflex, the Ohio-based trio—Marty McCoy on bass and vocals, Tommy Johnson on drums, and Jimmy Cravens on guitar—have reinvented themselves with a tighter, more melodic sound that still packs a hard rock punch. Despite their talent and dynamic live presence, they’ve struggled to gain the wider traction they clearly deserve. Their seven-song set leaned into strong vocal harmonies and driving riffs, closing with “Don’t Cry,” followed by a surprise transition into Led Zeppelin’s “Stairway to Heaven,” which drew enthusiastic applause from the growing crowd.
Next up were The Rumours, a high-energy punk trio based out of Waterloo, Iowa, who hit the stage like a runaway freight train. Fronted by the dynamic duo of Carli Foxx and Ela Rosend, the band delivered a blistering 45-minute performance centered around their most recent release, “Kill or Be Killed.” Fueled by punchy guitars, pounding rhythms, and a fierce feminist attitude, they instantly won the crowd over with their infectious energy, funny stage banter, and playful interactions that made the audience feel like part of the show. Channeling the rebellious spirit of vintage punk and the boldness of some of the great female-fronted bands of the ’90s, their performance was raw, unfiltered, and unapologetically bold. They definitely won over some new fans providing a truly memorable performance on this night.
The self-proclaimed “Greatest Rock and Roll Band in the World,” the Supersuckers hit the stage next and launched into their nine-song set with the rowdy barroom anthem “Pretty Fucked Up,” immediately setting a defiant tone. Equal parts swagger, grit, and dirty charm, the band leaned into their signature blend of garage rock and country punk. Fronted by Edward “Eddie Spaghetti” Daly on bass and lead vocals, with “Metal” Marty Chandler on guitar and backing vocals, and Christopher “Chango” von Streicher on drums, they delivered a tight, high-energy performance that reflected their decades of road-tested experience. By the end of the set, it was easy to see why the Supersuckers have earned and maintained their cult status.
Headliners Faster Pussycat hit the stage a bit before 10 p.m., led by original vocalist and songwriter Taime Downe. The band delivered a hard-hitting setlist that drew heavily from their first three classic albums, with a few newer tracks smartly woven in. They kicked things off with their latest single, “Motorbike,” setting the tone for a night of sleaze-rock swagger and infectious hooks. Taime, along with lead guitarist Sam Bam Koltun, bassist Danny Nordahl, drummer Chad Stewart, and guitarist Kieran Robertson, tore through the set with raw energy and chemistry. Taime didn’t interact with the crowd much during the performance, instead remaining focused on delivering an outstanding vocal showing, perhaps an unspoken reminder that he is still recovering from the recent tragedy involving the loss of his longtime girlfriend.
Standout moments from Faster Pussycat’s set included fan favorites like “Slip of the Tongue” and “Where There’s a Whip There’s a Way,” the latter featuring a precise and electrifying Talk Box that added a retro edge to the sleaze-rock fan favorite. Of course, the emotional centerpiece was the band’s biggest hit, “House of Pain,” which Taime delivered with raw passion and vulnerability—clearly striking a chord with the audience. Guitarist Sam Bam Koltun emerged as the undeniable star of the evening, showcasing sharp technical skill and commanding stage presence. At just 30 years of age, Koltun has already cemented himself as one of the most in-demand guitarists in rock today, recently touring with Godsmack in Europe and performing with the rising band Dorothy, whose momentum and potential continue to grow.
Overall, this was another solid bill featuring four bands with musicians that each brought something unique and memorable to the stage. From seasoned rock legends like Taime Downe and Edward “Eddie Spaghetti” Daly to rising stars such as Sam Bam Koltun and The Rumours, the band lineup on this tour delivered a powerful blend of experience and fresh energy. If you get the chance to catch this tour, don’t miss it-it’s a great night of rock and roll history and great music.
Faster Pussycat- setlist 06/25/2025
Motorbike
Don’t Change That Song
Cathouse
Slip of the Tongue
Like A Ghost
Ain’t No Way Around It
NOLA
Where There’s a Whip There’s a Way
You’re So Vain
House of Pain
Bathroom Wall
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Thomas S. Orwat Jr.
RockMusicStar.com 
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