(Minden, Germany) – The Creepshow have been prominent figures on the psychobilly scene for over 10 years. Hailing from the Toronto area they are known for their fast-paced music and are celebrated for their outstanding live shows. The band are currently on a 10 year anniversary tour that will see them on the road in Europe and USA until late September.
I first saw the band a few weeks ago when they played in front of a group of fans in a small local venue in Hameln, Germany. I was taking some photos for a local promoter (Rockline Promotion) and got talking with bassist Sean McNab. The band were heading back to Canada for a short rest before retuning to Germany so we arranged to meet up again at the Weserlieder Open Air festival in Minden.
I arrived at the venue reasonably early to be met by the press officer who handed me my passes and informed me the band would PROBABLY struggle to make their 10pm stage time. The night before they had been performing in Munich (600km South of tonight’s venue) and a combination of roadworks, congestion and a flat tyre had conspired against them. It was around 8pm and they were still 160km away. I had a peek outside where the packed crowd now stood shoulder to shoulder and the anticipation was palpable. The 2 young local bands who had played earlier kept everyone entertained up ’till now, I don’t think they had anticipated such a big audience. Never doubting they would make it, 20 minutes before stage time a minibus arrived. Tired and stiff after a mammoth road journey but obviously excited to be there, The Creepshow piled out and immediately set about preparing to perform.
The opening bars of ‘Demon Lover’ set the pace and the crowd lapped it up. From the kids going for it at the front of the stage to the older generation at the back everyone got it and moved in unison to the beat emanating from the stage. Vocals, rhythm, bass and volume, everything was fantastic. Considering the band had just endured an 11 hour road trip from hell and at one point planned sending 3 members forward in a car to do an acoustic set this was testament to their professionalism. As was later pointed out to me “we never miss a show….ever”.
Maybe it stems from being a photographer, but in my opinion stage presence is King and is something The Creepshow have in abundance. Having already witnessed them on one of the smallest stages they have played to date (which I am assured is the best gig they ever played to 20 people) I knew they liked to entertain. Now on a big stage with room to breathe The Creepshow came out to play. “Sell your Soul’, ‘Dusk ’till Dawn’, ‘Born to Lose’. The band took the crowd on a whirlwind tour of their studio albums. Keeping things visual, Guitar player and front woman Kenda wooed the fans with her energetic style and a show that included climbing the sides of the stage and later balancing on a standing double bass.
‘Rue Morgue Radio’ closed the show which was over in what seemed like the blink of an eye. Every now and then I come across an act that screams to be seen on the bigger stage and It’s been a long time since I enjoyed a show this much, I now own the albums but unfortunately forgot to pick up a t-shirt! Audibly and visually The Creepshow tick all the boxes, if you are a lover of good music do yourself a favour, don’t miss them.
A huge thank you to Sean McNab for being my point of contact and to the band for agreeing to take part. Many thanks also to Andreas Schöneberg and everyone at Weserlieder Kultur e.V.
The Creepshow’s current album ‘Life after Death” is available on CD and download.
The Creepshow are:
Kenda Legaspi – Lead Vocals/Guitar
Sean McNab – Bass/Vocals
Kristian Rowles – Keyboard/Vocals
Sandro Sanchioni – Drums
Daniel Flamm – Rhythm Guitar
Web: https://thecreepshow.bandpage.com
Facebook: TheCreepshowOfficial
Twitter: @thecreepshow
© 2015. All photos are copyrighted. Please DO NOT copy or use without permission.
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