I had literally no idea what to expect having been invited to a press event for the 27 Club, but what awaited was completely up my street and a blow-your-socks-off experience that is not to be missed.
The 27 Club celebrates and brings to life the genius, world-affecting and momentous music of the enormously talented members of the tragically memorable 27 Club: a group of tortured artists who all died, and impacted the world on an immeasurable scale, at the tender age of 27. The show honours the music of Kurt Cobain, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Amy Winehouse and Jimi Hendrix. Not a bad line up.
The music is precisely, lovingly and raucously brought to life by the explosive and immensely talented band: Dusty Lee Stephenson on Guitar and vocals. Stephenson’s vocals are incredible, utilising distortion and great control to compliment the rock, slightly heavier sound a lot of the song choices go for. He electrifies the audience with his showmanship and love of the music being performed throughout.
Jon Mackenzie is on guitar and vocals. Mackenzie’s love for Grunge is apparent throughout, taking on lead vocals on all the grunge tracks and handling them all perfectly with a lot of them being very hard to sing. Mackenzie makes it look easy.
Lesley Williams also lends incredible vocals to the production. Her voice is butter smooth, delivering winehouse anthems and much heavier stuff with equal skill, Williams puts on a masterclass in rock singing and stage presence.
Andrew Scott is a beast on the drums. His tenacious playing, endless style and a solo that the audience never wants to end is a true testament to Scott’s skills behind the kit. Milush Piochaud is on bass, keeping the songs bouncing along and providing some meaty tones that keep the groove clear and present. Finally Ed Zuccollo on keys ties everything together, moments of him rocking out along with Scott on drums, unable to keep his excitement in is a joy to watch.
The idea of this show is a fantastic premise; pay homage to people who changed the music scene well before they reached their late twenties and how tragic it is that we’ll never get to see what they could’ve done, while rocking the absolute socks off anyone in the near vicinity. It’s loud, it’s proud and it’s most importantly bucket loads of fun. This hour long, riff-filled, admiration-fuelled thrill ride is a rock & roll spectacular on a massive scale. With musicianship and sound quality you’d be pleased with on a stadium, money-pumped world tour, and energy to liven even the most reluctant onlooker, this show is simply a must see at this year’s Fringe.
Theatre Scotland 
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