A live show, by any band or artist, needs to have above all one thing, entertainment. If you aren’t entertained, you won’t want to stay. The obvious aspect of entertainment aside, one thing a lot of live shows are missing is the personal aspect. A lot of major bands and artists may have that song or album that is held very dear by the fans, and when it’s played live it gives it special meaning, but that meaning is often lost when audience members are half of a mile away, and there are close to a million other people all trying to get the same experience. The smaller clubs and venues are really where Rock & Roll is flourishing. It gives the bands, and the audience a closer relationship, and makes it easier for the fan to get to know their favorite band. Another benefit of the smaller places is the cost of entry. For many of the major label bands and artists, ticket prices are something one has to save up for, and anything outside of a General Admission ticket has a steadily increasing cost, some upwards of several hundred dollars. With many unsigned or independent label bands and artists playing the smaller venues, there is typically a single general admission price or ticket that gets you into the building with floor space and seating being on a first come, first served basis. And, in most cases, a meet-and-greet is done before or after a set, at the merch booth or bar; whereas with major label bands, extra charges are added just to tell your favorite band how much they mean to you. There are so many great independent bands out there, playing regularly, at local bars, clubs, venues, VFW Halls, festivals, or anywhere that will have them. These are the hardest working bands in Rock & Roll, and one of the best bands you could go see live right now is the Koffin Kats.
The Koffin Kats have been going strong since 2003, and have no intentions of ever stopping let alone slowing down. With eight albums, and one split with 12 Step Rebels under their belts, they are consistently producing and dispersing their music to the fans, the people they truly care about. Through lineup changes, and label changes, one would think a future would look pretty grim, but the Koffin Kats persevere and keep moving forward. Now putting out their own merchandise, through Industrious Dudes Merchandising, the screen printing and embroidery company owned by the band, and releasing their current album “Party Time in The End Times” out of their own pockets, the Koffin Kats have made their only limit themselves. The band seems to be constantly on tour, playing all across the United States and Europe. And, when not on tour or recording the next album, there are always shows in their local Detroit area.
With songs like “Nostrovia”, “At the Bar”, “Boozincrossanation”, and most recently “Party Time In The End Times” it is quite easy to see that the Koffin Kats is the band to have a good time with. Each live performance is more than just a group of guys on a stage playing some songs to get paid. Every single night they play, the Koffin Kats give it their all for their fans who came to see them. Whether it be 5000 or 15, every show has everything the band has to give, and the fans return the commitment. There is never a dull moment or lifeless crowd. Everyone enjoys themselves, and is never let down. Easily one of the, if not the, most approachable bands in Rock & Roll, they never turn anyone away who wants a picture or an autograph, or just to simply chat about the music, the tour, life, or whatever. Although a lot of their music follows Sci-Fi and horror themes, as people they are incredibly relatable. After every show, the guys can always be found at the bar having a few drinks with friends and fans, in the crowd watching the other bands, or at the merch booth talking with the fans, or signing the concert poster that someone just tore off the wall.
Accompanying the recent release of their new album “Party Time In The End Times”, Vic, Tommy, and E-Ball are back on the road. Having toured through most of the United States throughout the year, the Koffin Kats are finishing up 2017 with a West Coast through Midwest tour with Punk Rock heavyweights Guttermouth. Current tour dates, merchandise, and music can all be found on the bands consistently updated website www.koffinkatsrock.com, and through various social media outlets. Find the Koffin Kats out on the road and catch a show! Live music is where Rock & Roll thrives!