I’ve been hustling my little bunny tail all over Southern California recently. Lately, I’m in high demand to cover shows. But once you enter the realm of music journalism, the shows become work and it’s hard to detach from being the observer, rather than the music fan.
Sometimes you just want to have a blast, and the Von Bondies are always a good time. They’ve sat on my interview couch beaucoup temps and are hilarious onstage and off. (note to self: I need to pitch a show with my funny musician friends. Signing up the Bondies and Murs first!)
Local lads from Bloodcat Love opened the night at The Viper Room, with their sassy Jagger swagger and set the tone for a bit of rock city, a Detroit/LA blend. Of course lead singer and founder, Jason Stollsteimer had to make the fans nervous, mentioning something about this being their last show in LA ever.
Was this the big Von Bye Bye? Or was Jason just aping Trent Reznor? Sure, it’s tough without the major label throwing money at you, but Stollsteimer has managed to sign with Shout Factory and with the new line up, including hot rock chicks Christy Hunt and Leann Banks, and drummer extraordinaire Don Blum, it’s like the Bondies never skipped a beat since the days of C’mon, C’mon.
The show was tight, choreographed and sharp, but never artificial. The Bondies always put out a perfect blend of staged showmanship and ragged rock – rough and tumble the way it’s meant to be heard. And sweaty loud. All what I was looking for in my Von Mondie.
Ali MacLean 
Thiss is great