Ryan Roxie, Brother San Dimas, The Teenage Casket Company.

Lev 2 Bedford Esquires. Friday 13th June 2014.

Judging by the somewhat paltry turnout this evening, it appears that the good folks of Bedford were not really ready for 'The Big Rock Show', hosted by Mr RYAN ROXIE. There are, of course, plenty of mitigating circumstances this weekend with both I.O.W. and Download festivals. The World Cup is now in full swing and it is a sunkissed evening, perfect for sitting in a beer garden. So what did the absentees miss? Well, an entertaining evening. I would honestly say that the fifty or so that did turn up were in the intimate company of Ryan Roxie. Born in California, he now resides in Sweden. He is, of course, the long serving guitarist in the Alice Cooper band, of whom he constantly refers to as "Coop". Nearly twenty years in fact, but as he reveals through the show he has contributed much more.

This flying visit to the UK is only for a week and he has hotfooted it from Edinburgh for this gig. "Oh those rambunctious Scots" he adds. Ryan is happy to be back in England where we "speak proper English". He oozes the rock star persona (no shades however). Forty eight years of age, his long flowing locks are neatly packaged under a peaked cap and the T-shirt vest is partially obscured by plenty of dangly metal chains. He does do a swift change at half time though. At all times he is informative, charming and witty and has lots of self-penned compositions at his disposal. He starts with a delve into the back catalogue of "Dad's porno mag" and "The question" is warmly received. Then a little later he performs "Miss Candy Loving". Ryan's backing band are well known to us as it's Sean Tobin (drums), Ferg Shipman (bass) and Robby Miller (guitar). Egged on by the mischievous Mr Roxie, Fergus is persuaded to show everyone his legendary tongue waving trickery. Unlike most artists, Ryan actively encourages plenty of crowd chatter throughout the show. Everyone is interacting with each other. A few Roxie 77 T-shirts are spotted and those fans are treated to a new one entitled "Idiots and idols". For older memories the main man digs out "Wake up and smell the coffee" (from the "Two sides to every story" album), plus the appropriately named "Vacation".

Ryan's easy going nature is richly rewarded when he asks if a member of the audience can get him a drink. A shot of Jagermeister is very swiftly downed. A disappointing piece of news is revealed as we learn that there will be no visit from Alice this year, but just to tantalize us Roxie adds that we should wait until 2015! A special acoustic version of "Eighteen" is rapturously received. At it's close Ryan honestly admits that the song is a challenge to his vocal cords; "How does Coop sing that friggin' high?". With his rugged and weathered good looks, Ryan Roxie is a realist in this harsh business; "Rock 'n' rollers are like cockroaches, we're survivors". The acoustic interlude ends with "Smell my finger" which is ingeniously juxtaposed with "When you see god".

Although his own material is vast and goes down well, he is keen to play a smattering of favourite covers with "Stuck in the middle with you", "20th century boy" and a real favourite of his youth, namely "Surrender" by Cheap Trick (Ryan's Beatles). His admiration of Gilby Clarke is strengthened by "Beat em". The show has seen this American guy features songs from his long career, but the future also looks rosy with the forthcoming July release of "The Ameriswede suite". It is the new EP by Roxie 77 and we are treated to a quick taster with "The solution". Ryan looks happy and although the room is not packed, he seems content and for the final encore he asks The Teenage Casket Company to join in for a rousing finale of "Poison". With the gig over his work is not done as he is only too happy to sign things and be photographed with his admirers. Ryan Roxie, a true rock 'n' roller nothing less!

Back in October 2006, Nottingham's THE TEENAGE CASKET COMPANY first played at Bedford Esquires where they supported Patchwork Grace. Now, some eight years later, they are back and judging by their appearance are still enjoying making new music and meeting new fans. For their return they have a new album to showcase. It's called "Still standing" and the band are eager to promote it. The quartet perform numerous tracks from it in this catchy, fist-pumping rock 'n' roll set. Scoring highly tonight are "Kings of the world" and "Best friend is my radio". They fondly remember their previous visit and their engaging vocalist is also quick with a witty comment or two. This is especially so when he pokes fun at his own guitarist who is, on this humid evening and on a baking hot stage, still wearing a treasured leather jacket, somewhat old and burnt. Apparently, much like the band, it has been through numerous battles. Let's hope they don't leave it quite so long to come back next time.

BROTHER SAN DIMAS are yet another side project from the Lovegun boys. They play a short set of power pop rock before and during Ryan Roxie's set. Two songs written by Robby Miller stand out. "Application 28" is about how many jobs he once applied for, while "The gardeners song" poses the question "Is he happy mowing the lawn?".