words & photography MICHAEL KEARNS

Chuck Cleaver opened for Chuck Prophet and The Mission Express at the Southgate House Revival on March 24th. Cleaver, of Wussy and Ass Ponys fame, played solo offering both Wussy and Ass Ponys favorites while engaging the crowd with his usual whimsical and ribald patter.

After “One Chestnut,” Cleaver noted, “Before I got married that song used to get me a lot of tail.” After the crowd ceased laughing, Cleaver admitted, “That’s not true, nothing has ever gotten me any tail.” All in all, a very pleasant half hour of classic Chuck Cleaver.

Chuck Prophet and The Mission Express followed. Prophet and his four-piece band are touring behind Prophet’s latest album, Bobby Fuller Died for Your Sins, released this past February with Yep Roc Records.

At the outset of the evening, Prophet described the disc as “California Noir.” Prophet put his band, which includes his wife Stephanie Finch (vocals, keyboards, guitar), Kevin White (bass), Vicente Rodriguez (drums, vocals), and James DePrato (guitar), through the paces playing several older tunes but primarily sticking to the new material including “Bad Year for Rock and Roll”—a timely lament cataloging rock greats lost in 2016.

Overall, Prophet and The Mission Express turned in a spirited performance, which appeared to be largely appreciated by the nearly full house.

 


Chuck Cleaver opened for Chuck Prophet at the Southgate House Revival in Newport, KY on March 24, 2017.