INTERVIEW: Stray Cat Lee Rocker set for NYC solo concert
Photo: Lee Rocker will bring his unique brand of rockabilly to the Iridium in New York City. Photo courtesy of the artist / Provided by Michael J. Media Group with permission.
One can easily identify Lee Rocker when he’s playing on stage. He’s energetic and exuberant, but it’s the large upright bass that easily gives him away. The rockabilly expert, who is a founding member of the highly influential band the Stray Cats, will offer a solo concert Friday, March 17 at New York City’s Iridium. Expect some tunes from his Cats’ days with Brian Setzer and Slim Jim Phantom, plus some choice selections from his more than a dozen solo albums.
In 2021, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Rocker released his latest solo offering: Gather Round, featuring such songs as “Dog House Shuffle,” “A Dirty Martini” and “Ophelia,” according to press notes.
Rocker has many accolades to his name, including being inducted into the Bass Player Hall of Fame, Rockabilly Hall of Fame and Long Island Hall of Fame. This last plaudit is an appropriate one because he’s a Long Island native, and that’s where the Stray Cats first went astray.
Recently Hollywood Soapbox exchanged emails with Rocker about his Iridium gig. Questions and answers have been slightly edited for style.
What can fans expect from your show at the Iridium in NYC?
I can’t wait to hit the stage at the Iridium in New York City! I’ve got my killer band of master musicians, and we are gunna roll through all of my Stray Cats hits as well as songs cherry picked from throughout my 40-year career. But it’s more then a concert. I go behind the scene and share photos, video and stories of my life on the road.
What inspired the 2021 album Gather Round?
I wrote the album Gather Round while traveling across the USA in my airstream RV. The pandemic was raging, and during lockdown I just had to travel. I wound up with what’s probably my best songs ever.
How did you come to the bass as an instrument? Does it go back to your childhood?
Growing up in a family of musicians we had one rule: Pick an instrument, take lessons, practice, learn to read and write music. I’m grateful!
Was growing up on Long Island an important part of your musical development? Is that a good place to be based if you want a career in music?
Long Island rocks! It was a fantastic place to grow up. I started Stray Cats in my parents’ garage as a kid — me, Brian Setzer and Slim Jim. The island at that time had so many opportunities to play, from clubs and bars to gigs in libraries and parks.
Are you surprised that rockabilly is still strong and popular as a music genre in 2023?
Rockabilly is the original rock ‘n’ roll. It’s truly an American music, and it’s so cool that I’m never surprised by its popularity. You just can’t listen to it without having a great time.
Any future plans to join up with the Stray Cats again?
Well … you never [say] no. It’s possible!
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com
Lee Rocker will play Friday, March 17 at the Iridium in New York City. Click here for more information and tickets.
