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Middle Finger Mob made their Phoenix debut on July 17, 2009 at The Blooze Bar, my favorite club with the coolest owner, Tumbleweed. With a great crowd on hand, the band hit the stage like an atomic bomb exploding, full of raw energy and power. For some in the audience this Hollywood, California group made for a bit of a culture shock, as if Motley Crue had played a church social back in 1983. However, for the most part the fine people of Phoenix really enjoyed MFM once they warmed to them. They discovered what I already knew. This band plays kick ass, sleazy rock n' roll.

Freekshow, MFM's vocalist, growled and snarled his way through each song's lyrics as he paced the stage like a caged lion, pausing between tunes to encourage the audience to get off their asses and rock out. He also occasionally asked the crowd to salute him with their middle fingers, telling them he'd be offended if they didn't do so.

Guitarist Shawn Smash was amazing, with his sizzling guitar solos that left your ears bleeding, and the catchy riffs found in so many of MFM's tunes, tunes that appeal to any fan of '80s sleaze. The band's songs aren't dated sounding, though. They've taken that '80s sound and tweaked it for a new millenium. So, if you're a fan of, say, Velvet Revolver, then you're sure to like this group.

D.J. Cruise on bass and Danny Boy Virus on drums formed a tight rhythm section that kept things humming right along, while the beautiful Lenka Danger gyrated away as she sang back-up. Middle Finger Mob's chemistry is undeniable.

MFM's songs come right out of the gutters and alleyways of Hollywood, influenced by each member's life experiences. These tunes are found on their recently released CD titled Songs of Life, Sex and Death. Highlights of their performance included “So Done With You”, “20 Stories”, “Love Song”, “Sometimes”, “Doin' Time”, “Rock N Roll Outlaws”, a killer cover of Cheap Trick's “Surrender” and the poignant “Save a Place in Heaven”, dedicated to the memory of their good friend Traci Michaelz (Peppermint Creeps).

Middle Finger Mob will be embarking on a U.S. tour this November, so if they come to your town you should not miss their show. You won't be disappointed, and while you're there be sure to pick up their CD, or better yet, order one now!

You can read my interview with lead singer Freekshow in our archives, and for more about Middle Finger Mob, stop on by their MySpace page.