Good Times, Great Music Found at Sunset Strip Music Festival

This year was another successful turnout for the annual Sunset Strip Music Festival in West Hollywood. Many diverse music lovers braved the heat of the Strip's tiny clubs and Saturday's bright sun to experience the fantastic line up. Up to our ears in music, Patch was out on Thursday night to tribute the Doors, this year's honorees. After getting cozy with them on the red carpet, Ray Manzarek and Robby Krieger rocked the House of Blues with an amazing set, full of guest vocalists.

Then it was off to the Roxy Theater for a late show with Peter Murphy, who you may know from a little band named Bauhaus. The set was dark and intimate; the Godfather of Goth was channeling the likes of Brian Eno, David Bowie and Bella Lugosi as he hit all the notes with true showmanship, even taking the time to speak to the audience. When a ridiculous crowd member was fervently fanning himself with white paper, Mr. Murphy quipped, "Oh f**k off." For the encore, we were treated to a bare chest and a few seductive nipple pinches, but in the context of things, I suppose it seemed appropriate.

Friday night's live shows were somehow a step up from Thursday's. The bill included Hank Williams III at the House of Blues, X at the Roxy, and Mickey Avalon at the Viper Room. We were lucky enough to slip into the sold out show for Hank 3; big fans, we were extremely grateful. The crowd was unpretentious and friendly; a mixture of cowboys and metal heads. Hank rolled through gems like "Damn Good Time," "Gutter Town" and "Punch, Fight, F**k," then charged into a mix of Hellbilly and Doom tracks. When we asked him about his Jekyll and Hyde set progression, he replied, "Some people get it, some people don't. Either way, I'll still keep doin' what I do, man."

The Roxy was hosting X as they performed the album Los Angeles with Ray Manzarek (who discovered the band and helped them record the album in 1980). We squeezed into the tight quarters as the lights dimmed to enjoy the set. All of the original band members looked and sounded amazing; John Doe, Exene, and DJ Bonebrake maintained intensity while Billy Zoom effortlessly riffed on his Gretsch, mugging for the cameras as only he can.

Across the street, at the Viper, Mickey Avalon was gearing up for a late night show. We managed to get inside and witness the debauchery. A sexy cabaret show warmed up the drunken crowd and a little past 1 a.m., Mr. Avalon entered the stage through the crowd to deliver his self-indulgent onslaught. A highbrow Lady Gaga impersonator paced back and forth, smoking cigarettes and wearing costumes that left little to the imagination.

First up on Saturday, we caught The Mowgli's (at bandcamp.com), who reminded us that "All of your dreams are gonna to come true, if you're willing to make that happen." Then we had our faces melted by Zakk Wylde's Black Label Society, Bad Religion, and The Offspring. We partied with De La Soul and raved with Aoki and Lil' Jon. Before the day was through, Marilyn Manson helped all of us get a little more in touch with our inner demons.

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Editor's Note: This article was originally posted under the byline of "Chad Zachary," a pen name used by the freelance writer. Patch requires that all contributors use their true names. The byline has been changed.