Review & Photography by Manny Manson for MPM
Saturday, September 31st, 2024, marked a night of sweat, sleaze, and rock ‘n’ roll at Billy Bootleggers in Nottingham.
This gritty, intimate venue, known for its raw energy and love for rock music, played host to the headline act, Kickin’ Valentina, as they brought their “Star Spangled Fist Fight” tour to town. The event I dubbed as a mini-Sleaze fest, as there were 9 bands who took part in the day-long event.
However, arriving at the venue at 18:45 meant missing out on some of the early action. It turns out that this was an all-day affair, and the doors had opened at 14:00.
By the time I arrived, the street outside the venue was awash with boys n girls in various glam and sleaze attire, the air was already thick with anticipation and cigarette smoke. While I missed some of the earlier bands, there was still plenty of rock to be soaked up as the night unfolded.
It’s only right that I give a quick shout-out to the bands who kicked things off earlier in the day. Opening the festival at 14:00 was “Dead Romance Club”, a band that blends goth and sleaze rock into a dark and melodic package. Following them at 14:45, “Blacklight Vice” took the stage with their fusion of hard rock and punk, delivering punchy riffs and catchy choruses. “Blue Nicotine” came on at 15:30, bringing a fresh dose of bluesy rock, while “Blind Tiger” kept the energy rolling at 16:15 with their raw and raucous sound.
By the time “White Tyger” hit the stage at 17:00, the crowd was well warmed up. Their mix of classic and modern rock was the perfect appetizer for what was still to come. At 17:45, “Star Circus” brought some glam rock flair to the proceedings, with flamboyant outfits and anthemic tunes that had the crowd primed for more.
But it was around 18:30 when the party really started to shift into high gear with “Slyder Smith” and “The Midnight Devils”, the latter of which delivered a set that blew the roof off Billy Bootleggers.
If, like myself, you’ve never heard of “The Midnight Devils”, then a little bit about them first. Hailing from Omaha, Nebraska, this glam rock trio put on a full-blown rock ‘n’ roll spectacle. The band is known for their outrageous stage presence, over-the-top outfits, and high-octane performances that blur the lines between rock concert and theatrical show. Their 2024 set, entitled “I Like Big Nutz And I Can Not Lie,” lived up to every bit of their wild reputation.
Opening their set with “Sound of Domination,” The Midnight Devils wasted no time in getting the crowd’s adrenaline pumping. The song’s thundering intro hit like a sledgehammer, with Sam Spade, the band’s charismatic frontman and bassist, leading the charge. Decked out in face makeup reminiscent of David Lee Roth during the “Eat ‘Em and Smile” era and a bit of Paul Stanley’s flair, Spade commanded the stage. His glitter-painted, low-slung BC Rich bass further adding to the Stanley vibe, sparkled under the venue’s lights as he pounded out those groovy bass lines, when he wasn’t arms outstretched bathing in the adulation of the crowd, or wrapped around the microphone stand like a sinewy creeper as he let rip the songs lyrical content.
From there, they launched into “Midnight Devils,” before dropping in a track that’s as much a homage to Van Halen’s “Panama” as it is a showcase of the band’s glam metal influences. The crowd, already pumped, couldn’t resist joining in on the fun. But it was “Highway 69” that really got the sing-alongs going, with Spade encouraging everyone to belt out the chorus.
As the set continued, the band powered through fan favourites like “Get Laid” and “Party in the Back.” These songs are party anthems, and The Midnight Devils know exactly how to get the crowd involved. With wild gestures, over-the-top poses, and a constant connection with the audience, the band made sure that everyone was having a good time. Jimmy The Mess, the band’s drummer, sat at the back, kept the rhythm pounding away, all while posing dramatically in his face paint and bikini top. He slammed into his kit with the kind of ferocity that made it clear this was a celebration of all things rock ‘n’ roll.
Guitarist Sniper was equally impressive, coaxing wild squeals and braying, bad horsy sounds from his guitar with pinched harmonics and double-handed neck tapping. His solos were fiery, and his stage presence only added to the chaos. It was clear that The Midnight Devils weren’t holding anything back, enjoying the crowd’s response and telling them that they had blown the previous night’s crowd (Wolverhampton) into the ditch.
The set climaxed with “Memphis Milf,” a song that’s as outrageous as its title suggests. Spade then took things to the next level, jumping into the crowd, bass and microphone in hand, surrounded by pink balloons. He proceeded to belt out this closer. With Sniper looking on from the stage as he played, the crowd gathered around Spade and batted the pink balloons around the tiny room. Spade went further by donning a long harlot robe and a pink bus conductor’s cap, complete with green lasers that he used to hype up the crowd—though by this point, they didn’t need much encouragement. This was pure, unadulterated rock theatre, and the fans were loving it.
By the end of their set, The Midnight Devils had well and truly warmed up the crowd for the headliners. Their mix of glam, humour, and raw rock energy set the tone for what was about to come. As Spade strutted off the stage, his face makeup smeared, it was evident that The Midnight Devils had left their mark on myself and those who caught their set at Billy Bootleggers.
And then it was time. The band everyone had been waiting for, – “Kickin’ Valentina”. For those not in the know, Kickin’ Valentina is a band that’s been steadily making waves in the rock world. Formed in Atlanta, Georgia, they’ve carved out a reputation for their sleazy, gritty sound and no-nonsense attitude. Their name is derived from a Porn Star who was known for kicking menfolk in their gentlemen’s parts, a bit of Sleaze trivia for you! Their latest album, “Star Spangled Fist Fight,” released this year, has been earning rave reviews, and this Nottingham gig was part of their ongoing tour to promote it.
As the smoke machines kicked into overdrive, the anticipation in the room was growing, the crowd had swelled as this was the band everyone had come along to see. The tiny stage at Billy Bootleggers was soon filled with so much smoke that at one point, someone from the stage shouted, “Enough smoke!”—though it was lost in the haze and noise.
The band’s introduction came from none other than Geno De Lora, who’d been comparing the show all night with his usual lust-for-life style. Though he couldn’t be seen through the thick fog, his voice boomed through the speakers, hyping the crowd even further, as the band readied themselves for a kick ass set.
And then, without further ado, Kickin’ Valentina launched into their opening track, “Sweat.” From the very first note, it was clear that this was going to be a set to remember. The crowd erupted into cheers, fists pumping in the air as the band tore through the song with blistering energy.
Lead vocalist D.K. Revelle, adorned in a large union flag t-shirt and low worn trucker cap, his gritty voice cutting through the heavy guitars and pounding drums like a knife, as he strutted across the small stage, oozing confidence and sleaze in equal measure, as he delivered this opener into the faces of the eager, bouncing fans. Next up was “Ride or Die,” a track that perfectly captures the band’s dirty attitude—live fast, rock hard, and don’t look back. The crowd, already amped up, were light in their chuckies, as they bounced along with the driving rhythm, singing along to every word. The energy in the room was now beyond being electric, with people throwing fists in the air and crashing along to the relentless, filthy beat.
“On My Side” kept the momentum going, with its anthemic chorus and heavy riffs. The energetic crowd were right there with the band, feeding off the energy flooding over them and giving it back tenfold. This was a set that was all about connection, and Kickin’ Valentina knew exactly how to get the crowd on their side as they slid into “A Man on a Mission” followed, with its punchy, aggressive sound that had the crowd going wild. It was clear that the band was on a mission of their own—to deliver a night of sleaze rock that Nottingham wouldn’t soon forget.
As the set continued, the band powered through tracks like “Amsterdam,” “Star Spangled Fist Fight,” the title track from the new album, and “Fire Back.” Each song delivering a gut-punch of raw rock ‘n’ roll, delivered with the kind of passion and intensity that only a sleazy band like Kickin’ Valentina can bring. The tiny stage seemed even smaller as the band filled every corner of it with their larger-than-life presence, the heavy smoke having now dissipated somewhat with the continued headbanging antics of guitarist, Heber Papillion.
“Turn Me Loose” and “Dirty Rhythm” continued with the low-down dirty vibe, the crowd moving non-stop, with people bouncing, headbanging, and throwing horns in the air. The sleazy vibe in the room was undeniable, with every note dripping with attitude and swagger. Kickin’ Valentina wasn’t just playing songs—they were creating an experience, and the crowd was fully immersed in aa run-down memory lane, to the 80’s when Sleaze was massive.
As the set moved towards its climax, the band unleashed “Takin’ A Ride,” a track that had the entire venue shaking in its foundations. The relentless pace, the pounding drums, the screaming guitars—it was everything you’d want from a sleaze rock anthem, and the crowd responded with cheers and screams as they ground out the moves to the sleazy rhythms of “Somebody New” and “Turns Me On” these shockingly dirty riffs kept the energy levels sky-high, with D.K. Revelle commanding the stage like a rock ‘n’ roll general. His voice, his presence, his attitude—it all combined to create a performance that was as captivating, powerful and full of gritty filth.
As the night went on, the band launched into “Get Ready.” The crowd, already sweaty, primed and ready, went wilder. Many of the crowd had been to multiple nights on this current tour, such is the draw of the band, they knew what was coming, it was a moment that felt like it had been building all night, and Kickin’ Valentina delivered it with all the force and fury they could muster. The band had one more trick up their sleeve—a fan favourite that would bring the house down. As the opening notes of “Freakshow” rang out, the crowd erupted.
This was the moment everyone had been waiting for, and Kickin’ Valentina bloody well killed it. The song hit like a sledgehammer, with the band firing on all cylinders and the crowd responding with equal intensity. It was a fitting end to a night of rock ‘n’ roll mayhem, the crowd roared their approval as they bounced around like angry Tiggers! As this, the final song of the night played out.
As the smoke began to clear, it was obvious that Kickin’ Valentina had delivered a set that would be talked about for months to come. The band had brought their A-game, and the crowd had responded in kind. The energy, the attitude, the music—it all came together to create a night that was pure sleaze rock perfection.
The sleazy vibe that percolated throughout the venue wasn’t just limited to the music, though. There were shout-outs throughout the night, with special thanks going to Lisa Morrison for putting this celebration of everything that makes rock ‘n’ roll great, together.
As I left Billy Bootleggers, with the crowd, no doubt many with ears ringing and hearts pounding, there was no doubt that this mini-Sleaze fest had been a solid success. Kickin’ Valentina, The Midnight Devils, and all the other bands that played that day had given Nottingham a festival to remember.
And as I walked out into the cool night air, there was only one thought on my minds—when’s the next one? Because after a night like this, I’m not wanting to miss out!
