According to legend, Dizzy Reed (Guns n’ Roses) and Alex Grossi (Quiet Riot) formed Hookers & Blow in 2003 as an excuse to drink for free in Hollywood. Their ambitions have increased slightly since then. . . but maybe only slightly.
The initial singles were trickled out (Medical note: beware of any trickling sensations after hookers and/or blow) In the months and months of buildup before this album’s release, which only helped to steep the hype and anticipation. With the joke name and seemingly run-of-the-mill cover tune choices, I was dismissive at first. . . but by Axl, they won me over. This is something special. The record consists of twelve covers: ten standard Classic Rock radio staples, plus that fucking Beastie Boys song and a lesser-known Body Count banger called “The Winner Loses.”
The two Zeppelin songs are the best on the record: “Trampled Under Foot” and “No Quarter.” Both are ridiculously solid, and - - I hate to blaspheme - - possibly better than the originals. Also amazing: Bowie’s “Ziggy Stardust” (who knew we needed this??), BOC’s “Godzilla,” Tom Petty’s “American Girl,” and the faithful take of Elton John’s “Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting.”
Hookers and Blow have apparently had a long list of high profile players run their ranks. Currently, in addition to Dizzy Reed and Alex Grossi, the current line-up includes Johnny Kelly (Type O Negative, Danzig), Mike Duda (W.A.S.P.), and Nadja.
The pandemic era has seen a lot of this kind of thing, but don’t dismiss the cover powers of Hookers & Blow. They really capture the feel and energy of the originals and make them something their own. The name and tracklist might scream “the band at the dive bar that comes on after Monday Night Football ends,” but they’re a hell of a lot more than that. Impossible to dislike. I hope there’s a Hookers & Blow II.
