The Cramps have a handful of US dates left in their current tour. I saw them out in the desert of sweet old Morongo, Cabazon, at the Key Club, where little devils and angels alike creep out of their graves to spread some spooky cheer. It was a fantastic night, filled with ghoulish squeals and ferocious purrs. Everyone wanted a little Oooh-Eee-ah-ah.

Opening the night was the Groovie Ghoulies. Their pop-garage-trash-punk held me in sedation as I fixated on all the cartoonish, fluorescent fixins’ of ghouls that decorated the stage. If only Halloween were year round, I might even become a groovy ghoul myself…wait, I think I already am.

Next was the Demolition Doll Rods, parading across the stage with their bare-asses hanging out, grinding and gyrating like Xena should’ve, and Leather Daddies would’ve. Glamish rock & roll, strummin’ familiar licks that could make anyone wet with glee. The shtick was hot, though faded after the first 20 minutes.

After a teasing bite of an-tic-i-pa-tion and a childish funeral tune lightly humming in my ear, The Cramps strutted their hot selves out onto the stage. I couldn’t help but push my way to the front just to watch the wickedly fabulous Poison Ivy swing her hips to a pelvic thrust as she ripped demonic guitar solos in songs like “She Said” or the cover of “Psychotic Reaction." Lux Interior was in pure-sexy-vampire-form with his tall lanky body, creeping and crawling like a spider across the stage, spinning a web on top of amps and speakers. He was a little thief, stealing our souls and personal belongings with pure delight, decorating his face with any holiday decoration within reach. Sean Yseult (White Zombie, Famous Monsters, Rock City Morgue) was of genius domain—riffs torn off her coffin bass, did nothing but resurrect the dead, she may think this is a temporary deal—though she fit in way too damn perfectly. All of them burned everything in sight and left me hot and sweaty in that very special way. The most satisfying part was the set list consisted of all the classics!

Don’t miss them this Halloween--it will be the sexiest, freakiest event you'll ever experience!