Mrs Sprex and myself decided to head up to Antwerp on Saturday for 2 reasons, one was to visit our friends Angelo ad Peggy at their store Sinner Supply as they are closing down at christmas, and the other to check out the 'Old School Rockabilly Psychosis Festival' at The Hof Ter Lo in Antwerp.

We arrived early around 5.30 pm so caught the first band, Belgium's 'Mudmen' who I must say have improved a lot over the last year or so and have quite a unique and powerful sound all of their own. They did a good job of the very hard job of opening a festival such as this, so all credit to them.

It was a suprise and pleasure to see Mr Frantic Franky compering the evening, and he did a great job throughout the night .. This guy should have his own TV show .. An un-discovered living legend!!

Next up was 'The Boppin' Kids' from Italy who actually had only one 'kid' on bass, who was actually the guitarist/singer's 'kid' son !! ... good band but too many obvious covers for my liking, maybe because of the languge barrier I don't know? ... But anyhow they put on a very good show full of energy and showmanship and got the hall warmed up a little.

The next band I remember in their original line-up in the early 80's with the album 'Scare Me To Death', still a personal favourite of mine actually ... So when the so-called 'Rattlers' took to the stage it was not entirely a big suprise to see only one original member and a bunch of other musicians backing him up, as is so often the case with these come-back band re-unions.

The said origional member is Nick Peck who was bassist for the band in the early days and later re-formed the band taking over on lead- vocals. From the first song, it was obvious that the band had not rehearsed with the singer as while they did a great job backing him up, he didn't seem to know what was going on and had no set list or planned structure for the show which along with his weak vocals didn't get the set off to a great start !! It did however pick up a little as he constantly asked the audience for requests (boring!!) but pleased some it seemed anyway, and Mr Peck seemed to be really enjoying himself too !! All in all a pretty average gig, but well- played by the musicians he used who had obviously done their 'Rattler's' homework !!

Next the P.O.X. who I remember from their unusual recordings featured on the old 'Psycho Attack Over Europe' albums. The first band of the evening to put on a real show, with special lighting effects etc and a great sound and live show featuring all their well-known old recordings.
I really enjoyed their set, good entertaining real old school psychobilly fun how it should be.

The main reason I came tonight was to check out the next band 'Frenzy', one of the pioneers and longest running psycho/neo rockabilly bands who are into their 25th year now.
I must say I have a whole lot of respect for their leader Steve Whitehouse, because he has continuously worked hard throughout the years to bring top-quality and varied work through his great songwriting and composing, and although I've seen the band many times over the years I can honestly say I have not once witnessed a bad show, always 100 percent enthusiasm, energy and sheer talent.
From the word go, they hit the Hof Ter Lo hall with dynamite mixing all the old favourites with the new stuff and delivering with a shattering force and power .... Absolutely brilliant and I can't say any more really ... Just go and see them if you get the chance as I highly recommend this fantastic legendary trio, you will not be disappointed!!

Final band of the evening was the 'to quote' "Only Pure Psychobilly" band in the world which is of course the mighty legend that is P .Paul Fenech and The Meteors.
Well I will be completely open and honest and say that I have never been a real hard-core Meteors fan, I loved the very early stuff from the 'Home Grown Rockabilly' album and the first three albums will always be faves of mine, especially the classic and fantastic 'In Heaven' which is a gold nugget in musical history in my opinion.
Mr Fenech has to be respected without a doubt for his exhaustive level of output both in the studio and on the road throughout the last 30 odd years, a man true to his craft and doesn't give a damn what anyone else has to think or say, that's alright by me!! .... This man is a rock 'n' roll warrior and will always have his legion of fans and followers known world-wide of course as 'The Kattle' or 'Wreckin' Crew' ... and deservedly so.
So about the show, nice mix of old and new and everything in between delivered as always with the "Fuck You" attitude that he's famous for, great rock 'n' roll but not for the faint-hearted !! ... Long may he reign .. O.T.M.A.P.P.

Thanks Christoph Drunkabilly for another great night of Rockabilly Psychosis