Concert Review: Revolting Cocks & Skatenigs

August 24 at Speedway Cafe

When I heard Revolting Cocks were coming to Salt Lake, my nipples got hard. Ever since seeing their video, “You Goddamned Son of a Bitch,” I have wanted to experience the Cocks live. The video is incredible—a rock ‘n roll stage show to end all rock n roll stage shows. Unfortunately, most people were there to see Ministry of Alain Jorgensen, oblivious to the fact that Revolting Cocks are a totally different band with a totally different feel. Playing up the stereotype of rock-n-roll bands and making fun of inherent sexuality in the rock-n-roll world, the Cocks play funked-up, trashed-out music that incorporates elements from Olivia Newton-John and C&W, with ad-libbing taken from K.C. and the Sunshine Band.

Originally comprised of Richard 23 (front 242), Luc Van Acker and Alain Jorgensen, the Revolting Cocks’ first single, “No Devotion,” was an instant hit and lead to a full-length album, Big Sexyland. Sexually charged and morally decadent, Big Sexyland was strewn with dead corpses, decaying special and religious values and the destruction of morality as it has existed for thousands of years. Since then, the Revolting Cocks have undergone various personnel changes, losing Richard 23 and adding Paul Barker, Bill Rieflin and Chris Connelly. A live album and video were added to the Revolting Cocks’ discography, as well as three more singles and the most recent album for those still living in the rubble. The faces may look unfamiliar but the band remains Revolting Cocks. Say the name out loud a couple of times just to make sure. Revolting … Cocks! It feels good to say it.

The show got underway with two versions of “Beers, Steers and Queers,” with some help from the Skatenigs. “No Devotion,” “Let’s Get Physical,” “In The Neck” and “Union Carbide made up the first half of the show—the Donna Reed half. Fans were still anticipating Ministry and still caught up in the excitement of Al. The addition of two of Salt Lake’s own hand-picked Revolting Pussies did little to liven things up, but with some friendly groaning from the band, the audience exploded with showers of saliva, trash and middle finger salutes that turned into slam dancing and stage diving when the music resumed. “Something Wonderful,” a song “to do your aerobic workout to” picked up the pace and energy level. Club gave and Cocks rock anthem “Stainless Steel Providers” continued the fervor, as well as “T.V. Mind” and the show ended with encores of “Get Down” and PIL’s “Public Image,” homage to “has-been” Johhny Rotten.

The dildo swingin’ red-necks put on quite a show but there was still something lacking. Besides the absence of Luc Van Acker, Bill Reiflin and some Revolting Pussies, there was a forced excitement and enthusiasm from a crowd expecting Ministry and instead finding “It’s A Revco World.” After a few false starts, Wax Trax! recording artist (is this really true?) Skateings ripped their way through a set of Cowboy / Chili Pepper social commentary on everything from racism to S&M. Just when the grind was getting good, they’d get stuck in the Chili Pepper rut of white boys trying to be Black but finding they have neither soul nor rhythm. The Country Western send-offs were more believable and well-received, but there’s something heartwarming about seeing a stage full of good ‘ole boys playing their hearts out. If only the lead singer could have kept his revolting cock in his pants.

Read more SLUG 1990 Archives:
Tape Reviews July 1990
Fugazi: The Second Coming