The Struts

The Struts
Smokin’ Hot at Revolution Live

By Debbie Brautman | Photos: Larry Marano

Not only was it sweltering hot inside the totally packed/sold out show at Ft. Lauderdale’s Revolution Live, but The Struts were absolutely on fire from the second they came out. Their energy was off the charts, and their high intensity never let up. These British glam rockers came out blazing with their rockin’ song, “Primadonna Like Me,” as they jumped around like Mexican jumping beans. Within minutes, vocalist Luke Spiller’s perfect shag haircut was dripping with sweat as he oozed rock star charisma. He has a strong resemblance to rocker Joan Jett. You could hear their glam rock influences from 70’s British bands like Slade, Sweet, and Queen. They stand out from your average rock band, are quite flamboyant, and it is astounding that they are not even more popular. They are a sexy and fun band who put much effort into their stage clothes, performance and catchy live songs. Their fans adore them. One excited couple, who had flown in from Pennyslvania, have already seen over thirty of their shows. They also have famous admirers like Foo Fighters’ Dave Grohl. He called The Struts “the best opening band we’ve ever had.”

In 2022, SFL Music Magazine’s writer Lori Smerilson Carson interviewed The Struts vocalist Luke Spiller and told him that he had an incredible voice. This is the truth! Carson asked, “Did you have formal vocal lessons?” Luke answered, “I’ve never had a vocal lesson in my life.” This is quite surprising. His vocals are powerful and top notch. In the past, he has done a fantastic version of “Bohemian Rhapsody “that would’ve made Freddie Mercury proud. He is an outstanding vocalist and frontman. He easily had the audience eating out of his hands. Adam Slack is a superb guitarist with long, curly rock star hair. Handsome bassist Jed Elliott is a powerful driving force on bass and adds excellent backup vocals. Gethin Davies’ drumming was crisp and energetic. Since forming in 2012, they have gelled together into a cohesive rock’ n’ roll machine. Yes, they are derivative and campy, but what’s wrong with that? And they do it so well, especially live. Their songs are simple. “Fallin’ With Me” has the chorus of “OH, OH-OH, OH-OH, OH, OH, OH” and somehow, they make that work. Bob Dylan they ain’t. But fun… they are. “Body Talks” is another basic sex song, as is “Dirty Sexy Money.” The happy bopping audience ate it all up. Not only did Spiller expertly command the crowd but everyone in the band was so good at their instruments that they made every song sound like a hit. “Too Good At Raising Hell” is another blatant sex song with old school British rock star vibe and the comedic lyrics, “Sex so good, make the neighbors smoke a cigarette.” “The Ol’ Switcheroo,” also from their 2014 debut album Everybody Wants, is a melodic and infectious rocker. “Can’t Stop Talking” is their latest single from 2024. The chorus is very reminiscent of Greg Kihn’s hit single “The Break Up Song.”

An instantly recognizable song of theirs, “Kiss This,” is the second single from their debut album and was a definite highlight with everyone singing along. “Better Love” from their Pretty Vicious album has some 80’s Duran Duran vibes and a pleasing chorus of “I can give you better love.” For a change of pace, “I Won’t Run” featured just Spiller and Slack on stage, and it was excellent. Then, right back to the super charged “Pretty Vicious,” which was a definite crowd pleaser. From 2018’s Young & Dangerous album, “In Love With A Camera” tells of a love interest who loves her selfies more than him. “Put Your Money on Me” is another winning and infectious rocker from their debut. Their sole encore, “Could Have Been Me” was another highlight in a concert that was all highlights. Not a single dud of a song played, and the sole criticism is that the concert was way too short, at a little over an hour (about 70-75 minutes.) It was fun, fun, fun til they pulled the plug and ended the smokin’ hot show… way too early.