Stray Cats - Live at Montruex, 1981

Stray Cats - Live at Montreux 1981 is a concert film documenting one of the most extraordinary performances of Rockabilly music by the infamous American band, The Stray Cats. Capturing the genesis of the band's illustrious career, Stray Cats - Live at Montreux 1981 offers a thrilling immersion in a pivotal moment not only for Stray Cats but also for the renewal of interest in rockabilly music during the early '80s.

The documentary captures the Stray Cats' performance at the 1981 Montreux Jazz Festival, one of the world's most renowned music festivals held annually in Switzerland. Although it carries the name 'Jazz Festival,' it welcomes a diverse assortment of musical acts, from Jazz to Blues and Rock -- offering the Stray Cats a unique platform to showcase their talents to a wide array of music enthusiasts.

The Stray Cats, comprising lead vocalist and guitarist, Brian Setzer, bassist Lee Rocker, and drummer Slim Jim Phantom, emerged back in 1979 from the small town of Massapequa, New York. The trio, inspired by their adoration for Rock and Roll legends like Elvis Presley, Gene Vincent, and Eddie Cochran, went on to experimentally blend the '50s rockabilly sound with a gritty '80s punk-rock attitude. As a result, their contagious beats and fantastic stage performances soon catapulted them into stardom.

Stray Cats - Live at Montreux 1981 captures the band during the inception of their breakthrough. As they step onto the revered Montreux stage, it was apparent the trio was teeming with energy and vigor - each member eager to deliver a show-stopping performance that would etch their name into the annals of rockabilly history.

The film features a potpourri of Stray Cats' iconic tracks such as 'Stray Cat Strut,' 'Rock This Town,' and 'Runaway Boys.' In addition to these classic hits, the band also pays a soulful tribute to some of the '50s rockabilly legends that significantly influenced their music, laying down fantastic cover tunes like 'My One Desire,' and 'Oh Boy.'

Every track attests to the band's musical virtuosity, as they effortlessly oscillate between fast-paced rock and roll beats and rhythmically challenging rockabilly tunes, while Brian Setzer's soulful crooning peppers in the raw emotion that resonates with the audience. Lee Rocker's vigorous bass lines and Slim Jim Phantom's distinct drumbeats make each track a hearty feast for Rockabilly aficionados and casual music lovers alike.

As a documentary film, Stray Cats - Live at Montreux 1981 gives viewers a voyeuristic perspective into the backstage as well. The backstage footage offers an unfiltered view of the band's offstage camaraderie, show preparations, and post-performance reflections, providing fans a rare insight into the band's dynamics.

The film captures the fervor that radiated from the Montreux crowd, as they basked in the Stray Cats' electrifying performance. Witnessing the roaring applause, and seeing entire audience rhythmically moving to the band's infectious beats, the sheer impact of Stray Cats' music is evident.

Directed by a dexterous team of filmmakers, they painstakingly capture both the band's live energy and the jubilant chaos of the crowd with high emotional intensity. The camera work is exquisite, frequently shifting perspectives to maintain the film's dynamism, whether it be up-close shots of Setzer's intricate guitar work, Rocker's spirited bass strumming, or Phantom's relentless pounding of the drum pads.

Stray Cats - Live at Montreux 1981 is more than a mere concert film -- it is a vital chapter in the story of one of rockabilly's most beloved acts. The film provides a snapshot into the era when Stray Cats first catapulted onto the international stage and paved a way for a rockabilly revival that echoed through the pop culture of the 1980s. Not just a nostalgia trip for fans of the Stray Cats, this film carries a timeless quality that will captivate anyone with a penchant for live music, the raw energy of rock and roll, and an appreciation for the verve of musicians at the zenith of their passion.

Stray Cats - Live at Montreux 1981 serves as both an engrossing time capsule and a testament to the enduring appeal of the Stray Cats and their contagiously energetic brand of rockabilly music. The film invites viewers to step back in time, be captivated by the infectious rhythm of rockabilly, and bask in the vibrancy of an unforgettable live performance.