Posted on March 9, 2010 - by Editor

Batusis featuring Sylvain Sylvain & Cheetah Chrome release EP and Tour UK

Cheetah Chrome & Sylvain Sylvain © Anna OConnors

Press Release:

Smog Veil Records today announced the SXSW debut concert and debut recording by punk rock supergroup “Batusis” featuring the seminal punk icons Sylvain Sylvain (New York Dolls) and Cheetah Chrome (Rocket From The Tombs/Dead Boys).

Batusis, whose name is derived from when Adam West danced a version of the watusi on the popular Batman TV series, release their self-titled debut EP on collectable 7” inch multi-colored vinyl and digital download on Smog Veil records throughout North America and Europe on May 4th.

“I’ve known Sylvain since 1975,” says Cheetah. “The Dolls were a huge influence on me.” Sylvain adds “We’re just nuts about rock ‘n’ roll. We knew that’s what we’d come up with, no matter what!” The EP also features Enzo Penizzotto (bass) and Thommy Price (drums) of Joan Jett and the Blackhearts.

You might describe Batusis’ explosive, self-titled EP as a garage-glam dance party or a Harley-revving, speaker-melting guitar throwdown.  As far as the band’s concerned, though, you can just call it rock’n’roll.

The project marks the first-ever collaboration of two longtime friends, both of whom happen to have profoundly influenced the direction of punk rock and its aftermath: Cheetah Chrome, hard-charging guitarist of Cleveland icons Rocket From The Tombs and Dead Boys and celebrated solo rocker, and Sylvain Sylvain, wildly charismatic New York Dolls axeman and adventurous solo artist.

Sharing guitar duties and taking turns on lead vocals, Cheetah and Sylvain have turned out four tracks full of furious power chords, shout-along choruses and galloping tempos.  The songs are loud, rude, frantic and fun, and they wouldn’t have it any other way.

Chrome and Sylvain are backed with iron-clad support from bassist Enzo Penizzotto and drummer Thommy Price, the bulletproof rhythm section of Joan Jett’s band, The Blackhearts, both of whom helped to ensure all the tracks were completed in a few days.

Even though Thommy and Enzo won’t be joining Cheetah and Sylvain on their forthcoming European tour, their contribution to the

Batusis EP

project has earned them considerable gratitude from the veteran rockers.  “They’re such a powerful rhythm section,” Cheetah notes. “They balanced Syl and me out because we’re mainly what you’d refer to as a pair of loose cannons.  The fact that those guys were a really tight rhythm section enabled us to record the songs really quickly.

Sylvain and Chrome will undertake a nationwide “Batusis” UK tour on the following dates:

Glasgow ABC2 (May 3)
Sheffield O2 Academy2 (May 4)
Liverpool O2 Academy2 (May 5)
London Islington Academy (May 7)
Hatfield Forum – Attic Room (May 8 )
Oxford Academy2 (May 10)
Southampton Joiners (May 11)
Bristol O2 Academy2 (May 12)
Birmingham O2 Academy2 (May 13)