Tempe, Arizona-based Roger Clyne, and the Peacemakers made a return to the Launchpad in Albuquerque after a several-year hiatus this past Friday, August 19th. As is usually the case in Albuquerque, however, things did not exactly go according to plan. What was originally intended to be a performance by the entire band ended up being a duo performance by Roger Clyne and Nick Scropos due to “unforeseen circumstances” for one night only. This could also be said about the last two years of live music during the Covid era in general.
Clyne’s history in Albuquerque goes as far back as the initial touring days of The Refreshments in the early 90s. In particular, the song “Banditos” has always maintained a strong local appeal, including it being adopted as an unauthorized anthem by the infamous Albuquerque-based biker club The Bandidos. They are one of eight clubs listed on the Department of Justice’s website as an outlaw motorcycle gang. Clyne’s final verdict on the topic whilst on stage: “They can have it, but it’s not about them.”
Some in the crowd were overheard wondering how this iteration running on half steam would sound. Those concerns were quickly laid to rest as it became apparent from the very first song that Clyne’s voice can carry any performance. All evening long, it was simply twice the steam with half the engines. The addition of Scropos allowed for Clyne’s trademark stage banter and completed the “Simon and Bassfunkel vibe.” If anything, the absence of two band members allowed the crowd to focus more intently on the signature vocals. Unlike a previous show that once came through town, where they played entirely based on crowd suggestions, this time they did have a setlist. The song selection was very generous and chock full of their most recognizable songs.
Clyne’s efforts were on plain display in his renditions of “Switchblade” and “Green and Dumb,” proving he can still call upon the vocal chops of his younger years with or without a drum kit behind him. Throughout the night, the tequila and camaraderie flowed between the crowd and the stage, although they went with the house labels rather than Clyne’s label Roger Clyne’s Mexican Moonshine Tequila, which was renamed Canción in 2021. We wouldn’t be surprised if they had a bottle or two of the good stuff on the bus, however, because they entered the venue enthusiastically, warning the crowd that some pre-gaming had occurred while observing an over-amorous couple parked by their bus in the back.
When asked by a fan if they drank shots, Clyne laughed and an enthusiastic “Yes” was all that it took to keep the libation-fueled performance rocking throughout the night. There were a couple of timing issues during the set but Clyne and Scropos were always quick to recover. Drummer P.H. Naffah is in no danger of losing his roster spot and his absence was noticed albeit briefly when these isolated incidents did occur. If Clyne didn’t point them out to the crowd himself, few would have noticed and it certainly didn’t affect the couples two-stepping by the bar which Clyne appreciated and applauded.
The night was punctuated by enthusiastic vocals, guitars, harmonica, and even an impromptu crowd walk by Scropos during “Counterclockwise” while decked out in the most expensive finery the Albuquerque Wal-Mart had on offer. Clyne complimented his stage presence with a brand new Stetson, also bought the same day from The Man’s Hat Shop across the street. The audience appreciated their “Buy Local” strategy. The only item they weren’t able to find was the pea burritos they had learned to enjoy in the 90s. While lamenting this fact, Roger also admitted that there might have been more than peas in them. The peas apparently only stood out due to the hallucinogens.
Well past midnight, when the show finally ended, the audience was left with more than they would have if the full band was in attendance. You can rejoin the band in full strength as it continues to make peace through a country slowly thawing from the covid freeze one club date at a time. Here’s to life!
Set List:
Down Together
Counterclockwise
Maybe we should fall in love
Horses
Mexico
Tell Yer Momma
Leaky Little Boat
Switchblade
Maria
Banditos
Green and Dumb
Mekong
Flowerin’
Sin Nombre
