Buckcherry could be the last true rock band left on the scene. Long after most bands have polished off their jagged edges, Josh Todd and Buckcherry continue to create snarling, rough rock n’ roll and bring it stages everywhere. On a cool June night, one day after releasing their 11th studio record Roar Like Thunder, Buckcherry roared onto the outdoor Sun Patio Stage and kicked everyone in the teeth.
Please scroll below for MisplacedStraws Buckcherry live photos and review.

Even though it was far from a perfect summer night from a weather standpoint, the huge outdoor crowd was buzzing waiting for Buckcherry to take the stage. Shortly after 9:00 pm Buckcherry exploded onto the stage with their latest single and album title track “Roar Like Thunder”. The band, led by lone remaining original member Josh Todd, and featuring long-time guitarist Stevie D, bassist Kelly LeMieux, drummer Francis Ruiz, and guitarist Billy Rowe was a well-oiled machine. Even though the new record was only released the day before, the band has been on the road for a few months playing three tracks from it, the title track, “Come On”, and “Set It Free”.








Josh Todd is still one of the best frontmen in the business. He prowls the stage with equal parts of Bon Scott and Axl Rose. Twenty-six years after the band’s legendary debut single, Buckcherry still feels as dangerous as when we first heard them play “Lit Up”. This deep into their career, Todd’s peers have either given up or became something a little more family friendly, whereas he still performs like the kid from Anaheim hungry to make it to the top.








Buckcherry has always a somewhat fluid lineup and since the departure of founding guitarist Keith Nelson in 2017, Stevie D. has become not only a capable songwriting partner, but also a great live foil. Stevie owns his side of the stage with a stage presence that amplifies the sleazy riffs that drip out of his guitar.







Seeing Buckcherry live gives the chance to experience the band’s entire history. While the 16-song set sees the three tracks from Roar Like Thunder, it also touches on 8 of the band’s 11 records and the Fuck ep. The blockbuster 2005 release 15 was the only other to feature 3 songs in the set, “Onset”. “Out of Line”, and “Sorry”. The band takes chances with its live set, at times eschewing the hits for deeper cuts. Judging by the reaction of the crowd, it was a good move to play fan favorites they maybe weren’t big radio hits.







Few bands can withstand the number of lineup changes and critical member losses that Buckcherry has seen. Todd and the band have not only withstood these changes but continued to thrive. Buckcherry isn’t about to settle for past glory and become a legacy band, they continue to release vital music and take the stage like it’s the last show they will ever play. As long as Buckcherry is on the road, real rock n’ roll is alive and well.