The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown at The Regent Theater

The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown, The Regent Theater, February 15, 2017

Before the arrival of Alice Cooper and King Diamond, there was The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown at the conclusion of the 60’s, possessing the Planet Earth with their mesmerizing tunes and stunning showmanship. Known affectionately as The God Of Hellfire, Arthur Brown has influenced many a band over the years, and is an absolute legend of the psychedelic rock underground. Now doing their first run of touring since 1969, The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown brought all the madness and mayhem into the City Of Angels, playing a sold out show at the historic Regent Theater within the wilds of Downtown L.A. On the road in support of the recently issued Zim Zam Zim magnum opus, Arthur Brown and his band presented a staggering performance to a massively appreciative crowd, many who weren’t even alive when the band first unveiled their early hit singles.

First up was the appearance of Electric Citizen from Ohio, featuring the wondrously charismatic lead vocalist Laura Dolan and the exhilarating collective enrapturing the room with their Fireball Ministry style of rock and roll. Then White Hills unleashed their own brand of psychedelic rock goodness upon The Regent, exuding an atmospheric wall of sonic intrigue. Both bands knew well the legend and legacy of Arthur Brown, conveying to the audience that they were in for a real treat! When the fiery backdrop emerged ominously on the movie screen, you knew it was almost time to bravely enter into The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown. And this would surely be a performance for the ages.

One noticed right away the tribal inspired costumes on the various band members, as well as the many wardrobe changes made by the manic Arthur Brown, including a rather becoming vintage dress at the beginning of the set. Summoning the rock and roll Gods with a mighty rendition of the title cut Zim Zam Zim, you could literally feel the excitement enveloping the gathered masses in the cavernous auditorium. The past was quickly brought to rapturous life as Arthur Brown and company slammed into a wicked rendition of their 1968 classic Nightmare, complete with a psychedelic organ and the front man singing with a dire sense of urgency while dancing it up all over the stage.

The extremely haunting and ultimately moving Want To Love from the mighty Zim Zam Zim was up next, with Arthur Brown warbling about two damaged souls finding companionship and truth in the midst of a tragic past. Also from the current album, The Unknown was clever and playful, possessing a wicked sense of poetry and chaos while rapping on about this twisted modern age. For those craving the delicious tapestries of yore, Arthur Brown graciously accommodated, presenting bewitching renditions of I Put A Spell On You and Fire.

Even at the age of 74, Arthur Brown possesses the epic voice and dynamic stage presence he is so (in)famous known for. And with the current Zim Zam Zim Tour now in full swing, The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown is ready to put a spell upon a whole new generation of music fans craving a thrilling auditory adventure. Be sure catch The Crazy World Of Arthur Brown the next time they show up to mystify and intrigue your town, as their mind blowing live show is not to be missed!

(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Jack Lue)

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