Crymwav, Philthy Rych, Sweet Corvette at The Whisky – Live Review
Philthy Rych
Crymwav, Philthy Rych, Sweet Corvette – The Whisky, West Hollywood, CA., January 2, 2026
The New Year at the Whisky A Go Go kicked off with a bang, with co‑headlining sets from The Throbs and Motorcycle Boy shaking the walls of the legendary venue. Before they took the stage, three absolutely electrifying bands warmed up the crowd on an uncharacteristically rainy night on the Sunset Strip.
It was the Highwire Daze staff’s first show of 2026, and thanks to the massive talents of Crymwav, Philthy Rych, and Sweet Corvette, it was already shaping up to be a memorable year.
Sweet Corvette
Sweet Corvette
The first band I saw in the New Year was the one and only Sweet Corvette, who revved things up to ten and beyond. Having previously opened for Eclipse and Crazy Lixx at The Whisky, they returned to support The Throbs and Motorcycle Boy — and they did not disappoint.
Armed with a wicked sense of humor, thunderously catchy tunes, and razor‑sharp guitar work, Sweet Corvette cruised through a dynamic set of high‑energy rockers.
Sweet Corvette
Songs like TV Tonight, Visit Florida, and Call The Doctor hit the crowd with vibrant, mischievous force. Their single Pop Machine sounded absolutely massive live, and they closed with a killer cover of the Reagan Youth/D Generation classic Degenerated.
The lineup — Joey Fenton (vocals), Matt Geinitz (bass), Louis Lopez (guitar), and David Iba (drums) — delivered a performance that was as fun as it was professional. A thrilling blend of punk‑driven Sunset Strip rock, Sweet Corvette is a band you don’t want to miss.
Philthy Rych
Philthy Rych
Philthy Rych has been flying under the radar for years, consistently delivering memorable shows at The Whisky and beyond. There was no better way to kick off 2026 than with a powerhouse set from these seasoned musicians.
From the opening blast of Just Go Away to the radio‑ready Stars In Japan, Philthy Rych immediately captured the attention of early arrivals and unleashed a rock‑solid performance. Tracks like Taxi Driver, Hong Kong Blonde, and Face Down In The Gutter further proved that this band writes songs that deserve worldwide rock‑radio rotation.
Philthy Rych
Frontman Philthy Rych performs with a lifetime of passion and conviction. Lead guitarist Ash Star shredded into the stratosphere — both he and Philthy also play in Black Star Sinners, a band I hope to catch soon. Bassist Billy Blade, known for his work with Peppermint Creeps and Revlon Red, supplied a dazzling low end, while drummer Rosco Knapp (DeVang, Bad Decisions) anchored the set with precision and power.
Philthy Rych carries a legacy of impact, and it’s always a thrill to see them on The Whisky stage. And in a fun twist of irony, they also closed with a stunning cover of Degenerated. What can you say — it’s a freakin’ great song!
Crymwav
Crymwav
One of the main reasons I wanted to catch Crymwav was the addition of Patrick Muzingo of the legendary Junkyard on drums. What I discovered was a phenomenal band founded by vocalist/guitarist Roger Deering, rising from the ashes of Smash Fashion and armed with a fantastic new EP, 24/7.
With wide‑ranging influences and an arsenal of unforgettable songs, Crymwav stormed The Whisky stage with a thunderous set of high‑octane rock anthems. Imagine a collision between Thin Lizzy and The Damned and you’re only beginning to grasp the hard‑rock chaos Crymwav unleashes.
Crymwav
They opened with the superb one‑two punch of Loup Guru and Mars Fever from 24/7, delivering pure auditory ecstasy. Set highlights included Sense of Adventure and Contagious, two tracks that absolutely deserve to be massive singles.
I arrived excited to see Patrick Muzingo, but I left with admiration for every member of this brilliantly conceived band: the driving force Roger Deering, lead guitarist Lloyd Stuart Casson, and bassist Bruce Braddock. With songs and a live show this fresh yet timeless, expect Crymwav to captivate audiences throughout 2026 and far beyond.
(Review by Ken Morton – Photos by Karyn Burleigh of Rock Edge Photography)
Crymwav on Instagram
Philthy Rych on Instagram
Sweet Corvette on Instagram
